Wrap Party

I've been checking out a blog called "What Would Tyler Durden Do?" and I have to say, he'd post pictures of hot chicks in skimpy clothes. Most of the time, anyway. Makes me feel kind of pervy to click on the link.

As for the show, BW is done and gone and most people are quite happy about it. We still have 7 days of shooting scheduled but that may go up to 9 - we'll see.

The wrap party is on Sunday and should be craptastic. It's going to be at a bowling alley w/ karaoke, billiards, a batting cage, an arcade, etc and I've been told it's in the "economically disadvantaged area" of Boston. Doesn't matter because with them shooting on Saturday, I have to work on Sunday and I doubt I'll be done in time. Typical.

No Autograph For You

I finally got a chance to ask for BW's autograph for a friend of my sister and the response was "Ooh, autographs on the last day?"

I had no idea today was his last day. As I told the assistant, doing payroll means I live in last week. Oh, well. Sorry 'bout that. I have to say it would have been nicer for him to come around and see if we wanted an autograph rather than send the fruit arrangment. Didn't even have chocolate-covered strawberries...

Husband, you have a point about flowers, but despite the short life-span, there's nothing like the feeling of having someone place a beautiful bouquet in your hands and the anticipation of reading the card - not to mention the thrill of telling people your husband sent flowers "just because".

Thank You's

The construction medics brought payroll 2 cases of beer and several sets of pre-mixed margaritas a couple of weekends ago as a thank you. I took a picture w/ my phone but it's too blurry to use. Anyway, when they found out M doesn't drink, they sent us an Edible Arrangement so she could benefit (one of those mixed fruit packages cut to look like flowers).

This morning, another one came into the office, this time from BW and entourage. A thoughtful gift but considering we'd already gotten one, seems kind of cheap. I mean, that group makes more in a week than twice what my house costs.

Whatever, it was nice of them and I shouldn't be picky.

Thanks guys!

Why Shave Your Head

If you've been threatened with a subpeona for your hair so it can be drug-tested, shaving it off is a good way to make that issue disappear. Of course, you should be sure to collect said hair from the floor of the salon so the owner and the paparazzi can't pick it up and sell it on ebay or turn it over for testing anyway...

Blech

I want absolutely nothing to do with work today. So far I've managed to accomplish almost nothing and I don't really care. I know I have to pay the actors and I really need to get the adjustments done. There's also a ton of filing to do...

Eh, whatever.

Husband, I know how you feel about flowers, but you know how I feel about them. Why does it have to be your way?

Bad News

My best friend's mother, my second mom, was disgnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. It's the same thing that killed Betty, my MIL. Ma has had surgery to remove as much as possible and is recuperating for a few weeks before they begin chemo. I took time off work to go home for the weekend and hangout with Sped and Ma - who seems to be in good spirits and doing well, all thing considered.

I've only cried once about it and I was at work, so it didn't last long. Why does shit like this have to happen?

Not Time To Go

A week or so ago, our star announced at lunch (half way through the working day) that his plane was waiting for him on the tarmac and he was leaving. And he did. We finished out the day shooting around his stuff. What an asshat.

Some Drama

There's been some good drama and I have some juicy emails to share, but they're in pdf format and I have to black-out some names before I can post them.

But I can say our star decided to go to NY on Tuesday and, despite having a 9am call time, let us know he wouldn't be in until noon. Of course, we were informed slightly before noon he wouldn't be in until 3pm.

And, even though we had 3 Saturdays scheduled so we could be finished 8/4, he decided he didn't want to work on 2 of those Saturdays. Now we're shooting through 8/8 and will probably be in Boston until after Labor Day.

That's it for now, time to go home and get some sleep.

Sofie Barks

They're shooting on stage right now and since this building was originally just a warehouse, it's not soundproof in any way. When Sofie and I left last night, we went out the back hallway, as we usually do. One end of the hall goes outside and the other end dumps onto the stage - the door from the offices is in the middle.

There was someone coming in from outside and Sofie started barking at him. From the stage end of the hall, I heard a loud SHHHHH, then "cut". Turns out Sofie ruined a take and the 1st AD threw a fit yelling about who would bring a dog to a set...

I wonder if it'll make the blooper reel?

Sofie's Housemate

and admiring fan...

Stunt Money

Stunt people get paid a certain amount just for showing up. Then if they do a particularly dangerous stunt, they get a stunt adjustment. It can range anywhere from a couple hundred bucks to thousands.

The most I had ever paid was $5000 to set someone on fire.

I'm processing a timecard this week for a guy who's getting $13,750.00 in extra money. Now, I've seen the stunt he did (the 2nd unit UPM let us watch some of the footage that had been cut together) and I'd have to say it's probably worth it. If the sequence had gone wrong that stunt guy would have broken his back and then landed on his head.

Damn.

Cheap Bastages

There's a well known comedian who used to do movies. He was so cheap, at the start of every new production he would change his subscription to the LA Times to the production company. It was still delivered to his house - just paid for by the movie.

London Bridge

The husband took this pic for me while driving home from Boston. He stopped in Lake Havasu, AZ.

Darby Pictures!

7 Day Weeks

Ok, 2nd unit started and I'm slammed. I've been working 7 days a week for about 3 weeks now and will continue until after the 4th of July. The paperwork is atrocious and there's a ton of it (but that's typical on most shows).

The Best Boy Grip quit today and took one of his guys with him. I'd heard the rumor of it this morning from Transpo but then he showed up during lunch and turned in his petty cash and a timecard. Definitely not just a rumor.

I really need to get back to work. I'm procrastinating on paying the actors because the paperwork sucks (surprise) and there are about 40 of them. Ugh.

Post Already

I've been reading the archives of several differnt blogs lately, mostly while folding and stuffing checks or stapling timecards.

I have come to a realization - it seems the bloggers stop posting not long before I get to the current stuff. So I'm all caught up and there's nothing new to read. I keep checking back and nothing. Some of them have been off for months!

Now, I know I take time off between posts, but nobody but friends and family read what I write and they can always call or email if they need to reach me. It seems the ones I'm reading are popular, they pull in an audience, then they stop. Waiter Rant got a book deal and barely posts anything anymore.

