FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Zooming the Movies

by John Wroblewski

Jan 25, 2021

Photo courtesy of Kevin Pollack

I recently discovered Zooming the Movies, a highly entertaining Facebook group. Zooming the Movies features live script reenactments via a Zoom call.

I was initially drawn in by its reading of the “Festivus” episode of Seinfeld. As a longtime fan of the sitcom, I approached it with a critical and doubtful eye. Within minutes, I was laughing out loud as if watching the original.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Pollack

Kevin Pollack started the group in March 2020 “as a new platform for actors to put on movie and TV script readings, and re-create their favorite roles.” He was soon joined by friend Thomas Squires as the group grew from four to more than 2,000 members.

A Facebook post announces a future title to be performed, interested members apply, and the cast is chosen. On the scheduled date and time, the cast joins a Zoom call and the reading is presented on Facebook Live.

Anyone in the group can host a movie by finding and editing a script, contacting Pollack or Squires, picking a date, posting a casting call and choosing the cast from interested folks. The cast selection process is up to organizers. Pollack stated some roles are pre-cast, but they like to give everyone a chance.

There is a lot of creativity and freedom in the readings. Some actors dress the part. Some add props. Some try to mimic the original actor, while others make the role their own. There are many accomplished actors in the group, but anyone can participate, even complete novices.

Actor-writer Laura Schein, who played Elaine in the Seinfeld reading, has an impressive résumé, including touring with Jason Alexander for An Evening with Jason Alexander. Schein told me she was drawn to Zooming the Movies to connect with other artists.

I was hoping for more Seinfeld episodes, but while I did not find any more, I found plenty of entertainment in the 93 productions. Some of my favorites include Labyrinth, Mrs. Doubtfire and Hook. The wide range of readings includes horror flick The Cabin in the Woods, the animated SpongeBob Squarepants and period piece Titanic. I found myself enjoying movies I had never seen or didn’t like originally.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Pollack

Photo courtesy of Kevin Pollack

They have also done benefit productions. During the holidays, Miracle on 34th Street and A Christmas Story were performed to benefit The Actors Fund. Several big names were part of that including Joely Fisher and Stuart Pankin. Pollack is also co-founder and co-producer of New Works Virtual Festival, an online fundraiser for the Actors Fund.

As for future plans, Pollack stated Zooming the Movies will continue on line post-pandemic. It may be expanded to a small theater in Chicago for live stage readings; but if that happens, it will only be when all is safe for public events.

Pollack extends the invitation to join Zooming the Movies to anyone, whether you want to participate or simply sit back and enjoy. I have already hooked a few of my friends, a couple who even joined the readings. I have no acting aspirations, but somewhere down the line I will probably attempt to join for the experience. Until then, I will be a faithful follower.

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Sep 26, 2023

Perelman Performing Arts Center Opens in New York

The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC), the cultural cornerstone and final public element of the World Trade Center site, opened this September.  The new performing arts center in Lower Manhattan provides a dynamic home for the arts, serving audiences and creators through flexible venues enabling the facility to embrace wide-ranging artistic programs.

Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler

Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler

Daily
Sep 26, 2023

4 Sweet Spots for Vintage Clothing Lovers

Whether you call secondhand fashion treasure troves “thrift stores,” “fripperies,” “charity shops,” “vintage boutiques” or something else, shifting the paradigm from “old clothes” to “new finds,” you may find the best, most conversation-starting souvenirs inside these shops and neighborhoods located in the world’s most fashionable cities and a few unexpected places.

eFlyer Reviews
Sep 26, 2023

Viking Polaris Canadian Discovery Review

While the 372-passenger Viking Polaris expedition ship, launched in September 2022, falls midway in size between Viking Cruises’ intimate river cruise ships and large-scale ocean ships, it is operated with the same attention to detail and personalized service.

Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection

In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.

eFlyer News
Sep 26, 2023

New Four Seasons Property to Come to Dominican Republic in 2026

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts partners with Cisneros Real Estate to construct a new Four Seasons property in the Dominican Republic. The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia is slated to open in 2026.

eFlyer Lead
Sep 26, 2023

Which European Countries Plan to Impose Tourism and Flight Taxes?

On Sept. 25, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the prime minister of Iceland, revealed plans to add a tax on travelers visiting the country. The goal of the tax is to help offset the impact of tourism on the environment.

Business or Leisure? With TAP Air Portugal, You Can Have Both!

Are you looking to enhance your business trip with a little leisure? Look no further than Portugal, a country renowned for its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. And with TAP Air Portugal, you can effortlessly transform your business trip into an unforgettable bleisure adventure. Discover why Portugal and TAP Air Portugal are the perfect combination for an enriching and rejuvenating experience.