VISION Philms | Photography + Film=Philm by Carlton Mackey

Modifiy Watches Releases 2.0

2011-12-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

Two Purnt Oh!

What are
Modify Watches?

Modify Watches are super-dope, interchangeable watches. You can mix-and-match faces and straps to create the "Mod" that allows you to make your statement, whether (quiet) or LOUD.

...We made a loud one. (in case you haven't seen it yet)

Though the folks in this Vision Philms Video are rocking 1.0, you still gotta love our love for this DOPE brand.

GO GET ~~ONE~~ SOME!

Float -a short urban fantasy by gloATL as interpreted by Carton Mackey

2011-11-22T18:46:00.000-08:00

float -a short urban fantasy
by gloATL
(photo and short film by Carlton Mackey)

Highlighting “inter-human” relationships between natural systems and everyday urban life, float is a a new site work in the form of a whimsical, communal foot gathering doused with the 1956 child’s film “The Red Balloon”.
FLOAT is an Art on the Beltline commission.

Atlanta 48 Hour Film Project - VISION Philms

2011-06-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

I can't say enough to thank everyone on the VISION Philms team! I can't believe how much fun we had! Huge thanks to

Crew and Writers: Laura Asherman, Chris Rhodes, Dane Jefferson, Kari Mackey, Isaiah Mackey
Cast: Doye Travis, Kari Mackey, Dane Jefferson, Breanna McDaniel, Peter Webb, and Isaiah

Shout out to Jacquay Waller and the good folks at Dream Catcher Productions who were out having a blast making movie magic as well.

----BE SURE TO JOIN US FOR THE SCREENING FRIDAY at PLAZA THEATRE at 7:15pm ----

Premiere Screenings

Date:

June 17, 18

Time:

Various

Place:

Plaza Atlanta, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave, NE Atlanta, GA 30306

Tickets:

$8, $10 (Purchase them here...)

The 48 Hour Film Project is back in Atlanta for the 10th Year in 2011! Hundreds of the Atlanta region's most adventurous, creative, and daring filmmakers have formed dozens of teams. On the weekend of June 10-12, they will bring a concept from script to post, in just 48 Hours. Then on Friday June 17 & Saturday June 18, we unleash this wild menagerie of films on the big screen at the historic Plaza Theatre. You never know what you're going to get when you attend a 48 Hour Film Project show. But you are always guaranteed a raucous good time! Meet the filmmakers at a post-screening Q&A after each screening! Door Prizes! Surprises! Vote for your favorite films! Best Of Films will air on XFINITY On Demand. The film with the most views in a 60 day airing period on XFINITY On Demand will win the "XFINITY Get Local ATL On Demand Audience Award" XFINITY On Demand will also award the "XFINITY Get Local ATL Award" to the film that best showcases Atlanta

Screening Groups

Group A
Screening on Friday, June 17th, 7:15 PM

Everyday Productions
Rational Lobster Vixen Productions
The Replica Signature Company
ETC - Red Group
SoKlor Productions
FUGO Studios
Warm Day Films
J.Miller Films
Vision Philms
Blame It On Loraine A Foushee Film Company, LLC
NSFW (Now Slacking From Work)
MonsterBuster
Cogito Productions

Chris Rhodes and Breanna McDaniel hash out the script with Carlton Mackey

Christopher Rhodes and Laura Asherman discuss ways to approach the opening scene

I soooo wish I could show more photos, but don't want to give too much away!

Street Poetry - Behind the Scenes of the MODIFIED UP Video Shoot

2011-05-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, VISION Music posted about finally shooting the MODIFIED UP Video. After the shoot, Little Five Points Street Artist Craig (Maurice) showed up and offered the crew another one of his freestyles. You may remember his impromptu pieces from female hip hop photographer Loni Schick's visit to Atlanta last month.

He asks for four words/phrases.

We give him:

1. Modify Watches

2. PersuASIAN dance crew

3. Capoeira

4. Vision

...on the spot, he gives us this

MODIFIED UP

Written and Performed by: Joshua Watkins Beat by: Bobby James Produced by: Carlton Mackey
Modify Watches - www.modifywatches.com

Hip Hop, Street Poetry, Photography...Boogie must be back in the A

2011-04-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Loni Schick was back in town a couple of weeks ago. She graced the A with her presence and put in some serious work while she was at it. She caught up with the legendary CE Crew for a photo shoot (that I can't wait to see). Just before the shoot began she was reunited with someone she hadn't seen since her last visit a year ago. Check out her reflection of the moment on her blog.

Of course he had to hit her with another freestyle.

Stay tuned for behind the scenes footage of the photo shoot with Collective Efforts.

For Whom the Bell Tolls

2011-03-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

Every week since 2006 a small group gathers on the campus of Emory University to STAND and read the names of the U.S. Military killed in Iraq and Afghanistan during the preceding week(s). STAND is a single-issue campus group focused on protesting and reporting on the war in Iraq and keeping vigil in memory of the dead killed in the war.
http://www.learnlink.emory.edu/~standwithme/

documentary short by carlton mackey for vision philms

Atlanta Breaks Record for Most Photos Taken of NOH8 Campaign!

2011-03-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

Carlton Mackey, Josh Nobblit and Nikki Noto organized the NoH8 photoshoot with photographers Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley in Atlanta.

On Behalf of The NOH8 Campaign,Josh Noblitt, Nikki Noto, and Carlton Mackey, thank you all so much again and again for making the NOH8 Campaign Open Shoot in Atlanta so successful. Below is an excerpt from an email directly from the campaign:

First of all, a huge thanks to all of you for coming out and supporting the cause during our very first open shoot in Atlanta, in addition to your patience in getting the photos back to you guys - we couldn't believe how many there were to go through! While Chicago still has the highest number for people who came out to the shoot, Atlanta broke the record for largest number of photos taken! We added hundreds of new faces to the campaign and our fight for equality - and that is truly something for you all to be proud of.

After the event, Carlton Mackey (VISION Philms)sat down with Josh Noblitt, Adam Bouska, and Jeff Parshley for an exclusive interview.

So...How do you get YOUR photos?

1. Go to http://www.noh8campaign.com
2. Click on the "Photos" tab at the top

The Atlanta photos are in 1 of 4 Galleries:

Your SOLO Photo will be in:

-NOH8 Photo Gallery 7251-7500
-NOH8 Photo Gallery 7501-7750
-NOH8 Photo Gallery 7751-8000

Your GROUP/COUPLE or CREATIVE Photo will be in:

-NOH8 Creative & Group Photos 11

ONLY YOU - New Music Single and Video

2011-02-18T22:09:00.000-08:00

The latest from VISION Music

ONLY YOU by Joshua Watkins
Produced by Bobby James
Executive Producer: Carlton Mackey

Shout out to Bobby James for his Video Directorial Debut!

VISION MUSIC!!

Eve Ensler - A Day and City of JOY

2011-02-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

Eve Ensler and Carlton Mackey in 2010 at Private Reception/Fundraiser for City of Joy

I am celebrating today with Eve Ensler, Nikki Noto (co-coordinator of the NOH8 Campaign Open Shoot), and V-Day about the opening of the City of Joy -a revolutionary new community for women survivors of gender violence, conceived by Congolese women and created by V-Day and The Panzi Foundatioin (DRC) with support from UNICEF, City of Joy offers a new platform and vision for Congolese women to pursue peace in the DRC.

V-Day and UNICEF, in partnership with Panzi Foundation, are currently building a revolutionary community for survivors of sexual violence in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Developed by and run with women of the Congo, the City of Joy will support women to heal and provide them with opportunities to develop their leadership through programming in group therapy; storytelling; dance; theater; self- defense; comprehensive sexuality education (covering HIV/AIDS, family planning); ecology and horticulture; and economic empowerment.

The City of Joy is scheduled to open February, 2011
This video was shot in December '09

Dawoud Bey - The Emory Project Opens

2011-02-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

The Dawoud Bey Emory Project Exhibit opened last night at the Visual Arts Gallery. There was a private reception for the portrait subjects last month. It was during this reception that Hal Jacobs interviewed several of us about the experience. Well, an amazing experience it was. From meeting Dawoud during his first visits to campus, to being chosen as a subject, to the shoot itself, to writing my self-reflection, to recording my voice reading it...was all a formative experience.

Special thanks to Hal for this production.
If you haven't, please visit the OFFICIAL Website for Dawoud Bey: The Emory Project.
Plan to spend some quality time looking, listening, learning about yourself and the people who has the great opportunity to be on there.

NOH8 Campaign Atlanta Open Shoot - Exclusive Video

2011-01-26T21:21:00.000-08:00

vision philms takes you behind the scenes at one of the largest open shoots in NOH8 campaign history
produced by carlton mackey
music by vision music's very own bobby james
Special thanks to all the celebrities, families, friends, partners, atliens, good folks from far and near who came out to support.