Is it wrong to feel let down?

Stolen

Sped had her car stolen, again. The other time was outside our old Riverside Drive apartment in LA. This time was outside her own place further south. I hope they either find it or the insurance company coughs up some decent dough.

We'll have to get you another surfer girl sticker, Sped.

Blase

Hot and Swank

It's been in the 90's here this week and it totally sucks. I forgot how much I hate humidity. Plus our rental house doesn't have A/C and the 3rd floor is like an oven. I got a fan and it made it bearable for me, but Sofie couldn't handle it. The first night, she flip-flopped around trying to get comfy and when she ended up on the floor, I decided it was too much. We've been sleeping on the couch cushions on the 1st floor (there are ceiling fans down there).

The heat wave is supposed to break tomorrow, but I think I'm going to get myself an air mattress anyway. There's still a lot of summer left.

I have finally laid eyes on BW. We went to set on Friday for $ delivery and he was standing on the steps of his trailer talking to someone. He's not as big as I thought. Not that he's short (he was standing on a step so it was hard to tell) but I thought he'd be more solid, more muscular. Nope.

Actually, the best part about Friday was getting to see the old mansion the set was in (the Ames Mansion) and eat lunch in the Harvard Club. Both were very swank.

Stunts Look Fun

I'm sitting at my desk checking payroll edits and watching a stunt man fly through the air outside. He's rigged up to a huge crane and is practising a running leap - it makes him look superhuman. I'm a terrible judge of distance, but it looks to me like he could jump over a couple of cars.

I wanna try it.

My Weekend Started Early

Margarita Friday went well yesterday. I used the recipe I got from my boss on Used Guys (Corona, tequila, and limeade) but I didn't use a blender, just put them over ice. Everyone said they were good but I was surprised the guys from production didn't participate. It's the first time on any movie an entire department declined because they were still on the clock. Whatever. Next week my asst is doing Martini Friday.

Today we're going to see the play Cardenio. I can't remember the last time I saw live theatre (and I know at this point the husband is humming Jesus Christ Superstar but I'm not going there). It's a matinee and I really need to get into the shower so we're not late.

One last thing - I didn't get to go to set yesterday but my asst said that BR (from the War post) came up and gave her a big hug and said all sorts of pleasant things. She was a bit shocked and we wonder if someone said something to him... considering I gave a copy of his email and my response to the UPM, maybe someone did.

An Email Comment

Erdedo commented on a post thru my regular email acct and since I get so few comments, I thought I'd post it:


So I have to move offices later this month, and I was checking the status of the approval of a helicopter to fly clothes an hour away. If that is the case, surely I can get my work to pay for a moving company to pack up my stuff and move it for me. I mean, I'm not picky. They can just walk or drive it over, not fly it. (Of course I realize I will be packing and moving myself, but all is good).

Glad to hear some of that sarcasm back in your blog.

E

War Has Been Declared

Film-Chick,

We have been sent union vouchers by Sessions, when we are in need of non-union. Please look at the extras breakdown and make sure there is enough non-union vouchers at the production office to cover the rest of the show. Remember that Casting does fittings at the production office when we are on location; also we voucher out of town extras on their days off. We will be more diligent in telling you when we are getting low on time cards and vouchers, but these should not be coming from LA they should be in the office ready to come out on the next run.

Thank you so much for all your help.

BR
Additional Second Assistant Director


BR,

Surprisingly, after 10 years of doing this job, I know enough to have a stash of vouchers in the office. I have learned this lesson the hard way because many AD departments are incapable of keeping track of how many vouchers are left in a box.

Let me recap this situation:

1) You called us last Monday and told us you desperately needed vouchers, that you wouldn't be able to get through the next few days without them. You then claimed WE should have known you were low because of how many you had sent in, rather than you knowing you were low by looking IN THE BOX.

2) I chose to order vouchers from LA rather than give you the last of my stash and had them Fedex'd overnight to the hotel per your request.

3) You called on Tuesday, asking for the vouchers. We responded that they were waiting at the front desk of the hotel - per your request. Therefore you had to either send someone to the hotel during the day to pick them up or you waited until you were wrapped and then picked them up. If you had let us receive them, they would have been delivered into your hands around lunchtime.

4) Knowing you were supposed to get 2 boxes of vouchers, 1 union and 1 non-union, you somehow managed to only collect 1 box and totally ignore the fact you were shorted FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK the vouchers you so desperatly needed. How you managed to scrape through I'll never know.

5) John called today asking for non-union vouchers. We asked him what happened to the 1000 vouchers you were supposed to have gotten last week - remember, NO ONE CALLED TO TELL US THEY DIDN'T ARRIVE.

6) Now I get this email TELLING ME HOW TO DO MY JOB WHEN IT'S CLEAR I AM.

You will get your vouchers but they will not be sent by the case. There's no need to pay for shipping when they just disappear into some black hole. I will send you what you need each week per the schedule.

And if you keep putting wardrobe bumps in the "other" box, I'm sending them back for correction.

Film-Chick
Payroll Accountant

Mr Stud-Mime

I met Mr. Stud-Mime today. He's actually very nice. But I don't feel bad about mocking the headshot.

As Promised

Actors and Extras

We had to send 3 extras home this past week (all of the were models) for the following reasons:

1) The first one looked nothing like his headshot
2) The second one had, according to the costume department, the largest ass of any male model they'd ever seen.
3) The third one had a herpes wound on his face the size of his face.

Harsh business.

But I have to say the funniest thing I saw all week was the headshot for #38. There's a wall in every production office where they post the headshots of all the cast as they are hired. I like to check it out as I walk by, looking to see if they got anyone I recognize and evaluating everyone - some look really young or some shots are kinda cheesy. This past week, I was putting something on Monte's desk and glancing over the new additions when I stopped dead in my tracks and just stared. The clerk was watching, waiting for my reaction. When I had stood there a few seconds, she says "number 38?" and laughed.

The guy is totally buff, naked from the waist up, arms crossed over his chest in a tough-guy stance. But he's wearing mime makeup and white gloves and a black beret... WTF? I need to scan the pic in and post it. It's hilarious.

