BHB in the Media

I recently had the privilege of skateboarding with Mark Lukach and his brother, Matt, as they passed through Los Angeles for Skating Across America. The project, which profiles a wide variety skateboarders from across the country, was created by Mark and his wife Giulia, to coincide with their cross country road-trip from San Francisco to Delaware and back again.

During their LA visit, Mark, Matt and I skated The Bat Cave, a secret drainage ditch located at the base of the Hollywood Hills. It was the first time any of us had skated this spot. Be sure to check out the full post on Mark's website, but in the meantime the video embed is below:

Skating Across America - Skater Profile on Adam Reynolds from Mark Lukach on Vimeo.

Watching...

Yeah, yeah...I've been slacking. If it's any consolation though, I've been reading more. Not just books, but also scripts, television treatments, and college course readers on documentary filmmaking. Truth is, the TV development world has been wearing me thin, even leaving me down at times. But we, as a team, push forward. There's light at the end of the tunnel.

I've been fortunate enough to be studying under the tutelage of an incredibly well-versed team of professionals from USC's prestigious Annenberg School for Communication. Though the documentary world is a vast departure from my undergrad film studies at Syracuse University, the first-hand, educational experience has been unmatched. The work environment is straight forward and very hands on. The best part, I'm learning how to tell stories.

That being said, let me segue into my movie consumption. Here are two of the three films I watched during the month of July. I decided to take a new approach when writing about each film. Rather than limit myself to writing reviews, I've decided to incorporate personal history into the equation. A sign of my investment in this business. Enjoy!

The Sting. A classic. Plain and simple. My Dad bought this movie as a Christmas present for my brother and I a few years back. He insisted it was another film for the Boardhead Brothers 'must see' collection. Truthfully, my brother and I scoffed at the notion. "This old film?" we thought. What we didn't realize was that a good story, no matter the year published (or produced), can withstand the scrutiny of time.

Now, as I revisit The Sting (for the first time in many years) I understand why my Dad insisted we add it to our collection. I can honestly say that, A) I was an asshole for not trusting my Dad and, B) this movie is now one of my all-time favorite movies. Why? Because it's got a kick ass story!


Next is...

Garbage Warrior. I watched this documentary as research for a project we were developing at work. Unfortunately for us, another production company was quicker than we were and was already in the process of turning Michael Reynolds and his work as a Biotecture Engineer into a TV series. Though a difficult truth, it's often the reality of how the television business works. Take it with a grain of salt and move forward.

Business aside though, Garbage Warrior explores the bizarre story of Michael Reynolds - a renegade architect - who turns automobile tires, soda cans, and beer bottles into fully-sustainable, off-the-grid housing. Earthships, as these unique homes are called, are capable of maintaining consistent internal temperatures (roughly 70-75 degrees) despite the vast temperature fluctuation of New Mexico's seasons. In the words of Dan Birman, "Way Cool!"

More information on Michael Reynolds and his Earthship society can be found here.

"Teach Me" - Surf Remix

After a disappointing first attempt with the GoPro Surf Hero a few weeks back, I decided to go for round two this past Saturday in Manhattan Beach, CA. Ensuring that I was equipped with the right batteries this time (Lithium AAA), I called up my buddy Scott and we took to the water.

After nearly 2 hours of surfing, I couldn't wait to get home and look at the footage. Once I did, I was stoked!! So, I took the liberty of editing the material into a music video for my friend Match Zimmerman's song "Teach Me" - or perhaps I should say, Match was kind enough to lend his music to the project. Either way, I feel the audio & video compliment one another incredibly well. So, without further ado, I present to you...

"Teach Me" - Surf Remix

Enjoy!

Match Zimmerman "Teach Me"
www.matchzimmerman.com

Directed by Adam Reynolds
Produced by Boardhead Brothers
www.boardheadbrothers.com

As a special bonus, "Teach Me" is available for download (for free) by clicking here. Compliments of Match Zimmerman.

Dirty Laundry - A Short Film by Andrew Reynolds

Congrats to my brother, Andrew Reynolds for completing his student film!

Andrew is a sophomore filmmaker at Temple University in Philadelphia. "Dirty Laundry" was filmed as an extension for an original assignment, a 16 mm silent film, which was also entitled "Dirty Laundry."

Andrew's words: "My final film for Filmmaking. Shot on Bolex Rx5 with Black and White reversal 7266 Tri-x and 7265 Plus-X. All foley sound recorded with Marrantz solid-state recorder ME-80 shot-gun microphone. Thanks to everyone who helped out."

