I am a piece of cardboard. I absorb water, but little by little. If you pour too much water on me, it puddles on the top of me and will soon fill my pores. Until it does, it sits there. If there is too much water, it drips through.
This week has been like a bucket of water thrown on me.
It's refreshing, but a lot.
Today was my day of realization. It rained thanks to El Niño and this caused me to be slightly emo about the whole week and things that have happened in the past month.
It just hit me today that I moved across the country, started film school, had a family member pass away, have no loan money (as of yet. F the BofA), and I'm not used to this lifestyle yet.
I haven't cried. I haven't really felt like that... it's just the sense of being overwhelmed and a complete change. I love it here and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm trying to let my control freak mind know that I can't control jack right now--ride the wave.
Well, on a more cheerful note I want to tell you that in film you never want zebras on your actor's face.
It causes problems...
Awkward shots...
Makes their faces disappear and they won't be happy...
This is something I learned this week. It actually not REAL zebras. That's silly. It's when your actor's face disappears because there is too much light, or the light is too hot, on their face.
The "zebras" are the stripes that appear on the LCD screen on the camera. On set, "Zebras" should always be turned on.
Aren't all of these double entendres great?! I just keep thinking of cartoon zebras and zebra stickers. God I love my craft.
This past weekend we went out in downtown L.A. I got to party right next to Angel's Flight (aka the park where Tom and Summer go in (500) Days of Summer go to sit on benches and play the "penis" game). We also went to the bar where they sing karaoke in that flick. Let's just say I was PUMPED! The only disappointment was that it's not actually a karaoke bar-- much to about 90% of our crowd's dismay. There was a band though and it was fun.
Well I have to get going now... work to be done... classes again tomorrow-- OH and I'm directing our first in-class project-- AWESOME!!!
Hope everyone is doing well-- please feel free to leave me how you're doing in the comments... I'd like to hear from everyone...
This is a picture of me on my first day of film school. It resembles the type of picture we used to take every day on the first day of school.
For example, here's one of Julia on her first day of Pre-school (since I don't have any adorable pictures of yours truly. LOL)
It's fun to do these, I recommend it.
On to my day...
I woke up ready to roll. My roommates and I all walked together to our first class, Concepts of Cinematic Production (to which I might refer to as 510). This class is taught by Pablo Frasconi and Tomlison Holman. This class seems like it will teach us all the language of film, production, direction and sound. It involved the entire Spring 2010 class, and we each had to give a 1 minute autobiographical introduction. I almost barfed all over the microphone.
Though I wasn't first or even last, I was incredibly nervous. I am fine with getting in front of people when I'm singing, acting, improvising, giving a speech, answering questions-- sure it makes me nervous, but I get over THAT. This, this was talking about myself!! I can't do that. My statement of purpose took me like 2 months to finally write on paper! I can give you stories about life all day, but if you want me to tell you my accomplishments, I can't just list them... who does that?!
So after my "speech" which involved me plugging my Ingrid Bergman blog and looking like a total idiot in front of everyone (does anyone doubt that I'm the Mary? If you do, feel free to email me because I'd love to hear otherwise. LOL), we watched some film clips and learned some concepts. That was exhausting!
I walked home after class and sat down to eat some lunch, pizza, in front of the television. Now, though this pizza wasn't very good, it was still pizza, which is one of my favorite things on this earth. When I turned the channel, Bewitched was on! Well, what a great way to continue my first day of film school. I'd like to credit Bewitched with my first cognizance of what I wanted to be when I grew up: A witch. Well, once I found out that magic isn't necessarily probable or even possible (and generally creepy) I figured the next best step was learning how to make magic-- aka Film/Television. Signed, sealed, delivered...I'm yours, film.
Watching Bewitched, eating pizza, all after my first film class, could this day get better? Yes.
My other class of the day was a meeting for 507, my Production-1 class. My SA, Dennis, was awesome. He gave us instructions with great detail and was completely on our side. A fantastic reminder of why we pay so much to go here.