Amazing!

Exclusive Behind the Scenes Look - NOH8 Campaign Open Shoot in Atlanta

2011-01-17T22:55:00.000-08:00

With over 600 people photographed, THANK YOU for making the NOH8 Campaign Open Shoot in Atlanta one of the biggest open shoots in the history of the campaign. The Open Shoot in Atlanta Georgia was held on the 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend at the W Atlanta - Midtown Hotel. It was sponsored by W Midtown - Atlanta Hotel, Emory University Center for Ethics, and St. Mark United Methodist Church. The event was organized by Joshua Noblitt, Carlton Mackey, and Nikki Noto.

I was honored to be a part of something so great. Enjoy this exclusive behind the scenes look. More photos and video to come....

Adam Bouska photographs Cynthia Bailey of Bravo's Real Housewives of Atlanta

Suchita Vadlamani

...stay tuned

NOH8 Campaign In Atlanta

2011-01-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

I am so pleased to be part of a collaborative effort that is bringing the NOH8 Campaign to Atlanta, Georgia for the first time over the 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday weekend.

If you follow my Portrait, Travel, and Wedding Photography Blog as well you may recall my ongoing Photo Documentary titled Responding to Hate with Love done in response to a hate crime in Piedmont Park involving my dear friend Josh Noblitt and Trent Williams. As a minister of Social Justice, Josh is committed to working to bring about healing as well as restoring justice across the social landscape. In our ongoing conversations about ways to engage our community and continue this work of reconciliation, Josh approached me and Nikki Noto of V-Day Atlanta about joining him in his effort to bring Adam Bouska and the NOH8 campaign to Atlanta.

Josh was very clear about connecting the struggle for civil and human rights in the gay community with the historical legacy of Dr. King. Bringing this campaign to Atlanta, GA during the height of media coverage about bullying and its deadly consequences and the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell was not coincidence. He was clear about his understanding of Dr. King's message of love, non-violence, and creating a Beloved Community where All God's Children have a seat at the table.

The NOH8 campaign's silent, non-violent, artistic approach to protest is right in line with this mission. I'm proud to be a part of bringing it to this city "Too Busy to Hate" for the first time.

Special Thanks to our Proud Sponsors:
St. Mark United Methodist Church
W Atlanta- Midtown Hotel
The Emory University Center for Ethics

Special Thanks to GA Voice, Project Q for the amazing initial press coverage.
GA Voice Article: NOH8 Campaign is coming to the city too busy to hate
Project Q Article: NOH8 Campaign to make Atlanta Stop
GA Voice Cover Story: Strike a pose for equality

I will be documenting the event with photography and video. Stay Posted. Photography and Film by Carlton Mackey.

Join Us and the 860 Folks Who've Said They're Attending on the Facebook Event Page!

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New Atlanta Music Video - Behind the Scenes

2010-12-22T10:07:00.000-08:00

It started with an email from Jaclyn Kress from InnerTUBE TV a new YouTUBE news magazine show featuring the rising new artists of YouTUBE. She wanted to feature VISION Music Artist Joshua Watkins on the site and set up an interview with him. When we went to the site to check it out, we were pleasantly surprised to see that a link for Joshua had already been set up in The Buzz Section. The cover art for his latest project, I HOPE YOU LOVE ME, was there, but we noticed there was a link to one of his older videos, THE REBEL. The song is off of his first album on the VISION Music Label called Chasing Dreams. It highlights his underground hip-hop roots and showcases his uncanny word play and flow, but doesn't really reflect the style and energy of his new music. If we wanted his presentation to be consistent, we were going to have to change that. We talked about shooting a NEW video, but nothing had materialized...until now.

Right then and there, I started coming up with some ideas for a video treatment. Before long it was time to execute. Josh showed up on the set eager and energetic as always. He LOVED the idea for the video and jumped into character immediately. We only had a couple of hours to shoot the first day so we had to make it count. We also elicited the help of some four-legged friends who are always eager to help out when needed.

The second day was even better. Josh and I had already set up a shooting time and location. Before I headed out of the door, I got an email from John Roberson who had just returned from California asking if I had any photo shoots coming up. Perfect timing! I hit him up and let him know that I could do even better than that! He arrived on the scene grabbed the still camera and provided us with these amazing behind the scenes still shots.

Shout out to ATL and all the extras for showing up. Shout out to Maribel Velasquez for the awesome cameo. Big Thanks to Richard the Flower Man! All Day! Shout out to VISION Music's very own Bobby James on the beat. Sorry you couldn't be here, dude!

Check out the music video for GoodLuckLove and Great Day by Joshua Watkins from his latest project I HOPE YOU LOVE ME. Download 16 Track Album for free at www.joshuawatkins.net Beat by Bobby James. Executive Producer: Carlton Mackey
Video Directed and Edited by Carlton Mackey

Dawoud Bey - The Emory Project

2010-12-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

In partnership with the Transforming Community Project (TCP), the Emory Visual Arts Department commissioned internationally renowned photographer Dawoud Bey to develop a series of portraits of the Emory community that communicates the University's diversity. This commission celebrates the culmination of TCP's five-year exploration of Emory's historic and current experiences of race, gender, sexuality and other forms of human difference.

Bey created twenty double portraits, each containing two members of the Emory community; these portraits, along with personal statements written by the portrait subjects, will be on view during this exhibition at the Visual Arts Gallery before they go to their permanent home on Emory’s main campus. Additional programs will include a lecture by Dawoud Bey and a week-long celebration of the making of “The Emory Project,” featuring participant testimonials, documentary footage by Hal Jacobs, and opportunities for additional members of the Emory community to participate in the project.

I had the great fortune of being one of those photographed by Bey. To say I was honored would be an understatement. As a photographer myself, I felt inspired and mentored by him in an instant. I watched his every move. I listened closely to everything he said. He made me feel comfortable, but at the same time, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Last week, there was a private reception for those of us who were photographed. We were able to sneak a peak at the website as well as the accompanying documentary. I can't wait to see Dawoud next year and to celebrate the public unveiling of The Emory Project. Stay Tuned.

Usa Cheme - A Short Film by Carlton Mackey

2010-12-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

Today my son Isaiah Turned 1 Month Old. Mommy and Baby are resting well.
Filmed and Edited by Daddy.
VISION Philms
(photography + film = philm)
www.mytruevision.com
www.carltonmackey.com
www.visionphilms.com

Linkin Park Video - Waiting for the End

2010-12-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

Linkin Park - Waiting For The End (Official Video) from weofficial on Vimeo.

ARTSpeak Podcast: Radio Interview on AM1690

2010-12-03T01:14:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to listen to my Radio Interview with Jeremy Abernathy of Burnaway Magazine for ARTSpeak Podcast Episode 11 on AM 1690 (The Voice of the Arts).
Click HERE for Original Post.

Artists @ Work - Nov. 30

2010-11-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

Big Thanks to Jeremy Abernathy of BurnAway Magazine and AM 1690 (The Voice of the Arts) for the Art Speaks Radio Show Interview leading up to my Artists @ Work (a conversation series with working artists about their creative process) Feature - Tuesday, November 30, 7:30pm at the Emory University Visual Arts Gallery. I... will be discussing and screening the 17 Degrees Ain't Nothing -Movie, My True Vision Photography, VISION Philms (Photography + Film) | Contemporary Vintage Urban Theater as well as my collaborative work with other artists such as Anirudh 'Eka', Joshua Watkins, Christopher Rhodes Jr, Dane Jefferson, WonderRoot Love, and Ethics Arts.

I HOPE YOU LOVE ME

2010-11-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

I hope you can forgive me.
I hope you missed me while I was gone.
I hope you love me.

...if I had three wishes, this is what they would be. I've been away from this blog for far too long. I hope you can forgive me. I said I'd be gone till November. Now I'm back.

I hope you missed me while I was gone. We've put prayers, heart, and years into this project. We hope absence made your hearts grow fonder.

I Hope You Love Me. The new project from Joshua Watkins, an emerging Atlanta indie artist blending elements of hip hop, indie rock, alternative, and electronic music to create an all new sound. DOWNLOAD ALBUM FREE at www.joshuawatkins.net

Executive Producer: Carlton Mackey

... Like Rain (a reflection of Hiroshima before the Storm)

2010-07-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

-a new experimental short film by Carlton Mackey.

I completed this film about 8 months ago. It has been sitting on my computer since then. Out of the blue I decided to post it about a week and a half ago. I learned yesterday that the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is this Friday.

Set to the Music of Air (Alone in Kyoto from their 2004 album Talkie Walkie) using original footage by Carlton Mackey and Public Domain Japanese War Propaganda Films produced by the United States Government in conjunction with the Motion Picture Bureau.

