I figured I should do these while I had the chance :-)
Had our second orientation session of the week this morning from 9-12:30. I enjoyed it. We talked a lot about three act structure. Talk about writing always stresses me out, especially since I'm in a bit of a creative writing dry spell. Anyway...
After lunch I head back to the center for my equipment lab, mostly a review of what I've learned at Asbury, where they go through the rundown of what equipment is available and what they expectations are of the students. From there is was onto the first meet of my Motion Picture Production (MPP) group. We have to do three 5 minute films, two of which are done on our own and one in a group. At least I think that's what they said :-) I volunteered with one other brave soul to be one of the first to go. That means I have to pitch a character driven idea on Friday and will start shooting next week. On the upside, I'll be done with this segment almost a whole month earlier than those who are going last. I'll still have to go to the class, but I'll be done with my part of it.
After class I got to chat with Lori and the kids, something I always enjoy and look forward to and then it was off to the gym with my buddy, David. We'll both probably be sore in the next day or two. Anyway, now I must sit down and write this "coverage" on a script they gave us. We'll see how that goes :-)
Talk to ya'll soon!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day three in L.A.
Alright. I may or may not keep doing this for everyday that I'm here. Why? I'm glad you asked. Some days will simply be less interesting than others. But still, I may try even if a day's entry is super short and super boring.
Anyway, I'm writing day three at the the start of day four since I totally forgot last night. So...I think I'm adjusting to the time and have been able, so far, to go to bed at a reasonable time and get up early and not be rushed, so that's nice. I'm sure that as we get into projects that will change.
Day three we had a 9-12:30 orientation session in which we played a game about culture. I won't go into details, but suffice it to say I felt really silly playing this game. The point,however, was good. When you step into a new culture you have to be sensitive to that and also have an understanding of your own culture. Like people honking at me because I took a millisecond to decide which way I needed to turn...it annoyed me because in Versailles we're not nearly as fast paced as people here in L.A. Anyway, you get the idea. We also had a question and answer time and the faculty dispelled some of the common misconceptions about Hollywood and the industry. That would be my favorite part of the session.
That was it for me that day, so I came back to the apartment and read the script they wanted us to read. I talked with Lori and the kids for a while - best part of the day. Then David and I got lost trying to find each other and when we did meet up we were supposed to take our gym membership forms to the pool office, but ended up in the wrong place. So, later my roommate, Josh, was headed out to take his membership form, so I tagged along. We also got a little lost, but eventually found it. Now, I know where it is! The pool is quite awesome too. Two salt water pools and a hot tub. Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about!
Well that's about it. I'm sure you'll get tired of reading these everyday, but I promise there will be some days that are very exciting. Again, though, no promises that I will do these blogs every day, but I'll try to be somewhat consistent.
Love you all!
Anyway, I'm writing day three at the the start of day four since I totally forgot last night. So...I think I'm adjusting to the time and have been able, so far, to go to bed at a reasonable time and get up early and not be rushed, so that's nice. I'm sure that as we get into projects that will change.
Day three we had a 9-12:30 orientation session in which we played a game about culture. I won't go into details, but suffice it to say I felt really silly playing this game. The point,however, was good. When you step into a new culture you have to be sensitive to that and also have an understanding of your own culture. Like people honking at me because I took a millisecond to decide which way I needed to turn...it annoyed me because in Versailles we're not nearly as fast paced as people here in L.A. Anyway, you get the idea. We also had a question and answer time and the faculty dispelled some of the common misconceptions about Hollywood and the industry. That would be my favorite part of the session.
That was it for me that day, so I came back to the apartment and read the script they wanted us to read. I talked with Lori and the kids for a while - best part of the day. Then David and I got lost trying to find each other and when we did meet up we were supposed to take our gym membership forms to the pool office, but ended up in the wrong place. So, later my roommate, Josh, was headed out to take his membership form, so I tagged along. We also got a little lost, but eventually found it. Now, I know where it is! The pool is quite awesome too. Two salt water pools and a hot tub. Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about!
Well that's about it. I'm sure you'll get tired of reading these everyday, but I promise there will be some days that are very exciting. Again, though, no promises that I will do these blogs every day, but I'll try to be somewhat consistent.
Love you all!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Day two in L.A.
The good news is that I think I've sorta figured out a large part of the apartment complex. The bad news is I was up at 5:30 AM because my body was telling me it was 8:30. Oh well, I'm drinking coffee and trying to make this a little later of a night so I can normalize. Right now, east coast time is great in the morning. I'm up wicked early and have lots of time. But it sucks around 2-3 in the afternoon and you can forget it after 8. I went to bed at 8:30 last night. Well, anyway...
