An Inspirational Video to Start Your New Year
A minute and half true tale of strength and perseverance to start off your new year.
A minute and half true tale of strength and perseverance to start off your new year.
Beneath the partying veneer of the City of New Orleans is a deep religious culture that is wrapped in a shroud of mystery. In 1997 I met Mary Wakefield, a journalist from London who was doing a story on voodoo culture in New Orleans. She invited me to come along and shoot pictures. When we got to our destination my camera and I were banned. There was no negotiation, pleading or any of that. I was to leave. Mary very wisely distanced herself from me and did nothing to help my cause. If she had she would have probably been banned as well and missed her story.
“ink&paper” is a captivating documentary. It is the story of the oldest paper seller in Los Angeles that is next to a letterpress printer that uses 600 year old technology. Both businesses support each other. Both businesses are just holding on. Ben Proudfoot beautifully tells the story of these two shops which are held together by the passion and knowledge that each of the owners possess of their respective trade. A story that might not have been told if it wasn’t for a missed 4AM meeting with a guy who sells bags of pineapples at a laundromat.
One of the first books I read twice when I was a kid. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for this movie. Apple has the exclusive trailer. But we found one on YouTube that you can watch below. It looks awesome.
This past year there was a monumental shift in attitude toward self published authors as was exemplified by the young writer Amanda Hocking. She has sold well over a million copies, initially in electronic format, of her vampire, teen self discovery and zombie books that she wrote in her spare time. Even though her writing has been criticized by some, her phenomenal success has significantly raised the legitimacy of indie writers. So much so that the Wall Street Journal wrote that inexpensive e-books, many from indie authors, have been a huge hit this year.
As with any do-it-yourself (DIY) endeavor creating your piece is not enough. You have to tell the world, and then make sure they tell their friends. You also have to consider your product. In my opinion the end of 2011 will be the end of the novelty of self publishing as it moves closer to being on equal footing with products from the major publishing houses. With this leap in legitimacy comes higher expectations from readers. Indie writers have to consider hiring editors as well as photographers and illustrators to stand out in the indie pool. It’s not just the story, it’s the whole package.
My friend Greg Watermann sent me this today. Directed by Pitbull and shot by Watermann. I’m looking forward to the video. … Continue Reading
