[flickr id=”8364114406″ thumbnail=”medium” overlay=”true” size=”original” group=”” align=”none”]

How’s your break been? My time away from Columbia College Chicago has been enlightening. Do you ever find yourself planted on the couch, eyes glued to the television, just vegging out? Winter break is a great time for that. Because we’re in the golden age of television, it’s my prerogative—no, it’s my duty—to sample the quality programming.

One of my favorite shows for the moment is Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. Weird, huh? I used to feel guilty about sitting in front of the ole boob tube watching her butcher the English language…but no more. Honey Boo Boo isn’t just entertainment; Honey Boo Boo is an education.

[flickr id=”8363095421″ thumbnail=”medium” overlay=”true” size=”original” group=”” align=”none”]

I recently shot a documentary, and now I have to figure out the best way present it. Could it be a reality show? Maybe. Earlier in the semester, we were taught that everything is a remix. That means we use something familiar and then put our own twist on it. A show like Honey Boo Boo gives insight on the reality television format. It’s a great template for what people want to see and how they want to see it. So yes…Boo Boo is educational.

[flickr id=”8364161614″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”true” size=”original” group=”” align=”none”]

I didn’t just see the “remix” effect on television. It’s the foundation of film. In fact, some of the most popular movies are remixes. I just saw Django Unchained to see what all the hype was about. I’ve always had mixed reactions to Quentin Tarantino since the Pulp Fiction days. When I heard about the movie, I figured it was either the over-the-top brilliance or over-the-top exploitation. It was surprising how much I enjoyed it. I appreciated his homage to spaghetti westerns, specifically the original Django. It was a reinvention. It was a successful remix.

[flickr id=”8363096085″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”true” size=”original” group=”” align=”none”]

Honey Boo Boo and Django Unchained are not true originals. Although they are copies of other projects, they are successful. The thing is you don’t have to put pressure on yourself to be creative. These are lessons you can take anywhere. Remix your projects. Remix your application. Focus, expand, and reinterpret what you know. You can do it.