A friend from the night before, Derek, stops by to check on us before going ATV-ing. He tells us that his friend is a mechanic that can probably fix our brake lights. Randy fixes our brake light problem by putting a simple fuse in (from a free kit given to us at the Harrah's Casino in New Orleans).
We make it to Shreveport by 5pm. We meet up with Oliver and go to the "W" wrap party.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Day 15 - Leaving New Orleans for real this time
We go back to the lower 9th ward and speak to volunteers from lowernine.org. We also stop at Cafe Reconcile and speak to the foundation's coordinator and a participant. Cafe Reconcile is a Zagat's rated restaurant in New Orleans, its mission is to give teens the skillset to work within the service industry.
We set off to go to Austin, TX at dusk. At the border of Louisiana and Texas - Lake Charles, Tracy wakes up and finds a voicemail from a friend of LAFCO, director Oliver Stone. He just wrapped his film "W" in Shreveport, LA and invited us to the wrap party the next evening.
We make a detour north. In the town immediately north of Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, we stop for gas. After filling up, the bus won't start. A filling on the air compressor has busted.
There is no 24 hour mechanic in the area. We meet Moss Bluff locals our age and talk until the wee hours of the morning. The next morning, Joe the mechanic comes and fixes the air compressor part. He informs us that we have a transmission leak. And our brake lights are not working. He can't fix either, we deem this not that urgent and set off.
We set off to go to Austin, TX at dusk. At the border of Louisiana and Texas - Lake Charles, Tracy wakes up and finds a voicemail from a friend of LAFCO, director Oliver Stone. He just wrapped his film "W" in Shreveport, LA and invited us to the wrap party the next evening.
We make a detour north. In the town immediately north of Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, we stop for gas. After filling up, the bus won't start. A filling on the air compressor has busted.
There is no 24 hour mechanic in the area. We meet Moss Bluff locals our age and talk until the wee hours of the morning. The next morning, Joe the mechanic comes and fixes the air compressor part. He informs us that we have a transmission leak. And our brake lights are not working. He can't fix either, we deem this not that urgent and set off.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Day 14 - Discoving New Orleans
Tracy and Jennifer go to City Hall to meet with Norris Henderson of SafeStreets. At the meeting, the New Orleans Council passes a controversial and long-awaited proposal that would implement independent police monitoring in New Orleans.
Sasha and Maggie go to the Garden District and meet artists.
Sasha and Maggie go to the Garden District and meet artists.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Day 13 - Leaving New Orleans
We try to leave New Orleans for Austin, TX. We stop at Walmart to get some supplies. Pulling out of Walmart, the bus loses any acceleration capacity.
We get towed to a shop outside of New Orleans. It's an easy fix, a new distributor is needed.
We plan to stay in New Orleans for at least another day.
We get towed to a shop outside of New Orleans. It's an easy fix, a new distributor is needed.
We plan to stay in New Orleans for at least another day.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Day 12 - NOLA
We tour the 9th Ward to see if there has been any progress.
We meet up with Chloe Cockburn, an attorney for the Vera Institute of Justice (NY), who has been working in New Orleans to help revise their criminal justice system. She is Tao Ruspoli's sister-in-law.
We meet up with Chloe Cockburn, an attorney for the Vera Institute of Justice (NY), who has been working in New Orleans to help revise their criminal justice system. She is Tao Ruspoli's sister-in-law.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Day 11 - Getting ALL Our Tires Replaced
The front tire that popped off was the one that had been replaced on July 5 by Wingfoot. It was improperly replaced.
Tracy, the Wingfoot salesman, has to drive 100 miles to get a used 10R20 rim. We negotiate with Wingfoot and get one new front steering tire and four all-terrain rear tires. This time, they are top of the line, heavy-duty Goodyear tires.
We leave at 6pm to get to New Orleans, LA. We arrive in New Orleans that evening.
Tracy, the Wingfoot salesman, has to drive 100 miles to get a used 10R20 rim. We negotiate with Wingfoot and get one new front steering tire and four all-terrain rear tires. This time, they are top of the line, heavy-duty Goodyear tires.
We leave at 6pm to get to New Orleans, LA. We arrive in New Orleans that evening.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Day 10 - ON THE ROAD
We set off at 9am after putting the posters that Venice, CA artist Robbie Conal, gave to us.
On the road for nearly 2 hours, the air pressure alarm goes off (the bus runs on air brakes and thus needs at least 90 psi to brake). However, the gauge tells us that the air pressure was at 120+. We pull into a rest stop and call the mechanic from the night before. He tells us that we should be fine and something must be wrong with the gauge.
We get back on the highway, only to discover that we had been going on the wrong freeway for the past hour: we were on 75-S instead of 85-S. We pull out our road atlas and find a smaller highway that will connect us to 85-S.