48 Hour Film Project - Atlanta - Screening

2010-06-28T19:00:00.001-07:00

So Kari and I had to leave Memphis at 5:00am in order to be in Atlanta on time for Sunday's screenings. We pulled up with just enough time to spare. Jacquay and Courtney were standing outside of the theater when we pulled up. It was great to see them and the rest of the crew that we were fortunate enough to be a part of.

There were some great films in our screening group. I enjoyed myself. It was good to see so many people there. The whole project was a great experience.

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48 Hour Film Project - Atlanta

2010-06-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

So the idea is...
You and a team make a movie—write, shoot, edit and score it—in just 48 hours.

But for us it was more like 24.

Jacquay Waller, founder of DreamCatcher Productions (a quickly emerging theater company in Atlanta) put together a team to compete in this year's competition. Making a movie in 48 hours is already insane, but try doing it on the same weekend that your theater company is running your most popular play -BLACK MAN-O-LOGUES 4 times is ridiculous!!

The odds were against us pulling this off, so we had to really draw on each other's talents to make this thing work.

We met at 6pm with about 60 other teams at Atlanta's historic Plaza Theater to get our final instructions from the 48 Hour Film Project Leaders and to draw our genre out of a hat.

...DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Catching Dreamz draws Film de Femme

Never heard of a Film de Femme? That's because [the 48 Hour Film Project] invented it! This genre was specifically designed by the 48HFP to encourage strong roles for females in 48HFP films. A Film de Femme is a film featuring one or more strong female characters. Romantic comedies or "chick flicks" are included in this genre, but are only a subset. (copied and pasted from 48Hour website)

These were the only instructions we were given:film's requirements:
A Character named David or Denise Landeryou, School Principal must appear in film, the film must incorporate a set of Keys, and someone must say "Let me know what you think" in you film.

So here goes:
-7pm - midnight writing team has to generate ideas, toss out bad ones, and write the entire script.
-12:30 ish script is sent out to vision philms. we start conceptualizing shoot locations, shot sequences, production ideas etc
-1am actors from dream catchers productions are called, casted, and told where to be at 5am to start shooting
-with coffee, donuts, orange juice, and red bull in tow the director arrives on set
shooting from 6am to 1/2ish.
-Dream Catcher team leaves to prepare for a 4pm and a 8pm run of play at 14th Street Playhouse
-Vision Philm Team + James leaves to prepare for editing
midnight ish director arrives from playhouse to see rough draft
we all work til we have no idea what language we're speaking to each other, crash, and wake early the next morning with an entire day to spare. The film doesn't have to be in until 7:30 pm.
Oh yeah...but Jacquay and the cast still have two more Father's Day runs of Man-o-logues.
CRAZY!!!

...and I loved every second of it.
Special shout out to Jacquay Waller, Courtney Waller, and every one at DreamCatcher Productions! Thank you for the opportunity. Shout out all day to Kari. Shout out to Macy and Redd for making an appearance in the film. I'm glad I took my training tips from Ceasar Milan. A ridgeback mix and a pit bull never behaved better on movie set. hahahahaha! Shout out to my man Christopher Rhodes for scoring the film.

Holla at me Red Bull for the product placement! Dunkin Donuts get at your boy! Kari you killed the behind the scenes joints!

COME CHECK OUT SUSPENDED AND THE OTHER FILMS FROM THE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT.
http://www.48hourfilm.com/atlanta/
We're on at 1:00pm on Sunday June 27 at Plaza Theater Atlanta
I'm sure there will be some amazing projects.

SHOW SOME LOVE
http://www.48hourfilm.com/atlanta/
http://www.visionphilms.com/
http://www.catchingdreamz.com/indexSept.html

17 DEGREES AIN'T NOTHING

2010-05-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

17 DEGREES AIN'T NOTHING by local artist Dane Jefferson and me.
This film brings to the forefront issues surrounding homelessness in Atlanta. It places the story of 5 local individuals in the context of a global conversation about the economy, the recession, and the real life impact of it. It is a glimpse into their lives and a peering into our own.

1 FAMILY. 5 PEOPLE. 17 DEGREES.

*This film was formerly titled Living Just Enough for the City from the classic Stevie Wonder song. After an epiphany and some extremely good fortune, I was able to partner with some extremely talented artists who were willing to freely give of their time and talent toward this project. As a result, not only was the title of this film changed, but a completely original soundtrack was developed.

None of the artists were paid for their contributions. They saw their work as a form of advocacy and act of solidarity with those who the film portrays.

BE AN ADVOCATE & SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS
You too can be an advocate. 50% of the Proceeds from the Sale of this album will go to the OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY -proclaiming the Beloved Community through loving relationships with some of the most neglected and outcast of God’s children: the homeless and our sisters and brothers who are in prison. www.opendoorcommunity.org

The other 50% will support the local artists who graciously donated their time and talent to this project: Anthony Gillison, Solan Rai, Reginald Knowles, Christopher Rhodes Jr, & Joshua Watkins

17 DEGREES AIN'T NOTHING WILL BE DEBUTING HERE:

Stay tuned for other screenings and times.

WONDERROOT GYPSY CARAVAN

2010-05-21T17:22:00.001-07:00

I could seriously talk all night about this event. I'm proud of my affiliation with Wonderroot Community Arts Center. I'm proud of our fabulous interns for putting on something so amazing. I'm grateful to all of the designers, performers, dancers, weirdos, models, artists, hookah smokers, and unicyclists who came out to support.

Here you'll find highlights from the fashion show, but to learn more about this event and get links to all the vendors/artists/etc who made it possible HERE.

Special shout out to Sheldon Frazier for this video of the ever amazing gloATL. Kari and I make a cameo at about 1.5 minutes in! See more photos of them on our facebook page.

gloATL dancers at Wonderroot's Gypsy Caravan Artist Market & Fashion Show on May 15, 2010.

CONTEMPORARY VINTAGE URBAN JAZZ

2010-05-18T08:39:00.001-07:00

I've been posting a lot more of my photography lately while working hard to perfect the next philm. enjoy.

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...with jazz artist Dalan Vanterpool
photography by Carlton Mackey | www.mytruevision.com

IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD (profile in red)

2010-05-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

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I could say a whole lot more, but I'll let the photos speak. All I know is that (after shooting some on location shots) when Dalan came to our studio and started playing his version of John Coltrane and Duke Ellington's classic, In a Sentimental Mood, I knew this series was going to be something special.

IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD
-a portrait session with Jazz Musician Dalan Vanterpool by Carlton Mackey
www.mytruevision.com

TAKE ME AWAY

2010-04-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased to introduce this latest philm. You've heard me talk about him plenty. His name is Joshua Watkins. This philm is for the debut single for his newest project DETOUR AHEAD set to the music of RATATAT. You are going to love it.

RATATAT Remixes Vol 2.5 - DETOUR AHEAD

Video produced by Carlton Mackey
Music by RATATAT
Song written and performed by Joshua Watkins.

QUIET ON THE SET - Wonderroot Promo in the Making

2010-04-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at the MINDS ON MIC Spoken Word Event Saturday watching Perfect Dissonance kill it when I got a text from Chris asking me if I wanted to be in the promo video for Wonderroot.
Free Tomorrow?
11am?
Of Course...it's Wonderroot.
--
Drive Up
Cameras on Deck
It's Official.
Big Hugs from Chris, Alex, Angel, and Jimmy.
Met the crew from KING BISHOP PRODUCTIONS
...the making of a great day.

I probably haven't mentioned it before, but I serve on the Board of Directors for the Wonderroot Community Arts Center. Saying this makes me very proud. Wonderroot is a local Atlanta non-profit and is one of the most significant institutions in the Atlanta Arts Community.
It was voted:

BEST PLACE TO CREATE ART AND A BETTER WORLD (Atlanta Magazine 2008)
BEST ADVOCATE FOR THE ARTS (Creative Loafing 2008/2009)
BEST PUBLIC ART PROJECT (Creative Loafing 2009)
BEST ART EVENT (Creative Loafing 2009)

It takes seriously its mission to unite artists and community to inspire positive social change. It is a movement that (like most of the best) started in the grass, has taken root, and is now bursting forth from the ground.

You should know about it. You should get involved.

In Recent News
State of the Arts: Community Arts on the Rise in Atlanta

THE MOST IMPORTANT PROJECT I'VE EVER WORKED ON

2010-03-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

Between 2.3 and 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness. This number is expected to increase by 12% as a result of the economic recession.

LIVING JUST ENOUGH FOR THE CITY
is the story of five such individuals. Filmed in Atlanta Georgia, this documentary film is an account of friendship in the midst of hardship and compassion in the presence of oppression. It is an unflinching glimpse into the lives of five fellow human beings...and a peering into our own.

