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
Monday, October 30, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
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:
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
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
Stay tuned...
Tatyana
Friday, October 20, 2006
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....
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.....
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.....
Thursday, October 19, 2006
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
Monday, October 16, 2006
Shame on Oprah!
Click here to see what I'm talkin 'bout!
(thanks for the lead, Tina!)
For shame Oprah, for shame. I mean, really. An episode called "Does My Butt Look Big?"
Of all the segments and initiatives you've had teaching women to love and celebrate and maximize their bodies, you title a segment encouraging women to question what they've got from the rear-view?
"My Butt Looks Big!" declares celebration and acceptance.
"Does My Butt Look Big?" proclaims uncertainty, identifies "big" as negative and overall mocks the progress of women's body acceptance in our twisted society.
Here I am making a film about Maximizing a gal's Assets, and one of the most powerful women in American media is asking us to Question them!!
To be fair, I haven't watched the episode, only a few short clips online. But why, oh, why do we insist on being a society that HIDES rather than FLAUNTS. And even if the message is to all the women who don't dress appropriate for their shape, at least cloak it in a more celebratory title with kind hints like how to wear pants in your actual size!
Had I been a faithful Oprah-watcher, this would have hit me a lot harder. I imagine that I would feel really betrayed. But fortunately, I have never really understood the obsession with Oprah's show and can count on one hand the number of episodes I've watched in their entirety. I do not get the appeal as she offers me nothing that I cannot get elsewhere and I do not find her all that watchable.
I hope she follows up this episode with a celebration of butts.... to show that she's a woman to explore all sides....
On second thought, no, I hope she doesn't. I want my film to be that counterattack.
And it most certainly will be.
(thanks for the lead, Tina!)
For shame Oprah, for shame. I mean, really. An episode called "Does My Butt Look Big?"
Of all the segments and initiatives you've had teaching women to love and celebrate and maximize their bodies, you title a segment encouraging women to question what they've got from the rear-view?
"My Butt Looks Big!" declares celebration and acceptance.
"Does My Butt Look Big?" proclaims uncertainty, identifies "big" as negative and overall mocks the progress of women's body acceptance in our twisted society.
Here I am making a film about Maximizing a gal's Assets, and one of the most powerful women in American media is asking us to Question them!!
To be fair, I haven't watched the episode, only a few short clips online. But why, oh, why do we insist on being a society that HIDES rather than FLAUNTS. And even if the message is to all the women who don't dress appropriate for their shape, at least cloak it in a more celebratory title with kind hints like how to wear pants in your actual size!
Had I been a faithful Oprah-watcher, this would have hit me a lot harder. I imagine that I would feel really betrayed. But fortunately, I have never really understood the obsession with Oprah's show and can count on one hand the number of episodes I've watched in their entirety. I do not get the appeal as she offers me nothing that I cannot get elsewhere and I do not find her all that watchable.
I hope she follows up this episode with a celebration of butts.... to show that she's a woman to explore all sides....
On second thought, no, I hope she doesn't. I want my film to be that counterattack.
And it most certainly will be.
Friday, October 13, 2006
False Alarm!
One of my beloved characters has resurfaced and so....we're full steam ahead!!
It's a momentous day -- my 3 main characters are locked, the plan is coming together...
and, oh yes, I am also one year older.
Which means, of course, that it's time to reflect....
There are days when I feel I've acheived so much success in terms of chasing my career dreams. There are others where I feel like a fraud for believing I can make an honest living by chasing people with interesting lives around with a camera! To this day I often don't get the credit I'm due because of how young I look -- at least a good 3-4 years younger than my actual age. I can see how this wouldn't be a huge "difference" when you're 40 or 50, but when people assume you're still in post-secondary or freshly graduated, it's a different story. I feel like I've been (somewhat defensively) telling people I graduated "3 years" ago for years now! Hey, reality-check, Tatyana! You claimed your diploma in 2001... you, my dear, are getting older.
A baby face can be a blessing -- people aren't threatened, they more easily open up to you, and they are shocked and impressed when you speak with a certain level of intelligence (instead of the teen-speak they were expecting).
But a baby face can also mean -- people are reluctant to trust your experience and are more often inclined to immediately try to "help" you and guide you. Leaving you with more to prove, which is just plain more work!
