Thursday, April 30, 2009

Shot of the Day #120: The Will


Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Had to John Hancock my Dad's will today and send back to the lawyers in New York. It was a very eerie feeling, but because I've been using work to block as much of it out of my head and heart, getting this in the mail and looking through it chilled me to the core, like someone surgically implanted an ice-pack inside me. When the Notary Public in the building signed away as well, she asked "So which Joseph Lynch are-oh..." and trailed off, realizing that it was my father, of same-name, that I'm signing off for. Im trying not to let it affect my busy day, but documents like this are a somber & sober reminder that life is oh-so short and death is always a second away, so you have to be prepared. I really need to have a Will drafted up ASAP...but who should I give my movie tickets collection to? Been collecting them since 1988 with DRAGNET and haven't stopped since. Will anyone give a shit about these when Im gone?

I gotta keep telling myself thru Tyler Durden: I am not my Movie Tickets collection.

Joe

PS: Speaking of which, an interesting theory about FIGHT CLUB & FERRIS BUELER posted HERE.
"Let my Cameron go..." indeed.

Joe

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Shot of the Day #119: The comfiest of foods

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Is there a more comforting food to shove down your maw than Macaroni and Cheese? This batch comes courtesy of Whole Foods; looked too good to pass up...even the cashier up front declaring "That might be the best Mac N Cheese Ive ever tasted". SOLD. Screw a protein, F the veggies....this is my dinner. Nuff said.

I dont care what origin the ingredients derive from...powdered in a box or fresh from the cheese wheel fused to newly-pressed pasta, I dont think I've ever NOT been somewhat satisfied by a version of this very American dish. No wonder our Western culture is dying of clogged arteries and obesity.

But fuck it...bring on seconds!

Joe

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Shot of the Day #118: Out of my hands & to the Hills


Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Well, fucking finally. We got picture lock. THANK. GOD.

So now, I had to take this trusty 500gb drive to the Hollywood Hills, where our FX guru Kathy was going to sink her fangs into the effects shots and the color correction, which is the final steps before we deliver to the label. Never before have I been SO happy to drive through those winding roads and hand off a drive, or ANYTHING for that matter. Felt like a VERY expensive 500gb weight lifted from my shoulders. My work is (mostly) done here, now its just waiting for the Online and pray it goes smoothly.

Our father, who art in heaven...

Joe

Monday, April 27, 2009

Shot of the Day #117: The Eye of Slade

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Im a HUGE fan of this man's eye, between his music videos and feature films, David Slade has a bold, shaded vision of the world, and ever since his Stone Temple Pilots video for "Sour Girl", i was hooked to how he saw the world....so when he pulled out his Nikon and started snapping shots of the various "masters" during dinner tonight, I had to get all 4th wall and take a picture of him...taking pictures.

I don't know how he does it, but his pics always have that "special sumptin'" that one always strives for when making the most plan, banal image into art. Slade's got the gift.

First time I saw David snapping random shots was at THE PROPOSITION screening back in 2006, just when I got WRONG TURN 2 and heard that he was looking at Danny Huston to play the lead in 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, which, as a fan of his debut film HARD CANDY, I was thrilled he was helming. In hindsight, while the 30 DAYS adaptation is marred (too many cooks in the kitchen from what I heard...I feel ya, pal!) but damn if it isn't visually stunning and has some great moments. But I loved how at the screening, Slade would just skitter around the theater and just-SNAP! SNAP!! SNAP!!!- like he was pint-sized Paparazzo, while Huston, who was in the film and there for a Q&A, spoke on-stage. Cool to think I was there the first time the two men met and was the genesis of their working relationship.

Best wishes to David on the new TWILIGHT sequel he's directing (the 3rd in the series). Now I actually have a reason to see it. Damn if it wont look purdy.

Joe

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Shot of the Day #116: The Mighty Wiseau


Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

What a fucking night.

Clocked in 9 hours of edit straight, pissed and shit myself while I slashed and sliced & diced and hacked. Didn't stop. I had a mission. Get as many of the notes completed as possible and then get Sushi (Dan) and FINALLY got to witness the tragically hip magesty that is Tommy Wiseau's THE ROOM.

