The Writer's Guild library might be the greatest place I've ever been that is not the Mississippi River. Sorting through their donations yesterday, I got to log an early draft of The Godfather script, a continuity draft of a musical from the 1940s, a script on Proust that was over 190 pages long, and a draft of Harriet the Spy--hooray childhood! It's quiet, it's relaxing, and it's full of talent and history. Walking through those glass doors into the library makes me want to write. And I have been. I can't wait until I'm able to look up one of my own scripts.
My dad arrives tomorrow! I'm so excited.
I hope everyone had a great Passover or is having a good Easter weekend. Either way, enjoy your flat bread and wine, yeah?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
My Weird Relationship with Certain Media
Frasier
People have called Frasier the smartest show on television. Because it is probably one of my favorite sitcoms, I beg to differ. The thing about Frasier is that all the jokes are pretty predictable. But the setup always leads to a comfortable payoff, and it makes me laugh regardless. On any other show, I only get about 70% of the jokes. With Frasier, I get 95%. It's awesome. It makes me feel like I can keep up with society.
That 70's Show
I don't get most the jokes on this sitcom, just like most others. Mostly, I just laugh when the characters make funny faces because I assume a joke was said. But it was the last show I watched with Ariel. When she got really sick and her little legs stopped working, Caleb, my mom, Michaela, and I sat around the floor with her and positioned her so that she could see the TV. At that point, she couldn't focus and was more interested in reaching toward the sound of our voices, but for some strange reason, we sat round the TV, crying and laughing and trying to get the cat to somehow feel better. I remember the episode--the one when Jackie tries to get a job. Honestly, it doesn't matter, though. What matters is that somehow, it made losing our feline family member a little easier.
The Lord of the Rings
I am sure that I've mentioned this a few times--it infiltrates every aspect of my life. Talking to my friend Dave tonight, I realized how bad it was when he was pointing out minor technical glitches in the movies and I found excuses that were altogether too legitimate. Peter Jackson would probably not have even thought to make these arguments. But seriously, sometimes, if I have had a terrible day, I just go into Middle Earth. From Moria to Gondor, I can pull a Rugrats and turn everything into that happier place (post-Sauron, of course).
Lovers in Japan by Coldplay
Something about this song makes me smile no matter what. The beginning few seconds with the quick melody line, whether in the acoustic or the original takes me someplace amazing. If I ever danced with another person, I certainly hope it is to that song. Today, on my way home, I listened to Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love three times. Then again, it was an hour-long drive...
Which brings me to MY INTERNSHIP!
I started today at Beacon. Basically, I sit behind the front desk and write coverage. It's a great job, and I like the office where I work. Writing coverage is great. Reading scripts is great. I'm excited for Friday because I start my volunteer tenure at the Writer's Guild Library.
That's it for now, I suppose. Life should settle down nicely this week with the calm before the storm of work I hope to have at Barney's. And only six days until I see my Dad!
People have called Frasier the smartest show on television. Because it is probably one of my favorite sitcoms, I beg to differ. The thing about Frasier is that all the jokes are pretty predictable. But the setup always leads to a comfortable payoff, and it makes me laugh regardless. On any other show, I only get about 70% of the jokes. With Frasier, I get 95%. It's awesome. It makes me feel like I can keep up with society.
That 70's Show
I don't get most the jokes on this sitcom, just like most others. Mostly, I just laugh when the characters make funny faces because I assume a joke was said. But it was the last show I watched with Ariel. When she got really sick and her little legs stopped working, Caleb, my mom, Michaela, and I sat around the floor with her and positioned her so that she could see the TV. At that point, she couldn't focus and was more interested in reaching toward the sound of our voices, but for some strange reason, we sat round the TV, crying and laughing and trying to get the cat to somehow feel better. I remember the episode--the one when Jackie tries to get a job. Honestly, it doesn't matter, though. What matters is that somehow, it made losing our feline family member a little easier.
