Thursday, December 5, 2013


Tasty Dude Films, the guys behind our own Portland Music.TV, certainly know how to keep busy. They keep turning out exciting, interesting, short films and web series. Now, they've tackled something even bigger:  Their first feature film, "The Water in the Bay," will premiere at the Portland Empire on December 21 at 7 p.m.  Did you watch the trailer above?  Did you?  This is a very cool-looking movie, and we're so happy and proud to be connected to these very talented filmmakers.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Give Haunt ME a hand

 The folks at our ghost hunter web series "Haunt ME" did a heck of a job with their first season, working with limited resources but with a ton of energy, enthusiasm, ingenuity, and talent.  As they gear up for a second season, they need your help to get the endeavor off the ground.  Check out the video below, and please consider kicking in a few bucks to their Kickstarter campaign.  They've come up with some nifty premiums, but the best part is, if they make their goal, we'll get more episodes.  So chip in if you can!


Monday, August 19, 2013

Random Ragged: Number 100 in a Series

Here it is, the one hundredth "random" still from "Ragged Isle."  I put the word "random" in quotes because each of these images was carefully selected to intrigue but not spoil.  And as we get closer to our final batch of episodes, it's getting harder and harder to find stills that don't give away crucial plot points.  Believe me, season three is positively jam-packed with crucial plot points.  The moment pictured here, for example, occurs right before a devastatingly crucial plot development.  I'll say no more, but you'll know it when you see it.


To see every photo in the "Ragged Isle" gallery, visit the show's gallery page.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Random Ragged: Number 99 in a Series

This might be the most spoilery Random Ragged image yet.  However, it should come as no surprise to careful watchers of the season two finale, for whom the identity of the luckless fellow with the bag over his head won't be a mystery.  If you're still in the dark, consider watching the finale again, or just wait for season three to hit this fall, when everything (and we mean everything) will be explained.


Monday, August 5, 2013

Random Ragged: Number 98 in a Series

Some things are so horrible, they cannot ever be unseen. What is Sheriff Dalton (Rick Dalton) looking at in this scene from season three?  You'll have to watch to find out, but be warned:  Once you see it, you too will never be able to unsee it.  Season three of "Ragged Isle" will hit this fall. In the meantime, check out more images from our Ragged Isle photo gallery right here.


Monday, July 15, 2013

Random Ragged: Number 97 in a Series

It's been a long wait for the third and final season of "Ragged Isle," so these weekly peeks at images from the upcoming season have been a treat.  Local actor Brent Askari, who appeared briefly as Ragged Isle shopkeeper Gus Hendershot in seasons one and two, shows up again in season three, and from the look on his face, it seems like things get a little intense.


 For lots more images from all three seasons of "Ragged Isle," visit our gallery page.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Random Ragged: Number 96 in a Series

I love everything about this week's random image from "Ragged Isle" season three.  The look of concern on the face of Julie Katsarakis (Amie E. Marzen), the deadpan, straight-into-the-camera gaze of Sheriff Dalton (Rick Dalton), and the you-be-crazy skepticism of Agent Thorne (Kathryn Perry).  It's a crazy, chaotic series of circumstances that brings these people to this specific moment, each of them having a very different reaction to what they're seeing.

But what are they seeing?  That's the question, isn't it?  All will be revealed in season three.


Monday, July 1, 2013

Random Ragged 7/1/13

For a mystery-suspense series, it's (relatively) easy to set up mysterious situations. You can carefully craft crazy occurrences and unexplained phenomena until your audience is scratching its collective head in wonder and disbelief.

But eventually, you've got to deliver a payoff, answering the many questions you've established. That's when a lot of series fall down and go nighty-night. (I'm looking at you, "Lost.")

With "Ragged Isle," we're hoping our season three payoffs satisfy. Today's random image is from a pivotal moment in season three when a pretty big puzzle piece falls into place. We've always known that Rose Fuller (played by Beth Saufler) knows more than she's letting on, right? Well, this is the scene in which she lays her cards on the table. All of her cards. Can't wait for you to see it!

