It's gone 1 am and I'm back from Universal City. For the second time today.
Hell I wasn't gonna pass up dinner, and a ride in a car to see Avatar in 3d Imax at Universal.
This morning I took public transport. Contrary to the arched eyebrows of car loving locals it's not too bad. They laugh when I tell them i've been walking everywhere. Then they realise I'm serious. Yep, only me and the crazies walk in L.A. I've met a few.
I gave myself plenty of time to find my way. I'm SO glad I did. After the security guard at gate 2 of Universal realised I was, seriously, walking, he handed me a map and wished m luck shaking his head. Universal City is just that. A City where they make film and tv. I walked past the cast and crew of C.S.I having lunch, the 2nd A.D of Little Fockers flying around in a golf cart in a mad panic and Brian Grazer nearly run me over. I know it was Brian cos he was pulling into his carpark which had a big sign saying BRIAN GRAZER. I was standing in it reading a map avoiding golf carts. Someone also called him Brian. I thought about cracking some Bowfinger gag, but thought better of it.
The studios out at Henderson? They have hundreds of those here. I was walking through a city of aircraft hangers. Funny though, amongst the easy-ups, tatooed smoking grips, catering trucks, A.D's walking around I felt kinda at home. I know this world. It's just been supersized.
I finally found Desperate Housewives HQ and sat down for my first pre-read with an american casting director.
The pre-read is the way he gets to meet me, see what my qualities are, before he goes putting his own ass on the line and calling me in to audition for anything. He's a busy man. We read a scene from his companies new pilot, (which is an awesome script, and with far more famous people than me acting in it will be a great series) over his desk. I got up and moved around a bit, it was odd. He gave me bit of direction, I did it fine. He said thanks, I left.
I walked out of Universal City and a crazy lady screamed at me and chased me down the street 10 metres. My nerves were shot. I took the train and then headed down Hollywood Boulevard to get my bus. I was in a world of my own thinking about my audition when I saw a star with Groucho Marx written inside before I realised where I was. I looked up. There was Superman. And his mate Batman. And strippers, and Samuel L Jackson, no, wait, he's made from wax. Do I want a photo with it? No, she's right thanks mate.
Home in the avo and off walking the streets of West Hollywood again. When will I learn?
Looked at a couple of rooms to sublet. Both good options. Trying not to think too hard about how they both average 350$NZD a week more than what I pay in Auckland.
Lines to learn over the weekend. Audition on monday for remake of 70's cop show.
Book me Danno.
G
p.s - Latest cricket text update from Bracken. Opened the batting. Scored 41 and batted through to the 25th over. Bowling coming along nicely too. NCEA this year. Go get em sunshine!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Dog and Pony Show.
Day 1. And I wake up wondering where the hell I am.
I am in West Hollywood. And if you've got the lingo down like me, you just abbreviate it to the nearest known intersection, like "oh yeah, west hollywood dude, like, Sunset and Crecent Heights?" It seems the upward inflection is on the rise, and not because of us antipodeans either.
T.Ryan is a school mate of Serena's who's got an absent Argentinian flatmate. For a week. I have the room, a share of leftover catering from The Big Bang Theory lunches, email access and a wicked host. I'm looking for a sub-let nearby cos this area is choice.
10.30am saw me sweating and just about on time at my managers office on Wilshire Blvd.
I did what's known as The Dog and Pony show. All the managers, who are a crack team pile into one office to look me up and down and go round seeing what I'd be right for. It was very Entourage, if Vincent Chase was a dick who just grinned. They're a great bunch who will be working hard for me. I had to go back a few hours later to meet one of them that couldn't be there in the morning. In a one on one and after a good think I was much more on my game. She gave me the best low down.
"It's all tv at the moment. No-one makes any money from films. Our goal is to get every client in a series right now. Round 1 they're looking for names, round two it loosens up a bit, and round three they might take suggestions. We'll try get you in round 2, but mostly it's round 3 for you. No guest roles because you'll never get the paperwork done in time. Doctors, lawyers, cops. That's what everyone's looking for at the moment. Can you do multi-cam comedy?"
Imagine that as onenonstopveryquicklyspokensentence.
Realistically I'm just getting in front of people that matter and hopefully knocking their socks off so they keep me in mind. But to hear my manager say to her staff "I like him. He's fantastic. I want him in a series so he never leaves," is encouraging.