-A documentary film by Carlton Mackey and Dane Jefferson.
Coming Summer 2010
www.visionphilms.com

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BACKSTAGE/ONSTAGE with a Kid Named CUDI

2010-03-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege to meet and photograph Kid Cudi a couple of nights ago. Dude is mad cool. He headlined the concert put on by the Emory University Student Programming Council Thurs night. Thanks to my photo assistant John Roberson who I'm soon about to lose to the West Coast (USC calls), B.H., and M.G. in Student Life, I was able to have front, back, side to side access to Cudi.

Believe me when I tell you that I wanted to actually do a quick shoot with him...guerrilla style backstage...but his contract wasn't having it. I can't complain too much though. After the show, I had clearance to go back to the "green room". This is where the meet and greet was supposed to take place. After waiting about 20 minutes and no Cudi, I thought it was a wrap. Then my cell phone rang. It was John letting me know that M.G. was looking for me. Cudi wanted photos ON stage.
BET!
I ran over and saw a mob of people line up behind some barricades. Security ever so politely moved them out of the way and let me and the members of SPC by. Cudi came through and showed all of us love. It was cool. I got a few more photos, jumped off the stage and like Cudi continued on My Pursuit of Happiness.

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WE...the Definition of FRESH

2010-03-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

VISION Philms in Conjunction with Female Hip Hop Photographer Loni Schick and JOSHUA WATKINS -ATL's Best New Unsigned Hip Hop Artist is Proud to Present: THE DEFINITION OF FRESH
This project was such a joy to work on. It is amazing to watch the process of an idea turning into a reality. It is also amazing to experience the burgeoning development of friendship. It's no mystery, that I have a personal investment in the life and career of JOSHUA WATKINS. Whether or not he will garner the attention of a large commercial audience is yet to be determined. The fact that he has already succeeded as a human being and as an example for young men ANYWHERE to live lives with passion and pursure their dreams is beyond dispute.
Enter Loni Schick...
A young woman whose creative work caught my attention several months ago. Through a series of exchanges, mutual respect for each other's grind, and Kairos timing Loni found herself flying from LA to ATL on a plane with Cookie Johnson. What happened next, she summed up best when she said, "I arrived a stranger and departed as family".

The DEFINITION OF FRESH grew out of a creative concept proposed by Loni. Building on the concept, JOSHUA wrote and recorded a song by the same name. Keeping it local, Joshua employed the beat of Atlanta producer Alex Goose. Taking all three elements I, directed, edited, and produced this philm bearing the same name (of course).

Like JOSHUA, I now see Loni Schick as an official partner of VISION Philms...there it is...it's OFFICIAL. I hope to collaborate, grow with, learn from, promote, each of their work as we collectively and individually CHASE OUR DREAMS. Loni will certainly be back in Atlanta soon and we are already making plans for our trip up to Toronto (Loni's new takeover). And yall have no idea what we are going to come up with next.

WE ARE THE DEFINITION OF FRESH...Yes...SPEAK!

The Official Photo Gallery for The DEFINITION OF FRESH by Loni Schick HERE

FREE DOWNLOAD of Exclusive track The DEFINITION OF FRESH by Joshua Watkins HERE
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DOF - DEFINITION OF FRESH...Trailer

2010-03-12T06:24:00.000-08:00

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LONI SCHICK

Remember the name. And remember you heard it here first. Hailing from T Dot (that's Toronto in case you haven't had your coffee yet), Loni is quickly earning her stripes as one of the best female hip hop culture and lifestyle photographers in the game.

I had the pleasure of watching her creative mind at work recently as she swung through Atlanta on the third leg of her cross country photo-documentary titled I...I'm SKY HIGH. This project will profile the spectrum of hip-hop fans across North America and Canada and highlight the power positive hip hip lyrics have on our lives.

While she was here, she also executed an exclusive photo shoot with my "Partner in Grind" (i'm sure that will be stolen by the end of the day) and ATL's Best Unsigned Hip-Hop Artist JOSHUA.

The title of the shoot was the Definition of Fresh. Loni came up with the concept for the shoot and much to her surprise JOSHUA wrote and recorded a song based on that concept the day before she arrived!

Read Loni and JOSHUA's take of the day.

The Song, The Photo Gallery, and the Behind the Scenes Video for the DEFINITION OF FRESH will be released Thursday March 18, 2010.

Until then.....

Photography by: Loni Schick
Hip Hop by: Joshua Watkins
Beat by: Alex Goose
Video by: Carlton Mackey

I WAS SKY HIGH...

2010-03-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

...now I'm experiencing the symptoms of withdrawal. After an amazing four days of "DOPE" energy, ATL had to say farewell to its new friend Loni Schick. Elle-Boogie was in town for the third leg of her photo documentary, I'M SKY HIGH, linking hip hop fans across the United States and Canada.

Atlanta showed love Saturday. In Little Five Points, hip hop fans of all shapes, sizes, and ages came out in droves to participate in this amazing project. In less than an hour and a half it was a wrap. 25 ATL hip-hop fans joined 50 others from LA and Regina who will soon be joined by 25 more in Toronto.

Special shout out to Kari Mackey, Joshua Watkins-Hip Hop for the People, John Roberson III-lead photography assistant, Criminal Records, OMG Online Radio, Writer and Artist-Omotola Ajibade & Family, Stylist and Fashion Coordinator-Tan Everyl, Producer and Musician-Colin Baylor, Producer-Reggie Knowles, Soul Brother #1-Daniel Bustamante, Little Five Points, and everyone who came out to participate.

Be sure to check out www.lonischick.com and be on the look out for the release of I...I'M SKY HIGH. Inspired by Hip Hop-Photographed by Loni Schick.
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MERCEDES-BENZ PRESENTS: Free Music Download

2010-03-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

I see now that I've done a bad job of keeping my VISION Philm fans in the loop of things that have been going on outside of VISION Philms. You may recall the music video that I produced for the song, Never Be Another Day that I wrote to the beautiful track by Marco Kalnenek. Since the last time I posted that video on this blog, the song the video was based on has been selected to be featured in a music compilation by Mercedes-Benz called the Mercedes-Benz Music Mixed Tape. This compilation covers a wide variety of genres from soul and indie to electronic and beyond. This springboard has proven incredibly popular with fans, critics, and music lovers alike ever since its inception in 2004.

Please enjoy the music of these great artists from around the world. DOWNLOAD THE MIXTAPE FOR FREE.

...and become a Fan of Pearl Taylor's Grandbaby - Music for the Journey

SUNDAY in a SPACESHIP - A Valentine's Day Wish

2010-02-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

photo by carlton mackey

Hoping the STARS
Bring her the MOON
and if this SUNday
didn't come soon
i'd have to leave EARTH
at high noon
in a spaceship.
-carlton mackey

[for today Sunday/February 14, 2010 - Valentine's Day]

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THREE ARTISTS COLLABORATE

2010-02-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

Two Atlanta artists Carlton Mackey and Julia Wallace team up with renowned Bahamian artist Lillian Blades to present artist interpretations of her latest installation -Eye Sea Reflections. Closing reception and artist talk held at Hammonds House Art Gallery in the West End, Atlanta, Georgia.

Hammonds House Museum and Resource Center of African American Art is a fine arts venue whose mission is to preserve, exhibit, and increase public awareness about the contributions that visual artists of African descent have made to world culture. Photography by Kari Mackey

www.lillianblades.com
www.jroxmedia.com
www.visionphilms.com
www.hammondshouse.org

Eye Sea Reflections -an artistic interpretation

2010-02-03T13:00:00.001-08:00

"It is often said that our eyes are the windows to the soul. In our interactions with others, our eyes connect and we look for and transmit levels of sincerity, trust, acceptance and respect with personality and emotions. It is a universal language that we all can interpret.
On a personal level, introspection occurs when our eyes peer into our own eyes in the mirror."

An artistic interpretation of the work of Bahamian artist Lillian Blades by Atlanta Artist Carlton Mackey.
----
Blades commissioned Mackey for this artistic interpretation in 2009.
Her work has been commissioned for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
and The East Atlanta Library and is in the collection of the Birmingham
Museum of Art and the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

www.lillianblades.com
www.visionphilms.com

...to be continued

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?

2010-01-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

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(for those of you who don't follow my other blog, I'd like to share this post with you -my vision philms friends as well)

It was almost a year ago (believe it or not) when the mother of this little princess contacted Kari and I about capturing some images for her daughter's 4th birthday. She knew the party would be princess themed, and she knew that that she wanted the pictures that would be given as keepsakes to be special.

As the day approached we talked about ways to execute the shoot. At first, I proposed some areas near downtown Atlanta that might look "castle-like". At the last minute, I shifted my thoughts to trying to pull off an "enchanted forest" look.

