Where's The Beef?

If you work in something creative long enough, chances are...you will have beef with someone. It's the unfortunate part of subjective industry. Call it professional jealousy, entitlement, inferiority complex, it happens to everyone.

For me, it happens when I see good stuff from people out of the gate. They haven't struggled to get what they get but...they got it quick. It sucks. And you're s liar if it doesn't bother you. My beef wouldn't be with them though...my gripe is with people who think they know better and haven't made it but still give their opinion. Look, beefs have been going on forever...Chaplin and Buster Keston. Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. It goes on and on. Producers, writers, directors...no one is happy if someone else gets the glory. Which is where vindictive people become toxic. I'm in a weird one now where I know the dude is being a massive bitch. He conceals it by...passive aggressive means. It's annoying. Because women do that. Not to say he wouldn't admit the same. It comes over some creative differences I'm not entirely sure why his involvement. Nor am I getting the truth. Because...it's being spineless. I've repeatedly given every opportunity to clear the air to nothing. Can't offer more than that. Resentment, anger...and it doesn't help he's a heavy drinker.

But if I'm speaking of this...perhaps it does bother me. I get nothing from this friendship other than laughs. This town, the relationships are tied so deeply to work. Which this has as well. Finding the exit strategy is the next move and go on from there.

Beef is a painful unnecessary part of the creative field. And it expounds energy to create. Guess it wouldn't matter to people who don't have that outlet. It sure matters to me.

Editing

Everyone thinks they can edit. The logic is...anyone can see the story once it's been shot. Nowadays an editor not only needs to put things together, they also have to dazzle with bullshit. It's part of the changing world.

I took to editing a friend's project recently. Something that was initially handed off to another person. The short is a music video...really. It is a complex movie that needs someone who sees the vision of the director. Unfortunately, a lot of times...director doesn't known until they see it. Especially new ones.

So, I "fixed" the edit to what I think the director wanted. A few tweaks BUT...it's obviously going to be met with criticism. Why? Because it's now a personality thing. Everyone has an opinion when it's shot and when it's edited. Sometime when writing if people would actually read in this fucking town. So...now everyone feels the right to prove why it didn't work even if it does. They aren't wrong. Only douchey about it. A lot isn't going to work. People still criticize "The Godfather." Not to say anything I've ever worked on came close to that quality, but most criticism comes from people who haven't made anything. Yep...armchair directors. I had one idiot tell me "I don't write anything but I'm great at seeing what's wrong with movie." Feel free to backhand this asshole if you ever hear that stupidity.

Anyway...editing. It's hard because you're dealing with things that CAN be changed now. The forcible hand. But it's also lonely because if you value the vision of others and miss...it's a heartbreaking fight. The coward runs for the hills when things don't go their way. This town is full of them.

Celebrity Youngin' Now Oldens

2002 was a massive year where I hung out with young Hollywood. That will never come back because of the way media is circulated now. Back then...it was a great time. I went to Adam Brody's birthday party, shot short films with Guess models and boyfriends of Hilary Duff...back then. Everyone grew up. Some became nutty others went back home. There was always a small bit of sucess for us all. Had I not been blasted drunk and had my job I had now, the sky was the limit as to where my career would've been. I'm not regretful of those moments only that I'm really happy now that I'm moving at a nice pace.

Back then...we had so much energy. Nothing prevented me from making so much stuff. When I moved to Sherman Oaks...I think the misery of missing a girl followed. The first year at that Sherman Oaks apartment was a blur. I lived with my friend who I came out to L.A. with from Ohio and a screenwriting student I met in film school. I scraped every bit of money I had to survive. And ashamed to say I was bailed out by my folks a few times. This was for a while. Getting a decent job in L.A. is tough at that age. You really did have to know someone. But I was in graduate school and it was a very tiny window of cushion for inevitably would be paying for my life.

I have such sympathy for anyone who moves out here that has no such safety net. I try to prevent most people to come out here because it's gruesome. The only place people can afford now is in a bad neighborhood and you aren't going to be saving any money for a very long time.

The reason you see so many young people living the life you want to live in the media is because they are funded by someone. A 20+ year old kid's real sense of revenue isn't what you think it is. And if it were they hustled like you wouldn't believe.
They are an anomaly and not the norm. I could tell you all the ones who got out never to return, but that isn't the story this business wants you to hear.

Steve Harvey On Asian Men

From a January story..
Talk show host Steve Harvey made a joke about a book in 2002 titled How to Date a White Woman: A Practical Guide for Asian Men.
 
Explaining that the book should only have a single page asking white women, "Excuse me, do you like Asian men?," the host followed up with his own answer: "No. Thank you."

The book was far more racist than the joke. Because...women are women. And this book is simply targeting a preference from a very sad place of Asian males desperately seeking approval and love with finding a white woman.

To be fair, I've only gone out with white women. It was the only option living in Ohio...really. And in the process, I've not only asked them out, they've asked me out too. I like being around very comfortable women. And I also like being comfortable around women. The only times I've been shot down REALLY terribly...well...they make great stories.

In terms of Steve Harvey's joke...I'm not all that offended by it. There is a truth and mean-ness to it that is going to draw out defenders. In a way, you read what women do say. A few defended the case "I've ALWAYS had crushes on Asian men" and then list Asian celebrity males.

If you need to prove this point, there are...uh...ZERO Asian leading men. Most have aged out of relevancy (Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Chow Yun-Fat). And this isn't the focus of Hollywood right now. Nope. In fact, Jessica Chastain was the first to bring this fact up. That there is a very, practically non-existent Asian contingent in movies. Which I applaud her for being so aware. This could be why we don't identify "good looking, attractive" Asians in pop culture.

Why Steve Harvey felt it necessary to make this joke.

Prenuptial Agreements

There's nothing sexy like facing the end of a relationship that hasn't even started.

When money is involved everyone gets real fast. Unless you're young. I seriously discussed marriage when I was 22 years old. Which is the new 13. But back in 1998, it was pretty obvious you married out of college.

In that discussion I'd mentioned a pre-nup. To a traditional girl it looked like I'd put up a cross in front of Dracula.

"Oh no..no..no...that's not happening. You think it won't last?"

That wasn't what I was implying but...it also does passively call her a golddigger. I didn't care at the time. I'm sure OJ got real bent when Nicole was spending his money taking out her boyfriends. That's the stuff that makes insane people. I simply felt that she wanted to lay out the ground work of who needs to walk away with what (A lot of dignity). But when you're in love you never consider the practicality of things. Nor do you ever justify how vindictive you can get. Most people in love overlook when love goes wrong because it is REALLY hard to face up to the fact that we are all capable of dumb stuff. Chopping cars in half so the other half doesn't get it.

Women can find ways to mentally debilitate you, men find ways to financially do so. So women will go to that level to do so.

I'm not saying it will happen. Most marriages I know HAVE lasted (surprisingly). Though...I'm sure their social media announcements of love are far different than the truth. No one is truly 100% happy.

Arkansas Death Dance

4 executions in 8 days.
That's a wild industrial revolution style efficiency.

I'm not sure about death penalty. Though I'm sure the victim's family would think otherwise. Murderers who continue to commit awful crimes need to be taken out of the equation. Clearly they cannot be reasoned with nor rehabilitated. But...I wouldn't want to do it. Because on the off-chance the guy isn't guilty. I've accused people of things they hadn't done before only to be proven wrong later. This is a life we're talking about. So, it'd freak me out.

The extremes are always the toughest. I mean...you can't come back from death, so how certain must you be to sleep well at night knowing you had ended a person's life.

The world is a lot stranger once you are the person who can do these things without remorse.

Women Can Get Paid Less Than Men

SO the courts say.
Women make, on average 80 cents to every man's dollar. Short men make less than taller men. I won't march. I don't care that much about that stuff, because no one will ever be happy.
"You're saying if someone gave you a million dollars, you wouldn't be happy?!"
"No, asshat. I wouldn't. Because it just means I can make a more expensive movie."
Money to me, is a means to make others happy (which I'm sure I learned from my Dad). It's not that money isn't a good thing. In this case with women wanting to be paid like men...it comes with a lot more responsibility. IF they become the breadwinner...things get dicey. Resentment. Unhappiness.

Sisterhood isn't about pushing to get women to be paid more. Jennifer Lawrence's contract wasn't batted around JUST by men. Women were complicit in making sure she got less than Chris Pratt who opened "Jurassic World." Though Jennifer Lawrence didn't have a movie that earned less than $100 million in over five years. I say she earned it. BUT, that's not for me to say. If equality is the case...which it really never is.

There is no money that is ever going to pay for the happiness of anyone. I'm not saying that to be glib. It's appreciation. I appreciate women for being who they are. And being strong people. Seriously. I was raised next to two VERY determined women who have never really expressed an emotional breakdown. Meanwhile, American women are constantly battling it out for dumb stuff. NOT to say, they don't have their own crazy meter, BUT in the bigger picture, money isn't going to solve problems that are rooted in being underappreciated.

And don't be patronizing when you do it too. That's when your kid makes you a stupid clay ashtray and you have to like it.

