How I Spent My Summer Vacation

A few years back, a friend of mine called to ask if I would photograph a non-profit school program she was setting up. That program is called Film2Future. For the past 3 years, I've been the staff photographer for the school, shooting behind the scenes and portraits of these amazing kids and their teachers, mentors and the guest speakers that come to talk to them about every bit of the film and television industry, from financial planning to how to be a good PA. 

This year, Film2Future took on not just it's regular program in June, but a second session in July for the "graduate" students that focused on advertising. It was held at the Steelhead production offices of Deutsch and each team of students was tasked with creating an original ad for 7 Eleven - from concept to delivery. 

This year had some definite highlights - including a visit from Good Day LA to do a feature on the program during the shoot day - (Video here: http://www.foxla.com/news/347982279-video) - but mostly it was inspiring to watch these talented aspiring filmmakers in action! 

If you're interested in donating or learning more about the program, please visit the website at http://www.film2future.com/

Crushin' It

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of working on a secret project - a music video produced by Haven Entertainment and directed by Karla Braun for Barefoot Wine. Featuring stellar talent Elizabeth Banks, Cecily Strong, Phoebe Robinson, Chrissie Fit and Laura Bell Bundy (who was also the musical director for the spot) and an amazing crew. 

It was the first time in a long while I'd shot behind the scenes for a project like this, but it really made me remember how much I love doing it - no matter the stupidly long days and insane early call times. When a project looks on screen like as much fun as it was in reality, it's all worth it. 

You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECYIJcd26V0

Here are a few of the BTS shots featuring our fantastic cast and crew. 

Film2Future Awards Night

This summer, I had the very distinct pleasure of spending two weeks photographing the students and instructors at an amazing program called Film2Future. Held at Emerson College in Los Angeles, Film2Future is a two week intensive course, aimed at underprivileged high school students, to give them a basic introduction to the film industry. Workshops during the two weeks included guest speakers - everyone from actors like Ben Schwartz (Parks and Rec) and Malcolm Goodwin (iZombie) to YouTube personalities, to casting agents, directors and producers and talent agents. They even had at least one Oscar winner (2016 winner for Sound Editing Mark Mangini) come to speak to the kids. 

With such a great and varied staff at the non-profit school, it was no surprise that the culmination of the program was a beautiful night premiering each of the student films and an awards ceremony for the teams. Having spent some time with these kids, and seeing how hard they worked, they absolutely deserved such an amazing night. 

Film2Future will be continuing again next year, with a new group of students and I'm sure, a new group of amazing talented industry professionals to guide them. I look forward to being able to be part of it again. 

Here are some of the highlights from the awards ceremony: 

Portraits From the Wasteland

For the last couple of years, I have had the pleasure of attending the annual Wasteland Weekend event in California City, California. Out in the middle of nowhere in the Mojave Desert, for four days, approximately 2500 crazy Mad Max fans descend on H Park near Edwards Air Force base and set up a functional Bartertown, a fully functional Thunderdome (in which attendees can fight each other), a vendor selling Dinki Di "dog food" in the movie accurate cans (don't worry - it's not dog food, but kangaroo meat chili) and a number of characters from the Mad Max films - everything from War Boys, to Immortan Joe, to Furiosa to every incarnation of Max himself. Something about being out there in the Wasteland has inspired me to start working on something new. Starting with my own wonderful and willing tribe members, (Tribe Neverwas), I am working on a series of Post-Apocalyptic Portraits. For now, here's some from this past weekend at Wasteland Weekend 2016. I'm hoping to work on more in the coming months. 

Super Saturday Isn't Always About Sports.

Recently, I was invited to help shoot a wonderful event for a fantastic cause - The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund's annual Super Saturday Sample Sale at the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport. Even though the sky was threatening most of the day and we got a little damp from the rainfall now and again through out the day, the sale was a huge success, bringing out fashionistas looking for great deals, celebrities and guests from all over to take advantage of the amazing discounts - all to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. 

The event was hosted by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and her dear friend, actress Molly Sims, both of whom brought their families and were seen having a great time checking out booths and enjoying all the event had to offer. 

At the end of the day, shoppers went home happy with their purchases, myself included! Even though I was busy shooting all day, I took a few minutes to grab a couple pairs of amazing yoga pants by local shop Zobha for a steal! 

If you have a chance to check out this event next year, I would highly recommend it!