Anyway, I need to get to bed. It's not a long weekend for me and I have to work tomorrow. I went in a bit yesterday and today so it wouldn't be so bad, though. I'm hoping it's a good week so I can go to the Duran Duran concert on Wednesday night, but I'm doubting it.

Tidbits from Boston

While we were shooting on Beacon Hill, the residents of the area thought our extras were prostitutes and called the police.

The AD's lost the vouchers from Friday and tried to blame it on everyone else. They showed up today.

The AD's ran low on blank vouchers and when my asst commented that they should have let us know before they reached the bottom of the box, BR said he figured we'd know they were low by how many were coming in...

Because this show is set in a future where people can buy made-to-order robots, a lot of our extras have to be pretty (models and such). A group of them were sent home today for not being pretty enough. Ouch!

Our current set is about an hour west of Boston and we'll be there for a couple of weeks. Our star is moving out there, but for some reason he wants us to rent a helicoptor to move his clothes out there, too. I guess a car isn't good enough for them.

The Travel Coord (the same crappy woman from Phoenix) has finally started showing her true colors. Nobody is happy with her and she now has 2 assistants. I still hate her but it makes me happy that I was right. Thank dog I warned everybody about her so no one got too burned.

The director asked for a picture of a pasty, doughy, small, geeky guy for a scene and wanted the APOC to go thru the crew badge photos to find one. The APOC, with the producer's blessing, is sending out the photo of the director.

There's a scene in the movie where they scan through a bunch of driver's licenses and they got photo releases from some of the crew to use the badge photos. The producer's asst came by the other day to ask about getting the license numbers for those same crew members to use, since it would be easier than running a bunch of created numbers through clearances. We said no. He said it would be really small and go by really fast. We said until the DVD came out and someone with some technology got hold of them. Then we said no again.

More to come...

Update

I'm still in Boston (Woburn to be precise). The weather is starting to warm up but it rains on the weekends. I drove to Old Orchard Beach Maine this past Saturday to check out a dog park for Sofie but no one was there and the place was still shut for the season. It was a lot like Pigeon Forge in the winter.

I'm working 6 days a week and it's tiring. I haven't been to the gym in I don't know how long but I made an appointment with a trainer for tomorrow morning so that's that.

I haven't met anybody famous yet. I've met a couple of the actors but it's no one I recognized. I'm hoping to meet BW as one of his driver's likes Sofie.

There's a lot of drama on this show but it's not anything to do with big names - just interoffice crap that makes the day go by that much longer.

I'll write more soon. Going home now.

4 Years

Maybe this is why I've been feeling down all week. I miss you Betty.

Thursday

It's really starting to warm up here in Woburn. A few (very few) of the trees/bushes are blooming and the sky is clear most of the day. I'm going to start riding my scooter around to keep the battery going.

Work is still pretty basic, not much to report. There are 3 glittery blue Jeep Cherokees in the parking lot this morning. Not the kind of thing you see every day. I'll take a pic later if I get the chance.

Sofie is laying in the sunshine warming her belly and barking/growling at everyone who comes through. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to send her to day care one day during the week if this keeps up. Seems she's getting territorial.

Home Again

The husband and Darby made it home safely today. I was more worried about them then I thought I would be. I'm going to miss them and I know Sofie misses them. She goes up to our room and looks for them every night. I know it'll stop but it's sad to see.

I realized I need to be consistent about what I call the recurring nightmare from Phoenix. At one point I called her DASH (dumb ass shit head) and then when she showed back up I called her Heinous Bitch. I'm thinking of going with HB.

Having her there is like fingernails on a chalkboard. I avoid her at all cost and when I accidentally smiled at her I was so pissed at myself (I was in the kitchen and she came around the corner and I didn't realize it was her so I smiled in greeting). I just need to ignore it and be an adult but I will never forget or forgive for Phoenix.

Anyway, we're about to pack it up for the night. I hope something gossipy happens soon. The only news I have is I've started going to the gym on a regular basis. That and the rumor they won't be paying for lunches during shoot is probably false.

Dredging Up Bad Memories

I realized after some searching that I didn't post about everything that happened in Phx - which would then explain why I reacted so badly to DASH (dumas ass shit head) showing up in Boston.

I thought I'd try to rectify that in the next few days. Now I'm not so sure it's a good idea.

All I can say right now is in the 10 years I've been doing this, she is the only person who has ever made me walk out on a job.

This Show Could Really Suck

So, I'm working on a Disney show in Boston. The travel coord is inexperienced and quit, so they hired someone to replace him.

The husband left this morning and I was feeling down about that, so when I walked into the office and see Heinous Bitch Prod Supervisor From Phoenix is the new travel coord I completely flipped. I nearly ran down the hall to the 1st's office, dropped my stuff, fell to my knees, and basically had a panic attack. I told the 1st I couldn't work w/ her, that I'd need to switch offices, all sorts of stuff (the travel coordinator's office is across the hall from mine, but down a bit so I can't see but I can occasionally hear and will most definitely run into her coming and going).

Eventually I calmed down and was able to tell her what had happened in Phoenix. She got the acct in and I repeated the story then let them read the blog emails. Luckily they like me enough to take it seriously and have decided everything she does will have to be in writing.

But can you believe I go 3000 miles away and run into this Demon Fiend the morning my husband leaves? Pray for me (mostly that I don't kill her).

False Alarm

Bill is not doing our project. The asst wrote me with that info and while disappointed, I did take the opportunity to throw in an oblique request for an autograph. Better than nothing...

Bill's Back!

I just got a phone call from an asst at CAA - trying to make sure I have the necessary paperwork for their clients... She had a booking slip for Bill Nighy!!! I haven't heard anything about him getting cast but I so hope he is. Maybe now I'll get my autograph.

Cheap Bastard

One of the office PA's turned in a petty cash envelope that had a case of Atkins bars on it. J decided to check it out and was told they were for the crap-ass POC. She told the acct who said to take it off the envelope - no reimbursement for personal food (the acct and the co-first are on the zone and nutri-system and they buy their own food - the office still isn't buying lunches for anyone).