Of course, the day of the shoot was colder than the rest of the week. We covered the princess in a big coat and took it off just as we began shooting. We literally shot for 15 minutes. I captured only 24 frames before we were headed back to the car. It was too cold. We finished the shoot in the studio and hoped that at least one of the images from the forest would work.

I don't think the princess was worried at all. She believes in magic.

Photography, Concept, and Digital Editing by Carlton Mackey
VISION Photography | www.mytruevision.com
VISION Philms | www.visionphilms.com

New DRAKE SO FAR GONE RETAKES (EP) - Free Download

2010-01-26T10:29:00.000-08:00

Well everyone I told you guys that I had somethings brewing up...and finally here it is.
The Drake So Far Gone Retakes (EP)!!!!!

What started out as one song I just wanted to rap on has evolved into this whole body of work.

Shout out to Drake and the whole October's Very Own Crew, Carlton Mackey (You know We Major), and my new good friend Elle Aye. Their Music, Photography, and Friendship has been truly inspiring to me.

Click to get a FREE DOWNLOAD!!!!!
or listen and download below

Enjoy!!!
Stay Tuned
...ay, yo Drake....get at me!

Download the entire album and get bonus track featuring Alicia Keys!

DAZED

2010-01-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

i am in a partially dazed state
hoping for god's sake
i could somehow stay awake
to see the day.
-carlton mackey

(photo by kari mackey)

REALITY CHECK

2010-01-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

The reality is...that humanity is interconnected and our responsibility is to live lives that advance the causes of justice and eliminate the causes of oppression.
-carlton mackey

FELECTRON - The Organic Sound of Machines

2010-01-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

Felectron by Sundrop Synthesis -
The Organic Sound of Machines.
A New Sound in Atlanta Electronic Dance Music.
Video by Carlton D. Mackey | another VISION PHILMS Presentation

i told you i couldn't wait to work with these guys.

THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL

2010-01-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, The Tree of Life...and Death, Twilight New Moon, Sunlight New Dawn
--- Any other title suggestions?
photography, concept, design by carlton mackey

IGNORED BY THE SUN

2010-01-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

Starring out of the window, there was a knowing. He knew that from this moment forward things would never be the same. There had been a paradigm shift…and nature seemed to agree. The bareness of the maple tree in the distance contrasted by the fullness of the magnolia just outside of his window confirmed what he had known all along -that this would not be easy. He knew that both the vitality of life and the seeming detachment of death were both illusions. For in just a few short months life would remerge from those cold bitter branches of the maple, and what had once been ignored by the sun would suddenly reach out to it like a suckling infant begging for milk.
-carlton mackey

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD - NetBloc Vol. 26 - N.E.T.A.U.D.I.O.

2010-01-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

I'm glad to share with you the first of many free music downloads that I'll be highlighting this year on the VISION Philms Blog.

You may recall, my song, Never Be Another Day was featured on the netlabel BlocSonic last year. Shout out to Mike Gregorie the founder/curator. Thanks for the love.

If you didn't cop that, go back and download that compilation HERE now.

BlocSonic just dropped this one and you can DOWNLOAD IT HERE FREE today.

Don't be surprised if you hear some of these songs highlighted in an upcoming philm.

Stay Tuned.

ON A DARK SNOWY NIGHT IN ATLANTA, GA

2010-01-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

photography by kari and carlton mackey
...taken last night

these moments are not happenstance

2010-01-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

photo by julia trotti

I found this wonderful blog today. I went to leave a comment and this is what came out:

these moments are not happenstance
but if by chance
they happen
you should grab them
at first glance
and...
hold on to them forever.
-carlton mackey

Please visit this blog - I HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL YOU

Making a Bomb, Meeting New People, and Playing in the Dirt

2010-01-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a little while folks, but I had to get away for the holidays for a bit. Kari and I did some traveling, met some cool new people, made a bomb, and played in the dirt a little bit.

Happy New Year!

2010 is going to be great.

photography by kari and carlton mackey

DRAKE Retakes - So Far Gone - The Calm Feat. JOSHUA

2009-12-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
706 Views (and counting) in 6 days! Thank you world for the reception.

THE DRAKE RETAKES
-retakes of So Far Gone Hits by Drake Featuring Atlanta's Best New Unsigned Independent Hip Hop Artist -JOSHUA.

Video chopped, edited, and screwed by Carlton Mackey for VISION Philms.

This the RETAKE OF THE CALM.

Don't Miss the Retake of IGNANT S@#T (Coming Up Next!!!)

Retakes from the award winning Debut Album So Far Gone by Drake Featuring Atlanta's Best New Underground Hip Hop Artist - JOSHUA.
*Cover art graphic design remastered by Carlton Mackey.
*Original Video footage from Forever and Successful remixed and chopped by Carlton Mackey for Vision Philms - http://www.visionphilms.blogspot.com
*Retakes of Unstoppable and The Calm from So Far Gone performed by Joshua.
*Girl with Balloon image adapted from the original work of the world famous inspiring graffiti artist Banksy - http://www.banksy.co.uk/

DRAKE RETAKES - So Far Gone - Drake Feat. Joshua (Part One)

2009-12-19T22:23:00.000-08:00

Retakes from the award winning Debut Album So Far Gone by Drake Featuring Atlanta's Best New Underground Hip Hop Artist - JOSHUA.
*Cover art graphic design remastered by Carlton Mackey.
*Original Video footage from Forever and Successful remixed and chopped by Carlton Mackey for Vision Philms - http://www.visionphilms.blogspot.com
*Retakes of Unstoppable and The Calm from So Far Gone performed by Joshua.
*Girl with Balloon image adapted from the original work of the world famous inspiring graffiti artist Banksy - http://www.banksy.co.uk/

***Don't Miss THE RETAKE OF THE CALM (Coming Up Next)

THE MAGIC KITE FLIES OVER ATLANTA

2009-12-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

From the imagination of artists Carlton Mackey and Daniel Bustamante comes MAGIC KITE ATLANTA...a local fairy tale.

To see more philm stills, visit Hope Culture Love - a photography Blog
To Chase the Kite CLICK HERE

MAGIC KITE ATLANTA - A Local Fairy Tale

2009-12-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

Once Upon a Time in a Deep Enchanted Forest in Atlanta, GA there lived a magic frog with a magic kite....
From the imagination of Atlanta Photographer and artists Carlton Mackey (VISION PHILMS) and Daniel Bustamante comes "MAGIC KITE ATLANTA" -a local fairy tale...of epic proportions.

What is a Day Without Hoping?

2009-12-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

break through from
thoughts broken
muted words now spoken
living dreams
are now open
what is a day
without hoping.
-carlton mackey

*i wrote this about 5 minutes ago as a comment on a blog i just read where the blogger said he had writers block. I thought I'd share it here.

photo by carlton mackey

(see more at hopeculturelove.blogspot.com)

IT'S NO WONDER!!

2009-12-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

By now, you all know about involvement with Joshua. It is so good to work with a young talent who is this gifted and focused and who dreams as much as I do.

Last night he performed at the Wonderroot Arts Center with some other pretty amazing talent...some who I am trying my best to collaborate with in the future. Shout out to Sundrop Synthesis and 2 B Continued! It was a great night!

So if you haven't already because you've been hiding under a rock for the past few weeks, be sure to download this CHASING DREAMS EP for FREE HERE.

Photo for Jimmy Choo and Elton John AIDS Foundation

2009-12-04T06:35:00.001-08:00

photo by carlton mackey

RED is for Awareness - VOTE FOR IT HERE

Jimmy Choo announces the launch of Project PEP with the Elton John AIDS Foundation. This project is designed to support the funding of the Simelela centre in South Africa. Jimmy Choo will donate 25% of the net sales from Project PEP to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. With this funding, the Elton John AIDS Foundation can directly support the pioneering Simelela Rape Centre in Cape Town that was set up in 2005, with the mission to administer victims of abuse with the vital HIV preventative PEP medication (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) and provide the infrastructure for medical, counselling and legal support.

The proceeds raised by Project PEP will enable the clinic to stay open day and night providing 24 hour/7 days a week access to the vital life saving treatment that has to be administered within the first 72 hours of exposure to HIV.

Jimmy Choo is asking you to take part in a new social networking concept which will feature a photo competition to generate awareness of the vital 72 hour time window.

I learned about this important mission from an amazing artist, Leigh Viner

Above is one of Kari and my three entries for this competition.
Be sure to RATE IT and the other creative artists like Leigh who entered.

Rate Our "RED is for Awareness" Photo Entry

See Our Other Entries Here

We are Kari and Carlton Mackey.
Our Photography is about Hope, Culture, and Love.

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD - From Darkness Cometh Light - FEAT. Music by CARLTON MACKEY

2009-12-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

I am so pleased to announce this latest blocSonic release. In my own words, blocSonic and its founder/curator Mike Gregorie are a beacon of light in the internet world, and I am proud to be a part of this latest project.

