The Edit: viewers & a veep pick, wishful work wear, & a summer wine down
plus a few more things i'm using, trying, thinking, binging or buying.
Hello from the Auteur Edit, a roundup of what’s keeping me sane, inspired and awestruck in the madness that is the media arts business.
It’s been a frenetic few weeks — I think you know why — so let’s get right into this week’s list.
The beast of big and small shoots. In a prior Edit I showcased what’s happening and what’s to come in the Virtual Production (VP) space. Specifically, one piece of technology that enables some of those seamless scenes we see on screen. This time I’m showing you the camera side of the equation with a recommendation that’s hit the market with a substantial technology upgrade. Blackmagic’s URSA Mini Pro — now comes in 12K and 12K OLPF. That’s what sets it apart when it comes to VP. Camera quality is essential on these shoots. URSA’s optical low pass filter (OLPF) is a workhorse that minimizes interference — which can happen when using high performance lenses along with the LED backdrops. In addition, because of its resolution and Super 35 cinematic sensor, you get the benefits of shooting with digital film in a durable compact design, for a better production experience. It’s already widely used on high end films — but just as popular for independent documentaries, commercials, episodic television, corporate videos and large IMAX productions. With three versions of the URSA Mini Pro to choose from, you should do your homework to identify the one that might work best for you. But they sell out quickly — I know since we just added one to our studio rotation — and look forward to seeing the production results.
A notable Netflix bump. We all know what’s been dominating national news for the past few weeks — something called a presidential race. And although I’ve been a senior media adviser for three of them, I’m not weighing into politics here. But because the business of media and entertainment is my business, I am noting how the race is impacting the industry with this item that caught my eye. The record-breaking surge in viewership on Netflix following the announcement that Senator JD Vance would join the Trump ticket. What does that have to do with Netflix? Two words — Hillbilly Elegy. It’s the 2020, Ron Howard directed biopic based on Vance’s memoir. It details the Ohio senator’s unconventional road to Washington and the film’s viewership jumped 1,100% the day after the announcement. It’s remained a Global Top 10 movie since, and as of this writing. At one point it was in the Top 5 on Netflix. Of course I had to see what all the fuss was about since I haven’t read the book. So, for the Cliff’s Notes version I watched it over the weekend. I was even more intrigued since ScreenRant refers to it as “Amy Adams’ controversial Netflix movie.” Controversial? Umm, how? That’s definitely not the word I’d use. For starters, it’s not even about Ms. Adams. But I guess headline click-bait is still a thing. If they want to call it that — okay — the movie is anything but. It’s a simple, interesting — at best — story that provides some insight into how this national figure and Yale Law grad came to be despite a poor, Appalachian upbringing with a drug addicted mother. That’s it. I’m not sure what all the hype is about on either side for those who happen to like or dislike it. It is inspirational and I do understand the interest, however. That’s to be expected in a race like this. And with those kind of viewership numbers I can even tell you who probably likes it most — for different reasons — the folks over at Netflix.
A non-political press profile. Speaking of media — press coverage in particular — those of you that tuned into the RNC Convention heard from someone else almost no one knew until now — JD Vance’s other half — his wife Usha. She — by way of the character who plays her — also shows up in the aforementioned movie. If ever so briefly — it gives viewers a glimpse of how the two met and role she played in Vance’s rise. But she has an impressive background that stands on its own. The Wall Street Journal probably has the most extensive and an informative work up on the attorney-turned political wife and potential second-lady (SLOTUS). Among a number of insightful tidbits, you might be surprised to learn that she’s generally apolitical and until recently was a registered Democrat. No matter your politics, I think you’ll find her story reflects a relatability many can connect with.
Sweet tooth satisfaction without the sugar. Let’s change the channel — see what I did there — and cool down to summer sweets. These are not the freezer pops we knew as kids. In a good way. I guess that’s why they call them GoodPops. These taste just as good — actually much better than the original — but are organic, sans the artificial ingredients and have little to no sugar. If freezer pops aren’t you fav, there are a variety of other ice cold options — including dairy-free desserts and popsicles. The come up from the bootstraps company was founded by an Austin, TX college kid who just wanted to beat the heat with something better for his body. Fresh fruits, simple ingredients in a freezer pop — an idea that took off from his local farmer’s market to what can now be found in grocers from Thrive to Whole Foods — in all 50 states.
Summer sip trips: Another kind of cooling down — vineyard visits are at top of the list for a lot of folks during the summer months and my home state of Virginia is known for its wine lovers. In fact, we have some of the best U.S. wineries — outside of Cali — and nothing quite compares to a Sunday stroll through any number of them. But, I was surprised to learn that if you're among those who prefer organic vino and are looking to visit an organic vineyard or two, your options are limited to one. In the entire state! That's right, there is only one certified-organic vineyard/winery in Virginia. And for some of us, it’s a bit of drive. But, The Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery has an amazing history beginning with a crabapple tree on a family farm and the strong desire to grow grapes without all the pesticides. It’s also an off the beaten path, dog friendly establishment that hosts groups and events, along with bar and flight tastings. And unlike so many local wineries - this one lets you bring your own food should you decide to have a picnic on the lawn. But if you can't make the drive or don’t live nearby, they offer selections online, and deliver all over the country. In case you’re wondering, there are a number of benefits to buying organic — including no sulfites or GMO’s and more antioxidants. Perhaps, most all, it supports sustainable farming — and we all want that. We just need a few more — preferably a little closer to Northern Virginia.
Greta got it right. This might be the time to think about one thing — other than commuting — that if taken off your plate would make your workday routine easier and less stressful. Even if you WFH. How about streamlining your wardrobe in a way that cuts down on the time it takes to get dressed every day? One solution that comes to mind for me — the jump “suit.” Zip it and go. Time saved. Jumpsuits aren’t new of course, but the wear-it-to-work concept is. Thanks to better materials, a lot more options, relaxed workplace dress codes — and a revived minimalist movement. A movement centered on paring down everyday wear to simple essentials and rotating those essentials. Men who wear suits, even khakis, do it all the time. Same pants, different top. Same suit, different color shirt or tie. Why not women? For those who think minimalism and even jumpers seem too aesthetically dull or bland, that’s no longer case. You can be fashionable, colorful, functional, professional and more productive — all at the same time — while making time and space for more of what matters most. Barbie movie director Greta Gerwig is a case in point. There’s a reason why so much was written about jumpers she wore on rotation while filming the blockbuster hit.
Hers is a breathable, durable fit for a creative yet also physical job, that’s a time-saving, one and done, pull-up and go that still looks put together. Since there are so many more styles and colors — other than pink — you can literally find a jumper to wear for any occasion and day of the week, if you’re so inclined. And now many traditional — even conservative — companies and industries are finding them acceptable as they adopt more casual attire policies.
Because I wore jumpsuits religiously as a kid, I for one, can’t tell you how happy I am that the trend has made a comeback. For me, it never left — even if I had to put it aside for a few decades. But I brought it back a decade ago. And since — even sustainable, more eco-friendly versions are made better, more widely available, and actually look great. Even if doesn’t work as a regular closet staple, it can be worked into your wardrobe as an add-on — for that day or two when you just don't want to think about what to wear. Beyond comfort and convenience, having a set uniform like a jumper is also easier on your wallet — provided you stick with quality material over quantity.
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.