CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- It's hard to believe a Web program could turn 100, but that's indeed the case for "Radio Free Charleston." See the 100th episode of this live music, film and animation video show at blogs.wvgazette.com/popcult.
The show features The Hellblinki Sextet, The Nanker Phelge, Eva Elution and Jeff Ellis with animation by show producer and host Rudy Panucci set to the music of David Synn, as well as a host of interstitals by Frank Panucci. Plus, there's a trailer for a new Kitty Killton short and promo clips for two upcoming Kanawha Players shows (including "Courting Disaster," which opens Thursdsay.
Since "RFC" surely must be the only centenarian Internet program in West Virginia, the gazz threw some questions to Rudy Pannuci about this notable achievement.
Q: In 12 words or less, what is "Radio Free Charleston's" mission statement?
A: "Radio Free Charleston" exists to expose the world to the talents hidden away here in West Virginia.
Q: That's 17 words, but no matter. What equipment are you now using the shoot the show?
A: "RFC" is really low-tech and low budget. We use two consumer DV Palmcorders, one Canon Digital Still camera with video capabilities, a zoom digital multi-track recorder and our new toy, the Kodak Zi8, a Hi-Def camera that costs less than $200. We edit exclusively on PCs because Macs cost too much and do too little.
Q: What's with the titles of all the episodes? Are they all shirt-related?
A: Nine out of 10 of the shows are named after the shirt I'm wearing or another item of clothing. It makes it real easy to figure out which show it is. Our very first show was simply called "Pilot," even though I was wearing a really cool M.C. Escher shirt. That always bugged me, so episode 100 is called "M.C. Escher Shirt." Good thing the shirt still fits.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- It's hard to believe a Web program could turn 100, but that's indeed the case for "Radio Free Charleston." See the 100th episode of this live music, film and animation video show at blogs.wvgazette.com/popcult.
The show features The Hellblinki Sextet, The Nanker Phelge, Eva Elution and Jeff Ellis with animation by show producer and host Rudy Panucci set to the music of David Synn, as well as a host of interstitals by Frank Panucci. Plus, there's a trailer for a new Kitty Killton short and promo clips for two upcoming Kanawha Players shows (including "Courting Disaster," which opens Thursdsay.
Since "RFC" surely must be the only centenarian Internet program in West Virginia, the gazz threw some questions to Rudy Pannuci about this notable achievement.
Q: In 12 words or less, what is "Radio Free Charleston's" mission statement?
A: "Radio Free Charleston" exists to expose the world to the talents hidden away here in West Virginia.
Q: That's 17 words, but no matter. What equipment are you now using the shoot the show?
A: "RFC" is really low-tech and low budget. We use two consumer DV Palmcorders, one Canon Digital Still camera with video capabilities, a zoom digital multi-track recorder and our new toy, the Kodak Zi8, a Hi-Def camera that costs less than $200. We edit exclusively on PCs because Macs cost too much and do too little.
Q: What's with the titles of all the episodes? Are they all shirt-related?
A: Nine out of 10 of the shows are named after the shirt I'm wearing or another item of clothing. It makes it real easy to figure out which show it is. Our very first show was simply called "Pilot," even though I was wearing a really cool M.C. Escher shirt. That always bugged me, so episode 100 is called "M.C. Escher Shirt." Good thing the shirt still fits.
Q: How many more of these can you do before you leave this mortal coil?
A: Hundreds. Even after 100 shows, we've only scratched the surface in terms of musicians, artists and filmmakers in the area. I'm not going anywhere. They'll have to pry this show from my cold, dead fingers.
Q: Is there any "Radio Free Charleston" merch?
A: Yes, at http://shop.cafepress.com/radio-free-charleston. One of these days, I'll have time to update it, but you can buy T-shirts, hats and other goodies there right now.
Ask yourself a question.
Q: You started the video version of "RFC" to try and relive the glory days of your old radio show. Has the "RFC" Web show lived up to your expectations?
A: Met and exceeded. I'm having the time of my life.
Reach Douglas Imbrogno at doug...@cnpapers.com or 304-348-3017.
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