Web Series at SXSW 2013!

I Hate Tommy Finch, a web series, that I helped shoot is getting some play at South by Southwest in Austin this year!  So, if you're in the area, check out the #OUTlanders program at #SXSW.  I'm excited that it's roaming around out there, gettin' more exposure.  It's a great story that was lots of fun to work on.  The live play was absolutely amazing, and it's incredible to see it molded into video & music as a web series--really artistic, transmedia storytelling, fast forward thinkin' of Tellofilms and the lovelies, King is a Fink.

Lets watch the video sneak peek together, again:  Sneak Peek--I Hate Tommy Finch Episode 3

The music of Sami Grisafe and Shannon Nicole was out-of-this-world perfect. You can listen to the incredible tune, Atlantis, on Spotify!  I like to think of it as a little song-story about our recent adventure to California.  I was scared to swim, but my fearless Mariela convinced me that she would teach me how.  We're workin out the details after getting here, [to Atlantis].

And, eh hem...I must admit that one of my greatest film shoot moments, yet... eating sandwiches during a break with Nicole Pacent at the bar...in her bra. I couldn't formulate one intelligible sentence and I was too nervous to finish my sandwich. What can I say:

"I am at heart, a gentleman." --Marlene Dietrich

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This City is Ab Fab

A few weeks ago, we were exploring in the city--stumbling over all the amazing newness of San Francisco.  We had a little time to kill waiting for a friend when we found Crepes on Cole...an adorable little crepe place that was open late with a nice, casual, neighborhood feel.  As we sat down we overheard a small group of women chatting away about Ab Fab.  One of the women was explaining all that is...PATSY.  She was doing a terrific job summing up her newfound excitement about this series we've obsessed over since the late 90's.  It was so refreshing to hear.  People talking about actually interesting things?  Hell, people talking at all is a huge advance from Chicago.  Everyone was so concerned with remaining invisible there--walking the streets with this vibe of please don't look at me, or even notice me.  I know, I know...we are a little over the top, so the difference was just so glaring. It just feels so right here.  I can't explain it in words... the friendly people waiting in line at the Treasure Island Flea...talking to you because why not

the courtesy driving--stopping to actually let you in

the way strangers instincts are to just smile at you

the way people dress and act exactly like they want, not looking for your approval...

It's extremely exciting to MOVE to a place you've never been!  It's a constant surprise.  I was so over living in the city (Chicago, that is).  I just didn't want the dirty filth of negativity covering me anymore. The sidewalks like treadmills of people looking straight down, ready to run right into you, and often times stepping right into your shoes!  I didn't expect to love San Francisco, not like this.  I mean, I knew we would find amazing adventure in it.  But this is pure love.  I didn't expect a city park that could dwarf a small town--the wilderness and life so blooming everywhere.  I honestly don't know what took me so long to make it here--other than my own fear of leaving home.  And yes, I miss everyone.  Everyone.  But I know that this journey is just beginning and each day that passes, it becomes more and more home.  I love building it here.

A few of our recent highlights, exploring the city with our new Zeiss lens:

We were lost in the Presidio, enjoying the smooth-vibe, driving of SF. The tunnels, the lights, the wilderness in a city...and BOOM--there was The Bridge.  We took an exit and there she stood, like she was waiting for us.  Quiet and still, nothing going on...but a beautiful spot to enjoy the Bay.

Since I was a kid, I dreamed of just seeing the studio where Stevie Nicks recorded Rumours.  Mariela and her outstanding sleuthing and navigating, took us right to her doors.  It was a small victory, but it just felt like we were finally here.  Amazing.  As I opened the windows and sunroof and kicked up my stereo playing the demo tracks from the Rumours outtakes, it was like you were transported to 1977 and Stevie was wearing her big headphones singing her heart out and the sounds filled the thick forest of trees in that little cove in Sausalito.  I'm sure Mick's drums filled that canyon, now covered in multi-millions dollar homes...

Sorcerer, Stevie's song, was actually demo recorded before Rumours, but we felt it fitting for this shot. Maybe our California plate will be a Rumours track! They are all fitting: Dreams, Never Going Back Again, Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way, The Chain, Gold Dust Woman...hahaha.

So as the weekend draws near, I get antsy anticipation to just breathe the air of San Francisco and I look forward to finding our way into her gates again...

 

And remember...it all drains to the bay around here.

