COOKIES FOR SANTA

Yesterday, on a whim, I asked my loving family to make a little holiday film and this is what we came up with. I love that they tolerate my madness.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH BY KEVIN SPACEY

What an amazing speech on the nature of success by actor Kevin Spacey:

CAMP GOOD GRIEF: SPECIAL VICTIMS PROGRAM DOCU WEB SITE GOES LIVE

Well, the time has finally arrived. I have said so much about my partnership with District Attorney Michael Ramos and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. While filming continues, my hope is that the short documentary will serve as a tool to help propel the idea of CCG (SVP) to a national level.

As far as I can see, it really just comes down to a few people open to the idea of helping children and then being willing to take action with this program. Period.

Think about it: What if 1 DA and 1 hospital in EVERY State committed to the idea of starting a camp like this one in 1 year?

=50 camps

What if those 50 camps spread the word in their respective States?

=100 camps in 2 years.

And then what if those 100 camps did the same thing the following year?

=200 camps

Then...

=400 camps

Then...

=800 camps

In five years, our nation could be at the forefront of creating positive change for our young children and teens, and here's the beauty of it all: There is very little cost since the majority of the money comes from victim restitution and NOT the taxpayer.

I encourage you to contact your local district attorney and share this post or the link to the CGG (SVP) site ASAP. Follow up with him or her in a month or so, and give them a gentle reminder that children are our number one asset. Please share this post with your friends and your networks.

I can't thank you enough in advance for your efforts. Here is a list of Counties in California. Just Google DA and insert your County. Contact information is not hard to find.


National District Attorneys Association (NDAA)

California District Attorneys Association (CDDA) DA Mike Ramos is actually the President of the CDDA.

List of Counties in California

List of Counties in the United States

PRECIOUS COMMODITY...

ONWARD[ART] - EXPLORING THE WORLD OF THOSE WHO CREATE

ELEMENTAL ART FORMS takes a look at various outdoor art sculptures and museums and how they exist among the natural elements and ultimately transform over time.

Noah Purifoy
A brief look into the art sculptures and philosophies of Assemblage Artist Noah Purifoy, who unfortunately died in 2004. But his work--what he considers to be his greatest masterpiece--still stands in the arid desert of Joahsua Tree weathering with the elements.

ASSEMBLAGE ARTIST NOAH PURIFOY from onward films on Vimeo.

Elmer's Factory [currently riding the festival circuit]:
Elmer's Factory (2010) is a portrait of bottle tree artist Elmer Long, whose colorful Bottle Tree Ranch along Route 66 has attracted visitors from all across the world. But Elmer Long is just as mesmerizing as his ranch, always welcoming guests and willing to strike up a conversation.

ELMER'S FACTORY (DOCUMENTARY TRAILER) from onward films on Vimeo.

Desert Christ Park
A historical landmark and world peace shrine in Yucca Valley, California, featuring more than 40 snow-white statues.

Redlands Filmmaker: Camp Good Grief Special Victime Program Documentary

Here is a current trailer for Camp Good Grief, which is awaiting release.

CAMP GOOD GRIEF SPECIAL VICTIMS PROGRAM TRAILER from onward films on Vimeo.

Being a documentary filmmaker has been such a blessing, far beyond the obvious creative benefits of knowing that you are actually making a difference. I have always aimed to make a positive impact in this world around me, whether it was simply through my actions or with a camera in my hand.

Working on the Camp Good Grief project was no different. Working alongside the San Bernardino County District Attorney and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital was a powerful experience, because these are the individuals who are making an impact on the lives of these children.

I can't imaging what it must be like to lose a loved one to a violent death or suicide, and from the countless hours I spent with the children at camp and in their homes, I know that grieving is a long and difficult process.

I gained so much strength from the children I spoke to. Their courage and willingness to move on despite the tragedies in their lives is a testament to not only their strong wills but, as they will readily admit, to the power of this camp.

Redlands Filmmaker: A Short Film on Assemblage Artist Noah Purifoy

ASSEMBLAGE ARTIST NOAH PURIFOY from onward films on Vimeo.

A few weeks back, I traveled to Joshua Tree to film a short film on Assemblage Artist Noah Purifoy, who unfortunately died in 2004. But his work--what he considers to be his greatest masterpiece--still stands in the arid desert weathering with the elements.

I recently took on a project--stemmed by my fascination with outdoor art-- in which I am in the process of documenting various outdoor art sculptures and how they exist among the natural elements.

I am a big fan of art, in all its forms, but I find there to be something unique about those forms exposed to outdoor elements. It's not that I don't like museums (because I can spend hours sitting in silence in front of Picasso's Three Musicians), it's just that I find outdoor art to be so much more approachable (is that the right word?).

The stuffiness seems to be absent. I don't have some security guard staring over my shoulder, ready to pounce on me if I step too close. I can feel a breeze on my face. The sun on my back.

Dare I say, I am at one with the piece in an environment that is wide open without ceilings or restrictions (for the most part).

Noah's story is fascinating, so I'll leave that to the Noah Purifoy Foundation, which is dedicated to the preservation of the artist's work.

If you live within a few hours of Joshua Tree or are planning a trip to California, the museum is a bit off the beaten track and up a few dirt roads, but well worth the trip.

TECHNICAL SPECS:

* Filmed at the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum in Joshua Tree, California, on the Canon 7D shooting native 60p and conformed to 30p slow motion with Cinema Tools.

* Glidetrack used for dolly moves. Graded with Magic Bullet Looks

* Voice recordings provided by Roy Hurst, Tony Cox and NPR Radio

* Music by Moby


NEXT UP: Desert Christ Park

One Day on Earth

Like I said in the previous post, my little dude and I have been ultra busy in front of the camera. He helped me out with a huge project that filmmakers from all over the world participated in on 10.10.10: One Day on Earth.

One Day on Earth started in September of 2008 with the goal of creating a unique worldwide media event where thousands of participants would simultaneously film over a 24-hour period.

I created my segment on the first principle of the project which is perspective:
I strongly believe, as many of you already know, that we must strive to protect and preserve the art of childhood because it is beneficial to our sustainability as a species.

So throw in a few Legos and the rest is history-a piece of my family's history.

There are two versions of the video. To see both head on over to my vimeo page. In the meantime check out this version, and a super huge thanks to Moby for kicking down the rights to his music. I have always been a big fan of his music so to have him allow me to use his music is so cool.

Lego Days (10.10.10) from onward films on Vimeo.

Due By Dinner

Ryder and I have been real busy lately. This past week--with the help of a few Lego Star Wars bribes-- he helped me create the following video for a really cool contest, which I hope we win! If not, I still had a really cool time with my number one dude!

Due by Dinner | Philip Bloom - Kessler Crane Competition from onward films on Vimeo.

Mantis

I have always been curious about a praying mantis, and so when one appeared on my porch the other day after I was finished mowing the lawn, I grabbed my camera and had a little fun.

Mantis from onward films on Vimeo.