New Project by the Creators of I Hate Tommy Finch
Hey, we love that so many people keep coming to the IHTF blog. While we don’t have a ton of new news about I Hate Tommy Finch, except that it’s still awesome and that you can still see it on tellofilms.com, we have another show called The Throwaways that we’re super excited to premiere on August 23, 2012.
Check out the trailer, and/or read up on the show here.
SNEAK PEEK! IHTF Episode #3
Still on the fence about subscribing to tello Premium to see I Hate Tommy Finch? Even after seeing the trailer? Even after seeing the great reviews?
Nicole Pacent & Shannan Leigh Reeve wanna get you off of that fence!
Okay. That’s cool. We’ll give you one more reason to join: here’s half of today’s new episode of IHTF…for FREE!
At age 21, lifelong friends Stephanie (Nicole Pacent) and Alyssa (Shannan Leigh Reeve) reunite during spring break. Even though life has taken them in different directions, some things have stayed exactly the same. Music = “Hooky (in Chicago)” & “Slow” by Sami Grisafe (Vicious Muse)
We’re feeling pretty confident that after you see this, you’ll wanna watch ALL of the current episodes of IHTF in tello’s Premium Content section. It’ll only cost you $3.99 to see how Stephanie and Alyssa got to this point and what comes next.
Thanks for checking out tello!
Let us know what you think about the sneak peek in the comments section!
Excellent Reviews for IHTF!
PINCH US…we must be dreaming!
This week two amazing online LGBT titans, SoSoGay (UK) & AfterEllen, gave us amazing reviews of IHTF. We’re honored by their comments and totally psyched that they shared IHTF with precisely the audience we’re hoping to connect with.
The lovely Jen Kilchenmann of SoSoGay (the most popular and fastest-growing online LGBT lifestyle magazine in the UK with approx. 40,000 readers/month) had this to say:
I Hate Tommy Finch is essentially minimalist in set and still feels like a play. This isn’t a bad thing. If anything, having to only focus on a pair of strong performances, under the direction of Mell and King, of a touching and realistic script, adds to a very unique experience.
AND
While we continue to await good content on the big screen, we can for now breathe a sigh of relief – the internet could well be the last frontier of viable creativity for lesbian-lead series and films.
-
- From Episode 3, Pt 2 – Age 21
THEN the honorable Heather Hogan of AfterEllen (we don’t really have to tell you what AfterEllen is, do we?) said THIS:
It took me about an hour to watch all five episodes of IHTF and when I was done, I realized that in 60 minutes it had given more authentic lesbian relationship development than Grey’s Anatomy, Glee and Pretty Little Liars combined have done so far this season. Obviously network television and internet web series’ are different animals, and while I’d never give up my TV lezzers, there is something singularly satisfying about watching a love story written specifically for a lesbian audience. My goodness, how it resonates.
- From Episode 3, Pt 2 – Age 23
They get us. They really get us. And we can’t thank them enough for their encouragement and support. Getting feedback like this lets us know that we are on the right track, that we are making the content that people are hungry for, and that we’re headed in the right direction with our next projects…
Wanna see what all of the fuss is about?
- Read the full SoSoGay IHTF review.
- Read the full AfterEllen IHTF review.
- Become a tello Premium Content subscriber! Episodes #1 & #2 are waiting for you…
- Prepare yourself for the awesomeness of Episode #3, which comes out at 12pmEST this Tuesday (Jan 31st).
- For updates on episodes, reviews, and more, follow us on Twitter & Facebook!
Everyone LOVES I Hate Tommy Finch!
Shannan & Nicole in Episode #1
Hooray! The first episode of I HATE TOMMY FINCH is live on the tello films site! Premium subscribers can simply log into their accounts to see the Nicole Pacent/Shannan Leigh Reeve awesomeness. Non-subscribers…what are you waiting for?