Frame BY Endless Frame Time Lapse

I started thinking...what has been my favorite thing to film? I mean, so far. I have to say that filming time-lapse in Maine on vacation with my hilarious extended family. Sure, maybe it's because it was such a quiet, clean, calm morning at the colony--one of my very favorite places on earth.  It was my love of purist, photography --brought to life with motion. It's superb, while not true "frame-by-frame." So zooming in for higher resolution isn't an option! Fast forward to this week, I started in...fighting with Magic Lantern on my Canon 60D again. The problem has been audio with my Zoom h4n using the Sescom cable. I found the breakthrough that I needed (this helpful audio forum) and we set out for Treasure Island to record actual frame by frame time lapse (using the intervelometer of ML)!

It was the perfect end to a perfect day @ the Treasure Island Flea.

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365 Days...

Grrr, I have so many projects going these days with trying to get my freelance business more off the ground, the demo reel that I'm working on, all the other short films, not to mention a giant documentary project.  So I'm feeling somewhat frustrated by the 365 Days photo project that I started. It's a combination of things really.  I guess I feel kinda silly that the pictures have to include me.  Don't get me wrong, I love posing for the camera, but it just seems harder right now.  So much is going on.  And a big part of it is that I have a new manual focus lens which means that it's almost impossible to pull focus on myself, from a far.  It's just too much.  I love photography, but I'm finding that I don't like rules with it.

I've been focusing so much on editing and motion design that I feel like a movie a week of something edited would be more satisfying, and still extremely difficult.  Or a doodle or drawing a day, now that my wacom actually has a tip that is perfect!

We'll see.  I hate being a quitter about anything, but I also don't want to spend a lot of my time posting pictures that my heart is not in...

Best Camera Strap Ever.

I love the innovative film gear that spawns from Kickstarter projects! I'm such a sucker for'em. So when I stumbled across the new Leash & Cuff project I had to jump on. I've been using a Luma sling and I love it, but it doesn't do what I need it to do...stay safely at my side so that I can enjoy life, live in my surroundings without being sidetracked by my camera's whereabouts at all times. I like spontaneous photography and documentary clips, but that's not easy when your camera is a burden. After upgrading my primary shooting lens to the incredible Zeiss 35mm f2, I was concerned about my luma sling--letting my camera bounce around. Enter the Leash by Peak Designs! It's absolutely perfect, in every way. It is constructed of thin seatbelt material that glides perfectly over your clothing--to pull quickly for a shot. But the multiple spot configuration options (strap, sling from the bottom, sling on the side & bottom) makes it perfect for getting your camera in the best spot for YOU. You can also stick your foot in it or wrap it around your belt for stabilizing a shot or shooting video. It's tremendous.

When I throw my camera in a bag, this strap is so soft and slim that I can just let it fall on top...and then she's ready to grab and go!

20121231-091650.jpgI'm concerned that the little bobble clip connectors are going to weaken on the strap...but as long as its not too quickly--I'll just buy another.

I also grabbed a Capture clip with my pledge...and it's just as awesome. I haven't used it as much because the strap is best suited for my usual style, but it's mounted on my Kata bag in waiting for a good mission...say San Francisco Chinatown!?

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Back to 3D photo editing! Wheeee!

We Shipped Our Hearts to San Francisco

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Whew! Starting out on my own freelancing is a big undertaking.  We've crossed so many barriers to get here and I'm glad to report that we are finally "settled" in the San Francisco Bay Area!  My only regret is that I didn't come out here sooner.  It is truly a magnificent place. I've lived a lot of different places and I've never called them home.  This...this is our home.

Please be patient as I get our new site up and running.  I have loads of new projects coming.  Shipping our storage pods across country was a bit of a puzzle to put back together.  But we're here...we're buying the equipment that we've spent years preparing for and I can't wait to show you what we can do with it.

If you've never shot with a Carl Zeiss lens, I highly recommend it.  We upgraded to a 35mm F2 and I cannot take it off my camera.  It's amazing. Lights? Who needs 'em with this fast of a lens. (Which is fortunate since one of my bulbs crashed to the ground and broke during a shoot at work before I left Chicago!)

Also on the horizon is a new Leash & Capture from Peak Designs. I'm thrilled because I carry my camera everywhere.  Surprisingly, I want to do weird things like hike and climb mountains now that there is just so incredibly much to see...

And last, but certainly not least...we're anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Rhino Carbon Slider!!!  I love photography gear Kickstarters, what can I say.

I can say: I love you San Francisco. Every single part of you.  You were worth the wait.