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

On the Ocean…

I am crazy busy. In a once in a lifetime kind of way. So its spectacular, hard as hell, exhausting, complex, full of excitement, worry and love for what I am doing. And for the people who’ve made this happen and keep making it happen. I am blessed…

Conch Fisherman

I’m building a studio, been to Belize, shot some incredible interviews with amazing New Yorkers, and am having to grow up all the sudden. After 38 years of avoiding it AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, I hear snickers from certain friends who are dying with barely suppressed laughter. (Yah, you Scott, I hear you…yuck it up, funny man…). I’m rolling all my work into one company, centralized and organized. I have an awesome biz partner, someone who I am hoping will continue to rock my professional world. So far, he’s exceeded expectations and left me spinning with even more possibilities in communication and production.

Junior at The Belize Zoo

I’m becoming more hands off, which makes me dizzy at times, being a total creative control freak. But there is only one of me, and only so many hours in the day, so if I half ass a bunch of work, it will all suffer. I’m delegating, training, stealing late hours to focus and write. Its like editing or producing but with a lot more extras and drama, since there’s construction to manage too.

I am taking flight…its majestic and magical up here…

Peace and much love,
Melissa

Point your bow to the clouds and keep on til the morning star…

I’ve been hard at work on some amazing new projects, but in the meantime, to feed my soul, I scribbled these down:

We All Have A Little Envy In Us

she, confused
angry
unhinged
watches what she wants
walk away
her throat clenches
eyes water
teeth grit
shame and disappointment redden
her wet cheeks
she wants to run
until she forces breath
out of her stinging lungs
instead, she stands
sheds no tears
feels every motion and change a stab
new to her open wounds
and takes it all, again
as she has been destined to
again, and again
like a cushion for others’ falls
or a target for others’ practice arrows
because she CAN take it
she must
all the while, wondering
when she can rest
love
hope
dream
and drink from life
instead of being drained by it

MU 07/2008

The Impact Of A Kiss

Hard in my head
wait, breathe
don’t BREATHE
stay in orbit
don’t land just yet
stare, huff, look away
brush my hair
off one glowing cheek
the panic, overcome
by desire
“Land on me”
I plead in a whisper
and so you
kiss me…

MU 07/2008

Estrella @ 3

Glints and crinkles
giggles and sighs
a million points of brown
cinnamon constellations
between alabaster skies
expand like novas in the sun
water dazzles on curls
of jet and indigo
she turns to laugh
her stars of blue startling
before the next wave
pulls her focus away

MU 07/2008

Keep scribbling, fellow poets…even when life pulls you into the streams of un-consciousness…

Peace & Much Love,
Melissa

IDTag.com Web Commercial

Images from Online.tv Stock Video shoot

So I’ve been super busy lately. Lots of great stuff to report, including a commercial for IDTag.com; and lots of great productions coming out of my new venture, Online.tv. More to tell about Online.tv once the summer rolls around and we launch. Until then, keep an eye out for happy hints dropped here.

The new clips will be on my reel shortly!

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

The Kiss - Gustav Klimt

Age teaches me patience - I sky dived, swam with sharks and did a marathon the year I turned 30.  I am now approaching 40, with my 38th birthday coming up May 29, and the most daring thing I can think of doing is falling in love.

Huh, who knew?

Peace and Much Love,
Melissa

Gregg LeFevre & Andrea Grant

I shot the pilot for Art Seen this past Saturday, with host Andrea Grant and guest Gregg LeFevre.  Gregg is a public works bronze artist and urban textures photographer, focusing on the decaying billboards around the city.

I’ll have more updates soon about the new Online.tv venture I’m a part of, with exciting invitations to participate!

Peace,
Melissa

Two more pieces about the 2008 election are now online on the Huffington Post.  Check them out here!

Peace,
Melissa

Check out the flyer above for DJ Seth Gold’s Birthday Bash.  The image was from our photo shoot last August.  Right click and “view image” to see the flyer full size.

