Merry Merry Christmas!

It's hard to believe, but Christmas is upon us again. I'm lucky to have loved ones around me, health, and a blossoming career....

It's amazing. I don't remember a Christmas in Toronto that has been this mild. Though as children, major snowfalls were the norm, in the past few years, odds of snow for Christmas seem to be 50/50.... but plus 7 degrees celsius!???? It's like we're in Vancouver or something. Believe me, I'm not complaining....

Best Wishes to all and I'll be back to my updates soon enough. I've got some major shoots coming up in the New Year that need some attention. But, for now, I'm going to relax and eat some good food.

xoxo
Tatyana

WONDERBOOTY!

Still haven't finished my Chicago updates but the world is moving fast.... can't believe we're days away from Christmas!! Uncanny!!

So I've been doing my usual Google perusing (yes, I need a hobby) and just came across some articles announcing that in the UK, Wonderbra sells WONDERBRAS FOR THE BOOTY. :) Wonder how these "wonderbootys" are selling? Wonder why they're only available in the UK? Who would have thought in our thin-obsessed and eating disorder ravaged society, a major brand would make the move towards booty-plumping! Cheers to that!! And cheers to me for not needing one.... the Wonderbra, on the other hand, will always be my best friend.

A day of Chi-town Scenics

Ahhh Chicago!!
Didn't bump into any Greeks, but hey, the city still rocks!

(check out that skyline!!... and also the fact that it's December and I'm not wearing a coat!!!)

You know what I love about winter? When it's just cold enough to skate outdoors, but warm enough that you're comfortable in a thick sweater or light coat. We drove around to grab scenic shots today so after getting a gorgeous skyline shot, we headed to Millenium Park.

(there's a fabulous booty-like mirrored sculpture in the park that I had to have fun with!)

(random shot of an apartment building, but isn't it weird how the parking lot is set up? looks like the cars could just fall off the sides....anyways.....)


That's it, that's all.

Teaser-photos

We got some spectacular footage from the Burlesque show in Chicago I attended.


Someone split the beans and promoted that there would be a CANUCK film crew in the house tonite so a large group of Canadians living in Chicago decided to show up and show their pride... which translated into many many Canadian flags and much screaming! Never a dull moment in the world of burlesque.



It was a great show, really, really great! And I can't wait to start working with the footage.


Because I didn't want to jeopardize valuable video footage, I shot some pics sans flash...




(I love the colour and movement even with the blur....)




(hey, it's the Ghost of Christmas Present!!!! I can't believe how excited I was, front row and all!!)


What I learned on this evening:

- Though, in the moment, you might be laughing your butt off at their antics, enebriated patrons do NOT make the best subjects for streeter interviews.... :)

Booty Burlesque?

I'm totally loving Chicago! The weather is awesome and it basically feels like a larger Toronto. I've been getting stir-crazy in Toronto and eager for adventure, perhaps to move onto a new place. But I'm not adventurous enough to move somewhere that is drastically different from my hometown -- which would be anywhere beyond North America at this point. Even L.A....

I want to feel like I COULD be in Toronto, but I'm not.... it FEELS similar to home but the streets are all new and there is so much to explore... Chicago seems to satisfy this need for change for me..... now if only I could get a green card....

We started off our day filming at an amazing yoga studio called Nature Yoga. As I watched the vinyasa yoga class, I realize how much I MISS yoga. The heated room, wonderful incense, stretching out every inch of my body and clearing my mind.... I'm long overdue to get back into it. Maybe over the holidays when things are quieter for a second....
Out of all the people I've filmed with so far, Michelle is the gal I've connected with most. Not quite sure why -- we're very different. Maybe it's as simple as we're both ambitious creative women around the same age? Regardless, I had an amazing time getting to know her and as I looked at all of the things she has on her plate, and the upcoming projects too, it made my head spin. I might not be the multitasker that I think I am. Here I am, working on ONE FILM and having trouble seeing past it and beyond.... but it's the perfectionist in me.

(funny picture of the 'boom in shot'. Even though I've been working with location sound for so many years, it appears as though I'm still daunted by the boom mic above my head. :) )


The other special treat on this trip has been the addition of a really lovely young lady, native to Chicago. She was hired as a PA but she's actually an amazing filmmaker and photographer. Lucky us! I have to say, as much as I love my crew, introducing a little estrogen into the mix is a welcome change!!!

(a silly pic of us mugging to the camera)

But the real excitement today was my first ever burlesque lesson. If you know me, you know I love to dance. But for me, dancing= moving without choreography or thought when I'm drinking at a bar. Preferably with Justin on the soundsystem.

Lessons are a first. Never had lessons. Ever. I was majorly daunted -- with choreography, dancing can become something really beautiful but also it makes something fun into WORK! Regardless, after sitting through an "advanced" burlesque class, I wanted to look sexy and move like that too! I was curious enough to shake off my shyness and join in! It helped that there were a few other first timers in the room. All in all, the choreography was quite basic. I could tell that Michelle was trying to get us comfortable with moving and looking sexy as opposed to bogging us down with complicated moves. I got the moves down more or less... but I found it REALLY HARD to check myself out in the mirror. Think back to how much you get the music in your body and move uninhibitedly on the dance floor. Seeing yourself can spoil, at least for me, that blissful reverie.

But I was here to learn -- so I had to sneak a peek every now and then of my reflection. And I looked.... ok!