Anyway, the POC comes back and says T approved it. The acct says fine, put it on a check request and we'll send it to the studio for approval. The POC wants to know why the acct is being such a stickler about it and she points to her food and says "Because I paid for mine. You've got to walk the talk."

The resolution was to put the bars in the kitchen for anybody to eat and as soon as the acct told me, I ran over there and grabbed one. Not that I wanted one, I just wanted the POC to get shafted. When I went back by later the box was more than 1/2 empty. I don't know if people were eating them or if the POC was hoarding them, but I grabbed 3 more and stuck them in my drawer.

I need to stash some more.

Happy Bunny

My asst just sent me 4 pair of Happy Bunny socks. I love them! @ of them actually have the bunny on them and the other 2 are plain, but still cute. I'm wearing one now that matches my t-shirt but my favorite is the one that reads "I'm not saying I'm cool. That's your job."

An Audience of One

The husband says if I want more readers, I have to make my blog purely professional. I have to name names and only write about work-related stuff. I can totally see his point.

I'm just not sure how much I care about having readers versus having a place to vent. When I read other blogs and see comments on them, I get jealous. But the thought of not writing about something because it didn't happen on set is depressing. This blog is supposed to be about me, not the already famous people I work with.

So. I haven't written anything for days and no one has noticed. But I miss it. I guess that's what really matters.

Art

I walked Sofie into the defunct cafeteria of our rented warehouse and found artwork on the walls. 3 of them are pretty generic, but the 4th is a Kandinsky. I put it up in my office and I'm planning on taking it with me at the end of the show. It's in a super nice frame and everything.

Done?

I really don't want to do the work that's on my desk - all contracts and crap for above the line producers and the director. I hate dealing with their paperwork.

Anyway, I just finished reading the archives for Barmaid Blog. It seems she's stopped writing on a regular basis though. I really enjoyed her work and often wonder what it would be like to have an audience like that, but I don't think I ever will. I'm not a great writer and I don't really have that much to talk about. I try but most of the time I forget to blog when something interesting happens and by the time I think to do it I've forgotten the details.

Maybe I should give it up.

There Could Be An Issue

The finance exec at the studio called our Production Office Coord not only incompetent but the most arrogant person she's ever met. Nice to know we're not the only ones who don't like him. His nickname is TAB, which stand's for TA's Bitch (TA being the UPM).

Misadventure

Did I mention I got a speeding ticket just outside Needles, CA? I was going 91 in a 70 and the cop busted me. I pulled over and she wrote it up and that was that. Until we realized that she must have scared Darby because the next thing we know the cat is taking a dump in the dog's bed.

We pulled over again and the husband got out with a bottle of water and a roll of toilet paper (which we are so glad we brought) and cleaned it out as best he could. She didn't do that the rest of the trip, luckily.

Anyway, I just called to find out how much the fine would be and the court clerk said they wouldn't have it in the system for 3 to 4 weeks. I was hoping to get it taken care of asap but I can't. Seems odd they put if off for so long.

We Made It.

Ok, it's been a long time since I posted but it's been a long trip.

The 1st night we made it to Santa Rosa, NM. The weather was fine, the hotel was nice, all went well.

The 2nd night we hit bad weather in Little Rock, AR. Snow, ice on the roads, etc. We decided we'd better drive on so we didn't get stuck there (not knowing the forecast). It's less than 150 from Little Rock to Memphis, TN and it took us 8 hours to get there. We only made it up to about 20 mph and there were 2 times we just sat for 20+ minutes waiting for the tow-trucks to haul the jack-knifed trailers out of the way. We were exhausted.

The 3rd night was spent in Roanoke, VA. It was cold but no more weather/traffic issues.

We got to Boston about 10pm Sunday night and checked into the final hotel. A really nice Hilton with a fantastic bed. But after staying at Super 8's across the country with free internet access, it really pissed us off that the Hilton wanted $10 per day for access. WTF?

Got to get back to work, more later.

Waiting to Go

My day has been so slow and I have so much to do at home before we leave. I'm just sitting here waiting for my paychecks to come through so I can process them, pack up my stuff, and go home.

About the best thing that happened today was seeing the husband when he brought over my stuff to ship. Whenever I see him somewhere different than normal, I flash back to our first date and seeing him waiting for me at the theatre. I hadn't realized until then how handsome he was.

I emailed my old assistant and told him I missed him. It was nice having someone to work with who I didn't have to train and keep an eye on. I also asked him to get me Hugh's autograph but didn't go so far as to ask him to get it on one of those bathing suit shots. Hubba hubba!

Anyway, I think I'm going to go ahead and start packing my office. There's only so many games of freecell a person can play.

And Jorge, if you get the part can I call you Jorge?

Star Comment Sighting!

You have to go back to Monday March 3rd and read the blog and comments - so cool.

And OMD is not a typo - it means Oh My Dog (since I don't believe in God but I do believe in my dog).

I've Been Sick

I've been sick and my boss sent me home early on Wednesday and Thursday and told me not to come in on Friday. So I spent most of the weekend sleeping and resting around and between my basic chores. I finally went to the doctor on Saturday because any exertion left me breathless and sweaty. I have an infection, most likely bacterial since it's responding to antibiotics. I also have an inflamed chest wall from all the coughing I did earlier in the week - that's what's causing the shortness of breath. So I have meds for that and an inhaler to keep me from coughing. Lovely.

I was supposed to go home early yesterday, too but I had to wait until I got my payroll in and it was my assistant's first day and I didn't leave until 6 (which technically is early). I feel better today but that's how it usually goes.. I'll have to see if I lose steam as the day progresses.

Got a lot to do to get ready to go. Have to check the weather reports for the southern route and clean and do laundry and pack and et al. I'm not worried - it'll all get done. I know I'm going for 6 months but I don't have to take my entire life with me. They have laundry and stores on the east coast. Anyway, this morning is take the cats to the groomers. Should be fun trying to round them all up.