So far the feedback is VERY good:
- “What’s NOT to love? it’s well written, well acted, and well awesome!!” @Ciderlover73 on Twitter
- “Just finished watching epi 1 of #IHTF – most awesome ladies!!!” @geologylady on Twitter
- “I’m hooked again with the awe of @NicolePacent #talented” @hklimo on Twitter
- “#amazing! Saw it live in October & it’s pure awesome!” @triciarichards on Twitter
- “Aaaawww. I’m in love already.” @E_Mack_ on Twitter
- “loved it in the UK” @ange36 on Twitter
- “would apologize to my followers for spamming them w/ IHTF but I’m not sorry” @annieluck on Twitter
- “GR8 Start”@TelloFans on Twitter
- “The acting was so good that for a second i felt bad for thinking that Nicole is hot xD” IHateTommyToo in the Comments section
- “ladies, ladies, ladies as you promised that was so worth the wait!!! I loved it. I’m so looking forward to the next episode.” ScarsofLove73 in the Comments section
Have YOU seen Episode #1 of IHTF? Let us know what you thought!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Episode #2 goes up at 12pmEST on Tues, January 24th. Get your front row seat!
IHTF on the Radio!
Only 1 week and 1 day til Episode #1 of I HATE TOMMY FINCH crams itself into your eyeballs and curls around your brain!
The Ladies of IHTF: Nicole Pacent as Stephanie; Shannan Leigh Reeve as Alyssa
TONIGHT (Thurs, January 12, 2012) the writers & directors of IHTF will be joining star Nicole Pacent for a live interview on Blog Talk Radio at 10pm EST. Come on…you know you’ll still be up, so tune in!
I HATE TOMMY FINCH is for anyone who’s ever had a crush on a friend, a big hope, or a broken heart. We cannot wait to share with you this laugh-filled, love-filled lady love story. Also starring the lovely Shannan Leigh Reeve (from tello’s Cowgirl Up).
In the meantime, watch this FREE IHTF teaser clip. (There’s an extended version of this clip in the Premium Content section, for those of you who have already subscribed…)
Ready for more?
- IHTF trailer (Go ahead…we know you wanna watch it again…)
- Interviews w/ stars Nicole Pacent & Shannan Leigh Reeve (Btw, serial killers come up in both interviews. Coincidence? We hope so.)
- Become a tello Premium Content member to get a front row seat for Episode One!
A Sneak Peek at IHTF
- Nicole Pacent and Shannan Leigh Reeve in I Hate Tommy Finch (Photo: Andrea Lee)
Today marks one month until the release of the new webseries I Hate Tommy Finch. Hooray!
In anticipation (and to show our appreciation), we are giving tellofilms.com fans TWO WAYS to see a sneak peek of IHTF.
- Already a tello Premium Content subscriber? Simply log into your tello account to see this exclusive clip.
- Not a tello Premium Content subscriber yet? No problem! Watch this shorter FREE clip, then sign up for tello Premium Content when you're ready.
This clip showcases a tense scene from the heart of IHTF Nicole Pacent (Anyone But Me) and Shannan Leigh Reeve (Cowgirl Up, Diary of a Black Widow) act their hearts out, and we all win. Music provided by the very generous Katie Todd.
ENJOY! And buckle your seatbelts for the 1/20/2012 debut of IHTF!
TRAILER: IHTF Web Series
You’ve been patient. Very patient. And now your good behavior is being rewarded. We are proud to present to you the official trailer for our new web series, I HATE TOMMY FINCH:
IHTF: The Web Series is scheduled for release in January of 2012 on tellofilms.com. It stars Nicole Pacent (Anyone But Me) & Shannan Leigh Reeve (Cowgirl Up, Diary of a Black Widow) and was filmed in the middle of the busy Chicago run of IHTF (the play) in October of 2011. IHTF was written by Julie Keck & Jessica King based on a story by Christin Mell; the play and web series were directed by King & Mell, and music direction was provided by Kathy Kuras.
