Musing about the meaning of home is a bit deep and frankly beyond my ability at this point. I'm still pretty mentally fatigued from trying to conquer my jet lag. Pacific standard time is not a habit easily kicked. Unfortunately, as anyone that has battled jet lag will tell you, mental fatigue does not equal tiredness and sleep eludes me yet.
Suffice it to say, I have returned to Minnesota and will be here for about a fortnight (and the Word of the Post goes to...). If you want to see me, let me know. Since this is mostly family that reads this, you will likely see me several times over the Christmas holiday. I'm hoping to write more soon, but gonna try to get to bed at a decent time tonight. Wish me luck.
20.12.10
26.11.10
Call off the Search Parties
I'm alive!
Yes, after several months of logging onto the internet every day and neglecting my blogging responsibilities, I am finally updating again. And there was much rejoicing...
I wish I could tell you that there was a lot that you've missed, but mostly there hasn't been. It's been a slow couple months, with only one day of work in all of September and October combined. I realize that isn't really an excuse not to update this more regularly, but in my defense I was going through some really tough times and writing just wasn't high on my priority list (which consisted primarily of sleeping a lot, playing lots of video games and lots of self pity/depression).
I tried to stay active/distracted. I managed to go out with my church for a feed the homeless event, which was fun...until I got a $45 parking ticket for parking in a poorly marked area (apparently the "4 hour parking on Saturdays" sign was referring to the meter I parked by). Nothing makes you feel like the world is against you quite like having a good deed be rewarded with a $45 ticket you can't afford (you may recall I hadn't worked in a month prior to this happening, and in fact didn't work for another month after). But God provided in the end in the form of a 3 hour work day just days before the ticket was due. The $55 I got covered the ticket and broke my 2 month drought of work.
Through all of this difficulty, during which time I've essentially sold my TV to my parents in order to make ends meet, I've had to really rely on God's guidance. My job hunt is frustrated at every turn as I become more and more aware that connections may be the only way to get work in this town (outside of maybe just shot in the dark luck, but more on that later). My faith has been tested repeatedly during this time and the stress has caused more anxiety than I think I've ever experienced before. My writing has evaporated in the face of it as well.
But as you may have noticed, I am writing now. While I rarely take a breath with confidence that I am through the worst of it, I am in a better position at the end of this month than I was last month. And that's because I made a little money this month.
On November 7th, my luck (here's the luck part I mentioned earlier) turned around in a dramatic way. While driving through Malibu with my dad (who was visiting for the weekend) I was called for a named character role on a show call "The Hard Times of RJ Berger", an MTV show (unlike "Huge", I can't really recommend the show to anyone in good conscience). I had not submitted for this role, and had never worked on the show before. They apparently selected me out of their database to play the character of "Craig the Nerd". It was an AFTRA role, my first since "Huge" ended in July. Not only that, but it was heavily featured, complete with a closeup and dialogue directed at me (which, of course, I awkwardly could not respond to). The scene ended up being a peer support group at the school where the show is set. It was 7 extras and 5 main actors sitting in a circle (which was cool because we spent the whole day together and chatted quite a bit). There was lots of coverage to get and I was in lots of it. It was easily the most actual acting I've ever done in my 10 months of background work (which is a good thing, I would much rather act in a scene than be a blur sitting in the background).
But then the most amazing thing happened. They apparently liked me! They have kept calling me back. They don't use background as heavily as "Huge" did but Wednesday was my 5th day working on the show in 13 possible work days. I've been featured in 3 of those 5 days of work (really out of 4 possible because one I was sent home early when they realized the scene was concurrent with my support group scene). Several members of the cast and crew know me by name now and talk to me pretty candidly. In 2 1/2 weeks of working there I'm more well known than some people that have been on the show for months. The show wraps up on the 15th of December, which lines up perfectly with my flight home on the 16th so hopefully I will get lots more work still before they wrap. Keep this in your prayers as I need to make some pretty good money before I go home in order to make rent in January. I'll also need something new in January, but work should be easier to search for without a 2 1/2 week vacation looming (not many want to hire someone that will be gone for 2 weeks less than a month after being hired).
Anyways, thanks to everyone that has been praying for me. This "RJ Berger" show has been such an incredible blessing in my life. After spending 2 months trying desperately to get background work and getting nowhere, a steady union job lands in my lap out of nowhere that wraps the day before my next scheduled trip home. There is no way this isn't an answer to prayer.
Well there is probably more worth mentioning, but that will do for now. I'll be back sooner next time.
Yes, after several months of logging onto the internet every day and neglecting my blogging responsibilities, I am finally updating again. And there was much rejoicing...
I wish I could tell you that there was a lot that you've missed, but mostly there hasn't been. It's been a slow couple months, with only one day of work in all of September and October combined. I realize that isn't really an excuse not to update this more regularly, but in my defense I was going through some really tough times and writing just wasn't high on my priority list (which consisted primarily of sleeping a lot, playing lots of video games and lots of self pity/depression).
I tried to stay active/distracted. I managed to go out with my church for a feed the homeless event, which was fun...until I got a $45 parking ticket for parking in a poorly marked area (apparently the "4 hour parking on Saturdays" sign was referring to the meter I parked by). Nothing makes you feel like the world is against you quite like having a good deed be rewarded with a $45 ticket you can't afford (you may recall I hadn't worked in a month prior to this happening, and in fact didn't work for another month after). But God provided in the end in the form of a 3 hour work day just days before the ticket was due. The $55 I got covered the ticket and broke my 2 month drought of work.
Through all of this difficulty, during which time I've essentially sold my TV to my parents in order to make ends meet, I've had to really rely on God's guidance. My job hunt is frustrated at every turn as I become more and more aware that connections may be the only way to get work in this town (outside of maybe just shot in the dark luck, but more on that later). My faith has been tested repeatedly during this time and the stress has caused more anxiety than I think I've ever experienced before. My writing has evaporated in the face of it as well.
But as you may have noticed, I am writing now. While I rarely take a breath with confidence that I am through the worst of it, I am in a better position at the end of this month than I was last month. And that's because I made a little money this month.
On November 7th, my luck (here's the luck part I mentioned earlier) turned around in a dramatic way. While driving through Malibu with my dad (who was visiting for the weekend) I was called for a named character role on a show call "The Hard Times of RJ Berger", an MTV show (unlike "Huge", I can't really recommend the show to anyone in good conscience). I had not submitted for this role, and had never worked on the show before. They apparently selected me out of their database to play the character of "Craig the Nerd". It was an AFTRA role, my first since "Huge" ended in July. Not only that, but it was heavily featured, complete with a closeup and dialogue directed at me (which, of course, I awkwardly could not respond to). The scene ended up being a peer support group at the school where the show is set. It was 7 extras and 5 main actors sitting in a circle (which was cool because we spent the whole day together and chatted quite a bit). There was lots of coverage to get and I was in lots of it. It was easily the most actual acting I've ever done in my 10 months of background work (which is a good thing, I would much rather act in a scene than be a blur sitting in the background).
But then the most amazing thing happened. They apparently liked me! They have kept calling me back. They don't use background as heavily as "Huge" did but Wednesday was my 5th day working on the show in 13 possible work days. I've been featured in 3 of those 5 days of work (really out of 4 possible because one I was sent home early when they realized the scene was concurrent with my support group scene). Several members of the cast and crew know me by name now and talk to me pretty candidly. In 2 1/2 weeks of working there I'm more well known than some people that have been on the show for months. The show wraps up on the 15th of December, which lines up perfectly with my flight home on the 16th so hopefully I will get lots more work still before they wrap. Keep this in your prayers as I need to make some pretty good money before I go home in order to make rent in January. I'll also need something new in January, but work should be easier to search for without a 2 1/2 week vacation looming (not many want to hire someone that will be gone for 2 weeks less than a month after being hired).