For the past decade an alternative culture of music has been sprouting up outside the wastelands of the increasingly formulaic and compartmentalized mainstream music business. This world of “Netaudio” is generally released freely, either independently or through Netlabels.

Consider blocSonic a filter through which you can discover this vibrant, global culture!

This latest release is other-worldly. Its sounds are reminiscent of memories long gone...of far away places...of emotions tucked away that haven't been felt for far too long...

But from Darkness Cometh Light. And now today promises to be much brighter than yesterday.

FREE DOWNLOAD -- CLICK HERE FOR THE ALBUM, BOOKLET, AND ART
of this latest release.

Enjoy!

MY NEW ALBUM - FREE DOWNLOAD

2009-11-24T09:12:00.001-08:00

-an experimental musical journey by atlanta artist carlton mackey
inspired by the living legacy of pearlie lee taylor

POSITIVE WORDS ABOUT DEBUT SINGLE

2009-11-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

blocSonic
"The Days of Being Force-Fed Sanctioned Music Via Radio & TV are Over"

Nov 17th, 10:21am
A Testament to the Importance of Creative Commons Licensing
by Michael Gregoire

It all started back in March when Marco Kalnenek first posted about a track he’d been working on called “Life On Ceres”. I fell in love with it instantly and requested to include it on a then upcoming netBloc release. That developed into making it the title track of said netBloc release and also including an alternate version which became the track’s reprise. That release developed into a wonderfully eclectic collection of instrumental netaudio gems.

Cut to November 2009 when Atlanta artist, photographer and film producer Carlton Mackey released the first single and video from his upcoming release “Things My Grandma Taught Me”. The beautiful single, “Never Be Another Day” is an ode to the people we love...
(read the rest of the article here)

NEVER BE ANOTHER DAY

2009-11-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

I am proud to release the Debut Single and Music Video from my forthcoming EP
THINGS MY GRANDMA TAUGHT ME

Download Single for Free at www.pearltaylorsgrandbaby.bandcamp.com

TODAY IS THE DAY

2009-11-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

The Wait Is Over. Today is the Day I Drop the Chasing Dreams EP.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD JOSHUA - CHASING DREAMS EP - FREE

"I am Joshua Watkins. I am Chasing My Dreams. I Make Music To Help You Chase Yours"

Executive Producer: Carlton Mackey

Chasing Dreams Part TWO

2009-11-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

TODAY'S GUEST BLOGGER: SOMEONE I BELIEVE IN

As I approach the end of the recording of the Chasing Dreams EP, I came across this great beat produced by Dot Rotten out of the UK. When I first started listening to this beat it made me feel like I was at a extreme pinnacle in my life.
There is no looking back. Everything you have dreamed is right on the other side. You can let others and your self stop you or you can just keep pushing because it's there waiting for you.
I am so excited, and so scared at the same time. I know things won't be the same. To be honest things haven't been the same for a while now. As always I sent this song to my partner in crime Carlton Mackey of VISION PHILMS and he flipped out after one listen. He began to conceptualize a video for this song and completed it today. I love it.

This is for all of us as we chase our dreams. We're in this together!!!!

...but there will be obstacles on this road to success.

...to be continued

Ummm....Yeah

2009-11-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

Kari as Carrie

...a little help from our friend

2009-10-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

We solicited the help of our friend and fellow artist Dane Jefferson to help us make our party go even harder. He whipped this up for us last night. I have a feeling that there are going to be several facebook profile pictures bearing this illustration in the background tomorrow. Be sure to check out his work on his blog.

...and wait til you see our costumes.

(and if you can't see it, the tombstones bear the words: AUTO TUNE, BOY BANDS, REAGAN ERA)

HENSE | SURFACE STRENGTH | ART SHOW IN ATL, GA

2009-10-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

ATLANTA STREET ARTIST HENSE PRESENTS “SURFACE STRENGTH,” FEATURING NEW WORKS ON PAPER, CANVAS AND WOOD,
AT THE HISTORIC 1920s RAIL YARD BUILDING IN SOUTHWEST ATLANTA, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Courtesy of Sandler Hudson Gallery

ATLANTA (October 10, 2009) - Atlanta-based artist HENSE will present an independently - produced solo exhibition entitled "Surface Strength," Friday, November 13, at the historic Rail Yard building 448 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. Atlanta, Ga 30312. The opening night exhibition will be Friday, November 13th from 7pm-12am. The work will remain on display through November.
The exhibition will include new works on paper, canvas and wood as well as a limited series of hand silkscreened prints. There will also be a premier of a short independent film entitled "The Seventh Day Project"

HENSE "SURFACE STRENGTH"
Opening reception Friday November 13th
7-12am
The Rail Yard
448 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
Atlanta, Ga 30312

www.hensethename.com
www.sandlerhudson.com
www.knowngallery.com

GREAT MUSIC- FREE DOWNLOAD

2009-10-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of the great feedback on the video MY TRUE VISION PHOTOGRAPHY - Something Different! It would not be what it is without the amazing music of Daniel Carew from his album "We Go Very Well Together".

The track that totally brings my latest philm to life is Track 4 - Regular Monthly Payments.

Download the Entire Album for Free HERE

This Yuki Yaki releases is published under the
Creative Commons Music Sharing License
(Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0).

To read the whole license visit
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed-music

The Way VISION Philms Would Shoot a Wedding

2009-10-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

More ATL Graffiti

2009-10-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

There are some crazy tags in Atlanta. While making Graffiti Artist I found several jewels that I didn't previously know about. These however are a couple that I found quite some time ago. They are behind Junkman's Daughter in Little Five Points.

After All These Years...

2009-10-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

...and We're Stiiiilll Together!

By the time you read this, I'll be in the Yucatan Peninsula ...wearing this outfit!

Celebrating the Wedding Anniversary of Kari and Carlton Mackey
self portraits by kari and carlton mackey the year we got married

GRAFFITI ARTIST

2009-09-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

I told you Eka was back in town, right? He's gone now...but this is the outcome of his visit.

This is the first 100% video production by vision philms with 100% original video capture.
Filmed and Directed by Carlton Mackey

GRAFFITI ARTIST
Turning Walls Into Sacrificial Alters...Bleeding Passion On Concrete Canvas.
*Spoken word written and performed by EKA, Sacrificial Poets North Carolina
*Video written, directed, produced, and edited by carlton mackey
VISION Philms - www.visionphilms.com
*Special Appearance by Joshua- The Best New Unsigned Hip Hop Artist...PERIOD
*Music from Archaic Horizons
www.archaichorizon.com
*Filmed on location throughout atlanta georgia

Red Light...Babylon

2009-09-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

today when i was stuck
at a red light
i began to contemplate
the plight
of my people
because as i peeped through
my window
i saw a woman
with a stroller
who couldn't have been
much older
than @ 34
and as she walked
in the rain
my mind
couldn't refrain
from thinking about
where we came
from
-the land of the drum
the so-called chosen ones
now living in Babylon
at least that's what
Rastafarians would say
...a Jewish appropriation
that may be appropriate
for today
though certainly not limited
to African Americans
in any way
...at least in my opinion.
this may be Babylon
but we've all been
"chosen" for deliverance.
so deliver us ALL
from evil hands
so we can move from Babylon
into the promised land.
-carlton mackey

Our New Vintage Madison Furniture Piece and Captain Kirk

2009-09-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

so this is the piece i was referring to thursday. we have it in our home now and are loving it...and this is what we found out about it:

Origins of Captain Kirk's chair traced back to Madison County

By JIM LACEY
The Madison County Journal

A chair built at Madison Furniture Industries in Canton in the 1960s has sold at auction for $305,000. It was bought by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft with Bill Gates, for display at the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame in Seattle.

What makes the Canton-made chair special is the fact that it was used as Captain Kirk's command chair in the original "Star Trek" television series that ran from 1966 to 1969.

According to the New York Times of last Thursday, March 19, there is a a new surge of interest by Star Trek fans (called Trekkies) in building replicas of Captain James T. Kirk's command module chair. Lou Shornick was the main man at Madison Wood, building it to be Canton's largest employer during the 1960's, and he was quoted in the Times story. Now nearing the age of 91, Shornick lives at St. Catherine's Village at Madison.
read the rest of the article
(During the original TV series producers crafted a fake computer consol around the chair that was designed and produced by Madison Furniture Industries in Canton back in the 1960’s)

if i knew then...