The class is filled with people I have come to be friends with and more friends to come. It is also taught by Jim McBride, who is a director and has done many films (if you want to know what, follow the link on his name).
This class was interesting. A little hard to follow at first because Jim is new and we are as well. Once we got going, though, it was fine. It became even better after our 15 minute break. The first film we were analyzing shots of was: Notorious! I was totally geeking out.
This seemed like a sure sign that I am in the right place right now. I mean, for real?!
The day was a great one.
Though I have to end on a sad note. My Aunt Mary passed away last night after a long battle with cancer. Ingrid Bergman once said "Cancer victims who don't accept their own fate, who don't learn to live with it, will only destroy what little time they have left." Aunt Mary wouldn't speak to us about her cancer, she just lived everyday for the best. She was a great supporter of mine and was a huge maternal influence on my Mom and her sisters. We will all miss her very much but it is good to know her suffering is over.
Today is the day it all changes. We have orientation this afternoon and I'm jumping out of my pants excited. This week has been spectacular and I can't wait to be the busiest person you know.
There's a rooster in my neighborhood, and I think he's not a pet, I think he's potential lunch for someone. But I love that, for now, there's a rooster in my neighborhood.
I'd like to thank some of my influences... no not you family and friends... these are the people who've shown us why film and television are so important.
"Love Me Tender"
Thanks Emily Davison.
Now switching gears... I have a funny "hollywood" anecdote from a friend of mine... a shoutout to her because she also follows my blogs... which any blogger appreciates the littlest bit of attention (OR ALL OF IT).
Last night I was hanging out with a bunch of people from my program and one of them, who for her privacy and because of an inside joke, I'll call her "Sarah" (original like Mary right?). "Sarah" was telling me about her time at Fox Searchlight as an intern. She told me about how she got to see all of this year's best films, in my opinion that is, before they were released... too cool! One of her stories involved the following: bathroom, gum and Emily Deschanel.
Now, knowing me, you'd probably say, "Wow, already I know this story is going to strike Alexis because she loves all of those things." I'd say, "You don't know me trick. Stay out of my business. So what I post that on the internet, you don't know me." Then I would reluctantly say, "You're right."
"Sarah" was a bit on the woozy-hungover-pants side of things and feeling like the only route to go that day was to, as the kids say "pull the trigger." This of course, for all of you adults out there, means she forced herself to throw up the poisons from the night before. Never pleasant, but sometimes has the best results.
Now, where "Sarah" worked was right next to the Fox lots and they share the building with some of the people working on shows. "Sarah" was coming out of the stall when a woman popped out of the stall next to her. It was Emily Deschanel.
Emily proceeded to tell "Sarah" that she's "a beautiful person," to which "Sarah" was shocked. The star of Bones thought she had an eating disorder. Emily then offered "Sarah" a piece of gum as she was leaving the bathroom.
So although Emily Deschanel, aka, Dr. Temperence Brennan, aka, "Bones" thought "Sarah" had an eating disorder, she was nice and didn't know "Sarah" was actually hung over as hell.
Thank you for reading "Sarah" LMAO.
That's all I'm going to write for now. I have a big day and I need to nap a little. My parents know, they always told me to do this. I could never nap as a child. Still can't really do it, but I'll at least watch some TV or something.
I haven't posted here in a long time, but now I will post some of my adventures here in L.A. for anyone who's interested.
I would first like to say that I am at my happiest right now. Though it is difficult to flee the nest for the (genuine) first time, it is exhilarating and I can't wait what this world has waiting for me to unveil. Anywho, I hope my sister reads this, even if she thinks blogging is ridiculous. LOL.
I will start with the night before I left Easton...
All of my close friends, Carol, Michelle, John, Braden and Lee had agreed to go out that night as a fun going away/ Carol's home/ Holiday party. I had also found some close, but rarely around, friends like Christina and Laura who were a joy to see. I had told my sister, Erin, "Don't plan on staying out too late, we have a long drive and you have to be awake." She actually listened to me, however, I didn't practice what I preached. The night was amazing. Not too much drinking (on my part) but tons of laughs, stories, dancing, music, more and more people. They actually had to throw us all out of the bar... the bar that stayed open late to suit our partying needs.
