About
The Inside/OUT Reality is the blog of Chris Cavallari, a filmmaker, cameraman, cinematographer, outdoorsman, photographer, writer, movie watcher, and all around geek. My posts will be varied among several different media, but all will deal in some way with communication theory and practice.
Different people know me for different things. The thing most people know me for is difficult to determine. As Chris Penn says, it depends on how you know me. You may know me in more than one way:
- Executive Producer and Director of Photography at Filmosity Productions, the video company I began in June 2003. I’ve freelanced as a cameraman, and grip in the New York area for 4 years now.
- The host of The Martini Shot: Moviemaking for Beginners podcast. I started the show in February 2005, put out nearly 40 shows, then stopped due to time constraints and burn out. I’ve been thinking about ways to get the show back on the net. I may even include a video version.
- The founder and president of the New Jersey Podcasters Association. Another endeavor where I may have bit off a little more than I could chew. But I met some great people throuh it.
- An Eagle Scout. I spent a good part of my life in the Scouts, and loved every minute of it. I learned a great deal about leadership, teamwork, the outdoors, friendship, and environmentalism. It’s too bad a few bad eggs had such a negative effect on the image of the BSA. There are many more Scouts around the world who are having a positive impact on the world. Did you know that Steven Spielberg, Michael Bloomberg, Neil Armstrong and Hank Aaron are Eagle Scouts? Did you also know that only 1.2 million boys have reached Eagle in over 80 years (15,000 a year, roughly). Only 2 in 100 that joins Scouts make Eagle–that’s 0.512% of the male population. I keep good company. Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle.
- An outdoorsman. I love hiking, mountain biking, walking, backpacking, camping, golf, frisbee, baseball, and many other outdoor activities. Unfortunately, sitting in front of this computer makes it difficult to be outside. One of those things I need to change.
- A photographer. I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was 2 years old (it was a Fisher Price with the Muppets on it in case you were wondering…I remember Kermit for some reason). I love making photos. I can process and print my own film and prints. I can lose myself in the darkroom for an entire day and not even realize it.
The people I associate the most with are varied. Whether I meet you working on a film crew, attending a New Media con, or out in the woods, I’m always open to meeting someone new. Sometimes my shyness is mistaken for being standoffish. This is not the case. I’m trying to be more outgoing, but if you see me somewhere, come up and say hi. Usually, that’s all it takes for me to open up. People who have influenced my life are important to me. My parents, my brother, my grandfather, my lifelong friends from high school…they’ve all had a huge impact on my life.
My early years, before you probably got to know me were boring. Sure, I grew up in a “broken home,” and had my share of drama, but nothing hugely traumatic or exciting happened. In fact, I’ve tried to live my life in a newer, more exciting way, doing things I normally would not have, trying to overcome my shyness, pushing past my comfort zone. And hey, double Christmas and birthday presents ain’t bad either.
You might not know this, but I tend to be very honest. Sometimes, too honest for my own good. I suck at lying. I think it’s important to be truthful to people, as it saves a lot of hurt and complications in the end. Communication is a big part of my life, and my views on the subject are what will make this blog come to life.
I’m passionate about several things. Movies - both making and watching. Photography - again, making and viewing. New Media - it’s so exciting to be on the leading edge of something, and I’ve been able to be a (lesser known) pioneer in the area for more than 3 years now. The outdoors - one of our most important assets that we can’t figure out how to conserve.