But what I was unsuccessful at in this class, was LOOKING sexy, from the neck up. I am in utter awe at Michelle's ability to turn on the "minx" in her eyes and expression at any time. When I try to intentionally look sexy, I just feel like a droopy-eyed, little-kiddie-pout mess. I suppose sexiness is a state of mind and if you feel it, you'll exude it. Clearly, I haven't gotten there yet...

(the "anonymous" class)

So half of the class was warm-up, stretching and basic moves to get all loose and sexy... Then, we all had to grab canes to work on a mini-routine. Props are fun! They allow you to focus your attention on them and away from your body (which you might still be self conscious about). We danced to Esthero's "If Tha Mood" -- perfect song to put you in the mood! So after laughing and sweating through an entire class, I felt good by the end. Not sexy necessarily, but more confident. Burlesque is addictive!

(Working the pole, er--CANE)

With my lesson out of the way, I was now able to focus on directing and capturing the essence an life of this magnificent goddess who had welcomed my crew and I into her life....

More to come....

T

Chi-Chi-Chi-Chitown...

First ever trip to Chicago. Apparently a lot of my "people" (read: Greeks) live here.... so I should be terribly excited, right? (My people also include the Polish as well, FYI).

In a freaky turn of events, the weather is almost BALMY for this time of year. Helped a bit with my luggage at the airport as I wasn't packing the thick knit sweaters. So I'm in Chicago for burlesque. To meet and work with the QUEEN of burlesque in my world... she's got a booty that does the duty (what on earth does that mean? I just made it up)

We had a few hours to ourselves after we landed so I marched right out onto Magnificent Mile and walked.... and walked and walked. Basically window shopped for 4 hours. I was in my usual traveller's daze and didn't take advantage of this precious free time to actually purchase some Christmas presents. But I did see some amazing holiday light displays and got a major workout!
I'm loving the hotel decor but hating the pushy employees. The valet guys literally jump into your car when you pull up and the bellmen almost grab your luggage even though you look (as I do) totally capable to handle the task yourself. But the interior is really cool and the hallways run around the perimiter of the building with glass dividers that look over into the atrium where they serve breakfast/happy hour drinks.

Pretty cool, eh?

So tonite I met up with my "subject" and her partner at a smoky bar and realized quickly that second-hand smoke would be my enemy for the first time in what feels like eons. That aside, all is good -- we're starting to film tomorrow!!

Random Atlanta Pics

Some random pictures from the latest trip to Atlanta....


Something compelled me to order up a drumstick at the Popeye's drivethru and nosh on it while driving. The closest I got to "Southern Fried Chicken" on this trip. I know -- I'm a kook.

Our connecting flight was in Charlotte and I had to take this picture. The airport had ROCKING CHAIRS everywhere. What a nice way to spend a layover -- rocking your cares away.

I've been doing my darndest to pack lighter with each trip. But it's hard to be prepared for the unexpected without adding a little weight. Here is a pic of my suitcase, weighed at it's heaviest yet -- 65 pounds!!! For shame....

:)

Tatyana

Decked out in Denim

I love clothes. So this part of my film is particularly fun. Especially because it's denim! What's more fun then denim???

Well, I should fess up. Denim hasn't always been fun for me. In fact, it's caused me probably the most culmulative stress over the course of my lifetime than any other shopping -- (considering how rarely I shop for swimwear). So hard to fit athletic thighs, hips and a tush.... believe you me. Even walking into Holt's (an upscale department store), I can rarely find the perfect fit even when I decide I can sacrifice a couple hundred dollars.

So when I found a denim company that caters to the bootylicious I was in heaven. And the expectation was high -- would I really be able to wear their jeans and love they fit???!?

They did they did they did!!!! Can't wait to share my findings with everyone on tape!!!

Because this has been a fit struggle plaguing mainly African-American women, the company was also thrilled to find a white gal that could fit their jeans. They also loved that I had an interesting look that could be any mix of nationalities... So they encouraged me to participate in the photo shoot that we'd be filming.

Such an exciting opportunity but hello, I'd never posed my bootie for anything before. I'd never even so much as had a professional photo taken since my childhood Sears Studio days.... We're talking ribbons in hair, sundress and maryjanes....

So what did I do?

I went to TARGET!

I should explain -- they gave all of the models an information sheet on which we were told what to bring to the shoot. Of course I didn't have MOST of the things on there because I had packed for a film shoot and not a glamour shoot....
So Target was my only hope.

Target calms me. Target makes me feel safe. It's really sick, but I think I can just wander through the store endlessly, lost in my thoughts and also distracting myself from over-thinking by checking out the wide array of goodies. I used to have this ridiculous obsession with heading to a Shoppers Drug Mart in Anytown-Canada when we were shooting a kids show a few years back. After wrap, I'd bug the front desk for the nearest 24hr Shoppers.... insane, I know. Maybe the stress of travelling lessens when I know that any amenity or toiletry is within my reach....

Anyhow, posing for those photos was the hardest thing I've ever done!!! Well, it's definifely high on the list. I guess I really should have practiced or something. Because once I was in front of 20 people and bright lights, alone, and trying to look "natural", I realized just how little I knew about my body and how to present it. Reminded me again why I feel safer beside the cameras... Don't really know how they all turned out, but I am definitely grateful for the experience! And I'm sure I will learn plenty about my bod by seeing the photos!

