I was having major trouble trying to figure this out. Did a little research, and found the answer! Here’s how to do it, courtesy of Ask Dave Taylor:

Plug in your phone, and even if you don’t want to sync it with your iTunes software.

you’ll find that if there are photos on the phone that Image Capture can now see ‘em and grab them for you:

What I’ve done is set up a new ‘iPhone Pictures” folder in my Pictures directory (instead of the default “Pictures, Movies and Music folders”, choose “Other…” then navigate to your Pictures directory and click “New Folder” on the lower left).

Click on “Download All” and you’ve just accomplished the world’s easiest cellphone photo sync on your new Macintosh!

If you are running an earlier version of Mac OS X, then I suggest that you let iPhoto do the work: start that up before you plug in your phone and it should see the phone and offer you the opportunity to download your pictures into an iPhoto “roll”.

I’ve spent most of the morning watching infomercials. Generating ideas for the first commercials I’ll be shooting over the next month. Infomercials have a visual language all of their own. It’s interesting to watch something that was created for the sole purpose of selling a product. All artistry that could exist has be extracted, which ironically gives it a uniqueness that could be considered an art form onto itself. Did I mention I’m on my 3rd pot of coffee?

Infomercials are made to present info in a way where there’s no possibility of confusion on what the product is, what it does, and how easy it is to get. Every element (visual or audio) is exaggerated and repeated to infinity to drive every selling point home. Basically, they’re made so if you were either DEAF or BLIND you could still understand completely what’s going on. They sound like radio commercials and look like Bill Hick’s worst nightmare realized.

Here’s a few perfect examples; that are both repulsive and fascinating:
(I didn’t embed the videos because they play automatically and that drives me crazy!)
The Snuggie
Scoop n Grind
Pedi Pistol (note: gross toes!)
Egg Genie

Aphex Twin Selected Ambient Works 85-92

I listen to this album 2 times a day. Sometimes 3. It’s the perfect album to get lost in while reading, writing, or brain storming.

Aphex Twin can have some crazy stuff, but this album of all mellow ambient tracks is perfect for drowning out outside distractions without being distracting itself. It helps me get into the zone.

Check it out: Someone was nice enough to make a youtube playlist of this album. Neat-o!

The resemblance is quite striking…

Meet the lead of Master of Inventions Jeff Murdoch:

Also, in the main role of Marcus, Tim Heurlin:

Jeff is technically new to the fold, but I’ve known him for over 2 years and I’ve shared the stage with him hundreds of times. I know he’s a funny, reliable guy.

If you’ve seen any of my short films, you’ll recognize Tim Heurlin. I always use him, and with good reason.

Tomorrow night is the first read-thorough for Master of Inventions. It will be just me, Jeff, and Tim. I’ve yet to hear the script read aloud, so I’m pretty nervous. We are only going to read the scenes with Jeff and Tim (duh) so it won’t take too long. Read-throughs are very important and I recommend doing them several times. Hearing your stuff out loud for the first time can be brutal, but very helpful none the less. It’s great for getting a fresh perspective on dialog you’ve written and rewritten 100+ times.

My plan is to have several reads with just Jeff and Tim. Then I’ll start bringing in other cast members depending on what scenes I’ll be shooting. When shooting on a budget of nothing, it’s crucial to have your talent well rehearsed. Everyone should be comfortable with the material. It doesn’t have to be memorized; just enough to get through a few takes. Time is money, people. And I have no money.

This weekend I’m planning to visit thrift stores and flea markets to find ultra cheap products that will become various inventions. I’m also meeting with James of Chris, James, and Rick. They’re creators of this funny short Facebook Bullies:

I’m hoping to put them in the office scenes as various board members, and use the office they shot this short in. James is a good guy, as are the other dudes, so I predict working with them will be a blast.