Colby Blanchet

Another teaser for the Trail Mix release Fall 2011.

Sketch Comedy Mixtape.

The University of Rhode Island allowed me to participate in a National Student Exchange in Los Angeles. California didn’t provide financial aid for my spring quarter.  I was forced to end the exchange early. I didn’t want to sit on the couch for a month while my friends were still in school actually doing something with their lives.

So, like any serious issue that faces me. I made a joke about it. I launched the campaign  ”Don’t Tell Jenn” and made a movie about the tragedy and triumphs of a struggling film major with an uncertain future.

This one’s for you mom.

Living in Los Angeles, I’ve seen some crazy shit.

Living in Los Angeles relying on public transportation… now that’s a new level of shock value.

I’ve lost track of the crackheads nodding off in their seats. Crazy PCP Danny Glover look a likes, except they weren’t acting. Gang members staring at me like a pushover white boy. Prostitutes looking me up and down. Sweet Spanish grandma’s holding their grandchildren and thinking I’m a teenage runaway. Black guys in their wolverine pajamas and long dirty finger nails trying to pick up the independent black woman going to work. Domestic abuse on the side of the train tracks. Bootleggers trying to sell me du-rags, spongebob dvd’s and candy bars.  I’ll stock up on chocolate. Society deems taking candy from a stranger, but when there’s a deal, you capitalize on all the hershey bars you can fit in your backpack. I don’t ask questions.

I’ve grown emotionless. The things that used to amaze me, now seem casual on the Metro.

Except this.

This individual is the definition of hardship. It’s truly the realest moment I’ve ever captured.

Episode 2. Food Network lets set up a meeting.

I was given the opportunity to document Sore Losers at this years Sundance Film Festival. I started the trip off right by missing my first flight and waiting at LAX for six hours and practically sucking the airlines dick for another flight out.

I was supposed to have a sign with my name on it at the airport, however, I missed my first flight and those credentials were taken away from me. I ended up taking the shuttle with some random filmmaker who called everyone “big dog” and asked me for cocaine.

Once I finally got there, everything was great. The band was practicing and I went to work. It’s always a pleasure taking videos and bullshitting with the crew. Everything was taken care of. I’ve never had something free like this in my life. It’s tough being a mediocre, white college student studying film. They don’t hand out scholarships for that. I was mainly excited about all the free apples on the counter, the fireplace and gigantic bathtub came second. It was a surreal experience for everyone. A taste of what success can offer. I was still going back to my shitty apartment in East LA, but I lived in moment and appreciated everything given to me in Utah. Breakfast was even fancy.

I’ve always looked at Sundance with great expectations. One day I’ll be there with my own work. I’d say this was a good cherry popping. At 19, I’m grateful for this experience.

This trip wasn’t about me though, it was about Sore Losers. Their performance was a major gateway into the industry, a monumental moment. These guys are climbing to the top and I captured it all.

I had a blast. I meet Cee-Lo. Hung out backstage. Brown taught me a few sayings. I learned about crazy Mormon alcohol laws. I scored a free Tribe Called Quest shirt and I ran into Shooter McGaven from Happy Gilmore. Turns out he doesn’t eat shit for breakfast.

I’d call all that Sundance Swag.

Enjoy!