I’m so honored and delighted to welcome one of my closest friends whom I truly admire, love, and adore, our friendship spans over three decades., Today, I welcome Emmy Award-winning Actress, Director, Producer, and Author Crystal Chappell.

Crystal is currently working on the successful soap opera digital series “Venice”, which is going into its 7th season, She’s also working on, “It girls on the stoop”  and “Beacon hill”.

BIO:
Chappell's first daytime appearance was as a day player on All My Children in 1989. In a July 2006 interview in industry magazine Soap Opera Digest, Chappell recalled actor Maurice Benard helping her through her first scenes. After a brief run on Santa Barbara in 1990, (she played a classmate of Eden's who died of an ice overdose), Chappell was cast as Dr. Carly Manning Alamain (Katerina von Leuschner) on Days of Our Lives. She portrayed the role from June 1990 to October 1993. Chappell and future husband Michael Sabatino met on Days of Our Lives, where he played villain Lawrence Alamain.

Chappell was front-burner for most of her time on the show, first when her character Carly was featured in a romance with lead character Bo Brady (Peter Reckell, Robert Kelker-Kelly), and then in a complex, Byzantine storyline that featured her heretofore unknown secret identity as a European blueblood. The story culminated in a controversial plot that had Carly buried alive by Lawrence's aunt Vivian (Louise Sorel)

Chappell's next role was as Maggie Carpenter on One Life to Live from October 1995 through September 1997. The character of Maggie was created for Chappell, and she was again paired with a romantic lead on the show, Max Holden (James DePaiva). Her main storyline revolved around the tension between her burgeoning romantic relationship and her plans to profess vows as a nun. 

From July 2, 1999 to September 18, 2009, she played complex villainess/anti-heroine Olivia Spencer on Guiding Light. The role of Olivia was initially only intended to be a short-term role, but Chappell's portrayal was so popular she was signed to a contract. She won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama for her work as Olivia in 2002 and was nominated again in the same category in 2005 and 2006. In 2007, she earned her first nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actress category.

I'm excited to be back for my second season of "Art Buyer for Hire". Thank you all for your continued support and for listening to this podcast celebrating the Art of production. I am delighted to welcome my next guest, Vice President, Executive Producer, Liz Miller Gershfeld from Energy BBDO in Chicago. With over two decades at this agency, she has worked with some of the most iconic clients and artists in our industry. 
I had the pleasure of meeting Liz when I moved to Chicago many years ago, we instantly had an incredible rapport and hit it off immediately. I'm grateful to welcome my friend to this episode.

In this episode, we will speak about getting vaccinated, what it’s like working from home. Did you know her first production was on a shoot with David LaChappelle? We talk the Detroit art scene, and did you know she majored in journalism? You will never guess how she made the transition to Art production or as it was known in earlier days, Art buying. Do you know why Liz was at Joliet prison? How she came to be at BBDO Chicago, please listen to this wonderful episode. Liz is such an eloquent guest and has much to offer. She is truly passionate about art and production. We talk about the best part of her job and the challenges, giving productive feedback, speaking on zoom calls, working during Covid, challenging parts of art production, where she finds her inspiration in people who follow their curiosity, what resources she looks at. Her personal list, and, how important is a photographer's treatment? Bike riding in Chicago. Advice for folks looking to get into advertising we talk artists museums. I don’t want to give the episode away so please take a listen.

Bio:  Liz Miller-Gershfeld grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and moved to Chicago after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Journalism.

Shortly after moving to Chicago Liz got involved in the film community working in various aspects of production from PA to craft service, casting to talent wrangling and producing for a commercial director. Eventually, she moved toward her passion which is photography and working with photographers which she has been doing for the past 21 years.

Currently, Liz is a VP, Executive art producer at Energy BBDO working with clients such as Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Herradura, American Egg Board, Ocean Spray, Wrigley, Kerrygold, Pearle Vision, and others. She has been producing award-winning work for more than 21 years. 

Liz has been a panelist and speaker for the APA giving talks at Columbia College and the Apple Store, gave a talk for Geekfest NOLA, was a keynote speaker for PhotoShelter’s Chicago Town Hall, has judged photo competitions for PDN, the APA, LeBook, and Columbia College’s Manifest Graduate competition. Liz has been a panelist for PDN and spoke in the New York Times building to hundreds of photographers for the ASMP.

