So, as the days go by I'm beginning to feel more and more useful around the writers room. My duties, ill defined though they may be, are expanding little by little. Today, for instance, I was asked to do research to help writing the season finale. Again, it doesn't sound super exciting, but its still better than nothing. Plus, I'm around to help, and so I feel like its important to do the tasks that I'm assigned to do with enthusiasm.
In other news, rumor has it David Mamet will finally show up in the writer's room sometime next week. So, I decided it wouldn't be a bad idea to go back and re-watch a few of his films. So, I've been doing that for about a week. Not really for that fan boy, "oh my God, I love your work" moment, but just because it would be a good idea. I watched "The Verdict", "House of Games", and "Glengarry Glen Ross," so far. Hopefully I'll find the time to squeeze in "Ronin," (which he essentially wrote, but did so under a pseudonym because of a dispute with the WGA), "State and Main," and "The Spanish Prisoner." One thing I've noticed while watching these films is how incredibly stylized the dialog is. It isn't realistic, it's stilted and awkward at times, with performances to match. It took me a while to get used to it, and sometimes I'm still not used to it, but once I did I really began to pay attention to the way he tells his story, and how the plot unfolds and when and where he gives the audience information. He really is a fantastic craftsman, even if I do find the dialog a bit...well, awkward. By all accounts Mamet is really nice in person, but demanding of writers and, from what little information I am able to gleam from others, a bit condescending to other writers he sees as less than himself. To be honest I'm a bit intimidated at the prospect of meeting him, but I'm sure that'll pass and he'll turn out to be a pretty nice guy. I mean, he does like blue collar guys, and he did go to college in Vermont, so at least there is some common ground there. We'll see....
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Post #3
Not a ton to report today. We continued to go over scripts and story ideas, which included beginning to come up with ideas for the season finale. The finale looks like it might be a two-part episode, so it's interesting to see how they are going about laying out plot details for a two-part episode. Also, in going over one of the scripts we had an out-loud table read, Middlebury Screenwriting class style. That was a ton of fun, actually.
In other news, I'm hating the Los Angeles transit system more and more every day. It took me two and a half hours to get home after work. Left Fox a 6:30, didn't walk through the door until close to 9.
Also, in an effort to make all the cold climate readers of this blog jealous I would direct you to davidlynch.com, where everyday David Lynch provides a brief report of the Los Angeles weather. There is something spectacular about seeing David Lynch read his own weather report. I was told about this by Daniel Voll, a co-Executive Producer of The Unit, who said that after work he was, "going to see David Lynch." What the hell? People just go and see David Lynch? It was a quite incredible bit of news. I kind of want to go see David Lynch, too. Maybe I should ask about this....
In other news, I'm hating the Los Angeles transit system more and more every day. It took me two and a half hours to get home after work. Left Fox a 6:30, didn't walk through the door until close to 9.
Also, in an effort to make all the cold climate readers of this blog jealous I would direct you to davidlynch.com, where everyday David Lynch provides a brief report of the Los Angeles weather. There is something spectacular about seeing David Lynch read his own weather report. I was told about this by Daniel Voll, a co-Executive Producer of The Unit, who said that after work he was, "going to see David Lynch." What the hell? People just go and see David Lynch? It was a quite incredible bit of news. I kind of want to go see David Lynch, too. Maybe I should ask about this....
Monday, January 12, 2009
After recieving much pressure....a second update
Although I would normally apologize for such a lengthy absence between posts, I think that it is becoming clearer and clearer to me that I just can't do a daily blog post. I just can't do it. Me and routines, we just don't get along. Also, the days tend to look the same so I don't feel a great push to do many many blog posts. That being said, I'll fill you in on what's been going on out here.
I think the last time I checked in I had just finished my first day. Well, by now I've gone through an entire work week and the weekend, and things have been moving along quite well. One of the things I was waiting for after my first post was for the staff to become accustomed to my presence in the office, and I really think that is going along well. I'm starting to finally be given things to do beyond sitting and observing. They are menial tasks that one would expect an intern to do at a normal office (get coffee, put together lunch orders, grab scripts, copy things, etc.), but menial tasks are better than no tasks. Besides, I didn't come out here with any expectations to do things beyond the aforementioned list of responsibilities, so really the goal is to do the things that I am asked to do quickly, expeditiously, and with as much enthusiasm as possible. So that's what I'm doing. Also aiding the sense that I have that the writer's are becoming more accustomed to seeing me on a daily basis was a fairly lengthy informal chat that I had with Shawn Ryan (one of the showrunners and Executive Producers) and a large chunk of the writing staff. It was mostly Shawn asking about Middlebury life, but eventually evolved into talking about the film and television industry, school, and other topics (one of which was this little nugget of information: Shawn Ryan's wife apparently had a crush on Midd film professor Chris Keathley. It's a small world).
