Soviet Style in Kiev
Directing a set of commercials in Kiev for a Russian client. The casting session was set in an old, but still operative, Soviet era Cinema theater. This was and still is the ticket collector’s chair at the entrance to the theater. I was so very tempted to steal it.
Bellow is the Kiev Producer, Katerina, who also wanted to steal the chair.
Roger Burnett
An old friend who had a stroke a few years ago and was left half paralyzed. He was an incredibly talented creative director who went beyond the bounds of the mundane advertising garbage one now so often sees. Now penniless and living in a government old age institution he passes his time learning to draw with his left hand - a frustrating experience for someone whose passion was a life of hands-on creativity. Not one of his old advertising mates has been to visit him in the last 7 years that he has been an intern in this depressing institution.
Musicians
At last I have almost cleared up my garage (half a garage, actually) and set up a few lights for my continuing portrait project. It’s a tiny space, but one adapts and makes a plan. These are the first tests in the half garage “studio”. The confined space dictates a simpler style of lighting and shooting. This session was filled with the amazing sounds of string music - an impromptu jam session by these two delightful virtuosos.
Young, charismatic and, above all, incredibly talented - Alliz and Vicente. This young couple have been awarded study grants for the Boston school of music in recognition to their passion and dedication. Amazing to see young people today getting ahead in the arts through sheer talent and drive.
Vicente, the violonist, is the son of my dear friend and compatriot, Juan Espi, a Spanish photographer living in South Africa. Alliz, who plays viola, is UK born of Ghanian-Jamaican descent. Beautiful kids to be very proud of.
