I wish I could say the April showers are behind us but I know better. All I know is May is less than 24 hours away and the flowers are about to hit full force. Bring on the sunshine, flowers, pollen and allergy meds.
Last night marked the first major overhaul on my script- changed up a couple minor things that have huge effect on the protagonist and the overall feel of the story- but in a good way. Obviously. The story seems to click now and is a lot more approachable. From a producing standpoint it's a lot easier to swallow as well. This project is very "do-able" and I feel even better presenting it as a low-budget project. My main concern is getting Brett's film going- we've discussed the story in and out, visuals, characters, arcs, music, everything. Now we just need to hunker down and get a solid treatment as a blueprint for the first draft.
We are also embarking on a large scale international project that is just starting to pick up momentum. We're at the stage of lacing up the running shoes and stretching out- if you want to take an athletic approach to where we stand. Until emails start getting returned, research completed, and a solid game plan comes into effect I'm in a holding pattern.
I've got some other things cooking- better to have multiple plates spinning. Bodies in motion stay in motion.
After a year+ of neglecting the back yard I weed-whacked and mowed my way thru close to 2 feet of grass. It still has some trouble spots but is a major improvement compared to what it was before. Now to figure out the best strategy for the 6 tomato plants I bought at Costco. A bit of a disappointment- supposed to be an organic salsa kit but I grabbed one that didn't contain peppers. However I do have 6 extremely varied tom plants that should yield a bounty of veggies this summer.
Preparing for the Blazer game tonight. I don't think Brett can handle a loss. I don't think the neighbors can handle the swearing and yelling coming from the upstairs TV room. Oy.
And, per Brett's request, I have to mention Oliver, my rabbit. Ver.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Blazed
4 point game with 4.3 seconds left on the clock, Houston's lead. Very tense times here in front of the television. We raced home from Seattle to watch the game. Saturday morning we drove up to Vancouver BC via Whidbey Island and then over to La Conner to see the tulips. Usually I don't care for stuff like that and can get enough satisfaction looking at a postcard or hearing someone else tell me about their experience. The colors were amazing- over saturated fields of red and yellow.
And the Blazers just lost. Hopefully the neighbors will disregard the swearing and sound of walls being punched. Sigh.
As I was saying, Vancouver BC is always a nice place to visit. The warm weather really surprised me- it really felt like a vacation! We stayed at the Pan Pacific Hotel down at the waterfront. The Saturday Nite Opera Buffet was an added bonus! We had a great view of the water and spent a majority of our time in the room watching seaplanes taxi and take off from the water down below.
One of my guilty pleasures when in Canada is the Tim Horton Honey Cruller. I gorged on these and will need at least a month in the gym to undo the damage. Not to mention all the other food I plowed thru during the weekend. The duty free shop on the border provided us with great discounts on hard cider (apple and peach) and lots of vodka.
From there Brett dropped me off at Lucy's baby shower in Seattle. She's due in July but looked like she could go in to labor any given moment. She's from Brazil (as were half the people in attendance at the party- and it was a party!) and it was an endless parade of Brazilian food and lots of cake and candies. It was hard to leave but we needed to get home for the game.
Back to work tomorrow morning.
I've got my work cut out for me with editing and uploading footage. Brett has to review all the footage and do some color correction but after that I've got enough to keep me glued to my computer all week. Meanwhile, we're trying to get this international project up and running, carving time out for Brett to write, me waiting for word on the writing project I was approached on... and who knows what else.
Bodies in motion stay in motion, they say.
And the Blazers just lost. Hopefully the neighbors will disregard the swearing and sound of walls being punched. Sigh.
As I was saying, Vancouver BC is always a nice place to visit. The warm weather really surprised me- it really felt like a vacation! We stayed at the Pan Pacific Hotel down at the waterfront. The Saturday Nite Opera Buffet was an added bonus! We had a great view of the water and spent a majority of our time in the room watching seaplanes taxi and take off from the water down below.
