By Gemma Jacob

Even though Anyone But Me has not released a new episode since last summer, the medium of the webseries has meant that our favourite characters and storylines are never too far. And, it seems, ABM is never too far from the minds of those handing out the awards either. 2012 has already seen our much loved ABM receive some always deserved accolades. First was an award for Best Web Drama from TV.com, voted for by the public. And just this last week, the International Academy of Web Television (IAWTV) awarded Susan Miller and Tina Cesa Ward Best Writing (Drama) and Rachael Hip-Flores Best Female Performance (Drama).

That the show is still being recognised speaks volumes for the high regard the industry and as always the fans, have for ABM. It is fitting that the year in which we will see the finale of a show that has earned fans around the world starts off with everyone acknowledging what we all know, that it is superbly written and extremely well acted.

We’d like to say congratulations to all of the TV.Com and IAWTV Award winners, and especially the ABM team. If you missed the broadcast then you can catch the IAWTV Awards online:

By Gemma Jacob

Three little words. Three little words can often change the course of your day. Three little words can make you smile, “You look pretty.” Or they can make you feel like a little kid, “Clean your room!” Three little words is what we want you to give to ABM in return for everything they have given you, and that is why we are launching the ‘Thank You ABM’ Project.

I know that everyone is busy and it is difficult to find time but all we need is five minutes of your time. The idea is simple. We want you to make a sign; it doesn’t have to be very big, with three simple words: Thank you ABM. Then, take a picture. That’s all. You don’t even have to be in the picture if you don’t want to be.

You can be as creative as you want to be. Write it on a post-it. If you happen to be by a beach, or a nice bit of fresh snow, write it in the ground. Make a collage from letters taken from magazines. Spell it out with something – pens, sticks, if your friends are so inclined, get them to spell it out using their bodies. Write it with alphabet spaghetti. Or simply write it on whatever piece of paper is next to you. If you get really stuck and can’t find a piece of paper or a pen that works and you’re on Twitter then just tweet us your thanks @ABMFans with the #ThankYouABM hashtag and we’ll get it. The possibilities are endless.

Here are a few quick examples of what you could do:

Once you have taken a photo of your sign, e-mail it to us at info@anyonebutmefans.com, along with your name and location and we will put them together for the Anyone But Me peeps.

ABM has given me so much in the last 3yrs, I am sure I am not the only one who can say that, and I would hope that you will find the time to take part in the ‘Thank You ABM’ Project. We do not have a date yet for when ABM will show its final episode but if you could please get your pictures to us as soon as possible. We would hate for you to not be a part of giving one of the best shows online (or anywhere else for that matter) a proper send off.

So get making those signs. We can’t wait to see them.

Some of the greatest stories ever told revolve around friendships – Batman and Robin, Buffy and The Scoobies, Bert and Ernie. Often lasting longer than any romantic relationships, the friendships survive and provide the support that is needed to get through everything that life throws at them. These relationships can often be the most important of our lives, often forged in adversity and at times when we seek nothing more than for someone to understand and accept who we are.

Many of the friendships in ABM offer the respective partnerships support in advice in that pivotal period of adolescence when our favourite characters are trying to learn who it is they are. The decisions they are having to make feel overwhelming and it is the person they can turn to for advice – even when it is not always what they want to hear, that help them through it.

Here is a look at some of our favourite ABM partnerships:

Archibald and Vivian

Defining moment:

Aster: “You’re certainly going above and beyond by keeping her secret.”
Archibald: “It’s not like that. Vivian’s my friend. I don’t need to justify that by, “She’s gay.” That’s ignorant.”

My personal favourite duo, I have loved Vivian and Arch’s friendship ever since she walked into the Principal’s Office certain that she wasn’t supposed to be in boys’ gym. From the moment she recognised his Green Lantern drawings she immediately earned cool points with him culminating in the coolest of all geek endeavours – the development of their own comic strip.

Arch has proven himself to be a true friend to Vivian, someone to keep her company as they purge their respective sorrows with cheeseburgers as well as keeping her own life private without ever seeking explanations. Vivian in turn has offered Arch advice as he has tried to navigate the difficult terrain of the teenage crush.

