Neglect...

Sometimes, i come over to this space, and realize, I'm upkeep is abysmal. Thoughts belong in short concise form, like on twitter. But, maybe that's a bit of laziness, or procrastination, but often, I think, a website is the worst platform imaginable these days? I could be wrong. Let me know. :) 

CANYON - The Visual Album - Personal Thoughts #01

in ,

Was just reflecting on the emergence of "Visual Albums" after this article was brought to my attention highlighting CANYON.  Truth be told, I did not want to label CANYON as such since it comes at the heels of amazing visual releases, but i've been personally trying to put together a "visual album" since 2010, and failing to execute until CANYON.

My first attempt came at the release of my first MIRS solo EP, SPIN CYCLE. I couldn't pull resources together to execute. The second time came with the release of MEAT ON YOUR LONELY BONEZ, and again, while a treatment was prepared and some meetings arranged, we never went ahead and executed. Which, in hindsight proves valuable, since I feel those concepts lacking cohesion now. But, thats the truth with any work from the past done, or undone.   

The interesting question here is how this one came about and why the other two attempts failed. Simply, we reversed the process of production. We first shot CANYON, the film, then we got to finishing the record. Of course, both these things were happening concurrently, but we got the visuals in the can in November of 2015. In fact, a couple rotting pumpkins show up on frame for the astute observer. The rest of the process took the time it takes for any project to develop, especially exasperated by the fact that career responsibilities lay elsewhere.

I'll leave you here with CANYON if you haven't seen it or are just coming across this. My recommendations include a) headphones b) some quiet downtime c) fullscreen. Also, afterwards, check out this mini doc below with the incredible artist. ALI SABET, describing the process of creating the artwork for the whole project. 

CANYON is live

in ,

We launched the MIRS project CANYON on 09-06-16, All the info about it can be found here. I'm relieved that it's done, but very much enjoyed this particular process with the help of my collaboration with Nima Rezai. 

The record is available to stream or buy at iTunes, Bandcamp, or at our very own store which includes a PDF version of the CANYON Artbook here. 

We are also selling a very limited number of CANYON Art Prints here, signed and numbered by the incredible artist, Ali Sabet.

This was a SABET + MIRS collaboration with its own very unique process, some of which is detailed in the video below.  

Updates to the Static Website 1.0 to a 3.0 World.

It's apparent that I hardly ever update this website. With all these platforms vying for your attention in exchange for tools, the old web 1.0 website is a lonely place. My last post was in Oct. 🙄

However, I think it's time to share some information.

A) CANYON, a project under MIRS Is coming in several mediums. Very, very soon. We locked a date, but I won't say.
B) Feature film MAN is in the final stages of Post Prod
C) Feature film THREE WORLDS is shortly behind but rushing to completions.

Several other projects are in various stages of development with one going up soon.

For CANYON, we teamed up with the incredible Ali Sabet who is painting five original works of art as part of the CANYON package. The original paintings, plus a very limited number of prints are available to own.

Pricing/availability is coming shortly.

With that, I'll leave you the first two trailers for this special collaboration.

Sabet + MIRS collaboration video campaign shot by Mahyar Alahyari  . Series produced by ANIMALS.

 

 

radio silence....

It's been a busy time, but also, one in which a certain amount of recalibration and silence was needed. I am back on this space, and intend to update more frequently.

Hope you're having the time of your life.

am

"Unleash Your Inner Beast" Supercar Commercial

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ANIMALS Media Labs (my startup development/commercial house) delivered ahead of schedule our first major broadcast spot for American Supercar Maker, Rezvani Motors.

We present, THE BEAST supercar.

Credits:

Produced by Nima Rezai, ANIMALS, Merge Productions
Directed by Amir Motlagh
DP: John Honore
First AC: Alex Lim
Key Grip: Marty Anthony
Steadycam Op: Tim Dolan
Art Direction: Ali Sabet
Written by Charles Borg & Amir Motlagh
Voice: Amen-Ra Palacio
Sound Design: Ojan Missaghi, Mike Moeding @ STEMSPOST 
Score: Randin Graves
Color: Kelly Reese @ DELUXE
Grooming: Mikal Sky

Recent stuff....

Why have I not been updating consistently? I guess you will see soon enough friends. Ok, not to be cryptic, but yes, projects have been consuming of late. My development house ANIMALS  has had a couple commercial projects due, and I helmed one of them. 

And between that, and the film I currently have in post, its a nice balancing act that I enjoy, but I have to subtract somewhere.

This is the subtraction, but only for a brief time. 

Also, THINGS WITH AMIR MOTLAGH is going to continue, regardless of how you feel about it.

Cheers,
am