One of my guilty pleasures when in Canada is the Tim Horton Honey Cruller. I gorged on these and will need at least a month in the gym to undo the damage. Not to mention all the other food I plowed thru during the weekend. The duty free shop on the border provided us with great discounts on hard cider (apple and peach) and lots of vodka.
From there Brett dropped me off at Lucy's baby shower in Seattle. She's due in July but looked like she could go in to labor any given moment. She's from Brazil (as were half the people in attendance at the party- and it was a party!) and it was an endless parade of Brazilian food and lots of cake and candies. It was hard to leave but we needed to get home for the game.
Back to work tomorrow morning.
I've got my work cut out for me with editing and uploading footage. Brett has to review all the footage and do some color correction but after that I've got enough to keep me glued to my computer all week. Meanwhile, we're trying to get this international project up and running, carving time out for Brett to write, me waiting for word on the writing project I was approached on... and who knows what else.
Bodies in motion stay in motion, they say.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Back On Track
So, I had been blogging under an iWeb page I set up but it was just one more thing to deal with... so I'm back. Some of you may have noticed I deleted my older blogger posts. Yes, it's true. Don't worry- it was fluffy stuff. Nothing important.
I'm back to freelance film production and things are busy. Still on call at the casting company, but at least now I know I can focus on creating my own work, work for others, and a bit of freedom vs. the 9-5. I don't do well in 9-5 situations. I get nervous, antsy, and usually end up shelving my dreams and hopes... My God, just like a circus elephant beaten down by being chained up and contained in a little cage. Sigh...
Brett's in Vegas at NAB. I committed to going too late- no time to register and have a solid game plan. Luckily Brett and his cousin have a plan and I'm left at home to defend the homestead. That and edit footage and plan upcoming shoots.
Still waiting for feedback on one of my scripts. Yes, that's directed at the people who haven't gotten back to me. A little help? Brett has an amazing story that I totally want to see filmed- just need to create time for him to focus on it. No pressure. Yet another hint for all the time-eaters to back off and let us work. (Insert big smiley face... here.)
Need to get to sleep now, start early in the morning. Good night and good luck.
I'm back to freelance film production and things are busy. Still on call at the casting company, but at least now I know I can focus on creating my own work, work for others, and a bit of freedom vs. the 9-5. I don't do well in 9-5 situations. I get nervous, antsy, and usually end up shelving my dreams and hopes... My God, just like a circus elephant beaten down by being chained up and contained in a little cage. Sigh...
Brett's in Vegas at NAB. I committed to going too late- no time to register and have a solid game plan. Luckily Brett and his cousin have a plan and I'm left at home to defend the homestead. That and edit footage and plan upcoming shoots.
Still waiting for feedback on one of my scripts. Yes, that's directed at the people who haven't gotten back to me. A little help? Brett has an amazing story that I totally want to see filmed- just need to create time for him to focus on it. No pressure. Yet another hint for all the time-eaters to back off and let us work. (Insert big smiley face... here.)
Need to get to sleep now, start early in the morning. Good night and good luck.
Six Years & Counting
(From Sunday, April 12, 2009)
Easter is my favorite time of year- I love Spring! Today is also my 6 year wedding anniversary. I can’t believe how fast time has flown by. And I’ve accomplished so little.
Big changes are in the works that I will write about later. I’m going to enjoy the rest of my holiday and marital bliss. I do this by eating Easter candy. I’ll be back later...
Easter is my favorite time of year- I love Spring! Today is also my 6 year wedding anniversary. I can’t believe how fast time has flown by. And I’ve accomplished so little.
Big changes are in the works that I will write about later. I’m going to enjoy the rest of my holiday and marital bliss. I do this by eating Easter candy. I’ll be back later...
Limbo
(From Wednesday, April 8, 2009)
It’s cold again. I mean, winter cold. I mean, like, I should unpack my winter clothes kind of cold. Damn. Thank God my convertible has awesome heat that blasts turbo-high.
