Donnybrook Production Services

While still in high school, I toiled for a short stint as an overnight stocker, courtesy of my local supermarket.  And while it’s not necessarily my pinnacle employment memory, there was something uniquely covert about having the run of a store that was completely off limits to the public.  Well in perfect #TBT, or more appropriately Wednesday in to Thursday, fashion, I recently had a chance to run amok once again during an overnight commercial shoot in the unassuming PA ‘burbs.  The obliging green grocer this time around was the Swarthmore CoOp, and the contemporary corner market proved to be an impeccable backdrop, and an extremely film friendly location.

This episode of Donnybrook After Dark was in support of the ‘Grow Up’ campaign, for non-profit Generation Opportunity.  Teaming once again with longstanding agency ally Jamestown Associates, my crew and I took to the aisles to produce a comedic commentary on the current state of the National Debt…frozen food, veggie, and organic aisles alike.  And Swarthmore’s tasteful and artistic end caps will make for a great place to vfx in a variety of GenOpp’s alarming stats to boot.

While the free-flowing caffeine, graciously sponsored by our hosts, certainly helped with the voluntary insomnia, so did the fact that the shoot ended up being a heck of a lot of fun.  Crew, client, and talent alike were energized for the duration, and by sun up we’d succeeded in capturing ample assets for an entertaining and informative spot.

A super-sized thanks to my good friend Ann Gillette, for yet another miraculous 11th hour casting assist.  May your miracle well never run dry.  And to the perpetual movers and shakers over at Expressway, many thanks for the provisioned grip heads and gear…especially given that it was none other than Philly’s own Starsky & Hutch team of Dave Greenplate & Phil Tartaglione.

There are certainly less enjoyable, and far less aesthetically pleasing filming locales in the US than Santa Barbara, dubbed by many as the American Riviera.  So when the central Cali-coastal town was selected as the backdrop for Congressional hopeful Justin Fareed‘s intro TV campaign, it was collectively decided to shoot as much of the beachside oasis as possible.

In his ‘Determined’ TV :30, Fareed uses his athleticism to his distinct advantage, offering that the approach to Congressional success will mirror his determination in football and in life.  With Forrest (or Lola, pick your pop-culture poison) induced fervor, the spot features Justin running in, through, and out of town…and then tirelessly running some more.  And it does an admirable job of connecting Fareed to his constituents through a series of waves, head nods, and horsebacked hat tips in the process.

Local fixer Rob DaFoe did a fantastic job of laying the advance groundwork for this geographically expansive undertaking, and Steadicam Op David Shawl captures the fluidity to perfection for Director/DP Steve Perrong.  A huge shout out of gratitude is also due Ray @ Santa Barbara Grip & Lighting, for his tireless efforts and support, as well as the Santa Barbara Film Commission for its graciously offered latitude and assistance.

The spot was voiced by conservative celeb Bruce McGill, who I’ve had the pleasure of working with on numerous occasions now.  A gentleman and a scholar, Bruce brings his A-game every time.  And thanks as always to Kevin @ Mai Tai Studios in Burbank, Bruce’s preferred VO partner in crime.

I was recently brought on board to help production manage a global IPO Roadshow campaign for IMS Health, working in tandem with Exton, PA based production house Paksima Productions.  Executive Producer Jamila Paksima and I have known (of) one another for quite a while, but we’d never actually collaborated directly on a project to point.  It turns out that Jamila is every bit the force of production nature I’d heard about, and the project was a perfect fit for her challenge oriented and thrill-seeking approach to producing.

The assignment called for ENG style field shoots in no less than 5-countries, spread across multiple continents, time zones, and cultures…at times, in simultaneous fashion.  I had a few key production allies in the mix to lean on, with DP Steve Buckwalter and Producer phenom Tracy Schott along for the ride.  I’m better off for knowing Alexa Danner now as well, a seasoned NY production head that I met for the first time on this project.  I was also able to re-enlist the key aesthetic sensibilities of Israeli Cinematographer Alon Grego, whom I’m once again indebted to for his consummate professionalism and versatility.  And it was nice to have an excuse to collaborate with the resourceful fella’s at Prime TV in the UK again, a vendor I was first introduced to while filming on location in London a few years back.

A key takeaway for me in all of this is just how small the planet can feel with technology and ingenuity in the mix.  Partial reliance on integrated communication tools like Skype were vital, as was the ability to think outside of the box with regards to ambitious expectations and timelines.  It’s safe to say that nothing is terribly unorthodox when it comes to 11th hour production travel needs, and it remains true what they say…where there’s a will, there’s a way.  Many lessons learned, and mission accomplished.

A few other critical production peeps that came to my foreign and domestic rescue – Mark Gambol @ MG Pictures, India Film Services,  Sabrina Vogel @ Kameramann in Basel, and freelance Producer Linda Epstein in Jerusalem.