Thank you Claire, Dan and Nicole! You are amazing and I'm blessed to have crossed paths with you! I truly support what you're doing and the way you're doing it... Thank you also to the lovely models who were so sweet and supportive.

There's more to come....

FINISHED!

Phew -- The Art Event went by in a blur.... and now I am officially finished with one of my characters!

After struggles with logistics, stress levels, etc., we got the job done!!

You'll have to watch the film to see how it all unfolds.

(the crowd starts to pile in)

(giggling with the gals)

(the spoken word Diva-Poets!)

(the set up I come back each night to in my room. first few times were like staring down the barrel of a loaded gun!)


More to come...

Tatyana

Back in the ATL

Ahhh Atlanta....


I couldn't stay away too long, apparently. A little over a week after my first trip out, we were back.

We arrived trouble-free in the ATL today. And get this -- it's HOT. 20 degrees celsuis hot! Makes me wonder why I didn't manipulate my film around warm locales throughout the winter months and escape the Toronto cold. But I'm a serious artist focused on telling a great story. It's not about personal gain....more or less... :)

After a really early start, we drove into Decatur -- a lovely town just east of Atlanta. It was breathtaking!! A perfect, quaint little town full of tree-lined (and Christmas wreath-accessorized) streets, cute restaurants, gift shops...and sunshine. Today is "Black Friday". To me, I instantly pictured a day of witchcraft and bad luck, but in America this signifies the busiest and most profitable day of the retail shopping year. And the beginning of holiday shopping.... and apparently a day of incredible sales discounts. Did I partake? Of course not, I'm here to work!

Decatur was a nice change of scenery from our last trip. Stone Mountain itself was a lovely place, but the hotel we stayed at was in the middle of nowhere, killing the appeal.

And since we'd been gone, the leaves had changed. As we drove down Freedom Parkway and Ponce De Leon, the winding roads offered us amazing views of golden, crimson and chesnut coloured leaves! I honestly could see myself coming back on a romantic weekend to a spot just like this.

But enough fantasizing....back to work. Because the last trip out was a rainy, overcast mess, we had rescheduled a few segments to re-shoot this time around. Shooting a documentary out of sequence is really stressful and frustrating. At this point in the general public's TV viewing lives, most of us realize that there is little 'reality' programming and everything has a spin or needs to be planned. Nevertheless, it's hard to shoot segments out of sequence when you're on a personal journey. But I had no choice.

The "Artist" arrived 1.5 hours late and all of a sudden, we were now racing against the sun. The busy streets had also turned sparse as people returned home for dinner.... we needed to shoot a "scouting" scene and now we were really pushing it -- darkness descending and empty streets. Somehow, we pulled it off... zooming through town and talking to everyone in sight in record time!

I also needed to grab one crucial outstanding interview. During our "walk and talk" interview, we'd step into pools of shadow which were death to our camera's image.... and just as I mentally prioritized the questions I needed to ask, a train rolled through town (audio nightmare!!!).... Then, before we could finish, the sun set. Grr..... I was definitely going to have to go through this footage at home and see if anything was useable.

We headed on over to the nearby theatre where the Art event was taking place tomorrow and a new challenge presented itself. Stark white walls....and dim lighting. Perfect for creating a live theatre mood, not so perfect for our camera. Good news is, we had a day to figure out the lighting situation and make it work as best we could. So the Artist unveiled his photos, we captured the set-up process... and called it a night.

We grabbed a late bite and discussed the day.

Yes, the town was full of restaurants but no, none of the better quality establishments stayed open past 10.... it's a fact I still can't get used to about the US. I guess I've been spoiled by eating so late in Toronto. We ended up at a Mexican restaurant.... and I injested an entire block of cheese in my quesadilla.

It's also fun getting carded everywhere. Particularly when one of the gang is in his 40s... that's always a riot. They card everyone here.... taking no chances I suppose.

Everyone is majorly in the holiday spirit -- even though everyone's in t-shirts because of the weather. The hotel is really cute -- though I don't have a room that faces the real world, my window overlooks the hotel lobby which is decked out with beautiful Christmas decorations....

Not a great start to the second trip... but not too bad either.

Snapping Booty

What a remarkable day!

Today, I experienced (through osmosis) a nude booty photo shoot. Makes me wonder just how I got into this whole line of work to begin with!

There was a point in high school when I entertained thoughts of getting into law, maybe teaching, or even journalism. All challenging professions that would have also made my parents proud.

Years later, here I am, documenting the life and times of BOOTY. Ok, so if you read my blog regularly, you realize that there are several inner battles I'm currently having with myself.... credibility is clearly one.

After rain foiled our outdoor filming plans yet again, our crew made our way to the photo studio with the Artist. I was super excited, because I had spoken to a newly recruited model on the phone this morning who was coming to pose tonite. AND she was a white gal with booty. To date, the Artist had been looking for a white gal, who boasts the type of proportions he features in his art, with minimal success. The reality was, more African-American women have these natural assets.... As the Artist made a few calls to see who would be showing up for the shoot tonite (there were several women booked), we got our first hint that New Gal would not be showing up.

No answer on her phone.

I called her as well, and no answer.

(I like this pic because it's blurry -- it kind of works to add mystery and you can draw your own conclusions on what's happening...)

