I remember when she contacted me about Live Earth. This was a dream project from the 
beginning — to do a film on such an important universal topic, for such a great 
organization (Live Earth), and with such enormous creative freedom for me as a 
filmmaker.  Dilly and I began by talking about how much we both loved the time-lapse 
sequences we did at the end of the Thom Yorke video she commissioned me to direct the 
year before.  It got me thinking about the story arc of how we humans have impacted this 
planet we live on.

Early in the conceptual stage, I knew the film needed some sort of nucleus that 
everything could revolve around.  I thought of one of my favorite poems by Spanish 
author Antonio Machado, written in the early 20th Century.  For me, the poem was a 
perfect metaphor for a lack of planet stewardship that would play out in the visuals. 
Robert Bly generously allowed us to use his English translation of the poem, and Alec 
Baldwin was kind enough to lend his voice to the project.

The film starts with imagery of unaffected nature.  Over the course of the film, 
humankind’s footprint is more and more apparent, and not in a positive way.  It ends on 
a somewhat hopeful note though, like maybe we can repair some of the damage if we get it 
together in time.

Most of the movie is made up of this stunning time-lapse photography that my old friend 
Mark Eifert has been capturing over the past 15 years.  He also shot some footage 
specifically for the film, including a great close-up of honey bees.

There’s an interesting story behind the bees.  At one point, nearly all of the film was 
completed, except for a section in the middle that contained the poem.  We were 
initially playing with using animated text, but it didn’t feel right.  I was really at a 
loss for what to do.  Then all of these bees showed up in laurel hedge in my backyard.  
I realized — that was it!  They were the missing link.  We shot a close up of the bees 
in their nest fit perfectly alongside the poem.  Two days after, the bees were gone.  I 
like to think they showed up for their part in the film then moved on.

As she mentions in the NYT interview, one of the main visions of the Live Earth film 
project was that each short would live on after the project to inspire and educate 
future audiences.

Three years out, climate changes is as important as ever. It’s great to see that our 
collective work for the Live Earth project is indeed living on.

“Chel White’s ‘Wind’ is beautiful film, very moving, set to a poem by

Antonio Machado and narrated by Alec Baldwin” – Dilly Gent

Here’s the lowdown:

What: POW Fest 2010 Festival

When: Thursday, March 18, to Sunday, March 21

Where: The Hollywood Theatre
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, Oregon 97212

Cost: All festival pass $25
One-night pass $10
Individual screening pass $7
Opening-Night Reception: Free (21 & over event)

Click below for a program description and a little more about POW Fest.

“The Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival  places a spotlight on women filmmakers by showcasing their work, strengthening the community of women in film, and empowering women to find their voice and share their stories through innovative and quality filmmaking.

POW Fest showcases the art and cinematic contribution of women filmmakers from around the world and seeks to present films that have been directed or co-directed by women; of any length, style, or genre. We feature the work of today’s top women directors; honoring the true pioneers while providing support and recognition for the next generation of leading women filmmakers.”

Of the over 450 films submitted from as far away as Cambodia, Israel, Australia and Bangladesh; 44 selections including features, documentaries, shorts and animations, made their way through the jurying process and onto this year’s schedule. In addition to the thought provoking lineup of independent film and documentaries, will be the opportunity to participate in filmmaker panels and talk with filmmakers about their craft.

Thursday night, March 18
– Local Showcase and Reception – 6:30 pm

Committed to kicking off every festival with a spotlight on local filmmakers, opening night features a
POW Fest Locals’ Showcase . . .  Prior to the screening will be a Portland Film Industry Night Reception at The Hollywood Theatre. This 21 & over event is free and open to the public.

Friday night, March 19
– Documentary Showcase – 7 pm –

Saturday, March 20
– Film Showcase – 1pm –

Saturday is about films of all genres! Animation/Experimental, Documentary & Narrative Shorts, Mature Themes, as well as feature-length
documentaries and narratives.

Sunday, March 21
– POW Fest Family Day – 1pm –

Starting the afternoon with a Mother/Daughter screening, the programming this final day of the festival is geared to teens and their parents.

UPDATE (March 4, 2010): See Rob’s interview on the Channel Frederator Blog.

Channel Frederator is what happens when one of the guys who came up with Comedy Central creates an internet channel dedicated to edgy new animation. (It also goes by Cartoon Central.)

Frederator’s a regularly updated, no holds barred, indie animation nerd fest and we love it. The “channel” works half like a TV station, four shows with distinct subject ranges, and half like Youtube, with all site’s shows available for streaming and sharing.

This week Frederator Show features Rob Shaw’s “Machine”.

We recommend checking out the whole site. The aptly named — and not worksafe – Cartoon Hangover show  is great for giggle…

The title of this piece refers to the zip code of his neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Each of the forthcoming artworks will be inspired by a different location which he’s been to and have influenced him in some shape or form. This particular one depicts in an iconic way the beaches and mountains near his home, while also graphically representing some personal aspirations and goals.

The dimensions of the piece are 11.25 x 11.25 x 0.75 inches. Each of the 10 will be individually signed and numbered and are available for sale on Etsy.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m.

According to the Bagdad website, audiences and judges will choose the best film of the night:

Come out, show your support for local filmmakers!

Shoot Magazine’s editors  have chosen “Unbelievable,” a Diet Dr Pepper spot we did with Deutsch LA , as one of 15 finalists for their  Spot of the Year honor. Now it’s up to a public vote to decide the winner. Click here to vote.

Read on to watch the spot below.

Rob Shaw’s short is nestled in among the Kayne’s picks in music, fashion, architecture and design.

Have a look: Rob Shaw’s “The Machine” on Kayne’s blog.

Looks like the Verizon spot we did with McCann-Erickson tapped into some strong feelings in the social media world. “Misfits,” a :30 spot that sees a smart phone end up on the Island of Misfit Toys because of 3G issues, quietly went up on YouTube last week.

347,000 views and 370 comments later, it turns out Rudolph resonates as strongly as ever with audiences, and people REALLY care about their cell phone service.

This six minute epic, a marriage of Bent’s stop-motion/live action expertise and Nando’ motion graphics mastery, has received plenty of attention since it first dropped on Pitchfork.

Don’t miss the chance to hear Nando’s take on how the magic happened. Sign up for the group and RSVP today!