So, I guess, in summary not a ton to report. The writers are still hammering out the story details for the C plots of episodes 417 and 418, one of which (417) is only four days away from going into pre-production. I'm almost positive that I'm legally obligated to keep my mouth shut re: story details. But I will say their problem is that their C-story just doesn't seem to be congealing in an interesting way that has an intriguing dramatic arc. For my part, I'll say that it feels like they're getting closer every day, but with pre-production coming up so fast it seems like it's really coming down to the wire. Not that that is anything new in television.
The other interesting things that have been happening (for me, anyway) are what happens when the writers aren't discussing story details, because inevitably the talk moves to the business aspect of TV. Several of the writers are in the process of submitting pilots to studios and networks, and there are very real questions about whether or not The Unit will be picked up for a fifth season. There seems to be some consensus that it will (solid ratings in a fairly difficult Sunday at 10 PM time slot help that along), but it is still interesting to see the more human side of the possibility of cancellation. There was also a visit from a representative from the WGA to talk about the ramifications and after-effects of the writer's strike, which postponed my trip out here by a year. The conversation was a bit tough to follow because I wasn't (and still am not) savvy about the agreement reached by the WGA with producers, but to think that a year later there are still conversations happening about the strike is interesting.
In other L.A. related news, I spent most of the day Saturday walking around Hollywood and West Hollywood on foot. I tried to make my way over to Echo Park (the Williamsburgh of Los Angeles), but I got on the wrong bus. The bus system here is mammoth, and of course they don't have small maps that you can take so there is no way to get the large scale picture of the L.A. bus system. Figures. Anyway, what I've found, especially in Hollywood, is that for every two blocks of nice neighborhoods there is one that is not so nice, which is nestled right up against a neighborhood that is nice. So if you're on foot you've got no choice but to wander through these moderately sketchy neighborhoods. I just kept my head down. Saturday night Brett, Jared and I (my fellow Midd travelers, Alane) had our super expensive meal-out for the month. Sushi on Sunset. It was expensive (sixty five bucks for this kid), but it was the best sushi I have ever had. Plus it will be the last expensive meal we'll have here. I have a feeling I'll hate pasta and chili by the end of the month.
Sunday we tried to see what was going on over at the Golden Globes, so we wandered over to the Beverly Hilton, only to discover you couldn't actually get on the red carpet. Lame. But we did see the limos arriving at the Hilton, where naturally there was a crowd of people screaming, "roll down your window," at every arriving limo. It must have been awkward for the not-particularly-famous people. I mean, it really is a quandary, to roll down the window or not roll down the window? Either way you're going to do nothing but disappoint people. Apparently Beyoncee and Jay-Z drove past while we were there, as did James Cameron, which prompted a whole lot of fuss, which was kind of puzzling. I mean, who gets excited about James Cameron? Not this guy.
So I think that pretty much covers the past five-ish days. I'll do my level best to update more often (and by more often I mean, daily-ish), I promise.
I think the last time I checked in I had just finished my first day. Well, by now I've gone through an entire work week and the weekend, and things have been moving along quite well. One of the things I was waiting for after my first post was for the staff to become accustomed to my presence in the office, and I really think that is going along well. I'm starting to finally be given things to do beyond sitting and observing. They are menial tasks that one would expect an intern to do at a normal office (get coffee, put together lunch orders, grab scripts, copy things, etc.), but menial tasks are better than no tasks. Besides, I didn't come out here with any expectations to do things beyond the aforementioned list of responsibilities, so really the goal is to do the things that I am asked to do quickly, expeditiously, and with as much enthusiasm as possible. So that's what I'm doing. Also aiding the sense that I have that the writer's are becoming more accustomed to seeing me on a daily basis was a fairly lengthy informal chat that I had with Shawn Ryan (one of the showrunners and Executive Producers) and a large chunk of the writing staff. It was mostly Shawn asking about Middlebury life, but eventually evolved into talking about the film and television industry, school, and other topics (one of which was this little nugget of information: Shawn Ryan's wife apparently had a crush on Midd film professor Chris Keathley. It's a small world).