We drove with the alarm going off for another 2 hours. Now the air pressure has fallen and we are driving without brakes. We start calling mechanics to see if one is near where we are or if they could meet us where we are. We find one in Columbus, GA. We safely stop at a gas station where he meets us and fixes the governor of our air brake system.
We're on the road again to Mobile, Alabama.
20 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on I-65S (a 2-lane, 70 mph highway) we are on a suspended road over a swamp that will take us into Mobile. Right before we go over the bridge into Mobile...we feel a jolt and then looked out the right windows of the bus to see our tire bouncing past us. We come to a quick, smooth stop to avoid sparking of the rims. But there is no shoulder on the highway; we are in the right lane without our hazard lights working. We quickly run out to see what happened. We lost a tire and the rim, but the wheel is still intact. Cars are speeding by and an 18-wheel tractor-trailer almost hits us. He stops in time, leaving his truck behind the bus to divert traffic.
Calls are made to AAA for towing, and to 911 for highway assistance.
3 hours later, no towing service is available to tow our bus. The Alabama State Troopers have stopped traffic (on the tail end of July 4th weekend), creating a 5 mile back-up. The troopers finally call in a favor and a semi-truck is borrowed to tow us.
The bus is towed to Wingfoot in Mobile. We spend the night at a Super 8 motel down the street.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Day 9 - Search for tires
After many phone calls, we find the rare 10R20 tires available with Wingfoot, a national commercial truck tire company.
They come to the bus to change the tires. But the treading on the tires were not appropriate. Desperate to get on the road, we agree to change the front two steering tires and change the four rear drive tires at Wingfoot in Mobile, Alabama.
That evening, all of us test drive the bus to a celebratory dinner. We plan to leave at the crack of dawn the next morning. When we park for the night, we smell an overwhelming smell of burning rubber and the entire rear underbelly of the bus is smoking.
We call a 24 hour truck mechanic, cajole him to drive over an hour to us, to ascertain the problem. He tells us that it is our air brake tube. He replaces it.
They come to the bus to change the tires. But the treading on the tires were not appropriate. Desperate to get on the road, we agree to change the front two steering tires and change the four rear drive tires at Wingfoot in Mobile, Alabama.
That evening, all of us test drive the bus to a celebratory dinner. We plan to leave at the crack of dawn the next morning. When we park for the night, we smell an overwhelming smell of burning rubber and the entire rear underbelly of the bus is smoking.
We call a 24 hour truck mechanic, cajole him to drive over an hour to us, to ascertain the problem. He tells us that it is our air brake tube. He replaces it.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Day 8 - July 4th
We can't do anything with the bus because it is July 4th weekend.
We hook up with James Wade, a LAFCO member, who invites us to a Fourth of July BBQ at the house of music producer, Rico Wade [Outkast].
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Day 7 - The engine is put in
The engine is put in. The job is completed by dark.
But, we are told that the tires are all dry rotted.
But, we are told that the tires are all dry rotted.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Day 6 - New Engine Arrives!
The new engine arrives. Joseph recruits a friend to help him. The engine is assembled, using components from the old engine.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Day 4 - New Tactic
Time is ticking...Joseph can't find the right engine. He suggests that the engine be re-built. We drop the engine off at Joe's Automotive, outside of Atlanta, GA.
Joe tells us that the engine is a 366 and not a 454, as originally thought.
We find a 366 engine in Georgia. We put in an order with Jasper Engines.
Joe tells us that the engine is a 366 and not a 454, as originally thought.
We find a 366 engine in Georgia. We put in an order with Jasper Engines.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Day 2 - Meet the Mechanic
We meet the mechanic, Ian Joseph, for the first time.
He tells us that he was sent the wrong engine.
He tells us that he was sent the wrong engine.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Day 1 - Arrive in Atlanta, GA
Day 1
Tracy, Maggie, Sasha arrive in Atlanta, GA from Newark International Airport.
They find the bus in the parking lot of a warehouse [2 High Studios].
A new engine is sitting next to the bus.
Jennifer flies in from Los Angeles International Airport.
Tracy, Maggie, Sasha arrive in Atlanta, GA from Newark International Airport.
They find the bus in the parking lot of a warehouse [2 High Studios].
A new engine is sitting next to the bus.
Jennifer flies in from Los Angeles International Airport.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Introduction
LAFCO Bus Tour 2008
Founded in 2000 by Tao Ruspoli, the Los Angeles Filmmakers' Cooperative (LAFCO) is a mobile, self-sufficient film production studio based out of a fully-equipped school bus. LAFCO's mission is to give voices to those who are underrepresented in mainstream media, all while using the unique aesthetic of its filmmaking style. LAFCO has produced three feature length films that have screened at independent film festivals across the United States and earned numerous distinctions: Camjackers (2006), Pocket Change (2008), FIX (2008).