At the photo studio, I sat and chatted with 3 models who had posed for the Artist before -- in a room that smelled faintly of baby oil. Then another 2 gals (one newbie and one "vet") arrived and chatted. When I finally asked if any of them were willing to recreate the experience of posing for me, there was considerable reluctance. But we finally got one taker, and then a couple more. I'll leave the rest a mystery for the film.... as well as a few other surprises that happened that night.... it definitely was an interesting experience!

(booty evidence!!)

We wrapped well after midnite... one more day to go this trip....

Can we call it the "Jigglers"?

Another day in Atlanta was met with torrential rain. All I kept thinking was, there goes my plans to shoot outdoors in the precious few after-school-hours of daylight. (The guy we're filming is also a schoolteacher).

It just wasn't going to happen. Time to change up the shoot plan... AGAIN.

We can't even get a shot of the Artist leaving his day job from the safe refuge of our mini-van because the rain is blowing sideways!

We take a little detour to grab coffee and a bite to eat, and of course the Artist spots prospective models at both locations. Of COURSE the coffee shop would be a Starbucks... and we'd never get a chain like that to sign off on a release, so we missed that moment. Then, the same thing happened at Publix.... sigh... so we were 0 for 2...

Side note: The coolest thing ever happened at Starbucks. Rain gives me a headache and we popped in to order up some energy. When I chatted with the girl behind the counter, I found out that the store was closing in an hour FOREVER. Apparently the location wasn't making good money so it was the staff's last hour in business. I immediately asked the girl if she'd still have a job. She was ok -- there were several other locations around Atlanta and because she was a full time permanent employee (Hello BENEFITS! This girl has better job security and coverage than I do!!) she'd be ok. Then, she went on to give me all four of my specialty drink orders for FREE. How NICE is that on a rainy day when nothing is going your way? I swear, there are angels among us everywhere!!

As the rain continued and the darkness descended, further plans were tossed out. But we made do... gotta roll with the punches when dealing with real life.

The highlight of my day was a trip to an authentic Atlanta suburban "gentleman's lounge" called the "Blue Flame".
For those extra curious types, you can virtually visit at http://www.blueflamelounge.com/index.htm

I could be wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if my crew and I were the first Caucasian people to ever set foot in this spot. We were there to capture the extent of Atlanta's bootyfulness... (not my idea but I was game nevertheless) and bootyful it was!

I dont think I was prepared for the scene. Let me preface by saying I had never been to a female strip club ever before this moment -- I had tried to entice friends to take me before, and I had ventured into a few male joints.... but I had never experienced the pole spinning, fake boob jiggling and legs spreading that I had HEARD happens in most strip clubs. This was a whole other world entirely -- it was a BOOTY HAVEN! There were no suspended acrobatics on poles, no huge plastic breasts.... it was all booty shaking, shimmying and bouncing! It was Booty Mania!

It wasn't the "Rippers" or the "Peelers"... neither name felt at all appropriate. It was more like the "Jigglers"! That name suited the scene I witnessed.

I still have to thank the lovely Dancer who allowed us to film her dance on camera and the owners of the place for letting us in with our huge professional camera in the first place. And I think I was in shock (or so my face seemed to dictate) the rest of the night by the whole experience. Talk about culture shock! Don't know how much of it will actually make the final film, but it was a monumental moment just the same.

So, as you can see, this first shoot trip continued to take a seedy turn.... and all I could do was hope that I could contrast it with some beautiful artistry in the days ahead....

Atlanta Belles-and-Bottoms

I slept like a baby at the Hampton Inn. Melted right into the king size bed and drifted off to blissful sleep. Unlike my NYC experience, the halls and neighbouring rooms were dead-silent and I awoke feeling completely refreshed. What a relief!

(I'm obsessed with taking photos of my hotel rooms.... esp. when I'm staying in the US burbs because they are just soooo BIG for one person. This is the 'sitting room/office')

(continuing on my pictoral tour of my hotel room, here is the garbage can in the kitchenette)

(yes, I've already made a mess of my bed... how comfy does that look though! Props to Hampton Inn... I'm serious!)

I was already behind a day -- we were killing two birds with this Atlanta trip by filming with two characters. However, the "Jeans Designer" and I hadn't managed to connect in person yet to work out the details for our shoot in a few days. But I didn't have time to dwell on that... I had to finish up my shoot plan for today... and get myself looking somewhat presentable.

For those who know me, I am a bit anal (the puns are endless) when it comes to my appearance. I wouldn't quite call myself high-maintenance but I'll admit that I'm rather self critical. I do take care with how I dress and look. Add a camera (that I will appear before from time to time) to this equation and you have: a significant amount of extra time spent getting ready each day. But, those are the breaks.

I am in Atlanta to film an artist who partakes nude booty photography. His work really is something to behold -- and I am withholding details to build anticipation...

We met up with our first character (aka the "Artist") at his place.... and surprised him with a bit of filming as he was pulling up in his car, returning from an errand. We proceeded to film footage of his prior work and a background interview. The content was great, but I quickly became aware of an error in my planning. I had not allowed much time for "set-up". Over the past few years, I'd clearly become spoiled in dealing with tiny 'prosumer' cameras that maximize available light. I was further corrupted more recently by shooting as a one person crew for MTV Canada....on those shoots, I basically just WENT. As my crew fiddled to get the lighting and environment just right, I started to get anxious. Needless to say, this put us behind...

A bit of background filming at the Artist's place and we had to boogey to get to a coffee shop to meet some previous models from his exhibit.

