Footloose (2011)

So. Let me tell you a little story... About an 18 year old girl freshly graduated from high school, looking for whatever an 18 year old girl is looking for: a purpose? Love? Her only interest? Performing. Dancing, singing, acting. Only weeks after her big debut in her high school musical: The Apple Tree. She was on top of the world! Her only feeling of personal inadequacy lay with the fact that she only applied to one University (for drama) and did not get accepted. In hopes of eventually getting to New York she auditions for the local regional theatre's summer show, Footloose. It is intense; dance callback, followed by a cold read and another dance callback. Girls running passed her in tears as they head out the door. "This is exactly how it is in New York", she thought.
Weeks passed before she heard back, but it was a "Yes." Her dreams were starting to come true.

This was the summer of 2002. The summer after I graduated from 71st high school, and the summer I performed in my first show at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. (Not including the Best Christmas Pageant Ever in 1999).

CFRT Footloose 2002

This was one of the best experiences of my life and the very start of a wonderful 10 year career with CFRT. Footloose has been one of my favorite musicals, 80's movies, and soundtracks. I've seen many stage productions of the show, and even choreographed and co-directed one of them. It's just wholesome, mindless fun.

So, of course, when I hear they are re-making the movie in 2011, I'm ecstatic. Against my better judgment I wait until yesterday to actually see the movie. It was GREAT! Flawed in many ways, but just what I needed to make me dance in my seat and get excited to throw some boots on and whip my (now shoulder length) hair around. Aside from dancers trying to act and the lack of Rusty/Willard love story, it was a lot of fun.

I've spent my break catching up with some great friends from Fayetteville:

Brandon & Tyler 

Me and Chris

Me & Tyler!

Carolina Ale House Fun!!

I woke up one morning to some serious "my SD card is not working, I think I lost a lot of really fun photos" drama. I spent the better part of this gorgeous day trying to find a way to get them back. Until I finally called it a lost cause. Speaking of 'cause'....

I'm a pretty curious person. So you better believe when my Facebook is drowning in Kony 2012 posts all morning, I'm going to look it up. I'm glad I did because I feel great about bringing awareness to something I had no idea was going on. And I want to do what I can to help. Starting by posting as much as I can about Kony. To be honest, I thought it was a Presidential candidate I heard nothing about until now. 

Take 30 minutes to watch a very informative movie. You won't regret it.

Now, an issue that gains popularity this fast and viral doesn't come with skepticism. Whether it's from those individuals annoyed by the abundance of KONY posts and the lack of daily gossip posts; or those who question everything. (Like myself). Money. Where does all the money go?

 "public financial records indicate that only 32 percent of the money raised last year went to direct services to help the children affected by the LRA. The other 68 percent went to things like staff salaries, film production, and travel costs. Plus, even though Invisible Children is advocating for a peaceful resolution in bringing Kony to justice, it is not opposed to direct military intervention." 
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/trending-now/interviewing-invisible-children-ceo-kony-2012-film-goes-224212065.html

"So, where does the money that people donate go?"

"That's another point of contention across the Internet. The bulk of Invisible Children's donations go towards awareness campaigns in America rather than to resources in Africa. Another non-profit that measures the transparency of charities isn't too high on Invisible Children."

http://news.yahoo.com/everything-know-kony-2012-155342249.html

I'm torn. Because like anyone, I don't want to send money to an organization I know very little about. And this organization is doing their job/ a good job of reaching their goal to make people aware of what is going on. I know there are plenty of countries that need American aid, but the only way to get support is by spreading the word. So instead of finding the flaws in this organization, tell me about the other ones. Wanting to bring down someone like KONY is not a terrible thing. Embezzling money, is terrible and if this organization is guilty of it, then lets take down Kony AND Invisible Children. But until then, if you have an issue with the budget, save your money but spread the word. There is nothing wrong with that. And if you just don't care about the kids in Uganda, but care about something else, share it! Or keep it to yourself. That's the beauty of being an American. 

Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever (2009)

QT with my puppy. 

I've finally had the chance to catch up on my favorite tv show, Shameless. A Showtime series on it's second season adapted from an original British show. William H. Macy is brilliant! And the concept is so interesting! A family having to stick together through many obstacles... what am I saying, that's every show.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) There are a few movies I can only watch once, cry my eyes out, then never watch it again. Radio (2003), The Soloist (2009), I am Legend (2007), and anything with helpless animals (that normally die) or handicapped people (that just can't catch a break). Just not my kind of movie.
TPOH falls under this category because even though I love how hard Wil fights... it's just too much for my heart to handle! I think it's a fantastic movie and I watched it again today, but I can't watch it over and over.  But it's moment's like the following that make it completely worth the pain.

