If you happen to be in Milan this week make sure you have a chance to see a monumental fashion collection titled Italiana at the impressive Palazzo Real Milano, located in the centre of the city beside Duomo. The exhibition spans the the story of fashion the city from 1971 to 2001 with looks drawing from the cities wealth of designers. Highly impressive and inspiring for anyone who loves fashion. There is no doubt Milan deserves its place as the CHIC CAPITAL of world. I had goose bumps walking from room to room.
This is the last week, ending on the 6th of May. HURRY!
A Black and Paper film recommendation. This summer will be full of blockbusters film offerings; Avengers:Infinity War, Han Solo, Deadpool, Jurassic World. If you are looking for something a out the ordinary but with a twist of the extraordinary check out the documentary based on Mr. Andre Leon Talley.
Black and Paper interview with filmmaker Philipp Jedicke, his first film, “Shut Up and Play the Piano” a mockumentary following the life of Musical Artist Chilly Gonzales premiered at the Berlinale.
Director Philipp Jedicke at the Berlinale.
Why did you choose to make a documentary as your first film project?
I interviewed Chilly Gonzales when I was a journalist. As I learned more about him the more I wanted to know. My curiosity was peaked. I saw his many facets, I asked if anyone has produced a portrait or film on him. He said, “no!” He told me to do it. I had a lot of ideas about making a film but none came to fruition until this project.
You were not worried about working with an artist who is talented but a bit egocentric?
Not at all! I met him person. I knew the whole Chilly Gonzales mode he goes into was really a stage persona. Behind all of that is gentle, emotional, and nice guy. As Chilly he is erratic and in rage but for him as artist it is a wall of protection. The two are linked, but totally different mind sets.
What type of humor is employed in the film?
We tried to mirror Gonzales’ humor. I hope we managed. There is a lot of irony, sarcasm, and the “HA HA Jokes”.
How much footage did you shoot, the film is 82 minutes.
We filmed a lot over the 30 shooting days, much is on the cutting room floor. This is my first film so I gave myself complete coverage. I interviewed a number of people for the film but I had to cut them which made me sad, but as a director but I wanted to stay focus on Chilly.
How long did it take you to make the film?
From the first shooting day until now, premiere at the 68thBerlinale February 2018, three and half years. We did not have the end credits finished when the film was chosen only a few weeks ago. The producers were very supportive of me, giving a lot of control.
The camera work is really good, there was a good relationship with the production team?
My team was familiar with Chilly Gonzales’ work. I was lucky because I worked with an experienced Director of Photography, Michael Winterbauer. My first DP, Marcel Kolenbach, had to leave because of a schedule conflict. The editor, Hank Drees has been in working on documentaries for 20 years and Carina Mergens. They all knew the character I was working with as well they had great enthusiasm.
What are your future plans?
I would like to make film about another musical artist. I am in talks. My site is on The Austrian Music Scene, fascinating, a lot is happening there; many artists producing techno and indie sounds.
Music influences your work?
Yes! I was a member of 2 bands, but now only one. Music has always been an important part of my life. I never tried to make a living as a musician, I wrote about music, but the saying is “Music Journalist are fustrated musicians”. I think this is true in many ways.
Shut Up and Play The Piano was screened at the 68thBerlinale.
Check local listing for release dates and screening times.
This interview is from our #thisberlinale18 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera and Pringle of Scotland.
A man who is always good for a frank quote even if does not fit in our politically correct times, Karl Lagerfeld is never short on words or his opinion. Numero magazine interviews him for a cover story.
I can only say his responses were funny, refreshing, dripping with wit from his opinions on the #Metoo movement, other fashion designers and why he loves Michelle Obama.
f you don’t want to have your pants pulled about, don’t become a model! Join a nunnery, there’ll always be a place for you in the convent. They’re recruiting even! A quote from Lagerfeld.
The documentary on Grace Jones:Floodlight and Bami Live with Friends opens in the US. The legendary performer allows filmmaker Sophie Fiennes to document her life in this extraordinary film capturing an icon at her most vulnerable.
I loved this model at the Damir Doma presentation so I waited until she got into a look so I could produce a video of her in one of the designers looks.
The best way to avoid all the issues of data collection and privacy matters, go retro. A classic is always in style. Are smartphones falling out of fashion? The more we learn about data gathering, the answer is becoming clearer. In the Age of Hyper Connectivity, digital arms length is looking like a safer option. Do you need to check Instagram, Messenger, What’s App every 2 minutes to get the latest news on people you do not know?
Another aspect of the feature phones is the battery life, many can go for days without a recharge. No need to carry around a power bank or search for a plug.
The writer has a smartphone but loves his old Nokia phone for its elegance, simplicity, and lack of addictive qualities.
A throwback video from the Ivanman Fashion Show at Berlin Fashion Week. Black and Paper was backstage, models getting ready, crew members preparing for the runway show. We turned our camera on a make up artist waiting to finish for a male model to ask him a question about his work.
Given the current crisis involving Facebook and CA, Black and Paper has decided to place its Facebook account on hold, no more postings for the moment. Although no laws have been broken, we feel the current level of trust is eroding on the social media platform. Why? It was an open secret about the Data Collection, a price all paid for using a free website, but Facebook continued to push the line and then crossed it without thinking of the consequences of its actions. Hubris has a funny way of biting the butt, even if you are tech giant with 2 billion followers. Facebook’s fatal mistake, taking its users for granted. Zuckerberg’s disarming “Everyday Joe” gray t-shirt cannot cover the fact his creation has become a bit of the creepy neighbor who leers through the peephole when you leave the apartment. Privacy for this company has become an inconvenience. Facebook has evolved into a neo-surveillance operation or serial stalker, wanting or desiring every detail of your life for the sole purpose of selling the information to the highest bidder.
Will we return to Facebook? We are monitoring the situation. Currently, we are looking at alternative sites, stay tuned.
Mark Zuckerberg is schedule to appear before US Congress regarding the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica Affair. The Federal Trade Commision and United Kingdom Authorities have opened investigations concerning its handling of personal data.
Given the current crisis involving Facebook and CA, Black and Paper has decided to place its Facebook account on hold, no more postings for the moment. Although no laws have been broken, we feel the current level of trust is eroding on the social media platform. Why? It was an open secret about the Data Collection, a price all paid for using a free website, but Facebook continued to push the line and then crossed it without thinking of the consequences of its actions. Hubris has a funny way of biting the butt, even if you are tech giant with 2 billion followers. Facebook’s fatal mistake, taking its users for granted. Zuckerberg’s disarming “Everyday Joe” gray t-shirt cannot cover the fact his creation has become a bit of the creepy neighbor who leers through the peephole when you leave the apartment. Privacy for this company has become an