Growing up in the 70s I used to watch a very funny cartoon called Mr. Magoo. Magoo was a practically blind old man who got around despite the fact he had no clue where he was going. He’d often talk to a bear or some other crazy thing, thinking he was talking to his neighbor […]
Doug Menuez on Art and the Wisdom of New York
What is art? Who defines it? What drives the artist? Can photography be considered “art”? These are the questions that drive the narrative of this third and final installment of the documentary profile series “Menuez on Manhattan.” In it renown commercial and stock photographer Doug Menuez has shared his life and career experiences. Act 1 […]
I’m Sure the Clients Loved It, But…
A few days ago I reviewed a video for a friend and colleague who wanted some honest feedback. My review wasn’t particularly good. It wasn’t a bad video, but it just left me flat. I’ve seen other work by this individual that really impressed me, so I also knew it wasn’t up to snuff with […]
The Power and Importance of Purpose
Why do you do the job you do? Do you have a single, over-arching purpose that drives you every day? Something concrete you could clearly communicate to someone if they asked? If you find it hard enough finding ONE purpose, how would you feel if I told you I think there are actually TWO distinct […]
The Comparison Game Never Ends. Why? Oh Why?
Last week I had coffee with a friend of mine. A fellow artiste. (Well actually, I had hot chocolate and a coffee cake.) He knew I had been out of town for a gig a few weeks earlier and asked what I was up to. I proceeded to tell him how I had flown out […]
Ray Roman – From Drug-Busting Cop to Award-Winning Wedding Filmmaker
Ray Roman is 6′ + tall, very muscular, and can sometimes be physically intimidating. You have to be when you deal with the mob. And it also helps when you’re dealing with the M.O.B. – as in “mother of the bride.” Ray is someone who has been in a situation where he’s done both. From […]
Edward Burns Crosses the Gap Between Old Hollywood and New
I think it’s a fitting end to my week-long series on the New, New Hollywood filmmaker by talking about Edward Burns. You may recall that Burns hit it big and had the ultimate filmmaker’s dream come true when his indie film “The Brothers McMullen” became a critical, festival, and box office hit back in 1995. Since […]
25 Things I Love About Julian Smith
Today is day 4 of the challenge I started Monday. For you to find three new filmmakers to follow and learn from and/or be inspired by. I suggested to pick three filmmakers who are part of what I call the New, New Hollywood—original content creators taking advantage of online media to do what every filmmaker […]
Matt Koval is “NextUp” On My List of New Filmmakers to Follow
Today I continue the series I started Monday, where I encourage you, my devoted readers, to seek out new life, and new civilizations. To boldy go… (okay, I’m sure you’re tired of the Star Trek references). Anyhoo, I challenged you to leap out of your comfortable little world of super star wedding, event, DSLR or commercial photog […]
Wong Fu Productions Has the Perfect Business Model
As I mentioned yesterday, this week I’m highlighting a few YouTube super stars I’ve been following whose stories I think are great inspiration for many of you in the DSLR filmmaking world. Sometimes I feel we’re all in our own little boxes, following all the same people and never expanding our horizons. My hope is […]