art – An Entertaining Idea

Entertainment Blogging Questions

Published on February 10, 2015February 16, 2015 by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

I reached out to one TV network and received what amounted to a non-answer. Hmm, I have a feeling this is going to take a lot of research and someone who understands legal-speak.

Visit kellydeeny.com to read the Artistic Spirit Pledge entries.

As you can tell from the large gap between blog entries, I haven’t written any new “insights” about my favorite films, television shows, or theatre performances in a while. Part of the reason is due to the 111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge that I focused on from October until the end of January (the full list can be found on my author website). For 111 days, I wrote about the link between art (in its various forms) and spirituality. Given my love for film, television, and theatre, many of the pledge entries were entertainment-focused. Here are just some of the ones relevant to entertainment:

WRITING ABOUT REVENGE: Day 105 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge
DAY 80: A Year That Changed My Life
DAY 59: My Unexpected Journey
Day 48: Mixed Tapes for TV Couples
Day 31: Dramatic Writing

The other reason I haven’t written anything new is an admitted lack of knowledge and information about blogging rules and guidelines. The idea that I could be infringing on copyright laws or improperly citing a TV show or film title (unintentionally, mind you) worries me enough to delay posting. I went out into the great, wide world of the internet to search for “blogging about TV” or “entertainment blogging guidelines”, but found a lack of helpful information. So, what do I want to know?

PHOTOS: Including images in blog posts adds an extra layer of professionalism and helps catch a reader’s attention. Yet, when writing about a film, tv show, or musical/play, can I include a photo? If so, where do I find them and do I need to request permission in order to embed the image?
VIDEOS: Similar to photos, can I include clips of shows or movie trailers in my blog posts? If so, do I need permission or are they notified when I copy/paste an EMBED link?
TITLES/NAMES: Whenever I mention a TV show, film, or musical/play, I always include a hyperlink (whenever available) to the original/official website. I want to make sure that readers interested in learning more about the titles I write about can easily find the original source. Are there guidelines/rules in place for including links to official sites of using the names or shows/performers?
TAGS: Are there any restrictions to including a television network or actor’s name as a meta tag in a blog post entry?

I hesitated writing about this topic for fear that I would appear unprofessional or come off as an amateur. Then, I realized there are probably many more entertainment fans (like myself) who are as interested in blogging about their favorite shows as I am. I sincerely doubt I am the only one wondering about how we can best promote and support the industry without violating any copyright or infringement rules.

I’ve obtained some helpful feedback from fellow writers, but I am interested in expanding my knowledge of this specialty in the ever-advancing blogosphere.

The Envious Queen V

Published on December 1, 2013December 1, 2013 by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

One week from today, Revenge returns to my television line-up…thank goodness! Last week I posted two blog entries, one for “Emily/Amanda” and one for “Charlotte.” Who better to round out this creative writing venture with than the matriarch herself – “Victoria”.

Representative of the Grayson matriarch’s spitfire personality and protective yet manipulative inclinations, I created a necklace design that’s a blend of royal violets and emerald-green crystals. Dubbed “Queen Victoria” by the show’s writers and fans, I choose a cameo pendant symbolizing elegance, class, and high-society. Plus, using a Victorian-style pendant was too perfect to pass up.

“Victoria Grayson” rules her world with fervor, determination, and ultimately a belief that she’s protecting her children. Her intentions may be good, but her methods cause mayhem and tragedy. Deep down, despite her faults, I am of the opinion that “Victoria’s” motives stem from envy. Jealousy of those who the love she lost and reflective of the choices she made to get her where she is now.

The Revenge writers created a character that you love to hate while also feeling sympathetic to her situation, though self-inflicted. “Victoria’s” portrayer, Madeleine Stowe, excels at bringing forth the complexities of her character. As such, this necklace represents not only “Queen V” but the elegance and talent that Ms. Stowe shares each week.

A Thorne in Their Sides

Published on November 25, 2013 by Kelly Deeny1 Comment

To fill the void until ABC’s Revenge returns on Sunday, December 8th, I’ve merged my love of writing and entertainment with a new-found artistic venture…jewelry-making. Life inspires art, or in this case one artistic interest inspired another.

I have created necklaces inspired by three of the female characters on Revenge. First up…”Emily Thorne/Amanda Clarke”.

Rose pendant with ruby-colored crystals and silver accents

Snatched from her father and the innocent life she led, a young “Amanda Clark” was forever changed in an instant. Driven by fury towards those who wrongly accused her father, a now grown “Emily Thorne” is a shadow of her childhood self. The young woman who returned to the Hamptons has tried desperately to maintain the persona she created so many years prior.

