Woody Allen in San Francisco

 Woody Allen is filming a new project in San Francisco this past week and I had a chance to reminisce with him.

Per the San Francisco Chronicle: 

"The 76-year-old Academy Award winning director's latest project is mostly set in the Bay Area and is a riches-to-rags story of a wealthy East Coast woman who loses her fortune and relocates to her sister's house in San Francisco. The confirmed cast includes Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Sally Hawkins and Andrew Dice Clay. Peter Sarsgaard is rumored to be another marquee name on the cast list. 

According to the movie-shooting locations website www.onlocationsvacations.com, the Marin-shot scene involves an "upscale, conservative" party filmed in a private house in Belvedere. Additional scenes were filmed this week in the Paradise Cay neighborhood of the Tiburon peninsula and at the former Escalle Winery on Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur. 

The so-far unnamed movie, set for a 2013 release, is Allen's first Marin-set movie since 1972's "Play It Again, Sam," in which Allen played a recently dumped neurotic who takes romantic advice from married friends Tony Roberts and Diane Keaton--as well as an imagined Humphrey Bogart incarnation."

While visiting the movie set, much to my shock and surprise, Woody Allen came over to me recalling my scouting locations for his first feature TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN. Woody remembered me driving him at lunch around in my Green Rover picking locations for the next day shoot. He recalled our dinners at the Italian cafes in 1968, with producer Jack Rosenberg, and his grammar schoolmates as Crew and the evening screenings counting the laughs. 

He could have not been more cordial and was delighted when I gave him five prints of the production. We met onset again at Shreves on Post Street and I give him a copy of San Francisco, City by The Bay.

 

The images below taken by Morton from the 1968 film

TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN are displayed at the SF History Museum 

Woody in bed with the star Janet Margolin.

Woody breaks out of prison with the Warden's daugher,
actress Louise Lasser (and Woody's spouse at the time)

Filming in San Francisco

Woody is part of a marching band  in the Mission

Playing the Cello on Mission

Departure to the Ice

Preparing to depart with the "Return to the South Pole.org" Team to Christchurch, NZ and then McMurdo and the Pole Station. 

After a three year wait we were awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Artist and Writers Grant, # W 222- to return to Antarctica, thus the first time in 55 years Geoffrey Lee Martin and Mort Beebe will meet again to set foot at the South Pole.

Morton Beebe

http://www.returntothesouthpole.org/

150 Lombard 808

San Francisco, CA 94111

Studio: 415.362.6222

Cell: 415.706.0594

Email:  mbeebe@mortonbeebe.com

www.mortonbeebe.com

Guest Speaker at CSUEB in Hayward, CA

Recently, Morton had the unique pleasure to be a guest speaker for the graduating class at California State EastBay (CSUEB) in Hayward, CA.

"Thank you so much for driving all the way out here to Hayward CSU and sharing your knowledge and experiences. It was so beneficial for the students to hear the path of your career and how many different projects you were involved in. It was great seeing your images both still and video and it is not often that we have had a guest speaker with such a diversity of experience, someone who has met both the queen of England and the Jefferson airplane. It was truly a marvelous evening. Thank you again for spending the time with the class, you created a memory that will last a long time for all the students and many years from now, they will recall your presentation."

Had a good day, week, year, and good fortune with your next projects, all the best,

Scott Hopkins
CSU Professor of Photography
ASMP Faculty Member

Find out more of CSU's excellent Photography program at

http://www.csueastbay.edu/art/photography/

South Pole Expedition 2010

Exciting News!

The Polar Project of a Lifetime

Departing under a National Science Foundation Artists & Writers Grant for the South Polar Plateau, October 2010, Antarctica.

Having submitted an application to the National Science Foundation in 2008 for an Artist and Writers Grant to return to the South Polar Plateau my dream self-assignment has come through:

Research Objectives

Fifty years after their first trip to Antarctica, American photographer Morton Beebe (PIO Operation Deep Freeze 1957-58) and New Zealand author and journalist Geoffrey Lee Martin (1957 Member of Sir Edmund Hillary's Team and author of Hellbent for the Pole) return to the continent on a visit to the new Amundsen-Scott South Pole Base. Their visit comes at the end of the International Polar Year during which significant science is being conducted in Antarctica. The two meet with key researchers and scientists, reflect on their own early adventures on the continent, and offer insights into the critical role that Antarctic exploration and scientific research continues to play in human efforts to understand and cope with climate change on Earth.

