Aside from being one of comic's best artists, Carmine was an art director at DC Comics, then editorial director and finally publisher.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Graphic Novelists - Day 48
Today Chris Irving and I had coffee with our latest legendary subject, Carmine Infantino. At 83 years old, Carmine moves much slower than his creation, The Flash, (Barry Allen) but his mind moved speedily as he regaled us with his stories from the golden and silver ages of comics.
Aside from being one of comic's best artists, Carmine was an art director at DC Comics, then editorial director and finally publisher.
Aside from being one of comic's best artists, Carmine was an art director at DC Comics, then editorial director and finally publisher.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
HOW I PLEAD by Rezen
I'm proud to present the latest music video directed by me and Carlos Molina-
HOW I PLEAD
Performed by Rezen
My House Musiq
Video Directed by Seth Kushner
and Carlos Molina
For those who have been asking for the revival of the REAL Hip-Hop artist, they most certainly got their wish with Brooklyn's new gunner, Rezen (pronounced Reason).
At Twenty-seven years old, Rezen feels that time is everything and with his new video it’s evident that's exactly his mindset. Rezen, a completely self-sufficient independent artist, records and mixes in-house with no outside assistance. It’s this autonomy that gives him his edge and musical prowess. In HOW I PLEAD, his debut video, he offers a lyrical and visual pitch towards Eminem, founder of Shady Records and Dr. Dre, founder of Aftermath Entertainment.
“My vision was to show a driven artist rushing through the gate. I challenge any artist to show they can distribute better than this. If I had to label this project I would say this video is the first Hip-Hop Thriller. I smashed this one out the yard and the directing of Seth Kushner and Carlos Molina helped me push it to the bleachers. Collectively, we gave a blueprint on how to get signed. We had a Dope director, Dope editor, and a Dope lyricist. With all that running on the same engine, this collaboration can never fail. This is the realest vision I could portray. This is not my prediction, it’s my prophecy. Special Thanks to Kara Criscitiello and Zach Kalatsky awesome job!!”
Rezen describes himself as a Hip-Hop artist from a fans view. In his adolescent years a career in music was never his goal. If asked as a child where he would be in the future, he would have named a totally different competitive field - the NFL. When asked why his initial dream expired he stated, "I didn't try hard enough, and since then I vowed to never go less than one-twenty. Reaching now for stardom, I will definitely do everything in my power to make it happen, because for me, it's not beyond REASON!”
HOW I PLEAD is the latest music video collaboration by the directing team of Kushner+Molina. Seth Kushner (www.sethkushner.com) is an award-winning photographer whose work has been featured in many publications and in exhibitions around the world. His first book The Brooklynites was published by powerHouse Books in 2007. He directed his first music video, GET IT TOGETHER by recording artist Maya Azucena, earlier this year.
For his second directorial effort, JOHN HUGHES by Q*Ball, Kushner teamed with photographer/filmmaker Carlos Molina, under the banner of Culture Pop Productions (www.culturepopproductions.com). The team then produced and directed their first interview-based documentary, on artist/comic book creator, Paul Pope.
For their third collaboration, Kushner and Molina have collaborated with artist Rezen to create a rap video using the conventions of the horror/thriller film genre to create an original piece sure to send chills up the spines of viewers.
HOW I PLEAD
Performed by Rezen
My House Musiq
Video Directed by Seth Kushner
and Carlos Molina
For those who have been asking for the revival of the REAL Hip-Hop artist, they most certainly got their wish with Brooklyn's new gunner, Rezen (pronounced Reason).
At Twenty-seven years old, Rezen feels that time is everything and with his new video it’s evident that's exactly his mindset. Rezen, a completely self-sufficient independent artist, records and mixes in-house with no outside assistance. It’s this autonomy that gives him his edge and musical prowess. In HOW I PLEAD, his debut video, he offers a lyrical and visual pitch towards Eminem, founder of Shady Records and Dr. Dre, founder of Aftermath Entertainment.