I’ve taken an inventory of all the little things I have going on. I combed through my emails and discovered a couple people I need to send DVDs out to which is always good, I’ve got weird little inquiries coming in via twitter on the “jill” side as well as “Get Into Wine.” The ball is starting to roll and gather some speed on the new writing project, waiting for first round of feedback on the first draft of my comedy, and I’ve got lines out on a few other projects. I’ve learned to be patient and to wait with a smile.
I feel like if need be, I can let go of my current position at the casting company. I’m like a hamster in a wheel there and I don’t foresee any growth on the horizon. Sigh.
Brett and I shot some test footage for a new camera apparatus type dealy-bobber he added to his collection. Joy! We’re looking to use this set-up this summer on his feature. More to come as that develops. Last night I started brainstorming resources as far as those who can contribute in crew/in-kind goods as well as those who are good at fundraising. I’m not- hands down, not shy about it.
Let’ see how it goes- everything on all levels.
It’s cold again. I mean, winter cold. I mean, like, I should unpack my winter clothes kind of cold. Damn. Thank God my convertible has awesome heat that blasts turbo-high.
I’ve taken an inventory of all the little things I have going on. I combed through my emails and discovered a couple people I need to send DVDs out to which is always good, I’ve got weird little inquiries coming in via twitter on the “jill” side as well as “Get Into Wine.” The ball is starting to roll and gather some speed on the new writing project, waiting for first round of feedback on the first draft of my comedy, and I’ve got lines out on a few other projects. I’ve learned to be patient and to wait with a smile.
I feel like if need be, I can let go of my current position at the casting company. I’m like a hamster in a wheel there and I don’t foresee any growth on the horizon. Sigh.
Brett and I shot some test footage for a new camera apparatus type dealy-bobber he added to his collection. Joy! We’re looking to use this set-up this summer on his feature. More to come as that develops. Last night I started brainstorming resources as far as those who can contribute in crew/in-kind goods as well as those who are good at fundraising. I’m not- hands down, not shy about it.
Let’ see how it goes- everything on all levels.
Foreshadowing
(From Monday, April 6, 2009)
I have to start by saying it is absolutely beautiful outside. These are the kind of Spring mornings I live for! It’s supposed to be in the mid-70’s today and yesterday was like a mild summer day. Bring on the short shorts and tank tops!
Brett and I had an amazing day snowboarding at Timberline Saturday. Until you crash into a foot or more of powder you haven’t lived! The perfect day for Brett to celebrate his 10 week anniversary of breaking his collarbone.
I had an unusual email waiting for me this morning. I signed up for these motivational quotes to be emailed daily- this was like a few years ago. They’re usually waxing poetic on fortune cookies and the like- just a little dose of wisdom to start the day. Today’s was odd- instead of the small font and three quotes semi-imbedded into a newsletter it was one quote in big bold print with nothing else attached:
“Nothing changes until something moves.”
Wow. Hit me like a ton of bricks. Lately I’ve been at a crossroad. My job has the potential to turn into something awesome but so far it has not hit the mark. There’s been too much drama, too little of management holding up their end of the deal. Do I wait it out and hope things get better? Suffering in the meantime?
Or do I move and create change? I have several opportunities waiting for me but until I do something, stir the pot a bit, nothing will change.
Today will be interesting... I’m coming out ahead of this one. Guaranteed.
I have to start by saying it is absolutely beautiful outside. These are the kind of Spring mornings I live for! It’s supposed to be in the mid-70’s today and yesterday was like a mild summer day. Bring on the short shorts and tank tops!
Brett and I had an amazing day snowboarding at Timberline Saturday. Until you crash into a foot or more of powder you haven’t lived! The perfect day for Brett to celebrate his 10 week anniversary of breaking his collarbone.
I had an unusual email waiting for me this morning. I signed up for these motivational quotes to be emailed daily- this was like a few years ago. They’re usually waxing poetic on fortune cookies and the like- just a little dose of wisdom to start the day. Today’s was odd- instead of the small font and three quotes semi-imbedded into a newsletter it was one quote in big bold print with nothing else attached:
“Nothing changes until something moves.”
