The Hurly Burly Show

Last night I witnessed something spectacular and you lot only have four weeks to go experience the fun!

Few weeks back I was on the tube, heading home after the Jockey 135th bday party  and was dancing to Rihanna when I saw white blonde curly hair, amazing red lip and six-inch heels. Me and her looked at each other,smiled and I gave her my Jockey fridge magnet. She told me that I should go see her show. I wondered which show it was. Answer was, The Hurly Burly Show and I had just met the incredible Fallon Donakey (major girl crush). So last night we took our seats on second row and waited for the show to start. From the first click of the heel, first stocking and the very first glitter nipple tassels, I was hooked.

The show is all about the fabulous Miss Polly Rae, a burlesque artist extraordinaire with a very impressive voice. Throughout the show we had snippets of Lady Gaga, Miss Spears and Kylie and Miss Polly Rae and The Hurly Burly Girlies kept us on the edge of our seats. Before the show I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, I knew there was going to be dancing,singing and burlesque, I had now idea to what level the girls were about bring everything. Unbelievable. I was roaring with laughter, singing and dancing when it all got too exciting. Miss Polly Rae and her girls have just brought burlesque to the masses and I thank them all for this. Really hope more people will know understand the difference between burlesque and stripping. Miss Polly Rae makes it very clear by performing solo few times and even I was left speechless. The way she moves with music is an art form. I shake my nipple tassels to her.

Without bumping into Fallon Donakey, I don’t know if I had gone and see this show. I have been a bit “over” burlesque as there has been so many acts appearing in the last few years. It was about time someone brought it back with originality and with an amazing show that will blow..your head off. However, I can’t thank Fallon enough for saying “You should come see my show”. She was right, I adored it. It is only running for another four weeks, so all you lot need to book your tickets now and go see these girls. If I was amazed, you will be too. Seriously the most amazing show in West End right now! Ps. Look out for the flame eating ballerina!

I am amazed

Profile on Art Director, Stephen Lynch and Film Maker, Florian Sachisthal

Mr Florian Sachisthal

This week I have double the fun with the amazing Filmmaker Florian Sachisthal and the ever so creative Stephen Lynch, who just happen to be a couple. They are giving “power couple” an entirely new meaning and below you can find out how so. Florian and Stephen, thank you both for joining the couch here at msalonen.com (comfy isn’t it).

1. Tell us what is it that you do?:

Florian: I’m a filmmaker. I work as a director/editor in Berlin and London and to earn a living, I produce promo trailers for TV shows on Deutsche Welle TV.  But the project I currently care most about is “Art & Sex” a feature I co-directed and edited. It’s about young artists, actors and writers in New York and the progressively more and more f***ed up things they do to stay inspired – the title already gives you a little hint. The movie is in the final stages of completion. We’re about to enter film festivals, looking for distribution.

Stephen: I’m an Art Director for an integrated marketing agency in Soho. I come up with concepts for marketing campaigns and design how they look and feel to the consumer.

2. How did you get started in filmmaking/graphic design? Was it always what you wanted to do?

Florian: With 5 I was very intent on becoming an ice cream parlor owner. (Free lemon ice cream, always!) As a teenager I began working as an actor and eventually I wanted to be behind the camera. So I studied directing a the New York University Film School and, right after graduation, I began working as an editing assistant on documentaries. I have been working in film ever since.

Stephen: I’ve always wanted to have a creative career. I have a degree in Industrial Design but while I was studying that I developed a huge interest in brands and the way consumers interact with them so I went on to do a Masters degree in Advertising. I’ve not looked back since.
 
3. what is the best part of your job, and the worst of course?!Florian: I tend to be interested in way too many art forms, sometimes loosing focus. Making movies combines a lot of them (music, photography, acting, sometimes even painting or choreography) so I get to be involved in all of them a bit. The worst is the cost of filmmaking. Even if you’re doing what’s considered a no-budget project, it’s still ridiculously expensive.

Mr Stephen Lynch

Stephen: I love the fact that I get to use my imagination every day. I have to maintain knowledge of popular culture and developing technologies and no two days are ever the same. The most frustrating part of the job is when a client isn’t brave enough to push their brand in a strong single-minded creative direction. Consumers are so incredibly media and advertising savvy these days, it takes a lot to interrupt them and make them take notice of your brand. To do this though, you need to be brave and do something, that no other brand has done before (or at the very least, do it better). Unfortunately some clients aren’t willing to push things as far as they should and ideas become diluted and then fail to have an impact on the consumer.
 
4. In a perfect word, what would you like to be doing if not your current career?

Florian: You mean, if I couldn’t make movies? I’d like to be a gardener. I know nothing about growing plants, but I want to learn. (Msalonen, awwww. I can actually see him in dungarees)

Stephen: I’d love to be a travel writer. There’s nothing more exciting to me than discovering new places, finding an amazing local restaurant or experiencing another culture. (Msalonen, Curious George)
 
5.  Any advice to anyone thinking about a career in filmmaking/graphic design?

Florian: Find a network of people you work well with. Filmmaking is collaborative. Having a crew of friends and colleagues you’ve worked with before, who speak the same artistic language is invaluable. Building this network will take its time, but eventually those will be the people who stick with you for the rest of your career. I’m lucky in that I even can get to work with my fiancé. The current poster for “Art & Sex” for example was designed by Stephen.

Film by Florian, poster by Stephen

Stephen: A piece of advice that I could probably do with listening to myself: don’t be precious about your ideas. The best work is done by collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. Also, there is amazing free content online like Photoshop tutorials or design blogs to help provide education and inspiration. Start with Twitter. There’s so many brilliant design and advertising blogs out there and they’re all on Twitter. Get your portfolio online and think of a clever way to get it in front of a Creative Director. The more unusual, the more likely it is to get that all important call.

Boys, I can’t thank you enough to take the time to talk to us and give such insight in your lives and careers.

1.The first thing you do in the morning when you get up?Florian: Emails, Twitter, Facebook. Then reading the German magazine Der Spiegel in the bathtub. Then coffee and a bagel with lots of heavy cream cheese (collective *gasp* of the gay body builder crowd). After that my day can begin. (Msalonen, cream cheese is ok as long as its LIGHT)

Stephen: Tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition, yawn and stretch and try to come alive. (Msalonen, thank you for that Mr Parton)
 
2. Before you leave the house, you always check?Florian: If I have my keys. Always! (I’ve locked myself out too many times.)

Stephen: That there’s no toothpaste in my beard.
 
3. On your way to work, you? (do what)
 Florian: I tweet or yak with Stephen (Msalonen, awwwwww), if I’m sitting on the subway. Actually, I do that when I’m walking too.

Stephen: Regret hitting the snooze button so many times and panic that I’m going to be late for work.

4. At the end of the day you look forward to?
Florian: When I’m in Berlin: Phone-time with Stephen. When I’m in London: Couch-time with Stephen.

Stephen: Either having a drink with friends in the evening or going home and having something nice to eat while on the couch chatting to Florian on the phone or watching one of my favourite TV shows.
 
5. The last thing you do before you go to bed?
Florian: Turn off the light.

Stephen: Call Florian and say goodnight and prepare myself for the next day.

Thank you boys for taking the time and talking to us. Just goes to show that you CAN have it all. J