CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

The Film Industry Is A Small Town: 3 Examples From One Series, Shareable Serotonin, Discovering Trevor Hall, and more...

Cast and Crew of Dandelion

It is often said that the film industry is a small town.

While it might feel like a vast universe from the outside, once you break into the film industry, you frequently run into many of the same working actors and crew members on other films. Back when I had my studio, TASA ( The Art and Soul of Acting) I often reminded my new actors of the importance of treating every person on set, including themselves, with complete respect. People want to work with people they know, like, and trust, so bring the KLT! I urged them to bring their full and best presence to each situation. Not only because we want to show up as our best selves but also because word spreads fast if you’re a jerk. It’s a small town. People in any industry want to work with people who can do the job well and who are pleasant, positive, and personable, but even more so on a film set where the long hours, time pressures, and working conditions can bring out the worst in people. Or the best.

The stories are legend of big stars with great talent and box office numbers who continue to bag roles even after trashing their trailers or throwing tantrums on set. The rest of us don’t have that luxury if we want to work again, and I’m glad of it. As with most occupations, it’s not just about our talent or skills, it’s about the quality of our presence. We all want to work with people who, by their very presence, elevate the energy of the experience for everyone.

Once I worked on my first film set, I quickly found that I often worked with many of the same actors, directors, or crew members on subsequent projects. It’s no coincidence that I saw the same people over and over again. Now, when I watch any film or series, I look for and often find the names of people I have worked with on set in some capacity. It makes me smile.

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS 1-2-3

1) This week, Ron and I decided to watch the new Apple+ TV drama series, Black Bird because our friend Natalie Kingston is the Director of Photography for the series.

2) We then discovered that one of the primary characters in the series is named Brian Miller and, fun side note, that is also the name of Natalie’s husband, a talented filmmaker, director, and editor himself. Natalie and Brian worked with me on my short film Dandelion, where they served as DP and Editor respectively. Their creative talent is abundant and they are both beautiful human beings. I still pinch myself that they signed on to partner with me on my directorial film debut. Read more about Natalie’s vision at Panavision Official. And this article from Emmy.com. Proud of you and celebrating you, Nat!

“My goal for the cinematography was to create a darkly textured and viscerally unnerving feeling to this underground prison drama.” - Natalie Kingston

Setting shots with First AD Kelly D. Mills and DP Natalie Kingston

Director’s Tent with Editor Brian C.. Miller Richard

3) Another friend and creative collaborator, Jason Edwards, who most recently partnered with me to launch the Write 444 Writing Challenge in May, stars in an early scene in Black Bird as Detective Len. Oh, hey Jason! Not only that, his partner Wanetah Walmsley portrayed me in my short film ( Check out that newsletter about that here) and she also hosted my Write 444 Challenge on Soul Hugger.

It’s a small world after all.

Jason Edwards in a scene from the tv series, Black Bird

SHAREABLE SEROTONIN:

1. Mostly eat plant-based like me? I’ve tried a lot of the recipes from Cookie And Kate and always enjoy them. Here’s a summer favorite. I plan to make this again now that I have wrapped up my cleanse. You can use less pasta or try chickpea pasta if you prefer.

   

2. Java makes me smile and brings such a sweetness to my life. Share a photo of your fur babies in the comments. Our furry family gives us so much love, don’t they?

3. I recently discovered singer-songwriter Trevor Hall and have his songs on repeat. Here’s a playlist of some of his best on Spotify. While on the road, Hall views the stage as his mobile temple, where he shares his spiritual journey with his audience.

ORBITAL OBSERVATIONS:

1. I keep discovering new murals in my new hometown of Loveland.

2. Also in Loveland within walking distance from my home is the Medina family cemetery. Mariano Medina built the first settlement in Loveland. Fort Namaqua, in 1858. It was a trading post and stage station, and the site is now Namaqua Park. Prior to that time, it was a hub for French fur trappers dating back to the late 1700s. I’m sharing this because Mariano always flew a white flag outside his cabin to signal that he believed that all men were his brothers and desired to make enemies of no man. This makes me want to buy a white flag. How about you?

3. After my birthday this month, I qualified for my "senior pass” to get into Rocky Mountain National Park. Now, I can run down the road any time I like and not have to depend on Ron’s pass. Don’t misunderstand me, I love going with Ron, but now I can also go on solo adventures as well. See exhibit A below. ( Horseshoe Park)

Lastly, XOXO from Loveland!

Remember, no matter the situation, at home or work, the quality of our presence matters. It’s something for me to continue to ponder with you this week.

Next week, I‘ll be in Albuquerque studying at The Living School. I hope to send you a short note from there as I’m able.

See you next week, friends. As always, thanks for reading and for joining me here!

xoxo Mary