Privatsky Insight

Intervention Bloopers

2012-02-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

Bloopers and funny moments that happened during the filming of the short film we shot titled Intervention.

Love of a Stranger shoot

2012-01-19T23:49:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to crew on the Love of a Stranger book trailer shoot. It was a fun and very relaxed shoot. I always enjoy working with friends. Here are a few photos from the day.


Our location is the perfect set for a romance novel.

DP - Jason Medbury, Director - Kim Turney, Star - Kristen Nedopak


Lynette Privatsky setting the lights just right.

Jan Bryant is all action with the lint roller.

Dan Speaker reviews his stunt performance via camera playback.

Kristen Nedopak in action.

James Lew and Floyd smile for the camera.


Patty Jean Robinson takes a break from taking photos.

Love of a Stranger is available on amazon.com

Director Christine Lahti: Working with Actors

2011-11-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

Last night the Alliance of Women Directors held another super informative event. The featured presenter/ speaker was Christine Lahti. She did not disappoint.

Christine Lahti Directing (photo from AWD website)

The evening was filled with directing insights provided by Christine Lahti. Ms. Lahti was quick to point out the importance of the actor and rehearsal and how on a busy film/ TV set it is important to rehearse whenever you have a chance. By allowing actors to organically discover and create in rehearsal their on screen performance will prosper. If possible, it is very important to have the DP (Director of Photography) watch rehearsal. Regarding the on screen telling of the story Christine says, “It’s an actor, DP, director collaboration.” Sure a director arrives on set knowing every conceivable intention and character arc for every scene and even has a shot list. But that should just be a guide. A director must be willing to adjust if something better presents itself.

For yesterday’s event, Ms. Lahti directed three scenes from three shows/ films with three different sets of actors (two actors per scene whom she just met before their scene). For each scene she had the actors run through the lines. Then she discussed the characters needs with the actors. At the end of the discussion she had determined what the needs are in the scene and also determined the arc of the scene for each character.

Although as director I’m sure she already knew exactly what the needs and character arc was she allowed her actors to be involved in the creative process by discussing these with them thus allowing their creative juices to flow unblocked. Sure she could have just said these are your characters needs and this is your character’s arc for the scene but that may have blocked or pigeonholed the actors thought process stifling creativity and peak performance. Throughout the scene discussions she would preface her statements with “I wonder if…” and “let’s try it both ways with your intention/ choice being different each time.” By using those statements she was able to clearly get across her thoughts and ideas guiding the actors rather than telling them do it this way. By guiding the actors she was able to pull or rather she allowed the characters to flow organically from the actors thus enriching the performance by leaps and bounds.

After the first run through of the lines and determining the character needs and arc she had the actors improv the scene with their own lines. This was beneficial because tactics and actions presented themselves along with subtext. After each performance or improv she always pointed out the positives she saw from each actor. Never did she have anything negative to say. Her positive reinforcement fosters positive energy flow leading to spectacular creative performances. After discussing the revelations this improv brought out she gave suggestions of potentially different tactics using the same “I wonder if…” and “Lets try it…” statements.

Next she had the actors run the scene again but using the scripted lines. Then discussed it with them and had them run it again with a few tactical changes. It was amazing to see the scenes come together as they did. The performance of one scene brought out two amazing possibilities for how it should be played on camera. Ms. Lahti’s conclusion was shoot it two ways if need be.

I am so glad I attended this AWD event. Watching Christine Lahti gracefully and sometimes humorously guiding her actors to peak performance was a joy. To see her take a possibly mundane line read through and guide her actors eliciting so many flavorful levels and bringing the scene alive is inspiring. I hope to be able to be such a positive -guiding force in my directing endeavors.

I encourage you to check out the Alliance of Women Directors web site and attend as many of their events as you can. There’s no better place to gain a wealth of knowledge and information than from their very affordable events. The “Alliance of Women Directors fosters a community of professionals to advance the art, craft and visibility of women directors in the world of film, television and new media.”

Christine Lahti answers audience questions


Christine Lahti observes actors running lines


Christine Lahti guiding her actors

Follow the Alliance of Women Directors on Twitter @AWD_Directors
Follow Christine Lahti on Twitter @Christine_Lahti
The actor in black with long hair is Patty Jean Robinson. Follow her on twitter @pattyjrobinson

Rizzoli and Isles – providing more value

2011-11-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

In this “new media” world finding the right mix or balance between traditional media, on-line media, and social media is a hot topic of conversation. Recently I found a model with the potential for financial success.