2009-09-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

if i knew then
what i know now
i'd know then
that somehow
my now
would be
much more
for me
than i
could see
or know.
-carlton mackey

What I'm Reading

2009-09-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

My aunt was in town visiting last weekend. We took her to the Dekalb World Farmers Market and when upon leaving stopped at an antique shop. We went in only with intentions of "walking off" some of the food that we had eaten. Of course we burned more than calories. Kari and I bought a lovely vintage piece from the Madison Furniture Collection (more on that to come). As I was leaving I also saw this book that I am now reading. It is intense to say the least. I read the first chapter this morning. Mr. Cleaver explores a wide range of topics from race relations, politics, prison reform. The book is actually a collection of essays written from his perspective while incarcerated. As with any work of literature, historical context, sociological factors, etc have to be taken into consideration. There is always much to learn, always much to rebel against, but always something to take away for your own journey. My take away for today is a quote that ends the first chapter: "The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less". - Eldridge Cleaver

Eka's Back in Town...

2009-09-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

You may remember Anirudh Dhullipalla also know as Eka. (If you don't...you need to CLICK HERE) He's in town for a about a week before he heads to London for a semester abroad. He has some new material and is interested in seeing what we can come up with again. I accepted the challenge.

...and it is certainly a new challenge. This piece plays on a metaphor that is continued throughout the entire poem. It doesn't lend itself well to singular images that correspond to a particular word like REVOLUTION did. This go round an actual script (if you will) had to be written. We came to the conclusion that what was needed for this particular project was a philm that could be shown without the words or music and still be a comprehensible thought.

The first brainstorming session was cool, but had so many elements that couldn't possibly be pulled off in a day. I slept on it, woke up the next morning, and wrote what has officially become my first short film script. I usually work from my head and from instinct as a photographer, but this will be my first 100% video production with 100% of my own original video capture (no photography whatsoever).

my script and a tool of the trade

On the Set of Nude

2009-08-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

These images were taken in Miami earlier this year. They formed the backdrop for my philm NUDE but were never explicitly shown in the philm. I love this part the city. The Art Deco style architecture certainly helped frame the philm, but its vintage feel yielded overall inspiration.

Looking at them now gives me ideas for another project. Don't be surprised if you see them in an upcoming production.

NUDE is probably my most interpretive philm to date. I love the subtleties of meaning found in the dance of the music and the imagery. This philm is not posted on the VISION Philms website. Watch it exclusively here today.

nude: sometimes you just want to be free.
A Production by Carlton Mackey for VISION Philms - www.visionphilms.com
featuring the ethereal track by radiohead

American Reflections

2009-08-28T21:21:00.001-07:00

This is a very cool piece of art. My friend Dane Jefferson did it. It resonates so well with what VISION Philms is all about.

...and by the way, I'm using this image on my youtube channel.

Don't tell Dane.

got ethics?

2009-08-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

...most of you know this, but (believe it or not), i'm the assistant director of a program at the Emory University Center for Ethics. We're getting geared up for the student's return. I've said this before, but I feel so grateful for the opportunity to bring my full self to the table even in my vocation. I am an artist. My art is appreciated and utilized even in my regular work. This philm was produced for the purpose of introducing incoming freshmen to the Center. Think they'll dig it?

Music for this philm production by
Lucky Dragons.
Track: Mercy
from the 555 Recordings Release Dark Falcon

Lucky Dragons / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

and
YUKI YAKI
Track: Opening Flower
from 5 Little Treasures From The North Recording

****Learn more about these artist and get their music free.

These audio releases are published under the Creative Commons Music Sharing License
(Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0).

That means:
The owner of this music (the artist) retains his or her copyright but allows you to:

* download
* copy
* file-share
* trade
* distribute
* publicly perform (e.g. webcast) it

Introducing: JOSHUA

2009-08-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

I am Joshua. I am chasing a dream.

My music is very much a reflection of me. After two years of off and on recording, I found myself stuck as an artist and also stuck as a person. I went through ups and downs the last couple years: from me and my mom were alienated by our family to my mom going to jail and me having to bail her out to having nowhere to stay and sleeping on my best friends floor for two months to me and my mom being homeless.

The content of my music started to change. When I wrote, I was angry. It became less about the music and more about me being selfish. I cursed excessively and used many vulgar and derogatory words. I saw myself falling into that hole as an artist… trying to find a hot beat to get the song played on the radio. My music went from creative to just being simple and plain.

Recently I took a good independent approach and purchased my first computer and keyboard. Now I can record myself. But still, when I wrote my music I was constantly trying to find my niche as an artist. I recorded a mixtape which was an elevator of self I can say. I found myself being a provocateur on one song, a street cat on another, and a misogynistic male on others. I was pleased with the mixtape and displeased at the same time.

My main goal was to let my good friend Carlton Mackey hear my new mixtape because I knew he would hold no bars and elaborate in depth about my music. Carlton did like several songs, but in our conversation he reminded me what I stood for and how much of an “Artist” I was on my previous work -not just a rapper. I sat there and thought after our conversation and how I was really tripping. I thought about how much I wanted to touch people through my music. I thought about how much I wanted to be a leader like a Tupac Shakur or be as lyrically creative as a Nas or AZ or become Innovative as a Andre 3000 of Outkast. Me literaly waking up as a artist and a person began with that conversation. I wanted to be an ARTIST.

I thanked God for everyone in my life that I’m close to and told him my plans. I closed my eyes and said: “LET’S GET IT!!”

Watch Pavement Dreams: Music Written and Performed by Joshua, Video by visionphilms

PAVEMENT DREAMS (Music Video)

2009-08-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

music written and performed by Joshua

music written and performed by Joshua
beat produced by Natural Disaster
Video photographed, directed, and produced by Carlton Mackey

Un-Used Photos from the Making of Pavement Dreams

2009-08-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

Nina

2009-08-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not the only one. Nina Simone's mystery, soul, and power have inspired so many people. My most recently released philm was by Nina Simone as you know. I released another earlier this year with her groundbreaking track "Feeling Good". Enjoy these two productions of mine here again...

...as well as a couple of rare ones that have inspired me.
i tell you, I Got Life, changed my life.

Enjoy.

Plain Gold Ring

2009-07-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

fortunately things were fairly still around me when i first heard this song. if they weren't, i imagine that they would have been shortly after. nina simone has always been both enigmatic and familiar at the same time. her words and her voice have always been shrouded in a cloud of mystery while at the same time sounding familial -like the voice of a matriarch.

i didn't know how to interpret this song when I first heard it. i certainly didn't know how to give it visual expression....until i listened to it a second time. "plain gold ring on his finger he wore. it was wear everyone could see. he belonged to someone but not me. on his hand was a plain gold band..."

After these words came a drum beat -militaristic, slow, haunting.

Then I knew.

carlton d mackey

to see more philms please visit our website
VISION PHILMS by Carlton Mackey

Plain Gold Ring - Coming Soon

2009-07-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

coming soon.
a new philm by carlton mackey featuring music by nina simone.

Rest in Peace Michael

2009-07-07T18:46:00.001-07:00

Kari and I together as the King of Pop...Halloween 2006

Revolution

2009-05-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

it all starts with an idea...usually nothing solid...and then it all just starts coming together. REVOLUTION is the joint effort of two artists...three really. You've heard me talk about the Free Speech Art Cafe that I put on at Emory. It was a great success, but one young man stood out. I knew when I heard his piece that he was working with a unique set of skills. I knew that he was hungry and I knew that if I had an opportunity to work with him i'd have to be open to possibilities that i hadn't explored before. the end result is REVOLUTION. the other artist that i'm pleased to have worked with on this project (though from a distance) is gabriel kreps. i stumbled on his music, loved it, contacted him (some nerve i know), and got his blessing to do an interplay with his track. the soundtrack for REVOLUTION is the first track from his album Good Ole Days. the track is titled astral recorder.

Visit http://thewhisperfoundation.com/gabe.html to download this album and other music by this amazing artist for free. Tell him you heard about his music from vision philms.

Over 500 individual photographs were taken during the philming of REVOLUTION. Many of them (like these below) were never used.

other images (like these below) make me proud to be a photographer. Not because of how lucky i got in capturing images like this...trust me it was luck...but because i had to opportunity to give visual expression to such lines as "standing in front of the wishing well of the world and releasing the change of love". Unbelievable writing.

anirudh dhullipalla also known as eka is a member of sacrificial poets -the Youth International Slam Poetry Team representing Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina. They are comprised of 13-19 year olds that compete in Brave New Voices. Brave New Voices is a Slam Poetry Competition that is ran by Youth Speaks out of California.

We are called The Sacrificial Poets in honor and memory of our dear friend Ira Yarmolenko who died May 5, 2008. She was a member of the team for 3 years.

vision philms, sacrificial poets, and gabriel kreps present:

"standing in front of the wishing well of the world and releasing the change of love"
poem and concept by anirudh dhullipalla
photography and production by carlton mackey
music by gabriel

Spoken Word, Photography, Film, Collaboration

2009-05-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a new philm. This one will be a collaboration with the young man in the video below. I organized an event called the Free Speech Art Cafe a couple months ago. This is "Eka" performing Writing Process at that event.