3:45 AM rolled around and I had to leave. At this point we were at my friend John's house and everyone was still on that horse. I said my goodbyes and with this in mind...
I was ready to face the world. Then Carol came out screaming "Wait! Wait! Wait!" and of course we hugged for 5 minutes and cried like little babies, even though we are now closer in proximity than when I lived in MD.
The first day's trip was fun. The only tears had were when I said goodbye to my dog, Sadie. She's old as hell and she's my little best friend, so I think we can allot some emotion.
When Erin and I were on the D.C. beltway we received a call from Carol who told us that the debauchery continued into the wee morning hours and that inginutity had also kicked in when bedtime rolled around. "We were about to leave," she said about she and my friend Michelle, "but then Braden said they'd make us beds."( I love when drunk people get creative, it's priceless) They made beds out of lawn furniture. Of course, this failed miserably, and they ended up sleeping on the floor. Glad they were all safe.
Erin and I drove down 81 through Virginia, saying a nice "f-you" to Roanoke Virginia (the place where dreams come to die) and all the way to Birmingham, AL.
It was late at night, and I must tell you that Alabama is one of the creepiest states I've ever been to (at night of course). The trees turn into something out of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (the scary parts of the cartoon). We decided that it would be in our best interests to stay a bit outside of the city, in order to avoid higher prices and any sketchy neighborhoods that we tend to be drawn to out of sheer naiveté.
We came within 30 miles of the city and decided to try this place called the American Inn. Well, this hotel was run by Norman Bates. It had 10 pick up trucks in front of it and looked like there were definitely dead birds in the lobby, creepy landlords, and scary showers... probably holes in the walls as well (to cover all Psycho references). After Erin said "No way, there are too many trucks in this parking lot." We ventured a little further. We came upon, what seemed to be, civilization, or the American definition resembling it. There was a Wal-Mart and a small shopping center, a stop light and signs, but no hotel. I said "Let's check on the other side of the highway and see if there's anything over there." We drove across the overpass and along this dark, winding road we found one sign: "Alabama State Correctional Facility." "NO!" I said, we did a U-turn in the middle of the road and sped away.
We drove closer to the city (and further away from the jail) and found a nice, inexpensive hotel that suited our needs.
The next day we started towards New Orleans. One thing I'll give Birmingham, or the part we drove through, is they have the BEST radio programs in the morning. The women on the R&B station there should be broadcast nationwide, or at least on the internet as well. I would wake up to hear their viewpoint on the world. Fantastic. Go there, for that.
We arrived in New Orleans and it was about 40 degrees. Poor Erin, she was hoping for a warm trip through the south, in winter, and it was colder in New Orleans than it was in Baltimore that day. Though it was chilly, we still had fun. We had some yummy Creole food and walked the French Quarter. We went to the French Market, where we bought some little d00-dads and Erin had a laugh about "hot nuts." Stood next to the Mississippi river, made some Streetcar Named Desire references ("STELLA!") then went on our merry way. I would definitely like to visit New Orleans again. It seemed like a crazy town, and I think I'd like to witness that someday.
The bayou is a really cool area. The roads are just bridges over land that doesn't really exist. It's mostly water, or spongy land-like substance that has people and trees on it. I can't imagine discovering that, back in the day. I'm sure there's all sorts of scary animals and creatures lurking just under the surface. Gators, leaches, giant fish, snakes, Republicans... scary.
The drive to Austin was LONGGGGGGG. Erin did a lot of driving that day. I was really proud of her ambitions on this trip. I wish I could have given her a better time or more sight seeing, but being that I'm still nervous about getting to my classes on time, I didn't want to risk it. We made it to Austin in one piece, I wish I could say the same about leaving.
Set the scene, the next morning, the downtown hotel in which we stayed.
"I'll go get the stuff while you're on the internet and then we'll check out," I said.
"Okay, make sure you get Monkey," said Erin.
"Where is she?"
"She's in the bag" I thought I heard her say.
