I joined an indie film co-op called Scary Cow. Went to the pitch meeting, met with a couple of the folks – and I'm making a film. Well, helping to make a film.
I went to casting sessions and signed people in and was a reader and a player of games (there were kids in the film; those auditions involved games).
I asked questions in our meetings and was assigned to wardrobe. (Which was kinda like having the girl who can't add do statistical programming.) Traveled the Bay Area, peeking into actors closets, enjoying the view from various bridges. Scoured stores for relatively cheap things. Scored a sweet neon green Members Only jacket for $9.99 – that unfortunately is impervious to fading by bleach. It looks like a green screen, and thus will be part of my Halloween costume next year. I was that close to wearing it to my class reunion.
My class reunion. I arrived after a 10 hour shoot and a pit stop at home. I was woefully underdressed, which makes sense considering I was horribly overdressed at the last reunion. Still, a spouse voted me "best hair". Can't fade the fro, bro.
The passage of time allows for shallow conversation with people you barely nodded to when in high school. Still, we tended to cluster in our cliques. I noticed I flitted about more than others did. And despite needing to be somewhere at 7:30 the next morning, it took me an hour to leave. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact I enjoyed myself. My high school years, after all, were (thankfully) not my best.
While I was taking photos of potential costumes for the film, school started. I got my backordered Econ book 30 minutes before class. "You won't need it for a while," said the professor. 'We'll start with some macro economics, living standards, etc., etc., then move on to microeconomics, supply and demand, etc. etc. which is in the book'.
Next class period we started microeconomics. Which is in the book.
He's a good professor. A bit dry, and sometimes my eyes glaze over when he's explaining a graph. He's a like Columbo – just one more thing before we take our break; just one more thing before we go home. And he does like to lecture until the class ends at 10pm. That is an agony.
If nothing else, I've learned the economic definitions of capitalism and socialism, and now know why some who understand those definitions might call Obama a socialist.
My management class has also been interesting. We've discussed corporate social responsibility and the interaction of business and government. It's a highly participatory class, so my talkative self is active. I'm often afraid I talk too much.
There's group work, of course. And it's painful, of course. The group members are nice, though.
Coming home after my first day on set, my feet hurt and I was dog tired. But I had fun. Loved that we were able to leave the place better than we found it, according to the restaurant owner. By the third shoot, it was clear to me that I loved being on set. I would do almost anything but hold the boom mike (I don't have the strength or stamina. Mad props to those who do). And as I became more comfortable with the crew, I blossomed into my normal bossy self.
It's been awesome. Crew and Cast have been amazing. I've been spoiled to smithereens with the organization and the focus of this project. I've seen how actors work, prepare, and relax. I understand what all the waiting is about. I've had the opportunity to coach kids, be an extra, and best of all, clap the clapper thing (Scene ten point two point four take two!). I was super excited when I got the chance. It remains one of my favorite things to do on set. Seems like such a minor thing, but
One of the things I love about working on the set is that everybody's job is important. It might be small, but it's a necessary contribution to the project. This is a team where no task is insignificant. It's the type of environment I thrive in.
So. . .I've started working on another film. This time, I'm a producer.
Thankfully, like this first film, I'll have a lot of help and guidance. And I don't have to worry too much about procuring funding or finding people to fill roles – the executive producer is handling that. I pretty much need to be myself – trying to make sure everyone has what they need to do the job they came to do.
Still, I've got two papers due and two finals I need to study for. I need to get ready for my last quarter of school (yea!) and a reduced school loan (boo!). And I really need to start a serious exercise regimen before my body falls completely apart.
Looks like it's going to be a busy new year.
