Thursday, December 25, 2008

I had to have a Top 10 List too!


After reading dozens upon dozens of lists that rank everything from the best sports moments to the best indie songs, and even the worst celebrities, I felt it was appropriate to have a top list of My favorite things of 2008 that made Pop Culture History!

10. Google and the Smart Phone
Has taken over my Blackberry and the thought process of millions... no longer are there questions of "How many Superbowls did the Washington Redskins win?" it's the question of who can type it into their QWERTY phone fastest on google...
9. The Return of the Superhero
You have to admit, Iron Man and Batman kicked some serious ass this summer, and have the box-office $ to prove it.
8. The Singer Songwriter
Jason Mraz, Sara Bariellis, and those lesser known folk like Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers
7. Apple
The company has taken over the world, my life, and my friends, one laptop at a time.
6. Live Sporting Events
TV has found life, not in finale shows of reality tv junk, but in the greatest battles ever to be seen. Who didn't cry with Michael Phelps' mom? or want to rip of Rafael Nadal's shirt? or give Tiger Woods a shoulder to lean on?
5. Rockin' Fashion
I haven't seen teens look this good in decades. Thank god sweaters and skinny jeans are in instead of tube tops and mini skirts! (Bye Bye Uggs... you're not cool enough to play guitar in)


4. The Belting Diva
I don't pay very often to listen to music, or whole albums for that matter, but I have to say releases by Jennifer Hudson, Leona Lewis, and Beyonce were pleasant surprises to my iTunes account, and now the Genius Bar thinks I'm Black.
3. Facebook
Although it's been redesigned, it has kept my life organized, and fully informed when my friends are upset by the result of a game or even do crazy things like get married or have a baby.
2. Ladies
From Beyonce, to Sarah Palin, and the Sex and the City foursome, Females everywhere strutted their stuff, broke through barriers, and looked FAB doing so!




1. Politics
No matter what side of the aisle you're on or whether you dance in the middle, you live, breathed, and talked endlessly about it for at least 3 months this year.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Sunday, September 21, 2008

I may not be updating this very often

I'm currently employed to the point where I have NO idea what city I'll be in from day to day...
I apologize!

Monday, September 15, 2008

I'm published on Newsweek!

It's been weeks coming
but the first installment of my Jonas Brothers Story is here!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

I want to give thanks

Thanks Ourstage
and Thanks Tim Be Told for the great opportunity your music has given me :)

Thursday, September 4, 2008

I won an internet contest? Wha??

There seems to be a million and two sites online for uploading video, music, etc and then being able to share it with the world, have others judge it and of course comment to their hearts delight.

And so in completion of the Gravity's Hold music video, I uploaded it to a couple of sights that coincided with the band's promotion as well as my own. This was easily over a month ago.

And then one day I get an email from ourstage.com that says I've made it into the quarterfinals of August's video competition. I think it's a fluke.
So I checkout ourstage.com, and see what's up and Gravity's Hold is number 1 on pop videos...
I also this is false, and attempt to reload the page because I don't believe my eyes.

Turns out, without absolutely no promotion, never looking at the site since I first went on, Gravity's Hold held strong to it's number one spot and in fact beat out ALL other videos for the month of August, winning the grandprize!


To check out the rest of the winner's for the month and the Grandprize feature spot go here:

http://www.ourstage.com/winners/2008/8


Also check out a review on the ourstage blog here: http://www.ourstage.com/profile/danielpalmer/posts/45

Thanks to all of those who voted and supported!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

I am proud to be a Wahoo


You always watch tennis on TV and somehow out of a ball being hit back and fourth on the court there's a narrative. Tennis is a mental sport, so it's almost the emotion and the drama of the sport's ups and downs that overshadow the shear athletic talent to hit something over 100 miles per hour on a consistent basis. Play after play, then a victorious winner, and the player looks up to their respective box for approval and a moment to share in the glory. I've always wanted to be in one of those boxes, and none of my family is talented enough to get there... so I knew my next bet would be either 1) marry a tennis star... (I had my hopes on Roddick, but he's engaged to some supermodel, oh well) 2) Know someone...

