“So now 2011 is here and boy do I feel absolutely thrilled about it. Back in LA, in my office, and I am ready to just hit this year with everything I’ve got. Take all the building and everything I learned from last year and really just get after it. Donald Miller said something in his blog that I thought I would share with you. “I will not watch 2011, I will participate!” Simply said, simply powerful. This will be my theme for the year. I can’t wait to see what comes in 2011. I assure you I will be participating! Get up, get out, and DO! I really hope you all participate in 2011!”
I was so thrilled and hopeful of 2011. I knew things were coming, but I had absolutely no idea what I was in for.

Fast forward….

2011 is over! Just saying that sentence gives me the chills. I traveled more, laughed more, hurt more, saw more, learned more, worked more then any other year of my life. I stepped on 70+ airplanes, flew over 100,000 miles, and spent over 200 days on the road. I spent time in Haiti, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Ireland, London, and more… When you’re busy it usually seems like time is flying. Last year felt like the slowest. It feels like my trip to Haiti the first week of 2011  was years ago. Feelings from one extreme end juxtaposed with feelings from the other extreme. Hope and hopelessness, inspiration and depression, on top of the world and under the world.
2011 was the ultimate roller-coaster. It was extremely graphic to my senses.

I witnessed very real and up close death, poverty, suffering, and destruction. I saw pure evil, hurt, and devastation. Things I saw in Haiti, India, and Joplin will never leave me. Getting unexpected and horrifying news of a close friends death and helplessly watching my grandmother slip away. I had illness scares and clients screw me over. Anxiety became a tangible thing for me and a new battle I am still currently fighting.

On the other side…

I got to see positive change happening in the world. People humbly uniting for a greater cause. Lives being transformed, inspired, renewed. Spent invaluable time with my grandmother. Though she’ll be leaving soon, I can’t be more thankful for the time she was gifted. She can’t remember my name and can barely speak, but she lights up when I walk in her room. Unforgettable. My beautiful sister got married to the love of her life and my brother’s wife had a new baby boy. My dad and I got to see our first World Series game and arguably one of the best World Series games in history. Game 6. Go Cards! I won a freaking motorcycle, which paid off my loans. Yes, completely debt free because of my love for family history, 40 painful hours under a needle, and YOU voters. I saw hope given and hope received. I got to see and feel a new side of love and grace that I’ve only dreamed about.

One point during last year, I went 7 months without a break. No time for a day off. Traveling, shooting, or editing.  Add sleep deprivation and exhaustion to the mix and you get cynicism.

2011 taught me a lot of things, but I feel the 4 below were most important.

- Focus on Today
Sometimes my job scares me. As a freelancer I am always a job away from unemployment. The price we pay to be our own boss is sometimes a heavy burden. What am I going to do after this job? Bills are getting tight. Is it always going to be this inconsistant? Should I live in LA, NY? Life can be chaotic and life can be still, some years will be insane and some will be mellow. This is something all too familiar for freelancers. We have a season where life is smiling on us! We are on top of the world, getting all kinds of offers, shooting gigs, compounding job after job and getting that phat bank roll, ya heeeaaard?!? Life is so good! Then in the dead of night another season rolls in with all it’s got. All the offers fall through, the clients disappear, the drought is upon you with no end in site, and you are all alone asking, “What in the hell just happened?” Too familiar right? When it’s good it’s great! When it’s bad it’s horrible! Whether it’s work, the future, moving, money, big decisions…It is important that you take each day, ONE at a time, and simply do the best you can. Don’t get caught up in worrying about things you can’t control. Working hard, stay positive, and fight one battle at a time. Which leads me to my next lesson..

- Be An Optimist
Life is heaven and hell. It is so easy to complain and concentrate on the bad in life, to make excuses for our shortcomings or the hand we’ve been dealt. Pessimism and cynicism are majorly self-focused. You think chasing your dreams is supposed to be easy? The goals we set for ourselves are supposed to just be handed to us? Life would be good without struggle? I wish life were as easy as saying “I am happy,” but it is not. It takes strength and leadership to focus on the good. To stay positive when things don’t go our way. We are all struggling and we are all fighting. As corny as this may be, I LOVE this speech in Rocky V. “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don´t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That´s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you worth, go out and get what you worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying, “You ain´t what you wanna be because of him or her or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain´t you! You´re better than that!”
Eric Epperson, Jeremy Cowart, Brett Baggett, John Carrington, and Chris Dowsett…you all made great positive examples for me in 2011.

- Community
YOU ARE NOT IN THIS FIGHT ALONE!
It is so important to surround yourself with other like minded people. People you can talk to, trust, and depend on. Having positive friends in our lives helps keep us accountable and harbors happiness. There is nothing like good conversation with people you fully trust. There is nothing like being accepted fully for who you truly are. Those friends are gifts that you should never let go of. True friends are not replacable. We were not meant to live and feel alone. Some of my friends really shined this year. Friends in OK, TN, Canada, MO, CA, NY, TX, and NE. You know who you are and I am grateful for you Every. Single. Day.