Tomorrow morning I have a pre-read for a Casting Director at Universal Studios. I will be taking a bus and a train. I need a car. This place doesn't like pedestrians. I did nearly 5 hours walking today. Arse.
There is something kinda cool about a city full of film and tv people. Coming from a place where acting is still considered a bit of a hobby and Shorty St is the benchmark of success. There are printing shops advertising specials on Headshot/Resume packages. The directors guild, cinematographers guild buildings are down the road on Sunset and look like the ANZ building. At the airport there was a sign covering up the renovations being done saying "we know you're all actors, so just act like this isn't happening. sorry for the inconvenience." Mind you, they say the collective noun for actors is a Bitch of Actors. The novelty could wear off pretty fast.
I gotta learn lines and figure what in my wardrobe says Cop, Lawyer and Doctor.
G
I am in West Hollywood. And if you've got the lingo down like me, you just abbreviate it to the nearest known intersection, like "oh yeah, west hollywood dude, like, Sunset and Crecent Heights?" It seems the upward inflection is on the rise, and not because of us antipodeans either.
T.Ryan is a school mate of Serena's who's got an absent Argentinian flatmate. For a week. I have the room, a share of leftover catering from The Big Bang Theory lunches, email access and a wicked host. I'm looking for a sub-let nearby cos this area is choice.
10.30am saw me sweating and just about on time at my managers office on Wilshire Blvd.
I did what's known as The Dog and Pony show. All the managers, who are a crack team pile into one office to look me up and down and go round seeing what I'd be right for. It was very Entourage, if Vincent Chase was a dick who just grinned. They're a great bunch who will be working hard for me. I had to go back a few hours later to meet one of them that couldn't be there in the morning. In a one on one and after a good think I was much more on my game. She gave me the best low down.
"It's all tv at the moment. No-one makes any money from films. Our goal is to get every client in a series right now. Round 1 they're looking for names, round two it loosens up a bit, and round three they might take suggestions. We'll try get you in round 2, but mostly it's round 3 for you. No guest roles because you'll never get the paperwork done in time. Doctors, lawyers, cops. That's what everyone's looking for at the moment. Can you do multi-cam comedy?"
Imagine that as onenonstopveryquicklyspokensentence.
Realistically I'm just getting in front of people that matter and hopefully knocking their socks off so they keep me in mind. But to hear my manager say to her staff "I like him. He's fantastic. I want him in a series so he never leaves," is encouraging.
Tomorrow morning I have a pre-read for a Casting Director at Universal Studios. I will be taking a bus and a train. I need a car. This place doesn't like pedestrians. I did nearly 5 hours walking today. Arse.
There is something kinda cool about a city full of film and tv people. Coming from a place where acting is still considered a bit of a hobby and Shorty St is the benchmark of success. There are printing shops advertising specials on Headshot/Resume packages. The directors guild, cinematographers guild buildings are down the road on Sunset and look like the ANZ building. At the airport there was a sign covering up the renovations being done saying "we know you're all actors, so just act like this isn't happening. sorry for the inconvenience." Mind you, they say the collective noun for actors is a Bitch of Actors. The novelty could wear off pretty fast.
I gotta learn lines and figure what in my wardrobe says Cop, Lawyer and Doctor.
G
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunset Blvd.
Okay. I made it. Didn't get much sleep on the plane, but I can recommend UP and THE INFORMANT. Great to see our own Mel Lynskey footing it with Matt Damon. Will have to grill her about it when I catch up with her.
In 2003 I went outside LAX during a brief stopover and somehow a charming African-American guy with big teeth got me to hand over $10 to him. I was ready for him this time. Arriving at T.Ryan Brennan's address in West Hollywood, he was leaving for work. Brief handshake and he was off. Hope to catch him when he gets home tonight from his job being a production assisstant on The Big Bang Theory.
A Stroll down Sunset Boulevard to get a sim card. Open top hummer things doing celebrity house tours, designer dogs, vegan gluten-free restaurants and burgers everywhere. And the motorcycle cops look ace. The two people I spoke to today both asked me where I was from. Guess most people who haven't seen The Flight of the Conchords wouldn't have much heard it before. There's only 4 Million of us an all.