Anyways, thanks to everyone that has been praying for me. This "RJ Berger" show has been such an incredible blessing in my life. After spending 2 months trying desperately to get background work and getting nowhere, a steady union job lands in my lap out of nowhere that wraps the day before my next scheduled trip home. There is no way this isn't an answer to prayer.
Well there is probably more worth mentioning, but that will do for now. I'll be back sooner next time.
17.9.10
Trials
"There's nothing written in the Bible, Old or New Testament, that says 'If you believe in Me, you ain't going to have no troubles'" -Ray Charles
Well this has been a difficult week as all the weight of the last couple months has come down on my soul. I've been surviving lately but it has been rough. I've only gotten 7 days of extra work since Huge wrapped on July 16th. That means I worked more in those 2+ weeks at the beginning of July than I have since then.
I feel adrift sometimes. I don't know what to do. On one hand, things are really slow. But on the other hand, there are dozens of shows shooting right now and things could turn around in an instance. So I endure. I put my head down and endure.
But that's not good enough. So much of this is out of my hands but the feeling of helplessness doesn't work for me. I'm not about to sit here and say, "Well, hope something works out before I'm completely broke." That attitude makes me lazy. That attitude makes me weak. And that attitude is going to end this adventure if I let it. I am going to start trying to be more proactive.
Up til now I've kind of sat back and let my calling service book me. It's worked more or less, but the last couple months it has most definitely not worked. Not at all. I don't need much, just a couple days of work each week. How many people can subside on 2-3 days of work/week? But they are dropping the ball and I am done. If they can't do it, I will.
I've heard it said that God puts barriers in our way to see how much we want something. I think he puts barriers in our way so WE can see how much we want something. What I want is to stay in Hollywood. And I'm not going to fail.
There, now that we have that out of the way, I can tell you a little more about what's up. I just got home from 10 days at home. I got to see my brother play football, I got to watch the Gophers try to play football and I got to see and do most everything I had hoped. I have plans to edit together a little video about my trip and the surprising of my brother and sister (who did not know I was coming) and I will have that up here just as soon as I get my camera cord mailed back to me (apparently getting my camera cord back into my bag before I left was NOT on my to do list).
But yea, this has been a tough week overall. Not only am I not catching any breaks, it seems like all my friends are. So many of my friends from Huge got booked this week (and on union work no less) and one of my LAFSC friends got a huge promotion. It's great for them and I'm really happy for them. Really I am. But at the same time there is this little voice in the back of my head that says "What about me? Where's my good fortune?" and it ruins it. Why can't I be purely happy for someone with no other thoughts just because I'm going through a rough time? I feel like a bad friend and it makes me feel worse.
This post is kind of bi-polar but that's good because I kind of feel that way right now. I bounce between cautious hope and optimism and mild depression several times a day right now. I feel like even a single day of work could boost my spirits (I haven't had a day of extra work since August 29th) and maybe break me out of this funk, but who knows.
I keep focusing on Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
I always come back to this. God brought me out here, He will provide for me. It's somewhat comforting but it doesn't make it any easier. Keep me in your prayers.
Well this has been a difficult week as all the weight of the last couple months has come down on my soul. I've been surviving lately but it has been rough. I've only gotten 7 days of extra work since Huge wrapped on July 16th. That means I worked more in those 2+ weeks at the beginning of July than I have since then.
I feel adrift sometimes. I don't know what to do. On one hand, things are really slow. But on the other hand, there are dozens of shows shooting right now and things could turn around in an instance. So I endure. I put my head down and endure.
But that's not good enough. So much of this is out of my hands but the feeling of helplessness doesn't work for me. I'm not about to sit here and say, "Well, hope something works out before I'm completely broke." That attitude makes me lazy. That attitude makes me weak. And that attitude is going to end this adventure if I let it. I am going to start trying to be more proactive.
Up til now I've kind of sat back and let my calling service book me. It's worked more or less, but the last couple months it has most definitely not worked. Not at all. I don't need much, just a couple days of work each week. How many people can subside on 2-3 days of work/week? But they are dropping the ball and I am done. If they can't do it, I will.
I've heard it said that God puts barriers in our way to see how much we want something. I think he puts barriers in our way so WE can see how much we want something. What I want is to stay in Hollywood. And I'm not going to fail.
There, now that we have that out of the way, I can tell you a little more about what's up. I just got home from 10 days at home. I got to see my brother play football, I got to watch the Gophers try to play football and I got to see and do most everything I had hoped. I have plans to edit together a little video about my trip and the surprising of my brother and sister (who did not know I was coming) and I will have that up here just as soon as I get my camera cord mailed back to me (apparently getting my camera cord back into my bag before I left was NOT on my to do list).
But yea, this has been a tough week overall. Not only am I not catching any breaks, it seems like all my friends are. So many of my friends from Huge got booked this week (and on union work no less) and one of my LAFSC friends got a huge promotion. It's great for them and I'm really happy for them. Really I am. But at the same time there is this little voice in the back of my head that says "What about me? Where's my good fortune?" and it ruins it. Why can't I be purely happy for someone with no other thoughts just because I'm going through a rough time? I feel like a bad friend and it makes me feel worse.
This post is kind of bi-polar but that's good because I kind of feel that way right now. I bounce between cautious hope and optimism and mild depression several times a day right now. I feel like even a single day of work could boost my spirits (I haven't had a day of extra work since August 29th) and maybe break me out of this funk, but who knows.
I keep focusing on Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
I always come back to this. God brought me out here, He will provide for me. It's somewhat comforting but it doesn't make it any easier. Keep me in your prayers.
12.8.10
Not much, How about you?
Time for a (hopefully) quick update.
Let's see. "Huge" has been going well. By which I mean that the ratings and reviews are still positive and the future of that worksource looks strong. Still no definitive restart date for shooting the next batch but hopefully sooner than later. The money is great and it's the closest thing I have to job security at this point. So keep watching (and enjoying) "Huge", Monday nights on ABC Family. You can also, of course, find it here. Episodes #1-3 and #7 (the most recent one) are all posted and available to watch. Keep an eye out for me getting some screen time towards the end of episode 7.
Hmm, what else. I've finally been working for the first time since Huge wrapped. I worked 2 days last week on the new "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior". It's a pilot for the spinoff series and stars Forest Whitaker and Janeane Garofalo. I was a student at a local high school that was the target of a bombing. They were pretty exhausting days (almost 30 hours on the clock between the 2 days) but it felt good to be working again, and I met some cool people.
This week I worked on "Chuck". It was my first time working on the Warner Bros. lot, though I have been on the lot several times before and it is easily the lot I am most familiar with. I was a fanboy who camped outside the Buy More waiting for a Call of Duty type game release. I was chosen (apparently at random) to get my face painted with camo paint, while others got to dress up in full army fatigues and gear. Needless to say, when the game doesn't show, things take a turn...
