Look, prophecies aren't in my job description, OK?

happy bday to me

2008-01-31T21:44:00.000-05:00

I am now 31 years old (as of yesterday)!!

My co-workers decorated my desk with all manner of silly decorations, including a pic of me as "Ah-nold " (they say it's my best impression). Then we chowed down on a cake with a picture of me as Lion-O on it - nothing like visualizing your dreams, and then eating them!

Easily one of my top three birthdays of all time.

I'm a reader for pseudopod!

2008-01-02T23:45:00.000-05:00

Flash: Garbage Day

January 1st, 2008 12:01 am

By Russell L. Burt

Read by Elie Hirschman

Kenneth was twelve when the significance of garbage day first struck him. That’s when it became his job to patrol the household’s trash bins, bag their contents, and then toss the bags into the huge plastic garbage can outside his kitchen door. Well, now it was a huge blue can. Back then it had been a couple of smaller, metal cans. But superficial differences aside, the result was always the same. The detritus that had accumulated over the week was gone, disappearing while you slept, as if by magic.

Sherlock Holmes Premiere!

2007-12-22T13:44:00.000-05:00

I write this from my vacation (Israel with the in-laws again) but I just needed to inform the world of the long-awaited premiere of Dream Realm's "Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes" - in which I play the beleaguered Dr. Watson. This series was pitched (or so I heard it pitched) as a parody, but over the course of the 6 (or was it 7?) scripts I read for it, it turned into a tightly scripted, touching tribute and continuation of the beloved series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes 101 "The Disgruntled Physician"
written by Vince Stadon

Jeff Niles as Sherlock Holmes
Elie Hirschman as Dr Watson
Dani Cutler as Miss Violet Spedding
Lisanne Heyward as Mrs Hudson

http://www.dregold.net/Holmes/MOSH101DP.mp3

More info at http://dregold.net/Holmes.htm

ST:LF in the top ten!

2007-11-25T18:15:00.000-05:00

If you have iTunes installed, this link will take you to the top ten downloaded podcasts by day.

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTop?id=20112&popId=3

As of this writing, Star Trek: Lost Frontier (by the fine folks at Darker Projects) is the #9 downloaded podcast!
Way to go fellers!

P.S. Gifford's new book

2007-11-21T19:46:00.000-05:00

P.S. Gifford is a horror writer I have just recently become aware of.
I'm now making my way thru his horror archive.

I hear he has a new book out - more info is at http://www.psgifford.com/curious2.html

But an annoucement like that needs a little more... pizzazz.
So here's another link to it:

Well... that might be hard for some folks to read. Try this:

...but some would say that's a little too plain and boring. So here's a bit of sparkle whilst staying legible:

Enjoy!

NEW TRAILER - THE MISADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

2007-11-12T19:31:00.000-05:00

Soon to premiere on DREGold.net: The Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes!

http://www.dregold.net/Holmes/MOSHolmes-FullTrailer.mp3
Starring
Jeff Niles as MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES
Elie Hirschman as DR. JOHN H. WATSON
Series Created by Vince Stadon

From Dream Realm Enterprises

Tales episode 4 and more!

2007-10-31T01:08:00.000-04:00

Darker Projects Presents: Tales From the Museum
A Miniseries Written by Charles Russell
Episode 4: Beneath the Foundation (24:22, 33.5 MB mp3, released 2007.10.30)

On a cold, full moon night a peculiar gathering takes place at the museum. This is the Second Annual Haunted Museum Mystery Tour. when psychics, mediums and fans of the occult pack into the museum for an overnight program packed with supernatural activity. As with much of what goes on in the regional museum, it's all fun and games... until the ghosts show up.

Featured in the cast were:
Perry Whittle as Keith Nash
Alasdair Stuart as Casey
Amanda Fitzwater as Dr. Helene Mancuso
M. Sieiro Garcia as Mala Monroe
April Smith as Angie Monroe and Adrienne
Additional voices by Colin Snow, Zack Fester, MJ Cogburn and Paula Cartwright

Original music composed by Joey Stuckey and Kevin MacLeod
This Series is produced by Elie Hirschman
Post-production by MJ Cogburn

...oh, and this nonsense too:

What was once CUDDLY
Becomes DEADLY....
Beware the
CAREBEARS of SATAN!

http://eliehirschman.googlepages.com/grind_carebear.mp3
(It's my last Halloween trailer, I promise!)

Another Halloween Movie Trailer!

2007-10-29T23:10:00.001-04:00

They're cute... they're cuddly... they'll eat your Brains.
ZOMBIE KITTENS FROM HELL!!
http://eliehirschman.googlepages.com/kitten_grind_mix.mp3

HORRORS!

