The Paris Chong Show

Brian Bowen Smith, also known as BBS, joins Paris Chong for Episode 31. In this captivating episode, Brian discusses his illustrious career as a photographer, touching upon his "Angel show", held during COVID with Stephan Sco and Brandon Boyd. He opens up about the crucial role his wife, Shea, plays in managing his life and career, a partnership that has thrived for over 35 years. Brian attributes their relationship's success to staying busy and continually striving to impress each other, emphasizing that stagnation can make life difficult.Brian shares insights into his upbringing in Syracuse, New York, and how he transitioned into photography after an unexpected encounter with director Evan Stone in the nineties under the Brooklyn Bridge. He recounts his past acting experiences, including a role as Jennifer Aniston's boyfriend on *Friends* and a photographer on *The Morning Show*. He also reveals that in over 30 years, he's only had one truly bad experience with a celebrity, noting that most are appreciative and professional.The conversation then shifts to Brian's book, *Drivebys*, created during COVID using a monochrome camera. He describes how the project began in his Agoura Hills neighborhood, starting with a photo of a neighbor's daughter in a vintage Ford F-100 truck. The unplanned rainy weather led to a "ghostly" and "eerie" shot through the truck's windows, inspiring the entire series. Brian also hints at an upcoming mixed-media collaboration with a talented young neighbor, expressing his excitement for their artistic partnership. The episode concludes with a humorous discussion about their shared hyperactive personalities and a mention of Brian's gorgeous home in Agoura Hills, complete with old trucks and various animals.Show Notes:www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/brian-bowen-smith-from-friends-to-fine-art-drive-vision-and-the-unexpected-shotChapters:(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:34) Brian Bowen Smith(00:05:15) Moved to LA(00:09:54) ADHD(00:13:15) Big Fan of Painting(00:16:08) Brian's House(00:20:12) Drivebys(00:27:00) Moving to LA(00:31:34) Neighbors and Parties(00:35:37) Karma(00:40:36) Money Doesn't Equal Happiness(00:42:14) Being Brian Bowen Smith(00:46:53) Working on Now(00:53:37) See More of Brian(00:57:08) Outro🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

Costume designer Mona May's new book celebrates the 30th anniversary of the movie *Clueless*. Mona May confirms that she wrote the book with the help of a ghostwriter, a fashion writer who lives in Los Angeles and understood the book's themes of friendship, girls, and fashion. The conversation details how Mona May designed the book, which is a "coffee table book" with pictures, process discussions, and interviews with actors and the director, taking about a year to put together. The discussion also touches upon the general decline in writing skills and the importance of handwriting and journaling for creativity.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mona Mayhttps://youtu.be/ggFe8n7f5Eohttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#clueless #costumedesign #monamay

Costume designer Mona May dives into the iconic fashion of *Clueless*, revealing how she transformed Jane Austen's *Emma* into a high-fashion, colorful aesthetic for 1990s Beverly Hills high schoolers, moving past the era's grunge trend with plaids, Mary Janes, and berets. She discusses her continued work with cast members like Alicia Silverstone and shares her concerns about the struggles facing the film industry in Los Angeles as productions increasingly move to places like Bulgaria and Ireland for financial incentives. Finally, Mona May explains how her Polish-German background and her birthplace in India, where she first experienced a world of bright color, profoundly shaped her signature design style and love for using color in her films.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mona Mayhttps://youtu.be/ggFe8n7f5Eohttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#clueless #janeausten #film

Costume designer Mona May (Clueless, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion) and Paris Chong lament over the missed opportunity for Mona May to have been the costume designer for the *****Barbie* movie. They dive into the complexities of forming relationships in the industry, the grueling life of production (including Paris's one awful experience on the set of *Starship Troopers*!), and why dating in LA is so tough. Mona May is also crowned the "Queen of the Nineties" as she lists her classic film credits and reveals her unique process for sourcing materials and creating the iconic looks for movies like *Enchanted*.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mona Mayhttps://youtu.be/ggFe8n7f5Eohttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#Clueless #MonaMay #CostumeDesign #bookpublishing

