Gaffer63

Weekend Garden

2012-02-14T00:28:00.000-08:00

A little rain, a little sun and things are looking good.

Aloe in Bloom

2012-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

I never thought the Aloe Vera plants would take but one is actually blooming.

Big

2012-02-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

We were on our walk this morning and near the park there was a huge bird sitting passively in a tree. Half a dozen crows did not like the intrusion and were flying around him squawking. The big bird just sat there throughout. Five minutes later when I got back with a real camera, the commotion was over. These phone pics are crappy but I think it's a big hawk..... any thoughts?

30 Years

2012-02-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

Mark Sumner has a terrific column about the last thirty years. Couldn't agree more. Excerpts below.

The economy didn't just crash under a Republican president, it crashed under Republican policies. It crashed with low taxes. It crashed with deregulated markets. It crashed with huge restrictions on union activity. It crashed with massive cuts in environmental regulations. It crashed with lowered trade barriers. It crashed with big fat Pentagon spending.

They got what they wanted. They got CEOs with no limits on their wealth. They got banks with no limits on their "creativity." They got trade agreements that guaranteed manufacturing could be moved to the dirtiest, cheapest, most desperate source available. They got massive cuts in capital gains taxes and equally large boosts in the wealth they could pass along in estates. They got everything they said would make us all wealthy. They got record oil and gas drilling. They got record giveaways of public land. They got everything they said would create jobs. They got the middle class to shoulder more, more, more of the burden so that those beautiful job creators would be free to work their magic.

They can't say the economy crashed because taxes went up, because they didn't. They can't say that the economy crashed because there was a raft of new regulation, because there wasn't. They can't blame it on "union thugs" or Saul Alinsky or the guy who writes Happy Holidays cards at Hallmark. They can't blame it on a president who was elected when the world was already in free fall. Only, of course they do. They say it because they have no choice.

When Chunky's Not Bad

2012-02-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

I've been in love with Mark and Spencer's sweaters ever since I bought one in Prague. Until now, I've been able to get some on eBay and such but now..... M&S is delivering internationally. I even have WL using the British vernacular..... "Chunky Jumper".

New Work

2012-02-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

I went back to NYC this week to attend the opening of dear friend/painter Jane Swavely's new work and new gallery. The AIR Gallery in DUMBO is presenting Jane's work this month. It was a fantastic night with tons of people and great paintings to look at/contemplate. Cheers!

Weekend Dog

2012-01-31T05:00:00.001-08:00

Salt Lick

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

After a few hours of stump removal, we lay down in the shade for awhile to catch our breath. Seven seemed to be interested in WL's perspiration and threw worries of a high sodium content to the wind.

Stumped

2012-01-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

We took out two trees yesterday to make room for a grapefruit tree. One of the stumps took two days, was dense and very heavy. A lot of sweat and advil. The trumpet tree was whimpy and brittle. It took about 15 minutes.
The new fruit tree is behind the lemon tree which is busting out of control now....

Calla

2012-01-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

The calla lillies are coming up again. Making the underside of the mock orange tree a bit more lush and green.

Mountain Pennyroyal

2012-01-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

We went back to the Theodore Payne nursery for some grass seed and left with a few examples of Monardella Odoratissima. It has many common names like coyote mint and beebalm but the nursery preferred mountain pennyroyal. And as the latin name supposes, it gives off a very nice scent that will blend nicely with the sages around it.
For those inclined, it also seems to have psychic effects, being called an Epiphany Enhancer.

Beck's Undies

2012-01-25T02:20:00.000-08:00

The ad campaign we did for David Beckham's Bodywear line for H&M is hitting the stores next month. He was such a nice guy in person but I guess the scowl sells.....
The commercial will debut during this year's Superbowl

cK Desert

2012-01-24T07:08:00.001-08:00

The cK underwear shoot we did near Joshua Tree last fall has started to appear on the net. First up is model Matthew Terry. The behind the scenes video is here. Including a shot of me pushing the camera under my favorite straw hat.

On Camera For A Change

2012-01-23T00:40:00.000-08:00

Excellent key grip Ryan M was cast for a commercial recently to play a...... key grip. His part seems to have landed him with the most screen time. We'll see what the final cut brings.

