Ruth Du ___
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Posts
- Project Updates
It feels really great to do what you love to be doing, creatively, successfully and with a slice of good ol’ humble delicious effin pie. Here’s what I’m up to and here’s what I’m multi-tasking when I’m not making call sheets.
FLORIA’S SUNDAY a short film
I’ve managed two rough cuts so far, and at a point where I need some critical advice. I need to cut this shorter, but everything that I’ve written is there and perhaps it’s time to kill more darlings. I’m meeting with my favorite professor Marco Williams and getting his input. He would let me know exactly what I need to do and what I need to get rid off.
I’ve got my colorist Alan Gordon ready to take this all in, hopefully by next week. And I’ve got my amazing sound design Clay Baucom on hold as well to do some ADR work at some point. The sound is so critical in this piece as it adds an extra element of suspense that we lacked in production. This is a great example of FIP (fix in post!!)
WARHOL SUPERSTAR
I’ve put Warhol on hold in my brain with Floria and all these other opportunities coming my way. However, Nick Dragisic, the other half of this monster, has been recording demos of 5 of our top tracks; those tracks that we think captures the story lyrically and musically. It’s been wonderful being inspired by this music to continually draft and work on the screenplay aspect.
I have to write a huge party scene with Warhol and all his animated friends, and that’s basically all that’s left and then we’ll have a brand spankin’ new working draft. By April, we’d like to have those 5 demo tracks completely produced and a strong draft that finally be able to pitch to producers and very ambitiously, studios…
www.warholsuperstarmusical.com
JUICE CLEANSE the Musical webisode
Yes, ANOTHER musical. Webisode style. Stevie and I had some great momentum last week meeting with the ever so talented Jeff Thomson. Our preliminary ideas are out there, and we’re currently searching for a film producer with musical theatre background and someone who really thinks this damn thing will become big. And we’re thinking big picture on this one. We’re hoping to re-work another draft of the outline, and start drafting the pilot episode. Our goal is to have two songs in production in the next month and perhaps go into production of the first episode late Spring.
HELIOS narrative feature film / short / in development
I wrote a one page synopsis for HELIOS about three years ago when I applied for the Sloane Foundation grant. It’s essentially about a solar powered girl and a battery powered boy and the societal conflicts that come with these two lifestyles. I never thought I would be a science fiction writer, but given the premise and requirements of the grant - let’s be honest, I wanted the money - I thought this was a great hybrid of sci-fi and drama, which I think I’m pretty good at.
I thought about turning the feature length idea into a short when I was flying back from Ohio for Final Witness Episode 5. During the 2.5 hours in the air, I drafted an outline that really focused on the Primitive idea and how their doomed relationship grows. And of course, there’s a couple of cool sci-fi moments where we see batteries being charged in their bodies and what not. NEAT, yeah?
The short is something that I’d like to shoot this summer, whether in NYC or in Portland since I originally had the Stump as my original backdrop to this story.
Unfortunately, I have to go back to the real-life world and 2nd AD/PC Celebrity Ghost Stories next week. However, I have enough support with these projects that the momentum will still be steadily flowing by the time I wrap the show. And once I get back to this steady stream, I promise you, things will evolve into rapids.
morning run highlights: “Welcome, Ghosts” Explosions in the Sky, “The Cave” Mumford & Sons, “Cinderella Man” Eminem, “A Real Hero” College — it’s going to be a great freakin’ day.
- Casting Floria's Sunday
What an incredible day.
I’ve got this on camera. I’ve got proof. I witnessed some amazing talent. Today was the very first time I witness my script come to life, and it was so refreshing. The scenes are emotional, psychologically challenging and extremely intense. While I was watching the first few actors run the scene, I couldn’t believe it was happening.
Casting has it’s ups and downs. It’s great to finally see the words live but it’s not fun having the challenge to director actors who simply aren’t right for the part. But everyone gets a fair chance and everyone deserves proper direction to help them get to an end goal.
We saw two people today dominating our script. After they left, my jaw dropped; I was beyond amazed. I looked at my producer and cinematographer and their expressions were the same. My producer had to smoke a cigarette. There was a line in the film, “Damn, it’s hot in here” as it’s set in the summer. It was maybe 30 degrees outside and our room was hot with tension. I loved every second of it.
Today was one of those days when I can fully confirm I am doing the right thing with my life. This is what I want to be doing constantly and I’m starting to feel like I can actually make this all happen. Every day is a step forward, and every day I have to keep trucking along. Every day I work harder, the more days like today that I feel confident that I am going to fucking make some great movies.
- 2011 Highlights & Awards
What an INCREDIBLE year it’s been. And here’s my annual traditional 2011 Highlights & Awards note. Now fully published on Tumblr/Twitter/My website because social media has taken over the world! Cheers to a fabulous 12 months prior and to many months ahead. Happy Holidays!
DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR
Kieran Cato, the craziest Aussie with the most amazing stories and drunk phone calls and fun times! I will never forget the time you called me drunk at a bar and tried to get me to come over because you talked to the bartender about me. And I think this was at maybe 6pm. Who can forget Friday night Beer O’Clock! Runner up goes to Steve Jaggi who paid for a lot of delicious wine and oysters, which didn’t sit too well with my stomach, if we all remember… =)
LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD (Longest Friend):
Allison Irvin. It has been a ridiculous year and with both our ups and downs, we’ve remained to be close. I love our psychic text messages and our stupid but awesome foursquare check-ins and I love that no matter how long we see each other or where we are in the world, we’ve always remain to be there for one another. Let’s do our best to do more wine and cheese and girls nights in 2012!!
NEWCOMER AWARD - COOLEST NEWEST FRIEND
Christine Lockerby. After the dinner parties and the attempt at getting skinny in January, I am so so happy to call you my real friend. Thank you so much for being there for me when I would get surprising and unexpected news on my phone and thank you so much for letting me be okay with eating some ice cream every once in awhile. Looking forward to more Teen Mom while burning calories!
Adam Bustin- I miss you like crazy and I wish you were in my life every day. Sydney wouldn’t have been the same without you. I wouldn’t have made it without you. Thank you for the 5AM pick ups and loud rolling echos but most importantly your effortless friendship even while we’re worlds apart.
HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR:
This is totally not my usual fashion, but my HIGH point of the year was the 2nd to last night of Bonnaroo when Emily and I had an amazing time waiting in line for the glowing ferris wheel and continued to blaze waiting for Girl Talk and then appropriately and so perfectly dancing until the hours of the morning. One of the best experiences of my life.
LOW POINT OF THE YEAR:
The weekend where we had a end of summer Hurricane storm in NYC. I spent too much money on junk food that I was supposed to buy, escaped to a Safe Zone (and dreadfully imagining my entire apartment was really going to be washed away and all of my books will be destroyed) Although it was happily spent with Jill (and my favorite NBC meteorologist) in my mind I wish it was different.
BEST HOLIDAY:
Mardi Gras. It’s not really a holiday, but definitely a celebration! Will never forget marching the Sydney Mardi Gras parade with the Roller Derby Girls and feeling independent and proud to be who I am. And yes, painting on myself and the dazzling glitter all over my body was pretty great.
YOUR SONG FOR 2010
Kings of Leon “The Face” Somehow this song captured the majority of my year. I found this song while I was in Sydney, pretending that I was a super hot surfer chick (but trying my best to be able to stand up on that board) The song repeats “Ride out the wave” which is now represented with my new ink on my ankle.
The Temper Trap “Soldier On” the best driving song, the best cigarette on the fire escape song, and the best inspiration song to just move forward and tell yourself that it’s all going to be okay.
MOVIE FOR 2010
Blue Valentine. One of the most powerful films that I’ve seen in awhile that I think about almost every single day. And… Ryan Gosling and a ukulele is probably the hottest thing. Runner up goes to Drive, specifically the elevator scene.
WHO DID YOU SPEND VALENTINE’S WITH:
The Cast & Crew of Short Beach!
BEST RELATIONSHIP
Me and my apartment. It has been the safest haven and I’ve become so comfortable in this space, even though I’m not really here. When I am back in the now painted colors of my apartment, I’m relaxed and not anxious of the “next” I have memories that I wish I don’t remember, but memories that I’ve become to appreciate so much. Yes, I am really lame on this one, but I think my apartment has been the one consistent thing of my entire life this year. And although my friends have been absolutely a huge lifeline, my HOME is truly something I will never take advantage of.
Anne Takahashi- although we rarely get the opportunity to spend time, each one of our dinners, or lunches, screenings or museum days are so much fun and always insightful. What an adventure that night in Astoria! One of the best nights of my summer by far =)
WHAT WERE YOU FOR HALLOWEEN
Day 1 of Light Years was on Halloween night, so in my absolute professional manner, I did not dress up, but I did wear that old pirate hat from last year. First impressions to cast and crew were positive I believe =)
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Cruisin’ Diner in the middle of nowhere Newberg, Oregon and/or past Tigard/Backyard of Beaverton. After a much needed night drive, Christine and I found a this lit up diner along a four-way stop. I parked the car, smoked a cigarette and we proceeded to have delicious burgers, milk shakes and onion rings. “This is the best worst decision ever.”
Runner up: Gus’s Fried Chicken, Memphis TN. Proud to have shared a 20 piece family bucket with two macho long island boys. Tom’s in Prospect Park because sometimes you just need to order french toast and sausage and coffee and a milkshake and walk to Manhattan.