So number 2 worked out this year as I was just about at the point of REALLY missing my Hoo Crew of Virginia sports fans, a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia, along came Somdev Devvarman who got a wild card spot in the qualifying rounds of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. It's become a family tradition to go these last few years and I've got to watch some greats play in my home town. Highlights being: throwing Michael Chang a ball he hit over the fence; watching Andre Agassi on his fare-well tour; and last but not least, seeing some Cavaliers succeed, first being Treat Huey, and now his old doubles partner Somdev!

Som is no underdog, having won TWO NCAA titles, and going nearly undefeated in his futures tour matches, he has had a great start to a professional career. I would give you more numbers, but I reserve that right to Steve Kirkland, who works for media relations at UVa and whom I found sitting on the sidelines of Somdev's matches. It was great to catch up, as I traveled with him and the women's soccer team to Orlando for the ACC tourney and as we know, the media must stick together!

Somdev breezed through qualifying rounds and made it all the way to the quarterfinals of the main draw before being ousted by Russian Igo Kunitsyn. My favorite night of tennis watching by far had to be a Roddick, Somdev double header as Roddick went 3 sets, coming back after losing the first set for a stunning display of sportsmanship, all to a packed crowd, that ended with a standing ovation. Somdev followed with another 3 setter, the stands nearly empty except for one corner that was filled with blue and orange, occupied by friends, former UVa teammates, and Athletic department staff. It was great to cheer him on, as the nailbiter nearly went till midnight. In those break points, deuces, and more we were there, almost part of the game without actually playing. It's nice to know I can still proudly wear my orange and blue (we won't mention football and basketball).

Monday, August 25, 2008

I can't live without the Olympics


Despite being incredibly busy, it seemed to be to my luck at coming home at 1 am almost every night meant that I could watch Olympic events LIVE (I found it hilarious though to watch the 7 o'clock news with Brian Williams expounding on the exciting events "coming next" although he already knew all of the results). I also fell asleep to some of those events out of exhaustion, but it did not stop me from enjoying the crazy mad exhibitions of human strength.


The opening ceremonies were a masterful display of artistry and precision. Every 10 minutes I found myself saying "did they just really do that?" Especially after the footprint shaped fireworks that marched their way to the Bird's Nest (it turns out that those actually were CGI). But the stadium could not have been more beautiful draped in video boards and filled with culture that honored the past while gave hope for the future. It was as if the director, Zhang Yimou, was unafraid to address the problems that China faced and how they could move on. My favorite quote from him would be, when asked why he used 15,000 performers, none of which repeated a performance, "we have enough people."

The first week was drizzled with swimming, which meant Michael Phelps was a headliner, keeping us as entertained as a scripted drama. I stoodup when he won a gold by only one one-hundreth of a second. I cried when his mother cried, I relished in his story of just a young boy in Baltimore turned superstar in a matter of years.

There was also gymnastics. Now, I grew up with Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes, Kerry Strugg vaulting with the bad ankle greatness... so I have high standards for girls flipping about while trying to stay atop a 4 in wide beam (you know you're older when you no longer look UP to 16 year old gymnasts and instead remember when you used to be able to spend hours running about and not be sore afterwards [ok Dara Torres makes me feel even worse]).

I can't help but admit that I LAUGHED at the name "redeem team" I mean, yes, they needed to redeem themselves, but I mean, it was funny that it was newsworthy that Kobe, Kidd, and Lebron watched other sports (gasp) and said hello to other US athletes (oh my!), yet at the same time it was nice to hear that egos were set aside fo world-class competition and (like a great olympic movie stated) it's about the name on the front of the jersey and not on the back that matters (thanks, Miracle).

By the second week I was overwhelmed by all the coverage and found myself catching up with highlight reels online. I do have to give NBC credit though, as it never failed to keep up with all the action and allowed lazy viewers like me to was all or part of events by scowering through all of their content. In the end, it was a great olympics and I can't wait for Vancouver in 2010!

