Christmas Smilefest ‘06
Here’s a bit of fun: In this new century, one of the most important gauges of our culture is what shows up on Youtube. Basically, this year, if it wasn’t posted on Youtube, it didn’t happen. So, in a stroke of perverted curiosity and unfettered egomania, I am holding the first of what I hope will be an annual contest here on the Blogzalo.
Many of you may have noticed the following clip, while you were pretending to work.
It’s clever, no? (despite the camera angle) It made me smile, and it occurred to me that there is a strange power here, and all it takes is someone who has a tiny bit of courage, or maybe, a lot of alcohol. But regardless of which it is, the result is the same - instant happiness. So, this holiday season for SMILEFEST ‘06, we at the Blogzalo, would like to explore exactly what “HAPPINESS IS . . .”
Now, although I still maintain that usually “Happiness is a warm Gunn”, (as only I would know) this year, “Happiness is . . . A REVOLVING DOOR”. And, to celebrate this little profundity I am proposing the following contest:
Here are the basics: We are in search of the best, but also the most extensively documented, instance of someone doing “an Andraé” exit or entrance through a revolving door. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, check back here to see our running list of “greatest hits so far”. For those of you who are unaware of what an “Andraé” exit or entrance is exactly, take a look at our instructional video below:
We will award the individual performer in the most widely captured video clip, as well as the individual who creates the best edited/produced clip, all of which MUST be posted on Youtube.
In addition, a special award will go to anyone who is actually able to capture footage of me doing my own “Andraé’s” while out and about in the L.A. area, this Holiday season. The point of this contest is twofold:
1. To spread Good Cheer for the Holidays
2. To remind us all, and me particularly, to not take ourselves too seriously.
What you win:
Winners of “best” and “most documented” clips will get the ubiquitous autographed copy of a Project Runway Season 2 DVD set.
The winner of “the special award” will be awarded nothing less than a “dinner with Andraé” at Red Lobster. No joke.
And finally, all three winners will receive Andrae’s exclusive podcast commentaries to the first two challenges from Season 2, including the big-emmy-nominated-Realitini-winning crying episode, as well as one of the new “Happiness is a warm Gunn” t-shirts now in development at Andraé Gonzalo Los Angeles.
Now, make sure you read the fine print:
-You must post your entry on Youtube.com.
-Entries with links to their specific youtube URL, sent via email, to andrae@andraeblogzalo.com will receive special consideration.
-Personal friends and employees of Andraé Gonzalo will not be eligible for the Special Prize, in the interest of fairness.
Criteria for “most widely documented”:
This is basically the video clip that is caught by the most people. We will tally the winner by counting the highest number of separate posts to Youtube, of a single entrance or exit. If you want to use the old Wendy-Pepper-Strategery here, just make sure that you perform your “Andraé” in a very public and easily-filmed location.
Criteria for “Best Clip”:
This is where the true film makers get to shine. Go to town. Basically we are looking for creativity. It is, as it were, a “don’t bore Nina” moment. The use of any cinematic gimmick, convention, or device is fair game, from unusual costumes, to stage-y musical renditions, to just simply some beautiful photography and sublime editing.
Criteria for the “Special Prize”:
This goes to one of you with really good eyesight, and a bit of the stalker in you. You’ll have to catch me, personally, on film, actually doing my own “Andraé” through some revolving door, in public. This will be extremely difficult, because there aren’t a lot of revolving doors in LA, and I also have hair now. You probably won’t recognize me until it is too late, and I’ve already gone “down the rabbit hole.” The footage must demonstrate that it is unmistakably me. To make this ‘fair game’ promise to never eschew the opportunity to “do an Andraé” this holiday season, if I encounter a revolving door. Although it may be difficult to catch, it won’t be impossible.
Indeed, Godspeed and Goodluck.
-Andrae
Aw, this looks like so much fun.
Maybe I’ll take a vacation for this.
Too bad there aren’t that many revolving doors where I live. Actually, I’m pretty sure there are non.
That is so Fun!!! I loved Andrae’s entrances and exits!!! They always made me giggle with happiness!!! LoL! I’m gonna have to find a revolving door!!!
wow this looks awesome! I cant wait to get my friends together and film one!
Dear Andrae,
This year I’m a sophomore in college and it has been the hardest schoolyear that I’ve come across in a long time. However, I came across your myspace bulletin this morning and clicked on the link and you made me smilem just like you did every week on project runway. It’s a good thing not to take yourself to seriously, I’m a firm beleiver. Thank you for reminding me of that.
Sincerely,
Marija
The things that are beautiful in life rarely come in a recognizeable form, so here’s to catching the spark of inspiration and beauty on film, to share, because that’s what makes this place worth having.
Andrae, my love to you.
Peace.
Count me in! Bless the people who installed a very large revolving door at work…. just off now to practise my arabesques!
As much as I would love to have dinner with you at Red Lobster, I unfortunately live too far away to even contemplate stalking you, I just wanted to comment on your outstanding choice of music!
Andrae, I love you.
Now if only I had a camera…I would so do an ‘Andrae’ in my clown costume…. :\
I like Red Lobster………..
Happy jeteeing and reveleeing everybody!
Oh boy. I’ll take every chance I can get to film something interesting… And there are so many signs that this contest it just calling me… Like, I live in the middle of freaking no where, so there aren’t any revolving doors ANYWHERE, but it just so happens that I’m going to Seattle next week. So yay for me. But… Uhm… When’s the deadline? I don’t think I saw it…
LOL.
You are my little lamb.
Ok so Andrae which Red Lobster are we doing this at?
I got the biggest smile on my face when i read this. I’ll try my best to find a revolving door. Good luck to everyone who tries. Peace
Hahaha Andrae, that is awesome.
andrae always makes me smile. wish you come in pocket-size so i could bring you everywhere. haha.
Does anyone know the name and artist of the song that is used in the video that explains how to do “The Andrae”
Thanks!
Teryn: It’s “wake up” by the arcade fire.
I have a really cool idea that could be used for this, but I doubt i will get a chance to pull it off.. cute vid btw.