ruthdu

[ruthdu]

This is a post about Sports

I am my Mother’s daughter and my Father’s son. I grew up doing ballet, religiously practicing the piano, and appreciating a detailed skincare regiment while playing rec soccer, going to basketball camp and watching sports. Sure, you can argue that my Chinese immigrant parents were very ambitious and “forced” me to participate in these activities when I was younger, but because of their stern suggestions, I became a dancer, I fell in love with music, I will always look like I’m 25 and I have a mild obsession with Sports.

If you’ve worked with me during basketball season, you know that I will be streaming the game on my computer in the production office or suggest going to a nearby bar to catch tip-off. If you’ve had the privilege of being a friend of mine during the Olympics, we will have never ending text message chains about the crazy triple toe-loop or how blurry Usain Bolt on television. If I’ve dated you during football season, you probably know that my very first poster that I put up in my room was of Troy Aikman. I was 5, barely understood English but I thought he was such a hearthrob.

I’m not very outspoken about my social, political and world views. My first presidential election was Obama and I didn’t quite understand the 2008 Recession until much later in life (I was 20 years old). Race was always an issue and I supported the occasional Tiger Mom articles on HuffPo, or essays about a HAPA and every once in awhile engaged in some Twitter conversations about “Yellow Fever” but it wasn’t until recently that there was truly a platform to be Chinese Born - American. That didn’t mean that I didn’t support racial justices in general, but it meant that I hid behind those big trendy topics. Of course, it wasn’t until we were in a disaster of a political situation where I even considered watching a Senate hearing nor cared about our local Congressmen / woman. With that in mind, these kind of public posts are far-in-between and very delicate for me. But after what I watched + experienced this weekend, I was compelled to share because it all coincided with Sports.

This past weekend I watched 20-year-old Naomi Osaka conquer and overtake tennis Queen Serena Williams, who I believed acted poorly against the (yes unfair) Umpire at the US Open Finals. I was severely disappointed in Serena, especially after learning so much about her journey to motherhood. I had a new found respect for Serena not only as a phenomenal athlete but also a Superwoman that overcame the most difficult time of her life. I sat there, jaws on the floor when Serena consistently bashed Carlos Ramos. I was disappointed, watching her take the argument even further with officials when all I wanted for her is to take that energy and refocus on the game. True athleticism is mental and sure, we cannot help the way we feel, ESPECIALLY when we are losing. But those athletes who can outplay and outlast, the “GOAT”s, the champions, should be able to take a few breaths and make a comeback.

I’m not saying that what Serena was fighting for wasn’t valid. YES, the umpire was probably intimidated that a strong black woman was yelling at him YES, he should have given her a warning and YES, I’m sure he’s been told many terrible things on the court without giving a penalty point but felt that he needed to keep his masculine power by ruling an unprecedented action. Even with all of that potential wrongsay, there’s a time and place to object to rules and there’s a time to suck-it-up and play the game.

I sat there and cried during the awards ceremony because Naomi Osaka apologized for winning. My tears were for her family who was so proud of her but knew there would be this heavy cloud of doubt over her for the years to come. I cried because I saw a part of my little sister in her, awkwardly holding the trophy and not sure if she was representing her country as well as she would have wanted. All I wanted is for her to feel joy, pride and strength. I cried even more when Serena told the crowd to stop booing because I knew that at that point, perhaps she felt that THIS was the repercussions of her actions. I love sports because I also love sportsmanship. Much like Serena thought that Carlos owed her an apology, I think Serena should apologize to Naomi for the bittersweet outcome of the tournament.

Naomi Osaka IS a champion. She played the best game of her life. She trained hard and she has that tunnel vision that transforms a player from great to the Best. I ask that you all take some time to learn more about Naomi Osaka. She’ll be on the tennis radar for years to come and I cannot wait to watch her play next.

This past weekend, I also witnessed the epic return of the greatest QB of all time. I claim this with extreme bias but am not alone in this statement, especially after his tremendous game on Sunday night. When Aaron Rodgers was carted off in the second quarter of the opening game vs. the (new and much improved) Chicago Bears, a little part of me died. I’ve been a Rodgers fan for years. He was the QB Hearthrob: insanely attractive, hilariously respectful and probably the best ice-cream eating companion. My adoration escalated when I started a diehard, bleeding-green Packers fan who claims he looks like a slightly petite version of Aaron. Last year’s collar-bone injury led to a sour fall season but made our relationship much stronger. There was a lot on the line this football season with Aaron’s return. When Aaron was lying on that field, grasping his left leg, it became deeply personal.

