Sunday, July 7, 2019

Washout

I know a lot of you probably I'm a piece of shit for telling you your Hollywood dreams won't come true. They will, if you keep them in reality. Most don't. Most washout.
There is NOTHING wrong with quitting Hollywood. Honestly...go look at all the 90's to 2000's stars of that era and see what they are up to. Most have washed out, others, work on the fringe. These are the people I respect the most. One of my favorite actresses of the 90's teaches musical theater. I love that more than anything. Meant she was in it for the craft.

For filmmakers, washing out is bizarre. Obviously people need money to live and keep doing what they're doing. Most leave the business to pursue teaching. To me, if they never cracked the code, even at the smallest level, you probably shouldn't be teaching anything on filmmaking.
Some may consider me a wash out since I went into a more steadier job (steady-ish anyway, nothing in this business is solid). But, I've had my moments in the business. It's more corporate than you realize. Especially now. That's not what we signed up for. So I essentially started my own mini-studio to do the projects when I want, how I want. This does take some discipline because no one is making this an assignment. That's all on me. Yes, I love to bitch that I shouldn't have to drag others into this endeavor, since they want to work in the business. My film school friend whom I speak to about the matter is perfectly okay to work in the margin. Remember what I said about film fans versus film makers. Most in film school are film fans. And the market has expanded where the world are more proficient in telling stories than Americans. The international film world is interesting in that the government selects and funds them. America is the only first world nation that doesn't do this. Weird.

But everyone still wants to tackle Hollywood. Because we all do have this notion that this place is still the epitome of "making it." I'm actually surprised that more people are dis-enfranchised by the facade this town is (how miserable is your previous living?!). Though, as you get more embedded into this town and start to integrate into the work, a lot of things do become clear. The hierarchy exists, if not to create gatekeepers. These are the people who will make you wash out faster. Because nothing in this business is remotely fair. I've seen too many talented people spinning their wheels in fear and mental fatigue/illness. Washing out, in a lot of cases is never giving this town a chance.

There's a scene in Preston Sturges "Sullivan's Travel" where Joel McCrea pretending to be a homeless man runs into Veronica Lake at a diner. She feels pity for him and offers to buy him food. We discover she is an actress who is about to be washed out. But before so, she mentions everything that got her to that point (in hilarious insightful cynical tropes of Hollywood). This existed since the 1940's. Yet, here we are, still stupidly pursuing _________.
well, if you can fill in this blank without a sense of irony, you are going to do fine here.

Friday, July 5, 2019

The Sacrifice

As the Fourth of July in America blows up in my neighborhood (and most likely will continue through the weekend) I slave away at the next episode of my micro-series. When I say "slave" it's in jest. Simply because it's fun putting this one together. There are no expectations per usual but also...it feels like moving forward.

I had a friend come by and tell me he was going to a fireworks display in Santa Monica.
A few things occurred to me at that point. For one thing I wasn't invited, the jerks! Just joking. But more importantly, jealous of people in film school
I had film school friends once. And, for fear of sounding like the old man telling kids to get off their lawn, in the end, MAYBE one or two will keep in touch. The rest..well, it will become a distant memory when they start to work. Unfortunately, as my ex-girlfriend use to say "life gets in the way." As tragic as that may sound, because at this point they spend morning, day and night with each, it is growth. People meet other people and have to get into the reality of the world which is...work.

The reality of it is, when you're in your early 20's, you want to socialize. And you should. I partied well into my 30's. But at the same time, I also partied alone. Which meant not being involved in a lot of social events. At that age, it sucked because that's where I'd meet pretty girls. That's the sacrifice (or in my case, I got sick of being rejected). If you are part of the "popular crowd" and you want to succeed, time to shed that as well. In the past, this did work. Hollywood is high school part 2. And it still kind of is. But if you're that nerdish kid sitting in the computer lab figuring out something...people gravitate towards you. These words haunt me "everything goes to power." In other words, chasing something does nothing for you. If they come to you, you know you've achieved something (did I mention I wasn't invited to go see fireworks, heh-heh-heh).

I would hope no 22 year old would be reading this blog to get ideas on how to succeed, mostly because they wouldn't listen anyway. I didn't. And I don't listen to dudes older than me now. I think they're wrong and I'm unique (I'm not, neither are you). The only thing that should drive your ambition is asking yourself what it is you want from working in Hollywood. If it's money and fame, awesome. They have that, but it also has over 9 million people to remind you you get lost in the crowd. If it's to tell some agonizing story of your youth (at 22?! get fucked) then I challenge you to make it interesting. A lot of divorce stories in my film school. But if the moving image is being used for a greater good of telling a compelling story to an audience who will understand (niche)...well, any passionate play is fueled by the blood of exuberance. Anything else is just an assignment.

If I were to lecture a film school, I'd tell them a few things (they'll probably ignore, because they're grotesquely arrogant) have a unique passionate vision that only you like. DO NOT copy anyone else because they do "cooler" things. Find your own view of a story without second guessing your instincts (this will come later). Be brave when mostly alone (which if you've read this, you should be alone most of the time). And don't let others tell you that you are wrong (which you probably are) in the stories you want to tell (you are wrong everywhere else, mostly technical).