Check out highlights HERE!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

I have double proof

After sifting through HOURS of footage
I found the matching still of my Jonas Brother's celeb gossip fame
The photog in the Hollister shirt must've been the one who snapped the pic that made my mom, and a few other friends believe me when I said I was following them around for the day starting at the White House :)

I look like a member of the paparazzi

I REALLY need to update this blog with MANY things.
But this couldn't wait

I spent the day with the infamous Jonas Brothers
by spending the day, I mean everything from the white house to wax figures all the way backstage to the concert.

don't believe me?* Photo from Celebrity Gossip along with many more

Yup, that's me in the back with the white sunglasses.
and I look like TMZ trash.... oh wait,
I made it on TMZ as well..

I'll explain more of this craziness later...

Monday, August 4, 2008

I love American pastimes

I used to have a back-row seat because that's where the press box or control room was. Now I observe from afar because not only is it all I can afford, it also gives me a birds eye view of what its like to be be a fan.
My co-workers decided to venture to the Nationals Park after our last day of teaching. Why we thought we could survive nine innings after a 40 hour work week producing over 20 videos and controlling middle-schoolers, who knows? Regardless, we enjoyed burgers and a view of the park, but since we were on the top row, the city skyline was right behind us. As I was coming in with my camera the lady checking bags told me to make sure I made it all the way to to top because the views were so spectacular. Little did she know that my seat was at the top.
The first thing I noticed once entering was of course the big board in center field, and the ribbon boards around the stands. I believe this is the first sporting event I've attended that I haven't worked. With every change of video, stat updated, and advertisement flash the cues run through my head as I visualize the operators hitting a few simple buttons to make the red white and blue flash before our eyes. I miss being behind the scenes, but it was nice to just enjoy a game with friends.
The nationals were on a nine-game losing streak, and every joke about how terrible they were was made on the way in, but they scored an impressive 5 runs against the Cincinnati Reds in the first two innings and they never looked back. That made the fireworks display at the end worthwhile. I congratulate the city on such a spectacular park that entices fans, families, and forward thinking, as I hope DC becomes a sports powerhouse (I can dream right?).

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

I love my international friends


Since my friends have left me for other countries, technology has allowed us to keep in touch.

This is Ayesha, she's in India.

Yay Skype!

Monday, July 28, 2008

I am working on a SAG Indie


After last summer's "Just Lucky"
Comes the short before the feature "Grace"

Meet the cast at HERE!

I've been working with director Anne Welles, who after a trip to LA has begun pre-production on her scripts. I'm acting as assistant director and producer of the SAG Indie. I'm excited about the process and the scheduled five action-packed shooting days in varous loactions in Falls Chruch and Arlington.

Last summer's experience was an awesome one as I met and worked with photographer Barry J. Holmes, and other actors from LA. Having just completed casting it seems as thought the talented cast will serve well to garner excitement and funding for the project.

Check out Lunatic Fringe Productions.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

I take back my earlier Katy Perry comment


I was so hurried in my criticism of Katy Perry, or maybe just her single that has been at number one for 4 weeks, that I failed to overlook her path to stardom.
Instead of being a pop icon glimmering in the moment as young fans worship her for her catchy lyrics instead of musical clout, Katy Perry instead paid her dues and can actually carry a tune. I thank Entertainment Weekly for pointing this out to me as my jaw dropped to the bombshell-cross wearing girl posed in a barber-shop chair (an allusion to her "One of the Boys" title, maybe?).
Her soulful, jazzy, mixed-media album released in 2001 under her name "Katy Hudson" (changed to Perry, her mother's maiden name not to be confused with Kate Hudson), actually has gut, worthy of play in any coffee shop. So I take back my comment and throw to the wind what pop-star may pop up next with a bag of great tricks.

Check out some of Katy's songs like Growing Pains or When there's nothing left.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

I forgot about Stanley Kubrick

It's been about two years since I ventured into Robert Kolker's class on Stanley Kubrick. As a class we watched the entire collection from The Killing to Eyes Wide Shut, and it is in that process I learned to have a critical eye tow ards film; gathering patterns, aesthetics, and themes that I had not seen before.

Yesterday the National Gallery in Washington, DC held a special film series featuring Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, and Eyes Wide Shut with professor Kolker and James Naremore, calling it "two views." Yet in the end there was not a separation of views, but almost an agreeing factor that Kubrick was a mysterious man with filmmaking techniques that looked nothing like the ways of any Hollywood hotshot.