The song in the trailer, “Atlantis,” was written and performed by Sami Grisafe and Shannon Nicole, who also provided live music during the IHTF play. Kuras and Co. will be releasing “Atlantis,” the soundtrack to IHTF, next year. Learn more about their new label, Vicious Muse, on Facebook.
Don’t miss out on everything related to the IHTF journey. Sign up for your tello subscription TODAY, and follow us on Twitter & Facebook.
Our First Review!
K. Guzman of The L Stop Chicago reviewed I HATE TOMMY FINCH, which ran in Chicago Oct 14 – 16. What did she think?
That is good theatre – the whole package – when it takes you outside of yourself long enough to have you recognize things you had long since forgotten.
She liked it! She really liked it! Thanks so much, K, for your enthusiasm and support. Read the rest of her review here.
Shannan Leigh Reeve & Nicole Pacent in IHTF
IHTF: A Chi-town Success Story
Hooray! We made it through our world premiere of I HATE TOMMY FINCH in Chicago this weekend! It was tough. It was scary. And, gosh, was it fun!
I HATE TOMMY FINCH Audience comments:
“Incredible!”
“Fantastic.”
“hilarious & heartbreaking”
“the acting was brilliant, and the music was beautiful!”
“I didn’t know what to expect from (I HATE TOMMY FINCH), but I never expected it to be so good!”
“IHTF holds a special place in my heart! I loved the energy that was created and felt!”
“How could you not love something about love?”
“FABULOUS! If you missed this great lil play, I’m sad for you.”
“I have nvr felt more welcome w/ a group of people at a show!”
“I feel in love, out of love, back in love! I was moved!”
“In college someone come out to me the way Alyssa came out to Steph, and I don’t think I reacted the right way. Didn’t realize it until now.”
“So excited to finally see I Hate Tommy Finch! Congrats to @tellofilms & @kingisafink for a great show. Sensual interlude, I’m ready.”
“Just realized this was my friend’s experience in HS & college. I had no idea how hard it was for her.”
“I cried.” (This was from one of our awesome straight dude allies, by the way.)
“Had a great time this weekend. IHTF rocked my world!!!!”
Big hugs to Parlour on Clark and Christine Calhoun for letting us invade their space, to The L Stop Chicago for helping us get the word out about the show, and to EVERYONE who showed up to help us pack TWO sold out shows and a Sunday matinee that was only 3 seats shy of sold out.
So many people contributed time, effort, and talent to make this happen. We couldn’t have done this without our strong core team and passionate supporters. And the ride isn’t over yet…
The IHTF cast, music team & creators thank YOU!
What are we doing now?
- I HATE TOMMY FINCH, which we shot this weekend in addition to the live performances, is currently being edited into a web series for its premiere on tellofilms.com.
- Scoping the globe for other places to schedule live IHTF performances. Did someone say Dinah Shore Weekend? European tour?
- The music team, who rocked it out at the performances, is STILL hard at work recording and mixing the soundtrack and music for the web series. Learn more about the music makers here.
Stars Shannan Leigh & Nicole Pacent w/ Rock Stars Sami Grisafe & Shannon Nicole
Want us to bring IHTF to a theatre or performance space near you? Let us know in the comments section and subscribe to this blog for up-to-the-minute updates, pics, super-secret videos and more…
I Love Tech for #IHTF
I HATE TOMMY FINCH opens TOMORROW (Friday, 10/14), so TODAY (Thurs, 10/13) was spent in technical rehearsal.
Most of our time was spent coordinating the on-stage set transitions and costume changes (done by actresses Nicole Pacent & Shannan Leigh Reeve) with the live music (provided by Sami Grisafe & Shannon Nicole). Everyone worked hard, and we’re ready for another day of rehearsing before the lights go up tomorrow night.
Here are some pics from our I HATE TOMMY FINCH tech rehearsal:
Nicole as Stephanie; Shannan Leigh as Alyssa
Did someone say gym class?