Monday, June 24, 2013

Random Ragged 6/24/13

Today's random "Ragged Isle" image is a sneak peek at a very special treat coming your way.  One of my very favorite things about the show is its music, showcasing some of Maine's finest musical talent.  As you read this, Barry is putting the finishing touches on the season two soundtrack.  And just to whet your appetite, here's the soundtrack cover:


Monday, June 17, 2013

Random Ragged 6/17/13

Kathryn Coccyx is one of my favorite people involved with "Ragged Isle." (For a full list of my faves, see this link.)  Her Madame Clelia is strange and offbeat and funny and mysterious.  Early in the series, her main function was to offer warnings and small gifts whose meanings and purpose are not always clear.  In the third season, those warnings and gifts will (hopefully) pay off, and, as you can see from this week's random photo, we'll see more of Clelia too.  What's she up to in season three?  You'll find out later this summer, but I promise you, Kathryn will make it worth the wait.


Monday, June 10, 2013

Random Ragged

When Barry asked me to act in season two of Ragged Isle, my first thought was, "No, no, no, no, no, no, no.  And also:  No!"  I'm extremely uncomfortable in front of crowds, and cameras.  At a public reading once, I experienced an episode of hysterical blindness.  True story.

But Barry's a persuasive cat, and I (of course) ended up taking the role.  And while the shooting itself was supremely uncomfortable with me, and it's stressful to watch any scene I'm in, I'm still glad I did it.

The picture below is from one of my favorite moments, one I haven't seen yet.  I can't wait to share it with you.


Monday, June 3, 2013

Support the Local Film Industry

Happy Monday, everyone.  Below, get a load of our Ragged Isle random image of the week.  That's Amie E. Marzen as Julie Katsarakis descending a very creepy staircase.  I can't say much about where she is (or why she's there) within the show, but I can say that this scene was shot in my basement, which I never knew could look so darned creepy.  That's some spooky camerawork!


But that's not the main thing I want to talk to you about today.    Today, I'd like to talk to you about friend to Ragged Isle Derek Kimball, who served as director of photography for many, many scenes.  This summer, Derek is making a movie called Neptune in Portland, Maine.  He's assembled an insanely talented team for this project, but they've hit a wall.  Not a creative wall; a financial wall.

You can help, and in doing so, can be a part of the film industry here in Maine, and a landmark project for the state.

There is a donate button on the Last House Productions web site.  If you can donate even a few bucks, that would be huge.  But if you can't, you can also help simply by sharing that link with your pals on Facebook and Twitter.

There's also a video promoting the film that aims to pique the interest of investors, so if you feel inclined, you share that too.


Spread the word!  This is going to be a very special project.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

The First Official Ragged Isle Season 3 Update!

Happy Monday to you! We've got our first official season 3 update from director Barry Dodd and actor/writer Greg Tolunen from Ragged Isle! It's no secret that they took an extended break after their second thrilling season and put some energy towards building the Entertainment Experiment. We are VERY excited to see that Barry is hard at work in cutting the 3rd and final season! Enjoy this update from 2 of the people behind the multi award-winning mystery from Maine.



Monday, May 20, 2013

What's New, Week of 5/20/13

Happy Monday, everybody.  It's a new week, and we have much to discuss here at The Entertainment Experiment.

First up, it's Vacationlanders.  The post-Apocalyptic drama's co-creator, Jeffrey Charless Day, has put a photo gallery of a shoot they did this winter.  Awesome stuff.  Check it out on Facebook.  Jeffrey will be appearing along with his Vacationlanders co-creators, Marc and Regina Bartholomew, at this year's PortConMaine, with runs June 20-23 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in
South Portland, Maine.  They'll be on a panel with our own Fred Greenhalgh, creator of the post-Apocalyptic audio drama, The Cleansed.  (Are you sensing a theme with this PortCon panel?  Yeah, me too.)

