The VFF Wrap-Up

Those in the know know that VFF stands for Vail Film Festival. Now you're in the know. Feels pretty great, right? Of course it does.

Vail Film Festival (VFF)

As you surely remember, the last entry I posted on here was a preamble to my attending the festival. This is a postamble (assumed word) of the time I actually ambled (too far? Yes!) at the festival. The other weekend. April 3-5, 2009. The VFF ran from April 2-5, 2009, but I only made it for three days. I'll tell you this now (and I'll remind you later), you really should go to this film festival next year (2010). I have no idea who will be there, or what films they'll screen, but I do know it will be well worth it for you. Mark my words and don't make new regrets by not heeding them.

Some of you probably read the Twitter updates (http://twitter.com/portroids) I posted from the festival, but don't worry, there will be new info here. You won't be bored (maybe). Some of my twits (tweets) vanished after the fest, which is weird, so that just goes to show you should be following my every move live, or else you may just miss out (on a couple twitpics of random things).

Our plan was to drive to Vail on Saturday morning, but a blizzard threatened to hit us hard that day, so we came in Friday afternoon. The roads were perfectly clear and the decision was sound. We checked into the Vail Cascade Resort (the headquarter hotel for the festival) and I made a few quick stops at the Hospitality Lounge and the theater lobby to familiarize myself with the layout. I saw Ashley Jensen (from "Ugly Betty" and "Extras") with her husband, Terence Beesley (at the festival with his short film "Pussyfooting"), in the Hospitality Lounge relaxing on one of the couches near the stage (musicians played for most of the weekend). Right after, in the theater lobby, I saw Giancarlo Esposito (there presenting his film "Gospel Hill"). Pretty great start to the weekend. I did not take any of their portroids, as they were otherwise occupied. Later for that.

View from the balcony of our room at the Vail Cascade Resort

After dinner (shuttled into Vail proper) with my wife, Erica, and friend, Michael, we relaxed in the hot tub (yes, the Vail Cascade has two outdoor heated pools and a couple outdoor fireside hot tubs). I, of course, was not satisfied having not yet taken a few portroids, so I absented myself briefly when we returned to the room with the goal of getting two new Polaroids before bed. Straight away upon arriving at the Hospitality Lounge, I saw Kaitlin Olson (from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", "Curb Your Enthusiasm", and at the VFF with her new movie, "Weather Girl") talking to a few staffers. As soon as she concluded, I asked if I could get a quick photo and she kindly obliged.

Portroid of Kaitlin Olson at the Vail Film Festival

A few minutes thereafter, they herded us out and directed us toward the after-party. I saw Ashley and Terence again and had a chance to stop Ashley to ask if I could take a photo. She was talking to a man who worked with the festival. They were having a very interesting conversation about "Extras" and about Ricky Gervais's tendency to try to throw off each scene by either laughing himself or making his co-stars laugh (and Stephen Merchant having to remind him that it was his own project he was throwing off). She agreed to a photo.

Portroid of Ashley Jensen at the Vail Film Festival

I mentioned that I had met Ricky Gervais previously and she wanted to make sure he had been nice to me. I assured her he had. I thanked her and headed off to bed, successful in my goal.

The next day, Erica and Michael went skiing and snowboarding respectively, and I studied the schedule for the day's events to determine how best to occupy my time. I don't ski. I've had a few too many bad experiences which would be too entertaining (for you) for me to describe here.

2009 Vail Film Festival schedule

I decided on the documentary "Garbage Dreams" at noon, followed by the tail end of the Screenplay Competition reading of the 1st Place winner's screenplay ("Chasing Echoes" by Bill Schreiber) in the Hospitality Lounge, and then the Shorts Program D at 2PM (with Jason Biggs listed as "in attendance" (spoiler alert - he was not "in attendance" due to a filming conflict)), then the Award Ceremony at 5PM, and the Closing Night Film "Weather Girl" at 8. I was going to leave the Closing Night Party as an option if I should decide later.

"Garbage Dreams" was an excellent documentary about the lower class citizens in Egypt called the Zaballeen. They are the trash people who collect all the refuse of the cities and return it to their "garbage village" for sorting and recycling. This is not a paid position, but something they are born into. They make their living by recycling 80% of the waste and selling the raw materials. The crux of the film centers around a foreign collector being hired to collect the garbage and how the Zaballeen respond to having their livlihood stolen from them. The documentary follows the path of three teenage boys for four years and how they progress with the changes and their decisions in the new world. I highly recommend this film. See it in a theater if you can, or rent/buy it on DVD when released. You probably won't be sorry (unless you hate to be made aware of how nice your life really is, in a feel-good way).

Next, as promised, I stopped by the Hospitality Lounge. I only caught the Q&A portion of the Screenplay Contest winner's screenplay reading. It would be great if these contests resulted in the film being produced. That, as I said, would be great. You should make that happen, Mystery Eccentric Philantropist.

Shorts Program D. I am a fan of short films. Maybe I'm oblivious (please tell me if I am), but there needs to be a venue to see Shorts on a regular basis. Perhaps before feature films at every movie theater? You should make that happen. Anyway, the Shorts Program D did not fail me. It was an excellent mix of styles and subjects, as you'd want in a Shorts program. I only wish I would've had time to see Shorts Programs A-C.

As previously mentioned, Jason Biggs was touted as being in attendance, but the program came and went and he was not to be found. Upon investigation I discovered he had to cancel due to other obligations (some film or something). Maybe some other time, Biggs. May be.

I did stop and chat with Terence Beesley after the Shorts and got this portroid:

Portroid of Terence Beesley at the Vail Film Festival

He, as you'd expect, was very nice. Ashley came up as I was leaving and said hi. That was the last I interacted with them, so I hope you're not expecting more stories about the Beesley/Jensens, because you will not get that from me. My deepest apologies.