Peanut & Brandon 

Our roomie, Van Evans

I'm about to flip the switch entirely.
The Human Centipede (2009) On my search for an appropriate GIF in honor of The Human Centipede I only prolonged the inevitable puking that would ensue. Tumblr. C'mon. The things you will allow. (I'll laugh about it tomorrow, but for tonight, I stand offended.)
This is by far the most equally creative and disturbing film I've seen. I guess I was lying when I said "I've seen it all." I have NOW seen it all. Ew. Ew. Ew is all I keep saying. We decided to watch this movie, Brandon & I, after googling "scariest movie on Netflix Instant." A movie I've heard nothing about seems to be pretty popular. From a filmmakers perspective let me tell about the positive things I found. For starts:
SPOILERS
When Lindsay escapes, she tears the IV out of her arm and it steadily bleeds for the sequence that follows. It looked very realistic and continued to bleed in the pool and when she gets out. Then the scars created by the incisions on their faces looked eerily realistic as well. *shivers*
(this warning may fail depending on my blog layout, but there is a gross image at the bottom)

Leap Year (2010)

It's the last day of February. (Leap year day to be exact). Days seem to be going by very fast that I can't even catch my breath sometimes. Friday is Spring break. Which means it's just about Spring. When did we have Winter?

Somehow I only managed to have 3 midterms out of 8 classes. I'm not complaining because I'm enjoying what I'm learning in my classes right now. (Psych, Art history, Editing, Sound, Screenwriting, Producing, Directing, and American Cinema)

This past weekend 3 2nd year productions went out, all of which I was involved with. It was so exciting! Hero I jumped in early on as Casting Director. Come See Paradise, I helped with props and set decoration, then on Coma Home I acted then became a bit of a PA.

My mom says I look tired. I think I look pensive.
 photo credit: Kess Jones

A leap year is a year containing one additional day in order to keep the calendar year synched with the seasonal year. This is a perfect excuse to do something memorable. I'm a sucker for days like this. Especially Palindromes!! 11-11-11 will always be memorable for me because I got busted after visiting a party in my apartment complex for minutes. I spent weeks in and out of the residence office "taking care of it", while some of my friends got into some serious trouble for no.reason.at.all. 

Austin probably saying something inappropriate.
photo credit: Bryan Sloyer

This candid photo was taken by someone very important to me. Someone that I planned on spending the next 3 years with, but due to some unforeseen opportunities, our time will be cut short. I don't blame him one bit because he is leaving for the very right reasons. I envy his bravery and his heart and commitment. I know he is not leaving lightly and he is leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. But I can't help but feel selfish and want to see him everyday. He sees the world like no one else. He's the kind of guy that can fill the most beautiful moments with nothing more than silence. A very, "if you don't have something important to say, don't say anything at all" kind of guy. I can't even express how MUCH I'm going to miss this kid! f

Evan Scott Russell, crafty.

On a lighter note. I spent my weekend on the set of Coma Home with some interesting characters. Especially Evan Scott Russell. Probably one of the funniest guys I know. He ran crafty and that gave us more time to discuss our 7 minute film. Enjoy the movie below:

Chris "motherf___" Ellison. 

I could fill pages about how highly I think of this guy, Chris Ellison DP'd my dream sequence last semester and I wish I knew then how lucky I was...

Michael "Furserious" Adler

Enjoying the beautiful (random) weather

Editing class break gathering

"how high do your tights go?"
"huh?" (pic 1)
"how high do your tights go?"
"this high!" (pic 2)

In Art History, my professor shared with us work by Francesca Woodman. Just a brief look at her stuff really moved me and I've been looking at her work since. Here is a link to her bio and one of her photographs. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesca_Woodman

Haven (2012)

Last semester I went on and on about a directing assignment I was very excited about. It is finally done and I'm very proud of it. Take a look and tell me what you think!

HAVEN

I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC.
Copyrights belong to Cosmos, Columbia, Sony Music Nasty Kutt record labels and Madcon music group.
Virgin / EMI record label and Massive Attack music group.


