Episode 1: The Middle Square - October 2007
Welcome to the first - slightly self-conscious - episode in what we hope will be a long-running series of monthly netcasts/podcasts from the Filmwasters. Joining founder-wasters Ed Wenn, Susan Burnstine and Leon Taylor for Episode 1 is Ailsa McWhinnie. Ailsa was founding editor of the highly respected mass circulation magazine, Black & White Photography, but recently resigned her post there to strike out on a freelance career. We invited her along to see what she’s been getting up to since hanging up her editor’s whip and to find out at first hand just how hard it is to face up to life without a steady flow of free photography books. In addition to that there’s a discussion about why we wanted to do a Filmwasters netcast in the first place, some info from everyone else on what they’re up to at the moment as well as a pick or two from the gang of work that’s caught their eye recently.
Show Notes:
- Leon’s pick is Easter Island by Michael Kenna.
- Ed’s pick is The Victor Weeps by Fazal Sheikh.
- Susan’s pick is James Fee: 1993-2000 by James Fee & the Josef Koudelka anthology.
- Ailsa’s pick is Henry Wessel by Henry Wessel.
- The 2 websites for the Harrachov Exchange are here and here.
- The Simon Norfolk lecture that blew Ed away is linked to here.
- For non-Americans here’s a link to the Wikipedia entry for Hollywood Squares.
- Leon explained that he’d recently returned from a trip. Here’s what he got up to.
Photos by Ailsa taken at the Harrachov Exchange. Click on each one to see a larger version:
2 Comments so far
Digest of comments left on the Filmwasters forum:
chricel
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Posts: 61
Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #1 on: September 29, 2007, 06:55:42 PM »
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i love putting voices to everyone. love the podcast!!!!!! keep it up
eyecaramba
120
Posts: 50
Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #2 on: September 29, 2007, 08:48:09 PM »
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I love that Ed introduces Ailsa as being fresh from doing “whatever it is that editors do.” That may rate as an all time introduction.
As for Henry Wessell, I have been meaning to get a hold of tha one. Always thought he had an off sort of vision, very dry and compelling.
Ed… You crack me up. Everybody comes off well but you did a good job of transitioning back to point when Leon began belting out Peg O My Heart in his hearty baritone.
And Susan, which page is Blue on again? I think you said 92?
This was an interesting confection indeed.
ed.wenn
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Sheet Film
Posts: 350
Needs 10 extra hours in the day.
Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2007, 01:52:53 AM »
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Actually, I thought all I did was drag people off-topic, but thanks anyway
If I’d done a better job of chairing the chat we wouldn’t have needed the edits and the little musical links, but you don’t become Jonathan Dimbleby (insert talk show host of your choice) in 5 minutes…
Also, I can see that the show will have an effect on my wallet; all sorts of book recommendations coming in as a result.
This-is-damion
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Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2007, 05:14:49 AM »
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yes great stuff indeed. totally agree about book recommendations, i added a couple to my amazon wish list then on the verge of paying, got scared and didnt!
this might get messy.
anyway top work people!
david b
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Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2007, 05:46:04 AM »
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A very entertaining way to spend an hour on a Sunday morning! Fun to hear Susan’s “y’alls” next to Leon’s deadpan Medwayman accent…
Ailsa’s photos on that page are really, really grand too.
Ailsa
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Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2007, 06:22:00 AM »
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Quote from: ed.wenn on September 30, 2007, 01:52:53 AM
If I’d done a better job of chairing the chat we wouldn’t have needed the edits and the little musical links
I liked all the musical links!
Of course, the rest of the content was lucid, inspiring, intelligent and witty, too.
And as for the doing ‘whatever it is that editors do’, if anyone can enlighten me, please feel free, because despite 13 years in the magazine industry I’m still not sure myself…
Thanks to Ed for getting it off the ground - I had a blast!
eddie
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Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2007, 02:29:19 PM »
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Nice job everyone, thought it might be 10 minutes but no 55 minutes long , I just could not believe it but I enjoyed every minute. Ed do expand on Susan’s work some time soon maybe in a more structured way, she is a real inspiration. Thanks for all the book reviews and recommendations, I am going through a book buying phase and will add some of these titles to my list. Well done to Ed on holding the show together.