Meanwhile, the fine folks over at Haunt ME have wrapped up their first season and are gearing up for an online fundraising campaign to help make a second season a possibility.  Stay tuned for details on that one.

Finally, after a long hiatus, Ragged Isle has fired up its Random Ragged Image Generator once again, serving up the tantalizing pic you see below.  Who are these people?  Over on the Ragged Isle Blog, head writer Greg Tulonen (that's me) has some thoughts on the matter, but not much is given away.  There are many more amazing images to be found on Ragged Isle's photo gallery page.  Check it out.


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Spotlight on Ragged Isle

The online magazine The Snobby Robot describes itself as "dedicated to the web series community – covering series, showcasing talents, and learning how to succeed in new media." They serve up a lot of great coverage of a ton of great shows, and today we're proud to see our own Ragged Isle getting some attention.

Writer Chris Hadley spoke to Ragged Isle head writer Greg Tulonen about the show and he posted a terrific write-up. Check it out, as well as some of the other fine articles The Snobby Robot has posted.  (Tell 'em The Entertainment Experiment sent ya.)

Read the whole article right here.

Monday, May 6, 2013

The Entertainment Experiment Lauches new feature

Please welcome a brand-new show to The Entertainment Experiment family.  In "Prime," host Benjamin Row goes behind the scenes to learn more about the shows on the network.

In our first episode, Ben takes a trip down to Biddeford, where the cast and crew of the popular web series Haunt ME are holding an event to raise funds for their second season, as well as for the restoration of the Biddeford Mills, which served as the location for a thrilling two-part episode that was a major highlight of Haunt ME's inaugural season.



CLICK HERE right now to check out Haunt ME's entire first season, including the thrilling Biddeford Mills episodes on The Entertainment Experiment!


Saturday, April 20, 2013

Maine independent horror feature "Hanover House" releases trailer

Returning from his father’s funeral, Robert Foster is faced with the unimaginable; he hits a young girl with his car. In a desperate attempt to save her life, he seeks help at a nearby farmhouse. Little does Robert know that the house has been waiting for him his entire life. Once inside its walls, Robert must overcome his own personal demon’s in an attempt to save both his wife and himself. But there’s a problem, only one may leave The Hanover House alive.

Check out the trailer from Bonfire Films and Director Corey Norman's first feature The Hanover House!




Like what you see? Check out their website for more information! http://www.thehanoverhousefilm.com

Monday, April 8, 2013

Ragged Isle featured in FANGORIA - Legendary Horror Magazine's website alongside Dark Shadows Sharon Smyth


The Entertainment Experiment is proud to let you know that our series Ragged Isle has been featured in an article over at FANGORIA.COM! For director Barry Dodd and many of his crew who grew up on this legendary magazine, this is a heck of a moment and another in a long line of super neat things that has happened as a result of this special project! Please check out this great article written by David-Elijah Nahmod which primarily is about original Dark Shadows cast member (and Ragged Isle super fan) Sharon Smyth but goes on to mention our show and it's DS inspired connection.
Ragged Isle co creators Barry & Karen Dodd with Sharon Smyth after the ISA's.  Barry won the Best Director award.
Rick Dalton and Barry Dodd from Ragged Isle present with Sharon Smyth from Dark Shadows
Sharon stands with the cast and crew from Entertainment Experiment shows Ragged Isle and No Refund For Content at the 2013 Indie Soap Awards in NYC.


For more on Sharon Smyth check out her website: http://www.sharonsmyth.net
For more on the Maine supernatural online mystery series Ragged Isle check out: http://www.raggedisle.com
And for all the latest and best web shows from Maine check out: http://www.entertainmentexperiment.com





Monday, February 25, 2013

Guest Blogger | Greg Tulonen (Ragged Isle's Head Writer)

Last year, Ragged Isle won big at the Indie Soap Awards. The whole experience was a whirlwind of good feelings and elation, and the only blip on my joy was the fact that I hadn't seen everyone's shows. Sure, I'd seen the heavy-hitters like DeVanity and Anacostia and Pretty, but time after time, people came up to me to tell me how much they liked Ragged Isle, and I'd have to admit that I hadn't yet watched their shows.