It was a good time, even if it was non-union work (as was CM:SB) and didn't pay the best as a result (though the $50 I got for the facepaint was a nice unexpected bonus). So far, I have not often gotten to work on shows that I have watched and enjoyed, or that my family watches regularly, so being on "Chuck" was a fun experience for that alone. I got to cross Adam Baldwin off my "Firefly" list (he joins Nathan Fillion and Gina Torres as main "Firefly" cast members I've seen on sets). I also got to see former WWE stars "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Stacy Keibler who were guest starring on the show this week, so the inner middle schooler in me got a nice treat with that. Overall, Chuck was a great set to work on and I hope I can go back in the near future. The 2nd 2nd AD (the guy in charge of extras, and no that's not a typo) said that he would keep me in mind for future calls after a mistake on their side of things led to lots of confusion and inconvenience for me at this morning's call (basically they forgot to tell Central Casting that they wanted me back so getting onto the lot and getting my voucher became grand adventures).
In other news, I've started writing again. I don't think I've written much, if anything on here, about my struggles with my creative side over the last several months. I've only told a few people about it. The fact is I've been in a sort of writing purgatory since the sudden death of my friend Heidi Firkus back at the end of April. My sudden writing ineptitude was especially difficult for me to deal with because I had been really rolling with my writing right before that tragic day sent me through an emotional blindside. I was constantly questioning my griefs effect on me, and whether it was really just me being a lazy writer. Slowly over the last 30 or so days though, I've started to see flashes here and there of my old self. And while I'm not 100% sure I'm totally out of this funk, I think I'm close and I've gotten to a point where I can write again. My sitcom is progressing for the first time in months and I'm hoping to finish my first draft of the pilot by the end of the month. I'll keep you appraised of the situation as it continues to progress.
I think that's good enough for now, hope you enjoyed that.
Let's see. "Huge" has been going well. By which I mean that the ratings and reviews are still positive and the future of that worksource looks strong. Still no definitive restart date for shooting the next batch but hopefully sooner than later. The money is great and it's the closest thing I have to job security at this point. So keep watching (and enjoying) "Huge", Monday nights on ABC Family. You can also, of course, find it here. Episodes #1-3 and #7 (the most recent one) are all posted and available to watch. Keep an eye out for me getting some screen time towards the end of episode 7.
Hmm, what else. I've finally been working for the first time since Huge wrapped. I worked 2 days last week on the new "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior". It's a pilot for the spinoff series and stars Forest Whitaker and Janeane Garofalo. I was a student at a local high school that was the target of a bombing. They were pretty exhausting days (almost 30 hours on the clock between the 2 days) but it felt good to be working again, and I met some cool people.
This week I worked on "Chuck". It was my first time working on the Warner Bros. lot, though I have been on the lot several times before and it is easily the lot I am most familiar with. I was a fanboy who camped outside the Buy More waiting for a Call of Duty type game release. I was chosen (apparently at random) to get my face painted with camo paint, while others got to dress up in full army fatigues and gear. Needless to say, when the game doesn't show, things take a turn...
It was a good time, even if it was non-union work (as was CM:SB) and didn't pay the best as a result (though the $50 I got for the facepaint was a nice unexpected bonus). So far, I have not often gotten to work on shows that I have watched and enjoyed, or that my family watches regularly, so being on "Chuck" was a fun experience for that alone. I got to cross Adam Baldwin off my "Firefly" list (he joins Nathan Fillion and Gina Torres as main "Firefly" cast members I've seen on sets). I also got to see former WWE stars "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Stacy Keibler who were guest starring on the show this week, so the inner middle schooler in me got a nice treat with that. Overall, Chuck was a great set to work on and I hope I can go back in the near future. The 2nd 2nd AD (the guy in charge of extras, and no that's not a typo) said that he would keep me in mind for future calls after a mistake on their side of things led to lots of confusion and inconvenience for me at this morning's call (basically they forgot to tell Central Casting that they wanted me back so getting onto the lot and getting my voucher became grand adventures).
In other news, I've started writing again. I don't think I've written much, if anything on here, about my struggles with my creative side over the last several months. I've only told a few people about it. The fact is I've been in a sort of writing purgatory since the sudden death of my friend Heidi Firkus back at the end of April. My sudden writing ineptitude was especially difficult for me to deal with because I had been really rolling with my writing right before that tragic day sent me through an emotional blindside. I was constantly questioning my griefs effect on me, and whether it was really just me being a lazy writer. Slowly over the last 30 or so days though, I've started to see flashes here and there of my old self. And while I'm not 100% sure I'm totally out of this funk, I think I'm close and I've gotten to a point where I can write again. My sitcom is progressing for the first time in months and I'm hoping to finish my first draft of the pilot by the end of the month. I'll keep you appraised of the situation as it continues to progress.
I think that's good enough for now, hope you enjoyed that.
19.7.10
I Have a Note...
Sorry for not updating for a while but I have a good excuse. I've been working a lot (5 days last week) and it has been very life consuming. After a long day on set and a long commute home, I rarely want to do anything productive with the couple hours I have before I need to be in bed. Often I will just eat some dinner, watch some TV and go to bed. Occasionally I will do some email and facebook type stuff, or check some scores. All that is to say, sorry I haven't updated for a while.
The big news around here this week is that Huge has wrapped for the season. Our last day of shooting was last Friday, and it was an emotional time for many people (they gave us buttons!). But through it all, the sense is that we will be back at it very soon. It's up to the ratings and ABC Family, but we're hoping to be back shooting again within the next two months. It could also be as much as 5 or 6 months though so keep watching and keep those ratings up!
That piece of news kind of leads me into my second piece of news. I have officially paid off my remaining AFTRA dues and am now Exhibit A eligible. For those not "down with the lingo" (that's "familiar with slang" for those of you REALLY not acquainted with common vernacular) Exhibit A shows are basically all the major network shows. The payment plan I used to pay for AFTRA was great for working Huge (an Exhibit B show) but now that the show is wrapped, it's important that I have Exhibit A eligibility. Otherwise, I would be ineligible for Exhibit A and Non-Union work, which would kind of defeat the purpose of joining in the first place.
So yay for me!
Anyways, I find myself kind of floating adrift at the moment. I'm really not sure what the future holds now that Huge is on break. I have a decent amount of money saved up that should help for a while, but I'm far from financially secure at this point. I'm confident I can continue doing background work but there is always the possibility I will need to seek out more reliable/suckier employment. Prayer, as always, would be appreciated.
God has been good to me and has guided me this far. This month marked my 6 month anniversary of living in Los Angeles post-LAFSC. And I am now just a little over a month away from my one year anniversary of the day I first arrived in LA for LAFSC. It's astonishing to me that it's been that long already. And a little scary. In some ways I grow more comfortable all the time, while still struggling with homesickness occasionally. Just the other day I found myself craving half a dozen restaurants that are not available out here, which was quite frustrating.
My dad and my brother Jordan are still in Haiti so keep them in your prayers. I guess they get back tomorrow but I haven't heard anything from them in about 2 weeks that they've been gone.
Well that's about all for now, I'm starting to feel like I'm rambling a little. But before I go; for those that haven't seen Inception yet, you should go see it because it is awesome. And for those that have, you should go again because it helps make things clearer. I have seen it twice and plan to see it at least once more before it leaves the theaters (and enters my DVD collection).
The big news around here this week is that Huge has wrapped for the season. Our last day of shooting was last Friday, and it was an emotional time for many people (they gave us buttons!). But through it all, the sense is that we will be back at it very soon. It's up to the ratings and ABC Family, but we're hoping to be back shooting again within the next two months. It could also be as much as 5 or 6 months though so keep watching and keep those ratings up!