In actuality, the local mall was the true place where gals from his community gather, but we weren't able to get clearance to film there. Apparently, the mall management did not sympathize with the Artist's work and did not see the benefit of allowing a camera crew (however small and inobtrusive we were) to film for reasons other than to feature a mall-specific event. So a coffee shop was the alternative... a lovely place called the Urban Grind. Tons of ambience... the owner let us turn down the music and set up stronger lights, as well as create a round-table like setting for me to interview and chat with a group of the female models.

(chattin' it up with the gals/models at the "Urban Grind" cafe)

(we could have talked for hours!)

It was a great chat -- Canadian Tatyana with a crew of Southern African American gals of all ages.... the subject: booty. What else? The girls shared their varied reasons for participating in the exhibit, as well as their experiences. By the end of the chat, several expressed the joy of being able to share their stories with a group of like-minded people and began ruminating over setting up a networking group! It was so refreshing to see -- the women were empowered and basking from the experience, as was I!

Though I had scouted and met with the Artist months back, you never really get to know someone until you spend a full, time-crunched day with them. This is when you see people's true colours. I experienced a bit of push-and-pull with the Artist, as he had his own ideas on how to film, and having made his own documentaries, had a very different approach to storytelling from my own. I understood and appreciated his intent to offer me "more than I needed" to film so I'd have options. But this posed complications to the schedule I had so precisely arranged. For example, he found a "New Model" and brought her to the coffee shop, mentioning that he'd be photographing her that night and we should come along. How could I turn that down? After all -- the girl was a first-timer AND was willing to disrobe with a camera in the room. So I decided to reschedule the additional planned segments with the Artist for another day.

(what's going on in here?!?)

When we got to the studio, I proceeded to try to interview the New Model. It was then that I found out the following things:

- she was only 19
- she was extremely unarticulate (vapid??)
- she was an escort!!!

As she offered useless, one-word answers to me and proceeded to get nekkid without the slightest bit of demureness, the scene took on a whiff of seediness. Where was my timid doubting gal with much verbally expressed hesitation? Where was my gentle, coaxing photographer, using his powers of persuasion to get her to see the beauty of nudity? I likened this experience to soft porn -- as the girl lounged between shots, showing off expressionless, full-frontal nudity. I immediately began to wonder just how long she had been in her line of work.

My mind already began to plan for the next shoot and ways to 'undo' this 'mess'. This was not the story I wanted to tell! But, it was the story that was unfolding, and a part of me challenged myself to tell it like it is. I've always had a tendancy to sugar-coat and edit a pretty picture. The New Model was in a sense illustrating what the critics might say about nude booty art... it made me uncomfortable but did that make it NOT WORTHY of telling? Therein was my first dilemma, and we were only into our first day of filming!

You never really can plan when you're filming real life.... I tell ya!

Waffle-size My Butt

So we're off on our first main shoot for "What A Booty!"

Our little trio boarded an Atlanta-bound flight in T.O. on Monday afternoon. It was already delayed by a half-hour when we claimed our seats, only to find out that due to a "fuel inspection error", we'd be delayed some more.

I don't think anyone would have believed that a fuel inspection form filled out incorrectly would lead to a plane-full of people stuck for 3 hours on the Pearson tarmack -- but it happened! First we were told it would be resolved "soon"... then a "little later"... then the stewardesses began trying to get various passengers on alternate flights... and at one point, many of us were told to disembark to try to catch another flight.... before we were ushered back on board. Three hours, folks.... before we took off.

Some of us found some well-needed release in free booze... others (namely me) fumed silently at a lost day. (I really needed to get to Atlanta by early evening to tie up some loose ends and have some meetings).

By the time we landed, got our rental car and made our way to our hotel, it was 12:30. What's a tired, famished traveller to do in Suburban Atlanta on a Monday late nite? Why, dine at the WAFFLE HOUSE, as there are no other options.

Let's just say it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In other words, experience it once in your lifetime, if you indeed value your life. After scanning the gut-rotting menu (Denny's is 'diet-conscious' compared to this joint), I decided to order a "safe" omelette and toast. And I relaxed a bit. After all, we were in Atlanta... and the restaurant's ambience was fun ... old school diner-style complete with jukebox and "down home Southern" staff.

But all went downhill when the food arrived.

I had the crew in stitches as I tried to sop up the tablespoons of oil in which my egg mixture floated.... pure oil.... which pairs brilliantly (at least the cook seemed to think so) with the butter-drenched white toast. I couldn't find enough tissue to complete the mission.

A few bites, and I was done...The guys did slightly better....

Let's just say, with a fleet of Waffle Houses across Atlanta, I might just have caught an early glimpse into a potential cause of the city's "Booty Capital" status.

Lessons learned so far on this trip:

- if you're going to bring your laptop travelling (perfect for those 3 hour plane delays), make sure the battery is charged first
- when in Atlanta, dine before midnite if you value your arteries

Tomorrow we start filming.

Big Apples in the "Big Apple"

So it's 7AM and I'm wondering how I'm going to manage through the day in NYC -- I wanted to be fully rested, knowing how on the ball you have to be around here....

My camera man (a local hire) calls me at 8 to tell me he's in horrendous traffic and wont be able to make the 9AM call time -- it would be more like 10AM. I'm suddenly so glad we decided to plan this as a full day shoot (9 hours) as opposed to the half-day I had initially envisioned (4 hours). Sarah's not due at my hotel until 10AM, so no worries.

