Who Is Scott Austin?

So we’re t-plus 72 hours into 2010 and I have already discovered 3 things that I should have in 2009!

First, the RedBox DVD rental device. This very 2009, maybe even 2008 invention blew my mind yesterday, offering up over a hundred amazing dvd movies for just a buck, without having to deal with a line at the rental store or having to wait for the mail man via netflix. All in all, a win-win, thank you RedBox:

Second, and directly related to the RedBox, the Tom Cruise-led Valkyrie. This is EXACTLY my kind of movie. I’ll admit, I went into the second act a bit skeptical of the depiction of actual German events acted out entirely in English, but I quickly got over my fears. This movie is incredible, and exactly the kind of strategy-thriller I would expect from the man who could pull off the lead in both Jerry Maguire and Vanilla Sky in the same decade. I only wish I had seen it in theaters. God bless RedBox.

Finally, and only because we are staying on topic, we also rented Up. Pixar rarely disappoints, and I’m convinced that they’re target audience is adults, not kids. This one may prove the point even more so, with a storyline that starts off as nothing less than a bit “adult”, even dark, but rewards with colorful and otherworldy animation and a storyline finale that should make even the most hardened soul tear up. Bravo!

Ok, so with approximately 24 hours of vacation time left, and after a terrific meal/drinks outing with good friends Devil Ash and beau Christopher at Silverlake’s fabulous Malo Restaurant, I am back in the lair speaking of a great technological find that dispenses great new films at great prices, all whilst sipping a freshly tapped Heineken courtesy of other great invention (and recent Xmas gift from smASH) the Krups Beertender. Cheers!

Exclusive Trailer available only at WhoisScottAustin.com:

It’s been a long time since I’ve written a blog about a film… This is mostly due to the fact that I haven’t been inspired to write about anything I’ve seen in recent memory.

Sure Dark Knight was amazing, but it just doesn’t seem appropriate to laud a film that is already one of the most popular movies of the decade with yet more regurgitated kudos, though I must admit they are justly due.

No, instead I’m going to give a glowing endorsement of a film that, at times while watching it, felt a bit like watching paint dry. Now I know that immediately sounds negative, but the kind of paint we’re talking about here is the creme de la creme, think of it as the Ralph Lauren quart covering the very best that film-making, directing and storylines have to offer. The kind of experience that makes you forget what you’re watching, and allows you to engage in a sort of self-induced coma of discovery.

It may be the last film that one of the world’s greatest men to ever grace the cinema screen ever makes, and it is exactly because of this reality that Gran Torino not only deserves all of the praise the critics have been offering, but it deserves two hours of your time to pay respects to one of this country’s most cherished thespians, Clint Eastwood.

I found this video to coincide with this blog, but my suggestion is that you only click the play button to view it if you’ve seen the film. What I’m saying will make a lot more sense to you if you follow my instruction

You gotta love Burbank airport… Not only is it uber-convenient for valley-centric folks such as myself, it’s also a hotbed for entertainment industry folks who don’t want to hassle LAX.

I was screaming into my bluetooth getting some down and dirty biz done before my flight to SF this weekend when I noticed the incomparable Mini Me boarding a flight out of the gate next to mine.  Some quick-footed thinking led me to grab a quick pic of the legend, with a guest appearance by Green Day lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong on my ensuing flight.  The uber-fan Southwest attendant looking after us asked me if I was a “rocker”, due in large part to the ‘hawk, to which I provided ample encouragement for him to go and get the autograph I knew he would regret not getting later.

Right Time, Right ?

Mac Allan is at it again. This time We The Living was the client and the song was their sultry mid-tempo ballad “Best Laid Plans”.

Last night was off to see U2-3D for the FOURTH time.. I’m a fan but not obsessed, I’ve been doing some research on the different viewing experiences for business purposes.. If you didn’t know, each theater has their own projection/sound equipment that provides a slightly different viewing experience depending on where you go.

Last night the spot was the IMAX theater at Universal City Walk with the Needhams and Will (didn’t forget your credit this time)… Was good to randomly bump into Rich from Clear Static, one of my former signings at Maverick.. Hit me up.

This photo sums it up, the Needhams are watching you.

3D x 4=12D?

In the off chance that you’re a reader of this fantastic blog, you may be wondering if I was abducted by aliens, kidnapped by an undetermined militant group, or just plain lazy due to my absence in blog land. Well the answer is none of the above (though a good alien abduction would make for a great blog entry!) I have actually just been insanely busy with work and my recent travels to the bay area to spend some time with clients and friends FIVE A.M.

The boys put on a great show to a packed house in Santa Rosa this Saturday and gave the throngs of die hard fans that came out in support exactly what they wanted, a full night’s entertainment. FIVE A.M. has an amazing song called “Still In Love With You” that will serve as the soundtrack to the short music film “Hands Of Hatred” that I exec-produced late last year.

HoH features Ice-T, Edward Furlong and Rumer Willis (as well as a celebrity mystery guest shhh) and is a unique twist on the traditional music vid, using a narrative storyline and known celebs to draw attention to this emerging artist’s music. Coming soon to a computer screen near you!

So after a full weekend of entertainment, one of the best Superbowl’s ever and a fair amount of spirits, I found myself at Oakland airport with just enough time to spare. Only problem was that the little computer thing that checks no-baggage guys like me in refused to find my rez.

Having changed my ticket to a later flight time late Saturday I should have expected drama. With minutes ticking down and an impending Oakland stayover likely, I summoned the help of a wonderful SW employee who informed me that the reason I wasn’t “in the system” was due to the fact that my return flight had been changed to an August 4 return date, not February 4th.

How anyone could have thought I wanted to move my a.m. Feb 4th flight to one returning six months later is beyond me, but due to some good luck with a delayed 730p flt, I was still able to return to good ol Burbank in one piece late last night.

And the lovely stewardess refused to charge me for my final bloody mary of the day, making me a Southwest fan again (unless/until I get stranded somewhere for real!)

Back In The Saddle.

I don’t normally post random viral videos, but this might be one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen and I HAD to share it!!! If you’re looking for a good laugh, give it a view! This insanity was created by Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy.

So I, eh hem, Mac Allan once again found myhimself behind the camera this week directing a short music film for We The Living.  The song is Best Laid Plans, a track off their debut album, “Heights Of The Heavens”.  IHe haves a lot of expectations to live up to on this one as the song is nothing short of magic.

Several great locations provided the backdrop during some snow-filled Wiskokie days and nights.

Here’s a still taken from myhis BlackBerry…

Of Mice And Former A&R Men. 

I had the distinct pleasure of being one of the first set of human eyes to see the world’s first live 3D movie event featuring a concert with U2!!!

I have seen this band multiple times live and have always been blown away but tonite I witnessed a truly groundbreaking experience. The music, the visuals, everything was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

If there was ever a doubt as to who the world’s greatest rock band is this will surely answer the question.

Thanks so much to my good friend and Authentik Boardmember Scott Mednick for the personal invite.. And good to see my friend Jason Ritter and hear all about his new film debuting at Sundance this year, wishing you the best for all your hard work.

U3-D.