Rigor Tortoise

The RT Year in Review: Josh Blackburn

We asked Rigor Tortoise to answer some questions about 2009.  We’ll be posting the answers throughout the week.

Let’s hear from RT’s man behind the scenes of the behind the scenes, Mr. Josh Blackburn:

Write one sentence that sums up your 2009?

2009 was a year full of challenges, which in many ways strengthened areas of my life that would have otherwise stagnated.

What was your favorite memory on set with Rigor Tortoise this year?

My favorite memory on set this year was the ‘Night Before Thanksgiving’ shoot. I loved having a blend of talent from the Rigor boys, the beautiful and talented girls from the Dollhouse, and a generous mingling of some of the best and brightest improv artists established in the upper ranks of the IO West. I felt like that night really showed the possibilities when you have a strong ensemble. It was like an all star game with a giggle derby.

What was your favorite memory on stage with Rigor Tortoise this year?

My favorite moment on stage this year was watching a show which had started with the suggested location of a basement. The guys started strong establishing a junior high sleepover, seamlessly moved from one point to the next, and brought things full circle to the boys in the basement through a rousing rendition of the Electric Slide. The crowd went nuts! Whatever the tortoise equivalent to goosebumps are, I had them. (Turtle Mumps?)

What was one of your favorite personal memories from this year?

Personally I loved spending time w/ my family when they came to visit. I haven’t lived in California for many years, yet I was able to share with them some of the best it has to offer. Walking w/ my 5 year old niece to the top of Point Dume before spending the day at Zuma Beach is something I will always remember.

What is something from pop culture (books, movies, songs, etc.) that inspired you in 2009?

A person on the fringe of pop culture, and a man who I hold in the highest regards, has inspired me more than Orwell’s 1984, Pixar’s Up, and Phoenix’s Lisztomania combined… Texas Congressman Ron Paul. Putting it simply, he is someone to watch, learn from, and expect more of in 2010.

Rigor Tortoise excluded, what was the best internet video you saw in 2009?

The best video this year could have been several videos from the past year of TED Talks. If I had to pick one it would be Pranav Mistry: The thrilling potential of SixthSense technology. The subject mater of possible new technology is fascinating but more importantly he reinforces the concept of perpetuating open-source methods to further the advancement of the technical world around us.

www.ted.com/talks/pranav_mistry_the_thrilling_potential_of_sixthsense_technology.html

Favorite Rigor Tortoise fan interaction from this year?

Any one of the many moments a total stranger has asked to be a part of a video shoot while we were out and about. That makes me feel good to hear someone yell, “I wanna be a part of it!”

What are you most looking forward to in 2010?

I’m looking forward to more collaborations w/ IO West members, more guest appearances from members of the entertainment community in general. I love it when you add new talent to an already great recipe like the members of Rigor Tortoise. You never now exactly how it will turn out, but you always know it will be comically delicious.