Marissa Upingo: Working with Joslyn Rose Lyons provided room for all us to be even more creative with the entire process. The 1st AD, Armin and I were definitely challenged in our styles of communication since Joslyn wasn’t there in person. But the phones calls, texts, etc. always helped to prioritize Joslyn’s vision for these films. I personally learned so much from that component in and of itself, and I feel more equipped for what’s to come; which is unknown. We just don't know how long things will be like this in our society and community, so overall I’m grateful for the challenge and being able to overcome them to such a result. And on top of that, being led by such a strong female presence, even though it was via zoom, is always, for me, something to take such pride in. Being one of the very few women on this set, her leadership was one of the main things that made it such an experience. I am extremely proud just to have been born and raised in the Bay Area. That itself was a big factor in my decision to be a part of this production. But then you know being that, Tajai, the Mighty Souls of Mischief/Hieroglyphics paved the way for so many artists coming out of the Bay it was an honor to have served Tajai’s vision, Joslyn’s vision, and overall just be able to help in any regard I could. As an artist, life feeds your craft. There are always shadows and always light. I think highlighting what is going on in our society and across the country is crucial for growth and progressive creativity. I'm always able to find my inner light and creativity because I give myself the space to feel and experience all the emotions. And art, I think, comes from that. So being a part of this production was just an extension of feeling and expressing. It’s beautiful, it’s tragic, and it’s life. And I’m so grateful just for being able to contribute to these films, especially during these times we’re in because, like any form of art, it reminds us that there is always light.
RAPNOIR, ARMIN HOUSHMANDI behind the scenes
Armin Houshmandi (1st AD): What was it like working on this project?
Armin: Talking about Tajai, and being a fanboy for the Mighty Souls of Mischief - they were a big factor in my coming up through high school. In my travels coming from California to New York, and ultimately coming back to to California, that music resonated with me everywhere I went; it was timeless. And it is an honor and a privilege to have served this set for that reason. It was made a little bit easier working with Joslyn Rose because she and I have history together on other shoots but the twist to that is she was directing virtually, so the comfort level was pretty high with knowing timing and styles and knowing how she likes a set to run. The difficulty was having her involved all the time via a zoom link or a phone call, or pictures in a text, to just constantly make sure we were achieving the vision she sought out to shoot - coming up with the most fantastic scenarios and vignettes that you could be blessed to work with on-set.
With the social tension, all the political nonsense going back and forth, the pandemic, this visual album/movie/series of vignettes of playing in the shadows and the light rang really true to my heart during this shoot. Because so much of what’s happening around us is living in the shadows. It’s a dark time, and to be able to spend some of those moments in the beautiful Bay Area, with people who are so dedicated to their craft, even the darkest moments can have a flicker of candlelight to illuminate a room. Showing you a path, to somewhere, where you can make a difference. And that was one of the most important things for me to be a part of, especially with this shoot. I would do it again in a heartbeat and not change a thing. But, there’s no way that we could have successfully executed a schedule like ours without my 2nd AD Marissa. With her immense problem-solving skills and determination we were able to accomplish the impossible.