"Cheers."
Sami & Shannon Nicole
Directors Debriefing (Kathy, Jess & Christin)
We’ve done all the hard work. Now all YOU have to do is get your ticket! See you Fri, Sat, and Sunday, Chicago!
IHTF Gets McManus’d & Kfink’d
Only one week to go to I HATE TOMMY FINCH opens in Chicago! Our two-woman play about growing up and coming out might be best described as Some Kind of Wonderful + When Harry Met Sally…but for lesbians. Seriously? Seriously.
Think THIS…
Plus THIS:
Great, right? There’s never been anything like it. Don’t miss out! Oct 14 – 16, Chicago, IL, USA, Universe.
This week IHTF was pimped on the blog of our writers / co-director, King is a Fink. We also got a sweet mention in Bridget McManus’ Afternoon Delight column on AfterEllen!
Will we survive this week? Yes. With a lot of Pepto Bismal and coffee. Hopefully not at the same time.
A Doozy of a Deal: $5 off IHTF Tickets!
For a limited time only, we’re offering $5 off the Friday, Oct 14th, and Sunday, Oct 16th, performances o
f I HATE TOMMY FINCH.
How can YOU take advantage of this deal?
- Go to Brown Paper Tickets.
- Pick your night. (Only the 14th and 16th are discounted.)
- Enter the Discount Code “IHTF” to get $5 off (new price – $15 each).
- Tickets for the Saturday, Oct 15th, IHTP performances are still $20 online.
- At the door, tickets for all shows will be $25 – it pays to plan ahead!
Come and see Anyone But Me‘s Nicole Pacent and Cowgirl Up‘s Shannan Leigh Reeve playing best friends in this one-hour play about getting close, growing up, and coming out. This movie isn’t just for lesbians; it’s for everyone who’s ever had a crush on a friend, anyone who’s ever left someone they loved behind, or those who’ve been lucky enough reconnect with someone they thought they lost.
Live music will be performed during the play by Sami Grisafe and Shannon Nicole, with a short concert after.
BIG thanks to Parlour on Clark for hosting this amazing event and to The L Stop Chicago for helping us promote it. We couldn’t do this without a lot of help from our friends.
See you there!
What Are You Wishing For?
There’s just a little over a week until the Chicago premiere of I Hate Tommy Finch. Updates and special promotions coming soon.
If you’re in Chicago, don’t miss this one of a kind show. Reserve your seat today! Better yet, get two tickets and bring a friend…
To whet your whistles while you wait for opening night (10/14), here’s the last of our teasers which features music by the amazing Shannon Nicole. Enjoy!
Sleepover Sneaks
I’m sure we were all much, much more honest than the hooligans depicted in the latest IHTF teaser.
Lip Gloss
You know what girls love? Lip gloss. We do. It makes our lips sparkle and shine. It makes us think about kissing… other lips with lip gloss. That’s what it’s for. I know some of you may be thinking about all the times that your hair got stuck in your lip gloss and how that made you never want to wear it again. But can we ignore that for now? Let’s not spoil the fun.
Here, watch this little lip gloss teaser for I Hate Tommy Finch. And while you’re letting me boss you around… buy your tickets today.
IHTF Gay-cation Recommendation #5: From Kfink to Jojo
We (Julie & Jessica of King is a Fink Productions) met Christin of tellofilms when our friend Jojo Stratton introduced to Christin via Twitter after she (Jojo) backed our crowdfunding campaign for a feature film we wrote (TILT) and while tellofilms was promoting their web series Cowgirl Up. Jojo knew we were all in Chicago and all into films and fun, so she set us all up on a professional blind date. The rest is history!
Although we’re not sure yet if Jojo’s able to come to town for the Chicago performances of I HATE TOMMY FINCH (Oct 14 – 16, 2011), we’re going to pretend that she *might* and create a list of ‘must-dos’ and ‘gotta sees’ for her trip, should she choose to accept this mission…
Where Should Jojo Stay?