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

When we first moved to LA, I remember seeing billboards on LaBrea for this indie flick simply titled, THE ROOM. It had a picture of what looked to be a disfigured mongoloid, staring back at us with dead emotion...well at least one eye. He almost looked like Frank Stallone's inbred brother. Yet, there was something intriguing about the poster. Clearly, this was also the visage of the writer/producer/director of the film, Tommy Wiseau. Why else would he use his own Rourke-esque grill as a marketing tool and it WASN'T a horror flick? Always had interest in seeing the flick, just to skin the cat's curiosity, but never happened. Just slipped past radar, like the first 3 seasons of DEXTER. Shame, right?

Flash forward almost 7 years later. Life has moved on...but not for Wiseau. While I can barely remember what i was working on or promoting or whatever back in 2003 (probably the latest edit for ATM MACHINE #2 or a Kataklysm video i directed), Tommy has still been pushing his indie epic with near-sighted passion ever since...and its finally paid off. Now the crap-tastic film is a cult classic, with celebs and hipster douchebags coming out in droves to the Sunset 5 to see it play at midnight, making it THE newest cult hit you must see absolutely fucked up with 5 of your buddies.

So, naturally, Green and I had to go. So we made a plan to check it out back in January before the coming of The Remy and production began on FROZEN. Bishop joined in the fray, so it was bound to be a night of hetero male bonding, bad-cinema commiseration & Rainbow Rolls. Alas, we were met with a swift selling out of tickets 2 hours before and a line almost around the block, bastards. So we vowed to try again the next night THE ROOM was unleashed again, once everyone was back in town.

Tonight was that night.

ATTEMPT #2: Green and Bishop got there early, noshing on Sushi Dan next door (that...sounded bad), and luckily we got tickets. Check paid, we pulled out of Dan (...er) as the line was just starting to accumulate. Not 45 minutes later,the line stretched AROUND the 2nd floor, all the way to the other side of the box office! It was like an "Opening Day of a Summer BlockBuster" kind of line. I was SHOCKED to see how many people showed up, and the wide array of cliche cliques: From said hip douches to older nerds to high school teen girls who should be creaming over Zac Efron, not this ugly fucker...this wasn't a cult flick, it was a Four Quadrant Event!!! We were getting excited to see some quality crap.

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Also, why the hell are people wearing ties around their heads and carrying plastic spoons? Things are getting interesting.

Finally, 20 minutes before they opened the doors to let us into ALL FIVE SCREENS SHOWING THE MOVIE (!!!!), Mr. Wiseau himself appeared, like a ghost in the wind, and the place went NUTZOID like FAT GUY(see photo, above). Seriously, it was like George Clooney himself appeared; A bono-fide cee-lebritee. I literally heard one tweenage girl saying "Oh if he asked? I would SO suck his dick!" WOW. Tommy was very gracious to his fans, yet I wasn't sure if people were cheering for him or AT him, if you know what I mean. No offense to the dude, he clearly worked hard and persistence paid off big time (he must be making major bank on the film and his cult status has gotten him work in the comedy circuit) but like ANVIL, I think the novelty is what is keeping his (and THE ROOM's) fires burning. But I can't knock the guy, cause clearly he's doing something right! But the guy was just so damn gracious, so genuinely hsppy to see every person there, any misgivings or skepticism quickly faded. This guy was a fucking rock star, this was his monthly affirmation, his closing credits moment.

So we finally get into the theater and my anticipation is at a fever pitch. The biggest disapointment this movie could hold for me is if it wasn't GOOD BAD or even BAD BAD but merely mediocre. But with a rowdy crowd like this, coming back time and time again for more, it has to be epic.

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

...and "epic" it was (note the quotes). I can't divulge any more info but to say you have to witness the awful magesty of THE ROOM for yourself, and not on Adult Swim or on DVD. This is one of the best times at the movies I've had in too long, complete with massive call/response moments, hilariously well-timed banter amongst the faithful devotees of the flick (who supposedly come up with new ad-libs each time it screens) and best of all...flying spoons. As the credits rolled, we stumbled out of the theater feeling a little shell-shocked at the whole ROOM experience, but weren't disappointed at all (that was some high grade crap!!!) and in fact, probably all felt better about our own oeuvre. It actually got me so charged, I went back to editing far into the morning. Thanks Tommy!

You honestly have to be there to see it in all it's spoon-y glory. I can't wait to go back with a bigger crowd of newbies next time.