Below is the original assignment:

Andrew's words: "A 16mm Silent film, interior lighting project, foley sound to come."

Despite my family bias, I firmly believe that Andrew's progression as a young filmmaker is clearly evident - as exemplified by these two pieces of work, a before and after, if you will. In his later work, Andrew employs advanced visual and auditory techniques, which demonstrate an acute understanding of the process through which a filmmaker successfully creates the illusion of story through the medium of film.

Looking forward to seeing and sharing more of Andrew's work as he progresses.

GoPro Surf Hero FAIL!

Once again, failing to thoroughly read directions has cost me precious material.

Undoubtedly, one of my biggest character flaws is that I hate reading instructions. It’s bitten me in the ass before, and it'll, more than likely, continue to bite me in the ass in the future. That is, unless I start to address the problem.

In this particular instance it was a Friday night and I was gearing up to use my new GoPro Surf Hero camera (a miniature waterproof video camera) for the first time. With fresh batteries installed, I proudly mounted the camera at the nose of one of my surfboards. I had checked the surf report earlier that day, and knew that Saturday’s dawn patrol was going to be epic – Surfline forecasted a solid SW swell along the SoCal coast. Fair – Good conditions. 4 – 5 foot swells, with a timely period and a rising tide. In other words, at the right break, set waves would flaunt faces from 4 to 8 feet, not bad for the first time back in the water since February. I couldn't wait.

I set my alarm for 4:45am, awoke promptly, and was out the door by 5:15am. The drive to Secret Spot was uneventful, in fact, it was actually quite peaceful. I arrived at 6am and snapped this picture. The sun was rising, the waves were pumping and I couldn't wait to hit the water. I suited up in my 4/3, made the trek down the cliffs, and embraced what was unfolding before my eyes.


I pressed record and paddled out into the lineup. I got what I thought to be some pretty awesome footage. However, when I returned home later that day, I was greatly disappointed with my results. Long story short, the GoPro Surf Hero was a FAIL. Apparently you're supposed to use Lithium batteries and not Alkaline, as Alkaline apparently drops voltage in cold temperatures. But of course, not having read the directions, I didn't know this simple fact.

How does this translate? Simply; User Error. Let's just say that my camera kept shorting out and shutting off while I was in the water. The longest water clip I got was about 3 seconds in duration. The only real footage I scored was me paddling out. With remorse, all I can say is "Groovy." Guess you'll have to wait until my next surf to see how the camera really works. Sorry to disappoint. Oh, and yes, I bought Lithium batteries.

The Secret Machine Trailer

Last night, while riding in my friend's car, I listened to a band call The Knife for what I thought to be the first time. That was, until I heard the following song, "Silent Shout." After racking my brain for a few minutes I finally realized how I knew the song, despite never having heard of the band; Globe's The Secret Machine. "Silent Shout" was used for the film's trailer, and oddly enough, is what led me to buy the DVD. That, and the fact that the surfing footage is absolutely ridiculous!

Anyway, here's the official The Knife - "Silent Shout" music video, as well as Globe's The Secret Machine trailer, which is one of my favorite surf films. Enjoy!

Australia's Most "Perfect" Wave

Earlier this week I posted a message on Twitter about Snapper Rocks, a world renowned surf break located on Australia's Gold Coast. The Twitter message was in response to a Surfline.com feature about the Gold Coast Cyclone Swell (viewable here), Cyclone Jasper, and I commented on the intensity of the waves, which from the pictures, appear life threateningly perfect.

Below is a picture I took from Snapper Rocks, when I surfed the break nearly four years ago. Not nearly as large, but still perfectly shaped. I couldn't have asked for more perfect conditions. Well, actually that's not true. Had there been 200 less people in the lineup, things would have been perfect. But this was pretty damn close.

Enjoy!

GoPro Surf HERO

A friend of mine turned me onto the following video this afternoon:

El hombre y la tabla - The man and the surfboard.
by surfilmfestibal7

Being an avid surfer, I was immediately drawn to the video, especially when I discovered that it was shot with an affordable, compact, waterproof, digital camera; the GoPro Surf HERO. After further investigation (www.goprocamera.com) I decided to pick one up for myself. The camera is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, April 2nd (coincidentally my best friend's 25th birthday - Happy Birthday). I'll keep everyone updated with test footage and reviews of the camera.

Can't wait to score some surf footage!

Watching...