2007-10-28T20:49:00.001-04:00

In a world... where beautiful insects can kill...
Check out the trailer for "Monarchs of Death", the upcoming Halloween thriller!

http://eliehirschman.googlepages.com/grind_mix.mp3

2 things I'm in and something you should check out

2007-10-02T20:59:00.000-04:00

1.
DARKER PROJECTS PRESENTS :
STAR TREK: THE LOST FRONTIER #4: ESCAPE FROM KORSAVA 4

Trapped on the surface of prison world. The Enterprise away team make
a desperate attempt to escape. But just how much can they trust the
mysterious Mister Jezek? And just what will it cost them in the end?

"Star Trek: The Lost Frontier" is a serialized, full-cast audio
adventure with a new episode the first of every month. Available for
free download in .mp3 format, or as a Podcast. Currently ranked #3
among all Performing Arts podcasts in iTunes! Now available
exclusively at Darker Projects via the following links:

iTunes Link
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=260979915

Download
http://www.darkerprojects.com/lostfrontier.html#0104

Featured in the cast were:

Mark Bruzee as Rupert Trask
Laura Post as Kathrin Niles
David Ault as Andrew Winfred
Elie Hirschman as Zog
Ben Harmer as Liem Kincaid
Lucien Dodge as Sid Kirk, Ivan
Jeanine Yamanaka as T'Loc
Bill Hollweg as Mogga
Jon Specht as Krayt
Mark Kalita as Mister Jezek

Credits read by Seth Adam Sher

This episode was written by Mark Kalita and Eric Busby
Directed by Eric Busby
Post production work by Eric Busby

2.
Something I contributed to a long time ago, but finally can hear the results of:

PODENSTEIN!!

Podenstein is a social media podcasting experiment.

This project is based on an original script by Ron Ploof. But many fabulous people were involved in making it come to life.
The original core came from the Orange County Podcasters group. Additional talent was found in a variety of realms, including blogging, podcasting, videocasting, film, radio, cartoons and just regular folks. The Spare Parts assembled into Podenstein are each noteworthy and valuable, and Podenstein would be nothing without the involvement of so many patient and generous souls.

Hear the result here: http://www.griddlecakes.com/index.php/article/griddlesode_s3_002/

Please visit the ‘Credits’ page for a detailed listing of the contributors.

http://www.griddlecakes.com/index.php/article/griddlesode_s3_002/

3. Lastly, a good friend of mine, Avi Kunstler, has turned his music into musicals:
http://www.soulsearchingamusical.com/
If it's showing in your area, go see it. It's all good!!

2 new releases from Darker Projects

2007-09-19T18:36:00.000-04:00

Tales from the Museum, Episode 2: The Curse of the Wolf
http://www.darkerprojects.com/tales_from_the_museum.html#002

(19:30, 26.8 MB mp3, released 2007.08.23)

Written by Charles Russell

The Bannon family of Louisiana carries a curse that is passed from generation to generation ... and an artifact belonging to that family is on its way to the Regional Museum. Keith Nash must find out what this artifact has to do with a series of grizzly murders in the Tennessee area. But in carrying out his investigation, he has to be careful, or he may bring upon himself the Curse of the Wolf.

Featured in the cast were:
Perry Whittle as Keith Nash
Amanda Fitzwater as Helene Mancuso
Alasdair Stuart as Casey
M. Sieiro Garcia as Jenna
April Smith as Marcia
Zack Fester as Holland

Original music composed by Joey Stuckey and Kevin MacLeod
This Series is produced by Elie Hirschman
Post-production by MJ Cogburn

No werewolves were harmed in the recording of this episode.

Star Trek Lost Frontier : 01.03 Prisoner
http://www.darkerprojects.com/lostfrontier.html#0103
(37:30, 34.5 MB, released 2007.09.01)
The Enterprise responds to distress signal and is surprised to discover it may have Romulan origins. Meanwhile an away team is sent to find a prisoner being held by the faction of the One True Federation.

Written by Mark Kalita and Eric Busby.

Featured in the cast were:

Mark Bruzee as Rupert Trask
Laura Post as Kate Niles
David Ault as Andrew Winfred
Elie Hirschman as Zog
Ben Harmer as Liem Kincaid
Lucien Dodge as Sid Kirk, Tungsten and the Mutant
Jeanine Yamanaka as T'Loc
Craig Cooksey as Canyon
Jim Barbour as the Bartender
James Leeper as The Thug
Mark Kalita as Mister Jezek

Direction and post production by Eric Busby

Robotz Season 4 coming soon!