Wow. Hit me like a ton of bricks. Lately I’ve been at a crossroad. My job has the potential to turn into something awesome but so far it has not hit the mark. There’s been too much drama, too little of management holding up their end of the deal. Do I wait it out and hope things get better? Suffering in the meantime?
Or do I move and create change? I have several opportunities waiting for me but until I do something, stir the pot a bit, nothing will change.
Today will be interesting... I’m coming out ahead of this one. Guaranteed.
Spring This!
(From Tuesday, March 31, 2009)
April. Ugh. We’re a third into the year and I’ve got nothing to show for. Time to rally, huh?
Last night I put together a notebook for all my current projects. (They’ve been cluttering the house in neat little piles screaming for a new home in the form of a three ring binder.) I have 7 projects floating around... This includes a some things down the road that won’t take shape for another couple months or so but still need attention- in addition to a few things already in various stages of taking form.
There have been some rather unfavorable turn of events as of late. So much so I’m revisiting the idea of moving to a new location. My love affair with Portland is over for now and I feel an adventure coming on...
Until then, I need to push ahead with my projects and hope for the best. Amen!
April. Ugh. We’re a third into the year and I’ve got nothing to show for. Time to rally, huh?
Last night I put together a notebook for all my current projects. (They’ve been cluttering the house in neat little piles screaming for a new home in the form of a three ring binder.) I have 7 projects floating around... This includes a some things down the road that won’t take shape for another couple months or so but still need attention- in addition to a few things already in various stages of taking form.
There have been some rather unfavorable turn of events as of late. So much so I’m revisiting the idea of moving to a new location. My love affair with Portland is over for now and I feel an adventure coming on...
Until then, I need to push ahead with my projects and hope for the best. Amen!
New Day, New Attitude...
(From Tuesday, March 24, 2009)
I’m troubled by the news. Unemployment, AIG, plane crashes... starving elk near Mt. St. Helens. Not too long ago I was advised to quit watching the news because it was too negative. This just left me completely uniformed and looking like a complete idiot when conversation would turn to current events.
I’m not going to get down, though. For what it’s worth. Keep on trucking, right?
My weekend in Baker City was amazing- highlights include good food, amazing wines and the opportunity to meet even more amazing and fascinating people. Brett and I’ve often discussed moving out there but then it comes back to employment... followed by AIG, plane crashes and starving wild life. A great place to visit, even better place to live if you have means to support yourself out there or find work in the region.
I’ve been dreading returning to work. After a picture/file naming snafu last week that spiraled out of control and ate up everyone’s time- let’s just say I bought a generous amount of lotto tickets looking for the easy way out. I’ve no problem with taking ownership for my mistakes, it’s the dissection and careful analysis of my mistakes and faults that I struggle with. I’m notorious for having to have the last word and I’ve become better at biting my tongue. New day, new attitude- not going to let it bother me...
I’m pretty excited over some of the projects materializing as of late... fingers crossed things fall into place. I’m on page 97 of my script- the last 10 pages though have been a mess. I knew I was going to struggle with these scenes- looked great on paper in outline/treatment form and talking the scenes through out loud but now I’m not so sure I made the best decisions. I know there’s an answer- an easy solution 10x better than what I have I just don’t see it right now. Thank God for rewrites.
Meanwhile, I’m hassling Brett over the story he came up with. The story is so simple, execution of the project fairly easy, two great roles... now all we need is time. And money.
Which leads to the last little piece for today that goes with my “turn that frown upside down” attitude adjustment pep talk. A year or two ago on some news show they interviewed a young woman- the inventor of Spanks- about how it all came to be.
She used to sell copy machines business to business, sometimes kicked out/escorted out by security. Some people would really get down by this. But everyday her father would ask her, “How did you fail today?” This wasn’t about dwelling on the negative, it was a chance to reflect on what didn’t work and try a different approach. It was more of an opportunity to figure out how to succeed.
