Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

VANCOUVER IN 2010

Everyone seems to have something to say about the 2010 Winter Olympics in the host city of Vancouver, Canada. And whether those opinions are in favor of, or against the major sporting event, it is clear you just can't talk about Vancouver without mentioning the homeless issue in one way or another, despite the cities squeaky clean image depicted in numerous advertisements.

Vancouver isn't as saintly as some would think, and many tourists will realize this once they arrive in the city. All they have to do is take a walk through Chinatown/Gastown to see that despite all the efforts of the city to improve and revitalize the area, there are still many homeless. Building condos, and coffee shops to usher in hipsters an yuppies, doesn't really change jack.

Of course if I were designing an ad for tourism Canada, I wouldn't show the dark side of the city either, being counterproductive to the job of attracting tourism. Then again, you have to feel sorry for the tourists that will easily get lost in the seedy part of town, and not to mention being hassled by panhandlers all over Vancouver.

Truth be told Vancouver IS a fantastic place to live, work, and play. I love this town. There's lots to see and do, and the general vibe is that of a relaxed west coast feel, and the majority of things are pretty clean. But there is a clear contrast like any major city between those who prosper in times of change, and those who are left behind, in the mix of growth.

All the more relevant the last few years, since Vancouver was chosen as the 2010 home of the Winter Olympics, homelessness is a hot topic. Showing the world the types of issues Vancouver faces, could only be a benefit to the city in the long run.

Doing my part to share these issues with the world, I recently filmed a video in which I attempt to show Vancouver as it is currently, in 2010. Taking various shots from around the city, I cut it into a short piece that doesn't really force any issue, but rather leaves the viewer with something to think about.

Hopefully it is entertaining, and somewhat enlightening. Scored by an excellent composer from out of the Netherlands, Herman Witkam, the score is a combination of orchestral music, with clips of voice-over to create a unique sound you really have to hear.

Vancouver in 2010, enjoy.

Vancouver in 2010 from Albert Art on Vimeo.

Mikes Transformers Toy Collection 2010 Update

TRANSFORMERS

It's been several years since I first filmed Mike's collection (back in 2007), so being that it's 2010, I figured, it would be a good time to get an update from him.

My timing couldn't have been more perfect. He recently moved in to his own place, (away from his parents), finally giving him a chance to take out all those Transformers to display around his new home. While unpacking boxes and boxes of Transformers, I took the opportunity to film him with my trusty Panasonic HVX. So, much better than that crappy Powershot video I took years ago.

Mike opened up about being a collector, as well, I got some cool shots of the toys, which he estimates at being numbered over 900+ individual toy figures.

He is definitely one of the rare few who manages to continue building on his collection, and is most likely one of a few major collectors in Vancouver.

If you compare both collections from 2007, up until now, it'll give you a good idea of how many Transformers he actually has.

The original 2007 posting and videos can be viewed via the following links:

2007 BLOG POST - http://rez2cool.blogspot.com/2007_06_03_archive.html

2007 Collection - PT.1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0DT4U92YsM

PT.2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X2i2ohI2h0

The 2010 video interview can be seen on my vimeo page, as well as http://youtube.com/albertartTV

CREEP web short film NOW online albertart

CREEP!!!

Okay, so CREEP is finally online, after a month of waiting to get it scored, and the audio mixed together, my latest web short, is now online for viewing on http://albertart.net/creep.htm and on my vimeo and youtube channels.

This was a quick production, shot while I was on xmas holiday in LA. It was a fun experience, and it was great working in Old Torrance, with a local cast. I brought along my Panasonic HVX200, and it performed nicely. I love this camera!

This film is meant to be amusing, to anyone who has encountered odd people.