Walter Hill On Marc Maron

Walter Hill has a career I wish I will eventually have.
He is a writer who started off writing for Sam Peckinpah, which segued into directing badass movies like "48 Hours," "Streets Of Fire" "The Warriors" and "Johnny Handsome" to producing things like "Alien" and "Predator." Yes, a seriously prolific man!

But what struck me is that prior to me skewering this dude who I argue about constantly about what a director does, Hill confirms. Most people...think directing actors is like talking about motivation (in a movie). He believes (as I do) this is what an acting coach does. The famous story he tells is of director William Wyler (multi-Oscar nominated and holds record of most performances nominated for Oscars) being approached by a new actor wanting to get his take on a part. To which Wyler simply said "get your ass in there and be an actor." In other words, you are hired to do the role, and not be coached by the director. The material speaks for itself. Sound familiar? Yeah, it's what I've been telling this dude who is only 30...directors aren't what you think they are. To which he laments "directors aren't doing what they are anymore, it's just move here say your line, move there" (most likely a passive-aggressive kick at me). THAT'S WHAT DIRECTORS DO!! They aren't there to coach a role. Only to tell you if they go off the rail. And to remind you what scene came before and what came after. You treat them like the professionals they are, they will act like professionals. Instead...this moron likes to talk about motivation and mindset and babble on and on until...ack..it's frustrating to listen to this guy (I have to remind my readers, this guy has never made anything).

Bless you Walter Hill!

L.A. Riots: 25 years later

Rodney King...Jesus what a hot mess. The fucking guy died in his pool high on something. You can blame his injuries to being hooked up. But, let's be honest, the guy was on PCP when he was beaten by the L.A.P.D.

Nothing has changed. I'm sure there will be another riot. Like earthquakes...it's just part of this town's buzzing reflexive arm. I've never been in a riot in any other state. I think Michigan was the closest...as Detroit burned and has only gotten worse.

I'm not sure the logic behind destroying your own town. I would hope the next riot would have it where Mayor Villagrosa's or Gavin Newsome's mansions would be torched. See how fast things change then. See how accepting they are. But, of course, that will never happen. I'd go after bankers. They are the worse of the worse.

What do riots produce? Nothing. South Central L.A. is still shitty. Because everyone still feels the victim. Because cops still treat them like criminals. The cycle continues and no one really wants to address the issue. What is the issue? Stop doing stupid things to one another. Make education and family priority NUMBER ONE. Not the best sports player there. Prove to others your race, color or creed aren't animals. It worked for the Koreans during the riots. They are doing fine. They could've easily gone down that road.

And please feel some shame if you were ever involved in destroying other people's property. They weren't the ones beating on Rodney. Get that through your head.

Berkeley Thwarts Ann Coulter

Ann Coulter cancelled her speech at the very liberal university citing some threat of physical violence if she spoke. Nice job, place of free-thinkers.

I don't like Ann Coulter. She reminds me of my friend's single mom who was angry at everything and everyone and who went on dates while we watched horror movie-a-thons on Cinemax. She just didn't care, but liked to fuck with people. Cool. But you can't be a university that prides itself on free speech and turn around people like her or anyone else who may not agree with you. I hate it, but you have Black Lives Matter. Imagine if there were the same threats that permeated this movement (which I'm sure there is) AND they cancelled their rally. But...we all know the new progressives are the new aggressives (see what I did there).

Colleges really need to wise up.

ESPN On-Air Personailty Layoffs

ESPN announced that it was cutting people from their posts as on-air personalities. A bunch of them went on their social media pages to express gratitude and memories with a lot of class. Few solicited for jobs. But what struck me was...the YEARS people had spent at ESPN. Some over 20 years, only to not just be let go, but nationally announced it was happening. It is humiliating and heartbreaking.

Now, I don't have cable, but I never understood on-air personalities. Seems podcast is where you can REALLY have a personality. ESPN is ABC which is Disney. So, it's hard to really express anything. The other thing I realized was...something that a manager friend once told me...

...when you do layoffs this globally...it's not just experience, years, and all that. It's something stranger...they have to lay off equal amounts of men and women. So that they don't get sued.

Apparently this has happened in the past, where...someone must've been upset because they felt targeted. I get that feeling. I've been fired before and it went to every excuse I could muster besides that they hated my guts. THIS is different in that some people are blindsided. And aren't really given a real explanation because how are you going to explain to someone who uprooted their family and spent over a decade in your company that it was all about numbers? It wouldn't satisfy me. Nor would it really compute that it was by dumb luck. Not performance. Not (ironically) personality clashes.

I bet corporate runs a lot like this, in whatever field. Except most people most likely won't send a Tweet about it.

Incidentally, I was shocked how many Americans turned on these people who've just lost a job. They felt they were super-entitled and good riddance. I feel that corporations do have to wrangle their employees to not express their true opinions. According to some, ESPN turned into a liberal leaning propaganda pit. Which, again, I wouldn't know. But sports tends to attract a demographic in many fields (though I don't consider NASCAR or golf a sport, fuck you if you do). So, the even-ing of the playing field does have a socialist mindset unless you play in individual sports. I think what they were complaining about was the stories of social injustices. To me, that is why people have tuned in. To get angry or to agree. I'm not sure any of this changes the people who have opinion pieces. We are all trying to build our audiences.

Heather Lee Robertson Kindergarten Teacher Of The Year!

38 year old Heather Lee Robertson is accused of having sex with four high school boys. At one point even getting double teamed. This is in Texas.

I know what some of you will say...that's rape! Kinda...if you think about it, us dudes are at our sexual peak at 18 and then drop off. Women...36. So...really? Also, she apparently had horrible drinking problems. So I feel sorry for her.

Anyway, how is this even illegal if the kids were 18. Or maybe they weren't. Who knows. Since none of the articles mentions it. And also, I blame these asshole boys who are ruining it for everyone else. These are smoking hot teachers with mental problems. Of course it's going to be the best. There aren't going to be any girls who will match their disregard for the law. What do you think that means for what she'll do to your schvantz. Which, I get it...it's hard to see Bigfoot and NOT brag. But think of your fellow teens.

The flipside...you gotta wonder women who go into kindergarten teaching. Something tells me it's much more than wanting to mold children's brains. I think it's re-capturing lost youth. But...that's not a pleasant thought.

Jonathan Demme Died

I recall sitting in my sister's room watching the Academy Awards when Jonathan Demme won for "Silence Of The Lambs." I was so happy, because that movie is amazing. And it was the last time I cheered for that award.

I had to backtrack his career, to which I stumbled on my second favorite movie of his "Something Wild." It got me really pumped to be an independent filmmaker. He loved music and film and, by all accounts, he was a lovely person who was always so happy to be making movies. What a great life.
He died of esophageal cancer at 73. And it's a great loss to real cinema.

Scott Baio On Erin Moran

Baio has proven to be a minion of the conservative movement, having supported Trump. Not surprising that he's banged more blue-eyed big-breasted blondes. Suppose the older he gets, the more he protects the Teutonic lifestyle. Or maybe because he grew up in the Reagan era where things seemed simpler and much more...carefree.

Maybe that wasn't the truth, but as we got older we tend to stray into life we sometimes cannot control. As is addiction. Erin Moran had terminal cancer and she died rather quickly. Whether or not drugs had anything to do with exacerbating her condition is a different story. It seems Baio was quick to point out her addictions. Which seems incredibly cruel, because it happened so fast. But if you put a microphone into the mouth of a has-been, a direct answer is all we can hope for. Why? Because society are sick of mealy mouth liberals. Liberals turned comedy into garbage. Because only their brand of comedy is funny. I don't fucking like Blue Collar Comedy 'tards, but they have the right to joke too. Seinfeld was too afraid to go to colleges. The place where comedy SHOULD thrive and that being politically correct can take a back seat to laughs. Forget that. The liberals of the 90's would've puked on themselves if they had lived this far to see and hear that people like Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman and the whole cast of Saturday Night Live dragged comedy to the worst its ever been. Because it's agenda comedy. That shit is boring and comes from a really dumb place. Much more comedy to be mined anywhere else. This is low hanging fruit.

So liberals are attacking Baio for his lack of compassion. I get the criticism such as "just be a gentleman about it, despite her addictions."

If I was Baio, here's probably the more kinder speech I would've given "I was sad to hear of Erin's passing, and regret not doing more." Of course, none of this would've satisfied the die hard angry onliners but at least he would never mention her addictions (if there were any).

Publicity is a terrible thing to have to wrangle in this internet age.

The John Carpenter Lesson

Director John Carpenter was WAY before his time.
He made movies that are still relevant today..."They Live" should be re-shown to this society to see what a bloated greedy government would look like. This was during the Reagan era.

But that's not what the lesson is.

IF you happen to hear how Carpenter sounds today, he is a miserable old fuck...so you would think. First was his beef with the movie industry, then his open criticism of Rob Zombie (which we all understand).

Here's the lesson...if you aren't angry, you aren't alive. Indifference is death.

