FILM: 'NOTORIOUS'

With all the Oscar buzz still floating around after the nominations come out, Im excited to see another film emerge. NOTORIOUS, the autobiographical film of Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace is set to release January 16. The film will be a sight to see as I was a witness to the icon's music growing up in the mid-90's, and always been a fan, not to mention we have the same birthday. Trailer below.

FILM: Chanel "Silent Film"

Silent Film...enough said, ENJOY!





Fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld has directed a high-budget 10-minute short film to pay homage to French fashion pioneer Coco Chanel. This glamorous silent film has premiered last week in Paris at the Le Ranelagh theater. Edita Vilkeviciute will portray the young Coco from 1913, when the legendary designer first set up shop. Along with Vilkeviciute, the film will feature model Brad Koenig, Lady Amanda Harlech and the actual workers from the Chanel atelier used as actors to keep the authenticity to the visuals. The mini-film was shot in two days outside of a Paris movie studio.

OFFICIAL: Drunken Monkeee GO BEZERK Music Video

Its great to finally get this video out me and Drunk have been working on knocking one out for two years, this is only the beginning....

ENJOY!



Shot by Britt Richardson

INTERESTING: Rotoscope

I have always been a fan of animation, one of my favorite movies growing up was 'Cool World'....




...But rotoscope(ing) is a different type of animation, most recently used in the new Kanye West music video "Heartless"


Heartless from kwest on Vimeo.


Rotoscoping is cool, it was also used in the two films "Waking Life" and "A Scanner Darkly"






Heres some history and 'tutorial' to learn's you something about the art of Rotoscoping....ENJOY!

57 SECONDS OF GO BEZERK ROUGH CUT

Enjoy......

THE DOPE SHIT: "Heartless"

Find more videos like this on Today's Agenda


This is a slideshow from Kanye's listening party in NYC, 40 naked chicks..... I wonder what the album sounds like.

FILM: Duality of Man

Directed by Britt Richardson. Empireal Pictures. With great cinematography, and editing Britt uses a red lenses effect with his main character Sunni Ali that takes the movie to another level. ENJOY!

BEST OF PXL THIS 13-16, SATURDAY, COME THROUGH!

PXL THIS is a festival that features videos produced using the PXL 2000, a plastic toy video camera that records sound and images directly onto audiocassettes. The PXL 2000 was available from 1987 to 1989 from Fisher-Price. The picture is comprised of 2,000 "pixels" as opposed to the 150,000 pixels seen on the average TV screen, which makes for a very grainy but appealing quality. PXL THIS organizer Gerry Fialka says, "PXL is the essential utensil of creation. The really creative artist does a lot with nothing. PXL THIS is based on the statements, 'It is literally possible to do more with less' -Buckminster Fuller and 'Film will only become art when its materials are as inexpensive as pencil and paper' -Jean Cocteau. It's a real pencil and paper mentality. Express yourself, and don't be afraid to break some rules. Like Cocteau said, "What one should do with the young is to give them a portable camera and forbid them to observe any rules except those they invent for themselves as they go along. Let them write without being afraid of making mistakes.' But PXL THIS is for all ages."

Hosted by: Amir George (The Film Culture)

Tonight's program features 14 shorts compiled from PXL THIS Film Festivals spanning 2003 to 2006 and includes the following works: Souvenir (Stephen Rose); Gestures (L.M. Sabo); Helen Possert: A WWII Rosie (Michael Possert); Somnigraphic Traces of the Otherwise Undocumented Friedkin Institute for Sleep Disorder Research (Struan Ashby & Roy Parkhurst); I'm in the Mood (Bryan Konefsky); About Flowers (Juniper Woodbury); Sleep (Doug Ing); Double-Duty Interrobang (Gerry Fialka); Fish (Joe Frese); PXL Manifesto (Ross Craig); Babblefesto #2 (Steve Craig); A Stake to the Heart: The Last PXL Movie (Ross Craig); Rugrat (Lisa Marr); and Zero (Eli Elliott).

Total running time: 89 mins.

General Admission: $8

Students: $7

Chi Film Members: $4

COME THROUGH: CITY WIDE SHOWCASE THIS WEEK!

RECEPTION 7:00 pm, SCREENING 8:00 pm

@ Chicago Filmmakers 5243 N. Clark

This Chicago Filmmakers exclusive event presented by The Film Culture will screen the most provocative new film and video work from Chicago's most talented film students. Undergraduate and graduate level work in film and video produced in the 2007-08 academic year coming out of schools including Columbia College, UIC, SAIC, Loyola, DePaul, Northwestern, UC, and many more

This event will bring Chicago's future filmmakers from every corner of the city together to share in the accomplishments of their peers.