I still get a kick out of meeting people for the first time that I've communicated with entirely via phone and email. The fleeting, slight "Oh!" expression in their eyes when they meet me is classic. I translate it as: "Oh, she's just a kid!" Hey, maybe I've been off all of these years and what I really should be reading in those raised eyebrows is "Oh, she's got a really large head!" You never really know!
Regardless, I am well aware of how blessed I am. And I am grateful for the amazing people who continue to believe in me. You know who you are!
The day that people stop opening their hearts and lives to me and allowing me to share in their amazing journeys is the day that I seek out a new passion. So far, there are enough amazing people out there to keep me going for a long time!
Thank you!
Tatyana
It's a momentous day -- my 3 main characters are locked, the plan is coming together...
and, oh yes, I am also one year older.
Which means, of course, that it's time to reflect....
There are days when I feel I've acheived so much success in terms of chasing my career dreams. There are others where I feel like a fraud for believing I can make an honest living by chasing people with interesting lives around with a camera! To this day I often don't get the credit I'm due because of how young I look -- at least a good 3-4 years younger than my actual age. I can see how this wouldn't be a huge "difference" when you're 40 or 50, but when people assume you're still in post-secondary or freshly graduated, it's a different story. I feel like I've been (somewhat defensively) telling people I graduated "3 years" ago for years now! Hey, reality-check, Tatyana! You claimed your diploma in 2001... you, my dear, are getting older.
A baby face can be a blessing -- people aren't threatened, they more easily open up to you, and they are shocked and impressed when you speak with a certain level of intelligence (instead of the teen-speak they were expecting).
But a baby face can also mean -- people are reluctant to trust your experience and are more often inclined to immediately try to "help" you and guide you. Leaving you with more to prove, which is just plain more work!
I still get a kick out of meeting people for the first time that I've communicated with entirely via phone and email. The fleeting, slight "Oh!" expression in their eyes when they meet me is classic. I translate it as: "Oh, she's just a kid!" Hey, maybe I've been off all of these years and what I really should be reading in those raised eyebrows is "Oh, she's got a really large head!" You never really know!
Regardless, I am well aware of how blessed I am. And I am grateful for the amazing people who continue to believe in me. You know who you are!
The day that people stop opening their hearts and lives to me and allowing me to share in their amazing journeys is the day that I seek out a new passion. So far, there are enough amazing people out there to keep me going for a long time!
Thank you!
Tatyana
Monday, October 09, 2006
The "Drama" of Documentary - pt.1
A few steps back, a giant leap forward. Such is the ongoing drama of my life.
It seems as though every time I make that huge commitment and decide on characters for a project ,there is this disconnect that happens. Wish I could see into the minds of these folks because I'm assuming they go through a sort of "honeymoon-esque" bliss -- first the build-up of excitment: "what a cool project!" & "this would be such a wicked experience!" & "I don't want to get my hopes up but I'd really like to participate. Wonder what the likelihood is?", their imaginations run wild at the possibilities... they rationalize that they shouldn't get too interested at risk of disappointment....
And then I make the call. I let them know they are exactly what I'm looking for.... They are excited, motivated, grateful... And, what takes place next, without fail, is the communication lapses.
Perhaps they feel a sense of relief or of conquering...and now it's time to shift gears and tackle other challenges or resume other battles they currently face. Maybe they feel that they don't need to be in constant touch or aggressively selling themselves to me anymore because the battle's won?
Whatever it is, it's quite nerve-racking. Like I've said before, I'm a worrywart.... with the physical distance between me and my stories, I feel like silence is deadly and my only way to keep the connection I was able to make when we sat face to face.
So I wait.... and try to preoccupy myself with new challenges/goals.
Such as... speaking with SIR MIX-A-LOT's rep and getting him interested in this little film. Yes, he's INTERESTED! And the way I'm hoping to incorporate him should be a lot of fun. Nope, not going to share just yet in case it doesn't come together. But it's a very exciting development and how could I NOT incorporate the man who created the song that most openly and non-metaphorically proclaimed that a fat ass is indeed a phat ass? It's a part of my childhood -- one of the key anthems we as kids felt inclined to learn and sing along with word-for-word. A fun, silly, party song that didnt provoke huge controversy.