There are too many people in this world that are going to tell you that you should not care. "Hey, a guy cuts you off in traffic...meh...get over it." Or "your girlfriend dumped you...meh...get over it." Then they follow up with reasons not to get angry. We're creating a society where anger is suppressed, so we lash out in other ways. Bad ways. What I gather from Carpenter is this...to have an opinion means you care...and you have pride in your craft. For a VERY long time (and even to this day) his movies are revered as groundbreaking cinema. For most of us. The younger generation could care less. He becomes irrelevant due to time. Carpenter tells Zombie his remake of "Halloween" is suppose to be his own. Which, he DID make his own version. Then Carpenter bad mouths it. I think I know why...

Here's the deal.... IF you care deeply about what you do, you can't sit idly by while someone else does it...poorly (in your mind). Though it's different and gathers roughly the same result, you will never do things right in the minds of people who take their job that seriously. What do people tell you when you come to this realization..."care less about what you do." That is the stupidest thing ever said. And it's constantly used as advice not to give yourself an aneurysm.

When people get uppity about the way you do things...and you do the same thing...stop and realize that person really takes their job seriously and should be honored they even care enough to explain it. I'll try my best not to have any blow back of it. The harshest critic is always going to be ourselves. The worst critic is the person who stands on the sidelines with nothing better to do than to comment.

Re-Tread Of Shooting On Film

It took me a long time to gather the words to tell people why I will never shoot digital. It’s not that I’m a “purist” in a cinema sense. Nor do I not embrace new technology. It has made my life more convenient. It is for the simple idea that it is not unique to shoot digital.

Digital is a translation of numbers that form images. It is the matrix before our brains correct abnormalities. Film negative is a place in time.

Not to completely romanticize it, but here goes…

When film is made, it is designed in a laboratory that is temperature sensitive. The sheets are precisely cut, embedded with unique keycode (kode) and ships out. I completely understand cinematographers who thrive on consistency. What I shoot today will look like what I wanted to look like and so forth. This is commerce.

Film is specific to the time and place, and…as most of us post people have learned, even to the way film is processed. To the way it was aged. It is stamped by film production companies

Case in point, I will be shooting negative from 10 years ago. Could or would anyone replicate this look in digital? Probably not. And they couldn’t unless they took a time machine back and bought the film. The film is now linked to you (good or bad). This is artistry.

I think if digital takes over filmmaking, I no longer want to be a part of it. The craft will no longer be worth it. And would storytelling be worth it without craft?

You Can Do Better

The thing with online dating...now that it's integrated in our lives...we always think there is better. How very very sad.

I wish I didn't feel this way since there are really cool girls I'm passing up. Conversely, they can't be bothered with wasting their time with me. See? But...not even given a chance online is pretty bad. Women are probably much more able to play the online game better since they feel they hide behind looks. Tons of makeup and skin tight clothes...then the declaration..."take me as I am!" Right.

On paper, I'm pretty bad off. Short and old. In life...I think I'm okay. I'm not even sure. I think even my sour disposition in life makes someone laugh (broken women).

I can't imagine the guy pool being all that great. I have a job and my own place. In Los Angeles you would think I were George Clooney...it's rough.

Anyways, I'm getting a kick out of fast encounters. Women seem to be much more open about their lives. More than when I first started.

Old Fuckface Has A Point

At the gym...
“You know, I did 8 sets while you were messing with your phone. You can cut your workout in half if you left it at home.”

I looked up an elderly man with a Vietnam Veterans cap on. He’d been following me from machine to machine. Which irked me, because I always move around if someone has the machine. But, of course, he needed to be where I was at the time. I saw him bantering between a muscle dude at the pec machine, most likely bitching about how I was on my phone.

“It’s not my phone, genius. It’s an iPod”

“Oh” he scoffed. “How many more sets do you have?” Wanting to tell him 100. Then the Asian gene kicked in, which is…respect your elders.

“Two more.”

“One of these days no one will talk to anyone any more” he seemed…distant.

I took out my earbuds…suddenly taken back at the situation…because I agreed with him. “I’m with ya, pal. I generally don’t like new electronics and shit either.” Trying desperately not to tell him that I was looking for Kenny Loggins "Meet Me Halfway" from the "Over The Top" soundtrack.

He must’ve been still fuming from my lingering on machines or he just doesn’t listen (like the rest of the world) “Guess I’m just too old fashioned.”

“Nah, I told him. I’m the same way. I hate new shit” and because I’m a dick, I followed up with…“I rode my bike here today, did you ride your bike here?” thinking to get under his skin. Presumably he is a Vietnam veteran…and I doubt a snot nose Chinaman would get his goat…again.

“I live too far. Well, not too far. But I drive. I’ll go to the grave with a 32 valve. I’d like to shoot every single Prius driver out there” I think he assumed I was a tree-hugger. Dumb fuckin’ judgmental senior. Okay, I bit…

“Oh, why’s that?”

“Because they drive like shit!!” he practically screamed. This while I was shouldering pressing. I laughed. I desperately wanted to work in a bit about why people would be proud to wear the cap of a war they lost. Like they have no shame. But…I’m sure he saw his brethren gutted by Charlie. So I didn’t push it.

“How old are you, guy?”  I asked, a bit glib but curious.

“68 years old” he seemed to stutter unsure if I would judge “but my girlfriend is 38”

I laughed really hard at that. “Nice work, old timer.” I wanted to really say “when do you pay off this new toy?” Because, let’s face it, it’s a mail order someone. Instead…”let me know your secret when you find out”

“Just because there’s no smoke coming out of the chimney, doesn’t mean there isn’t a fire down below” he seemed to sling this one around, defensively. I smiled. The guy has gumption. “Thanks for the wisdom. Have a great day”

He smiled back…”you too.” To which the conflict ended on friendly footing. I agreed with him, we do need to take out the earbuds and communicate more.

Fox's Rape Culture

Has anyone seen "Anchorman"?
Why is anyone surprised?
I hate people who are involved in this...because...
1) stop fucking hitting on underlings
2) stop fucking people at the office
3) stop accusing people of sexual harassment...later rather than sooner

Because we know in every single fucking office...there are people like this. Guys anyway. I hear it here. They're fucking morons for going down that road. Some left on their own, some sued the company.

And NO, I am not condoning sexual harassment at workplace. I have self-control, I would expect the other dudes too. But, my brain doesn't turn off when I see the massive breasted client services girl walk by. Well, it kinda' does. But...I do my best NOT to get into that situation. There are so many morons at work that don't. You know who you are.

Andie MacDowell...Nekkid

I don't think there was ever a time where I wanted to see her naked. She's a pretty mom. Old lady Southern Belle, even when I first saw her in "St. Elmo's Fire."

She seems like an endearing person though. Sweet. But now she's in a movie, at 59 years old...naked.

Am I curious what Andie would look? Not really. I'm sure she's going to explain it away like...she felt the time was right to make every woman near 60 feel better about themselves...after menopause. But time marches on. Quite honestly...make me feel old too. Because she was the love interest of my generation. Or a little older, but yeah...still fancied her. By the way, have you see Hugh Grant lately? Wow...surprise how old he got this quick.

Cecil Price and Marcus Dupree...Forgiveness and Healing

Watching ESPN's "30 for 30" story of Marcus Dupree, star running back who skated through multiple schools and the NFL. Macus was a force who was often compared to the power of Jim Brown with the speed of Earl Campbell. Massive size. Just watching film of him, you knew he was destined for greatness.
HOWEVER...

...the most fascinating story was...in 1964, Cecil Price was convicted of violations of Civil Rights as a member of the KKK that was involved in the infamous killing of the 3 Civil Rights activists in Mississippi. He was the sheriff at the time who released the workers who were murdered by the KKK. If you remembered in the movie "Mississipi Burning" he is played by Brad Dourif in a sweaty, sleazy wife beater. Price spent four years in prison and upon released still held onto government jobs.

Marcus Dupree played on Price's son's (now integrated) football team. They became friends and Marcus spent time at Price's home. Yes, he had meals and hungout together. Their football team dominated. And instead of the awful history of the Civil Rights activists murder, the town came together to talk about this running back phenom.

Marcus, a sought after running back was recruited by...every college in the nation. He attended Oklahoma and left after a few years to go to Southern Mississippi. Due to NCAA rules, Marcus would have to spend 2 years away from football. Which he elected to play in the USFL. There he was was injured and was sidelined indefinitely. Determined to play again, he conditioned and got a year with the Los Angeles Rams in 1990. He was shortly cut.

At 28 yrs old...Marcus then needed a job. And in the state of Mississippi, a safety license was needed to drive a big rig. And the man running the license bureau...Cecil Price. Marcus contacted his son, his son contacted his dad and within minutes Marcus was cleared to drive a big rig. The son stated his dad "would've done anything for Marcus."

This story is a tiny snippet at the end of Cecil Price's Wikipedia. The liberals often believe in forgiveness. Prisons are full of people they tend to want to forgive, in order to heal. It strikes me as hypocritical that this man's one stupid involvement which obviously haunted him, would be the only thing people would mention. In history, Price seems to have died a Klan member though he helped a destitute former Black athlete as only he could...possibly to right a terrible wrong he knew he created. And who knows what other things he's done that went without mention.

