Wednesday 09 November 2011 at 1:27 pm
So this past summer I made a film called 'Becoming Redwood'. It's a story about a young boy named Redwood, who believes that if he can beat Jack Nicklaus at the 1975 Masters, he will reunite his parents. Yes lots of long hair, funky tunes and groovy fashion....
This is StoryLab Productions first film and you can view the promotional trailer below.
You can also check us out on facebook.com/BecomingRedwood and tell us what you think.
Be sure to stay tuned so you'll know when and where you can see it. You don't want to miss it!!
Saturday 13 August 2011 at 11:57 pm
I am officially on day 12 of shooting my film "Becoming Redwood", StoryLab's first production. I feel blessed to have such an amazing cast and crew...and I sincerely mean that. You can work really hard to find the right people to work with but that doesn't necessarily mean that everyone's going to get along, so to have everyone working together so well, makes the experience even more special. Making a film is like birthing a child. It takes an enormous amount of energy to bring one to life and I've loved every bit it, including the gut wrenching obstacles that have littered my path along the way. I guess without those, one doesn't tend to learn as much. But yes, Redwood is coming to life and I cannot wait to tell you where you can go and see it. I will keep you updated as things progress...becoming soon to a theatre near you!
Well better late than never on making 'writing in my blog more frequently' my New Year's resolution! I have been thoroughly absorbed in motherhood and making movies. What an exciting time! And the sun is shining today finally! I have to say that generally I'm not the kind of person who is affected by the weather, but OMG we are mid May and I was wearing my ski jacket not even two days ago! On the upside, our prolonged winter has allowed me to thoroughly enjoy every sweater, coat and pair of boots I own. Even things hanging in the depths of my closet have gotten some attention due to the prolonged cold... But now the sun is out I realize that maybe I'm not as beach ready as I thought. See that's what is so great about winter. All the baggy sweaters!!! Now it's all about the itty bitty teeny weeny and if there was ever a time for a resolution (ie: go hit the gym) it's now. May can also be a very deceiving time in terms of thinking about summer, as it's still hockey season. Well it is for our boys, the Canucks!! And what a season they've had. If I haven't been there waving my towel and cheering them on, I've been glued to the telly and I intend to watch them all the way to the Cup! Of course nothing is better than eating and drinking while cheering on the boys and wearing a baggy jersey is always a great excuse to eat more. Well today I've decided to look fabulous under my jersey. I've been re-inspired. And if that means eating a salad whilst rooting for my team - I can do that. I hope you are all successfully emerging from hibernation and looking fabulous.
Enjoy the glorious sunshine everyone.
Take care
Joely
Sunday 14 November 2010 at 10:48 pm
No I didn't fall off the face of the earth, I've been busy....being a mum, a wife, a business partner, a friend, a daughter...you get the idea...BUSY!! But busy in a happy and enjoyable way of course!
Anyway I hadn't forgotten to update my blog I just thought I'd do it 'tomorrow' and that turned into 8 months, hence the name of my title... The first thing I can talk about to justify this statement is the fact that my daughter just turned ONE! I know I'm not the only one to have this experience but it does make me feel that I have officially lived the fastest (and bestest) year of my life. My little munchkin is one and is crawling and moving at lightening speed all over the place. Needless to stay I'm getting my exercise!!!
So now that it's 8 months later we are at that time of year again which means...you guessed it... Christmas is just around the corner! I swear as soon as those Halloween pumpkins are tossed in the bin the Christmas elves come dancing out and the Christmas carols begin. Seriously. It happens the very next day after Halloween. In fact I know for sure that they have all the Christmas stuff just lined up and ready to rock. I was in a department store in August - the summer time just for the record - and I happened to walk past an enclosed area and they were decorating Christmas trees!! I was wearing a tank top, shorts and flip flops at the time and had to express my outrage at having seen a Christmas tree in August! I was like NO NO NO Christmas is still miles away!!!!! As such, I feel like we never get the opportunity to truly absorb and enjoy each season. Even in the summer, just as the weather warms up the end of summer sales begin (actually not complaining about that). But then Halloween turns into Christmas and then the Valentines cards come out and then it's Happy Easter everyone!! No wonder people suffer from anxiety. Our lives are moving at the speed of light. We get pulled into the next season before we can truly savour and enjoy where we're at. I know I'm getting deep here but can we just slow things down a bit everyone?? Hallmark is ruling our lives!! So I've decided to really enjoy November for what November has to offer. Well since it's sort of a holiday free month - FYI I'm not disregarding Remembrance Day or the American Thanksgiving - but in Canada anyway there really isn't anything to decorate and write cards for so I'm using the month of November to get caught up on all the things around my house and in my life that need a little attention. November is time-to-get-organized month! Deal with all the stuff I've been putting off. Out with the old, in with the new. Reorganize the closets for my boots and sweaters and put the summer gear away (okay maybe you've done this already and good for you I applaud your organizational skills). Then come December I will be able to surrender to the season and sip my eggnog with peace of mind. I also officially designate November for enjoying the shorter days and getting cozy. Watch more movies and rock my boots. Actually I love November. What a great in-between-season month!
