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July 30, 2008

THEN / NOW




Then (1998): Director Christopher Nolan releases his first film, Following, which was shot on weekends over the course of a year for $6,000.


Now (2008): Director Christopher Nolan's latest film -- about a guy who fights crime dressed as a bat -- made an average of over $6,000 every 20 seconds (if my math is correct), in its first 10 days of release.

More on the incredible rise of The Dark Knight director in an article from last week's Hollywood Reporter.

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 12:29 AM |

July 29, 2008

DIGITAL VIDEO DISC



As you may recall, my short film for Liz Claiborne Inc., Runway of Opportunity, premiered exclusively online last month. But even in this age of online video and VOD, it's still nice to have your work delivered on something tangible like a DVD.




The project never really felt complete until I saw this stack of Runway DVDs today (a small batch was produced for the teams at Liz and Yahoo!). There's something about the packaging, the graphics, the artwork, and the experience of opening a DVD; things you can't exactly replicate online.




DLM
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Posted by DLM at 12:35 AM |

BE INSPIRED

Kellie, one of the subjects of the film ATHLETE, has a new blog called Finding Your Limits (nice title).




It's something she recently started to share with fellow and propsective triathletes her experience as an everyday athlete. I've had the chance to witness Kellie's passion and dedication first hand, and the blog (although only two weeks old) gives you a good sense of her incredible work ethic.

Her next event is Ironman Louisville in Kentucky next month. Follow her training and progress as she prepares for her biggest race of the year.

"Blood. Sweat. Tears. Heart."

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 12:15 AM |

July 20, 2008

GO ARTIE GO



After my early morning screening of The Dark Knight, I headed a few blocks over to cheer on Artie and his Achilles guides Stewart and Nora who participated in the Nautica New York City Triathlon.




I haven't been to a tri since I wrapped filming on ATHLETE at Finger Lakes last September. It was great to check out the NYC event since I missed it last year (was filming a small, little race in Lake Placid on the same day).




On my way to catch The Dark Knight at 4 am this morning, I came across triathletes, clubgoers and the late-night crowd all together on the subway. Only in NY.



Looked like a tough race in the intense heat and humidity this morning.



Congrats Artie, Stewart and Nora on a great race.

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 07:40 PM |

THE KNIGHT BEFORE THE DAWN



Finally caught The Dark Knight at a sold-out 6 am screening (that's right, am). Beggars can't be choosers. Was grateful to catch it in IMAX on opening weekend, as most of the IMAX screenings in NYC have already sold out this week.










So the verdict? I thought it sucked. That was a joke (pun intended, hahahaha). No seriously (again, haha) words can't describe how much I really liked this film. And no I'm not going to write a review (there are probably a billion already online). Instead, I'll leave you with this.




But I will say this. For me what makes The Dark Knight such a great film (and not just a great superhero film) is that it's incredibly poetic and well-written. And of course, the impressive gadgets and top-notch cast don't hurt either.

Go see it. In IMAX.

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 06:48 PM |

July 18, 2008

HELLUVA PAIR



I promised no more posts about sneakers. But these are no ordinary pair. They're limited edition Hellboy 2 sneakers by adidas (Forum Mid to be exact). It's a unique collaboration between Universal Studios, Dark Horse Comics, and adidas; released in conjunction with Guillermo del Toro's latest flick Hellboy II: The Golden Army (hence the red and gold colors).




By the way, HB2 is definitely worth checking out. Very innovative and satisfying summer flick. You definitely get your money's worth. The first time I saw the original Hellboy, I was not a fan (probably didn't help that I took a date to see it; she hated it; I know, nice move Mr. Romantic). But after repeat viewings on cable I've come to appreciate it. With that said, HB2 is far superior than the original. So go check it out (after The Dark Knight of course).














Oh yeah, figures sold separately (always wanted to write that).

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 08:15 AM |

July 16, 2008

IN THE SPIRIT OF THE DARK KNIGHT





Very sweet Holly. Thank you.

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 10:39 PM |

A FRENZY IN GOTHAM

With the opening of The Dark Knight less than two days away, NYC definitely has a serious case of Bat-Mania.

The Toys: An impressive display at Toys "R" Us in Times Square. A complete section built just for The Dark Knight toys by Mattel.







The Music: In-store CD signing with the film's composers, Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard at the Virgin Mega Store in Times Square. Aren't in-store signings usually reserved for rock, pop, and hip-hop stars? The CD "is getting a much bigger push than most soundtrack releases receive."