“My vision was to show a driven artist rushing through the gate. I challenge any artist to show they can distribute better than this. If I had to label this project I would say this video is the first Hip-Hop Thriller. I smashed this one out the yard and the directing of Seth Kushner and Carlos Molina helped me push it to the bleachers. Collectively, we gave a blueprint on how to get signed. We had a Dope director, Dope editor, and a Dope lyricist. With all that running on the same engine, this collaboration can never fail. This is the realest vision I could portray. This is not my prediction, it’s my prophecy. Special Thanks to Kara Criscitiello and Zach Kalatsky awesome job!!”
Rezen describes himself as a Hip-Hop artist from a fans view. In his adolescent years a career in music was never his goal. If asked as a child where he would be in the future, he would have named a totally different competitive field - the NFL. When asked why his initial dream expired he stated, "I didn't try hard enough, and since then I vowed to never go less than one-twenty. Reaching now for stardom, I will definitely do everything in my power to make it happen, because for me, it's not beyond REASON!”
HOW I PLEAD is the latest music video collaboration by the directing team of Kushner+Molina. Seth Kushner (www.sethkushner.com) is an award-winning photographer whose work has been featured in many publications and in exhibitions around the world. His first book The Brooklynites was published by powerHouse Books in 2007. He directed his first music video, GET IT TOGETHER by recording artist Maya Azucena, earlier this year.
For his second directorial effort, JOHN HUGHES by Q*Ball, Kushner teamed with photographer/filmmaker Carlos Molina, under the banner of Culture Pop Productions (www.culturepopproductions.com). The team then produced and directed their first interview-based documentary, on artist/comic book creator, Paul Pope.
For their third collaboration, Kushner and Molina have collaborated with artist Rezen to create a rap video using the conventions of the horror/thriller film genre to create an original piece sure to send chills up the spines of viewers.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Rezen HOW I PLEAD video preview.
Check back tomorrow for the premiere of HOW I PLEAD, the new music video from the directing team of Kushner + Molina.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Celebrity - epilogue
I've been posting photos all week from the Chiller Theater event I attended last weekend. I think to close out the week I'll post a few images I shot at the previous event I attended a year and a half ago, when this current series really started.
I'm hoping to go to more of such events in the future and create a large body of work which I plan to someday publish.
Martin Kove, from the 1984 film, The Karate Kid.
Elvira, horror movie host.
Zacherle, horror movie host.
Gary Coleman, star of the 1978 sitcom Diff'rent Strokes.
I'm hoping to go to more of such events in the future and create a large body of work which I plan to someday publish.
Martin Kove, from the 1984 film, The Karate Kid.
Elvira, horror movie host.
Zacherle, horror movie host.
Gary Coleman, star of the 1978 sitcom Diff'rent Strokes.
Celebrity - pt.4
Tony Curtis, actor in such classic films as Some Like it Hot and Spartacus.
Darian Caine, B-movie actress.
Donna Mills,from the 1979 primetime soap, Knots Landing.
George Romero, director of the 1968 film, Night of the Living Dead and many other horror films.
April Hunter, former professional wrestler.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Celebrity - pt.3
More faces from pop-culture-
Mickey Dolenz, from The Monkees.
Tom Noonan, actor in the films Manhunter, Heat and The X-Files.
Zach Galligan, from Gremlins.
Larry Storch, from the 1965 television series, F-Troop.
Frank Stallone, actor and musician.
Cheryl Bachman, Playboy Playmate.
The next posting will bring this series to a close, and I've saved some good ones for the end. Check back tomorrow.
Mickey Dolenz, from The Monkees.
Tom Noonan, actor in the films Manhunter, Heat and The X-Files.
Zach Galligan, from Gremlins.
Larry Storch, from the 1965 television series, F-Troop.
Frank Stallone, actor and musician.
Cheryl Bachman, Playboy Playmate.
The next posting will bring this series to a close, and I've saved some good ones for the end. Check back tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Celebrity - pt.2
Continuing from yesterday-
Richard Kline, Larry from the 1977 sitcom Three's Company.