Before the Award Ceremony, I returned to the Hospitality Lounge. It was as good a place as any (probably better than most) to have as a home base. They had a number (4 or more) of musical acts that played in turn throughout the festival. I caught Buddy, Laura Jansen, Holly Conlan, and Cary Brothers at various times. Throughout the musical performances, this guy was painting pictures. It was live art. Here's a still capture of the art in progress:

A painter painting at the Vail Film Festival

Cary Brothers on stage at the Hospitality Lounge at the Vail Film Festival

I had the chance to talk to Cary Brothers for a few minutes and take a portroid. We spoke about the demise and potential resurrection (Impossible Project) of Polaroid film. He summed it up well by saying, "F%&king digital cameras."

Portroid of Cary Brothers at the Vail Film Festival

You may recall from the beginning of this epic entry I mentioned a potential blizzard. Well, it sort of came in on Saturday as predicted, and therefore caused a delay in the arrival of Kevin Smith, which in turn delayed the start of the Award Ceremony. No big deal, really. It was like less than an hour delay, and we, as an audience, were very forgiving. It also gave me the opportunity to have some interesting conversations with the media handlers and publicity crew working the festival. I took portroids of them later in the night, but I will show them to you now (why wait?).

Portroids of Sam Chafos, Deborah Park, and Heather Boyle-Noland at the Vail Film Festival

At the Award Ceremony, awards were given out. I have a list of the winners, but wouldn't it be more fun for you to go to http://www.vailfilmfestival.org/ and read about them there? Sure it would. "Weather Girl" won Best Film. There, are you happy? Michelle Monaghan received the Excellence in Acting Award. "Garbage Dreams", Best Documentary. OK? Kevin Smith - Renegade Award. Discover the rest on the VFF website, like I already told you.

Kevin came up and accepted his award and told a tale of toilet traumas. I think you can find it on YouTube. I won't spoil the ending. It was very funny. The woman next to me was fancily dressed and perhaps in her 70s. She simultaneously laughed uncontrollably and showed surprised indignation (though not enough to not be greatly amused) at Kevin's abject honesty and unyielding grasp of language.

Kevin Smith accepting the 2009 Renegade Award at the Vail Film Festival

Next was a Q&A with Kevin Smith conducted by IFC's Matt Singer. Kevin wasn't comfortable sitting down for the interview, so he and Matt cosied up on stage, first with arms slung around each other and then holding hands. It was beautiful.

Kevin Smith being interviewed by Matt Singer at Vail Film Festival

Kevin Smith and Matt Singer holding hands during Q&A at Vail Film Festival

Due to the late start, they decided to do the red carpet photos after the Award Ceremony. Because of the nature of the photos I take, I was granted access to Kevin Smith in the theater "staging area" prior to his media walk. He and his wife, actress Jen Schwalbach, both posed for their portroids and were really friendly and easy to talk to. I'd always heard that about Kevin, but it's great to experience it first hand.

Portroids of Kevin Smith and Jen Schwalbach at the Vail Film Festival

Just off the red carpet I was able to talk to and get portroids of Matt Singer, Michelle Monaghan, and Tricia O'Kelley (there for the film "Weather Girl"). I also talked briefly to Kaitlin Olson about "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and she warned Tricia that I'd get right in her face with my camera (that's the nature of the Polaroid). Here are those shots:

Portroid of Matt Singer at the Vail Film Festival

Portroid of Michelle Monaghan at the Vail Film Festival

Portroid of Tricia O'Kelley at the Vail Film Festival

And, well, my friends, that's about it. I did not go to the Closing Night party and I did not go see Weather Girl (because it was sold out and Erica and Michael couldn't get in, so I went to see the action sport film "Life As A Movie" which was great). I hope it gets wide distribution, because I'd love to see it.

I also got portroids of the founders of the feast (unfair Scrooge reference, I just like the saying), the Vail Film Festival co-founders and directors, Scott Cross and Sean Cross.

Portroids of VFF co-founders Scott Cross and Sean Cross at the Vail Film Festival

The weekend was incredibly fun and I recommend you attend next year. You'll see me there. Say hi, or just wave awkwardly from across the room so I can squint at you and say to myself, "who the hell is that?" I'll wave back, even if it turns out you were really waving to someone else. How embarrassing!

See you there!

Rick

portroids@hotmail.com

Vail Film Festival!!!! April 2-5, 2009!!!!

Based on my last entry, many of you probably thought I was going to pull out all my tricks (magic, or otherwise) to find my way to New York this coming weekend to get portroids of all the performers at the David Lynch Foundation's Change Begins Within concert (you know, the one with McCartney, Starr, Vedder, Lynch, Donovan, Simmons, Dern, Crow, Stern (recently added), Horn, et al). You would've been right, if you weren't wrong.

You might've also thought this coming weekend I would be attending the wedding of my good friend and old roommate Jivan Hall in Cancun, Mexico. I tried, my friends, but was not able to make it work. Sorry, Jivan and Sarah. I wish I could be there. I'm sure it will be beautiful and I send my love to you.

After two paragraphs of preamble and disclaimers of where I won't be, now I'll tell you the surprise of where I will be (not a surprise if you read the title of this blog entry (you just couldn't wait, could you? (you want to know what I'm getting you for Christmas? So impatient! I'm getting you a mug that says "World's Greatest Friend". Why? Irony.))).

This coming weekend, April 2-5, 2009, I will be attending the Vail Film Festival! That's a long weekend. Four days. I think I may only be there for two days of it, unless I can work some of that magic I referenced above (tricks!). I expect, though, that it will be an incredibly fun and entertaining weekend. We, in Colorado, have been getting so much snow recently that the skiing promises to be amazing. If you're a skiier (which you probably are (I'm not (my wife is))), you owe it to yourself to fly to Vail this upcoming weekend, ski, and take in some of the phenomenal events at the Vail Film Festival!! Festival passes are so affordable and get you discounted ski passes ($55). You'd be a fool to miss it. You don't want to be a fool, do you?

Here, let me tell you more about the festival.

If you believe online rumors, Jude Law will be there. Jude Law will NOT be there. It was a rumor. Unsubstantiated, and proven false. Don't come for the sole sake of hanging out with Jude Law. I would say you would be disappointed, but the roster of actual attendees and events would make being disappointed an impossibility.