I get my coat and decide to wander out for a coffee. It's the first time I've seen Times Square in a fairly reasonable state -- the last time I was here it was mid-summer and 24/7 chaos and congestion. Today, it's just people scuttling off to work... and, oh ya, a half-naked fireman (no NOT the naked cowboy!) being interviewed by some morning show in the middle of the Square.

For a moment, I'm willing to forgive New York everything...and I stop in my tracks to take in his tanned, muscular bod from afar. He's in his fireman's overalls, minus a shirt, and let's just say it was NIPPY out this morning. Where else in the world will you see such a sight at 9AM?

Grab my coffee, head back, fiddle with the gear for a bit...and soon enough both Sarah (my subject) and my shooter have arrived. Sarah is this beautiful, intelligent journalist working in NYC. She's been blessed with a majorly bountiful bottom, and has self-published an incredibly cheeky book about butts (scroll back through the archives to find out more about it). My kinda gal! I still find it so cool that we both have been operating on parallel paths and were able to come together for a common goal!

The plan today -- rig a hidden camera in her purse to capture the "rear view" of her life. New York is insane when it comes to forward catcalling... I've been on the receiving end far too many times, but I'm basically working with a quarter or so of what Sarah's blessed with. So I could only imagine what she goes through every day. I was about to find out.

We manage to reasonably rig the camera, and soon enough, with camcorder viewing screen in hand, Sarah wanders off. She's determined to get the real view, and fears our cameraman will scare off the true gawkers. So we play several games of cat-and-mouse with her, and at one point I start to get frustrated. After all, hidden camcorder footage is not nearly as important (or costly) as the professional camera we have with us that is unable to keep up with her.... But then I think, what would I do in her shoes? Probably the same thing -- get caught up in the experiment. All of these years she's had an idea of how people respond to her butt from the front, and catches the odd side glance...but now she had a full view of what was going on in the world behind her, unbeknownst to the people on the street. Of COURSE she was preoccupied!

We were stopped THREE TIMES in the course of 4-5 hours by various security guards, film personnel and cops. Each time, Sarah flashed her Police Press Pass (how much do you think THAT would go for on the Black Market??) and we were left alone. To be totally honest, the only reason I came to NYC to do this segment is because I knew Sarah would handle the cops. I've had my run-ins every time I've had a camera in hand... and just didn't want to deal with it again. First, a Hollywood movie set in the middle of a street with some random guy asking me who I was with and to get off "his set".... Next, a tiny little blonde who told me she was with Park management and asked for my permit to film there (meanwhile I was standing on the SIDEWALK, which I briskly informed her of). Can you believe she persisted? Then a security gard in another park....

We got the segment. At least I hope we did -- I have yet to view the rushes. Sarah was so professional and brave... taking it all in stride....
The men we did catch on film had some of the most exaggerated reactions I've ever seen -- and they didnt even know until after the fact that they were being filmed! (releases...) Couldn't have prepped them or choreographed it better myself! Good stuff... fun stuff!!

And once I was on my own again with a couple of hours before I had to head back to the airport, the attention returned to me. I caught far too many men leering and uttering the very popular and all-encompassing expression: "Daaaamn!" As though that says it all. Sarah also educated me that men will look immediately at your hips and thighs, to get a sense of whether your behind is worth checking out. Shouldn't have told me, because I became hyperaware of this bizarre fact for the rest of the day..... yes, she was right.

Toronto doesn't quite react to booty in the same way. And most men will bite their tongue and save their comments unless they're with friends egging them on. But not NYC -- everyone's fair game. All in all, not a totally bad experience. Our little crew of three made it work and got the job done!

But mark my words -- next time I head for the Big Apple, it will be strictly for pleasure! My sanity depends on it!

En Route to the First Shoot

Not exactly sure how I ended up in Pittsburg but it was the necessary connecting flight to get me to NYC without costing a grand or some ludicrous amount like that. It's a Sunday so I don't mind the couple extra hours of travel time. Plus, I've never been to Pittsburg. Not that I got to see what was beyond the airport...

General observations: lots of skinny white dudes working at the various shops. As I wander a bit in between flights, I am surprised to discover a Victoria's Secret in the airport! Something about that really surprises me... Yes, it's a major American retailer. And yes, it sells what some could argue are necessary garments... I venture in, but feel as though buying underwear in an airport is slightly bizarre, almost inappropriate.

Especially for a place that has thick black plexiglass shielding the "T&A" on Maxim, Stuff and Blender. Doesn't that seem a tad bit strange? Risque red dental floss thong lingerie in plain view... glistening bikini-clad photo of girl hidden from view. Is Pittsburg that conservative of a place? It's definitely a strange sight... the models' eyes peering over the plexiglass shield... But I wander on.

Something about travel makes me super drowsy. I've been doing enough of it lately, and it's always the same dazed state that accompanies me as I wander through airports. I suspect it's the cabin air - it's the only thing that seems to make sense. If that were indeed the case, it would explain why oxygen bars were popping up in airports at one point.... I think I saw one recently in Vegas... are those things still around elsewhere? I don't know.

I venture into the candy store:

a) because I have an insatiable sweet tooth and
b) American candy amuses me

As expected, there were chocolate bars I had never seen before... something called "Cow Tales" and some weird Reese Peanut Butter cup thing that was filled with marshmallow.... curiouser and curiouser! I wonder if there are infinite possiblities for types of candy bars. So it would seem....considering the amount of artificial flavours out there. Or have we seen it all... every variation and combination of a finite group of key ingredients? It's hard to say.

