The Edit: motion picture presidents, a gimbal with good vibes & the spice of life
plus a few more things i'm using, trying, thinking, binging or buying.
Hello from the Auteur Edit. The Edit, is a roundup of what’s keeping me sane, inspired and awestruck in the madness that is the media arts business.
As you’re reading this you’re likely about to head off to an extended weekend road trip, hosting guests or simply kicking up your feet for some R & R. So, I’m keeping things (relatively) brief this week.
Now, let’s get to today’s list.
A compact slider for your studio stash. For studios without a lot of space or field producers in need of portability with stability — Proaim's 6’ mini jib/slider might be something to add to your stash. It comes as a hearty kit with a lot of extras including counter weights, dolly with an integrated camera plate, and 360 degree horizontal rotation capability. All packed nicely in a sturdy case on wheels. Whether in jib, slider, tower or hi-hat mode, these multiple configurations allow for a myriad of shot options. Since a recent flood in our studio put us out of commission for a couple of weeks, I’m happy to report ours is back up and running and fully operable so we can get back to producing those smooth and steady shots that are a signature of our films.
Labor Day lurking. Many of us spend time on or near the water — be it pool, ocean or lake during the summer months — especially this last week that’s marked by a lazy Labor Day weekend. Well, a new series on Apple TV+ may be giving me second thoughts about my love of water. Lady in the Lake is an original thriller based in 1966 Baltimore, where the lives of two very different women converge “on a fatal collision course,” according to the website. The most recognizable actor is Natalie Portman — one of the two women. I just started watching this about a week ago, finished episode one and frankly haven’t been propelled forward enough to binge it. I will go back to it since it has kept my interest enough to wonder what’s next. And the way it ended had me a little creeped out about the aforementioned — water. It’s slow start is at times confusing — but it does start to pick up toward the end. Here’s hoping it’ll keep that momentum when I get back to hitting play.
The spice of life. It may be hella hot out but if you know me you know that coffee is my lifeline. That daily cup of ‘jo is essential. And, full disclosure, I am one of those people who still takes mine piping even in the deep throes of summer. I love the ritual of making my own basic at-home brew. But I recently stumbled on an earthy and apparently popular twist to my regular cafe. Spices. And I don’t mean the first signs of Fall pumpkin variety. I am not a pumpkin spice — or any kind of flavor in my coffee — kind of gal. At all. I like mine strong, black and with just a touch of coconut sugar or honey. That’s why when I got around to convincing myself to try this trend of adding a few dashes of cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom — or other spice variations to my freshly ground beans — I was skeptical. But after that first sip, I knew how Neil Armstrong must have felt. This discovery is liquid gold — and you’re really missing out if you haven’t tried it. It gives new meaning to cozy season comfort food and offers a Fall beverage alternative to the PSL for people like me. Now, this doesn’t mean that I’ve abandon my basic black brew — I haven’t. It just means that my taste buds can look forward to some delicious spontaneity, as well one more thing to savor during those long editing sessions.
my spice-y coffee blend
Pressing pause on the political circus. Now that the — if nothing else entertaining — presidential campaign conventions are in the rearview and the candidates locked in, you might be suffering from election fatigue already. Even with just nine weeks to go before the big day. If you’re looking for a respite from reality, if just for a long holiday weekend, take a look at The Hollywood Reporter‘s recently released rankings of the “20 Best Political Movies.” This list isn’t the be all to end all but it is pretty exhaustive. Not all of the films are overtly political per se — or ones I’d even call political — but clearly have socio-political undertones. There are a few I’ve never heard of and others I’ve long forgotten — but many more that have me beefing up my watchlist. They include the 1939 classic Mr. Jones Goes to Washington, Malcolm X with Denzel Washington and Ryan Coogle’s Fruitvale Station. It’s the kind of escapism some of us need to get away from all the coverage and commentary without completely breaking away from the tube and satisfying our innate desire to stay on top of current events. Take a look and consider adding one or two of these movies to your holiday watchlist.
Gotta get a new bag. Speaking of relaxation, hitting the greens is one of the things that I like to do when I’m not working. I’ve had the same golf bag for so long that I’m embarrassed to say how long. But the bag is no more. As I was cleaning and organizing a cluttered closet, it finally gave up on me before I could give up on it. The strap just simply snapped. I could replace just the strap only. But because its been so long, I’ve decided to make an investment by purchasing a whole new bag— hoping it lasts just as long if not longer than what I'm replacing. I’m still in the research process and haven’t quite settled on one just yet, but Fore All X Ghost’s Golf Bag, is definitely at the top of my list. After being sold out for months, it’s back (as of this writing) for pre-order. And I love that it’s coming from a women-centered store.
A cut above. TMI alert. ln another purposeful sustainable switch, I have finally been able to ditch plastic razors for good. Not because I couldn’t before but, as experts recommend, needed to use up the last of what was left before purchasing a permanent, zero-waste solution. Now I have. With so many sustainable brands now on the market it takes a minute to sift through what might work best for you. I decided to go with one from Bambaw. It’s made of recyclable stainless steel and one of the most common renewable materials — bamboo. They’re pretty and lightweight, have a variety of styles for men and women, and come in a range of colors — including rose gold, green and black. I opted for slate with the optional matching stand, paired with their vegan, naturally sourced shaving soap. The initial fear I had over handling sharp razors quickly subsided when I discovered the idiot-proof ease of use. There is no need and I will never go back to plastic.
That’s another Auteur Edit. I hope you found something useful. Thanks again for your support. I’d love to hear what you think or might want to add to this week’s list.