Wiseau, you da man.



Joe

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Shot of the Day #115: Sea of Blue

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Taking a break from Cabin Fever/Edit AIDS, I had volunteered on Saturday morning to be part of the Comcast Cares Day, where the company collective offers help & elbow grease to inner-city schools and facilities...cause you know, "we care". I missed out on it last year and felt compelled to be part of the crew (and it was a good excuse to walk away from Final Cut Pro for a few). This year we were at the Johnny Cochran School on 18th street, and the task was to give some of the buildings a fresh coat of paint. I was selected to be on garbage/clean up duty (what are they saying?), and it was refreshing to just complete simple tasks, round peg in round hole. Since I had to make a conference call at noon I couldn't stay long, but it was nice to see such a big crowd of co-workers make it on a sunny Saturday to lend a hand and glad I could help out, even though I will likely NEVER wear that blue shirt they gave us again, so see ya at Good Will.

Events like this give one hope we're all not complete dickweeds, unlike some of the people Im dealing with now.

Well, enough jabbering, back to the grind...hopefully I'll be able to take a break tonight to meet Green & Bishop for our second attempt to see THE ROOM at midnight, which was sold out by 10pm with the line around the building. Should be a hoot, and a confidence booster.

Joe

Friday, April 24, 2009

Shot of the Day #114: Gloomy Friday

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Sick of the clouds overhead, but a ray of hope in the horizon...is that sunshine I see ahead? Can't come soon enough.

Joe

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Shot of the Day #113: My Point of View


Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

This is the vantage point I've been staring at for the past week straight now, hours on end hunched over this well-worn MacBook Pro (notice the spots my palms rubbed away at the surface) as I slash & sew this monster on a hard drive. Getting the "Daily Remy" from Bri back in Syracuse was a uplifting bright spot in an otherwise tense day, the wait now for the next round of notes is chipping away at my skull. It's like my iphone is a ticking time bomb on vibrate, able to detonate at any moment in my pocket with news back from the cooks. So his cheeky mug staring back at me was a much-needed boost. The cheeks...much be pinched. SOON.

Gonna catch ANVIL with Parker to take my mind off of things, I heard it was the real deal.

I can't wait to sit on the couch next week and watch 5 week's worth of LOST. I'm comin' Hurley.

Joe

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Shot of the Day #112: Thy Lowly Quesadilla.

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Yup...still alone. Still editing. Be careful what you wish for, kids.

It's almost 11:30pm as I slice away and I realized that I hadn't made dinner yet, my stomach loudly declaring sustenance like Scotty in TWISTER. Rifling though the fridge, I cobbled together enough ingredients to make a "Chik'n" wrap, which wasn't bad (considering the meat is made from fungus) and this greasy, sad looking Quesadilla.

Sad, but delicious.

I'm like Sunday morning when it comes to food sometimes. Thank god. Ok, back to edit. Bye bye.

Joe

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Shot of the Day #111: The CreepyTree

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Another day, another walk with Banz to keep us from coming down with Cabin Fever....or worse yet..."SPACE....MADNESSSS".

Taking a different route than usual, we happened upon this tree in someone's yard and I instantly paused...as a creepy "eye" in the bark stared back at me.
As I kept walking, i noticed...another eye. Like two carved eyes of Sauron peering though me and taking account all those extra pieces of TP I use or all that paper I've wasted at work printing treatments and shoot sheets for people who never look at them. This imposing creature of the earth looks ready to go Green on my ass.

Holy Horse Apples, I thought, this tree is E-VIL ("..like the fru-its of the deveeel" NAME THAT QUOTE FOR 100!).

So naturally, I had to get closer, with images of POLTERGEIST in my head ("One, 1000...Two, 1000...") and take a shot.

I swear I saw this tree blink at me.

Joe

Monday, April 20, 2009

Shot of the Day #110: Untitled Banzai Pose #437

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Houses under these bug-bombarded conditions scare the shit out of me. What the hell is going on in there? Why do they have to covet this house in a Carnival-colored sheath? Was there Murder? Mayhem? Mystery?? Is there a fucking Extra Terrestrial behind those tarps?

I could just imagine the alien feeling coming home post-quarantine. How everything must feel...different. Tainted. Infected. Yick.

