(Lime)lights Out! - Jeff in L.A.

Manifest Destiny Continues...

2009-07-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

Summer is six weeks deep- and I'm drowning in the new and old alike. Here's the recap thus far:

Memorial Day, I went HOME for what felt like the last time- as we know it. The ghosts were quiet - But the realization it wasn't so much "over and out" but more of stay tuned, because now we can all look at things from a new perspective.

My newly transplanted friend and I were walking from a morning of pancakes and perfect orange juice, both laughing, what are we doing here? Two years ago, this wasn't even in the realm of possibility - Two years ago I was on a road trip, two years ago was the last time I was a teacher! A few weeks ago, those 9th graders I taught that first year GRADUATED- The road trip was supposed to give me direction. We drove West and East and South and North - but now we are all WEST and more are coming. More visitors, more transplants, more, more, more.

-I'm always ready to be new again-

But, am I? Are we?

Last night, I saw Death Cab For Cutie play at the Hollywood Bowl (if you've never been, go, to any concert). You sit, with a bottle of wine, under the pale sky, watching the sun set over the mountains, with the Hollywood sign perched high in the distance, over looking the stage. Oh, and they were playing with the L.A. Philharmonic, so when Benjamin Gibbard came out with just his acoustic guitar to play "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" and the orchestra joined in, it was okay, okay to be a little emo (finally). Not to be matched of course, by the rousing, delicate rendition of "Transalanticism" with orchestra, culminating with FIRERWORKS over the dark pitched blue night sky, on every down beat. Correction, this is when it was okay to be emo, just this once.

Now, my nostalgia is on hold- why are we so nostalgic? I have San Diego, this weekend I have San Fransisco, then LA again, with more visitors, more, more, more.

We are building a new empire, and it's finally feeling like home.

I will be protective of what's important.

What's so few and far between.

The bomb is about to go off. Ka-boom

Because there's a 100 other things I should be spending my time on...

2009-05-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

The Facebook "how well do you know me quiz" will surely destroy more friendships then help. Remember when MYSPACE introduced the top 8 and we were forced to narrow down all our friends to the 8 we could display for the world to see. I know I learned a lot about who I know business caring about anymore. Needles to say, I too was swept in the narcissistic styling's of creating a quiz about me. And I didn't make it easy- I purposely put answers that may have been right at one point, but if the person really thought it through, should realize that these were about here and now. I'm a complicated person. Deal with it. The following is the quiz with explanations to the answers. So, if you got a 50% you probably should have received more points for thinking - and coming up with logical choices- but again, I'm complicated.

1) Which of the following institutes of higher learning have I attended?
a) Ithaca College
b) Hofstra University
c) SUNY Stony Brook
d) University of Southern California
e) WTF all of the above?!

The easiest one- even though I rarely talk about my first school, Ithaca, the fact it's the only question with an E choice should have been a give away.

2) Which song have I never sang at Karaoke?
a) How Soon is Now?
b) Layla
c) A Whole New World
d) Santa Baby

This was an unfair question. The point was to see if anyone would believe that I would sing "A Whole New World" and "Santa Baby" which I did in duets. (Please note I spent most of Christmas day practicing for "Santa Baby" on Xmas night- I have sang "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos, but to be fair, I should have put another more random song as the correct answer besides The Smith's "How Soon is Now"- I've never sang it, but there's no real reason why I haven't. I should have used a Creed song, or a DMB song, so basically if you picked a or b you're cool with me.

3) Where did I work for half a shift, and quit after my first lunch break?
a) Borders Books
b) Blockbuster Video
c) Old Navy
d) Smithtown High School East

Come on, Old Navy! They put those stupid walkie talkie ear pieces on me and watched me from above, telling me to go up to customers and ask them what size they were looking for- it sucked. So I went to get lunch at Boston Market, had a fabulous meal, and decided to quit when I went back.

4) I was once in the greatest two piece band of all time- what was it called?
a) Cloud 8
b) The Screwbeagles
c) Out, Out, Brief Candle!
d) Visor

Again, this is one of those it depends when we hung out kind of questions. But really, The Screwbeagles, my faux Ska band from high school was a three piece- Cloud 8 was just the name of a band I never formed- Out,Out, was the name of Michael Behr and my acacore- an acapella hard core band (sans the Brief Candle) leaving the obvious choice Visor- in which me and Michael Cassidy actually wrote 3 songs, and performed live in front of 4 people.

5) Who is my favorite French New Wave actress?
a) Zoey Deschanelle
b) Anna Karina
c) Madame Bovary
d) Emily Blunt
If you didn't get this one, then you are just lazy. Only one of the choices was a French New Wave actress, and she was PERFECTION, ugh especially in black and white - those eyes, those lips, that face, too bad she's French and no longer looks like she did in the early 60's. And it's too bad I'm not Godard, shooting her. (with a camera not a gun) Also a quick google on any of the others should show you that Madame Bovary is the name of a French novel, Zoey Deschanelle, though beautiful and talented, is a modern actress engaged to the dude from Death Cab... and Emily Blunt is British.

6) Who is my current favorite hockey player?
a) Jonathan Tavares
b) Sean Avery
c) Henrick Zetteberg
d) Felix "the cat" Potvin
Yes, hopefully Tavares will be my favorite player come draft day this June... But it's been Henrick Zetterberg all year, I got a hat with his number and a t-shirt with his name- (He's on the Redwings and has the best crafted playoff beard out there) He's also an amazing offensive and defensive player. I want to be him when I grow up. Felix Potvin was my first non Islander favorite player back in the day, I had a Leaf's jersey with his name on it! And Sean Avery is the most hated player in hockey, though he's so good at being so deplorable it's hard to not love him as the villain, and the fact that he's a Ranger makes it even more convenient to hate... and he was on 30 Rock briefly... so in a complex way he is my favorite, because everyone needs to hate someone... I told you, I'm complicated.

7) If I ever get married, what has to be the date of my wedding?
a) July 3rd
b) December 26th
c) April 1st
d) February 29th
My cousin Dave had his wedding on my birthday a few years ago. I vowed revenge. His birthday is July 3rd so it will be my wedding day if that is to ever happen. Though I fear it'll end up being some kind of impulsive move and end 42 hours later. Also, it's awkward on first dates when you tell the girl that if this ends in marriage, it has to be on July 3rd.

8) What was I watching that once caused me to fall off my bed from laughing?
a) The Simpsons - in 1998
b) Conan O'brien when Conan kissed Rebecca Romain
c) Masterpiece Theatre - 2005
d) The final episode of Dawson's Creek
Most people got this one- probably because Conan is on late, so I would most likely be in bed watching, but yes, that episode where he snuck a kiss from RR Stamos and went INSANE - made me cry from laughter, and spasm enough to fall out of my bed... oh and guess who's going to a taping of the tonight show in JULY?!!!?!!? THAT's RIGHT-ME!

9) If I had a black cat with white paws, what would I name it?
a) Michael Cassidy
b) Ms. Kitty Fantastico
c) Fredricka Michaels the IVth
d) Puck
I feel bad for those who put Ms. Kitty Fantastico, especially if you caught the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reference- but I've made it clear for a while now that I want a black cat with white paws named Puck and any kind of cat with a jeweled collar named Freddy Mercury. Good thing I'm a transient who will never settle down anywhere long enough to acquire a cat or two. Also, just a tidbit, many years ago, my sister and I realized our cat, Callie (a Calico cat, ugh how unoriginal) was really named Fredricka Michaels the III. Just so you know.

10) Which literary character causes me the most anguish in my life?
a) Holden Caulfield
b) Lady Brett Ashley
c) Noboru Wataya
d) Jordan Bake
Probably the hardest question, unless you knew me when I first read The Sun ALso Rises, and realized that I would continually find myself in the role of Jake Barnes dealing with Lady Ashley- there are many literary women who could fill this role of frustration, but she was the first. (One could argue Jordan Baker is of the same breed as Lady Brett, but she's worthless in the end.) Again, a little research, and you could of had this one too.

So, there you have it. Now back to going under the covers, where the fact that my closet friends in the world barely know anything about me won't hurt me anymore. It's 4:30 in the afternoon.

The Problem with Today

2009-04-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

First off, a new layout! I like changing colors. I'm like a chameleon, but not a lizard.

Second, I noticed the nation has been overly swept up with Twitter and tweeting. It seemed to be just a small group of people doing it, but now celebreties have made it the thing to do. However, I find it exhausting trying to keep with all these modes of updating what I'm doing with my life via the interweb. Yawn.

Snapshots of Updates!

The film, Zombo, is nearly finished - premier is May 10th at Norris Theatre at USC. It'll be a crowd pleazer, it's a zombie musical after all!

I finished the first draft of a new feature this week! Huzzah!

The Mets are coming to Dodger Stadium in May - will I go to all three games?

Speaking of May, what the hell happened to April?

Follow my tweets for updates on the NHL playoffs.

March 24th, 2009 - The day I finally watch The Shawshank Redemption!

2009-03-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

and then the move finished and I ran outside, the sky opened up, lighting illuminated the clouds and the rain pour down on me.

That didn't happen. For many years, Shawshank was the movie I'd "shock" people with by not having seen it. For some reason, everyone has seen and loved this movie. Many a year ago, I declared I would watch it someday- but it had to be a day I just needed to watch a great movie. Some thought that day would never come! And it's not to say I haven't had a bad day all these years- there's been plenty- but as time moved on, I couldn't put that kind of pressure on the movie, was it really a bad day I was waiting for? When I lost something, or felt I couldn't be cheered up by anyone- No. It was today. I woke up early, again, which has been my recent issue- I'm typically a 9 hours straight of sleep if an alarm doesn't wake me. The last week or so I've been struggling to stay asleep past 5 hours- this is strange. I had a lot to get done in the day, but there I was, early in the morning, not feeling particularly content or excited about anything- and Instant Netflix was calling- You need to watch a movie- Should I waste money I don't have on going to a theatre and just seeing a few movies? No. Should I make a peanut butter sandwich, sit around in pajamas and watch a movie about HOPE? Yes. Today was that day. Turns out it, it was a pretty good movie.

I haven't posted in a while- and it's not say there wasn't plenty of great things to write about- I've decided to not write about the entire Zombo experience, as I figure I need some stuff for people to talk to me about in person. It was an amazing experience, tons of work, but tons of fun. And at this point in time, I'm excited about our cut going into our pick up weekend- when the crew and cast reunite to grab a few needed shots. The band's getting back together!

I also went to NY for spring break- it was relaxing, low-key with obvious spikes of excitement and amusing nights. Plus it was productive, I got a lot of writing done- especially at Starbucks, where the same guy was working three days in a row, and the one day I took off, and decided to stop in at night to get a drink, he was there working. He clearly believes I go twice a day. Luckily it won't be until August when I will go to that Starbucks again. I also read some, watched some movies.

Only 6 weeks until the final screening, my summer schedule is starting to form - time is speeding up! Good thing I found two hours to fit in Shawshank before it was too late!

Also, I'm rereading J.D Salinger's Nine Stories - one story a day for nine days (that band is awful) today is day 4, for those keeping count at home.

Update

2009-02-15T14:08:00.001-08:00

Dollhouse is on HULU - I love HULU

The Interview of The Decade... or at least the month!

2009-02-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

We (I) recently caught up with myself (as I was sitting on the couch sipping coffee) to find out what's been going on? Here is an exceprt from that interview:

Jeff the interviewer (J.I.) : Have you been drinking a lot of coffee?

Jeff (J): I wanted to cut back, but now I'm on three cups a day, plus an energy drink. Oh, what a world!

JI: Any reason for the sudden rise in caffiene intake?

J: Yeah- the movie! Don't get me wrong, nothing beats spending two weekends in a row, overnight in a cold, damp, spooky alley. Take a look:

JI: Wow!

J: I know. As producer I get to play the corpses the zombie's feed on, which is great, except for the freezing puddles i have to lie in, but sometimes you looks up, see the fog, and the zombies surrounding you as you peer into the bluish night from the walls of a brick alley and it's like "now, this is the life."

JI: You have a strange perception on what makes life worthwhile.

J: I know- I mean that's what's really makes me tick- those peripheral subjects that take me away. And really, this week has been chock full of visual and viceral reminders of the importance of the things I love or have loved as it were...

JI: Gah?

J: As you know Watchmen is coming out in a few weeks- and there's plenty of us who love that graphic novel who can't wait, but it kind of defeats the message within the book, having a huge budget movie, billboards of Rorschach all over L.A.- I mean the commericialism is tackeled head on by the characters in that world- yet- there's the awesome nerd factor of the fact that the Watchmen are plastered all over Los Angeles. Like who ever thought their be a time when this was the big "it" thing. I mean, I didn't read it until I was in college, as I had always hear of it, but never really sat down to read it until a friend lent me his copy- of course since, I passed it along to many others- two of my favorite times include when I had Amy come to me with help to find graphic novels to send to her husband Alan in Iraq- and I quickly chose Watchmen - and she reported back how much he loved it! There was also the time when I was finishing up teaching and started working at Borders again at night, and one of my students (who I knew to be an avid comic fan) came in and suggested he read Watchmen- he too was blown away and actually contacted me to tell him how much he loved it. So, yeah, I'm excited to see so much Watchmen commercialism - even it is an metaphysical conundrum. See:

JI: Maybe you should spend more time thinking about important issues...

J: Like Blink 182's announcement that they are a band again! And my 17 year old inner self can dance once again? ( I mean I have a whole blog cooking in my head defending my love of this band and it's importance in my adolescent years)

JI: The stimulus package that was passed...?