Take it or leave it.
I’m troubled by the news. Unemployment, AIG, plane crashes... starving elk near Mt. St. Helens. Not too long ago I was advised to quit watching the news because it was too negative. This just left me completely uniformed and looking like a complete idiot when conversation would turn to current events.
I’m not going to get down, though. For what it’s worth. Keep on trucking, right?
My weekend in Baker City was amazing- highlights include good food, amazing wines and the opportunity to meet even more amazing and fascinating people. Brett and I’ve often discussed moving out there but then it comes back to employment... followed by AIG, plane crashes and starving wild life. A great place to visit, even better place to live if you have means to support yourself out there or find work in the region.
I’ve been dreading returning to work. After a picture/file naming snafu last week that spiraled out of control and ate up everyone’s time- let’s just say I bought a generous amount of lotto tickets looking for the easy way out. I’ve no problem with taking ownership for my mistakes, it’s the dissection and careful analysis of my mistakes and faults that I struggle with. I’m notorious for having to have the last word and I’ve become better at biting my tongue. New day, new attitude- not going to let it bother me...
I’m pretty excited over some of the projects materializing as of late... fingers crossed things fall into place. I’m on page 97 of my script- the last 10 pages though have been a mess. I knew I was going to struggle with these scenes- looked great on paper in outline/treatment form and talking the scenes through out loud but now I’m not so sure I made the best decisions. I know there’s an answer- an easy solution 10x better than what I have I just don’t see it right now. Thank God for rewrites.
Meanwhile, I’m hassling Brett over the story he came up with. The story is so simple, execution of the project fairly easy, two great roles... now all we need is time. And money.
Which leads to the last little piece for today that goes with my “turn that frown upside down” attitude adjustment pep talk. A year or two ago on some news show they interviewed a young woman- the inventor of Spanks- about how it all came to be.
She used to sell copy machines business to business, sometimes kicked out/escorted out by security. Some people would really get down by this. But everyday her father would ask her, “How did you fail today?” This wasn’t about dwelling on the negative, it was a chance to reflect on what didn’t work and try a different approach. It was more of an opportunity to figure out how to succeed.
Take it or leave it.
Business As Usual
(From Saturday, March 21, 2009)
We’re in Baker City killing many birds with one stone and maiming a few squirrels and raccoons along the way. We have some business to tend to with clients. The timing couldn’t be better- it’s Wine Weekend at the Geiser Grand Hotel. Great networking and relation building opportunities. I also came out here to seek refuge and finish the last 20 or so pages of my script without interruptions...
On the way Brett and I started brainstorming ideas, kicking around thoughts on story ideas and Brett came up with a great story that took over the dinner conversation, only to be fueled by all the martinis and wine we drank along the way. I woke up at 4AM still thinking about it and couldn’t get back to sleep for a few hours. I wanted to get out of bed and “get to work” but knew Brett would kill me. At breakfast the discussion picked up right where it left off the night before.
Maybe it’s because Spring is officially here, the days are longer, warmer weather- I could go on and on- but I am suddenly so energized and refreshed ready to get back to working on a film. Life is good.
On a tangent- next weekend is Ghost Hunting weekend at the hotel. After all it is haunted so it only makes sense to have TAPS investigators come out and lead investigations. We’ve had a few “spooky” encounters here but nothing as of late (personally). I’ll throw this out- take it or leave it- our house is haunted. That’s another blog for another day. And would make for some great video footage... Anyway, it’s out in the open now.
***
We got some great footage today in Haines, Oregon. A thunderstorm is passing overhead and dumping rain as I write this. The Blazer game is at half-time, I’m on page 90 of my script- which is an understatement since the last back up to idisk can’t be opened so there’s a page and a half missing/floating around in cyber-land. On tap this evening is a 4 course dinner paired with a variety of wine.
