"It's a story about us, people, being persuaded to spend money we don't have, on things we don't need, to create impressions that don't last, on people we don't care about."
- Tim Jackson

This quote from an economist kept coming to mind while I re-watched The Last Days of Disco. Still my favorite movie about young people in New York City. And young people in general. And, I guess, disco.

It's been a busy year, which is why this blog fell by the wayside months ago. I'm reading some of my posts from the past 2 years, and I'm having one of those moments where you realize that maybe you've become a totally different person really fast and didn't even realize it. Like when I rewatched some Wes Anderson movies a few months ago and questioned what kind of person I had been in college to identify so much with movies that I can barely stomach now. Or when I listen to an old mix cd that I used to love and now all the songs seem random and irrelevant.

So maybe I should just rename this blog, "Things that seem important enough to post about at the moment, but that I will feel uncomfortable reading again in less time than it takes for most people to graduate from bar tending school." Catchy, right?

This is what's happened since my last post: I'm married now, to an exceptional woman with pretty hair and a lot of patience. I've directed some great projects and spent way too much time reading people's youtube comments after they've been released online (I know I shouldn't do this, please help). I'm working on a feature screenplay that's probably going to consume the next 2 years of my life. Also, I just rewatched the above Woody Allen clip and realized that there are certain things that I will always think are great.

I'll try posting more regularly here, I promise.

My new Cage the Elephant video is being screened at Joaquin Poblete's Videomacher series this Friday night. Come by and talk videos with me over complimentary Boxed Waters!

The new video I directed for Cage The Elephant came out this weekend. I'm celebrating by being really sick.

Catskills set humor via Joaquin:

Q: How many first-time directors does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: "I don't know, what do you think?"

I'm back on twitter.

Yes, she takes a lot of pictures.

But did I mention that she also speaks a little Chinese?

And that she knows almost every tree in our neighborhood by its proper name?

And that she can do a dead-on impression of Hillary Clinton?

Did I mention that she can dance really well when she's a little tipsy?

And that she genuinely appreciates Dizzee Rascal?

And that she has a preoccupation with unsettling historical details? Like Howard Hughes' OCD. Or the Donner Party. Or Van Gogh's chlamydia.

Did I mention that she paints surprisingly well, especially on the backs of old paper grocery bags?

And that kids and animals adore her?

And that old men do double- sometimes triple- takes when she walks by?

Did I mention that she's brave? Even in the face of really bad odds?

And that she never gives up, because she's unwaveringly stubborn?

And that she has integrity, and grace, and a quiet dignity that makes everyone around her a little less afraid to be a little more sincere?

And yes, she takes lots and lots of pictures.

It was really only a matter of time before this happened.

moremediaforeveryone.com

We'd talked about starting our company for years, and last month was the perfect time to launch it. Steve and I have always had a do-it-ourselves (d.i.o?) mentality, and we're glad to have the opportunity to branch out completely on our own. Our rep, Laure Scott, is on board, and we're looking at options for UK and commercial reps. We're also excited to be joined by our good friend Josh Forbes. He's a genius in every possible way.

Since it's 2010 and an addendum like this is inevitable, you can follow us on:

twitter, facebook, tumblr, and flickr

On an unrelated note, this is hilarious.

Just got back from a life-changing experience in Kentucky. I saw things no man should see.

I passed out on the plane last night and woke up realizing that I'd had this on repeat for 3 straight hours:



Seriously, this is going to be a great year.

The new Motion City Soundtrack video I directed is out now. I owe a big thanks to the band, Targa, and everyone at Sony for taking a chance on a weird little idea. And of course, a giant thanks to Steve, Roger, Hillary, Bjorn, Ryan, Danielle, Chef, George, Justin, Joaquin, and our whole team of insanely dedicated and amazing people.

Also, check out the commentary I did with Keith for his hilarious Lenny Kravitz/Justice/Michael J Fox video. We talk enthusiastically about the 80s, Blossom, and promising young electronic french bands.

I started the year off with food poisoning and post-production, which is a horrible mix. I sampled every drink at the bodega on the corner, pleading with God to let something stay put in my stomach and sustain me through the edits, and re-edits, and edits of re-edits. Here's what didn't work: Gatorade, Naked Juice, 7-Up, Vitamin Water. Here's what did work: UCC Coffee. Leave it to the Japanese to concoct a beverage that's impervious to whatever evil cousin of mad cow disease/ebola virus I was suffering through. I'm addicted now.

The Manchester Orchestra and Pistol Youth videos ended up on a few more "best of" lists and Fuse has a cool behind the scenes feature on the Shake It Out video. Yet another opportunity to see Clay lose fake arm-wrestling competitions, this time from all new angles!