Films Screening:

1. The Happy Man’s Pants – Kunal Savkur

2. Duality of Man – Britt Richardson

3. Rendezvous – Aaron Michnowski

4. The Horror – Lou Vaughn

5. The Ghost of the Night – Christopher Pastenes

6. Lonliness- Yorvi Moriera

7. Amerika Taiken Pakku – Solomon Adekale

8. 80’s Video – Julian Miller

9. Popcorn – Mohamed Ezoubeiri

10. Messing Around – Sawyer J. Lahr

11. Wages of Sin – Jeremy Collins

12. Eyelids – Brad Bischoff

13. Birds Watching – L.e. Eastman

14. Sojourn in a Foreign Land – Joseph Baldwin


Free for Students w/ ID

$4 General Admission



Special Guest Judges

Konee Rok

Joe "Jody" Williams

Sponsors:

Odd Obsession

Screen Magazine

BACK TO SCHOOL: CPS PSA

This is the PSA I directed this past summer with Chicago Public school students. It sheds light on the on going violence involving kids. ENJOY!

M.I.A Rolling Out Interview

I posted pics from this experience a while back, check out the interview

GO BEZERK: Day 1

These are pics from the first day of shooting the Drunken Monkeee "Go Bezerk" music video. BE AFRAID.

THANKS: 10,000 AND COUNTING

Wow, so its official. Sneaker Freak has reached 10,000 views in 4 months, and has become my most successful vid online so far. I want to thank all the people who helped make this possible. Especially Andrew and Becca. Below are all the blogs that picked it up. THANKS AGAIN!

http://ldntimes10.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/the-cool-kids-unos-unreleased-video-amir-george-sneaker-freak/

http://freshfeature.blogspot.com/2008/06/sneaker-freak-amir-george-featuring.html

http://sucker4clothes.wordpress.com/2008/06/13/sneaker-freak-by-amir-george/

http://bringing88back.wordpress.com/2008/06/29/sneaker-freak-video-the-cool-kids-unos/

http://rapperswelike.blogspot.com/2008/06/amir-george-sneaker-freak.html

http://promomami.blogspot.com/2008/06/sneaker-freak-by-amir-george-you-need.html

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/download/51242-the-cool-kids-unos-mp3

http://scaredem.blogspot.com/2008/06/sneaker-freak.html

http://www.dontmiss.fr/n9203-8/sneaker-freak-une-histoire-de-pompes.html

http://www.fakeshoredrive.com/2008/06/cool-kids-unos-unreleased.html

http://nahright.com/news/2008/06/12/the-cool-kids-unos/

http://lupefiasco-lupend.blogspot.com/2008/07/sneaker-freak-short-film.html

http://justtogetarep.blogspot.com/2008/07/sneaker-freaker-featuring-cool-kids.html

http://mondomedeusah.typepad.com/mondomedeusah/2008/07/sneaker-freak-c.html

http://www.musiconplay.net/23/07/2008/sneaker-freak-film-short-ft-the-cool-kids/

http://mickboogie.blogspot.com/2008/07/sneaker-freak.html

http://ittakesanationofmillionstoholdthissac.blogspot.com/2008/07/sneaker-freak-it-could-be-sneaker.html

http://stuntinonprose.com/?p=2012

http://illroots.com/2008/07/22/it-could-be-the-sneakers/

http://www.urb.com/permalink/3197/Sneaker-Freak.html

http://www.whoresneverlearn.com/2008/07/young-hollywood.html

http://backpackrapper.com/blog/?p=594

http://picnictyme.com/?p=370

http://red-fantasies.blogspot.com/2008/07/sneaker-freak.html

KEEP WATCHIN!

FILM: Chromeo 'Mommas Boy' Music Video

Pretty cool. Directed by French illustrator Stephane Manel, also known for his design work for Serge Gainsbourg and Sebastien Tellier. This is one of the most entertaining animated videos I've seen, it reminds me of that popular one from the 80's I cant think of the song, but i'll post it when i do...

WEEKLY PROMO: Soul Fusion Compilation

The Conduit Magazine Presents The Soul Fusion Compilation released July 19th. The compilation features that dopest local, national, and international neo-soul artist.

Check it out:





Check out the latest issue: www.thecounduitmagazine.com

On Set: Celtiyotl

This was the last day of shooting the short film directed by Xotichil Vargas. The film tells the true story of a recovering meth addict. Shot by Mike Herrera, we filmed in the small town of Markstown, Indiana. I co-produced and AD'd (...and even made a small cameo) can't wait to see the cut.

