Film School

Shaffer Art Building

Class began today with a collective of first, second, and third year grad students. One requirement course is a graduate filmmaking seminar that is structured for students to create and experiment with film or video, and to evaluate and critique each others work. Early into the first several weeks, we conduct discussions based on treatments we bring in for short film ideas, and introduce some of the work we've already produced. What are we trying to pursue? What methods have we adopted and from where? It's an academic environment that applies heavy critical thinking and discourse in order achieve some sort of creative production. The process essentially repeats in a nonthreatening, informal way. It's very inviting.

I have now been acquainted with all of the faculty and film students. The two other first year grads are enjoyable and less timid each time we meet. I will be working closely with them as we familiarize ourselves with lab equipment and course curriculum. Sook Hyun Kim is from Korea and practices documentary work. Ying-Chin Wang is interested in teaching film and has studied independently in China. Aside from class, we will have equipment workshops, the first being this friday, learning the Arriflex SR1 Super 16 kit.

The film cage is where I report for work. Twice a week I maintain and properly check-out equipment to grads and undergrads in film and computer art. All of the equipment is at my disposal. Quite convenient. John, my supervisor, is also a bit of a crack up. Over beers, he discussed his thoughts on the film program, his career and his family. As it turns out, he's very into the Pacific Northwest and has frequented Snoqualmie Falls on a number of occasions with his wife. John also extended an informal invitation to work on set on two projects this summer, both shot exclusively here in town. Germ is a send-up of Zombie horror films with a modest budget that he is set to direct. Hotel Syracuse, is a more an elaborate thriller-drama under the helm of an Israeli director, Haim Bouzaglo. Supposedly, the producers of Hotel Syracuse are in negotiations to land John Malkovich and Martin Sheen as two of the leads. I've yet to get started and job opportunities seem to be coming around already.

Otherwise, I'm maintaining well now that I've surpassed my limbo state. Emily made an incredible cameo this past weekend by coming to visit. We bonded over Ms. Pac-Man, garlic naan bread, and beers.

File Photo

We sat in 2nd Story Books, read magazines with our bevs and browsed books. On the way back, I declared to Emily that I had found my new favorite spot to visit. Although we didn't get our 2am Insomnia Cookie order in, we managed to squeeze in some time for Wii Sports. It was damn good seeing those Miis again. Emily visiting is a true testament to her loving character. Dodging my way around a room packed full of bros and bro-girls just won't be as funny for a while.

Kervin Brisseaux

When I reported last Thursday of the progress being made, I underestimated the speed at which it was developing. It's enjoyable and slightly odd to find myself in the constant company of architect students. They are already a year into bonding over the stress of school work and social aspects of Syracuse. Yet, Kervin and I seem to have the strongest rapport. He is charismatic and has an exuberant personality that tends to grow when we discuss personal, creative work. Last night we hung out with his roommates, also architect grad students and most of whom I already met. He showcased some pieces from his online portfolio, but we didn't get a moment to jump into in an in depth talk. I thought I'd share with you some of his talents in Photoshop and Illustrator:

You can find out more about Kervin and his work here.

He explained that he has been practicing graphic art and illustration for years as a hobby, but would ultimately like to incorporate it into his profession as an architect. All of his techniques with Adobe software continues to be reinforced with self discipline and independent learning. It's inspiring. He talked of a online collective he'd like to start that spans a variety of expressive mediums. Perhaps this could lead to some really constructive work between us.

In addition to artistic pursuits, we find a lot of common ground in our appreciation for Lost, Battlestar, and Rock Band - shit that opens up a world of conversation.

Treasures

I'm glad you're nearby, Ithaca. You have a lot of qualities about a small town that I enjoy. You're seemingly pretty liberal, have a flourishing artistic community, and from what I observed, a proponent of strong sustainable values.

This past Saturday began with an eruption of rain and thunder. After Andrew entered town to pick me up and we started south a short ways, the weather seemed to calm and the storm clouds dissipated. Sun glinted down on us as we drove through surrounding dairy farms and untold rows of corn fields until we finally made our way to Ithaca. We hung around the Commons, an area primarily occupied with local shops and performance venues. Out of all of the places I've discovered since the move, I found this stretch of city blocks to be the most welcoming. I walked at a leisurely pace and listened to Andrew tell stories of coming out here when he used to live in Auburn six years ago. Moments later, I spotted a curious sign overhead pointing to a cinema in between two buildings. "Look at this treasure!" I examined the alley and found this:

Alley Cinema

We stumbled around some more and found a decent record store followed by a late Thai lunch at an overwhelmingly vacant restaurant. I neglected the secondhand bookstore across from the record store the first pass and decided to go back and give it a try after food. Autumn Leaves Used Books is also a record shop and cafe turns out.

