Ten Commandments Short Film | read by Jericho Brown | New Orleans, LA | Ninth Ward | Super Bowl XLVII

We are on the cusp of Super Bowl XLVII which takes place in New Orleans, LA today February 3, 2013.  I like to share “timely” works of art that are relevant because of some association, whether it’s locale, genre, topic, etc… This is short film I created while visiting New Orleans, LA and represent the disparity between the disheveled Ninth Ward and the plush and manicured St. Charles Street.

Enjoy the Super Bowl.

From an earlier post:

“On the eve of another hurricane heading straight for New Orleans, coincidentally on the week of the anniversary that Hurricane Katrina ravaged the coastal city in 2005, I’d like to share a short film I made in that wonderful place.  In 2011, I visited New Orleans, Louisiana and toured the Ninth Ward. I made a short film with iPhone 4, using the app “8mm” titled “Ten Commandments.”  The film  features local New Orleans musicians as well as the poem with inspired the film’s name as read by it’s author and among many other things, the AMAZING poet Jericho Brown, (which might be the biggest understatement of my blog’s short history).

For me the film serves to show the disparity between the rich and the poor, through juxtaposing the ritzy, up kept stretches of St. Charles Street with the still dilapidated state of the Ninth Ward, even thought many of the homes, although not all, have been revamped and “George Jetsoned” by Brad Pitt’s generous endeavor.  In the Ninth Ward, some of the original ruin still lies on site, whereas all the streets and lawns that stand on St. Charles Street are manicured more than a metro-sexual living in early 2000′s San Francisco Bay Area….

Anyways be safe New Orleans!

ps

I ran into Blair Underwood outside the Blue Nile, which is where the locals as well as the local musicians go to play for fun and hang out.”

Ten Commandments Short Film – read by Jericho Brown – New Orleans, LA – Ninth Ward – Hurricane Isaac

On the eve of another hurricane heading straight for New Orleans, coincidentally on the week of the anniversary that Hurricane Katrina ravaged the coastal city in 2005, I’d like to share a short film I made in that wonderful place.  In 2011, I visited New Orleans, Louisiana and toured the Ninth Ward. I made a short film with iPhone 4, using the app “8mm” titled “Ten Commandments.”  The film  features local New Orleans musicians as well as the poem with inspired the film’s name as read by it’s author and among many other things, the AMAZING poet Jericho Brown, (which might be the biggest understatement of my blog’s short history).

For me the film serves to show the disparity between the rich and the poor, through juxtaposing the ritzy, up kept stretches of St. Charles Street with the still dilapidated state of the Ninth Ward, even thought many of the homes, although not all, have been revamped and “George Jetsoned” by Brad Pitt’s generous endeavor.  In the Ninth Ward, some of the original ruin still lies on site, whereas all the streets and lawns that stand on St. Charles Street are manicured more than a metro-sexual living in early 2000′s San Francisco Bay Area….

Anyways be safe New Orleans!

ps

I ran into Blair Underwood outside the Blue Nile, which is where the locals as well as the local musicians go to play for fun and hang out.

Happy Birthday MD Photography and Eric Becraft – Celebrating my Two Year Company Anniversary – August 17, 2012

There are namely three things, among many others, that I respect wholeheartedly – Dave Matthews Band, Eric Becraft the quintessential mad scientist, and ANTS!  Do not mess with any of those in no particular order either, they more dangerous than “ICE MAN.”

On today’s morning walk, the kind where Penny Lane leads me, I accidentally stepped on a group of ants disassembling a scorpion.  This is their attempt at being safe about devouring it by taking it back to the farm and as such serves as both my Happy Birthday present to Eric as well as to my company – MD PHOTOGRAPHY!  I’m proud to celebrate my two year Anniversary! I’d like to thank my friends, family, and most importantly my clients that believe in MD Photography to “Help Remember a Moment Forever!”  Without all of which I would not still be here exploring, learning, growing, experiencing, and cherishing, and most importantly creating memories that last a lifetime.  Thank you all.  #gomicah #jade

The song is “Ants Marching” by Dave Matthews Band.

Oh and it’s hand held with a macro lens looking at lcd that was blanketed by the morning sun… you’re welcome to try holding focus and camera steady without monitor…

One day – (NEXT YEAR), I plan to make a special video commemorating all my projects for year 3…. until then…

Moonlight Lies – Short Film Premiere – August 13, 2012

I’m so proud of my cast –  Courtland Greenwood, Tristina Lindsey, Jorge Casanova, Lance Russell, and Kendall McCall, including my crew of one – Jeremy Montalvo, their patience and performance made this project allowable!  I am moving closer and closer to being a more technical storyteller which has been and continues to be a goal of mine.  This was an exciting project that allowed for me to explore the “Hitchcockian” mode of suspense:

*SPOILER ALERT*

I drew the genre of crime/detective, and so I wanted to write a love story with a twist that the main actress was the cop… a stark contrast from the “who-dunnits,” not that there’s anything wrong with that conventional story.  Enjoy and please leave feedback – other than “the helicopter shots were cool.”

