It is insanely expensive to have an emergency medical event in the United States. I had appendicitis, which ruptured, resulting in a hospital bill of over $25,000. Here’s what happened: I woke up at 2am with stomach pain. I thought it was gas and tried to go back to sleep. I couldn’t so I eventually tried taking some gas… Read more →
Behind the Scenes: Eric Cayla Talks About His Time as DP on ‘Shadowhunters’ & the Challenges of Season One
I had the opportunity to talk to Eric Cayla, the Director of Photography (DP) on season one of Shadowhunters. His other work includes Haven, Bomb Girls, and Bellevue. Music In the Dark: How did you get involved with Shadowhunters? Eric Cayla: I got involved after shooting a series called Haven. I was strongly recommended by the producers to the… Read more →
Norman Buckley Talks Directing ‘Pretty Little Liars’ 10 Years After the Show Premiered
I recently spoke with Norman Buckley, the director of 23 episodes of Pretty Little Liars, on his experiences directing the show, which premiered 10 years ago. His other work includes episodes of Once Upon a Time, Jane the Virgin, Gossip Girl, Chuck, and The OC. Music In the Dark: How did you approach the look of a Pretty Little… Read more →
A Conversation With ‘High Rise’ Director of Photography
(Republished from 2015) I talked to High-Rise Director of Photography Laurie Rose about his experience working on the film shortly after they wrapped. Music In the Dark: What is a ‘day in the life’ like for a director of photography? I think many people aren’t very clear about what cinematography entails, especially as definitions can vary between the… Read more →
Best Podcasts to Accompany Your Binge Watch
A few weeks into quarantine and you may need someone to talk to about the shows you’ve been binge-watching. If you don’t know someone watching the same show, there are podcasts that can serve that purpose. Here are some of the best podcasts to accompany shows. All are fan-led podcasts other than the official ones. 12 Monkeys Talking… Read more →
What to Watch During Coronavirus Quarantine
It’s been over a week in self-quarantine, and it can be hard to decide what to watch. Here are some suggestions for the streaming services: Guide: F-Feminist S-Smart B-Passes the Bechdel Test W-Women make up at least half the cast H-Hallmark-style movie I-Inclusive cast Netflix Romantic Comedies: Always Be My Maybe – (Starring Ali Wong and Randall Park, Keanu… Read more →
Learn to Manage Anxiety By Retraining Your Mind
As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” That guy knew what he was talking about. In the context of the speech, Roosevelt was addressing concerns about the economy after the Great Depression, where people’s main concerns were getting a job, affording food and shelter, and what they would do if they… Read more →
10 Years Later: John T Kretchmer Talks Directing White Collar
In the second interview for the 10-year anniversary of White Collar, I spoke to John T. Kretchmer, the director of 12 episodes of White Collar, including “Book of Hours”, “Hard Sell”, “Forging Bonds”, “Under the Radar”, “Checkmate,” and “Borrowed Time.” He has previously directed episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (“School Hard”), Veronica Mars, Burn Notice, and iZombie. Music… Read more →
10 Year Anniversary: Jessica Grasl Talks Writing For ‘White Collar’
It is the 10 year anniversary of the premiere of White Collar, which debuted in 2009 on USA Network. I spoke with Jessica Grasl, a writer on White Collar during seasons five and six, where she gave a view inside the writers room. Music In the Dark: As producer can mean different things, can you describe a typical day… Read more →
10 Best Christmas Hallmark Movies for People Who Don’t Like Hallmark Movies
It’s common knowledge that Hallmark movies all follow a certain formula, which can veer towards the ridiculous. This list is to help you choose Hallmark style movies (including movies with the same formula on any other network and Netflix). Here are the 10 best holiday TV movies for people who don’t like formulaic Hallmark movies. Best Christmas Party Ever Starring:… Read more →