The familiar atmosphere lured us in: Not uncomfortably quiet, antique smells, an abundant amount of obsolete technology, etc. Desperately, I looked to see if I could find some great used titles. Not a whole lot. I think the store gets cleaned out pretty regularly. Before stepping out, I peeked at the rare collection displayed behind the counter. It was beautiful...

You will be mine someday.

Subsequently, Andrew and I had some beers and watched the Olympics at a sports bar. I watched the springboard and diving events and reminisced of Railroad Ave back home. The Ithaca commons are very much like that part of Bellingham, just more elaborate and developed. There was an impromptu jaunt up the hill to Cornell University. Why? No particular reason. It was in close enough proximity. Result? Kind of ordinary. Although, there was a dazzling cricket near what appeared to be some sort of engineering building. Driving back through the barren small towns on the way home to Syracuse, I had recharged some motivation. It was encouraging to find instances of home on the opposite side of the country.

This House Is Growing

Manita was the first face I'd seen to inhabit this building opposite me. I still don't know where she's from and what she studies, but she has a puppy and isn't too timid to strike up conversation. She lives directly next to me in a larger space, but the view out her window is lackluster. So far I know we will be splitting internet costs. Jeffrey lives further down the hall and I've seen him once or twice. He's quiet and we have yet to communicate about anything, really. No matter. There are several others supposedly moving in this week. How close or estranged will we be over time? We'll see. It's good this place is growing a pulse.

Unadulterated Joy

Coming November.

Taking Shape

Kitchen.

Exactly one week ago I celebrated my departure with my dearest circle of friends. It's been downright excruciating at times, but changes have shifted rapidly. Since Jason and Dad left, I've been in the process of finishing my Teaching Assistanship orientation and modified a new apartment to feel comfortable in. It's been a welcome distraction, but usually on my way home, I'll catch a moment to assess my whereabouts and tend to make the assumption that I'm just temporarily visiting. Even though some of my belongings from Washington are here sitting with me, they somehow maintain an oddly unfamiliar connection.

Shower.

However, progress has been apparent. What began on Tuesday, and through the continuation of this week, I've been in the company of other graduate students from around the world. The atmosphere and vibe is quite interesting. We are a collective of young professionals salivating at the chance to dive into our respective fields. It's a serious environment, but there's room to have fun and to acquaint yourself with people in the other departments. During one of the seminars on problematic classroom situations, I placed myself next to an unsuspecting student. I decided to introduce myself to him and we chatted a bit. He informed me that I happened to be seated with his second-year architecture colleagues and was in good hands. Sarcasm on his part? Yes, but a few wise cracks later and I was in. During lunch break I met with the other four members of his class. Over Indian food we discussed our programs and hometowns. We repeated the process today and sat next to each other during a couple large seminars and followed suit with lunch. We grew friendlier, guards naturally fell, and we joked. It felt safe to set aside talks about school now. The duration of our conversation was colorful. I managed to explain the concept behind Taco Trucks, its relation to authentic Mexican cuisine and weather patterns in Bellingham and Seattle.

Orientation ID.

Guess who's coming to dinner? Well, it already took place earlier this evening, but a former coworker at the bookstore took me to experience some fine teriyaki and sushi. Andrew is vacationing in Auburn, a neighboring town west of Syracuse, with some family. To clarify for some of my familiar bloggers and readers, yes, the same Andrew that eats steak at dance parties and wears white-out contact lenses. A short time after devouring a hardy meal, he taught me the significance of Wegmans. As much as supermarket chains stimulate me, this one truly commanded my attention. My God, the variety, the discounts... Syracuse has a few treasures it seems.

This week is brimming with an exciting blend of the past and present. I am planning to visit Ithaca this weekend after Andrew offered a trek out there. Why the hell not? Tom Green goes to school there, right?

*I started a Flickr account. After this weekend I should have something posted.

