Going Cardboard with Lorien Green

 

Lorien Green is a social media manager with a background in community management for Turbine Entertainment and a passion for documentaries, Geekumentaries, specifically, and the creative mind behind the exciting new Geekumentary: Going Cardboard.  I checked in with Lorien recently to see what's been happening since the film's debut.

American Geek Mom: For those who don't know, why choose a Geekumentary about board games?

Lorien Green: I fell into the designer board gaming hobby about the same time I started passionately blogging about indie documentaries, and that combination eventually made me want to do my own film on designer board games, because the topic flat-out deserved it.

AGM: What was it that hooked you into the culture of board games?

LG: I'm a very geeky person myself.  I was one of those quiet shy kids in high school that just couldn't wait to get home, grab the latest copy of Nintendo Power, and get to playing.  In college, it was Magic: the Gathering.  Senior year at Boston University, I became president and founder of the BU Magic: the Gathering club.  After college, it was all about MMOs, starting with Asheron's Call.  So I've got a history of bouncing from one geek sphere to another, gaining appreciation for those sub-cultures.  My husband was responsible for bringing the designer board gaming sphere to light, but once he got into it, I certainly followed.

AGM: What was the first game he introduced you too?

LG: I think the first designer game we played was Catan, but it was Bohnanza that really won me over.  Some of the really early ones we played included Balloon Cup and Lost Cities, too.  Lost Cities remains probably my favorite two-player game.  And the first game I ever taught to other friends was Poison.
    
AGM: My husband and I also enjoy Lost Cities.  It's definitely a good one for 2 Players. What is your current Favorite Table Top Game?
    
LG: As far as current favorites, I had a lot of fun at PAX playing Spot It, I've got a copy of that on order, and I have yet to tire of Dominion, especially Dominion Prosperity, which I haven't had enough chances to play.  When four of us get together, Small World is always fun.

AGM: From one geek mom to another, how were you able to balance work, family, and your passion to create this documentary?

LG: For the editing, All Nighters, and that was actually the easy part.  And that was essential, because editing is a thought process; it requires focus.  I did some of it during weekends, with the kids around, but that's not ideal for them or for me.  An all nighter means that it's not taking away from family time or work time, it's only taking away from sleep.  
     For the interviewing work, I was able to do things like take a vacation day from work during the week, drop the kids off at daycare, and drive on down to Salem to do an interview.  The grandparents looked after the kids one weekend so I could go to Essen and film there.  It was definitely a challenge, and restrictive, it made it impossible to do a LOT of traveling and time away for this film, but fortunately the designer board gaming scene is very active in New England.  There were definitely additional trips I would have taken, and interviews I would have done if I'd had the freedom to do so.  I'd love to see someone from another part of the country do their interpretation of a board game documentary.  Because just one isn't enough anyway, not for a hobby this size.
     Bottom line, the family was very supportive, but it IS a sacrifice for them, and they had to do without me sometimes.  Working moms are busy these days, and the idea of, "I've got too much going on as a Mom, I can't do this" is a very common and understandable fear.  But it shouldn't stop you, because if you've got a dream, you can't just bury your dreams and take care of everyone else.  It's not healthy for you, and it's not ultimately good for them either.  And Americans watch, what, 6 hours of TV a day or something?  If you want to make the time, you can make the time.

AGM: What was the most exciting/terrifying part of meeting and interviewing board game designers and other insiders?

LG: One of the most terrifying moments was at the Gathering of Friends.  I couldn't find a good location to interview, and I had an interview scheduled very soon after arriving.  I was in a panic, looking at different conference room options that just weren't working.  In the end, I did the interviews in my hotel room.  I had to do the same thing interviewing Reiner Knizia at Essen, and once again that was an interview scheduled to take place just a few hours after my flight landed.  I was pretty sure I looked like a nervous amateur during that interview, and I really wanted to give him a favorable impression of my skills, to put him at ease that he was working with someone who was going to do something serious and of good quality, and I felt like I wasn't oozing confidence during that.  Until the end of the interview, where he said I asked very good interesting questions.  I think a lot of the time we're more nervous inside than out.
     One of the most exciting parts was of course being able to interview Klaus Teuber.  That was another under the gun moment, because I had to meet up with Klaus and his son Guido, do the interview, then sprint back to the hotel and get out of there because my flight was leaving that morning, and I once again had a serious time crunch.  It all went off smoothly, thank goodness!

