Our Reception Area

For the past six months, I’ve been working on the creation and launch of Online.tv:

Online.tv is a complete digital video solution provider for the web video era. Online.tv combines the world’s largest network of online specialty HD video channels, online third party video super-distribution, advanced scalable technology solutions for video and content delivery and presentation, and a high performance production studio optimized for web production.

Studio A - soon to be the green screen studio

Part of this project for the past few months has been the finding, designing and building out of a 3000 square foot production studio, that includes two full HD shoot studios (15×33), one designated as a permanent green screen studio (with option to be a blue screen studio), the other a white cyc that can be adapted to any color/purpose. The studios are lit by cool lights purchased from Alzo Digital, that are 5500k soft box units - they stay cool, look great, use less energy, which is important these days.

You can see a tour of the space here.

Much, much more to come.  Stayed tuned to be amazed…

Peace,
Melissa

I am thrilled to announce that a film I was Director of Photography for, “Mandatory Service”, received the award for BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival:

http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org/filmguide/Mandatory_Service.html

About the film:

The cultural impact of the militarization of Israeli society has both challenged and stifled the cultivation of creativity in the country. Mandatory Service asks a series of often ignored yet important questions about how forced military service-and resistance to it-influences Israeli artists’ and activists’ efforts to re-civilize the consciousness of Israeli society.

I shot this film at a pivotal time in my development as a filmmaker, and the opportunity to shoot on such a powerful topic was life changing. Not to mention being able to shoot out of a doorless helicopter over the desert, Masada and the Dead Sea!

Much thanks and love to the director and producer of the film, Jessica Habie & Nirah Shirazipour.

Peace,
Melissa

Festival Founders rock out with their docs out!

I shot press stills and interviews for the Cinema Eye Awards - the first awards show totally for documentaries. Sponsored by IndiePix, the event was a raging success, and really inspired me as a documentary filmmaker. It had me fired up to keep going, and to know that a room full of great minds knew my personal pain and joy deeply. We all share this bug, this nagging desire to communicate meaningfully.

“Manda Bala (Send a Bullet)” winners!

The big winners of the night were the crew of “Manda Bala (Send a Bullet)” - they won for Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Filmmaking, Outstanding Achievement in Editing and Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography.

presenter Barbara Kopple

Lots of documentary greats in the house - presenters included Barbara Kopple, Alan Berliner, Alex Gibney…it was incredible to be face to face, shooting these folks and hearing them speak from their hearts about documentary filmmaking.

the Eyes…

This was the first year, hopefully of many more years to come! Check out the pix soon to be uploaded in the photography section.

Peace,
Melissa

I will be speaking at the the Fifth Annual Grassroots Media Conference at Hunter College on March 2!

Speaking Truth to Power: MEDIA JUSTICE IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Co-Sponsored by Film and Media Studies Department at Hunter College/CUNY
Hip-Hop Association Presents
The Womanhood LP (Learning Project) Interactive Lecture Series

About the NYC Grassroots Media Conference
For the past four years, we’ve come together to explore the political dimensions of media and how it shapes our lives. By developing relationships between community and media organizations, the NYC Grassroots Media Coalition is working to re-imagine issues of access to, control of, and power over our media system. That means defining our struggle as a struggle for Media Justice.

W.A.R. (Women Armed and Ready)!:Defining the Reel Images of Women in Hip-Hop
This is a 90-minute candid interactive workshop focusing on the role media plays in the portrayal of women in Hip-Hop, and the issues and effects that women have to deal with as a result. From Queens to whores, the roles of women have changed dramatically over the last 30 years. From misogyny to hypersexual behavior, a whole generation of young men and women have been desensitized and programmed through negative media images. It’s time to confront the media outlets, and step up as media-makers and concerned citizens, and take control of our images.  Redefine our selves and create a new perspective of women. The participants will discuss how their work addresses these issues and how it is creating media justice. They will share clips of their projects. (more…)

Lizzie White looking down on the good work…

Great news! Updates on the progress of MHB on the festival circuit! MHB was accepted to the Independents Film Festival and the Gloria Film Festival this past fall. Nancy O’Mallon was a great director to work with and the result of our joint efforts continues to bear sweet fruit.

Peace,
Melissa

My lens and me…

I was planning to head out to Pittsburg for NYE, but I’m all blocked up, and a 6 hour train ride would do me no good right now.  So happy new year from my cozy chair, soy cocoa in hand.

Peace,
Melissa

J. Booze, Twinkling Away…

Another great event at XS in York, PA.  Pix soon to be uploaded in the photography section.

Peace,
Melissa

The Sounds in LA

Tristan Prettyman opens in San Francisco, San Diego and Long Beach

G Love & Special Sauce headline in San Francisco, San Diego and Long Beach

I’m back home…pix of the shows soon to be uploaded in the photographer section.

