Paris, France

Prix de la Photographie Paris (Px3) announces winners of PX3 2010 competition.

Dean Buscher of Canada was Awarded

Second Prize (Fine Art Abstract) and Honorable Mention (Fine Art Book Series)

in the PX3 2010 Competition for the entry entitled, “Mythologies.”

The jury selected winners from thousands of photography entries from over 85 countries.

Px3 is juried by top international decision-makers in the photography industry: Carol Johnson, Curator of Photography of Library of Congress, Washington D.C.; Gilles Raynaldy, Director of Purpose, Paris; Viviene Esders, Expert près la Cour d’Appel de Paris; Mark Heflin, Director of American Illustration + American Photography, New York; Sara Rumens, Lifestyle Photo Editor of Grazia Magazine, London; Françoise Paviot, Director of Galerie Françoise Paviot, Paris; Chrisitine Ollier, Art Director of Filles du Calvaire, Paris; Natalie Johnson, Features Editor of Digital Photographer Magazine, London; Natalie Belayche, Director of Visual Delight, Paris; Kenan Aktulun, VP/Creative Director of Digitas, New York; Chiara Mariani, Photo Editor of Corriere della Sera Magazine, Italy; Arnaud Adida, Director of Acte 2 Gallery/Agency, Paris; Jeannette Mariani, Director of 13 Sévigné Gallery, Paris; Bernard Utudjian, Director of Galerie Polaris, Paris; Agnès Voltz, Director of Chambre Avec Vues, Paris; and Alice Gabriner, World Picture Editor of Time Magazine, New York.
ABOUT Px3:
The “Prix de la Photographie Paris” (Px3) strives to promote the appreciation of photography, to discover emerging talent, and introduce photographers from around the world to the artistic community of Paris. Winning photographs from this competition are exhibited in a high-profile gallery in Paris and published in the high-quality, full-color Px3 Annual Book.
Visit http://px3.fr

For Press Inquiries, Contact:
info@px3.fr

That is the press release I received for being one of the winners of this years PX3 photography competition. I have to say finding out was humorous. My colleague and friend David Ellingsen congratulated me whilst I was sipping a coffee at Gene Cafe, but I had not heard anything official about an award so it took me by surprise. David seemed pretty chipper and I was just waking up. I think it was about 9:00am. After the coffee and the news sank I have to say I feel very lucky and grateful to be a winner at PX3. There are so many good photographers. I am fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world that constantly and effortlessly provides me with inspiration, meaning and a sense of mystery that transcends myself and my time here on earth. The Mythologies series was helped by many along the way and I want to thanx the main culprits now: Amanda Daniel, Lu Kamenov, Ambrose Merrell, Miss Jody, Bobo, Sea Sha, Skippy Skye, Panther, Kyra and the Snuffleupagus.

Below is the artist statement and a link to some of the photos.

“The Mythologies series is an ongoing exploration of motifs found in the coastal areas of British Columbia. What I have added to the photographic process is a way of exploring an inner monologue and personal dimensions not often made visible in the real world. Through the ongoing development and building of these photographs I have discovered the world outside and the world inside share similar aspects and require similar treatments. Those qualities include, solitude, quiet, slow movement, patience, and often return visits to the same places to become familiar with their true depth and meaning”.

Mythologies

PX3 winners – enter here

What’s an actor Headshot Make Over? The makeover session is a complete review of everything about you your look, where you are in your career and where you are going or want to go.  If you are starting out, mid career or a well established artist, we put a complete package together. Age, coloring, emotional range, hair wardrobe, skin consultation, stylized backgrounds, lighting and make up…. Everything is covered to provide a complete and tailored look to take you out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. Here is a breakdown of some of the looks we are going after.

Headshot Makeover

Once you check the full program set up have a look at results below for Actors Mike Barton and Ana Machado.

READY FOR A MAKEOVER?

The Olympics have come and gone, spring is here and now the production season is soon going to be in full swing. That means its time to brush up your look. On May 26th/27th/28th  I am opening my studio for a special collaboration with hair and make-up artist Robyn Ross. Together Robyn and I will build a series of 3 looks for actors with the intention of giving you a depth, an edge and the distinctive look that’s needed to get you noticed.

So how are we going to do that? Certain looks and stock characters are given emphasis in any era and the entertainment industry today is no different. We are giving special attention to these stock looks and will develop them  keeping in mind the unique aspects of each actor who books a session with us. While you are considering some of these stock looks for your headshot session keep in mind we are not developing character or straying into high style but giving you a placement and tone that will put you on the map.

~Plain Jane/Skid Row/Runaway/Hard Knock Life

This is the makeup, no makeup look for actors that want to show a more vulnerable side and to get the attention of casting directors who are looking for these roles. A more standard headshot would be “too attractive” or too pretty (applies equally to men and women). Of course wardrobe, background, and lighting are a consideration here, and we will bring it all together to make your look right for the part.