This year, I was determined not to let that happen again, so when the nominations were announced, I set about watching every episode of every show nominated in every category. This turned out to be a somewhat huge undertaking, but it was also energizing and inspiring and deeply, deeply humbling. There was and is so much talent among the nominees, and this year, I went to the ISAs as a fan as much as (if not more than) a nominee. I got to tell Erin Gould how much I loved his show. I got to tell Jason Leaver that my wife is using his show in her class on web series. I got to tell Miriam Pultro that she's my favorite actor on the internet. I got to tell Liz Ellis how hilarious a writer she is and I got to tell Bhama Roget how great she is delivering Liz Ellis's words. I got to tell Ed Robinson and Jodie Younse how delicious their show looks. I got to tell Dane Joseph how much better his show gets each season. I got to tell Brynne McManimie and Kevin Johnston how cool they are. I got to tell Deidra Taylor how funny she is on Anacostia. I got to tell Michael Caruso and Anthony Anderson how much I loved their latest seasons. I got to tell Sebastian La Cause how good an actor… and writer… and director he is. I probably seemed like a crazy stalker to some, but it was so exciting to meet all these people and tell them how awesome they are.

It was so much fun meeting and talking to all these crazy-talented people, the awards ceremony itself was almost secondary. Almost. Roger, Damon, and Kevin put on a spectacular show (as usual), and I was so proud of Barry Dodd for winning Best Director (Drama) for the second year in a row. Way to go, Barry!

After the ceremony, just like last year, we partied until 4 a.m., and then ended up at the same diner as last year. It was another incredible Indie Soap Awards this year, and already I can't wait until next year!




Saturday, February 23, 2013

4th Annual Indie Soap Awards

            The 4th Annual Indie Soap Awards were held at the New World Stages in New York City on February 19th, 2013.  Representatives from shows featured exclusively on The Entertainment Experiment Online Network were in attendance at the red carpet awards ceremony, including No Refund for Content, The Spoiler Alert, and Ragged Isle, which received a total of 7 nominations.  Over 100 shows were submitted for consideration this year, and 40 shows received nominations.

The casts/crews of Ragged Isle and No Refund For Content pose on the red carpet at the 4th Annual Indie Soap Awards, accompanied by Dark Shadow's Sharon Lentz. Photo Courtesy Sue Coflin/Max Photos

RaggedIsle’s Barry Dodd won the award for Best Directing (Drama).  Karen Dodd, Greg Tulonen, Rick Dalton, and Benjamin Row also attended, representing Ragged Isle and their nominations.  Sharon Lentz, an original cast member from the hugely popular gothic soap opera, Dark Shadows, walked the red carpet in support of Ragged Isle and was also a guest presenter alongside Barry Dodd and Rick Dalton at the ceremony. 

Justin St. Louis from The Spoiler Alert attended the event as part of the paparazzi, conducting interviews with soap opera and web celebrities on the red carpet. Andrea Nilosek and Ben F. Howard from No Refund for Content also attended the ceremony and plan on submitting their show for consideration at the awards next year.

Barry Dodd wins the award for Best Director (Drama) for Ragged Isle
The big winner at the Indie Soap Awards was the hit British comedy, The Bloody MaryShow, which won in the categories of Best Web Series (Comedy), Best Ensemble (Comedy), and Best Makeup.  Canada’s Out With Dad was also a big hit at the ceremony, winning awards for Best Web Series (Drama), and Best Breakout Performance for actress Caitlynne Medrek.  Other notable winners that evening were actress Miriam Pultro from Mythos for Best Actress (Drama), Sebastian La Cause from Hustling for Best Actor (Drama), Cynthia Watros from Cynthia Watros Gets Lost for Best Actress (Comedy), and Brad Bell from Husbands for Best Actor (Comedy).  Michael Caruso from the popular web soap DeVanity won the award for Best Writing (Drama), and newcomer Liz Ellis won the Best Directing (Comedy) for her series, WreckedFor a complete list of winners click here!
            Stay tuned for more award winning drama at The Entertainment Experiment, including the Season 3 premiere of Ragged Isle this summer!  Also, be sure to catch episodes of No Refund For Content, as well as Justin St. Louis’ interview with the cast and crew of Best Web Series (Comedy) winner, The Bloody Mary Show, this Monday on The Spoiler Alert!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Music video by ME Filmmaker David Meiklejohn featured on IFC

