This past week, I was fortunate enough to be asked to be director of photography for a documentary shoot by director Gabriela Lozada of Quito, Equador. The subject of the film was international performer "Fantuzzi"who was in New York in connection with the Occupy Wall Street movement. I was very lucky to spend time with him, his friends and colleagues, and work with such amazing individuals! It's hard to pick just one highlight from the days of shooting, but I especially enjoyed our tour of west Harlem, where Fantuzzi grew up in the 60s. Beside meeting an interesting cast of characters and being treated to some very "New York City" stories, an impromptu concert on Central Park West erupted when Fantuzzi pulled out two drum sticks and started pounding on a corner mailbox and singing his heart out. People flocked and windows were filled with onlookers and listeners taking photos, phone tweeting images and one guy even had his laptop out the window recording it as a web cam video! The neighborhood came ALIVE! When he finished everyone cheered, clapped and yelled positive words down to the sidewalk. Our sound person was Susanne Dollnig of Salzburg, Austria who did an amazing job capturing the experience. We worked so amazingly well together and as the director informed me via text message last night the footage we got was amazing. Agreeing to be part of this project was one of the best decisions I could have made, because not only did I have the chance to work closely with a truly international crew, but I became a part of the Occupy Wall Street movement. It was an incredible experience and completely rewarding in every possible way. I am looking forward to seeing the final film and hopefully see my new friend Fantuzzi again in the near future!
You can read more about Fantuzzi and visit his website below:
"Fantuzzi is a world-class musical star who is charismatic, funny, sensual, and highly-energized and will definitely get you moving! Meet the man that Newsweek Magazine featured on its cover to symbolize the gathering of the original 1969 Woodstock Concert. A continuous world traveler to over 50 countries throughout the past 35 years, Fantuzzi has performed on every continent at thousands of events including those at Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, Rio De Janeiro Earth Summit, Los Angeles and Oakland Coliseums as well as at all 3 Woodstocks, 3 Khumba Melas, 29 Rainbow Gatherings, multiple Cannabis Cups, European Festivals, Bali Festivals, Australian Festivals, Harmony Festivals, Bhakti Festivals, Mystic Garden Parties, and Raw Spirit Festivals." (taken from his website biography)
Fantuzzi website: http://fantuzzimusic.com/