Mix's rep asked me if I had gotten down to the tune in the clubs and I said I certainly got down to it in my parent's basement... :) He got a kick out of that!
Like I said -- 5 steps backwards, a huge spring forward.... keeps you on your toes if nothing else..
It seems as though every time I make that huge commitment and decide on characters for a project ,there is this disconnect that happens. Wish I could see into the minds of these folks because I'm assuming they go through a sort of "honeymoon-esque" bliss -- first the build-up of excitment: "what a cool project!" & "this would be such a wicked experience!" & "I don't want to get my hopes up but I'd really like to participate. Wonder what the likelihood is?", their imaginations run wild at the possibilities... they rationalize that they shouldn't get too interested at risk of disappointment....
And then I make the call. I let them know they are exactly what I'm looking for.... They are excited, motivated, grateful... And, what takes place next, without fail, is the communication lapses.
Perhaps they feel a sense of relief or of conquering...and now it's time to shift gears and tackle other challenges or resume other battles they currently face. Maybe they feel that they don't need to be in constant touch or aggressively selling themselves to me anymore because the battle's won?
Whatever it is, it's quite nerve-racking. Like I've said before, I'm a worrywart.... with the physical distance between me and my stories, I feel like silence is deadly and my only way to keep the connection I was able to make when we sat face to face.
So I wait.... and try to preoccupy myself with new challenges/goals.
Such as... speaking with SIR MIX-A-LOT's rep and getting him interested in this little film. Yes, he's INTERESTED! And the way I'm hoping to incorporate him should be a lot of fun. Nope, not going to share just yet in case it doesn't come together. But it's a very exciting development and how could I NOT incorporate the man who created the song that most openly and non-metaphorically proclaimed that a fat ass is indeed a phat ass? It's a part of my childhood -- one of the key anthems we as kids felt inclined to learn and sing along with word-for-word. A fun, silly, party song that didnt provoke huge controversy.
Mix's rep asked me if I had gotten down to the tune in the clubs and I said I certainly got down to it in my parent's basement... :) He got a kick out of that!
Like I said -- 5 steps backwards, a huge spring forward.... keeps you on your toes if nothing else..
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Stumped!
Totally, utterly stumped is how I feel at the moment.
I just got back a day-trip to NYC to meet a rising young Greek-American pop star. This young lady wins the title of most unique and complex girl I have met thus far on this journey!! (the trophy prototype is still in the design phase)
I just got back a day-trip to NYC to meet a rising young Greek-American pop star. This young lady wins the title of most unique and complex girl I have met thus far on this journey!! (the trophy prototype is still in the design phase)
I was turned onto her by a Greek editor friend of mine as a girl with an “hourglass figure”. So I did some Googling and came across photos and info – body-wise, to me she looked like an absolute stunner, with an ample chest and teeny waist. And no booty shots to judge. But, I’m also learning that I shouldn’t judge quite so much myself. Especially because so many women learn to hide their flaws or at least downplay them.
So I emailed her, to test the waters.
She got back to me with quite a bit of enthusiasm about my project. She said that she’s struggled with her weight and body type her whole life and had earned the nickname of "A-Lo" by guy friends. As a teen, all she had was booty… and fortunately she had grown into the rest of her body and was now more proportioned. (I want to know what water she's been drinking because bottling that booby-potion would be a world-wide hit!) BUT, she went on to say that if I was looking for a girl who could speak candidly about the pressures of being a Mediterranean woman in the music business, I’d come to the right place. She briefly mentioned various disorders she had battled and that she wasn’t willing to drastically change her body and be a cookie-cutter anything to succeed.
Ok, so my curiosity was piqued. But again, all of this is over email.
We were able to pull together some money to send me on a last minute trip to NY to meet her in person. She picked me up from the airport and proceeded what was to become a 6 hour chat session!
First impressions – beautiful, unique face, bubbling and sweet voice, great charm… .but as we got out of the car to get a coffee, I noticed she was wearing a long filmy blouse over black leggings. She gave me a quick, impromptu flash of her booty by lifting up her blouse… and I didn’t know what to say.
The girl has a butt, definitely. But not a booty.