Who will be there? Kevin Smith. Do I mean some other Kevin Smith than the writer/director of Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Jersey Girl, Clerks 2, and Zack and Miri Make a Porno? No, that's the exact Kevin Smith I mean. He's being honored with the 2009 Renegade Award (well deserved). That award ceremony is happening on Saturday night (April 4, 2009).

OK, fine, Kevin is awesome, but who else will be there? Michelle Monaghan. Receiving the Excellence in Acting Award. Also on Saturday night. Looks to be a pretty great night, doesn't it? It does. You know Michelle from all the excellent acting she has done. Thus the award. You still have time to rent or buy her movies (if you don't already own them) before the festival. Here are some: Eagle Eye, Gone Baby Gone, Made of Honor, The Heartbreak Kid, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Trucker (opening night film at the festival, screening Thursday night (April 2, 2009)).

There are so many superb films screening at the festival, you should check out the schedule to see just what you can see. If I knew more about your tastes, I would make some recommendations. I, personally, am going to go see some of the shorts programs and a couple of the features.

One of the features I am going to see is the Closing Night (April 4, 2009) film, Weather Girl. While I have not seen any official confirmations, online rumors (not disputed) claim that Kaitlin Olson (who you may know from "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia) and Tricia O'Kelley ("The New Adventures of Old Christine) will be in attendance. You shouldn't miss that.

Also rumored to be in attendance are Jason Biggs (who you love in pretty much everything you've seen him do), Giancarlo Esposito (who directed a short film in this year's festival, and who I have met a couple times and is so incredibly nice), Julie Benz (from "Dexter"), Tom Everett Scott (with a short film he made), Jenny Mollen (for "Kidnapping Caitlynn"), Rhys Coiro ("Entourage" and "24"), and Ashley Jensen (from "Ugly Betty" and my favorite, "Extras"). Some of those people may not be there, but some may. I bet you can't wait to find out!!

The festival will also have a music lounge featuring Cary Brothers, Holly Conlan, Buddy, and Laura Jansen.

This, as you can maybe tell, is not to be missed.

You can follow the festival on twitter at either the official link or through my experiences as they happen (live!).

Look for me there. I will take your portroid and add you to the site. You are going to have the best time EVER!

See you at the Vail Film Festival!!!
Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

PS - buy your passes at http://www.vailfilmfestival.org/ or by calling 970.476.1092

David Lynch Foundation - 'Change Begins Within' Concert

As many (all) of you will remember, last summer I attended the David Lynch Weekend in Fairfield, IA. (If you don't remember, read the second half of the first sentence again, wait for a few seconds, and then think about what you just read. Now we all remember. )

Well, that was fun.

It also gave me the opportunity to get some great portroids of some of the special guests for that weekend. Here, I'll show them to you:

I also took some other portroids that weekend, but you'll have to go to the main site to find those. I'm not going to do all the work for you. That breeds laziness.

The point of all this is that there is an absolutely amazing concert coming up on April 4, 2009 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The concert (titled "Change Begins Within") is a benefit for the David Lynch Foundation (to teach 1 million children Transcendental Meditation). If that's not enough for you, please check out the lineup:

Hosts - David Lynch, Laura Dern, and Russell Simmons.

Musicians - Sir Paul McCartney (from The Beatles), Ringo Starr (also, from The Beatles), Eddie Vedder (who you might remember from Pearl Jam), Donovan, Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper, Moby, Paul Horn, Bettye Lavette, and Jim James (frontman for My Morning Jacket).

Sounds like a pretty awesome concert, right? You should totally go. It's sold out. Sorry. I should've told you sooner. Believe me, I'm as disappointed as you are. I tried to get tickets, but just wasn't fast enough. Wouldn't that have been incredible (for me) if I could've gone and got portroids of all these legendary performers? You would've totally loved that (on my behalf).

There is some good news, though, my internet friends (I consider us friends (best)). Lots of good news. I will enumerate it:

1. There will be live Twittering (tweeting) from backstage by the DLF.TV crew. You must follow them at the following addresses: @heatherhartnett, @boozby, @edenweaver, @amy__darling, and @dlftv.

2. There will be a live backstage webcast on DLF.TV.

3. The tweets from enumeration 1 above will be consolidated in a live twitter feed, also at DLF.TV.

4. Sounds like you may want to check out this DLF.TV site. They are running a beta now. You can access it, thanks to portroids.com (and probably lots of other feeds), using the beta code: thealphabet

5. You may want to get on that beta site (see point 4), as there is still a chance for you to get tickets to the concert (WHAT? Really? YES!!) via a DLF.TV ticket giveaway drawing. You also could win the opportunity to have a Meet and Greet and Photo Op with David Lynch. So, you should go to DLF.TV right away and sign up (I totally hope you win).

6. Did I mention the DLF.TV website? Lots of cool exclusive content from David Lynch. You might not want to miss that.

OK, also look at this promo video, since you're here:

David Lynch Foundation Television Trailer (DLF.TV) from DLFTV on Vimeo.

After all this promotion for the event, my guess is that you guess that I am somehow working for the David Lynch Foundation. Well, I'm not. But a lot of my friends are. Friends like Sam Lieb and Eli Lieb and Heather Hartnett and Ed Murphy and probably other friends, too. You can find a lot of their portroids on my site (portroids.com - where you are right now!).

So, anyway, if you already have tickets to the concert, you're lucky and I'm jealous of you. If you don't, we can hang out together on the internet watching other people have a great time. Awesome!!!

Seriously, check out DLF.TV,
Love,
Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

Twitt'd

Portroids is now on Twitter. Why? I guess because it's easy and the easy way is always more alluring (like the Dark Side of the Force).

Look for instant updates of what is happening in the world of portroids in a twit format.

http://www.twitter.com/portroids

Follow,
Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

Portroids Congratulates the Oscar Nominees

Hey, watch the Academy Awards tonight. OK?

Here are the portroids of some of the nominees. You should hope these people win, because, you know, I've met them and then you can pretend you've met them vicariously (unless you've met/are them yourself, or have met/are other nominees).