I'm not saying Price's crime doesn't draw him as a monster, but as a monster for life is debatable. I often get misty at stories where people come to terms with their hate and learn that people, are deep down inside...good at the ground level.

In Directing

"All directors these days just tell people you stand there say something, you go over there...say something...no one directs anymore. Like working with actors."

I should've backhanded this idiot.

Directing isn't that shit your learned from your teachers, it's trying to get the coverage and information out with the mood you're trying to maintain...consistency. Meanwhile some asshole in academia says you have to guide actors. It's all in the fucking script.

Actors...correct me if I'm wrong...but aren't you just waiting for us to shut up and just go again?

It kills me that kids are coming out of school confused that directing is getting philosophical about the material. This is all done before hand with minor tweaking..the rest is speed. Faster, slower, louder or softer. My thing is always asking what they're thinking. Thinking is seeing. As is listening. Not some shitbag with a director's degree chewing the fat about character motivation.

This all coming from someone who hasn't made a single thing outside of college. Gimme a break.

Budget Your Movie

Some dimwit put it out there that you don't need money to make movies. True. Then some moron gave suggestions that supposedly didn't require money to do so. Whoops.

Many on the outside have zero clue what it takes to make a movie. A camera and actors and so forth. The YouTube template create this, which is fine but now many people think they understand the nuts and bolts. True. In the most basic function possible, they do. Point camera at your friends and have them do things. In a cruel twist of fate, these will be the people who start to make projects that go theatrical...IF they improve their discipline.

The problem is...most people won't. Writing and reading suck. I enjoy it once I get going, but it's a slog to get there. It is a discipline. Gathering people together. Another discipline. Life moves on and people have other responsibilities.  We get old. And we get tired. Most will quit.

So young folk...sink your pennies into something you have faith in. Drop the people who don't believe in you.

The Ego Driven Monster

It was refreshing to know...in every capacity undermining people is universal. William Goldman talks about it in his adventures of writing "All The President's Men." Though sometimes it becomes a mess, if you add too many people.

I consistently have this argument with a friend of mine who tends to direct from the sidelines. The issue is...hr believes his ideas are valid. True. And people tend to ask his opinion...sorta' true. Then when not followed he sulks. Bad bad bad. This is a colossal mess when too many opinions prevail. And the director is too weak to defend it.

See, the purpose of making movies is that we express who WE are as well. A strong vision and a spirit will put a cap on that. People who reach out in the dark get varying opinions resulting in a sloppy film. I oftentimes attempt to repair a project like this because I am involved. Sometimes I take too many initiatives. To me...I ask more questions than give answers. Too many fucking people in this town are grossly unqualified to give advice. Yet they still give it. It's gruesome. What happens is, they are also the ones that believe they deserve more.
My only suggestion to anyone is...stay strong and true to your vision. Get excited about what you want to make and stick to that. Insecurity is normal. I get sick thinking about it. And most people live in it. And be prepared to take responsibility if project isn't as good as you invisioned. It's the way these things go, until you put it in front of an audience, you really have no idea.

I've fucked up repeatedly. And always strive to make a great movie. It falls short for a lot of reasons. And I am saddled with reliving my mistakes BUT I made it. And so very proud of making...anything. Many cynics in this town will laugh at that statement. That's fine by me. I have no one to answer to. So keep chugging along. Our only competition is to ourselves.

Erin Moran Dies At 56

It will probably be revealed that she dealt with substance abuse.

Rumors had it that she was also broke and living in a trailer park. Yeah...not the softer side of celebrity. But yet...not one moment from her Hollywood friends kept up with her. At first, there is a lot of anger towards them. Then you realize...it's hard enough to deal with your own bullshit, you can't support the world.

Still, you wonder if they didn't try.

I don't really remember her, thougb I did watch "Happy Days" I recall the jheri curl hair on a white girl. Also...she and Scott Baio were an item until he started banging some insane blondes. Used and abused. But I also suspect pride played a role. Hard to completely ask for help as a known person.

I won't fake sympathy but empathy for what seemed like her suffering years on Earth (which is oddly my sister's birthday).

More Anne Hathaway

On Marc Maron's podcast WTF Anne Hathaway revealed as a young actress prior to breakthru roles subjected herself to well over 100 rejections. A lesson for all. She hit with "The Princess Diaries" but still remained hard to cast. Let that sink in as well. Then she told of a story about how when they were making "The Devil Wears Prada" they had already casted her. And when they went to cast the icy boss of a fashion magazine editor role, they surprisingly got Meryl Streep. Production then felt enough bravery to approach bigger named actresses even though Hathaway had already been casted. Yup...this is the business we chose. She waited until 7 girls turnd down the role before they went back to her. How demoralizing is that...
...and she still took the role.

That movie became a hit as well. And I doubt they felt Hathaway was the reason. I re-tell this story for the reason I think most people warn of this business...we are not civil people. I have not the ruthless ability to do such a thing. But...people somehow find that in them. I also would not shed the pride that Hathaway was able to. Having desperately wanting the role, and having to wait until 7 undeserving actresses shut them down.

Remember...if you can handle this type of behavior, you will endure.

Old People

There aren't that many immature Asian people. We tend to hang out with old people or talk about old shit. But we're super sqauresville. Americans know that. It's not a stereotype, even if I rode a dirtbike through a vase shop with flaming batons, people would still say "well, he could probably do calculus too."

It's not a bad way to go. Rarely do we get shot this way by the poh-leese. But...we don't get hot broads either. Banging hot girls want the impression of animal lust. It's primal. A guy who can calculate numbers dries up snatch pretty quick. Like Sahara and shit.

So, be kind to us. We get so very little tail. And what we get is...sub-level. Titless really.

"Colossal" (2016)

Sorry Anne Hathaway, you suffer from the same shit Sandra Bullock does. You’re too cute for your own good. Even if you say and act like a bad girl, you still seem like you’re acting like a bad girl when we know you're actually good (most likely you are bad inside but can't help yourself). BUT…she is serviceable here as Gloria, a drunk party girl who after one too many bad nights out, her boyfriend boots her from their big city apartment.

She returns to her hometown (a TINY berg that looks like the edge of nowhere) where she sets up shop at a home her parents use to own and are attempting to rent out. A perfect location for her to hide out from the world. Maybe dry up. This is where her “party girl” ways seems to derail. She isn’t a self-destructive drinker. As her circled eyes and world weary expressions would have you believe. Most of us drunks make REALLY poor decisions. Though, in this case most are made for her.

While there she runs into an old school friend Oscar, played by Jason Sudeikis. He is essentially the leader of a trio of misfits with Garth as his brain dead older buddy (Tim Blake Nelson) and Joel (Austin Stowell) as the hunky young guy.

It starts as a meet-again cute between Gloria and Oscar. But it turns into something else. In fact, we think it’s the direction this sweet funny love story turns, but it’s MUCH darker than you realize. He helps her re-establish some living standard by bringing over furniture. And I am CERTAIN most women groan at the thought of a man extending this type of generosity. Mostly because he does give off a creepy vibe. DAMN, does he try hard. And can’t seem to understand how the small town girl is still stuck in the big city mentality (a great change of pace) even though it chewed her up and spit her out.

After waking up from a night of boozing, Gloria discovers her body in pain, and Seoul, Korea had been attacked by a monster. The townies seem to be captivated by the…clumsy nature of the beast. Until one day Gloria discovers it shares the same mannerisms as her. They soon discover a link between her and the monster. Then it gets weird.

Yes, this is THAT kind of movie. You can’t really describe it to anyone without wanting to give away the strange premise. BUT, it also infuriates you how far they force going against the grain. Is Oscar jealous or not? Is Gloria with a boyfriend or not? They don’t fully answer these questions. NOR do they want to come to any real conclusion. What’s frustrating is how awesome the premise was and it sloppily races to the finish line with a feeling of…sadness. Yes, nothing good really came from this adventure. Though it’s about perspective here.

I’m not saying Gloria needs to be likeable, but it gets REALLY uncomfortable at moments where you feel she is being assaulted. But it’s a comedy…maybe?…I dunno. It feels in the real world as when people are fighting. It’s sloppy and ugly and unchoreographed. Much of the erratic nature of drunks is…maybe it’s suppose to be unpredictable. But it’s really uneven ground made to feel well crafted. Is it a slow weekend watch…yes. Otherwise, I do really appreciate the originality. And what it was attempting to do. I think the new way of filmmaking is going to be much more in this vain of odd sideshow material. It has to be. Human drama is played out. And, well, let’s face it…it needs a supernatural beast to lift the slow parts.

#Perquita Burgess

This is the woman who accused Bill O'Reilly of sexual harassment:
From her...
“I’m just sitting there minding my business and he walks past and says, ‘Hey, Hot Chocolate.’ But he didn’t look at me when he said it. And I didn’t respond. I was mortified because not only was it sexual, I took that as a very plantation remark,” Burgess said of one incident.

