The Hardcore Effect Meets - The Guild: Robin Thorsen

Hey, what follows is a lovely interview with our favourite side-bang wielding actress ever, the lovely Robin Thorsen.


Robin is a recent graduate of Chapman University in Orange with a BA in Theatre Arts, and an AA from Marymount College in Rancho Palos Verdes. While at school, she appeared as Julia in Lend Me a Tenor, Ethel in Moon Over Buffalo, Lala in The Last Night at Ballyhoo, Kate in Ladies in Waiting, and the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet. She has also appeared in Grease, Brigadoon, Damn Yankees, and Arsenic and Old Lace. Robin was twice awarded an Irene Ryan nomination to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for her comedy performances. Theatre and film have been Robin’s passion for as long as she can remember. She is thrilled to have been chosen to play Clara Beane in The Guild.

First and foremost, huge congrats on winning our "Best Thing On the Internet Award", we hope you are as stoked about getting it as we are about giving it to you. With all that porn out there, who'd have thought it? Anyway, how does it feel to be crowned top dogs? How will you celebrate? Because you so should celebrate.

Thanks for the Award! How awesome is this?!? Of course I'm going to celebrate, in fact, I celebrated a little to much last night so you'll have to excuse me if my answers are whack!

Throughout this interview, we'll be firing some pretty odd questions your way, we figured you'd be tired of the same old questions and so we'll do our best to keep it fresh.. like this; Its a fight to the death, we've all been there. Which cast member would win?

In a fight? It has to go to Sandeep...he has some mean Karate moves...or maybe Amy, she could definitely do some damage!

We're sure you must get a lot of positive feedback, but as we know all too well, the net is also full of morons. How do you deal with negative comments? Do you find heavy criticism a problem?

It's hard not to read the comments. In this business you have to have a crazy thick skin and not worry about those lameos who feel the need to be negative

There are alot of differences between British and American humour, what is it, in your opinion, that bridges that chasm so well?

First of all, I think British humor is gold...I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ricky Gervais, Extras is one of my favorite shows. The thing about British humor is it's alot more dry and awkward (which is more my humor) than American. Did i answer that...meh...

Last Summer, we wrote a guide to being metrosexual. Clearly,we understand the importance of looking "freaky, sexy good" at all times. Who spends the longest sorting their appearance before getting down to work?

Oh, I would say the girls, Amy, Felicia and I ,spend the most time...I'm not a diva or anything, but I'm uber particular about my hair...my side bangs are my money maker!!!

We have discovered that no story involving 14 beers and take-out food has a happy ending. Do you guys ever partake in wild parties and nights around town after shooting?

We have some fun wrap parties! I have to say that Sandeep is my partner in crime, we're always 'in it to win it' when it comes to parties.

We once received a bit of coverage during the BBC's coverage of cricket, sparking a huge debate about baked goods, what is the weirdest thing any of you have had to do in promoting the Guild?

I'm not sure if it's weird but I basically threaten all my friends to watch the show or are relationship is dunzo...yep I just end it if they don't support me and my endeavors.

Picture the scene: You book a short break to Europe, just to take sometime for yourselves, but there's a mistake and you end up in the small industrial town of Delmenhorst, famous for linoleum production. What would you do to amuse yourselves?

I'm not sure if you know this, but I'm like super personable...It's funny, people just gravitate towards me...that said I'm sure I'd meet some cool person who'd want to hang out and we'd probably just get smashed. Let's call a spade a spade what else would you do in a town that is famous for linoleum production?!?!?

Speaking of Europe, we'd love to hear your opinions if you've ever been our way? The Welsh once saved Ravi's life.

I visited London for 3 weeks when I was in college and fell in love with it! The theatre was amazing! I hope to return soon...I just have to start saving!

Ravi, Adam and I recently started a short lived Austro-German Lounge-jazz-funk-fusion ensemble, replete with spangly jackets, keytars, handlebar moustaches and mullets. How much would you each charge, were we to approach you about appearing in a music video? We could offer all the currywurst you can eat.

