Tallgrass Film Festival 2011

This year, Kate and I attended the Tallgrass Film Festival in Wichita, KS.  It was great to spend a weekend wrapped up in the film world and discussing the craft, story line, production, subject matter, etc.  While there were too many films for me to see in one weekend (especially with an 8 month old running around at home) I saw a plethora that I knew I could not miss.  There are 2 I would like to highlight and encourage you to seek out as they travel around to other festivals and get distributed:

The Selling

| 2011 | USA | 92 mins. | Domestic | Narrative

In Competition

Director: Emily Lou

Languages: English | Genre: Comedy

Summary

A too-honest-for-his-own-good real estate agent buys a property to flip for a profit … only to discover the house is haunted.

Official Site: http://www.thesellingthemovie.com/

MY REVIEW: I was extremely excited to see this movie because it combines my two favorite genres of comedy and horror.  Traditionally, campy is the vessel for comedy in horror which belittles the art form – this in not the case in “The Selling.”  An awesome cast of mostly newcomers to the big screen deliver performances true to their characters that allow us to immerse ourselves into the experience of the film.  The comedic delivery is spot on and matched with well timed editing that both plays to the suspense of the horror and the cadence of comedy.  Most impressive is that this was Emily Lou’s first feature film, a credit that usually results in a product that feels like a work in progress.  This is a well polished product ready for the big screen in a town near you!  This film delivers on exactly what it is, 92 minutes of pure fun you will be recommending to your family and friends.  Spooky enough to give you a jump, but docile enough for the whole family.  Run (screaming in horror) – don’t walk (laughing hysterically) – to see “The Selling!”

The Clean Bin Project

| 2011 | Canada, USA | 67 mins. | Foreign | Documentary

In Competition, Greengrass

Director: Grant Baldwin

Languages: English | Genre: Documentary

Summary

The Clean Bin Project is about a regular couple and their quest to answer the question ‘is it possible to live completely waste free?’ Partners Jen and Grant go head to head in a comedic battle to see who can swear off consumerism and produce the least amount of garbage in an entire year.

Official Site: http://www.cleanbinmovie.com/

MY REVIEW: This documentary reminded me (style-wise) of the project I am working on currently and therefore was great to watch and judge technically.  The subject matter is also very close to me as Kate and I have become overwhelmingly taken by the idea of weaning ourselves off of many major systems and trying to live cleaner lives.  This film had so much potential to be preachy and lecture people about their habits and our use of single-use products.  Having lived in San Francisco there is nothing I hate more than having someone’s lifestyle thrust upon me and mine being judged as stupid.  This film gorgeously documents this couple’s experience without thrusting judgement onto their viewers.  Instead of hammering facts into our brains, Grant and Jen allow us into their lives as the competition to produce less weight becomes the vessel that changes their lives in a revelation they may not have expected.  The competition was their catalyst into cleaner living.  Grant’s asides to camera and our ability to relate to him as the guy next door brings comedy to the piece driving what I feel is the element that sets this film above the rest; living without waste can be fun.  There are no glaring fights.  Grant and Jen are not torn apart by the competition and changes to their lives.  Nope, they remain the same people who go through an enlightening experience and they take us laughing the whole way.  I highly encourage you to go see this film as it is a wealth of information on cleaner living, an enderaing story of a couple, and inspirational to see how easy it is to make a few changes to your life style that will benefit yourself and those around you.

So Long Freedom

CreativeRHINO’s Ryan W. Gates has been writing an open diary of his transition into Corporate America, his 30′s, and fatherhood in a tell-all blog called “So Long Freedom.”  Nominated for a 2011 Bloggers Choice Award as “Best Parenting Blog,” it is a great read for any new parent (especially dads-to-be).  Follow along online, by email, or Facebook.

Where has CreativeRHINO been?

The one-two punch of Ryan and Kate have been on paternal/maternal leave with the arrival of the tiniest rhino…Max. Now, two months later we are returning to the world of creativity with a number of great projects on the horizon.

Kate has been painting and Ryan has been writing in the interim. There is a proposed combining of their work for a show/installation this year as well as more gallery appearances. In the meantime, check out Ryan’s writing on the So Long Freedom blog where he writes short stories about moving to Kansas, working for corporate America, and becoming a father.

The Evolution of Video in Online Advertising

Directing on the set of "The Cage"

Today Ryan Gates spoke at the Wichita American Marketing Association monthly meeting and gave a presentation on the evolution of online video production, its impact on viral marketing, and how his career has led him through that evolution.  The talk was filled with videos and stories from the late 90′s through today and observations about the interactive marketing industry and consumer trends.

“I was honored to be invited to speak, I am still getting used to referring to myself as a marketer and not a filmmaker.  I was humbled to be given the opportunity to talk with the Wichita marketing community.”

Gates imparted the advice of showing customers the vulnerable side of your brand.  Truth, honesty, and reality.  The idea of presenting a brand without being overly commercial is imperative as “consumers want more interactive pieces…they want more stuff!”  Ryan also talked about the idea of telling a story, which was exactly what his presentation was…a compelling story that hopefully captivated people for a snippet of time and provided a momentary escape from reality.  The idea of being “Digital Nomads” struck a chord with the group as Ryan discussed moving his business and life into a 20′ camper because he didn’t need to have a public business space.

