Kontent | Author Archives

Where We Live: The Changing Face of Climate Activism

November 17, 2011 | Written by Mark Decena

As a San Francisco filmmaker who cares deeply about social and environmental justice issues, I am continually inspired by the communities where I live and work, and the people all over the Bay Area who make real commitments to social activism. Through film, we can effectively share the sometimes untold stories of the people who have used their creativity to positively influence the lives of others, generating momentum and inspiring others to follow their lead.

“Where We Live” was an opportunity to illustrate the impact that our collaborative work can have on communities and individual lives. The lessons from the defeat of Proposition 23 in California is a perfect example that at our core is a bold and imaginative engine that fuels strategies for action and change. It is my intent to raise awareness, create meaningful dialogue, and inspire action to bring about positive social and environmental change in the Bay Area and beyond.

For more info, visit the “Where We Live” Website

Link to this post Comments (0) No Comments

In Memory of Graham Leggat (1960-2011)

September 02, 2011 | Written by Mark Decena

The last time I spoke with Graham was last December at the SF Film Society Holiday Mixer, where he had just come off the karaoke mic, singing a Sex Pistols song, pissin’ vinegar. I told him that he rocked it, and with an ear to ear smile he proudly proclaimed he had just gotten news from his doctor that he was free and clear of cancer. I was flabbergasted and ecstatic, since, one, I didn’t even know he had cancer, and two, he was so full of life. Sadly, the news was temporary, but I will always remember him that way. Sweaty, laughing, his voice shredded by punk rock. Surprisingly fitting, since he punk rocked the Film Society! He left us all reinvigorated, enlivened, and jumping in our boots. The mosh pit of filmmaking is all the better for it. Thank you, Graham.

Enjoy this sweet video in loving memory of Graham from Strike Anywhere

From the San Francisco Film Society Graham Leggat (1960-2011)

Link to this post Comments (0) No Comments

The Interrotron Illusion: Eye to Eye Communication

October 01, 2010 | Written by Mark Decena

Loading gallery ...

« prev | next » image 1/4

I have always wanted to try the Interrotron. If for nothing else, just to say the name repeatedly to beef up my nerd cred: Interrotron, Interrotron, Interrotron… There, I feel more akin to the singularity already.

Named and supposedly patented by the famed Errol Morris, to allow his interview subjects to look comfortably into the camera, the Interrotron is basically a souped up double teleprompter system. Instead of projecting up words for the subject to read, it projects a video image of yourself to the subject and vice versa. It gives the illusion that you are looking at each other, even though you are staring at digital pixels of each other. Now that I’m trying to describe it, I’m realizing the conceptual video artist, Nam June Paik, was probably the inspiration for Errol Morris to come up with this crazy system.

Of course, in core Kontent fashion — needing to do twice the line items for half the budget — we decided to create a DIY version for a UCSF Medical Center television campaign, currently on air in the Bay Area. The Hive creative team wanted the audience to connect to patient’s true stories of why they choose UCSF. It seemed like a natural fit to try the Interrotron, since eye contact allows for that deeper connection.

I was warned that it can be off-putting and hard to get used to, but I have to say there was an immediate comfort with the rig. I had no problem having my interview subjects respond as though I was speaking directly to them with real eye-to-eye communication. I still had to get up from time to time and check in with them in person, but it worked amazingly well. Especially for the speed we had to work. My DP, Rob Humphreys and Art Director, Darin Hunt, did an amazing job to create varied looks with less than 15 minutes between set ups. Did I mention we shot print as well? Insane day, but it was lots of fun trying out a new and handy rig. Thanks, Errol.

View the completed videos for the UCSF Medical Center television campaign and experience the deeper connection and eye contact with real patients as they share their stories.

I Chose UCSF Spot 1 >>
I Chose UCSF Spot 2 >>