Gino's Pix

2012-01-22T06:35:00.000-08:00

Excellent set fotog and Key Grip Gino sent over a few snaps of the commercial we did with Ellen before Christmas. I'm seated with modern dancer/script supervisor extraordinaire Jora.

Death Valley

2012-01-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

Friend Francine was hiking Death Valley and captured some stunning scenery..... including this amazing sunset.

Antonio's Fight

2012-01-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Our visiting German DP picks a fight with a tough American, Fresca guzzling broad.

The Shadow

2012-01-20T19:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was on one side of a large muslin tarp lit with 4' mirrors and our talent was on the other...

Sunshine Dog

2012-01-17T18:48:00.001-08:00

We finally had some sun today and Seven took full advantage. But it appears he'll need an adjustment.

The Power Couple

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Cousin Ted and BFF Walter got to go to the Golden Globes last night. Their official photo is a work of Hollywood fantasy and fun.

Nice Win

2012-01-16T06:32:00.001-08:00

Favorite British import Downton Abbey walks away with the Golden Globe for best Mini Series.

Vasquez Stunts

2012-01-09T03:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we were just north of LA @ Vasquez rocks to film a stunt man flying off the famous cliffs. A crane was put in place to give stunts a point to secure our hero. Cameras rolled and out into the ether he jumped.

Weekend Dog

2012-01-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

Seven enjoys a bit of sun after a bone on a perfect Sunday afternoon.

Honeysuckle in Boom

2012-01-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

The honeysuckle in the front has exploded in a sea of orange blooms.

New Kicks

2011-12-31T14:45:00.000-08:00

Using influence inside the halls of Nike, I recently got a new pair of their great running shoes. Snazzy color and very comfortable.

Weekend Dogs

2011-12-31T10:30:00.000-08:00

Brother David's excellent carving watches over the real deal.

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

My brother gave us an adorable likeness of Seven carved from a piece of driftwood found on a beach. The tech present of the year was a very cool portable speaker/radio/bluetooth system from Geneva Lab

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

We made another perfect bird last night with Franny, Larry and Brother Steve in on the fun. Homemade bourbon concoctions and St. Germain champagne cocktails made sure we all had an oblivious and silent night.

Starlet

2011-12-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

On the New York street @ Paramount studios, we have a ravishing starlet about to make her way to set.

Patient Dog

2011-12-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Seven waits for a nap to finish.

The Model

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

We were recently shooting a model of an urban street when the director stuck her head in to survey the scene.

Sound Department

2011-12-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

Ellen huddles with sound mixer Shaun to map out audio strategy for the day.

Xmas On The Lot

2011-12-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

The last few days we have been shooting on the Paramount lot in Hollywood. They have some spectacular lights going on. Oceans of white bulbs. Beautiful at night.

Holiday Dog

2011-12-17T19:41:00.001-08:00

Today we tried our hands at a little Christmas decorating. Seven saves the day by making a weak effort look noble.

How Windy Was It?

2011-12-04T09:40:00.001-08:00

From the weather station near the top of Mount Washington.

Political Tweeting

2011-12-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

With the downfall of Herman Cain complete, this might be the best political tweet ever!

Blackout Dog

2011-12-01T18:48:00.001-08:00

After the terrific wind storm last night, we are still without power. Having water (cold) and gas has softened the blow. So we are camping out with LED lighting, Thanksgiving Day leftovers and chocolate cupcakes.

One From Home

2011-11-29T17:45:00.000-08:00

A great story about how Occupy Rochester saved a home.

Occupy Rochester

Thanksgiving Day Dog

2011-11-24T16:17:00.000-08:00

Seven takes a very keen interest in the turkey's preparation.....

Fry Smith

2011-11-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

I was working on a show for the Cooking Channel last week when we found ourselves at 7:30 am with a french fry food truck to shoot. Fry Smith has all kinds of fry toppings. My faves were a classic chili cheese and the Kimchi fries.

Recycled Hollywood

2011-11-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

We shot yesterday in a very small but cool old Hollywood Hills home. The dining room was outdoors under an arbor of wisteria. There were two large hoosiers filled with glassware and china. But the very cool part was the pass through from the kitchen. A french door on a set of pulleys opens the kitchen to the exterior in an unusual and nifty way.

Window

2011-11-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

The new picture window got installed last week and I was able to get a coat of primer and 2 coats of oil on it before the rains started. It is now in the style of the other casement windows..... also soon to be replaced.