J: Or how about the fact that not only is Blink back, but GREEN DAY has announced the name of their American Idiot follow up" 21st Century breakdown and has started letting the media hear snippets of the album- and the early buzz is enough to make this my 15th year of listening Green Day, just as exciting as when I first bought Dookie at the ripe young age of 14?

JI: I mean, what about the important parts of life you are missing being so damn nostalgic about bands, books, movies and crap you like as a teenager?

J: Yeah, I know what you mean. Last night I MISSED the premier of Joss Whedon's new show Dollhouse. I was on set and talked with another crew member how I never thought I'd miss a Whedon show (especially since knowing it may only last a few weeks on air). He agreed, but he reminded me that it's probably Whedon's fault we were even out on that set- so I took some pride in that. Besides, I'm sure some friends DVR'd that shit!

JI: Uh huh, and what are you doing this Valentine's Day?

J: Well, we're shooting all night- so spending it in a cold, dark dreary alley.

JI: Exactly.

J: Yeah, I was concerned about this too, but a good friend pointed out that so many of my friends who are having "traditional" Valentine's Day are kidding themselves in loveless or pointless relationships. Maybe this is why we all need our visceral escapes.

JI: Agreed.

Jeff maintains this blog, and reads others. He's only ever interviewed himself because he is a little narsicsitc.

"Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead. "

2009-02-04T23:45:00.000-08:00

The minutes tick by faster each day. Friday night I finally get to start principle production on this wacky film I'm producing. It's this state of delirium that I'm enjoying so much- The fact that every detail is still up in the air, that so many people seem to be pushing themselves to the brink, and my addiction to Rock Star Energy drinks soars everyday- it's in this chaos that I'm finding peace. After all, it's just a movie! I'm stressed, but not in the typical soul crushing sense. It's more of just a heavy sense of focus. This doesn't bode well for my other class (which I laugh at saying as I forget daily I'm producing for a class, and this isn't a full time job that will pay me any money- and I'm not even working for free, but actually paying a small fortune for this exhausting lifestyle) meanwhile, I'm left to almost no writing time in the week, and no time to stop and watch a movie, or read a book - it's draining to miss these escapes. In the morning, as I drive off to wherever it's I need to be or search for, I think how, I'm going to make that time to read, make that time to write, make that time to just catch up on my instant netflix. But there's plenty of time approaching. Spring Break for instance, maybe I'll finally have a chance to read that copy of Infinite Jest sitting on my shelf, collecting dust and mocking me for not taking advantage of my time during the holidays, when I had nothing filling my days.

Oh well, at least I had time to fill out that annoying Facebook survey that's swept the site. People seem to love it, while I know plenty who judge it as trivial and childish, but we are a generation who needs to take the time to write about ourselves, so everyone we've ever known can TRUELY know us. Where else can you pick up conversations or inside jokes that were last pertinent in 11th grade? We live in strange times. So says everyone who's ever lived.

I recently bought a few more records, the new Springsteen on Vinyl, which was the perfect deal for me, as it came with downloadable versions of all the songs. I can listen to the record and still load it on the ol' ipod, which is less amusing to me now that I can spin my favorite albums in lo-fi (oh yes, I picked up an Alkaline Trio album too). What's even better, next week The Get Up Kids "Something To Write Home About" will be released on vinyl to celebrate the 10th anniversary of such a pivotal album - I can't CAN'T believe it came out 10 years ago- I still feel the charge when songs come on from it, like I felt a decade ago. What's my Age Again (also celebrating 10 years for that song and wow, I suddenly miss Blink 182 and hope that they will make a triumphant come back sometime this year.

Last and not least, has anyone been watching this (what should be the last) season of Scrubs? I've been catching them on the 360 over the weekends, and I do believe this is the best the show has been in 3 seasons at least. It feels fresh, it feels like every line is well thought out, jokes packed in, character's moving forward- the show isn't dying of last gasps, it's more like they are steering to go out in style. After last season I was sure it had turned rotten- It's not just 30 Rock keeping me watching television anymore!

Okay, I'm very tired and have a large list of things to do tomorrow, Thursday, a day away from the first day of shooting.

This Amercian Life

2009-01-29T07:37:00.000-08:00

I was driving to school yesterday morning when it was reported on the news of NPR that John Updike had died. I actually verbally expressed remorse. I haven't read a fraction of Updike's work, but I always read his reviews in the New Yorker (which I tend to buy at airport magazine shops- probably because I assume I use my 5- 7 hours of travel time to actually finish a whole issue - which makes me wonder how anyone can have a subscription to the New Yorker and actually have the time to read it cover-to-cover on a weekly basis, but this is really besides the point) UPDIKE! Yes, I was sad to hear he passed away, as it was in my senior year high school class, The Short Story, that I first read "A & P." It's really one of those first times where I felt like a story was written for me, and was able to illustrate my own thoughts and realizations of growing up- which I couldn't verbalize. This story is that verbalization. I often think back on the story, the young guy working in that A & P- and what he witnesses, and what he attempts to do- because it bleeds of truth. It's about rebellion, and it's about making personal choices that may not be accepted by the status quo- it's about the consequences of being an individual, about the often futility of martyrdom- but being young an naive enough to believe that one can change the quo. Or it's about a teenage boy trying to impress some girls. Either way, it hit home then and for something as simple as that, I was somber at the news of John Updike's passing.

One side note- I never had the chance to officially teach this story in any of my classes, but in one of my teaching classes I created a lesson plan for it. Just in case you were wondering~

“If being crazy means living life as if it matters, then I don’t mind being completely insane.”

2009-01-24T14:34:00.000-08:00

SO the OScar nominations were announced on Thursday. I expected all of the top 5 but one. Substitute THE READER for DARK KNIGHT - and I would have happy. Ben Button landed the most nominations- but this movie-that-tries-way-too-hard-to-be-emotionally-meaningful is really a hollow spectacle devoid of true emotions. (I choose The Reader over this one!) I was also sorry to see Rev. Road get passed over- though the backlash it received is understandable- it takes a lot to make a film of unlikeable characters in a depressing detierioating marriage- but I liked it!
All I can hope for is that Slumdog or Milk walk away with best picture - ditto for the directors. (I always root for Gus Van Sant, even when he makes awful painfully minimalist films such as Gerry and Last Days. Mostly, because in high school, my film/video teacher, Ms. Smith, knew Van Sant, and had tried to get him to do a workshop with us. He never did, but still it was nice that he even thought about us enough to reject us.

The following are pictures of my new room. Please notice the bold choice for my walls. I hope this doesn't end up driving me insane!

And here's video of the record player in motion!

Speaking in Images

2009-01-22T14:29:00.001-08:00

My headaches and words escape me.

my sign is vital, my hands are cold

2009-01-19T13:49:00.000-08:00

The eve of the inauguration... how many people will end up watching it? In D.C.? On Facebook? That's where I plan to watch. It feels like the next place to be watching such a cultural event. I assume people listened to former president's take their oath on radios, black and white televisions, and now H.D. broadcasts and on our social networks. Fast forward 40 years - "I remember when we watched President Obama's inauguration on a social networking site called facebook. Little did we know then how much CHANGE that day we begin..." Change for good we hope. Things aren't looking to good out there. But for at least tomorrow, people will be celebrating, full of anticipation and high hopes. We are suddenly confident in the midst a dense fog. Even our beloved celebrities are showing up to spread the cheer. That's something right? Well, Bruce Springsteen at least performed for the one of the most promising moments in our nations history. (Speaking of The Boss, what a year, probably going to win an Oscar for "The Wrestler" song. Playing for Obama and then playing in the Superbowl Half Time Show.) But we can't just sit back and celebrate and pat ourselves on the back. Nothing's been done yet. Positive thinking will only get you so far. But it's a start.

Out There Part of Your World

2009-01-15T10:22:00.001-08:00

The semester has finally "officially" started, though as a producer this "introduction to the class" session seemed about 6 weeks too late! No worries there, the key to producing is to realize the avalanche is right on your heals and know it's moments away from burying you. Sounds like fun, eh?

Since the work load has consumed most my last few days, and today as well (though I am taking a 3 hour break tonight to take in delightful hockey match up of Henrik Zetterberg and the Red Wings take on those pesky up and comers the L.A. Kings at the Staple Center). I've had the luxury of being too exhausted to care that I have no room, nothing unpacked and am sleeping on a futon that seems to be gasping for life in the cushion. Again, no worries. Though, it's kind of strange looking up and seeing your flocculent mattress leaning up against the wall behind a couch. So close yet so far.

Tidbits of the week:

In the 1988 movie Twins, smoking was permitted in supermarkets. I thought Marney was pretty when I was 8 years old and still think she's a knock-out now, even with her 80's hair and smoking her cigarette after deflowering Julius.

Can't wait for Obama to go from president-elect to president. Hope he saves the world. The potential Great Depression 2 (GDII) makes me quite pensive.

Still haven't found "I'd rather be reading Bukowski" bumper stickers for me and my sister.

My Starbucks giftcards from Christmas are running dangerously low.

I need to find 2 hours this weekend to see a new print of Godard's Made in the U.S.A. - one that's never been released on video or dvd - and wouldn't you know, is playing over at the NUART this week.

Can't wait to find an LP of the song to be played in the credits of WATCHMEN, a Bob Dylan cover of "Desolation Row" by My Chemical Romance- glee.

Man on Wire on DVD

2009-01-12T23:52:00.000-08:00

Really, if you want to just watch something inspirational and something that will show you potential of the human being watch the documentary Man On Wire. It's on dvd now and should win the best documentary oscar.

Started class today in the outrageous and spectacular new Cinema Arts building. The elevator is in the Lucas wing, but my classroom was in the Spielberg wing... complicated layout, seriously. The complex looks like it belongs in Florence or maybe Vegas's version of Florence. It made me realize as I wandering down the massive halls covered in rare and vibrant classic movie posters (The Blue Dahlia written by Raymond Chandler? I got to rent that one!) that I'm spending my days in the most impressive Film school building in the WORLD. I just wish the cafe would open and that I take full advantage of the facilities. You should definitely check it out when you visit me!

Also, check around for any good vinyl at thrift stores or your parent's basement. Send it to me, but make sure it's something I'll enjoy.

Roomless

2009-01-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

I'm in my new house. All my stuff is piled in the living room, and outside on the porch. Unfortunately my lease ended on the apartment a few weeks before the room I'm going to live is actually available. This means an undetermined amount of time living on a futon in the living room.

Luckily, moving here is exciting. Greg and Rich will make for solid roommates as Rich enjoys football, wine and most fun things. Greg has decided to become a beer baron, and will be trying to brew his own beer in the kitchen. Plus, my rarely used xbox 360 has found new life. It's a shame I'm going to be so inundated with work for school to just let go and sit, wrapped in my blue fuzzy blanket, and just watch movies and fight zombies on the 360. Unless I eliminate sleep. I'm not beyond this.

To help bring a new sense of style to the house I impulsively decided I wanted a record player, found an inexpensive one on craiglist and within a day, entered the world of vinyl. The thought came to me as I was listening to some albums I bought this year on Itunes. I was always a fan of album art, especially on my cd's and was pensive thinking how it's a part of music buying is ending. Then I thought about tapes, and records. Records were what album art was really for, those big sleeves created a sense that these songs together create an actual piece of art. Plus, there's just certain bands that feel like they need to be heard on LP. It's just part of that raw sensation that I've never experience in my digital realm. Yep, I thought all this and bought a record player. I don't plan to buy tons of vinyl. Mostly, I'm going to look for select albums I love that I believe would give me a different listening experience and pick up those. Also it allows friends to send me records they find and think I want. Like any Bouncing Souls album.

Tomorrow starts the first 3 days of auditions for the film. I also got to remember in all my producing and running around to go to my screenwriting class on Monday.

The New Production House

2009-01-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

After having a business lunch with my Producing partner we stumbled into the Bourgeois Pig, an independent coffee house with free wi-fi and the ambience of black lighted art gallery/ wooded forest. I believe it's my new spot.

The '09 sound

2009-01-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

The Limelight is still out. For those still checking.

Here we go, Los Angles year 2~

There’s a lot to discuss. I’m thrilled to report that my year ended with a delightful few weeks back on Long Island. I was able to relax, spend time with my family and my good friends. It was like pushing the old reset button on an old Nintendo System. The trip took me from Long Island to Newark, New Jersey, to Ewing, New Jersey to Washington D.C. back to Long Island. If someone were to ask me what was my favorite part, I would probably stand still and blank, I mean how can you choose? There were highlights, such as a night spent in a hot tub, sipping champagne, after a bustling snowstorm. A ton of great nights with my official #1 Friend Danea, who stepped up to avoid waffles the entire trip. I have the t-shirt to prove it. Can’t wait to wear it in San Diego! The Christmas Party, was fancy ass and videographed, which we will watch NEXT Christmas. There was much karaoke with my duet champ Ari and constant reverie in classic fun with Amy and Alan. Not to mention gracious appearances by Ian, the greatest person in the world, Michael Behr! In the flesh. A Jersey getaway hosted by Eric and Eileen, constant hockey games and movie talks with Pete and his (now) fiancé, Melyssa! Christmas joy with Caitlin, and sizzling styln’ with Michael. Another New Year’s Eve with Gina Cutillo. And of course the many other people who made it a perfect vacation from the Left Coast.