Story by Micah and Gina DeBenedetto, Screenplay by Micah DeBenedetto, Sound by Jeremy Montalvo, Director of Photography, Editor, and Director Micah DeBenedetto.

Filmed entirely and completed within 72 Hours on location in Corpus Christi, Texas between August 2-5, 2012.

Special Thanks to Tony Martinez of Crush Girls, Ruben Barrera and Willy Yelverton of Goodnight Studios, Aerial Support provided by Peter Kendig of AirCzar (361) 884-2400, and Rebecca Akins, South Texas Underground Film, and Art Center of Corpus Christi.

Moonlight Lies –  72 Hour Short Film

“Moonlight Lies” – Short Film Trailer and Movie Poster – Premiere August 12, 2012 – Corpus Christi, Texas

Produced by MD Photography

Starring Courtland Greenwood, Tristina Lindsey, Jorge Casanova, Lance Russell, and Kendall McCall.

Story by Micah and Gina DeBenedetto, Screenplay by Micah DeBenedetto, Sound by Jeremy Montalvo, Director of Photography, Editor, and Director Micah DeBenedetto.

Filmed on location in Corpus Christi, Texas between August 2-5, 2012.

Special Thanks to Tony Martinez of Crush Girls, Ruben Barrera and Willy Yelverton of Goodnight Studios, Aerial Support provided by Peter Kendig of AirCzar (361) 884-2400, Rebecca Akins.

Moonlight Lies Movie Poster

Moonlight Lies Movie Poster

Note: Click on Poster for Larger View. PS this is my first movie poster – WOOHOO!

Ay Chihuahua!

Here is a short film I made for a seven day project for corpus christi film society in 2011. It’s titled “Ay Chihuahua! - a love story about a mother who doesn’t know but has a pretty darn good idea, but in the end it’s not really who she thinks it is.”

 

Official trailer:

 

Unofficial trailer:

 

Casting Call – 1/23/12

January 23, 2012

UPDATE: working title is “Lip Read!” – January 26, 2012.

Looking for multiple male and female lead characters for short film. This is going to be a strictly dialogue-focus piece shot across multiple locations in and around Corpus Christi, Texas. Filming dates not set. Roles are unpaid. Anyone interested please fill out contact form below.

SOPA and PIPA and a tribute to Sergei Eisenstein featuring John Lennon!

In honor of speaking against SOPA AND PIPA I have updated my webpage http://www.mymdphotography.com for today January 18, 2012.  If you click any of the links you will be directly taken to http://americancensorship.org/.

Please write your congress persons today, you can easily contact them through an internet form on their corresponding pages:

US. senators

House of Representatives

Texas House

Texas Senators

 

And in addition to all those festivities I’ll be out at Revolution (fittingly) tonight showing a documentary, experimental silent short … it will involve this guy:

 

 

and a tribute to this guy and in particular this stretch of soundtrack in his famous film:

 

Silent Film Call for CAST!

Location: La Retama Park http://g.co/maps/y3fbu (you can park behind the Thomas J. Henry building or anywhere along the street LEGALLY of course, and be mindful of ONE WAYS! … it’s downtown. Oh and please don’t hit any stray animals because that makes me mad and sad at the same time… and you won’t like me when I’m angry and sad.

Cast and crew call for film to be shown January 18th, 2012 at Film Slam @ Revolution as part of the South Texas Underground Winter Challenge: A Tribute to Sergei Eisenstein. Filming set for January 16, 2012.

Cast

Male lead – 20-40, hopeless romantic, dynamic character – wide range of facial expressions.

Female lead – 20-40, hopeless romantic, dynamic character – wide range of facial expressions.

Female extras – as many as possible. MAY WEAR SPECIAL MAKE-UP.

Male Extras: as many as possible. MAY WEAR SPECIAL MAKE-UP.

Crew

Production:

First Assistant Director

Script Supervisor

All positions are unpaid. Production dates scheduled for January 16, 2011.

Big Weekend October 14-16

I’m so excited, I’ll let the Pointer Sisters help me out here:

I’ll be shooting for the Caller-Times Gala “Under the Texas Stars” benefiting Muscular Dystrophy Association and then working on a local film project “Futurus” with Jimmy Wilden.

Saturday continuing filming at Harbor Playhouse Saturday morning for “Futurus” and then a rehearsal wedding dinner for our October 22nd Bride Renee! Then over to the American Bank Center for rehearsal for the Second Annual Fashion Showcase.

Which leads me to Sunday where MD Photography will be providing the event videography for the Second Annual Fashion Showcase and then enjoying dinner and a Spaghetti Western.

Have a great weekend!