What’s Fantasy Fi? Right now it means Walking in Circles, a new web series staring Eric Radic, Katie Wilson, and Jonah Priour.

The webisodes feature Krag, a barbarian hero, who has teamed up with a wizard, a cleric, and a bard and are now off on their first adventure together. They’re still figuring their way around the world, and each other, in order to make it through the day, much less through all the trouble that seems to come to them.

In fact, let’s not talk so much about it, let’s just watch Walking in Circles, the new comedy fantasy fi:

Adam Rady and James Rodehaver began working on Walking in Circles at their home in Ohio, and moved across the country to California in order to find their stars and film the series.

Speaking of these guys, I had the opportunity to ask them some questions about their work.

What was it like to move from Ohio to California in order to pursue Walking in Circles? Did you suffer from culture shock?

Coming to California from Ohio was a giant lesson in patience. One of the hardest things to get used to in this city has been blocking out 4 hours of our day to go down the street to the grocery store. There are just so many people, everywhere, all the time that it seems impossible to get anywhere. In Ohio everything is more spread out and open. The biggest culture shock has been getting used to the idea that English is a second language out here. There are so many times when we try to communicate with someone only to realize they have no idea what we’re saying and vice versa. There’s very little language barrier between anybody in Ohio, whereas out here everyone is from somewhere else.

Did you know any of the actors beforehand or did you meet them along the road? Some of them look pretty sketchy. Are you sure they’re actors?

We didn’t know any of our principal actors before moving out to LA, but our parents played guest starring and background roles. That sort of leads into the answer for question two in that some of the people we worked with were absolutely not actors. However, even those of us with no background in acting did a fantastic job and everyone in front of and behind the camera was perfect for their role.

Did you two ever play Dungeons and Dragons as a kids? By the way, how do you two know each other?

James has been playing Dungeons and Dragons since he was but a wee lad, and he convinced Adam that rolling dice wasn’t nearly as geeky as people make it out to be. Correction, it’s exactly as geeky as people make it out to be, but it’s a lot of fun anyway. James’s dad is responsible for getting him into fantasy and science fiction at a young age.

James and Adam met about 14 years ago when James moved in down the street. At first, James did not get along with Adam at all. Somehow that led to them being best friends and that dynamic is surprisingly unchanged.

What kind of equipment was used? Did you have to work with any new technology?

The camera used was a Canon Rebel T-2i. It had a really excellent quality to price ratio that we couldn’t pass up. We got a really nice boom mic set up that we barely used and instead recorded most of our sound off of a couple a lavalier mics. All of the technology we used was new to us because this is our first project and we have zero experience in the field with any of this stuff. Adam has put together all of our footage in Adobe premier, using after effects for our CGI work.

Were there any surprises along the way? Any thought-provoking moments you’d like to share with would-be directors wanting to do this sort of thing?

Well, one of our locations was flooded the day we showed up to film, so that would definitely count as a surprise. Then one of our other locations turned out to be 12 feet under water at the time of year we filmed. Basically, water hated us. One of the most surprising things though was that no matter what happened we were able to roll with the punches and keep going and produce some amazing footage. There were days where the crap just kept piling up, but no one gave up and at the end of the day we had something we were all proud of that was definitely worth it.

Batman or Superman?

Batman. Superman is more powerful, but all he had to do to gain that power was be born on a different planet. Batman may have had all the resources he needed from his parents, but the training, dedication, and smarts were all him. Not to mention there’s no element of danger with Superman. Oh no, Superman got shot in the face with a bazooka. No big deal because he’s indestructible. Having only one weakness means all the danger to Superman has to be contrived. Batman always needs to be on his A game or he’s toast.

What’s coming in future episodes? Is there more singing? Who writes the songs?

Now now, we can’t tell you all of what’s coming. It will be hilarious though. It will be awesome. And yes, Garand will continue to sing. All of Garand’s songs were improvisation on the spot by Jonah Priour, who is so incredibly talented. We’re fairly certain that that guy is the literal manifestation of Garand in real life.

