Behind-the-Scenes on a New York Press Photo Shoot

(UNDEAD OF SUMMER VIDEO FEATURED IN NEW YORK PRESS AND THEWENDYHU.COM BLOG.)

BEHIND-THE-SCENES

I recently spent the day following makeup artist, Matthew Stetson, around with my video camera in New York City while he created zombie looks for a New York Press cover shoot. It's their Summer Guide 2010 issue and is on the stands right now. If you have friends visiting from out of town or will be spending the summer in the city and are looking for things to do this summer in NYC then it's a must read.

I was excited to put together my first video using Adobe Premiere Elements to help promote Matthew's new blog. If you really love makeup you should definitely check him out. He covers everything from new products not yet on shelves and existing products to help you look fresh all summer long without your face melting off.

Wendy Hu, art director and stylist, for New York Press not only shared this video on her blog but also with her editor at the magazine who loved it. That's when Undead of Summer became my very first video to be included in a major online publication. This is very exciting for me as I have spent the last couple weeks scheming how I can position myself as that guy who makes cool behind-the-scenes videos for online magazines and newspapers here in New York City.

THE MODELS

(EXPERIMENTAL VIDEO USING SPLIT SCREEN EDITING FROM DISCARDED FOOTAGE FROM UNDEAD OF SUMMER.)

Kelly Hartie, zombie model and new friend, was great. She spent the better part of the morning running around topless being airbrushed by makeup artist, ADOLFAUX, who was brought onboard by Matthew to paint the models' entire bodies with that pale undead look while Matthew painted their faces using Kryolan Professional Makeup to look like zombies. Kelly had the right spirit and kept me laughing all morning.

Dina Sheyn, fellow model and zombie, certainly surprised me. Not only is she a pretty woman, Dina very much has a head for business and has recently started a new firm with her partner to write business plans for startup companies. During a time when many people are still losing their jobs or want to leave their unstable work situation to start their own business, Dina is ready to offer her expertise to realize that dream. I wish her all the best!

Alex Dong, actor/model and zombie, was fun to work with too. As Wendy points out in the video, Alex has some great zombie moves. Alex was the first model completely made up by Matthew Stetson and ADOLFAUX and he's all amped up and ready to go. He asked me to record him freaking out and acting like a zombie. It was awesome and instantly I knew that was the footage I was going to use to start my video, Undead of Summer.

ART DIRECTION

Let's get real. Nothing goes right everytime on every shoot. There's always something that goes wrong or differently than we'd originally planned. I couldn't tell you what any of that was because Wendy took the entire day in stride and made the entire day look effortless and seamless. I've seen many directors breakdown, throw hissy fits and tantrums when things don't go their way but not Wendy. Always the professional, friendly and personable. I really enjoyed watching her work and believe me she works her ass off! Just after this shoot she was off on a jet airplane for another gig in a distant land.

WHAT'S ON THE HORIZON

I'll be making many more of these types of behind-the-scenes style videos of special events, nightlife and photo shoots in New York City this morning. If you have something special going on and think it would make for an entertaining video then email me at info@garrettbowser.com and tell me all about it.