This is a short film written, directed and produced by Christene Hurley

Co-Director/Cinematographer: Austin Witthuhn

Starring

Kira Geiger
West Webb
Wil Bethman
Brandon Hurley


Grip
Ben Guillbault
Brandon Hurley


Party Extras

Amy Rowland
Alex Epply-Schmidt
Harry Rossi
Jake Kath
Liliana Pagano
Austin Elliott
Camilo Herrera
Kaelie Kandel

50/50 (2011)

This is my 50th post! What a milestone! These last few weeks have been crazy busy! I shot my 5 minute film this weekend then jumped right into crewing as a 2nd AD (Assistant to the 1st AD who is the assistant to the Director) on The Trouble with Proposing.

My 5 minute film went swimmingly with the help of a wonderful cast and crew. We made due with what we had for such an ambitious story. The premise: Camilo is a young boy with a terminal illness who's only escape is his imagination inspired by his best friend, Austin who unfortunately is leaving for college and may not be back in time to see his best friend before his dies. Pretty heavy, huh? Try telling that story in 5 minutes or less.
The anxiety hit in waves just before the big day, but wise and encouraging words from the upperclassmen really helped. I'll be sure to pass on the words of wisdom to future students.

Crewing on my fellow section mates' films and filming my own really reminds me that I'm in the right place. I'm also reminded that I want to be a director. I think the knowledge of a Producer is really helpful which is why I want that to be my 2nd concentration. There is room to change my mind and I intend to research and really gig fit thought before I make it official. 

One very important thing I learned through this directing assignment was the importance of pre-production and Art Department. I've never questioned why we are required to crew on upperclassmen films because I've learned the most on set. Pre-production is 50%, Production is 30%, Post is 20%. (or so it feels) 

I've had some wonderful opportunities to act in some films. It's the funnest thing, but not easy. And seeing my performance may be the most uncomfortable thing I've experienced. I respect good actors. It's hard work. 

Most helpful piece of my preproduction, The Shot List (above). It's the schedule of shots and a breakdown of the camera angles. I color coordinated the actor being shot, which helped. And I combined as many shots as I could. My only regret was that I didn't think of more creative shots. 

Ohh and I made cupcakes that looked like little forts with walls. :) I LOVE cupcakes SO MUCH!! 

We haven't had very many screenings required it feels. But this Friday we are screening Ghost Busters on print I 'm hearing. I haven't seen that movie in over a decade! 

I have been writing a lot for screenwriting. Lots of cool script ideas. The script I'm most excited to write is going to be co-written with my buddy, Evan Scott Russell. It's going to be my second year 7 minute film.

Onto editing my film, well syncing audio with sound, which is a bitch. 

xoxo

Some Like It Hot (1959)

 Best song of the week!!

Best part: This band is Delta Rae who will be performing in Greensboro on the day I shoot my 5 minute film. Good Juju! I play this song daily and it just lifts me up. I'm having a hard time finding more music by them that aren't covers. 

I LOVE ANTHOLOGY FILMS!! A feature film consisting of several different short films, often tied together by only a single theme, premise, or brief interlocking event (often a turning point).

That is exactly what Paris, je t'aime (2006) was. With directors including: Wes Craven, The Cohen brothers, and Gerard Depardieu.

There has since been a few movies inspired by Paris; New York, I Love You (2009), and one is Jerusalem and China. I saw NY, I <3 You and I really enjoyed it. I can't decide which I liked more. 

I've been toying with an idea I have (that will be an independent project) hopefully before this school semester ends. It is inspired by one of my favorite films, Four Rooms. I'd need 3 co-writers. This is not the time to ask for collaboration but I will be asking soon. 

This was me last week when I got my pre-ordered digital copy of Ingrid Michaelson's new album Human Again. With it she released her US tour Dates: http://www.ingridmichaelson.com/shows May 8th, Charlotte, NC!! I'm so there! Celebrating my birthday week, with a concert by my favorite artist!!

American Cinema had an optional screening of Some Like it Hot (1959) this weekend. I saw it for the first time this summer and decided it's my favorite Marilyn film so far. I haven't seen a whole lot, (Seven Year Itch (1955), and Gentlemen prefer Blondes (1953) ) You can't deny that she is charming and sexy to say the least. I'm really interested in My Week with Marilyn (2011). 