1. Arrested Development: Season 1
2. Arrested Development: Season 2
3. Arrested Development: Season 3

It's been months of hard work, but Sharon and I finally finished watching the final episodes of Arrested Development last night. Hands down, one of the smartest comedy series I've ever watched. Unfortunately though, I believe the show's uniquely intelligent writing style was one of it's greatest weakness during it's three season reign, as the vast majority of jokes required astute audience members who were actively watching. That being said, I'm looking forward to revisiting the series a few years down the road and discovering all that I missed.

Observations aside, if you haven't yet seen Arrested Development, be sure to pick up a few episodes before the movie comes out. It's hilarious!

Introducing MADtv's Lauren Pritchard

Lauren Pritchard, the final video in a series of four that I produced for MADtv last fall. Enjoy!

Video 4/4

Written by Lauren Pritchard
Directed by Sean Flannery
Produced by Adam Reynolds

Introducing MADtv's Matt Braunger

Continuing my weekly tradition, I present to you, Matt Braunger.

Video 3/4.

Written by Matt Braunger
Directed by Sean Flannery
Produced by Adam Reynolds

Introducing MADtv's Erica Ash

Erica Ash is the second video in the series of four that I produced for MADtv. Enjoy!

Video 2/4.

Written by Erica Ash
Directed by Sean Flannery
Produced by Adam Reynolds

Introducing MADtv's Eric Price

Back in August, I had the exclusive privilege of working with MADtv's newest cast members to create "Introductory Videos." Eric Price is the first video in the series of four. Enjoy!

Video 1/4

Written by Eric Price
Directed by Sean Flannery
Produced by Adam Reynolds

Gnarly Surf Report from the LA Times

Item removed due to "Auto play" feature.

Eric Meulman LIVE in LA.

Eric Meulman (visit his website here) will be performing a FREE CONCERT on Monday, February 16th at Live! on Sunset, a posh clothing boutique in the heart of Sunset Strip, the world famous shopping and music district located in Hollywood, CA.

The performance celebrates Eric's most recent recording session entitled Live in LA, and will be filmed by, and distributed through, Boardhead Brothers media.

Doors to the show will open at 5pm and Eric is scheduled to perform from 6-7pm. The address for Live! on Sunset is below:

8801 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (310) 360-1660

For more information, please contact Adam via email: adam.reynolds@boardheadbrothers.com

Hope to see everyone there!

Boardhead Brothers congratulates Evan Taubenfeld.

Boardhead Brothers would like to congratulate Evan Taubenfeld on his new music video! Check it out below:

Cheater of the Year - Lyric Video

Relentless determination to reach the west coast.

As Eric closes in on the mighty Pacific, Boardhead Brothers gears up for production. A potential second music video for Eric, as well as a live concert performance are in the talks. Fingers are crossed as details are discussed.

In case you missed it, you can view Eric's premiere music video for Like a Smoke Ring by clicking here.

Day 3: Lamarie, WY to Fairfield, CA - 1025 miles.


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The Boardhead Brothers Family

In December 2008, Boardhead Brothers proudly announced musician Eric Meulman as the newest member of the BHB team. Nearly two months later, the celebration continues with the presentation of the first video from Eric's debut with Boardhead Brothers; "Like a Smoke Ring." Enjoy!



Free downloads of "Like a Smoke Ring" are available by clicking here or here.

The Red Tape of Record Labels

Evan Taubenfeld (formerly of Avril Lavigne) has released "Cheater of the Year," which is the first single off his upcoming debut album, With a Wink and a Smile.

In June 2008, Boardhead Brothers had the exclusive privilege of collaborating with Evan on a music video for his hit song "The Best Years of Our Lives." The video, which stars both Evan Taubenfeld and comedian Zach Steel, reccounts the tail of a lost love and heartache felt by her ex-boyfriend (Zach Steel).

Despite popular reviews from inside critics, the video remains unreleased. Warner Music has requested that Boardhead Brothers postpones the video release until an official release date has been set for With a Wink and a Smile. Out of respect for Evan's career, Boardhead Brothers has graciously complied.

Until further notice, we wait patiently.

* For more information regarding the exclusive, unreleased music video please contact me at adam.reynolds@boardheadbrothers.com.

Expression is an Artform

Despite hardship, my cousin continues communication through music. Perspective is expressed through his band, Two for the Show and as a solo artist, Eric Meulman.

In June 2008, Eric traveled to Los Angeles to shoot his first music video for the song "Like a Smoke ring." Boardhead Brothers had the exclusive privilege of working with Eric to produce the video in HD.

The video for "Like a Smoke Ring" is currently in post production.