Best Actor Nominee - Richard Jenkins

Best Actress Nominee - Anne Hathaway

Cinematography - Wally Pfister

I've also seen, but not spoken to and therefore have no portroid of, the following nominees (so you are welcome to cheer for them (because I'm pretty sure my permission is needed for such things)): Michael Shannon, Kate Winslet, and Werner Herzog.

That's it? Yes. That is it.

I'm willing to bet that at least three of the presenters will be represented on portroids.com, but since I don't know who any of the presenters are this year, I'm not really willing to bet.

Have fun watching the show tonight. It is hosted by Hugh Jackman. I got a picture of him in Portroids Year 1, but he didn't sign it (not refused, but walked away before I had a chance to ask), so I gave it to a person standing by me when I took it. I used to have rules I would closely follow. Rules be damned nowadays, my friends, rules be goddamned.

Goodbye!
Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

More From 31SDFF and A Quick Catch-Up

The 31st Starz Denver Film Festival is more than half way over (pessimist), but the excitement is still growing (optimist). Films are screening all week with this weekend bringing the Closing Night festivities.

But, before I get into that, I want to do a quick recap of the almost seven months of time where I neglected to write about the portroid happenings. Um, OK, let's see. I went to the David Lynch Weekend in Fairfield, IA and got to hang out in a small group with David Lynch, Moby, and Donovan. I went to the Flight of the Conchords concert in Denver and met both Jemaine and Bret before the show. I saw the Swell Season in concert twice, once at Radio City Music Hall where I met Marketa Irglova. Took in a new Neil LaBute play. Met the Hamburglar. Wandered around like a homeless zombie until 3AM on a sweltering hot night in Austin, TX after attending the Spaced-Numb-A-Thon (every episode of Spaced on the big screen) and meeting Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright, and Ain't It Cool's Harry Knowles (and being the only person permitted to take photos after the show). I attended a few events hosted by the Creative Coalition in Denver during the Democratic National Convention and got my first ever official press pass (which granted me many photo opportunities). Stood next to Zooey Deschanel and Anne Hathaway at the MLK Jr "I Have A Dream" speech anniversary event. Got completely ignored three times by Spike Lee when I tried to talk to him. Had a cold and then warm response from Charlize Theron. I met my favorite living author, Haruki Murakami, in NYC. Tim Robbins made some art for me. Susan Sarandon and I talked briefly about the DNC at a Register to Vote booth. I met Tom Cruise, and my wife, Erica, kind of dissed him unintentionally. Magic Johnson put his arm around me in LA. I got to attend five different shows at the UCB Theatre and had a great time at each. Got some great photos after those performances (AD Miles, Jeff Garlin, Paul Scheer, Rob Huebel, Jonah Hill, Dave Hill, Lucy Lawless, Tig Notaro, Matt Besser, Wayne Federman, and Harris Wittels). Met Maureen McCormick, who was extremely nice. Talked to Zach Braff at an Obama rally about some mutual acquaintences. I attended a Get out the Vote Tenacious D and Beastie Boys concert and met Kyle Gass (KG) afterwards. Barack Obama got elected President!! Some other stuff happened, too, so check the update page to fill in the blanks. And now I'm attending the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival as an officially sanctioned photographer.

See? Not too much going on.

Back to the festival.

We attended a screening of Majid Majidi's new film "Song of Sparrows" and absolutely loved it. I have added his other films to my Netflix queue and recommend you do the same. Come on, just do it. I also took a new portroid of him and this one turned out very well without the magical yellow lights.




At the Big Night screening of "Slumdog Millionaire" (which we also loved), the red carpet was loaded with a lot of interesting people.

First up was Dr. Marci Bowers, who is the leading transsexual surgeon in the country and the subject of the film "Trinidad".


Next was Ari Lehman, who played the first Jason Vorhees in the Friday the 13th film series.


Richard Jenkins, who you surely recognize from all the films and TV shows you recognize him from, stopped for a quick photo and autograph. As he was signing, a woman nearby yelled out that I was going to sell it on ebay (one of the things I hate about people who yell things out (them yelling out falsehoods about me)). I'm not going to sell it (as you already know). Richard (much like Kyra Sedgwick in years past) said I wouldn't get much for it. So, to prove him wrong, bid high and bid often on the portroid of Richard Jenkins I posted on ebay (just kidding, of course). Richard received the 2008 Excellence in Acting Award.


As I was talking to Richard Jenkins, Wally Pfister, cinematographer for a lot of your favorite movies (if your favorite movies include Christopher Nolan movies), walked right by and into the event. Lucky for me, he came back out and I was able to get my portroid.


Rachael Tucker, pictured below, is my main PR contact for the festival and has been really great at keeping me informed of events and screenings. I owe her many thanks. I'll probably just write out an IOU which I'll conveniently forget about when the festival ends. In the meantime, thanks!!! You're great, Rachael!


On Sunday, we attended a Women+Film panel on Africa in Transition. I talked briefly with Abby Disney, Walt's grand-niece, afterwards and was able to get this photo. She was the producer for the film "Pray The Devil Back To Hell", which you should see. It's short-listed for an Academy Award, so you would be well-suited to beat out your colleagues at seeing it. "Oh," you could say when the nominations are announced, "I saw that documentary months ago. Brilliant." You'll be the talk of the neighborhood (even if the talk is about what a snob you are).



The festival continues through Sunday. Go to the festival website and buy tickets. I implore you! Do it for yourself. You wouldn't want people to think you aren't better than them, would you? You're better than them. I just know it!


Yay movies (and a sense of superiority)!!
Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

31st Starz Denver Film Festival - Opening Night!

Last night, November 13, 2008, marked the opening (Opening Night, in fact) of the Starz Denver Film Festival (the 31st one). The film was The Brothers Bloom, directed by Rian Johnson. I was positioned at the head of the red carpet and was able to take some fun and interesting (says I) new portroids. I'm sure you'll agree (maybe).


First off is Neil Truglio, Director of Marketing for the festival. I tried to get the red carpet in the background, which is why he is off-center in the photo, but it was dissolved into black by the quick Polaroid flash. My apologies to the red carpet.