Cool Commercial: Converse

I remember seeing the print AD for this campaign. This is a commercial featuring Pharrell, Santogold, and Julian Casablanca from The Strokes




Pretty cool, but where's Kid Sister?

Limited Edition: The Film Culture Sneaker

I customized these last year, and aint even wore em yet

Smart Shit: The "Be Kanye" Ad Campaign

So Absolut Vodka has launced a new Ad campaign with Kanye West entitled "Be Kanye". The ads feature an old white dude taking two tablets and turning into Kanye West. Peep commercial below



I think this is a very original and innovative idea, and a perfect fit for Kanye. Inspired!

OFFICIAL PROMO

FILM: Gangster With A Heart of Gold: The Noonie G Story (2006)

So Im sitting in the office last week, and I came across this doc, picked it up, watched it....and I think this is one of the best documentaries I ever seen.



It tells the story of former Chicago gang-leader Noonie G, narrated by Kanye & Common, this documentary had everything I wanted to see. It gave you the history of the Chicago gang culture and was filmed by Chicago filmmakers and some of my idols Coodie & Chike, and Frey Hoffman. Circa 2006, See it if you can.

NEW ART WORLD POST: Kids on TV

The second and latest entry to The Art World According to Amir George blog, check it out: http://www.eyeinpr.com/home/category/the-art-worldaccording-to-amir-george

FILM: CPS PSA "DEAD KIDS"

We just wrapped yesterday, Stay Tuned.

LIFE: GO BEZERK PREPRODUCTION

It's my next video, listen to the track "Go Bezerk" www.myspace.com/drunkenmonkeee

MEMORIES: PARTY TIME

Last night I threw my first birthday party since the first grade.










Thanks to everybody for coming out, I wish I got photos of the party room it was amazing!

LIFE: GROWN ASS MAN

So this is like two days old, but its official. Come to my party tomorrow 1455 N. Washtenaw 10pm.

AGUZATE TV: BWC Interview

I was sort of nervous I thought this was going to be a print interview, until he pulled out a camera....

WEEKLY PROMO: CITY WIDE SHOWCASE

Im puttin this event together under my advocacy group The Film Cultre, a grassroots organization that markets and promotes independent film and festivals. Nothing like this has been done for student filmmakers before, so please spread the word...

NEW VIDEO: "Ain't A Prolum" Boardroom Music Group

I shot this about a month ago, im happy to finally see the finished product. Filmmaker Rashaunda Brooks makes her directorial debut. ENJOY!

LIFE: M.I.A in Concert

Last night I realized the best part of about being a journalist is spontaneity. After a long awaited reply I was confirmed to interview M.I.A three hours before her show. The show was incredible it was one of the best I've seen.






The interview was pretty dope too, look for it soon.

THE DOPE SHIT: Limited Edition 'I AM OBAMA' TEE

dress presidential.

LIBERATION: STOP THE VIOLENCE

I previously visited the neighborhood I grew up in "Englewood", on the southside of Chicago.




I was in the neighborhood to work on a video project with students from Englewood High School.



The project addresses the recent rise in gun violence with over 21 public school children killed in this semester alone. I feel this needs to be addressed and im thankful to be given the opportunity to work on this project. Stay Tuned.

FILM: VIDEODROME (1983)

I just recently saw this for the first time. Directed by David Cronenberg, undeniable classic.

Welcome To The Art World

The Art World....according to Amir George is my new blog on EyeinPr.com where I will host interviews with artist, and post other artistic ish...Enjoy!

LIFE: THREAT EPIDEMIC

Yesterday morning I woke up as she turned on the news, I turned over as a reporter reported on schools that had been closed due to harmful threats, I laughed. I knew that school threats had become something that people took for granted. Anybody could've been calling in and making any type of ridiculous statements. I had class at 2, I almost missed my stop getting off the train, I was already 10 min. late then I got to the door.



I couldnt believe it, I think im going to make a movie about this.

THE DOPE SHIT: Swarovski Crystalized Male and Female Skulls

I saw this on a art auction site (capucinesboulevard.com) and couldnt believe it.






The creator of these works of art is Quinn Gregory.