I don't know which plantation she thinks she heard that from. Like maybe a movie or t.v. show somewhere but I really doubt it hurt her like that. When I hear "Chinaman" I don't think of a comment from the Japanese internment camp.

Burgess is a temp worker who didn't want to rock the boat for her temp agency's relationship with Fox. So she kept most of this mum. Which I really respect. Not because she didn't feel it to be inappropriate to herself and would cause others in the future to feel similar. Because she understood that it was a business. I know that sounds patronizing, but it really is hard to know what people know and don't know these days. In truth, I hardly know any shit.

I actually believe her when she says O'Reilly said these things. His stupid face looks like it would say something dumb thinking it was a joke. Old white rich guys say this dumb shit a lot. Which is a backlash from dumb black poor folk saying dumb shit too. We all say dumb shit, just don't do it at work.

This is a case of he said, she said...but as a media behemoth...Fox gotta can that corporate shit or they will lose sponsors. Too bad...being at the mercy of detergent and tampons. 

Hollywood Writer's Strike

If it were up to me writers would be paid the most. Even past directors. It would encourage people to write. The incentive being...it also entices people to read.

Goes without saying that I think writers should get whatever they want to thwart strike that could cripple us...again. Yep...back in 2007 writer's strike hobbled a ton of production. Perhaps the new thought is...reality t.v. Fine. No writers required. But now you're slowly flooding the market with product after the end of strike. Then there's no work again...they have to finish what's on the plate.

THE most aggravating thing is...these assholes in suits don't read unless it's a contract. Yes, you...you retards who live and die by story...as in...written words...can't get past the reading thing. Yes...most scripts are horrendous. But it's a job...to which you pass the buck. A lover of stories will read until their eyes bulge out. And read everywhere. A good structued script stands out. A properly formatted poorly structure script stands out. What do these have in common...
...
...
The shit was written. So get a grip studio and pay the poor writers what they deserve.

Bill O' REALLY?

Bill O' Reilly is kicked off Fox island after allegations of sexual misconduct were showered onto him.
I think most people, if given the opportunity would accuse one another of rape. Because it gives you money. With Bill, you really know the snake did it. And I'm glad he's paying for it.

Not that women ask to be sexually harassed. It's really a moment of who does it. If Bradley Cooper said your vagina was perfect, you'd gush. Not me, but some broad would. If I said it...RAPE!! So that's a double standard not many people want to address. The other thing is...as a famous person, YES...Trump said you can get away with a lot of shit...but make sure you test the waters before hand. Have someone else be in go-between. You got to be smart about that shit. For the most part, women aren't going to like you for being you. Look at Larry King...that guy gets massive young snatch, as a melted Muppet. But he makes it legit. He doesn't "hit it and quit it." There's that. Being honorable. I think...well, aside from the Bill Cosby thing, if you've paid into the good will bank, many people will believe your case. For others, your angry stupid red face is going to get the sharks swarming.

O'Reilly probably should be off the air anyway. Or do his own podcast. Corporate gigs are probably much more comfortable, but he can be a hustler now on his own time. We'll see if he puts his money where his mouth is.

DREAMer Deported

The first Dreamer was deported. A 23 year old Mexican dude.
First off...why put a soft label on what this is? This isn't a fucking cute kitty asleep and dreaming about playing with a ball of fucking yarn. Anchor shit is what it should be called and it is fucked up. That's like what that movie "Alien" did. Hugged your face, laid an egg down your throat and burst through your chest. This is much more accurate. Since you can't negotiate with the thing. Also, you can't explain to people that you should just go and get your FUCKING citizenship.

That's the killer right there...the laziness of being born in this country and deciding you can just...ya know..stay here. Fine, you can, just get documented as a citizenship. I did it. My Dad did it. My sisters did it. It's actually a great learning experience, unless the supporters of these assholes think they're too stupid to learn. Which they may be. Or too lazy. Whatever the case, it beats being deported and then clogging up the system. But...forget the burden you put on the community, because, let's be honest, you don't give a shit about our society...you were also busted for stupid crimes. So now what?

The opportunist in this country (fucking California) lean towards this to get votes. Let's be honest, this state is going to Mexico. And they will decide the next few elections. So why not pander to them. It's frustrating because the United States couldn't make being here any easier.

Aaron Hernandez Dead

New England Patriots are garbage people.
He dead.
That's it.

Cleveland Facebook Killer

It must suck whenever someone does something heinous on Facebook. Like now he's the "Facebook _____"

Steve Stephens and allegedly disgruntled nitwit went up to 74 year old Robert Godwill, told him that some random woman caused him to do what he was about to do. And shot him at close range. It's a gruesome moment in our awful media crazed society. Then Stephens killed himself whilst a fugitive.

Guns man. They are available for dumb, angry people (myself). I KNOW I don't want a gun. Maybe other dumb people should start to get a fucking clue.

The Sabatouer

If you work in the movie making business long enough you will run into...this person. The one who holds your project hostage for no other reason than they can. It happens to studio movies. Sometimes you are a fault...such as not paying a bill. Other times it's a personal vendetta (the lead actress doesn't want to fuck you...fuck her!). The most insidious is a friend that will do this to you. Sorry, not to make you paranoid but..it happens to EVERYONE. Even amongst family members. The simple truth is...we are overgrown children. For people to do something for you an exchange must be given. Despite promises OR goodwill. Money always talks as do contracts and lawyers. People always (cynics here) harbor deep resentment for your goals. It's human nature. We are suppose to be competitive.

This is made worse when one person starts to gather steam while the other stews. I recall in middle school how we went to dances. My best friend at the time would score many dances with girls while my sweaty ass was desperate to score one. You think I was happy for his success.

To which many of you would say something stupid like "well you were 10 years old then, you should be an adult." You're the same assholes who get ulcers from crushing your feelings down.

It is miserable to be at the mercy of miserable people. But that is the business. You must endure if you care.

Words Of The New Non-PC

I use terms like "tard-wich" and "cock-breath" which sounds offensive, until you realize I use these to address people humorously.

The new PC culture is too afraid of these words, because...I guess it's how the other person takes it. Yes, in other regime, these are seen as offensive. In the new world, I'm not trying to offend people but to realize that bust n' ballz is what guys do. Until we became less guys.

I got into this conversation recently about how men are men anymore. Because women took our balls and wore in on their head. We guys stopped building shit. Sure we grew out beards and shit, but it's hidden through a mysterious disdain for anything physical. Blame your pussified mothers who taught you how capable women are. And then they were.

Nowadays, a woman can take a pounding. We see lady boxers and MMA fighters now. A plea for women to own up to who they are. Transgenders, cross-dressers, dress-genders are all the new fad. And if you don't like it, fuck off. Okey-dokey...what about if you don't like me hatin' on homos, you can fuck off. Oh right, women will withhold pussy from me until I conform. I mean...like how can it be less than none?

Men are emasculated wimps who now know how to psychologically scar you like women. A silent treatment here can send most of your dude friends into a shame spiral. We prattle about each other like hens. We sabotage each other and call it entertainment. We don't make shit. Broads do that. Well, broads and Hollywood types.

So regain a lot of this shit back...please (see, I'm plea-ing). We're bigger and badder than that. Government most likely wants us docile and compliant because...well, fuck if I know why, probably so they can control our fucked up lives. Probably is working. Except it's not coming from nutcases like Trump's camp, oh no...it's from nutcases like Ashley Judd talking about her period to women who will gobble that up. And then we're fucked.

Cannabis Activist

You guys are annoying as fuck. Seriously, no one cares if you smoke or whether or not it should be illegal. You are not that important. In fact, you're like children throwing tantrums. When no one cares.

It's not so much that people have already ignored the statistics that are being thrown around, it's that you beat the drum like a fucking ice cream truck that plays an out of tune version of "You Light Up My Life." Shut your fucking faces already. It will get to being free soon. And then what will your lives be about.
Maybe it's the media painting you turds into being these naggers. Who knows. But smoke your shit and have fun and life goes on.

By the way, why are you assholes who smoke weed the front line for stopping cigarette smoking? You can't have it both ways shitheads. Maybe I don't want your second hand weed smoke.

"Sharky's Machine" (1981)

Burt Reynolds was a sly guy. This WITH a hairpiece since the late 70's. But he has had a massive career, and a good one too. This movie was directed by him as well.

The story is of Sharky, a tough urban cop who when a drug bust goes bad, he naturally decides to go to a less harsher department...uh...vice. Drugs and prostitution. There he finds a motley crew of has-been cops whose not there by choice. Or they're just weirdos. Check out this list of absolute badasses. Charles Durning, Brian Keith, Bernie Casey, Richard Libertini...it's the who's who of character actors who play tough guys or cops.

His first, and only case is to bust a prostitution and drug ring. He stakes out Dominoe, a beautiful dancer/hooker played by Rachel Ward who, by association has stumbled on a bigger problem...a guy who has been killing his hookers. The brutal killer is played by an Easter Island headed Victor Silva (I've actually met this dude, and he is nicest guy ever). He plays the psychotic heavy muscle for mob boss Victor (Vittorio Gassman).