That piece of news kind of leads me into my second piece of news. I have officially paid off my remaining AFTRA dues and am now Exhibit A eligible. For those not "down with the lingo" (that's "familiar with slang" for those of you REALLY not acquainted with common vernacular) Exhibit A shows are basically all the major network shows. The payment plan I used to pay for AFTRA was great for working Huge (an Exhibit B show) but now that the show is wrapped, it's important that I have Exhibit A eligibility. Otherwise, I would be ineligible for Exhibit A and Non-Union work, which would kind of defeat the purpose of joining in the first place.So yay for me!
Anyways, I find myself kind of floating adrift at the moment. I'm really not sure what the future holds now that Huge is on break. I have a decent amount of money saved up that should help for a while, but I'm far from financially secure at this point. I'm confident I can continue doing background work but there is always the possibility I will need to seek out more reliable/suckier employment. Prayer, as always, would be appreciated.
God has been good to me and has guided me this far. This month marked my 6 month anniversary of living in Los Angeles post-LAFSC. And I am now just a little over a month away from my one year anniversary of the day I first arrived in LA for LAFSC. It's astonishing to me that it's been that long already. And a little scary. In some ways I grow more comfortable all the time, while still struggling with homesickness occasionally. Just the other day I found myself craving half a dozen restaurants that are not available out here, which was quite frustrating.
My dad and my brother Jordan are still in Haiti so keep them in your prayers. I guess they get back tomorrow but I haven't heard anything from them in about 2 weeks that they've been gone.
Well that's about all for now, I'm starting to feel like I'm rambling a little. But before I go; for those that haven't seen Inception yet, you should go see it because it is awesome. And for those that have, you should go again because it helps make things clearer. I have seen it twice and plan to see it at least once more before it leaves the theaters (and enters my DVD collection).
3.7.10
For Those of You Counting at Home
Hey everyone. Told you I'd try to be better at this.
In case you somehow didn't hear, Monday night was the premier episode of "Huge" on ABC Family. It had a great premier. Its numbers scored the highest for women 18-49 the network has ever had for a series premier. Overall, it scored 1.2 million viewers 18-49 which is the second best premier the network has had (first being "Secret Life..." two years ago). That is great news and everyone who works on the show was excited about the premier's success. But stay tuned because the show does get much better as it goes.
I also know a lot of you were anxiously searching for me in the premier episode as well. For anyone out there that had difficulty spotting me in this week's premier episode of "Huge", I have decided to help you out. As I was actually there the days we were shooting, I have a pretty good sense of what scenes I was there for.
So here is a breakdown of where you can find me in episode one, "Hello, I Must Be Going" (now available on ABC Family.com, Hulu and free on iTunes). Please note, this is not a comprehensive look at every shot I'm in, just every scene and where I am in the scene:
Opening shot of the show. If you tuned in late, you probably missed it but this was easily the clearest you could see me. Keep an eye out for that swimsuit the rest of the weigh in scene as well, because I pop up in the background a couple more times.
Like here...
And here....
And here for instance.
I also show up briefly during Shay's introduction, aka: That Scary, Freakishly Skinny Chick.
Look for me in the first cafeteria scene. I'm basically over Amber's shoulder the whole time, but this picture gives a good sense of my location in the scene.
There is a brief shot of me and some guys jogging right between the montage of Will dealing sweets and the sharing circle scene.
And finally, you can look for me in the obstacle course scene. I am right between several main characters in the line.
I had hoped you could see me better in this scene but oh well.
And there you have it. Now go find me and tell all your friends to watch the show. This shows success can trickle down to me so keep on watching!
*Images are property of ABC Family. They are being used for educational purposes.
In case you somehow didn't hear, Monday night was the premier episode of "Huge" on ABC Family. It had a great premier. Its numbers scored the highest for women 18-49 the network has ever had for a series premier. Overall, it scored 1.2 million viewers 18-49 which is the second best premier the network has had (first being "Secret Life..." two years ago). That is great news and everyone who works on the show was excited about the premier's success. But stay tuned because the show does get much better as it goes.
I also know a lot of you were anxiously searching for me in the premier episode as well. For anyone out there that had difficulty spotting me in this week's premier episode of "Huge", I have decided to help you out. As I was actually there the days we were shooting, I have a pretty good sense of what scenes I was there for.
So here is a breakdown of where you can find me in episode one, "Hello, I Must Be Going" (now available on ABC Family.com, Hulu and free on iTunes). Please note, this is not a comprehensive look at every shot I'm in, just every scene and where I am in the scene:
Opening shot of the show. If you tuned in late, you probably missed it but this was easily the clearest you could see me. Keep an eye out for that swimsuit the rest of the weigh in scene as well, because I pop up in the background a couple more times.
Like here...
And here....
And here for instance.
I also show up briefly during Shay's introduction, aka: That Scary, Freakishly Skinny Chick.
Look for me in the first cafeteria scene. I'm basically over Amber's shoulder the whole time, but this picture gives a good sense of my location in the scene.
There is a brief shot of me and some guys jogging right between the montage of Will dealing sweets and the sharing circle scene.
And finally, you can look for me in the obstacle course scene. I am right between several main characters in the line.
I had hoped you could see me better in this scene but oh well.
And there you have it. Now go find me and tell all your friends to watch the show. This shows success can trickle down to me so keep on watching!
*Images are property of ABC Family. They are being used for educational purposes.
25.6.10
I Really Need to Stop Doing This...
I apologize to family and friends and any random people that happen upon this blog by accident (the support group meets across the hall now, sorry for the mix up). I really have no excuse for not updating this time. I should really make this more of a priority, or at the very least set a regular date to update.
But no use in dwelling on the past. I'm here and now and excited to update you all on where my life is right now.
First off, my new roommates. They are named Jared and Kyle and are both recent Biola grads (my other roommate is named Brian and is also a Biola alum in case you didn't remember/know). Jared shares a room with me and Kyle splits with Brian. Moving them both in was a lot of work. Lots of cleaning, lots of moving furniture around and just lots of change in general. We're settled in now, more or less, and things have been pretty smooth. Jared and Kyle are both younger and so that's a little bit of an adventure for me and Brian who are a bit more established. They're both looking for work so they mostly are going through what my first two months here were like.
Oh, except they both have connections with Biola friends still in La Mirada, so they are down their quite a bit still. Letting go of college is never easy.
Now for the real newsy type news. I'll start from the beginning. You may recall several posts ago (it should be just a bit down the page if you forgot) that I detailed that I had gotten a job as a regular extra on a new ABC Family show called "Huge". I suggested that I could be getting 2-5 days a week on the show, but I never really followed up with it.
Well, let's just say 2-5 was a bit of wishful thinking. It turned out to be more like 1-2. To further complicate things for me, "Huge" is an AFTRA show, (for those that don't know, AFTRA is one of two major unions for actors) which means they only pay AFTRA contracts. In order to receive these AFTRA contracts, I had to either join AFTRA or register as AFTRA willing, which meant that I could work AFTRA contracts for 30 days. However, after 30 days, my status would switch over to "must join" and I would not be able to work any AFTRA contracts for any shows.
For anyone that had trouble following that last part, this is where it gets simple. My 30 days were up and I had to make a choice. Join AFTRA and keep working on "Huge" or don't join and be unemployed for the month of June and watch my money disappear from under me throughout the month (May and June are known as "Hiatus" where there are virtually no movies and only a handful of scripted shows filming, in short the industry shuts down and work is impossible to find). Sounds like an easy choice...until I mention that joining AFTRA costs $1,663. For those counting at home, that's nearly 4 months of rent for me. Yea. There is a payment plan option, but it was not much better in my mind (half up front and the rest split up over the next three months).