2007-09-19T18:33:00.001-04:00

Promo at
http://dregold.net/Robotz.htm !!

Voiceover: The Play

2007-08-18T21:40:00.000-04:00

Voice Over
by Norman Spinrad

http://www.brokensea.com/VoiceOver/VoiceOver.htm

Talk radio shows are always a source of interesting characters, sometimes originating from the most unexpected places. But amiable, unflappable talk show host Bobby Edwards gets more than he bargains for when his airwaves are suddenly hijacked by a strange cast of callers from beyond the stars.

Featuring the vocal talents of:

Mark Kalita as Bobby Edwards
Elie Hirschman as: The Announcer, Debbie, Caller #3, Electronic Voice, Daffy Duck, JFK, Groucho Marx & Ma Bell
Chip Joel as: Mr. Spock, Porky Pig, Rod Serling, Orson Welles & Bert Parks
Doug Manllen as: Caller #2 & The Director

Directed by Mark Kalita
Post-production by Paul Mannering
Music by Scott Shannon -- podsafeaudio.com

Visit Mr. Spinrad's Website at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/normanspinrad/

LOST FRONTIER ep 2

2007-08-01T23:21:00.000-04:00

DARKER PROJECTS PROUDLY PRESENTS

STAR TREK: THE LOST FRONTIER

Episode 2 - And a Star to Steer Her By....

http://www.darkerprojects.com/lostfrontier.html

The safety of the Yorktown is at risk as the Assassin Guild's ship closes in. Captain Trask must take a deadly gamble if he is to save them. But will it cost his new crew their lives?

Featured in the cast were:

Mark Bruzee as Rupert Trask
Laura Post as Kathrin Niles
David Ault as Andrew Winfred
Elie Hirschman as Zog
Ben Harmer as Liem Kincaid
Lucien Dodge as Sid Kirk
Linda Townsend as Chief Henlaur
Captain John Tadrzak as Guildmaster K'Rok

Credits read by Seth Adam Sher

This episode was written and directed by Eric Busby
Post production work by Eric Busby

About Tales

2007-07-24T23:49:00.000-04:00

So I've already posted that the 5-episode miniseries I've been working on, "Tales from the Museum", is coming out on DarkerProjects.com. What I haven't yet spoken about was the experience.

I have to say that producing a miniseries can be tough, but I couldn't have asked for a more painless experience, and with such wonderful results. First of all, the author is an angel (not a man, and ANGEL) for waiting on hold for a year before we were able to get to his scripts. I loved these, but they didn't fit into any pre-existing series we had going on Darker Projects - so the wait time before we could address a new series was considerable. Still, he hung in there, was glad and helpful when I finally called him back saying it was a go, and even had another script to throw into the mix for me. He also approved, carte blanche, any edits or changes I wanted to make for continuity, etc.

Next, my actors were all amazingly talented, professional and most of all - responsive. Perry Whittle in particular was such a pro, firing retakes when necessary with hardly any turnaround time. All actors involved deserve a big hand.

Most of all, MJ Cogburn, who did the mixing (post-production) deserves a huge hand. She did a terrific job (even tho I forced her to start without having all the music she needed), worthy of the pros like Eric Busby and Chris Snyder. Without her, the series just would not have sounded as perfect as it does.

So check it out-
http://www.darkerprojects.com/tales_from_the_museum.html
Check back and comment with your thoughts on the series!

Tales episode 1

2007-07-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Darker Projects Presents: Tales from the Museum
http://www.darkerprojects.com/tales_from_the_museum.html

An audio theater mini-series written by Charles Russell

The Regional Museum in Johnson City, Tennessee has been the site of some strange goings-on ever since it was first built. Legends surround the place: tales of murders, mysterious disappearances, and bizarre religious orders. Some of these were "documented" by a PBS special, but most are passed on by word of mouth. Most of the staff there doesn't believe a word of it ... but Special Services coordinator Keith Nash? He's starting to think ... well, he doesn't know what to think.

All in all, the museum is an interesting and challenging place to work ... and things keep happening to make it more interesting all the time.

Episode 1: The Cult of Serpents

(20:56, 28.8 MB mp3, released 2007.07.21)
Written by Charles Russell
The mysterious poisoning of a graduate student brings Keith Nash and his colleagues into a confrontation with a sinister cult. Their intentions are unclear, but the threat they pose is certain and immediate. Will Nash, Dr. Stein and Dr. Mancuso be overcome to danger of the Cult of Serpents?
Featured in the cast were:
Perry Whittle as Keith Nash
Amanda Fitzwater as Helene Mancuso
Alasdair Stuart as Casey
Captain John Tadrzak as Dr. Stein
David Ault as Argus
Original music composed by Joey Stuckey and Kevin MacLeod
This Series is produced by Elie Hirschman
Post-production by MJ Cogburn
No snakes were harmed in the recording of this episode.