Sharky naturally falls for her. A painfully abused sexy woman and sets out to protect her.

The movie is dark and ugly. It sweats under the Atlanta landscape. Sharky is no good-guy but he cracks-wise. I'd be surprised if Shane Black didn't reference this movie for cops bantering weird shit in the midst of stress. It is actually a really funny movie. And according to Reynolds himself...an answer to Clint Eastwood's "Dirty Harry."

I think what I loved most about this movie is its ability NOT to take itself seriously. The cops are bigoted and war-worn. The prostitutes are characters in their own world and feel REALLY authentic (gotta wonder) and the plot, while goofy...does keep the movie rolling pretty fast. It's also cool to see the early 80's cop melodrama which...6 years later it would explode.

Based on a novel by William Diehl, I had a great time watching this movie.

The Fate Of Furious Movies

These things aren't going to stop and I do NOT begrudge Universal for trying to save their own studios by pandering to idiots. It's great, movies are entertainment again. And that's how it should be. It's actually great for smaller stories, because these can go undetected and made with the residuals of something like "Furious" movies. In other words, with a surplus MAYBE studios can take small chances. What they called back in the day "singles and doubles."

So earlier there were talks about how studios were going down. That streaming and all that is going to kill them. Which is sort of true. These movies are an anomaly and should not be taken to be the trend. A movie like "Star Wars" is a proven track record since the 70's. James Bond movies too. What this says is that writing stories that have no link to...common sense and structure no longer need to be the deciding factor. NOT that you can or will be lazy with your storytelling, but there is a strange part of me that gets ill at the idea some kid in film school will want to emulate these types of movies. Maybe good. When "Lethal Weapon" came out the "franchise" ran out of gas fast. And attempted another re-boot on television 20+ years later. I think when this well dries out...it will see a re-boot in television. It was MADE for television.

Which goes back to William Goldman's prescient and oh-so-true "nobody knows anything."

We don't. "The Fast and Furious" started out as alley racing. According to the trailer...it's submarines and missiles now. Oh...and they already wrote two more.

Paul Walker must be kickin himself.

"Gifted" (2017)

Most likely if this film was released near award season it may have gotten some buzz as the lighter side of "Manchester By The Sea"...or rather the one that had a pulse and heart.

Chris Evans plays Frank Adler, a Floridian who is saddled with raising his niece while working as a freelance boat repairman. The death of the sister left many questions, the least of which why would she abandon her infant daughter.

A great deal of sadness and lost futures, which most could be repaired through a little window of understanding instead, the fight to not repeat a tragedy seems to be the deeper meaning.

Enter Evelyn, a very distant mother to Evans and a complete stranger to now precocious Mary Adler. She is played to infectious adult-in-child's body McKenna Grace. Sad eyed and worldly, she understands her circumstances and rolls with the life she is given. This rings true only because I have a niece her age that seems to be more aware of tragedy than we realize

Frank never speaks to her as a child, because...she's a math prodigy. Beyond genius. And everyone knows it which draws out Evelyn and her unwavering goal to make some blood relative fulfill their potential.

"Gifted" does use the syrupy tropes of most of these humam dramas. But it's SO well done. Beautifully shot on film, especially during a late Florida afternoon. And the pacing is top notch. Evelyn isn't a monster. She banters gleefully with her own son who is otherwise cold. Their language is a spar sans the warmth of a real mother. Tough love taken to the extreme, but always a breath away from an apology.

Director Marc Webb made a nice human drama. A nice brownie rather than a cake. Which will be woefully missed once human dramas disappear into obscurity. Go see this movie and spend time with interesting fun people.

Happy Easter!

Hey, you filthy mooks...
....Happy Easter where Zombie Jesus comes back...for revenge!!!

Breaking My Own Rules

I made the ultra-dumb mistake of inviting a friend onto a film set to help. I didn't want him there since he sometimes sulks. He thinks everything is above him. But he's also a lonely dude who probably just wants to be around people. Not a great start. He also suffers from mental illness which requires medication but also is a heavy drinker.

He left towards the end of the shoot through a driving service clearly pissed it wasn't a shoot shoot. Which I warned about. I think he just thought we would shoot out film segment and leave. Unprofessional leaving me to pack it all up. I'm never inviting him on another shoot, and quite frankly I'm sure he's happy with it. But when you start to get excluded...good project or bad...you have only yourself to blame.

In this case, I can sense the useleness at a certain point. He sits and doesn't pick anything up or help move or ask of he can help. Big fucking waste of space. This sends a messagr his time here is over. So what does that feel like? Me being rushed so I can get him the fuck out of there. Good, bad...we''re on a different world now...a free whomever we can get world. As I've written before a person wbo thinks they are doing you a favot has to be dropped. They are poison to crew. Fortunately, this was someone's project who didn't see it. I've had a previous conversation about him being a lump on production. I know he fights through boredom of withdrawal or something. I've been through alcohol withdrawal on set and have been the same way...so I completely understand and forgive. I've learned my lesson now. And it's not a bad thing. We just move on.

He mostly went drinking once he left that shoot. To which I've been there too. It's a sign of precious weekend time to get blitzed. Ironically spending off time to waste time.

Life is really short once you last 40. Seriously, it moves really really fast. Don't spend the back half at rehab.

The Russian Tart

"Hey what are you do tonight?"
This was a text from a Russian girl who I messaged on Plenty Of Fish within minutes of texting her. I believe she meant to say "doing". At first I thought it was fake, but followed up on it. She is indeed a stunning dark-haired blue eyed Russian. She also happens to have a lot of men as "friends". In fact all photos suggests she likes money and she likes to be in California. Not the kind of girl Mom would approve. And these are real photos because a lot of them aren't flattering.

Good time girl looking for a green card? I'm guessing. She lists herself as a model/actress but...perhaps escort isn't in Russian vocab.

Freaky fun stuff trying to find a girl in this town.

North Koreans

I don't know much about them. But if SOUTH Koreans defended their shop against the L.A. Riots then...come on...a country much more insular is going to be like pounding concrete.

The only people who really have faith in Korea happens to be its people because they've been indoctrinated with some really fucked up information. They have no other barometer to measure their lives to...MAYBE a relative sneaks in a reality show here or there, but they are, by admission, on their own.

So they come up with the concept of getting themselves a nuclear weapon. Bro, no bueno. A man who subjugates his people to believe he is God...wants to use science now to defend that title. And no one in that fucked up society realizes this.

Koreans, from my brief encounters with them in Los Angeles, are very prideful people. As are most Asians. But they are a really tough bunch. They understand survival. So, it strikes me as odd that they would want any nuclear weapon. To me...if you have a big brother like China (who has fallen for the richest of the West) to protect you, who cares if you have an arsenal. Live the rest of your life alone. But he may have a small guy complex (Napoleon). So who knows....if it were me, I'd just enjoy life living as a God to his people. But he may also be living in constant paranoia. In which case, as the cop who took the report of my stolen car said to me "imagine being a criminal and always looking over your shoulder."

The country is tiny, but it has a big heart. And Trump's approach to a tiny man isn't going to play well in the foreign stage. Unfortunately, looking like a clown isn't always Trump's concern. MAYBE, he knows when people are full of shit. He's been wrong in the past. This time, it isn't just a bad business deal though. He should really know that.

"Barely Famous" season 2

I'll need to backtrack and see how this all began.
Sara and Erin Foster are the daughters of power music producer David Foster. He's the clown that made cheesedick music for "St. Elmo's Fire" and had himself, a reality show about the Jenner boys. How this family hadn't inter-banged is beyond me. You might as well call them the Beverly Hillbillies since David Fosters dick, by tranferable association has touched Bruce Jenner cock. Think about that.

The show is about these two attempting to kick start their own reality show. It's "This is Spinal Tap" for rich bitch shows. What makes this infinitely watchable is the banter between the sisters. So determined to undermine the other in whatever capacity they can. Their love for one another comes in the form of friendly sabotage. Yet one will not exist without the other. Sara, the older one, was a staple of young music video vixen from a Backstreet Boys video. Erin lives in the shadow of her image conscious sister yet is convinced she is her equal. Together they both chase celebrity with determination, yet no one knows...nor cares who they are. Consider the brief moments of fame deludes them into believing they are big to the world. I know I've gotten my mileage from being an electrician on "Saw."

Well, they aren't content with living their backslide aging actress years...less famous than their famous friends. The result...a lot of scheming. A lot of awkward painful latching on (Kate Hudson episode is painfully honest). And it has no connection to the fact neither of these girls ever have to work. It's the fame they desperately want. Call it vanity, boderline personality narcissists...it's fucking hilarious. They are mean spirited yet...cute. The cause so much chaos in the world they are invited to and are patiently tolerated by the people they look down at. In the end, the small realization they are normal people with grat skin and teeth simply emboldens them to try harder. Those are where the laughs are mined the best. Because it comes from deep pain from aging and being marginalized.

Watch this show if you can. It's a nice distraction.

Female Muslim Black Judge Found Dead in Hudson River

Oh New York, New York...if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.

