the girl & the boat

Yesterday was a very cool day. 

I wasn’t ready to go when it was time. I think there were so many things on my mind and I needed a little more rest. But I was genuinely looking forward to our shoot.

The weather was cool and the environment at the dock was quiet and safe. I saw Kristen right as I parked. We sat in the back of my car and checked in. Within her presence, I felt comfortable sharing how I was feeling. I knew she would receive it and give me permission to feel. Right afterwards, Christy arrived. She was her usual bright and bubbly self, but with a far off mindset. She shared with Kristen and I the reason for her state and I was inspired by her vulnerability.

Immediately, I felt ready to take on the day. 

I asked to be guided to the boat so I could feel grounded on our set and prepare the meticulous equipment.

Kristen walked ahead of me along the docks lined with boats. Our peaceful trek gave me a chance to take in the environment and settle in. I imagined what it would be like to live on one of these boats, to be on the ocean for hours, days at a time. 

We arrived and I came to grips with our bobbing set. I took a moment to prepare myself to transfer our precious equipment. Kristen got aboard first and walked me through what I needed to do. We got everything secured and I got to work. Then, Kristen and Christy left to greet the others and I had some time alone. This allowed me to further settle my mind and body and make sure the gear was ready to begin.

Our DP and leader Christiana, along with Aria (our young Kristen) and her mother Barbara, arrived soon after followed by Ron, who played the father.

After that, our progression was quick and I lost track of time until about an hour and 45 minutes later when I checked. Our young actress was very personable and easy to engage with. She had to be quite emotional! We were impressed with her performance because she wasn’t given an opportunity to prepare for that. Kristen was a gem sharing her experience to help Aria get into the mindset of each scene. Even though Aria didn’t have any lines, she needed to deliver a lot in expression. It was a lot more difficult than I think I made it out to be.

Ron, who played the father, was just the right fit. He is a kind and friendly person with acting chops. He was mean and rough as his character called for, but warm between takes. This kept the mood light on set. We felt comfortable, and this was crucial especially because we were in such tight quarters. 

I moved through the day by keeping a general eye on things. This was where I was able to meet everyone. I believe that worked for the others and I am so grateful for that. And even though I felt prepared to operate the follow focus, it was nice to have that out of mind. There were a lot of things to have my hands on throughout the day and I felt free to support and keep things fluid.

Most significant, I tried to remember to look up and out at times. I wanted to remember where I was and that I was on a boat, recording footage on a beautiful day in San Francisco. This is not a bad way to live! I felt glad and calm amidst a more stormy inner mindset that I had put to rest inside. 

Photos by Christy Curry

the Metamorphosis

In the fall of 2022, I was asked to produce a short film written by Scott and directed by Douglas. Two years later, we are ready to share the fruits of our labor. We created a website to document our plans to create together. I booked locations, scheduled gatherings, and sent our news posts and emails to the community we gained as a result of this collaborative project.

Oct 18 at Andreotti's Family Farm

February 24, 2024 at a family member's home in Castro Valley.

Can You Hear My Thoughts?

Right before lockdown from Covid-19, I sent out an email to my co-workers about the upcoming year. It was in January and I closed it by saying, “Clear Vision in 2020!” Later, I regretted this nerdy optimism but I have to say there’s nothing like a pandemic to make clear ones priorities. Everything changed in 2020.

We changed schedules, routines, who we hung out with, and how. I am surprised with the outcomes from this pandemic. I have significant newness to show from it. And last year, post-vaccination, it seemed that there was a lot to catch up on, start, and finish.

One project was a music video my friend Ricky aka Francis Day was creating with artistic ally Douglas Lawlor. They asked me to take part in a bright and uplifting project during an otherwise gloomy and depleting year.

We had three shoots in 2021 and the final scene was shot in March of this year. The first location was at a warehouse in Emeryville. It featured the artist, a green screen, and a Ferrari. The laid-back set was led by Douglas and his DP Leo Maco. The band was effortless at playing to camera as they posed in a bright red, vintage car.

The next location was my house! Our living room and dining area were transformed. There was a flower wall featuring birthday balloons, a skeleton, and a bird man lurking the corners.

Shoot three took place at the New Parkway Theater. We worked outside after hours to collect a few shots of the band in masks and custom embellished gear.

Six months later we completed the final scenes, which required a stage and a group of kids! I was positioned to be the kid wrangler for the day, in charge of surrounding our set with lovable shorties.

To have witnessed and supported the birth of this project gives me a sense of gratification. Some of my favorite memories come from being on a music video shoot, working with a small crew to craft visuals for an incredible song. With this project, I have had the chance to do it again. Watch the music video at the bottom of the page!