I would do the video for free...yes free. I mean it's not everyday you get to be in a Austro-German Lounge-jazz-funk-fusion ensemble, replete with spangly jackets, keytars, handlebar moustaches and mullets right?!

We think you rock. Could we tempt you to come stay for a while? It'd be fun, Ravi has Tarot cards.

First of all...heck yes! I'm totally in need of a vacation...I'm super low maintenance...just give me some Kettle One and the occasional meal and I'll be set!! By the way you had me at Tarot Cards!!

Our research shows that real child neglect isn't very funny. Yet we don't feel guilty laughing at your character, how much fun is the role?

Yah...real child neglect doesn't get any laughs...too bad huh?!??! I think the reason people laugh at Clara's antics is because she's just so ditsy and clueless! Playing Clara is so much fun because she's so out there...especially in season 2, You see a totally different side of Clara. She turns into a hot mess!

I know someone very similar to your character. Luckily, she is not yet a mother. How much research did you do for the role?

Well let's hope your friend doesn't procreate!!!!! As far as research goes, I have a huge family so I've always been around kids. I didn't adopt a kid for a month to prepare or anything like that...although I did try.

Whats your most memorable experience fr0m your time on the show?

Memorable...well I would say when we were at Blizzcon. I mean, there was a line, like ,an hour long to meet us...How crazy is that!! Does that count?!?!?

Isn't this just the best interview you've ever had? We won't get all big-headed.. we promise.

I wasn't going to say it, but I have to agree...You guys are pretty amazing...Aren't I like the best person to interview?!?!?(it's ok, I already know it)

I once walked out of a Drama class because I was asked to act as the color orange. Whats the best and worst things you had to do while studying?

The color Orange?!?!? What kind of acting class was that?!? I majored in Theatre so I could go on for days on question...I never had to act like a color but i did have to act like an inanimate object, i chose a chaise lounge and let me tell you...Oscar worthy!!!!

Who have you most enjoyed working with?

I have to choose? This is when I turn really cheesy, ready? I loved working with everybody...we're like one big dysfunctional family!

What would you like to do next?

The obvious one is, Season 3 of the show...I'm super excited to find out what crazy antics Clara gets into! I'd also like to do anything that has to do with film or television...well not anything, I have my standards!

Thanks so much for your time, we hope to be speaking with you again sometime in the future, and wish you all the best with the show.

Thanks you guys for making us "Best Thing on the Internet"!! I'll see you in the office soon...huh huh?!?!?

The Hardcore Effect meets - The Guild : Felicia Day

Following on from our last interview with Vince Caso, we've been bugging Actress and Producer, Felcia Day to get her views on everything from linoleum production to this dark little corner of the web. Do Enjoy.
Felicia was born in Huntsville, Alabama. She was home-schooled all her life and got her first acting role as Scout in the Huntsville Little Theatre production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Felicia started college at 16, majoring in violin performance, and then in mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin. She has been on television shows such as “Windfall”, “Strong Medicine”, “Monk”, “Love Inc.”, and most notably had a recurring role as Potential slayer Vi on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She has been in such films as “Bring it on Again”, and the Emmy award-winning “Warm Springs”. She recently played the role of “Penny” in Joss Whedon’s “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”, and filmed a 4 episode arc on the upcoming ABC Family sitcom, “Roommates”.
(IMDB)

First and foremost, huge congrats on winning our "Best Thing On the Internet Award", we hope you are as stoked about getting it as we are about giving it to you. With all that porn out there, who'd have thought it? Anyway, how does it feel to be crowned top dogs? How will you celebrate? Because you so should celebrate.

Well, being at the pinnacle of the web is certainly relative (we're not getting invited to hot parties or getting sent schwag in the mail, hehe) but I love being an underground success, and am very thankful we're not well known enough that I have to comb my hair to go to the coffee shop. That would suck.

