Downlow.d is a deep dive audio documentary series that explores the morally complicated, occasionally inspiring and often forgotten oral histories of the internet.
UPDATE: The narrative episodes of Downlow.d will return on June 2, 2022. On this special bonus interview of Downlow.d, we talk with alleged criminal and ex-con Outlaw Vern about his film criticism that he wrote for AICN as well as his life of crime (or lack thereof). We also discuss Vern's fantastic book “Seagology: A Study of the Ass-Kicking Films of Steven Seagal” and what it was like to work the Direct to Video action movie beat for Ain't It Cool News. Vern's Website: https://www.outlawvern.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
With his latest book The He-Man Effect: How American Toymakers Sold You Your Childhood, documentary graphic novelist Brian 'Box' Brown tells a story about how corporations essentially brainwashed an entire generation of children to trade their imaginations for hunks of plastic. He joins Downlow.d host Joe Scott to talk about how this happened as well as what it's like being a non-fiction storyteller in a world that is more than ready to mine his ideas and storybeats for movie projects like the Apple Plus film Tetris. Lastly, they discuss the meaning of the #comicsbrokeme hashtag and how it reflects the current state of comics professionals in the United States. Places where you can buy The He-Man Effect: A local comic book store A local book retailer Or 'that place' if you absolutely have no other choices. Plus Joe Scott shares updates about the future of Downlow.d as well as what's going on with some of the people he met as part of The Rise and Fall of Harry Knowles & Ain't It Cool News. BONUS LINKS: Brian Box Brown's Homepage Joe Scott's interview with Barbara Genova for Runaway Drew McWeeny's Substack Drew McWeeny's Other Substack Drew McWeeny's Podcast (Patreon) Joe Scott on BlueSky --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/downlowdpod/support
Former AICN writer Alan Cerny, aka Nordling, talks with Joe Scott about his experiences with The Rise and Fall of Harry Knowles, and shares what he liked and didn't like about the show. Alan also speaks to why he chose NOT to listen to the interview with Harry Knowles. READ ALAN'S REVIEWS: https://www.vitalthrills.com/author/alanc/ LISTEN TO ALAN'S PODCAST: http://matineeheroes.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
Executive producer Kristina Bell returns to talk with Joe about reactions to the interview with Harry Knowles, updates within the world of AICN, and wrapping the first season of their show. Plus a deleted 'wedding scene' from Episode Seven. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
In these excerpts from a 2021 conversation with Harry Knowles, we try to find out what - if anything - the once pioneering webmaster learned from The Rise and Fall of Harry Knowles and Ain't It Cool News. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
The emotional conclusion of "The Rise and Fall of Harry Knowles and Ain't It Cool News." Even after Harry Knowles destroys his website twice, there are lingering influences from AICN that few could have expected. Written, narrated, and edited by Joe Scott. Executive produced by Kristina Bell With production and sound engineering by Eddie Garcia Production assistance by Abrar Mubashar Online production by Janessa Smith. With Ben Jones as the voice of Harry Knowles And Jake Steward as The Christmas Eve Poet Got questions or comments? Visit our website at www.downlowdpod.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
Part I (0:00) - In September of 2017, a perfect storm of controversies threaten to destroy the Alamo Drafthouse, Fantastic Fest, and Ain't It Cool News. Part II (50:07) - The bravery of the women who stepped forward to speak out against Harry Knowles helped one woman to gain new context for events that transpired in 2004. Plus an examination of the culture that enabled sexual harm in the Austin film and internet movie geek communities for more than two decades. Written, narrated, and edited by Joe Scott. Executive produced by Kristina Bell With production and sound engineering by Eddie Garcia. Editorial assistance by Erin Poythress. Production assistance by Abrar Mubashar And Online production by Janessa Smith. With Ben Jones as the voice of Harry Knowles. AJ Schraeder as James Gunn Jake Steward as Devin Feraci Cabell Wilkinson as Caroline Jon Chenoweth as Todd Brown Kristen Korkowski as Jen And Jasmine O'Connell as Diane. Got questions or comments? Visit our website at www.downlowdpod.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
Through his website's only technological innovation, Harry Knowles exploits a secret that will eventually transform future social media platforms into billion dollar companies. And Drew McWeeny 'fixes' one last major film production before leaving AICN for good. Written, narrated, and edited by Joe Scott. Executive produced by Kristina Bell with sound engineering by Eddie Garcia. Production assistance by Reis Allyn and Abrar Mubashar as well as online production by Janessa Smith. Featuring Ben Jones as the voice of Harry Knowles with a chorus of angry ‘Talkbackers' played by AJ Schraeder, John Chenoweth, Reid Pegram, and David Decareax. Visit our website at https://www.downlowdpod.com/. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
Get ready to take your shots! Downlow.d will launch the beginning of the final trilogy of episodes in The Rise and Fall of Harry Knowles and Ain't It Cool News starting Thursday, June 9th! Here's a preview of Episode Seven. See you next week! Click here to visit our website: https://www.downlowdpod.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