Star Sighting (right from my desk)

They're casting for the movie around the corner and down the hall from me and I can see everybody coming in from the elevator right from my desk. Not that I recognize them all by name but a lot of them look familiar. It's hard not to stare at those - when you know who someone is right off, you can register it and move on. When they look familiar but can't be placed is when the staring starts. Very embarrassing.

I did see and recognize Jorge Garcia walk by (Hurley from Lost). I hope he gets the part.

Long Drive

I've been doing some research online about the drive to Boston. Mapquest wants to send us through Denver, Des Moines, Chicago, etc (the northern route) @ 2994 miles. I was thinking of going I-40 (the southern route) @ 3126 miles. The benefit is keeping south of any real winter weather.

Ugh - both of those numbers depress me.

I really just don't want to get stuck in snow and although preliminary forecasts look fairly clear until NY, it's colder on the northern route and therefore may be more likely to snow.

Anybody got a tips for me?

s.w.a.t

I just finished reading the script for s.w.a.t and I think the movie is better than the script. They definitely made it funnier but it's been a while since I saw the film so I don't remember other differences.

I do think it took a really long time to get the new team set up and into action. And I didn't care too much about any of them from what I read. All a bit stereotyped...

Anyway, another one down and tons more to go.

Sick-ish

I'm getting sick and I think it's because it's slow enough on my new show for my body to think I'm not working and it's losing all resistance. It's a phenomenon that happens to most people in the industry when they get done with a show. It's so busy during shooting you will yourself to stay healthy enough to work and then when it slows down all the accumulated germs attack and you're too weak to fight it off anymore.

Correction

Sorry, the director isn't complaining about $3000/month not being enough - he's complaining about $3000/week not being enough. He fuckin' can't find a place to live at $12,000 a month? Nope, he wants $20,000.

Asshat dumbas.

Cheap Bastard

The director on this movie has got to be one of the biggest asshats I've ever worked with. First, he wanted to know why we needed more than 3 accountants, then he complained $3000/month wasn't enough to find housing in Boston, now we find out he wants to use his budget money to hire a nanny instead of an assistant. He figures he'll just have the production office coordinator do all the work of his assistant on top of running the office.

The man is making more than $7 million on this show and he's complaining about not getting his personal expenses covered. Meanwhile, they cut our housing rate by $5 a day...

Sped

It looks like I'm going down to Sped's house this weekend. We haven't seen each other since Xmas and I don't know when we'll see each other once I go off to Boston. It should be nice.

Other than that, I don't have any great plans this weekend. More chores and getting stuff ready around the house. I'm glad we ended up with an extra week for all this crap.

Done and Done

It's official - we leave for Boston on March 6th. The date can't change because I've arrainged for a house/pet sitter to start then and that's that.

I actually found a lovely couple to watch things for us. They had great references and seemed quite nice when I met them at Starbucks last night. We'll have them come by next weekend to get keys and meet the kitties, learn about the basics of the house, etc. I'll be so glad if this works out - it'll save us a ton of money.

I still have to let the neighbor know they're going to be there so he doesn't call the cops on them! Too bad I can't seem to find his phone number.... Husband, do you have it?

Anyway. Our vet has changed clinics and thanks to the husband we know where she's gone. I've already made appointments for Sofie and Darby to get checked out for the trip but I still have to contact the old clinic and get the records. I asked the new place to do it and they tried, but the old place said I had to call for them. Lovely. I'm sure people switch vets all the time but it makes me uncomfortable. Then I remember how much I don't like the other vets and realize I have no choice. Tomorrow for sure.

They're casting for male singers for HSM3 right now. I think I'll try and grab something else for the girls before the end of the week. I have several things to get in the mail this weekend - books for my dad, stuff for Sped, and the sign I already stole for E's girls.

Upgrade

I just got a monitor upgrade at work - 22" monster! I feel like I should scoot back in order to see the whole screen at once.

This should be good for watching dvds at work. Or blocking people's view of me as they pass by.

Happy Birthday?

Why is it people sing Happy Birthday like it's a funeral dirge? I know there's a point in time when you don't want to get older but it's still supposed to be a celebration. If you can't sing it in less than 7 seconds you are singing too slow.

Poor Sofie

I took Sofie to the dog park yesterday (it was the 3rd time in as many days) and not 2 minutes after we got there she was being mauled by a schnauzer.

We entered the gates and walked over to the picnic table, passing a man with a dog between his feet sitting in a lawn chair. The guy was talking to the dog and I had the thought the dog must be new and scared. Well, I sat down and opened my book and heard this aggressive snarling. I looked around and then down to my feet and saw the schnauzer go at some dog's neck. It took me a second to realize it was Sofie! By then the guy had gotten to his dog and pulled it off and I picked Sof up and put her on the table, running my hand over her throat to make sure there wasn't any blood. It hadn't broken the skin but Sofie was terrified and covered in slobber.

I had the urge to pick her up and take her out but then realized if I did it might make her scared of coming back. So we sat for a minute and then walked down to the other end of the park. The man had put his dog back on the leash but they didn't leave either. It took about 45 minutes for Sofie to relax enough to play but she always knew exactly where that dog was and never strayed too far from me. At one point the dog was within 10 feet and Sofie wanted me to pick her up but I didn't - it was so hard not to coddle her. She did get extra attention from the other dog owners who asked if she was ok and scratched her bum.

After about 15 minutes of almost regular play we went home. The schnauzer was still there, still barking, growling, and jumping at every dog that got too close. I almost felt bad for it - it obviously needs the socialization.

Taxes

I got our taxes done today and I'm happy to report we are getting a refund. Now, normally we don't like to get a refund - we prefer to break even or pay a little. But with the trip to Boston and the need for a cat sitter I'm happy for the extra money.

I guess I should change my W4 allowances. Time to break out the tax tables and calculator!

Good Dog

I've never tried linking to a youtube video before but this is just too good...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sUL0KCIc48

IM

I have AIM on my computer and ever since I figured out how to put a little message by my name I've been typing in something relevant and (hopefully) witty. A couple of days ago I changed it to "I need a cat sitter".

Today I changed it to "I $till need a cat $itter ($ubliminal)".