In my second and third viewing of the films, the first time on the big screen, I got to experience them with new light and appreciation. Their mature stance on an adapted story and using actors as toys in a fictional world set to resemble our own, marveled in its ability to speak on politics, gender, fantasy and beliefs. A Kubrick film can be watched over and over again with new discoveries every time. I can't put a finger on how layers keep appearing over the celluloid that can be pealed back to new levels of meaning, new visual experiences, and new translations of words. For example, it was made clearer to me that Eyes Wide Shut is about fidelity and features Kubrick's strongest female character in Nicole Kidman.

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to many years ahead of movie watching (and making), rediscovery, and exploration of what a film can encapsulate to entrance generations to come.

Friday, July 25, 2008

I Love Sports

Justin said it, I agree

Thursday, July 24, 2008

I finally saw The Dark Knight


Never have I ever thought that watching a movie only six days after it's opening would have meant I've caught up with the rest of the world.

The anticipation was growing as friends told me about going at midnight last Friday to catch a first glimpse of The Dark Knight. I instead indulged in another Bale/Nolan collaboration, The Prestige (in surround sound!). I loved Batman Begins, it's fight sequences character development, and well, Christian Bale. So two co-workers of mine, (and when you teach TV, Video, and multi-media production it is only appropriate you keep up with latest movie hit), hit the big screens to view the epic saga that drags us through the underbelly of Gotham to discover terrorism, frightful corruption, and good vs. evil like never been seen before.

The only thing living up to its hype though, was Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker. To the point of me thinking, was that even heath ledger beneath the caked-up clown make-up? He took us on a suspenseful ride that even Batman was surprised to be on. The plot took (and didn't take) turns we could predict and it seemed imperative to its success that every dark corner be fleshed out in its two and half hour length. Although I may have enjoyed less of the mess, and a story that left two-face for the next episode, I appreciate it's undertaking as a film that needs maybe to be watched again for its full appreciation.

Yet unlike other comic book superhero movies, there's something about Batman that has always made him my favorite (even the campy Val Kilmer and George Clooney versions). Maybe it's his ability to use his billions for ridding the underworld of it's grime, maybe it's the technology (although I have to say, Iron Man has far surpassed Batman's batcave of toys), or maybe the way that Batman's story is more grounded in a sense of reality.

In an interview with Christopher Nolan in Entertainment Weekly he quotes Michael Caine who said "Superman is the way America sees itself, but Batmans is the way the world sees America."
Brilliant.

I think singer-songwriters may have found a way back

Amongst the Britney Spears and Jessica Simpsons there then came
Vannessa Carlton, Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, John Mayer....

And a few years later as Miley Cyrus fans could compete with former N*sync fans in terms of screaming decibel levels, the rising second generation baby boomers who are tearing down the Backstreet boys and Clueless posters, they are looking to listen to something, new, something fresh, something... GOOD!

Having growing up to the vinyl sounds of Elton John, the Beatles, Chicago, the Eagles, Rolling Stones, the list could go on, and later dismissing the classics I so dearly loved for the popular Usher, Beyonce, and whatever club hit was booming on the radio (How Shaggy's It wasn't me ever made it still boggles me), there is something about this time, as we grow older, more mature, that I feel like we no longer accept the dribble of pop and therefore yearn for the sounds like Coldplay, whose latest album offers a unique blend of vocal journeys and vivacious instrumental experimentalism. Or even something more home-spun, like switching my diet from cold pizza back to mashed potatoes and turkey sandwhiches, there needs to be more substance to what my mouth, or this case ears, take in.

Sara Bariellis has made a hit, David Cook who plays guitar (an instrument on Idol, gasp!) won America by a landslide, and a lot of the up-and-comings outside of hip-hop and rap have surprisingly less puff and more heart and soul (Think Charlotte Sometimes and Justin Nozuka).
A littel VH1 (when they play music) proves that there's room for songsters, even if you aren't from England (but still, Leona Lewis, girl, you can sing...).

