Adobe Youth Voices

Today I had the privilege of attending one of Adobe Youth Voice's workshops. I was originally asked to help present, interview and document the event but as the day progressed so did my involvement. Just a quick background for those I haven't told already, I'm part of a media team lead by Vincent Lowe and I am assisting in helping document (ala behind the scenes glimpse) Cinequest.

Today's planned format went straight out the window, and in the end, I think it turned out a better experience for me, and I'm sure for many others. I ran into some familiar filmmakers from San Jose State University too, so that was neat. Richard from Barkada Inc was also in attendance because, as coincidences would have it, he was assigned to work the event!

It was heaps of fun learning about what the young participates found inspiring and what they wanted to get out of the program. Part of AYV's goal is to make sure their voices/ideas are heard and what better way than through the visual medium, right? Right. When formal introductions concluded, we went straight to work. The first thing that caught my attention was that they provided the students/participants with Canon HV30's! And if you've kept up with my blog, you should know that that's the exact camera I own! BONUS: their editing software, obviously, is adobe premiere, so I had some familiarity with the evident trouble(s) the premiere pro has with capturing hdv footage from a canon hv30.

I felt like 'Johnny-on-the-spot' with the quick fixes. But the real credit goes out to those that spent hours assisting with creating something out of nothing by incorporating years of experience to help guide these students through tasks. Who knows, there could be another Speilberg in the bunch, right? It could happen, why not? At some point I assisted with a trio of student's documentary project. I helped them conduct the interview and offered suggestions on how to always keep an eye and ear out for footage that you didn't mean to capture initially because there could be a gem in them. More is better, in the case of documentaries. I hope their project ends up being something they can look back on and know that they'll always remember the small lessons it taught them.

Well, that was my day at Adobe. I left with a smile, experience in my pockets, new friends and a slew of free Adobe software training books. Chhhheeeeehhoooooo!

"Benchies" [short film]

A short film I put together after Alana and I visited the CAS: California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. We had a great time! Just as we were leaving, Alana decides to change her roll of film allowing me a small window of time to film. Enjoy.


Benchies from Tasi Alabastro on Vimeo.

My top 3 of something...

So I'm a big fan of lists so here's one that I felt like sharing. It's my top 3 list of impulsive spendatures! (Wait, is spendature even a word?)

Number 3: Camera Equipment

Oh man, I love my Canon HV30. Maybe it's because it shoots pretty pictures and motion pictures. Or maybe it's because it's a cute dainty little thing that packs a punch. It could be because I can't wait to really push it to its limits and shoot my first short with it. OR maybe because it's the first camcorder I've ever owned.

Actually, it's all of the above! I started signed up with Vimeo so if you're interested in seeing some of the things I've put together CLICK HERE. And just like that I like to dress it up and make it look all stylish. I found my "thing" maybe, hehe. Some people have cars. Some people have skateboards. I have camera!

Number 2: FOOD

Did it really need to be capitalized? Of course it needed to be in CAPs, I love food! I especially love thinking about the small things that makes food taste good and most importantly, memorable. Food and Film, it shares an equal place in my heart. It's a big reason why I enjoy watching shows on Travel Channel (i.e. Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation and Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods). Although, traveling is easy up there on my list of alternative lifestyle solutions. I love food, you should too.

And finally, Number 1: Books

Most notably, acting and filmmaking books. Yes, it's true. I almost cannot go to a bookstore without leaving with that beautiful collection of information, paper, pictures and words that is the book. In fact, I went to Barnes and Nobles for the simple purpose of jotting down two or three pages to my script, and I end up leaving with less money in my checking than when I went in! Yikes.

It's easy to say, "Then just don't go there", or "Then avoid going to bookstores". You don't understand though, it's a part of me that nags to be fullfilled, you know, being someplace. Being infused with activity and human interaction. In the end though, the only negative I see about owning so many books is when it comes time to move to a different place, it's so much extra weight to carry around. Maybe I should invest in a camel or something, or some beast of burden.

Yeah.

My San Francisco reTreat pt. I

A friend and I decided to venture into San Francisco a couple weeks to take some photography. Well, she did the photography (Canon FT series) and I took some cinematography. We had a great time, and there were plenty of minor events scattered about the city to keep us amused. Here are some of the highlights.


SF Excursion pt. I from Tasi Alabastro on Vimeo.

1. The BART Hustle

It seems the learning doesn't stop after College. In fact, you continue on with the school of life. Take for instance the fun I had on BART on the way to San Francisco. There was an actual hustler on the train and it intrigued me because I haven't seen one out in the West Coast rail system. So naturally I was drawn in. Oh man, he hustled really good. I played his game, won some bucks...I played some more and lost $17! But hey, I gained a little more experience in life, not a bad trade off I suppose.

2. Noah's Bagels

What can I say? This place is delicious. And the location was convenient too. As soon as you come out of the Embarcadero BART stop it's about a block away towards the pier. Their cream cheese is absolutely devine. Try it, the next time you're up there.

3. Homeless Man

While Alana and I were preparing for our romp around SF we noticed this Homeless Man sitting under a lamp. And while this isn't an unusual sight (unfortunately) in San Francisco, this gentlemen, unlike most homeless people had a pet. He had this incredibly chubby cat who lived in a comfy and seemingly new cat bed mattress thing. We were really surprised. I mean, this cat was living the life, it seemed.

4. Ginny + Hans Thacher Clark - (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Thacher_Clarke)

More on her later, boy oh boy.

5.Trolley Yard

We stumbled on a Trolley Yard that I never noticed before. Partly because I've never really looked in that direction when I passed by this place years ago. I think it might've been near Pier 7 but it was basically this indoor yard full of Trolleys! I'm beating myself up silly because I didn't take a SINGLE picture! Instead, I know I had my Canon HV30 rolling during the "quasi-off-the-beaten-track" walk around so expect to see some of that footage soonish. I know Alana spent a good portion of her time snapping away. I can't wait to see came out of it.

6. Pier Personalities

Many that visit the Pier, or San Francisco in general can attest to the bombastic layer of personalities that roam the street. From the overdone Silverman dancers, jugglers, or the truly unique "bush man" (who, by the way, puts on a great show scaring unsuspecting passerbys) down to the not so creative beggars. Wait, the latter isn't part of the busking crew. Regardless, they add to the whole experience. Here's a photo of the Pier 39 Bush Man:

Stay tuned for "My San Francisco reTreat pt. II"!