Boredom
A lot of time on set is spent sitting around, waiting for other people to do their jobs. You gotta wait for the actors to block the scene, then wait for grips and electrics to light it, then camera has to set focus marks, then hair, make-up, and costume have to fix up the actors, […]
I Heart Teamsters
“How do you tell which kid is a teamster’s on the playground? He’s the one sitting around, watching the other kids play.” That’s not really fair. Teamsters have it tough. They’re the first ones in, and the last ones out. Their turn around times are frighteningly small. Plus, everybody makes fun of them. Teamsters have […]
Movie Magic
I directed a short film earlier this year that prominently featured a pregnant woman. In a burst of verisimilitude, we actually got a real pregnant woman to play the part. She provided her own costume and baby bump and everything. Here’s the thing about maternity clothes, though– they’re designed to conceal, or at least de-emphasize, […]
Judging
When I’m writing, my emotions tend to vacillate between “Oh, God, how did I ever fool myself into thinking I can write?” and “Why am I so amazing?” For this reason, I’m not very perspicacious when it comes to judging my own work. (Why, yes, I do have a word-a-day calendar. How did you know?) […]
Luckiest Motherfucker Ever
You know my feelings on luck. I generally don’t believe in it, but Peter Steinfeld is trying to very hard challenge that disbelief. The other day, I listened to Creative Screenwriting Magazine’s interview of Steinfeld after 21. (By the way, it’s a great podcast series, if you’re interested in writing. You can download old podcasts […]
Not Feeling Like Myself
Since I mentioned I attended the TV writers’ group, I’ve received several e-mails from writers asking if I was this guy or that guy that they’d met. (Curiously, no has suspected that I’m a girl. I realize that I do talk about my wife, but hey, it’s legal in California, now.) The truth is, I […]
Everyone’s Favorite Department
Hint: it rhymes with “mrafty.”
Another Stupid Competition
I was listening to the Adam Carolla Show this morning, and they had Kaitlin Olson, from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, as a guest. They were talking about how poor you are when you’re starting out, and Adam said, “But you’re making good money now, at least.” “Oh, yeah, I’m making big bucks,” she sarcastically […]
A Map of Hollywood
The Industry, not the town. I actually feel a little left out, since it refers to set PAs, but not us lowly office PAs. Everyone forgets about us. 🙁 (Hat tip: Script Goddess.)
Why Didn’t You Remind Me That I Reminded You?
Some days, I think my boss is a blithering idiot. (By the way, did you know “blither” means “to blather”? Thanks, dictionary.com!) Other days, I think she’s pants-shittingly crazy. We have a production meeting tomorrow, so my boss wrote up a memo with the time and room number, and had me copy it fifty times […]
The Most Hated Department
The camera department are jerks. They’re rude, arrogant, self-centered, and self-important. Now, realize that I used to be a loader and a 2nd AC, and I was no exception. I’m speaking from the inside, here. In the camera department, we always sit by ourselves at lunch; we don’t mingle with the rest of the crew. […]
Sleepless in Production
This morning, I walked into my boss’s office while eating a bite-sized candy bar. “Oh, that’s a good way to start your morning.” With annoying and omnipresent sarcasm? Oh, wait, the candy bar. “Maybe, but I’m already two and a half hours into my morning.” “I’m five and a half into mine.” Really? Three in […]