After agonizing over the decision for several days, I decided to pass. The finances were just too unstable. I hadn't been getting booked much during the first 2 months of filming and I would need to cover my expenses, plus an extra $280 a month for the next three months as well.
I spent the next week watching the entirety of the new "Dr. Who" reboot series (about 60 episodes). Turns out it is a really amazing show and, while I can't in good conscience recommend that method of watching to anyone, I enjoyed myself. Or something. I kind of lost myself in that week, as anyone that has ever attempted anything like it can attest. By the time I was done, it was a couple days before I could think my own thoughts again. That said, I highly recommend the show if anyone is looking for something to Netflix.
But I digress. After that marathon viewing period, and a couple days of recovery, I got to where the rubber hit the road. As a "writer" trying to make it in Hollywood, this seemed like a perfect opportunity to get some writing done with nothing else to do. The problem was, I don't write well when I'm stressed out. And I get stressed out when I am not working and slowly draining the few remaining dollars from my account. Then I would get stressed out that I wasn't writing when I thought I should be. Which would make me depressed that I couldn't write and...you kind of start to see the spiral forming here. This was two days. I was so stressed out and depressed during this time that I actually lost my appetite (which was good because oddly enough there was nothing that caused more anxiety than spending money on food).
In short, it was no way to live. I was wallowing in despair after just a few days of this. The thought of 2-4 more weeks of it was overwhelming.
So it was decided. After discussing it at length with numerous people, I saw there was only one option. If I was going to go down as an extra, I would go down swinging. I joined AFTRA. I immediately felt peace from the decision, which helped convince me it was the right one. But the right choice doesn't necessarily mean that I come out of it standing on two feet, so I was understandably scared.
Then I got booked. Then I got booked again. And again. And again. First week back (last week), I had worked four days and gotten paid for five (it's complicated). And then again. Three more days this week. In these two weeks, I have worked more than I did the entire rest of the series combined. I have made about $1,000. And I'm working again on Monday.
The show has lots of "regulars" but only about 10-15 that are called almost every day. With 14 days of shooting left (about the next three weeks), I seem to have cemented myself as one of the chosen ones. Somehow, joining AFTRA catapulted me into that group (over several people that had already joined AFTRA before me). Whatever the reason, I am grateful for every day I get booked and don't take a single one for granted. I know it could all disappear in an instant.
And this is the beginning of the interactive part of the blog. You can actually help me pay my bills in a way that doesn't involve you sending me checks (though I wouldn't be opposed to the idea). "Huge" premiers this Monday at 9/8c on ABC Family. It is just a 10 episode run, with the remaining episodes in the season scheduled to be shot in November. But if the show does well enough in the ratings, the show will rush back into production in August. I would prefer the latter. While work is supposed to be picking up over the next month as movies enter production and fall TV shows start back up, the security in "Huge" is much higher than anything else I am likely to find. So watch it! It will be on Hulu for those that don't have cable TV (and yes, they look at those numbers too).
And who knows, you might actually like it. The show was created by Winnie Holzman, who also created the Emmy nominated "My So-Called Life" and was nominated for a Tony for her role in the creation of the Broadway hit "Wicked" (as well as being a staff writer on about half a dozen television shows). It stars Nikki Blonsky (from "Hairspray") and Gina Torres (who played Zoe on the ill-fated/brilliant Joss Whedon series "Firefly" and it's accompanying movie "Serenity). And if it doesn't grab you right away, give it some time. It takes until about the 3rd or 4th episode to find it's stride.
Here's a few reviews for anyone looking to learn more:
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117943051.html?categoryId=32&ref=verttv&cs=1
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jun/24/huge-difference/
But no use in dwelling on the past. I'm here and now and excited to update you all on where my life is right now.
First off, my new roommates. They are named Jared and Kyle and are both recent Biola grads (my other roommate is named Brian and is also a Biola alum in case you didn't remember/know). Jared shares a room with me and Kyle splits with Brian. Moving them both in was a lot of work. Lots of cleaning, lots of moving furniture around and just lots of change in general. We're settled in now, more or less, and things have been pretty smooth. Jared and Kyle are both younger and so that's a little bit of an adventure for me and Brian who are a bit more established. They're both looking for work so they mostly are going through what my first two months here were like.
Oh, except they both have connections with Biola friends still in La Mirada, so they are down their quite a bit still. Letting go of college is never easy.
Now for the real newsy type news. I'll start from the beginning. You may recall several posts ago (it should be just a bit down the page if you forgot) that I detailed that I had gotten a job as a regular extra on a new ABC Family show called "Huge". I suggested that I could be getting 2-5 days a week on the show, but I never really followed up with it.
Well, let's just say 2-5 was a bit of wishful thinking. It turned out to be more like 1-2. To further complicate things for me, "Huge" is an AFTRA show, (for those that don't know, AFTRA is one of two major unions for actors) which means they only pay AFTRA contracts. In order to receive these AFTRA contracts, I had to either join AFTRA or register as AFTRA willing, which meant that I could work AFTRA contracts for 30 days. However, after 30 days, my status would switch over to "must join" and I would not be able to work any AFTRA contracts for any shows.For anyone that had trouble following that last part, this is where it gets simple. My 30 days were up and I had to make a choice. Join AFTRA and keep working on "Huge" or don't join and be unemployed for the month of June and watch my money disappear from under me throughout the month (May and June are known as "Hiatus" where there are virtually no movies and only a handful of scripted shows filming, in short the industry shuts down and work is impossible to find). Sounds like an easy choice...until I mention that joining AFTRA costs $1,663. For those counting at home, that's nearly 4 months of rent for me. Yea. There is a payment plan option, but it was not much better in my mind (half up front and the rest split up over the next three months).
After agonizing over the decision for several days, I decided to pass. The finances were just too unstable. I hadn't been getting booked much during the first 2 months of filming and I would need to cover my expenses, plus an extra $280 a month for the next three months as well.
I spent the next week watching the entirety of the new "Dr. Who" reboot series (about 60 episodes). Turns out it is a really amazing show and, while I can't in good conscience recommend that method of watching to anyone, I enjoyed myself. Or something. I kind of lost myself in that week, as anyone that has ever attempted anything like it can attest. By the time I was done, it was a couple days before I could think my own thoughts again. That said, I highly recommend the show if anyone is looking for something to Netflix.
But I digress. After that marathon viewing period, and a couple days of recovery, I got to where the rubber hit the road. As a "writer" trying to make it in Hollywood, this seemed like a perfect opportunity to get some writing done with nothing else to do. The problem was, I don't write well when I'm stressed out. And I get stressed out when I am not working and slowly draining the few remaining dollars from my account. Then I would get stressed out that I wasn't writing when I thought I should be. Which would make me depressed that I couldn't write and...you kind of start to see the spiral forming here. This was two days. I was so stressed out and depressed during this time that I actually lost my appetite (which was good because oddly enough there was nothing that caused more anxiety than spending money on food).
In short, it was no way to live. I was wallowing in despair after just a few days of this. The thought of 2-4 more weeks of it was overwhelming.
So it was decided. After discussing it at length with numerous people, I saw there was only one option. If I was going to go down as an extra, I would go down swinging. I joined AFTRA. I immediately felt peace from the decision, which helped convince me it was the right one. But the right choice doesn't necessarily mean that I come out of it standing on two feet, so I was understandably scared.
Then I got booked. Then I got booked again. And again. And again. First week back (last week), I had worked four days and gotten paid for five (it's complicated). And then again. Three more days this week. In these two weeks, I have worked more than I did the entire rest of the series combined. I have made about $1,000. And I'm working again on Monday.
