I have a tooth infection and some sort of gum disease. When the dentist asked why I didn’t come sooner, I explained “I don’t get sick”. I really don’t. But trips to the dentist have taken up more time than I care to mention and during every trip all I can think is “why did they choose green walls and fluorescent bulbs? Can’t they at least put in cool white bulbs? Or something warmer”. One of my great aspirations in life is to be a philanthropist and first on my list is to change the lighting in hospitals and dentist offices. Unless you go to the swank places on Park Avenue (like I did for my 1st root canal, back when Mom and Dad fronted the bill), most health institutions look depressing. Even if you felt fine going in, a few minutes sitting in the waiting room will convince you that you are going to die. Soon.
Cybel Martin: The Park Incident
I had a very “inspiring” interview this past Wednesday. More on that in a sec. After the interview, I had a terrific conversation with my mother who had just returned from China. I then decided to chill out in the park before “returning to work” (emails. Mandy.com. Sending out reels etc). There was the hint of spring and I found my favorite little spot in the park. All of a sudden, I saw a Happy Birthday balloon float up into the air. I shielded my eyes from the sun to watch its ascent. I glanced around me and several other people were doing the same. Their faces filled with amazement. I think we all saw the 16mm print of “The Red Balloon” when we were in first grade. That feeling never dies.
Cybel Martin: Feature Film Interview
I got a call Tuesday night for a feature film. Shooting B/W. Thriller/Film noir. And I was thrilled. I grew up on film noir and nothing would make me happier than to shoot one. I spoke briefly with the producer and loved his energy. I knew this job was mine. I was already envisioning the camera package I’d rent from Panavision. I could get us a really good deal. There was a gaffer I wanted to use. I was ecstatic. Cut to…
I met the director and he was far from impressed with my work. What I heard was that he wanted to shoot B/W but could have no confidence in me because I did not have B/W on my reel. Ok. No bitching. There is a huge upside. Have you ever had an ex-boyfriend who you hated because he broke up with you before you could say the words? Same thing.
Cybel Martin: No Cigar
The director arrived to my interview late and while I was waiting I was talking to crew members from the tv show “6 Degrees” who were shooting in the same location. During my interview, the director explained he wanted to shoot on a small HD camera, little crew and handheld camera movements. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. I had proudly done films like that before, but 2007 is supposed to be the year of bigger and bolder career moves. That’s why the new reel. That’s why the meetings at HBO & Showtime. That’s why I spent 10 hours at Panavision one day last year to learn about every single lens that they own.
I want to shoot productions as big as “6 Degrees” not as small as his feature film. I can’t be mad at him for knowing I was not a match for this job. Great lesson. If he were to call tomorrow and offer me the job, I’d still be thrilled for the opportunity. Really. But I have done enough work to move to the next level in my career and I can’t be upset when people let me do just that.
Cybel Martin’s Extra Tidbits:
It was a great week. I made a “cyber-intro” between a director and a producer that I believe will be beneficial and profitable for both. I love being a connector. I also had my “radical” day when I decided to phone everyone instead of emailing them. For all the details see my other blog. Lastly, I watched the film “Dreamland”. Not bad. The cinematography is gorgeous. Slightly too self-aware but truly luminous. I sent an email to a friend in Texas who wrote a great script that takes place in the desert. Maybe we can use this film for reference material for her feature. Ooh! And I went to one of the most incredible art shows ever. Ever!
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