Throughout this interview, we'll be firing some pretty odd questions your way, we figured you'd be tired of the same old questions and so we'll do our best to keep it fresh.. like this; Its a fight to the death, we've all been there. Which cast member would win?

Well, Zaboo is really nimble, but Amy is a dancer and is in great shape. I'd put my dollars on her, also it would look awesome if she kicked ass.


We're sure you must get a lot of positive feedback, but as we know all too well, the net is also full of morons. How do you deal with negative comments? Do you find heavy criticism a problem?

I have to chant a mantra "Resist the trolls, resist the trolls" a lot. Of course the worst comments seem to stick out in your head the most, but we're lucky to have fans who defend us for every negative comment posted. Also, getting a swollen head would be really irritating, and the internet saves me from having absolute self-confidence, so I'm thankful for that.
There are alot of differences between British and American humour, what is it, in your opinion, that bridges that chasm so well?

I think British humor is much more self-depricating and less glossy. Less precious. I tend to relate to it more, also because the actors are less perfect looking.


Last Summer, we wrote a guide to being metrosexual. Clearly,we understand the importance of looking "freaky, sexy good" at all times. Who spends the longest sorting their appearance before getting down to work?
I hate to say it, but Robin (Clara) does obsess over the angle of her bangs a lot. And it's a lovely angle, undeniably. (She's gonna kill me)<>

We have discovered that no story involving 14 beers and take-out food has a happy ending. Do you guys ever partake in wild parties and nights around town after shooting?

Uh, Sandeep and Robin know how to party. I am the butt of everyone's joke because I am so uncool. They keep ribbing me and asking me if the wrap party is gonna be a tea party with crumpets and jam. I was forced to take the first shot of my life at the Season 1 wrap party. True story :(


We once received a bit of coverage during the BBC's coverage of cricket, sparking a huge debate about baked goods, what is the weirdest thing any of you have had to do in promoting the Guild?
I signed a Nintendo Power Glove once.

Picture the scene: You book a short break to Europe, just to take sometime for yourselves, but there's a mistake and you end up in the small industrial town of Delmenhorst, famous for linoleum production. What would you do to amuse yourselves?
I would tour the linoleum plant. Talk about educational.


Speaking of Europe, we'd love to hear your opinions if you've ever been our way? The Welsh once saved Ravi's life.

No I haven't but I'd love to travel there. I read a lot of Highland Fantasy, and Knight Errand stuff, I think a tour of the Isles would be quite a journey.


You may not be aware, but you are our first guests to escape the dreaded Dangerwank question. Its on google, but we'd hate to be the source of any accidents, no-one needs another Micheal Hutchence, but less about us, who do you all take most inspiration from?

I'm inspired by people who go outside the norms of traditional success, like Kevin Smith, Miranda July, Jonathan Coulton, Lily Taylor etc. People who made their own way and have a clear point of view they don't muddy because they want success so badly.


Ravi, Adam and I recently started a short lived Austro-German Lounge-jazz-funk-fusion ensemble, replete with spangly jackets, keytars, handlebar moustaches and mullets. How much would you each charge, were we to approach you about appearing in a music video? We could offer all the currywurst you can eat.

I would charge cheese curls. Oh, and first-class air fare :D WTF is currywurst!?


The concept and the writing on The Guild are just superb. Please ignore our terrible, bitter envy and tell us, is this the manifestation of your inner nerd? or the product of some very accurate research?

No, absolute inner nerd. The fact that this point of view is the default me, and other people like it, is amazing to me. And means I don't have to work as hard because geek comes naturally to me :)

We've been dying to know, so please indulge us.. what was it you vomited onto the stunt guy? It looked remarkably realistic.
It was crushed pineapple juice and oatmeal. Yummy.