We had breakfast with our class and faculty at the LAFSC facility this morning at 9:00. It's about a 5 or 6 block walk, which will be great exercise doing that everyday. I'll have to take a picture of the building, it's impressive...as is the view of downtown L.A. from the 16th floor window. I'll have to take a picture of that as well. And, speaking of pictures...I've posted some of my trip and of the complex I'm living in, so check those out if you haven't already. They're on FB.
So, After breakfast, we had a little worship service and our resident director, Sarah, shared a little bit before we heard from a couple alumni from the LAFSC program. Then, David and I took off to do some shopping. I learned two things: 1)everything is typically busy in L.A. 2)there are a lot of impatient drivers out there who don't give a crap that you have out of state plates and might be new to the area. There are however a lot of friendly people that I've bumped into. I even got to ride a crowded elevator with a sizable Indian family. I was going to take the next elevator, but they insisted that I join them. Cozy.
So, we survived our first shopping venture that required us to drive. Most things are within walking distance, but we didn't feel like having to carry so much stuff back to the apartment, so we drove. That makes sense, right?
I spent some time talking with Lori, Abbi, Allison, Sharon, and Thomas today and that made my whole day. I was really missing them.
We had a two and a half hour meeting tonight on community living, standards, earthquake safety(did you know that FEMA suggests that if you're trapped under debris, not to light a match? Good to know, right?), and basic street smarts.
I'm excited about the semester laid out in front of me. It's going to be a lot of work, but it's going to be fun as well. There's so much to do too. I won't be able to do it all, of course, but there will be several things that have to be done. You can't come to L.A. and not go to certain places...like the walk of fame. And there is a church here that actually has a walk of fame star for Jesus. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but may attend once just to see the star. I think I'll actually visit several churches while I'm here, you know just for fun. And there's a book study that the resident director and her husband will be hosting. They study books like, the Screwtape letters and stuff by Bonhoeffer (I probably spelled that wrong). and things like that.
Anyway, I've probably bored you enough with today's events. Now, I must finish writing a 2 page character description that is due tomorrow.
We had breakfast with our class and faculty at the LAFSC facility this morning at 9:00. It's about a 5 or 6 block walk, which will be great exercise doing that everyday. I'll have to take a picture of the building, it's impressive...as is the view of downtown L.A. from the 16th floor window. I'll have to take a picture of that as well. And, speaking of pictures...I've posted some of my trip and of the complex I'm living in, so check those out if you haven't already. They're on FB.
So, After breakfast, we had a little worship service and our resident director, Sarah, shared a little bit before we heard from a couple alumni from the LAFSC program. Then, David and I took off to do some shopping. I learned two things: 1)everything is typically busy in L.A. 2)there are a lot of impatient drivers out there who don't give a crap that you have out of state plates and might be new to the area. There are however a lot of friendly people that I've bumped into. I even got to ride a crowded elevator with a sizable Indian family. I was going to take the next elevator, but they insisted that I join them. Cozy.
So, we survived our first shopping venture that required us to drive. Most things are within walking distance, but we didn't feel like having to carry so much stuff back to the apartment, so we drove. That makes sense, right?
I spent some time talking with Lori, Abbi, Allison, Sharon, and Thomas today and that made my whole day. I was really missing them.
We had a two and a half hour meeting tonight on community living, standards, earthquake safety(did you know that FEMA suggests that if you're trapped under debris, not to light a match? Good to know, right?), and basic street smarts.
I'm excited about the semester laid out in front of me. It's going to be a lot of work, but it's going to be fun as well. There's so much to do too. I won't be able to do it all, of course, but there will be several things that have to be done. You can't come to L.A. and not go to certain places...like the walk of fame. And there is a church here that actually has a walk of fame star for Jesus. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but may attend once just to see the star. I think I'll actually visit several churches while I'm here, you know just for fun. And there's a book study that the resident director and her husband will be hosting. They study books like, the Screwtape letters and stuff by Bonhoeffer (I probably spelled that wrong). and things like that.
Anyway, I've probably bored you enough with today's events. Now, I must finish writing a 2 page character description that is due tomorrow.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Day one in L.A.
I'm not going to lie. The sprawling apartment complex I'm in is enough to intimidate me. Trying to remember where everything is and it all looks the same. It's nice and I've met some great people. My roommates all seem on the level, so that's an answer to prayer.