Who eats Baby Ruth, anyway?

I pick up some weird candy bar and go to pay, handing over what I think is an american dollar coin, but is in fact a Loonie. I suspect something is wrong when the young cashier's brow wrinkles as she looks down at the coin. I apologize, saying I handed her the wrong coin and she passes it back to me saying: "You probably want to keep this. I've never seen anything like it before". I have to keep a straight face. I could excuse her ignorance, seeing as she works in an airport in a country that shares a pretty large border with Canada -- home of the bright, shiny Loonie.

But, am I being unfair to this young gal? American readers, would you recognize the Canadian loonie if it crossed your palm?

I can't decide if I prefer flying the big jumbo jets (more passengers, more hold up getting on and off) or the smaller planes (closer quarters, no entertainment). Regardless, my nose keeps getting me into trouble on my travels. On the connector to Pittsburg, I was sitting beside an average looking mid-40s gentleman. And he vaguely smelled of some chemical you might whif in a dentist's office. Of course, I'm convinced I have the sharpest nose on Earth as I detect the most subtle of scents, for better or worse. In this case, worse. 1 1/2 hours worth.

So, I get onto the plane to NYC -- a big jumbo jet this time. And it's the longest I've waited to actually get INTO the cabin. It turns out practically everyone on the flight is trying to cram slightly too big carry on luggage into the limited overhead bins and somewhat arrogantly arguing over it.

So we stand, and we wait.

And thus, my familar "warning" appears as I'm en route to NYC. The young man beside me on the plane is sitting on my seatbelt. He's annoyed when I interrupt his grade-school-girl gossip with two female friends sitting a row in front. I say thank you -- his reply: "Right."
"Right?" What would be "wrong", then?

I think I dislike this response even more than the American favourite: "Uh huh." I guess my over abundant use of "thank you" puts a big glaring Canadian sign on my forehead. I'll keep it thank you very much. Politeness goes a looooong way in my world.

The "he's with her....ohhh can't believe she did that"-type gossip finally stops and dude sits back to begin munching on his hangnails.

Yes, I love travel.

I'm travelling to NYC for my first official shoot for "What A Booty!" And I'm without a securiy blanket -- it's my first trip to the Big Apple entirely solo. I'm worried about the filming. We're trying to pull off a little experiment -- my NYC gal character and me -- and how we're going to accomplish it logistically and deal wih releases as well as rude folks is making me antsy.

I have yet to have a trouble-free shoot in NYC. I'm convinced it's actually impossible. I know New Yorkers can smell fear, but do I really have time to retrain my brain?

I check into my hotel room in Times Square. This one officially is the smallest one to date I've ever stayed in. It's nicely done up and has a plasma tv. BUT, the ENTIRE ROOM is the Queen bed, with less than a foot of walking space around it. No closet, no bathtub... bare bones. I really don't mind.


I meet up with a friend of mine. We grab dinner and she helps me pick up some camera-friendly makeup at Sephora. She's a doll. We have coffee, hang out. I call it a night.

Until I'm woken up in a jarring fashion at 3AM. An alarm is going off in the hallway and it takes me a few seconds to remember where I am and assess the situation. Remember, I'm super paranoid and anxious by nature. So I'm thinking, if someone pulled the alarm as a diversion, the same person might very well see me come out of my room alone in my pyjamas and target me later on... So I lie very still, and listen. I hear someone in the hallway asking if it's getting shut off.... 15 minutes go by, and finally it stops.

And I proceed to toss and turn for several hours before drifting off into a light sleep. My alarm goes off what feels to be SECONDS later at 7AM... and I'm off to an un-restful start to my day. I won't even get into what the useless front desk gal says to me when I voice my dismay at the inconvenience.

New York -- you and I are going to take a bit of a break from each other. I know I said I'd give you another try, but you won't even meet me half-way. There are other cities that will treat me far better, I assure you.
It's your loss.

But there's no time for dramatics... it's time to officially SHOOT!!

Wish me luck!

Everybody Wants My Fanny!

Thank you Brian for the tip on this fun song. Wasn't familiar with this guy before this:

Have a listen:

Booty Tune of the Day!


What's YOUR favourite booty tune?

I'm Migrating South....

Fall days are here in full force. Yes I am one of those people who loves that familiar crispness in the air! I'm a fall baby -- it's in my blood....

We got an extra-harsh blast of fall-cum-winter this past weekend... which marks a significant moment in the life of my film:

The bootys are slowly retreating into hibernation.

A strange time to be shooting a film when we're headed into the months where we wrap and bundle ourselves in fleece and down... but that's just how long it's taken things to get going.

Fortunately there are Southern States to visit for a little relief and ongoing inspiration!

I guess a winter of shooting will be good for my OWN booty, as it will have to keep moving and moving will keep it healthy. So long as I am careful with the Southern home cookin'!

Which brings me to another realization. Eating healthy while in production is always such a huge challenge! I can't remember the last time I've had FRUIT or substantial healthy VEGGIES even, on a shoot. The fast-paced, frenetic schedule somehow doesn't make it realistic or even appealing.... so I'm going to make a conscious effort to try to eat healthier now... in the week(s) leading up.

