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You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll learn to love Mike as I do: a fantastic humanitarian who has given a lot of himself to good causes and doing what's right for the little guy.

I bought the CD single of this song that I heard heard about from a few friends. The song blew me away, and I called the producer and pitched him a music video idea. He loved it. I flew out to Flint, Michigan with nothing more than my video camera, follow focus, and a reflector. I showed up at 8am on a Saturday and we shot a 5 minute music video in about 10 hours. We filmed in 5 locations and had a cast of over 10 people!

We had no lights, no tripod, and none of the "actors" had any professional experience. It was a scorching 100+ degrees outside and staying hydrated and cool proved challenging. However, as you see, these folks were very talented and pulled off a nearly impossible task. The video turned out fantastic and it's being entered into a few music video film festivals.

It was truly a community effort and I applaud the hard working dedicated people of my hometown of Flint on making something I think tells a sad story but leaves you with a sense of hope.

Enjoy.

Just wrapped a 5 minute narrative music video for the song "We Gone Make It" (The Fight Ain't Yours Alone) in Flint Michigan.

I pitched the idea of a gritty urban drama in the vein of Menace II Society, Juice, Boyz N The Hood, and Above The Rim. However, Flint has seen enough tragedy, so, taking inspiration from the song lyrics, we set out to create something realistic but with a dose of hope.

Filming was a challenge. As I flew in from NY, we didn't have lights or even a tripod. All I brought was my Nikon D7000, Nikon D90, a borrowed wheelchair (for dolly shots) and some Flexfill reflectors. That's it! The weather was nice but hot - 103 degree heat index!

None of the "actors" (really just volunteers) had any real experience on camera, but you'd never know it! They did most scenes in just one or two takes! I was astounded at the professionalism and talent. These folks are naturals! Thanks to all involved.

The film will hit the film festival circuit this Fall.

The event had (awful) coney dogs, worse music (DJ sucked) but the Vernors was quite good, and the pasty making contest, which my friend Aimee Martin entered. Hers were the best!

Ultra-rare 1956 photo of the Flint Michigan V-8 Engine Factory setup men, who got the line ready for action. I grew up right next to this factory. The reason they are smiling is because the photographer said "everyone say... shit!" else they'd never of smiled. These were real men and this was real hard work. This rare piece of American automotive history comes from my friend MeChelle Utt. Thank you so much! Framed and going up in my apartment.

Via ebay.