The Packers came back with a limping Aaron Rodgers and won the game 24-23. We yelled and screamed with joy. We drank tequila and celebrated. The cats (Starks and Jordy, named after former Packer players) were annoyed but we didn’t care. THIS was sports. THIS was athleticism at its best and even with the controversial hoopla of the NFL, THIS was football.

I understand why there was a boycott against the NFL. I know that Roger Goodell is a Trump supporter and I know that behind many of these massive teams are corporate millionaires who voted Red. The League made a decision this year that if players kneel during the national anthem that they would subject to fines which arguably means they are charging players fees against their freedom of speech. Yes, I do believe that this is a harsh rule, but I do believe it was a rule to take politics out of the game.

Last year was the only time I remembered watching the National Anthem in any regular season football game. It truly didn’t matter to me but it became such an issue that of course I “fell’ into the trap of curiosity. This year, I am not boycotting because I am watching football for the players. I am watching to see the unexpected comebacks, to see that crazy 75-yard run to the end zone, to see that near interception that nearly gave me a heart attack. I am watching not because I am supporting our idiot-president Trump, but because I respect the bellies of the defense linemen and the sprint of the wide receiver. I am watching because I believe in will power and strength of mind, which is how Aaron Rodgers came back ferociously, playing football with one good leg.

Remember when Kerri Strug won an Olympic Gold ‘96 even though she was severely injured? Did we protest the Olympics because there was probably some weird underage and illegal shit going on? Do we still support team USA even after the corporate probably knew the actions of their disgusting coach? The answer is YES, because we support the players. We support what they want to accomplish and what they’ve tried out their entire lives to accomplish. Yes they are millionaires and this is their “job” but I guarantee that if they had the choose between a massive paycut to play, most everyone would 100% choose the paycut. An athlete doesn’t just train their bodies 365 days a year for a big paycheck (that’s just the bonus) but talk to those former players who didn’t make the cut their third year, or the former player turned coaches of their local highschool - if they had a shot to play on the green, they would do it no question.

I will watch the NFL until the players decide not to play anymore. The game is changing and I’m happy to hear of new strict hit rules to the QB and new technology for player protection. I will yell and scream and jump in disappointed and joy and I will eventually earn that Rodgers jersey that I desperately want from my new Packer partner.

For those who actually read this post, thank you for time out of your busy day to do this. Why am I so passionate about Sports? “Ruth, you make movies! You sit in front of a computer all day long and you do budgets! And you write! Why do you care about sports?” I consider myself an athlete. I’ve been in competitive sports the majority of my life and I know what it feels like to lose. I used to rehearse 6-8 hours on weekends out in the hot sun, practically running close to 15-20 miles a day.

As a dancer, I trained like an athlete: slow push-ups, squats, abdominal conditioning, the whole damn thing. And in my now adult life, I go to challenging HIIT/ Boot Camp / Strength classes to make sure that I have the ability to survive a zombie apocalypse, or be fast enough to run to shelter during the Big One. I attribute my film career to my athletic training: play smart, play hard, follow the rules and always thank your teammates. These are skill sets that now engrained in me. So this is why I am passionate about sports: because its about survival, mind over matter and it’s about those you play the game with.

[ruthdu]

valentine’s day stickies

I’ve taken the morning to clean out the “stickies” on my Mac. I often use them as a quick way to jot ideas, lists and  blurbs of what’s on my mind. There’s a few emotional “word vomits” that I’ve pasted below. They’re without dates or backstory but they are (unnecessarily) deep + somewhat embarrassing but coming from a place of honesty. 

I'm deleting these stickies so I can focus on a restart, but what better way to share the irony than on this loving holiday? I have to laugh at myself because GEEZ they were so damn poetic. I bolded my favorite bits, the most profound ones that perhaps can bring some meaning to someone. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, kids. It’s all gonna be okay. 

I get these tiny spurts of happiness and hope every once in awhile.