Video Stills - Another Way

Here are some teaser stills from the Jenni Potts video that wrapped back on the 2nd. Thanks to Hollie Huthman for snapping these lovely photos. Now that I'm settling into my new place, I will begin to cut this thing together pretty soon. Until then...

Day 3

continued from Syracuse, New York...

It dawned on me today that the Olympics tend to coincide with some of the more memorable life adjustments I've had. Back in '92 the family moved to Yakima from California and I was on the brink of my third academic year as a student. It's odd because my memory of that year is spotty except a clear recollection of the Dan O'Brien and Dave Johnson triathlon rivalry that was about to take place in Barcelona, Spain. The only distinct impression I got from their unimportant, competitive airtime was that they both enjoyed having Reebok as their corporate sponsor:

In '96, (which still remains my favorite year for the Olympics. What's up, Kerri Strug!) I was making the leap up to the middle school and had my first girlfriend. '04 was the transfer to Western Washington University. You get the idea. All of the Olympic coverage today got me in a nostalgic trance, largely due to this man who keeps popping up on my television set every four years.

Today we started out a little somber and quiet. It's been a demanding weekend for the Drori men. By the time I wrapped on some bedding purchases, moods lightened up some. We made our way to Best Buy to look at some tech. My sights are set on a TV right now. A little present to myself, sure, but realistically can't afford it. I consulted Abiel for some electronic advice and came back to finding Jason and Dad jamming on Guitar Hero, the Aerosmith edition. Man was that an amazing sight to see. I wish I could provide a picture. Dad really, really loves Dream On so much that he wanted to replay it again to hear the song. Well Dad, in your honor, here is your cut. Feel free to replay it as many times as you'd like:

Grabbed a corned beef sammie at a pretty medicore irish pub called PJ's downtown shortly afterwards. I had a sneaking suspicion my apartment was not yet complete and so we swung by to do a check. No one was there. Little improvements had been made. Whatevs. It's going to work out. I have to start thinking positive or else I'm going to completely psyche myself out here. All of the structural work now will seem so insignificant in a matter of time. Otherwise, today was a little more managable all the way through the evening. We ordered in pizza from Dorian's and caught up on more Olympic games coverage. Nom, nom, nom. Medals, medals, medals...

Jason leaves back to Boston tomorrow and so begins a new week and period of acclamation. After Dad leaves Tuesday, I will begin orientation for the assistantship. Hold on to your butts. We've got work to do.

Syracuse, New York

Day 1

After two flights across the United States, a Croissan'Wich, and gnawing lower back pain, Dad and I made it into the city of Syracuse. Jason greeted us at baggage claim with open arms. I studied his joyous expression and let it reflect on me a little bit until it began to perk me up some. The plane rides were particularly emotional. Peering out at the clouds through a window seat while reading inspirational notes from your best friends will only amount to streams of tears wetting your face.

We loaded our belongings inside our rented Jeep Liberty and headed to the hotel. I was utterly famished. Only a pack of peanuts and cheese crackers held me over for 5 hours. Where to eat? How about the highly anticipated Dinosaur BBQ?

(a side view with more dino decals)

(bbq chicken, *fries, black beans and rice, and cornbread)

Though it may look generic from the photo, it was pretty tasty and eventually submerged in Sensous Slathering Sauce. I would have taken more photos of the kitch and populated blue collar atmosphere inside, but my fingers attracted too much grease too manuever the camera and I was blinded by hunger/stopped caring. I also couldn't help but think that my friend Daniel would love it here. At one point I managed to break concentration from gorging my face and checked out the menus posted by the grills. 85% of it caters to fans who eat the shit out of ribs. I tried one of Jason's and thought it was just pretty good. The experience was a 7/10.

We all went back to the hotel afterwards and Jason and i innevitbly had a lengthy discussion about big life-changes. If he wasn't around for this trip I'd be a mess. No question.

The night ended with some tears, but I was more hopeful and felt protected by having family nearby.

*I ordered a side of mac n' chee and was given fries instead. Maybe fries pass off as mac n' chee in New York?

Day 2

Stress. Everywhere. Most of the day I sulked over my new living quarters. It looks better after its renovation, but damn if it isn't cramped and still kind of dirty from the construction. Plus my landlord is a fucking headache and forgot to mention a month prior that the unit would not be fully ready by now even after I reminded her to notify me of any changes. The shower in particular was built in such an impractical way that I am forced to stand sideways in order to clean myself. There's a side wall protruding into the center of the shower space. If i want to scrub another part of my body I have to make a 180 degree rotation. Maybe I'm pissing and moaning over small things, but it adds up when you leave across the country and want a smooth transition.

