December in New Zealand

Another day of shooting in Auckland, NZ.

Phil Brown riding in style.

DANGER

Not a bad way to start the day.

Those in glass buildings...

Vintage props, NZ style.

Now this is a Serious Mercedes

Steer clear of the tourists

Just like L.A.

Enthusiasm is key.

 

Bird's Eye View

Jeffrey Karoff Shows a New Way of Learning for “School of One”

Jeffrey Karoff recently directed a short film for the brand new innovative prototype math program “School of One” that is currently being tested in three New York City public schools.  The project is funded by Robin Hood, which, “Targets poverty in New York city by finding and funding the best and most effective programs and partnering with them to maximize results.”  The core fund recipients of the program include Early Childhood, Education, Jobs & Economic Security, and Survival as well as post 9/11 initiatives such as Employment, Lower Income Victims’ Services and Relief and Mental Health Services.

Karoff has worked with Robin Hood for six years but this is the first time that they did a film of this kind.  Though they struggled at first with a way to make the film emotional as well as informational, they were able to find a happy balance and Karoff discovered that the emotional story was with the teachers at I.S. 228.  Karoff notes, “The teachers are the ones in a position to assess what kind of a difference this program makes.  This technology unburdens them to be able to do the job they were trained to do.”

The “School of One” project was recently featured at Robin Hood’s annual “Heroes Award Breakfast” and the screening of Karoff’s film was received as both touching and inspiring by all those in attendance.  “Rather than focus on how teachers teach, School of One turns the telescope around and looks at how each student learns. School of One teaches them in the modality they learn best.”

To find out more about this project, visit: http://www.robinhood.org

Seeing Spots Everywhere: Advice on International Commercial Production with Kris Mathur

Cast and Crew for LG with both real and ficticious pets

Producing commercials in the U.S. can often times be a challenge on many fronts, but producing commercials internationally brings on a wide range of different issues as well as benefits.  Having done work in the UK, Spain, Singapore, France, Hungary, Czech Republic and China among many others, Backyard Executive Producer Kris Mathur can pretty much make himself at home on set in any country.

Now, you may ask: Why go to the trouble of shooting a commercial internationally when you have all the resources at your immediate disposal here in Los Angeles?

1.   Locations: Why re-create a quaint village in the south of France when you can actually GO there?  It is certainly hard to get the full visual effect of actually being at that particular location.  Director Rob Pritts believes that after years of working in production in Los Angeles, you find yourself running into a lot of the same locations and bringing the job to an international destination can make it more authentic and exotic.

2.   Money: Ok, so the U.S. Dollar isn’t particular at its strongest, but there are times when the exchange rate makes working internationally make great financial sense.  As always, you run the risk of the dollar taking a dive and coming up short on your budget… but those quick currency exchange rate changes can sometimes work out to your advantage!  Even though production companies can save thousands on production costs and crew, the client can save millions in talent buyouts and usage fees depending on the size of the cast and how long the spot airs–plus, they get a nice vacation!

Crew with some of the "real people" cast in the LG spot

3.  Talent: Pritts enjoys exploring the new options of talent when working abroad.  He has had very positive experiences working with the real people that they often cast on location, claiming they are, “Fearless of the camera and capture a certain innocence that is difficult for a more seasoned L.A. actor to achieve.”  One of the ‘real people’ cast in a recent LG spot shot in Prague was a local plumber who was able to deliver a very authentic reaction of shock when he found himself face-to-face with 100 people with a camera for the first time when shooting the spot.

Challenges of working abroad:

1. Culture: While working in Paris, an Eiffel Tower guard needed to be monetarily persuaded in order to get the shots needed at that location.  One country’s “bribe” can be another country’s “location” fee.
2. Seasons/Weather: When scheduling a shoot for an American Express commercial in Brazil, opposite seasons had to be taken into account.  Our winter is their summer and as that is their rainy season it is certainly not the best time to do a shoot.
3. Language: Although most of the time translators are at the production crew’s disposal, there are times when certain messages just get lost in the crack’s of the language barrier.  In the bidding process, you can ask for a dog and get a chicken if you’re not careful, so it is important to double-check on everything.  Also, when directing some of the ‘real people’ talent and working with a translator, sometimes “look to the right” can take five minutes to translate and explain and still not really get the point across.
   

   Director Rob Pritts with a prop created on-location

4. Props: As is the nature of the business, there always turns out to be something that you need last minute.  This turns out to be particularly tricky, though, if you’re out of the country and need a U.S. switch plate cover or a simple U.S. mailbox… Ebay express anyone?

