Speed-Dating

John Blas(NCS Creative), a long time friend and a very creative Ad guy , called me up a while back to tell me there was someone he thought I should meet. John thought that I'd be a perfect match, both creatively and personally, with La Monde the Producer. If you are a fan of Mad Men on AMC then you will recognize La Monde Byrd. In addition to being a talented actor, La Monde is also a Producer. La Monde and his producing partner, Mekita Faiye, had just finished shooting a project titled Speed Dating. John, La Monde, Mekita, and myself got together and talked about what direction to take the campaign.

We met at my Hollywood office (Starbucks) and I spent some time getting to know La Monde and Mekita (pronounced like the power tool). I sat there and drank my little cappuccino while the three of them came up with some amazing and creative ideas that we would later capture in the studio. I had a hard time keeping up with them but I do vaguely remember (caffeine buzz) learning one great Hollywood insider secret. If you say an idea at least three times, you can rightfully claim it, and the shower of praise it brings you, as your own (Thanks to LMB)!

The concept was simple and elegant. We shot everyone in the same format and the same anonymous crop. The lighting was a large beauty dish with two gridded strobes for edge. There were a couple of bare heads on the white seamless and a reflector or two here and there with some flags and 4x4s to boot. Aside from the power outage in the building that shut us down for a few minuets, the day went great. It was a very long day to be sure. We had a huge talent list and just as large of a shot list.

The job was a great success. We captured a ton of awesome images that were singularly unique and yet able to remain true to the campaign's intent. A job like this takes a huge talent pool. While having vision and leadership, is a plus, an assignment like this could not be completed without the help of the entire crew. From makeup and styling to the actors and models all the way down to the building security (who held the answer to the power problem). Oh and before I forget, big thanks to my beautiful producer for getting us bags and bags of killer soft tacos. La Monde, Curtis and myself devoured them like it was our last meal.

Like an old reliable Swiss watch, John has done it again with his impeccable sense of design and balance. They are simple in concept yet laser sharp in execution.

It has been a pleasure to get to know La Monde. It turns out he smokes the occasional cigar and has a sip of scotch every now and then. John was right, we are a perfect match.

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