Katy Perry may prove me wrong with a song I wish would get off the radio (or outta my head), but after over a decade of coffe-shops invading street corners across the country, I wouldn't be surprised to see buzz around new artists whose lyrics overcome popular standards.

** To Note, I will still and forever enjoy Usher, Chris Brown, Beyonce "Yeah!"

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

I, the Sartorialist?

Amanda hit me on the shoulder to warn me of this lady in a bright green outfit walking by.
I was able to snap a picture just as she strolled past the merchandise table.



The kids were out in full force as parents bring out the whole family to enjoy a summer night on the town. I thought these two were particularly cute.



Guitarist Andrew Chea of Tim Be Told shows off his "bandy" style all the way from the hat to the screen print t-shirt to the washed jeans.

I'm with the Band



Stand around long enough, and you'll get put to work. On my weekend trip to Charlottesville I got the opportunity to visit and watch Tim Be Told play at Fridays After Five on the downtown pavilion. After enjoying a set to a crowd, mainly there to see the older, more folk/rock/country band afterward, I found myself asked to come behind the merchandise table and sell T-Shirts, CDs, posters, etc... the above picture is my POV of the stuff, displayed nicely in a vintage suitcase.
The show went well, as the crowd responded, sales were good, and it's a nice build up to the release of their EP which they are recording outside of Gordonsville. I'd go into details, but I'm sworn to secrecy :)


Michael Stipe of REM said this on the Iconoclasts program on the Sundance Channel that when he returned home from tour he was sitting around family and friends and felt distanced, unrelateable and out of touch as if everyone else was so different and insignificant.
Yet it was the ability to hold on to reality, to recognize what was real and true in life that has allowed him to stay down to earth and sane. Not to mention his venture into film producing, with credits that include Saved and Being John Malkovich which has giving him something to do outside of music.
Claiming a "chemical reaction" to the transition back to reality after the adrenaline of working in such industries such as music, theater, TV, or film, I can relate to the notion of transition, of lifestyle, of being so focused on things in your life you feel so separated from others who are not part of the magical world of performance entertainment.
After spending the weekend discussing movies, music, and the latest gossip in my small celebrity pool, it was weird to return to family dinners, birthday cakes, and children who wanted me to teach them something.
But until my name is up in bright lights or scrolling along in the credits, I'll just say "I'm with the Band!"

Check out their Gravity's Hold music video here!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

I am attempting FLASH


This is just what I did in about 15 minutes while the kids were working on final projects and I sit at the teacher's desk trying to look productive.

I hope to have more more intricate animations over the next couple of weeks.
But until then I'll enjoy the smoothing feature on the drawing utensils of the program :)

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

I teach TV

I have had the utter fortune that for the last seven summers or so to find myself working with "kids" ranging from rising sixth through twelfth graders teaching them multimedia and TV production at the Arlington Career Center. Two four hour classes a day, structured in such a way that projects can be completed that start out as video scavenger hunts that then mature into game shows, music videos, movie trailers and flash animation.
Having done this for a while now, it's a challenge to be creative and interesting with each class. Yet it's exciting to see new students take on projects and be able to spin them in a way I never thought possible and have old students return with enthusiasm to be able to gain experience with the equipment and create new things.

I do have a slew of assistants who are awesome and many surpass me in technical skill. It is required to have as many responsible hands and eyes as possible as my classroom is 2 edit rooms, a traditional classroom, and a fully equipped studio.
This is a commercial some of my students created using a green screen and my cell phone. There is an immense amount of trust you must instill in students to allow them to be creative and confident in what they're doing. This is at least the second summer for these guys so they really knew how to handle and push what they could accomplish in a very short amount of time. Kudos to them!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

I am endlessly romanced by Wimbledon

       I already love England, the history, the accents, the culture... throw in a little bit of tennis and some of the greatest athletes in the world, and you have my favorite Grand Slam.  The grass courts go from a luscious green to a scarred tan and brown, as if  a  truck went over it several times, but instead it's battle wounds are from the beating of players, sliding, gliding, falling, triumphing as they serve, volley and hit ground strokes during the fortnight. 



