so we can share

I'm currently really into the idea of parallel representation of art... how different types of art characterize one another and how various forms interact.

A friend of mine said "we see all."

We have the ability to take in all. But we see different. And our output reveals this.

Interdisciplinary art is the future. no lines or separation.

Stop saying you are not an artist.

If you can think and feel and make then you are. you are not pretentious for admitting that. And I'm not saying to say "I'M AN ARTIST!!!" But what is the point in limited language and limiting what you call yourself?

Language is art. Don't censor yourself or how other people should characterize you.

We all specialize or are drawn to different facets for a reason.
Now can we please share?
k thanks :)

chit chat of substance

There's some people who I can just really talk to about anything. I don't mean like sentimental or emotional talk about anything, like regular "everything" conversation. Talking in-depth about simple things, really gets into the core of ideas and thoughts; I feel elevated, like that the conversation wouldn't be any more important or significant if about war or famine than about a song or a sign.

These are the people who are good writers and directors; ones who understand the importance of really developing characters and the fact that the little things can really come to be pertinent overall. This development seeps through a whole production and disseminates the autour theory because the story of one is shared and mingled and able to become the story of the whole cast and crew...and hopefully the viewers.

hippity hop

make things

experimental film...

The Reel Loud Film Festival is an annual silent film festival at UCSB. The films are shot and screened on film and accompanied by live musical acts. It's our department's largest event.

I have always (I've been to one, lol) seen this festival as the time of opportunity. It's a time for people to get out and make make make, who otherwise would not be able or know how to. This is the time to get together and independently work on a short film with friends and have a magnificant exhibition space. (Campbell Hall seats around 800 people)

One of the reasons I decided to be on the committee was to be a facilitator of this opportunity. There is much emphasis on the actual event, but not enough, I think on the opportunity of producing films. A limited amount of students think they have the confidence or resources to make a reel loud. I decided to try to change that image that may make reel loud seem pretentious or standoffish. Now, don't get me wrong--making a reel loud is not simple. It costs a good amount of money, you need to plan early, learn or get someone who knows how to shoot on film, and arguably the most important--have a good script.

I served as on of the publicity coordinators for Reel Loud this last quarter. We have had workshops and continue to do so on Fridays through the Film and Video Maker's Co-Op. Spring quarter I will be planning the actual night of Reel Loud as festival Coordinator with the Producer (Ryan) and Director (Valerie)...but my mind will certainly always be on the creators of art.

Now why did I start this off by saying "experimental film?" Well I'm sure I will be writing about this more soon, but briefly, I guess from what little I have told fellow film students about my reel loud in pre-production, I am making an experimental film this year. I never saw it as one..I guess I just see it as unstructured and less plot driven than the one I produced last year. (Timon's Friendship Adventure). But rightfully so, this is an experimental film. It's my first time in college writing, let alone directing a film...so yea this will be interesting! (more on that later...)

This spring is a time for everyone to be experimental. Who cares if you have never done production before or if you are not a film major or don't see yourself as artistic. You can join a crew and contribute. Filming is usually no more than a full weekend...so it's a nice taste of what production UCSB can offer with a hint of self motivation and a splash of being pro-active.

experiment
make
create
wonder
share
facilitate

Reel Loud 2008- The Past, Present, and Future of Cinema
Deadline: May 9th
Festival: May 23rd

"making books, making records, playing way to much music and having fun. Doing chores, setting up shows...not being useless...make things make things make things make things..."
-Drum and an Open Window


For more info: lisashapiro@umail.ucsb.edu
or
www.reellouducsb.com

listen to people who make things:

www.cllct.com

not quite exec...more like help

I love producing but I also find that when I'm either involved or around other people's art, I either want to just be involved or I want to help. I like the idea of others spontaneously enhancing the artistic opportunities of others. Even better is when people are open to let people into their work. I sure love to.

So yea I like the idea of executive producing. I know it's a vague term that usually is just handed out or asked for...but yea maybe next year. Maybe I can facilitate the art of others while pursuing my own work as a producer and or art director.

crewin up

Annie- this one is for you because I'm getting hippie producer on you:

A crew is like a family.

They say you can't pick family, but the best crews are a collaboration of select people you know are pro-active, dedicated, and responsible, and people who can work together as friends and business partners.

A really smart DP I know once said that as long as everyone trusts each other, it will all work out--it's the mutual trust that everyone will do their job.