BOOK OF THE YEAR
Downtown Oil by Chuck Klosterman. It took forever for me to finish but it’s an amazing read with some especially interesting small-town insight. After growing up in the suburbs and moving to the biggest city in the world, the charming and dysfunctional small-town vibe is what I find the most valuable.
Looking forward to reading more chapters of BJs future novel!!
BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR
Writing on Christine Luby’s facebook wall on February 1st which led me to getting hired to fly across the world in 72 hours and land in Sydney, Australia for 2 months!. NBD.
Runner up: Paying the extra $150 to change my flight back to NYC from LA so I can spend more time with Alexis and go to Universal Studios with Jessie and Matt. Greatest layover ever.
BEST PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR
I have a wedding in May and I know it’s gonna be a helluva good time. I want Nick and I to finish Warhol Superstar and share it with the rest of the world. I’d like to have everyone start singing the songs that we wrote, and talk about the moments that we’ve created. But other than that, I don’t really plan ahead. Doesn’t really work out that way.
DUMBEST IDEA WHEN DRUNK
Again, delicious wine and oysters do not mix. I was actually a really good drunk this year so nothing particular stands out. I peer pressured Christine to stay out one night (which I later was thanked for) I keep taking tequila shots that Paul Frazier keeps buying which makes me ridiculous sick the next morning. Oh and McDonalds walking drive-thru. Double cheeseburger epic fail.
TV SHOW OF THE YEAR
How I Met Your Mother. It’s on prime time on 3 different channels and I’ve watched them on Netflix. It’s our generation’s Friends and every episode pretty much sums up some part of my own life. Runner up: Friday Night Lights. Oh how I miss the boys on the field and coach’s inspirational pep talks.
MOST LOYAL FRIEND
Christine, Kate, Liz and Manda- my ladies back in Oregon. I am so happy to be back in your lives beyond the world of facebook and internet-y. Seeing your guys’ faces so much this year has reminded me how true we are to one another and how we’ll always be apart of each others lives no matter what! Oh my GOD the cliches but I love it!
BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR
I no longer have prime # in my life. And somehow, it has become surprisingly difficult to get over. I’ve just learned to trust my feelings and not hide them no matter how delicate the situation is. There may be a solution for most type of heart cramps, but sometimes, they just kind of suck. C’est la vie!
BIGGEST DOUCHE BAG OF THE YEAR AWARD
I’ve been treated pretty well this year so I was luckily not hanging out with douche bags. I wish “Steve Arrow Bar” all the best as I’ve ignored his endless text messages and don’t really feel too bad about them.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
- Buy a new effin’ swim suit and look bomb dot com
- Don’t be afraid to confront who or what you truly want
- Build shelves in the apartment
- Pride up and show off what I have the ability to do with my art form (self PR like whoa)
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
- The night before I left Aussie was a great reminder that I have amazing friends who support me
- Wine drinking and drunk frisbee at Prospect Park
- Sleepover with Jenn and Jo where we reminisced with Britney
- Homecoming with Tracy
- Lasting through a simple 3 day juice cleanse without cheating
- Breakfast at Tiffanys at BK Bridge Park w/Jenna. Beautiful weather, beautiful view, beautiful Jenna and beautiful Audrey
A bit of a preview of the new website!
More details to come.
- Mom the Film
I’m producing a super quirky and beautifully written independent feature film set in Fort Green, Brooklyn. I’m working with the team at Cavazos Film with director Lonely Christopher. I met with everyone today and I’m thrilled to be apart of it all!
Check out the link here: http://www.momthefilm.com
The demo trailer is just a taste of what our film will be like!
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Videos
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portfolio selects
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warhol superstar
- "Warhol Superstar" is a feature-length musical. The story follows Emily Francis, a girl escaping Peachtown, Georgia to conquer her ambitions to bcome one of Andy Warhol's superstars in New York City. This written for screen musical features Original tunes by Nick Dragisic and is inspired by the style and artists of the 1970s: The Doors, Velvet Underground, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez just to name a few."Warhol Superstar" is currently in development. We will be recording fully produced featured demo tracks in 2012.Visit www.WarholSuperstarMusical.comPlease contact warhol@ruthdu.com if you're interested in learning more about this project.
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Posts
- Mar 04, 12
A crumbled affair turns fatal.