"While the artist was a lawyer for several years; approximately four years ago he was diagnosed with a rare heart disease. This diagnosis altered Quinn’s life in many ways. Naturally, it forced Quinn to focus on death and how our Society deals with death. Quinn strongly believes that our bodies are merely shells we use while here on Earth (nothing more or less). He believes that the human skeleton is innately beautiful. He also loves the extremes of death (in the form of a human skull) and bejeweling it with colorful Swarovski Crystals. Each original and limited Quinn Gregory Skull contains somewhere between 8,500 to 12,500 crystals. Each skull is obviously unique and ‘re-named’ by the artist. While there are a few Quinn Gregory Skulls shown herein, alternative colors and combinations of the Swarovski Crystals used are available by custom order." (capucines)

FILM: SNEAKER FREAK

ENJOY!

LIFE: The Premiere is Upon Us.

What you all have been waiting for....




Premiering Saturday March 8th at the Humboldt Park Field House 1440 N. Sacramento.8pm. See you there.

FILM: Flashing Lights Music Video

So today i saw the new Kanye vid for the song 'Flashing Lights'. I been anticipating this video since I heard he was doing it, along with that he got Spike Jonze to direct it. But then I watched it....



Creatively I see where Kanye is trying to take the art of music videos. But as a fan I hated this vid. It could've been so much more. Where's the flickering lights? the neon lights? the glow in the dark performance shot? All the things I wanted and waited to see. I searched all over to see if there was an alternate cut, but nothing. This video just raised the bar for me as a director.

WEEKLY PROMO: CPH REMIX

LIBERATION: ...Tell'em Save the Youth

I checked this video out on video static, I admit I like the way its shot with the fish-eye lense but is this what kids are really listening to?

THE DOPE SHIT: Alessi Watches

I just got one of these yesterday as a gift. I first saw this watch at the MCA store and just knew I had to have one, italian design and exceptionally dope.

Peep their site for more merch: www.alessiwatches.com

RIP: HEATH LEDGER

Sad news for such a young great actor. He was set to star in this summer's Batman movie as The Joker. He will be missed

LIBERATION: And the award goes to....

This morning I woke up to news of this years Academy Award nominees I must say Im happy No Country for Old Men got major nods, along with Vigo Mortossen for Eastern Promises and Ruby Dee for American Gangster. But after Kathy Bates and some Academy head finished the announcements. My excitement turned sour as I came to realize that one movie had been completely and suprisingly absent from the nominees. THE GREAT DEBATERS. Correct me if Im wrong but normally the movies that tend to get the nomination are end of the year hits. Which the Great Debaters was even though it had a slow opening at the box office. But this movie was critically acclaimed, its not a review I read that didnt give it four stars. I was going to write a review for the Pub Report but it was already written before my hands could touch the keyboard. Thats how much it inspired people. This was an important film, and a very good one at that. Im starting to think politics played a role in this, seeing how its produced by Oprah, but maybe Im crazy. Im not trying to discredit any of the other nominees from what I saw they were all good films, im still excited to see There Will Be Blood which I think will compete heavy with No Country, with Atonement maybe popping up somewhere in there. But there could've been room for one more.


Take back your righteous mind, and go see the movie if you havent already

LIFE: Gondry in The Apple Store

On Tuesday I went to check out fellow filmmaker Michel Gondry at the Apple Store. He was showing new clips of his new movie Be Kind, Rewind starring Jack Black and Mos Def. The movie is going to be hilarious.. they (Black&Def) have to remake all these classic movies (ghostbusters, rush hour, driving ms. daisy) after they get magnetized. It hits theatres Feb. 22

WEEKLY PROMO: I DOLL @ CHICAGO FILMMAKERS

LIBERATION: TOP OF 07'

I know this kinda late but we only two days into the new year, here's my top movies and albums of 07

Movies:

1. The Great Debaters
2. American Gangster
3. No Country for Old Men
4. Eastern Promises
5. Superbad

Honorable Mention: Reno 911: The Movie (yea, i had to put this)

Music

1. Lupe Fiasco - The Cool
2. Common - Finding Forever
3. Kanye West - Graduation
4. T-Pain - Epiphany
5. Jay-Z - American Gangster

Honorable Mention: Ghostface Killa - The Big Doe Rehab (better than More Fish, but not Fishscale)

This list is comprised of only the movies I saw and albums I heard. If I didnt see or hear anything else that probably should have went on this list, it probably wasnt important.

LIBERATION: 2008

Life is good. Its a new year. Wu-Tang has just released another album. Soulja Boy is at the top of the charts, we are close to seeing the First Black President and im ready to progress in 2008. Every year gets better. I was proud in 2007 to establish new relationships, receive new opportunities, and experience new and exciting things that will all build me as an individual. I learn something new everyday so after I recover from the party I'll be picking up where I left off in 07.



m


CHEERS!