Costume designer Mona May explains the immense power of costume design, noting that an actor's clothing instantly conveys their character's "psychology" and socio-economic status. She pulls back the curtain on her process, revealing her large team of artisans—including pattern makers, tailors, and dyers—that allows her to manage large projects like Enchanted and typically stay off-set, contrasting this with the constant presence required for the frequent changes in Clueless. Mona May offers crucial career advice for aspiring designers, emphasizing the need for passion, a love for film, and flexibility to embrace a "gypsy" lifestyle of constant travel. Finally, she discusses her current focus on the Clueless 30th-anniversary book (written with a ghostwriter) and her book tour.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mona Mayhttps://youtu.be/ggFe8n7f5Eohttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#careeradvice #monamay #clueless #hollywood

Costume designer Mona May joins Paris Chong to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic film "Clueless." Mona shares insights into her creative process for the movie's memorable fashion, including Alicia Silverstone's 63 costume changes, and how the script, based on Jane Austen's "Emma," influenced the high-fashion yet youthful looks. She discusses reinventing 90s grunge with plaids, Mary Janes, and berets, drawing inspiration from runways while adapting for 16-year-olds.Mona also talks about her continued work with "Clueless" stars like Alicia Silverstone and Elisa Donovan, and the challenges facing the film industry in Los Angeles, with many productions moving overseas for cost-saving measures. She recounts her experiences working in places like Bulgaria and Berlin, highlighting the difficulties of sourcing materials and adapting to different working styles. Mona expresses her passion for color, influenced by her birth in India, and how it translates into her signature costume designs for films like "Enchanted" and "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion."The conversation also touches on Mona's recently published book about "Clueless," her upcoming book tour and master classes at film schools, and her dream costume design projects (like "Barbie"). She offers advice to aspiring costume designers, emphasizing passion, flexibility with travel, and the importance of mentoring. Mona also discusses the significance of costume design in character development and the current state of the industry.Show Notes:www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/mona-may-costume-designer-of-clueless-and-your-other-favorites-moviesChapter Times:(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:42) Mona May / 30years of Clueless(00:03:49) Actor's Request(00:07:39) Romy & Michele's(00:08:24) Book Tour(00:13:00) Teaching at SCAD(00:14:31) Dream Costume Job(00:17:37) Sourcing Materials(00:19:29) Awards(00:24:20) Advice for Costume Designers(00:28:16) Outro🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

Alan Schaller candidly discusses his "meltdown" during the COVID-19 lockdown, attributing it to the sudden halt in his extensive work-related travel. He reveals that this period of confinement led him to purchase a vintage Aston Martin, jokingly referring to it as an "early midlife crisis" car, which initially brought more mechanical woes than joy.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Alan Schallerhttps://youtu.be/XeQEMtOU4pEhttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#socialmedia #photography #alanschaller

In this exciting clip, Paris Chong expresses her profound excitement about her new role as top curator for Alan Schaller's innovative photography company, Irys. She shares the backstory of the company's name, inspired by a beautiful flower, and eagerly anticipates the launch of this groundbreaking platform designed to support photographers.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Alan Schallerhttps://youtu.be/XeQEMtOU4pEhttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #irys #alanschaller

Alan Schaller discusses the challenges photographers face in the digital age, particularly concerning book publishing. He highlights how many photographers are resigned to not publishing books due to low royalties (often under 10%) offered by traditional publishers. Schaller then introduces Irys's innovative business model, which aims to pay artists a 50% royalty on book sales, making it a "game-changer" for the industry. He also details Iris's plans for physical galleries and bookstores, fostering a community for photographers.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Alan Schallerhttps://youtu.be/XeQEMtOU4pEhttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #royalties #artbooks

Alan Schaller recounts the significant moment of purchasing his first Leica camera for $10,000, describing the physical sickness he felt due to the cost and his hesitation to open the box for six days. He also shares anecdotes about accidentally dropping a friend's camera and his current collection of four cameras, highlighting his tendency to "smash" them into things during his photographic endeavors.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Alan Schallerhttps://youtu.be/XeQEMtOU4pEhttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #leica #equipment