I gathered everything out of the room and we checked out. Moods were pleasant as we drove through the Texas rain towards Western Texas.
We were on the 10, in the middle of nowhere when Erin asked "Where'd you put Monkey?"
"She's in your bag..." I said nonchalantly. "Oh you put her in my bag?" Erin asked.
"No, that's where she was." The blood drained from my face as Erin told me she said "Monkey's in the bed." NOT "Monkey's in the bag."
Now, if you're unfamiliar with the heaviness of this situation, Monkey is Erin's most prized possession. Monkey is never referred to as "it," Monkey is referred to as "she" and if you call Monkey a "he," God help you. Erin has had Monkey since she was a tyke. Monkey was afraid of my Dad, went on every and all trips and if you're close to Erin, you're close to Monkey. It's really the funniest, most endearing relationship. A relationship that I almost destroyed with my poor listening skills.
When we noticed that Monkey was missing/left behind. Erin called the hotel, but because we were in Western Texas, in the mountains, the call kept dropping. These were the most awkward and thick moments in the car. I couldn't say anything to make this situation better. If Ruth, the front desk clerk, couldn't find Monkey, I would have to pull a Thelma and Louise. I would have to drive into a mountain wall. I would have to let Erin have my Elephant, Elli, who is the same size as Monkey, just her elephant counterpart. Most likely Erin would have thrown Elli out the window, on fire then my turn would come later.
We stopped at a gas station and I called Ruth again. "May I speak directly to housekeeping please?!" I nervously asked. "Are you calling about the Monkey stuffed animal?" Ruth asked. "YES!" I said desperately. "We have it, would you like to Fed-Ex it?" "YES! PLEASE! Send it to our address there." I exclaimed. "Would you like it next day?" Ruth asked innocently. "PLEASE!" I said as she were asking if I'd like 10 million dollars.
Erin's trust was regained. I was redeemed. I was saved.
Thank goodness, otherwise, I wouldn't be typing right now, both hands would be broken.
We drove, that day to Tucson. I don't think there's anything more depressing on a road trip through the U.S. than seeing Mexico from the El Paso border. Wow. I don't know how anyone can live in El Paso and not want to just help those in MX. I couldn't do it. I feel guilty for just driving next to the wall. We shouldn't be this way. But that's a story for another day.
While driving through New Mexico there was a stench much like a porta-potty. Erin told me some disgusting stories about the Bonnaroo porta-potty's overflowing and we punchily laughed our way through the state. We also had a great laugh when at the checkpoint in NM, I stopped, heard the policeman say "Go" when he actually said "Whoa!" He thought we were smuggling people or drugs until he realized that our car was so stuffed, the person would be dead or the drugs ruined and also the two idiots in the car could never pull off such a feat or they should just get away with it if they can.
Arizona was an easy drive. I was trying to line up my housing so I'd have a place to live, which was accomplished, but it was generally a great drive. We drove through southern CA, on our way to see Aunt Mary in Laguna and it was such a sight. There were windmills EVERYWHERE! Working their hardest to gather energy from the strong winds which pushed and pulled "lil girl" (our coined name for my new car [2006 Scion Xa]) all over the road.
Laguna was fun. We got to see Aunt Mary, for which I'm so grateful, and I hope to see her again soon. Uncle Bob was of course ready to tell his stories and show us the sights. Jeff, his son was there with his wife Robin, with whom we all instantly fell in love, she's cool as hell. Aunt Evie, my Mom and my cousin Jess were all there as well. We walked, rainy, Laguna and then went for food. It was a great way to end the trip. Emotional at times, but fun none-the-less.
I arrived in L.A. the next day, but I'll blog about that soon. I want to put together pictures of my new place and things so you'll have to just wait!
If you're reading this, please shoot me an email or comment on my blog-- you don't have to sign up to do so.-- I'd like to know if this is worth posting here and there to keep everyone abreast of my goings on @ USC! :)
Classes start Friday, but I'll try and visit this Starbucks again for some internet. Thanks to Uncle John, I'm aware that I could hang here all day if I like. Lol.