Okay I've had my rant and I've also been made aware that blogging every 8 months ain't cutting it. As an early New Year's resolution I will dedicate more time to my blog. So stayed tuned. And enjoy November!
Take care
Joely
x
Wednesday 10 February 2010 at 11:41 pm
How exciting! So much has happened. Yes I recently became a mum!! And what a wild ride it has been...more than I could have ever expected. I just love being a mum. I could stare at my little munchkin all day long thinking "wow my husband and I actually made you...crazy!". And my best friend Angela became a mum a month after me so we are on this amazing journey together! But of course I wouldn't be me if I just tackled one thing at a time. I currently have a film in development plus I just completed a major renovation. Yes it's finally done!! I know my friends don't believe it either. Let's just say our move in date got delayed a few times...but it has been worth the wait and we are happily living in our new pad. You may think I was nuts to tackle four of the most stressful things all at once (baby, renovation, moving and starting a business) but through it all I have to say I've enjoyed every bit of it. Call me crazy. So now you know what I've been up to.
Speaking of excitement, the Olympics have come to town and they begin in just ONE day! The countdown is almost over and Vancouver is buzzing with the sounds of different languages as the streets fill with people from all over the world. The last time something like this happened it was Expo 86. Of course I have much better hair now and no braces on my teeth. But that was when the world first got to experience the beauty of our untouched city. In the last decade Vancouver has begun to make a name for itself on the international stage. We are seeing more exhibits, galleries, concerts and events...about bloody time I say! We've grown up. Our city is pulsing with life and I'm happy to be here and be a part of this experience. Now if the weather would just co-operate!!! Hello this isn't the spring Olympics!!
Of course there will be more than one colour sported in our house. You see I married a Dutchman and well, their colour is orange. Let me just say the Dutch are some of the best fans in the world. You can Youtube them. And you can be sure they have shipped over their marching band to join in the festivities. Heineken house here they come. Not a bad place to be really. You can almost guarantee there will be some singing involved. So the Canadian and Dutch flags will proudly hang from our windows as we cheer our athletes on. Ah nothing like a good rivalry!!
Well there's lots going on and if you happen to be in Vancouver, enjoy the ride...it's not everyday the Olympics come to town!
Let the festivities begin!!!
Go Canada Go!!! (take that you Dutchies!)
Mama Joely
xxx
Friday 02 October 2009 at 11:18 am
Yes I know it has been a very long time since my last entry. A year to be exact. But who's counting? Okay maybe I have let some of you down...but that is not to say I have been sitting in idle passivity. Much the opposite and I am excited to share lots of good news.
So number one on the agenda. I am gonna be a mum very soon!! Yes we are expecting a little one and we couldn't be happier. I have been blessed with a smooth ride so far, which I am truly grateful for as I know some people really struggle through pregnancy. Hopefully the end of the ride (labour) will be a short, pain free, and super easy experience!! So while I've been getting bigger, my husband and I thought what better time to do a full renovation! I can't tell you how many people decide to take on a major overhaul of their home or move entirely when they are expecting. It's a phenomenon! I'm not talking about 'honey we should redo the guest bedroom and make it the nursery'. These are BIG renovations and GIANT moves. But if you're gonna do it...now really is the time. Unless of course you are negotiating with the bump to come as late as possible since your home still has no walls, lights or power for that matter. That really is living on the edge. Keeps things very exciting though! Could I possibly be speaking from experience here....?
I've also started a new production company, StoryLab Productions, with a long time actor friend of mine, Chad Willett. I told you I've been busy! We have a slate of really cool projects that we are currently developing and of course we are learning a lot too. I will be sure to keep you updated with the progress of our films and tv series and some of the adventures/struggles we have along the way. So hang on for that ride too.
Tonight we have red carpet fever with the start of the Vancouver International Film Festival and I need to start getting ready. Takes a little longer these days! Haha...
Please come out and support our film festival, it's a great chance to see some amazing films that unfortunately will never get a wide release. And it's a great opportunity to support some original Canadian films!! VIFF, Oct 1-16th www.viff.org
Friday 03 October 2008 at 3:01 pm
Well guilty as charged...I am guilty of not updating my website in a really long time...BUT I have a really good excuse. I was busy planning away because I recently got married!!! Yeehaaah! Yes I am officially a Mrs. and I love it. I feel all grown up and very happy. So while all this love was in the air, my poor little website got a bit neglected. But that's okay because lots has happened since the dreaded seal hunt and so I have lots to say.
First of all the world is not falling apart, it's CHANGING. We can all feel it. Old systems are breaking down and it feels really chaotic at the moment. As crazy as everything is right now I think it's a good thing. There is no way we can sustain the way we have been living. Greedily and foolishly. Obama will win the presidency because his time has come. I wouldn't want to fill his shoes by any means but I champion him all the way. I love the saying 'Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come'. We need change and we need it now!