Nikolai Volkov, former WWF wrestler.
Walter Koenig, Checkov from the original Star Trek series.
Christopher Atkins, star of the 1980 film, The Blue Lagoon.
Rene Auberjonois, Odo from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Clayton Endicott from the 1979 sitcom, Benson.
Corbin Bernsen, Arnold Becker on 1986 legal drama, L.A. Law.
Richard Kline, Larry from the 1977 sitcom Three's Company.
Nikolai Volkov, former WWF wrestler.
Walter Koenig, Checkov from the original Star Trek series.
Christopher Atkins, star of the 1980 film, The Blue Lagoon.
Rene Auberjonois, Odo from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Clayton Endicott from the 1979 sitcom, Benson.
Corbin Bernsen, Arnold Becker on 1986 legal drama, L.A. Law.
Celebrity - pt.1
This past weekend I attended the Chiller Theater in Parsippany, NJ. It's a twice-a-year gathering of fans and autograph hounds there to meet their favorite personalities from film, television and pop-culture. The guest line-up is is always an eclectic mix. I attended the con a year and a half ago and took portraits of Diff'rent Strokes star Gary Coleman, and horror movie hosts Elvira and Zacherle.
From the work I created back in 2007, I decided that a series of portraits of personalities at fan conventions might be interesting. Many of my subjects at these cons would be the stars of yesterday, who evoke great memories in many, but perhaps hadn't been seen in a while.
So with press pass in hand and my trusty intern Zach at my side, I set out to start a new body of work this past Saturday.
I see it as there are two aspects to the photos-
1 - The close-up portraits, with the subject isolated from their surrounding, which allow the viewer to get a good look at and study these people who haven't really been seen in this light for a while.
2 - At their table with their merchandise strewn around them, which I think comments on celebrity and fame in general, and on former glory and nostalgia.
I took a LOT of photographs, so I'll be posting them in parts over the next several days. The first batch are below. Feedback would be appreciated!
The Iron Sheik, former WWF wrestler and frequent Howard Stern show guest.
Pat Harrington, Jr., Schnieder on the 1975 sitcom One Day at a Time.
Lou Ferrigno, The Incredible Hulk from the 1978 TV series.
Noel Neill, the original Lois Lane in the Superman movie serials and TV show.
Tiffany Taylor, Playboy playmate.
Carel Struycken, The Giant on Twin Peaks, Lurch in The Adams Family movie, Mr. Homn on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
More tomorrow.
From the work I created back in 2007, I decided that a series of portraits of personalities at fan conventions might be interesting. Many of my subjects at these cons would be the stars of yesterday, who evoke great memories in many, but perhaps hadn't been seen in a while.
So with press pass in hand and my trusty intern Zach at my side, I set out to start a new body of work this past Saturday.
I see it as there are two aspects to the photos-
1 - The close-up portraits, with the subject isolated from their surrounding, which allow the viewer to get a good look at and study these people who haven't really been seen in this light for a while.
2 - At their table with their merchandise strewn around them, which I think comments on celebrity and fame in general, and on former glory and nostalgia.
I took a LOT of photographs, so I'll be posting them in parts over the next several days. The first batch are below. Feedback would be appreciated!
The Iron Sheik, former WWF wrestler and frequent Howard Stern show guest.
Pat Harrington, Jr., Schnieder on the 1975 sitcom One Day at a Time.
Lou Ferrigno, The Incredible Hulk from the 1978 TV series.
Noel Neill, the original Lois Lane in the Superman movie serials and TV show.
Tiffany Taylor, Playboy playmate.
Carel Struycken, The Giant on Twin Peaks, Lurch in The Adams Family movie, Mr. Homn on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
More tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Edward James Olmos
This past weekend I had the opportunity to photograph one of my favorite actors, Edward James Olmos. I attended a celebrity autograph convention where Mr. Olmos was appearing and was able to get a few minutes with him to take the portrait below.