But I can’t spend too much time recapping, as this blog is supposed to be about my experiences back here. The blog resolution is to keep it more updated. But it’s hard. As I told Amy, who took the blogspiration and made the best Blog ever (if you are reading this stop and read hers! www.alternativearmywife.wordpress.com) It’s like, why bother, she’s already blown me away blogging. But, this isn’t a competition; it’s a chance to purge my thoughts to a willing audience. Thank you.

So quick favorites of 2008

Favorite films- Dark Knight – By far on of my favorite films of all time, I could go on again on how it pushed the genre to all new boundaries. And as I saw the other critically hyped films, I couldn’t help but think, these are good, but Dark Knight is masterpiece.

Slumdog Millionaire- the real fairy tale feel good about life movie of the year. Not that Benjamin Button crap.

Milk- One of the most truthful feeling bio films I’ve ever seen, it never felt like a “movie”.

Let The Right One In- the real must see vampire movie of the year. Honest, chilling, and truthful about childhood innocence and fears.

Other films I really enjoyed – Hellboy 2, Ironman, Synechode, NY, Revolutionary Road, Wall E and Vicky, Christie, Barcelona.

Favorite Music from 2008

Check my old blogs about my gushing feelings about The Gaslight Anthem, but their new one, ’59 Sound is my favorite of the year.

I also loved the new Coldplay’s Metallica’s Death Magnetic (who knew they could make one like this again?) MGMT, T.I., Ludacris, Death Cab for Cutie Narrow Stairs, and of course Alkaline Trio, Irony and Agony.

Favorite Sport moments of 2008

The Superbowl- come on, besides that it was the Giants, how they won and whom they beat made it the best one I’ve ever seen.

My last game at Shea, Mets came back to beat the Braves, after I climbed up to the upper deck, those orange seats where planes from LaGuardia always clipped my head. That’s how I’ll remember Shea.

Red Wings winning the Stanley Cup – after three years, the NHL has completely rebounded from the lockout, all new stars, and one of the best finals in long memory.

Of the heals of watching the Wings beat the Hawks at Wrigley Field (though this one was in 2009) We can’t forget the first Winter Classic in Buffalo, snow falling, Crosby winning it in a shoot out in OT. The great new New Years Day tradition.

So that’s the wrap up.

I’m moving out of my apartment on Friday, January 9th to my new digs with Greg and Rich in Culver City. Lots of couches. Team Cherry House.

Oh, and I’m producing a film for school.

Keep you posted.

Hot Scoop!

2008-11-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

Q: So how's the end of the semester treating you?

A: Just as busy, though it's winding down. There's been some nice surprises, new oppertunities. Basically, I break for Thanksgiving weekend, come back from two more weeks of preparations and final projects and then it's time for a well deserved holiday break.

Q: You say "well deserved holiday break" but don't you think break are for people doing real work, not escaping reality by going to film school?

A: ...

Q: Pardon me, I'm just bitter about my station in life.

A: Quite alright.

Q: So aside from school, what's new with life in Los Angeles?

A: Just that I'm getting out!

Q: So soon?

A: And moving to Culver City!

Q: Isn't that a few blocks from your current apartment?

A: Yeah, so it's still essentially L.A. Only I'll be in a house, with real couches. It's going to be sensational!

Q: Seen any good movies lately?

A: Slumdog Millionare, Quantam Of Solace and Doubt.

Q: What about Twilight?

A: Angsty teenager girl romance with a vampire? It's called Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 2- Brilliance and it's even more tragic, she's a slayer and he's a vampire with a soul! Until of course they finally "get together" and he loses his soul and becomes pure evil. Oh and then the end when she "kills" him just as his soul is returned. By Zeus's beard, I love that show!

More of this interview to be published in coming days...

Change Has Come To America

2008-11-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

Four years ago, I sat on the floor of my housemate’s room, clutching a Killian’s, praying for Ohio to go blue, and sulking in dismay as it inevitably went Red. Maybe the Irish Red was the wrong beer to go with that night. It was a shock then, but now, I understand why that candidate failed to overturn the tide of disturbance the administration of the last 8 years has helmed. He wasn’t the person who could rally the excitement and need for change. It was obvious that the failure of Democrats would mean that next time, new blood would have to shine, they’d have to find the people, the candidates who were of a different breed from what was being rolled out against a Republican administration built on greed, ideology and fear. Green Day’s American Idiot had come out that fall, and I remember loving the message the album built, about this “Jesus” of Suburbia and how maybe my generation would step up to the wrong and make it right. But four years ago, it felt like that change was far, far away.
As I was working at the bookstore in those days, the day after Election Day was still one of buzz. There were discussions of disgust, rationalization, and even one friends hope for terror and horror taking over the streets. I do remember one woman, coming in and asking for the new senator from Illinois’s book. The name Barak Obama had created some buzz, and I talked with this woman about how he’s the rising star in the Democratic Party. She said, just wait, he’ll be running in 8 years. In the midst of my disgust and cynicisms, I noted the name, and over the next year or so listened when it came up. I never got to read that book, but late in 2006, Obama’s second book came out, The Audacity of Hope. I read it, expecting it be essential a doctrine announcing Obama’s views and plans to help bring needed change to this country. I read through it quickly, both impressed with his view points, especially on economics, education (as I was teaching at the time) and foreign policy. Mostly I was affected by the voice. I loved the personal anecdotes about his life now in the senate, his relationship with his wife and children, where he came from, and how this politician could so elegantly write this book, in the midst of his rising political career. I had forgotten what it was like to have someone who could express his or her views and ideas with such natural control over the language.
I say I’m not a Democrat, as I do want to be open to argument and my own instincts about who will represent my own views in hopes in the bigger picture that is our country. As the primaries raged on, I knew I was going to vote for Hilary or Obama, but as he was given more exposure, and I saw that elegance in his speech, his ability to stand in front of people and feel like a leader, I began to be more sure he was the one I wanted to see take the lead. I saw someone who was what I idealized my president to be like. Obama only proved this further to me during the presidential campaign. Though I was trilled to hate Sarah Palin as I never could demonize McCain that much, I always felt in his more candid moments, at another time (8 years ago?) he would make an honest President. I think Saturday Night Live was more relevant and funny these past few weeks than I’ve ever seen, mostly thanks to Tina Fey’s renditions of Palin. But in the end, at Hofstra, when McCain tried to be on the offense, trying to rattle Obama, he stood stoic, as an intellectual, as someone who could remain calm. This only emphasized how he could turn, look into the camera and honestly explain the financial crisis we were in, Obama again showed why his platform of change, his breaking of the Washington as usual candidate mold, shined. He seemed to be able to look beyond his own historical implications, and keep the campaign about the issues, that our country needs a new track, a return to greatness. He proved that he might just be the type of person we need to lead us down this path.

Today, I woke earlier, registered to vote in California (since my first tries in New York didn’t work out too well). The line was long, but being in a city, I was content to wait for almost two hours. The people on line were of all backgrounds, many around my age. My favorite moment was when an elementary school bus stopped at the corner light, and the children inside pressed against the window of us voters in wait, and they shouted “OBAMA!” and held up little signs they made with his name on them. All week, I had that confidant feeling it was going to be a landslide, but it was then that I knew, this wouldn’t be anything like the last two elections.
I voted. I didn’t jump up and shout “USA USA!” as I’m apt to do when I’m feeling patriotic. I simply received my “I VOTED STICKER” went to Starbucks for my free tall coffee (Christmas Cups are already out!) and headed to school.

I was waiting for 7:00 pm to head over to my friend’s house to watch the conclusion of the election. Just before I left, Ohio was called Blue. Redemption four years later. I knew it was only a matter of time. At my friends house, for fun we though on Comedy Central to see Jon Stewart and Colbert. We flipped back to regular news channels, but it felt like, we should be watching Stewart and Colbert, somehow the change in our country has to do with how important these comedic news shows have come to our political landscape. At around 8:00 pm, after a comedic rant by Colbert, Jon Stewart casually informed Stephen that Barak Obama is officially the president elect. There was a pause amongst my friends and me. I asked is he joking? We quickly switched to a news channel to see the cameras in Chicago, prepping for Obama’s speech. He won. He actually won.
The next hour of footage seemed dreamlike. McCain’s speech was gracious and honest, showing the McCain that had been missing the last month or two. He reminded us the historical implications, and how important this election was. It never felt like he was angry, but rather proud of how Obama caught the excitement of so many voters. Because that’s what happened. It was a landslide. It wasn’t just Obama barely squeaking by, but instead it was a exclamation from the country, that they want the change Obama has promised, and they want him to lead them to it.
Obama’s speech was presidential. I felt every other noise in my life silence. He spoke in his elegant way, and talked about what this means, and about the hope we as a country are reaching for. I had forgotten what it was like to look at a politician, a new president-elect, and see someone who I believed in, admired, and felt like was capable to represent my ideals, and me in the bigger picture. At least tonight, I felt part of history, and I hope everyone can feel this, even a little. Most night’s we can find so much to by cynical about, we have so few chances to give in and feel what hope can do. At least for tonight the future feels like it can be bright. We are merely parts of the whole, but I’m going to sleep proud tonight. I’m proud of my country. I’m proud of Barak Obama. And I’m proud to be able to see how this night of hope will unfold.

3 Rad Things

2008-10-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

Not much time lately to update- but that doesn't mean things haven't been going down!

1) The film was finished last week- final sound mix - the feelings that come with realities anti climatic nature- and finally, a screening on a real theatre's big screen. Which was great- except I can't remember the film being played at all, and somehow in my speech to the audience I talked more about voting for Barak Obama than thanking the people I was supposed to- oh well, next time.

2) Best "celebrity" sighting thus far (at least in my own context). I was sitting in my favorite diner Fred62's www.fred62.com - which I hadn't been to in almost two months- check it out (and if you come to visit me, ask others who have, you will be taken there) so yeah, I was having a production meeting with the director of the next film we are shooting and I looked up to see a singer from a band I like come in- only it took me a moment for it register (this guy and band have very distinct look, not just skinny guys in t-shirts with emo hair) that I knew this person, not from daily life, but from countless shows. I caught myself before I did an obligatory nod of "Hey!" as I realized who it was. Again, most people wouldn't care about this "celebrity sighting" but from my own history, knowing me and the amount of times I've seen this guy perform, or read his work in comics, etc. what are the odds of all the alternative vibe diners, in all the cities, at all the random times of 4 30 on a Thursday, would we be at the same place. I left it at that, I didn't want to be a douche and annoy the guy, so I finished my meal satisfied with just the rad coincidence. Of course, we leave and stop at the movie theatre on the corner to see what's playing- Nick and Norah is playing, which I saw, and thought was only okay, as it wasn't really made for me, but the film resonated with me in a weird way because the characters literally go around NYC going to clubs for shows, all clubs I have been to many times over. I mean I almost cheered when they went to the Bowery Ballroom... the point is I was explaining this to my friend when the "celebrity" walked past with his wife/gf? and I thought ironically how he was of one of the acts I'd go and see so much in the city... Finally, the story ends when I went into the indie book shop next door, the book I wanted Infinite Jest, was on the employee picks shelf- only one copy so I went the section to find a "fresher" copy. There was none so I turned the corner back to the employee picks shelf only to find the guy was standing in the way, I awkwardly had to slip past him to grab the book and I quickly got the hell out of the store- finding the whole experience to be way too surreal. Of course the kicker was I walked back to my car and got in and the guy and girl walked past me hand in hand, the whole time I was analyzing the situation in my head, they were right behind me. Awesome!

3- I went to the Red Wings Kings game this week - again a great night on the town. I finally found some live NHL hockey and actually (Compared to the Colesieum) the place was pretty full- lots of Wings fans, who I decided to root for- since based off the isles start of the season it's going to be a long few years- First of all, it's incredible to root for a team that talented- it's like of course they're going to come through. It felt like the Wings slept through most the game, but my favorite player Zetterberg (Conn Smythe winner from last season's playoffs) had a goal, OZZIE played in goal and had an assist and to top it off it went to a shoot out- Osgood (sogood) stopped every shot and Zetterberg netted the winner! I love hockey!

That's it for now- Halloween is almost here!

Taken this all the way to the White House

2008-10-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone watched the third, and final, Presidential Debates that took place at Hofstra University. I was so proud when Hofstra was named at the location, but even more exctied on Wednesday night, as at a cafeteria I proudly wore my 'Stra t-shirt as Obama and that old guy both thanked Hofstra for having them. Many years ago, Hillary Clinton stopped by our campus when she was running for the senate, and in my last year, Bill Clinton came by to give a talk. Unfortunately I was unable to score tix to see Bill, but I remember how it felt to have him on campus. It's not easy for me to feel pride for a school. Let's face it, I've been to a lot. But for some reason, Hofstra has always been a place I'm proud of. I think it's because of the surprises I found there, I ended up transferring there, unexpectantly. All I ever thought of the school was that it was a Long Island school located next to the Nassau Colesieum, which didn't hurt my reasoning for going there. But really, it was the people I met there, some of my best friends, who I realized, as I watched the debate, have all gone on to their own paths, but whatever bond that was fused there, in 916b, our suite, is enough to keep us connected. Also, Hofstra changed me academically. A lot of people don't discover themselves in college, but really, my interests in writing, literature, art, and cinema seemed to grow on that campus. I remember how excited I was to go back, and start my Masters their after I had started teaching. (Even though I started the film program I am in now, I still wish I could have finished that degree, even if it would only be for piece of mind). I had professors their who helped me focus on my aspirations- I guess that's what makes me reflect on my time their with such fondness. It's so different reflecting on Hofstra, then say my time in high school, Hofstra was such a short blast of time, and a lot of my memories take place outside the school- my few years of living in Nassau County was a vehicle to so many shows, movies, adventures, and a better appreciation for living so much closer to New York City.
But that's in the past- and today- (though I'm still in school, forever in school it seems) I'm like so many people, pirched, watching as we get closer and closer to an Election, that I think many of use agree and realize is the most important of our lives... to see Obama at Hofstra just gave me a good feeling, a little more of that hope that I (and many others) have been able to attach to him.