Next up is Bill Plympton. Bill has a film in the festival. I've seen it. It's quite good. It's called "Idiots and Angels". You can see it today. In fact, you should see it today. Click here to buy tickets. It is an animated film about good versus evil, or more appropriately the good in us trying to overcome the evil, but with the evil fighting the good in every way possible. Worth a watch.




Majid Majidi is an Oscar nominated director from Iran. He has two films in the festival this year. "Children of Heaven" is the film which earned him the nomination and it screens tonight. Buy tickets. His new film, "Song of Sparrows", screens tomorrow (November 15). I hope you already have tickets, though, because it is sold out. I have mine (bragger).

I took a portroid of Majid Majidi last night and, as you can see below, it came out with a yellow aura with some trailing lights. I don't think there were actually any lights in the background, so this is just some sort of filmic magic that follows Mr. Majidi around (my guess (highly educated)). I may take another portroid of him tomorrow to test my theory, but I would kind of hate to be proven wrong. No other pictures in this cartridge had this effect.




Ron Henderson (pictured with his wife, Judy) is the founder of the Starz Denver Film Festival. He served as artistic director for 30 years. He is now the Senior Program Consultant. I spoke briefly with his wife about the discontinuation of Polaroid film. We lamented together. She called me an artist, so she is my new favorite person (until someone else says something nice about me). Thanks, Judy. And thanks, Ron.




Rian Johnson, who you may know as the director of "Brick", was the star of the night. His film "The Brothers Bloom" was the Opening Night event. He spent his younger years in Denver and still has family here. His mother, father, and brother were on the red carpet as well. His new film is a comedy about two con-men brothers and their heiress mark. You'll have to wait until it hits theaters to see it, because unless you were there last night (or unless you have a time machine (in which case I need to cut some sort of deal with you to borrow it for a quick trip back to 1984 so I can tell my then-self to use the restroom before Science class on that one day when it would've saved me some embarrassment (minor))), you won't have a chance to see it at this festival. Go see this movie (if you like fun movies about con-men and their shut-in heiress mark filmed in beautiful locales around the world), and seriously, let me know about the time machine thing. Thanks.




That's it for last night.

Tonight I am going to see Darren Aronofsky's new film "The Wrestler", starring Mickey Rourke. You, too, can see it, if you buy tickets. I am also considering hanging around for the midnight premiere of the documentary "His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th". The first Jason, Ari Lehman is expected to attend (plus additional special guests). If you're a Friday the 13th fan (and I know you probably are), you wouldn't miss this.

See you at the movies in the aisle seat (I think that's some sort of catchphrase),
Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

31st Starz Denver Film Festival begins this week

This week marks the beginning of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival, and portroids.com will be there to capture it all. Or at least some of it. I hope it will be the parts you, the reader and portroid-admirer, will appreciate. I do it for you (and me (mostly me)).

If you live in Denver, or plan to be here over the next few weeks, go to denverfilm.org and buy your tickets for some of the great films the festival is screening this year. You pretty much cannot go wrong with any choice. I've screened a couple of the films so far and they are excellent. I'm not going to tell you what they are because I want you to make your own choices. It will help you grow as a person.

I've attended the festival for the past few years and have been lucky enough to meet and photograph many attendees. This year, I will be involved in a more official capacity, so hope my trend of providing a visual experience to the world via web will be that much more fulfilling.

Here are the portroids I have taken from the previous years (if you're interested):

2007 30th Starz Denver Film Festival


Jason Reitman and AnnaSophia Robb at the Juno screening


2006 29th Starz Denver Film Festival

David Strathairn and Andrew Walker at the Steel Toes screening


2005 28th Starz Denver Film Festival

Ang Lee and Annie Proulx at the Brokeback Mountain screening


Philip Baker Hall at the Duck screening


Matt Mulhern at the screening of his film Duane Hopwood


2004 27th Starz Denver Film Festival

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick at the after party after Kevin won the Cassavetes Award


Soleil Moon Frye at the screening of her documentary Sonny Boy


Morgan Freeman at the screening of the documentary Blues Divas



This year promises to be awesome (if you believe promises (which I do)). So, I'll see you all this Thursday, November 13, 2008, at the red carpet for the Opening Night film The Brothers Bloom. I'll be the guy with the Polaroid camera.

-Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

VOTE!! (Today)

Today is one of the most important days in your life. Even more important than the birth of your child (sorry, it's true). Even more important than the one time you did something good in sports that your dad was proud of (yep, bigger than that). Even more important than your wedding, first job, second job, first kiss, first million dollars earned, and even more important than the day you first found this website (unbelievable, but apropos).

Today is Election Day!! Today is the day you vote into office the next President. Our country (and for those of you in countries other than the United States - "our country" in this example, and only in this example, does not mean "your country", though it will likely have an effect on your country, our decision) is ready for a change. We're all wanting it. We're all needing it. And this time, we're all making a stand and demanding it.

I'm not going to tell you who to vote for (Barack Obama), but I will tell you who I voted for. I voted for Barack Obama. And you should too.

I have a ton of other things I should've been writing about over the past few months, but they can all wait until tomorrow when we have a new President. Barack Obama.

Vote!

Rick

portroids@hotmail.com

International Phenomenon (and nakedness)

Over the past few years I have received many emails from around the world. Places like Russia! Italy! Wyoming! Other places!

This site has been commented on in blogs and websites from even other places around the world. Places like Japan! Poland! Spanish-speaking country!

But, even with this foreknowledge, I wasn't prepared for the global reach that one month of internet tracking revealed. As previously mentioned (you know, before this mentioning), I added an analytic tool to every page on the site (one month ago). This tool gives me a look at all manner of data. Mostly geographical location, popular pages, keyword searches, etc.

I've had access for years to search terms that have lead people to my site, and I am still somehow surprised that my most frequently hit searches are "chester the molester" and "Wendi McLendon-Covey naked" (or a wide variety of most of the female celebrities I have portroided with a "nude" or "naked" qualifier). This blog can only increase my frequency of receiving these quality results. I have no naked photos on this site (not true (Naked Cowboy (not really naked) and a blurry old-timey bathtub shot (blurry old-timey penis))).