“If there was anything I wish I could have spent more time talking about today it would have been the camper, being digitally nomadic, and how technology has redefined the small business.  However, this was a talk on marketing trends…not small business.  It does lend itself to the idea that consumers are accessing your brand via new avenues and the need for companies to have a larger presence online than on the street is becoming greater every day.”

For more information on Ryan and his work please email us at info@CreativeRHINO.com or subscribe to the So Long Freedom blog as he chronicles his evolution from freelance to corporate, coastal to midwestern, and an individual to a father.

CreativeRHINO is back on the road.

With Ryan’s new position as Director of Viral Marketing at easygates, LLC he will be on the road more and more for easyhome. This week he is in Jonesboro, AR while Kate gears up for a drive across country to NY. So keep your eyes peeled for the Rhinos out there on the open highways…you never know where we might pop up next.

Tonight! Supercellica opening at the Walnut Gallery

Creative Rhino loves all things Squirrelly!

Supercellica is a group exhibition including CR’s own Kathryn Van Steenhuyse!

Opening Tonight at the Walnut Street Gallery, 7-10 pm

112 S. Walnut, Wichita KS (1 block south of Douglas, 1 block east of Seneca)

Including live art performance, as well as music by The Tom Page Trio.

*Join us Saturday as well for the Art Pride Parade.

SUPERCELLICA is the evolution of Supercell, a Squirrelly Girls exhibition inspired by summer storms, first exhibited at ADA Gallery in Richmond, VA and then at the Couchfire Collective in Columbus, OH. The Squirrelly Girls are an irreverent and improvisational arts group that feed on glitter, and all other manner of squirrelly things. This squirrelly attitude has allowed Supercell(ica) to permeate each new community, much like the glitter we ride in on, adopting new members to our Squirrelly Girl tribe. The exhibition will feature both local and national artists.

CreativeRHINO is in Wichita and will reopen oh so soon!

We’re here…buried in boxes, moving trucks, and date changes.  More details to come once we get our offices set up and we are settled.

Till then, see you online!

Last Night We Took Cover in Greenville, IL

As we pushed west with our sights set on reaching Kansas City we noticed a drastic change in the weather. We pulled over at a rest stop and gathered around a TV broadcasting the tornado warnings and saw we were directly in its path. We snagged the last room at a motel minutes before the power went out for the entire county. Minutes later the rain began, then an insane lightning show, and the twister passed just south of us.

Its odd to be moving back to Wichita in the middle of tornado season – we spent part of last night hiding in the tub. I guess it was the Midwest’s way of saying welcome home. Today we are driving into the second storm as we finally reach Kansas. Almost there!
_____________
RWG
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

On The Road Again!

Today we finished packing everything up, our stuff left with the moving truck yesterday, and we are on the road moving to Wichita, KS! NY made it easier for us to leave this week by snowing! Snow! The last week of April!

Today however the skies were clear, the water deep blue, and the temperatures rising. With excitement for what lies ahead and a heavy heart to leave Bolton Landing we hit the road.

On to the next adventure!
_____________
RWG
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Ryan’s Keys to a Better Office

Another Day at the Office

With our move to Wichita, KS only 3 days away we sold our mobile office. The 20′ 1988 Sunline Camper affectionately referred to as “Debbie” pulled away the other night as she began the next adventure. It was sad to see her go but we were happy that she was going to a good family. There was something very magical about having an office that consisted of a large picnic table, a canopy, an extension chord, and a wireless printer. Sure the flies were a bit much at times but it was a small price to pay to be able to work in a bathing suit and t-shirt outside.

People keep saying to me (Ryan) that “I got away with it for as long as I could,” in reference to a non-traditional work schedule and place of business. I didn’t get away with anything. We worked harder than I’ve ever worked in my life because we grayed the lines between pleasure and business – we made work fun. I highly recommend it to everyone. Open your office window. Have a meeting at a picnic table. Wear flip-flops to work. Love what you do. I may be stepping in to a more formal position as Director of Viral Marketing at easygates, LLC but I will still do everything I can to bring the outside in and redefine what a “workspace” is. AC, heaters, artificial light, and hunching over a keyboard is killing us. I’m not suggesting we all go hippie town and burn our desks, I just think we should do a little more to make ourselves happy. Here is what I suggest to improve your office:

1. Get a plant
2. Open windows when possible
3. Take breaks/lunches outside weather permitting
4. Host meetings outside weather permitting
5. Replace all your office light bulbs with full spectrum bulbs
6. Create a work station where you can stand at times
7. Invite your office neighbors outside with you
8. Don’t Facebook updates like “still stuck at work”

Most importantly, every stranger you encounter on your way to work…engage in some small way.  Don’t put your head down and charge past them.  Smile.  Say “hi.”  Its not only good for the soul but it also gets you in a good social mood.  Say “hi” to your office neighbors.

Work hard and you’ll feel good about what you have accomplished.  Slack off and you will hate your job.  Be yourself, make the workspace enjoyable, and remember to reward yourself for all your hard work.  You deserve it!