Had the pleasure of crashing the set of sound guru and JW Sound familiar Crew Chamberlain while I was in LA working on the documentary Dealt. Prince of a fellow and a true pro.
Deep Eddies
Spent a couple days putting this fun spot together. Byron is always good to work with and everyone (especially Deep Eddy) was happy with how this campaign turned out.
Panda-monium
Not every day you get to hang at the office with a dancing bear.
Dealt in Chicago
Making the rounds. Stayed in an AirBNB-type situation that was really great. Newly restored two-floor condo in a great neighborhood. Perfect weather as well, tricking me into wanting to live there. The cold was months away. Richard was performing a ‘one man show’ version of his act at a neat little theater and we also spent a day sightseeing with him and his wife, Kim. On a downer note, my Mom had a heart incident in Chicago the week before on a three day trip and was still stuck in a hospital while we were there.
Dealt in St. Louis
First time in St. Louis since I was a kid. Like many cities, there’s a metro vibe developing, along with a hip food scene which we enjoyed thoroughly. Going into the Arch fully kitted out sucked as we had to go through an airport-like security line and I had to de-mic and re-mic everyone. The little car ride to the top was very strange.
We were covering Richard and Asa at a magic convention, mostly attended by middle-aged nerds from all over the US and some from overseas. Richard performed closeup and on a large stage in a ballroom, which is not at all the optimal environment to see his act.
UFC
I know zilch about MMA or UFC, so it’s always strange to mix it up with any of those folk. Their ears are jacked up. I had worked with a couple guys at the Reebok Spartan Race the year before and found them fun to hang out with. Spent a couple days with an up and comer who’s training regimen seemed on the dark side of brutal. Day one was all training at a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu dojo, then day two was just dopey San Antonio Riverwalk b-roll.
Dealt in Las Vegas
Seemed really soon to be back in Las Vegas after COPS. Had a nice time interviewing some other magicians and former casino advisers. While the Strip does little for me, everyone should witness the spectacle at least once in person.
Into Memory
Short films are always 50lbs of crap in a 10lb bag, kind of like reality sizzles. Too much to do, never enough time or $$$. They are very nice to enjoy, however, weeks later when the dust has settled. I was doing a solid for Derek Franzese, a AD friend in town. One-man band, booming and bagging a mostly four person ensemble cast. My 633 handled it quite nicely.
COPS
Donned ye olde Kevlar once more for two weeks in Nevada. I’ve always wanted to visit Las Vegas, but I swore somebody would have to pay me to do it. Fortunately I was not assigned with Metro, so I didn’t have to wade through a sea of drunken adult children every night. Just your garden-variety of DV cases and tow truck hijinks.
**Update**
The passing of Bryce Dion was a tragic mess and it’s kind of amazing that nothing of this sort had happened in 27 years of producing the show. I had subbed for Bryce in Portland back in 2012, and I had only heard good things about him from police officers and other crew members.
Moontower Stuff
Finally participated in the Moontower Comedy Festival. Covered a stand up showcase at the Velveeta and then a strange iPhone app ‘branding experience’ at the State Theater, featuring different comedians and even Puddles Pity Party, which was probably the best thing about it.
633 again, with a UH400A for board feed and UH400A and 416 for audience reaction.