The Premiere: Quite the scene at the AMC Loews in Lincoln Center Monday night.









The best part was seeing the actual Batmobile (aka "Tumbler") and Bat-Pod in person.















Personally, I don't think I've been this excited about seeing a film since maybe the first Batman in 1989. It doesn't help that a guy in the office -- who's not into movies, but was lucky enough to catch the premiere in IMAX -- couldn't stop raving about it.

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 01:07 AM |

July 14, 2008

DESK TOY: HOME RUN DERBY



Name: New York Yankees 2008 All-Star Game Softee Bat And Ball Set
Designer / Manufacturer: Rawlings
Origin: Made in China
Acquired From: Modell's Sporting Goods, NYC
Fun Factor: Very, very high
Comments: Forget Wiffle, NERF, or cheap sponge balls. This set featuring a soft-core bat and a polyester-filled ball equals hours (I mean minutes) of fun in the office. The ball is soft enough for indoor play (so all office equipment and employees are safe), yet heavy enough to really travel through air and go the distance. Now you too can be the A-Rod of the office (not what I meant).

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 01:04 AM |

July 12, 2008

ONE DAY LEFT

Received an email from my pal Holly about her friend, singer-songwriter Zack Weber. He's close to making it to Chicago for the final round of the Lollapalooza "Last Band Standing" competition. But he needs your votes to get into the Top 5. There's one day left so go vote. I saw him perform live at her sister's wedding. The guy is good.




Vote HERE.

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 05:05 AM |

ABSOLUT WEST

Came across this ad for BeKanye on the bus yesterday, which is actually a new Absolut Vodka campaign featuring Mr. West. It's disguised as an over-the-top ad for magic tablets that help you "be Kanye" (pretty cool).






Absolut is a sponsor of the "Glow in the Dark Tour".




Read more about the campaign on Creativity magazine's site.

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 04:54 AM |

HOLY IMAX

Opening-weekend IMAX screenings for The Dark Knight in NYC have already sold out six days before its release.




The action sequences in the film were shot using IMAX cameras (a first for a major motion picture), and will "expand vertically to fill the entire IMAX screen, which can be up to eight stories tall".

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 04:37 AM |

July 09, 2008

WORDS OF WISDOM: GAS


DLM
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Posted by DLM at 12:49 AM |

July 08, 2008

TOM SACHS

I'm about two months behind on this, but I finally got to check out artist Tom Sachs' exhibit at the Lever House (after coming from Johan Bruyneel's discussion nearby).










Opening night coverage can be found on art blog SuperTouch.

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 01:05 AM |

JOHAN BRUYNEEL

Former director of Team Discovery and current GM of Team Astana, Johan Bruyneel, was in NYC to promote his new book We Might As Well Win.




He gave an engaging talk about what it takes to win (which he has plenty of experience in, yielding eight Tour de France champions).




In case you're wondering why Johan isn't currently at the Tour de France, his new team, Astana, was barred from this year's tour after a doping scandal in 2007 (prior to Johan joining).




DLM
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Posted by DLM at 12:45 AM |

July 07, 2008

AMERICAN POCKY

Pringles' new Stix snack = American Pocky.




DLM
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Posted by DLM at 07:41 AM |

July 04, 2008

HAPPY FOURTH




DLM
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Posted by DLM at 02:27 AM |

July 03, 2008

QUANTUM TEASER

The teaser to another must-see film, Quantum of Solace, has hit the web. The new 007 flick features Mathieu Amalric of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly as the villain.




DLM
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Posted by DLM at 05:19 AM |

July 01, 2008

ROCK + ROLL WEDDING

Earlier this year I vowed I would not film another wedding. Never say not. My friend Holly made me an offer I couldn't refuse -- her sister was getting married in a wedding/concert at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn (I've always wanted to film a live music event and the place is nearly identical to the Bowery Ballroom; same owners). What can I say. It rocked.






A great James Brown impersonator kicked things off.



Singer-songwriter Zack Weber.



Killer cover rock band Joe Dirt and the Dirty Boys closed things out.



Taking a breather backstage.



The lucky couple was also featured in Sunday's New York Times in a write-up and video about their wedding.

Holly you rock. Again congrats Carey and Chris.

DLM
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Posted by DLM at 12:49 AM |