I got a hit off of an APOC I worked with on the SoaP reshoots. Her production secretary is looking for a sublet and if she agrees to sit for us she can live for free while she finds a good place.

Finger crossed folks!

Off To Boston

My impassioned plea to the husband worked! We'll be taking Sofie and Darby to Boston and leaving the boy kitties behind. Not that I won't miss them but they'll be better off not traveling. Now I just need to start packing and getting the house cleaned up. Lovely.

Husband, Damn The Cost!

I want you to come to Boston and if that means paying a cat sitter $23 a day to look after the boys then so be it. If push comes to shove we can cut the visit down to 4 weeks instead of 5. Either way, I think it's silly to waste the chance.

Kitty Sitting

I don't know what we're going to do about the cat sitting situation. The service we've used before wants $750 to sit 2 cats for 5 weeks and although that's not a terrible weekly rate the total is too much. I've only had one person respond to the mass email I sent looking for someone and while he's willing to do it, he doesn't have a job lined up and may have to take a show that goes out of town. Then we'd be stuck.

I was resigned to the husband not coming to Boston until during wrap (if at all) and me coming home once a month or so. Then it started to look like he could come for a month during prep and I got too excited. I want to say damn the cost but I know that's not something he'll be comfortable with.

I wish we had someone who would help us out the way I think we would help them out. It's just so damn depressing.

Flying the Pooch

I was talking to my boss about taking our dogs to Boston - I told her Sofie is too big for under the seat and we won't put her in cargo. But I would happily buy her a regular ticket if they'd let her fly in the cabin, either in a crate or not.

She told me on her last show, the star had his own writer who insisted his dog travel with him to Hawaii. They ended up having to buy the dog a 1st class round trip ticket. Not the star's dog, the star's writer's dog...

Must be nice.

My Weekend

I've put the word out on needing a house/cat sitter for the month of March so the husband can join me in Boston w/o having to drive cross-country with a dog and 3 cats in the car (by himself). There's still a chance I will be able to drive with him, but I can't make any guarantees yet. There are a couple of leads so we'll have to keep out fingers crossed.

Went out to dinner with C and T on Friday - good times. T tried to get the waiter to sing Amazing Grace but he declined. She kept at him for a while and basically held up our drink order but we finally got her to let it go. She thought we were at Macaroni Grill (where they do sing) but we were at Marmalade (where they don't).

My seafood pasta was good but their filet mignon tacos were not - the meat was dry and tough and very disappointing. I liked it as a whole but thought it was a bit pricey for regular visits.

The rest of the weekend went pretty well. I got a lot of chores done that had been piling up. Beside the regular laundry and grocery shopping, I got the patio cleaned up, some plants repotted, the bathroom cleaned, the bedroom vacuumed, the orignal artwork hung, the books and dvd's shelved, and a pile of papers sorted. I still have stuff to do but it doesn't seem so overwhelming now.

And this morning I finally put the case of Alpo out by the dumpster (it wasn't good on Sofie's digestive system). It was gone by the time we got back from our walk...

SPFX Flowers

No, they didn't explode...

Underdog Was Here

Watch The Attitude

We may have an issue with the Production Office Coordinator on this show. Last night the accountant and I went to speak to him about our travel plans and he actually questioned her. He got all indignant about the possibility I may end up working 6 days if I traveled on Sunday as if it was any of his business. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The accountant started explaining it to him but she shouldn't have to explain herself to anyone but the UPM.

This morning, she came into my office and shut the door. I immediately wondered if I was going to get fired when she said, "So, about D..." and I said "I couldn't believe he was questioning you" and then we hashed over the whole exchange trying to figure out who he thought he was. If he's like that the whole show it's going to be ugly. The superior, condescending attitude has to go.

And if his "travel czar" doesn't improve dramatically, it'll be a disaster. We are all just waiting for that ship to sink.

Sofie On The Line

Sofie went with her dad to the picket line yesterday. She made quite an impression on everybody except the writers. They are a surly lot. But she enjoyed the attention from the security guards and the tourists and ending up sleeping most of the afternoon - it's so exhausting being cute.

I had made her an outfit to wear but the husband decided against it. It said "My dad can haz internet residualz? kthxbai" I'll try to get a snap of it to post.

I'm A Thief

Well, I got something from HSM 3 this morning - I peeled a directional sign off the wall. It doesn't look like anything official so I'll have to see if I can come up with something better. It's funny, I think they've started casting for smaller parts because the kids coming in look like true kids. If at all possible they try to get young looking 18+ year olds to avoid having to limit the hours on set and hiring teachers.

A Love Story In 3 Acts

Shooting Range

Husband,

Do you want to go the shooting range on Saturday? It's not cheap but it may be fun and it's for a good cause. Let me know.

da Wife

I have never fired a gun in my life (BB guns don't count) and I've always wanted to try it. Then again, we could go to Santa Barbara instead.

Voting Enabled

I walked down to the elementary school this morning and voted. I had pretty much made up my mind over the past week who I wanted to vote for and I even took the time to look at the different propositions in the state and make decisions on those. I felt mature and prepared which is almost too much for 8am.

The polling place was dead when I went in - no lines or anything. They didn't even check my ID which is probably an issue. It was actually more difficult to figure out how to get my paper ballot scanned than anything else - they should have had a diagram or something.

I've done my part - now I'll have to see what happens come November.

While Getting Groceries...

I had to stop by the grocery store last night to get some frozen veggies (love those steam-in-the-bag kind!) and had a star sighting - I walked right between Juliette Lewis and the frozen waffles. I figured I'd eventually see a celebrity at that store since it's at the base of the hills. Then I managed to walk out right behind her. She's prettier in person but very tiny.

Wolverine

My assistant just got hired to go to Australia and do payroll on Wolverine (the US crew). I am so jealous. I would totally bail on Boston to go there for 4 months.

I know the accountant on that show so I sent her an email and said the next time she goes Down Under she'd better take me with her.

Hopefully he'll need to ask me lots of questions and then I can get an autograph from Hugh as payment. Especially since this is the guy who decided he didn't want the Boston job because he didn't want to do payroll anymore.

