The dawn of a new studio space

The big Slife news today is that within the next week the architects and students at Philadelphia University's Engineering and Design Institute are completing design of our new, green, (hopefully LEED certified) audio/video recording studio at 7926 Roanoke St. in Philadelphia. We will be incorporating the studio into the existing 1000 sq ft structure known as "the garage." The space will feature a modest reception/lounge space, a voiceover/isolation booth, and a 300 sq ft sound stage/control room, equipped with 12x16' green screen and convertible fabric backdrops. Heat will be solar hot water supplied, and the site will have a waterless, composting toilet. The design is being completed with a $10,000 grant from Ben Franklin Technology Partners and the best part is that Phila U EDI Master's candidates and professors will be supplying the labor and expertise to build the space in the summer of 2010. One minor problem to be addressed is the small issue of finding the funds to purchase materials. Not to mention navigating L&I down at City Hall...Of course, we'll be video documenting the entire process for the blog as well as producing an educational DVD!

Summertime

Living ain't easy but it sure is fun. So much work I don't know what to do with it. Backlogged on editing Friends of the Wissahickon 85th anniversary event video, where I interviewd Mayor Michael Nutter. Can you spot the photoshop? So many episodes of Philly Jazz sitting uncut on the shelf. Coming off the total craziness of the 6th annual, 2009 West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival, where I spent the last 96 hours, walking, talking, listening, shooting, editing, and earning a buck to promote the festival and OARC, a local non-profit CDC that is doing great work in the community. Can't believe that a mere 4 years ago I first wet my feet shooting jazz at the festival for fun. Full circle? So grateful that "following my bliss" is my career.
Wrapping shooting for the School District of Philadelphia this week with some principal interviews, miles of footage to plow through for a couple character education clips, and met an interesting woman at the festival this weekend who is also working for the School District to write a book on Philly Jazz history - could be a companion DVD/website?
What else? Raising these two boys is a blast and a constant challenge. Gus is stringing words together into mini sentences. Hard to hear "bye bye dada." Harry is trying to prove himself the macho man but seems to follow every assertion with a query as to the statement's veracity. Kids will both be in daycare this fall but only 2-3 days a week, so we are trying to remember to enjoy these precious moments of early childhood while we can. Before the system gets 'em and twists 'em around.
Vacation in a couple weeks to Bridge, and am very much looking forward to it. For now, much editing, a board meeting, and a couple days shooting this week for University of Pennsylvania. Now some rest...