#29 Each finely crafted element
Issue #29 Each finely crafted element
28th September 2022
Holy moly!
Last week, when I asked if anyone was willing to sponsor me to sit down and actually write my improv book, I didn't expect to get much of a response. I thought a handful of people would be interested in what I had to say.
Instead, the sheer number of responses I received has absolutely floored me. Whether offering financial support or help with ideas and editing - I am incredibly grateful to the legion of international improvisers and friends who have come to my aid.
Ironically for a would-be author, I don't quite have the words to say how much it means to me. Thank you in complete sincerity and vulnerability. I will endeavour to be worthy of the faith you have put in me.
If you missed last week's email, you can read the full pitch here. There's a couple of cool benefits for people who opt in to the higher-tier. I'll be sending my first story out at the end of the month and the inaugural Improv Fables Office Hours starts on Friday.
And now, on with the show...
Rule of three
[TV] Andor
I know. A Star Wars TV series. Since The Mandalorian they've all been a bit average, right? And this one is based on a character that hardly set the screen ablaze in 2016's Rogue One. But but but ... it's so good. And I mean thrillingly good. It's beautiful to look at for a start. And everyone in it is a good actor, even people with only a handful of lines. The script is thoughtful, realistic (!) and quotable. There's an action sequence in the third episode that made me laugh out loud, overcome with the invention and pace of each finely crafted element. And Fiona Shaw is in it and she's a total badass and a masterclass in and of herself. I've only seen three episodes, it might all go off the boil, but currently I am hooked.
[Videos] Internet joy
I maintain a list of silly internet videos that have brought me joy. I keep wanting to feature them in the newsletter. So I'm packaging them together in a list.
Someone trying to play the new Trombone Champ video game
A chinchilla having a bath
Presents being wrapped in innovative ways
Archive footage of rock being made in a sweet factory
Person dancing to Earth, Wind & Fire on 21st September escalates phenomenally (shout out to Vicky Miller for this excellent recommendation)
Oh boy, that trombone one!
[Film] Desperately Seeking Susan
We've reached the 1980s in Improv Cinema Club and this week we watched Susan Seidelman's Desperately Seeking Susan. I'd somehow missed it growing up but now I'm a huge fan. It's an independent film that feels very accessable - a RomCom before they became commodified and interchangeable. Some of it is extremely hokey but there's also a real authenticity and grittiness on display. And, as Tara Judah so eloquently put it, all three leads are incredibly hot.
Spotlight
I'm teaching a couple of 6-week beginner classes with Hoopla Impro in November and they've just gone on sale. So if you have friends who you've been wanting to introduce to the magic of improv, these are some of my very favourite courses to facilitate.
Longform thoughts
Here are some techniques I’ve personally implemented to become a more solid, dependable human being.
Read more in Organisation for creatives - I'll be writing further on this in the coming weeks.
Radio days
We've noticed Radio has started crossing his legs. Laura researched this behaviour and found three very interesting reasons why he's doing it.
The position takes some weight off his joints and is more comfortable.
Crossing his paws means it takes him fractionally longer to get up, so he's signalling that he trusts us.
He's seen us cross our legs and is copying his family. Cute!