Finding Vivian Maier

This is a film that I've been wanting to see since Vivian Maier's collection of work was first discovered.  It's film is premiering at DOC NYC on November 17 and I'm hoping it'll make it's way out to the west coast shortly after since I don't think I'll be in New York this year.  If you haven't heard of Vivian Maier then I strongly encourage you to watch the trailer. 

A mysterious nanny, who secretly took over 100,000 photographs that were hidden in storage lockers and discovered decades later, is now considered among the 20th century’s greatest photographers. Maier’s strange and riveting life and art are revealed through never before seen photographs, films, and interviews with dozens who thought they knew her.

Dark Side of the Lens

I just discovered this great video by Astray Films titled "Dark Side of the Lens." 

Winner - Best Cinematography, Rhode Island International Film Festival, 2011

Winner - Action Sports Category, Vimeo Awards 2012

Winner - G-Raid Driven Creativity award - Professional Category

Winner - Best Cinematography, 5Point Film Festival 2011

Winner - Grand Prize - Chamonix Film Festival 2011

Winner - Best short - New York Surf Film Festival 2011

Winner - Digital short of the Year, Surfer Poll

Winner - Relentless Short Stories 2011

Winner - Amstel Surf Film Festibal, Peoples Choice award

Winner - Best short, Sheffield Adventure Film Festival

Winner - Best International Short, Canadian Surf Film Festival

Winner - Best Short, Waimea Ocean Film Festival

Unlocking The Truth

My buddy Mike just posted this on Facebook and I thought it was awesome.  These two kids from Flatbush (Brooklyn), New York have a great sense of style and definitely surprise you by their age and the music they're interested in.   They must have some really cool supportive parents.

Kriss Kross this isn’t. Lock up your daughters, America: these sixth-grade metalheads from Flatbush, Brooklyn are on a mission to rock your socks off. More on www.theavantgardediaries.com Directed by Luke Meyer / Produced by Julia Wilczok & Tom Davis / Director of Photography: Hillary Spera / Camera Assistant: Matt Burke /Additional Filming by Luke Meyer / Location Sound Recordist: Guillermo Hernan Peña-Tapia / Edited by Harry Nelson / Music by Unlocking The Truth / Sound mix by Eben Bull / Special Thanks to Annette Jackson & Tracey Brickhouse Follow us! facebook.com/THEAVANTGARDEDIARIES twitter.com/theavgd

A Life Well Lived | Jim Whittaker & 50 Years of Everest

"If you're not living life on the edge, you're taking up too much space."   This is a quote that I live by.  I believe we should all try new things whenever possible.  Exploring the unknown and experiencing life outside your comfort zone is the only way to really know what it's like to live.

Fifty years ago, Jim Whittaker became the first American to summit Mt. Everest. Directed by Eric Becker. www.weareshouting.com. This film was made possible by support from Seattle University. Archival footage courtesy Eddie Bauer and The Whittaker Family.

Drummer Wanted: Dean Zimmer

Two of my friends just posted this video on Facebook and I thought I would post it here because it's pretty amazing.  It'll make you think twice before you judge someone or tell them they can't do something.  This guy inspires me both as a musician and a human being. 

Music of the Moment - Opus Orange

I first heard of Opus Orange when I stumbled upon a documentary about the John Muir Trail titled "Mile . . . Mile and a Half" which is really worth checking out, especially if you're into hiking and nature.   The documentary is beautifully shot using Nikon D800s (I think) and GoPros.  The primarily instrumental soundtrack compliments the scenery perfectly, partially because Paul Bessenbacher was along fort the journey and experienced it firsthand, which I'm sure really helped contribute to the composing process.  You can check out 2 of the tracks on their site, listen to the full album on Spotify, or purchase it on iTunes or Amazon.

My Model Wish List - Sasha Grey

Sasha Grey . . . she's different from the other girls you'll find in My Model Wish List.  I've done shoots with a Playboy model, a Penthouse model and a European porn star before, so shooting someone from that industry wouldn't necessarily be something new for me, but there's something that sets Sasha apart from those other models.  It's probably because she seems like a bad ass that just doesn't give a fuck about what you think and there's something really sexy about that, not to mention she's extremely intellectual and well spoken which makes her that much more attractive.  Awhile back she released her own book titled Neü Sex  in which she gets behind the camera and documents her own life, I haven't checked it out yet, but I am interested in picking up a copy.

Sasha, if you stumble upon this post and want to shoot, send me an e-mail!

Porcelainia

Here's another cool video I just stumbled upon on Vimeo. 

"It's not what you start with or what you end up with, but it's what lies between the beginning and the end that's the meaning of the whole act of creation." 

This is the story of Teacher, Scientist, Artist- Bobby Jaber.

Bobby is my Great Uncle and for years I have wanted to tell his story. This short documentary film doesnt even scratch the surface of the amount of work and art Bobby has produced. Sit back and enjoy what my family and myself have had all our lives, the artistry and story of Bobby Jaber.

Please check out my interview about this mini doc here: nofiction.co/blog/2013/8/8/altizer

Learn more about Bobby's work and procedures to producing his art at: porcelainia.com
If you are interested in purchasing some of Bobby's art you can contact him at: bobbyjaber@gmail.com

A film by Dave Altizer
Starring Bobby Jaber
Shot on Canon 7d in Technicolor Cinestyle picture profile. 
Lenses: Canon 24L, 50L and 16-35L
Graded using Film Convert

Be sure to watch all the way to the end for a funny blooper :)

The Birdman

With CDs, VHSs and old cassette tapes stacked head high, Rainbow Music is a hoarder's paradise. However, its quirky owner, known as 'The Birdman', knows exactly where everything is. Amidst the Starbucks and Subways popping up on every corner of the East Village, Rainbow Music maintains its mom and pop feel, and is a hidden gem to its patrons. Due to the weak economy, online music sales and pirating, and the changing neighborhood, this charismatic curmudgeon is struggling to sell what he has in his store. Despite these challenges, The Birdman carries on to his own tune.

WINNER: Grand Jury Award for Short Documentary 2013 Slamdance Film Festival
WINNER: Best Documentary Short, 2012 Williamsburg Independent Film Festival
WINNER: Neighborhood Award, 2013 Lower East Side Film Festival 
WINNER: Audience Favorite 2013 Media Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2012 Doc NYC Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2013 Independent Film Festival Boston
OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2013 Arizona International Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION: Rooftop Films 2013 Summer Series

Website: jessieauritt.com
facebook.com/TheBirdmanFilm