AGM: Those do sound like some stressful moments. On the flip side,what was your favorite moment during the film?

LG: For the finished film, it's the final update card for Bryan Johnson, and the way the audiences at two screenings have burst into applause at that spot.  I also have to say, one of my favorite lines in the whole film is Phil Alberg describing Reef Encounter, and saying, "You take ownership by putting a shrimp on it."  It might just be my marine biology background, but something about that line just makes me grin every time.

AGM: Did you have a favorite convention or location you visited?

LG: Definitely Essen.  The only drawback was, it was such a high investment trip for the film (not just financially; it was really important to get amazing footage of that and I had a TON of very important interviews scheduled), and so I was just filming, filming, filming the entire time.  I didn't PLAY anything, and I didn't even BUY anything (well, I got Savannah Tails, autographed :).  That was torture.  I hope someday I can go back there and experience that event as a gamer, and grab some of the really unique games that show there.  I had a ton of filming gear with me, so my travel luggage just wouldn't accommodate purchases.  Alas.

AGM: Do you hope to go back to any of them and bring the whole family?

LG: Oh yes, Essen, since it is SO family-friendly.  I think when the kids are maybe in their early teens (they are 5 and 6 right now), they will have a blast there.  But people definitely were bringing kids their current age to the show, so who knows, it might be sooner.  I wouldn't be opposed.
     More locally, we're getting very close to being able to bring them to things like Unity Games and PAX East, we almost did that this year.  I really can't wait.  Very young kids sort of force a cryogenic period into a gamer's life, but once they get a little older, you have a built-in gaming group at home, and that makes it well worth the wait. :)

AGM: We are definitely counting the days until our son can play games with us.  He is currently a fan of organizing all the pieces in our games and rolling dice.  He actually made it to PAX East with us this year purely due to the fact that Sunday was Easter and it's near impossible to find a sitter for that day ;0)  So, what's next for T-cat productions?

LG: I've got plans, oh yes, I've got some plans.  There are a couple things I want to put in place before I look at filming another feature, but there are also tons of cool local things that I'd like to put to film that might not become documentaries.  Right now things are still really busy with promoting and supporting the marketing for the film (I thought time would free up once it was completed, but no, there is a LOT more work to do now than when I was making it).

AGM: Finally, were there any "AH HA!" moments that you will take with you for future projects or advice you would give to others who want to put on their own director's hat?

LG: My advice, without hesitation, is just DO IT.  Try to find a mentor who can help guide you past some of the pitfalls and newbie mistakes, but don't be afraid of newbie mistakes.  I made many.  It doesn't have to be perfect, and nothing ever is anyway.  If you have a topic that you feel passionate about, and are willing to see it through (this took 3 years for me) then the final product will reflect that passion, and people will pick up on it, and no matter WHAT your topic is, other people out there are going to be interested, and are going to appreciate your effort.  That's one thing the internet has done; niche sub-culture communities can connect in a way that they could not before.
        My own learning moment, and there were many, but one of the big take-a ways was, be fearless.  I spent most of my life shy and quiet, so this whole thing has been outside my comfort zone.  I got butterflies and anxiety at almost every step, I wish I could say that went away with repeated exposure, but it doesn't.  And if you truly feel an idea has merit, pursue it and don't listen to anyone saying it can't be done.  And honestly, even if this project failed or wasn't well-received, that would be a bummer, but I would still have the experience, and have met all these great people, and have learned so much.  That alone would have made it worthwhile and nobody can take that away from you.

I would like to thank Lorien for sharing her passion for board games with all of us and for giving us a little insight into what makes her such a great geek mom.  You can purchase Going Cardboard through many friendly local game stores, the Going Cardboard website, and Amazon.  For Local readers, Going Cardboard will be a screening at Myriad Games in Manchester, NH this Saturday April 21st at 6:00 PM.  Come join us and meet the woman behind this amazing look at table top gaming. You can also keep up with Lorien on Twitter @LorienGreen.

Calliope Games: Not Your Average Game Company

Like my motto states, I'm a Mommy by Day...Gamer by Night! (Well, at least when my son goes to bed on time.  We have been struggling with bedtime lately, but that's a subject for another post.)

So, what does that mean for my game closet?  What it means is that I have a new view of the games we buy.  When I look over a new game, I am not only looking for a fun game that's innovative and elegant, but a game that is also easy to set up, quick to play (around 30 minutes), and plays well with 2 players.  As my son grows, I am also beginning to look for games that he can play along with us.

