Pre-Production Journal 2 Nov. 30th, 2005 - Cube truck! Cube Truck! Cube Truck!

I think for the fourth time in my life today, I became a man. (For those keeping track- the first was my bris; the second my Bar Mitzvah; the third was in my bedroom with Anne) and today, I drove a huge truck from Hollywood to Burbank and back. This is usually the time that I describe "an exhilarating ride" full of "new experiences and wonderment." In reality, i nearly peed my pants(not a new experience), grew some gray hairs, and probably gave myself an ulcer. It was without a doubt the most terrifying thing I have ever done, because the stakes were so high. I rolled into Burbank, loaded the truck by myself with about fourteen cases of equipment for our HD camera, and rolled back into Hollywood proper. Don't get me wrong- as scared as I was, it was a gratifying, amazing experience I will not soon forget, nor am afraid to do again. In fact, most of the best experiences I've had are either when I am backed into a corner, do-or-die style, or when I remember that that's when I have the best experiences. This list is very long, and while truck driving has the attributes for this type of experience, the whole almost peeing in my pants is keeping it from getting on the list. When i got back to the office, I asked if I could have a co-pilot next time(reading a map in the dark while rolling down the freeway is a lot to do when inexperience with driving a truck). I was promptly denied any help. Great. This is going to be a long three weeks. In the meantime, What should I name my ulcer? (No offense to people in the future that have had ulcers, it was merely used as a comedic device and by no means a jab at any set designers that have or will have ulcers. An ulcer is no laughing matter and should be take in fun, whereas me driving a truck is quite hilarious.)

Pre-Production Journal 1 - Big Meeting

We had the big production meeting/pageturner today. The crew came in and met with the director, went over the script and dealt with any issues that may arise in each department. One of the producers asked me to shoot some BTS footage of the meeting which I did, but as soon as I turned the camera on, I felt awkward having a camera at a meeting I was supposed to be paying attention to, so the camera went off fairly quickly. I've got a lot to do on this show because my full time in the office will quickly be transferred to full time on-set. We've got three locations two of which are going to be larger in scale than the third. The third is just a house in Hancock Park, where we'll generally be having between one and three cast members on set at a time. It's going to be an interesting three weeks, and at the very least, an exhausting three weeks, but I'm kind of looking forward to making a movie right before everyone breaks for the holidays. I'm going up north for...I think this will be the fourth year in a row working my girlfriend's mom's comedy show. Even though i work, it still feels very vacation-like being in Palo Alto(a quiet mountain town). I also love going into San Francisco. The Exploratorium, drinking at Vesuvio's, City Lights, The Buccaneer(pirate bar), and 826 Valencia. whoa. I'm really excited now. But first, i need to make a movie. T-2 days.

I'M IN A PLAY TOMORROW!!!

It's called:   Go Fuck Yourself, Jury Duty!