Today, I recieved my voting site, as a California resident. I figure I needed to change my luck from the last election- ( I think I was in Stony Brook then, but Stony Brook was no Hofstra, not by a long shot).

Other updates:
We are finishing sound design on our little films, next Saturday is our big screening. Then it's on to the 2nd half of the semester. It's tiring, I'd be lying if I hadn't noticed I crossed the two month's to go marker before I get to return to NY for the holidays...Soon enough.

Two Minutes for Euro Tripping

2008-10-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

Don't mind the pun in the title of this entry.

So first, we are deep into post-production on the film, we're in good shape as we are under the maximum 5 and half minutes and have a week and half to work on sound- So all should be good and we'll be ready for the big screen screening on campus on the 25th!

I went to a roller derby match the other night - which was quite a fun night. It was my friend's birthday, and she's been going non-stop to Los Angeles Doll House for an aggressive and violent sport that involves girl on roller skates knocking each other over. Also they're all a bit alternative styled girls which makes it even more exciting! I really appreciated the hard work the entire DIY league goes through to make it happen. I rooted for #516 because her name was Long Island Lolita, so I figured she was my home town hero. Skating and hard hitting - if only there was another sport like that, starting a new season this weekend...

Oh right!

I've caught a little bit of the opening games for the NHL - this season two teams were playing two games in Prague and two teams playing games in Stockholm - this is the second year that the league has sent teams to open games in Europe. This has started the debate on whether the NHL is ready to start expansion in the European market. It would be a whole division with teams in hockey hot beds like Prague, Stockholm, Helsinki - amongst others...

I think this would be a brilliant move. Frankly, the league is so niche that I find admitting hockey is my favorite sport gets laughs - this used to be the reaction soccer fans only received. The climate is perfect to push the boundaries of professional sports. There's a global community - ever connected through internet and economy- the NHL can take the progressive step forward by creating the closet thing to a global league. The fact that Boston Bruins could have game versus a team in Belarus or the Calgary Flames could have a game versus the Prague Vampires (just a thought) is fascinating. Free agent signings will become a whole new game- as European players (who make up 30% of the league can be NHLers in their home countries or how about players looking for top dollar being able to sigh huge NHL contracts in EUROS !

The league is already too big at 30 teams and I suppose the NHL would probably try to do expansion, which would bump the league to 34 or 36 depending on what they were thinking. I would hope that they would look to sell off certain franchises first. I rather see teams in Scandinavia or Russia then in Phoenix, Florida and Atlanta. I realize this could also lead to the moving of my beloved New York Islanders to London or Helsinki - which would lead me to throwing chairs around my apartment, like when my favorite players are traded.

Baseball has the World Series, which really doesn't involve the world. Football as the SUPER bowl which when you think about sounds like the cheesiest name for a championship game- The Stanley Cup is the greatest trophy in sports, and I think it's time it had the chance to be won the in the countries were the passion for the game is explosive.

In a real dark night of the soul it is always three o'clock in the morning, day after day.

2008-09-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

It's is really hot tonight- like 90 degrees in my apartment hot- I'm not sure how this happened, though I had a feeling this may be the outcome as I walked to class today under a brutal sun. Correct me if I'm wrong, but today was the last day of September... right?

Oh yeah, I'm not in the north east anymore- the strangest thing is that this may not be just a fluke hot fall day- Apparently I'm trapped in a desert climate, and I can expect more of this. Gross!

On the other side of things- the third and final weekend of shooting went brilliantly, the crew and actors were confident and just about flawless in the execution. Again, I think writing a script that involves only two characters and one room was the way to go for this film project. We are now in post production, but within three weeks the film will be finished. It's on to the second project- this one I will be director of photography for, so an nice change of pace.

I saw CHOKE this weekend, and part of being in L.A. means you can go see a movie and happen to get tickets to a showing where the director will show up and talk about the film afterwards. Such was the case with Choke. I enjoyed the fast paced cliff notes style film version of my favorite Palahniuk novel as I was watching it, but here, two days removed, I feel the film only gives one a taste of what the book accomplished. This is so often the case, but this film strives because Sam Rockwell made a perfect Victor. I wish the film itself had a larger production value and was a bit more faithful, but the humor was in the film, just not the grander scale satire that powers the novel. But the director, who is also a character actor in many films, was on hand, so I had to applaud... right?

Friday, I get a chance to see an early screening of Synechoche New York, with a special Q and A with writer/director Charlie Kaufman- I'm thrilled for this one- as I'm sure you would be too!

In the mail I received the shirt portion of my halloween costume- I won't disclose exactly what I'm being but know that the hammer doesn't represent my fists and I hate the homeless... ness problem that plagues our city!

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of the night we started making and decorations for THE GREATEST HALLOWEEN party anyone will ever throw, at least I will ever throw- there's no way this year's Halloween will even come close- but damn it, I'll stay up all night in the pumpkin patch if I have to!

More to come later this week!

I was crawling around in my head in the haze of a trance.

2008-09-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well...

Since most my time and now my dreams have been consumed by the film I'm making there hasn't been too much to report.

However, as I was returning some unused costume effects to Hot Topic - I was compelled to buy this t-shirt (please note the mirror-effect on the words)

If you catch the reference on this shirt, then I think you are Cosmically Awesome!
Me and the friendly Hot Topic clerks gushed over how wonderful of a shirt it is.

Ah, bonding.

Anyway, I've been missing reading, I haven't read a novel since I was back East over a month ago, so I'm trying to find some free moments to do that- I feel illiterate as all I'm reading are my own scripts and graphic novels. (So to save myself, I've been slowly rereading James Joyce's short story "The Dead" I've read it before, kind of a short story masterpiece so I'd say it's a pretty good read. Makes me wish it was winter and I was in Dublin.

I've also started twittering. It helps for my constant need to let the internet know what I'm doing and thinking and my also chronic text messaging. Ah the cures of the modern age.

Enough of that- day two of shooting was long but felt great- Tuesday we'll see how it really turned out, but for now, some on set pics to give you an idea of what the day was like:

Day 2 of shooting was LONG but HOPEFULLY it all will come out BRILLIANTLY!

Avoid the Ulcer

2008-09-18T22:41:00.001-07:00

What a week- and it's only Friday- Just remind myself that this is all fun- right?

It's amazing how day-by-day how my perspective of things changes. If feels like I went from feeling confident and having a grand old time, to being overly critical and destructive to myself for my perspective of what I'm doing.

Perspective.

This isn't medical school, lives aren't in the balance.

But it's what I'm doing. What I'm pushing myself through.

Balance.

It's only a few days/ weeks/ of pushing myself at all cylinders. Really, within 3 months, it will be the holidays, I'll be visiting home and completely restful- reflecting on the work I did and the experience of these few months. Then I will feel the opposite.

The problem is when you have a hole and cover it with sticks and leaves, it doesn't take much to fall through it.

Of course once you're out of the hole, it's so easy to forget what it felt like being trapped on the bottom- even if was only 12 hours prior.

I think I'm just looking for suggestions - answers to how do I push myself to my limits with out the fall out that comes with it?

I'm looking to you, oh faithful reader!

Enough complaining/ ranting/ begging-

Here are some of the highlights of this week:

1) Metallica - I never, never thought I'd be happy about a new Metallica album, at least not in the last 13 years! But damn, it rocks and rocks hard. It's a throw back to their classic style of the late 80's and it's just perfect for me right now. There's a track that just over 9 minutes (no vocals, all instrumental thrashing) that can cover my drive to school from my apartment. Who knew? Also, the 3 song EP from Straylight Run was released on itunes- they always bring me back to a time and place, these songs do the same, even without Michelle in the band anymore!

2) Pumpkin Spiced Lattes and Pumpkin Scones from Starbucks. Obviously the key with this gift from the 'bucks is to not consume them everyday- So far, one Latte a week, and 2 scones since Sunday.

3)Writer's block demolished- I met with my writing Prof. He suggested to break through my writing woes to not write the one 15 page script for the week, but two. I was very happy with my results, though am annoyed with myself that it takes double the work and double pressure to get me through.

Those are three solid highlights - though I don't think the first two count. Oh well.

This weekend I have two days of shooting (Sunday being the big one) A lot of assignments due before Wednesday, so it's going to be busy. But as long as I get through with out developing an Ulcer, I'll add that to the list of highlights next week.

The Shoot (Day 1)

2008-09-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

SO, I guess the fun of shooting a film on actual film is exhilarating, because if shot properly, it looks, well, like a real film. You can do a lot with digital, and those high end HD cameras, but there will always be something classic, something electric, something romantic, about the images being developed by chemicals after spooling through a motor and shutter.

We have to wait and see how it came out, but from the directors (I'd say chair, but I stood the whole time) it looked like everything I had imagined so many months ago when I sat down and wrote the script.

Here are some stills from the day, just to give you a taste- Does it look like a film I'd make or what?

Agony and Irony- is a pretty good listen.

2008-09-12T19:53:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to make sure you realize how silly it is that I'm spending more time and money decorating my film set classroom, then I ever did for any of my actual classrooms. And that's what I'm doing all day tomorrow too, -I'm pretty excited about my Art Design, most of it is just references to things only I would know- is it wrong to be only making a movie for myself?

Speaking of making stuff- I've kind of fallen into a bit of writer's block (only it's not like I'm stuck in the midst of a story- It's more like the starter pistol has been shot and I'm stuck at the starting line) If anyone has any suggestions of what I should write a short film about, please don't hesitate to be my muse.

Here It Is Again Yet It Stings Like The First Time

2008-09-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

On the subject of the never ending cycles of our lives the triumphant September tradition of the new EA NHL game is upon us.

Observe:

I know it's not THAT much different than last years, but I usually only have a six 9 month attention span on these game. I don't even play them competitively (like online or with other real people). The mindless imaginative hockey world it puts me in for 20 mins a game has become a institution in relaxation for myself. Which is kind of miraculous because I rarely can "truly" relax doing anything. So, even though I have no time to really play the damn game, I grabbed a few other games, went to the store before class, did a trade-in and behold, another year of NHL 09.
It's kind of like if children of late 60's kept buying new versions of that crappy electric football game, where the pieces move around an electrified board bumping into each other, every year, because the players names were different on the back of the little players' jerseys. Keep in mind, I bought my first EA NHL game back in 92 for the Sega Genesis. That's right, if the end doesn't come in 2012, I could be celebrating twenty years of playing video game hockey. Professionals don't even have careers that long- oh and the games never get locked out or go on strike.

I went to the gym early today, as I have a long day ahead of me at school, and it gave me the time to watch the CNN while running, and was reminded of what the date is. Here we are seven years removed from this frozen marker in our history. I know I'm the one who is going to reflect back to that point, and see where I was and who was with me in that time- but it feels selfish. I've always felt empathy towards those who lost people, but now, looking back at seven years (they say every seven years we are a different person) I think about the victims even more, like how their lives have moved on, evolved and how this date, will forever be a marker of what life was before and after. This is a truth for those individuals who lost so much that day, but it's also a metaphor for our country. The before and after. It's the human experience to suffer loss, it's in our contract to feel happiness and transcendent joy, that we are vulnerable to suffering great tragedy. People who have lost suddenly and tragically have these date markers, this one just hangs over the collective.

September has the been the marker of new beginnings for most of my life (as I feel like I've been involved in schools FOREVER, and September is the recognized start to school). Now I can go down the line, I was at Hofstra, I was working at The Sports Authority, I was at Stony Brook and working at Borders, I was just at Phil's wedding while desperately seeking a teaching job, I was teaching for my second year, I was disastrously unemployed, and now I'm in Los Angeles at film school. (All enjoying John Harvard's Pumpkin Spice Ale except for this year!)
I mean, this is pretty all over the place- but mostly, except for the loss of my grandpa, a few friends I lost touch with, I've stayed mostly the same. I mean, I still bought the new NHL game...

But for those people, who's lives a marked with personal tragedy, I can only imagine and hope they've evolved and have found solace.

the 59 Sound

2008-09-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you The Gaslight Anthem for existing - seriously, their first album is the best thing I heard last year, their E.P. that came out in February had only four songs, but every time I hear one, it's like the first time again. They have the perfect formula they mix the nostalgia and blue collar honesty of Bruce Springsteen, but it's pop punk. So pretty much the perfect band.

Every time I feel this way about a young, raw, unfiltered band - I wonder if this is the last band that will give me those music chills of deep music and spiritual satisfaction... But really, there's got to be a point when you get too old and everything the kids are listening to sounds like noise or some cliche crap like that...I hope not, but if The Gaslight Anthem is the end of the line it will be a good way to go out.

Other than that I've been listening to If by Mindless Self Indulgence for some manic wacky hard rock, The Academy Is... for the guilty pleasure pop punk factor and the new Conor Oberst, which for some reason, I like way more than his last Bright Eyes album.