As the finals wrapped up over the last two days, it was evident that history was bound to be made.  First, the Williams sisters took on each other in the finals, just as they had done five years ago.  I will always favor the older sibling (being one myself), but I'm sure Serena wasn't too disappointed as she won a doubles title just hours after losing to big sis Venus.  
What makes Wimbledon so magical?  Maybe it's that feeling that anything can happen... that the grassy surface holds the dreams of believers, of the 31 year old 100 + in the world who made it to the semis, of the hundreds who line Henman Hill for the day a brit would win the title again, of those who marvel in the presence of royalty watching those, some of who have risen out of poverty or peasantry to become champions.  
Then it was the men's turn to shine, already Champions and rivals in their own right, Nadal and Federer are foe worth watching as any World Cup or Superbowl match-up.  Their fitness is maxed, playing well into the fourth hour as if it were the first point, and skill so sharp, no hit seemed impossible.  I almost didn't care who won, just that there was good tennis being played, and the mastery of the sport was exhibited for as long as possible, and believe me it was.  Nadal won, fifth set, 9-7, as the skies darkened in the last year that they'd play under the skies as a new stadium is being built next year.  Even though rain delays prolongs the game, there's a certain magic seeing the grounds crew cover centre court, sweeping across the court as if dancers in a chorus line.  

One day I will make it to the All England Club, either behind the camera or in the stands.  Until then, I'll just practice my aces !



Saturday, July 5, 2008

I hope everyone had a Happy (and dry) Fourth!


After being dutifully criticized for being a Northern Virginian and not taking full advantage of DC minutes away, and having out of town guests in the house, it was about time I headed to a Capitol Fourth for the first time in my life.  
My brother brought his girlfriend back from Florida, therefore forcing me to think about traffic, long lines at the metro, and thousands of people crowded on a grassy lawn in order to enjoy the fireworks in the city that holds the heart of the country.  
An addition of my college roommate, a few other wahoos, and bags full of food (note: do NOT bring glass, it is not allowed, even if it's just jelly!) made the prospects of fun possible.  Once we were on the mall and through security, we plopped ourselves on a patch of grass, near a bandstand, and with a good view of the Washington monument.  Somewhere towards the capitol was the stage and we figured, sure we'll hear the music when it starts.  
Two rain showers, two orange and blue popcorn bags, and two wet bottoms later, the skies cleared for a beautiful show that illuminated the skies and celebrated the independence we have in the United States.  Where else can you have a celebration of India, Texas, Christianity, the Philippines all on the same piece of property?  To note, the grandstand faces the Capitol, so we missed Jimmy Smits, Scott Hamilton, and Taylor Hicks (what a shame), and we would've caught them if we thought our early arrival with no one around was unusual and headed between the stage and the steps...  oh well, it was fun regardless.  
I don't come from a long line of tradition, but what's a Fourth of July without backyard fireworks?   
The collection has grown since we were little.  The fireworks seemed so much bigger when you were two feet tall.  So the cash was doled out for explosives that ranged from sparklers to recalled bangs.  If you looked from far away, you'd think little kids were inhabiting the house hold instead there were a bunch of young adults reminiscing of yester-year spelling out names, playing with matches, and enjoying blueberry pie and cool-whip like it was never going to end.  

Friday, July 4, 2008

I forgive Three-Six Mafia and Hustle & Flow

I still remember sitting in another RA's dorm room in the winter of 2006 watching the Oscars and for a few minutes, if you flipped to it, you would've thought it was another flashy MTV awards show.
   
Instead was Three-Six Mafia performing the song It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp from the movie Hustle & Flow, nominated in the best song category.  I may be speaking boldly, but in terms of African American representation in the public media, having former Oscar winners gracefully taking the gold statue such as Halle Berry and Denzel; to see short skirt hoes and chain-clad rappers singing about the life of pimps, I was not impressed, almost in awe (especially after Ludacris introduced them proclaiming not to judge a song by its name).  
Then, they won, giving the shout outs to their homies, etc... 

