Ruth Du

Happy New Year! 2013 was a milestone year for me on a personal and professional level, and I couldn’t be more excited for 2014. It started with working with the incredible french director Bertrand Tavanier on Quai D’Orsay, a trip to China that led me to a meditation retreat / water fast which led me eventually to a road trip down to Los Angeles, this time for good. LA has brought many new friends and reunions with old ones. No Ordinary Hero was my first feature film in LA and one of my favorite films I’ve been on so far. 

Creatively, we wrapped up Khaled Dajani’s animated music video “Mad World” with my dear friend Nolan James, directed the pilot and a few episodes of a new webseries called Seeking and was able to work in Chicago with metal band, Dope. I was also lucky enough to reunite with old NYU friends who are currently studying at the prestigious American Film Institute. I production managed and coordinated a few shorts and have met truly talented producers and directors along the way. I recently wrapped A Daughter of These Hills (producer Michael Steiner) and Fearless (producer dawn deVoe) and although they both kicked my ass, it was a wonderful experience. 

One of my first major accomplishments in 2014 already was submitting to AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women. I did not get in last year and eagerly reapplied with a new script, new letters of recommendations and new director’s reel. I’ve grown significantly as a writer and filmmaker this year, and I think it truly shows in this year’s application. Crossing fingers for this potential experience! Enjoy the reel and send good vibes!

xxr

I recently dug up a series of old, videos from film school. In one of those hard drives, there was a behind the scenes video of the making of “Heroes or Ghosts” with The Coronas. I was 20 years old, in Ireland, directing a professional music video for one of the hottest bands in the country. I was so fortunate then, and even more fortunate now to have that video be apart of our repertoire. Here’s the link for you guys to check it out:

SEEKING the Series has been going strong in post-production. It’s been so much fun collaborating with Ronit and Adam Bonsib (our amazing LA-based editor) and it’s been hilarious to watch these episodes unfold. My favorite episode so far has got to be “I Glued You (A Bluegrass Nightmare). Watch it here:

FINALLY, I had the amazing opportunity to co-direct and produce a video for legendary metal band, DOPE. I worked side-by-side with Edsel Dope, the leadsinger and mastermind behind the band. I flew to Chicago with cinematographer Johnny Ching, and we spent a few days in a warehouse/art/recording studio space and shot the video. We shot some extremely dark, edgy, artful footage that will sure be a positive controversy within the metal community. THANKS to one of my mentors, Dale Resteghini (RAGE) and producer Niv Gat for sending this project my way!. Here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come:

In writing + developing news, I finished a first draft of SOLID STATE, a dramatic love story with two musicians trying to find one another while trying to conquer the music scene. I’m also still taking the right steps in polishing MAGIC HOUR, the musical that’s been in my head for the last few years. And co-writing a new webseries with the ever-so-talented David Harry Yoon that will sure stir up racy news in the hot pot of current social culture. I recently started an internship with friends at Ambush Entertainment, while working as a retail sales associate/ office manager at Native Boutique on Franklin Ave. This week I was lucky enough to attend several fashion shows as part of LA Fashion Week. Some new photos are up fashion shoots for Native with the lovely, Jenelle Kunz. 

It’s been a crazy 7 months in Los Angeles, and while grocery shopping today with flip flops and shorts on, I’m so damn happy to be here.

xx R

This past month, I was lucky to have the opportunity to direct 6 episodes of a new comedy dating series called “Seeking”. The show was created by the hilariously talented Ronit Aranoff. I flew back to NYC for the very quick 5 day shoot (yes, 6 episodes, in 5 days, it was insane) and met some seriously talented individuals. It was so much fun working with the cast and crew. We laughed our bellies off and I think we all feel confident that our show will make you laugh as well. 

The show is looking for some extra funding for post-production, and we’ve launched an IndieGoGo Campaign: 

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/seeking-the-webseries?c=home

Take a click, check out the super funny video and contribute if you can!

Looking forward to sharing the episodes with the world!