Of course, we would never do work internationally if we only faced problems… and there are certainly benefits!  Often, working outside the local “red tape” of the LA filming industry can be a huge benefit.  Kris notes, “When shooting in downtown Prague, we had to blow up a police car in the middle of the street.  The government was ok with it—they only asked that we do it before church on Sunday to create as little of a disturbance.”  Blowing things up in a L.A. certainly seems to ruffle more feathers!

Behind the Scenes for Reebok CCM

kc_ccm_bts-bowlingbag

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A “Mad Men” Upbringing: A Chat with Kevin S. Smith

Young Kevin with his dad

In this particular case the apple didn’t fall from the tree.  But it didn’t start out that way.  While growing up, Backyard director Kevin S. Smith had no intention of following in his “Mad Men” ad exec Dad’s footsteps.  For most of his youth he considered himself an ‘art nerd’ quick to dismiss the business as, “fueling this materialistic society”.  But that was before he gave it a try!  Now well established as a commercial director, he makes his home in Pacific Palisades with his family.  And when not working, you may find him a hundred miles from home cycling or on raw bike trail high in the local mountains.  His next big trip is to travel the continental divide off-road on dual sport motorcycles from Mexico to Canada.  Beside two-wheeled adventures, Kevin is also interested in architecture, archeology and, of course great films, especially documentaries.

After experiencing the perks (sneak peeks of favorite TV shows) and drawbacks (a new school every couple of years) of being involved in the ad world through his father, in true to form youth rebellion, Smith was quick to dismiss the “wretched business” that was funding his art education at University of Michigan School of Art & Design.  His passion for shooting short experimental films became the hook that would eventually lead him into the business.  Well, that and some very persuasive friends who suggested rent might be paid this way.  Kevin was as surprised as his Dad that he liked it, and excelled at it, and the rest is history.

For Smith, the best directorial results come from gleaning what the agency wants and crafting an engaging spot for both viewers and clients.  He believes that, “at the core of this is to find the bit that the snares the audiences.”  To accomplish this, Smith employs his well-honed storytelling ability, keen visual sense and deep technical know-how (his first entrée into the business was as a cameraman).  This multi-faceted approach has brought him acclaim, working with Backyard on many distinctive spots including Comcast “Kittens”, Hope Depot “Meatballs” and Heinz “Waiting Man.” His work has been recognized at Cannes, The Clio Awards, The One Show Awards and The London International Awards.

Most interesting shoot?  “We were shooting a Superbowl spot and traveled to various locations that used Master Locks. In three days we shot in the back rooms of Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, to the cold bowels of the Hoover dam, to an active indoor gun range and finally to the inside of a federal prison in Ely Nevada. It was very dark, both literally and figuratively. It felt like we cheated death several times including some very intense aerial work that could only happen if the warden flew in the helicopter with me.  And there was also the shoot with the naked basketball player…”

Worst shoot yet?  “Against my wishes, a Victoria’s Secret model was cast as a woman receiving a diamond ring (always a doomed scenario). While she was quite beautiful, she was… empty. It was the longest, coldest night ever.”

A true creative to the core, Smith takes care to create a work environment that is, “as conducive to the flow of good ideas as possible.”  While he is creatively satisfied directing spots, he also hopes to develop some ideas for a live theatre and looks forward to experiencing the energy of a live audience.  We, of course, will be there when the curtain goes up!

Dispatch from Bohemia…

Director Rob Pritts and his Producer Carr Donald have been prepping for an LG Optimus shoot for BBH Shanghai for a week now.  Rob took some time out to drop us a little sweet note below….

“Everybody here looks like an assassin, or maybe it’s just our crew? The local food is sausage, meat pies, sauerkraut and gravy. Since Carr’s a vegetarian he just eats the kraut and gravy. The scout van smells like Hitler’s Unterwäsche. There is a word they’ve told me means thank you but everybody I talk to gives me strange looks. The whole place is like Disneyland with graffiti. And lots of German tourists with way too short, shorts.

Wish you were here.”

-Rob

Is that a Ford Taurus wagon?

Carr, type cast as "producer"

Meat and sauce...

Blocking a shot with my Prague art director who I think wants to kill me.

A P.A.’s Guide on How to Survive on Set

Missy on Set

Working as a production assistant on a commercial set is certainly no pushover gig.  It not only calls for long hours (sometimes up to 18 hours!) and hard work, but also requires you to do some of the most tedious and mundane tasks on set—sometimes with little or no recognition.  Former Backyard finance maven turned multi-tasking production assistant, Missy Evans, shares her bits of wisdom gathered from her first year and a half in the production world.