Both feeling like outsiders in the small town they inhabit, it is not difficult to understand why they form a fast and true friendship. In each other they see a person trying to find acceptance for who they are, without compromise. That their defining moment is in a scene that Vivian isn’t even in goes to show that even when not in each other’s presence, they are there for each other.

They accept each other, wholly and completely. Neither asks that they be anything but themselves, and at a time when that seems to be so difficult, friendships like these are the most important.

Breck and Aster

Defining moment:

Aster: “Do you think I like not talking to her? Damn it this is the problem. She’s gone. I’m here.”
Breck: “She’s a half an hour away.”

If Archibald is the Butch Cassidy to Vivian’s Sundance Kid, then Breck is definitely the Woody to Aster’s Buzz Lightyear. The often put upon best friend, charged with keeping the impetuous Aster out of trouble following Vivian’s departure to Westchester, Breck sometimes has an impossible task.

Though we don’t see much of Breck we get the impression that there is not much that happens in Aster’s life that he is not aware of. He knows her inside out, and knows what is best for her, and is not afraid to tell her. This is the exactly the type of friend that Aster needs. When she loses focus, when she lets her fears stop her, Breck is there to remind her of what is important.

For her part, I think Aster helps to keep Breck’s life interesting. Everyone needs a bit of drama in their life, and whilst Aster’s may be more than most can handle, I think that when it comes down to it, Aster is the sort of friend that would put everything on the line for you. She is someone with big emotions, and so the more calm and reserved Breck balances her perfectly.

Jodie and Gabe

Defining moment:

Jodie: “You have disability, and pension. You don’t need to work.”
Gabe: “Yeah I do. I don’t know who I am like this. So yeah I do.”
Jodie: “You’re the dispatch for Sunshine Taxi and there’s a traffic jam. Passengers cursing you out. No free vehicles. It’s rush hour, and your first day.”

It isn’t just the kids whose friendships are important on ABM. The partnership formed by Jodie and Gabe is just as important, and also as supportive as any of the friendships of the younger characters. These two people have come together to try and raise Vivian in a loving home, albeit a less conventional family setup.

Jodie has to give up the lifestyle she has grown accustomed to when her niece and ex-brother in law move in, and Gabe, probably for the first time, has to depend on someone else. Jodie has never had to take on a parental role and for so long it was just Gabe and Vivian. Both of them are learning as the seasons progress to be in each other’s lives and trying to support each other along the way.

Jodie’s anger at Gabe after Vivian comes out to her is because she is incredibly hurt. She thought that they were a team; that they were doing this together, and for him to have kept something so key to who Vivian is feels like a betrayal.

It is not just in adolescence that we need people there who we can trust. Jodie and Gabe show that the friendships we have even in later life can be equally important. That need for support and reassurance that you are at the very least not making things worse, is always present. It is their ability to let the other figure things out in their often humorous, and unique way which makes this friendship so necessary.

Sophie and Vivian

Defining moment:

Sophie: “Cool idea, trying to uncover everyone’s secrets.”
Vivian: “It’s a truth finding mission, for the good of humanity.”
Sophie: “Seriously? You don’t see how this is hypocritical? I’m just saying; before you go giving people up why don’t you start with yourself?”

A somewhat controversial choice, at least from my point of view. I am not sure how good a friend you are if you end up kissing your friend in front of her girlfriend, who you most likely know to be prone to over reaction. Inappropriate kissing aside, even I cannot deny that Sophie and Vivian’s friendship does what the very best of friendships should do – push you to be better.

It is her friendship with Vivian, someone who knew her before she became the popular girl in school, which allows Sophie to see her once again as someone other than the quarterback’s girlfriend. She is able to confide in Vivian and is not afraid of showing her insecurities. When Vivian finds out who Sophie’s secret relationship was with she does not judge her, and when Sophie comes back inevitably heartbroken Vivian offers nothing but comfort.

For whatever reason, and it is open to speculation, it is only when Sophie calls Vivian out for being a hypocrite that Vivian makes the decision to come out to Aunt Jodie. This was an important step for Vivian, and its significance is not lost on Aster, especially when she finds out the impetus for Vivian’s disclosure.