- On the Cheap: Heart O’ Chicago Motel – Nothing fancy. No special soaps. No chocolates on your pillow. But you’ll be near the IHTF performance space (Parlour on Clark), it’s fairly cheap (in the $100/night range, and Julie’s parents have stayed here and it’s clean.
- Splurge: The W Hotel – We stayed here before. It was fancy. There was a big stuffed plum on the bed, and the pillows were real comfy.
- Special Deal: The Dana Hotel is giving IHTF visitors a special deal. Check them out!
Where Should Jojo Eat?
- On the Cheap: If Jojo stays at the Heart O’ Chicago Motel, she’ll be close to a White Castle, but we will not let her eat there. Instead, we’ll insist that she travel just a little further south on Clark to Huey’s Hot Dogs. Good, cheap, fast, and they even have veggie dogs, if that’s the way your door swings. It’s in the middle of a cute neighborhood (Andersonville) with lots of cute shops, too.
- Splurge: There are tons of amazing fancy restaurants in Chicago. We never go to any of them. When we wanna splurge, we usually go for sushi. Lately we like going to Fin, which isn’t actually very pricey. We used to go to Bob San, which can get more pricey, especially if you have beers with your sushis.
What Should Jojo Do?
- See the lake (from the lake): We just went to our first party on a boat, and it was, like, awesome. So when Jojo comes to Chicago for I HATE TOMMY FINCH (see what we did there?), we think she should go on a boat (like a boss). Spirit of Chicago does dining cruises (including lunch, picnic, happy hour and moonlight cruises), but there are lots of options for doing this.
- Catch a screening at CIFF: I HATE TOMMY FINCH is taking place near the end of the Chicago International Film Festival. Film lover Jojo might want to check out what’s screening while she’s finding out why she’s supposed to hate this Tommy Finch character…
- Nerd out at Quimby’s: Okay, we’re not 100% sure, but we *think* Jojo likes comics and cool books and fun things, so we think she’d like Quimby’s. (We’re not saying Jojo’s a nerd, btw. We just think she’s confident enough to hang out with nerds like us.)
Whether or not Jojo comes to town for IHTF, we will always be in her debt for introducing us to Christin and tellofilms. We’re having a blast working on I HATE TOMMY FINCH, and we can’t wait to share it with her, whether it’s in person in October or via the web series later in the winter. We love you, Jojo!
Check out what OTHER folks are recommending for your very IHTF Chicago vacation, and don’t forget to buy your tickets ASAP!
IHTF Gets SheWired!
The stars of I HATE TOMMY FINCH, Nicole Pacent & Shannan Leigh Reeve, were interviewed by the venerable SheWired this weekend!
Nicole as 'Stephanie'; Shannan Leigh as "Alyssa"
Read the full SheWired article to get the IHTF ladies’ thoughts on this kooky play / web series hybrid, bikinis, gender blind casting, the IHTF team’s commitment to quality (i.e. grueling schedule), and what Nicole and Shannan have to say about the much-discussed “sensual interlude.”
And then BUY YOUR TICKETS!
Sleepover & cool flashlight headgear NOT included with IHTF tickets
IHTF Gay-cation Recommendations #4: Shannon E.
Comedienne Shannon “Don’t Call Me Sharon” Ennis is a life-long Chicagoan and years-long tellofilms fan/indentured servant. She knows what’s hot and what’s not, so if you’re not on her list of recommended stops for the perfect I HATE TOMMY FINCH weekend…sorry.
Prepare for YOUR IHTF Chicago getaway by buying your tickets to I HATE TOMMY FINCH, then following Shannon’s recommendation to the T. Or, you know…someone else’s.
- SHANNON on I HATE TOMMY FINCH: “Two words: Sensual. Interlude. Go see I HATE TOMMY FINCH on Friday night. You will thank me.”