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

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I celebrate being a Celt on this day, my roots deep in green shamrocks.  Its evident in my red hair and my innate storytelling brilliance.  And my utter lack of modesty!  Hahaha…

We Irish are fierce, and when we fight, its not to win, its to destroy.  We have no fear and we often had nothing to lose.  Plus, we do love a battle.  Donnybrook to debate, its more fun if its got a bite to it.

We are melancholy and moody, sunny smiles and gray eyes.  Much like the weather, mercurial, mystical, magical.  We weave our thoughts into masterpieces of literature and song.  We thrum and hum along with the pulse of land.

We are tough, tender, grit and grim and ever thinking.  Some of us are ever drinking.  The rest are sober and sparkling and walking our friends home.  Hahaha…

Peace,
Melissa

The Art & Apathy Project was selected for inclusion in the next Tribeca Film Festival. Directed by Jessica Habie, this film addresses the militarized conditions artists struggle to create under in Israel and Palestine, and the complexities of occupations. I was one of the DPs for this project, and it was my great honor to help bring this conversation to Western audiences. Please check out the site and join in the dialogue:

http://www.artandapathyfilms.com

Peace,
Melissa
Multo.com

A piece I directed, edited by Vince Wallace, was picked up by The Huffington Post.  Featured on the front page, you can see the full article here.

Peace,
Melissa

I think it not improbable that man, like the grub that prepares a chamber for the winged thing it never has seen but is to be - that man may have cosmic destinies that he does not understand. And so beyond the vision of battling races and an impoverished earth, I catch a dreaming glimpse of peace.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

This is a piece we’re developing for UrbNews.tv.

Check it out!

Peace,
Melissa

 

 Obama Who? [3:37m]: Play Now | Download (200)

BUSTED!

Silly moralist - tricks are for kids! Now how does the man who busted a prostitution ring, of bargain hookers, end up with a $5,500/night call girl in Washington? Oh, yah, politician…hmmm…

Now if he told his kids or wife they had to cut back or couldn’t get that new bicycle, dress or Playstation, he’s doubly screwed. “Daddy told me I couldn’t have a new laptop, cause he spends all his money on hookers”. Wow, I predict years of therapy ahead for that family, especially if he was as hard core a moralist at home as he was in office. And his wife - I’m sure she livid, furious about many aspects of this situation. I feel most for her - he wasn’t even smart and respectful enough to be discreet - I mean, if you think, in this day and age, that you aren’t being watched, recorded, tapped and tracked, especially as a Democrat in a Republican ruled country, you are an idiot. But I do hope they throw the Mann Act at him - if its good enough to bust Jack Johnson sending a train ticket to his WIFE, its mos def good enough for Spitzer.

Go D!

What I am excited about is who will take Spitzer’s place - David Paterson, the Lt. Governor. This is his bio:

David A. Paterson was elected New York’s lieutenant governor on November 7, 2006.

Elected to represent Harlem in the New York State Senate in 1985, David Paterson has demanded and achieved change at every level, not simply by what he stands for but by who he is.

In 2002, David Paterson was elected minority leader of the New York State Senate, the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history. In 2004 in Boston, he became the first visually impaired person to address a Democratic National Convention. And 2006 saw Mr. Paterson make history again by being elected New York’s first African-American lieutenant governor.

As New York State Senate minority leader, David Paterson led the charge on several crucial issues for New York’s future, proposing legislation for a $1 billion voter-approved stem cell research initiative, demanding a statewide alternative energy strategy, insisting on strong action to fight against domestic violence, and serving as the primary champion for minority- and women-owned businesses in New York. As a result, Governor Spitzer asked Mr. Paterson to continue to lead New York State on these issues as lieutenant governor.

Lt. Governor Paterson, who is legally blind, is also nationally recognized as a leading advocate for the visually and physically impaired. A graduate of Columbia University and Hofstra Law School, Mr. Paterson also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia’s School for International and Public Affairs. David Paterson lives in Harlem with his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Ashley and Alex, and he is the son of Basil Paterson, the first non-white secretary of state of New York and the first African-American vice-chair of the national Democratic Party.