Weekend Dog

2011-11-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

Seven enjoyed some sun before the rains began.

Death in the Garden

2011-11-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

The sun broke out for a few hours yesterday and I went out front to do some pruning. There was a strange twig protruding from the rosemary and on closer inspection, it was a preying mantis with a freshly caught bee. It took less than five minutes to devour her. By the time I returned with the camera, half her body was gone.
The rest of the garden is looking great but there are probably equal horrors taking place beneath the beautiful facade.

Weekend Dog

2011-11-04T05:05:00.000-07:00

A great piece of bric a brac from the set last week.

Big Boy Cookie

2011-11-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

Our producer Paula caught me with a huge cookie while we were shooting out in Islip last week. She titled it, "Big Boy Cookie".

Set Fun

2011-10-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

Having a good time on the set yesterday...... it even got a little artistic outside as the real sun set behind our 30' tall manmade version.

Kitty Kitty

2011-10-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Doing a commercial this week with a fashion designer and his animated cat. We needed a 3D stand in for the post effects people to see shadows and lighting. I love this picture of pussy.
Below, I caught myself in a monitor as the camera was being reloaded.

More Cremones

2011-10-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

Before I left for NYC, WL installed a new front hall closet and we added a cremone bolt instead of a door handle/lock. Looking exotic and good.

Felt Tree

2011-10-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Follow new home buyer and horticulturalist Georgia T recently gave us a fine specimen of a felt tree. Not sure what the latin name is but it looks dandy in the front garden next to the hotlips salvia.

Working Dog

2011-10-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

Rusty gets some last minute cues from his trainer before the cameras roll and he is acting with the the object of his wonderment, a hopping cardboard box.

Mantis

2011-10-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

We have at least two prey mantis's roaming the garden. I spotted one recently climbing some rosemary.

Winter Fakery

2011-10-21T07:24:00.001-07:00

We were recently on stage re creating a street scene in front of a department store Christmas window. Huge teddy bears, nut crackers and a large scale working train completed the picture. Man lifts with fans and fake snow added to the wintery effect. The outcome looked pretty good.

Weekend Dog

2011-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Seven seemingly playing dead.

Amighini

2011-10-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

We have decided to replace the hall closet door and needed another cremone. The deals Amighini Architecturals have with salvage companies in Italy and Argentina guarantee a unique experience at each locale. Exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable sales staff makes the search for the perfect piece easy.

Desert Shooting

2011-10-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

We spent yesterday in the Joshua Tree area shooting a new underwear campaign for you know who. We had to use ATV's to get to the remote set. We had a high powered photographer doing the stills of the boxer clad guys while Tristan (aka OSS117) guided us on the video production. The efforts should be in magazines, on billboards and across computer screens around the globe soon.

Horizon

2011-10-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

We got to Palm Springs this afternoon and checked into the Horizon motel. Designed by famed architect William Cody in the early 1950's. Seems to be low season cause I'm the only one at the pool. Tomorrow we travel early to Joshua Tree for our shoot.

Weekend Dog

2011-10-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

A study in textures

More Holes

2011-10-10T07:48:00.001-07:00

The last of the windows went in this weekend. Just in time to test the dual glazing with a heat wave coming later in the week.

Modernica Madness

2011-10-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

We ventured into mid century great Modernica's warehouse sale this morning. WL was smitten with Saarinen's Grasshopper chair while I have always had my eye on the Papa Bear Chair.

Nearly

2011-09-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

The completion of the dutch door is nearly there. We've been painting and staining all weekend. We added weather stripping. All that's left is to touch up the house paint.

Bunches

2011-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I don't remember this from past years but the lime tree is giving us bunches of fruit this year. Maybe it was that wet winter that's making the tree extra productive this season.

Weekend Dog

2011-09-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

Seven gets the hang of the dutch door......

Up To Us

2011-09-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

The project lasted past sundown but the hardware was attached and it was a beautiful sight this morning. Now it's up to us to finish the sealing, priming and painting of the exterior redwood trim. Some interior trim needs to be placed around the jamb as well. The door has transformed the kitchen and nearly completed the home's restoration.

Hanging with Luis

2011-09-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Carpenter Luis V planed and sanded the two sides of the dutch to perfection and hung them to great effect. New oak sill gets rid of the rotting old one.
Now to add the hardware.......