-
SHANNON on HOTELS: “The Dana Hotel. Gorgeous. Small boutique hotel w/ lovely spa services. Great location. And mood music on their website whispers, “We’re here to serve you. A lot.” OR, if you’re aching to see a place that time forgot, my mom’s condo in Oaklawn is FOR SALE. On the South Side, the 80s haven’t happened yet. And everyone is 103. It’s awesome. Go see who’s on Medicaid!” Erm…thanks, Shannon.
Eat This
- SHANNON on FOOD: “At some point, you will have to have A) deep dish pizza and B) an Italian beef sandwich. If you’re a vegetarian, you still have to have an Italian beef. Them’s the rules. For the pizza, head to the original Uno or Due; for the beef, find a Buona“.
Work off that pizza!
- SHANNON on CHICAGO FUN: “If interested in running or biking (or walking and bitching about it the whole time), start the day on the Lake Michigan path. Go early, because it gets crowded, and people are annoying. It’s the most beautiful view of the city, and you can hop in the water to cool off anytime! Then clean your damn self up, and head to the Art Institute to see the new modern art wing. A-mazing and also beautiful…then top the day off with an architectural boat tours. Well worth the money. On Saturday night, go see some kind of show: improv, music, theater, something. This city has it all. And don’t miss late night blues at Kingston Mines!”
- SHANNON on SUNDAY EATS: “Check out The Bristol on Damen in Bucktown. (The Bristol’s Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Rockman is on Bravo’s Top Chef Desserts right now!) They offer locally-sourced (translation: responsible) and seasonal (translation: fresh) menu w/ Mediterranean (translation: tasty) roots. Best chicken I’ve had. Ever. So good that when I drive by, I can still taste it. If you go and don’t invite me along, I might key your car.”
- SHANNON on BRUNCH: “Ann Sather’s. Pecan rolls and cinnamon rolls. They might have eggs, too, but who cares. Yum. So good.”
SHANNON on OPRAH: “Do me a favor and go to Oprah’s old studio (aka Rosie’s new studio) and perform so kind of Santarian/Voodoo/Native American ceremony that calls her back to Chicago. We miss her money already. and the “live your best life stuff. But mostly the money.”
- SHANNON on WHAT TO MISS: “Avoid Navy Pier like the plague, and remember: Cook County sales tax is 10%, ya dummy. SHOP AT HOME. What should you do instead? Go see I HATE TOMMY FINCH a second time on Sunday. Then go home, because I have to get some sleep before I go to work on Monday morning. Shit.”
Want to defy Shannon’s orders and do other stuff while you’re in town for I HATE TOMMY FINCH? Check out the recommendations from our other IHTF friends here. (But don’t tell Shannon…she’ll cut you, man.) And don’t forget to buy your tickets…
IHTF Gay-cation Recommendation #3: Intern Carrie
- Where to stay? Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Chicago = affordability + location
- Where to eat on Friday? Try Ed Debevics for a 50′s diner experience. (If you go here, watch out for flying dinner rolls.) For something more upscale, head to Frontera Grill. (At this Rick Bayless hotspot, the only thing you have to worry about is making your recommendation and drinking your margarita while it’s still chilly…)
Rick might be there; Padma won't.
- Where to chill out on Friday night? For a very lezzy evening, head to Mary’s Attic, Joie de Vine or The Closet (IHTF songstress Sami Grisafe works here!) If the bar scene isn’t your cup of tea, go for a stroll on Navy Pier (but bring your sweater).
We shot the game show WHO KNOWS HER BETTER? w/ Elizabeth Keener (The L Word) at Mary's Attic!
- What to do on Saturday before going to see I HATE TOMMY FINCH? Go to The Chicago History Museum, and check out the exhibit on LGBT Chicago History and Lincoln artifacts. Then head over to the Art Institute for a splash of sophistication. (Tip: go to the new modern wing, the smaller of the two parts of the museum, for a faster peek).