I received really good advice from a dear friend in the middle of a ranting moment yesterday. "Take One Day At A Time." Sounds simple enough. But it helped with what I was stressed about. Working for all of the these productions don't show completed results at the moment, and I won't feel validated until the Director yells, "That's a wrap!" But as long as I do work, then I'm doing the best/most I can. I need to constantly remind myself of that. Starting a task and completing it in that sitting is how I've worked most of my life. But film is not like that at all. This will definitely teach me to be patient and manage my time wisely. 

Goals for my 5 minute, get the Art Department aspect done this weekend. With the help of one Brandon J. Hurley.  :) Then create a shot list with my DP. Those seem to be the most important things. 

On another note: Things I'm looking forward to in 2012. 

Finishing my 5 minute (duh)

Seeing Delta Rae in concert

Seeing Ingrid Michaelson in concert

Turning 28 (should be fun!)

getting through this first year

Working again (and getting paid more than just min wage)

Having time to see my mom

Visiting my Dad and VA family

Going to the beach all summer

Looking forward to good things always helps me deal with the present. :)

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life — It goes on."- ROBERT FROST

Some stills from a 5 minute I acted in: 

Girlfight (2000)

Click on this link to see something great!!  http://horseinmotion.eh84.com/

The local coffee shop, Krankies, had this display in their Electric Moustache gallery. Evan Hawkins had the brilliant idea to take an iconic image by Eadweard Muybridge and connect 12 individual to showcase the birth of stop motion animation.

Some of my friends and I have been training in different things for a few weeks: Parkour, Balintawak, Boxing and Taekwondo. It is a great form of therapy and stress reliever, I don't think once a week is enough, but we are lucky to find the time.

I love the moments I have when I get a chance to get centered. I was sitting on Hollywood Blvd. (In the Film Village across from the ACE Theatre) having coffee yesterday and the area was abandoned while I waited to go into work study. The only thing I could hear was the lights blinking on the marquis so I couldn't take my eyes off of it. I thought about the opening credits I get to add to the beginning of my 5 minute Directing assignment. It's a cool digital shot of the entrance to the ACE theatre complex. It was Monday so there was that looming feeling of a very long busy week ahead. That's enough to bring down the most bubbly person. I'll be honest, it's a struggle to take a moment to relax, because there is ALWAYS something I could be doing. Once again, I'm faced with looking for that damn niche. What the heck is a niche anyway?

In the meantime, until I find it, I'll watch some movies...

In my netflix:
Paris, je t'aime (2006)
Paris, je t'aime is about the plurality of cinema in one mythic location: Paris, the City of Love. Twenty filmmakers have five minutes each; the audience must weaving a single narrative out of twenty moments. The 20 moments are fused by transitional interstitial sequences and also via the introduction and epilogue. Each transition begins with the last shot of the previous film and ends with the first shot of the following film, extending the enchantment and the emotion of the previous segment, preparing the audience for a surprise, and providing a cohesive atmosphere. There's a reappearing mysterious character who is a witness to the Parisian life. A common theme of Paris and love fuses all.


Obviously I still have Paris on the brain. But more importantly, I love when directors collaborate and make one film. Like.... 4 Rooms (1995). 


Hard Candy (2005)


After three weeks of chatting with the thirty-two year old photographer Jeff Kohlver over the Internet, fourteen year old Hayley Stark meets him in the Nighthawks coffee shop. Hayley flirts with him in spite of the age difference and proposes to go to his house. Once there, she prepares a screwdriver for them and Jeff passes out. When he awakes, he is tied up to a chair, and Hayley accuses him of pedophilia. Jeff denies the accusation, and Hayley begins to torture him in a cat and mouse game.

I've seen Hard Candy before, so I can't remember why I added it to my queue again, but it's in and I'll be screening it very soon with a few people. 


So my bud introduced me to iCal and I'm thanking and cursing him because now I'm obsessed. I swore I'd never go digital with my planner.. I really don't know why, I've just always had a hard copy planner since I was a freshman in high school. Doesn't' look like I'm too busy, but this does not include my required screenings every weekend which comes in weekly. This also does not include my pre/post production meetings. But its organized. Now. Does anyone know how to transfer everything to my iPhone? I've synced my phone but my ical on my phone only has the general calendar events. 

I don't know exactly how many first years film a week but it's something like 12 a week. And that is until March. Every week. Whew! Here are a few shots of people working:

Mark Webb, Mixer

Brianna Mathews, Boom Op

West Webb, Actor

DR & Max, my co-actors

My 5 minute goes up in EIGHTEEN DAYS! I'm excited and terrified! 

Plus I've finally found my fav SNL skit on youtube: