Pushing The Envelope

It's all about the chemistry... Courtesy AMC.

Speaking of award ceremonies, I caught a very quick glimpse of the Emmys last night. Despite the irony of other TV award shows being nominated, they are right when they call this a "golden age" of television... "slow-burning, deeply satisfying pleasures" as The Atlantic put it. I too find myself more satisfied with what is being produced on the small over big screen lately (with the exception of Richard Linklater's new film, Boyhood, which was great for similar reasons). 

Today I learned that Breaking Bad won big at last night's ceremony... and rightfully so. The series, writers, lead actor (Bryan Cranston), supporting actress (Anna Gunn), and supporting actor (Aaron Paul) certainly deserved one last bow, following their brilliant run. Also deserving, The Colbert Report for Variety Series (I cross my fingers that the host will be as good when he makes the move to The Late Show). While I wait for the final season of the consistently captivating Mad Men, I hear there are plenty of other good shows to binge on... but I'm not sure I will ever see anything as thoroughly well-produced as Breaking Bad again. Here's hoping.

Related Link:

"Breaking Bad's Hard-Earned, Heartwarming Emmys Win," The Atlantic, August 26, 2014

"Emmys 2014 Winners List," Indiewire, August 25, 2014

#Trending!

This week I learned that Norman Rockwell Museum has been chosen as one of the finalists for a Berkshire Trendsetter Award in the area of "Public Relations"—it's been a busy year, so it's really nice to be recognized by the collaborative 1Berkshires for my efforts on behalf of the Museum! We were nominated "for efforts associated with their 45th anniversary celebration, which involved utilizing their in-house public relations staff to connect with local, national, and international media, and secured coverage in/on the NYTimes, Wall Street Journal, Jeopardy, CBS News, and others." Winners will be announced during a special awards ceremony to be held (in the Berkshires, of course) on Tuesday, September 9.

Speaking of managing the media, this summer has kept me on my toes. We have had some special visitors stop by, including a stop from the celebrity participants of Kiehl's LifeRide to support HIV/AIDS charities. Last Sunday it felt like HOG heaven, as over a dozen gleaming motorcycles descended on the Museum, en route during their nationwide tour. I didn't really recognize any of the celebrities, but several of my friends were jealous that Katee Sackhoff, an actress from the new Battlestar Galactica, was along for the ride. You can view some of my photos from the event here.

Even more satisfying for me that day: a visit from a veteran producer from ABC News, who had helped us with an update of some of our video production equipment. Along with my friend David, who sits on the Museum's National Council and has a background in the TV business, we walked around to look at the Museum's galleries and figure out any additional lighting or production considerations for a new promotional video for the Museum, which I am working on. It was quite helpful, and these two gentleman have been so supportive. I have been doing some filming around campus with our new Sony PMW-100 camera, and loving the results.

I mentioned in a previous post that I have been doing some freelance work for WMHT, the Albany, NY, PBS-TV station's new show, AHA! A House for Arts. The producers have asked me to create a segment on the Museum, and it's proven to be a bit challenging—in addition to trying to squeeze in the time to film, among other obligations, it is also a little daunting... since I am also the press manager, and want to show the Museum in the best light. I will keep you posted.

More immediately, the Museum has been featured on a number of TV news programs in the last week, including New England Cable News, which featured us on a segment broadcast live from Stockbridge (the Museum's town); WRGB-TV, the CBS affiliate in Schenectady (where my Mom used to sing); and Albany's Time Warner Cable News, which interviewed me last week regarding a generous grant the Museum just received from the George Lucas Family Foundation, to support our educational efforts (in addition to being one of the greatest storytellers of our time, the Star Wars creator is also an avid collector of original Norman Rockwell art). If you are a Time Warner Cable subscriber, you can watch the interview here.

#TripleSelfie! with radio host, Garrison Keillor.
June 2014.

Speaking of other celebrities, who meant a lot to our families over the years: Garrison Keillor, the host of the long-running radio show, A Prairie Home Companion, paid a visit to the Museum last June, following a taping of his show at nearby Tanglewood. It was a pleasure to meet Keillor, who I remember my father enjoying so much back in the day. I took some photos during his tour of our galleries, and my wife and I did manage to have him sign one of our books (Love Me, one of my favorites) and chat with him a little bit about the anniversary of his show, which just celebrated 40 years (he stressed that it was a "celebration," not an anniversary!). The noted humorist was just as charming as you would imagine.



Today continued to be busy with visits from reporters from The Boston Globe and Albany Times Union, so there never seems to be a dull moment at the Museum, which continues to celebrate its 45th anniversary. 

Anyway, the weekend is here and I look forward to some R&R... although exciting, a welcome change of pace from all the PR!

Laughing...Until It Hurts

Learning about Robin William's death yesterday was unnerving... to say the least. I was already feeling down, trying to figure out an ongoing challenge at work, and here was news that this actor/comedian, who seemed to have the best job and opportunities, had taken his own life. They say that laughter is the best medicine, so how to reconcile the fact that this comedic genius, who brought a smile to so many faces over the years, had been suffering? 

Good Night, Robin:
Promo photo from Touchstone Pictures'
"Good Morning, Vietnam," 1987

Of course I knew about Williams' past troubles with substance abuse; I am familiar with the darker demons that many artistic individuals struggle with. It's just one of those moments that makes you think about the bigger picture—echoing words from A.O. Scott's appraisal in today's New York Times, Williams was one of those gifted entertainers "we sometimes took for granted or allowed ourselves to tire of."  Someone who, regrettably, we always thought we'd have around.

I feel like I grew up right alongside Robin Williams' career. I remember his debut as the alien Mork (from Ork), first on Happy Days and then in the series Mork & Mindy. It was hard to ignore his manic energy... his zany, "all things go" style. His comedy specials made us think he was "fearless."

Later, it was interesting to see this intensity displayed on the big screen—in both successful comedic and dramatic roles. Some of my favorites include Good Morning, Vietnam (1987); Awakenings (1990); Aladdin (1992); Good Will Hunting (1997); the remarkable One Hour Photo (2002); and, of course, Dead Poet's Society (1989), where he playing the unconventional teacher, standing on his desk, inspiring his students to "seize the day."

Photo courtesy Ellen Mazzer. Los Angeles, CA, August 2014.

Sometimes he could be a bit much, but you can't say he never "went for it" as a performer (even in media interviews). Having done my own share of improvisational acting, I admired and recognized his rare talent—I don't recall watching any of his performances thinking, oh that's Robin WIlliams the comedian doing "Teddy Roosevelt" or a doctor, or what have you. He was a comforting presence on the screen (almost like a family friend), and still delivering the goods after all these years. It's heartbreaking to think that there will be no more.


On a human level, it's hard to hear about another individual who battled and lost out to depression. For the sensitive soul, it can seem especially challenging to find people to relate to and ask for support... if you are reading this and feel that way, I urge you to reach out anyway... to friends, family, acquaintances, or professionals. Life is hard, and I have felt that darkness... we all have at one time or another.

Related Links:

"Robin Williams, an Improvisational Genius, Forever Present in the Moment," New York Times, August 11, 2014

"Remembering Robin Williams," WTF with Marc Maron Podcast, August 11, 2014

U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK

Shoot the Moon

AP Photo/NASA/Neil Armstrong

Today marks the 45th anniversary of Apollo 11's moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969. Born exactly a year later, I grew up during a time when many of NASA's space race achievements had already been realized, but I think my generation has always had stars in our eyes... dreaming about what a trip to space might feel like never gets old.

Last month I had a chance to speak with one of the men aboard that historic Apollo mission: Buzz Aldrin was the second man to ever walk on the moon, following the first steps of fellow astronaut Neil Armstrong, who passed away in 2012. Aldrin and I had a rather lengthy phone conversation in June to discuss a potential project that would commemorate the anniversary—it was, of course, fascinating to hear about history from one of the men who made it. Lately, the pioneer has been encouraging further space exploration, including the idea of a permanent human presence on Mars (which he wrote about earlier this month). 

So, I'll keep you posted on any further developments about our possible collaboration (who knows, maybe I'll be blogging from the red planet at some point). In the meantime, here is a short clip from the video I created for Norman Rockwell Museum's 2013/2014 exhibition, Wendell Minor's America. In the clip, Minor talks about his work with Aldrin, illustrating the astronaut's two picture books, Reaching for the Moon (2005) and Look to the Stars (2009)—these two books are great for us "children" who weren't around to witness man's first steps on the moon, but surely benefitted from it. 

Related Links:

http://buzzaldrin.com

http://www.minorart.com

All That Jazz

Happy weekend. Just a few odds and ends to share here on this sleepy Saturday morning.

Yesterday, The Springfield Republican printed a lengthy interview I conducted about Norman Rockwell's Stockbridge studio, which is located on the grounds of Norman Rockwell Museum, and right outside my office window. As I mention in the article, having Rockwell's original workspace "is an extraordinary gift to understanding the artist’s process and literally being transported back in time to the space where he created some of his most iconic works,” You can read more here.

A peek at the beautifully-designed Hopper exhibition.
Photo by JC for NRM. All rights reserved.

Speaking of visiting another time, the Museum's new exhibition, The Unknown Hopper: Edward Hopper as Illustrator is an interesting show, showcasing a little-known aspect of the realist master's career; truth be told, Hopper despised the time he spent working in illustration—contrast that with a young Norman Rockwell, who was just starting his career around the same time (early 20th century), and always aspired to follow in the footsteps of such visual storytellers as Howard Pyle and J.C. Leyendecker. I appreciate that the Museum is not shying away from these facts, as the contrast is an interesting note to share, as I pitch the story to members of the press. This past December both artists set records at auction for American painters, showing how their art endures in popularity a century later.

Now that's an entrance! Photo courtesy B. Docktor Photography.
All rights reserved.

For the opening of the exhibit and to celebrate our 45th anniversary, the Museum presented a gala party, which was quite successful. The theme of the party was the "Roaring '20s," and many of us dressed the part. I have to say, Sarah made a lovely flapper, and I enjoyed playing my best Jay Gatsby, as I hopped around the party, photographing and engaging the various guests.; we even made the "society pages," as our photos made it on to two fun, Berkshire culture sites. You can view some of my own photos on the Museum's Facebook page.

Puttin' on the ritz! Photo courtesy Amy Krzanik. All rights reserved.

The 1920s are a fascinating era, full of change and new ideas for society—I watched a couple fine documentaries earlier this month to research the styles of the period, and it raised my interest to learn more about how American culture transitioned from World War I to a more modern age (and right before the big crash!). After the gala, the wife and I decided to finally check out a real-life speakeasy that we had heard about in Albany—the directions were to leave a reservation on their website, which was followed up by a phone call from their staff to confirm; we arrived at the appointed hour to a mysterious, red-lit entrance and after identifying ourselves, were buzzed in by a bearded man who seemed transported from the era! The interior decorations and wait staff furthered the vintage feel, and I have to say the Prohibition-era drinks seemed all the sweeter. We attracted several approving smiles as we found our way to our table, and settled in to enjoy a three-piece jazz combo. It was a wonderful way to cap off the evening. 

Lee @ night. Photo by JC. All rights reseved.

Speaking jazz, I heard good things about the rest of the Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend—my documentary on George Shearing was aired once again following the June 6 concert by members of Shearing's original Quintet, and both members of the audience and band were amused by the anecdotes captured by the jazz pianist's wife, Ellie Shearing (many inquired about buying copies of the video). Copacetic, as they say... and certainly nice to bring home a little extra bacon.

Related Links:

"Studio exhibit showcases Norman Rockwell's studio," Springfield Republican, June 19, 2014

"Norman Rockwell Museum Toasts To Two Masters" (photos by Amy Krzanik), Rural Intelligence

"Norman Rockwell Museum 45th Anniversary Gala" (photos by B. Docktor), Berkshire Style

"Norman Rockwell Museum's 45th Anniversary Gala" (photos by JC and Walt Engels), Norman Rockwell Museum Facebook page

"The Unknown Hopper: Edward Hopper as Illustrator" (exhibition photos by JC), Norman Rockwell Museum Facebook page

Coming Up For Air

Last month was incredibly busy, but certainly rewarding in a creative sense. In addition to finalizing the edit for the Berkshire Gateway Jazz video, May also marked my official return to working in broadcast television.

WMHT-TV's new weekly arts show... yes, I like the name!

WMHT, our local PBS affiliate, is airing a new show titled AHA! A House for the Arts, which I learned about this past winter. Intrigued, I reached out to the station to see if they needed any assistance with the production... I was in luck! My first work for the weekly arts program can be seen this Wednesday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m. You can watch a preview here.

