More details here.

Big congrats to Eric Steele and all of the actors and crew involved for recieving the runner-up spot in Hammer to Nail's Short Film Contest for Febuary. I was DP for this short and had a great experiance working with Eric, producer Adam Donaghey and the rest of the crew. Glad that this film is starting to get some recognition and I look forward hearing much more about it in 2012.

A new episode of my favourite 5by5 podcast, Back to Work, is up and it's a doozy. 

Listen here...

or subscribe on iTunes. 

The highlights were the older or less commonly played songs like "Santaclara", the ending of "Cardinal Song", "Lucky You", "Available", and "The Geese of Beverly Road".

Snagged a pick of Aaron Dessner's there as well thanks to Joy. 

My M.O. for both watching a film or listening to a piece of music (particularly one I enjoy) has always been to imagine myself as the individual who created it.  More specifically, I think about the first time some member of my family (my parents, an uncle, whomever was sent a free copy) consumed that film or song and realized that it was I who was at the helm.  It's an incredibly gratifying feeling (despite being a complete fantasy). I've always found it motivating though - not only does it force me to consciously attempt to push my own work onto a higher plane but it tricks my head into believing that I am capable of such feats.     

One such instance where I felt that mix of envy and excitement was when I recently saw the end credits for Derek Cianfrance's 2010 film Blue Valentine. It lit a spark and I haven't thought about much else for the past few days.

For starters, it would be difficult to count the numerous times I have listened to the Grizzly Bear track "Alligator" and imagined myself as vocalist/guitarist Daniel Rossen with that distinct voice and playing style. Add to that BV editor/title designer Jim Helton's ultra-inspired sequence using Davi Russo's iconic set stills and you have a recipe for "the coolest thing I have seen in a long time".  It is also well-earned flash after a film in which the visual flair hinges only on the straight-forward cutting of Andri Parekh's fantastic cinematography. 

Please take a look at the credit sequence and an interview with it's creator at Art of the Title.  

And of course, watch Blue Valentine if you haven't already. It took a few viewings and a commentary track to turn me around on a few aspects of the film, but I am glad I put the time into it. 

Listen here.

Sandwich Video

Photo courtesy of Adam Donaghey's cell phone

My apologies to all involved for a long overdue post about this shoot. Way back in early June of this year I shot a short titled "Cork's Cattlebaron" for writer/director Eric Steele. The film stars Robert Longstreet (Septien / The Catechism Cataclysm / Take Shelter), Frank Mosley (director of HOLD), and Alicia Anthony (WUSS). I just got a chance to see editor David Lowery's final cut of it and I can't wait for everyone to see it. The performances of Eric's script are fantastic.

Click through for a few more Instagramy BTS frames from the shoot... 

It makes sense now, but I was surprised by how sad I felt when I heard the news last night of Steve Jobs' passing.  Though I never knew Steve personally, I have spent most of my waking hours using tools that are direct representations of this man. Like so many, I felt like I knew him.  I have been blessed to have had few family members or friends pass, especially in recent years, and it's strange but true that this is the closest I've been to a person who has passed in my adult life.  No other individual has had such a deep impact on the lives of all my collegues, friends, family and those who's films, music, podcasts, and art I can admire because of his creations.  I can't forsee a time when his wisdom and his legacy will not continue to have a direct impact on my life.

Thanks Steve.

Mac Power Users: Workflows with Adam Lisagor on 5by5.tvMac Power Users: Workflows with David Wain on 5by5.tv