At the opening of S3 Sophie and Vivian are unsure of where their friendship stands. Neither of them is sure what they want, but they know that they do not want to lose each other’s friendship. So instead they provide each other the unconditional support to be who they are and to make all the mistakes they need to. Knowing that your friend will be there no matter how badly you mess up makes life, let alone your teenage years, that little bit less scary.

With the Americans just finishing their Thanksgiving celebrations and so many of us ending the denial that the Holiday Season is upon us and getting into the festive spirit, it is time to remember what this season is really about. Namely, being thankful for everything that has brought a smile to our faces and celebrating every good thing in our lives.

I know that this year brought every ABM fan what they wanted – Season 3, and exactly what they didn’t want – news that after three seasons, ABM would end next year. However, it will not end without giving us one last final dose of everything ABM that we have come to love. Whilst I cannot be happy that it is ending, I am glad that ABM will be given the opportunity to end as the writers would like it to – thanks in large part to the donations of all the ABM fans around the world who once again came through for the show and proved how much they love their ABM.

We will hopefully be returning in the New Year with fortnightly updates once again on the run up to the ABM Finale, with a few surprises thrown in here and there as well as our continued look at some of the greatest moments of ABM so keep sending in your suggestions. If we can catch a few ABMers we will also hopefully bring you some new interviews too.

For now, we would like to wish Happy Holidays to all the ABM Fans out there; and of course to the ABM Family. However you and yours celebrate the holidays, even if you don’t usually celebrate them at all, I hope that the festive feelings sweep you up in the very best of the season.

Much love and festive cheer to you all!

Gem & Tricia

Even though they haven’t been on our screens in ABM it doesn’t mean that the ABMers have not been busy on other projects. If you don’t know about these projects then make sure that you put aside a few moments over the holidays to make sure that you do.

Good People in Love (Available NOW)

The webseries centred around a dinner party on the night the decision on whether to allow same-sex marriage in New York, Good People in Love, is now finally live. If the subject matter wasn’t of interest enough, then the fact that it is written, directed, and produced by Tina Cesa Ward and stars, none other than ABM’s very own, Rachael Hip-Flores, should certainly peak your interest. Taking different views on marriage and love, as always Tina’s writing is insightful, and the cast she has assembled to tell this story is wonderful. Make sure to check it out on blip.tv now!

I Hate Tommy Finch (January 2012)

For a lucky few in the Chicago area, including our very own Tricia Richards, they were able to catch Nicole Pacent in TelloFilms’ production of ‘I Hate Tommy Finch’. A “When Harry Met Sally for she-gays” story, IHTF follows Alyssa and Stephanie’s 20 year friendship as they grow up, come out, and get together; although perhaps not in that order.

However, the rest of us need not despair as a webseries of the show will be out early next year. If you have some how managed to miss all of the talk about IHTF then take a look at the trailer and join the rest of us eagerly awaiting the new year.

The Grand Design (Available NOW)

Anyone missing Susan Miller’s writing can also now purchase the short film she wrote, ‘The Grand Design’ on iTunes. The story of a mother and her poet-scientist son who has been tasked with writing the next message transmitted into space for alien civilizations to let them know that we are here. Directed by and starring Eric Stoltz (yes, the same Eric Stoltz that loves his ABM and graced many an 80s’ screen in movies such as ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ and has recently directed episodes for a show you may have heard of, Glee). ‘The Grand Design’ also stars acting treasure, and one of the best mothers there has ever been on American television, Frances Conroy.


Guards of Dagmar (Coming Soon)

If you are waiting to see Tina and Rachael stretch their geek abilities – because anyone who knows anything about them knows they have them, then the wait will soon be over. The teaser trailer for Guards of Dagmar has been released and can be seen on the show’s website. Hopefully the webseries will not be too far behind. Tell me you’re not excited at the idea of Rachael Hip-Flores being an extra-terrestrial guardian sent to protect a short order diner cook!