• Wear Comfortable Shoes

When you are on your feet all day it is about function, not fashion.  Even a basic tennis shoe sometimes won’t cut it.  So take the time to get fitted properly or you could find yourself icing your feet at lunchtime just because you decided to go with the $19.99 special at Target.  It is worth the investment and you can cut back on lattes for a week if you’re on a budget.

• Carry the Essentials

Hate on it all you want, the “fanny pack” is practically as useful at duct tape on set.  Always carry your walkie-talkie, extra batteries, a sharpie, a pen, sunscreen and water at the very least.

• Always “Give ‘em Honey”

Not everyone you run into on set is as blessed with a sunny disposition as you are, so don’t let their negativity energy affect you and keep being sweet!

• Ask Questions

You’re not always going to know the right thing to do in every situation, so to avoid confusion, ask questions so that you can learn more and hopefully be able to solve problems before they arise the next time around.

• Watch What You Eat

It can get really busy on set and sometimes you have to eat on the go, so that Snickers bar might seem like a great idea for a quick bite, but try to steer clear because the blood sugar crash is just not worth the minute of euphoria you’ll get from the chocolaty treat.  Try to eat whole foods that will give you long-lasting energy: fruits, veggies, sandwiches, etc.  A daily Emergen-C packet will also keep your energy up while boosting your immune system.

• Speak the Language

There is a certain amount of production lingo that may throw you for a loop when you first get started, so here’s a brief beginner’s study guide:

1. Stinger: Single extension cord
2. Hot Brick: Fresh battery (for walkie-talkie)
3. Honey Wagon: Very large truck where you will find changing rooms and bathrooms.

• Learn the Technology

For example, you should plug in your headset when your walkie is OFF to avoid the entire set hearing all the details of your personal conversation broadcast while rolling.  While mistakes are bound to happen, make the best of them and learn to smile, make your apologies and move on.  Everyone will appreciate and respect a good attitude and honesty.

• Work Hard

Although it sometimes may seem like all of your blood, sweat and tears go unnoticed, the times when you are recognized by your colleagues and superiors will be rewarding enough to make all of your effort worthwhile.  You may be starting from the bottom, but if you keep your sights up high where you are hoping to go, your determination and hard work will get you to your goals—just make sure to keep on smilin’ until you get there!

Healthcare shot with Hip Camera

We recently shot for Humana with the new ARRI Alexa Camera.

Is that a strike?

Welcome to the neighborhood!

Very picturesque place to shoot.

Chace Strickland and Kelly Amato cooling off in the shade.

Hmmm... looks like a good place for a meeting.

Swimming Back to Reality after Cannes

We headed to Cannes with high hopes of not only a great party but a welcome opportunity to connect with old and new friends and associates.  This year there seemed to be a positive uptick in not only attendance but outlook and it was great to see not only the heavy hitting regulars but also the occasional junior staffer eagerly dipping their toes into the festivities and the sea.

Dive on in...

We definitely hunkered down for several meetings, but we loved the penthouse bash in the Presidential Suite of the Noga Hilton and got whisked away to lunch in matching white Porsches by our East Coast reps, The Family.  We like their style!

Blair enjoying the fine French cuisine.

Though it was incredible throwing our legendary Cannes pool parties, we decided not to give ourselves an event planning induced-hernia and instead were co-sponsors for La Plage Courage. Both a lounge right on the sea for daytime meetings and a great venue for a huge Wednesday night celebration of the Fireflies arrival, the 1000km cycling tour that travels from Geneva to Cannes to raise money for Leuka  (Leukemia I think?).  Of course, we also raved at the frenetic Massive Music party with 1000s of our closest friends and had ringing ears to prove it.

From the sidelines at the Massive Music Party

We did not see the sunrise at the Gutter Bar this year, but our work hard / play hard mission served us well.  Even we can admit that it’s easier to work on a budget at 2am after having cocktails with friends and taking a dip in the Mediterranean.

Back home now, the tans are fading, but the beat goes on…  Here’s to next year!

All in the Backyard Family: Jessica Rae at Summerfest

Congrats to Jessica Rae, daughter of Roy Skillicorn, who was chosen from hundreds of bands to appear at Summerfest, the largest music festival in the world in Milwaukee on the Emerging Artist’s Stage July 4th at 3:00 p.m.

Jessica was also honored by Summerfest by having her song, “Lost Again” featured on the festival’s promotional CD which will be handed out to the event’s attendees.