~Commercial/Collegiate/High School Student/Mom/Pretty Girl/Natural or “Green” Look

With this look we are showing you off in the best possible light to the broadest audience possible. Your skin is flawless, eyes are bright and open, the lips are flushed with color, and hair is falling perfectly into place. Wardrobe and background will be interesting and creative and designed to bring out your very best in coloring. The idea we are creating is that this the way you wake up every day!

~CSI/FBI/SCI-FI

This is a look defined by power, sophistication and energy. Hair is pulled back (no hiding behind it), eyes are more defined and with lips that make them want to listen to what is being said. This is also a great look for theatre headshots as well. Face on, no holds barred – you control the room.

~Ingenue/Leading Lady/Red Carpet

This is the look that makes them wonder why they haven’t “discovered” you yet. It is full out glam or the look you would have for your nine page spread in Vanity Fair. Sex kitten hair. pouty lips, eyes that scream you’ll never forget me, and sexy form fitting clothes. Basically we are adding some model aspects to your look but we keep the shoot directed to an actor with chops. You are a great actor you just happen to be drop dead gorgeous!

So this is the run down:

1) consultation to discuss stock looks and prep for your shoot

2) Get your wardrobe (5 – 6 outfits suggested).

3) Hair and make up by Robyn Ross

4) Photo session with Dean Buscher to include three looks (we shoot them inside and outside and to give you that natural light and studio look). Web gallery created to preview your photographs and two images color corrected for printing.

We have 2 bookings open for each day on May 26th, 27th, and 28th.  The first session is  at 10:00am and the second one is at  3:00pm.

Each session fee is $500 not including taxes.

Any questions please call the studio and ask to speak with Dean.

778.928.9132

*Special note – while we have designed these three days for female actors if men are interested in the benefits of working with Robyn and myself we can schedule another day and adjust the time, price (and looks) accordingly.

GENIE AWARDS WESTERN NOMINEE RECEPTION ON MARCH 22ND 2010 AT THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL VANCOUVER

The nominations for the 30th Annual Genie Awards were announced this month by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television at a press conference in Toronto hosted by Gordon Pinsent (three time Genie Award winner) and Tatiana Maslany (Special Jury Prize, Sundance 2010 – Grown Up Movie Star). Leading the pack with 11 nominations is Polytechnique, including nods for Best Motion Picture and Best Direction. Following closely behind are NURSE. FIGHTER. BOY (ten nominations), Before Tomorrow (nine nominations), Grand Ourse: La cle des possibles/The Master Key (eight nominations) and Fifty Dead Men Walking (seven nominations).

“This years nominations reflect a national cinema that is courageous in it s storytelling.” says Sara Morton, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. “They are films created from the wealth of cultures, communities and historical moments that make up the Canadian identity. As the Genie Awards celebrates its 30th anniversary, these nominees will remind us of why it is as important as ever to celebrate and cherish the best of Canadian film.”

Charles Officer and Sara Morton

Tantoo Cardinal, Peter Leitch, Sara Morton

Chad Willett and Sonja Bennett

Terry McKeown and Ben Mink

Gabrielle Rose and Tantoo Cardinal

Garry Chalk and Karen Robyn

Scott Weber, Stephen Adams and Lorne Wright

Stephen Hegyes

Jim Finn

Terry Mc Evoy

Sonja Bennett

Clare Contini and Sara Morton

Ben Mink

Gabrielle Rose

Mayor Gregor Robertson

Mayor Gregor Robertson

Charles Officer

Stephen Hegyes

Paul Armstrong and Ryan Catherwood

Jim Finn, Pamela Finn, paul Quinn and Clare Contini

Daniel Ingram, Stephanie Swedlove and Jeff Chiba Stearns

Leslie Wooton Tom Adair and Colleen Nystedt

Tantoo Cardinal

I have had the good fortune to shoot Garry on a number of films over the past several years, so working in studio together was just another nice way to keep the creative experience going. I have gone with the monochrome experience always a nice alternative and a nice way to bring out powerful eyes.

To know more about Garry you can go here: Garry Chalk on imdb

Being a photographer and working in the film industry means there  are a lot of people who knock on your door needing publicity and gallery work for their short, pilot, web series film event etc. Many of these people are your close friends and colleagues and you really want to help them out but life is full and you can’t always make it out to their gig. However this year when the Actors Fund of Canada contacted me through the IATSEE 669 office, I took a look at the work they were doing and knew it was something that I wanted to support. Living in Canada life is full of opportunities but living the artists life has implied risks many people do not anticipate. Sure, I know, we all belong to the universe but the world here owes us nothing. We are all wanting to live the dream but making it is another thing – sometimes it just takes a while. So life can be challenging but when an emergency situation comes along, artists seldom have the resources to deal and life can suddenly become unmanageable. The Actors Fund of Canada can help. The Actors Fund is the lifeline to the entertainment industry in Canada. Over 10,000 professional members of the industry from all over Canada and in the fields of film and TV, theatre, music and dance have been helped by the Fund which provides emergency financial aid to assist cultural workers in recovering from an illness, injury or other circumstances causing severe economic hardship. I sure wish I had known bout the Actors Fund some years ago. Here is to getting the word out now.

