Branson - Part 1
Prologue
Happy New Year! We did it! Now get to work!
My intention for the new year is simple: “Massive Creativity.”
I’m overflowing with anticipation for the year ahead. Just before the holidays, I went on a fantastical quest with my creative comrade, John Maringouin, to shoot a short documentary of my own. My wildest dreams can barely touch the possibility of what this could be. It's going to be something truly special. Finishing that project and my very funny feature doc with my co-director and beloved wife Alexandra Berger is, of course, a priority; we are close to locking our edit! Plus, I have to get that feature script wrapped up, and launch my (super dope AI-assisted) narrative podcast series that I've been (slowly) working on for years.
And, of course, rolling sound! Sound is my business! It’s why you are, in fact, reading this right now. So please hit me up when you need someone to record and mix sound for your next film or series. It looks like there are some pretty amazing projects on the horizon…
So, like I said, back to work.
Meanwhile, as I had mentioned in the last edition of The Sound Report, there was a surprise in store. So, while I was going back and forth to Van Horn with Blue Origin, readying for their first human flight, I got a call to go down to the British Virgin Islands with Chris Smith to shoot with Richard Branson, who was ALSO getting ready to go to space in his Virgin Galactic spacecraft. This shoot created the basis for what is now a four-part series on HBOMax: Branson.
And, yes, of course, I kept my mouth shut to both sides as I had this front-row seat to the billionaire space race. Does that make me a double agent? Read on!
Project: Branson
Cast of Characters:
Richard - Himself
Chris - Director
Ryann - Producer
Ro - Assistant Camera
Ben - Director of Photography
John - Gaffer
Katie - Personal Trainer
June 24, 2021
Welcome To Paradise. Now Get Soaked.
I'll make this quick due to the late hour and also because we have to get up early for Richard's cycling.
As far as first days go, this was rather epic. Despite having no proper cameras, we went for it full throttle. At breakfast, I had the chorizo scramble while Ro went "Full Monty" before going into battle, and the size of his meal was noted in comparison to Ryann's avocado toast. Once on Necker Island, we joined Richard and Katie in the gym for his morning workout. Richard is in super shape, his legs corded with veins, his back a knot of muscle, his arms toned, and his muscles dense and broad but not bulky. He can pump out planks, pushups, and pull-ups, but still flipped Katie the bird along with a smile. Once upon a time, Richard was known as "Let's Go" because he doesn't like to wait for people to make their move in chess.
And then, Lunch. One of the highlights of these reports is usually my epicurean review/takedown of the crew meals we are served, which on the roads can range from mediocre to dreadful. I don't believe this will be the case on this project. Case and point- Lunch with the Branson family was a lovely whole wheat pasta and a meat ragu along with a simple salad. It was a delight! And don't even get me started on dinner.
After lunch, we made our way down to the watersports area where Richard suited up and took his six-year-old grandaughter kite surfing. I'm not sure which of them had the better time. Then we climbed aboard a boat and headed out into the chop for some action filming. And, maybe it got a bit too intense, maybe I should have packed that drybag sitting on the shelf in my closet, maybe I should have left my run bag ashore... But at some point, Ryann and I were huddled behind the console, getting sprayed, and then the big one came over us. Suddenly, we were knee-deep in water and everything was soaked. Luckily, Jenni grabbed my run bag and covered it with a towel just in time, probably saving everything in it. Gold Medal maneuver.
Back on shore, we dried out and reassessed our situation. Chris then decided to go head-to-head with Richard in chess and was quickly taken apart. Then Ben stepped up and was also quickly on the ropes. But after regrouping, he fought back, almost placing Richard in a trap. My brain was screaming moves out, but the two of them slashed and parried in relative silence. The game was soon called a draw, as now it was tennis time.
On the court, Chris redeemed his gamesmanship in some heated volleys with Richard, as we waited for Sam to arrive. Richard, after missing a return said "You've clearly played this." Once Sam was on the baseline, the drone went up, the lemurs stalked and howled, and Richard, always consistent, took the match 5-1.
We rounded out the day with a toast - Virgin Galactic got its FAA approval for human flight. I guess that means he's going to space. That is if Lola will stop singing long enough for Richard to get a word in.
Ben has not eaten a sweet in years. John and I debated on how to grill a lobster.
Onward to Virgin Gorda!
Also Of Interest
Crypto Gelt.
Oblique Strategy Of The Day
“Do nothing for as long as possible.”
All good thoughts,
Avi
Great read. I love the way you tell the tale. Looking forward to the episode from space. I assume you have a ticket.
Thanks for sharing. Look forward to reading more. Some questions: Why no credit for Sound Mixer/Recordist and BTS on gear used? And who’s gonna flip that end of tape cassette?