In a year that’s witnessed such professional escapades as holing up in a centuries old ‘Church’ to brave the winter, camping out with zero ‘Remorse’ on a vast colonial estate to enjoy the lazy days of summer, and setworking (oh yeah, it’s a thing) with such silver screen sirens as Ashley C. Williams, Lili Bordan, and Katrina Law, deciding on an encore is no easy feat.  But I suppose shipping out to the Potomac-panhandle town of Harpers Ferry, WV is as good a follow-up as any.

That’s where the karmic tides of Donnybrook Productions saw fit to take me for my latest production foray, to UPM the ‘World Wars’ mini-series for History Channel.  So I strapped the ol’ mountain bike to my truck, and in true Clampett-like fashion packed up a few production necessities and joined my friend and Producer colleague Brian David Cange & Co.  In this instance, the aforementioned ‘co’ is represented by PoC Adam Schoon, his trusty sidekick Trish McMiniment, the tireless AD tandem of Hall & McGarry, and Locations phenom John Galloway, all of whom represent long time collaborative partners in crime.

With a story line that spans both WWI & WWII, the production logistics have been challenging.  Jimmys, tanks, troop carriers, and the occasional horse chase sequence with Poncho Villa’s revolutionaries have ensured that the gig remains a whirlwind of production-centric merriment daily.  But being the workaholic type, and a glutton for productionment (I mean punishment), I probably wouldn’t have it any other way.  Being en’trenched’ in work has taken on a whole new meaning…bah duhmm bump!!

A few important shout outs are fully warranted here, since I have found fast allies in both Peacemaker National Training Center and the Virginia Museum of Military Vehicles.  And the fine fella’s over at Sunbelt Rentals have been terrific as well.  All in all the project amassed a fantastic crew, and it’s been a lot of fun…and now I’ll have my own war stories to tell for many years to come, I’m sure!

OK, so to recap the summer thus far, I’ve basically been hanging out on a 100+ acre farm in the middle of Doylestown, PA, from the 18th-Century.  My ‘office’ is a tool shed, that I think was roughly constructed circa 1720, give or take…with WiFi, naturally, though it’s likely that was an add-on along the way.  I’ve got a bunch of coworkers just across the gravel driveway, in a farm house that was once the estate of a colonial governor.  And my good buddy Crenshaw, Production Designer extraordinaire, is just a stone’s throw away (no pun intended) in his barn down the road.  AKA his ‘scenic shop’, of course.  If all of this sounds like I’m suffering from heat exhaustion, fear not!  While it is indeed mighty hot ’round these here parts, I’m actually on board as the UPM for the supernatural indie ‘Remorse’, currently calling the Penrose Estate in Horsham Twp it’s home…away from home.

The thriller, starring femme fatale Katrina Law (of ‘Spartacus’ and ‘Legend of the Seeker’ fame) and leading lady Lili Bordan (from TV’s ‘Battlestar Galactica’), has been snuggly nestled amongst the fields, flowers, and fowl in this perpetual landmark for its month long stint of principal photography.  Director Quinn Saunders, a veteran TV Director, and Film Professor at Cal State, fell in love with the site instantly, and decided it to be the perfect backdrop for this eerie feature film foray.  To be honest, I’m not a super fan of being here once the lights go dark, but would be remiss if I didn’t cop to the fact that the place makes a pretty perfect setting for a spooky movie.  Bring on the spirits…no, not THOSE spirits, the ones for the wrap party 😉

I’ve always felt that what I was lucky enough to do for a living was pretty unique, and kinda cool to boot. But recently, while exploring (uhh, I mean scouting of course) a network of tunnels underneath of Central Park in NYC, it really clicked. Since last month, I’ve been teaming once again with Director Josh Mawer and agency client Jamestown Associates to develop a PSA for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. The PSA campaign will bring awareness to the ‘Water for the Future’ initiative that the DEP is undertaking, to reinforce the water supply to sections of the outer boroughs in Brooklyn and Queens, and ensure that the City of NY will enjoy fresh tap water for many more generations to come.

The water supply system in NY is one of the most extensive in the world, but with the help of geography (and more than a little gravity), it’s treatment efforts are actually one of the simplest. But they are long standing, and in need of reinforcement, reinvention, and repair. To that end, the DEP is launching the ‘Water For the Future’ campaign, which will help residents understand the efforts that are being undertaken on their behalf.

The project has not only been a chance to collaborate once again with Josh, and JA, but has also led to newfound creative relationships with Erica Palgon Casting, in New York, as well as a plethora of new on screen talent including Jodi Applegate. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed working with my new post production friends at Buttons NY. Nevertheless, the little kid in me has enjoyed the cable car rides to Roosevelt Island and the exploratory efforts of the real ‘underground NY’ most of all. Plus, I’ve always wanted to scale those crazy acorn towers in Greenpoint…mission accomplished!

OK, so granted I’m a bit of a newbie to the tumultuous terrain of the world’s freelance workforce, but (and, fingers crossed/knock on wood/insert cliche of choice here) thus far I’ve avoided the apparently all-too-common malady of being stiffed on an invoice.  And while I’m certain that my name does not exist in isolation on this more favorable of registers, another list is being generated this month to provide a collective voice for those that have indeed had a run-in or two with deadbeat clients.