The intellectual merit is expressed by the perspective of two men who were involved in Antarctic exploration during its infancy and being able to relate the changes of human inhabitance over time to a new generation. The purpose of this film is educational. It will reach an audience that is largely made up of younger generations who increasingly get their information from the web and from television specials aimed at delivering a large amount of information in a relatively short period of time. The prospect of relating the technological and scientific advances made in Antarctic exploration and experimentation has been the primary inspiration for this project. The significance of current projects in the region will be greatly magnified by the contrast with the humble beginnings of Antarctic operations in 1957-58.

Field-Season Overview

The ASMP member production team will be comprised of Producer/Director Richard Neill of Adventure Pictures and Associate Producer/Technician Jeff Pflueger of Jeff Pflueger Photo Media, NSF request for support of this project is limited to the final stage of filming in which Morton Beebe and Geoffrey Lee Martin return to Antarctica for 6 weeks during the 2010-2011 summer.

Here is more information from NSF:
http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/livingsouthpole/index.jsp

You can follow the latest information
on the blog:
http://www.jerney.org/antarctica/

Holiday Special

Experience San Francisco this Holiday Season.

As a token of loyalty to you and our friends who supported the research and photography throughout the year, we're offering my San Francisco book (second edition) for only $15.50*!

"Unparalleled in scope and intimacy, Morton Beebe's beautiful photographic excursion around his native San Francisco contains more than 200 full-color pictures of favorite sights in and around the City by the Bay, and essays by well-known San Franciscans capture the vitality and allure of this diverse and fascinating city. For a stunning visual and literary journey through the streets of this alluring City by the Bay, simply turn the pages and become entranced."

Best wishes for the holidays,
Morton Beebe and Associates

Go Here to Order for the Holidays!

San Francisco: City by the Bay
2nd Edition

Hardcover, Full Color
9 1/2 x 12 3/4"
270 illustrations
240 pages

More info about this book
Look inside this book!

Originally $49.50,now $15.50*!

*Plus shipping and applicable California taxes.

Antarctica Then and Now

Antarctica Then and Now

Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to Noon

Fifty years ago, a young Ensign Beebe got an unexpected assignment to Antarctica for Operation Deep Freeze when the Navy had just begun to explore the continent. Today, the National Science Foundation Polar Programs managed by Raytheon run the largest research project on Ice. Morton is planning a return trip to produce a historical documentary. Morton will recount for us his experiences and show his breathtaking, historical photos of Antarctica 1957-58, contrasting them with the Antarctica of today.

Photographer Beebe:
That unexpected trip to Antarctica set Morton on his path to becoming an internationally acclaimed photographer. His travels over the continent produced several photo essays that were published inNational Geographic, Life, Paris Match and Stern. After Antarctica, Morton joined Magnum and started traveling and photographing stories full-time. Morton has covered the world, combining advertising assignments for his corporate clients-including Minolta, Nikon, Bank of America, Chevron, and American Airlines-with editorial assignments for Travel & Leisure, Geo, Ski and National Geographic, among others. He's worked as a photographer and film producer, working on such films as The Graduate and Petulia. He was also a pioneer in the stock photography business, helping to establish and successfully grow The Image Bank, the first modern stock agency.

Morton has published several successful books, including Operation Deep Freeze, Antarctica in 1958 and San Francisco: City by the Bay, which was first published in 1985, and has sold out five printings and is now in a third edition.

Visit to Raytheon

I just got back from a short trip out to Denver, CO to visit the Raytheon Polar Services Headquarters. It was great to meet all the people involved behind the scenes who support the NSF programs. The staff was very welcoming and we had lots to talk about. I gave a little presentation on my Antarctic Experience and it was very well received.

Exploratorium Interview

FYI-
The Interview that was taped at the Exploratorium several months ago with Geoffrey Lee Martin and myself has been edited and posted on my Antarctica page.

For the Fall

After an extremely busy Summer, I am gearing up for an even busier fall. The highlight will be a trip to Pensacola, Florida at the beginning of November where I will be attending the Old Antarctic Explorers Association (OAEA) Reunion. They are a group that celebrates the history of Antarctic Exploration. This will be my first time attending, and will be joined by my fellow Antarctic Explorer, Geoffrey Lee Martin, and filmmaker, Richard Neill of Big World Pictures. Richard, Geoff and I are embarking on a journey that will ultimately lead back to the South Pole after an absence of more than 50 years! Richard Neill will be filming our expedition that will make stops in Denver at the Polar Services Office of Raytheon Corporation, Pensacola and Miami Beach, FL, and possibly even Newport News, VA.
I will keep updating our progress on a regular basis.