Starring Bettina Taylor and Pascal Yen-Pfister
Producer: Robin D'oench
Associate Producer: Harry Bainbridge
Cinematographer: David John Carroll
Production Designer: Sophie Finkelstein
Art Director: Jennifer Proescher
Assistant Director: Jill Sapenoff
Script Supervisor: Chris Hawthorne
Assistant Camera: Torian Tarrant
Hair & Make-Up: Dasha Kitteredge
Art Assistants: Corey Jane Cardoso, Tom Cuzio
Sound Mixer: Nick Chirumbolo
**Currently in Post-Production ** - Mar 04, 12
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Shot in-studio at Kloud Media, NYC
Shot on location in Williamsburg, BK + East Village, NY
Premiered on AOL Music, Spring 2011
featuring Allen Husley
Producer: Jason Blevins, Danush Parvaneh
Cinematographer: Mingjue Hu
Assistant Camera: Josh Fisher, Brian Streem
Gaffer: Andrew Hubbard
the outlet music // www.clairelondon.com - Mar 04, 12
A historical interpretation of the first night Allen Ginsberg recited his infamous poem, "Howl". Set in San Francisco, 1955. "Six '55" premiered at Howl! Fest September of 2010. It continued to screen at NYU's premiere festival First Run in April 2011 and the Manhattan Film Festival during the summer of 2011. After it's short season in the festival world, Six '55 had secured a distribution contract with GoDigital media.
Shot in-studio at Todman Soundstage
featuring: Roger Massih, Kohl Beck, Steve Carrieri, Jeffrey Farber, Adam Santiago, Caitlin Talbot, Rebecca Hirschman, Jessica Hendricks
Producer: Skylar Mathey
Production Manager: Megan Mancini
Cinematographer: Andrew Ellis
1st Assistant Director: Nicole Sanders
2nd Assistant Director: Justin Ayers
Casting: Alexandra Stergiou
Production Design: Nick Tong
Art Direction: Jenna Yost
Costume Design: Sarah Scheld
Hair & Make-Up: Fiona Tyson
1st Assistant Camera: Sebastian Slaytor
2nd Assistant Camera: Alexander Riezebeek
DIT: Dominika MIchaelowska
Steadicam Operator: Seth Hagenstein
Gaffer: Nathan Hurtsellers
Grips/Electrics: Jay Chen, Rick, Donhue
Production Assistants: Andrew Donohue, Michelle Docampo, Lori Dinsmore
Post Production Sound: LeeAnn Dunkelberg, Clay Balcom
Colorist: Alan Gordon
Music: "Stardust" The Ink Spots, "The Accidentals" Spoon Fed Adults - Mar 04, 12
Shot on location in Brooklyn, NY
Shot in-studio at Hayden 5 Media, NYC
Producer: LeeAnn Dunkelberger, Allison Irvin
Cinematographers: Skylar Mathey, Brian Streem
Production Design: Jenna Yost
Art Director: Nick Tong
Assistant Camera: Mingjue Hu
Gaffer: Josh Fisher
Electrics: Andrew Hubbard
Grips: Seth Coleman, Drew Verdame
j. chris griffin productions - Mar 04, 12
Shot on location in Drogheda, Ireland
Producer: Jim Lawless, Liam Ryan
Cinematographer: Gavin O'Reilly
Assistant Camera: Josh Sachs
Production Design: Jenna Yost
Script Supervisor: Katie Kelley
1st Assistant Director: Liam Ryan
2nd Assistant Director: Stephanie Feldman
3rd Assistant Director: Christine Brouthers
Gaffer: Michelle Meredith
http://thecoronas.net/ - Mar 04, 12
- Mar 04, 12
Shot on location in Nyack, NY
Premiered May 2010
Cinematographer: Skylar Mathey - Mar 04, 12
Premiered October 2009
Shot on location at Ella Lounge in NYC
featuring Mike Ivers
Producer: LeeAnn Dunkelberger
Cinematography: Atif Hashmi
Gaffer: Skylar Mathey
Production Design: Sarah Scheld
Art Direction: Jenna Yost
G & E: Dan Kavanagh, Zack Sigel, Austin Henderson
modern vintage recordings (co-founders: Eshy Gazit and Patrick Ermlich)
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production resources
- my talented friends:Kloud Media//Andres Cardona (Director of Photography)// http://kloud.tv/Hayden 5//Todd Wiseman & Milos Silber (Producers, Founders)// http://www.hayden5.comGravity Sleeps//Samuel Baumel (Producer) // http://www.gravitysleeps.comWalter Pictures//Lia Mayer-Sommer (Producer)// http://www.walterpictures.comPost Pro Gumbo// Alan Gordon (Editor)// http://postprogumbo.comJohn J Custer (Graphic Designer)// http://www.johnjcuster.com/Modern Vintage Recordings//Patrick Ermlich & Eshy Gazit (Producers, Founders)// http://www.mvrecordings.comNick Dragisic (Singer, Songwriter, Producer)// http://www.nickdragisic.comClay Baucom (Sound Designer, Web Designer)// http://www.claybee.com/
