The summer of our creeping malaise

On my way to our set last week I got a call from the series producer. He never calls. He wanted to know if I could stop by and chat before shooting. I assumed it wasn't to tell me what a great job our team is doing, how lovely the footage looks, what compelling performances and artful photography are doing to advance the narratives forward.

No, it was more along the lines of: The exec. producer hates it. While we had a series of "creative" meetings, wherin we agreed on a "style" for shooting our segments, the big man isn't seeing what he needs.

This is totally valid: Just because a bunch of guys agree verbally doesn't mean the finished product will reflect the image that each individual sees in his head.

So, while I said earlier that we were shooting in a naturalistic style, we have been directed to also keep it abstract, and to look for the "cool shots" wherever possible.

I think this is great news; it's actually very freeing. The episode we shot last week was a creative highpoint for our team- and we've coined our own style: "Nabstrualistic"

Mike Phyte's translucent irises were a high point, and as always he killed, pun intended. Jake Cross continues to excel as a versatile and deep asset, both as actor and technician. And the older folks in the scenes were transcendent. I mean that.

But most amazingly, Stephen Guidry managed to rescue keys from a locked car in a manuever that NASA should study for future missions....