The show has lots of "regulars" but only about 10-15 that are called almost every day. With 14 days of shooting left (about the next three weeks), I seem to have cemented myself as one of the chosen ones. Somehow, joining AFTRA catapulted me into that group (over several people that had already joined AFTRA before me). Whatever the reason, I am grateful for every day I get booked and don't take a single one for granted. I know it could all disappear in an instant.
And this is the beginning of the interactive part of the blog. You can actually help me pay my bills in a way that doesn't involve you sending me checks (though I wouldn't be opposed to the idea). "Huge" premiers this Monday at 9/8c on ABC Family. It is just a 10 episode run, with the remaining episodes in the season scheduled to be shot in November. But if the show does well enough in the ratings, the show will rush back into production in August. I would prefer the latter. While work is supposed to be picking up over the next month as movies enter production and fall TV shows start back up, the security in "Huge" is much higher than anything else I am likely to find. So watch it! It will be on Hulu for those that don't have cable TV (and yes, they look at those numbers too).
And who knows, you might actually like it. The show was created by Winnie Holzman, who also created the Emmy nominated "My So-Called Life" and was nominated for a Tony for her role in the creation of the Broadway hit "Wicked" (as well as being a staff writer on about half a dozen television shows). It stars Nikki Blonsky (from "Hairspray") and Gina Torres (who played Zoe on the ill-fated/brilliant Joss Whedon series "Firefly" and it's accompanying movie "Serenity). And if it doesn't grab you right away, give it some time. It takes until about the 3rd or 4th episode to find it's stride.
Here's a few reviews for anyone looking to learn more:
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117943051.html?categoryId=32&ref=verttv&cs=1
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jun/24/huge-difference/
8.6.10
Apologies
I apologize, I really did mean to keep this updated better. But this time I have a legitimate excuse. My computer's hard drive is failing and it won't start. So I can only get online for brief periods of borrowed time with my roommates computers until it is fixed. Hopefully I can have it fixed within the next week, we will see.
21.5.10
Lazy Sunday = Time to Update
First off, I want to apologize for my inconsistent blogging habits. It keeps slipping my mind because I don't see the events in my life as terribly significant or exciting. I will be doing my best to improve my writing habits from now on. I know, you've heard that before, but things have been moving quickly for a while that are now settling back into place.
So where to begin. About a month ago I was really doing well. I was coming off a week where I had gotten 4 days of extra work and had made some great progress on the pilot for a show I am writing. But that all came to a screeching halt on April 25th when I received a call that tragedy had struck back home. Two married friends of mine were involved in an incident that left one dead and the other injured.
It was a difficult week. Being so far away was difficult, but I was not alone out here in LA. Many Calvary people were struggling with similar feelings of isolation and that made my grief a little more tolerable (though I was surprised at the effect it had on me). But as the week went on, and the date of the funeral approached, I began to feel very alone. One by one, my support system of Californians was making their way back east for the funeral. With a trip scheduled for my brother's graduation the following weekend, it was impractical for me to come home and certainly out of my price range.
Then God blessed me. After talking with a friend about what I was going through and how hard it was becoming to be stuck out here, he called me back with an offer. "If we could get you home tomorrow, would you want to come?" I was stunned. He said that some people had anonymously arranged to buy me a plane ticket to get me home for the weekend. And less than 12 hours later, I was on my way to Minneapolis.
The funeral was everything I needed. With an estimated attendance of 1,500 people, there were good friends and old friends, from near and far. I was able to process, and mourn in a way that would have been impossible had I not been back. I will always be thankful to the donors that made it possible, even if I may never know for sure who was involved.
Then came an interesting couple of days. I returned Monday evening, following the Friday funeral. That coming Friday, I would be on my way back to the midwest for Andrew's graduation at Wheaton. I managed to get one day of work on Wednesday, but not doing extra work.
I spent that day helping my friend, and LAFSC Resident Director, Sarah Duff clear out the apartments from this spring's semester. It was a lot of fun because I had hardly seen her since I moved here in January. We also had Rachel, who is the friend that set me up with my current apartment and babysat my car, helping and a guy named Justin who I had not met before. We worked hard but I had a lot of fun. My social life is not anything to write home about (though, ironically, that is what I am literally doing right now) so even a day loading and unloading heavy boxes counts as a great day hanging out in my mind. Honestly, I would have done it for free (though the money was certainly quite nice).
Then came a nice, relatively relaxing week and a half at home with my family. Andrew successfully graduated from Wheaton College so "Yay" for him. It was fun to see Wheaton one last time, as I don't know when I will have cause to go there again.
While I was home I got to see lots of friends and family. I got to play broomball with a bunch of Bethel Royal alums and current players...for 2 1/2 hours. I got to see the Twins beat the White Sox at the BEAUTIFUL Target Field. Andrew and I had a great time, even if it was a bit chilly. Got to see Charissa's band concert. Got a new phone and a new bank. Got a hair cut. The only real downside of the trip, besides that you can never really see enough of loved ones in such a short time, was that my softball game was rained out. I had been hoping to make a guest appearance with the Calvary Stars while I was back but it was not to be. I'll just have to keep looking for a team around here I guess (I miss sports, I have not had much opportunity to play much of anything here, despite the great weather).
Well that more or less brings you up to date. I arrived in Burbank on Tuesday evening and spent the next two days on set at Huge. So after those early/long days I've spent the last two days relaxing and recovering from lots of flying and visiting. I'm starting to feel settled here again.
New roommates soon. Update coming then.
7.5.10
Not Much Time
I'm about to board a plane to go to my brother's graduation in Wheaton. I will then be home from the 11th-18th and will be looking to see people while I'm there. I will try to post a real update in the next couple days for those wondering what has been going on in my life that has delayed my last promised update. Laters.
11.4.10
Whoa, it has been a while!
Wow, sorry everyone. That hiatus got away from me a little bit. I was getting tired of writing about how nothing new was happening and then when things were happening I forgot to update you. Or maybe I was just too busy. Yea, I'll go with that one.
So where to start? I guess I'll start with what has taken up a majority of my time over the last month. No, not work. Well kind of. Between the dates of March 10th and April 7th I had a grand total of 4 days where I did not have a visitor from Minnesota. And that is generous, technically Cory was still in the state for 3 of those days, just not with me. And I wrapped it up on the 8th with a trip to Anaheim (with the remaining Lindhs I hadn't seen yet) to watch the Twins hammer the Angels 10-1.
It was a great month, though work was difficult to come by or pursue with all the visitors. My mom and my sister were here from the 10th through the 16th. It was incredible to have family in town. Friends are great but it's just hard to compete with family. Also, my mom bought me lots of stuff and that is always fun for a jobless guy. :)
My old roommate Tim came to visit for two weeks and that was a grand old time as well. Tim is hoping to move here soon himself and it was fun to sample a little bit of what life could be like with him out here. I was sad to see him go.
But what else? Hmmm. Well I've been getting more work in background stuff, which is good. I have worked on Cougar Town, Bones and a new NBC show called the Cape that will premier in the fall. So that's two season finales and a pilot for those keeping track at home. If anyone wants to know how Bones ends this year by the way, let me know. I was there for the final scene of the finale.
But most recently I've been working on another pilot. This one is on ABC Family and is called "Huge". It is about high school students at a fat camp. And yes, I get to be one of the campers. Because it is a camp, I am going to be a regular on the show (they need to keep the same campers and staff or it doesn't seem like a summer camp).