I grew up watching him on Miami Vice and Stand and Deliver, but it's his role as Admiral William Adama in the recently completed series Battlestar Galactica, that makes him an icon to me. Battlestar Galactica is perhaps my favorite program I've watched as an adult, and Edward James Olmos's portrayal of Adama was so commanding, so intense and emotional, that he seemed more than just a character on a television show.
In person, he was friendly, chatty and genuine. In front of my camera, I was thrilled that he gave me the intensity of his Battlestar Galactica character. When a subject has that, and a face as interesting as Mr. Olmos's, my natural response is to do a simple, in-your-face portrait, to allow the viewer, (and me) to study him and maybe get a sense of the person.
I grew up watching him on Miami Vice and Stand and Deliver, but it's his role as Admiral William Adama in the recently completed series Battlestar Galactica, that makes him an icon to me. Battlestar Galactica is perhaps my favorite program I've watched as an adult, and Edward James Olmos's portrayal of Adama was so commanding, so intense and emotional, that he seemed more than just a character on a television show.
In person, he was friendly, chatty and genuine. In front of my camera, I was thrilled that he gave me the intensity of his Battlestar Galactica character. When a subject has that, and a face as interesting as Mr. Olmos's, my natural response is to do a simple, in-your-face portrait, to allow the viewer, (and me) to study him and maybe get a sense of the person.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Graphic Novelists - Day 47
On Wednesday, Christopher Irving and I had an appointment in Crime Alley. Well, actually it was Courtland Alley in lower Manhattan, but that doesn't matter. We were there to meet Dennis O'Neil, the man who helped define Crime Alley in the comics story "There Is No Hope in Crime Alley" (Detective Comics #457, March 1976). That story was also adapted in 1992 into an episode of Batman: The Animated Series.
Denny is a seminal figure in comics, having worked as a writer and an editor for both Marvel and DC Comics. He is perhaps best known for his runs with Neal Adams on Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Batman during the 70's. He also was a long-time editor on all of DC's Batman titles and edited Frank Miller's run on Daredevil for Marvel.
The concept for the photo was to create a very noir-ish feeling and make Manhattan's Courtland Alley feel like Gotham's Crime Alley. Denny's appropriate attire of a trenchcoat and fedora helped to complete the look.
Denny is a seminal figure in comics, having worked as a writer and an editor for both Marvel and DC Comics. He is perhaps best known for his runs with Neal Adams on Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Batman during the 70's. He also was a long-time editor on all of DC's Batman titles and edited Frank Miller's run on Daredevil for Marvel.
The concept for the photo was to create a very noir-ish feeling and make Manhattan's Courtland Alley feel like Gotham's Crime Alley. Denny's appropriate attire of a trenchcoat and fedora helped to complete the look.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Graphic NYC site update
The GRAPHC NYC site has been updated with a profile of legendary comics creator, Walter Simonson. See it HERE.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Rezen HOW I PLEAD video shoot
It was a cold, rainy and miserable Saturday for April, and I found myself at an abandoned mental hospital in Staten Island. Carlos Molina and I were there to shoot our next music video, HOW I PLEAD, by hip-hop artist Rezen.
Shooting the video at this location made us feel like we were IN a horror movie, rather than shooting a video based on one. Rain leaked from the roof, odd sounds came from other floors, and we never knew what we would find in each new unexplored room, but Rezen kept his energy up and we filmed what we think will be an interesting video.
Thanks to Kara Criscitiello for suffering through it with us and to Zach Kalatsky for helping.
Watch for the video here in a few weeks.
Shooting the video at this location made us feel like we were IN a horror movie, rather than shooting a video based on one. Rain leaked from the roof, odd sounds came from other floors, and we never knew what we would find in each new unexplored room, but Rezen kept his energy up and we filmed what we think will be an interesting video.
Thanks to Kara Criscitiello for suffering through it with us and to Zach Kalatsky for helping.
Watch for the video here in a few weeks.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Eprhyme CD cover
I recently did a shoot for the CD cover of Orthodox Jewish Hip-Hop artist, Eprhyme.
