What a Rush!

Since I heard that this film was being made, I had great expectations.

The Senna documentary stirred up something that most of us had forgotten about the Formula 1: a competition that borderlines the risk of death at every turn.

Still, it’s a documentary, without all the plump of a hollywood blockbuster and even though it was the most successful documentary in the history of the UK box office, still wouldn’t drag the masses to the big screen.

Now RUSH on the other hand, is a sleek shiny glossy Ferrari with a photography that you just don’t see by simply watching the race live on the telly.

Maybe because my expectations were high, the film was a bit slow in the beginning, still it had the rhythm of a winner.

As the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda took the circuits of the Formula 1, nothing could stop the thrill anymore, your heart starts racing just as fast and just in time for the big crash, when it feels like all it’s happening right there, in your face.

Of course, this is film we’re talking about, and no matter how much the camera department whines about it, it’s nothing without sound.

I think the sound design along with Hans Zimmer score worked really well.

This has been Hollywood at its best, in my humble opinion.

Ron Howard nailed it, specially by casting Daniel Bruhl as Lauda.

What a performance! Having pretty face Hemsworth playing the attractive and charming James Hunt, 180 degrees directly opposite to Niki Lauda, just gave emphasis to Bruhl’s immaculate portrayal of the driver’s strict discipline and strive for perfection.

Now go, rush to the cinema!

This year was about…

Orange RockCorps

My brush with the music industry.

90.000 phone calls later I fulfilled my dream of working backstage to a massive gig and doing nothing less than artist liaison to Primal Scream.

Fact: P. Diddy earned my respect.

Alpha-ville Festival 2011

Thanks to Olivia Bellas (again), I had the opportunity to work in one of the most original festivals happening in London. Digital arts, animation, electronic music and managing just about 30 volunteers. I was sleep-deprived but proud!

Fact #1: I am Jennifer Cardini’s newest fan.

Fact #2: According to Man Barttlet my colour is green!

Scar Tissue

Back to film, producer Mike Riley from Sterling Pictures (again) asked me to join the crew for this psychological thriller directed by Scott Michell.

Fact: I’m never going to be an extra in a movie again.

Farewell 2011!

Management crisis

I am always trying to learn how to improve my work by observing my superiors.

Thankfully I can say most of my past managers, in film and events (art & music), have been really inspiring and with them I learnt vital principles about communicating and motivating staff or crew.

I can say they were often fair with impeccable communication skills and amazing oratory. Plain and simple: they knew when and how to speak to any of their employees.

I don’t have the same personality as the above managers, even so, I really strive to absorb all these qualities and apply them to my work.

However, I can’t say the same about the hospitality/catering industry.

As everybody knows I work as waitress to make the ends meet.

With the exception of the manager at the Dorchester Hotel (who was superb), it’s really demotivating to see the level of communication expertise among the hospitality/catering managers I’ve met and worked for.

I have recently worked with one of the most successful events manager, but I genuinely wonder how did he achieve this status! He shouts a lot and swears at staff, he loses his mind over little mistakes or “stupid” questions (stupid according to him of course).

Just the other day, while on training to refresh my waitressing skills, I heard another manager says “I work 12 hours without eating, it’s life, just face it”.

What can I say… It’s true these things happened. It’s true we live in a society where working 70 hours a week makes you a part-timer. But that doesn’t mean it’s right and you can’t expect to motivate your staff by saying that, or expect them to do the same as you.

I will certainly write another post on catering/hospitality. Now time for the weather, Tiffany?

Good news

I am officially with RockCorps until July.

It’s not film related work but I am very I mean, very excited about it.

It’s a project with a brilliant concept and great people attached to it, from all sorts of backgrounds such as film, TV, charity and music. For more information check www.orangerockcorps.co.uk.

The cherry on top is that I get to go to free gigs during the summer and the potential line up is very impressive. I can’t say more than that though

So a little pat on the back for me and if you also want free tickets all you have to do is give 4 hours of your time to one of our projects.

give, get given that’s what they say

Back then

I have just watched The Crucible and rejoiced in the acting of Daniel Day Lewis, Winona Ryder and Joan Allen.

It’s not the first time I watched it but it’s the first time I appreciated it. There are many films I have watched when I was too young to understand them.

Back then, Mortal Kombat was the best movie ever. (By the way I still enjoy Mortal Kombat and I see nothing wrong about enjoying bad movies.)

So I guess it’s time to watch 2001: A Space Odyssey again. Maybe this time I’ll be able to stay awake until the end. (Just like Woody Allen, I’m not afraid to say I still don’t get it.)