J.J. Abrams – Analog Artist Digital World

I went to the Star Wars themed Nerd Nite at The Geek Easy 114 S Semoran Boulevard, Winter Park, Florida in hopes that I might sketch a Cantina full of aliens and Sith Lords. Unfortunately there was only one cape in the whole crowd. Nerd Nite is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking presentations, all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation there was a brief question and answer session with the audience.

Ricardo Williams as the MC started the evening off with Star wars trivia. He had the gave to wear a Star Trek uniform which is an affront to any true Star Wars nerd. One of the most interesting facts was that Harrison Ford was not originally cast as Hans Solo. He got the part because he was also an air conditioning repairman. Ford repaired George Lucas‘ air conditioner and the two of them hit it off. After that encounter, Lucas suggested that Ford come into the studio for an audition. Several questions revolved around the simple idea that warp drive does not exist in the Star Wars Universe. Most questions were far over my head. Apparently Yoda was first named Buffy in the first draft o the Star War Script. Ricardo also gave a short talk about how the last two last Star Trek films by J.J. Abrams are very much steeped in Star Wars themes. Both Captain Kirk and Luke Skywalker are kids from barren farm country who dreamed of the stars. J.J. Abrams sited Star Wars as a film that molded his desire to become a film maker. Now that he is directing The Force Awakens he will hopefully shine and held resurrect a franchise that lost the power of story and replaced it with mindless computer effects. My one complaint about the last two Star Trek films is that Captain Kirk was constantly being beaten up. It was disheartening to watch as he was repeatedly kicked and beaten, while drooling on the floor. I hope the hero’s fate is better in The Force Awakens.

I was seated next to the last presenter, Robin Cowie, who announced the inaugural Orlando Story Club event coming up on January 6th at The Abbey 100 S Eola Dr, Orlando, Florida. Admission is $5 and all proceeds support The Boys And Girls Clubs of Orlando. The theme for the evening will be Resolution. The word “resolution” has two great meanings for stories:

1. a firm decision to do or not to do something.

2. the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter

I was surprised to find out that Cowie was president of Haxan Films, which financed, produced and helped market one of the most successful independent films of all time, The Blair Witch Project. He has just return to Orlando to be near family after producing and directing many films in Los Angeles. The Central Florida Story Telling Group will present monthly events in the New Year for everyone tohare their stories with proceeds supporting different local philanthropic organizations each month. Cowie told a story in a thick Scottish brogue. There is no way that a written account can recreate the hilarious story. Hearing him tell the story in person is a once in a lifetime experience.

On Super Bowl Sunday Terry and I went to the Enzian Theater to see the animated shorts that had been nominated for an Oscar this year. My favorite short was called “Adam and Dog“. It was set in a gorgeous natural paradise. The backgrounds were beautifully painted with bold digital brushwork. The dog explored the world with curiosity. In one scene he playfully chased fire flies. Adam and the dog meet and continue exploring the world together until one day Adam meets Eve. He leaves with her abandoning the dog. The dog eventually finds Adam and Eve as they leave paradise ashamed and wearing clothes. All the animals look on in wonder then disappear into the woods. The dog however goes out to meet the couple. Glen Keene was a consultant for the film which was directed by Minkyu Lee. Disney’s “Paper Man” was a close second on my list.

On the drive home, Terry wanted to scout out a bar where we could watch the Super Bowl. World of Beer had no food, while Bar Louie had descent flat screen TVs and a great menu. When game time rolled around, we went to Bar Louie (7335 W Sand Lake Rd Orlando, FL). The place wasn’t very crowded. Terry ordered a huge burger and I had a spinach dip with chips. She was drinking martini’s while I had a Blue Moon with a slice of orange. I finished my sketch by half time. Beyonce wowed the crowd with fireworks and some sexy hip moves. Lights flashed, the stage flamed and I’m pretty sure she was singing for real. The Ravens had dominated the first half. I hadn’t really noticed since I was sketching.

When the second half came, I put the sketch away and started rooting for the 49ers. There was a movie preview for a new J.J. Abrams directed Star Trek movie titled “Into the Darkness.” The lights went black in the stadium. Probably a fuse was blown from the halftime show. I wouldn’t doubt that all of New Orleans might have blacked out. A five minute delay stretched out to half an hour. I got to see replays of all the touchdowns I had ignored in the first half. Most of the patrons left the bar. The 49ers began a steady come back after the lights came back on and in the last minutes of the game the stood 5 yards away from victory. Four plays at the five yard line resulted in no yards gained. A pass to the corner of the end zone wasn’t caught and I slammed my hand down on the table and shouted sending cutlery and dishes bouncing loudly. They blew it. They had every opportunity and they blew it. It was a tale of two halves and probably the longest Superbowl ever.