Project Runway Art Direction!

I know, I know. I went to film school. I should know better than to sit in front of the TV on weeknights watching TLC and Lifetime reality shows. I should be watching Citizen Kane while simultaneously reading textbooks about the history of Kodak. But I can’t help it ex proffessors! I love all things reality TV, and Project Runway is by far my favorite.

Currently I’m enjoying the latest Project Runway: Project Runway All Stars! I have to admit the show is 60% less awesome without Tim Gun and Co, but I do enjoy it otherwise.

And OH MY GOD I’m in love with this multi color square wall from the work room. I haven’t determined yet it it’s paint or a giant custom wall decal, but based on Art Director Jen Chu’s paint work on Project Runway Season 9 (remember those awesome striped rooms?) I’m guessing it’s another fabulous paint job.

Producton Design for Reality TV

About a month ago, Art DepartMENTAL posted a link to a video of Production Designer John Janavs lecturing a group of Sadleback College students about reality TV production design.

In his lecture, Javas talks about his design process, how he chooses materials, and how he makes his clients happy. He talks about overcoming challenges, and about how to work within a budget.  My only complaint is that he seems to approach design only from a big budget TV point of view– according to Janavs, nothing on earth is more than 14 hours out of your reach (the thought being that in 14 hours you can fly to China and get what you desire, if need be). He doesn’t really address the issue of how to compromise when something your client wants is completely out of your budget.

The lecture is about an hour long, and is incredibly informative. If you’re interested in design, it’s worth watching.

Lamp Love: Oceans 11

As handsome as Bratt Pitt and George Clooney are, their version just doesn’t hold a candle to the original Ocean’s 11. Everytime I watch this 1960′s classic I drool all over the place– and it has nothing to do with Mr. Sinatra!

Mid-century modern films like Ocean’s 11 get me exited in a way no man can. I especially love the color pallet Designer Nicolai Remisoff used in this movie. Throughout the film, we see a lot of grey-ish-green-ish rooms with accents of tangerine, coral and buttercup yellow.

There are A LOT of fabulous lamps in this film, but my favorite by far is this tangerine gourd lamp.

Thanks to hipsters and shows like Mad Men, mid-century modern is back in style, so finding a long-neck gourd lamp of this shape isn’t too difficult.

Shades of Light makes a beautiful lamp with a similar shape to this called the “Long Neck Ceramic Table Lamp” for $129.00. It comes in Orange, Mint Green and Turquoise. I’m having some serious difficulty restraining myself from buying all three.

If you’re on a budget, check your local thrift stores or Etsy.com for some vintage bargains!

Recently Watched: Man On A Ledge

Obviously, this one was The AD‘s idea.

Man on a Ledge is about…well, a man. Named Nick Cassidy. Who is on a Ledge. And he’s mad at some people for putting him in jail, so he’s going to get back at them… Actually he’s not going to do anything except stand on a ledge and charm the people of New York City. His brother and his brother’s unnaturally attractive girlfriend are going to do most of the leg work when it comes to the revenge part of the story… but I digress.

Anyway, was the movie original? No, not really. Was it entertaining? More or less. I’d say it’s a good flick to see if you have a coupon for the theater. Otherwise add it to your Netflix cue.

I do however like the overall design of the film. I know what you’re thinking, 90% of this movie takes place on a ledge, how could I possibly like the “design” of a film that seems to have no design? Well, Man on a Ledge is a good example of a mainstream-non-period-peice-non-quirky-non-time-burton type films. In films like these, the art department’s job is to design a set so well, that it’s barely noticed. The sets we see in Man on a Ledge show us a cold, urban, gritty New York. We see lots of greys, browns, chrome and concrete. A New York where evil men get rich and honest men get screwed. A New York where desperate men have to do crazy things to get noticed. A New York where…. well, you get the point.

Still not convinced? Check out this trailer for Man on a Ledge:

See how industrial everything is? Check out the black and chrom hallways of Englider’s building– sleek, but chilly.