Man, I am so jealous.

HSM 3

I will try to get something, but there's nothing really official. Mostly it's sheets of paper taped to the walls that say "HSM 3 Please take a seat" or "HSM 3 Please sign in".

Not that exciting but I'll keep my eyes open.

Star Sighting

Last night, while out for my birthday dinner, the husband and I saw William Sanderson (from Blade Runner, Newhart, and Deadwood to name just a few). We weren't sure at first it was him, but when we heard him speak we were certain. I love that guy. Such a good actor.

I told the husband as we were leaving how much I liked that restaurant and he said it was only because I keep seeing celebrities there (it's where I saw Navarro) but I like the food and atmosphere, too.

Speaking of stars, we stopped by the tattoo shop on the way home and made my appointment for my birthday tattoo. Tomorrow at 3pm I'm getting the sun/moon/stars tattoo on my left shoulder cap. It's supposed to take about 2 hours and I'm excited. Thanks for the great present husband. Everybody thinks it rocks!

Casting

They are casting for High School Musical 3 on the same floor as my new office. I wasn't sure what it was because the signs only said HSM 3 and since I'm old it didn't register. Today the signs are spelled out. I should have figured it out yesterday when I kept hearing people singing... There are a couple of other casting offices on this floor and it's fun to walk past them on the way to get water or use the restroom - they're so eager and nervous and diligently going over their lines. I always wonder if they hope/fear I'm someone who could affect their career.

There goes the singing again. At least it's good.

Cute Puppies

Bored Again

It's time to go home and I've got almost everything from my office packed up. The only things I'm leaving behind are my pilates ball, my electric stapler, and some extra adhesive. It looks like I'll be able to come back for a few days next week - for what I don't know. It's so boring and unless the payroll company gets their shit together I have nothing to do.

Blech.

Day 1

Today is my first day at the Boston show. It's been a good day - I think I'm going to like working with this group. I only brought a limited kit with me and the one good blue pen died within the first 30 minutes. All I could find was a black pen and I don't like to do payroll in black - blue shows up much better. But that was the worst that happened unless you count the fact the other office went home at 5:30. I'll have to see what time I get home before I decide. My commute is only about 15 minutes instead of an hour.

I go back to the guinea pig movie tomorrow and Friday (at least). I have to pack up the rest of my stuff and hope the holiday report gets sent over. And Friday they're having cake to surprise me for my birthday. Yum.

Accident

I forgot to mention the accident on the lot this morning. I didn't see anything but the aftermath but our clerk saw the whole thing in his rear view mirror.

There's an underground parking garage on the lot and when you go down the ramp to enter, you have to make an immediate left. It's dark but not that narrow. If you're not careful you can cut the corner too close and the change from sun to dark can mess up your vision. Apparently there was a man working on a grate - he was set up in the right hand lane just after the turn. He had cones and stuff set up but it was still a dangerous spot.

The clerk said he thought about it as he was entering, that the man was not in a good spot and that there could be a problem. The SUV that entered after the clerk was the problem. The woman driving it went right over the cones and the man's leg. She claimed she didn't really see the cones and didn't see him at all. He claims he got dragged by her car. The clerk saw the SUV hit the guy but didn't see any dragging and did see the guy get up afterward and run after the car. He figured the guy was ok if he could do that much.

The whole thing is just kind of screwy. The guy was in a bad spot at a bad time and the woman probably wasn't paying a lot of attention. At least no one is really hurt.

Boston

The acct from my Boston show called me this morning. Apparently they're trying to cut $5 million out of the budget and there's a chance it will shut down. She wanted to let me know it would be ok if I started looking around - she wouldn't be offended.

Until we know for sure I'm going to start over there 2 or 3 days a week. The UPM said he doesn't want to lose me and she agrees. I'm probably not going to start looking until next week or after. If I put my name out I'll get calls and I'm not ready to abandon Boston yet. She thinks they'll know something by the end of next week.

They had a huge meeting yesterday and the dumas director actually asked the question "do we need to have more than 3 people in the accounting office?" Well, only if you want your crew and vendors paid correctly and on time... Like cutting down on the accounting staff will save your movie. If you want it saved don't pay the star $20 million or cut back on your own salary. Or maybe don't pay the DP $20K per week.

I told my assistant about it and she's decided to go ahead and look for other work just in case. I completely understand but it's too bad. I think we would have worked well together. Hopefully it'll all still work out.

Push

I found out today my Boston show is pushing for 2 weeks. The accountant still wants me to start next Monday but she has to talk it over with the UPM. Luckily he likes me and maybe he'll let me start. Otherwise I have to decide if I'm going to keep coming down to the guinea pig movie or take some time off.

The problem with taking time is the push might last longer than they think or the show may go away all together. Then I'd have to find something else. Not really a problem but a hassle.

Weekend Activities

Saw Cloverfield this weekend - it was a hard movie for me to watch. I still have trouble with 9/11 imagery and they used it very effectively. It's hard for me to decide if I liked it or not - I feel odd saying I enjoyed it when it's so dark. But it wasn't a bad movie either. It's just tough.

Didn't do much else this weekend. We got the Vespa fixed - just a bad battery after all. I'm really looking forward to riding it - I'd forgotten how much fun it was. We took Sofie to the dog park both days of course. I did some chores and ran my Roomba (which I love). I could use a day off where I don't have to even get out of bed.

Freak

Abacus

One of the 2nds gave everybody an abacus for Christmas and I just spent 10 minutes trying to figure it out. I found a website that had a tutorial but frankly I don't see the point to it. They said the person using the abacus does the calculations in his/her head and uses the beads to keep track. I always thought it would do some of the math for you. It seems like it should but I think it'll take longer than 10 minutes to be able to manipulate it easily and understand what I'm doing.

But then what else am I going to do? I finished the JJ Abrams script for Superman and it was abyssmal. I had to stop and tell my asst about whatever foolishness was going on at the moment. It was just not good.

Pleh

Consistent

I know my posts aren't all that interesting, but it doesn't really matter since I don't think I have any regular readers. One thing I am proud of is the fact I manage to post something almost every day (helps that I work on a computer for 10-12 hours a day). I read some other blogs that are good, but if they don't post on a regular basis I get bored with them.