Like what you see? Check out the video, plus later there’s an exclusive interview with the cast of Walking in Circles. That’s coming up soon. Sqweee!

HELP SUPPORT WALKING IN CIRCLES.

Grimm (With spoilers for first episode)

I dunno why they put spoilers in the Grimm preview. I’m still excited to see the show.

Downton Abbey tells about a family without a son for an heir and the misgivings of the entire family about what to do. Lots of emotion, intrigue, mystery and the whole cast is nothing less than touching.

It starts in 1912, just after the sinking of the Titanic, when a family realizes the only male heir to the estate went down with the ship. Scrambling for the security and stability of the household, both the aristocratic family and the servants are ensnared.

When I realized it was left with almost a cliffhanger at the end, I nearly threw a book at the TV. I was scared that was the end to it all and there was no conclusion. I researched it and the PBS website has claimed they picked it up for a second season.

We’re delighted with the audience response to Downton Abbey and the positive critical reaction. We’re extremely proud to have commissioned a series which has clearly captivated ITV1 viewers. Consequently, we’re thrilled to be announcing the recommission of a new series for 2011 which will allow us to spend more time with the Crawley family and their servants.

— Laura Mackie, ITV Director of Drama Commissioning

They have already begun filming for the second season, which was supposed to have started in March. Hopefully it will be ready as planned for the release in Autumn 2011 with a Christmas special to come after.

*Squeeeeeeeee!*

I honestly can’t pick a favorite character. Even that horrible Thomas, as much as they get you to hate him, you keep hoping someone will hit him hard enough to straiten up.

The series is available on Netflix right now. Do watch it or buy the DVD series. I plan on doing so soon, as I don’t think I want to give up this series any time soon.

Forgive me if I squeal more as the new series approaches. Expect it.

Bates has to be one of the most enjoyable of the characters. None are worth missing, but John Bates’ mystery of his past was something I was so hoping to learn more about. I will be awaiting the fall season with fervor.

Cons:
On the negative side, the hook that fits around the rod in the closet is made out of plastic and reviews indicate that this hook will straighten under the weight of 5 tee shirts or light shirts and indicate that they would try this product again if a metal hook that was stronger was used in this product.

To see reviews for this product you can visit www.amazon.com or www.viewpoints.com.

EZCombs are hair products geared for women who want to pull the sides of their hair back or create ponytails and other up-dos quickly. They are designed to be both pretty and convenient so you can easily pull your hair back or up and get on with the rest of your day.

Each EZComb is designed with two hair combs with stretchy strings strung with beads in detailed patterns connecting the tops of each comb. You use them by placing one of the combs on one side of your head and then stretching the strings all the way over to the other side of your head and placing the second comb. The strings will come back together, pulling the combs in with them once you let go.

The hairstyles that can be created with this product are near endless, especially if you take the time to add curls and waves to enhance the overall appearance.

EZCombs come in packages of two, each in a different color. There are four color options total: black, silver, bronze, sandalwood.

Many women find these to be lifesavers when they are short on time while others find the thin plastic material on the combs can slip out of the hair too easily. They seem to work best for people with thicker hair that has some body to it.

Another complaint against EZCombs is that the elastic may snap if you pull too much on them, sending beads flying everywhere. As with anything with beads: be gentle!

1. YouTube – Many of the video makers at YouTube are very talented and are just as entertaining as a lot of shows online.
2. The Guild/Dr. Horrible – You can get online for free. Nuff said.
3. Hulu – Free TV shows, nice quality, watch at any time, and limited commercials.
4. Netflix – They are now getting many TV shows and movies hosted on their service online, so you can watch instantly. No commercials, and anything they don’t happen to have online right now they will send you the DVD for.
5 – 10. Every other video website on the Internet. Srsly. There’s a ton. And you couldn’t go through all of them in a life time I bet. More are added every day.

The Guild

If you get through all of those, and you still have free time… get out of the house, dude/babe.

+5 to Sexterity!