Especially in student films, people on your crew, especially above the line, become your best friends, at least for the term of production. Some people are really professional and don't like to mix business with pleasure, but how else can work be fun? Lines between friends and co-workers need to be blurred, at least the way I do things. The best group is one that knows when to be serious and when to relax.

At this point, I know what I like in every position that needs to be filled on a crew of mine. Chimes really set a precedent in my film work in the sense that our crew was just uber awesome at this balance. A balance of anything takes experiment and time, but when it's right...oh it's right.

Part of setting the balance for a producer is picking the right projects to begin--knowing how much you are willing to put into it and at what cost. Luckily I have found a project this year that I really felt like I was doing something important, not only for the community, but also in a way to advance my skills and network of fellow crew members.

As I have heard many of my friends say over the last week, as much as we are all kinda burnt out (with excitement, mind you) we all can't wait to start a new project. Those who are as excited as me to do so, are likely to be my next crew :)

the presents of days like another

I never really make a big deal about my birthday but I always have amazing one's because my friends are awesome.

Here is a link to some amazing-ness:

http://colinmckenziesdream.blogspot.com/2008/03/happy-birthday-lisa.html

I share this because of a poignant quote in it: "You can't necessarily put these on a wall or frame them, though I know you'll try..."

Some day I'm gonna find an abandoned hut to place all the things I've saved over the years and periodically I'll peruse and remember and embrace the past and the things that still resonate. Until then, I'll have to retreat to labeled office depot boxes up in my closet; separated by year.

This year has been amazing, because most of my gifts were things that my talented friends made for me. (see post: "those things you left behind") Birthday memories are a big part of things I keep and cherish. I love cards and wrapping, and homemade gifts. "This is my art for you" really got to me in the gift linked above.

Birthdays are just like any other day...but you get attention and praise and compliments. I've always been a little shy about attention and would rather keep close to my friends that I hang out with on a regular basis..not really make my birthdays a big deal. It's the surprises and little gestures that spontaneously illuminate my day, which I keep close to my heart. Sharing something that someone cares about or for, with me is really meaningful to me.

Viral gifts, while they do take away from the tangible "framing" of memory, still allow for re-playability, transfer of care across bodies of water (ahem cough), and are a modern, colorful new way of giving a card. I did receive a great homemade card last night from some friends though and it was rather fabulous.

The point I'm trying to make is that it's interesting how a day that gives me the most attention, makes me focus on little intimate and subtle moments, gestures, and courtesies.

My birthday also coincides with the completion of my film...probably the highlight of my year, so how fitting. :)

So as I look at the flowers that I got on Wednesday and hope they never wilt, I can't help but wonder, what would happen if we treated every day as if it was your neighbor's birthday? Yes, here in IV it would result in way too much booze for anyone's good, but really...would we all be a little nicer to each other? Would we share and be more careful with our words? Would we all gain weight from all that ice cream cake? perhaps...but I don't know about you-a birthday every day would kind of be like thanksgiving every day for me, minus the turkey. Slowing down to notice and cherish and take in what you got.

(Recommended listening: Brighteyes- First day of my Life)

my two labels

Thanks EK, for designing the top LShap one.

Rubber Stamps will be used when I write/direct a project of my own, accompanied by LShap, of course, if I produce :)

just for kicks

I'm kinda just kidding with this one, because I really enjoy this class. I have learned a lot, seen some great films, (The Science of Sleep, Children of Men...etc). But yeah I can't help but joke about this one...five papers in one quarter, lol. (considering I have four others on the side).

Anyways I doodled this in class today and couldn't help myself from making it in color. It was after Parks showed us a clip from Psycho and exclaimed, "I'm glad we're looking at this for sound because then I can watch it with my eyes closed. She was referring to the shower scene. I began to wonder, would 96 be less intimidating if we all just closed our eyes? I think this would make a great bumper sticker, perhaps with "I survived film and media studies 96" on top.

Anyways, one more paper left!

Wooot and then I can add that line a top and join all the others who have passed the amazing threshold that is 96.

but again, guys, don't get me wrong; this has been my favorite class this quarter. It so nicely complimented the production of my film and my TA and professor have been amazing resources!

So if I complain, I might as well use Paint to express it! :)

Ding a Ling Ling!!!

A mockumentary about the coast that will have you rock'n to the beat of activism!