Peace,
Melissa

G Love & Special Sauce

It’s official - I’m going on a 4 date tour to the west coast to mix as VJ Miixxy for a few bands, primarily G Love & Special Sauce.  Also doing one show with The Sounds and The Bravery.

The Bravery

I will be in LA, San Francisco, San Diego and Long Beach between December 9 and December 13.

Will update from the road!

Peace,
Melissa

Vince Lee, Executive Director of UrbNews.tv, shooting b-roll

We had a great first day at the Billboard Hip Hop Awards & Conference.  Shot a couple great interviews, set up a bunch more for today and Saturday.

We will be on the red carpet tonight at the Awards, in downtown Atlanta.

More later…
Melissa

I will be in Atlanta next week for the Hip Hop Awards and Conference.  I’ll be shooting with Misty and Vince, as we cover events and do interviews on the 2008 election, the state of Hip Hop and issues with the Anti-Snitching movement.

Look for me on the red carpet Friday night!

Peace,
Melissa

This clown’s paparazzi moment

Halloween this year was a hoot.  I shot the parade as stills and on HD video.  Some great stuff for my own stock needs!  The costumes were amazing!

Parade revelers on the Costume Cult Float (more…)

Some great photos from the XS Club event in York, PA this past weekend, where ghouls and goblins in glitter danced till the wee hours.  Check out more below! (more…)

Here is the rough and ready, cool and sassy 30th Anniversary video I created with Tish and Snooky for Manic Panic!

Peace,
Melissa

Snooky and Tish

I had the honor of working with Tish and Snooky of Manic Panic on a video piece for their 30th Anniversary event this past weekend at Fontana’s.  The result was a fantastic piece of video that spans their DYI career in cosmetics and Punk Rock!

Egg Cream Toast

The evening started off at the old St. Marks location - for an egg cream toast.  Yummy! (more…)

Joan Jett on the Hudson River

Last week, Joan Jett rocked Pier 54 on the river, in steamy rain and cracking thunder. She was hot and sweet and hard and incredible. Video clip to be online soon!

Peace,
Melissa

I’ll be attending the Hip Hop Odyssey Awards tonight! Hopefully “The Art of Love & Struggle” gets some recognition (fingers and toes crossed). The film was very well received at the screening last night. Jessica Habie, the director, attended and got back to me with some of the reactions.

The awards are sold out almost (standing room only) and here’s why:

The festival culminates with the ODYSSEY AWARDS extravaganza hosted by Hip-Hop Powerhouse, ED LOVER and legendary Comedian, PAUL MOONEY on Tupac Shakur’s Birthday. The evening will be dedicated to celebrating the winning filmmakers of the festival, Hip-Hop Legends, and Media Trailblazers. The Awesome 2 are back and will be spinning along with the NYC house band, DUJEOUS. The line up of performers include: SUPER NATURAL, STYLES P, SAFAHRI RHA, NYOIL, KAZI, P STAR, BEATBOX ENT., TRES CORONAS, KELLY ZEN-YIE TSAI, LA BRUJA, CONSEQUENCE, TONI BLACKMAN, AJA-MONET, K BANGER, and ABIODUN FROM THE LAST POETS.

Hip-Hop Celebrities will pay special tributes to the COLD CRUSH, CRASH CREW and PUBLIC ENEMY; Best Hip-Hop Actor, ICE-T; Trailblazers, RALPH MCDANIELS, CHARLIE AHEARN, AND ERNEST DICKERSON; and LEGENDS, GRAND WIZARD THEODORE, SANDRA “LADY PINK” FABARA, and the FIRST LADY OF HIP-HOP, CINDY CAMPBELL. Some of the presenters include: Fab 5 Freddy, Davey D, Rosa Clemente, Joe Conzo, Dana Dane, Warrington Hudlin, Michaela Davis, Rob Swift, Harry Allen, Immortal Technique, Londell Mcmillan, Grouchy Greg, Jazzyfatnasty, Cipha Sounds, Pebeelee Poo, Henry Chalfant, Large Professor, Roxanne Shante, DJ Wiz, Ernie Paniccioli, Amada Diva, DJ Beverly Bond, Bizarre Royal, GrandMixer DXT, Jamal Joseph, and Miss Info.

Going to be a fantastic event!

Peace,
Melissa

I did the video backdrops for the Grammy Nominated Imani Winds’ show “Josephine Baker - A Life of Le Jazz Hot”. The show is directed by my friend Bobbi Williams. More about the show below:

Celebrate June Black Music Month with
IMANI WINDS
presenting
Josephine Baker: A Life of Le Hot Jazz
A Celebration of Josephine Baker on the 101st year of her birth
Sunday, June 3, 2007, 4PM

The Apollo Theater will kick off its 3rd Annual Black Music Month celebration with groundbreaking African/Latino woodwind quintet Imani Winds paying tribute to the incomparable Josephine Baker on the 101st anniversary of her birth with Josephine Baker: A Life of Le Jazz Hot! This full scale concert is a fascinating exploration of the incredible life of one of the world’s most renowned and controversial figures through music and other forms of artistic expression. The afternoon concert features special guest René Marie on Sunday, June 3rd, at 4pm.

