But What I Really Want To Do Is...

Are documentarians the new cool kids?

I dunno. But the Los Angeles Times, once again my hometown newspaper, seems to think so.

Word of Mouth: Documentaries are proving grounds for feature film directors

Every filmmaker stepping up from a different background brings unique skills, but documentary directors may be better equipped than most to deliver something that's frequently missing from narrative movies: emotional truthfulness. What's more, nonfiction storytellers directing narrative features are comfortable shooting in the increasingly popular verité style that mashes extemporaneous camera moves with scripted action and dialogue.

Of course, one could ask: "What happened to 'dance with who brung ya'?"

Corkscrew Optional

The best thing about the cars in California is that they come with a built-in wineholder.

Other Activities

One thing I've noticed about this part of Southern California is that there are no children outside. They are all indoors, playing video games. So I thought I'd give it a try.

Did I lose to a four-year-old?

No, of course not, I won 199 to something. Oh, you mean the first game? Wasn't that a warmup? It wasn't?

On the bright side, I did win at arm wrestling and the bookmakers currently have me as a 3:2 favorite for our upcoming boxing match.

Somewhat Less Classical

In theory, a sculpture is meant to be looked at from all angles.

That's just a theory, though.

Take the D Train

Our short documentary Hoop Springs Eternal -- made with Linda Goldman, Chris Corradino, Maya Mumma -- is scheduled to screen at the Coney Island Film Festival September 24 - 26.

More details soon.

Good Hans, Nice Arp

Made it out to Pasadena today for a quick stop at the Norton Simon. Above: "Classical Sculpture" from 1960, by Hans (Jean) Arp.

"Hoop" To Visit Coney Island Film Festival

Just found out: our short doc Hoop Springs Eternal will screen in September at the Coney Island Film Festival. Details soon.

Where the Heck I Am

You may be wondering where the heck I am.

I've been posting on another blog. Don't worry, I'll still be posting here.

I know: you weren't wondering, and weren't worried. In any case, here's a link to help you catch you up:

Los Angeles Portraits

Above: an iPhone snapshot from the Mission Inn, in Riverside, California.

Four Years Ago

Four years ago I made my first post on this blog with Beginnings and Endings.

I then marked the 1839 anniversary of the announcement of the invention of photography with Happy 167th Birthday.

Now, I've moved from Manhattan, so -- while I'll keep this blog, after a bit of repurposing -- you can follow my California posts on Los Angeles Portraits.

One more city will be in the news, very soon, as well. Above: one of my last recent snaps in Manhattan.

Two More Friends to the Good

Why yes, he is a wizard mistakenly turned into a dog. And yes, he does have questionable taste in wands. But look at it this way: at least he's not the dog cowering under the table.

Before you begin to think that all I've done here in Southern California is make friends with dogs, today I was able to get my editing computer going and get back to editing a short documentary I shot earlier in the year.

Combinatorics

It's possible I've exhausted the possibilities of my immediate environment.

Two Martinis and the Ghost of Richard Nixon

Attended a funeral on Friday. The end of the day was spent at The Mission Inn, an old haunt very familiar from my Riverside days. Saw the Centennial Steinway and the portrait of Nixon, then sat in the Taft chair.

First New Friend

So far, so good. Been in Los Angeles less than a week, and I already have a new buddy. I think our relationship may be a bit tennis-ball-centric, but I'm okay with that.