"Ghost Tape #10" Anniversary: San Diego Intl. Film Festival

Five years ago this week I screened my documentary “Ghost Tape #10” at the San Diego International Film Festival. As Halloween approaches and the spirit month retreats into another passing year, I wanted to share that the film is streaming on VOD exclusively on Vimeo, for those who haven’t yet had a chance to watch it. Beautifully filmed by Jamie Maxtone-Graham with an evocative score by Ricky Berger, their vital creative contributions resonate with my memories of making this project and my own journey to better understand an obscured corner of American history.

Ricky Berger at Good Folk in Los Angeles

Always a joy watching my best friend do what she does best. This photo was taken during her live set at Good Folk, a concert series curated by singer/songwriter Abby Litman. Joining her that evening was a roster of luminary musicians, among them: Jamie Drake, Amanda Carson (Amanda on the Moon), Gal Musette and Daisy Abrams. Ricky played some of my favorite songs of hers, as well as premiering new work with lush arrangements for harp, celesta, cello and multiple voices.

Vimeo Staff Pick: "I'm Not Ready" by Cassie Shao

I’m thrilled for my friend Cassie Shao, awarded a Vimeo Staff Pick for her visionary reimagining of “I’m Not Ready” by Maggie Dave. Featured on “Ladies With Lenses,” a curated staff channel that celebrates the best work on the Internet by womxn behind the camera, Shao’s delicate and abstract expression of my lyrics makes the song new again with each viewing.

“I’m Not Ready” (2019) by Cassie Shao

“I’m Not Ready” (2019) by Cassie Shao

CREDITS

Directed & Animated by Cassie Shao
Produced by Sean David Christensen

“I'm Not Ready” written by Maggie Dave
Vocals & keyboard: Sean David Christensen
Synthesizers: Mark Christopher & Ricky Berger

Vocals engineered by Ricky Berger
Mixed by Ricky Berger & Mark Christopher
Mastering by Trevor Case

"Dani" by Lizzy Hogenson

I am inspired by my friend Lizzy Hogenson and her film Dani, a claymation documentary short about a daughter delivering the news of her breast cancer prognosis to her mother. The intricacies of their relationship are painstakingly handcrafted, one subtle movement at a time, from yarn, beads, cardboard & felt. These fragile elements are bound together by the hard work of producer Kyle McClary, editor Robert Panico and original music & sound editing by Ricky Berger. An official selection to this year's Oscar-qualifying Palm Springs International ShortFest, I'm eagerly awaiting to see it on the big screen next week!

(Closet) Doors of Perception

Finished crafting these last night, additions for a miniature room I’m designing with my friend/musician Ricky Berger for her upcoming music video, “That’s Where I Belong.” Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes snapshots!