So, I guess, in summary not a ton to report. The writers are still hammering out the story details for the C plots of episodes 417 and 418, one of which (417) is only four days away from going into pre-production. I'm almost positive that I'm legally obligated to keep my mouth shut re: story details. But I will say their problem is that their C-story just doesn't seem to be congealing in an interesting way that has an intriguing dramatic arc. For my part, I'll say that it feels like they're getting closer every day, but with pre-production coming up so fast it seems like it's really coming down to the wire. Not that that is anything new in television.
The other interesting things that have been happening (for me, anyway) are what happens when the writers aren't discussing story details, because inevitably the talk moves to the business aspect of TV. Several of the writers are in the process of submitting pilots to studios and networks, and there are very real questions about whether or not The Unit will be picked up for a fifth season. There seems to be some consensus that it will (solid ratings in a fairly difficult Sunday at 10 PM time slot help that along), but it is still interesting to see the more human side of the possibility of cancellation. There was also a visit from a representative from the WGA to talk about the ramifications and after-effects of the writer's strike, which postponed my trip out here by a year. The conversation was a bit tough to follow because I wasn't (and still am not) savvy about the agreement reached by the WGA with producers, but to think that a year later there are still conversations happening about the strike is interesting.
In other L.A. related news, I spent most of the day Saturday walking around Hollywood and West Hollywood on foot. I tried to make my way over to Echo Park (the Williamsburgh of Los Angeles), but I got on the wrong bus. The bus system here is mammoth, and of course they don't have small maps that you can take so there is no way to get the large scale picture of the L.A. bus system. Figures. Anyway, what I've found, especially in Hollywood, is that for every two blocks of nice neighborhoods there is one that is not so nice, which is nestled right up against a neighborhood that is nice. So if you're on foot you've got no choice but to wander through these moderately sketchy neighborhoods. I just kept my head down. Saturday night Brett, Jared and I (my fellow Midd travelers, Alane) had our super expensive meal-out for the month. Sushi on Sunset. It was expensive (sixty five bucks for this kid), but it was the best sushi I have ever had. Plus it will be the last expensive meal we'll have here. I have a feeling I'll hate pasta and chili by the end of the month.
Sunday we tried to see what was going on over at the Golden Globes, so we wandered over to the Beverly Hilton, only to discover you couldn't actually get on the red carpet. Lame. But we did see the limos arriving at the Hilton, where naturally there was a crowd of people screaming, "roll down your window," at every arriving limo. It must have been awkward for the not-particularly-famous people. I mean, it really is a quandary, to roll down the window or not roll down the window? Either way you're going to do nothing but disappoint people. Apparently Beyoncee and Jay-Z drove past while we were there, as did James Cameron, which prompted a whole lot of fuss, which was kind of puzzling. I mean, who gets excited about James Cameron? Not this guy.
So I think that pretty much covers the past five-ish days. I'll do my level best to update more often (and by more often I mean, daily-ish), I promise.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
So it begins...
So, today was the first day working on The Unit, and dear Christ, it was a long day. First I feel like I should say a few things about this blog. I'll do my best to ensure that it is updated daily, but no guarantees on that score. I'm kind of bad about updating blogs. Second, this will be super informal. Even though I'm technically doing this to ensure that I get credit for my adventure in Los Angeles, I still think it would be easier for me if I can use words like "stoked," "hyped," and the occasional profanity. It's how I talk, so why try and hide it? Third, because people like my mom will be reading this blog (whatsup Alane?), and she has no idea how you make a TV show I'll explain for those of you who, like Alane, aren't in the know about television production. Finally, I don't have a digital camera, so no photos. Unless I go and buy one. It's not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Oh, and I know that the name of the blog is a cliche. I'm okay with that.
So, how did the first day go? Well, it went pretty well. Because I'm car-less (which I'm beginning to find it not the best thing to be in the City of Angels) I found myself dependent upon the Los Angeles transit system. A daunting transit system to say the least, and one which rivals New York subways in terms of sheer size and complexity. No joke. Well, I managed to navigate the murky waters of said transit system without too much difficulty in the morning, but I did get on a rapid when I was supposed to get on a local and ended up way the hell out in Santa Monica. But that's why you budget time.