Anyway, got the Vespa towed into the shop this morning. I was embarrassed to tell the guy it hadn't been ridden in a while but I can't help that I work an hour away in crappy traffic and it's cold/rainy out. I hope it's just a dead battery.

I've started packing up my office. Mostly just the toys and frivolous stuff so far. I did toss a few old memos but most of it will have to wait until next week. I wonder if I should cull the toy herd a bit. I'll have to see how many boxes I end up with.

Scooter Fix

I'm finally taking my Vespa to the shop tomorrow. I'm a horrible person for letting it get to this point in the first place because if I had riden it more often it probably wouldn't be dead. But it's really hard when it's an hour commute in heavy traffic and I'm not comfortable lane-sharing. But I'm planning to ride it to the new office come the 29th even in the cold. I can't wait. I hope I can get it shipped to Boston...

Ouch

I got my eyebrows done on Saturday (waxing, tweezing, trimming, etc). She did a great job and I was really happy until I realized yesterday that I must be really sensitive to the wax because the skin around my brows is red and irritated. It's also breaking out. Lovely. I've been putting neosporin on them which makes them look odd, but it's helping.

I also bought more sugar scrub for my lips as I left the cocoa one at home for K to use. They didn't have that flavor again so I got cinnamon sugar and it's good but the cocoa is better.

We finished shooting yesterday and I start my new show on the 28th but I still don't know when I'm going to Boston. Sometime in February I guess. I'm kind of glad I'll be at home for my birthday this year. Last year was a bit sad, leaving 2 days before.

Shrine

The husband and I went to the convention at the Shrine yesterday to sell off some excess comics and books. We didn't do as well as before but not too bad. We got rid of some stuff and that's always a good thing.

There was a woman there dressed as slave Leia - full costume. I was really impressed because I was freezing in jeans and jacket and she was half-naked! What a trooper - I hope they made extra money because of it. Her husband(?) was dressed as Han Solo so I'm sure he was just fine.

Work is still very slow. We were done with the payroll by 11am and since we're supposed to finish shooting tomorrow this week won't be any more time-consuming. I really don't know what I'm going to do to occupy my time. There's just not enough work for 2 of us. I guess I'll need to get more scripts to read. At least those aren't as obvious as a book or magazine.

I did clip coupons at my desk this afternoon. That was obvious...

Job Offers

Got an email this morning from an accountant I've talked to before, but never worked with. She's choosing between 2 shows, one going to Connecticut and the other going to Portland. Man, I would love to go to Portland but I had to tell her I'm already booked.

I did make sure I mentioned my interest in case my Boston show went down.

Total Bullshit

A friend sent me the following link:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/01092008/business/payroll_company_is_casualty_of_writers_s_20817.htm

The headline places blame for the payroll company's demise solely on the writer's strike. But if you read the article, others claim the company was already faltering and the strike was just the final straw.

But what really hacks me off is the claim that people won't be getting their paychecks. TOTAL BULLSHIT!. There's no way the studios and unions would allow that to happen and I know for a fact the payroll was diverted to 2 other payroll companies on Tuesday morning for processing. Everybody will get their money and it will be sooner rather than later. Sure, some productions will lose out on deposits, but the crews will get paid. That's a non-issue and inflammatory.

Gym Rat Out

I have been having a really hard time getting back to the gym since my trainer left. I'm not sure why but I don't respond well to change. Every morning I get up at 5 to walk Sofie, but haven't managed to get my gym clothes on. This morning I did manage to get dressed and get in the car, but instead of turning left towards the gym I turned right, drove around the block, and went back to bed. Maybe it's progress, maybe not. I know I have to go back and I will. I just hope it's sooner rather than later.

Out of Business

One of the payroll companies shut its doors today with no notice. Luckily they're one of the smaller ones but what a nightmare for those shows! The payroll accts had to fax their stuff to one of the other companies, along with all the necessary start paperwork. And the accounts payable crew has to try and get its data saved and transferred to another operating system.

I'm so glad I'm not having to deal with any of that. I'd be a raving bitch.

Back To Work

It's back to the daily grind on GF. We have 7 scheduled days of plate unit and miniatures and then it's all over. I don't know what my last day will be but I hope it's soon. Actually, the show is ok I'm just tired of the commute and we've been really slow. There really isn't enough work for 2 of us but the accountant wants my assistant to go on the next show with him so he's not going anywhere.

I feel like I've had this idea before but there's nothing else going on to write about. Maybe we'll blow something up this week...

2 Cuties

Quiet Day

OMG I am so bored today. I have no work to do and the phones are out. I was thinking I may get some calls from people who haven't gotten their check yet but not gonna happen unless they call my cell phone. I actually just walked around and gave out timecards so people could fill them out and give me some work.

If it wasn't for the money I would have stayed home in bed. Maybe we'll all get to leave early and I can check out the tattoo shop - I need to find out how much it's going to cost to have a little work done on the one on my hand. I want to have the colors adjusted and some vines added.

I'd like to start checking out housing in Boston but we still don't have a production office. Not really any point to it without knowing what area I need. I'm hoping to get something within walking distance or maybe bike riding distance. I have no idea what to expect although Sped has friends who are from there so maybe they can help me out once I know where I'm going.

No More Trainer

I found out this morning that my trainer is moving to Texas on the 4th of January! AARRGGHH! What am I supposed to do now? I made my New Year's resolution to eat less and exercise more and lose 45 pounds by the end of the year. I thought I was being realistic and was motivated to make it happen. Then he doesn't show today and my gym partner tells me he got a job offer over Christmas and he's leaving. Damn. I mean, I know I'm off to Boston in February for 5 or 6 months but it's so not fair. That's the 3rd trainer I've lost since I've had a trainer. Basically that's all of them. I must be a trainer jinx.

But maybe the husband will let me take the $400 a month I'm not spending on training and buy an elliptical machine for the house. He could use it while I'm gone and I promise to use it every day (and I'm only going to the gym for 4 days a week now). What do you think, husband?