Now check out this trailer from another film designed by Man in a Ledge Production Designer Alec Hammond that’s also set in NYC, The Backup Plan:

Apparently, J-Lo lives in a totally different NEw York City than Nick Cassidy does: J-Lo’s New York is a colorful, fun, beautiful place where anything is possible Nick Cassidy (played by Sam Worthington) lives in a concrete hell…

Sadly, I think Nick’s New York is way closer to my reality… I mean seriously, that romantic rainforest patio had more trees in it than there are in central park…jeez.

Heavy Cream

Farrow and Ball’s “Pointing” has long been my favorite favorite favorite off white. When I lie awake at night and fantasize about my future awesome apartment, I know one thing for sure: all my trim will be painted in Farrow and Ball’s “Pointing”… Or will it?

Recently I’ve discovered Martha Stewart’s “Heavy Cream”, which is a wonderful warm ivory color.

As you can see, “Heavy Cream” is less yellow than “Pointing”, making it a more versatile trim color.

This blogger used Heavy Cream as a trim color throughout her whole home. It’s paired with Martha Stewart’s “Mourning Dove” in this room. Gorgeous, right? Don’t you think it’s a much more welcoming alternative to stark white?

I think “Heavy Cream” is a great failsafe color for nervous first time decorators. You can’t really go wrong using a warm ivory color throughout your home. It’s like the sturdy, reliable man in your life…

Then again, “Pointing” is like the quirky, less reliable but goofy and fun man you meet at a coffee shop. Hmmm, do I want fun and quirky? Or calm and stable? Choices, choices, choices.

Luckily, since I’m currently renting an apartment I’m not allowed to paint, I won’t have to make this cut throat choice for quite some time…

Friends with Kids Trailer!

Oh my gawd guys I am sooooooo EXCITED! The trailer for Friends with Kids has finally hit internet land! Mark your calendars boys and girls, this film opens March 9th in theaters.

If you have kids, if you hate kids, if you want kids, if the idea of having a kid horrifies you… this movie is for you. If you enjoyed bridesmaids, this movie is especially for you. If you didn’t enjoy bridesmaids, you’re probably an insensitive dude, but guess what? Megan Fox is in this movie, so this movie is for you too! It’s basically impossible for anyone to not enjoy themselves while watching this cheeky romantic comedy.

Here’s some screen shots I grabbed from the trailer:

How gorgeous is Julie Keller’s (Jennifer Westfeldt) apartment? I love love love the pale blue color of the walls. Hmmm, that lamp looks like it could be Restoration Hardware’s Stacked Crystal Block Lamp (or some variation of it!). That white camelback love seat is a dead give away that Julie lives in movie land– although it’s adorable, we all know that white sofas and children just don’t mix…

Why You Should NEVER EVER Use Uhaul

I’m not going to get into the whole mess of why we rented a Uhaul van (inexperienced producer), or why it was put on my credit card and not the productions (inexperienced unprofessional producer), but long story short I rented a uhaul for a client’s film. And the Uhaul was stollen.

Here’s something interesting to know: Uhaul doesn’t offer theft insurance for their cargo vans or pickup trucks. The only insurance available for those vehicles is the collision insurance. THIS DOES NOT COVER THEFT.

Here’s something else interesting to know: Uhaul vans are stollen ALL THE TIME because their parts fit many other makes and models of vans. How do I know this? The Uhaul tow truck repair guy told me as he was picking up the Van’s carcass after it was recovered. He told me “oh you can unlock and start these things with a screw driver”.

THIRD INTERESTING THING TO KNOW: UHAUL DOES NOT USE ALARMS, TRACKING DEVISES OR ANY OTHER ANTI-THEFT STUFF IN THEIR VEHICLES.

Is it just me, or do they WANT these vans to get stollen?

I was sent a lovely bill from Uhaul… totaling $1998.68. For damage the thief caused to the vehicle… no that doesn’t include the earlier bill I got that included towing. And all the days they charged me even after it was reported missing. Oh and just to be clear– I reported it missing as soon as I noticed. Like within ten seconds. Do you want to know what the woman at the uhaul said when I called to report it missing? First she accused me of lying. And then she told me to call a different number (rudely) and HUNG UP ON ME.

