Blues Photography

 
Well the title's not exactly right - it's more like I've got the blues about photography. See I LOVE my Nikon D80, but as with all technology sometimes things go wrong. I'd been noticing a couple of specs or dots from dust on my beloved the last few times I've been taking photos. Nothing like a blue sky to show off dust spots on the sensor! Anyway, after a decent attempt to clean the camera myself - I broke down and decided to take my camera in for a cleaning and servicing on some of the dead pixels (I only noticed THOSE after I was scrutinizing my pictures at high magnification - looking for dust spots. So now I'm in "No Camera Hell". I have to wait the quoted 7-10 business days for them to service my camera. That may not seem like much, but for someone who likes to take their camera along to work - "just in case" that 2 1/2 weeks seems like a LONG time to be without my camera.

We'll see how well I manage without my camera. In the mean time, since my acting seems to be going in slo-mo right now, I'm thinking more about photography. I got some inspiration from another blog which got me thinking about taking photographs of all the people I love (hmm, don't I do that anyway???). But specifically these photographs should embody or represent What that person means to me - kind of a capture their spirit photo. So I'm going to be going through some of my old photos and seeing if I have any to post and of course once I have my camera back, I'll be on a mission.

A Note or two about Notes!

 
Well, it's been a very sporadic couple of months for me regarding my blog posting for various reasons we won't go into here, but those of you who check back regularly are GREATLY appreciated. I do however have some Notable Notes Worth Noting (very blatant nod to my role as Balthasar last year in Much Ado About Nothing). I've been cast as a drunkard in a new feature film called "Notes from the New World" from VM Productions which is written, Directed and Produced by Vitaly Sumin! It's based on a book called "Notes from the Underground" by a Russian author named Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Additionally, I've also been hired to be a 'behind the scenes' still photographer for the film as well! This is so exciting for me because I am getting to work on two of my great passions in the same project - Acting and photography! I have to give a shout out to Devorah Dishigton who I first met while working on The Smelly Janitor with Trent. Devorah, who's also in the film, suggested that I come and audition for "Notes". They had a few minor speaking roles available. Well, I did the audition and got one of the roles. Big Thank you to Devorah!!!

I'll have more to say about the film as it progresses. For now I'm mostly acting as a photographer during our weekly rehearsals. I've taken a few of the actors photographs found on the film's website, and I'm sure I'll be contributing more as things progress. Filming will start sometime in April. I'm very excited and honored to be a part of the film.

--By Rex Hoss

Smelly and Hungry - a Pictorial

Here are pictures I took during the Premiere of The Smelly Janitor and Hungry last night at Trent's Gala Premiere.

Special note of thanks to Trent's Korean 'brother' _________ (I've drawn a blank on his name) for taking the pictures where you see ME. All the other photos are by me.

-- by Rex Hoss

Hungry and Smelly Together at Last

Tonight I had a very special treat. As my readers know I was in a movie called "The Smelly Janitor" and did behind-the-scenes photos for that movie as well as "Hungry" both are films by my friend and now Film Director/Producer/actor Trent. Tonight Trent gave all the cast and our friends, family and even passers by a special screening of both films at the historic Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax! It was really cool. There was even a red carpet, a special wine and cheese social before the viewing. It was really nice to see so many of the actors again and see what's new in all their lives. I really have to tip my hat (on the rare occasion that I wear one) to Trent for not just making the films, but putting together such a nice event. Trent, you're awesome! Thanks for being a friend and talented guy.

The films are online at YouTube and viewable below and we also got a really nice DVD of the films. What a great way to start the weekend.

It's NOT Just Another Day

 
Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me... Oops, sorry I got caught up in the spirit of the day! Today is indeed my birthday. As those of you who know me know, I'm not usually much into celebrating my birthday, let alone getting into conversations about age. But I must confess I secretly enjoy celebrating and one of my fantacys is to have a surprise party which is truly a surprise! I've only had One in my life, which I realize is more than some people, but I'd enjoy another surprise party.

I digress. I was recently reminded by a good friend that I hadn't blogged in quite some time. I think some explanation is necessary. L.I.F.E. Rather, I mean that I've just been so busy with various things that blogging about things just took a back seat. I hope to rectify that. As some or most of you know I was in a sketch comedy show which had several schedule changes and ended up getting me a little off track. While the show was a fun experience, the crazy rehearsals and schedule changes were unusual for me. But loved the show and everyone involved with. For those of you who caught it, thank you, and I hope you enjoyed.

To bring everyone up to speed, since my last post, I've been spending a good deal of time working on my photography skills and having a great time with that. I got the opportunity to photograph a model/actor named Sean Ching recently and that was a lot of fun. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rexhossphotography/

I've also become a Great Uncle for the second time. Happy Birthday to my newest great-nephew Sebastian who was born on Valentine's day! I'm very honored and proud.

Well, I've got to run off to do one of my hobbies - BOWLING - See there's things you always learn about me. I'll try to post more consistely as news is present.

My birthday message is simple - live like there's no tomorrow, enjoying every wonderful precious moment, because the now - the present is THE PRESENT! It is the gift. If you're not enjoying your life and living the life you want then take steps, even small ones, to take ownership of your life. You are the writer, director, producer and star of your show. PS., you're also the audience - and if you don't like the show, transform it into one you do like.

Live, love, laugh for all the years, days, and moments of your life!

Making it in Mexico

My blog posting has been pretty sparse lately. Sorry about that, but then again the premise of this blog has always primarily been to inform about my life as an actor, which has been somewhat slow, except for The Etch A Sketch show which was really fun and we packed the house on our second show a week ago. There will probably be some more shows in February so if you didn't catch it yet, there's still hope.

That being said, I've been in Silao, Mexico this week. I'm sitting in my hotel room typing this at this moment. I'm here on a work-related capacity and I've been working some crazy hours and having lots of 'fun' dealing with the cultural differences and challenges here, but it has also been an amazing experience for me. My first time to spend this much time in rural Mexico. The people I've met (mostly work associates) have been amazing and friendly! Tomorrow I'm going to try to see some of the local area since my official work is done, so now it's Touristo Time. I also regrettably haven't been taking too many pictures here because again, I've mostly been 'working' and it's hard for me to use my gigantic Nikon D80 when working.

I did get a cool picture on my camera phone and if I can figure out how to send it from the phone to my blog I'll post it. It's actually in the spirit of my friend Leon Cohen's 'urinal pictures', with a slight change. I was in the Aeropuerto de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico City Airport) on my way here and they had very cool sinks in the Men's Room. Words can't really describe so I'll post the picture when I can.

Anyway, I will end this post now. I'm looking forward to taking some tourist time tomorrow and then coming back home on Monday. I'll be glad to be home.

--Rex Hoss

Sketchy Details

Well here's our Show Poster for The Etch a Sketch show - opening This Saturday. I think further modifications are going to be done to this based on feedback from several cast members. I'll post a new one if/when I get it.

--Rex Hoss