What was it like to be on set for Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert and witness the fights between the legendary film critics that didn't make it to the airwaves? In this special archive interview, Joe Scott shares the full conversation he had with TV director Don Dupree, who made more than 200 episodes of Siskel & Ebert. Topics include getting Harry Knowles ready for TV, the lack of a comprehensive archive of old Siskel and Ebert episodes, as well as one of the most underrated comedies of the 90s. We also give shoutouts to everyone who supported the Comics For Kids fundraiser, which ended successfully on May 6th. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
NOTE: Consider donating $2 (or more) to our Comics For Kids community fundraiser. Click here to help! Film critic and journalist David Poland has a lot of WAR STORIES. But that's what happens when you've worked in his industry for as many years and in as many outlets as he has. We talk about ‘throwing Jeffrey Wells out of a moving car,' old arguments with Drew McWeeny and Ain't It Cool News, and the importance of recording the erasable history of online journalism. Subscribe to David Poland's Movie City News on Substack by clicking here: https://davidpoland.substack.com/ And again, consider buying comic books for kids by clicking here: https://gofund.me/73c01eea --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
On the last Bonus Comments Section edition of Downlow.d until May, Joe Scott interviews writer Abraham Riesman (https://abrahamriesman.com/) to talk about his book "True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee." Together, they discuss the movie Stan Lee produced with Harry Knowles, professional wrestling, the Geek Industrial Complex, and the importance of being king of the Scholastic Book Fair. Plus Joe and Kristina Bell also present another mailbag featuring questions, comments, and feedback from both listeners as well as the media. P.S. Downlow.d: The Rise And Fall of Harry Knowles and Ain't It Cool News will return with a BRAND NEW narrative episode on April 28th. Click here to purchase a copy of Abraham Riesman's book "True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee." --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
THE MID SEASON FINALE. In this special two-part episode, SXSW celebrates the 15th Anniversary of Ain't It Cool News in 2011 -- a time when its legacy was shadowed by many unpleasant truths. Also, Drew McWeeny sacrifices his filmmaking dreams for AICN while Harry Knowles does the opposite. Written, Edited, and Narrated by Joe Scott Executive Produced by Kristina Bell Sound Engineered by Eddie Garcia With Production Assistance by Ries Allyn And Online Production by Janessa Smith With Ben Jones as the voice of Harry Knowles, Sarah Griffith as Catherine Shoard, Yemonja Stanley as Bonnie Cressler, A.J. Schrader as Eli Roth, and Jake Steward as the voice of Drew's Anger, The Rise of Harry Knowles and Ain't It Cool News will return with a brand new episode on Thursday, April 28th. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
On this special episode of Downlow.d, Joe Scott dives into the online discourse surrounding the Pixar film Turning Red. First up, film critic Ruth Maramis (https://flixchatter.net/) discusses her review of the film as well as her all time favorite Pixar films. Then Joe Scott interviews Erica Milsom, the director of the brand new documentary "Embrace The Panda: The Making of Turning Red." And as we stated, Chapter 6 will be rescheduled to drop Monday, March 21. Sorry for the delay, folks! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
Downlow.d host and creator Joe Scott talks with special guest Adam Graham, film critic for The Detroit News about the current state of the industry after the great purge that started in the late '00s. They also become part of THE PROBLEM by discussing Matt Reeves' "The Batman." Plus executive producer Kristina Bell shares a fresh batch of listener questions, comments, and feedback! And as an added bonus, we present Ben Jones' full reading of THAT REVIEW. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
A new cinema culture emerges when professional newspaper and print film critics lose their jobs en masse, only to be replaced by the online 'children' of Harry Knowles. We also delve into the peculiar backstory and legacy of 'Neill Cumpston,' a spectral figure that looms large over modern film discourse. Written, Edited, and Narrated by Joe Scott Executive Produced by Kristina Bell Sound Engineered by Eddie Garcia With Production Assistance by Ries Allyn And Online Production by Janessa Smith With Ben Jones as the voice of Harry Knowles and Jake Steward as the voice of Patton Oswalt. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
Downlow.d series creator Joe Scott and executive producer Kristina Bell take a break from the narrative story to discuss episode four of "The Rise of Harry Knowles and Ain't It Cool News." They share an extensive interview with early internet pioneer Patrick Sauriol, the creator of Corona Coming Attractions, the very first internet movie news site. There's also a cameo appearance by Vin Diesel, additional Ebert chatter, and another round of listener questions, comments, and feedback. Plus Joe briefly tackles the mystery of who is Alexandra Dupont. Click here to find ALL of Alexandra DuPont's reviews. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
