After working hard to put a film together in 48 hours, tonight was the night to see our film Saving Super along with 10 other teams' films on the big screen at Fleur Cinema. Our theater was sold out! After watching them all, I'd say three or four of them were pretty great, a handful were well done (including our's) and the rest, well, better luck next year.
It was awesome to see so many people support local talent, but it wasn't that surprising. In the three years I've lived here, I've seen this support time and time again: 80/35 concert, Des Moines Arts Festival, Farmers Market, etc. People in the metro really enjoy celebrating local artists, bands, food, restaurants, teams and events. I know I do. The 48 Hour Film Project organizers should soon be revealing the top 12 films. There will be another screening for those films coming up in August. If I can, I'd love to be able to attend. Seeing the best of the best, will
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This was the 9th year for Des Moines to host the international competition The 48 Hour Film Project. At the kickoff party, teams from each city are told a character (Jim or Jana Davis, a prop (toy stuffed animal), and a line of dialogue ("Let's call it a day") they must use in their 4-7 minute short film. Each team also draws a genre out of a hat (western, dark comedy, fantasy, romance...) If you don't like your genre, you can pull a wild card (found footage, operetta, martial arts...). This was a record-setting year in Des Moines with 51 teams participating. It was also my first time. I joined a team of co-workers who put together a film last year. We met a few times leading up to the weekend to bat around some plot ideas for each genre. What genre did we end up pulling? Superhero!
So at 7pm, the organizers told us all get the hell outta there and get to work. Our team, Continental Shift, spent Friday night deciding on an idea and writing a preliminary script. We called it a day around 11pm and headed home to get some sleep. We'd start filming at 9am Saturday morning. In my past life as a TV reporter, I'm used to shooting my own video, writing the story, and being completely in charge. Well, since I was acting in the film, I couldn't be behind the camera. It was a very different feeling to work as a team and come to consensus and trust other peoples talents. We finished shooting by 5pm and two of us started reviewing the footage and editing. I was back in my comfort zone with editing. It was very cool seeing the film come together. One of our teammates is a killer blues guitar/harmonica/singing musician. He recorded some music to help the film flow together wonderfully. We worked up until midnight and had a very rough draft completed. Sunday morning, we got back at editing around 9am. We tweaked this and that, and cut this and added that, until at 3pm it was the best it was going to get. Teams had between 5:30-7:30pm to turn the films in. I dropped our's off at 6:42pm. All in all, it was a very cool experience. I'm hopeful to do it again next year. Haters gonna hate. You may not believe this, but there are some people who actually thing Des Moines is boring. They clearly don't read my blog or the blog Des Moines is not Boring.
Point in case, free flicks at the Des Moines Art Center. Once a month, the museum busts out a massive inflatable screen and invite one and all to bring a blanket and bottle of wine to enjoy a movie under the stars. Lucas and I went with another couple making for a great little double date. We even commented that we didn't feel like we were in Des Moines. The weather was beyond perfect for July and the lawn was the perfect setting for the 1940s classic The Philadelphia Story starring Kathryn Hepburn and Carey Grant. I would guess about 150-200 people joined us for the black and white movie taking us into a messy love pentagon. So if you're in the mood to get out n about, don't use Des Moines is boring as an excuse. Be open to new things and keep your eyes open. (Juice is a great place to check out events.) YPC, or the Young Professionals Connection, is an awesome organization to get involved with. Members, and non-members, are inundated with professional development events, social hours, networking opportunities, volunteering, athletics and much more. It's really helped Des Moines feel like a smaller place, and I've met some great people through it.
I was excited to work earlier in the day so I could attend the annual event at the World Food Prize building downtown. This building is beautiful! The renovation of the former Des Moines Library was totally worth it, in my opinion. (I have no idea off hand how much it cost.) Knowing the attire was "dress to impress" I busted out my finest dress... from a winter formal dance my junior year of high school. For those who don't know how old I am, I'm not telling how many years ago that was. It sounds corny, but it really is inspiring to be in a room full of people who care about their community, want to make a difference, and like to have a good time. If you're a YP in Des Moines, you need to check it out. If you're a YP in another city, you should see if there is an organization like this or... start one! I got me a florist! Clare with the English Rose who I spoke with last Friday has agreed to do the flowers for our wedding. Now I just need to send off the deposit to save the date.
The list of wedding planning is never-ending. Seriously. Today I focused my attention to my cake. I'm not sure exactly what kind of cake I want; meanwhile Lucas really wants cupcakes. These days cakes are really a piece of art. Like everything else at a wedding, I'm wondering what style best represents us.
I reached out to Glorious Desserts in Windsor Heights. The owner, Gloria, recently did a friend's wedding and her carrot cake was amazing. I also tried some of her samples at a Bridal Forum in September, again, very delicious. Her prices are a little higher than I hoped. I was budgeting $500 for a cake for 200 people. Maybe that's a low-ball estimate on my behalf. I'll be checking into a few other bakers as well as the option to have Lucas' aunt bake up some cupcakes. She baked up a storm for our engagement party. I am waiting to her from the Lodge where the reception is if we need food from a licensed baker. I know some places have that rule for liability reasons. Two days ago I met with a florist for my wedding. Today I had another meeting. This time with Danielle of Something Chic Floral. This company also does rentals with vases, silk flowers, floor runners, and stands. The prices were higher than the other florist. Obviously every place prices their products and services a little differently. I'm feeling good, though, between these two places and now just need to make a decision.
I'd like to have a word or two with whoever decided weddings need to have a million flowers. I am not a flower person. I keep saying one day I'll get in to gardening. Well, I wish I would have by now. Picking out flowers for a wedding can be overwhelming. Instead of letting that happen, I'm going simple, classic and elegant: calla lilies.
Today I met with a local florist named Clare of The English Rose. She's a one-woman-company who works out of her home. She's also got a killer British accent (reminds me of my days studying abroad in London). She was really easy to talk to and understood my desire to keep things simple and pretty. Her prices seemed very reasonable, but the comparison shopper in me had to be sure. So instead of booking her on the spot, I figured I'd do a little more shopping around. I'll keep you posted on my decision, and I'm open to recommendations! It was like Christmas morning! Lucas and I had been anxiously awaiting our engagement photos. And they came today! They look awesome! We really only need a couple good ones but have at least two dozen. Check em out! http://www.pictage.com/1328519
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