Anyway, back to how International and worldy portroids.com actually is. In the past month, I have had visitors from 54 countries and all but 4 United States (what's up Alaska, Wyoming, Vermont, and South Dakota? Do you hate portroids, effective late March to late April 2008?).

That might not seem like a lot of countries compared to a much more popular site, but to me with my little project of Polaroid portraits, it means something that an Icelander who is searching for "Maria Thayer nude" has taken the time to click on my link and looked at Maria Thayer clothed.

It's really comforting that a Micronesian and a Tunisian and an American and a Serbian and a Brit and a Slovakian have all individually congegrated in the small world of the internet with similar aims, similar desires, similar global concerns ... Random Female Celebrity Naked.

I'm happy to have been given the opportunity to disappoint.

Keep clicking, Earth!

Love (fully clothed),
Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

Truth (This Side Of)

In the coming weeks, I have a few subjects I plan to discuss. Not least amongst them is the international phenomenon that is portroids.com. Nor second least, my secret weapon to combat the imminent death of Polaroid film. And third important (a.k.a. least), just, you know, some random blathering.

Today, though, I want to direct your attention to some portroid connections in a new film project that has captured my rapt interest. It is a movie written (co) and directed (co) by Ricky Gervais and Matt Robinson. It is currently being filmed in Lowell, MA.

It's called This Side Of The Truth. You should totally go see it (sight unseen) when it gets released. Probably late this year (no evidence of this) or early next year (also unfounded). You're going to love it (you know, why not?).

Ricky has been writing a blog on his website to track the creation of the film. Again, this is the kind of thing you should find time to enjoy. Give yourself a treat (cookies, maybe) and go to Gervais's This Side of the Truth blog. *

*while you're there, please check out his wind-up of the infamously round-headed Karl Pilkington in this additional Monkey News blog.


So now, just to show you I wasn't a liar a few paragraphs ago when I said this film has some portroid connections, check out the cast:

Ricky Gervais


Louis CK


Jennifer Garner


Jeffrey Tambor


Jason Bateman


Christopher Guest - I don't have a portroid of him. I did "meet" him once though. Sort of. We crossed paths on a stairwell and I gave him a huge idiotic smile and nodded my head happily. He looked back at me like I was an idiot. I then saw him later, standing in the same hotel lobby looking unapproachable, and so I did not approach him, love him though I do.

And, um, a bunch of people I haven't met (but who I love): John Hodgman, Tina Fey, Rob Lowe, Jonah Hill, Patrick Stewart, Stephen Merchant and Shaun Williamson (cameos).

Also, just because he's mentioned and pictured in Ricky's blog, I'll include Rob Steen in my portroid connection section:


OK. That's it. Go see this movie whenever it comes out. Follow along in Ricky's blog. Put up Karl Pilkington posters in your town* (* see * above).

Truthfully Yours (sort of),
Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

Gained In Translation

In my typical online vanity search, I came across this Polish Beastie Boys page that mentions portroids and posts my Adrock and MCA Polaroids. Attempting to read what was written, I ran the text through a Polish-English translator. The result is my new favorite full-circle meta description of what I do:

Dwóch members ex batches Beastie Boys Adam Horovitz as well Adam Yauch stays photographed on Denver. Rick "creature, who desponded to coinage Portroids draw at sight ". Drive-in-bank drafts collection photos as well autographs artist on various spot. Thereof offering there is room to sight herein : http://www.portroids.com/celebrities.htm


- Creature who desponded to coinage Portroids draw at sight
portroids@hotmail.com

The State and Portroid Affairs

There are some general housekeeping things I have been meaning to address. I'm not only talking about the dirty dishes in the sink (but seriously, you should do something about those. They stink.), but more so about bad links, out-dated pages, and a general inconsistency of page-style. I'm sure you all check the website to which this blog refers ( http://www.portroids.com/main.htm ) almost daily to see who is newly posted. But if not, shame on you. I'm ashamed of you (big time!).

This past weekend, I spent many an hour cleaning up every page (only to discover today that I still need to re-do some of it (dag!)), adding adlinks, texting images (for better searches), and posting updated internal links at the foot of every page. I also added an analytic tool so I can better know my visitors (nice to meet you (well, some of you, at least).

Another thing I have been delinquent in reporting is why the Year 5 images look so much better than every prior year. I updated my camera. Actually, I back-dated my camera. My Spectra 1200FF, whose design I truly love, was becoming inconsistent (sometimes it just wouldn't work when I tried to take a picture (embarrassing!)) and the photo quality was turning into crap. I did some research and settled anew upon the Spectra Pro. I LOVE IT!! It can do multiple exposures, manual focus setting, and other things, too. The best part is the crispness and clarity of the Polaroids. I should've started with this five years ago. Instead, for four years you got off-center, blurry, half developed messes (occasionally, at least). My apologies in arrears.

As you also know, I decided not to set any goals in Year 5. I just wanted to see what would transpire if I didn't limit myself to a fast rule. Well, my friends (best friends, I hope), a goal I set in Year 3, and then re-enacted for Year 4, has manifested itself in Year 5, times 6!

Year 3 Goal: An unportroided member of The State (I have 5 of 11 already)

I asked/hoped to add just one more State member to my collection of Polaroid portraits, but alas I have, in one fell swoop, accomplished the complete series. All six remaining unportroided members (yes, even Todd Holoubek who left the group in 1995) have now been portroided!

"But, who or what are The State?" you ask. "Get out of my face, you ignorant turd!" I basely reply to your ignorant turd of a question!

The State were/are a comedy group that had a show on MTV in the early/mid 90s. They are the most influential comedic influence in my life (and that of many of my friends) and they are the benchmark to which all else is judged (harshly).