I realize music isn't the dominate life style it once was... well, it's still always there, I'm just not surrounded by people who's world is rooted in the songs they love. But I'm still listening, still searching for that next song. I even had the MTV video awards on in the background last night, which was depressing. I usually feel sick after watching mtv award shows, but that had to be the most boring one ever- aside from maybe the opening monologue there was no spark, no sense of MTV madness that was once expected from those shows- granted this was a decade ago. It looked like there was maybe 100 people in the audience, and why when Linkin Park won their award for best rock video did only two people go up on stage... aren't there like seven guys in that band?

Ah well, in other news I finished casting tonight and again am exhausted, but am looking forward to this weekend when production finally starts. I wrote this script in April, I've never written something I made this far in advanced, it will be fun to see what comes out of it.

I still don't like Sarah Palin.

I want to see Obama start stepping up again.

And I want to see Burn After Reading this weekend, if there's time...

Oh, and the NHL starts up in just one month!

Enough of this, back to my 59 Sound!

Chronically Disastified

2008-09-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Auditions, art design, camera tests, rewrites- we march towards next weekend- the first weekend of production on my short for this semester! And for the most part, I'm more or less intrigued how I've gone from teaching in my own classroom, to trying to recreate a classroom for my film. I think I may be ready for some new source materials- please send your suggestions.

Since for the most part, September is a wash as far as non-school adventures I'm looking fowared to a few dates in October. Around Columbus Day, I have a free weekend - my goal is to go Disneyland where they redecorate it for Halloween- most notably, the Nightmare Before Christmas -ify the Haunted Mansion. This sounds delightful, and may be my only holiday substitute for John Harvard's Pumpkin Spice Ale... oh how I miss thee.

After the test shoot, I came home to see some asshole had parked in my parking spot, I was livid with thoughts of smashing into their car with mine, leaving a note that would passive aggressively state for the driver to not park in other people's spot, and calling a tow truck, I decided to avoid the entire issue by going directly to the Landmark theater where I knew Vicky, Christina, Barcelona was playing in 45 minutes. There was also a Hot Topic at the mall connected to the theatre, so I could pick up some costume props for my film... I noticed I was 25 years younger than anyone at the theatre, which I'm used to for Woody Allen films... I remember in senior year of high school I dragged Eric to see "Deconstructing Harry" and then a week later, our English teacher, Mr. Brush (Heir Brush for irony, as he was quite bald) brought up the film, but prefaced it as a movie none of us would want to see. Somethings never change. I loved this film- not only the humor, which was dry, circumstantial and overtly witty, I also loved the philosophical stance it took on our ideas of love. Like any great Allen film, there's a sense of over-analysis and crisis with every opinion uttered by the characters. I laughed loudly, and again, was reminded of that feeling I get when I see one of Allen's films. They just seem to bring to a different mind set, an open point-of-view to see the beauty of the world, in a more tongue-in-cheek neurosis than I could do on my own.

Though, I've already encountered people who found the film to be pointless (which it's not, if anything it's dead on at human truth, which often feels pointless) I still stand by it as easily the freshest film Woody Allen has made since... Deconstructing Harry? (I would say Match Point, but after finally seeing Crimes and Misdemenors, I realized he kind of just remade one of the plots of that brilliant film.

Anyway, a new week is upon us, The Mets have actually won in the midst of me writing this post- so they are now back at 2 games up over the Phillies. I have tons to get done this week for classes, but am preferring the idea of checking out some of the food I purchased at Trader Joe's this afternoon.

No matter how many degrees I go for, procrastination is still the key to my success.
Actually, I realize I have little memory of the work I stressed over in the past, so really, this all moot, eventually it won't matter anyway!

That's the spirit.

And I thought I'd have tons of free time

2008-09-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

So in my “final” (ha hahahahahaah ha) splurge before I put my frivolous spending habits on lock down for the new semester, I picked up some mindless t.v. shows (How I Met Your Mother) which I was introduced to do and found addicting like… some sort of crack-cocain type of candy… skittles (but not the yellow or green ones). I also finally bought Freaks and Geeks – which I have been meaning to watch for a few years now. Why did I wait so long to watch his show- it’s just about everything I ever wanted in a smart teen drama set in 1980. Those were the days.

I figure this is around the time my fictional older brother, Alex, the metal head was in middle school, but still, it’s nice to see that time period presented in such a perfect little show.

So week one of classes has been a tidal wave of information and tasks. This is a good thing, it feels like the program takes it up to all new notches this semester, making it feel like more than just film school- it’s like film life. So this should be good for me. Lots to work on, lots of writing to get done, and not a lot of time to fall into existential crisis. Hopefully, I can save all those for Christmas Break.

But my transition week falls in the shadow of a very optimistic Democratic National Convention. I found myself actually trying to get home to catch some impressive speeches by Hil-Dog, Michelle Obama, and using dvr and you tube to it’s fullest to catch the ones I missed.

I had Josh come over with his beer to watch Obama’s speech late Thursday night. This not being a place for political blogging, unless I freak out on November 4th –which is possible, I have to say that the wounds of four years ago are gone and I am once again excited and hopeful, and will be for at least the next two months or so. I just feel like it’s so easy to become jaded with our politics and easy to take on a nihilistic attitude to our nation’s future, but I have felt for a long time that Obama (though not clear yet what he’ll bring) represents the greatest opportunity for a positive change for us, that it seems impossible not to be excited. Of course, I thought there were impossibilities in past elections as well, but we’re here, and Al Gore is off being an environmental super hero like Toxie, the Toxic Avenger.

OF course the Republican’s have done a wonderful job of creating a quite a circus around their v.p. (and I think it was pretty sneaky of Palin to call her self a “hockey-mom” – to her dismay I am not duped into voting for her ticket just because she mentioned hockey.

I had a good weekend, but actually feel like it’s time for September. I have to prepare for the lack of fall weather this year- it’s been a constant reminder that cool hoodie wearin’ nights, and pumpkin ale, and going back to school (student-wise and teaching-wise) means we are into Fall. So I am ready to work on my film, my writing, I have a new (old but free!) futon to help make my apartment feel more lively, and plenty of show on the CW to not watch. I miss Veronica Mars, now more than ever.

Give me two weeks and I’ll give you a summer to remember…

2008-08-25T21:10:00.001-07:00

There’s a lot of hoopla over 2012…

This is the year that the Mayan calendar ends.

Some say it’s the end of the world.

Of course, it could just be the point those wacky Mayans decided to stop calculating…

Or when the white men gave them enough fancy versions of Syphilis to cease all calendar production…

Still, the possibility of something coming in less than four short years is intriguing. Do you ever sit at your computer screen, after mindlessly clicking through websites, checking your facebook, espn.com/nhl, tsn.com/nhl (just in case something’s cooking) and all those other sites that eat up the monotonous minutes of your day- and just say is this what I’m going to be doing the day the world ends?

I have this picture of Barak Obama hanging on my wall next to my computer. It’s a graphic designed image of him in red/white/blue with the word PROGRESS printed on the bottom.

Progress?

It reminds me of an old Disney World ride known as The Carousel Of Progress – where you sit and ride through an exhibit of the progress of humanity. From radios to HD flat screen televisions – we are so evolutionary!

It’s amazing to look at the world day-to-day as opposed to year-tot-year or decade-to-decade. Day-to-day seems insignificant but those years change life and change it fast. But is there progress?

This summer came with very few blogs on my part. Even though- on the treadmill usually, when I’m full of adrenaline- I’m planning to blog daily. But is this tracing progress or monotony?

Well, it’s not monotony, I certainly have crafted my life to this point to be a constant cloud of wonder- I make big plans and let the pieces fall. Sometimes I’m somewhere completely unexpected, but usually I’m right where I started.

If I don’t make progress and the world ends in 2012… what then? Was it all a waste of time? I don’t think so. It’s all about perspective. It always is.

For the most part, my summer was spent in my class and my two jobs. It was the best scenario for me this summer. Just make money. I even wrote a lot.

I still found time for some adventure.

In July I went to Comic Con in San Diego and was quickly exhausted and disappointed by the extreme stream of commercialism. It was choking me. So I found my solace in the panels, listening to writers, people who are pushing bigger ideas, big stories, thinking about our universe and what it means- even in a pulp medium.

Grant Morrison- one of the most successful comic writers in the industry- and for good reason became the focus of my weekend in San Diego. I kept being drawn to his panels. One after the other- and I left with the realization that here was a rare and brilliant thinker. He just seems to have a different take on who we are, and what our purpose may be. And he has fascinating things to say about it. I think it’s hilarious this man’s day job is writing Superman and Batman comics, because in an other age he would be a philosopher or brilliant poet of the Renaissance. You have to always be on the look out for certain marks in life that remind you are exactly where you are supposed to be at that moment. In every instance, in Morrison’s panels, my mind was open and certain I was where I needed to be. Since, aside from reading some his earlier original works, I’ve thinking of the concepts he discussed- even those with My Chem visionary Gerard Way and guru Deepak Chopra. It’s strange being at a geek fest like Comic con and walking away with something bigger- a better eye- heighten senses – to figure out what’s next. What’s progress? Individually and beyond. Morrison and Chopra touched on 2012… they weren’t thinking end of the world – death to all- super volcanoes- they were talking about a new phase in evolution- something bigger something better for all of us…

So do we live today like the clock is ticking or not?

How often do people experience an event, a death of someone close, something that causes them to believe they have to start living life to the fullest?

That’s what we have to wrestle with. How do we know we’re not? Everyone feels burdened by some sort of grind, some sort of anxiety that they aren’t doing enough. I listen to all my friends; my family and I hear that worry. But should we worry? What if it ends in 2012? Or what if those imperfections of the day-to-day are what we need to experience to get to that year?

The highlight of my summer was my trip back to Long Island- it’s almost a joke how being far from home can make home- a place where so many monotonous nights existed – can be the most brilliant vacation spot on Earth. It’s not the places of course; it’s those people who make me feel at peace. They are those markers that remind me I’m where I’m supposed to be – which is confounded when I remember I’m only visiting now. But times are always changing and who can predict what’s next? You’ve lost control!

I spent two weeks –suspended from my personal responsibilities- allowed to be connected with those people that have become m constants. We always meet new people- but nothing is better then those that you already know, and already know you.

For two weeks I felt like I was ready for what comes next because I didn’t care. I live the entire summer- complete with road trips- close talks with old friends- new experiences with old friends- moments that gripped my heart and moments that made me crazy and exhilaration that was enough to forget where I really lived. I was suspended. There seemed to be endless amounts of time.

But then it was over.

I’ve been back in L.A. for a few days- and I haven’t stopped my ferocious pace. I’m trying to extend that lust for life. But I don’t want to try. That’s the difference. Trying too hard makes it difficult.
And that’s why we can’t start living life to the fullest.

Because what we do and the choices we make day-to-day

That’s who we are.

Every time I fly back- whether it was flying back from visiting another city to New York, or now flying back to the next chapter in California I find myself making the same promises and plans to myself. But these plans always go to the wayside very quickly. As I’m sure they do for so many others.

This isn’t a fault.

This is how life works.

On one of my many adventures of my trip home, I ended up at an aquarium in Brooklyn. I was staring at a tank of fish commenting on what a boring existence these fish have. My friend Michael was quick to point out we’re the same, just on a bigger scale.

It blew my mind.

Look at yourself. What patterns do you see?

Are you really going to change them just because the Mayans ceased their calendar production?

2012

Maybe everything will change.

Maybe nothing.

But something always changes a little.

I personally am going to enjoy seeing what does and what doesn’t.

Breakdowns

2008-06-29T00:24:00.000-07:00

not in songs.

chapter one - limitations

sometimes i don't know 'em.

class + multiple jobs + plus the normal stress = exhaustion (physically and emotionally)

when will I learn?

first day off in nearly a month is thursday - just get me to thursday- then I can see Wall E.

Classics

2008-06-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

The rundown...

One week left of class - which means - edit my film - but first learn how to use my editing program on my computer - write a few papers - read a whole lot- and work my jobs every day and night - This is the big week of busy here, but come July 2nd - I will be on a real summer vacation - except for work- but no school until late August.

I had more visitors this weekend (Amy, Alan and the cat) - and even though I was working most of the time I was able to sing 9 songs at karaoke (Piano Man by Billy Joel and Die, Die, My Darling -Metallica version - just so you understand the scope of my set) and my solo trip to see Death Cab for Cutie became a group outing- as we miraculously came across three available tickets! Great show- it find it rare to see bands I've loved for a long time for a first time- most of my favorites I've seen over and over- but this was fresh and exhilirating - ah!

Also, you may be happy to hear, that the cat killed a cockroach. I'll find out this week if I will be able to move out earlier then my lease says- it'd be nice to have roommates, but not these monsters!

This weekend marked the 10th anniversary of me graduating high school... I had big plans to send out a mass text marking the occasion to those I graduated with, but I was way busy... A grand idea in my head, and there it will stay. Seriously, I had come up with so many blog entries disecting my memories and feelings of being 10 years removed, but (1) Didn't have the time to give it the effort it needed and (2) I'm trying to avoid falling into that chamber of nostalgia... Though, lately, as I sit in class, during screenings, I think about how me of 10 years ago would feel, being at a film grad school like this... but then I wish it was 10 years ago... not for any particular reason, I just like the open range of possibility that 18 sang. Which is strange, since I'm pretty much at a similar point now, but it just feels like there's less margin for error...

We Work Hard, But We Play Hard Too

2008-06-16T23:03:00.000-07:00

Astonishing!