We’re in Baker City killing many birds with one stone and maiming a few squirrels and raccoons along the way. We have some business to tend to with clients. The timing couldn’t be better- it’s Wine Weekend at the Geiser Grand Hotel. Great networking and relation building opportunities. I also came out here to seek refuge and finish the last 20 or so pages of my script without interruptions...
On the way Brett and I started brainstorming ideas, kicking around thoughts on story ideas and Brett came up with a great story that took over the dinner conversation, only to be fueled by all the martinis and wine we drank along the way. I woke up at 4AM still thinking about it and couldn’t get back to sleep for a few hours. I wanted to get out of bed and “get to work” but knew Brett would kill me. At breakfast the discussion picked up right where it left off the night before.
Maybe it’s because Spring is officially here, the days are longer, warmer weather- I could go on and on- but I am suddenly so energized and refreshed ready to get back to working on a film. Life is good.
On a tangent- next weekend is Ghost Hunting weekend at the hotel. After all it is haunted so it only makes sense to have TAPS investigators come out and lead investigations. We’ve had a few “spooky” encounters here but nothing as of late (personally). I’ll throw this out- take it or leave it- our house is haunted. That’s another blog for another day. And would make for some great video footage... Anyway, it’s out in the open now.
***
We got some great footage today in Haines, Oregon. A thunderstorm is passing overhead and dumping rain as I write this. The Blazer game is at half-time, I’m on page 90 of my script- which is an understatement since the last back up to idisk can’t be opened so there’s a page and a half missing/floating around in cyber-land. On tap this evening is a 4 course dinner paired with a variety of wine.
Post-St. Patrick’s Day
(From Wednesday, March 18, 2009)
I’ve been procrastinating starting this blog- let alone this website- for over a year. My goal is to streamline all the social networks I’ve joined down to one spot. I became addicted to joining every sort of group available- and if it was for a specialized networking group that I didn’t quite fit into... I’d create a false identity to join. I also found that I’d spread myself so thin I could barely manage my updates and emails. Not to mention all the unique usernames and passwords that go with the territory. I actually started to log all this info in a notebook for easy reference.
Back to the whole “getting back to basics” spiel... Instead of keeping separate blogs on film, writing, wine and my pseudo-obsessive compulsive disorder (it sounds nicer than referring to oneself as neurotic) I’m going to throw it all down and see what sticks. Like spaghetti on the wall...
Currently I’m keeping busy finishing up a script, our wine DVD, trying to find a cost-effective plan for producing a series of video podcasts, planning for some film projects later this year and a bunch of other little things that aren’t worth mentioning.
I work at a casting company in Portland and it’s about to get very busy this Spring so I’m in sort of a limbo for the next week or two.
My husband, Brett, is a filmmaker and I’m usually tagging along with him. More often than not, dragged.
That’s enough for now.
I’ve been procrastinating starting this blog- let alone this website- for over a year. My goal is to streamline all the social networks I’ve joined down to one spot. I became addicted to joining every sort of group available- and if it was for a specialized networking group that I didn’t quite fit into... I’d create a false identity to join. I also found that I’d spread myself so thin I could barely manage my updates and emails. Not to mention all the unique usernames and passwords that go with the territory. I actually started to log all this info in a notebook for easy reference.
Back to the whole “getting back to basics” spiel... Instead of keeping separate blogs on film, writing, wine and my pseudo-obsessive compulsive disorder (it sounds nicer than referring to oneself as neurotic) I’m going to throw it all down and see what sticks. Like spaghetti on the wall...
Currently I’m keeping busy finishing up a script, our wine DVD, trying to find a cost-effective plan for producing a series of video podcasts, planning for some film projects later this year and a bunch of other little things that aren’t worth mentioning.
I work at a casting company in Portland and it’s about to get very busy this Spring so I’m in sort of a limbo for the next week or two.
My husband, Brett, is a filmmaker and I’m usually tagging along with him. More often than not, dragged.
That’s enough for now.
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