Tao Jones

I recently collaborated with Christopher Perricelli, an independent choreographer/composer/Graduate Film major at The Art Institute of Chicago on a "48-Hour Challenge" video project hosted by the Dance Films Association. Contestants were asked to select a news story published roundabouts July 17, 2009, then shoot, edit, and submit a dance-related video (4 minutes or less) inspired by its contents no later than 11:59pm on July 19 (I know. It was really a 72-hour challenge...but artist types aren't typically known for their math skills).

"Tao Jones" is a loose kinetic commentary on a WSOCTV.com feature published July 15, 2009, entitled, "Former NASCAR Mechanic Talks About Battle with Depression". The article discusses the identity crisis Jason Myers' suffered after losing his job with NASCAR in the wake of the economic collapse, his subsequent suicide attempt, but ultimately, an opportunity to reclaim his sense of self despite being stripped of his professional identity.

Chris and I recast Myers' character as a stockbroker, a slightly more iconic "Jones" persona (arguably the most proverbial brunt-bearer of the emerging Bail-Out Era). In depicting this broker's quest for the still point in a turbulent economy, the film investigates whether or not the virtue of simply BEING - sans one's personal and professional functions - is integral enough to Western consciousness to buoy the disenfranchised Myers' of America.

Shot: Friday, July 17, 2009

Edited: Saturday, July 18, 2009

Submitted: Sunday, July 19, 2009

Rank: 5th Place

Camera/Cinematography: Christopher Perricelli

Choreography/Soloist: Paul Christiano

Editing: Christopher Perricelli; Paul Christiano

* The temporary score for this work-in-progress version includes original compositions by Christopher Perricelli and snippets from a montage of other composers' works designed by Chris for "AviMar", an ensemble work choreographed in 2008 by Francisco Avina & Stephanie Martinez for Luna Negra Dance Theatre

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• paul
• christiano
• dance
• film
• choreography
• contemporary
• modern
• solo
• performing
• arts
• 48-hour
• challenge