A year ago we were sitting with Diego in Glassworks editing Calliope. We were discussing the magic of film making and how fulfilling it is to see something, that was once just an idea, brought to life by a collaboration of fine craftsmen. I suppose it’s not unlike baking or building -and there’s plenty of baking and building on film sets…and hairdressing -film is basically made up of those courses in high school that most teachers thought were a waste of time. In some ways those cynical teachers, like Mr. Fuckwad (or whatever his name was) -whose lessons i never remember- were right; it’s a struggle if you decide to do the-road-less-traveled thing. But the influential teachers like Marlin Potts, Peter Chung or even people like Jim Henson -whose lessons swim around my head everyday- knew that the struggle is always worth it for the life you get in return. Professional Imaginator. Creation Director. Art Gardener. Dream Maker. You’ll never feel fulfillment like it -while at the same time feeling hungry (literally and metaphorically).

Here we are, one year later; Tonight Arran and I will be sitting in another editing suit in soho. We’ll talk about the wonders of film making with our editor, Bridgette Williams and we’ll feel hungry and fulfilled at the same time. We’re editing a short film we directed a couple of weeks ago. It’s quite big for a little project and it should get some exposure. Can’t wait. Feels like Easter morning! Not the nailing-a-guy-to-a-cross part as much as the finding-chocolate-eggs-that-a-bunny-left-for-you part.

Speaking of eggs and bakers and ideas coming to life in the oven; Arran has an update for you a little later.

And Speaking of forgotten lessons…Whoever the hell taught me punctuation and spelling aught to be ashamed of themselves.

Oh by the way, if you’re wondering what he’s doing one year later, Diego is editing his own film which he shot in Mexico. I saw an early cut of it last night. I get a bit of a David Lynch/Sergio Leone/Stanley Kubrick vibe from Diego’s directing and editing. You’ll see what I mean eventually.

Thought I better take a moment to tell you that I’m a married man now and that it feels pretty damn good.

Kelly and I had a lovely ceremony up at Loch Ard. We were amazed at how many of our close friends and family made it up there to party with us and we were touched by all the love and good wishes sent to us from around the world.

Photo taken by our friend Kelsey Horne.

If you were there don’t forget to send your photos in for the “Bestest Wedding Pic Contest”, if you haven’t already. Remember, the winning photo wins a spending spree at the shop of your choice (some limitations may totally apply). So don’t miss the deadline… I have no idea when that is. Maybe it already passed. I’ll have to ask the wife, I think she’s in charge of deadlines.

Do you wanna see our wedding tattoos?

Corran was the best best man a man could have and everything went without a hitch… well aside from my dropping the ring and almost forgetting my vows… etc.

To tell the truth I’m glad all the wedding madness is over. Now I can get on with what I have been looking forward to most- the “being married to Kelly” part. Watch out because I’ve never been as inspired as I am now.

Also watch out because now I am going to really let myself go. I shall grow a large belly and dress exclusively in sweat pants from this day forth.

Now… What were we saying? Oh ya. We made some goddamn MTV.

Shot the video for ‘Calliope’ on the first weekend of April. Then did the post at Glassworks, a superb facility, on and off throughout the month. We owe them and a lot of people a big THANK YOU but especially Diego Vazquez Lozano who wore a lot of hats for this job and stayed up way past his bedtime more than once (Diego also worked with us on the AUDI project we directed in April. But we’ll tell you about that one later).

The Veils are a charming band and a joy to work with. Hope you enjoy ‘Calliope’. It’s a sweet sweet song. Perfect for summertime frolics for all the teenage alcoholics who never mind the bollocks.

We’re shooting a video for The Veils this weekend. Check them out. myspace.com/theveils They’ll be heading to Americ’r and Canad’r in a couple months. You should see them live.
Okay. Off to prepare. Busy days ahead.
xoxo

Cara cooked us a delicious roast on Sunday. As you can see I was very helpful. I filmed the process. The music is Stereolab — Lo Boob Oscillator.
xoxo

Steve Barron’s “Choking Man” won the ‘Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You‘ award (for features without theatrical distribution) at the Gotham Awards last night!

I suppose we should do a “My Summer Holiday” post one of these days. Although it wasn’t really a holiday. Maybe it should be a “My Working Summer Holiday” post. Or just “Summer 2006″. Ya, that one. I’ll get back to this.
One of the highlights this summer was our sister Annan’s wedding at the Duck Bay Hotel on Loch Lomond (Scotland). It was a beautiful thing.
Here eir eh couple eh pho’eez ay et.

That’s Annan.

That’s Russell and Annan McLachlan.

Our friend and mentor Steve Barron has a new movie out. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Fest –where it did very well- and next, I think, there will be a screening of it in LA (we’ll double check that for you and post an update later today). If you get the chance, you must see this movie.

This review by Jordan Hunter at Indieville says it best.

More info here:
The Choking Man website
The myspace profile
And the Choking Man trailer

Just like to say a big congratulations to Leslie and Chris.
for the cute baby action.