NEW PROJECT: Thunder in the Desert

I know many of you saw on some of my social networking posts that I was looking for models for a set of new projects. These projects are a series of narrative still images and multimedia vignettes… basically, a merging of my two worlds, film and photography. They’re taking a long time to put together because of schedules, travel, and post-production, but I’m excited with the initial results.

The first story we’re doing is a retake of John the Baptist. We’re using some of his icons and his personal story, but then taking a fashion/editorial approach. Merrick Pickens is playing John for the shoot, which has turned out to be a very fitting choice. We both understand and respect the intensity of his story and want the same elements of repentance and prophecy to come through. We’re having a blast coming up with new takes on his life.

I look at John the Baptist as kind of the Batman of the Bible. He’s intense, brooding and incredibly complex. He has complete confidence in moving in the Lord, yet he’s the picture of humility when he actually faces Him.

We started shooting about a year ago, and shot for 2 days solid, (over 700 frames). We got some really interesting stuff, but the project is continuing to evolve, so we’ll be shooting again whenever both of our schedules are clear.

While the John the Baptist projects takes shape, I’m continuing framing out and casting the other stories, so the model/face call is still open. I’ll continue to post updates as they come. In the mean time, I’ve sprinkled in few of my favs from the first shoot as a sneak preview. Feel free to comment...

The Story Behind "That Girl & Her Dog"

So the title of my blog is “That Girl and Her Dog”. It comes from the Wizard of Oz where the witch (who still kind of scares me a little, by the way) says, “Bring me that girl and her dog.” I never understood why the Wicked Witch wanted Toto, too. I hope she wasn’t going to kill him. That’s a sadistic thought.

Anyway, I have my own Toto. His name is Winston and he out-weighs Toto by 85 lbs. He would still try to fit in a picnic basket, though. He doesn’t have a very realistic self-image. I guess most of us don’t. Anyway, he is the most devoted friend I’ve ever had. I know that whatever I go through, we go through together. Hence the title. If I move into a 350 square foot studio in Manhattan, Winston will be right there on top of me. I’ve decided that every Dorothy needs a Toto. When you’re about to go on a journey, you need someone who is there for no other reason but to support you, and keep you out of harms way, and who doesn’t get mad no matter how many wrong turns you make.

I always said I was going to have a production company or record company or something named That Girl and Her Dog Productions. I think it’s even more fitting for the blog.

Side Note: HAPPY 4TH of JULY!!! This country is a gift.