Had such a stellar time working with Nolan James and Khaled Dajani on this video. Super proud of the entire team that’s pushing this music video out into the world. Thanks to Richard Fulco at RiffRaf for posting this interview!

Timing is everything, right? I’ve been in LA for a week now, and the LA Indie Film Festival announcement happened just a few days ago. So entirely excited and lucky to be where I am today. And it’s 80 degrees outside. 

Here are the dirty deets on “Floria’s Sunday” West Coast premiere screening:

March 17th, 3:30 pm, Shorts Program 4

Let Live Theatre: 916 N. Formosa Ave. in West Hollywood.

Tickets can be purchased online at a discounted price: http://laindiefilmfest.com/tickets, or you can show up at the door and buy them for $13. 

And here’s a cool flyer to copy/share with your friends!

Sunday, March 17th, 3:30pm 

Let Live Theatre, West Hollywood.

Guinness + Whiskey to follow. 

Floria’s Sunday

winter teaser trailer

www.ruthdu.com

Quebec City, Quebec

There was never a dull moment exploring a new city and meeting new friends while reuniting with old ones. This trip confirmed the inevitable move that will be in the works in the next few months and this trip confirmed my LIFE GOALS that were always floating around. Many many thanks to my amazing friends who have invited me into their lives this past week. Thanks for the Sonoma Wanderlust, the Joe Cocker experience, the Bro-evaluations and the Roosevelt nights. Next time I’ll be here, it won’t be a “vacation” so no more overeating. See you soon xx

Because I’ve always really wanted to live in the 1950s. Still shot from Chevy spec “Technology Kids” and messed around with Pixl. 

Submitted. Chevy spec commercial, graciously granted by MoFilm featuring PushMethod’s “Technology Kids”

Floria’s Sunday is now in the hands of the ever so brilliant sound designer Clay Baucom. After a quick meeting and his first reaction to the end of the film, it’s exciting to get a fresh pair of eyes (and ears) to help wrap up this short.

After months of post production, a few editors and multiple cuts, Floria’s PIKLOK, as DJ likes to say, has finally reached a perfect place. It’s a heavenly slice of pie. I’m not bored when I watch this film and there is so little that I cringe on… yet! This one pulls at my heart, for whatever reason (and as many people ask, no, it’s not autobiographical). It was an emotional challenge and a directorial challenge and one that I want to keep pushing for. Bettina and Pascal were completely open taking this one in so many ways and it was a blessed collaboration that we were able to stick to a story that we all believed was the most compelling.

Here are some brilliant stills from the wonderful Sophie Finkelstein (photographer and production designer!)

rockstar dreams kinda coming true. #gaslightanthem (Photo by ruthie06)

floria’s sunday teaser trailer. du it. 

best sunday ever. hello spring nyc. (Photo by ruthie06)

makeshift recording studio in Bensonhurst. laying tracks for Warhol Superstar demos with @nickdragisic (Photo by ruthie06)

note passing while eavesdropping on a doomed relationship (Photo by ruthie06)

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. 

fancy. (Photo by ruthie06)

coming soon. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

Shit happens. 

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!

Fall 2011. BOOM. 

Kiss + Tell

Gucci is Art. (Taken with instagram)

At Loretta Lynns in Hurricane Mills, TN (Taken with instagram)

Dirty smiles. SoHo. (Taken with instagram)

clairelondon:

fresh ink. 

artist Mark Lonsdale at Kaleidascope Tattoo/Piercing Bondi, Sydney

DJ Earworm’s 2010 Yearly Mashup “Don’t Stop the Pop”

I personally dig last year’s better, although he gets super tricky in this one. Skills. 

Sunset - Warhol

1972. 

These are about to consume my creative life. 

Yesterday, I shot a short film that I wrote the previous Sunday. I named it Kiss + Tell, my prompt from the film collective that I’m apart of with Courtney and Maddie and other brilliant minds. It was a cigarette inspired idea months ago when it was still warm enough to really enjoy a break out on the fire escape. It’s refreshing to be able to do it; to come out with a product in a short amount of time for the sake of getting it done and for the sake of the craft. And it meant something. 

