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!

A huge thanks is owed to all the talanted people who made the Motion City Soundtrack video happen this weekend.
Virtual reality, cloning machines, death rays, and a choreographed dance sequence. I think we covered all the bases.


Also, check out Spin Magazine's list of the best music videos of 2009. Manchester Orchestra comes in at #8 on the countdown-
Lady Gaga got robbed!



If you haven't gotten your fill yet, there's more Manchester Orchestra action over at videostatic, where Keith Schofield was nice enough to join me for a video commentary. Hear us discuss the finer points of filmmaking and count the number of times I use the word "like".