At the height of their power and influence, Harry Knowles and the AICN crew pal around with Roger Ebert, duck a trio of Comicon controversies, and save one of Hollywood's biggest stars from the straight-to-DVD dustbin of history. Written, Edited, and Narrated by Joe Scott Executive Produced by Kristina Bell Sound Engineered by Eddie Garcia With Production Assistance by Ries Allyn And Online Production by Janessa Smith With Ben Jones as the voice of Harry Knowles and Greg Sestero as the voice of David Twohy. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
Downlow.d series creator Joe Scott and executive producer Kristina Bell take a break from the narrative story to discuss episode three of "The Rise of Harry Knowles and Ain't It Cool News." They also share a deleted scene and answer a few listener questions, comments, and even complaints. And after spending parts of episodes two and three exploring AICN's rivalry with the National Research Group, someone from the other side of the battle talks with Joe Scott in order to share their perspective. PLUS there is a preview of Episode Three. Got questions? Need to contact the team? Do so at our website at www.downlowdpod.com. REFERENCES: From Austin's Basement to Hollywood's Back Door: The Rise of Ain't It Cool News and Convergence Culture by Kimberly Owczarski Harry Knowles' original review of Godzilla 1998 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
Just as Ain't It Cool News is beginning to surge in popularity, Hollywood learns that the best way to beat Harry Knowles is to seduce him. We also meet the real life version of William Miller who started writing for the site when he was a teenager, while Drew McWeeny continues his war against test screenings. Written, Edited, and Narrated by Joe Scott Executive Produced by Kristina Bell Sound Engineered by Eddie Garcia With Production Assistance by Ries Allyn And Online Production by Janessa Smith --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
Downlow.d series creator Joe Scott and executive producer Kristina Bell take a break from the narrative story to discuss episodes One and Two of "The Rise of Harry Knowles and Ain't It Cool News." They also share deleted scenes and answer a few listener questions. Joe Scott then interviews Garth Franklin, the lone survivor of the pioneers of internet movie geek culture to celebrate 25 years of his website www.DarkHorizons.com. PLUS there is a preview of Episode Three. Got questions? Need to contact the team? Do so at our website at www.downlowdpod.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
During the gold rush days of the internet, a rabble of nerds went online to forge friendships, arguments, and for some, a chance at fortune and glory. But to become the biggest name of the internet movie geek revolution, Harry Knowles had to transform himself into the man who killed "Batman & Robin." Plus we share the origin story of one of the internet's most revered movie critics -- and no, we aren't talking about Harry Knowles. Episode Credits: Written, Edited, and Narrated by Joe Scott Executive Produced by Kristina Bell Sound Engineered by Eddie Garcia With Production Assistance by Ries Allyn And Online Production by Janessa Smith --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
Episode One: "Citizen Knowles and the Lord of the Geeks" - In 2001, there was a rumor that a webmaster by the name of Harry Knowles would host the secret U.S. premiere of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring." This is the story of how it went down as well as the origin of the man who made it happen. Episode Credits: Written, Edited, and Narrated by Joe Scott Executive Produced by Kristina Bell Sound Engineered by Eddie Garcia With Production Assistance by Ries Allyn And Online Production by Janessa Smith --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
A short preview of the very first season of Downlow.d, a narrative podcast series that explores the forgotten oral histories of the internet. Our first season, "The Rise and Fall of Harry Knowles and Ain't It Cool News," will start in January. Subscribe today! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/downlowdpod/support
In 1996, a semi-paralyzed man named Harry Knowles launched Aint-It-Cool-News, a massively popular website that, for better and for worse, pushed for changes in cinema culture that we see to this very day. The first season of Downlow.d, titled "The Rise and Fall of Harry Knowles,” will chronicle the meteoric rise of proto-online influencer Harry Knowles as told by key collaborators (aka, 'spies'), colleagues, journalists and filmmakers before both Knowles and his website were engulfed in controversies. Coming soon wherever you find great audio stories. Subscribe today!
Downlowd is a deep dive audio documentary series that explores the morally complicated, occasionally inspiring and often forgotten oral histories of the internet. For its first season titled “The Rise and Fall of Harry Knowles,” Downlow.d will delve into the meteoric rise of proto-online influencer Harry J. Knowles and his movie news website Ain't It Cool News. This eight-part series attempts to understand how a no-budget website created in a spare bedroom in Austin, Texas flexed unchecked power and influence over Hollywood. Harry Knowles, a semi paralysed man who frequently weighed more than 400 pounds was the last person anyone thought would be famous. Yet through his work on his formerly venerable movie news and reviews site Ain't It Cool News, which he launched in 1997, Knowles became the internet's ‘second celebrity.' The series will also show how Ain't It Cool News helped take internet movie geek culture out of fan conventions and into the mainstream before the site's creator was mired in controversy at the dawn of the #MeToo movement.
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