I'm emotionally fucked if I wake up next to you.

Even though at this very moment, everything is at a standstill. Maybe there is a broken chemistry that needs to be defined, so it's broken particles that need to be caught and organized.

Who knows, but this pattern is something that needs to stop.

I'm not okay with just letting go because time has past. I'm not okay with things that are slipping and falling because there's no reason to simply continue.

It's an absolutely profound feeling. Curious as to what we are, what if there was a we. Sometimes these type of things do not have anything to do with consciousness, but everything to feeling (or a more spiritual) experience.

It might not be the worst thing, or it may be the best, but the nearly fatal caught of breath that currently fills my lungs is a tragedy waiting to happen. It's not about compatibility nor about pure attraction, but there is something more. Something beyond anything truly describable.

Patti and Robert had it the best and the worst and to even fathom this type of love... that makes everything hurt, being fairly confident that I won't ever feel this way or anyone will feel that way about me.

This is bullshit. Why should this even be in my mind right now?! It shouldn't be like this, the doubt, the insecurity, their anticipation of the no, sorry. It's like some sprinkle of the "you're not right for me" comes off of me when I touch someone.

[ruthdu]

Seeking Season 2 goes into principle photography in November!

[ruthdu]

Happy 2014!

Happy New Year! 2013 was a milestone year for me on a personal and professional level, and I couldn't be more excited for 2014. It started with working with the incredible french director Bertrand Tavanier on Quai D'Orsay, a trip to China that led me to a meditation retreat / water fast which led me eventually to a road trip down to Los Angeles, this time for good. LA has brought many new friends and reunions with old ones. No Ordinary Hero was my first feature film in LA and one of my favorite films I've been on so far. 

Creatively, we wrapped up Khaled Dajani's animated music video "Mad World" with my dear friend Nolan James, directed the pilot and a few episodes of a new webseries called Seeking and was able to work in Chicago with metal band, Dope. I was also lucky enough to reunite with old NYU friends who are currently studying at the prestigious American Film Institute. I production managed and coordinated a few shorts and have met truly talented producers and directors along the way. I recently wrapped A Daughter of These Hills (producer Michael Steiner) and Fearless (producer dawn deVoe) and although they both kicked my ass, it was a wonderful experience. 

One of my first major accomplishments in 2014 already was submitting to AFI's Directing Workshop for Women. I did not get in last year and eagerly reapplied with a new script, new letters of recommendations and new director's reel. I've grown significantly as a writer and filmmaker this year, and I think it truly shows in this year's application. Crossing fingers for this potential experience! Enjoy the reel and send good vibes!

xxr

[ruthdu]

Throwsbacks to SEEKING and a step into Metal

I recently dug up a series of old, videos from film school. In one of those hard drives, there was a behind the scenes video of the making of "Heroes or Ghosts" with The Coronas. I was 20 years old, in Ireland, directing a professional music video for one of the hottest bands in the country. I was so fortunate then, and even more fortunate now to have that video be apart of our repertoire. Here's the link for you guys to check it out:

SEEKING the Series has been going strong in post-production. It's been so much fun collaborating with Ronit and Adam Bonsib (our amazing LA-based editor) and it's been hilarious to watch these episodes unfold. My favorite episode so far has got to be "I Glued You (A Bluegrass Nightmare). Watch it here:

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FINALLY, I had the amazing opportunity to co-direct and produce a video for legendary metal band, DOPE. I worked side-by-side with Edsel Dope, the leadsinger and mastermind behind the band. I flew to Chicago with cinematographer Johnny Ching, and we spent a few days in a warehouse/art/recording studio space and shot the video. We shot some extremely dark, edgy, artful footage that will sure be a positive controversy within the metal community. THANKS to one of my mentors, Dale Resteghini (RAGE) and producer Niv Gat for sending this project my way!. Here's a sneak peak of what's to come:

In writing + developing news, I finished a first draft of SOLID STATE, a dramatic love story with two musicians trying to find one another while trying to conquer the music scene. I'm also still taking the right steps in polishing MAGIC HOUR, the musical that's been in my head for the last few years. And co-writing a new webseries with the ever-so-talented David Harry Yoon that will sure stir up racy news in the hot pot of current social culture. I recently started an internship with friends at Ambush Entertainment, while working as a retail sales associate/ office manager at Native Boutique on Franklin Ave. This week I was lucky enough to attend several fashion shows as part of LA Fashion Week. Some new photos are up fashion shoots for Native with the lovely, Jenelle Kunz. 