Clearly, Banzai is not amused, either. She just stood there, an alarmed pose. I think she smells trouble.

Joe

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Shot of the Day #109: A Weekend of Horrors, indeed.

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

This was a rough fucking weekend, and it ain't over yet. I think I'm in a "happy place" with the edit, even though I still have quite a few hours to clock in so I make my deadline tomorrow so its back to the grind after this post.

Honestly, it was a low key Fango weekend...I missed out on Green and Solet's GRACE panel (even though I DID get a Baby Bottle...Remy's mouth, here it comes! Um...that sounded bad) as well as Raimi's for DRAG and then also had to pass up Rob Hall's LAID TO REST premiere all for the "greater good" (the greater good) of getting the video done, but that doesn't mean I can't be pissed about it. But I wanted to at least have a goal, that dangling carrot to keep me pressing on, so I told myself if I got to a certain point in the edit i can steel away from staring at this fucking computer for a few hours and walk the hallowed halls of Fango. So I did, and I was glad to since I needed to stretch the hammys, but when i got there, I was a little saddened to see the whole con relegated to a small, half-empty corner of the LA convention center and 2 tiny rooms for the panels. People looked genuinely bored, but then again, many of them had probably been there all weekend, yet it was refreshing to see my many of my friends, including Kelli from Metal Blade (who was working a table, poor girl) Solet and his artsy wife-beaters, Parker (who had an AMAZING panel for his click THE HILLS RUN RED), Toby Wilkins from SPLINTER (SUPER nice guy, to boot), Jared Rivet, Rob G, The Evil Barnick, Mendez, Rotten, Creepy & Debi, Spooky and all the rest. Just seeing these faces made me forget how lonely home is right now. I need to get out more. I was also glad to make the "Previews" part of the con, which is where they show a reel of different upcoming horror trailers for the audience and the one thing I have never missed since 1990. They even showed the new WRONG TURN 3 trailer, and it got a GREAT reaction (crossing fingers the movie is good!)

Also, to all the people who came up to me regarding BODY COUNT...thanks for the kind words! I just heard it did VERY well so we might do the dance again soon! What should I recommend this time....hmmmm....

Speaking of friends, here is a shot of my friend John Skipp, renowned horror author & one of the founding fathers of the Splatterpunk movement. Also: Father to Melanie here, who just scored some sweet home-made horror plushies from a vendor downstairs. I dunno why, but these are just too cool for school. She seemed genuinely pleased.

So again, It was nice to see everyone, but alas, shortlived; I couldn't even get to Neil and Axelle's book signing at Dark Del's (Sorry guys!) but i got a fucking video to conquer. OK...back to it!

Joe

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Shot of the Day #108: My life...Rendering...

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

This is what I've been staring out for almost 12 hours now. This edit is a lot more complicated than I thought, but I've hit a groove and plowing through. Deciding between one fast food holocaust of another, no time to make anything; it feels like every second and edit counts. Had to bail on LAID TO REST (Sorry Rob! Dying to see that movie, pissed I wont with a crowd) and praying I get enough done to at least take a break and hit Fango to support Parker with HILLS RUN RED, which I hear is great. I'm at that point when nothing is right and everything is not working, so the blur in the picture is appropriate. If I can at least get through putting together "The Multiples" scene (you'll see) then maybe I can finish the rest tomorrow night after Fango and just work into the night.

Man I need CRANK 2 very badly after this cut if finished.

Monday night, I'm gonna go Gaytham for Statham for sure.

Joe

Friday, April 17, 2009

Shot of the Day #107: Weekend in a box.

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

There it is, a hard drive filled to the brim with ROCK, and I have a deadline to make. Sucks that it HAS to be smack dab in the middle of Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors, as well as the LAID TO REST premiere & I COME IN PEACE at Midnight at the New Bev AND John Carpenter playing out live in Studio City...BOLLOCKS.

So a weekend of fast food, no sleep, faster bowel movements and a lot of choices. Wish me luck.

Joe

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Shot of the Day #106: Smaller and smaller...

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

...the loneliest moment ever, watching the two most important people in my life get smaller and smaller in frame and then...they're gone.

Sucked that we were literally pulling a "FRENCH CONNECTION" to get to Burbank airport to make Bri & Remy's flight, and of course, she made with with minutes to spare, but not without some bullshit security. It was a stressful commute to say the least and sad that we had to say goodbye on a rushed edge, but I'm glad they made it and as of this writing, made it to Syracuse safe, so that's good. Guess its gonna be a lonely, lonely couple of weeks.