Paris Chong Show features acclaimed photographer Alan Schaller, who discusses his journey into photography, starting from a crush on a girl to becoming a "golden boy" in the industry. He shares insights into his practice, including his initial investment in a Leica camera and his dedication to street photography, which he attributes to an "obsessive maniac" approach and a flexible freelance musician lifestyle.Schaller also introduces his new company, Iriys, an "ecosystem" designed to support the photography industry. Irys aims to offer book publishing, an agency, galleries, a magazine, and a social media application for photographers. He highlights the company's mission to address challenges faced by photographers in the age of AI and video prevalence, and to create a supportive community where artists receive fair compensation for their work, such as a 50% royalty on book sales.The conversation touches on personal anecdotes, including humorous stories about dropping cameras and a "midlife crisis" purchase of a vintage Aston Martin during lockdown. Paris Chong expresses excitement about Iris and her involvement as a curator, emphasizing the need for such a platform and Schaller's generous approach to sharing knowledge within the photographic community.Show Notes:www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/alan-schaller-from-a-crush-to-photographys-golden-boy-the-birth-of-irysChapters:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:11) Alan Schaller(00:06:06) A Funny Meeting(00:07:16) Irys Photo App(00:11:32) Lockdown Experience(00:14:30) Irys, but for real this time(00:19:33) Book Publishing & PopUp Galleries(00:25:09) When is the launch of Irys?(00:27:24) Traveling Life(00:29:16) Featured Print & Sponsors(00:33:18) People are obssessed with Alan(00:37:25) Explaining the Photo(00:39:30) How we met again, but different.(00:46:56) Irys Launch Party(00:48:03) Playing with Chaka Khan(00:50:02) Outro🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

Matthew Rolston discusses his early influences, which include growing up in Hancock Park, his grandfather being a doctor to MGM stars, and his proximity to Art Center. He also mentions his mother's collection of *Harper's Bazaar* magazines, which sparked his interest in fashion photography from a young age. He also recounts visiting his grandfather's office, where he saw photographs from the MGM photo studio, further shaping his artistic sensibilities. Rolston also humorously admits to sneaking into life drawing classes at Art Center as a child.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Matthew Rolstonhttps://youtu.be/SGbg4x9LIG8https://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #earlyinfluences #mgm #artcenter

Matthew Rolston, a renowned photographer, shares anecdotes from his illustrious career, including his early work with Michael Jackson and his numerous Rolling Stone covers. He recalls photographing Michael Jackson as "the King of Pop" before the title was widely known, and discusses how Elizabeth Taylor publicly coined the phrase at Jackson's behest. Rolston also touches on the influence of artists like Prince and Madonna, and highlights his pride in shooting the first U2 cover for Rolling Stone. Paris reflects on the lasting impact of these iconic figures and Rolston's significant contributions to pop culture history.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Matthew Rolstonhttps://youtu.be/SGbg4x9LIG8https://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #director #michaeljackson #madonna #u2

Matthew Rolston describes his big break into editorial photography, which came through Andy Warhol and *Interview* magazine. His first significant assignment was photographing Steven Spielberg, who was a rising director at the time, having just completed *Jaws* and with *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* about to be released. Rolston also reflects on the decline of print magazines and the shift towards digital and experiential media.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Matthew Rolstonhttps://youtu.be/SGbg4x9LIG8https://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #andywarhol #vogue

Matthew Rolston discusses his creative process and the evolution of his career from editorial and advertising photography to music videos and personal fine art projects. He shares his philosophy on working with on-camera talent, emphasizing that performance and magic in front of the camera are paramount, regardless of the individual's personality. Rolston also delves into his conceptual art projects, such as *Talking Heads: The Vent Haven Portraits*, which explores the idea of projecting human life into images and objects, and *Vanitas: The Palermo Portraits*, a meditation on mortality. He also touches upon the changing media landscape, the rise of social media, and the future of visual culture with AI.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Matthew Rolstonhttps://youtu.be/SGbg4x9LIG8https://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #performance #matthewrolston