More than merely a physical production base, the LAFCO bus is critical in the ongoing effort to find and explore what is true, authentic and beautiful in a chaotic world. As film becomes an increasingly accessible and powerful medium, the members of the Los Angeles Filmmakers' Cooperative continue to seek countless adventures in the United States and beyond, producing dozens of music videos, documentaries, and narrative films.
On June 27, 2008, the LAFCO bus was entrusted to four young women: aspiring actresses, directors, and editors. Total strangers, the only thing they had in common was each of their separate encounters with LAFCO and their shared belief in and commitment to the LAFCO mission. Their journey began in Atlanta, Georgia and leads them across the great American South to Venice, California. Along the way, they plan to upload 2-3 minute short pieces that reflect their unique discoveries among the American landscape and how that shapes each person's personal journey. Upon successfully completing the trip, the short pieces will be edited into a 30 minute short film (for festival submission) that will, hopefully, capture a distinctly contemporaneous take on the American condition that can inform, inspire, and/or spark an effectual dialogue.
STOPS THUS FAR:
Atlanta, GA
Columbus, GA
Mobile, AL
New Orleans, LA
Moss Bluff, LA
Shreveport, LA
Athens, TX
Austin, TX
Marfa, TX
El Paso, TX
Sante Fe, NM
Taos, NM
CREW BIOS
(L to R: Tracy, Sasha, Jennifer, Maggie)
Tracy Chung
Graduated from Columbia University in the City of New York in May 2008 with a major in Political Science – International Affairs and an unofficial concentration in filmmaking. An aspiring actress and filmmaker, she is currently writing her first feature length screenplay. Her collaboration with LAFCO started when she met Tao in Los Angeles in the summer of 2006, during which she attended the Lee Strasberg Institute for Theatre and Film. She is the primary bus driver on the trip because it is a cold, hard fact that the most skilled drivers hail from the dirty 'Jerz.
Jennifer Hobdy
Born and raised in Southern California. A vegetarian for life. Graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Psychology and Studio Art. Her professional career began as an editor working for Plum TV in Aspen, Colorado. After snowboarding for two seasons, she got sick of the snow and then moved back home. Loves to travel but is deathly afraid of mosquitoes and getting stuck in any one place. Current priority: meet new people and make it back in one piece.
Alexandra Metz (Sasha)
Graduated from Brown University in 2008. Although a Human Biology concentrator, she began entertaining her dream of performance arts during her Junior year at Brown. Due to boldness and keen talent, she now holds credits in many play and film productions, confirming her need to continue stimulating and satisfying her creative drive. As a strong believer in the notion that "everything happens for a reason," she is grateful and excited to be a part of this crazy journey across the country.
Margaret Odette Perkins (Maggie) graduated from Brown University in 2008. Her degree in Art Semiotics allowed her to focus on her keen interests in critical film theory and production. She began acting at a young age, performing in plays, musicals, and local film productions. In the spring of 2008, while working as a staff member for the Ivy Film Festival, Maggie met featured guest and LAFCO founder Tao Ruspoli. Within months she signed on to be part of the LAFCO bus' tour back to LA-LA Land. Maggie hopes to see, hear, smell, taste, and create some really cool shit while on the road. "Hey Maggie you should film that….Toooooo Laaaaaate!"
Special thanks to:
Tao Ruspoli, friend, mentor, executive producer, LAFCO founder
Sarah Redlich
The Sulmers Family, Atlanta, GA
Cortez and 2 High Studios, Atlanta, GA
Ian Joseph of Mobile Mechanics, Atlanta, GA
Lee of Yessir Services, Hiram, GA
Joe's Automotive, Decatur, GA
James Wade, Rico Wade, the Dungeoneeze family, ATL
Maddock Truck Repair, Fayetteville, GA
Godwin Road Service, Phenix City, AL
Alabama State Trooper Eubanks
Goodyear-Wingfoot Mobile, AL
Coleman's Wrecker Service, New Orleans, LA
Chloe Cockburn of the Vera Justice Institute, New York, NY
Norris Henderson of SafeStreets, New Orleans, LA
The Moss Bluff Crew
Oliver Stone
Sandra, Marfa, TX
The Copelands and their lovely Austin St. Cafe, Marfa, TX
Crystal and her magic cleaning wand, Las Vegas, Nevada
...