How hard has it been to get The Guild coverage in the media?
Internet media: Relatively easy. Anything outside of that: Impossible. Mainstream media barely covered Dr. Horrible, why would they cover my little show? :) But seriously, slowly they're coming around. The lightning pace of online life is much different from "regular" life. It's hard to remember sometimes when you live in one world more than the other.
Let's talk money, is the show expensive?

No, it's a web show. We're not rolling around in our gold coins with these videos. But, thanks to Microsoft we can actually pay people up front. It might make me a crappy producer, but I love writing our cast and crew checks.

Previously, I said that you would have to hold the business acumen of a mackerel not to see the potential of getting your company behind the show, is funding a problem?

Yes, because money, ultimately comes from advertisers and products, and they are not used to funding content on the web yet. It's getting there, but it's still new ground. I know how much they pay for 30 second traditional spots, and if they put that money towards a season of web content....man I could actually make a living at this :)

You rocked in Buffy, how awesome was being in that show? How hard was the role to secure?
Every audition is torture and total luck. I happened to have a good day, and they liked the way I acted. Thank God. That was the best job I had, aside from my internet work. Such a great group of ppl to work with, and I got to kill people with stakes. Yum.



We also hear you played Scout in "To Kill A Mockingbird", we studied the book back in our school days and it provided welcome relief from Shakespeare.. who is rubbish. How did you find that role?

My aunt did a lot of theatre, and I admired her. She thought of me when the role came up. I was 6 or 7, so I wasn't really on the lookout for jobs then, ha.

Obviously, we are now you're best friends in the UK, so you'll want to name drop us in the show.. and thats just fine bgy the way, but what else is in store for the show? How long do you see it being in production for?

I could go for several more seasons. The actors and characters are so rich. And worst case scenario, I could watch Vork read a phonebook and crack up. Season 8: Vork Reads Phonebook. Catchy.

We've heard a few comparisons floating around between your show, and cult comedy hit Chad Vader. What do you think?

I love Chad Vader and I met those guys, they're great. I like being compared to good material. They live outside LA and get locations for almost nothing, so actually I'm pretty jealous of them, ha.


Thanks so much for your time, we hope to be speaking with you again sometime in the future, and wish you all the best with the show.


So, there you have it kids. Still to come Robin Thorsen and Jeff Lewis, so you'll keep it here if you know whats good for you.

Coming Sunday...

What is the fastest thing on land?

Stevie Wonder's Speedboat... but the second fastest thing is the rate of fire on our inappropriate question gun which will be aimed squarely at Preston's premier indie band, Mindshock, on Saturday night.

Catch up with us Sunday, after a drunken night with the band in The Mad Ferret, where we will give you their views on just about everything that matters.

Keep it here.

The Pakistan Spectator meets.. The Hardcore Effect

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

Benji Hardcore: Well, I'm basically a failure of a musician with too much time on his hands and a big mouth. The site has been going in one form or another since 2003 but we didn't really get noticed until I got Ravi on-side, I was immediately a big fan of his writing.

Ravi Hensman: I don't get much of a chance to be creative in my uni work so the blog is a great creative outlet. I've always enjoyed writing about anything that interests me, so if I can fashion a career out of it in future, I'll be very happy indeed. Our site is a sounding-board for our random thoughts and anyone is welcome to contribute.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?

Benji: Of course, Theres a constant challenge to keep coming up with new subject matter and fresh features, we don't want to be covering old ground or recycling material and opinions at any stage. We update everyday so this is something we like to plan in advance for, we usually converse over facebook some time in advance of a piece and its a constant process of editing and amending until we're happy.

Ravi: I think that when you write your style is constantly evolving. Maybe you learn from others, or or you just become more articulate with time. It'll be great to look back in a few years and see if my style's changed significantly.

I'm wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

Benji: Becoming Swedish was pretty special, we adopted team and their cultures for the European football championships and wrote from our experiences. I became addicted to Kopparberg and listened to more ABBA than is probably healthy for a grown man. Changing my name stands out also. I try to enjoy my writing so I love to arrange little challenges and experiences, if I'm interested the readers will be too.