As I stated, I had met, previously, 5 of them. Most frequently, the members who formed Stella (Michael Showalter, Michael Ian Black, and David Wain). I also had the chance to meet Tom Lennon and Ben Garant in Aspen four years ago at a Reno 911 Live event. I saw Kerri Kenney-Silver at that same event, but did not get the chance to talk to her. And if we're keeping track, I used to see Kevin Allison all the time on Varick Street where I lived in New York (but, again never talked to him), and I would see Joe Lo Truglio at many Stella shows and a few times on the street in SoHo (but, as you may've guessed, I did not talk to him).

Anyway, recently The State has reunited for a couple shows in Los Angeles at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and we were there. It was .... awesome! Just seeing everyone together again (minus Showalter and Black (though they sent along a video)) was amazing. I've already recapped the show elsewhere, so I will save you the boredom (not boring).

After the show(s), I got the chance to meet everyone.

Erica, my wife (as you know), went around and got them all to sign our book (State by State with The State) and video (Skits and Stickers). Here are some pictures if you don't believe me:





And here are the portroids I took:

Ken Marino, my favorite State member (sorry everyone else), was absolutely the nicest and most gracious person you could ever meet. I told him I really liked the move Diggers (which he wrote, produced, and starred in). He was very appreciative and sincerely thanked me for saying that.

Joe Lo Truglio. You know, very funny, great guy.

Kevin Allison. I didn't get to interact with him, but briefly. He was friendly and cool, though.
Thomas Lennon. Hilarious. He was a bit in a rush because it was between shows, but he took the time to pose for me. After the second show he was more relaxed and interacted with all the fans and was just incredibly great.
Michael Patrick Jann. Was confused as to why I wanted a picture just of him, but after I explained portroids to him, he was cool with it. He also was kind enough to get a T-shirt from the backroom for me. Now, that is amazing. I was impressed with how far these guys went for their fans (they handed out T-shirts that said "I didn't get into the State reunion" to everyone outside who couldn't get in.
Kerri Kenney-Silver. She's the greatest. Very nice. This is probably my favorite portroid of all time.
Todd Holoubek. Talked to a group of us about why he left the show (to pursue his education) and what he has been up to since then (rocket science and teaching). He also introduced us to some of his students that were in attendance. I took one Polaroid and he shook it for awhile and it looked like it wasn't going to develop, so I took another. Both developed. You can see them both on the main site.
Robert Ben Garant. I saved this one for last because it was my favorite interaction. I went up and asked Ben if I could get a quick picture. I then mentioned that I met him a few years ago in Aspen and got his picture there. He remembered. He described the portroid I took then. We talked about how he had a mustache in that one. He re-created the pose so I could have one without a mustache, too. We shook hands and he said it was nice to meet me ... again.


Well, that's it. A Year 3 goal accomplished two years later!!

- Rick

portroids@hotmail.com

NOOOOOoooortroids!!

As I am sure you've all heard, Polaroid has decided to no longer make film for it's Polaroid cameras. The digital age has finally killed the art of instant Polaroidery. Curse you and your binary pixelation, digital age!

I was alerted to this news from all points on the globe, from England to Seattle to right here at home (by a total of three people (from where, I will never tell)). They (the Polaroid Corporation) are closing their Massachusetts plant and expect to run out of film by 2009. What does this mean for portroids? What do you think it means? It means death. It means a hard end-date. It means the world shall mourn the loss of this venture so revered by one and all*.

*"all" is an overstatement. Overstating like three or four people total.


Anyway, to celebrate all that Polaroid film has given us by way of opportunity for taking pictures of ourselves, our friends, and more importantly our celebrities, I'd like to point you in the direction of a few other places online to appreciate the art of celebrity Polaroids:

http://www.portroids.com/celebrities.htm (my site, of course)
http://www.roidrage.com/ (a great site run by Jeremy Kost)
http://www.hennygarfunkel.com/ (signed Polaroids by Henny Garfunkel)

Please send any more links to me at portroids@hotmail.com and I will include them.


In the coming days, I will also be adding a new gallery to showcase celebrity Polaroids collected over the years by Steve Bannos. He's got some very cool ones and I think you will really enjoy it. That's what I think, anyway. Look for it soon!


So, unless some other manufacturer steps up to start producing film, you can expect about another year of portroids. Maybe more if I can stockpile and hoard film in my freezer. Goodbye, freezer-burnt ice cream. Hello, 2010 portroids!!

Photerminally Yours,
Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

PE Concert Photos - Boulder, CO - Oct 25, 2007

DJ Lord:

Griff and the S1Ws:
Chuck D and James Bomb:
Flavor Flav!:

The Hard Rhymer:
Flavor in the spotlight:

Clocka Rocka:
Flavor Flaving Around:

Public Enemy:
Chuck and Flav:
D and Flavor:
PE:
Yeah Boyeee:

Year 5, Boyeeeeeee!!!

I've been sick for the past week. That's my excuse (I know you love excuses). That's why I haven't written about the kick off to Year 5 for portroids. I know the die hard portroid fans will have already discovered all there is to discover about what has happened in Year 5, but for you fair-weather fans, here is the update ...

In 1988, when I was 15, I attended my first* concert. It was me, my sister, and my uncle, and we went to see Run DMC, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, JJ Fad, EPMD, and a group that I had not yet heard, but who would become from that day, until like ten-ish years later, my favorite ... Public Enemy.

That show changed my young life. PE T-shirts, posters, cassettes, cassingles, 12" vinyl, hats, cds (later) et al defined who I was. My yellow Sony Walkman 9 times out of 13 was playing Public Enemy.

Since 1988, I have not seen Public Enemy perform live. I have tried (and failed), but never succeeded (thus the previous statement of "and failed"). That is, until last Thursday, October 25, 2007.

I would love to go into every detail, but I've been informed that is "boring", so I'll just say that 19 years of fandom culminated in one absolutely awesome experience. Front row. Shaking hands, slapping five, punching it in with Chuck D, Flavor Flav, and Professor Griff while they perform the classics of my lifetime. Two and a half hours of pure entertainment.

After the show, I hung out for a little while because the guy at the merchandise booth said they often come out and sign autographs, but not this night. As I left, satisfied in the show, to walk to my car parked behind the theater, I noticed some people hanging out by the back alley door. I joined them and within a few minutes out came Professor Griff.