Deep. Dish. Delish.
- What to eat before the Saturday show? Deep dish pizza, of course. Lou Malnatis or Gino’s East.
What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?
- What to do on Sunday before heading home? If the weather holds, go to the river and take the Wendella Boat ride along the river and out to the lake to get a sense of Chicago’s architecture and history. If you still have time, take a trip on the el in the loop and visit either the Hancock or Willis (formerly Sears) Tower for good measure…
For MORE recommendations for your I HATE TOMMY FINCH weekend in Chicago, go here. And don’t forget to get your IHTF tickets…
IHTF Gay-cation Recommendation #2: Copycat Films
Coming to Chicago for one of the I HATE TOMMY FINCH performances (Oct 14th – 16th)? Copycat Films (Farrin & Mariela Abbott) has a few suggestions for how YOU should spend your gay-cation:
- Where should visiting IHTF-ers stay? One word: Evanston. It’s just north of the Chicago city limits and a short 5 – 10 minute drive from Parlour (the I HATE TOMMY FINCH performance space). If you don’t mind a shared bathroom, save a few bucks and stay at the European-style Margarita Inn. Looking for a little more privacy? Check out at The Homestead. Either one will be much cheaper than downtown Chicago and closer than O’Hare.
Where should they eat dinner before the FRI performance of I HATE TOMMY FINCH at Parlour? Definitely Ethiopian Diamond at Granville/ Broadway in Edgewater. Best Ethiopian food in the area, live music on weekends, great atmosphere, and (again) close to Parlour!
What should they do on Saturday? Brunch: M. Henry in Andersonville or its sister restaurant M. Henrietta in Edgewater. Both are close to Evanston & Parlor, and both are close to great shopping (stroll down Clark Street if you go to M. Henry; find antique malls near M. Henrietta. At night, why not catch an improv show? The Playground on Halstead in Boystown usually has a 10pm show & midnight show.
What’s ONE thing out-of-towners should do on Sunday before heading for home? Take a water taxi from Michigan / Wacker to Chinatown, then eat dim sum at 3Happiness. (Okay, that’s technically TWO things, but we’ll let it slide, because that sounds super fun…)
Big thanks to Farrin & Mariela for their gay-cation suggestions! Now…do YOU have your I HATE TOMMY FINCH tickets yet?
More recommendations here…
IHTF Gay-cation Recommendation #1: Chicago, Christin-style
Since I Hate Tommy Finch is such an unique project, we imagine that some of you might be venturing in from out of town for the October performance in Chicago. Whether you’re making the trek from Iowa City or New York or Amsterdam, we want to make sure you get the most out of your special I HATE TOMMY FINCH weekend.
Step #1: Buy your tickets.
Step #2: Check out these recommendations for the perfect I HATE TOMMY FINCH weekend from producer/co-director Christin Mell (of tello films):
- Where should people stay? “Stay at one of the Broughton Hotels City Suites Hotel (933 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL 60657) or The Majestic Hotel (528 W. Brompton, Chicago, IL 60657) in a neighborhood called Boystown. These hotels are great, because they’re located near tons of restaurants and cafes, as well as public transportation that’ll take you almost anywhere in the city. Further, if you let them know that you’re in town for I HATE TOMMY FINCH, you’ll get a DISCOUNTED RATE. Who takes care of you? WE DO! To get this special IHTF discount by phone, request the I HATE TOMMY FINCH group rate; to get the discount online, use the access code: FINCH.”
- Where should people eat dinner on Friday before the show? “I hate having to drive, so I always like to eat near the theatre venue. A great place to eat before IHTF performances is Uncommon Ground on Devon. If you’re a fan of sweet potato fries, this is the place to go! It has a great atmosphere, great service, and great food. If you’re savvy, you can even park in the neighborhood (keep an eye on parking signs!) for dinner and walk to the show.”
