Waking World

I showed this new short film to an audience at our church last weekend and also put it up on Facebook. I wanted to share it here too, in case you missed it.

It is a project that came together quickly in the spring of this year (it was finished in May). The script was inspired by some real-life conversations with Veronica. At the rate she is growing up, I realized if we didn't shoot it right away, it would never get made.

It is meant to showcase V's wide range of acting ability with hopes of getting her work in commercials and/or more professional short films. It is also a document of our current ages and a glimpse at what we are going through, which, from what I have received as feedback on the film, is not totally unique.

Music is of critical importance to this short. All of it was provided by friends of mine.

I only work on something as personal and meaningful as this every few years, so don't miss this one.

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Family reunion in Gilbert

Just a few shots from the family reunion held in Gilbert, MN last weekend...

Wish I could get another chance at arranging folks in this group photo, but it is what it is:

 

Lots of history:

The master of ceremonies:

Omri helped represent the youngest generation. Veronica was performing in her final weekend of SpongeBob and could not attend.

The reformed EmpyGym played, minus my cousin Matt who had some car trouble on the way up.

Trevor on lead guitar:

The older generation:

It was held at the Dugout Bar on the main drag, which worked out pretty well.

Trev's family:

Ryan's family:

My mom and dad:

It was nice of them to organize this (along with my aunts and uncles)!

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The SpongeBob Musical at Ashland

Well, that was quite a show! Veronica has been working on this one since school ended, with long rehearsals five days a week. This was a high school-aged play that opened auditions 8th graders in order to expand the pool of talent. And what talent! I was so impressed by these kids. V was in the ensemble, which may not sound like a huge part, but she was on stage a good chunk of the 2-hour runtime, had four outfit changes, and had to learn to tap dance for one of the numbers. Every part in this play was important. They put on 10 performances and the crowd seemed to get bigger as the three weeks went on, which is a sign of good word-of-mouth.

All photos taken by Kara Salava Photography:

 

So much joy on these kids' faces throughout the show!

Sardines worshipping the Super Sea Star Savior:

This was one of my favorite songs in the play, "No Control", written by David Bowie and Brian Eno:

Lead Cowfish:

She played the second F in the BFF behind SpongeBob and Patrick:

"Poor Pirates":

"I'm Not a Loser" tap routine (V is third from the right):

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Peaceful dock sit

Sorry for the slow down on the blog. I have a few things to post, but life has been a little crazy lately. I am looking forward to a more regular routine and also fear it won't be any less busy than this chaotic summer that is quickly escaping us. For now, please enjoy this 35mm film shot of V sitting on Linda's dock on Pleasant Lake.

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Trying out the new bike GPS

Omri received an early birthday surprise on Saturday. My parents sent him a GPS for his bike. He opened it now so that he would have time to rack up some miles on it before the end of summer!

 

We took a ride together that evening:

Great weather for a ride.

8.18 miles on our first tracked outing!

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Tennis buddies

He's getting so good at this sport!

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CC2: Pickled

You may have seen parts of this one before, as some of it dates back to 2016. I had stopped my subscription to Adobe Premiere Pro for a few years and recently started a fresh trial of it, giving me the opportunity to revisit some open projects, including this goofy Cottage Cheese entry. The music (written and recorded by my friend Jonah) is probably the best part of it, not to mention a cute little Veronica and quick cameo from a short-haired Omri, so I am glad this is finally seeing the light of day.

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