#WFH Diaries: Vincent Peone of ArtClass Content
As confinement continues in most parts of the world, we're checking in with creative people to see how they're faring. Here, Muse chats with Vincent Peone, a filmmaker, cinematographer and partner at commercial production house ArtClass Content.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
I'm a writer/director and owner of a commercial production company called ArtClass.
Where are you living right now, and who's with you?
My wife Hana and I live in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with our two cats and my bad allergies.
What's your work situation like at the moment?
We're both trying to keep a routine going. Hana is a ceramicist, and I'm doing a bit of remote directing, which I'm very grateful for, though it means I'm pinned to my desk on video calls that she has to listen to. Did I mention we're in a loft?
Describe your socializing strategy.
Cooking has always been a big one for us. Now more than ever, it's been a great way to stay in touch: sharing recipes, food pics, etc. I think we spend 3+ hours daily in the kitchen. I've come to appreciate the improv in making do with what's available.
How are you dealing with childcare?
No kids for us, yet. I have great respect for all parents rising to the challenges of homeschooling right now.
What are you reading?
Today I'm reading a tender essay my sister Dina Peone wrote entitled “The High Notes and Hard Knocks of My Traveling Karaoke Family” (yup). After that, I'm finally going to start Tuesdays With Morrie.
What are you watching?
We just started Twin Peaks. It's not stressful at all.
What are you listening to?
It tends to vary based on what we're cooking. Ethiopian Jazz is on right now.
How are you staying fit?
A healthy diet and a whole lot of pacing.
Have you taken up a hobby?
I've been escaping into hard drives, going through my old photographs. I'd been meaning to archive them for the ages—now feels right. It's given me a profound appreciation for travel.
Any tips for getting necessities?
We are fortunate to have a produce market right down the street, which we limit to one visit every couple of weeks. Everything else comes via mail and gets sanitized at the door.
An awkward moment since all this started.
Yesterday's (White House Coronavirus Task Force) press briefing is pretty fresh in my mind right now.
Best work email you got since all this started.
Not quite a work email, but my buddy Amanda had been planning a Purge-themed birthday party for years since learning the movie took place on her actual birthday. The party now has to take place on Zoom. The subject line was: “One Last Night In Hell—A Birthday Party.”
An aha! moment since all this started.
Washing machines aren't as expensive as I thought.
What's your theory on how this is going to play out?
I'm very proud of my city's response. It gives me hope that New York, as well as much of the country, has stayed home, selflessly rallying behind the heroes on the front lines. Not just healthcare workers, but public transportation workers, grocery store workers, law enforcement. That's the key to getting us back to some semblance of normal. Stay safe until then. And stay creative.