Ravi: I tried to use tarot cards to predict football results but that didn't work too well. I interviewed the barman in my favourite pub too, which was fun and we got a great response. However, I'd like to think the best experiences are still yet to come...

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?

Ben: We don't really, many bloggers don't take us seriously because of our humorous content and high rates of instances where we have offended people, we get quite a few complaints and I enjoy that because it means people are actually thinking and not just reading. Some times we exaggerate but its to provoke a reaction from people who normally cruise through life on autopilot, my writing alias is basically a cartoon character. Benji Hardcore is a million miles from Ben Williamson. All this can mean we receive a mostly cold reception from other writiers, many take themselves far too seriously.

Ravi: I don't have a writing alias as such in the same way as Ben. The Ravi in the blog is very much the real me and I leave most of the hardcore stuff to him. In that way we complement each other well. He can wax lyrical about social malaise and I can just talk about scotch eggs.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?

Benji: I couldn't say. I'd really like to taser Robert Mugabe though.

Ravi: I wouldn't call it exciting, but Boris Johnson's blog for the London mayoral election was a good ploy. Barack Obama's website is also a stroke of genius as it's allowed him to raise millions of dollars from web donations. However, that's not to say this use of technology is a good thing. At the end of the day, it's just about winning votes...

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?

Benji: I'm sure he'd respond to that kind of voltage, yes.

Ravi: Well, Boris Johnson is now London mayor and Obama's election funds are seemingly bottomless. I just hope that new web technologies will equally be used to actually make the world a better place to live in, rather than just for electioneering.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

Ben: Its the fact that we don't bind ourselves with political correctness or a main theme, it means we're free to write what we want, when we want, how we want. We're not offensive for the sake of being offensive because that is pointless and stupid, we just like to provoke thinking out of the box.

Ravi: our sports analysis is second only to the work of Jimmy Hill.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?

Ben: A sense of humour, you have to laugh.

Ravi: Generally trying to be a nice chap (most of the time)

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

Benji: The best moment, if I exclude the normal things people would say would probably be my first gig with my oldest friends at our high school. We covered Nirvana, we were awful but the buzz was amazing! The worst involves a sheep, alot of beer and some ice cubes.. I should probably stop there.

Ravi: The happiest moments for me just seem to involve simple pleasures like spending time with family and friends. I'm an eternal optimist so I try not to dwell on the gloomy times.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it's paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

Benji: Stockholm, Sweden would top that list, we're going there on the Hardcore tour this November, its such a stylish city but it isn't so stylish as to alienate people, its a warm and welcoming city with plenty of fun to be had. I'd also love to go to Tokyo and Morecambe.. to see if its still as terrible as I recall.

Ravi: 1. New York 2. Berlin 3. Coventry (I've lived away from the UK for a year so it'll be nice to spend some time at home this summer)

What is your favourite book and why?

Benji: The Hungry Caterpillar. Its a classic, easy to read under the influence of beer and has a truly happy ending, thats rare these days.

Ravi: 1984, closely followed by Go Dog Go.

What's the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?

Benji: Stance, most people expect you to say eyes, but how someone stands or walks reveals quite alot about them I think.

Ravi: Hairstyle- not that I'm in a position to judge though.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you couldn't write?

Benji: Just about everyone I've ever met!

Ravi: No, but I was told that I throw like a girl.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Benji: I'm not sure, we've found it near impossible but companies are reluctant to form relationships with us due to our content, plus I feel it would compromise our integrity and before you know it we'd be writing about the benefits of filtered water or something. I'd love to take The Hardcore Effect to a wide audience and get paid to do so, but it probably won't happen with out us having to change our methods.

Ravi: Ben first asked me to contribute to the blog after reading my Facebook notes. In turn, there's always a chance someone will like what they see on the blog and ask us to lend our writing "skills" to something else. It's like networking I suppose and it could lead into money-making opportunities that way- if that's what you're in it for.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?