As all parents know, there is a precious amount of time for families to spend together and even less for mommy and daddy to be alone and relax.  Usually it is that tiny little window between the kids' bedtime and mom and dad collapsing on the couch.  I have found that this is anywhere between 2-3 hours, and it still includes tidying up after the kids are asleep.  That is not a very large window to pull out a game and play. But hope is not lost!

A new company has surfaced with parents and families in mind.  At Gen Con this year I had the opportunity to talk with Ray Wehrs, president of Calliope Games.  Their mission is to provide games that get kids and parents together for face-to-face entertainment.  To do this, their games play in under 60 minutes, support 2 or more players, are easy to learn, and work well with a wide range of ages.  And here's the best part.  They make games that are fun for both adults and kids to play together!  It's not a case of parents needing to dumb down the rules or for kids to feel frustrated that they can't play and win.  These games are designed for both kids and adult to feel challenged and motivated to improve their strategies.

A great example of this philosophy can be seen in their first game, Tsuro: The Game of the Path.  Some of you may be familiar with this fun tile laying game.  The rules are simple: Place a tile and follow the path.  The last person left on the board wins!  The challenge is to keep your stone away from danger and to send the other stones on a path to the edge.  It sounds easier than it is, and for those who like puzzles and mazes, this is a great game.

Ray showed me three other games that are hitting your local game store shelves with the same great mission: Fun for Everyone!

Double Double Dominoes is a new approach to traditional dominoes.  More like a combination of dominoes and scrabble.  Players score points by matching their dominoes to spaces on the board.  Probably the most challenging of Calliope's games, this is a great one for older kids and for mom and dad to play together over dessert.  A 5-6 player expansion is in the works as well and can be expected to hit stores in 2012. 

Got 'Em! turned out to be an addictively fun game for me.  Again the rules are simple.  You try to wall in your opponent while keeping your own pawn out of harms way.  There are two modes to the game offering slightly different levels of luck vs. strategy.







In Brainy Got 'Em, players are forced to use what? Their brains of course! And corner their opponents by outsmarting them.  On your turn you place a wall and move your pawn 1 plus the number of walls that surround you.  Simple, right!

 

Your other option is to play Bright Got 'Em.  In this version, cards are used to determine your movement and wall placement.  Each card tells you what color square you may place a wall on and the number of spaces you may move.  There are even some cards that allow you to remove walls and improve your escape.  This version is slightly more luck based since you will be relying on the cards to determine where you may place walls and move.  Both modes are great fun and don't be surprised if you get beat by your kids!

The final game that Ray showed me was the most animated of them all.  For those of you who love Munchkin and the art of John Kovalic, this game will make you giggle with delight.  Ugh! is a push your luck card game set in the Stone Age.  You each play as a cavemen collecting cards that represent your jobs, pets, and homes, but be careful for the dreaded Ugh! cards (which is exactly what you will say when you draw one!)  Everyone takes turns drawing up to 3 cards and scoring sets.  The player with the most points when the deck runs out wins!

To here our interview with Ray from Gen Con

Click Here!

So as you begin thinking about family gatherings this fall, consider picking up some of these great titles from Calliope Games at your Friendly Professional Games Store.  Give them a try!  You won't be disappointed.

Interview with Reiner Knizia

Dr. Reiner Knizia is a master game designer, and we had the opportunity to speak with him during Gen Con 2011.  We met at the Lego booth to learn a little more about his involvement with Lego's new board games.

Listen to the whole interview HERE

 "What fascinates me the most is actually (Lego's) approach to say, uh, first of all we build the game, that's typical Lego. Now it's new, we play with the game. But then comes a very creative part, and then we change the game. So, there's always an invitation in each role of the game...because we are Lego you can rebuild the board you can rebuild the figures, you can redo the rules." -Reiner Knizia

 

"Of course it isn't a wooden die, it is a Lego die...In some of the games the die actually changes while you play." - Reiner Knizia

Dan: "So, they are encouraging future game designers. After they play, they can become the next Reiner Knizia."
Reiner: "Yes, why not?"


There is no doubt that Reiner is passionate about games.  His love for games and certain individual themes can be seen in many of his titles including, Star Trek Expeditions from Wizkids, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings board game from Fantasy Flight Games, and Ramses Pyramid and Ramses Return from Lego.  To hear more about Reiner and his games, stay tuned for the new Board Game Documentary: Going Cardboard coming soon from Lorien Green.