Unfortunately through all the American campaigning Canada has been swallowed into the void but we too are facing a critical time...October 14th. I don't know if I have a nice way of saying this other than...please vote and when you do, please don't vote for Harper. He wants to do to Canada what Bush did to America. Ruin it. I don't feel that he has Canadians' best interests at heart. We are one of the worst polluting countries (which astounds me when you consider our population) and he wants to severely cut the arts from the Canadian people! Well if you don't have culture, what do you have? I believe culture is the lifeblood of any country. I am a Canadian artist and I want to continue working in my country!! I'm not asking much...but I repeat, PLEASE DON'T VOTE FOR HARPER ON OCT 14TH.
Okay that's my political rant for the day. Oh and one more thing. Animals are very dear to my heart and unfortunately they usually come last on any politician's list in terms of importance. I really want to help change this. Check out: www.voteforanimals.ca and find out where your candidates heart's lie. Maybe you can let them know that we have the most archaic animal laws that haven't been updated since 1892 and do nothing to protect the abused and neglected. Gandhi said it best with "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated".
Okay I promise to stay more up to date on my site.
Be good to yourself and others.
Mrs. Joely
Saturday 29 March 2008 at 01:41 am
I'm really sad today. And upset, mad and angry...The Canadian seal hunt began today just like it does every March. I don't like March anymore. I don't understand how they can kill 250,000 baby seals. That's right, 250 - THOUSAND!! How do these people get up in the morning and kill innocent baby seals for a living? "See ya honey, don't wait up for me, I've got some seals to kill, bye honey, love ya!" Perhaps these people aren't capable of love. It's barbaric to me. The thought of it makes me sick. And our government allows this. In fact they subsidize it...Wow that must be a really lucrative market. A real bonus for our economy. How does this happen every year? Someone has to okay this. That's right OKAY THIS. "Can we kill 250,000 seals?" "Sure, is that enough?" My favourite Ghandi quote...yeah I know it's already on my website, but I don't care, it speaks volumes. "The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated". I love that man. He sums it up so eleoquently. So Canada, hear me roar, STOP THE SEAL HUNT NOW!!!!! It's inhumane. We could be such a cool country. C'mon Canada dig deep and find your conscience and your compassion. Let's be forerunners in preservation and humanity. Let's be shining examples to the rest of the world. Encourage other countries to do the same...treat all life with equality and respect. There I've had my rant and I feel much better sharing it with you.
If we don't stand up and talk about the injustices in this world then nothing will ever change them. If you want to know more about the seal hunt check out www.stopthesealhunt.ca
So we are coming to a close for 2007...hope you accomplished all the things you set out to do for the year and I hope you are feeling happy about this years victories. Oh I'm sure there were some upsets and setbacks along the way...those horrible things that make us stronger in life. I know, I know puke 'o' rama but without hardship how can we appreciate the joys in life? Well it's true. With that in mind I am gearing up to start a whole new year, but not without decompressing first. I think it is highly important to switch off for at least a couple of days over the holidays and give myself that much needed 'mental holiday'. This is what exhausts me most...always being available and ready to go. This is what the world of cell phones has done to me. So what better time to turn off the mobile phone and read that book I've been wanting to finish since the beginning of the year. Skiing doesn't hurt either and seems to burn off the massive calories consumed this time of year.
This is also a time when I think about the state of our world - deep I know - and think about those that don't have so much. I think about this A LOT!! What can I do to make a difference? What matters to me? Let's just say I cannot stand suffering, especially when there's something we can do about it. Personally I would like to see an end to the Canadian seal hunt. I think it's atrocious and totally unnecessary. I know that others see this arguement differently but I would love to see Canada set an example on the international stage and be a forerunner in preservation. We have to start changing the way we live whether we like it or not. So as I write this, without sounding too preachy cuz we don't like that...I wanna get us all thinking about what is important to us. No time like a new year for new beginnings. Nothing like supporting those that need a little help.
I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year and I hope you find the courage to support the things that you believe in.
Take care
Joely
Saturday 25 August 2007 at 01:02 am
As we cherish the remaining days of summer and soak up every last drop of sun, the fall trends hang looming, waiting to take hold. Summer sales are trailing off and the windows now display hues of brown, grey and black...sigh...not quite ready to try on thick wooly coats. And Alas as I sit in my bikini scouring all 780 pages of the September Vogue I am saddened to see fur on EVERYTHING! How can this be? It's 2007 goddammit...do YOU want to look like Chewbacca this fall? Well I know I certainly don't. After all this Green thinking I was hoping for a much larger selection of NATURAL fibres this fall. By the way Stella McCartney is leading the way in high end, cruelty free fashion - You Go Girl! I feel like we are regressing in the fashion world, like nobody really cares anymore. I want some big fashion houses to start standing up saying, 'We no longer want to rob this planet of its living creatures, we want to make you look beautiful, naturally!' Well maybe next season, although I won't hold my breath.
As for me, September 8th I have the great fortune of supporting a great man. I'm off to Calgary for The David Foster and Friends Charity Gala which is a special fund raising event in support of The David Foster Foundation. An insanely busy man with a huge heart, David is doing his part providing financial and emotional support to families with children needing organ transplants. For more information, or to see how you can help support, check out www.davidfosterfoundation.org
Hope you retire all things furry and feathery this fall!