- REST
Rest is probably the most important thing I learned in 2011. Really? Rest? Yes! Getting rest is absolutely necessary for your mind, body, and soul to function properly. I haven’t slept properly for years, and got the least amount of sleep in 2011. I am now paying for it big time. Don’t get me wrong, I know I will still have jobs that require insane hours and impossible deadlines. That’s fine. That’s typical for freelancers and many other jobs. As long as you find balance between the two, you will be in a much better place, I promise you. Find Balance! A clear mind breeds ideas, inspiration, ambition, productivity and hundreds of other things. Never deprive yourself of something that God created solely because he knew you’d need it. The Sabbath.

Thanks to everyone who was a part of my 2011.  Thanks for the help, encouragement, belief, and inspiration.
2012 is here and I hope to put everything I have learned into practice. I can’t wait to see what the last year of earth’s existence brings! Coughcough..
I say this every New Years and I truly mean it. Let’s make next year the best one yet!

Cale Glendening

In August 2011, I went to Ireland to shoot 2 music videos for a new artist “DANI.” The main concept video is called “One Of Those Days.” The 2nd is a performance video called “DMC.” It was a very exciting, fun, and tiring week. One of those “you get less than 20 hrs of sleep” weeks! You production folks know what I am talking about.  A couple nights going to bed at 2am and waking to leave for set at 4am.  Your brain is working so hard on what’s at hand to even realize or think of being tired.  From the second I got off the plane it was go time. We had a lot of gear to find, pick up, locations to look at, props, even getting the actress…The thing that made this whole job so difficult was the location change.  For 3 months, the videos had been produced for Stockholm, Sweden.  We found out 2 weeks before the shoot that it was being changed to Ireland, due to “Visa complications.”  The team literally had to start from scratch and re-produce 2 music videos in a new country with no help on the ground.  It was a logistical nightmare.  The props, the actress, some important gear, and a couple locations weren’t even found until the day before the 3 day shoot started. The 7 musicians that play with DANI weren’t even originally planned to be in “One Of Those Days.” I found out the night before that the client wanted to make that change. Adding 7 musicians into a video on an 8 hour notice shouldn’t be too hard right?  Shouldn’t add any time to our shooting schedule right?  In the end, the team came together and really pulled through.

Everyone stayed at a big house an hour outside of Dublin, in the good ole country side. If it weren’t for the hard work of the crew and patience of the client/band, it would’ve been a real disaster. There was absolutely no down time on this trip. If we were awake, we were working. Even the interview for the “making of” was done at the airport at 4am the day I left. There was simply no other time. Anyways, I shot my butt off and came back with way more content than I could ever use. Hope you guys enjoy the making of. Can’t wait to share the final video!

The “making of” was filmed and edited by Andrew Philip.
Andrew also shot the behind the scenes photos in this post and plays Keys in both videos.
Super talented and nice guy. Please go check out his awesome work.  Thanks Andrew!

Thanks to the crew, producers, and clients.  One of the craziest and funnest jobs I’ve ever done.

Cale Glendening

Client: Tooth and Nail Records
Director/Cinematographer: Cale Glendening
Cam Op: John Clem
Colorist/Editor: Andy Maier
Producers: Jon Dunn, Adam Skatula, Ryan Downey, Ryan Clark, Cale Glendening
Projections: Zac Schwiethale
Assistants: Katie Thorn, Greg Henn, Jon Dunn, Jenny Dunn, Adam Skatula

Other Links To Video
Demon Hunter
YouTube
AltPress
The Prp
MetalUnderground

In October I headed to Seattle to work with one of my favorite clients, and great friends of mine, Demon Hunter. This video was particularly interesting. I know going into a project with DH that Ryan Clark is going to have a lot of insight. He is an incredible artist, so I expect great ideas when I work with him. Sometimes those great ideas involve extreme methods…like getting punched….in the face. Yes, that’s right. Ryan told me this over coffee back in August and I honestly didn’t put too much stock into it. Figured he’d sleep on it and that idea would be forgotten. Sept comes around and we are discussing the video through email and there it was “Punched in the face from side of frame.” The following email chain was pretty funny, everyone joking about who would get to be the one to hit him. On top of that, we decided to do a one take music video, which of course makes everything more difficult. Besides him having to take a fist to the jaw, there were a number of other things needing to happen. The catch is that if any other actions in the video failed then that would mean having to do another take, which equals another punch.  So many small things contributing to a big role. We actually nailed the video on the 2nd take and called it a wrap. I ALWAYS do an extra take, even if it’s good, just to be safe….but this video was one exception to the rule.  Just didn’t want to have to see that happen again.  I know being punched in the face feels good but it had to get old pretty quick. I looked around the room each time to see the same awkward face on everyone. Squinted eyes, a smile, and gritted teeth. A mixture of excitement and guilt. It was a great day overall and I was very glad to work with my buddies again.

Major thanks to Demon Hunter, crew, Tooth and Nail, MH (Ballard), and everyone involved. And of course thanks to Ryan Clark for his love of authentic art.
Hope you guys like the video and stills included!