Susan B.
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Sheet Film
Posts: 391
Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2007, 05:17:32 PM »
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Quote from: eyecaramba on September 29, 2007, 08:48:09 PM
And Susan, which page is Blue on again? I think you said 92?
page 151.
Ed—amazing job, really. I know you put a lot of time and hard work into the editing. You deserve a medal, but I think I’ll just send you some film to waste. Thanks to the entire cast and crew–look forward to the next one.
And thanks Eddie… **Blushing**
Andrea
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Posts: 99
Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #9 on: October 01, 2007, 03:37:47 AM »
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Love it. Enjoyed it. When the next one?
Only gripe I have is that I was clicking on the links as they were talked about and when I got to Sussa’s pick the page navgated away and stopped the podcast.
Great idea and much, much more interesting than Brook Jensen!
RandomHamster
35mm
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Beware the hamsters of doom…….er……maybe!
Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #10 on: October 01, 2007, 04:17:04 AM »
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Fantastic, great to put voice to photo! Perfect to listen to while surfing ebay for more cameras!!!
Looking forward to next one
ed.wenn
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Needs 10 extra hours in the day.
Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #11 on: October 01, 2007, 08:08:23 AM »
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Quote from: Andrea on October 01, 2007, 03:37:47 AM
Love it. Enjoyed it. When the next one?
Only gripe I have is that I was clicking on the links as they were talked about and when I got to Sussa’s pick the page navgated away and stopped the podcast.
Great idea and much, much more interesting than Brook Jensen!
Andrea, sorry about the glitch with that link…my mistake. I’ve fixed it now. Really appreciate the feedback.
Andrea
120
Posts: 99
Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #12 on: October 01, 2007, 09:19:52 AM »
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No need for an apology Ed, just want this place to go places.
Ron
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Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #13 on: October 01, 2007, 10:18:38 AM »
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Thoroughly enjoyed! Ed, you were great Everyone was interesting and polished. There were a couple times I was laughing almost out loud (I am at work in a cubicle environment). A success to say the very least. Oh, and Ailsa, your photos are really cool!
Dave_M
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drinking the fixer…
Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #14 on: October 03, 2007, 01:14:43 AM »
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I listened to this on my way to work yesterday (nearly walked into a few cars). Really enjoyable stuff. And very professionally put together - good skills Ed (and all).
This is going to cost me a fortune in photo books! Great recommendations.
Roll on the next one
Francois
Self-Coat
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formerly known as AO
Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #15 on: October 03, 2007, 04:08:22 PM »
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Well done Ed.
Looking forward to the next one…
Leon, I wish you all the best for your studies. Usually, the first year is the toughest since they want to “clear out” the students who are slacking on the job. Once you get through it, the rest is usually easier.
« Last Edit: October 04, 2007, 08:40:33 AM by Francois »
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Francois
gary m
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Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #16 on: October 05, 2007, 07:38:07 AM »
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Wow, pretty much my first listen to a photography podcast. Didnt realize what I was missing. I have always been interested in just looking at as many photos as possible, but now I am hooked on the back stories! Loved the opening riffs too. Was really cool to hear the voices from some of the people I have talked to online for the last few years also. Well done, looking forward to some more!!!
Janet_P
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Re: Filmwasters Podcast Online Now
« Reply #17 on: October 07, 2007, 02:02:20 PM »
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I listened to this on the way home from work on Friday and got some funny looks from my fellow commuters when I started chuckling, then giggling, then laughing out loud. I REALLY enjoyed hearing about what everyone was doing. I’m eager to hear the next installment.
Janet
10 STARS!!!! Wow, seriously, you guys nailed this Podcast thingy and I am blown away…and hooked. You guys sound so great. Geez. I can’t wait for the next installment. Cheers!