Problems?

2007-07-10T12:53:00.000-04:00

I've noticed that the blog doesn't display properly in Internet Explorer - the list of links and archived posts appears way down at the bottom instead of immediately to the right of the current posts.

It seems that the culprits causing the problems are the posts with long links (like the ones to Night Terrors). Somehow it's all shifting too far and forcing the links to the bottom. I'll look into making it right- or converting the whole world to Firefox.

DP- ST:LF

2007-07-05T00:07:00.000-04:00

Darker Projects Presents:
Star Trek - Lost Frontier
Episode 01.01 - Hope (27:05, 25 MB, released 2007.07.01)
It's the dawn of the 25th century..... And everything has changed.

Written by Eric Busby

Featured in the cast were:
Mark Bruzee as Rupert Trask
Laura Post as Kathrin Niles
David Ault as Andrew Winfred
Elie Hirschman as Zog
Ben Harmer as Liem Kincaid
Lucien Dodge as Sid Kirk
Linda Townsend as Chief Henlaur
Captain John Tadrzak as Guildmaster K'Rok
Robin Carlisle as Tammy

This episode was written and directed by Eric Busby
Post production work by Eric Busby

The 60 second pitch

2007-07-04T23:52:00.000-04:00

My friend Stephanie Ciccarelli of Voices.com sent me an email about a contest they're running starting this Friday called "The 60 Second Pitch Contest" - here's the details:

What is a 60 Second Pitch? A 60 Second Pitch is just what it sounds like. For 60 seconds, you'll be pitching your services, letting everyone know who you are, what exactly it is that you do and how your product or service can make a difference in the lives of other people and positively affect how others do business.
There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes worth over $4000.00 (full details here) and this contest will prove to be one of the most exciting and educational events that the voice over industry has seen in quite some time.
Entrants can be from any niche of the audio field (voice actors, podcasters, voice over coaches, voice talent agents, etc.) and are invited to submit an MP3 60 second pitch about who they are, what they do and how their business can serve others.
To learn more about the 60 Second Pitch, click below:

Suffice it to say, I'll be entering this contest. That'd be nice to win.

Gaslimit and me

2007-07-04T23:42:00.001-04:00

I've been hired to do some voice spots for the folks at Gaslimit.com -In fact, if you go there now, you'll see a little talking head on the front page. I do the voice for that guy, as well as the audio in some upcoming sales presentations and website demo CDs.
FOr more information, go to GasLimit.com.

Vox Talk 31

2007-06-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

Audie Awards on June 1st in NYC and Hillary Huber nomination, The Voice Acting Hub at Facebook.com, Webinar with Voice Coach Deb Munro, Elie Hirschman Chats about Radio Voice Syndrome, Colin Campbell Fires up the Old Phone Patch, Hillary Huber MP3 and Debbie Munro Mic & Me Workshop in the VOX Box.

http://blogs.voices.com/voxtalk/2007/05/vox_talk_episode_31.html#more

People Against Censorship

2007-05-18T16:19:00.000-04:00

In light of today's highly sensitive and reactionary world outlook, we in
the VA community need to be concerned about censorship impinging on our way
of life.

How would we all feel if an ultra-religious group decided that our dramas
are unacceptable to their way of thinking? They could band together in a
special interest group and shut us down, as they are doing to various radio
shows across the nation.

Whether you agree with what I have put forth here or not, please check out
People Against Censorship (http://www.peopleagainstcensorship.com) and if
it's something you feel you can get behind, please do so. We can make our
voices heard and we can make a difference.

Thanks.

More Stuffs

2007-05-03T14:24:00.000-04:00

Vote for Ryan H. "Orko" Nelson to be on the next "Real World!"
http://realworldcasting.com/people/Ryan

I'm on VOXTalk again!
http://blogs.voices.com/voxtalk/2007/05/vox_talk_episode_27.html

3 things from Darker Projects

2007-05-03T08:59:00.000-04:00

The Section 31 Series Finale!
http://www.darkerprojects.com/section31.html#0307Invasion4

Autumn: episodes 5 and 6
http://www.darkerprojects.com/autumn.html

The end of an era....

2007-05-01T09:19:00.000-04:00

http://www.bastionaudio.com/S31Final.mp3