Kitchen Door Demo

2011-09-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

The previous owner's funky handiwork got ripped out this morning. What should have been an easy job was complicated by James' use of every conceivable style of nail and screw to hold his home made jamb in place. And like everything else in the house, a large dollop of caulk was always used.
Our carpenter Luis went through 6 sawzall blades.

Weekend Dog

2011-09-17T15:47:00.001-07:00

Seven enjoys a good bone.

Manufactured Crisis

2011-09-16T07:29:00.001-07:00

Columnist Karl Frisch explains the current state of the postal system's problems.

"GOP efforts to cripple the Postal Service predate the current tea party “cut government spending” drumbeat echoing throughout Washington during these difficult economic times.

Five years ago, during the Bush administration, the Postal Service handled the largest volume of mail ever seen in its 236-year history. It was in that year, that the Republican controlled Congressed passed the Postal Accountability Enhancement Act (PAEA).

As Truth-Out.org’s Allison Kilkenny recently reported, by passing PAEA, Congressional Republicans mandated that within ten years the United States Postal Service would have to fully fund retirement healthcare benefits for the next 75 years. Or to put it more plainly, the Postal Service had a decade to fully fund the retirement healthcare benefits for future employees that will not even be born until 2057 at the earliest."

"The only reason we keep hearing so much about the Postal Service’s impending budget shortfall is because PAEA requires that on September 30 a down payment be made on the healthcare benefits of postal workers 75 years into the future. This law has forced the Postal Service into the red for two years running.

In the end, Republicans know the Postal Service is a government agency that works well for Americans. And you know the GOP cannot have an example of good government floating around out there lest it get in the way of their political aspirations."

Read the whole column here

And for those of you thinking that budget cuts and deregulation creates jobs, here's a handy graph showing the effects of a republican lead economy.

Weekend Dog

2011-09-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Seven enjoying the cool slate floor in the bathroom.

Double Lucky?

2011-09-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a crazy/beautiful sunset complete with double rainbow and a fierce heat lightning storm at dusk.

Three Drinks and a Pair

2011-09-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

FN introduced us today to the joys of Little Dom's over on Hillhurst in Los Feliz. An excellent brunch and some fine old cocktails. Moscow Mules served in copper mugs and a Mint Julep in the proper silver cup. My Little Street came in a classic prohibition era cocktail glass.

Walking Stick Tree

2011-09-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago while in New Hampshire with the family, I helped plant a Harry Lauder's Walking Stick Tree. A very distinctive tree indeed.

Weekend Dog

2011-09-03T00:06:00.000-07:00

Seven enjoys a shank steak in a backyard/picnic type setting. Bon Appetit!

Spike Before Irene

2011-09-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

Before Irene hit last week, I was working on a commercial with S. Lee. We shot around different boroughs and different firehouses with a bunch of real firemen and real kids. Days were short...the work was easy and got to see a few friends I had lost contact with. The retro camera captured the ominous atmosphere of the stairs leading to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Banksia in Bloom

2011-09-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

The Banksia tree we planted a year and a half ago has produced some flowers. They are all the lower part of the tree so they must only grow on old growth. There are five statuesque blooms made up of hundreds of tinier flowers. Amazing.

Pots

2011-08-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

I went out yesterday at sunset to help my brother check his lobster pots. Although we only got two keepers amongst all the horseshoe crabs and kelp, it was a beautiful evening and so much cooler on the water than the humid mainland.

Weekend Dog

2011-08-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

Cosmo takes us on a hike through the forests surrounding UNH Durham.

Weekend Dog

2011-08-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

Our huge co star from last week's PNC commercial.

Artichoke

2011-08-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

I came across some pics on the phone of the wild artichokes growing on the hillsides of Mount Washington. They are spectacular with their spikey leaves and purple tufts. The season's over but here they are, better late than never.

Weekend Dog

2011-08-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Our star of the commercial we shot along the Saddleback River last week. His name.... Cool Hand Luke.

Before and After

2011-08-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

"30 Minutes or Less" opened yesterday to largely negative reviews although the audiences have been kinder. Read a few reviews here

Dark Hole

2011-08-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Started last week in a dark hole in Newark doing a table top ad. The space was very old and cool looking but with no AC or exhaust fans, not so cool.