We drove into town this morning to get our room assignments, etc. It was cool seeing the Hollywood sign on the mountain as we drove down into the town. We arrived at the apartment complex, The Park at La Brea and, for the first time, got lost within the complex. Anyway, all is good and we found our respective apartments. I took some time getting moved in, thought my key wasn't working, turns out I'm silly and just wasn't pulling the door toward me hard enough as I turned the key. Whatever :-)
David, Ben, and I went to lunch with some Asbury alums at "In and Out Burger." It was quite tasty, but was the busiest place that I have ever seen. So busy, in fact, that I gave up trying to fight through crowds to get ketchup. It was a fun experience and the alum assure me that after a week or so I'll have a handle on the layout of the complex and the town. Let's hope they're right. Classes, shopping, food (although I plan to eat in) are all within walking distance, so that's nice.
Today was the Sabbath and it was a new experience for me to see so many Jews dressed up, some in their "robes," leaving the synagogues. Very neat.
One thing that is also pretty fun is seeing billboard after billboard for different movies. Super fun.
I plan on taking some pictures tomorrow of the neighborhood and my apartment. I'll post them on face book, so keep an eye out for them.
So far I'm batting 1000 on this current update thing. We'll see how long that lasts :-)
We drove into town this morning to get our room assignments, etc. It was cool seeing the Hollywood sign on the mountain as we drove down into the town. We arrived at the apartment complex, The Park at La Brea and, for the first time, got lost within the complex. Anyway, all is good and we found our respective apartments. I took some time getting moved in, thought my key wasn't working, turns out I'm silly and just wasn't pulling the door toward me hard enough as I turned the key. Whatever :-)
David, Ben, and I went to lunch with some Asbury alums at "In and Out Burger." It was quite tasty, but was the busiest place that I have ever seen. So busy, in fact, that I gave up trying to fight through crowds to get ketchup. It was a fun experience and the alum assure me that after a week or so I'll have a handle on the layout of the complex and the town. Let's hope they're right. Classes, shopping, food (although I plan to eat in) are all within walking distance, so that's nice.
Today was the Sabbath and it was a new experience for me to see so many Jews dressed up, some in their "robes," leaving the synagogues. Very neat.
One thing that is also pretty fun is seeing billboard after billboard for different movies. Super fun.
I plan on taking some pictures tomorrow of the neighborhood and my apartment. I'll post them on face book, so keep an eye out for them.
So far I'm batting 1000 on this current update thing. We'll see how long that lasts :-)
Friday, January 8, 2010
L.A. Trip Day Three
We left Flagstaff, Arizona (where it was cold and there was a lot of snow) this morning and headed to the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon. WOW! Absolutely breathtaking. I am freshly amazed at what a beautiful world it is and what a beautiful country it is that we live in.
After walking around the southern rim we had lunch and continued our journey to L.A. We stopped in Barstow, about 130 miles outside of L.A. and had dinner. Not a big fan of Barstow. Be that as it may...
We had a great day and I have enjoyed the scenery from New Mexico all the way through to Southern California. It's beautiful out here. We arrived at the hotel around 8:30 PM local time. David's dad, Bob, David, and I sat around the pool outside chit chatting and looking at the palm trees. That's right. I said palm trees!
Tomorrow we will begin our registration and move in at Los Angeles Film Studies Center.
Thanks again to all of you for your love, support, and prayers. Ya'll are the best and I will tr to be consistent with these blog updates :-)
-Eric
After walking around the southern rim we had lunch and continued our journey to L.A. We stopped in Barstow, about 130 miles outside of L.A. and had dinner. Not a big fan of Barstow. Be that as it may...
We had a great day and I have enjoyed the scenery from New Mexico all the way through to Southern California. It's beautiful out here. We arrived at the hotel around 8:30 PM local time. David's dad, Bob, David, and I sat around the pool outside chit chatting and looking at the palm trees. That's right. I said palm trees!
Tomorrow we will begin our registration and move in at Los Angeles Film Studies Center.
Thanks again to all of you for your love, support, and prayers. Ya'll are the best and I will tr to be consistent with these blog updates :-)
-Eric
Thursday, January 7, 2010
L.A. Trip Days One and Two
My goal is to keep this blog updated on a regular basis, but I'm not making any promises :-)
We left Kentucky on Wednesday morning, drove through Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and arrived in Oklahoma City later that night. We got a decent nights sleep and headed out again Thursday morning. We drove through some more of Oklahoma, which isn't much to speak about from a visual stand point...although they had rest stops that stretched across the highway. Cool.
The thing that stood out to me about Oklahoma would have to be all the signs for different Cherokee products: handmade goods, etc. My initial thought was, "cool!" since I have a little trace of Cherokee in my family. Then I thought about it some more, called my brother to confirm my thought, and realized that the Cherokee people were, of course, not indigenous to Oklahoma. They are there now because that is where they were relocated when they were moved from their homeland. The Trail of Tears. Then I was more sobered by the history of the place I was driving through.