Whilst we wait for more news on the ABM series finale I am sure that many an ABM fan around the world is re-watching the previous seasons in eager anticipation. If you are not, then take this as the perfect excuse to do just that.

The three seasons of ABM have given us so many moments where we yelled at our screens or whooped in happiness. Yes, I freely admit to doing both of these actions on several occasions. Over the next few months,  right up to the lead of the series finale, we will be taking a closer look at some of your memorable moments and how you reacted to all of them.

Whether it was the bookstore in the Season One finale, Jonathan and Sterns’ “bro-mance”, Elisabeth slamming into Archibald’s locker, Sophie and Vivian’s kiss, Aster’s sessions with Dr. Glass, Vivian coming out to Aunt Jodie, or any of the moments in between, let us know here or in the Forum. Even though the episodes are often less than ten minutes, ABM has given us so much over the years.

We will compile a list of all your memorable moments and see if we can come up with the most memorable moment, although I am sure that since ABM means so many things to so many different people it will be hard to decide on just one. So get watching and tell us which ABM moments remained with you, and why.

Can’t wait to hear about your ABM moments!

There is definitely something about October that makes me smile. Not only is it the start of my favourite season, when the leaves start to turn a multitude of colours and the air starts to feel a little bit crisper, it is also the month I get to celebrate the birth of some of my favourite people – and quite a few of them happen to be ABM people.

In October we get to celebrate the birthdays of not one, but three, of our lovely ABM cast and crew – Alexis Slade, Rachael Hip-Flores, and Tina Cesa Ward. I am sure that many of you already greeted both Alexis and Rachael on their birthdays, and will also send birthday wishes to Tina (her birthday is on October 27^th for those who can’t find their diaries) on her special day.

We would like to wish all three lovely ladies a collective Happy Birthday. Hoping that whatever the coming year has in store for them it will bring many smiles, much success, and copious amounts of happiness.

Here’s a rather shameless plea for funds, but if you wanted to give the ladies a present then I am sure that they would be happy to direct any monies to the series finale fundraiser. I know that you want to give your ABM a proper send off so why not contribute whatever you can spare to help make that happen:

By Gemma Jacob

We all know that ABM is coming to end, but the fans are being given one final opportunity to help the show. Unlike the web-a-thon for S3, the finale episode will happen no matter how much is raised by the fans, however anything you can give will be a huge boost to the show. Please read the message below from ABM goddesses Susan Miller and Tina Cesa Ward then click on the link to give what you can. No matter how big or how small the donation, please do what you can to give the show the send off it deserves.

Dear Friends of “Anyone But Me,”

After three seasons with 11 million views worldwide and the first ever Writers Guild of America Award for original new media, as well as many other awards, we are bringing the series to an end with one last episode. Anyone But Me has made history and changed lives. People write to us and say they wish there had been something like this when they were young, or that the show gave them the courage to come out to their parents. There are all night viewing marathons and ABM addicts everywhere.

We have the most loyal, passionate and loving fans any show could hope for.

And that’s why we want to give Anyone But Me the send off it deserves by producing a special Series Finale.

But, we need your help.  So, we’re reaching out for your support to help us make history again by contributing whatever you can to our final production.

We hope to shoot in January or February. Our amazing cast is all in! So, any amount you can help us raise will go a long way towards realizing our goal.

We’ll be posting updates and information on our progress to our website, Facebook & Twitter.

Gratefully,

Susan Miller and Tina Cesa Ward

Executive Producers

You can use the link below or on our sidebar on the right to donate, or you can go to the main Anyone But Me site. Thank you.

With the news of what is happening with ABM still leaving many going from a state of happiness at its return to despair in the knowledge that it is ending, we are all still in need of our ABM-related fix. So whilst we wait for more news of how ABM will bid farewell it gives us plenty of time to see what else those hard-working ABMers have been up to:

I Hate Tommy Finch (October 14-16 – Chicago)

An important date for you Nicole Pacent fans (and let’s face it, who’s not a fan?) is drawing close. If you can be in the Chicago area then I hope you have booked tickets to the live performance of I Hate Tommy Finch. A “When Harry Met Sally for she-gays” story, IHTF follows Alyssa and Stephanie’s 20 year friendship as they grow up, come out, and get together; although perhaps not in that order.