Liz is a year-round bike commuter and lives in Chicago with her husband and 2 sons.

When asked what inspires her most about her job, the answer was easy:

“There are certain ideas, which come along from time to time where every person who touches it has to breathe life into it. Every person has to share the vision for its coming to life and success, even against many odds. The energy of those is the creative vision itself, which becomes a shared vision

I am delighted to welcome my next guest, Photographer, and Director Kurt Iswarienko. Kurt is an accomplished Portrait and Fashion photographer. His photographs have appeared in such publications as GQ, Interview, W, ESPN, Esquire, and Flaunt Magazine, to name a few. His portraits include the likes of; Jessica Lange, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Scott Eastwood, Susan Sarandon, Samuel L. Jackson, Harrison Ford, Charlize Theron, Drew Brees, and Leo Messi amongst many others.

He has also directed many projects including work for; Netflix, Amazon, NatGeo, Uniqlo, NetJets, and Este Lauder. His documentaries include; BRAVO GIORGIO which honored Mr. Armani’s 40th anniversary dressing Hollywood’s leading men and most recently completed a project for Chanel & MoMA on Film preservation.

Kurt and I will speak about his shooting “Far Away, so close". His process for shooting "virtually". We discuss his new film on Film Preservation, a must-see!

We talk about taking the positive from 2020. Today we also converse about his beginnings, his many moves and his passion for Argentina, and how that city sparked his creativity. 

Did you know he is a Pilot? What do you think his nickname is for a Pentax 6 x7? Or what was it like working on the set of "Pirates of the Caribbean"? 

You will hear about his first assignment, most memorable photoshoot, how he got started, and why he values fashion stylists. Iswarienko has worn many hats, and you'll discover how it all led to where he is now.

We speak about Kurt finding his "Director voice" so that he could "tell stories in motion".

I don't want to give this episode away, take a listen to this honest and insightful conversation. Be inspired!


Kurt's website:
https://www.kurtiswarienko.com

I’m delighted to have Laurie on today’s program. Laurie Kratochvil is a legendary Visuals editor. She began her career at the LA Times and went on to join Rolling Stone in 1982. In 1994, Kratochvil became the founding photo editor for In Style Magazine and worked there until 2005, before starting her own visual consulting business, working with magazines such as Self, Men’s Health, and Essence.

Her book projects include NY Times bestseller Rolling Stone: The Photographs, Africa by Herb Ritts, Cyclops by Albert Watson, Mil Besos, and Angel Gitano by Ruven Afanador, DIANA VREELAND The Modern Woman by Alexander Vreeland. 

In this episode, we discover that Friday the 13th may be good luck :) 
How she started her career at "Road & Track Magazine".

We discover her passion for Biographies and Autobiographies.

How the famous cover of the Blues Brothers Rolling Stone magazine actually happened.

Her discovery of photographer Mark Seliger and what Icon did she play Marvin Gaye for??

Laurie and I discuss her book projects with photographers from Herb Ritts, Albert Watson, and Ruven Afanador who actually styled his own photographs, amongst many others.

What was it like to work with Julia Roberts?  We speak about her teaching experience and she gives words of wisdom and advice for people who want to become involved and create a career in the wonderful photo industry.

Why internships are so important?
I don't want to give this podcast away, so take a listen to this wonderful episode!

Please "like", give feedback, or subscribe to Art Buyer For Hire. Thank you all for your support!

Look for Laurie's work on the IG page #artbuyerforhire

Today I’m thrilled to welcome Photographer & Director Martin Schoeller to this episode. I’m sure there is not a person who does not recognize the powerful close-up portraits of Mr. Schoeller, He has photographed celebrities and public figures including Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Oprah, Jay-Z, and Willie Nelson, to name a few. He has also photographed a range of faces from many walks of life.  He has contributed to publications such as National Geographic, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, TIME, The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone and GQ, among others.