Now what?
And then I started to question my judgment. How and when did I become able to judge booty? What is my measure for what a “booty” should be? If a girl has an "hourglass" instead of a "pear" -- does she immediately not belong in a bootyful journey? Having my own insecurities (that quite frankly, others might see as being a bit warped), should, if anything, make me sympathetic to the insecurities of others - right?
But I experienced something more valuable than meeting another bootyful girl on this trip. I don’t need to rehash all of 6 hours of conversation… but what blew me away was the amount of pressure this gal's been getting from the one place I would never have expected – Greece.
In my mind, I felt that going to Greece again would be extremely liberating. I haven't been in over four years. As a child, I always felt so free there, surrounded by cooing relatives who could find nothing wrong with a happy, healthy child. My childhood memories were such that curves were coveted – the body was nothing to be ashamed of….
Clearly those times have changed and, as I’m starting to discover, there are some deep-rooted problems there. Women are starving themselves, trying to “Americanize” themselves…. Losing sight of the very thing that makes them exotic and unique to the rest of the world, including America!
And our young pop star is right in the middle of this insanity. In NY, she walks down the street and is treated like a goddess. In her parents homeland, she is criticized. So she faces a choice – submit to the demands of her label and possibly lose herself in the process, or fight back, and potentially lose her potential to skyrocket to stardom. Wow.
Typical Greek-style, I was welcomed into her family, fed, taken-care of…. And I think by the end of the day I believe I was beginning to see an ass on the gal because I WANTED there to be an ass. In other words, my judgment was clouded (or made crystal-clear?) based on her honest stories and great charm. Then, as she frantically tried to dig through childhood photos to show me the booty, we couldn’t find it. (But then I'm certain I wouldnt find any booty-emphasizing shots in my family's albums either as I doubt my parents thought to celebrate my rear-end once I moved from bare butt in diapers to pants.)
As we looked through her albums, what we could find, was a girl who wasn’t comfortable with her body and was always trying to contort it to look “better”.
The things we as women let the media and society do to us is incredible. And yet we are fighting an omnipotent machine… I was deeply touched by this young lady and now have to sit back and decide if her compelling story suits the very particular tale I’ve set out to tell. And I thank her for opening up to me and sharing so many intimate details of her struggle. She has inspired me, and I will take that with me.
Thank you, A! xoxo.
So I emailed her, to test the waters.
She got back to me with quite a bit of enthusiasm about my project. She said that she’s struggled with her weight and body type her whole life and had earned the nickname of "A-Lo" by guy friends. As a teen, all she had was booty… and fortunately she had grown into the rest of her body and was now more proportioned. (I want to know what water she's been drinking because bottling that booby-potion would be a world-wide hit!) BUT, she went on to say that if I was looking for a girl who could speak candidly about the pressures of being a Mediterranean woman in the music business, I’d come to the right place. She briefly mentioned various disorders she had battled and that she wasn’t willing to drastically change her body and be a cookie-cutter anything to succeed.
Ok, so my curiosity was piqued. But again, all of this is over email.
We were able to pull together some money to send me on a last minute trip to NY to meet her in person. She picked me up from the airport and proceeded what was to become a 6 hour chat session!
First impressions – beautiful, unique face, bubbling and sweet voice, great charm… .but as we got out of the car to get a coffee, I noticed she was wearing a long filmy blouse over black leggings. She gave me a quick, impromptu flash of her booty by lifting up her blouse… and I didn’t know what to say.
The girl has a butt, definitely. But not a booty.
Now what?
And then I started to question my judgment. How and when did I become able to judge booty? What is my measure for what a “booty” should be? If a girl has an "hourglass" instead of a "pear" -- does she immediately not belong in a bootyful journey? Having my own insecurities (that quite frankly, others might see as being a bit warped), should, if anything, make me sympathetic to the insecurities of others - right?
But I experienced something more valuable than meeting another bootyful girl on this trip. I don’t need to rehash all of 6 hours of conversation… but what blew me away was the amount of pressure this gal's been getting from the one place I would never have expected – Greece.
In my mind, I felt that going to Greece again would be extremely liberating. I haven't been in over four years. As a child, I always felt so free there, surrounded by cooing relatives who could find nothing wrong with a happy, healthy child. My childhood memories were such that curves were coveted – the body was nothing to be ashamed of….
