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.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
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.
I wanna try it.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
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
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.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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...
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...
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, April 11, 2008
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).
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).
Thursday, April 10, 2008
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.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
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."
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
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.
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.
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