Founded in 2000 by Tao Ruspoli, the Los Angeles Filmmakers' Cooperative (LAFCO) is a mobile, self-sufficient film production studio based out of a fully-equipped school bus. LAFCO's mission is to give voices to those who are underrepresented in mainstream media, all while using the unique aesthetic of its filmmaking style. LAFCO has produced three feature length films that have screened at independent film festivals across the United States and earned numerous distinctions: Camjackers (2006), Pocket Change (2008), FIX (2008).
More than merely a physical production base, the LAFCO bus is critical in the ongoing effort to find and explore what is true, authentic and beautiful in a chaotic world. As film becomes an increasingly accessible and powerful medium, the members of the Los Angeles Filmmakers' Cooperative continue to seek countless adventures in the United States and beyond, producing dozens of music videos, documentaries, and narrative films.
On June 27, 2008, the LAFCO bus was entrusted to four young women: aspiring actresses, directors, and editors. Total strangers, the only thing they had in common was each of their separate encounters with LAFCO and their shared belief in and commitment to the LAFCO mission. Their journey began in Atlanta, Georgia and leads them across the great American South to Venice, California. Along the way, they plan to upload 2-3 minute short pieces that reflect their unique discoveries among the American landscape and how that shapes each person's personal journey. Upon successfully completing the trip, the short pieces will be edited into a 30 minute short film (for festival submission) that will, hopefully, capture a distinctly contemporaneous take on the American condition that can inform, inspire, and/or spark an effectual dialogue.
STOPS THUS FAR:
Atlanta, GA
Columbus, GA
Mobile, AL
New Orleans, LA
Moss Bluff, LA
Shreveport, LA
Athens, TX
Austin, TX
Marfa, TX
El Paso, TX
Sante Fe, NM
Taos, NM
CREW BIOS
(L to R: Tracy, Sasha, Jennifer, Maggie)
Tracy Chung
Graduated from Columbia University in the City of New York in May 2008 with a major in Political Science – International Affairs and an unofficial concentration in filmmaking. An aspiring actress and filmmaker, she is currently writing her first feature length screenplay. Her collaboration with LAFCO started when she met Tao in Los Angeles in the summer of 2006, during which she attended the Lee Strasberg Institute for Theatre and Film. She is the primary bus driver on the trip because it is a cold, hard fact that the most skilled drivers hail from the dirty 'Jerz.
Jennifer Hobdy
Born and raised in Southern California. A vegetarian for life. Graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Psychology and Studio Art. Her professional career began as an editor working for Plum TV in Aspen, Colorado. After snowboarding for two seasons, she got sick of the snow and then moved back home. Loves to travel but is deathly afraid of mosquitoes and getting stuck in any one place. Current priority: meet new people and make it back in one piece.
Alexandra Metz (Sasha)
Graduated from Brown University in 2008. Although a Human Biology concentrator, she began entertaining her dream of performance arts during her Junior year at Brown. Due to boldness and keen talent, she now holds credits in many play and film productions, confirming her need to continue stimulating and satisfying her creative drive. As a strong believer in the notion that "everything happens for a reason," she is grateful and excited to be a part of this crazy journey across the country.
Margaret Odette Perkins (Maggie) graduated from Brown University in 2008. Her degree in Art Semiotics allowed her to focus on her keen interests in critical film theory and production. She began acting at a young age, performing in plays, musicals, and local film productions. In the spring of 2008, while working as a staff member for the Ivy Film Festival, Maggie met featured guest and LAFCO founder Tao Ruspoli. Within months she signed on to be part of the LAFCO bus' tour back to LA-LA Land. Maggie hopes to see, hear, smell, taste, and create some really cool shit while on the road. "Hey Maggie you should film that….Toooooo Laaaaaate!"
Special thanks to:
Tao Ruspoli, friend, mentor, executive producer, LAFCO founder
Sarah Redlich
The Sulmers Family, Atlanta, GA
Cortez and 2 High Studios, Atlanta, GA
Ian Joseph of Mobile Mechanics, Atlanta, GA
Lee of Yessir Services, Hiram, GA
Joe's Automotive, Decatur, GA
James Wade, Rico Wade, the Dungeoneeze family, ATL
Maddock Truck Repair, Fayetteville, GA
Godwin Road Service, Phenix City, AL
Alabama State Trooper Eubanks
Goodyear-Wingfoot Mobile, AL
Coleman's Wrecker Service, New Orleans, LA
Chloe Cockburn of the Vera Justice Institute, New York, NY
Norris Henderson of SafeStreets, New Orleans, LA
The Moss Bluff Crew
Oliver Stone
Sandra, Marfa, TX
The Copelands and their lovely Austin St. Cafe, Marfa, TX
Crystal and her magic cleaning wand, Las Vegas, Nevada
...
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Disclaimer
All photos and video are the sole property of LAFCO. Please contact us at lafco2008@gmail.com for terms of use.
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