What this means is that I may be getting 2-5 days a week of work (I think, this week is my first full week so I will know more next weekend) on this show every week through the end of July when it wraps the first season. Now this is significant because Hollywood has recently entered what is commonly known as "hiatus". This is the time when all the network shows have finished filming for the season and none of the movies filming over the summer have started yet. It is a roughly 2 month period covering April and May, even a little into June. And extra work dries up like a desert.
It's a little humbling to be cast as a high schooler at fat camp, I'm not going to lie. But then, if I had followed my instinct and started working out two months ago, I wouldn't be getting work on this show (it also helps that I am probably still in the best shape of anyone else there). And therefore would be growing increasingly desperate, instead of increasingly confident. That hiatus, this show and my bank accounts dwindling numbers are coming together at this time in my life is not lost on me. Even if I don't get more than 1 or 2 days a week from this show, it is most definitely an answer to prayer.
So there you have it. Finally something worth mentioning besides the usual "nothing new to report". I will now have motivation to update this blog more regularly. Check back next weekend for an update on the "Huge" situation.
So where to start? I guess I'll start with what has taken up a majority of my time over the last month. No, not work. Well kind of. Between the dates of March 10th and April 7th I had a grand total of 4 days where I did not have a visitor from Minnesota. And that is generous, technically Cory was still in the state for 3 of those days, just not with me. And I wrapped it up on the 8th with a trip to Anaheim (with the remaining Lindhs I hadn't seen yet) to watch the Twins hammer the Angels 10-1.
It was a great month, though work was difficult to come by or pursue with all the visitors. My mom and my sister were here from the 10th through the 16th. It was incredible to have family in town. Friends are great but it's just hard to compete with family. Also, my mom bought me lots of stuff and that is always fun for a jobless guy. :)
My old roommate Tim came to visit for two weeks and that was a grand old time as well. Tim is hoping to move here soon himself and it was fun to sample a little bit of what life could be like with him out here. I was sad to see him go.
But what else? Hmmm. Well I've been getting more work in background stuff, which is good. I have worked on Cougar Town, Bones and a new NBC show called the Cape that will premier in the fall. So that's two season finales and a pilot for those keeping track at home. If anyone wants to know how Bones ends this year by the way, let me know. I was there for the final scene of the finale.
But most recently I've been working on another pilot. This one is on ABC Family and is called "Huge". It is about high school students at a fat camp. And yes, I get to be one of the campers. Because it is a camp, I am going to be a regular on the show (they need to keep the same campers and staff or it doesn't seem like a summer camp).
What this means is that I may be getting 2-5 days a week of work (I think, this week is my first full week so I will know more next weekend) on this show every week through the end of July when it wraps the first season. Now this is significant because Hollywood has recently entered what is commonly known as "hiatus". This is the time when all the network shows have finished filming for the season and none of the movies filming over the summer have started yet. It is a roughly 2 month period covering April and May, even a little into June. And extra work dries up like a desert.
It's a little humbling to be cast as a high schooler at fat camp, I'm not going to lie. But then, if I had followed my instinct and started working out two months ago, I wouldn't be getting work on this show (it also helps that I am probably still in the best shape of anyone else there). And therefore would be growing increasingly desperate, instead of increasingly confident. That hiatus, this show and my bank accounts dwindling numbers are coming together at this time in my life is not lost on me. Even if I don't get more than 1 or 2 days a week from this show, it is most definitely an answer to prayer.
So there you have it. Finally something worth mentioning besides the usual "nothing new to report". I will now have motivation to update this blog more regularly. Check back next weekend for an update on the "Huge" situation.
1.3.10
Kind of Tired but Here's a Quick Update
So I should probably be asleep but I had a request for some news.
Not a lot going on new right now, though hopefully on the horizon. Maybe fill in more on that later when I have more time.
Had my first extra job last Thursday. It was for "House", the popular Fox show. I was a wounded ER patient so that meant one thing: Hollywood makeup! Check out the result.
That was pretty cool. It was fun to be on a set again as that is my favorite place to be in the world. Extra work has been slow but hopefully this is a sign it is picking up. If not, I may resort to drastic measures. That's right, the hair may be coming off soon.
Anyways, hope that picture tides you over until some real news comes along.
Not a lot going on new right now, though hopefully on the horizon. Maybe fill in more on that later when I have more time.
Had my first extra job last Thursday. It was for "House", the popular Fox show. I was a wounded ER patient so that meant one thing: Hollywood makeup! Check out the result.
That was pretty cool. It was fun to be on a set again as that is my favorite place to be in the world. Extra work has been slow but hopefully this is a sign it is picking up. If not, I may resort to drastic measures. That's right, the hair may be coming off soon.
Anyways, hope that picture tides you over until some real news comes along.
9.2.10
My Perfect Plan
I have been holding off posting news until I have something to say but I might as well catch you all up on what my life is like right now.
Last weekend I went on the LAFSC Alumni "Dead Poets" retreat. Themed after the movie Dead Poets Society, the retreat is open to alumni and friends of alumni. In total there were about 30 people there for the weekend. We focused on being away from the hustle of life and unlocking our inner artist. It was a good time of fellowship and I met some very cool people.
In the nearly 6 months I've been in California, it was my first time outside the city. It was refreshing to see there is more to this state than lights and narcissism.
My job search continues. I am registered with a temp agency and will begin seeking placements soon. But that is plan B right now because...
I have signed up to be a background actor (extra) for film and television. I also have secured a "call-in service" which is essentially an agency for extras.
They get me jobs and I pay them a small fee (unlike agents, it is not percentage based). I am excited about this prospect as it will allow me to be around the production side of things that I love. Perhaps more importantly though, I can potentially support myself on the income from this work alone if I get enough bookings (which, let's be honest, won't be hard looking like this->).
Since I haven't gotten any jobs yet from either source (I only finished registering yesterday/today) I have been hesitant to share about it. I am continuing to look for more stable work but this may be a pretty ideal situation for me (if a little insecure).
My current plan is to get as much extra work as I can. It's infinitely more enjoyable than office work and allows me to be around the production, which I love (ironic given my choice of profession). Additionally, I will have a lot of free hours on set to work on writing.
On the days that I am not able to get booked, I will try to secure short term (preferably just a single day) work through the temp agency. In the event that neither source can produce any work for me, I will spend my enjoyable day off working on my writing.
On paper it is a perfect plan. I will have lots of time to write, enough money to live on and lots of flexibility in my schedule. But as I have yet to discover how difficult securing work through either source will be, I may find myself in much the same position as I had previously been; looking for work and desperately worrying about running out of money before I find it. Pray on!
Oh, I almost forgot! The best news of all...I have found a broomball league that plays in Burbank once a month a mere five minute drive from my apartment! (Why yes, I can tell you which stick each of these broom heads belongs to...)
Sure it's probably a gross approximation of the game and the level of play will be rudimentary at best. But it's broomball sticks, a broomball and ice for two hours and I will be there. This is the first step in fulfilling my private dream of bringing a California team to Nationals one day. I can not wait!
In parting, here is a newt.
Last weekend I went on the LAFSC Alumni "Dead Poets" retreat. Themed after the movie Dead Poets Society, the retreat is open to alumni and friends of alumni. In total there were about 30 people there for the weekend. We focused on being away from the hustle of life and unlocking our inner artist. It was a good time of fellowship and I met some very cool people.
In the nearly 6 months I've been in California, it was my first time outside the city. It was refreshing to see there is more to this state than lights and narcissism.
My job search continues. I am registered with a temp agency and will begin seeking placements soon. But that is plan B right now because...