The point being, sacrifice is grinding it out while others play. And others play constantly. Be the person (such as my friend in film school who came by to borrow a camera) take advantage of EVERY opportunity to make yourself better above your peers but not in spite of them. Because you want to.

Making it here is a lonely place. The other life comes later. This is what will confuse a lot of newbies.

Monday, June 17, 2019

Film Or Any Art Trade School

Personally, with all the internet and YouTube videos and just clubs around your hometown, I think film school is pretty useless. Yes, you meet people, but those aren't typically people who do get your foot in the door. And, in terms of where you want to be in the industry, most of the time the instructors know less than you do. In fact, no one knows how to get a foot into the business. They only know how THEY got into the business.

But I understand...the word "school" makes it palpable to a lot of people. For one thing, you get validated through instructors who have worked in the business (at least they should). And also you are learning to follow a curriculum. But, honestly, nearly everyone I've met in the business who finished film school aren't working in the industry at the place they want to be. Because this business lacks common sense. Typically, you get a degree and you're placed in a job. That's it. Nope.

For the amount of money you pay, it doesn't pay off immediately. In fact, you should brace yourself in knowing that you start from the bottom. Which is where you would've started had you not gone to film school. That "bottom" is an opportunity to learn. Film school sometimes does make you a "know it all" which no one likes (I was one). I suggest interning somewhere. A LOT of actresses I knew took jobs as desk clerks in agencies (it's horrible from what I hear). But with the #metoo movement, you probably will experience less sweaty nasty men. I mean that for the gay actors too (redundant). Just kidding. But let's say management or agent sees you. Yes, I understand this is a ploy a TON of people do, but it may work for you.

From what I see though, these schools are simply for some bright creative types who are fearful of the "real world." Which I don't blame them. Every single person working in this business today fears what is in store for tomorrow. Or has to continually fight for things. Even at the highest level. In school, you are insulated with a curriculum. Bright students embrace this. But it has no practical application because it is also a business.

In creative schools there is a sense of vindictiveness and resentment that comes with being a creative type. At first, you can clutch your pearls in horror at the amount of pettiness, but you realize this is actually closer to the "real world" than coddling you. Which a lot of institutions do...because they want your money (sorry, it's true...numbers game). Also they want diversity. When I went to film school in 1998, there was two Asian people...in Los Angeles. They had to recruit me and my (now) friend from Florida and Ohio.

Anyway, I'm not suggesting you not go to school. But question your motives. Most of us were there to hide from the reality of the business, which, at the time, didn't have internet, so the mountain was hidden. Today, you can do your research and find out what works for you. For the most part, I suspect most of you are there to hide from real responsibility. Continue the party until it ends. I don't blame you.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Gay Pride Month

To be honest, the gays have won. They get recognition for...fuck if I know. But they're happy and they want you to know. Here's the thing...no one cares anymore. In 1985 I think it would've been a big deal. But press and media have blown it (heh heh heh) out of proportion. Because most heteros don't care. And you are fucking with our traffic.

As I've said in past blogs, having gays in your neighborhood are a great thing. They make the neighborhood nice and clean. They are respectful when it comes to not bugging you. And it isn't like they're teaching your kids to suck dick. That's a hetero pedophile that does that. And, in case you weren't paying attention, the more guilt ridden you make a gay, the more they attack children (Catholic priests).

To me, it requires no month to celebrate sexuality. NO sexuality should be celebrated with a parade. I mean, seriously. We get it, and we like you and we're use to it now. So give it a rest.

Monday, June 3, 2019

Dread

Do you know the concept of "dread"?
There are a lot of people in this world now that live in a constant condition of dread. It is the reluctance to face what is ahead. Most likely because it means some form of pain.

A lot of people wake up to it. Either going to school, work, dentist, mechanics, having to make rent...it's just a constant barrage of it.
Most people don't know this word, but know it by the way it feels. I think it sits in the subconscious. Like "man, Monday's suck." I would say you dread Mondays.

There is also a very dark version of dread, which is the one linked closer to death. I dread finding out the news of a loved one dying or dead. My Mom rarely answers the phone for this reason (and if she does, you can hear it in her voice).

I didn't realize how much of this I did get from my Mom. Not that I dread life...in fact, it's been great to me. REALLY great (comparatively to things I've read or heard). But I think when I wake up in the morning I think of everything I must do before I can get back to a comfortable spot (to watch 80's sitcoms tee-hee). It is a low level sense of dread. For other things that I can't speak of now, but I believe my Mom suffers from what others in this world may feel as a part of their dread which is...
...we have no control over our lives.

Nope. You don't. You can make choices, yes, and there is free will. But the world doesn't have a bubble around you to make it 100%. The dread most people probably feel is the lack of control. Think about it...you go to work...for what? So you can pay bills. Is that control? You go to the gym or exercise. For what? So you don't have a heart attack. Is that control?