I’m talking about the television show Rizzoli and Isles starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander with Lorraine Bracco, Lee Thompson Young, Bruce McGill, and Jordan Bridges. It airs on TNT during the summer and winter break and I think it’s on the right track.

Not only is it an interesting mystery - crime - drama with character driven story lines that is available for live on-line streaming during the East-Coast airing time but it also has a very active and consistent social media aspect to it.

In social media “consistency in engagement” is key to success. The actors, producers, writers (including Tess Gerritsen, the author and creator of the book series the show is based on), and even some crewmembers are reliably on Twitter connecting with fans during both the eastern and pacific viewing times (and also during non-air-times as well). They are all actively engaging the audience and the fans are truly grateful.

One of Rizzoli and Isles best social media aspects and maybe the most innovative/ creative marketing parts is that the characters are interacting with each other and fans on Twitter. Their world (which we view on the TV screen) merges with our world as the characters come to life via their “in character” tweets. Their Twitter conversations with each other at times seem to be extended or rather enhancing show storylines and very often because of the characters personalities are humorous. The characters are tweeting even while the show is on hiatus thus enforcing “consistency in engagement” and providing even more value to the fans.

I do know that the show trended four weeks in a row on Twitter. It began with #RizzoliandIsles and then split off to also include #RandI to allow for longer tweets. Not all tweeters have switched over to #RandI so I’m not sure how the show trended for the rest of the summer.

Kudos to whomever put together the social media plan of action. Congratulations on being picked up for a third season. Since three seasons is usually a requirement for broadcast syndication audiences will most likely be able to watch Rizzoli and Isles for a really long time.

I can’t help but think – by making the TV show accessible on the television, accessible on-line without a wait, providing added ‘treats’ and updates on Facebook, by having both the cast and crew interacting with fan’s on Twitter and, also bringing the “characters” to life on Twitter – that this won’t pay off in the pocket books of those involved with the TV show.

If you want to be a part of what I’ve written about, Rizzoli and Isles will return to TNT on Monday, November 28^th at 10 PM. To join the east coast viewing audience go on-line and watch (stream) TNT live. Make sure to follow #RizzoliandIsles and #RandI on Twitter and get to know the characters @JaneRizzoli and @MauraIsles

I don’t know of another TV show out there using this model of reaching their fans. If another does exist please let me know. I would love to hear about it and research it.

Alliance of Women Directors Event Oct 19, 2011

2011-10-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I had the privilege of shooting - capturing footage - at the Alliance of Women Directors Filming Fight Scenes: Gun, Swords, and Fists event. This was my first experience at an AWD event and it has left a very good impression with me.

“Alliance of Women Directors is the only organization solely dedicated to education, support and advocacy for women directors in the entertainment industry.”

It was not only an action packed evening but also a very informative evening with event attendees freely asking questions of the professional fight coordinators and stunt people. Time flew by as the discussion dove into on-set weapon, crew, and performer safety and proceeded into communication and camera angles for capturing the action.

I loved being able to see the live action simultaneously on the stage and on the big screen. Everyone had a great view.

Women and men, AWD members and non-members were in attendance. The attendees weren’t just directors. They were producers, editors, camera operators, etc. Besides the amount of awesome information being shared throughout the evening the atmosphere at this event was very welcoming and supportive.

The Alliance of Women Directors announced a November 22^nd event addressing the last 45 minutes before shooting on a television show. Please check out their website http://allianceofwomendirectors.org/ for more information.

prepping the stage & placing the stunt pads

Kim Turney tests the sound system for the presentation

The presentation is ready on the big screen.

Lynette laughs at the size of the microphone on this HD camera.

Patty Jean Robinson being silly during a break.

Terrence Julien also being silly during a break in the action.

A Computer Geek Wakes Up

2011-10-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

This morning I roll over and look at the clock. 4:04 AM. Not fully awake my mind registers "404 Error - Item Not Found." My next thought is "who stole my clock?" I then roll back over to sleep knowing I have another hour before I really have to be up.

I can't even remember the last time I saw that error message appear but I find it humorous that that's what went through my brain this morning.

A scene from my first feature script

2011-10-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know I have been writing my first featre length script. It's taken me a while because I've been using this as my training ground learning feature length story telling from the ground up. I just finished a rewrite which developed the B-story more than before and I've decided to share a part of the script with you. Your comments are welcome.

INT. RICKETY SHACK
Rays of light poke through the broken wall boards. Elaine fixates on a mirror propped up in front of her as it flashes images from her life.

Images of security escorting her out the door of her place of work; her holding an eviction notice; her holding a positive pregnancy test; someone slamming a door in her face; and someone tossing a glass of wine on her.