Today, I watched Love and Other Drugs, followed by a wonderful cappucino from Motek w/Jessie, followed by a surprise visit from Eric Rydin. The three of us dug deep into the conflicts of relationships and when it’s time to let go. I then proceeded to a end of the year dinner party with my wonderful Modern Vintage crew. 

Tonight I was in a beautiful, expensive studio with all of our artists in one room, mingling and chatting about their shitty day jobs and their aspirations with us. These guys trust us so much in putting their music out there; their trust is what drives what we do and all of us are so dedicated to it. We listened to amazing unknown bands that some of our creatives worked with at different studios. We talked about upcoming music and our past favorites, all while listening to these songs on one of the most advanced stereo systems in the world. 

This weekend, I was able to be Create and love my creations. 

Tomorrow, I’ll continue to polish all of these projects together and see what comes of it. 

This is the rest of my life. How fucking lucky am I?

I had an inspired Friday night. After an unexpected emergency ice cream session with Jessie, we resulted to cigarettes and wine. While on the back porch of her St. Marks apartment we smoked, drank and dived into our usuals: love, happiness, the realistic future vs the hopeful future. And we came up with our usual results: in order to protect ourselves as sappy romantics we have to gear up our hard shells for the unexpected. Shit happens and we can’t let them effect us like it has in the past. 

We moved our whimsical chatter inside where we consumed an obnoxious amount of Honey Dijon kettle chips and cheese and crackers. It was delicious, classy and perfect “settling on life” type of food. To our merry surprise, Matt came home from his shoot in Connecticut and we all caught up. A few minutes later, Jessie’s old friend, Kendall, came into the door. 

Kendall enlightened me into this astrological world that I only heard whispers about. I told her my birthday and she immediately responded, “You’ve had a tough summer, didn’t you?” She was able to pinpoint a small range of dates that were devastating for me, and this was absolutely astonishing. My so-called tragic moments were in the stars. 

She went around the room and read our star charts. I was wide-eyed, jaw dropped and continuously surprised by the accurate personality portrays she was able to pull from Matt and Jessie. I was charmed when she told me I was really an introvert, a trait that I thought I had gotten over in these years of busy city life. She told me that Jessie and I match very well with our opposing signs. She told me my lucky day next year will be June 4th and that I should not spend a lot of money next year even though I will have a very successful and career focused year. 

She also told me that I had Jupiter in the 10th House, a sign of fame and recognition in your social, public image. I take this cautiously, but deep down inside, I am thrilled, as it coincides with my ultimate goal of making films that inspire and share with the world. 

I’ve always had a spiritual side; not religious, but spiritual and always thinking that there is some sort of divinity that helps people in a certain path. It was just last week when I was asked the question of my religion. Having some kind of omni-presence is assuring. I recently had a conversation about death with a semi-Catholic raised charming writer who needed proof to believe in a Heaven. “If I was a true Catholic, I would be going to Hell.” he said, while we were merrily drinking at an Irish bar in midtown. He needed something to tell him that there is some other world, the greener side, he refused to believe that there was just simply nothing in the after life. 

I’m curious if there’s a type of after-life in the Stars. What does Astrology say about death? Do we become a fortune teller of sorts and become a star that help guide others? Or is there an everlasting soul world that we transform to? Or should we just accept that there is nothing after life? “It would just be like sleeping,” I told my unconvinced date. “That’s terrible.” he responded. 

Even with all this serious life talks lately, it’s very assuring that there is something that lets me know that a path has indeed been created for me. I like this idea, and I can continue this Divine drive that I have inside me. I’m glamorizing this whole thing a bit, I’m sure. It’s just much more fun to think that massive twinkling balls of atmospheric gas has more power than an abstract God. 

Nashville. Take a note of the pink glare that formed a shape of a heart.