The Avengers

In August, Cleveland became Hollywood...Midwest style.  The Avengers movie began filming downtown.  I put in my resume months ago, but did not get a call to be part of the stylist team for the movie.  I do know a lot of the crew came in from LA, so I was not too upset that I wasn't called.  However, it would have been an amazing experience.  The North Coast will be part of at least 11 films this year alone; all scheduled to be filmed here in Cleveland.  With the Ohio Film Tax Credit, film companies are putting us on top of their destination list for filming.  The Cleveland Film Commission states that their mission is, “to promote the increase of media production in Northeast Ohio using effective strategies for attraction and workforce development including an artistic infrastructure through film.”

Some of my friends were cast as extras.  One played a scientist and was bussed to Toledo for filming.  Another was in a scene running through downtown while things were blowing up around her.  In the midst of running, another woman fell and was nearly trampled.   An ambulance was even called for her.  Most set details have been hush-hush. Making this type of blockbuster hit, production doesn’t want to risk ANYTHING getting out about the plot.

Movie makers say 20% of the film will be shot in Cleveland.  Many people have flocked to E. 9th Street or Public Square to get a glimpse of the set and try to see a cast member.  This is all new to Clevelanders, but I predict very soon it will be another ordinary occurrence.  Those of us working downtown will be complaining about how it is inconvenient to get around the city streets with closures and traffic backups.  Right now everyone seems happy, but more movies mean more traffic messes and setbacks for commuters.  Hopefully those complaints won't convince Hollywood that we don't want them here.  Our economy in the former steel belt capital is struggling so much that ANY business we can sustain will be a great kick start to the future of the NEW Cleveland, which city planners are actively working towards and proud Clevelanders applaud.

Photo credit: MetroMix

Extra's snapshots

Ten Fashion No No's

As I spend time back-to-school shopping, I find myself in a mall people watching as I wait for my girls to make their purchases.  I see a whole lot of fashion blunders walking past me, so I decided to use this as my next blog. 

Please note:  I am NOT the fashion police!  If you are my friend or associate and are guilty of any of these mistakes, I WILL still own up to knowing you.  I do know there is such a thing as a BAD fashion day.  All I ask of you on one of those bad days is before you step out of your house, step in front of a mirror first.

MY TOP TEN!

10. If you wore an article of clothing 20 years ago and even if it is seemingly back in style, DO NOT wear it again! Example: Leg warmers, Tie Dye shirts, ANYTHING that looks like it was once owned by Madonna, etc.
9. If you are over 25 years old, DO NOT show your belly off with a midriff shirt in public.  This is especially true for men.
8. If you have been to the beach and have white tan lines around your eyes from your sunglasses, please use concealer to make it less noticeable when going to an event.
7. Make sure your clothes fit. 
 Example: Men's jeans that are too long and slouch near the ankles or don't fit the rear end are not “IN.”
6. Hawaiian shirts should ONLY be worn at a pig roast or in Hawaii.
5. If at all possible, DO NOT wear high heels that are chipped or worn out.  That just isn't HOT

4. Don't wear lip liner darker than the lipstick.  They should blend together. 

3. Don't wear dark eye shadow AND dark lipstick.
2. Make sure your foundation is matched to your skin type.  NO line from your face to your neck should exist. 
1. If you’re over 30, DO NOT wear your hair in a high ponytail with a scrunchy UNLESS you are working in the garden

We all slip into our comfy clothes, which have worn out but we just can't bring ourselves to throw away, sometimes around the house.  These articles remind us of our youth or bring back memories of another time.  However, some people seem to think the old look is still working for them and then go out in public.  I am here to say, “It is out of style!”  To create a better you, ditch the palm trees on your shirts and get a great pair of jeans that fit.  Just maybe you will run into a trendy girl that wears........ leg warmers. ;)

Breaking News!

I have heard from many newscasters that there is no budget for makeup in Cleveland television, so it’s every woman for herself.  In the past, many of the on camera personnel developed a style and didn't want to change.  In current times, anchors are asking for help or maybe just watching the DVR and making tweaks on their own.  On air lip color needs to be brought down and a bronzer is better than a blush.  Eye makeup needs to be a bit heavier; yet, full fake lashes are too much for the news.

A few years back, I was lucky enough to go to Washington D.C. and be Kelly O'Donnell's makeup artist for Cleveland Magazine.  Kelly is a native of Cleveland; she was a reporter for WJKW Ch 8 years back and now she works as a White House Correspondent for NBC Nightly News.  On that day, her shoot was postponed an hour due to loss of power at her home.  She was apologetic and frazzled while running in late.  Kelly expressed to us how tardiness isn't her forte'.  I had an hour and a half to spend with Kelly.  She was very friendly and open to my suggestions on styling.  I did have styling instructions from the magazine, and Kelly was a trooper through the shoot.  Upon departure from the studio, we left behind a huge crate of lights on the curb.  It wasn't noticed by security until we were 55 minutes away.  This really extended the trip going back, but the final picture was so stunning that one quickly moves past the set backs faced during the day.

In Cleveland, anchors and weather forecasters are asked to be at fairs, parades, charity auctions, and, sometimes, on magazine covers.  Betsy Kling, Maureen Kyle, Kimberly Gill, and Andrea Vecchio are all "cover girls" from Cleveland Magazine shoots, which I have been part of in the past.  All of the women brought such energy and grace to the shoots.  With a few outfit changes, one forgets they are news reporters and not fashion models.  A few months back, I was hired to take care of Robin Swaboda.  I must say, she was so VERY nice.  She said to me, "So what is your story?"  We talked as if we had met before.  My Grandma Charlotte LOVED Robin and I told her how excited she would have been if she was still alive to hear I was meeting her.  It was actually my own “Breaking News” that I was there.

As a young girl I liked watching the news.  As an adult I still watch, but do so online.  I am still a viewer today because I have met so many of these women.  I have connected with them and some now are even my friends. Regardless if the news is sad one day or weather will be ugly, the newscasters hold it all together.  They try not to panic the public, but inform or warn us.  Looking good counts, but really it's their sincerity that keeps us tuning in.

Eric Mull/Karen Siat