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on October 12, 2010
Ashley Hillis
Posted project update #27the end (of filming) is near!
Post CommentHello,
I haven't posted an update in quite some time, but haven't forgotten about you all! Quite the contrary. I think about my amazing backers every day while working on this exciting project. This would not be possible without you all and I cannot thank you enough for believing in me and supporting this documentary adventure.
October 31st will be my last official day of shooting and my gears will be totally shifted to editing. The editing process has commenced, but more in a technical sense than an actual cutting footage together into a movie sense. With the help of some incredibly patient friends, I have been working to transfer, transcode, transcribe, and generally prepare the footage for the edit.
I'm looking forward to throwing myself completely into editing and am eager to share some more footage with you all and the rest of the world. The stories I've been lucky enough to capture and the people I have had the opportunity to meet have blown my mind and I'm beyond thrilled with the shape things are taking.
Well, I must get back to scheduling some of these final shoots.
Thank you for helping make this dream come true!
Cheers,
Ashley -
on April 22, 2010
Ashley Hillis
Posted project update #26trending at Coachella: tattoos
Post CommentLast weekend while attending Coachella (a music festival in the picturesque desert of southern California), I found myself mesmerized by bodies adorned with ink.
The first image below is the arm of Temper Trap guitarist, Joseph Greer.
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on April 6, 2010
Ashley Hillis
Posted project update #25MFA Boston Exhibition "Under the Skin: Tattoos in Japanese Prints"
Post CommentThis morning my friend Annie shared a link to this exhibition at the MFA and I thought I'd pass it along.
Be sure to take the virtual tour! http://www.mfa.org/tours/package.asp...
Tattooing became an important feature of Japanese urban popular culture in the early 19th century, influenced strongly by the success of a series of woodblock prints featuring Chinese martial arts heroes with spectacular tattoos, vividly imagined by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Tattoo artists copied designs from the prints and invented new designs that were, in turn, depicted in later prints. "Under the Skin: Tattoos in Japanese Prints" explores the social background, iconography, and visual splendor of Japanese tattoos through the prints that helped carry the art from the streets of 19th-century Japan to 21st-century tattoo shops all over the world.The MFA Boston website: http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/sub.asp...
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on March 23, 2010
Ashley Hillis
Posted project update #24fancy tights
Hi friends!
A few days ago this woman's legs caught my eye and I had to get a closer look. From afar, it looked like her legs were covered with tattoos. Upon closer inspection, I learned she was actually just wearing some "really fancy tights" (her words).
After helping her cross the street and chatting for few blocks, I worked up the courage to ask for a photo... She responded by hiking up her skirt and flashing a million dollar smile.
By the way - she's 81 years old! Can you believe it?!?
I love New York. I love fancy tights.
Just thought I'd share :)
Thank you so so much for your incredible support. I look forward to sharing updates soon. I'm off to shoot now!
Love,
Ashley
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on December 23, 2009
Ashley Hillis
Posted project update #23Happy Holidays!
For backers only
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on November 2, 2009
Ashley Hillis
Posted project update #22Happy November!
Post CommentHello!
I hope this finds all of you enjoying the second day of this lovely month. Halloween weekend was incredible in NYC and I couldn't be more excited about this project! This city blows my mind and fills me with more inspiration every day. Getting to express this energy through a documentary is truly a dream come true and I wanted to take a minute to write you all to express my gratitude.
Thank you all so so much for your on-going support. Being able to share the experience of making this film in real-time is so cool! Please keep your emails, comments, questions, photos, links, and musings coming my way. I love all of it!
Lots of love,
Ashley
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on October 28, 2009
Ashley Hillis
commented on a project updatethis is great!
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on October 17, 2009
Ashley Hillis
Posted project update #21To be Original
A very rough cut from footage I shot last night while out to dinner with friends.
Have you ever seen someone with a tattoo in the middle of his/her face?
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on October 7, 2009
Ashley Hillis
Posted project update #20Tattoos on Broadway and words of encouragement from Jude Law's mum!
Hi everyone!
Sorry I haven't posted an update in a while. I have so much to share, but don't want to give away too much or I might spoil the exciting surprises to come :) This week has been especially wonderful and I feel the need to dish about my latest encounters with tattoos. . .on Broadway!
Last night I was lucky enough to attend opening night of Hamlet on Broadway and after the show I got a chance to chat about tattoos with some of the stars (and their mothers too!). The show was incredible and I highly recommend checking it out. The production was beautiful and I thought Jude Law's portrayal of the conflicted Prince of Denmark was engaging and accessible. Call me a neophyte, but I appreciated Law's lively interpretation of the 400+ year-old tragedy. He brought energy to every second spent on stage and had the audience on the edge of their seats for the entire length of Shakespeare's longest play. I found this to be incredibly impressive.
After the show (which closed with standing ovation), we headed over to Gotham Hall for a special opening night celebration with the cast. At the reception, the topic of tattoos came up more than once. Can you guess which member of the cast has the most tattoos? One of the gentlemen in a leading role actually told me, "If I weren't a Broadway actor, I think I would be covered [with tattoos]." Curious which hunky actor shared this confession? You'll have to stay tuned. . .
Next, I was intercepted by a beautiful older woman who was sure she knew me from somewhere. This woman turned out to be Maggie, Jude Law's mother. She quizzed me about my background and asked about my current project. When I told her I was making a documentary about tattoos, she clapped her hands and told me she thought it was "just wonderful". She told me that it was great to hear I was "going for it" and that she wished me "the best of luck". Maggie will be getting an invite to my opening night without a doubt! She is so sweet. I can see where Mr. Law gets his charm.
Also in attendance. . . Barbara Walters, Ed Westwick, Natalie Portman, Sam Mendes, David Hyde Pierce, Rob Ashford, Victor Garber, and Jonny Lee Miller to name a few.
Overall, it was a magical evening. I wasn't able to take many photos as they were strictly prohibited during the show and largely frowned upon at the after-party, but here are a few I took with my phone and a couple I found online. Enjoy the photos and be prepared for a sprinkling of Broadway in the documentary :)
Thank you so much for your support!
xoxo,
Ashley-
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clark gayton on October 8, 2009
I'm glad everything worked out, Ashley! What a great story.
Keep it up
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on October 3, 2009
Ashley Hillis
commented on a projectGood luck, Roxi!! You can do it :) xoxo
Ashley Hillis
New York, NY
Ashley Hillis is an aspiring filmmaker in New York City. Other key crew: Jon Chen Austin Paley Sam Butin Blair Baxter
Stylin.