The first day was pretty exciting. I got settled in and met many of the people who work on the show (most of whom were either writers or EPs). They shoot the show on a lot in Santa Clarita, which is 40 minutes or so to the north. Or so I've been told. So really there wasn't a whole lot to show except for offices. But, it does help to curb whatever temptation I might've had to wander down to the set when I wasn't supposed to. My day, essentially, as me observing the writer's room. There were a half dozen or so writers working in the room, breaking down stories and trying to fix plot points.
A television show has, most of the time, three stories running over the course of a single episode. There is the A plot, which is really the driving action of the individual episode. Then there is the B plot, which is a subplot, and usually has implications for future episodes. Then there is the C plot, and I suppose you can guess what that is.
They were working on the C plot for an upcoming episode. Right now the writer's are breaking down the episodes up until the end of the season. I'd say its best for all parties involved if I kept the upcoming story threads and plotlines under wraps. You'll just have to watch the show (Sunday nights at 10 on CBS). Sitting in a room for five hours watching people talk can actually be more fun than you might imagine. It felt like working in a screenwriting workshop at Midd. It actually took a lot for me to remember my place and restrain myself from jumping into the conversation. I have to be honest here, I'm not up to speed on season four of the show, so in addition to not wanting to sound like a jackass, I also don't want to step on people's toes. This is, after all, how these people make a living. This does make my position somewhat awkward in that I don't really participate and there isn't a ton of work for me to do otherwise, so I feel like a bit of an interloper as I sit around watching. I'm not entirely sure what they've had past Midd interns do, but for now I'm happy to just take a back seat, at least until I feel like the office has gotten used to my presence.
For now I think that'll be it for me. I'll post some more later with thoughts about the city itself, as I have had a little bit of an opportunity to explore Los Angeles. But like I said, later.
So, how did the first day go? Well, it went pretty well. Because I'm car-less (which I'm beginning to find it not the best thing to be in the City of Angels) I found myself dependent upon the Los Angeles transit system. A daunting transit system to say the least, and one which rivals New York subways in terms of sheer size and complexity. No joke. Well, I managed to navigate the murky waters of said transit system without too much difficulty in the morning, but I did get on a rapid when I was supposed to get on a local and ended up way the hell out in Santa Monica. But that's why you budget time.
The first day was pretty exciting. I got settled in and met many of the people who work on the show (most of whom were either writers or EPs). They shoot the show on a lot in Santa Clarita, which is 40 minutes or so to the north. Or so I've been told. So really there wasn't a whole lot to show except for offices. But, it does help to curb whatever temptation I might've had to wander down to the set when I wasn't supposed to. My day, essentially, as me observing the writer's room. There were a half dozen or so writers working in the room, breaking down stories and trying to fix plot points.
A television show has, most of the time, three stories running over the course of a single episode. There is the A plot, which is really the driving action of the individual episode. Then there is the B plot, which is a subplot, and usually has implications for future episodes. Then there is the C plot, and I suppose you can guess what that is.
They were working on the C plot for an upcoming episode. Right now the writer's are breaking down the episodes up until the end of the season. I'd say its best for all parties involved if I kept the upcoming story threads and plotlines under wraps. You'll just have to watch the show (Sunday nights at 10 on CBS). Sitting in a room for five hours watching people talk can actually be more fun than you might imagine. It felt like working in a screenwriting workshop at Midd. It actually took a lot for me to remember my place and restrain myself from jumping into the conversation. I have to be honest here, I'm not up to speed on season four of the show, so in addition to not wanting to sound like a jackass, I also don't want to step on people's toes. This is, after all, how these people make a living. This does make my position somewhat awkward in that I don't really participate and there isn't a ton of work for me to do otherwise, so I feel like a bit of an interloper as I sit around watching. I'm not entirely sure what they've had past Midd interns do, but for now I'm happy to just take a back seat, at least until I feel like the office has gotten used to my presence.
For now I think that'll be it for me. I'll post some more later with thoughts about the city itself, as I have had a little bit of an opportunity to explore Los Angeles. But like I said, later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