Joe

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Shot of the Day #105: The Inverted Benson

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Here we are, blood rushing to our heads (not really), in the AOTS "Champagne Room" backstage as Doug Benson is about to do some high-larious work for the 420 day special on G4. Not 15 minutes earlier I had the honor to work with the comic for a little sumpitn' sumptin' for the site, so stay tuned, cause it's-a good stuff.

If you haven't seen SUPER HIGH ME, then see SUPER HIGH ME....And his stand-up stuff 'cause it rocks....And watch BEST WEEK EVER cause he's on it and he rocks on it and stuff....And some Funyuns, yeah.

Twitter Doug. He likes it when you do that to him.

True Story: My Mother's maiden name is Benson. Which much make us...?

...I sorta see the resemblence. In the penis.

(If you imagine how Doug would say that, it's MUCH funnier)

Thanks to Doug for bringing the pain (of comedy)!

Thanks to Derek for shooting this as if we lived in China.

Joe

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Shot of the Day #104: Look! Up there! It's...

Shot with Nikon D90. Click to enlarge.

BABY ROBOTO!!!
...and his trusty sidekick, DOMO! (domo!)

Here to wipe the ass of this shitty city....two rolls at a time.









...





...the stupid shit we do to our kid. Sending apologies to Remy 12 years in the future. He's gonna kick my ass.
Sorry Pal, we're 'taded.

Joe

Monday, April 13, 2009

Shot of the Day #103: RED Monday

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Wow, what a fucking day. One for the history books, for better or worse. Stay tuned for more....after I recover.

Unfortunately, I can't post any cool pics from the set of the shoot (don't want to give away any surprises) but here is a rather non-chalante shot of the camera we're using today, the mighty RED HD camera. My DP Noble swears by it, and I think we got some amazing stuff with it today. It was a brutal day, to be sure, but I think we got some historic stuff. Now my favorite part, the edit, looms. I can't wait to get my hands on that footage....

Thanks to EVERYONE who was involved, from the producers to the crew to the extras, and of course the band. It was an honor to shoot you all day, spraying RED everywhere.

Joe

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Shot of the Day #102: Happy Easter!

Shot with Nikon D90. Click to enlarge.

Remy & his new bunny (name TBA) say "Happy Easter!"

Now go call your mutha, it's a holiday. Why, then, am I working?

Joe

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Shot of the Day #101: Can I has Seed?


Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Taking a break from shot lists and wardrobe decisions, Bri took the whole gang to our new favorite dining facility, SEED, down in Venice. For someone who isn't a vegan, it's all about taste for me, and surprisignly, most of my favorite feed-bags in LA are of the Non-Meat variety...Real Food Daily, Native Foods, Follow Your Heart, Madeline Bistro...these establishments already have a lot going against them not being able to use easy, traditional methods to making yummy dishes, so the innovation alone is to be commended. But seriously, if you ever try a "Run Ranch" Chichen sandwich from Native Foods, a "TV Dinner" or the brunch from RFD or, of course, the Red Beet Tartare from M. Bistro, you'll be a convert as well. Worked for me!

SEED is a new place in Venice and it was a nice diversion from the 24 hour workday I had today, pulling an all-nighter on Friday to be fully prepped on Monday...only to throw out all that work a few hours ago and start from scratch. But it was worth it, and now Im much more confident we're gonna take the names of the asses we kicked in 2 days. Been waiting 12 years to do this, so I want to be ready. Having good food in my gut helps too.

Sadly, Banzai I had to stay in the car as we noshed on Mediterrianian Burgers and Sweet Potato fries, but we hooked her ass up good with a doggie bag. Seriously, this dog is like a goat, she'll eat a tin can if it was pliable.

Now if I can only get some sleep....

Joe

Friday, April 10, 2009

Shot of the Day #100(!): Calm before the storm...

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Um, holy shit, I actually got this experiment to 100 days of pictures. Im quite impressed with myself. SO much has happened in the "First 100 Days" of 09, more than most people experience in 10 years, let alone 4 months. And guess what? THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. I guess the title for today is more than fitting for multiple reasons. To think what the next 100 days will bring, let alone the next 265...