- What’s something fun to do on Saturday? “If you’re staying in Boystown, you’re not far from the lakefront or the zoo. I suggest taking a nice walk (free) from Belmont to the Lincoln Park Zoo (also free). Buy yourself a hot dog or some ice cream with the money you saved! If you’re a theatre fan, book tickets for a Second City show, a wonderful Chicago experience and super fun.”
- These aren’t from Ann Sathers…theirs are even BETTER!
- What’s something fun to do on Sunday before people return home? “There are so many wonderful places to eat in Chicago. You have to check out a Chicago staple called Ann Sather. There are several locations, and you must try their cinnamon rolls. To Die For!”
We hope Christin’s recommendations have inspired YOU! More recs from the I HATE TOMMY FINCH team here!
Kfink Does StopMo
Every good video needs a good intro, so Julie and Jessica of King is a Fink Productions decided to do something special for the I Hate Tommy Finch interview series: stop motion animation. IHTF is about love, friendship, and the delicate line between childhood and adulthood; the Kfinks’ stop motion creation reflected those themes in a colorful and playful way.
Coming up with the general concept for this project took less than an hour; drawing, cutting out, and arranging all of the tiny letters and pieces for over 100 pictures took over 12 hours. J&J were glue- and ink-covered zombies at the end, but at least they were proud glue- and ink-covered zombies.
A Perky Pair
Paper nest, paper baby bird, paper worm
Everyone's a-twitch about Tommy Finch.
There will be (fake) bird poop.
Take a peek at the IHTF interview teaser video (including the Kfinks’ stop motion intro) via this link, then let us what YOU think! We highly recommend watching it at least 3 times to catch the IHTF facts, the mama bird’s heartbreak, and the tomfoolery on the tree trunk…
Ready for more? The 1st I Hate Tommy Finch interview, featuring actress Nicole Pacent (Anyone But Me), is already available in the Premium Content section of tellofilms.com. Check it out!
Get ‘em While They’re Hot!
Click on the poster to reserve YOUR tickets for the exclusive live performances of I Hate Tommy Finch Oct. 14 – 16. Hope to see you there!
Anatomy of a Sensual Interlude
While Julie & Jessica of King is a Fink Productions were writing I HATE TOMMY FINCH for tello, Christin Mell suggested that it should have a sex scene. tello is, after all, for, by, and about lesbians, so why not give them a little loving to sigh about? Julie (being a prude) and Jess (having to be the one to deal with Julie’s prudishness) resisted, but eventually Jess and Christin came to a compromise: the sensual interlude.
Ah…the sensual interlude. Anyone who’s ever watched The L Word, a lesbian movie starring Piper Perabo, or a daytime soap opera knows what we’re talking about. Sensual interludes aren’t about sex – they’re about deep connections, massive eye contact, fingertips brushing soft skin, and, if you’re lucky…a little kissin’.
When it came time to direct the actresses through the first rehearsal of the sensual interlude during the whirlwind rehearsal weekend in July, Jess and Christin worked with the actresses not only on kiss duration and strategic hand placement, but longing that builds for years, fear of messing things up with the love of your life, and the timid excitement of a special kind of first time. There’s a lot on the shoulders of the actresses, but from what we’ve seen so far, we know they’re up to the challenge.
- IHTF actresses Nicole Pacent & Shannan Leigh Reeve
Surprisingly, almost every member of the IHTF team showed up for sensual interlude practice. We can’t show you actual The Sensual Interlude yet (come to the show in Oct or subscribe to Tello for the scoop), but we can show you the reactions of some of the on-lookers:
- Ultra-professional Sami Grisafe tried to focus on providing tunes for The Sensual Interlude
- Chaste Kathy, Disappointed Shannon & Notorious Sensual Interlude Blocker Julie
- Even straight songstress Shannon Nicole wasn’t immune to the power of The Sensual Interlude
- Christin, the Sensual Interlude expert, ponders the scene.
What comes after a good Sensual Interlude? Hopefully another.