Cale Glendening

Had the pleasure of working with Olympic Volleyball player Kim Glass on a shoot for ESPN HS.  Kim is an incredible athlete. Standing in the way of her spike would be like standing in front of a gun. I look forward to watching her career unfold. Thankful she was so patient and great to work with.  Can’t wait to watch her in the Olympics!

These are workout videos for ESPN HS magazine.  They put the videos online and step by step photos in the magazine. Each month they post a new workout from another pro athlete. They are very simple but I had a great time nonetheless.

Client: ESPN
Director/Cinematographer: Cale Glendening
Editor/Colorist: John Carrington
Photographer: Dustin Snipes
Make-Up/Hair: Rene Loiz

Mr. Dustin Snipes was the photographer for the shoot. Please do yourself a favor and check out his work HERE. He takes incredible photographs.

I was only slightly nervous.  ; )

©Cale Glendening

Hello everyone!
It’s been a while since I last updated what’s new in my world.  Frankly, I’ve had my foot pressed to the floorboard a while now and there is still no sign for a rest stop.  I’m running on fumes of adrenaline, inspiration, and a humbling amount of motivation from you you guys! ((analogy complete)) Due to the jobs literally overlapping into the next, I have lacked in updating my site.  Some may have noticed that I’ve removed a lot from my site.  I have also not updated my reel since 2010!  That is embarrassing to say out loud.  Thankfully it’s been due to staying busy, but regardless it is time to get things back in order.  This winter I am devoting my time to tying up all my loose ends!

Some of the updates between now and the new year.

- A new website
- 4 new music videos
- A new documentary (Remember when I went to India? Yup, the time for cannibals is soon.)
- 2 new reels
- New portfolios and photo galleries

Next year is already taking shape in a crazy way so please, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I drive down new paths and make big decisions.
I can’t wait to share with all of you!

Thank you guys for sticking with me through all of the chaos.  I say it all the time, but I really do appreciate you all very much!
Here are some screen grabs from some upcoming projects.

Cale Glendening

Seeing my sister get married was a surreal experience for me.  I could never really convince myself it was actually happening.  The whole time I felt it was only yesterday when we were both living in Oklahoma under the same roof, going to the same school, hanging with the same friends.  That is years passed and she has grown up into a beautiful woman. The idea of letting her go to some….Cowboy….was just tough for me.  No, but seriously I absolutely love Lex.  He is hilarious, kind, loyal, and generous. Most importantly he treats my sister right.  He treats her with respect, patience, and shows her he loves her.  I think he knows that if he didn’t, he would have me and my brother to answer too.  Love you Lex, but seriously….watch your back. ; )

The wedding was held on his families ranch(aka why I called him a Cowboy) in the middle of nowhere Washington.  I can’t tell you how beautiful it was out there.  Unfortunately due to it being so remote, they had a reception in Oklahoma a couple weeks after, so the rest of our family and friends could celebrate with them.  She also wore her dress again so my grandmother could see her all dressed up.  It was an incredible moment.

I didn’t shoot any digital photos of the actual wedding because they hired another photographer.  They didn’t want me working the wedding but simply to enjoy it and have fun with the family.
Well long story short I decided to shoot my own photos of her in her wedding dress at the Oklahoma reception.

Digital Photos First.  Yes, my sister broke her hand the week of her wedding.  No, she doesn’t beat on Lex! It was just an unfortunate accident.  She still rocked it though!

35 MM

© Cale Glendening

35mm
Nikon FG
Tri-X 400
Photos f/ Roll #19
Nashville, TN
Marcus
I was recently stayed with Marcus(one of the best dudes I know) in Nashville and asked him if I could take his picture.  He said yes, so I took him deep into the woods and told him to take his shirt off….cause that’s what you do.

Marcus is a photographer from Nashville!  Check him out HERE.

©Cale Glendening

It’s so hard for me to believe this is over 2 years old!  In 2009 after just getting settled into LA, Relient K contacted me (with much thanks due to Ethan Luck) to document the making of their newest album.  I spent several weeks in Dark Horse Studio documenting “Forget and Not Slow Down.”  I then spent another 10 days on the road with them capturing their first tour playing the new material.   This was easily one of the funnest jobs I’ve ever had.  For the first time I saw the intricacies of making a record and the creativity behind it.  I met so many incredible people during this job and with that Nashville became one of my favorite places in the world.  It was a huge job undertaking by myself but in the end it was a massive learning experience.  I have come a long ways since this documentary but couldn’t be more happy that is is finally out!  I am happy it is finally here for you guys to see!  It runs around 54 minutes long.  Watch til the end for Full Outtakes.  Enjoy.

Some photos from the job.  Thanks again Ethan, Matt, Matt, Jon, and John.  Love you guys.

© Cale Glendening

35mm
Nikon FG
Tri-X 400
Photos f/ Roll #19
Nashville, TN
Tori

©Cale Glendening

35mm
Nikon FG
Tri-X 400
Photos f/ Roll #16
Orlando, Florida
There For Tomorrow

©Cale Glendening