It's been a crazy 7 months in Los Angeles, and while grocery shopping today with flip flops and shorts on, I'm so damn happy to be here.

xx R

[ruthdu]

@SeekingSeries

This past month, I was lucky to have the opportunity to direct 6 episodes of a new comedy dating series called "Seeking". The show was created by the hilariously talented Ronit Aranoff. I flew back to NYC for the very quick 5 day shoot (yes, 6 episodes, in 5 days, it was insane) and met some seriously talented individuals. It was so much fun working with the cast and crew. We laughed our bellies off and I think we all feel confident that our show will make you laugh as well. 

The show is looking for some extra funding for post-production, and we've launched an IndieGoGo Campaign: 

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/seeking-the-webseries?c=home

Take a click, check out the super funny video and contribute if you can!

Looking forward to sharing the episodes with the world!

[ruthdu]

Had such a stellar time working with Nolan James and Khaled Dajani on this video. Super proud of the entire team that's pushing this music video out into the world. Thanks to Richard Fulco at RiffRaf for posting this interview!

[ruthdu]

Lucky to be living, Lucky to be dreaming, Lucky to be screening in LA!!

Timing is everything, right? I've been in LA for a week now, and the LA Indie Film Festival announcement happened just a few days ago. So entirely excited and lucky to be where I am today. And it's 80 degrees outside. 

Here are the dirty deets on "Floria's Sunday" West Coast premiere screening:

March 17th, 3:30 pm, Shorts Program 4

Let Live Theatre: 916 N. Formosa Ave. in West Hollywood.

Tickets can be purchased online at a discounted price: http://laindiefilmfest.com/tickets, or you can show up at the door and buy them for $13. 

And here's a cool flyer to copy/share with your friends!

[ruthdu]

"Floria's Sunday" West Coast Premiere @LA Indie Film Festival

Sunday, March 17th, 3:30pm 

Let Live Theatre, West Hollywood.

Guinness + Whiskey to follow. 

[ruthdu]

Floria's Sunday

winter teaser trailer

www.ruthdu.com

[ruthdu]

Quebec City, Quebec

[ruthdu]

Cali-forn-I-A

There was never a dull moment exploring a new city and meeting new friends while reuniting with old ones. This trip confirmed the inevitable move that will be in the works in the next few months and this trip confirmed my LIFE GOALS that were always floating around. Many many thanks to my amazing friends who have invited me into their lives this past week. Thanks for the Sonoma Wanderlust, the Joe Cocker experience, the Bro-evaluations and the Roosevelt nights. Next time I'll be here, it won't be a "vacation" so no more overeating. See you soon xx

[ruthdu]

Because I've always really wanted to live in the 1950s. Still shot from Chevy spec "Technology Kids" and messed around with Pixl. 

[ruthdu]

Submitted. Chevy spec commercial, graciously granted by MoFilm featuring PushMethod's "Technology Kids"

[ruthdu]

Floria's Next Step

Floria's Sunday is now in the hands of the ever so brilliant sound designer Clay Baucom. After a quick meeting and his first reaction to the end of the film, it's exciting to get a fresh pair of eyes (and ears) to help wrap up this short.

After months of post production, a few editors and multiple cuts, Floria's PIKLOK, as DJ likes to say, has finally reached a perfect place. It's a heavenly slice of pie. I'm not bored when I watch this film and there is so little that I cringe on... yet! This one pulls at my heart, for whatever reason (and as many people ask, no, it's not autobiographical). It was an emotional challenge and a directorial challenge and one that I want to keep pushing for. Bettina and Pascal were completely open taking this one in so many ways and it was a blessed collaboration that we were able to stick to a story that we all believed was the most compelling.

Here are some brilliant stills from the wonderful Sophie Finkelstein (photographer and production designer!)

[ruthdu]

rockstar dreams kinda coming true. #gaslightanthem (Photo by ruthie06)

[ruthdu]

floria's sunday teaser trailer. du it.