So this week, as I was prepping for my own premiere, I popped in Hustle & Flow.  I got to see Terrance Howard in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof on broadway, and can say I would think he wouldn't just take any job or in this case, play any pimp.  
And I can say that this just wasn't any ordinary street movie.  Shot entirely in Memphis it explored a city, a culture, and people who have aspirations beyond what you may think as you look at their drug laced pockets and sweat covered brows.  What impressed me the most, was that this movie which was made out of pocket by producer John Singleton who believed so much in the story and its director, who happens to be white, but a Memphis native, that the failed attempts to get money from studios would not stop him from making this film.  
The hard work and effort paid off, reaching critical acclaim, first and Sundance and then later rewarded at the box office, making well past the $750,000 it cost to make.  

As I sat thinking about what I would publicly talk about The Write Note, and what it meant that Arlington was so gracious in letting me invade it with cameras, there is a sense that we are all in the hustle and flow of life, and on a pathway towards success through creative means.  We all will have our battles to win, obstacles to fight through, and victories to be had, even if we can't see them coming, they could be right around the corner; a knock on a door, a hand shake at a store, or being at the right place at the right time.  
I'd like to personally thank all of those who have helped me on my way, either through support, monetary donation, or the giving of talent.  It's amazing what collaboration can create, and I look forward to many more in the future.   

 

Saturday, June 28, 2008

I Love Action Movies

What better to do on a hot, humid, Friday evening than head to an over-crowded mall, and catch the latest summer blockbuster to hit the big screens.
Along with some fellow Wahoos, and former Filmmakers Society president, we headed into a sold-out screening of Wanted.  My movie-snobness never stops me from just going to a movie for the sheer entertainment of it, violence; action, movie stars, a perfect formula for raking in the dough and over an hour of excitement.  
I have to admit, I am an Angelina fan (post-Billy Bob).  Her ability to be a mom, kick-butt, and look incredibly hot not only gains respect from the ladies, but has it's affect on the gentlemen as well :)  
In Wanted, Ms. Jolie is part of an ensemble cast that features James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, and Common, just to name a few.  Mr. McAvoy redeemed himself to me after Atonement, that if you ask, I have no problem exclaiming how much I hated the movie, and thought McAvoy much better as the fawn in The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe.  
His take on the everyman, the plain, I have no life sitting here in this cubicle who choses to follow a fraternity of assassins, was convincing.  Angelina and Morgan Freeman's place in the film could not overshadow the action sequences which featured flying cars, hurling guns, looms, and falling trains, all cleverly weaved (no pun intended) together to portray suspenseful action that is worthy of summer hype, in fact it surpassed my expectations by actually including a plot that was both interesting and featured enough twists to keep you on your toes.  

This summer's attempt to bring back the blockbusters of yesteryear, where Will Smith was an invincible alien-fighter and Bruce Willis could save the world over and over again, has a promising line-up.  Having already indulged in Iron Man (still drooling over the technology that creates armored suites and robots in a matter of minutes) and looking forward to The Dark Knight, the follow up to Batman Begins (Christian Bale!), the movies are back, ticket prizes are rising ($11.00- a movie or a gallon of gas, you pick), and I couldn't be more excited to be entering the business that cashes in on all the action fun!

Check out the review by a film fanatic that went with me to enjoy the movie: Skew Reviews

 

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

I'm having another premiere

I'm finally settling into Arlington. 
I've attended two pitch meetings  for the pilot Your Week and have learned a lot about the decision making process and probably from some of the best in the area (producers who have produced show for NBC, MSNBC, Sundance Channel, PBS, just to name a few...).

So with the family on it's way in, I figure it's time to screen the film that I shot in Arlington only a few months ago and have since successfully premiered it at the Salmagundi Film Festival in Charlottesville, and turned it in to my advisors in order to graduate.


The Write Note stars Tim Ouyang and April Archer as high schoolers who find common ground in music as they deal with issues at home and at school.  You can view the trailer here

Even now as I look back on the film, the amount of things I've learned both technically and creatively since my experience working on it has greatly expanded. This is the first time I've written, directed, and edited a film with such length and narrative dialog.  It proved quite a challenge to conquer the logistics of such without a producer and planning most of it off site while I was in Charlottesville.  Yet the will of some Filmmakers Society newbies, talent who allowed me to trust them to do what's best, and local courtesy, everything got completed.  It's been a true blessing to see the support and excitement behind the film, yet I definitely cannot take all the credit, as a huge team of people came together both in Charlottesville and Arlington to make it all happen.  

