Wrapping Up the Holidays and Soaring into New Beginnings: A Sneak Peek into Our Next Big Adventure (Copy)
Directing the naughty list—filmmaker vibes activated!I was in charge of the naughty list this year
Hey everyone!
I hope your holiday season was filled with joy, cozy moments, and maybe even a few too many cookies. While you were perfecting the art of sipping hot cocoa without burning your tongue, I was busy wading waist-deep in the wonderful—and occasionally treacherous—world of Mocha masks. I’ve been up to my neck in Mocha masks and color correction this winter, learning that even the best of us have our lighting fails. But trust me—every misstep is just a setup for an epic comeback."Yes, I learned the hard way that “It’ll look cool in a moody, indie way” quickly translates to “We’ll fix it in post,” and trust me, even the best editors wince at that one!
Robyn's festive layover: A North Pole flight attendant moment
Holiday Highs (and Post-Production Fails)
This past winter was a mixed bag. On the bright side, I landed an acting gig and even got a callback—talk about starting the new year with a win! On the documentary front, Golden Wings had a fantastic run at NewsFest in November, a true high point in our journey. But, oh, those lighting choices during my mom’s interviews! It turns out that relying on a single lamp and some fairy lights isn't quite the cinematic magic I envisioned. Cue the Mocha masks and Beauty Box rescues.
Lulu, the Golden Wings mascot, decked out for the holidays
The Festival Rollercoaster
Let’s be real: the festival circuit can feel like a rollercoaster. While I celebrated the wins, I also faced a few rejections—from Austin to San Francisco, Oregon, and even the Toronto Queer Film Festival. It stings, no doubt, but each “no” only fuels my determination to keep pushing and polishing every frame until it sparkles (yes, even that scene with questionable lighting).
The Golden Wings documentary logo with a wintry theme
Big News on the Horizon
Well, I’m keeping this one under wraps for now, but let’s just say something exciting is coming our way in March. (I promise you, it’s a game changer—but mum’s the word!) For now, consider this your exclusive, hush-hush sneak peek. Stay tuned, because the coming months might just take us to unexpected, high-flying heights.
With no new festival selections we’ve been snowed in this winter!
Before & After: Lighting to the Rescue
Take a look at this transformation! The original side lighting made it look like Robyn just got off a 14-hour flight from Tokyo. Now, thanks to some Mocha masks magic, she looks 20 years younger—no filters, just proper lighting doing its job. And hey, it's not cheating—this is simply what proper lighting would have naturally achieved. Sometimes, all it takes is the right touch in post to reveal the real beauty behind the lens!
Pre and Post Boris FX Mocha Mosk
Join the Conversation!
Your thoughts and suggestions are what make this journey extra special. I’d love to hear how you’d spice up our creative process or any ideas that help us all grow together. Click below to share your feedback and be part of the Golden Wings crew!
Dont forget to check out our sister blog where I explore my personal journey as a first time director
Heres a link to last blog post about my Grandfather’s Magical Jumbo Jet
https://bit.ly/indiedocjourney