About the artist-
Eprhyme spits rhymes designed to refine the mind of the listener. Kabbalah, psychology, politics, and party rocking are intertwined with elements of jazz, funk, klezmer, and middle eastern music to create a powerful and poetic plea for peace, justice, joy, and unity.
Eprhyme has built a reputation as a dynamic performer and inspiring lyricist, appearing on stage with a diverse cross-section of artists from Del tha Funky Homosapien to Matisyahu. Eprhyme's upcoming album, "waywordwonderwill", is a kaleidoscopic cultural exchange program for mystics, punks, & b-boys. Jam packed with up-tempo conscious club cuts like "punklezmerap" and spiced up with middle eastern dance hall drum line mash ups like "shomer salaam"; "waywordwonderwill" is evidence of a living tradition.
Eprhyme's debut solo album, "waywordwonderwill", will be released on Modular Moods/Shemspeed in the fall.
About the artist-
Eprhyme spits rhymes designed to refine the mind of the listener. Kabbalah, psychology, politics, and party rocking are intertwined with elements of jazz, funk, klezmer, and middle eastern music to create a powerful and poetic plea for peace, justice, joy, and unity.
Eprhyme has built a reputation as a dynamic performer and inspiring lyricist, appearing on stage with a diverse cross-section of artists from Del tha Funky Homosapien to Matisyahu. Eprhyme's upcoming album, "waywordwonderwill", is a kaleidoscopic cultural exchange program for mystics, punks, & b-boys. Jam packed with up-tempo conscious club cuts like "punklezmerap" and spiced up with middle eastern dance hall drum line mash ups like "shomer salaam"; "waywordwonderwill" is evidence of a living tradition.
Eprhyme's debut solo album, "waywordwonderwill", will be released on Modular Moods/Shemspeed in the fall.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
On the Fringe with Paul Pope - video
While working on my GRAPHIC NYC project for the past year, I've been shooting video interviews with many of the comic creators. I've been planning all along to make a series of short interview/docu films, so for the past month, Carlos Molina and I have been working on one such film on Paul Pope. The footage was shot during Christopher Irving's original interview with Paul, which has already been posted on our site, but the film gives a somewhat different take and experience which we think you'll enjoy.
Video directed by Seth Kushner
and Carlos Molina
Interview by Christopher Irving
Original Score by Q*Ball
Video directed by Seth Kushner
and Carlos Molina
Interview by Christopher Irving
Original Score by Q*Ball
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Graphic Novelists - Day 46
One very cold night weeks ago, I met John Cassaday at the P&G Bar, his favorite Upper West Side hangout.
John's art, seen most notably in Planetary, Astonishing X-Men, Captain America and I Am Legion, is graphic, bold, and second to none as far as storytelling. Aside from his amazing art, what's interesting about John is his role as art director on Dynamite's Lone Ranger book. So influential is his art that he was hired to create the visual look for that book, and in sense, for much of the publisher's line with his covers for Buck Rogers, Battlefields, The Death Defying Devil, Sherlock Holmes, Dracula and more. I asked him what was upcoming from him, and he teased at some creator-owned stuff and mentioned something about possibly directing films - wow!
John chose the P&G Bar as the location for the shoot because the 66 year old establishment was closing down and moving, and this was it's last week in operation. I'm glad we caught John at his favorite bar before it was too late.
John's art, seen most notably in Planetary, Astonishing X-Men, Captain America and I Am Legion, is graphic, bold, and second to none as far as storytelling. Aside from his amazing art, what's interesting about John is his role as art director on Dynamite's Lone Ranger book. So influential is his art that he was hired to create the visual look for that book, and in sense, for much of the publisher's line with his covers for Buck Rogers, Battlefields, The Death Defying Devil, Sherlock Holmes, Dracula and more. I asked him what was upcoming from him, and he teased at some creator-owned stuff and mentioned something about possibly directing films - wow!
John chose the P&G Bar as the location for the shoot because the 66 year old establishment was closing down and moving, and this was it's last week in operation. I'm glad we caught John at his favorite bar before it was too late.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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