An extension of self

When inspiration hits, you just have to go with the flow. In this case, I started a photo blog/journal as I was inspired by a blog that was introduced to me by a friend. The URL to the blog in question is:

HTTP://TOTHETIP.WORDPRESS.COM

There's no real need for an introduction to it, just jump in and experience everything it has to offer.

And for those curious enough, here's the URL to the photo blog/journal I started. I'm looking to add a couple of authors as time goes by. So stay tuned.

http://gottabeb.wordpress.com

Food and Passion

Original post found here: "Babnik"

Some people have passion in food. Others feel that passion is food for the soul. Regardless of how you look at it, working on an indie film is very much the combination of food and passion.

When Alejandro invited me to join them on the set of Babnik, I was more than delighted. But at the same time I couldn't help feel like that neighbor you bring along to a picnic. If you think about it, an indie film can easily take on a very family-like atmosphere. There are rules, there's work and there's play.

The location for the shoot was remote so a carpooling system was put in place. Due to the nature of indie films, it's easy to see how close the cast and crew can be. I carpooled in Alejandro's vehicle and it took on a very comfortable picnic-like appeal, complete with bottled water and tasty snacks. Fast forward 2hrs and I've met the bulk of the cast and crew and immediately I feel at ease as they're incredibly cordial and generous. Food arrives just as shooting starts and there's an energy that reminded me of family gatherings: plates passed around, laughter smothers the air, and stories start being shared. Regardless of where everyone came from, they all share a common destination: The realization of the project in the highest quality.

Filming started as the last paper plate was crumpled and trashed. Perhaps the greatest angle about being active in your passion is how it doesn't feel like work. Maybe it's different for others, but that's how I look at it. When I'm acting, or participating in performance art, I've never been weighed down by the fact that it's still work. There are certain rules that each person is responsible to abide by: being on time, listening to directions, completing a task to the highest degree possible. Sure, after a 12hr day my feet are sore but I'd be more than willing to throw down another few hours if needed. Watching everyone contribute to the project reminded me that the set of a movie (or stage production) is probably one of the most organic work places.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all work in rustic Calistoga, there were enough shenanigans taking place to make any High Schooler jealous (in a good way). There was dancing, running, walnut cracking, gun trotting, food gobbling, and all around goofiness shared by the cast and crew.

All in all a fantastic experience!

My deepest thanks to Alejandro for having me along to share the magic of filmmaking, to meeting new friends and to spark in me the belief that family extends beyond blood relation and that maybe all we need in life is food and passion.

For more information please visit: http://babnikmovie.com/about

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"!