Very few know her true identity and fewer still know her true self. As our protagonist fights for justice, she strengthens the walls around her heart. Love in its truest and purest sense is difficult to maintain in the life that “Emily” has chosen. At least, so far that’s been the case. The romantic entanglements intertwine with lies, misunderstandings, and pain. Pain of what was lost and what could never be.

Focused in her mission to destroy the Graysons, her actions are purposeful and clever. Both the guilty and innocent have fallen prey to the path “Emily” willingly walks down. With blood on her hands and pain in her heart, she does battle with the scared little girl she left behind in seek of revenge.

*Visit the website to learn more about this complex character and the talented young woman, Emily Van Camp, who portrays her with grace and care.*

DISCLAIMER: No endorsement intended or implied!

I “Once” and Still Am Irish

Published on March 3, 2013April 21, 2015 by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

*UPDATED 1/8/2015: Once has since closed on Broadway, but the show is currently touring. Visit their website to see the tour schedule and get tickets!*

My dad’s side of the family is Irish and my mom’s got Czech lineage. That’s not the only reason I went to see “Once” on Broadway. It was an odd, yet fitting, blend of two interests – genealogy and music!

On the train ride home from NYC yesterday I decided I’d write a blog post about the amazing matinée performance of “Once”. I’d give a thorough review with praise and compliments for everyone involved. While that’s still the plan, the method of transporting that message has changed. A separate blog post will follow with a more typical type of review. Instead of describing the who, what, when and where of “Once” this post seeks to pay tribute to what I believe the show’s message to be – love. For country, music and one another.

I woke this morning thinking about how proud I am to be Irish. How much I love this culture and all the richness it’s brought to my life. Granted, my third great-grandparents emigrated from Ireland to America in the mid 1860s but I still consider myself Irish.

There’s something so engrained in my spirit that connects me to that part of my ancestry. Perhaps it’s the mystical element. The Celtic traditions so steeped in grace, beauty and magic. But what I truly believe to be the strongest link is…ART. Music speaks to me in a way nothing else ever has. The melodies, the harmonies, the fulfillment of sweeping scales and gorgeous vocals. Irish music tells stories and as a storyteller myself I gravitate to that which does the same.

Nearly ten years ago I traveled with a tour group to the southern points of Ireland. From places such as Killarney, Kilkenny, Cork and Dublin. I climbed Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone.

I walked from my Dublin hotel, through the park and onto Grafton Street. I rode on a horse pulled carriage along the streets of Killarney into its National Park. My brief visit at the Muckross House ultimately being the catalyst for my YA fantasy novel.

In each town that we visited a few of us ventured out to the pubs each evening. I had some Guinness, enjoyed the company of new friends and listened with intrigue to each band that entertained us. The ambiance differed from the bar scene back home. At the Irish pub it was about chatting with one another, dancing and letting the music lead the evening.

And that brings me back to why “Once” moved me so. It took me back to that wonderful August week in 2004. To the incredible musicians who shared their love of music with the rest of us. Artists who used their passions and talents to unite us all in a shared experience. We came from different places, had different backgrounds and different needs but for a few hours we simply existed in the same time, same place and same moment.

Multi-talented artists grace the stage at the Jacobs Theatre 8 times a week. Each one of them not only singing but playing a musical instrument as well. Including an instrument that looked like a cross between a mini piano and clarinet. Anyway, from the moment you enter the theatre music invites you in; welcomes you into the environment and a shared musical experience. Even so much as allowing audience members on-stage to get a beer and watch the musicians perform. I stood at my seat and watched with an artist’s pride at what was unfolding before my eyes. Music linking us all together. Respect for the art form and all that’s it’s capable of achieving.

Throughout the next two hours I beamed with pride; knowing that this was a moment I’d remember for a lifetime. This brilliant theatrical piece may differ from the traditional Broadway musical but it achieves the same goal in a different fashion – sharing passion for art with those who need to hear it.

Now, back to researching the Czech side of my family!

Please check out the following sites..

Once the Musical

Muckross House

*I reached out to one TV network and received what amounted to a non-answer. Hmm, I have a feeling this is going to take a lot of research and someone who understands legal-speak.*

I reached out to one TV network and received what amounted to a non-answer. Hmm, I have a feeling this is going to take a lot of research and someone who understands legal-speak.