"Sometimes the authorial intent of a song meets the vision of a director and a music video is born with such clarity that from that point on neither can exist in the mind without the other. This is the case with Frontier Ruckus‘ “Careening Catalog Immemorial” through the lens of director David Meiklejohn, a vision reminiscent of the urban haute bourgeoisie aesthetic of Whit Stillman — if his film musings had been set to a coming of age song in the Midwest."  - Brandon Kim

Read the full article at the link below:
http://www.ifc.com/fix/2013/02/premiere-frontier-ruckus-careening-catalog-immemorial




Saturday, January 26, 2013

1985 L.L. Cool J Live in Waterville, Maine RARE


Youtube user Kodiak Starr has unearthed a rare piece of hip hop history captured right here in Maine!
A 17-year-old LL Cool J, along with Cut Creator perform in a gymnasium at Colby College in Waterville. LL treated the scattered crowd to singles like “I Want You” and “I Need a Beat,” and ends the show by telling the kids in the audience, “Stay away from drugs and stay in school,” before dropping the mic.  I can't imagine a cooler thing happened in Waterville that entire decade.
Check it out!



Thursday, January 24, 2013

Haunt ME featured in the Press Herald!

"You don't have to be Stephen King to know that Maine can be a scary place.

With our state's deep, primeval forests, craggy, wave-swept coastline (see Maine native Katie Aselton's new island-set horror movie "Black Rock"), and no shortage of suspiciously creaky old houses, Maine's a storied and varied setting for any number of horror tales.

Even true ones."

Read the rest of the great article by Dennis Perkins HERE.

Click on the photo below to check out all their spooky episodes on our network!


Friday, January 18, 2013

The Spoiler Alert / Empire

This week, Justin chats with creators Greg Turner and Brian Hewson from one of the web's longest running soaps, Empire.  Get all the dirt on the wacky and dysfunctional Haven family, and re-visit Season 4 of this compelling and often surprising drama!




For more info on Empire, check out these links, and tell them The Spoiler Alert sent you!


Justin wants to know which shows you want to hear from! Let him know who you want featured and what you want asked by commenting below or over on The Spoiler Alert Facebook page!

Miss an episode of The Spoiler Alert?  Get caught up with these past episodes:

Episode 7 - TOP 10 MOMENTS OF 2012



Episode 6 - DEVANITY 





Episode 5 - ONCE YOU LEAVE




Episode 4 - THURSTON




Episode 1 - HOW I SEIZE IT




Sunday, January 6, 2013

Food Coma TV Episode 3 | Lewiston / Auburn


Episode 3 brings Joe and the gang to Lewiston / Auburn, where they overdose on every [food] item the twin cities have to offer.  Produced by Knack Factory.




Vacationlanders Episode One


The Entertainment Experiment is proud to premiere the very first episode of the post apocalyptic 6-part drama series Vacationlanders!

Haunt ME Episode Three








The Entertainment Experiment is excited to share with you the third episode of Haunt ME "Three of Pentacles (The Church.) Haunt ME travels to a picturesque cathedral to investigate strange happenings. What curious spirits hide among the stained glass, pews, and pulpit? Leave it to our investigators to find out!



Food Coma TV Episode 3 Trailer


Preview of the next episode of Food Coma TV coming to the network tomorrow! Lewiston / Auburn baby!!!