Now the shoot itself had an interesting directorial tangent. I was sent some images that were used in previous publicity campaigns, and was asked to mirror the style, look and feel. I really enjoy looking at other photographer’s work analyzing it figuring out what works how it came together – so I pretty much instantly knew what I wanted to do. And the shoot came together in less than 2 minutes the fact that it was starting to sprinkle didn’t hurt either. Julia and Maia were great, and the clouds made for perfect soft lighting.

For more information: The Actors Fund of Canada. Please leave a comment at the bottom if you want to connect or you have any questions.

This is a really sweet script played by a cast with subtlety and range. A real treat to be with this crew for 2 days.  Working on green screen really doesn’t change my job during shooting but it does give me some thing to play with afterwards. And as I dont have to shoot each scene over and over again I also had a lot of time to shoot the crew. One of the most enjoyable parts of being on set. Some crazy folios of Peter New who just can not resist the camera – which I like and a good publicity spread for the Red.

Its a hard thing to keep up with all the publishing isn’t it? Back in February 2009 I presented James Longley’s “Iraq in Fragments” at our weekly Tuesday night gathering at the Vancouver Film School theatre. Created by Dave Rocnin and Kryshan Randel the “VFS Movie Night” was conceived to introduce significant cinematic works both new, old and obscure to the passionate movie making community here in Vancouver. Knowing that many of these magnificent films will almost never be seen on the big screen for years to come – if ever – this was an opportunity to make it happen and to talk afterwards about what makes these great films succeed with a passionate articulate group of artists and filmmakers.

So it was that I brought Iraq in Fragments to the attention of my colleagues, but not before I tried to contact James Longley about his film. I am not going to spoil the viewing for those of you who have not seen this work (because I recommend it highly) but I had one important question for James – how dangerous was it in Iraq? I actually did not even expect to hear from him but amazingly James emailed me from Iran where he is working on his next feature film (see the accompanying photos in this post which he sent me).

The fact is being in Iraq after the US invasion had to be dangerous but if you watch this movie you dont sense that the access James got put him in danger and this is a remarkable testament to the camera work and filmmaking. Really watch the movie.

In James’ own words:

“Of course my life was in danger while filming in Iraq — but that is not unusual given that Iraq was the most dangerous place in the world at the time of filming. Everyone’s life was in danger.

The same thing was certainly true in the Gaza Strip, where I made my film feature-length documentary; I was shot at by Israeli soldiers twice while filming there. This sort of thing just comes with the territory, as you know.”

Anyways go rent this movie! Below you you can read an intro and some trivia.

*Winner of 12 major international awards including 3 Documentary awards at Sundance (2006) which has never happened before including Best Documentary Cinematography, Best Documentary Directing, Best Documentary Editing.

*”….a one man production of startling audacity and aesthetic provocation. ….If Longley’s astonishing feat of poetic agitation has a precedent in the entire history of documentary, I am not aware of it.” Rob Nelson – The Village Voice

“An opus in three parts, Iraq in Fragments offers a series of intimate, passionately felt portraits: A fatherless 11 year-old is apprenticed to the domineering owner of a Baghdad garage; Sadr followers in two Shiite cities rally for regional elections while enforcing Islamic law at the point of a gun; a family of Kurdish farmers welcomes the US presence, which has allowed them a measure of freedom previously denied.

To Join the VFS Movie Night.

More info on Iraq In Fragments.

All images are Copyright James Longley.

“A popular part of Motion Picture Industry Week in Vancouver, Career Expo ‘09 offers a rare point of access to the people, organizations and companies that make the Motion Picture and New Media Industry tick!” Yes and this early shot of the day showing all the exhibitors and the beautiful Roundhouse Community Center, a perfect location for this event. Some of the industry organizations in attendance at the Carreer Expo included: Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, MPPIA, BC Film, BC Film Commission, BCIT, Canadian Film Center, Center for Arts and Technology in Kelowna, CFTPA, Annex Pro, Amethyst Eye Creative, Capilano University Film Center, CIS Vancouver, Creative Women Workshops Association, Deluxe Vancouver, FTX Events, IATSE 669, IATSE 891, Directors Guild Vancouver, First Weekend Club, Celluloid Social Club, MPC, SHAPE, UBC Continuing Studies, UBC Department of Theatre and Film, Vancouver Film School, Whistler Film Festival, Women in Film and TV Vancouver.

all images © Dean Buscher 2009

http://www.productionheads.com/2009/11/883/#more-883

Panelists included: Casting Director Stuart Aikins, Literary Agent Anna Archer, President of Force Four Entertainment Rob Bromley, Producer/Development Executive Louise Clark, Producer/Director Gary Harvey, Manager Elizabeth Hodgson, Producer Reunion Pictures Matthew O’Connor, Producer No Equal Entertainment Larry Sugar, Producer Brightlight Pictures Shawn Williamson.

All Proceeds from this event went to the Performing Arts Lodge Vancouver.

all images © Dean Buscher 2009