An Interesting Article from NSF

I found this article from the National Science Foundation to be particularly interesting and wanted to share it with all of you.

Antarctic Earthquakes

Planning is going well for my return to the Pole. I will keep everyone updated as to my progress as soon as I know something.

The Secret Land

I came across this film today. It was made in 1948 and features Admiral Byrd, Admiral Cruzen and Captain Dufek.

The Secret Land

It is a very interesting film.

Exploratorium Images

I recently participated in an interview with myself and my colleague, Geoffrey Lee Martin, at the Exploratorium here in San Francisco. We shared stories of our experiences during Operation Deepfreeze, over 50 years ago in Antarctica, for their ongoing series, Ice Stories. It was great fun remembering after so many years. The video will be edited and posted on the Exploratorium website shortly.

Antarctica Book

For those of you who are as interested in Antarctica as I am, my friends Pat and Leslie Keough have produced a beautiful book of photography on the continent.

For more information on the book you can go to: www.keough-art.com

Morton on Flickr

I just added a photostream to Flickr. They are just some of my San Francisco shots. I am still experimenting at this point but so far I like it! Please take a look:

Morton on Flickr

More updates to come...

Fun Fact of the Day

Did you know?...

Antarctica's largest land animal is a wingless midge, an insect that grows to half an inch (1.3 cm) long.

Check out ICE STORIES for more great info on Antarctica.

Nikon equipment for sale

So the time has come to get rid of all of my Nikon film equipment. It is tough but I just don't use it anymore. I would much rather have some photo student out there learn the basics than have it sit in my closet for another couple of years. Any of you who are interested in a Nikon F3 package with an assortment of lenses, motor drives, etc. Please see my craigslist posting at:

Nikon F3 Package

I also have some more unique Nikon equipment. Like a Nikkormat FT N. It is a classic camera in great shape. You can find it at:

Nikkormat FT N

Or, if you are an underwater adventurer, you might be interested in my Nikonos IV A Underwater camera with 35mm lens and a handheld underwater light meter from Sekonic. This model is also able to shoot above water so it would be perfect to take on a whitewater rafting trip. That package can be found at:

Nikonos IV A

All equipment is in excellent shape, as I always take good care of my photo equipment.

You can contact me through craigslist if you are interested.

Thanks!

Aurora australis over South Pole Station

Look at this amazing time lapse photography of Aurora australis over the South Pole Station. It is quite beautiful...

Aurora australis over South Pole Station

Back from the East Coast

Hello all,
I have returned from my trip to New York and Washington, DC. And a very successful trip it was. The Explorers Club Annual Dinner was a great success and I had fun catching up with my fellow explorers. I met some interesting new ones as well. I don't always get the chance to get back there for the ECAD but I always have a great time when I do.
After my time in NY, I travelled on down to Washington to meet with people at National Geographic and the National Science Foundation. I am still trying to put a trip together to return to the South Pole after 50 years. I had many interesting conversations about Polar topics and met so many wonderful people at both organizations. I regret not having the time to stay longer.
Anyway, now I am back and along with continuing to pursue my return to the Pole, I will be shooting for a follow-up to my "Conversations Across Time" show at Dominican University in Marin.

Explorer's Club Annual Dinner

I wanted to share with everyone that I will be traveling to New York next week to attend the Explorer's Club Annual Dinner. I have been a member of the Explorer's Club for quite a long time now and it is always fun to travel back to NY and catch up with all of my fellow explorers. I hope to have many interesting stories to share with you, upon my return.

Antarctica Articles

I came across two very interesting articles about Polar Exploration I would like to share with you.
The first is about the Plato Observatory and the Chinese Antarctic Astronomy Program. This article found in the NY Times, Tuesday, February 19th, is full of fascinating information about the region and the history of the Chinese presence on the ice. It covers plans by the Chinese to establish a permanent observatory on Dome Argus on the Antarctic Plateau.
The second article features a story at the opposite pole. Russia's Claim Under Polar Ice Irks American is about an old colleague of mine from the Explorer's Club, Alfred S. McLauren, and his conflict with the Russian led expedition to the bottom of the ocean at the North Pole. I encourage you to read this very interesting front page story, also found in the February 19th NY Times.