Our 100th shot finds your humble host in the control room of The Hive, watching the 311 guys rehearse before their tour starts next week, right before we shoot their new music video (that Im directing...did I mention this was a dream come true?). Just watching the guys in their element, away from fans or lookie-loos, they still bring the fucking thundah.I was very impressed with the sound and they seem really ready to kick some ass on the road. I can't wait to make them look even more epic, with a little help from some friends, of course.

It's been a hard, trying week, but being here with the guys and talking to them about my ideas and how we're gonna pull this off just got the blood coursing through my veins again, a total cineboner.

It could also have been the Red Bull Cola. That shit is actually good.

Monday is going to be historic. Ill also be thrilled when its over, if only to get some well-deserved rest. But it will be worth it.

Happy 100 Days of Shots!!!!

Joe

Body Count (No affiliation to Ice T)

So here is the TV thingamabob I did for G4's ATTACK OF THE SHOW 2 weeks back that-shock of shocks!, actually came out pretty good. God bless great editors, huh? It got a great reaction from folks & and my hair was the talk of Twitter for about 12 minutes. I was so proud of all that copious conditioning. it also did well enough to warrant a repeat on today's "Best of" show, so you might see more of these in the future, which is kinda cool 'cause if I can pass along a great recommendation to the masses, then I'm a happy horror fan.

Enjoy!



Joe

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Shot of the Day #99: Mantra for the days ahead...


Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Hanging from the wall in the Midwives back office/massage room while Bri and & The Reminator get adjusted...at 8am. The day just seemed to kick into gear before the sun rose and hasn't fully idled yet. Reading overly Hallmark-esque like these things still helps, as cheesy as that sounds.

Editing some prelim stuff got me so jazzed to start cutting and slashing away by this time next week. I'm really looking forward to that and confident Ill be slicing some great eye-candy. I wont let you down Future Joe!

Present Joe

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Shot of the Day #98: Location, Location, Locati-


Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

We're gonna shoot the shit out of this place.

Joe

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Shot of the Day #97: Brain hurt.

Shot with Nikon D90. CLick to enlarge.

Need anymore explanation? Tomorrow is gonna be a big day, but getting there has been a brain-blaster. Need sleep. Maybe some crack. For now I have Ibuprofen.

Joe

Monday, April 06, 2009

Shot of the Day #96: F'n one of those days, Dick Neck.

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

There's nothing I hate worse than idle waiting. This town is fueled by the "Hurry up...and wait" formula that can just burn your soul out, and today was no exception. Been working and waiting on a MAJOR project for literally a MONTH now, and just feels like the string-along extends into infinity as the clock ticks down....and every day that gets waisted on red-tape bullshit and indecisiveness is one day closer to our "end date" & one less day to properly prep, which just infuriates/frustrates me to no end. But, gotta hang in there, stay strong and positive, for hopefully all this stress and strife will be worth it in the long run and a dream project of mine will finally come to pass.

Here is a candid "Calgon take me away!" moment when in the sanctity of ones mobile domicile, and you gots a head filled to the brim with bullshit, you just want to scream.

Which I did. Loudly. Seemed to work like a Lucky Charm.

In doing so, I took a pic and noticed that in this position and at the camera's angle, it looks like my neck-to-chin area resembles a giant penis if you squint a bit. Nice, huh? Even the hair adds to it, although I will admit in this public forum that "manscaping" is a wonderful thing for one's penile Superego.

What a dickhead.

Let's see how tomorrow stands. Here's hoping for a solid answer and a "Go Forth" so I can start kicking ass.

Joe

Sunday, April 05, 2009

Shot of the Day #95: Through my Father's "eyes"

Shot with Photo Booth. Click to enlarge.

