Nepa Scene

In this episode, Lauren is away, so our podcast video editor and local filmmaker Jer Tobin steps in as we talk about the hacking of Sony and our strained relations with North Korea. While many news outlets are covering Seth Rogen and James Franco’s comedy about assassinating North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, “The Interview,” and whether or not it will be released by Sony, we believe the issue of cyberterrorism runs much deeper than discussion of the film and its release. We also introduce a new segment in which we respond to reader comments on the website and social media.

Scranton's Esta Coda has released the opening track from their upcoming EP, "Miles Away," exclusively through NEPA Scene.

Our guests Jeff Fowler and Jer Tobin of Community Film Project and Big Idea Photo and Video Productions talk about their latest project, what it takes to be an indie filmmaker in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the challenges of making low-budget films, what types of movies come out of the area, what local audiences look for, and presenting a film festival in Scranton. A bit of history about the area as portrayed in the media and entertainment is discussed as well.

Local entertainment media often covers events from the perspective of artists, but what about the venues that host and support these artists every week? We wanted to give the owners of these businesses a chance to tell their side of the story, so we talked to Tom “T” Tell of Thirst T’s Bar & Grill in Olyphant and Vinnie Archer of The V-Spot in Scranton about what it takes to run a successful bar in NEPA while still contributing to the local music scene. Known for their humor and candor, “The Sidewinder” and “The Dragon” openly discussed the costs and economic challenges of running a business in NEPA, how they choose what bands play at their venues and what they get paid, and the constant hard work and marketing it takes to stay afloat, among other topics. The conversation was so good that it ran much longer than expected, so we had to break it up into two parts this week. Be sure to listen to Part A for the rest of the podcast.

Local entertainment media often covers events from the perspective of artists, but what about the venues that host and support these artists every week? We wanted to give the owners of these businesses a chance to tell their side of the story, so we talked to Tom “T” Tell of Thirst T’s Bar & Grill in Olyphant and Vinnie Archer of The V-Spot in Scranton about what it takes to run a successful bar in NEPA while still contributing to the local music scene. Known for their humor and candor, “The Sidewinder” and “The Dragon” openly discussed the costs and economic challenges of running a business in NEPA, how they choose what bands play at their venues and what they get paid, and the constant hard work and marketing it takes to stay afloat, among other topics. The conversation was so good that it ran much longer than expected, so we had to break it up into two parts this week. Be sure to listen to Part B for the rest of the podcast.

Scranton indie rock band Blinded Passenger talks about the upcoming release of their debut full-length album, "The Electric," how their hometown inspired the music, the album art and corresponding art show, the support of the local music scene, getting people to take a chance and come out to shows, and the hilarious story of their best/worst show that they never told anyone before.

This acoustic version of "Born Here" from Blinded Passenger's debut full-length album "The Electric" was recorded live in The Stude at TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton on Dec. 1, 2014 exclusively for nepascene.com.

In the second episode of the NEPA Scene Podcast, Rich, Mark, Lauren, and Jimmy are joined by special guest Cory Wolff, president of Everyone You Know Entertainment and NEPA Scene music business columnist, to talk about the many ways the distribution of entertainment media has changed and developed in recent years. Record labels, crowdfunding, streaming services, marketing, and other subjects are discussed. This podcast is recorded every Monday night at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released online every Tuesday.

This is the first episode of the NEPA Scene Podcast, a supplement to the website of the same name that discusses arts and entertainment in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This episode, recorded at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton, introduces the podcast; gives some history behind the website, nepascene.com; and delves into digital journalism in 2014.