marketing for good: Walter Mitty promo video

Here was a simple and wonderful idea - take the video promo budget of a major motion picture and do some good with it, like spend it on disaster relief in the Philippines.  That's what this guy did and everyone wins - this guy gets work, people get help and the movie gets promoted through this anyway.  Read the full article here and watch the video below.

Caine's Arcade

Do yourself a favor and take 10 minutes to watch this joyous little documentary about a 9 year-old boy who built a cardboard arcade in his Dad's east LA car repair shop and after you get a little weepy, go to the website and donate to his scholarship fund.


Caine's Arcade from Nirvan Mullick on Vimeo.

Girl Crush: Jennifer Lawrence

I am so incredibly pumped to go see THE HUNGER GAMES on Thursday at midnight.  Not only am I a lover of the book trilogy, but I think the whole series was incredibly well cast, especially its lead, Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.  I first noticed the young starlet during her incredible performance in WINTER'S BONE and thought, "now THAT girl is a movie star."

Also, she has looked oh-so absolutely FIERCE on the red carpet during each of the international premieres.  Love all her inspired looks!

 (crazy hot in gold at the world and LA premiere)

 (a gold Ralph Lauren in London)

 (check out this "girl on fire" Katniss inspired look with a super awesome back in Berlin)

(super sexy again in Paris)

celebrity sighting: elmo

Last night Roommates and I went to the screening of the talk of Sundance this year, BEING ELMO at the opening of the Independent Film Festival Boston 2011.  If you get the chance to see the film, go.  The incredibly inspiring story of Kevin Clash, Elmo's puppeteer (lesser known as the puppeteer as the baby from Dinosaurs and Splinter from the Ninja Turtles movies), was pure joy.  There was a great Q&A after with the filmmakers and Kevin and of course, Elmo, which had me in stitches.  My favorite was when someone asked Elmo what the challenges are being on a TV show and Elmo said, "Well, Elmo's not on a television show, Elmo just lives on Sesame Street!  But, sometimes Oscar can be challenging."  It's clear he has a gift and was just so...on.  Here's a clip for the film:

latest video inspiration: shark pig

So inspired by filmmaker Brian Morrow of Shark Pig.  He shoots lovely videos of weddings, other events, photoshoots and beyond.  His videos are so fun to watch and cool - makes you feel like you missed the fabulous party!  Check out some of my favorites.


ain't no party like a ban.do party from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

Suzanna & Kegan in Super 8mm from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

carrying on

(MALL COP wrap, approx. 6am, May 2008)

It's been a week on the new movie and it's, dare I say it, the 5th Kevin James movie I've been lucky to be a part of.  I love this job, I love this crew, I love my team.  I feel great and am open to opportunity.  Instead of putting my extra energy into looking for work or worrying about super-short contracts, I can put my energy into creativity and self-expression.  Isn't that beautiful?

art of the title sequence

Sometimes, it's easy to forget about the title sequence in a movie when it's all over.  But think about - you're sitting in a theatre, the lights go dark and the movie starts.  Words begin to crawl on the screen.  Don't you get a tiny bit of thrill?  What's going to happen?  Am I going to like this movie?  The title sequence is your first taste to answer these questions.  It sets the tone for the whole movie. 

If you're digging what I'm saying, check out this website: Art of the Title.  It highlights title sequences that are simply awesome.  Artistic, creative, simple, beautiful.  You'll want to go to their site and watch a few.

 (blue valentine)

 (any human heart)

(days of heaven)

body & spirit (& a bit of flair).

I did two magnificent things this past weekend - attend one of my most favorite fall activities, the 42nd Head of the Charles & also volunteer for the 1st Annual Team Elizabeth Road Race in Hull, which was inspired by my dear friend Elizabeth and supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

 (My cousin Arch rowing with the Austin Rowing Club)

  (runners/walkers at the start line)

After my active weekend, I sat on my couch Sunday to watch Chariots of Fire, an incredibly inspirational film (see it) about two men who run in the 1924 Olympics for very different purposes.  One of the most memorable quotes from the film comes from Eric Liddell: 

I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure. 

And aside from the heart felt moments, I forgot all about the dapper men's fashion!  The men at Cambridge college circa 1920 just looked so fabulous.  Check out the first 5 minutes from this clip and tell me it doesn't make you want to jump into a sweater vest, striped scarf, corduroy jacket and straw hat?

For all you mens that love it as much as I do, I put together a little collection for you:

Chariots of Fire by Arestia

ashes and snow.

I believe in the power of awe and the simple act of marveling.  In unsteady times, I try to remain focused, stay balanced and keep it simple.  My contract for my job ends in less than 4 weeks and whenever it's time for me to find my next contract, I start to get that unsteady feeling and don't want to lose my footing when it comes to joy and passion - I must stay focused.  My successes and gifts are not measured by what I do and I am always on the hunt for something that excites me.  I have people who love me, a trip to always look forward to and prayer to comfort, help and remind me.  That's a lot more than most people can say.

I also believe in the power of inspiration and what it can do to change your world and view of it.  Four years ago, I went to an exhibit by artist Gregory Colbert at the Santa Monica Pier when I was living in Los Angeles.  The exhibit was called Ashes and Snow and was in a "nomadic museum," which would travel to different ports all over the world - Venice, New York, Tokyo, Mexico City.  The actual space was fantastic, but oh, the work.  Photos that would stop you in your tracks and films that would draw you in.  The work was all about the relationship humans have to animals and it was profound and moving.  Enough talking - just look:

Four years later, I still think about that exhibit and how moving I thought it was.  The space was made of shipping cargo and had wooden walkways.  You would walk along one row where the photos were suspended and lit.  And at the end of each one, was one of Mr. Colbert's films.

 

I must remember to take those moments to stop and wonder at the world around me and give thanks to live in beauty, whether it be my actual surroundings or the people in my life that make it so.

tuesdays with...costume designer Mona May

Allow me to take a moment to gush - Mona May is iconic.  The be all and end all costume designer for girl power movies, Mona has a serious "It" factor.  You don't even realize you've seen dozens of movies where her fabulous costumes made their mark.  Her break out work that put her on the map was Clueless.  Every girl wanted a white Calvin Klein dress, plaid mini skirt with matching jacket and fuzzy pens (Mona's idea!).  Boy, was she a trend setter or what?  Since then, her resume exploded.  A FIDM graduate, Mona loves hats, fingerless gloves, feathers and anything with a sizzle factor.  I decided to write about her today because a friend from LA and I were talking about how utterly fabulous she is.  I have had the priviledge of working on two movies with her - The House Bunny and the yet to be released The Zookeeper.  Everyone on and off set wants to be Mona's friend.  Her spirit is infectious, her passion is endless, she works hard and plays hard.  I am so lucky to know her and have great memories working with her.  Even when we're out, Mona will talk to anyone and she turns heads - everyone notices there is something special about this woman.  Come back to me in Boston, Mona! 

(Clueless: maybe I'll wear knee socks again...)

(A Night at the Roxbury: this wardrobe was hilarious)

 (Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion: sparkly and fun!)

(Enchanted: perfect princess)

(The House Bunny: each girl had a signature style)