Book your tickets and sign up to the blog for lots of wonderful tips on where to stay and what to do whilst you’re in town for the show:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/190758

For everyone not in the Chicago area the show will be on tellofilms.com and we will provide details once we know them. Don’t forget to follow TelloFilms on Twitter to keep updated with IHTF news. If you’re not already following Nicole then I have no idea what that’s about!

Good People in Love (Coming Soon)

If her work on Guards of Dagmar wasn’t enough, Tina has somehow managed to find time to create the mini-series Good People in Love.

Set on the historic day in which legislation passed in New York to allow same sex couples in New York to marry, Good People in Love takes two different views on marriage and love. I am sure it will not only prove to be relevant but also once again leave us in nothing but awe of Tina’s many talents.

The cast will include not only ABM favourite, Rachael Hip-Flores, but another web sensation, Seeking Simone’s very own Renee Olbert. Joining them are Steven Alexander, Heather Leonard, Megan Melnyk, and Jesse Wakeman.

Be sure to follow Good People in Love on Twitter and like them on Facebook. This is one mini-series you will not want to miss.

Josh Holland Helps You to Stay in Shape

If you’ve looked at any fitness sites in the last few months or picked up a fitness magazine you shouldn’t have been surprised if you came across a familiar face. Josh has been busy getting clients into shape and shares his jump rope tips in these articles:

The Jump Rope Workout

Madonna’s Personal Trainer Praises Jump Roping

Who says jump rope should be left in the playground? If it’s good enough for Rocky and Madonna who are we to argue?

Remember to follow him on Twitter to see his latest workout videos as well as liking him on Facebook or on his YouTube channel: Josh Holland Workout.

By Gemma Jacob

When I saw something on Anyone But Me’s Facebook a few weeks ago about an important announcement in the works a little part of me jumped in excitement. Okay, a big part of me jumped in very covert excitement. In my mind, against possibly my better judgement knowing the current financial climate and knowing that sometimes miracles don’t happen, this announcement would be that ABM had found a sponsor. Some company had figured out how they could use ABM to market their product or a smart network exec had seen the promise in the show we have always believed in and decided to take a chance on the little show that could. Such is my faith in the show, and I suppose my naivety, I thought the news would be that ABM had found a way to go on.

If you have not heard the news by now I do not know where you have been, for surely every ABM fan knows that last week the announcement was made that ABM would return. However, it will only return in order to give the show we have come to love a fitting end. Yes, after 25 episodes in which the very best conspired to make me and millions of ABM fans around the world smile, ABM is to end. The series finale in which all of the original cast – and yes I hope this means Archibald because I know we’ve missed him, will hopefully be filmed early next year.

Perhaps I am taking this news more badly than anyone outside of the immediate ABM family, or maybe I am allowing myself to indulge a little. At this news though I think I am allowed a little indulgence. I know that millions of fans around the world have been affected by the stories told through ABM. We know that the themes of identity and struggling to find your place are universal and timeless and the careful and considered way in which these issues were dealt with are amongst the reasons why ABM has come to mean so much to so many. It is no exaggeration on my part to say that I feel an incredible loss of self knowing that ABM is to end. Not only did the show give me so many stories and characters I could relate to, it changed me.

My life is better for having had ABM in my life, not just the friendships I have made and come to treasure – with the cast and crew especially, but also with other fans I have met through the show. I have said more than once, and no doubt I will repeat myself again, that my life would not be what it is without the show. I have gone beyond what I thought what my limits were and I have, in ABM Fans, not only found an endeavour I enjoy but also one that has challenged me. I will take this opportunity, the first of many, to thank all of the cast and crew for giving us three seasons of such a truly wonderful show.

I am incredibly happy that ABM will be back, and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that whatever it is Susan and Tina have in store for us it will be nothing but brilliant. I know too that it is not the last I will hear from anyone involved in this show, this collection of talent cannot be quiet for long. However, an end is still an end, and no matter how perfectly crafted the story, no matter how sublime the acting, it will be the very definition of bittersweet.