I had the privilege, several times to work with him when I was the Senior Producer at Digitas health for a project for an epileptic medication, showcasing the “Face” of Epilepsy. We also had him film the video interview portion 

An accomplished photographer, Martin has a new exhibition titled Death Row Exonerees it is currently on view at the Fotografiska Gallery in New York City until  January 10th, 2021

This exhibition consists of moving, digital portraits of individuals who share their stories of how they were convicted and sentenced to death row for crimes they did not commit. 

Today we speak about his start in photography.  His moving to NYC and assisting legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz.

We also get the stories behind his many personal projects and books including, Identical, Female bodybuilders and Survivors, Faces of life after the Holocaust.

Schoeller’s portraits are exhibited and collected internationally, appearing in solo exhibitions in Europe and the United States, as well as part of the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. Martin lives and works in New York City

Martin's website:
https://martinschoeller.com

Fotografiska Gallery:
https://www.fotografiska.com/nyc/exhibitions/

Today I’m delighted to introduce my next guest, Award-winning Photographer and director Chris Crisman. Chris and I met many years ago in Philadelphia, I was a fan of his work instantly and have always admired his passion and drive as a photographer. This year Chris published his first book “Women’s Work, Stories from pioneering women shaping our workforce” 

In 2020 he started “Virtual shoot Production” Crisman is also working on a new series titled “Depth of Fields” which will roll out later this year.

We recorded this episode on Election day. I'm honored to have him on the program.

Chris and I speak about his book celebrating the Women shaping our future and how this project came about.

He speaks about assembling a successful team, his work process, and his mentors.

We talk about "Virtual Shoots". He was a true pioneer of this process.

Did you know his Mom was a dog groomer? His Dad was a Steel Worker?

His wife is one of my favorites, she makes me smile every day when I look at her cards or magnets on my refrigerator. An amazing talent, with my favorite sense of humor.

He studied pre-med and was a javelin thrower.FYI. 

Crisman tells us how we take a negative and make it into a positive one. 
I will not give this episode away. Please listen and enjoy it! 

Links:

https://www.crismanphoto.com

Book:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Womens-Work/Chris-Crisman/9781982110376

I’m so excited to introduce my next guest, Award winning, Guy Mastrion, a skilled creative director, designer, photographer, and filmmaker He is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Brandforming and the  Chair Professor of Business Administration at Skidmore College where he teaches courses on Branding and Commercial Production.

Prior to Brandforming, Guy was one of three founders and Chief Global Creative Officer of Palio Communications and additionally, held senior creative leadership positions at Saatchi & Saatchi, McCann Erickson, Dancer Fitzgerald & Sample, Bates and McCaffery McCall This is a very special episode for me. Today I speak with Guy Mastrion who is single-handedly responsible for the beginning of my career as an Art Buyer/Art Producer

For background reference, Ed Mitzen and Mike Myers (Not the actor) who we speak about here on today's program, co-founded Palio communications with Guy, we learn the evolution of this agency on today’s episode.

We discover why this program is called ABFH, How and why he brought me into Palio communications, and joining the team and mentoring young designers and art directors.

Guy, started his career with a passion for creating images. 

He discusses the fostering and culture of what drives great work and raising the bar of great and memorable work. 

Mastrion talks about the creation of his company, Brandforming a small Boutique agency based in Saratoga Springs NY. Vocal pictures sprung out of this.

His roots are from NYC.

He discusses teaching at Skidmore. Trying something new, and how he loves working with the students and sharing his extensive experience with branding and production and telling stories visually. He speaks of the world of academia and how we manifest our creativity. 

He’s a true “Brand Whisperer.

Guess who his role models were?

We speak about his inspiration for pursuing a career in Advertising.

Did you know he has worked on films the likes of “ The Flamingo Kid, Easy money, Woody Allen’s; Mid- Summers Sex comedy? To name a few.

How he got into Healthcare advertising. 

He talks about the role that Art buyers play in their role to the creative team. He kindly speaks about my role at the agency.

What is involved in finding the best photographers, illustrators, and artists for a production?

Guy and I touch on photographer treatments to help us how to better award a project.

And what we looked for when assigning a production.

We speak about his favorite photographers, including working with the late great Herb Ritts, on a campaign with Magic Johnson, Ritts, effortless approach to the job,  his preparation. and Guy's phone call with the legendary Richard Avedon. 