I have signed up to be a background actor (extra) for film and television. I also have secured a "call-in service" which is essentially an agency for extras.
They get me jobs and I pay them a small fee (unlike agents, it is not percentage based). I am excited about this prospect as it will allow me to be around the production side of things that I love. Perhaps more importantly though, I can potentially support myself on the income from this work alone if I get enough bookings (which, let's be honest, won't be hard looking like this->).Since I haven't gotten any jobs yet from either source (I only finished registering yesterday/today) I have been hesitant to share about it. I am continuing to look for more stable work but this may be a pretty ideal situation for me (if a little insecure).
My current plan is to get as much extra work as I can. It's infinitely more enjoyable than office work and allows me to be around the production, which I love (ironic given my choice of profession). Additionally, I will have a lot of free hours on set to work on writing.
On the days that I am not able to get booked, I will try to secure short term (preferably just a single day) work through the temp agency. In the event that neither source can produce any work for me, I will spend my enjoyable day off working on my writing.
On paper it is a perfect plan. I will have lots of time to write, enough money to live on and lots of flexibility in my schedule. But as I have yet to discover how difficult securing work through either source will be, I may find myself in much the same position as I had previously been; looking for work and desperately worrying about running out of money before I find it. Pray on!
Oh, I almost forgot! The best news of all...I have found a broomball league that plays in Burbank once a month a mere five minute drive from my apartment! (Why yes, I can tell you which stick each of these broom heads belongs to...)
Sure it's probably a gross approximation of the game and the level of play will be rudimentary at best. But it's broomball sticks, a broomball and ice for two hours and I will be there. This is the first step in fulfilling my private dream of bringing a California team to Nationals one day. I can not wait!
In parting, here is a newt.
27.1.10
It's Been Awhile
Wow, haven't posted in over a week. Might as well update a little.
No news on the job search. And not this isn't a "no news is good news" situation. I keep chugging along, trying hard not to get too discouraged. I promise you will be the first I tell if anything comes up.
I finished my webseries script but I'm having trouble getting notes back from people. I have sent it to several friends looking for feedback and have only heard back from one. I really would like to finish this so I can move on to the next thing on my writing list. Hopefully I'll have that script finalized by the end of the month.
Once that is done I'll be working on putting some ideas to paper and getting those ideas protected. Then I start on a new feature (possibly a pilot for a series, one idea is kind of toeing the line). I had a plan to write a spec script for an episode of How I Met Your Mother but that was kind of ruined by the Vikings loss on Sunday so back to the drawing board there.
In other news I am registering with the leading background talent organization in LA this week. It's a good way for me to stay around film, maybe meet some people and possibly pull in some money on the side. Though at the moment that side is the only one with money.
Hmmm, anything else? Nothing comes to mind right now. Just keep praying for me to make some friends (slow process), get some work and just for peace when the anxiety starts to creep in about the first two. Laters.
p.s. Oh almost forgot. Here's some pictures:
My Apartment
My Street
No news on the job search. And not this isn't a "no news is good news" situation. I keep chugging along, trying hard not to get too discouraged. I promise you will be the first I tell if anything comes up.
I finished my webseries script but I'm having trouble getting notes back from people. I have sent it to several friends looking for feedback and have only heard back from one. I really would like to finish this so I can move on to the next thing on my writing list. Hopefully I'll have that script finalized by the end of the month.
Once that is done I'll be working on putting some ideas to paper and getting those ideas protected. Then I start on a new feature (possibly a pilot for a series, one idea is kind of toeing the line). I had a plan to write a spec script for an episode of How I Met Your Mother but that was kind of ruined by the Vikings loss on Sunday so back to the drawing board there.
In other news I am registering with the leading background talent organization in LA this week. It's a good way for me to stay around film, maybe meet some people and possibly pull in some money on the side. Though at the moment that side is the only one with money.
Hmmm, anything else? Nothing comes to mind right now. Just keep praying for me to make some friends (slow process), get some work and just for peace when the anxiety starts to creep in about the first two. Laters.
p.s. Oh almost forgot. Here's some pictures:
My Apartment
My Street
16.1.10
Update
Not a lot to report. I have been back in Burbank now for over a week and it has been a smooth transition. The weather certainly doesn't hurt that (it's been in the 70's pretty much every day, and sunny). My bags and boxes are all unpacked and I'm pretty much settled in.
I'm getting along pretty well with my new roommates, though I don't see them all that often. That's just the way things go when they are working every day and I am not.
I've been getting some writing done with all my free time. I have almost completed the first draft of my webseries I've been writing. Should finish that this afternoon. Then I get some feedback from people, and start on rewrites. I'm hoping to have my final draft ready early next week. Then I start trying to find a way to get it made.
And no, nothing new to report on the job front yet. I suspect this could be a long journey to find employment so keep praying. Not just for a job but also for me to keep from getting discouraged if nothing happens for a while.
That's all for now. If anything interesting happens, you will be the first one I tell.
I'm getting along pretty well with my new roommates, though I don't see them all that often. That's just the way things go when they are working every day and I am not.
I've been getting some writing done with all my free time. I have almost completed the first draft of my webseries I've been writing. Should finish that this afternoon. Then I get some feedback from people, and start on rewrites. I'm hoping to have my final draft ready early next week. Then I start trying to find a way to get it made.
And no, nothing new to report on the job front yet. I suspect this could be a long journey to find employment so keep praying. Not just for a job but also for me to keep from getting discouraged if nothing happens for a while.
That's all for now. If anything interesting happens, you will be the first one I tell.
8.1.10
Home?
I have returned from my home in Minnesota to my new home in Burbank California. There is going to be a bit of an adjustment period as I readjust to California after living in Minnesota for the better part of the last month.
Leaving yesterday was harder than when I departed for LAFSC several months ago. I think the uncertainty about my future (compared to a syllabused existence at LAFSC) and the fact that I didn't leave my family for a 3 day road trip with my brother were the biggest reasons for it.
My flight was relatively uneventful so that is always a positive. Other than some delays on both connections, the only interesting part was landing at LAX. As we came down, a thick fog was creeping in off the ocean. I remember thinking to myself, "Wow, I can barely see the end of the wing. It must be hard to land in this kind of fog." Then BAM. We hit the ground pretty hard. Hard enough to do damage? Probably not but certainly the hardest I've ever landed in a plane.
I have finally met my roommates, which is nice to have off my to-do list. I am spending most of today and a good chunk of tomorrow moving my things into my new living quarters. They are somewhat smaller than what I was used to at Park La Brea so things are going to get cramped pretty quick. I really have too much stuff don't I?
I start my job hunt in earnest on Monday so keep praying for me!
Leaving yesterday was harder than when I departed for LAFSC several months ago. I think the uncertainty about my future (compared to a syllabused existence at LAFSC) and the fact that I didn't leave my family for a 3 day road trip with my brother were the biggest reasons for it.
My flight was relatively uneventful so that is always a positive. Other than some delays on both connections, the only interesting part was landing at LAX. As we came down, a thick fog was creeping in off the ocean. I remember thinking to myself, "Wow, I can barely see the end of the wing. It must be hard to land in this kind of fog." Then BAM. We hit the ground pretty hard. Hard enough to do damage? Probably not but certainly the hardest I've ever landed in a plane.
I have finally met my roommates, which is nice to have off my to-do list. I am spending most of today and a good chunk of tomorrow moving my things into my new living quarters. They are somewhat smaller than what I was used to at Park La Brea so things are going to get cramped pretty quick. I really have too much stuff don't I?
I start my job hunt in earnest on Monday so keep praying for me!
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