I have had a nice relationship with WMHT Educational Telecommunications over the years, starting with their former arts show, InSight (which used to air my exhibition videos for Norman Rockwell Museum in their entirety), to my recent DJ stints with their roots rock radio station, WEXT—it seems fitting that a company that encouraged me to produce a two-hour radio special on the band A-ha, would go on to offer me a forum for further creativity on their TV arts show, also titled AHA (I was not involved in the naming of the show, though... honest!). Also nice is the fact that this new show is hosted by our friend, Katie Gorham, the WEXT DJ who helped me with both my A-ha and MyExit programs for the station.

AHA! features stories of artists and creative institutions, both locally and across the country. A celebration of all things creative, the show highlights everything from drawing and painting, sculpture, photography, literature, poetry, film, sculpture, digital, and the performing arts. 

My first assignment was to edit a segment, appropriately enough, on theater—Capital Repertory Theatre has been entertaining audiences in the Capital Region for over 30 years as a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres; it produces shows with an authentic connection to the community through outreach and performances in their beautiful 286-seat performance space in downtown Albany (we have seen a handful of shows, and have been most impressed).

Everything's coming up roses... hopefully!
Thanks to Cap Rep + photographer Joe Schuyler
for these beautiful "Gypsy" production stills which helped
with my segment, and made me all the more intrigued
to see more shows at the Albany theater!
Courtesy Capital Repertory Theatre. All rights reserved.
www.capitalrep.org

Working with previously shot footage was a nice change of pace, but a challenge since Equity rules prevented the crew from filming any rehearsals or performances of shows (at the time they were running the musical, Gypsy). I decided to bolster the interviews (with cast members and the theater's Producing Artistic Director, Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill) with some "performance"-style music, and fun production stills and commercials that were kindly provided by the theater. I think it came together well—clocking in at a little over 4 minutes, the segment took over 20 hours to produce... but I had a great time, and truly was in my element during the days that I devoted fully to figuring out the production challenge for this and the jazz video—for the uninitiated, editing is like a "high-tech jigsaw puzzle," and the reward is producing a final, compelling piece of visual storytelling—it's an art in itself. 

This first project was not without glitches and uncertainties, but I think I'll save any thoughts about that for a subsequent post. For now, let me savor this AHA! moment, and hope that there are more to come in the months ahead.

Related Links:

"AHA! A House for the Arts" website

Tribute To a Jazz Knight

Ellie Shearing (center) and members of Berkshire Gateway Jazz
during a May 2014 interview regarding her husband, Sir George
Shearing. Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

This weekend marks the third annual Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend, to be held in my former town of Lee, Massachusetts. This year's festival, which runs from Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7, will include a tribute to the late jazz pianist, Sir George Shearing.

Last March I was hired by Berkshire Gateway Preservation Inc. to travel to New York City, and film an interview with Shearing's widow, Ellie Shearing, in the beautiful apartment the couple shared near the City's Central Park/Museum Mile. The completed video, with Ms. Shearing recalling her famous husband's life and career (in front of his grand, Bösendorfer piano), will kick off this weekend's festival, with a free screening at the Lee Library, starting at 6 p.m. (the video will also be airing on CTSB-TV).

"The sounds of Shearing": behind the scenes.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights
reserved.

I enjoyed putting this latest music documentary together. It was interesting to learn about Shearing, who triumphed over the odds (and blindness) to become one of the most influential piano players in the world of jazz, with a distinct style that became known as the "Shearing Sound." I had a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the Shearings' home/ recording studio, and heard stories of the many jazz greats who connected with the pianist over the years. It turned out that he and Ellie used to live part-time in Lee, Massachusetts, so this weekend's events seem especially fitting. 

Friday's concert, to be held at the newly restored First Congregational Church in Lee, will feature The Sounds of Shearing, a tribute band to the jazz legend, with members of George Shearing's original Quintet. Proceeds from the concert will help benefit the efforts of the Berkshire Gateway Preservation. For more information about the festival and how to purchase tickets, visit the Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend website.

Related Links (updated June 6):

"Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend: Shearing ensemble honors a master," Berkshire Eagle, June 6, 2014

"Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend tribute to George Shearing to open summer music scene," Berkshire Eagle, May 27, 2014

www.georgeshearing.net