How he won the “Helmut Newton Book! I’ve wanted one for years but never had room in my apt. It was too big :)

Favorite places to visit. And our watching the Masterclass series. 

His words of advice for folks seeking a career in the creative arts.

Stay tuned and listen to this very informational and inspiring episode!

Link to Guy’s site:
https://brandforming.com/member/guy-mastrion/

Today I am thrilled to welcome my next guest, Award-winning Photographer, and director, Martin Wonnacott. You have seen his iconic images from the likes of Belvedere, Coca Cola, and Patron, on Billboards and in some of the most noteworthy publications worldwide. when I first saw his work, my breath was blown away. He’s also a founding partner of production company cake-factory, which represents photographers and directors.
Martin speaks about finding the “Silver Lining” during this covid crisis. Growing up in London, and his discovery of photography in his teenage years. 

Wonnacott talks about his humble beginnings and scraping around to purchase his first camera.

He speaks about his experience assisting and the valuable lessons he has learned. How he discovered his focus on drinks photography after shooting fashion, travel, interiors, and Architectural images. Martin was an early one to the digital photography game. He genuinely shoots from an “emotional” standpoint.

Did you know he shot for 26 days in a row for Coca-Cola? That could be a record!

Can you guess who his favorite photographer is? 

Who is his favorite Royal?

How was his transition to directing? 

How he keeps his productions running smoothly and maintains a positive atmosphere on set.

He gives invaluable advice to photographers and offers guidance to the photographer’s seeking representation.

Martin is a proud Father and Husband. He is one of the kindest, most generous, and inspiring men I have met. I’m proud to have him in this episode.

Martin's work:
https://wonnacott.com

Cake-Factory:
https://cakefactory.com

Please feel free to like/rate this episode. Follow on Instagram @artbuyerforhire where you can see some of his stunning images.

Today we have a treat.
My guest is Jann Karam, Comedian, actress, artist, and writer. Today we speak about her humble beginnings in the small mining town if Superior, Arizona, her start in stand up, her transport to Chicago to study at  Second City, her Move to NYC, where she became a paid regular at Catch A Rising Star, then worked and all over the country, she and I meeting in Bequia, studying with the legendary acting teacher Sandford Meisner, who ultimately influenced our paths (then we went on to study with him in Los Angeles) She ultimately add it to LA where she landed a role on Seinfeld, (She was Jerry’s girlfriend Sandy, the Manage a trios episode) was also on the animated series Dr. Katz professional therapist and was on every major talk show from the tonight show w Johnny Carson, THE LATE SHOW with David letterman, the Arsenio Hall Show, Mad About You and so many others. Jann wrote, directed, and starred in her festival award-winning short film, and her Critically-acclaimed solo show, “Reclining nude on Las Cienega” was Filmed at the Greenway theater in Los Angeles and can see here: https://youtu.be/vh3oIyMeB5U .  Jann has performed at some of the most notable comedy clubs in this country. She tours with  Dana Carvey and her talk show, “in my bed with Jann Karam is currently In production. The pilot episode with special guest Fred Stoller Is available on her YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/0vpztqu6Bk8

Stay tuned for a fun and inspiring episode!

Jann's Website:
https://www.jannkaram.com

P.S. Forgive her cat meowing during the end and remember, she promised me a role on her new series :)

On this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Ron Beinner, Creative Photography Producer & Editor. Ron has been a photography editor and producer at Conde’ Nast for over 25 years, this includes 21 years at Vanity Fair, where he worked alongside an extraordinarily cross-section of photographer’s on portraits of actors, writers, royals, hero’s and anti-heroes. 

Beinner has worked with some of our most respected art & creatives directors of the past few decades.

He speaks about his inspirations, his travels and the first time he gazed upon a fashion photo shoot in NYC, his AHA moment!

We discover his early passion for magazines and the printed forum. Ron talks about some of his favorite photographers and memorable photoshoots. 

Guess who had a laser pointer? Who sent postcards? What photographer has Ron worked with most during his career? His emotional experience shooting after the trauma of 9/11.

I don’t want to give this episode away, take a listen.