Elaine cries out in frustration hitting the mirror causing it to crack. A piece falls to the floor. She collapses to the floor also.

The demon Rayann with deep black eyes appears unnoticed and kneels behind Elaine.

RAYANN
How can you even think of caring for a child?

ELAINE
I can’t even take care of myself.

RAYANN
He doesn’t love you.

ELAINE
Why doesn’t he love me?

RAYANN
You don’t even have a job.

ELAINE
I’m worthless.

RAYANN
You can’t handle this.

ELAINE
There’s no way out. No way to make things better.

Elaine picks up the piece of broken glass.

EXT. RICKETY SHACK - CONTINUOUS
Zita walks up, looks around then steps inside.

INT. RICKETY SHACK - CONTINUOUS
Zita steps up behind Rayann and see’s Elaine contemplating using the broken piece of glass.

ZITA
(whispers)
Cool this is one of my favorite parts of torment.

Rayann turns to see Zita.

RAYANN
(whispers)
It gets better than this. They always think this will
stop the pain and hurt.

ZITA
(whispers)
But in reality this seals the deal that this particular
torment will continue to haunt them for eternity.

Rayann stands up turning her back to Elaine.

RAYANN
Exactly.

ZITA
       I’m looking for a woman named Bailey who's
         travelling with a man named Victor. Have they
been by this way?

RAYANN
Not that I’ve seen but a while back I did hear
faint screaming from somewhere in the distance.

ZITA
If, perchance, they do come your way notify me
immediately. The Prince really wants her.

RAYANN
Immediately. Sure. Is this a case of her being
close to discovering love?

ZITA
We don’t know yet if the guy is filled with the light.
But you know what the Prince will do to me if she does.

RAYANN
We don’t want that. I’ll definitely let you know if I see her.

As Zita exits, Rayann kneels down behind Elaine once again.

RAYANN (CONT’D)
(to Elaine)
That’s right. You can do this. This will make everything
better.

Bonding over Boobies

2011-10-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ladies, it is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I got my mammogram this past week and if you haven’t done so yet please make an appointment and get yours before October is over.

This was my first trip in for a mammogram where other women were present in the waiting room. All the seats in the hallway were full of ladies waiting for chest x-rays, ultrasounds, and mammograms. Conversations ran the gamut from needing to rush off to work, going through perimenopause, quick and delicious recipes, etc.

I have the privilege of personally knowing two breast cancer survivors but my experience earlier this week was a first. To physically be present when another woman, who has three teenage daughters, is dealing with the stress of breast cancer not knowing for sure what the future holds for her has made quite an impact on my life. The one thing this woman repeated to me multiple times during our conversation was “I waited too long. I waited too long to do something.” Her words will forever be etched in my mind. I hope that no other woman will ever have to say those words.

So ladies, I beg of you, if you have not done so yet, please don’t wait any longer, make an appointment and get your yearly mammogram. You’re worth it.

I do apologize for the title but I thought it might get your attention and I do feel that I bonded with the woman next to me because of our conversation.

The Friendship Game & Anti-Bullying

2011-10-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

At this time where the anti-bullying campaign is so important, I find myself thinking about ways to stop bullying. What are we teaching youngsters today? How do we and how can we instill positive acceptance of others? Are our kids playing any games that have a positive influence against bullying?

One particular game comes to mind. A game I learned to play while in Russia. I don't remember its name but it promotes "positive self-esteem and friendship" in each of its participants because there is no loser.

"Game" requirements: Have an odd number of people. Usually at least 9 people - the more people the better.

The set up: Form two lines about four feet apart and face the person directly across from you. This is your current partner. Designate one end of the two lines as the front. One un-partnered person is at the front of the two lines.

The game: The non-partnered person ventures between the two lines and takes the hand of the person they want to be partnered with. They both hold hands as together they continue through the open area between the lines to the end where they separate and take the end position in opposite lines. The new non-partnered person makes their way on the outside of the lines to the front. they then venture between the lines, as the last person did, and select who they want to be partnered with. This continues over and over for the duration (you choose the time frame) of the game.

Rules: The non-partnered person cannot choose the person they were just partnered with. New partners must hold hands as they travel together to the end of the lines.

This game can be played by all age groups. The group that taught me the game began with elementary aged kids and included multiple generations. I was 26 when I learned to play.

The awesome part of this game was that everyone felt special - wanted, included, etc - because they were chosen by someone who wanted to be their partner and stand with them. And those whose partner was chosen did not become a loser because they became the next selector. While playing this game, I never saw one person disappointed by being chosen. Smiles were abundant.