Here I am working on the laptop in the back seat of the car as Bri, Rem and I trek down to our friend Debi & Jake's for a long-delayed meet up at their house. Unfortunately, its been a working weekend (w/ yesterday's Ninja Killer shoot as well) but hell, it's gotta get done, so I just threw on the earbuds and warmed up the Macbook, ready for Freddy so to speak. The glasses you see on me are not really my style, but they are signifigant...they were my Dad's. These Maui Jim glasses were one one pair of many that he had hanging in the Garage when I was home for his funeral, one of the sets of shades he proudly wore when he revved up his chopper for a Sunday drive...on better days. I always remembered these glasses, and before I left NY for the trip home to (he)LA, I grabbed them. I don't know why, but I did. My father was one determined motherfucker, and never seemed to fear what lay ahead, if it was mortality itself. These glasses, for whatever reason, feel like a comfort blanket for me, since the next few days might be the most insane Ive had in a while. Seriously, 2009 is quickly becoming one of the most signifigant years in my entire life; even the first 4 months have been life-altering to say the least. I need as much inner strength as possible (and thankfully going back to the gym has already been helping) and having these glasses on, looking at life through my Father's polarized lenses, gave me that boost of confidence Im gonna need. It's gonna be a VERY interesting (and busy) week.

Strangely enough, my Dad donated his eyes before he died. I wonder if I'll ever get to meet the person who got them "installed", maybe one day I'll just happen to just look at someone and go "Holy shit, my Pop is staring at me". I know he was glad to help, no matter who they went to.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Shot of the Day #94: Ninjas & Jibs

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

I don't know why, but I have a Camera crane fetish. Jimmy's, TechnoCrane, Spidercams...Im so fascinated with how a camera can be manipulated in it's motions and to me, a professional set is one with a crane in the immediate area. It's like saying "we mean bid'ness here". Probably because there is a process to set-up and break down (like the 7 hours it took to do ONE shot in WT2, the spin around shot with Rollins hanging upside down...what a debacle that was, but worth it!) and if you are using it, chances are you KNOW what you mean; not just saying "eh, just turn the cameras on and shoot whateva" which is becoming more the norm, and that scares me. There is a certain amount of the process that you just gotta leave to fate no matter how much prep you do, the "happy accidents" or those impromptu moments that come from being in the shit, but it's also comforting to know when you have your vision in place, know what you want & need. Having a job means, or the most part, the filmmakers know what they want. I respect that.

So when I got to the "Ninja Killer" set on the Venice boardwalk on Saturday to help shoot a package about our internet editors running the course, seeing the crane there gave me a warm feeling (or was that my flesh cooking from the sun? Stupid sunburn). The event was a promotional gimmick for the channel, which airs "Ninja Warrior" (one of our biggest hits) and the idea was to give the general public a chance to run a similar course to the ones those crazy Asians challenge their physical endurance with every week on the show, and long story short, it was a hoot. A great crowd showed up and everyone was in high spirits...and it seemed a few people were high themselves, but that's OK, it's Saturday. The members of my Internet dept who ran really went out in style, dressing as make-shift superheroes, Colonial times wenches and the like, put on a hell of a show for the crowd and the cameras and in all, made for some great footage. For having to work on a Saturday, I was glad I went and helped.

Below is a shot of some of the "Ninjas" on our team. I love them all, the kooky kids.

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Joe

Friday, April 03, 2009

Shot of the Day #93: Unkie Luke to the rescue!


Shot with Nikon D90. Click to enlarge.

Friday night. In the past, it was the ringing in of the weekend from a long, hard week, the entry way to the allowance of being "up all night" and "sleep all day". It was usually the night I'd race off to the movies for "opening night" which was always the best crowd to gauge a movie's effectiveness, at least at the theaters i'd go to. Friday's were special.

Well....then you have a kid! Fridays, Sundays, Tuesdays....it's all Babyday. No matter, because it's worth that simple sacrifice. Being away from Bri and Remy during the day truly makes my heart grow fonder, yearning to step on the gas and make it home to sniff sweet, sweet baby head. Im an addict.

But yesterday, my best mate Luke said "You two. You are going to the movies and Im watching the Kid." A bold offer, especially since he'd be the first person to watch him other than family and the first time we'd be "going out" solo since he popped out. After much debate, what clinched it was the allure of Paul Walker and Vinny D. in the new FAST & FURIOUS movie. I know I know, why would we go see that dreck. Well, first...we both LOVE the first film. So much so that in Queens, I had a huge, 18X20 poster of the original Rob Cohen-helmed speed-fest in our living room, proudl displayed like a modern classic. The subsequent sequels, 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS (2 UGH) and TOKYO DRIFT (Surprisingly fun), weren't classic, but the idea of "getting the band back together" with original gang from the first film (including the mongoloid from GIRLFIGHT & the Demi Moore clone) was an offer we weren't going to refuse. Plus, it was the kind of disposable fare that if we had to leave at a moment's notice, I don't think we would have mind. I'd rather sit and really enjoy the nostalgic subtleties of ADVENTURELAND, thank you.