Griff was quite literally the friendliest person and he hung out and talked to the small group for about ten minutes. He was hesitant to let me take a portroid of just him, due to it seeming vain, but he agreed as along as we took a picture together, too.

Chuck D came out next and signed everything for everyone and was very cool. He signed some clocks for some people and then when the few guys who had them expressed disappointment at missing Flavor (Flavor Flav had come out very quickly and went straight to his waiting Hummer H3 - because he had his new baby with him), Chuck said "He loves this. It's his thing" and then walked the clocks over to Flavor's H3 and passed them in through the window to have them signed. The best part is that these guys had all taken the wall clocks from their workplaces. I really hope they hung them back up the next day signed by Chuck D and Flavor Flav.

Here's my Chuck D portroid ...

I also got portroids of DJ Lord (who replaced Terminator X in 1999)

and original S1W James Bomb ...

I took some pictures during the show, but I'll post those in a separate entry.

I just want to say one more thing ... if you have ever had an affinity for Public Enemy, you should really listen to their new song "Harder Than You Think". You'll be doing yourself a favor (and those are the best kinds of favor (fav)).


Rick
portroids@hotmail.com


* my actual first concert was the Monkees reunion tour at a supper club, but that's really not as cool as saying it's Run DMC and Public Enemy.

Ummmm ...

I just noticed that my entire website has been deleted.

I hope to have it restored soon.

I got my first Year 5 portroids last night. They are awesome.

See you soon (I hope),
Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

F for Effort

Today is the fourth anniversary of portroids. yay.

If you're wondering why I am less than thrilled, it is because I was short 24 States in my big "portroid of someone born in every State" goal I set a year ago. That is, in any method of scoring, a failing grade. I am a failure at portroiding people born in the Midwest and the South and like the upper Western middle-area. Absolutely rubbish at that.

Anyway, hooray.

I don't think I'll set any goals for Year 5, which starts tomorrow.

I have one other portroid to post in Year 4, but don't worry, he was born in New York, so ... unusable for my goal-oriented purposes.

See you next year (portroids fiscal),
Rick (goal inept)
portroids@hotmail.com

Profile Image Update

Jasper Redd is no longer using his portroid as his main profile image on myspace ... but Doug Benson is (at least for now).

Hooray (at least for now)!

Rick
portroids@hotmail.com

Sept 3, 2007 - Bumbershoot Day 3

Oh, I forgot to mention that we went to Flatstock on Days 1 and 2 (but not 3). It was very cool. Rock concert poster art. The artists were there presenting their work. It, like I said, was very cool.

Day 3

Breakfast with Carl again. And his wife, Miwa. I got her portroid (did you doubt it?). We went to Orange Julius (or so I thought (it was really Julia's (sans Orange (I had orange juice)))). After eating, they dropped us off at the festival, as we had an event we were excited to see ...

[title intentionally left out] - venue unlisted
This was one of those things we were really looking forward to that ended up being not good. At all. It was awkward and uncomfortable and we left halfway through. I wish it wasn't the case, but it was.


... but the good news is that due to leaving that event, we happened to catch another event randomly that we loved ...

The Bad Things - Wells Fargo Stage (Northwest Court)
I'm not quite sure how to describe them, but I'll try: gypsy rock, junkyard polka, old timey traveling circus musicians, fun as hell. It's the only CD we bought on premises. Look them up and give them a listen. Try their official page or myspace. You know, if you want.


I got portroids of four of the seven band members. Why only four? I have no idea. They were all there and available. Leaves me something to strive to complete in the future.

See them here:

Jimmy the Pickpocket
Stanislav the Gypsy
Madame Miss Funi
Captain Panto


We had planned to check out more comedy in the afternoon, but instead we met up with Carl and Miwa again and went to Alki Beach. On the way out, we caught The Blakes on Sound Transit Stage. While just walking by, I ascertained that I would give them a listen later. I bought a song on iTunes, so that's proof right there that I didn't lie to myself (on this account).

As you may've noticed, the last seven or so portroids have a different "look". It's due to old film. It's becoming harder and harder to find Spectra film for the Polaroid, and when I do it is usually already expired. This particular batch expired in 2005, yet I only just recently purchased it. In anticipation of seeing The Frames later this day, and not wanting to have the portroids turn out badly, I, against Erica's advice, wasted the last five pictures in this cartridge by randomly pointing and shooting. I then reloaded with what I thought was a newer cartridge (it was actually older).

We returned to the festival in the 6 o'clock hour and found a spot in the grass for ...

The Frames - Sound Transit Stage (Broad Street)
I think I've already given my assessment of this band in a previous post, but I will just reiterate that they are amazing (especially live). As one reporter noted about this show (I paraphrase), "it was cinematic." I agree. It's a perfect mix of quiet soulful music that crecendoes into all-out kick-ass rock. Lend them an ear (yours, preferably).


There was supposed to be a post-show signing post-show, but the lady manning the FYE tent said there would not be. Something about the band having to catch a plane. Instead of getting very sad and moping and walking hang-doggedly home, I went over to the stage entrance exit and hung out. You never know, right?

Within a few minutes, Glen Hansard came out and signed autographs for everyone waiting there and talked to them about upcoming shows, the movie Once, and other topics. I asked to take his picture, and he agreed (as most people do). When he saw it was a Polaroid, he started scratching around the edge of it and asked me if I ever do that. He explained that it makes it look really cool when it develops. He wasn't sure if it would work due to it usually taking a harder scratching, like that made with a key, or stomping on it on the ground. I took one more picture and thanked him and left.

After I had walked away, I pulled out the picture to see how it was developing. It wasn't. Not well, anyway. This film was well past expired and barely registered but a ghostly image. Oh drat!

I scanned it anyway and put it through a filter in Photoshop. I also "created" a new portroid from the other picture I took. I hate to do that. I really do, but I also hate to lose out on a cool portroid.

This was my final Bumbershoot shot, the true portroid taken:




- Rick
portroids@hotmail.com