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LOANSHARKS & LEMONADE

A 2-Book Set by Ari Rubenstein

Ari Rubenstein is a Creative Director and Visual Effects Supervisor with decades of experience serving the feature film industry. He has been fortunate to work for three industry pioneers; Xaos Inc, Tippett Studio, and Blue Sky Studios on a variety of Live-Action Features and Feature Animated films, from The Matrix to Ice Age. Outside of these commercial ventures, Ari spends his time developing independent films utilizing a worldwide crew of remote-based talent. These films explore and evolve the art and technology of filmmaking.

Order 2-Book Set: 
"ONE SWEET DREAM"  &
"GO WEST YOUNG MAN"

Paperbacks  (6x9)
 

$59.95
 

or order books separately below

Book 1:  ONE SWEET DREAM  

(NOTE:  see BOOK 2 info below)

I wrote this book in an effort to help creative souls who feel directionless and lost like I had been, and to provide hope through the stories of my life. To help them in ways teachers and authorities may have failed them. And to see their value in the world, regardless of their circumstances. The stories in this book feel like the movies I used to watch, like "The Outsiders", "Raising Arizona", "Rounders", and "Goodfellas", because I lived more in fantasy than reality. I'd listen to music and hear soundtracks to my crazy life unfolding, romanticized it all as a coping mechanism. But instead of seeing my past with any kind of regret, I chose to see it as the source of future inspiration. Oftentimes it's the struggles we endure early in life and the blues that result which become our greatest strengths later in life, reflections of which become the very thing we contribute back to the world. Our experiences provide glimpses of a higher ground with a broader view.

Pre-Order Now

(estimate available for shipping mid-December 2024)

Paperback  (6x9)

Audiobook 


 

$24.95

$24.95


 

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Book 2:  GO WEST YOUNG MAN

In this second book I stumble into a career in film. I go at length into my career and the evolutionary steps I've taken by creating independent films to stay viable and inspired in the ever changing fields of arts and technology, and specifically how these led to opportunities working on feature films and going from an artist to supervising teams of some of the most talented craftsman in the industry. I hope to offer guidance and hope where teachers and authorities may have fallen short. My goal is to help readers recognize their inherent value in the markets where they seek to trade their talents—and to inspire them to see their potential, no matter their circumstances. Universities and trade schools often focus on teaching skills but neglect the art of trading those skills. Success requires not just mastering a craft but understanding the perspectives of employers and clients. For me, memoirs and biographies have been invaluable for career and life insights—may mine offer the same to you. Realizing your dreams and satisfying your passions is just the beginning; finding peace and quality of life is the real goal. I hope my journey inspires you to believe in and achieve all you aspire to be. 

Pre-Order Now

(estimate available for shipping mid-December 2024)

Paperback  (6x9) 

Audiobook 

 

$34.95

 

$34.95
 

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Quotes

Ben Cozens  - Sound Designer

 

"The Blues Crab tells the story of passing on what you have learned in order to help others. The very nature of this film’s conception and production echoes this point. Working alongside the film’s director and creator Ari Rubenstein, has allowed me a privileged insight to this man’s life and career. One packed with the work ethic of a Shire Horse, the grit and determination of the proverbial underdog in a boxing ring and the artistic and technical talent of only a handful of professionals at the top of the game in today’s cacophonous film industry.”

Kaustav Sarkar

 

“Ari’s internship was full of insights into an understanding of how the industry truly works. He shared the business side, which in my experience is something as a student in bachelors or masters is far less discussed than the technical side at school. This is invaluable in terms of a student's perspective without industry experience.”

Archie J. Cheek Jr.

 

“My internship with Ari is best explained like this. If you can imagine driving down a road in a heavy fog where you can see only a couple feet in front of you. You think to yourself I know how to drive, but I can’t see too far ahead, and by the end of the internship the fog has lifted and you understand who, why, and where you are in the film industry as a craftsman.”​

Fred Hill

 

"There are few professionals who have the ability to reflect on the teachings of veterans who came before, and the overall history of the industry, in order to serve as a mentor for others. For anyone looking to embark on a career in VFX or Animation I can think of no better person to act as a guide, spiritual or otherwise.”​

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