***********************

Oh yah, I really think Paterson is a PERFECT replacement for Spitzer. He’s got the track record, the passion and he’s overcome much, with his blindness hardly slowing him down. He’s a fighter, a leader and gets shit done.

Peace,
Melissa

Check out this trailer. Very interesting…

If I hadn’t already had a healthy suspicion of the Clintons, I know now for sure I’m not interested in voting for such vicious and ungrateful people.

Go Obama!

Peace,
Melissa

Multo.com is currently editing a short dance film featuring The Vintage DJ and his dancers.  There are a series of great stills up on the Multo.com photo page up now!

Stay tuned for the edit!

Peace,
Melissa

dannyboome.tv launched today with great success!  I developed the branding and whipped up this site in under a week, with all the bells and whistles - full video player, complex blog with a variety of features, complete social networking accounts set up and linked back to the main site, and lots of user interactivity for Danny’s fan base.

Go check out the Food Network’s newest culinary star!

Peace,
Melissa

This year, the flu was hardcore.  I was out for a full 7 days, and still a little wobbly.  I happen to get the flu on the tail end of my yearly bronchitis, so my struggling immune system was wiped out.

Lying in bed, there was nothing I wanted to do more than sleep.  And stop coughing.  I still had to make meetings, still had deadlines.  I took all kinds of over the counter remedies - TheraFlu, Nyquil, Tylenol, etc.  I was in total discomfort, achey and miserable.

All that medication did squat but knock me out for a few hours at a time.  The symptoms were mildly alleviated, but left me with a heavy, drugged up feeling.  I was restless, anxious, drowsy and sore.

The natural remedies - oil of oregano, using a neti pot, eating lots of veggies and drinking lots of water - those things made more of a difference than all the chemicals I had been pumping into my system for days.  Baths with epsom salt and eucalyptus oil were soothing and comforting.

Each year, I am more aware that the natural remedies do so much more for me than the chemicals in modern medicine.  Oil of oregano is a natural antibiotic, with lots of topical and internal uses.  The neti pot cleans out my sinuses more effectively than sinus sprays.

I’m keeping it as natural as I can these days.

Peace,
Melissa

Broadway.tv is up and running!  Please check out the features and reviews.  The video production was done by Multo.com.

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…)

The Art of Love and Struggle will be screening at the Pan African Arts and Film Festival 02/11/2008 - 1:10pm, 02/13/2008 - 10:20pm, in Los Angeles, at the AMC Magic Johnson Crenshaw 15, 4020 Marlton Avenue.

Purchase tickets here!

Please do come out and support this fantastic film, which was a huge labor of love, celebrating these women and their struggle to make art.

Peace,
Melissa

Alma - the Soul of Brazil in NYC

Great news! The above CD design is for a great compilation of Brazilian Soul recently released by Wave Music…hot and bouncy!

Joanne Jimenez and I designed the cover, worked it for a couple of weeks, and finalized this lovely visual treat. Our combined creativity made the design electric, to compliment the incredible tracks.

Purchase the CD here!

Besos mil,
Melissa

THE conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country.

We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. This is a logical result of the way in which our democratic society is organized. Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society.

Our invisible governors are, in many cases, unaware of the identity of their fellow members in the inner cabinet.

“Propaganda” Edward Bernays

Anonymous is Legion. Incredibly well done. I believe certain clam diggers should be worried, cause wow, this is M worthy, this is 1984 and Manchurian Candidate. This is Guy Fawkes calling you out, Scientology. I believe it will soon be 3 pm on the school yard and you’re gonna get a whooping.

Even if it takes a long time, Anonymous certainly threw down the gauntlet and made statements of sincere and deep conviction. Scientology IS a cult. Why is everyone so afraid to say it? Legal documents worldwide have proven this since 1977, and for chrissakes, this is all based on a bet!

Yes, that’s right, L Ron made a bet with a fellow science fiction writer that he could start a religion. One that believes humans evolved from clams cause we both have a hinge on our jaw (bwahahaha) and believes we are all possessed by 30,000 Thetans (aka alien souls). And I thought the stigmata was a stretch!