So when the going gets bootyless, the booty documentarian goes South.... (well, I'll be going West as well... but that's not as dramatic!)

Tatyana

Shake That?

I'm obviously familiar with Eminem's song "Shake That"... funny, I should go back and count how many songs directly targeted at the rear that he's done in the past little while.... but anyhow, I'd never seen the VIDEO.

Follow the link, if you dare. I admit, it's quite misogynistic. But, I think the animation is really fun....CUTE actually... I bet it's a conscious move to get away with raunchier material than would get by if it were live-action:

Click here for the video

Thoughts?

TT

Let the ASScapades Begin!

I'm pleased to announce that I've just booked our first shoot:

Date: November 14th
Destination: Atlanta!
(which there has been more and more consensus lately on is the 'booty-capital' of the US)



(another fun company that I just discovered in the good ol' capital) -- I LOVE how the pear-shape (which in itself is a rather lame term, has evolved into something sleek and sexy like a cola bottle!)

We might actually start shooting a week before then for a smaller segment, but this one's the big first shoot with a main character!

I've got my dream shooter, who I haven't worked with in many years but whom I trust wholeheartedly will deliver what I need. And from here on in, there's no turning back!

Can't wait to DO this!

Nuff Said!

Fridge Magnet available at:

www.stickerGiant.com

My New Pledge

I hereby promise not to make another post unless its a fun, exciting, and most of all optimistic one!

Stay tuned...

Tatyana

Win One, potentially Lose One.

I've sort of managed to avert major disappointment. Talked to another partner in the "company" (sorry for being so cryptic.... I want to leave some surprises for the film). We appear to have come up with a good alternative main character. I just have to interview her this weekend and trust my GUT (which I've recently been reacquainted with) on if she'll work for the film. She has a booty, has been a model for the company for a long time, and as a close first cousin to one of the partners, has stood beside the brand through events, development, fittings for new styles.... her butt has been there every step of the way....

Now, I've got to deal with my second MIA character in a week. My Spidey-senses are tingling again... there's something afoot here. I already know she's had another offer to do a film and apparently there's something in the way of an "exclusivity clause" that's being pushed on her. I was told this shouldn't be a problem earlier on in the game, but I'm guessing it's just become one. We've all got our contracts and releases we need signed to ... cover our butts...

***Side Note: where on earth did THAT expression originate from????****

...but I have a feeling between my release and this mysterious contract with another producer, the gal could be fearful of signing her life away. And rightfully so. Now if only she would call me back and give me the details, dirty or not.

At least it's the weekend and I can wait in eager anticipation while in the comfort of home. Maybe it's time to have a glass of wine and toast the progress thus far..... I have a soft spot for a good glass of Chianti....

Tatyana, the Grumpy?

Wow, readers of this blog must think I'm such a grumpy person with the amount of anxiety-filled posts I've had lately.

If anything, the goal of my negative emails is to deter any future filmmakers from making documentaries, through experiencing my stories of just how darn hard it is to make one! (kidding) It's reality -- the struggles and roadblocks make the rewards that much sweeter, etc. etc. (chin up, kids!)

Which leads me to my latest "drama". You'll remember that I just locked my main characters last week.

Yesterday, I got on the phone to confirm some scheduling with one of the characters. And... I was told by the receptionist that said-woman was no longer an employee of the company! As in, the company that celebrates the booty is still open for business, but my charming, young, bootyful spokesmodel is history.

Not the greatest piece of news to get, and completely unexpected.

Well, maybe not completely unexpected....I was having some doubts. Let's just say that the little voice inside of me, that squirmy part of the belly that seems to squirm only when it has an important message to get all the way up to my brain.... well, I might have been guilty of quieting it in the past few weeks.

Unreturned phonecalls, communicating solely with ONE of several partners in the company..... there were red flags for sure. But, trying to change my worrywart/pessimist ways (which may turn out to be a life-long mission), I soldiered on.

And then the reality hit.

So here I'm scrambling. Knowing that there is a fair bit of manipulation that happens behind-the-scenes in documentaries, I can construct a new reality with this company, seeing as what they do is just so wickedly cool. But I also like to set certain boundaries which would otherwise push things into the "reality-tv" realm of reality in my opinion. The organic link and storyline have been uprooted. And now I've got a nice puzzle to sort out this weekend.... plant some new seeds in this dreary time in November.

It will work out.... (**grinning through gritted teeth**)... I know it will.....

I'm suffering from B.B.A. -- Browsing Booty Addiction

I...can't.....stop....browsing.....

It's addictive. And endless. Especially for booty. You click on one booty girl and she's got all her bootylicious friends in her list....not to mention various mags she's modelled for and smaller companies she's helped promote for....

These mags list all of the girls who have or wish to work with them...meaning MORE bootys.... these bootys find community with other bootys....it's an endless cycle.

A friend told me the other day that my MySpace friends list is the most bizarre mishmash of people ever (or something to that effect). I don't really agree. If you know that I am in fact filming a documentary about booty, all of the people listed generally make sense and fall into one of the following categories:

- personal friends

- bootylicious gals

- kick-ass women entrepreneurs or activists

- men who support (and wait in eager anticipation) for my film....

- the obligatory musicians who's promotional perseverance I have to respect...

That about covers it.

Now if only I could stop browsing. I wonder if there's a program or support group somewhere out there for people with my problem.... can't stop....

Guess I'll browse around and see if there are any.... Ack, I give up!

TT