Back in Hamilton!

I finally arrivedat the loft last night, around 2:30am–after umpteen delays…

I honestly fail to see what the appeal of Westjet is…

-before taking off, boarding was interrupted so the airline could “call maintenance, because a panel is loose in the cargo hold” ….   sooo reassuring… This delayed us about 35 minutes

- due to seating problems, I went from hoping for a window seat, to finding myself sandwiched in the middle seat for the first flight (the second I had an aisle, with no neighbour)

- once airborne, TSN was one of only 3 or so tv channels NOT working…of course…TSN was showing the gold medal Canada-Sweden game…

- Arriving in Hamilton (90 minutes late – so I couldn’t hang out with my friend Kristel – who had waited for me at YHM!), the airline announced that they weren’t sure about unloading the luggage, and that we would likely face another substantial delay…

In any case– I arrived, and should be thankful for that.  It’s great to sleep in my own bed again, and see Mia!!  She’s only slightly larger than when I left, but twice as crazy.

I’m hitting the ground running today, with hundreds of things to do!  Time to start the list!  First up, Board meeting at the HMAC…

cheers,

mg

Wrapping up the holidays…

Hello Friends!

I realized that my last entry was a painfully long time ago…and so have decided update again!

I’m writing this from deep in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia–as my vacation comes to a close.  I’m headed back to Hamilton on Monday, arriving around midnight.

Coming off of this break, it is clear to me that I was completely burned out prior to leaving.  (I think this is the reason for my lousy blogging habits).  Now that this break is ending, I can’t wait to get back into production again!!  I have several shoots scheduled, and am now re-energized to plow into several major projects I’ve had brewing for some time now.

Tuesday will be the first day that MG | International is truly the name of my production company!  While the legal and financial red tape will take a while to clear, and while I am still waiting on the launch of our new site, business will now carry on under the new brand.

Joel and I are working on new music (…and…other ideas!) – stay tuned for upcoming news on that front!  Also–be sure to try to catch the “Smucker’s Stars on Ice” tour this year!!  Our song, “Molly” is being performed to by Olympic gold medallists Jamie Sale and David Pelletier as a part of the show!  Venues on the tour include Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, Vancouver’s GM Place, and nearly every other major ice area in Canada’s cities.

Our Christmas single, “It’s December” has been on radio now for nearly a month across the country!  It is also now available for purchase on iTunes!

The EP should be available on iTunes soon.  In the meantime, the EP can be purchased here!

time to sign off – i’m falling asleep.

ps.  if you’re looking for a GREAT film to see, check out Danny Boyle’s newest project, “Slumdog Millionaire“.  I promise you’ll love it.

new brand, new albums, new plans!

I’m currently focusing all of my energies on the rebranding of my firm.  World Media Red is taking on a new look, name, site, and more.  The new brand should be unveiled within the next few weeks!  We’re almost ready!

Joel and I have released a 4 song EP and a Christmas single to the distributor!  Both albums will be available for purchase on iTunes sooooon!  I’ll be sure to let you know when they’re up–you’ll have to buy them.

A few new projects are crossing my desk right now–unfortunately, I can’t tell you any more than that…at least not without a non-disclosure agreement…I’ll keep updates on them coming–sorry to be so vague!  I’m excited though, so I wanted to say something!!

This past weekend, my Dad was in Hamilton for meetings–the agenda was conquered in one long day, and allowed us to spend the weekend together–visiting relatives, drinking coffee, talking and catching up.  It was so great to have him here!!  I actually just purchased flights to visit my family in British Columbia over Christmas, so I’m already looking forward to continuing our conversations, and seeing the rest of the family as well.

cheers,

mg

GoGoGo!

It’s been SUCH  busy week!  I’ve been all over the greater Hamilton/Toronto areas, working 15-22 hour days, and yet I’m really enjoying it!

I made a deal for a Balcar A2400 strobe lighting kit this week.  It’s changed my life.  I can’t believe the new doors this is opening for me.  I did a test photo shoot with my beautiful friend Juni on Monday–and now am processing the pics–amazing!!  I’ll be sure to post a few when they’re ready.  If you know anyone even thinking about having some photos done–be sure to put them in contact with me!  Now is the time!!

The rest of the week is looking good.  Thursday includes a lot of editing (press kit, video, photos), a board meeting for the HMAC (Hamilton Media Arts Centre), and some more rebranding work.  Friday will see me doing more editing, and attending the grand opening of “the Globe” (SISO operation) and perhaps Fashion week in Toronto–networking my butt off…and Saturday is my cousin Karina’s wedding!

If you’re around on Sunday–head to the Staircase Cafe for Ron Kebic’s “Film School Peeps”.  It’s a screening of his work while at Gulf Islands Film School in BC.  Knowing Ron–it’s worth attending.

SO much going on!  I love it!!

Hamilton, Thanksgiving, the HMAC, and HCARTS!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just had the greatest weekend.  My dear friends Kat and Tina visited Hamilton from Grand Rapids!!  We spent the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday touring the Hamilton area.  It amazes me how much there is to see and do around here!  We barely scratched the surface of  possibilities, and yet we were busy the entire time.  It really makes me proud to show off my beloved city.  Anyone that finds more to complain about in Hamilton than celebrate should really re-engage themselves in the area and rediscover what is all here!  From waterfalls, to escarpment vistas, and from art crawls to recreational facilities–there is SO much to see and do.

Thanksgiving is definitely due for all Hamiltonians : get out there and realize just how much we have to be thankful for!

I have a few little developments in life…  As of this past Thursday, I am the new Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hamilton Media Arts Centre.  My Co-Chair is Jacquelin Norton–director of the Hamilton Film Office.  The board is really a good group of people; I can’t wait to begin realizing the potential of the HMAC over the days and months to come.

Starting tomorrow, I will be teaching media arts to 16 youth at the Hamilton Conservatory of the Arts.  This is just a one-week stint as a part of their “Culture for Kids in the Arts” program.  Check out the conservatory and the CFKA program here.

talk soon,

mg