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Video

Bulembu Promo

In August 2008 I travelled to Bulembu, my second trip to this small town in Swaziland, Africa. I had been a few months previously, on a photography assignment (you can see some here and here). This time, I was directing a film of the Canadian Tenors as part of the Voices for Bulembu campaign. The eventual result was this promotional video, and a mini-documentary of the Tenor’s experiences (see it here). Both films were shown as part of a series of gala events to raise money for the work of the Bulembu Foundation. It was a great success, with almost one million dollars raised over a single weekend.

Through my involvement in Bulembu I’ve gained many lifelong friends, and become part of a significant effort to transform this struggling nation. It has been a great privilege.

Many thanks to those involved. Post-production on the videos was by Jon at EXE Productions. Cinematography was by the talented Jonny Beecher. Special thanks to Kelly Walker for producing both trips and to the team at the Bulembu Foundation for their transformative work.

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Sidenotes

WP iPhone test

Only those who subscribe to my RSS feed will see this post, so pardon my housecleaning. This is a test post from my iPhone. Trying out a few things in preparation for some changes and a fresh start. More info to come…

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Video

YMCA Youth Peace Network PSA

A recent project for The YMCA of Greater Vancouver.

We had a very tight timeline, and an even tighter budget, but we managed to pull it all together — just in time for the YPN’ers farewell dinner. A great group of youth to interact with (and a great program!) Check it out for yourself…

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Music

Pulse

A new Sunday tune for you…

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News

“The Duchess” a Film Race Finalist!

“The Duchess” was a 2009 Vancouver Film Race finalist! The film was selected out of 34 in competition by judges in New York to run for the top prize. Last night was the awards announcement at the Anza Club (host of the Celluloid Social Club). In the end we didn’t win… but we had a good time with the other contestants watching everyone’s films and hearing Q&A’s from each team.

Thanks for everyone who supported Team Cinesketch for the race! Here’s a link to some of our sponsors:

If you haven’t watched the film yet, head over to the facebook page where you can become a fan and watch the video.

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Quotes

Chris Anderson on Leadership

I think that leading people is perhaps the most important skill these days… Helping (and inspiring) other people to do cool stuff is what an editor does, and when you take it out of a purely professional media context that looks more and more like effective community management. It’s a great skill and I admire those who do it well.

Chris Anderson, Wired Editor in Chief

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Video

“The Duchess” Trailer

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News

“The Duchess” Screening July 22nd

The Duchess

Victor (played by Matt Chandler) thinks he has things straight when he nabs the Duchess (Joy Pecknold) for theft. But the Duchess spins a tale faster than a Mach 1 Mustang’s wheels in a burnout… can you keep up?

“The Duchess”, a short film created for the 2009 Vancouver Film Race, is screening Wednesday July 22nd at Fifth Avenue Cinemas. Tickets are $9. Hit the link for more info (our film is at the 7pm screening).

We had an awesome time making the film. Car chases, burnouts, gunshots and subterfuge… all good fun. I had the pleasure of directing, with Jesse Rosten as DOP, Matt Chandler penning as well as starring with Joy Pecknold and Dan Stewart. Hope you can make it!

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Updates

Giving Back

A friend in Rwanda is looking for investors in a social-interest company. He’s a solid guy (the main character in my Rwanda film). They grow geranium and sell the oils on the international market. The project is run by widows & orphans in the area, who receive the profits.

He’s looking for investors in the company. Investments will have an immediate, on the ground effect towards a self-sustaining business in the developing world. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in investing in a company like this, drop me a line.

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Sidenotes

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