The internet is abuzz with people saying this is real, a fake, watch for Feb 10, etc.  I think its fascinating and well targeted video campaign.  Even if its not real, its definitely been effective!

This organization understands Bernays so well. But keep watch - Scientology is only a clumsy, semi-retarded scam. The real threat is those who will use our fears to keep us uneducated, in our homes isolated, poor and silent. In this election year, keep an open mind while listening, but look for the holes in those well crafted media images.

Peace,
Melissa

Check out the three most hilarious videos of the past month for me:

The Landlord - A MUST SEE!!!

Which one of these is not like the others? And why does that make it EVEN FUNNIER?!?!?!

Peace,

Melissa

Smokifantastic dancing away…

Great news!  For those of you interested in purchasing the beautiful and moving documentary, The Art of Love & Struggle, you can now get it at Film Baby!

This was an absolute labor of love, between director Jessica Habie and I. We slaved into the wee hours to get this in the can and we were thrilled with the result.

Please scoop up your copy today!

Peace,
Melissa

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

I recently finished a group of clips for the new site BMI.tv (Body Mass Index). Check out the sample below and the site here!

Peace,
Melissa

 

 BMI.tv - Underweight [1:36m]: Play Now | Download (255)

Featured Video on Gravel Site

The spots I directed and edited are getting great feedback online. From the reviews of viewers, to the amount of views on YouTube.com, the spots seem to have hit a nerve. They are also currently being broadcast in New Hampshire on WMUR and MCAM. And one of the spots is featured on Gravel’s website front page, helping bolster views well over the 2800 mark in under a week.

Peace,
Melissa

G Love

I uploaded all my recent event pix - the tour with The Sounds & The Bravery, Tristan Prettyman with G Love & Special Sauce, and of course, the holiday party at XS in York, PA.

Enjoy and happy new year!

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

My 2007 Xmas Tree

Happy holidays!  Xmas…Channukah…Kwanza…Solstice…whatevah…

Life is good - love my apartment, my art, my filmmaking, my joy of living!  It’s wonderful to realize happiness is a choice, and the easy part is choosing it.  (It’s getting rid of the things that don’t support my happiness that has been a long chore, near completion).

2008 - I’m looking forward to it, in more ways than one.

Ornaments Up Close

Blessings and peace,
Melissa

I recently did several spots about Presidential Candidate Mike Gravel. Check out more of them on YouTube.com!

Peace,
Melissa

 

 Mike Gravel 30 Sec Spot 2 [0:31m]: Play Now | Download (207)

I’m working hard on the first pieces of video for the new site Broadway.tv.  Its going to be a fantastic resource, full of reviews, interviews and entertaining pieces on the people who make Broadway tick.

I’ll have a link up when the site launches, later this month.

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

Gratitude 12 2 2007 - M. Ulto

Grateful…

I am grateful
Grated, crushed, reborn
Full of light, love, purpose
Struggle has polished me
Not diamond hard but
Soft like old jeans
Sweet smelling and lovely
Deep as down
Lightly substantial
Loosely connected
To all things, I’m understood

I am peaceful
Though storms tore me
Lies rend me still
Hate has been bile
Expelled by the Universe’s hand
Thumping my back
Each whack a lesson
Each cough a crime undone
Each tear forgiving forever
Wings brushed my wet brow
And blessed me whole

I am abundant
With dreams and visions
Comrades and friends
Who remind me when silence falls
That I am never alone
Money has no hold
Give me a mansion
And I will fill it with orphans
Give me a diamond
And I will sell it back
To fund truth and beauty

I am free!
I can sing, I can speak, I can dance
I can say things many want unsaid
I can feast on fruit
And wheat bread
And be sated by the blessing
Of my love, my art, my soul
Of course I’m crazy to many
Who cling to old things
And strive for old ways
And choke on words not their own

I am
I am the I am
I be, I see, I live, I love
Nothing holds me
For it all belongs
Sometimes for moment
All time for eternity
And in between
There is the music of voices rising
Eyes opening wide
And this world alive in me anew

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