Then we went through a bit of Texas. Other than the "Biggest cross in this hemisphere: a spiritual experience you'll never forget" nothing was really any bigger in Texas. Oh well. I did see two signs that I particularly enjoyed: "Catholic Superstore" and the "Jesus Christ Is Lord (not a swear word) Travel Plaza."
Around Amarillo I was really digging on the landscape and really wanted to stop and shoot a western then and there, but everyone else wanted to keep going. Oh well again :-)
I fell in love with New Mexico. What an absolutely beautiful state. I wish I had been able to stop and take it all in. Maybe on the drive back? I was so taken with the breathtaking landscape and the beauty of the people there I was sad when we crossed into Arizona. I may have enjoyed the scenery there too, but the sun had set and all I could see were the cars around me and the white lines passing me by.
We are now at the hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona and have seen our first road signs for L.A. We're all getting pretty excited. We've driven a little over 1600 miles in two days and have several more to go. We plan to see the Grand Canyon tomorrow morning and then get into L.A. later in the evening.
I will try to keep you all posted on the events.
Thanks to all of you for your love, support, and prayers.
We left Kentucky on Wednesday morning, drove through Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and arrived in Oklahoma City later that night. We got a decent nights sleep and headed out again Thursday morning. We drove through some more of Oklahoma, which isn't much to speak about from a visual stand point...although they had rest stops that stretched across the highway. Cool.
The thing that stood out to me about Oklahoma would have to be all the signs for different Cherokee products: handmade goods, etc. My initial thought was, "cool!" since I have a little trace of Cherokee in my family. Then I thought about it some more, called my brother to confirm my thought, and realized that the Cherokee people were, of course, not indigenous to Oklahoma. They are there now because that is where they were relocated when they were moved from their homeland. The Trail of Tears. Then I was more sobered by the history of the place I was driving through.
Then we went through a bit of Texas. Other than the "Biggest cross in this hemisphere: a spiritual experience you'll never forget" nothing was really any bigger in Texas. Oh well. I did see two signs that I particularly enjoyed: "Catholic Superstore" and the "Jesus Christ Is Lord (not a swear word) Travel Plaza."
Around Amarillo I was really digging on the landscape and really wanted to stop and shoot a western then and there, but everyone else wanted to keep going. Oh well again :-)
I fell in love with New Mexico. What an absolutely beautiful state. I wish I had been able to stop and take it all in. Maybe on the drive back? I was so taken with the breathtaking landscape and the beauty of the people there I was sad when we crossed into Arizona. I may have enjoyed the scenery there too, but the sun had set and all I could see were the cars around me and the white lines passing me by.
We are now at the hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona and have seen our first road signs for L.A. We're all getting pretty excited. We've driven a little over 1600 miles in two days and have several more to go. We plan to see the Grand Canyon tomorrow morning and then get into L.A. later in the evening.
I will try to keep you all posted on the events.
Thanks to all of you for your love, support, and prayers.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A bit of randomness.
Okay. There's just a couple quick little things I need to get off my chest. First of all, Kanye West. I believe it's official, I even saw it online, he won the award for the biggest douche bag of the year. Rightly so. I read that he apologized to Taylor Swift. SO WHAT! Does he seriously think that an inadequate apology in his blog simply makes everything better? The damage was done. Had I been a Kanye West fan, with or without his feeble apology, I would no longer be one. Why do people in positions like that think they can be world class jerks and expect the public to accept it and believe their "Oh crap that's gonna hurt my PR" apologies? Beyonce? There's a class act. Her cool points went through the roof in my book. That's the kind of celebrities that I like to see...the ones who are comfortable with who they are and have no problems standing back so that someone else can have there moment in the spotlight.
Secondly, roughing the passer calls...I get that you have to protect the quarter back and what not, but in last night's game between New England and Buffalo it was ridiculous. Only one of them (no, this isn't my biased opinion as a Pat's fan) was maybe a half decent call, but one of them was totally ridiculous. I fear there will come a day when the NFL may resort to tucking flags into the players' pants so there will be no tackling and thus no risk of injury of any kind.
Alright, I'm done.
Secondly, roughing the passer calls...I get that you have to protect the quarter back and what not, but in last night's game between New England and Buffalo it was ridiculous. Only one of them (no, this isn't my biased opinion as a Pat's fan) was maybe a half decent call, but one of them was totally ridiculous. I fear there will come a day when the NFL may resort to tucking flags into the players' pants so there will be no tackling and thus no risk of injury of any kind.
Alright, I'm done.
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