On Thursday, the Freelancers Union (a self-professed ‘federation of the unaffiliated’) launched its “World’s Longest Invoice” campaign, in an effort to provide a platform for reform when it comes to the ability of freelance professionals to seek remedy if they get stiffed.  Now, mind you, this isn’t like skipping out on a bar tab, since at last tally this ‘tab’ had quickly accumulated to well over $8-Million.  That’s a lotta deadbeats!

This undertaking is a first in steps to propose new legislation next month, when the Freelancers Union will look to pitch lawmakers the Payment Protection Act. This bill would allow self-employed individuals to appeal to the Department of Labor for assistance in tracking down clients guilty of non-payment. The hope is to shed light on an epidemic that plagues many freelancers, and address the fact that more often than not the costs associated with legal support are too high, thus allowing clients (of the deadbeat variety) to simply refuse payment of open invoices.

It’s not every day that I stumble upon something useful while enduring the tortures of the MTA subway system, but apparently it’s not impossible.  The current print campaign for freelancersunion.org caught my attention recently, while standing elbow to elbow with some of the world’s most unwelcome travel partners.  Pasted squarely in a subway car corner, the ad seemed to beckon that I journey to the organization’s website.  Luckily, given the wonders of modern technology, I was able to do so right then and there from the ever-accessible controls of my trusty iPhone…a far more welcomed travel partner, even if it is the ‘Siri-less’ variety!

Providing a ‘platform for an independent workforce’, the Freelancers Union’s website offers access to information regarding health & medical benefits, investment planning for retirement, and local calls to action events.  Providing a unified voice for the likes of the self-employed, the organization provides solace to those that question whether or not they do indeed have a ‘real job’.

Lobbying efforts have been formed for far less worthwhile causes, so this seemed like one worth latching on to.  I joined later that night, since it was free (and as such rather risk free), so I’ll be exploring the benefits over the next couple of weeks/months.  Naturally, they welcome donations, so if you’re at a loss regarding what to do with that disposable income that’s burning a hole in your jeans, I can think of far worse ways to spend it!

This adage dates back quite a while, and is actually rooted in a more complex management formula too dizzying to cite here verbatim.  After all, I’m simply maintaining a self-serving and (dare I say) witty & entertaining blog, not crafting an outline for a management strategies handbook.  Nevertheless, there’s something about this maxim that has always resonated with me.  It was adopted and employed heavily @ Get-Kinetic, the Philly-based production company that I called home for several years.  And it’s stuck with me since journeying into the treacherous freelance terrain nearly a year ago.

Regardless of how solid and stable a relationship one might adopt with a client (or potential client), there’s no denying that vendors and employing firms/individuals will always find themselves at odds over this belief; with the later party nearly always pushing to secure all three of these things to their own selfish benefit.  Holding the line when it comes to this set of conditions falls squarely on the shoulders of the bidding party, and the delicacy with which it must be maneuvered is an art form in and of itself.

Being a relative ‘newbie’ with regards to the established world of self-employment (I kinda feel like a full fiscal year in the books is necessary to live down this title), I’m still trying to figure out how to get client-folk to swallow this typically bitter pill.  I have, however, been lucky enough to develop a number of solid professional relationships over the course of my first year as a freelancer…and I suppose that if 12 or so months down the road I’m still trudging along with my head above water (and still maintaining this witty & entertaining blog), perhaps I’ll have amassed a bit more worthwhile advice on the matter!

These days, it seems that the lighter on your feet you are the better.  Since breaking out on my own back in January, the only fixed asset investments I’ve made have been of the mobile/portable variety.  A new iPhone 4, a portable wireless printer, a fancy ‘WiFi anywhere’ apparatus, & a new mountain/road Cannondale hybrid!  Well, OK, I’ll concede that last purchase to be just as much for personal use as professional…but you get the gist.  The long and short of it, adopting the mantra ‘local to anywhere’ has been almost essential.  And with the major Northeast Corridor markets of DC to NYC only a hop, skip, & jump away, it’s a nice luxury to settle in behind the wheel of a 6-cylinder/4WD office, and be on site within 2-3 hours time.

What’s being left in the rear view are the days of ‘tethered to the desk’ infrastructure, replaced instead with a sort of lily pad to lily pad approach.  Hopping from one WiFi hotspot to the next is common, and almost assumed.  Kudos to Barnes & Noble, for their (albeit delayed) decision to do away with the pay to play internet access.  Instead, they’ve opted to join the ranks of the Panera Breads & Starbucks of the world by allowing all customers to use their in-house WiFi free of charge.  And I hear they even sell books there as well!

These days it’s easier than ever to stay ‘connected’, and the modern mobile freelancer can keep tabs on his/her world from just about anywhere…sorta gives the notion of being tied up at the office a whole new meaning!