screen inspiration: mildred pierce

Over the weekend, I finally finished the HBO mini series event, MILDRED PIERCE.  The story of a complicated relationship between a mother and daughter during depression-era California has many dark twists and turns and is a great story.  Here's the trailer:




As Kate Winslet said in an interview, there was nothing mini about it.  Five parts, approximately an hour each, were shot over a 16 week period.  It takes about 10 weeks to make a movie, longer for a period piece.  This was like shooting two and a half movies.  And it was incredible.  Kate Winslet is a favorite of mine and I think no one else could have played this part as well.  And the sets and costuming (by the legendary Ann Roth) made the whole thing truly spectacular.  I can't say enough about the costuming and production design.

One thing that struck me when doing the research was how much inspiration the crew got out of photographer Saul Leiter.  Leiter liked to use windows and reflective surfaces to capture image and the inspiration of his work is clearly seen throughout this series.  The crew even normally used the term "Leiter-y" to define a shot.

Look at a couple shots from the series:

And now some great photos from Saul Leiter:

Isn't it fantastic when we inspire each other?

Check out the series on HBO on demand before it goes away!

food as art

Bright red, orange and green peppers.  Plump baskets of blueberries.  Swirling cocktails.  You know what?  Food isn't only good, it's pretty.  And while the food as art episode on Top Chef this season was the worst challenge ever, I still can't help but love that moment at a restaurant where your plate comes out and it just looks so gorgeous.

Meet Megan Elmstrom.  She's a local photographer and I simply love all her food photos.  They're perfect for marketing, sure, but they remind me how beautiful food can be. 

cover rooms

We're busy busy developing new shows, one of which is for HGTV.  I was able to actually use my love of great design, inspiration & ideas to pull some images I like for inspiration for some materials.  These rooms have texture, depth and life.  Love 'em.

*Images courtesy of elements of style, coco+kelley & Elle Decor

fabulous autumn road trip

This past weekend, I went apple picking - in Sharon Springs, NY.  Why did I drive 3.5 hours to go apple picking you ask?  Because of a certain book called The Bucolic Plague.

For my book club this month, this is what we read and I loved it.  Gentlemen farmers, goats, simplicity and a quaint town.  I've also started watching their television show on Planet Green, The Fabulous Beekman Boys.  So we got a little crazy and decided to plan a day road trip.  We had a great lunch at The Black Cat, walked the single block known as Main Street, went apple picking, listened to stories by The American Hotel's innkeeper and took a drive by passed the Beekman Mansion, home to the Fabulous Beekman Boys themselves, Josh and Brent. 

My friend Deepa took some amazing pictures to capture our perfect fall day.

dogs do the darndest things

Last night, my current company Powderhouse Productions sponsored the The Liberty Hotel's Yappier Hour to kick off Season 3 of DOGS 101, which Powderhouse produces for Animal Planet (and yours truly was an associate producer for the show this past season).  Pooches and their owners come to enjoy drinks and treats and mingle during the summer months in the hotels "yard," a cool patio space.  It was so fun and insane and plumb cute.  Dogs were running all over the place, playing with each other and begging for treats while their parents got sloshed.  I felt like I was at a toddler's birthday party - fanTAStic.

(my neighbor Charlie playing with new friend Bella)

(this dog just kept woofing; I loved it)

(muttinis!)

(our VP brought his Rhodesian Ridgeback, Bella, which you know I love)

(our crew was there to capture every moment)