I went from a summer class and a part time job to a few part time jobs and a summer class...

I'm not even going to mention where my jobs are, because they are too reminiscant of yesterday, rather then any forward momentum...

And that worries me, right? I mean - what if I messed up my whole "potential" career by not slaving in the business this summer? But at least I'm making some small change, and at least I will keep myself busy-

Let's face it - the dream of having time to write sounds good in theory- but writing comes in waves - and idle time inbetween those waves can be disastorous...

So I will be keeping myself busy for the next 6 to 7 weeks.

I plan to continue writing- so I can feel some sort of forward momentum.

-------

I had a few more visitors last weekend - all the way from the great state of New Jersey~ They seemed to have fun, as I certainly did having them visit and take me to San Diego, to watch the Mets lose. Luckily, San Diego was filled with disgruntled Mets fans.

I saw Hulk this week- kind of liked it - I'm beginning to notice a trend in films I like - artsy or character driven pieces and comic book movies. That's about it!

Speaking of which- I have a personal rule with my Netflix (2 at a time plan, if I go more than a month without watching a film, I send it back. That's too much shelf time! The Savages was doomed to be sent back, but I decided to stay up and watch it= good thing, I really enjoyed it...

Last note,

You can't go back - though I feel at times that the best scenario. But it's a trick of the mind. I know this, this is my curse. It always looks best to go back. But it's gone, dude.

All week I've been missing my old path- with sincere thoughts of going back to it after I've done this thing for a little while. I know it's a trick of the mind - right?

Actually, I think after the L.A. experiment ends - I'll go north east and start a band with Phil in New Hampshire.

Who knows?

2008 REDWINGS

2008-06-05T00:44:00.000-07:00

Look, this finals was pretty exciting.... game 5 was top notch... who knew the pens could tie it up with 30 or secs remaining? and then win in it 3rd ot! Even game 6... that ending was intense... i screamed at the end... thinking the pens tied it up... my friend texted me from across the complex to ask if that was me who was screaming. it was.

congrats to the wings and mr. osgood sogood.

today i picked up the new h20 album... why? nostalgia? i bought there last new album for the same reasons, but that was in 2001... i think they are trapped in the same time period that i am, so it works

i finished a rough draft of a long project, so i'm excited about that.

today, i spent nearly 4 hours at the dmv.... i now officially have california plates.... and my liscense is on its way in the mail... crazy.

Sunny

2008-05-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Just checkin' in.

How have you been?

I just wanted to tell you - frozen turkey meatballs from Trader Joes are stupendous. Go by a bag and you will see the deliciousness you can have in mere minutes.
I don't even use sauce or noodles - just a damn fork!

I was going to write a long annoyed blog about disenchantment and the new Indiana Jones movie- but I think we've all had enough of that.

I am happy to say - I caught a free early screening of YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN - and for the first time in years and years I really had fun with an Adam Sandler movie. It's pretty ridiculous and over the top, but it knows it, and uses it.

One and half weeks into my 6 week Documentary class - it's good - though when it's over I'm probably going to be frustrated I didn't score an internship or full time summer job...

I think the song "Your New Twin Size Bed" by Death Cab For Cutie on the Narrow Stairs album is the most depressing thing I've heard in a while and hope it's not played as I am slowly dying locked in room far from everyone I know.

I miss being a teacher now- because this is the best four weeks of the year.

I'm beginning to flip out over the fact that in about 20 days it will be 10 years since my high school reunion... and I'm totally reevaluating who I was then and who I am now, and trying to figure out who is better or was better off. Yipes. I thought I was too old for these whiney existential crisises!

Also, I'm excited for my one day/night get away to San Diego next weekend, and visits from friends - and a Mets game in So. Cal. But I really want to take a trip up to San Fran and go see the Red Woods in July... But I'm not sure if I can $wing it, if you catch my drift.

Also send me your mailing address to jhersh37@gmail.com and I'll send you something in the mail. I'm in the mood to use and abuse the postal system.

Hookahs and Belly Dancers

2008-05-10T16:18:00.001-07:00

All I want to say is we really don’t have enough Hookahs and belly dancers in restaurants these days.

I’m just saying, if I’m going to eat falafel and I want white peach and blackberry hookah and a belly dancer begging me with hip jitters for dollars I don’t have. In fact, why can’t I go to Applebees and be entertained by belly dancers? Granted Applebees has the devastating effect of all its food tasting exactly the same, be it chicken-fried steak or a salad- it all tastes like the soggy nachos. Perhaps giving me a hookah and having an Applebees gal belly dance would entice me more to go and suffer through half-priced appetizers and twofers. Come to think of it, I don’t think there is an Applebees in Los Angeles… What a crazy world!

A quick note on reading…

Today, before my tutoring shift, I knocked off 20 minutes at the Coffee Bean down the road from the education center. It was just me, a cup of coffee, a fake bagel and a book on the backdrop of the outer limits of Beverly Hills. I’m currently reading David Eggers’ book of short stories How We Are Hungry.
Sometimes I don’t what to think of David Eggers’ works. I’ve read him on and off over the last few years, starting with his classic memoir, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, which I loved – but even though I know loved every word I read, it’s one of those books that I can’t remember much of what actually happened. If I flip through it, the events and emotions come flooding back, but as soon as I shut that cover, it’s gone.

I started his latest, What is The What, right after it came out, but due to a busy schedule I ended up pushing it aside. I was going to read it on the way to L.A, but I left it in NY.

Last year, at about this time, I read You’ll Shall Know Our Velocity! - Again, I loved this book, the world, the characters, the way they thought and lived- but again as soon as I finished I lost it all from my mind. Well, there were a few parts that I stuck to my brain, but for the most part it was gone just as it arrived.

At the same time I picked up How We Are Hungry. Finally, a year later I opened it up and started to read. Right now, in the midst of the experience, I remember exactly why I love Eggers’ work. He takes you into different lives, of people, a little too detached, a little too over dramatic within their own heads, and lets you wander around for a bit, than pulls you out. It connects with my own floating detachment the world a little too much. It makes me annoyed at the nonsensical feelings of lost that you can have, because it’s all in point of view. I want to slap his characters out of their self-conscious subconscious drift through their slice-of-life circumstances. At the same time I want to live with them, thankful that we all exist in some form or another- me in the words on the page, and them in breaths of life.

Then again, as soon as I’m finished with the book, I’m sure I’ll forget it all again.

Running for the Hills

2008-05-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Greetings, my faithful reader (I say reader, because I'm sure at this point there is only one of you. I know who you are. Oh, I know...

Alright, so the first weekend of May has come. Today, thankfully, the Pittsburgh Penguins eliminated the New York Rangers from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, leaving the world safe again, for now. This means we only have two rounds left. Typically, the raising of the Stanley Cup is the true kick start to summer for me. Especially the last two years, where the cup was hoisted just as the ol' teaching year came to a close.

The other important aspect of the first weekend of May -in regards to Summer kick-off- is the first summer blockbuster event movie of the season. This year, it's Marvel's Iron Man - after being denied access on Friday night through massive sell outs, and not mustering the excitement to get to a theater for early openings on Thursday night, I finally caught a late Saturday night movie. This is a big change from last year, where even though I had to teach at 7:20 in the morning on the following day, I was at the midnight screening of Spider-Man 3 that opening Thursday night. Of course, at this point last year, I needed such distractions, and for some reason, be it I knew I had to be even more on my game, I always found days I taught after being out late the night before some of my best days of teaching. It was kind of like I tried even harder to kick ass because I knew how it easy would have been to find a janitor closet and pass out. Spiderman 3 also turned out to be a painful disappointment, not worth the lack of sleep.

But not this year. Not in this town.

I failed at seeing the movie Friday night at this place called the Grove, which is like an uber upscale yuppie center of an outdoor mall. From the outside it looks like a fortress of stone, but inside, it looks like main street of Disney Land meets the Cheesecake Factory (which in fact they have there) It has high end stores, restaurants, and a parking structure that's as much as an event as any of the locales on the inside. Actually, if you know the new portion of the Smithaven Mall in Lake Grove, it's like that, only fancier and more extravagant. One day Smithhaven Mall, one day you'll have your ultimate victory.
However, when your movie is sold out all night, you're not hungry, and have little money, it's kind of like hell.

But, like I said before, I did finally see it. And I loved it. And with all the big geek-event movies on the way this summer, it feels like it's just the start of these kind of crazed opening weekends.

So this week my classes finally close out - ( I say finally, but really, this semester flew by, seeing that it also included that transition phase of moving here, I figure I'll be adjusted in about 16 more months.)

So it would seem summer is almost really hear for me. What am I going to do with myself?
1) Make some money - this is critical - there isn't much free things to do here, gas prices are making me cry.
2) Take a class or two - this is something I'm currently planning to do, this will take care of at least 6 weeks of my summer, and hopefully be beneficial down the line.
3) Get an internship - we'll see how this works out - I mean, money making is my center concern, so giving my time away for free probably won't bode well, but it seems to be the only way to eventually get a job, so if I can find one that'll take me for a day or two a week, I should be able to make it work.
4) Write. I probably have that there every summer, but seriously,the next few years I'm giving myself the time (or the excuse -there's never time) to write.
5) Ehrm?

So, basically, I don't know what else to do with my summer. I mean I should be thrilled to spend a summer in So. Cal, go to beaches of something, but I'm not. I just don't know what I want to do for fun and excitement. I know some people are coming to visit on various weekends... but I can't expect people to come to town to entertain me. So instead I'm putting the pressure on you, the reader, to give me suggestions of what I should do to keep myself from going insane of the next couple of months. What are things you think I should do, see, go to, take on... etc.

My life is in your hands, so don't mess up!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHA!

2008-04-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

Because of the stupid ass that is Sean Avery, the NHL had to create a new rule!

"An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play," Colin Campbell, the NHL director of hockey operations, said in a statement.

HAHAHAAAHHAHAAHA

Martin Scorcese has a myspace page.

2008-04-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

I hope you finished your taxes!

I did, about a month ago, thanks to “my friends” at HR Block.

Anywhere, things have been kind of simply moving forward the last few weeks. My semester is dwindling to a close… though there’s still a big two weeks of work left. But mostly, it’s winding down. I’m writing the script for the film I’m going to concentrate on during the fall semester, so hopefully it will be interesting enough to hold my interests for that long.

I’m also prepping for summer – it turns out finding a summer job in the business that pays anything is kind of … hard. So one part panic, the other part a desire to keep on getting used to be being back in school, I’ve decided to take a couple of classes in the first summer session, which will start right after Memorial Day and go until early July.

Last week I turned a year older. I pretty much celebrated by going to the punk/ska/emo fest – The Bamboozle Left. It was a good way of jumping into a time machine and taking me back to 5 years ago. I always figured I’d uber-nostalgic about my youth when I was like 75, but nope, no need to wait. Torturing myself with longings for the past seems to be my A game. I’m just like that Gatsby guy, only not as rich.

I’ve also noticed that I’m not too thrilled with how this blog has been going. Maybe I live too boring of a life, or maybe I’m just not spending enough time writing about my experiences here. Basically, over the next few weeks I’m going to try and change it up. Maybe this isn’t about what’s going on in my day-to-day life, but rather a platform for me to share my thoughts and ideas about all that is life.

I guess you’ll have to wait and see!

Let me take you to In and Out Burger!

2008-03-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back in action!

Some of you may have realized that I left my left coast post for a few days and went back east. I had an amazing time seeing so many of the people I miss all the time(much apologies to those I didn’t get to see… I’ll be back in August! And you should visit here too!)

I had to get back to L.A. ASAP because (trumpets) I had my first east coast visitors! My friends Ian and Cynthia were on a little vacation and stayed at the apartment of the stars, aka my apartment. It was thrill to be a host, and I felt very accomplished being able to take them to some choice spots. (Special thanks to their Guidebook that helped us find my new favorite restaurant Fred62 - we’re talking peanut butter banana chocolate chip pancakes and a sandwich named after Charles Bukowski !)

So act now and start booking your visit to the Southland…

Getting back into gear has been a little slow going. There is only 6 weeks now left in my first semester back in school, and then I have to find some gainful employment for the summer. I suspect the next 6 weeks will fly by.

Now that the weather is starting to become perfect on a daily basis, spring training is in full gear, and the Stanley Cup playoffs are a week and half away, it’s time for me to start living it up.

There are a few things I’m still waiting on… 1) Celebrity sightings. I’m kind of shocked I haven’t seen one or two out and about at Starbucks or the gas station or the super market… but I have a large net and harpoon ready!
2) Earthquakes. I’m kind of happy and shocked I haven’t felt one of these yet. Actually, I hadn’t really thought about them until I was on the tram to the parking lot at the airport. This older woman was talking to me, excited that I was from New York. She asked if I had felt an earthquake yet and not to worry, blizzards were much worse. I really don’t see how you can explain a massive shaking of the earth compares to wind and snow and a day off from school. But maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.
3) Cockroaches in my apartment – oh wait, scratch that. I guess I’ve been lucky in my life of renting and dorming not to ever run into these disgusting monsters. (There was the spider scare of Twisting house a few years back) but really, find a cockroach is so disturbing. It’s like I know you aren’t alone. I’m not going to go into details on this, but please know – my apartment is very clean, hence my shock, and that tomorrow, the landlady has an exterminator coming in to take care of business. Which is good, because I’ve learned that one of my life goals is to not have to ever deal with this problem again. Gross out!

Okay, talk to you soon!