After trying to back out in fear Luke would be overwhelmed, he persisted (he's a stubborn fuck, that Rivett...and I love him for it) so we obliged. Plus, he had 3 episodes of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS to catch up on, so he was good as Texas Gold. It was tough prying Bri's fingers from the door jam as we left, but surprisingly, we made it over to The Bridge in no time, the reserved seats were there waiting for us (albeit a little too close for Bri; I love having to look from side to side to take in every part of the frame...its like instant IMAX!) and after a "already sleeping" text from home, we actually stayed for the whole film.

I gotta admit, I enjoyed the hell out of it. Sure it was C-grade popcorn junk, but who doesn't like competently made crap now and then? Justin Lin (who directed BETTER LUCK TOMORROW & TOKYO DRIFT) did a good job keeping the action crisp and clearly watched a lot of TRANSPORTER movies for those important "SHIFT ECU!!!!" shots. Everyone looked a little paunchier, but it played out well...although Clone Demi Moore looked like a deer in headlights the whole film; probably because she was shocked she still can work...even if its in a sequel to a movie she made 8 years later so its a gig by default. Plus, Im a sucker for car chases, and even though these were mostly of the "Burnout Revenge" sort with half-real, half-CG cars whizzing through various locales (and being sat on by a multitude of faceless "ass girls" who only seem to gyrate near cars in mini-skirts all day and night), they kept my blood pumping. All in all, super fun and we both left smiling....and ready to get the fuck home asap to cuddle our baby.

When we got in, Luke did great, even though after that sleeping text he sent, Remy then decided to wake up and fuss, but Lukie seemed to handle it like a champ, and we were really proud of him. Great work Matey, and thanks for giving us our Friday Night back, even for a few hours. Oi Oi Oi!

Joe

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Shot of the Day #92: Duchamp can Drink it.

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

Sometimes art can come from the most obscure places of your mind, how you see something, be it a tree branch, the curve of a woman's hip, the color Peuce, whatever...and find that spark, that inner indicator that something special is before your eyes.

I dunno what Marcel Duchamp saw when he made art out of a urinal, but this moment, while "evacuating" in the office bathroom before, just said "Shoot me. I am art and this means something" and I had to oblige, like Dreyfuss w/ a pile of mashed potatoes.

The guy next to this urinal was none too pleased of me shooting this, but I can't concern myself with the opinions of the outside world. I have art to make, dammit!

Onwards and upwards with the arts,

Joe

PS: If you want to see some truly inspired art, CLICK HERE. Some amazing stuff!!!

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Shot of the Day #91: On the Other Side...

Shot with iphone. Click to enlarge.

I have a newfound appreciation for anyone who has to talk into a camera lens and make it seem inviting, natural. Seriously, that shit is difficult.

Last night I was shooting a little secret project (shhhh) and was working with a great set of guys, 2 of whom I worked with when I was a DP at G4. The shaggy dude on the left is AP Murray, the sound-guru on set (and one hilarious guy who also has an amazing Yaght Rock cover band called KNIGHTS OF MONTE CARLO...a must see if you love Michael Mcdonald or Kenny Loggins)...in the center is Ryan Ghrahm, one of the in-house DP's (and a lover of FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 5 as I found out) and on the right is our producer, Corrado Caretto, a veteran of the G4 grind and a great producer as well (also: HUGE BSG fan so he's good peeps in my book). THESE are the guys who hold the company together and make all the talent look good. Round of applause, please.

And...then there's me, the schmoe usually behind the scenes, now front-n-center. Honestly, I thought it would be a breeze but man, even getting the easiest written copy out without someone to bounce off of other than ground lens glass is more difficult than I thought it was, even with the experience I've had in the past. Luckily the crew was very supportive and funny and we battled through it, hoping that it will all cut together. I walked away nervous that I sounded like a fool, but we'll see when its cut together.

Thanks to everyone involved (including the very patient Del & Sue at Dark Delicacies in Burbank where we shot...love those guys!) and keeping fingers crossed the video never sees the light of day. We'll see...

Joe