Clearly those times have changed and, as I’m starting to discover, there are some deep-rooted problems there. Women are starving themselves, trying to “Americanize” themselves…. Losing sight of the very thing that makes them exotic and unique to the rest of the world, including America!
And our young pop star is right in the middle of this insanity. In NY, she walks down the street and is treated like a goddess. In her parents homeland, she is criticized. So she faces a choice – submit to the demands of her label and possibly lose herself in the process, or fight back, and potentially lose her potential to skyrocket to stardom. Wow.
Typical Greek-style, I was welcomed into her family, fed, taken-care of…. And I think by the end of the day I believe I was beginning to see an ass on the gal because I WANTED there to be an ass. In other words, my judgment was clouded (or made crystal-clear?) based on her honest stories and great charm. Then, as she frantically tried to dig through childhood photos to show me the booty, we couldn’t find it. (But then I'm certain I wouldnt find any booty-emphasizing shots in my family's albums either as I doubt my parents thought to celebrate my rear-end once I moved from bare butt in diapers to pants.)
As we looked through her albums, what we could find, was a girl who wasn’t comfortable with her body and was always trying to contort it to look “better”.
The things we as women let the media and society do to us is incredible. And yet we are fighting an omnipotent machine… I was deeply touched by this young lady and now have to sit back and decide if her compelling story suits the very particular tale I’ve set out to tell. And I thank her for opening up to me and sharing so many intimate details of her struggle. She has inspired me, and I will take that with me.
Thank you, A! xoxo.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Hunt for a Camera Op
I'm currently considering options for a fabulous DOP. So many things to factor in -- personality, style, scheduling, and... meshing with my unique personality.
(he doesn't need to look like the guy in the pic either...just thought I'd try being more visual with my blogs.... I don't even know who this guy is... but I'm sure he's very talented... love the jacket!)
How do you find the perfect balance between calm/cool/collected/experienced and lighthearted/fun? Someone who will compliment you, share advice and concerns, and help you bring to life your very specific vision? You look reaaaaaally hard, that's how.
With this film in particular, the key is that my cohort must also be someone I can be candid around. A very select few have ever seen my silly side -- it's kept well protected from the world at large and brought out only when the coast is completely clear and unthreatening.... But I have to tell you, it's pretty wacky...
I have yet to reach that level of candidness with a crew. I've come close.... but not quite all the way, yet. It's something worth continuing to strive for, even if it takes a lifetime to acheive, that's for sure!
When I started this blog, I somehow envisioned getting a dialogue going through comment posts, etc. When that didn't happen, I first took offence. Then, I realized that part of the appeal of blogs is being able to anonymously follow along and live through another's stories.
In other words, I forgive you all! (jokes)
But, if anyone feels like stepping out of anonymity to offer some fab suggestions for a shooter... I'd be glad to hear from you! I suppose if you have my email, you could just send me a note that way too... I just wanted to make my request that much more dramatic.
In the meantime, hope you're enjoying my ramblings....
How do you find the perfect balance between calm/cool/collected/experienced and lighthearted/fun? Someone who will compliment you, share advice and concerns, and help you bring to life your very specific vision? You look reaaaaaally hard, that's how.
With this film in particular, the key is that my cohort must also be someone I can be candid around. A very select few have ever seen my silly side -- it's kept well protected from the world at large and brought out only when the coast is completely clear and unthreatening.... But I have to tell you, it's pretty wacky...
I have yet to reach that level of candidness with a crew. I've come close.... but not quite all the way, yet. It's something worth continuing to strive for, even if it takes a lifetime to acheive, that's for sure!
When I started this blog, I somehow envisioned getting a dialogue going through comment posts, etc. When that didn't happen, I first took offence. Then, I realized that part of the appeal of blogs is being able to anonymously follow along and live through another's stories.
In other words, I forgive you all! (jokes)
But, if anyone feels like stepping out of anonymity to offer some fab suggestions for a shooter... I'd be glad to hear from you! I suppose if you have my email, you could just send me a note that way too... I just wanted to make my request that much more dramatic.
In the meantime, hope you're enjoying my ramblings....
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