Basically every person I had to deal with through this missing van business was a jerk. It was bad enough that all my things inside the van were now lost, but I was harassed daily by people from Uhaul, asking me me where my van was– like they didn’t believe it was missing or were too dumb to get it… So at the end of it all I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Uhaul called me and made a half assed apology, but refused to not charge me 2grand, refused to give me a refund and in short refused to care. After all who cares if I never ever use them again? There are millions of other people in North America they can steal from. Their apology may have been good enough for the better business bureau, but it’s not good enough for me.

Well Uhaul, I may be just one small voice but I will never stop screaming about what a terrible company you are. On my death bed, my last words will be: “Don’t Use Uhaul!!! “

Oh and if you still don’t feel bad for me, that’s fine. But here’s a story about how Uhaul killed a dog. I’m just saying, they kill puppies and hate people. what’s to love?

Lamp Love: Penny’s Bedroom, Big Bang Theory

I got caught up in a Big Bang Theory marathon over Christmas, and since then I’ve been addicted. The geeky characters on this sitcom remind me of some of my family members, especially Sheldon, who’s a dead ringer for my brother.

I really love the set decoration on this show. Set Decorator Ann Shea (who also works on Two and a Half Men and Mike & Molly) does a wonderful job of filling each character’s living space with unique items that fit their personality.

In contrast to her scientist friends, Penny’s apartment is über-girly and cheerful. Her bedroom is an especially great set; a mix of funky patterns and brightly colored accent pieces give this room some serious personality.

I’m head over heels in love with Penny’s turquoise dresser, and totally obsessed with the two table lamps used on this set.

The purple and orange crystal lamp is Lamps Plus‘s “Bijoux Table Lamp”, with the purple shade swapped out for a plain white one. This lamp isn’t listed in Lamp Plus’ catalogue anymore, but you can find it for sale on Kaboodle or Amazon for $59.95.

This lamp also has a famous sister; there is a “Bijoux Floor Lamp” available through Lamps Plus that’s been used in a couple episodes of Glee.

If you like the look, but aren’t fond of purple (or the price tag!) you can get a similar look with a cheap, plastic stacked lamp from Target or Walmart.

I think with a careful coat of translucent paint, you could customize it with your own colors.

According to an interview Ann Shea did with The SDSA, the green and pink lamp was also purchased from Lamps Plus, but I can’t find it anywhere in their online catalogue, or anywhere else on the web. I think you could easily and cheaply get a similar look with an up-cycled vintage bronze lamp, some green spray paint and a hot pink shade.

If anyone comes across something like it, please let me know!

25% off Sherwin Williams Paint!

Part of going through a quarter life crisis means clipping coupons. I was totally thrilled to come across this 25% of Sherwin Williams Coupon (15% off painting supplies) today with my coupons.com app. Click here to print your own! Yay!

Recently Watched: The Grey

"The Grey" opens in theaters Jan. 27th

Okay so I admit, this one was not on my “must see!!!!!” list for 2012. I mean, every trailer I’ve seen for The Grey made me roll my eyes and think, “boy, Liam Neeson v.s a pack of murderous wolves? Sounds like an action movie with no car chases. Laaaaaaaame. I won’t enjoy this one”… WRONG!! I was so, so, so Wrong!

I’m sorry but, whoever was in charge of the trailers for this film needs to be fired. Right now. Not a single preview did this amazing film any justice.

The Grey is actually about a bunch of blue collar men who survive a plane crash in the middle of Alaska. With their plane in a million pieces, and most of their colleagues dead, the remaining men struggle to survive against the terrifying northern wilderness. There is a pack of wolves that poses a threat to the men, but I’d argue that the role of the wolves was miss represented in the trailers: to me, the film is less about Man v.s Wolves and more Man v.s Wildderness. Besides being eaten, then have to worry about cold, about illness, about the treacherous terrain… there’s no rest for our hero and his companions as they wade through knee deep snow, cross icy canyons and navigate frozen forests.

There are many parts of this film that are difficult to watch, not because they are overly graphic, but because they are so emotionally bothersome. There’s one scene in particular where Liam Neeson is screaming up at the sky, trying to bargain with God. His desperation and fear are so powerful, I instantly burst into tears.

This movie is definitely not for children, and probably not a good film for a first date… but it’s definitely a must see. One way or another, get to the theaters on January 27th to see this gripping adventure drama.