Yipes! Haven't updated in a while!

2008-03-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say it's because life has been moving fast and weaving through the speeding cars on Freeways out here...

But really, I've just been swamped at school. It's strange, last year at this time, I was in the midst of teaching - getting 5- 6 hours a sleep a night- taking a grad class and passing out at 3:30 pm for ULTIMATE NAP ATTACKS on Fridays. Here, I'm doing lots of work, but I don't feel the lack of time to get things done like with teaching. Maybe I'm more focused? Like, rather than work on lesson plans or grade, I'm not cyber-stalking on myspace/facebook? Who knows. Last year, I also felt like I had to balance my work time with my time, which meant stretching my exhausted nights into "productive evenings" which meant going out with friends, watching films, reading for fun (a concept sorely lost on most English teachers I met) writing, etc.

It's strange thinking back to last year - especially last year February - Mid April. Most of that time seems like a blur - I must have been in my groove finally. I think it was when I was having the most fun teaching, and I know I was actually being productive with my writing for my personal essays course. That's probably why I don't recall any memory milestones.

Enough about the past. Even the recent past can grip you by the elastic of your underwear and pull!

Besides, I should be talking about my L.A. experience...

Hmmm... Busy with school... shooting films, writing - both excellent things... er...

Okay, maybe this is a different sort of groove, a transition groove? In a movie we have montages (MONTAGE!) fades, dissolves - title cards saying "3 Months Later" and in writing we are taught phrases like, "Therefore", "Meanwhile", "Quintessentially", and "in essence" to make smooth transitions in our ideas.

Basically, I don't feel my transition phase has ended. I still don't feel 100% myself.

I realized this even more on my wacky 2 day trip to Buffalo, NY for the wedding of the
iconic Michael Behr and his vivacious new wife, Annie. It was quite a travel experience - red eye to Philly - charter plane ( the thing had 20 seats and propellers and you had to actually walk outside and walk up steps into the plane!) to snow encased Buffalo.

I mean, I had just been up to Buffalo a few times in the Fall, and actually it was returning from Buffalo in early November that I received my acceptance letter changing the course of my life for now. It just made me look at who I've been living as the past two months, and realized, I'm still not me!

I'll have chance to reexamine who I was, or am supposed to be this coming week, where I will be visiting "the homestead" for a few days. So if you are nearby, give a call.

Unless you are actually leaving the East coast to visit the West coast the same time I' m doing the opposite. Leaving us the quixotic chance to meet back in L.A. the following weekend for hijinks and In and Out Burger. (cough).

In conclusion,

I haven't updated in a while because I haven't had too much to report. I still need to reveal myself to this town ( by reveal, I mean my personality, not what's in my pants). Most of all I need find that comfort level to not even notice such things.

Either way!

O! scars.

2008-02-20T18:23:00.000-08:00

So this entire town is excited for the Academy Awards on Sunday. I'm pretty excited as well. After all, it's like the Stanley Cup Finals of cinema. (If I ever find myself actually winning an Oscar for anything, do note that I will lift the statuette over my head and kiss it like it was the said Stanley Cup. That's a promise.)

This is great year to actually watch the awards. It's the first award show to happen after the writer's strike, which means plenty of big stars and lame jokes for Jon Stewart to have to relay to the masses. But mostly, it's a big year because 2007 had some of the best films in almost a decade. For me, this is the first time I can remember where I'd seen all five nominated best picture films, and actually really enjoyed all of them! I think last year I saw The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine, but that was it.

I recall telling my high school film teacher one year how I never see the nominated films, I figured because I didn't watch good films. She told me the best films aren'tnecessarily nominated. I think that was the year Fargo was nominated (which I saw and loved) but lost to The English Patient. Lame. Will the Coen Brothers ever get their Oscar... Yes! Hopefully this year!

And there was the year I saw 4/5 - in 98, when I loved Good Will Hunting, figured Titanic would win, and really thought L.A. Confidential was sensational and should have won. Ten years later, I still think that movie should have won. Damn, I love L.A. Confidential...

I surprisingly enjoy watching this award show, which is odd, because I hate all other award shows. And yes it's long-winded, and yes it's self-gratifying with montage after montage, and I don't care about fashion, and (you get the idea) , but I like watching and like trying to predict what will win. So as a public service to you, my reader, I will look at the best picture category. (I could go through each category and tell you my opinion and what will probably win, but I don't want you to hold it against me in your puny Oscar pools. Okay, just one. Daniel-Day Lewis for best actor, because he drinksevery-one's milkshake.

That being said... you're nominees are : Michael Clayton, Juno, Atonement, There Will Be Blood, and No Country for Old Men.

And the winner should be: No Country for Old Men!

Huzzah.

The day I saw that movie (black Friday, right before I had to close at Borders) I knew it was the best of the year. The film is simply chilling. It makes you feel as nervous and as intense as the characters and scenes throughout the film. Easily, one of the most terrifying film characters of all time is part of the thrust of this film. It's scope is deep, and it's story grabs you by the throat and pulls you through.

There Will Be Blood could also win, as an upset. This film is intense, deep and has a scope that captures not only American capitalism fundamentals, but thanks to the performance by Daniel-Day Lewis, one of the most delectable anti-heroes in cinema history. And it's beautifully directed and as a distinct vision.

I love JUNO and I feel like I spend way too much time defending why it should be nominated for best picture. It needs to be. Some movies are mighty and huge like therewillbeblood and NC4oldMen. Some are sweeping epics like Atonement, and dramatic tour De forces like Michael Clayton, but Juno is about people, real people ---only way more like-able! June has a social consciousness. Yes, it's more of a cute story, and a cute movie, but under the myspace/facebook quot-abilities is a film that does something more important than giving us a hip soundtrack... it takes a story about a teenage girl who gets pregnant, and doesn't preach. It doesn't demonize teen-sex, it doesn't hide from the idea of a girl getting an abortion, it doesn't treat the pregnancy like a tragedy, it just deals with it like anyone would with a surprise pregnancy. The film lets it's charactersexperience's tell the tale and Ellen Page's performance is as real as it is smart. She may have what may seem like overly clever dialogue, but it cracks, just like her own emotions as she deals with life. Again, I really love this movie.

Michael Clayton - what a film. It is so focused on it's characters that the story moves with so much subtext. It's a lawyer film, but it's a film about a man, dealing with heavy turns in both his professional and personal life, but it never deviates from the story of the film. But you feel everything Clayton is dealing with. I was surprised how great this film was. I just bought it today! I really shouldn't be buying dvds. But damn it ,I want to watch it again and again!

Oh and Atonement. I saw this movie literally a few hours after I finished reading the novel, which I loved. This should have been the kiss-of-death for this film, especially because the novel was so much about story-telling - particularly writing - which was easy to create in novel form... so I was delighted to see what a splendid job they did adapting this to a film. It's billed as this sweeping -period-romance, but it's not how I read the book, and it's not how I see the film. To me, it's the power ofdeceit, the power of imagination and what the a writer's mind can do with his/her power. Plus it's beautiful to look at.

So there you have it. To make it even more intense I'm shooting my next film project Sunday morning, and like the Superbowl, I get to experience the west coast time slot for the show... it starts at 5:00pm! No cursing the show for running over and me having to be at work early the next morning. Maybe I'll drive into Hollywood after the show and see if I can't get rundown by some celebrities...

Just Checkin' In...

2008-02-18T22:56:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah, that's what I miss about NY.

Updates soon.

Oh, there is one. Someone may be spending part of Spring Break on Long Island...

Who could it be?

Remembering Chasing Amy

2008-02-11T17:46:00.001-08:00

For those of you on the east coast, I 'd like to let you know the weather here has been in the mid 70's and sunny for the last few days. :-)

I was thinking about Kevin Smith movies today. Mostly, how important they were for me initially becoming interested in writing and really willing to look for different kinds of films then the regular Hollywood films I used to watch. Smith's early films were intoxicating in their rawness and their wit. Being 16 or so, they were revolutionary. Unfortunately, as time progressed, and I became a more feverish reader, film watcher, etc. Smith's films felt less and less like those originals (Clerks, Chasing Amy, and to a lesser extent, Mallrats). A couple of summers ago, Clerks 2 came out, and I felt Smith regained some of his form, or at least finally figured out how to return to those characters that became iconic, and give them a worthy follow-up. Say what you will about a lot of the gags in that film, the final scene in the jail makes that movie a success, mostly because in that scene Dante and Randall feel real, feel raw, like they did way back when.

I discovered Clerks, conveniently enough, while playing roller-hockey with some friends in a church parking lot. It was part of my routine. Get home from school, and head over to the parking lot and play until dusk. One of the kids was raving about this hilarious movie he saw called "Clerks." The next chance I had I went to Blockbuster and rented the strange looking indie-black-and-white movie. I remember popping in the VCR and laughingawkwardly at the main character falling out of the closet to answer his phone. I was intrigued by the raw look of the film, as I had yet to really start exploring cinema but it didn't take long for the ferociously dense and filthydialogue to take over my senses. I loved the movie. Soon, I was talking about it with everyone, and that's when I discovered that two of the characters make an appearance in Mallrats. So back to Blockbuster. I liked Mallrats, not as much as Clerks, it definitely felt a little too cartoony compared to the realness of Clerks. But it was the character of Brodie that made me love that film. I was a little envious of Brodie's life, his way of speaking and his attitude. I mean the line, "You fuckers think just because a guy reads comics he can't start some shit!?" was a call to arms! Quoting Brodie would become a part of my existence - How many times have I said, "Breakfasts come and go, Renee, but Hartford, "the Whale," they only beat Vancouver once, maybe twice in a lifetime."?
I think what hit me with these films was that they weren't so far off from my own world. True, I was still in high school, but the future of living in my parents' basement, working in stores, discussing pop-culture with scholarly emphasis, sitting in bed playing video game hockey, etc. was only a couple years away! I guess suburban New Jersey's world isn't so different from suburban Long Island.

When "Chasing Amy" came out, I was the only person I knew who wanted to make the trip to the local arts cinema to see it. Like most films shown there, it was gone in a week, so I had to wait until it arrived at Blockbuster. When it did, I found a film that did more than make me laugh and feel at home with the character's world, I actually felt challenged. At the time, I thought Chasing Amy was one of the most powerful relationship films I'd ever seen. It had complex characters with complex emotions, yet it was masked by this outrageous dialogue driven humor. Most of all, I wanted to learn how to write a script like Chasing Amy. It just seemed to have everything I wanted in a movie, and without a big MOVIE sensation to it. It felt honest.

As I started writing my own scripts, I quickly saw how I had to work at not imitating these films. My first script I wrote in college definitely had a huge mall sequence that seemed a little too much like Mallrats...

But I kept watching films.

I kept reading.

I kept pushing my own writing.

But I always re-watched those films and not only enjoyed them for what they are, but for the memory of who I was when I first saw them.

Before I came west, I remember my friend Mike making a great comment about Dogma. He said something like, when I saw that in high school I thought it was so smart. But not anymore. It's nothing against Smith, I think it's more of the whole idea of time and place. I wanted nothing more but to see films like those made over and over, but at the same time I didn't. There was a time and a place when those films were perfect for me.

I'm reading the script for Chasing Amy for my directing actors class, and I'm really enjoying, looking at it from a new view, a new light. 10 years later, it still makes me long for the connection between my world and the characters' world. It makes me remember who I was when I first saw them, and that's more powerful function than being just some funny movie.

Okay, back to reading. Just thought I'd share some thoughts.

Turns out I do hate the traffic.

2008-02-04T16:50:00.001-08:00

An Afternoon Super Bowl.

This year's Super Bowl was my first to be watched in the Pacific Time Zone. Usually I'd watch the game into the night, and go to sleep early, thanks to too many nachos and/or hot wings.

Not this year, I had a whole evening ahead of me to deal with nacho stomach pains.

But really, that was a hell of a game. I like the Giants, and I'm okay with football, I mean for a game played off-ice, it has its moments. But last night's game felt like one of those classic events, destined to be immortalized in NFL films. I wonder if this was what it was like to watch Namath pull off the miracle for the Jets back in SB III? Who knows, it was sensational, to have a NY team be an underdog, not be the evil machine, wasexhilarating . During their last drive, when Manning, somehow, escaped the pocket without being dragged down, and then threw a bullet that by all views looked like it was caught on thereceiver's head... wow! Good stuff.

Actually, I was blessed this weekend with the NHL Center Ice Free Preview! This meant tons of hockey games, all at wacky start times. Clearly, sports are meant to be watched in the East or Central.

Tomorrow marks (date-wise) my one month mark of being in L.A.

Here's some things I've learned:

The traffic certainly sucks. It just takes forever to get to places. (And without music in your car it's extra lame)

Parking is expensive. Everywhere.

The weather in January is confusing. It can be really warm in the day, but gets a little cold at night... I'm still waiting that real so. cal. weather.

Being back at school is strange. Like, shouldn't I be just working with the rest of the sheep by now? It feels like that sometimes.

I'll post something interesting soon.

Or not?

Those Journeys our Cars take Without Us...

2008-01-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I've missed my civic!

When I said goodbye to my car on January 2nd in New York, I wondered what it would be like to see it finally arrive in California. Would it feel like the tail end of a musical montage of all the events of the last few weeks? Would my car arrive covered in bumper stickers from all the many places it had seen on it's journey? Or, would I be frustrated it took a week and half longer than expected, and angry to find my ipod ready stereo had been stolen from the dash? Actually, I was ecstatic to see my car, regardless of all the dirt, but definitely pissed off that I now have no stereo. I really don't know how to drive without music. Seriously.