The philm we are working on together is called REVOLUTION.
Stay tuned

Check Mate...At Last I Have the King

2009-05-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

I have such a flooded mixture of emotions this morning. I got an email from Dan Keplinger. It was great to hear from him. I called him and we talked for a long time about how much it killed me not to be able to make it to witness this magical moment.

Once you watch these videos, you'll see what I mean. Shouts out to this videographer and photographer as well. The job you both did is as artistic, fresh, and inspiring as the couple themselves.

King Gimp: The Morning of the Wedding from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

King Gimp - The Wedding from Dino Lara on Vimeo.

this is my true vision

2009-04-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

to help other people see you the way you see yourself...
to expose the beauty of the world's diverse cultures and traditions...
to capture the pure, simple, beautiful essence of the world's most powerful emotion...
This is my true vision.

...and this is a sneak peak at my new website. I can't wait to show you the rest.

The New Photography Collection of Kari and Carlton Mackey - coming soon

Things People Don't Do Much Anymore

2009-04-21T07:01:00.003-07:00

make tire swings

actually squeeze lemons

shuck corn

clean fish

wash dishes by hand

let you take their picture before first thing in the morning...before they've combed their hair

teach kids to pray

A Collection of Photos Documenting the Culture, Tradition, Faith, Hope, Love, of a small family from Blackshear, Georgia...a place I call home...a place where they do things that you don't see much anymore. Photography by Carlton Mackey.

To see more of the VISION Photography Culture Photo Collection, click here.

Cutting Up 'The World' One SLICE at a Time

2009-04-13T07:33:00.001-07:00

So my new patnas at SLICE Magazine just gave me a huge shout out this morning. What could I do in return except do the same. SLICE Blog was created to display and promote primarily Canadian artists, as well as to encourage discourse among the arts and culture community. Be sure to check them out. Their stuff is always fresh.

I tipped them off to the band that I used in my latest philm AUTO-JUNK-A-LITE. The name of the band is Bonde Do Role. Check out their myspace page and tell them you heard about them from me. (...and I actually got put on to them by my homeboy. Shout-out to Mark R-B!)

You are going to love the band...Trust Me...but you are going to want to take a trip to the Bahamas for the next Junkanoo Parade just to meet the guy below. My wife and I traveled there for New Years this year. Read our stories from Junkanoo posts to hear exactly how much of a good time it was.

To see more photos of "VITA-MALT" and other colorful sights from Junkanoo Click Here.
Otherwise...Enjoy the Show (Again)!

VISION Philms by Carlton D. Mackey
Photography + Film = Philm
- a creative fusion of contemporary photography, vintage film, and rare music.

Iraq's Newly Open Gays Face Scorn and Murder

2009-04-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

...is the title of a New York Times Article I read yesterday. It's most poignant lines read, "In the past two months, the bodies of as many as 25 boys and men suspected of being gay have turned up..." and the closing lines of the article are from a young man and Iraqi citizen which read, "I don't care about the militias anymore, because they're going to kill me anyway-today, tomorrow, or the day after".

The chilling realization is that by the time I finish typing this blog Sa'ad's words may be all that are left...
...and that is worth reflecting on. What does it mean to live life knowing that your existence is so scorned that you will face CERTAIN death at opportunities next entrance?

(i have typed and deleted too many lines at this point to count. i can't get my words together. this article and the thoughts it has generated have really gotten to me)

As an African-American I cannot disconnect the history of one group's struggle for human rights from another. The imminence of death for simply existing as one's self is too marquee. There has to be another mode for dealing with difference.

Through art I'll continue to strive to offer an alternative...a window through which I may peer through and when the light and shadows are just right may offer me a glimpse of my own reflection.

Re-Releasing:

Coffee - A Regular Joe *a philm by Carlton D. Mackey

Afro Brazilian Funky Bahamian Carioca Spark Plug Parade

2009-04-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

The Latest Philm by Carlton D. Mackey
with music by Bonde Do Role, celebration by the people of the Bahamas and the spirit of Junkanoo, and horns by Auto-Lite

Patience, Trust, Integrity...a Big Mistake

2009-04-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

That bag that you see me with in this picture is very important to me...so are its contents. It belonged to Kari and my Uncle Glenn. Uncle Glenn died tragically in a car accident. He loved his family and photography. Uncle Gary sent us a package for Christmas this year. Enclosed in a box was this bag, a 70's era Nikon SLR, and a letter. In the middle of the letter was this quote: "This has been sitting in my closet for years and I know with what you are doing, Glenn would have wanted you to have this." This letter and a receipt from 1984 for a repair to the lens stays in the bag at all times.

I carry this bag everyday. It is cool, holds sentimental value, and encloses my own camera and accessories. You almost never see me without it. I take it everywhere...and therein lies the problem.

Friday night me, Kari, and two of our friends went to Cafe Istanbul. Cool Spot... Belly Dancers, Turkish Coffee, Pillows, Hookahs. It's Packed. We sit in the not-as-cool "holding area" and eat hummus until a table clears.

The next morning (after a great night), I want to listen to Bondo de Role's With Lasers album. I'm conceptualizing a new philm to a song off of that album. Then it hit me. I don't have my iPod...which means that I don't have my still camera, which means that I don't have my video camera, which means I don't have my bag...which means I left it at Cafe Istanbul in the not-as-cool "holding area". $7000 worth of stuff and a bag that is priceless.

I call Cafe Istanbul and ask for the owner. I know him personally. Through my job at Emory, I've brought countless students here over the years and have gotten to know him well. He's not there. The person from the staff who answers the phone says he doesn't see a brown bag with two zippers and a long handle. "Call back b/w 2 and 3 o'clock. _________ will be in then".

It's noon.

tick
tick
tick
playing it cool.
watch tv
clean up
play with dogs
tick
tick
tick

call back.

___________ answers the phone. I talk. He listens and responds, "I have it right here...and by the way...how much does that camera actually cost?"

I pick it up about an hour later. Kari shakes her head repeatedly...then laughs.

photos: carlton mackey by kari mackey, miami (march 2009)

Go to Cafe Istanbul every time you're hungry and want to be around people with integrity. Tell them (an imperfect person named) Carlton sent you.

Artists Give Freedom to Speech - Free Speech Art Cafe

2009-03-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

Artists Give Freedom to Speech
By Pooja Yadav Posted: 03/30/2009
The Emory Wheel
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” said Voltaire, whose powerful quote is resounded by millions of free speech activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., Bob Marley and Nelson Mandela, who fought for a better world. Last week, Emory students gathered to explore these heroes and their words, using their art, songs and poetry to convey the issues they felt passionate about in their own lives.

The Free Speech Art Café, hosted by the Center for Ethics last Monday, exhibited student art and performances that undertook the idea of free speech. Despite being the first café sponsored by the Center, there was a strong audience turnout that packed a room with more than 75 people, prompting the organizers to continuously bring in more chairs.

Carlton Mackey, the organizer and director of the Ethics and Servant Leadership program, was especially enthusiastic about the students’ artistic submissions and performances, which had allowed the event to take place.

“Originally there was supposed to be a lecture on freedom of speech, but I wanted to give students the chance to express themselves,” said Mackey......

click here to read the rest of the article
— Contact Pooja Yadav.
pyadav2@emory.edu

To God Be the Glory

2009-03-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

for granting me life
for giving me spirit
for access to knowledge
for bringing me near it
for four second chances
for presence of mind
for infinite possibilities
for consciousness of time
for the ability to see
through intuition and perception
for the mistakes of today
and their valuable lessons
-carlton

at it again...Free Speech Art Cafe

2009-03-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

I'm so grateful for all of the support I received in putting on this event. I'm really grateful to work in an environment where you can bring your whole self to the table. I do at times feel as if I have a dichotomous existence. Work Work vs. Art Work. This one of those times when again it all came together. Thanks to the Emory University Center for Ethics Staff, all the students who came...the house was packed, the artists, Rei Wang for the "Protest" design flyer and Zamir for being the emcee and for the "Censorship" flyer design. Congrats to the Artist who competed and to Omotola for taking home the 1st place prize. Photos from the evening to come.
Speak and Live Freely
-carlton

Express Yourself

2009-03-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

the powers that be gave me another opportunity to make an attempt at organizing and hosting an event. several months ago, i had the distinct pleasure of forging a friendship with a couple that continues to inspire and uplift my spirit. dan and dena keplinger are artists and fighting spirits. you should know them and their work. you too will be uplifted. www.kinggimp.com
thanks for everything guys and congratulations.

One Day the Spirit Will Catch You

2009-03-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

coming soon from vision philms

inspired by the ethereal track by radiohead

2009-03-11T08:10:00.001-07:00

THIS PHILM IS AVAILABLE FOR PREVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON THE VISIONPHILMS.COM WEBSITE
www.visionphilms.com/nude.html