So July 2nd, if anyone is in the Washington, DC/Arlington area stop by Busboys and Poets at 8:30 for some fun, film, and live music by Tim and Andrew of Tim be Told!
And maybe stay for the 4th... it's kinda a big deal around here :)

Sunday, June 22, 2008

I finished a music video

Somewhere between finishing finals, graduating, and starting a job, I managed to shoot and edit a music video.  If it wasn't for my college apartment-mate Amanda bringing the sweet sounds of the musically inclined at UVA into my life, I wouldn't have to gotten the opportunity to get to know Tim Ouyang who starred in my thesis film The Write Note, and is the lead singer of the band Tim Be Told.  Their musical ability and chemistry has grown and blossomed in the year I've known them and I am extremely excited to see them go on the road this fall as well as record new songs.  

So inspired, and ready to make use of the little time I had access to some High-Def cameras, I felt inclined to shoot this video.  It's original concept being that Tim would start off in his home state NJ, and then travel to Charlottesville where he would join the band as a metaphor of all the forces and talent coming together to produce the music you hear.  Scheduling and budgets (ok, what budget?) didn't work out so I went with a way to display movement, travel, and a creative spirit by using a projection system and some footage I had shot and color corrected in order to produce something more studio, more live.  

I only hope that what is presented captures part of the essence that is Tim Be Told, both fun-loving rock prodigies as well as sophisticated musicians that take risks that have mass appeal and stellar sound.  I know that this is only the beginning for them and look forward to the day I can say, I knew them when....


I work in TV

Being the first job out of college, it's hard to comprehend being in a studio, working with well known producers, and getting coffee amongst other things.  

I'm sitting in the edit room right now deciphering what to make of what we did in re-shoots yesterday.  Who is to decide the look and the feel of the show or what to make of the hosts after research came in that there were just some unappealing aspects to the show.  

As I'm learning in the biz that if you show your face, a little bit of talent and competency, there's a good chance that you'll get work.  So there I was back in the studio on Saturday running rundowns, talking to the prompter, and ushering talent as a new script went to work.  

In describing the show, especially to anyone under the age of 30, I talk about a "Best Week Ever" PBS style, and now with a touch of Washington as partisan politics comes into play as the hosts discuss the issues.  It's interesting to be in the edit room where decisions are made and where executives milk out the details of everything from wording to graphics.  

You can view clips now online at www.yourweek.org  

* The above picture is from the shoot on Saturday, with Michelle and Rich at the table, with the Linn the stage manager in the shadows, and of course large green screens!

Amongst the craziness at WETA, I'm in the middle of unpacking boxes (or in denial of moving to Arlington) and working on a Tim Be Told music video.  Stay tuned, for an update on that!

Friday, June 20, 2008

I have a blog

Never did I ever think about hosting a blog, and until recent did I even venture to read them.

But after a conversation with my best Warrior Wahoo, Becca, checking out friends' blogs, and coming to grips that my friends and colleagues I've worked with over the last four years will no longer be near, and lastly, I seem to repeat myself without end every time someone wants to "catch up" with life I thought it was time to start.

I love to be creative and while I no longer have a school with materials at my disposal I thought this would be a great place to speak my mind. I currently write from the offices of WETA where I have been working over the course of that last month as a production assistant on a pilot titled, Your Week. http://www.yourweek.org/

The show is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and hosted by Michelle Cottle and Rich Lowry of the New Republic and National Review, powered by Reddit. Clips are now up online. I started work the day after, or should I say exactly 24 hours I walked the lawn for graduation at UVa and it's been an exciting and fast-paced ride for a first job, but more importantly, an opportunity to learn the process of main-stream media creation.

So here it is my blog, where I hope to feature updates and thoughts on projects I'm working on, events of my unpredictable life, or commentary on what's going on in both the real and digital world.

BIG love to the Hoos of 2008!