Can we layer on any more left wing labels on people who are found dead in the Hudson. Back in, say...the 70's, it would've been... Paulie The Snitch Graciacomo...A Pioneer in the Polish sausage factory and Olive oil furrier.

They didn't do that. They just listed the fucker's name and that was the end of that.

BUT, now...here's a lady judge...no...no...a Muslim lady judge...no...no...first Black Muslim lady judge...bingo! And we then get upset when we label everyone.

Okay people, here's how to equal the playing field...
"Judge found dead in Hudson River"
Oh...wait. You're not going to get any eyeballs on that. So now we got to gild that lily.

I get it, and it's fine, but don't pretend like you give a fuck...news.

The Early Years

So...Music...what the fudge?
I remember listening to the Beastie Boys non-stop when I was in high school, undergraduate college and graduate school. Now I can't stand them. Why? I have no idea. Maybe the "music" has always sucked. I remember I confronted a girlfriend in college about whether or not she liked jazz music. She confessed that she didn't. I was a little touched that she tolerated it for my benefit, but she saw no value in it for herself. That's what love does, I guess.

Beastie Boys reminds me of a time and place, and throughout the rest of the decades, it still reminds me of those times and places. In that sense, it is a time capsule. BUT...I suppose if I wanted to re-visit the time and place, it will always be there. Some think it's because we evolve and we move on to other music. That's true too. I still watch Britney Spears videos because it reminds me of my first job in "The Industry." I was an office production assistant the same time she was JUST taking off ("Sometimes" video played around the clock at our office. And some Backstreet Boys video). Fortunately at that time, we were only on the third floor in an office on Beverly Boulevard, and probably would hit a Hassidic Jew had I jumped. Anyway, it also reminded me that most of the film stock for my thesis project came from A Band Apart. I recall a refrigerator full of short ends of 200 ft. which is about 1 minute 40 seconds of footage in 4 perf 35mm time. They let me have about 10,000 ft. built from different shoots. Man, were they kind to me. They could've used it for other things, like insert shots or whatever. And I was just an intern.

What a resource.

So I do count myself lucky in this business. But I would add, ASK! Seriously, most people are afraid to just ask. You'd be surprise what people will do for you if you show any level of initiative. I am constantly surprise now that I know I am on the other end of this exchange now. I get emails and messages from really earnest filmmakers. And I want to help them all. Passion and excitement is contagious. Let it be contagious to you.

North Carolina To Re-Ban Same Sex Marriage

Looking to defy the Supreme Court (ya know, the law of the Union...that won the Civil War), North Carolina wants to re-ban same-sex marriage. Motherfucker, who cares?
Your state is full of idiots already. They are leaving because it's contagious. North Carolinians...are nice folk. I mean really polite and kind and nice. So it strikes me as odd that y'all would care. Instead of focusing energy on nice things, like gettin' edu-ma-cated.

If you don't like the thought of gays getting married, go ahead and ignore it. Gays make your neighborhood so much nicer. Seriously. They scare the gangs out of shitty neighborhoods in Los Angeles. They passive-aggressively drive assholes out (not literally, because they like that part of the body, as I'm told). I wouldn't survive in their world...trust me.

And it's not like more gays won't flood your town driving up that liberal agenda. Maybe that's what people are afraid of. Or having to explain to your kids that Adam and Steve not Adam and Eve were also in the bible.

I think being gay is wrong, but I'm going to go ahead and just ignore it. Win-win.

San Bernardino Shooting

A man killed a teacher (who he was dating or wife or something) and accidentally killed an 8 year old. Then he killed himself.
What was lost was the Equinox guy who was just fired and came back and killed two people. Then he was killed.

Guns, man.

I still hate guns, despite shooting them and having fun. They aren't a toy. And people really have no clue what it means to own one. With prescription drugs and mental illness getting worse, it seems having something that is literally a hair trigger within reach...an awful thing.

I'm not sure if history could ever find the details of murder suicide between Miss Hester Pritchett, school marm and Hezikiah Boylen. MAYBE being run through with a knife and then hung himself? Who knows. These are weird things to consider when guns and emotions are involved.

The most strangest reasoning...why at an elementary school. Why not ambush her somewhere else? That's between you two. The kid thing is the awful part. NOT to say she deserved to get shot, but domestic shit that goes outside your home is still YOUR problem.

And most gun idiots are saying...that's why you arm everyone. Right. Think about the person you hate the most. Would you want that fucker to have a gun?

United Airlines Drag

No..it's not people being dressed up in opposite sex garb.
It's dude who wouldn't give up his seat because the airline overbooked the flight and forced one guy to leave in a lottery.

They offered $800 and a hotel stay. You dumb motherfuckers. I would've taken that, and then ordered room service. Then threw a party to everyone that was "inconvenienced" by my delay. Guy became a big fucking pussy baby and had to be dragged out.

Entitlement, entitlement, entitlement...yep. For $300 and loose change you can be whisked in the air and think you deserve the moon. The problem with this scenario (and I am guilty of it too)...we aren't owed anything. My ex-girlfriend was a flight attendant for United Express (their jumper plane model). It sucked balls. I mean, really...being stuck in a plane full of straight jerks is awful. People are miserable. Imagine, the waitstaff at Chili's sitting next to you while you order them around. It's garbage full of garbage people.

In the ol' days, flying was a privilege. You paid a lot to fly, and people wore suits. Nowadays, forget it. Pajamas and flip flops. Are these people who you want ordering you around.

Of course the jackhole is going to sue and then they'll settle and then everyone will show their phony outrage for a guy who is probably a douche you wouldn't piss on if he were on fire.

Yesterday afternoon, one of the maintenance guy talked to me about my ceiling collapsing. And he wondered why I didn't sue. I laughed at him. Because fucking cunt rags sue over dumb shit. I was clearly in the right and most likely would've gotten a payoff (since I also documented the decline). But..BIG BUT...in my mind, suing does nothing but hurt everyone around me. Guess who has to pay his lawsuit? Other people. Call me a sucker, but guess who gets preferential treatment now when anything goes wrong? You know what I call this...consideration for other people.

This asshole in the plane who had to be dragged off. Someone had to teach him consideration, when it should've come naturally.

Society

I really hope no one reads this and think I've lost complete and total hope for humanity. It's not true. I cast a very cynical outlook on those I've come across as most have no consideration for others. In a sense, I make up for their lack of concern for failing manners.

There's a guy I work with who does the minimal. I constantly bag him over not caring about the job. To which be bats back...that's why I'm stressed out and he's not. Yeah...I'm pissed I have to pick up his slack. But moreso...I'd lile everyone to care what they do.

I had this conversation with another co-worker which came down to...if I HAD to work at McDonald's I would find the good in it. For a lot of people, the reason there is no pride in what they do is because job satisfaction seems to be from outside looking in. No one ever seems to see potential satisfaction from within besides the basics. "I HAVE to work to pay the mortgage" type of talk. Good look getting that mule to carry the water.

For me, I am grateful for what I do (disgusted that co-workers don't feel the same) which is...I'm doing what I care about doing and would be doing it even if they didn't pay me. In that sense, I pity the ones who suffer thru seeing it simply as a job. To me they are in Hell. So I wish they would clear the way for people who do care.

Incidentally, the worm I work with lays as low as possible to not draw unneccesaary attention upon his lack of interest. The "just tell me what to do and I'll do it" guy is an utter failure at life.

Armchair Directing

"This guy knows how to direct actors, I've seen him work with them"
This after I watched a horrible short film his friend made.

This is the stupidest comment ever said. And by someone who knows less than shit about filmmaking. Why? Because if you cast right, you never have to direct.

Film school has fucked these eggheads up. Especially former filmmakers who now teach. I get they have to fulfill their semester. And...truth is...you learn more by just watching movies anyway.
This idiot who said this to me also stumbled onto the biggest trap known to any newbie...
...acting the part of a director over directing.
If this dumny had ever been on a real set, directors don't say much. It's on the page. If you happen to write for the actors even better. These newbies want the idea of directing. The book bullshit. No...it's usually "slower" or "faster" or plain watching. That is the problem with young people these days. They think it's wearing the bullhorn and molding performances. Try the nuts and bolts.

To date, this moron hasn't made anything out of film school. So, very nice of you to share your opinion.

Nivea: The New Hitler

Did this ad bother you?
I didn't even think about it.
Know why?
Because I'm not fucking racist.
Racist think there's something wrong with it.
Think Tide and all those other detergents telling you "white" is clean. Yep. Racist think it's racist too.
People are so fucking stupid they have to come up with shit to be upset about. I get upset at dumb stuff, but this...this is a dumb ad for a dumb deodorant.
Ivory soap use to have a campaign about how light it was. 99.9% pure that it floats. Light+pure+floats...I bet you think white people are angels, muthafucka!

Okay, guys...just lighten the fuck up about these ads.
In fact, when you tweeted your phony outrage, they got more eyes on them. I guess the ad did work.