The Lord of the Rings
I am sure that I've mentioned this a few times--it infiltrates every aspect of my life. Talking to my friend Dave tonight, I realized how bad it was when he was pointing out minor technical glitches in the movies and I found excuses that were altogether too legitimate. Peter Jackson would probably not have even thought to make these arguments. But seriously, sometimes, if I have had a terrible day, I just go into Middle Earth. From Moria to Gondor, I can pull a Rugrats and turn everything into that happier place (post-Sauron, of course).
Lovers in Japan by Coldplay
Something about this song makes me smile no matter what. The beginning few seconds with the quick melody line, whether in the acoustic or the original takes me someplace amazing. If I ever danced with another person, I certainly hope it is to that song. Today, on my way home, I listened to Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love three times. Then again, it was an hour-long drive...
Which brings me to MY INTERNSHIP!
I started today at Beacon. Basically, I sit behind the front desk and write coverage. It's a great job, and I like the office where I work. Writing coverage is great. Reading scripts is great. I'm excited for Friday because I start my volunteer tenure at the Writer's Guild Library.
That's it for now, I suppose. Life should settle down nicely this week with the calm before the storm of work I hope to have at Barney's. And only six days until I see my Dad!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Oh Those Silver Linings...
The past few days have been happy, exciting, overwhelming, and completely insane. I have had no time to process, and I am inundated with a lot of incoming outside wackiness.
But I have learned one thing from this wackiness:
I have settled into a very nice little life out here. Very nice indeed. Had it not been disrupted by this outside entity, I would not have realized this entirely. But as much as I miss home and whatnot, my life out here works very well. Now that I have a job, it should work even better. The two internships I've obtained are both for really solid companies, and I will learn a lot. I will start volunteering at the Writer's Guild Library, so I will be meeting people and learning names. Not only that, but I will be exposed to their collection of award-winning scripts and screenplays. My TV pilot showed potential, and my time should be freeing up to get writing done.
In other news:
Bouncers are the greatest people ever.
If it is -70 degrees outside, your teeth can freeze and fall out of your mouth. Chris told me about that when he told me about going to the coldest, northernmost town in the world. Apparently, no one smiles in this town. I certainly wouldn't if it got that cold.
Sun dried Tomatoes + Alfredo Sauce = delicious.
Georgie is a kick-ass roommate.
That's all for now. My brain might be fried.
But I have learned one thing from this wackiness:
I have settled into a very nice little life out here. Very nice indeed. Had it not been disrupted by this outside entity, I would not have realized this entirely. But as much as I miss home and whatnot, my life out here works very well. Now that I have a job, it should work even better. The two internships I've obtained are both for really solid companies, and I will learn a lot. I will start volunteering at the Writer's Guild Library, so I will be meeting people and learning names. Not only that, but I will be exposed to their collection of award-winning scripts and screenplays. My TV pilot showed potential, and my time should be freeing up to get writing done.
In other news:
Bouncers are the greatest people ever.
If it is -70 degrees outside, your teeth can freeze and fall out of your mouth. Chris told me about that when he told me about going to the coldest, northernmost town in the world. Apparently, no one smiles in this town. I certainly wouldn't if it got that cold.
Sun dried Tomatoes + Alfredo Sauce = delicious.
Georgie is a kick-ass roommate.
That's all for now. My brain might be fried.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Overwhelming Smiles
Today, I pitched for the first time in LA. All things considered, it was most successful. I'm hoping to have them read the pilot in about six weeks.
Yesterday, I got a job hostessing at Barney's Beanery in Burbank. Yay income!
Tomorrow, I have another pitch, but I am much more nervous about this one. Gary feels under-developed, and I am not sure how to pitch the parallel story lines.
My friend Cody arrived from Chicago. Finally, I have a friend from Chicago out here.
Honestly, though, nothing seems real still. Los Angeles is still so bizarre, and this feeling of "I have to go home to Rock Island this summer" will not go away. But the truth is that Los Angeles is home, and I don't have to leave. I can keep working and doing the damned thing as long as I want. My life is as surreal as the Gary story, and it probably won't stop for a long time.