As for other updates, I saw a little of downtown L.A. this weekend in the form of an art gallery. Ooh Culture. This guy Murakami (not the beloved writer), who is well-known for his commercial pop-art had a showing of his life's work in a warehouse. It was located in Little Tokyo, where I also enjoyed some delicious sushi! I also shot another exercise for class. And it rained a whole lot.

Shooting at my new school involves a lot more paperwork then say, Hofstra. Ah Hofstra, where I could make a film simply by saying, "Michael Behr, I'm going to wrap you in Tin Foil." Or simply have Behr-Bot smash Brad over the head with a 2x4, or get a girl to be nude for the sake of art, or to tie another girl to a tree while the Behr Bot gouges out Greg's intestines... All with no paperwork needed. I used to believe that "REQUIRE CHEESE FRIES" was the pinnacle of my film making career. A part of me still thinks it always will be. If you've never seen my artistic opus, you are missing out.

The best part of the week had to be on Saturday, when I peered out onto the patio, and watch the rain splash down on a mysterious brown package. I grabbed the soft, soaked box and tore it open to find my first care package from the immortal Ian Smith. Inside were lots of activities, a photo of the squirrel Nutsmouth, that we found in Boston, and a copy of SpaceGhost: Coast-to-Coast on dvd. From that moment on my day was filled with joy and glee.

Care packages, they really are the greatest thing in the world... (Please note I'm not pandering for care packages.) (maybe a little).

omg! Updates!

2008-01-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

How about those Giants?

For some reason I've really become excited by the NFL playoffs this year. Of course, it happens from time-to-time, but it certainly made for an exciting Sunday. As I watched the game in a room full of people rooting against the Patriots and the Giants, I came away as the sole celebrator! Hmmm, maybe I should try and be more friendly to my new Californian peers, and not pour salt into their football wounds, nah! Besides, the Giants going to the Super Bowl make this displaced New Yorker pulsate with pride! Besides, I'm missing so many Islander games (though they haven't done to spectacular in my absence) I need someone to root for. Though NHL allstar game and skills competition is this weekend!

After the games, and some margaritas, a few of us went to catch Cloverfield. There have been reports of this film, all shot with a hand held camera, was making audience members vomit. I felt unconcerned and with a belly full of chips and margaritas decided to kill time before the movie by having a Pinkberry... What's a Pinkberry you ask? Why it's a frozen yogurt, but not the kind that became all the rage in the mid 1990's. This is actually yogurt, served like soft-ice cream and you choose all sorts of fresh fruit or cereals to mix into it. This was actually my second helping in two days. It's that good.

It turns out that it wasn't that good. My stomach felt woozy as we found our seats for the film. And before long, I was taken out of enjoying the movie to a gripping nausea. I had to actually advert my eyes to the ceiling at times, and pray that I would not vomit on the lap of the two girls sitting on each side of me. That's really not the kind of early first impression you want to leave on people. Though I would have been memorable... Maybe I should have done it. If I ever go back in time, I will. You have my word...

As for Cloverfield, I actually enjoyed it, barring the nausea. It actually had the semblance of a story, which I at least was engaged enough in to accept the monster attack on Manhattan. I wouldn't sit through it again, but for one night it was just what the doctor ordered. Again, except for the nausea.

The rest of the week has been eventful in the sense I've been busy with school projects. For some wonderful reason I seem to been on a creative kick, and have been coming up with story ideas for short films, and writing profusely. In fact, it seems not having a job for a week or two while I get into the flow of school also seems like just what the doctor ordered! Turns out to feel good, I just need to be a student forever.

I shot my first exercise over at Greg's the other night, and it came out decent, for an in-camera-editing assignment. We couldn't use sound or edit, so it had to be shot in order. It was fun working with Greg because it turns out he's a very good actor, and it was a definite throw back to TCH days in the 'stra... better known as Hofstra.

Not much else to report, this weekend I'm shooting my second exercise, and prepping for my first short film project. Meanwhile I'm writing, and exploring the town. Also debating which day of Cochella I should attend in late April... huge music fest, lots of great bands, I'm leaning towards Saturday due to Portishead and Deathcab being the headliners!

One of these days I'll add pictures to this blog. Wouldn't that be visually stimulating?

A Long Time Ago, In A Film School Far, Far Away…

2008-01-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

It’s kind of weird to think of how important George Lucas is to my career path suddenly. In fact, it’s weird to walk down the halls of my production class building and see countless movie posters from Zemeckis, Ron Howard (“Hey Homer, we’re out of vodka”), Lucas, and some guy name Spiel-something-or-other berg. It’s humbling and at the same time kind of ridiculous, like dinosaurs. Seriously, how dumb are dinosaurs, and the entire concept of them? Giant monsters wandering around, it’s so stupid! But I digress… I know, Jurassic Park! Special effects by ILM! Lucas! Film School! Ah ha! There I am!

Week two in L.A. was primarily spent at school. I think my next 6 semesters will primarily be spent running from classes, to the production office, to casting calls, shoots, and most likely, many an eternity in the editing lab. Yes, it’s that fucking awesome. In one week of classes we have already been submerged in the art of storytelling, learning how to use the camera, and learning the trade of actually directing actors, we even had the opportunity to watch USC drama students audition for the film school.

I’m walking around in daze, because I’m trying to balance living life with the flood of short film ideas I’m having. It’s hard to believe a year ago I felt so stifled and far away from what I thought was my path. Not that I haven’t already felt some stress. I get kind of carried away with my ideas and plans and suddenly feel the lack of time available to make my visions a reality. Not so different from my teaching days, when I would be spinning so many plates at once, both how to teach the novels in interesting and effective ways, and trying to write, going to grad school, etc. Only now, it’s all focused on filmmaking. Though my teaching story has been my identity when introducing myself to students and professors. When they ask why I left teaching, I like to assure them that working with the kids was priceless, it was the just the rest of the crap that kept me unsatisfied. So remember kids, you rocked.

In other news, I had my first shift at Hollywood Borders. It turned out to be my last shift as well! Part of the problem is I have barely any availability… remember how I’m at school so much? Plus, production-wise, I will pretty much be working on a project a week, which takes up weekends. Apparently this didn’t gel. No love like at my Stony Brook store, where wacky schedule requests were no problem. Sigh. So once again, I am jobless. I’m never going to be able to shave my unemployment beard. Or is it my cinematic artiste beard now? I forget.

Speaking of artiste, my production professor, who is originally from France, and has directed many features, mentioned in passing that she learned under the European school of directing, which meant mentorship. She happened to have worked under Trufaut for a few years… Holy shit! If you understand the grandness of this you are either up on world cinema, or a pretentious Michael Cassidy.

I joined a gym by my still roomy apartment (though I’m happy to report my t.v. and xbox360 have made it, and my blanket, ah old friends.) The gym is decent, but has terrible parking conditions during the prime hours of 4:30-8:00 pm. To make up for it, they offer valet parking.
One night, I decided to take them up on their ultra fancy offer, and let them park my car. I went in, had a killer workout for a few hours, bought myself a delectable peanut butter protein shake, and handed the guy at the umbrella stand my ticket. As the minutes went by, and more and more people came out and got their cars, I started to wonder what was going on. I asked if they had my car yet, and I was assured it was on the way. About 10 or 12 more people came and went away in their cars, and my sweaty shorts and shirt were freezing over in the winds of the night. I asked again about my car. There seemed to be some confusion, then a conference amongst the valets in Spanish. I thought back to 7th grade Spanish, when my teacher Mr. Murray pointed out one of the crude cartoons in the text book of a guy and girl on a bench made it seem like the young happy man saying “Me llamo Javier” was feeling up the girl. Needless to say this did nothing to help me understand where the hell my car was. The valet suggested I walk up to the roof of the near by Best Buy, where the parking lot for the cars was located. Apparently there was some confusion as to wear my key was. So, I walked up the ramp, into more breezes, my damp gym wear now positively freezing. The next batch of Valets saw me and looked away and continued to mumble in Spanish. I walked over to my rental P.T. Cruiser (my civic should be here this week…I hope). One of the valets walked around my car, then dropped to his stomach to look under the car.
“We lost the key,” he said.
“Oh.” I replied. I didn’t want to yell, but I did want to go home. I was cold, damn it.
“We could drive you home.” He offered.
“Well, see, it’s a rental car. So I don’t have another key.”
“Rental car? Oh. The one across the street?”
“No. The one at LAX.” Which of course is 8 miles away.
“Oh.”
“Yeah. So you need to find that key.” I was quite calm, just sat down against a parking lot light, and waited another fifteen minutes. In that time, I told my story to Greg on the phone, and decided not to tip them if they found my key.
They found my key. It was in one of their pockets.
The moral of the story is either never valet park at a gym, or pray my Civic comes to L.A. soon. I’m so done with the P.T. Cruiser.

My first trip back to the East Coast will be February 28th… to BUFFALO, NEW YORk! Wooh? Yes, Michael Behr is getting married and I’m flying in for about 24 hours, to wear a tux, build a snowman, and eat some chicken. My next return remains to be determined… hopefully my goal for late June will work out. We shall see.

Well, it’s time to prepare for the weekend… probably going to see Cloverfield, even though I’m sure it will be lame. I have tons of production prep work to do, and tomorrow is Champagne Brunch, that’s brunch and five dollars all you can drink champagne. Interesting town, this Los Angeles…

Also, please send me as many short film ideas a possible! I fear I may be a hack.

Also, send stuff to decorate my apartment. Or fly out and visit. Even though I will probably be too busy to entertain you. Well, if I like you enough, maybe I’ll make time.

We’ll do lunch.

Left Coast Thief!

2008-01-13T17:21:00.000-08:00

One week down.

For starters, I’m attempting to keep a regular blog about all things relating to my experience of living in Los Angeles. My hopes are it will be a little entertaining, a little informative, and a way to keep people abreast of what I’m doing in both film school and life! Ideally, you will read, comment, and realize that the best way to hear about me and my life is to call, message, or Email me! HINT HINT HINT.

About a week ago, I arrived in Los Angeles, California, carrying over-stuffed bags, and a scarf. It was pouring rain, and kind of chilly. The complete opposite of the sunny southern California I was promised. There were thoughts of hopping another fight to a more dependable climate, like London, England, but this was an awfully silly idea, so I went to the car rental place instead.

My Civic is currently on route to L.A. It’s coming by train! I can only imagine what kind of wonderful adventures it’s having.

Thankfully, Greg and Rich were nice enough to offer me a futon to sleep on as I commenced my search for an apartment. I found out that night, a one bedroom opened up in my friend Josh’s apartment. When I would visit Josh, we would joke about me living across the walkway, so the timing couldn’t be more perfect. However, it was more than I hoped to pay for an apartment, so I spent the next two days checking out other places around Los Angeles. What I found sucked. A few were decent enough, but were expensive for studios, and none could guarantee a parking spot. A parking spot is worth more than kitchen in my opinion. Parking here is a bitch.

The most intriguing place I found was a peculiar cluster of gothic towers and huts complex, originally built by Charlie Chaplin. I found this oddity, nestled within a nice West Hollywood neighborhood. I waked under a wooden trestle, that lead me on curving paths around hills of mud and grass, creating a courtyard for the towers. It was nothing like I’ve ever seen. I had to live here. Fortunately, the landlord never called me back. Why fortunately? As a child I had an intense fear of Charlie Chaplin, and more than likely his ghost haunts these grounds. The chances of me being beaten to death by his rickety cane were pretty high.

I ended up taking the apartment across from my friend Josh. Mostly because it has a parking spot! Also, it’s a decent location (only 7 miles from school), lots of room, a very accommodating place for visitors to stay, HINT HINT HINT. But really, if you want to visit, or just need a place to stay, let me know!

Of course I had moments of panic, and homesickness. One cure though was found at the Culver City Ice Rink, a few minutes down the road. I pulled in, just to take a look at the rickety rink (reminds me of Superior Ice Rink in Kingspark for you Long Island folk), that was probably quite state-of-the-art in the early 80’s, What timing for my visit., I stepped inside to witness a pickup game of hockey in action. Just knowing I had place where I could play made me feel a lot better.
Other than that I spent some time hanging out with my friends here, watched some movies, went to some bars. I even got a part-time job secured. I guess that’s all there is …

Oh and that whole USC School of Cinematic Arts thing…

Yeah, so USC is a beautiful campus, compete with a fancy collegiate buildings, ivy, and best of all, the Cinema School. On Friday, we had our orientation meeting at the LUCAS building, next to the Spielberg Scoring Stage, down a block from the Zemeckis building…

…And let’s just say, they made no secret about it, this isn’t just starting school,, this is about all of us starting a career in cinema. They gave us a presentation of what to expect from the next few years, some do’s and don’ts in production class… some of the do’s include our own access to stunt actors and a fire marshal… if only I didn’t want to write dramatic character-driven-existential-digressions on monotony stories. I need to fit in some fire and fights. Because I can. But seriously, they live up to their reputation, or at least on the first day they made us believe we can really make it, and this is just the beginning.

In the coming days and weeks I’ll be adding photos and sharing anecdotes about my discoveries and stuff.

Stay tuned this week for:

Jeff goes to class

Jeff works in Hollywood! (Don’t get too excited, it’s actually a job at Borders) because some things don’t change, whichever coast I’m on.

And…

Jeff dates starlets!
Or at the very least, innocently stalks them!