Tickets are $35 and are available through the Apollo Theater Box Office, 125th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, 212/531-5305 and Ticketmaster, (212) 307-7171, www.ticketmaster.com.

Peace,
Melissa

Great news! The Art of Love & Struggle will be shown this year at the 5th Annual H20 International Film Festival as part of the festival.

There will be a Q&A with us at the screening - more information coming soon the screening date and time!

Peace,
Melissa

Be one of the first guests to arrive and receive… one of 25 Goodies Bags full of all things ‘goodie’ including a $20 IndieIndustries.com Gift Card, Aveda Products & more!

Find limited edition shirts & hoodies by mikeSK indie revolution, Final Vendetta, 10Tigers, and Produce! Sample sale items up to 90% OFF!

Exquisitely crafted fine jewelry by David Topper.

Beverages & snacks will be served from 6-9PM.

info: email@indieindustries.com

Go to… http://indieindustries.wordpress.com/ for more details!

GUERRILLA FILMMAKERS SCREENING @ MNN:
The Art of Love and Struggle:

THURSDAY, MARCH 29TH @ 7PM
FREE FILM SCREENING,
Q & A WITH PERFORMANCES BY THE FILM’S ARTISTS & MAKERS
MNN OPEN STUDIO, 537 W 59TH STREET, BETWEEN 10TH AND 11TH

A film of passion, “The Art of Love and Struggle” profiles twelve amazing women. Artists, singers, emcees, activists, poets and writers who come together in an explosive exploration of feminine creation. (more…)

THE VINTAGE DJ Jonathan Jacobs, presents his inimitable TRANS-TEMPORAL DANCE PARTY
Saturday, December 2nd, 2006
9pm to 11pm @ the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway
in the Beaux-Arts Court (3rd Floor) as part of First Saturday

FREE Admission

Accompanied by his crew of David Lynchian dancers: The Salesmen & The Sho’Nuffs with dazzling NEW projections and special guest, VJ Mixxy, THE VINTAGE DJ will have you dancing through every inch of the night.

Embark on a trans-temporal sonic adventure with your ultimate guide: THE VINTAGE DJ. Through the rich warm splendor of vacuum tubes and vintage vinyl, immerse yourself in an audio time warp. From standards to stuff you’ve never heard, sample a mouthwatering selection of audio delicacies from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s.

According to Bruce Tantum, TimeOut NY’s Clubs Editor,

“no retroist holds a tallow candle to Jonathan Jacobs, THE VINTAGE DJ.” He “zig-zags from old Johnny Cash to…the uneasy-listening piano stylings of ’60s duo Ferrante and Teicher, all without missing a beat.”

FURTHER INFORMATION:
vintagedj.com

GETTING THERE:

By Train
Take the 2 or 3 to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum.

This past week, I showed my work at DIVA Pool Art Fair. It was a good sized crowd and all the artists featured their video and digital art on their laptops. Unique and fuss-free affair, I had some great reception to several of my pieces, including the one featured in this post, MOTION & MOOD 2006. I shot this on HDv and DV, and composed the music. Its an exploration of the motion of landscapes and bodies.

Interesting point about the video - it features the Cape Cod shoreline the weekend after Hurricane Katrina, and the waves were very high for the Atlantic. The video also features Butoh dancers, a form of dance called the “cultural fallout of atomic bomb” and “dance of the unmovables”, created in Japan post-WWII. I coupled the two kinds of imagery of beauty post-pain, post-trauma. The branch sculpture on the beach was something I came upon, not created, and its anonymous and ominous beauty captivated me.

Peace,
Melissa

 

 Motion & Mood 2006 [7:10m]: Play Now | Download (712)

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.

Eleanor Roosevelt

I lept today. I belted and whispered, my voice smokey and honeyed. Slinking around on a grand piano, I lived the rehearsal of a dream I had about a year ago where I was singing in red dress. That was my dream, my intention, and slowly, patiently, it is coming true. I ran, circled and finally stood still enough to find my strength. I am such a coward, but I still do the things that terrify me most. I am a burning kind of eager fearful of tomorrow’s dress rehearsal and performance. I am a gasping kind of scared.

I want this. I want it more than I’m willing to admit but I feel the swell of it, like the pangs of a crush, growing in me. In the root of me, I feel the want and the confidence warming to a more grounded state.

I’m propelling myself through this with as much grace as is possible, amid my giddy outbursts. I will fight my dual urges to bounce and giggle or bolt and hide. I must absorb the end result, if its shock, glee or applause. Oh man, I am so fidgety and electric right now. Squirmy, lip biting kind of restless.

Tomorrow night…

Peace,
Melissa

Click here to see the full size invitation.

Please join me on Sunday, January 22 at The Players Club for:

Strawberry Winter :: A Healing Performance

(more…)