Samland has become my reality, I think. It makes more sense than the Hollywood game. Somehow, though, I don't think this will be a problem. Imagination never hurt anyone in Los Angeles.
That might be a lie...
Yesterday, I got a job hostessing at Barney's Beanery in Burbank. Yay income!
Tomorrow, I have another pitch, but I am much more nervous about this one. Gary feels under-developed, and I am not sure how to pitch the parallel story lines.
My friend Cody arrived from Chicago. Finally, I have a friend from Chicago out here.
Honestly, though, nothing seems real still. Los Angeles is still so bizarre, and this feeling of "I have to go home to Rock Island this summer" will not go away. But the truth is that Los Angeles is home, and I don't have to leave. I can keep working and doing the damned thing as long as I want. My life is as surreal as the Gary story, and it probably won't stop for a long time.
Samland has become my reality, I think. It makes more sense than the Hollywood game. Somehow, though, I don't think this will be a problem. Imagination never hurt anyone in Los Angeles.
That might be a lie...
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Procrastination: Bay, Zooey Deschanel, and Kids' Entertainment
I should be practicing for my pitch, writing e-mails, improving my treatments, turning those treatments into scripts, or editing Dave's stuff.
Instead, I'm watching Family Guy and updating this POS. But I did edit one script, fix a little of one treatment, obtain one internship and one interview, and receive a couple of awesome e-mails/messages today (and this week), so I feel like I've earned a breather. It's not like I have a boss yet.
Today, Zack Snyder, Michael Bay, and Kathryn Bigelow were in the Hollywood Reporter for their ShoWest film awards. I love it. Even their publicity photos are more epic than anyone else's. Bay, in particular, stands head and shoulders above the rest--literally, actually. As much as I want to write for young audiences, I would love to do something completely ridiculous and action-packed as Transformers or Watchmen. More than anything in the film world, it irks me when people insult his movies. He obviously has something right. $2.5 billion in worldwide gross for just seven films--Bay kicks ass. While he may not be as high brow as the Coen Brothers, he never screws with his audience (a la Burn After Reading). He just gives everyone what they want: the chance to experience explosions and fights and alien robots without any of the danger. I'll gladly suspend my disbelief that a tourist-town gets destroyed and no one notices the giant machines who did it for Mr. Bay. I think most of us would. And do. So for those puzzled by my love of Bay, there it is. He's awesome, he blows things up, and his audience (his "four quadrant" audience) loves it.
Colin gave me Zooey Deschanel's album "She & Him." Amazing, cute, and all-around lovely. Probably one of my new favorites. Zooey D. (I'm not about to try and spell her name again) kicks about as much ass as Michael Bay. Can she do no wrong?
My teen-drama show that I have in development is growing into something I really love. Niche-market writing might be my thing. I like and understand children's stories--kids' books are some of my favorites--better than anything else, and I'd be happy making a name for myself with them. If I make movies for no one over the age of 20, I would most definitely be okay with that. Perhaps I could create a show as good as iCarly. If you haven't seen it, turn on Nickelodeon and get on that. Totally great.
Alas, the work calls. More later, probably. Until then, watch Transformers or Nickelodeon.
Instead, I'm watching Family Guy and updating this POS. But I did edit one script, fix a little of one treatment, obtain one internship and one interview, and receive a couple of awesome e-mails/messages today (and this week), so I feel like I've earned a breather. It's not like I have a boss yet.
Today, Zack Snyder, Michael Bay, and Kathryn Bigelow were in the Hollywood Reporter for their ShoWest film awards. I love it. Even their publicity photos are more epic than anyone else's. Bay, in particular, stands head and shoulders above the rest--literally, actually. As much as I want to write for young audiences, I would love to do something completely ridiculous and action-packed as Transformers or Watchmen. More than anything in the film world, it irks me when people insult his movies. He obviously has something right. $2.5 billion in worldwide gross for just seven films--Bay kicks ass. While he may not be as high brow as the Coen Brothers, he never screws with his audience (a la Burn After Reading). He just gives everyone what they want: the chance to experience explosions and fights and alien robots without any of the danger. I'll gladly suspend my disbelief that a tourist-town gets destroyed and no one notices the giant machines who did it for Mr. Bay. I think most of us would. And do. So for those puzzled by my love of Bay, there it is. He's awesome, he blows things up, and his audience (his "four quadrant" audience) loves it.