Cyc Fun

2011-08-12T00:03:00.000-07:00

More white cyc fun from our Joe A gig.

Camera Crew

2011-08-11T01:39:00.000-07:00

Our diminutive but excellent all girl camera crew from last week's job. via Joe A

Lite Panel

2011-08-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

A shot from 2 weeks ago with my crew and I marvelling over a BiColor 1X1 LitePanel. Via Franny N.

Operating

2011-08-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

In NYC operating camera on a super secret project..... they all seem to be super secret these days. Anyways, I'm actually behind the camera as well as helping to light the thing. Quite exciting. Here is a very real portrait with the very able 1st Ac Caitlin from Joe A.

Beastie Video

2011-07-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

The GI Joe infused Beastie Boys video is finally on the air. The full length video can be seen here

San Francisco Wedding

2011-07-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

Had a lovely time in SF this past weekend witnessing the marriage of friend Brittney to her Canadian love Andrew.

Beastie Video

2011-07-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Beastie Boys video I did last month had a premiere and a party last night in NYC. A duet with Santigold called Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win. The video was all done with dolls and is global in scale. From the mountain tops of the Himalayas to the beaches of the caribbean. Hope to see it on the air soon.

Nix Flix

2011-07-10T01:18:00.000-07:00

Excellent key grip Gino N sent over some of his own pics from a few recent shoots including a Delta job and our Beckham underwear shoot.

New Window

2011-07-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

We got our test window last week and did the install this morning in the kitchen. It's a Jeld-Wen tilt pack double hung. Do it yourself using a rail system and the existing jamb. You lose a little window area on the sides but none top or bottom. Took about an hour to put in place. Now to paint and order some more for the bedrooms.

Reflection on Reflections

2011-07-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

I've been going through a pile of old netflixes from the last month and came across John Huston's "Reflections in a Golden Eye. I'm not sure if I liked it or not but the look is amazing. All sepia toned except for a hint of red and green, supposedly the audiences of 1967 could not handle the look and a regular Technicolor version was released as well. Amazing night time work with a lightning storm at the end that is truly beautiful. Trying to find some reviews of the film brought about my own feelings..... "horribly miscast", "turgid erotica", "contradictory beauty" but somehow the reviews then veer into "the finest piece of work he [Huston] ever committed" and "Reflections" is a better film than we had any right to expect". Uneasy to watch but oddly satisfying afterwards.

4th

2011-07-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

Love this time lapse video of the neighborhood's slightly illegal fireworks festival......
Watch it here

Misc. Ohio/Kentucky Pics

2011-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just some other remembrances from the job last week.

The Continental

2011-07-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

Local resident August allowed us to use his vintage Continental for a scene and to even appear in the shot, casually leaning against it as he must have done years ago.

Butcher Holler

2011-07-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

We finished the shoot yesterday in the small Kentucky hamlet of Butcher Holler. Noted for being the birth place of country music stars/ sisters Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle. The current proprietress of the market is the enticingly named Madonna Webb. Along side the peach Nehi are artifacts and dresses of the singers' lives. Not to mention a huge stuffed turkey keeping an eye on all shoppers. Excellent key grip Andy built a speed rail rig for Tristan to shoot some young bicyclists out the back of a pick up.

Military Museum

2011-06-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Portsmouth also has a small but beautifully maintained military museum. The owner Mike is a veteran and collector who has put together a personal, regional as well as international in scope exhibit. I was blown away by the WW1 trench art..... how artists used the discarded shells from the front lines.

Feed Store

2011-06-30T03:40:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we got to shoot in the town's feed store. Tin ceiling and loaded with by gone trophies. I particularly liked the bulletin board advertising peacock eggs and a 1914 Studebaker......

Sorghum Hoedown

2011-06-29T03:13:00.000-07:00

We wound up yesterday afternoon at the Simon farm outside of Portsmouth. Five generations of Simons have lived here since the homestead was founded in 1864. Kitty Wells fan John Simon is a Sorghum maker and grows the sugar cane like crop on his land. Each year there's a festival around making the syrup. We got a little bluegrass band and some dancers to perform in the 150 year old barn.

Lion's Tale

2011-06-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Before I left for Appalachia, I snapped the progress of the lion's tale. It's over six feet tall with hundreds of blooms. Will need a drastic pruning when the flowers fade.