From Jihane, a vision

from the TED conference --

When I worked at ABC, my boss there was one of the original organizers of the TED conference. In those earlier times, TED was held only once every few years. Recently, Jihane Noujaim presented her vision of how the world might change through film and video storytelling.

I have always held that the purest definition of art is that which evokes an empathic response. This is the entire idea behind Jihane's vision of "Pangea Day." "For the first time in history, we have the chance to see the world differently, to see it through the eyes of the other."

THAT is what art is all about, to me. I'll see you there.



Tank Driver



On Pangea Day, there should be many more films like this. "For the first time in history, we have the chance to see the world differently, to see it through the eyes of the other."

"Rock the Vote" Goes Rural

Near the Mountain Hideout --

Just organized a "Rock the Primaries" event for this summer. There's a great venue (photo) near the Mountain Hideout in the middle of nowhere, and although this is not "rave" material, we can cover the costs, register some young voters prior to the deadlines for the June primaries, and generally have some fun. It'll be an attempt at getting young people to know why they should be aware of, and involved with, public policy matters.

"Public Policy Matters... Rock the Vote!"

There ya go.

(Now I gotta get busy and book an act or two)

~grin~

The Next Time I Go High-Def...

North County --

Had all of the gear ready. Especially a lot of scrims and shiny boards. (Some are the ones that roll-up like a bandsaw blade, white on one side, gold on the other. Gold for warmer skin tones) This is because when you shoot in high-def, EVERYTHING shows, especially inferior gaffing. Fill, fill, fill, young man. Oh, that and make sure the on-camera talent has their own hair and make-up satisfaction. That one's a no-brainer. I do NOT want to be responsible for talent's self-criticism coming MY way. (Especially the ingenues who are SOOOOoooooo neurotic) These days, in high-def, their EVERYthing shows, y'know? And if they're not used to seeing their footage in high-def, it can be a rude awakening for them.



So, then we get to the location a DAY before the call time, to scout the best light in the ambient surroundings before the bounce-and-fill. (I can change the call time if I need) I have a more-than-sufficient light package for additional fill or interiors, which this may yet be. I'm hearing that some of this may include the (west coast) beach near sunset, so all's still cool. The client is good with mileage reimbursement, too. All seems well with the world.

Good night's sleep, slight breakfast for the visual and mental accuity, and arrive at the location with more than :30 min. before the call time. Start to unload the vehicle. Wait for location contacts to arrive, since it's at their business. Greet the peeps. Wait for talent. Wait for talent. (Did I mention that we were waiting for talent?) Just as I was going to call the P.A. involved with my contract, talent finally arrives. No hair or makeup support in sight either.

Introduce self, then "Uh, did [the production office] arrange for your hair and makeup support??"

Her, quizzically: "Not that anyone told me."

"I'm sure everything will be okay, you look great. Are you okay with all of that? 'Cause I'm just the shooter. I don't know anything about hair and makeup, other than I like it." ~grin~

"Sure, let me quickly check a mirror, and we're good to go."

Okay then. I know what the prod. mgr. is looking for, and I plan to give 'em more than that, but I need to know that she's got the same script (and/or storyboards) that I have. Check and double-check and then check again in this business. I get paid to be nervous.

I did not have an over-the lens prompter for talent.

Uh oh.

I tell myself, "This is where I really earn my fee." ~grin~