Paris hosts renowned photographer Matthew Rolston, delving into his illustrious career that began in editorial photography with Interview Magazine and Rolling Stone. Rolston shares anecdotes about working with iconic figures like Michael Jackson and Madonna, revealing his conceptual approach to celebrity portraits, such as his Marlene Dietrich-inspired shoot with Madonna and Michael Jackson's "King of Pop" request. He also discusses his extensive work in advertising for major cosmetic brands like Revlon and L'Oréal, and his transition into directing music videos during the MTV era, highlighting how these commercial ventures fueled his creative pursuits.Rolston reflects on the evolving media landscape, expressing his views on the decline of print magazines and the rise of social media and AI imagery. He emphasizes that while traditional platforms are changing, the essence of powerful image-making remains, and sees AI as a tool that can both lower and raise the bar for creative output. The conversation also touches on his early influences, including his childhood experiences in Los Angeles, his grandfather's connections to MGM stars, as well as his education at Art Center, all of which shaped his artistic vision.Finally, Rolston discusses his shift from commercial work to personal art projects, driven by a desire to create a lasting legacy. He introduces his conceptual projects like the ventriloquist dummies series, “Talking Heads” and his exploration into art artmaking with "Art People," and details his upcoming "Vanitas" exhibition, which will be spread across four venues in Los Angeles, including ArtCenter and Leica Gallery, Los Angeles. He expresses his excitement for this new chapter and his love of teaching, giving him the opportunity to share his knowledge with the next generation of visual artists.Show Notes:www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/matthew-rolston-an-unparalleled-career-from-pop-culture-iconography-to-fine-artUpcoming Shows:Hollywood Royale: Out of the School of Los Angeles: https://www.hollywoodroyale.comTalking Heads: The Vent Haven Portraits: https://matthewrolstontalkingheads.combeautyLIGHT: Pictures at a Magazine: https://www.beautylight.comArt People: The Pageant Portraits: https://www.matthewrolstonartpeople.comVanitas: The Palermo Portraits: https://www.vanitasproject.comTHE POWER OF PLEASURE, ARTCENTER CLASShttps://www.thepowerofpleasure.comChapters:(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:30) Matthew Rolston(00:00:54) Editorial Work(00:07:50) Who's who of the 80's(00:11:38) Sunny, Cher or Chastity(00:12:54) Bucket List(00:13:55) Advertising(00:16:22) MTV & Music Videos(00:17:35) Teaching(00:22:30) Social Media(00:24:45) AI(00:29:01) Early Influences(00:35:43) LA(00:37:02) Andy Warhol & the Factory(00:40:34) Long Live Print(00:45:11) Disaster Story(00:49:11) Shifting Focus(00:56:04) Vanitas & Upcoming Shows(01:03:04) What's The Most Important Thing You Are?(01:05:36) Outro🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

Brian Bowen Smith discusses his artistic approach, stating that his shows emerge organically rather than from a pre-planned strategy. He expresses his interest in mixed media and color photography, noting that his color works must be so visually overwhelming that the viewer focuses solely on the vibrancy rather than the subject. He also touches upon his nude photography, aiming for an aesthetic that transcends the nudity itself, a goal he jokingly equates to a gynecologist's professional detachment. His wife's understanding and even assistance in finding nude models are highlighted, contrasting with other photographers whose partners object to such work, and he mentions his current shift away from nudes to focus on landscapes and everyday scenes.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Brian Bowen Smithhttps://youtu.be/SVu6G1sTWHEhttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #art #mixedmedia

Brian Bowen Smith explains his philosophy on generosity and karma, stating that he doesn't do good deeds to receive something in return, but rather because it feels good to help others, even in small ways. He shares a poignant anecdote about hugging a crying stranger who later revealed how desperately she needed that embrace, leading him to ponder if his simple act of kindness might have averted a more tragic outcome.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Brian Bowen Smithhttps://youtu.be/SVu6G1sTWHEhttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#karma #generosity #empathy

Brian Bowen Smith discusses the origin of his book "DriveBys”, a project inspired by receiving one of the first Leica M10 Monochrom cameras during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains how the camera's lack of color allowed him to focus solely on composition. The project began with a spontaneous photoshoot of a neighbor's daughter in a vintage dress, captured from his 1958 Ford F-100 truck during an unexpected rain shower. This first "ghostly" image, and a subsequent one featuring a friend's mother in her wedding dress on a swing, immediately suggested a series, leading him to embark on a road trip across America, seeking out unique subjects for the project.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Brian Bowen Smithhttps://youtu.be/SVu6G1sTWHEhttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#brianbowensmith #photography #leicam10 #monochrome

Brian Bowen Smith discusses his unexpected move to California in the nineties, influenced by his director friend Evan Stone, whom he met while skating under the Brooklyn Bridge. Brian, who studied acting at the William Esper Studio, recounts his past acting gigs, including playing Jennifer Aniston's boyfriend (an NYU soccer player who stole her stuff) on *Friends* and a photographer on *The Morning Show*. He also shares his lifelong dream of living in California, rooted in a transformative experience during a college gymnastics championship in San Luis Obispo, where he envisioned his future life by the Malibu Pier.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Brian Bowen Smithhttps://youtu.be/SVu6G1sTWHEhttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#brianbowensmith #friends #photography #jenniferaniston