Benji: Possibly, I still work a full 40 hour week as well as writing and sometimes its tough, some blogs just pump out articles for the sake of writing them, but like I said we take great pride in our work and after a full day's work it can be a real pain having to work on a piece and check through it all, its rewarding though.

Ravi: I also work 9 to 5 but if you're inspired, blog article needn't take a long time to write. It's a bit like keeping a diary, except millions of people could potentially see it!

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

Benji: We live in an age where I consider it unacceptable to discriminate against anyone, we do it on the blog to prove a point but we're actually very liberal and tolerant individuals. I think bloggers need to set aside personal predjudices and focus on some positive things to conteract all the negative things we hear about. When we wrote about our problems with advising young women to have plastic surgery we didn't just tear into celebrity culture, we made a point of saying that every young woman is beautiful just the way they are. Theres no shame in trying to look good, but surgery is a bit too far.

Ravi: In a lot of blog articles, you'll be putting out an opinion for people to respond to. In this way they can evoke debate and encourage contact between people who would otherwise never "meet". It all helps to make you realise that the chap sitting at his computer in Singapore or Cairo may live far away but you still have plenty in common.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Benji: I don't have a top 5 as such, but I love the S-Spot, because they talk candidly about adult issues without any taboos or stigma, it's refreshing.

Ravi: I tend to search for blogs by topic rather than sticking with the same one. Everyone has an equally interesting story to tell in their own way.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

Benji: Plenty! we get alot of feedback, most of it very, very good! I think my piece on the Germans being sore losers or Ravi's casino sting gained the most positive feedback. My Euro 2008 final piece from yesterday got the most complaints to my knowledge.

Ravi: I provoked an international incident when I mispelled 'bratwurst'. That's about all I think.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

Benji: I'd love to visit, you could teach me how to play cricket properly! I think its great that you show a lot more tolerance to the west than some of your neighbours. We're not all bad people!

Ravi: I've visited Sri Lanka a few times as that's where my dad's from. I'd imagine that Pakistani people share a lot of the qualities of Sri Lankans- generosity, hospitality and friendliness. Pakistan is definitely a country I'd like to learn more about.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?

Benji: Ravi, as I said his writing always impresses me.

Ravi: that's very kind Ben. I'm always stunned when bloggers bare their souls and talk about deeply personal things. The openness of some people is astounding.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?

Benji: Ravi noticed that they have much better access to scotch eggs than he does in France. Generally though I can't really say as the nearest I've come to a developing country is Poland. I think its time we took action though, theres enough food and resources for all and its about time they were shared fairly.

Ravi: There's the visible difference- which people tend to notice first. There's also the invisible difference which is probably more striking. People tend to have a different mentality. In the UK people complain about working 9 to 5 or not being able to afford a HD TV. In Sri Lanka people can have next to nothing, yet they still seem contented and not at all resentful.

What is the future of blogging?

Benji: Us. I say things like that. everyone should love themselves, I just lead by example!

Ravi: I think it will become gradually more commercialised as companies recognise it as a useful marketing tool.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

Benji: Mrs. Hardcore often complains that I spend too much time working on the blog, its a labour of love so although it interferes with my plans alot I don't mind too much. I spend my whole working day mentally composing articles and I can't descide if thats great or the mark of a very sad man.

Ravi: one key difference is that I'm more likely to do random things if I think it would make a good article. In that way in can make life more eventful. So when Ben told me to go to Stockholm with him for a weekend of reviewing bars and general Scandinavian frolicks, I said yes.

What are your future plans?

Benji: To keep writing until the whole world gets our message and there is peace, reason and logic the whole world over. Then I'd develop an attention defecit and lie about being terminally deficent in chocolate chip cookies and have the nation rally round to keep me in packets of Maryland and Swedish cider.

Ravi: in the short term, return home to England, eat some scotch eggs and finish university. Beyond that, who knows...

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

Know that we love you, thats right, all of you and go in peace.