WTF is This And Why Does It Keep Happening

New people who haven't done much rely heavily on people who have.
So I thought.
People who haven't done much seem to think their school projects amount to experience. In "the real world" So you do your best to tell them what is an idea to do. Which they will inevitably hate. Not their problem. They only see one perspective. And cannot understand that anything can be interpreted in context.
Fine and dandy.

But..BUT...here is the rub. So, they don't like your idea..you challenge them to come up with better. And they do! Okay...okay...no problems there...then...you ask them for a script or a shot list or...just an idea of what they want. Crickets. Nothing concrete. No other ideas flowing. Nothing. Zero. Zip.

This has happened twice now.

The first was a cooking thing. The talent didn't care nor wanted to contribute. Until they saw the project...then they couldn't stop coming up with ideas. I think I get it...
No one in this town (at our level) has vision.

Vision is seeing potential. No one builds on foundation of ideas. Instead, wants to fix one that is already built. Why? Because they're fucking lazy. It is easy to criticize and put your nuts on the chopping block. But if an idea fizzles, you look the fool. A person who repairs a bad idea can walk away thinking they did what they could. That's cowardly. And why I haven't seen many people my age do shit. So afraid of "failing" Rather fail from the bleachers.
If you don't have the sack to take charge, you are null and void in any other conversation.

I Love Thandie Newton

Truth is a hard thing to speak of in this town. Truth is ugly and painful...and...well...very much necessary. But no one can be honest. Because people take honesty for mean-ness. And, for the most part, no one afford to ostracize anyone.

Thandie Newton has had a career most actresses would die for. Culminating in a brilliant Golden Globe nod as Maeve, the brothel madam of "Westworld". She deserved to win.

She is not afraid to tell the truth. And I beg beg BEG any of you getting in show biz, listen to her speak on Sam Jones' podcast Offcamera. It is literally a conversation off camera. Also, off the cuff. And brilliant. She has not the bitterness I exhibit in these blogs. No. She's pragmatic and deep. And is inspiring in the way we're always met with opposition when our ideas aren't made. She knows the pratfalls of.creativity and has lost many years in the throes of self-pity, absorption and general dissatisfaction of life. But had never derailed her spirit.

The human being is capable of much more than the pain we deeply feel. In essence, it isn't pain and heartache we attempt to recognize but a learning experience worthy of study.

Look, I'm making it sound super dull. It's not. She's academic but never patronizing. Hopeful, but very guarded. Honest about relationships with directors. And you hear great insight on a uneasy path.

Is she the winner in all this? I feel she has cracked a code. And can function amongst us. She is the battle tested Maeve character. Always questioning humanity and their motivation.

I love Thandie Newton. Made much more fascinsting by a simple conversation

Flakes!

I know, you're probably sick of me saying this over and over and over again.
Los Angeles is full of flakes. I'm one of them.
I only do projects I want to do. I need to get paid real money to give a shit. Kinda.
Here's the rub...people make plans and get busy. Know what most people are busy doing? Getting fucked up over the weekend. Because the week sucked. And if you're a working actor, you're bored. Weekends remind you of college (or whatever high school you had). That means you want to be seen and not work.

Know who succeed in Hollywood? People who say...and then do. The biggest thing in this godforsaken business is showing up. I'm dead serious. Most people IF they showed up WILL succeed. On time. I meant, show up on time and show up. MOST actors are fucking flakes, for...well, I'm can't come up with a reason. Other than they don't believe in the material. They don't like your fucking face. Or, they're lazy. Laziness is the worst excuse. Forgetting is probably worse than that.

Here's what happens. You coordinate a project. Then the talent says they forgot it was THIS weekend. They didn't forget. They put you off like a girl who doesn't like you would. A glam project they would juggle their Mother's will reading to get there. Nope. They think you're a dog. And then...expect you to welcome them with open arms. As if they are doing you a favor.

BIG BIG flag people...DO NOT EVER...EVER EVER EVER have anyone on your set that feels they are doing you a favor. You can feel like they are, but if they cop an attitude because they know...CUT THEM QUICK. It is the worse feeling in the world to have to worry about your movie and the feelings of some person who shows up wanting to be part of something but complaining the whole time. THIS is worse than flakes.

I sometime don't blame flakes though. Hell, I get surges of inspiration and want to leap to work. But then by the end of the week, I just want to watch shitty 80's sitcoms. My biggest fear is that I start to like that life. Because as I get older, it is easier to do nothing. The simple solution is to do what my friend Betsy has eloquently put...NEVER stop moving. You don't have to start if you just keep moving. Right? Common sense. Things stop for the dumbest reasons too. Creative differences, logistical problems, weather, etc...the point is to keep it moving. If people are around that feel they need to criticize...keep moving. Leave them behind. Watch these asshats cling onto your heels talking their shit as you keep moving.
Just don't be a flake, commit to what you say you will do, and do it.
I will do the same. We'll succeed together.

Alec Baldwin's Memoirs

Baldwin's got a new book out where he bashes a few Hollywood dudes, admits to cocaine and alcohol binges and regrets calling his daughter a pig. Nothing new there. He says of Harrison Ford how much resentment he had after Ford took over the Jack Ryan character. Baldwin, in my opinion, seemed more suited for the role as written.

Strange when a dashingly handsome dude has so many demons. He friggin banged Kim Basinger in her prime, the fuck can he complain about? Here's what...I think...and this is simply opinion, he may have been molested as a child. This type of hair trigger anger is due to some abuse of some kind. And being that he was a good Catholic boy, it's a matter of time before he admits it.

I like Baldwin as an actor. Guy's hilarious. But you can sense something much more...broken. A bloated has-been dsshing Hollywood face (go look at "The Hunt For Red October" to see how painfully handsome he was) replaced a star in the making. This is not to say he doesn't blame himself for derailing. I'll just wait for the real memoirs. When he OD's on painkillers or dies of diabetes to hear the truth truth.

Women Directors

People wonder why there aren't more female directors. That dynamic is changing now since women are acting more like (perceived) men. Case in point, the article about women having to pull their own weight in the household now. Which, by the way, side note...everyone needs a purpose. Not just having kids is a purpose. You think so, but most people still feel pretty empty after that, or when they're gone. You can live through your children this way, but...damn, is it more heartache.

Anyway, you should listen to the episode on "The Projection Booth" podcast on the making of "Making Of Mr. Right." They have interviews from the director Susan Seidlman, the writers Laurie Frank and Floyd Byars.

If you've ever seen the movie, you know that it has a very odd 80's sensibility. In loud colors and weird concept. Forget the movie, the casted John Malkovich as a sexy robot. Think about that for a second. This was okay'd by the studio simply because...Seidlman had broke the bank with "Desperately Seeking Susan" Everyone wanted the guy role. As written, it was meant for a Olympic god. Arnold Schwarzenegger was the name then. Guess what...he wanted to be in it. Also...Bruce Willis. He was hot off "Moonlighting" and "Die Hard and "Blind Date." He desperately wanted the part.

Here's where the movie (although critically a good movie, box office bomb). Having now the arrogance of a success, she simply put in oddball people...because she could. And anyone who questioned her was blasted with the fact that she was an creative mind that had created a success. Never mind that the reason for the success of "Desperately Seeking Susan" was because Madonna just had a massive hit record. The female roles were given to Glenn Hadley and Ann Magnuson. Both hardly sex pots.

And that's why women were/are terrible directors. Emotions get in the way of common sense. Seidlman never considered the money aspect of the movie. Only that SHE would be the star of the movie. Director as star is not an uncommon thing then. Scorsese or DiPalma for instance. BUT...

...she would not be overshadowed by a marquee name like Arnold or Bruce or...big name actresses. Because it would mean she wasn't in the limelight. Not a big deal. We all have egos. But, this one was at the expense of a lot of money riding on it.

These days, I think Kathryn Bigelow and Patty Jenkins have a more broader view of being a female director. It means not having to be the stars. Since already being a female director puts you on in the spotlight. The jealousy aspect did cut into Bigelow early on. Casting Lori Petty as a love interest to Keanu Reeves? Right. It's probably a response to ugly guys getting starlets. But that's not the world we live in.

If you can dump the jealousy part, then you will be effective. It's hard though. Even as a guy. I recall casting a girl I liked in two of my movies. When I discovered she had a thing for one of my actors, I split ties with her afterwards. NOT before getting what I wanted on screen. But...it could've been better.

Though I'm not immune, I'm also not working with other people's money. Imagine where she'd be now.

Feminist Getting What They Wanted

From a woman in regards to an article about men complaining about their wives:

"Interesting read, though slightly depressing. A great social commentary. It's seems to be more husbands complaining about wives. Generally Modern Women have very high stress levels and are expected to:
- Groom themselves to look beautiful
- Cook Food
- Clean the house
- Wash Clothes
- Go to work and make money for the family
- Make babies and look after them
-Work out
The whole process can be exhausting !"

Bitch...welcome to your feminist reality.
You asked for it, you got it. And men bitchin' about it? The fuck do you think we were listening to sincr cavemen times?

How does it feel to be equal? Oh right, you never wanted equal. You wanted preferential.

There is a difference.
And the kitchen doesn't look so bad anymore.