If you come to the realization that the facade of control can be relinquished, I think you live a more enriched life. Because you understand that nature, Earth, celestial beings and the afterlife is around you. The illusion is that we have control. Especially in how we guide our lives (so we think). Or how others try to anyway. But we really don't have a choice. Our bodies will betray us, regardless of choice. This the thought that makes every second of every day precious.

I realize the people who have committed suicide in our lives lived in dread. Instead of embrace the lack of control (by the way, I feel their out of control behavior is due to the inability to control...guess what killing yourself offers...control). I think that once your dread level exceeds your acceptable living standards level, you do the unthinkable.

To me, it is a massive relief to know things happen regardless of your existence. While it's nice to consider that people rely on you and need you and the memories are precious. Absolutely there is sadness. But there were living beings here on Earth before us on a daily basis that tackled the topics we think about today.
The best thing for dread? Relinquish control. Stop being upset if things aren't turning out the way you want it to. Expectations are great, but don't let it consume you.

Sunday, June 2, 2019

The Hollywood Sheen

On my last trip home to Cincinnati, a friend of mine and I went to hang out at an upscale bar/restaurant. The pretty bartender behind the counter greeted us warmly. My friend playing wingman decided to share with her that I'd just come in from Hollywood, California. Because Van Nuys is just too vague.
He also started puffing up my stats of working on high profile movies. To which my mind was capturing maybe a small bit of the conversation, since it goes to the next big question "What DO you do?"
I am not a producer or director. So that's not glamorous. Nor am I an actor. I work in post production. And to explain what I do is met with a blank stare. Which is pretty much the look I got. In fact, prior to the resume dump from my buddy, it was a blank look regardless.
Which got me thinking...
America today could give a flying fuck about Hollywood. UNLESS, your name is Leo, Brad or George (which by the way, everyone in Cincinnati has a Clooney story. He is loved there and almost played for the Reds. As did Charlie Sheen, by the way).

There aren't stars anymore. And I know I keep beating this drum, but I think we know too much about big named actors now and we don't like it.
The issue is that everyone (in our most narcissistic state) is a star in their own right. You write a blog, you are a star. You have a big ass (star). You model for some obscure skater clothing line (star). And so if there are so many stars, there isn't enough...interest.

Sure there still are people of caliber that drives people wild. Tom Cruise still rocks it. As does The Rock. But they may never reach legendary status (which is some circles would argue, the young folk wouldn't know Humphrey Bogart if he sat on their faces). There are no Marilyn Monroes, or James Deans...because media over-saturates them ad nauseum. Not that we didn't care about the stars personal lives back then. Babies being born, divorces, death. But it seemed much more civil. As in we kept out distance. But with the information at your fingertips, the sense of "fanboy'ing out" just doesn't seem to hold its value. I remember when "Alien 3" came out, I got every "Fangoria" and sci-fi mags I could get because I crushed on Sigourney Weaver. I don't think the younger people have to go to those lengths as much. And thus..hold no value.

I think the bartender seemed to also be incredulous to how things are made as well (or don't care). There isn't glamour like there use to be. To her, a simple blurb in some celebrity blog fulfills her need of Hollywood. I could explain the nuts and bolts, but that isn't hot.

It was telling only because not but 10 years ago, the mention of even being in Los Angeles working in movies to the average Midwesterner meant something. With questions to follow. Now it is met with a shrug. I often question how many of us went into the movie business for the fame. Or at least, as my friend would say, cracked the lines of belonging somewhere.

Friday, May 24, 2019

Human Decency

I urge everyone who reads this to show a little more decency to one another.
I am constantly surprised how many people will shirk their responsibility or fault and lie, for what amounts to not much. This is a fight or flight mindset, supposedly. The honorable thing is to be honest. This is what is missing because we are very suspicious of one another.

Being from the midwest there are a few things we USE to have. 1) always be kind to your neighbor 2) always help your neighbor.

This dissipates in larger cities, simply because of survival. The unfortunate thing is that this breeds terrible people from once good people. A decent person only needs to face a handful of awful people to "learn their lesson" in survival. No one else cares, regardless if it meant your health or well being. To most people in L.A. it seems they look to take advantage of people and guise it under "they were gonna screw me before I screw them." Money. And the money people turn us against one another.

My sister told me that George Harrison, in his dying breath said "love one another."
For me, I would want to say "be kinder to one another."
There are incredibly honorable people in this world that just want fairness and honesty. Too many have infected our mindset the opposite. And now, we see a more rabid selfish society. When you spill milk, admit it, clean it up and move forth with a clear conscience. It has worked for me for so long. So it is disappointing when people choose to be dishonest. It's actually MORE work to be dishonest according to what I see.

The sadness I feel now, is that people repeatedly choose the other option of being dishonest for preservation. Or that punishment would hurt them. This is a child's mentality. When I was a kid, we had movies about man'ing up and doing the right thing. Today...it's about what you attempt to get away with, and I'm tired of it.
Be decent. Do the right thing.