Colin gave me Zooey Deschanel's album "She & Him." Amazing, cute, and all-around lovely. Probably one of my new favorites. Zooey D. (I'm not about to try and spell her name again) kicks about as much ass as Michael Bay. Can she do no wrong?
My teen-drama show that I have in development is growing into something I really love. Niche-market writing might be my thing. I like and understand children's stories--kids' books are some of my favorites--better than anything else, and I'd be happy making a name for myself with them. If I make movies for no one over the age of 20, I would most definitely be okay with that. Perhaps I could create a show as good as iCarly. If you haven't seen it, turn on Nickelodeon and get on that. Totally great.
Alas, the work calls. More later, probably. Until then, watch Transformers or Nickelodeon.
Monday, March 30, 2009
From Puppies to Bitches and Other Stories of Growing Up
Thank goodness it is the last week of class. Most of my classmates have become utterly unbearable. The passive aggressive, snide remarks are disgusting. Get back to high school if that is how you wish to behave.
It pleases me to know end to know that I have an internship, an interview, and a "consider" on my show bible. My contacts are viable, despite my not being allowed into this "in crowd" they have formed. And I am going to see Terry Gilliam by myself tomorrow. I don't really care to join the crowd. Making that decision today was refreshing.
On the home front, I am tired of passive aggression as well. I have had almost no part in the decision for the new roommate. Never once did I receive an e-mail request from a potential craigslist inquiry, never once did I have a part scheduling showings. It only worked out that I was home every time because of a number of cancellations. This is ridiculous. I live here as well.
That's the thing. I live here. I attend class at Raleigh. I exist. I have value and feelings--as much as anyone else. Possibly more than some. After all, I have never so rudely disrespected another person's socioeconomic background, worked to exclude anyone, or disregarded advice from those more experienced like some of the people in my life at the moment.
But I suppose anyone you have to deal with creates a new lesson, a new experience. These puppies and bitches and tricky human beings are not the last I will meet. And when I come across others in the future, my skin will be thicker and my heart will be more compassionate and my world will be a little lighter in the dark.
It pleases me to know end to know that I have an internship, an interview, and a "consider" on my show bible. My contacts are viable, despite my not being allowed into this "in crowd" they have formed. And I am going to see Terry Gilliam by myself tomorrow. I don't really care to join the crowd. Making that decision today was refreshing.
On the home front, I am tired of passive aggression as well. I have had almost no part in the decision for the new roommate. Never once did I receive an e-mail request from a potential craigslist inquiry, never once did I have a part scheduling showings. It only worked out that I was home every time because of a number of cancellations. This is ridiculous. I live here as well.
That's the thing. I live here. I attend class at Raleigh. I exist. I have value and feelings--as much as anyone else. Possibly more than some. After all, I have never so rudely disrespected another person's socioeconomic background, worked to exclude anyone, or disregarded advice from those more experienced like some of the people in my life at the moment.
But I suppose anyone you have to deal with creates a new lesson, a new experience. These puppies and bitches and tricky human beings are not the last I will meet. And when I come across others in the future, my skin will be thicker and my heart will be more compassionate and my world will be a little lighter in the dark.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Breakfast on the Front Porch--Finally, a Happy Rant
Learning to live with a mohawk hasn't been as difficult as I thought. In fact, it's growing on me. Pun intended.