On top of moving, my family is growing towards drastic changes. Mom is looking at moving to Connecticut soon and now I am becoming more concerned for my Dad staying behind temporarily. Having the family individually set up in different states is nerve wracking and awkward. Times have become overwhelmingly conflicting.

After buying some new supplies for the place we decided to break and walk around campus. I showed Jason my department, but most of the areas were locked or under slight renovation. A bit later, I discovered a small strip of eateries and shops that I missed last time I ventured out by campus. Have you heard of Insomnia Cookies? I'm assuming it's a chain, but it totally reminded me of late nights with Lil' and Big Stef and I laughed.


I also found some sandwich shop with this sign that confused me:


The day wore down after a final visit to the apartment to drop off some odds and ends. We had dinner at Lemon Grass downtown. I was hoping to find another Thai place, maybe something with a little more local personality, but we didn't have any luck. Plus, no one wanted to eat at the space-eccentric sushi bar we stumbled upon. Too bad. Into the evening, Jason set up the Wii in the hotel room and blasted some Guitar Hero doodley-doodlies. It's been a long day and now Family Matters is on TV and I feel comforted by the sight of Urkel. He's sadly the only other familiar face around here.

Goodnight.

The Key To Bellingham

(Thank you.)

This past Saturday was eventful to say the least. There was an agenda (possibly the most eclectic) to run through that easily occupied a full day's work. Despite a late start in the early morning, the Potts video shoot went well. Everyone was so supportive and in good spirits. I learned first hand that dogs, and probably most animals, are pretty goddamn hard to work with. Below is a list of credits and thank yous:

Dogs: Summit Flory, PJ Huthman, Grey Maxwell, Polly Maxwell, Otis Tupper-Richards, Brenny Tupper-Richards

On-Site Baristas: Erick Gammon, Jessica Cox, Ken Trough

Catering: Dave Richards, Kali Tupper

Special Thanks: Jessie _____, Scott Rickey, Holly Huthman, Mike Flory, Shannon Flory, Drew Maxwell, Tory Maxwell.

And a big thanks to Jimmy Marble for lending his talents as cinematographer, Mike Wilson for creative input and on-set assistance, and Jenni Potts for her professionalism.

Can't wait to start piecing it together. I will post some teaser stills once I get those from Holly.

By no means did the day let up after the shoot wrapped. Jimmy had organized a wiffleball round-robin tournament in my honor. Congratulations to the Stinktown Warriors for their outstanding performance and victory.

Following the tournament, preparations began for the series finale party at my apartment. Several of my friends have documented the party so well that I think I will just give an overview.

• I raffled off the following possessions: A new package of college ruled paper, 1 Star Trek Trading Card feat. Lwaxana Troi, a Star Trek Commodore 64 Book/Text based game, my poloroid camera, a wolves themed calendar from 2007, and the biggest prize, my XXL Hardrock Cafe Bahamas shirt that I wore as part of my stand-up gimmick. That prize rightfully ended up in the hands of Nick Bild.

• Following the raffle I retired my jersey and number above Karl's bedroom door and paid homage to the number 4 for watching over me through the years.

• The night capped off with a ceremonial presentation. After a enjoyable speech by Jimmy, he and my good friend Nick joined together to bestow me with the honorable key to the city of Bellingham.

I was flattered to have such a great group here under the same roof, dancing and laughing. The night was wonderful.

Now I prepare for the real transition. Tomorrow morning I am flying away from Washington to New York. Tonight I am rallying up my close friends together for a final goodbye dinner at Smith's in Seattle. Over a delectable burger I will declare my immeasurable love to my dear, dear friends.

Video Project - Jenni Potts

Ok! Here we go!

I registered for classes earlier this morning. I'm officially enrolled in my film program. What better way to celebrate than to shoot a new project, right? I just got back from planning out tomorrow's video shoot for Jenni Potts. We're going to use the song "Another Way," which is one of the tracks I like best turns out.

(Potts crooning above)

Should be fun. Think tacky musical recital featuring an audience of canines. Although I wish this project could have been done earlier in the year, I am pretty relieved to finally get things prepped and ready to shoot. Hopefully I'll have some nice stills to post this weekend.