I can't think of any other "game" I've ever played that did not include a loser. According to thefreedictionary.com the top three definitions of Game, as a noun, are:

An amusement or pastime; diversion
A contest with rules, the result being determined by skill, strength, or chance
A single period of play in such a contest, sport, etc

By these definitions, this "Friendship Game" as I've titled it - for lack of a better brainstorming moment - is most definitely a game.

So if you ever want to play a very positive esteem building game this could very well be the game you've been looking for.

I remember playing countless hours of Red Rover (which had winners and losers) and I have not turned into a bully. But what if we were to play more games -without winners and losers- with our kids? Would that bring the downfall of the American competitive spirit or would it enhance it by providing our youth with more positive self esteem building play experiences?

I don't have all the answers. I just wrote what was on my mind this morning. The big questions is how do we put an end to bullying.

Comments on Jane Russell An Autobiography

2011-10-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I read Jane Russell's autobiography. Rarely do I read autobiographies but a friend of Jane's gave me the book to read and I'm so glad I did. Don't worry. I won't give everything away here.

Jane had ups and downs and some of her journeys were a "maze" but the one constant in her life was God. He didn't abandon her. The world saw her as a star on the silver screen and had their own opinions of her both good and bad but she remained a down-to-earth, fun-loving woman. A woman I wish I had known.

Feeling the Love

2011-09-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Recapping an evening at the Silent River film festival in Irvine, California.

Before entering the theatre to see a screening of the Continuing Adventures of the Battling Bag Lady – Black or Blue, I commented to Rich Samuels, a fellow filmmaker, about how strange it is to have someone I don’t know recognize me especially when I’m least expecting it. In that regard this night did not disappoint. No sooner had I entered into the theatre and two boys approached me all excited. “You’re the Bag Lady aren’t you?” What a pleasant surprise since the film hadn’t even screened at the festival yet. One of them mentioned that I was also in Candy Chaos and that it was his favorite. Questions came such as are they on YouTube, is it a web series, and do you have more that we can see? Their energy and excitement was a true blessing and set the tone for the evening.

Before the screening the projectionist, Michael, came to tell a tale about how the 45-second DVD of Black or Blue caused him ten minutes of stress. Rich captured his story in the second part of this video.

As an artist it’s always nice to get positive feedback and I thank everyone I met at the festival for making my evening one filled with lots of love. Yes, more Battling Bag Lady episodes will be appearing soon.

Here is the 44-second Black or Blue episode that screened at the film festival.

Visit Privatsky on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/privatsky to see more of the Battling Bag Lady.

Here's a picture of Rich Samuels and me at the festival.

Black or Blue on the Big Screen in Irvine, CA

2011-09-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

I awoke this morning with nostalgic thoughts buzzing through my mind. Tomorrow I will be returning to the city where I’ve spent the second largest portion of my life. Who knew that I would ever live in this city that I studied about in college - the first planned community city of its kind. Irvine, California, the city that served as my home base as I launched my entertainment industry career.

During my time in Irvine, I was fortunate to be able to study and work with some very remarkable filmmakers. With Emmy nominated instructors at the local colleges and universities, South Coast Repertory theatre just a short distance away, and entertainment industry professionals from both San Diego and Hollywood merging in the local area to impart their wisdom and to produce quality film and television shows, I learned a lot.

There are so many that impacted my life during my time in Irvine. To a special few - Tim Russ, William (Bill) Hall, Robert M Conrad, Greg Atkins, Karen Hensel, Hal Landon Jr, Roxann Dawson, Teri Ralston, Dale White, Walter Koenig, Dominic Keating, Marnie Ann, and Pam Pahnke – that guided me in spreading my wings, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve helped enable me to fly.

Yes, I do feel as though I’m flying high as I prepare to return to this beautiful and peaceful city. I wrote and produced my first short film, Sticky Situation, while living in Irvine. In fact, it was filmed at Concordia University, which is located in the Turtle Rock area. And now to be returning to see another episode in the Continuing Adventures of the Battling Bag Lady series - Black or Blue - on the big screen at the Edwards Westpark 8 theatre brings me much joy.

The Continuing Adventures of the Battling Bag Lady – Black or Blue has been accepted to the 1^st annual Silent River Film Festival and will be showing on the big screen at the

Edwards Westpark 8, which is located at 3755 Alton Parkway. It is screening during the experimental shorts segment from 9:10pm – 10:15pm on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

If it’s not too late for you, please come out and enjoy an evening of short films.

Click here for ticket information.