Yesterday, I found out that I have a development internship with Beacon Pictures doing coverage. I love writing coverage, and Beacon has an amazing filmography, so I'm really excited. Once again, though, the recurring theme in my life seems to be "reach a goal; thank the person that pushed you toward it." This time it's my instructor, Van. So this week's thank you goes to you, sir. My prediction next week is that it will go to my "big brother" Dave. I have an interview that he helped me to set up. I don't think I will ever be able to express enough gratitude to the people in my life. Funny thing, though, is that I've spent most of my life feeling in debt to the world. However, the more I actually fall into help-debt with those I respect in my life, the less I feel indebted and more the more I just feel love. Someday, through these people's help, I will be able to help them in return. And I cannot wait for that day. It will be, to quote Bill and Ted, MOST TRIUMPHANT.
Also yesterday, I learned that not everyone in my producing class is a disrespectful soulless lump. There are two, probably three, and maybe four good folks in the class. Too bad I find this out a week before it's over. Regardless, one of them took my motorcycle shopping (for him, not for me--come on now), and we had a fun time. I feel like I've also connected well with the writers, so perhaps this semester was not a total networking flop.
To My River: Keep a low profile; have my beach ready. Soon I will get to see the sunrise and sunset on either side of the bend!
To the Redline: I miss you, you mechanical aorta to the angry city. Even if you do smell funny. Say hi to Addison for me.
***
I am updating at 10:45 p.m. Not so much updating, but adding.
Today, I spent about half my day in Santa Monica with a group of writers. I actually watched the sun set over the ocean and behind a mountain.
Then I came home to an empty house with a broken door jamb. Earlier, I had locked myself out and the neighbor and I did a number before I decided to climb through a window. Point is, I came home and watched Punk Drunk Love. Paul Thomas Anderson is amazing. The thing is, though, I have to watch his films alone, but I cannot watch his films alone. This one in particular. Something about the way I fall into the film... It happens with There Will Be Blood as well. Amazing. Beautiful.
My favorite Lays commerical just came on, with the song called Thinking, Drinking, Sinking Feeling. Beautiful. Who knew a potato chip could do that? Hah!
I'm going to go find that song
Good night!
Yesterday, I found out that I have a development internship with Beacon Pictures doing coverage. I love writing coverage, and Beacon has an amazing filmography, so I'm really excited. Once again, though, the recurring theme in my life seems to be "reach a goal; thank the person that pushed you toward it." This time it's my instructor, Van. So this week's thank you goes to you, sir. My prediction next week is that it will go to my "big brother" Dave. I have an interview that he helped me to set up. I don't think I will ever be able to express enough gratitude to the people in my life. Funny thing, though, is that I've spent most of my life feeling in debt to the world. However, the more I actually fall into help-debt with those I respect in my life, the less I feel indebted and more the more I just feel love. Someday, through these people's help, I will be able to help them in return. And I cannot wait for that day. It will be, to quote Bill and Ted, MOST TRIUMPHANT.
Also yesterday, I learned that not everyone in my producing class is a disrespectful soulless lump. There are two, probably three, and maybe four good folks in the class. Too bad I find this out a week before it's over. Regardless, one of them took my motorcycle shopping (for him, not for me--come on now), and we had a fun time. I feel like I've also connected well with the writers, so perhaps this semester was not a total networking flop.
To My River: Keep a low profile; have my beach ready. Soon I will get to see the sunrise and sunset on either side of the bend!
To the Redline: I miss you, you mechanical aorta to the angry city. Even if you do smell funny. Say hi to Addison for me.
***
I am updating at 10:45 p.m. Not so much updating, but adding.
Today, I spent about half my day in Santa Monica with a group of writers. I actually watched the sun set over the ocean and behind a mountain.
Then I came home to an empty house with a broken door jamb. Earlier, I had locked myself out and the neighbor and I did a number before I decided to climb through a window. Point is, I came home and watched Punk Drunk Love. Paul Thomas Anderson is amazing. The thing is, though, I have to watch his films alone, but I cannot watch his films alone. This one in particular. Something about the way I fall into the film... It happens with There Will Be Blood as well. Amazing. Beautiful.
My favorite Lays commerical just came on, with the song called Thinking, Drinking, Sinking Feeling. Beautiful. Who knew a potato chip could do that? Hah!
I'm going to go find that song
Good night!
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