I swear I've heard more spanish spoken than english so far. The traffic is coming at me the wrong way and there's too much water in the toilet bowl. It's only gonna get weirder.
I'm happy with today's achievements. Walk, Food, Phone.
BED.
Tomorrow it begins. Meeting with Lena Roklin.
G
In 2003 I went outside LAX during a brief stopover and somehow a charming African-American guy with big teeth got me to hand over $10 to him. I was ready for him this time. Arriving at T.Ryan Brennan's address in West Hollywood, he was leaving for work. Brief handshake and he was off. Hope to catch him when he gets home tonight from his job being a production assisstant on The Big Bang Theory.
A Stroll down Sunset Boulevard to get a sim card. Open top hummer things doing celebrity house tours, designer dogs, vegan gluten-free restaurants and burgers everywhere. And the motorcycle cops look ace. The two people I spoke to today both asked me where I was from. Guess most people who haven't seen The Flight of the Conchords wouldn't have much heard it before. There's only 4 Million of us an all.
I swear I've heard more spanish spoken than english so far. The traffic is coming at me the wrong way and there's too much water in the toilet bowl. It's only gonna get weirder.
I'm happy with today's achievements. Walk, Food, Phone.
BED.
Tomorrow it begins. Meeting with Lena Roklin.
G
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Brisbane Airport. Exciting Stuff.
And here potentially is the downfall of blogging.
I'm bored out of my mind in Brisbane airport and telling you about it. I'll keep it short. A 4am shuttle pick up and no sleep will help the matter too.
The loud and excitable members of some American Christian Youth Group on the plane. That's quite an accent. Piercing, dominating and not sleep inducive. It's right up there with the overly loud Brisbane Airport Announcer lady. I'm in a good mood.
About to saddle up for the numerous security/undie checks now required to fly into the U.S. Better drop the attitude now. Have picked up duty free Port Royal for my host (thanks for the tip-off Drew.) and am pretty set here thanks.
Cara (Cotton sister 2, shit hot designer of Cherry Cotton Candy and personal angel to Tanya Carlson) pointed me towards her boyfriend Greg (Shit hot Metal drummer and avid sneaker fan) for his L.A tips, having just got back himself.
Greg's 3 L.A Tips...
1. Fire a big gun. Go on. It's right next to LAX.
2. Go to In and Out Burger and get Animal Style. It comes with Onions.
3. Go. To. Las. Vegas.
Cheers Greg. Good man. And I'm onto the pastrami on rye too Matt. Cheers again.
I'm off. Some lucky bugger is getting 18 mins of free Internet at this dumb kiosk.
http://cherrycottoncandy.com/
G
I'm bored out of my mind in Brisbane airport and telling you about it. I'll keep it short. A 4am shuttle pick up and no sleep will help the matter too.
The loud and excitable members of some American Christian Youth Group on the plane. That's quite an accent. Piercing, dominating and not sleep inducive. It's right up there with the overly loud Brisbane Airport Announcer lady. I'm in a good mood.
About to saddle up for the numerous security/undie checks now required to fly into the U.S. Better drop the attitude now. Have picked up duty free Port Royal for my host (thanks for the tip-off Drew.) and am pretty set here thanks.
Cara (Cotton sister 2, shit hot designer of Cherry Cotton Candy and personal angel to Tanya Carlson) pointed me towards her boyfriend Greg (Shit hot Metal drummer and avid sneaker fan) for his L.A tips, having just got back himself.
Greg's 3 L.A Tips...
1. Fire a big gun. Go on. It's right next to LAX.
2. Go to In and Out Burger and get Animal Style. It comes with Onions.
3. Go. To. Las. Vegas.
Cheers Greg. Good man. And I'm onto the pastrami on rye too Matt. Cheers again.
I'm off. Some lucky bugger is getting 18 mins of free Internet at this dumb kiosk.
http://cherrycottoncandy.com/
G
Monday, January 25, 2010
I'm Not Harry Jenson in 5.1 surround sound. Or not.
It's nearing midnight. 2 days till I leave NZ.
Tonight was the Rialto Film Club Preview of I'm Not Harry Jenson, followed by a Q&A with Director James Napier, Producer Tom Herne and actors Cameron Rhodes and myself. I couldn't bear seeing myself on the big screen again so turned up an hour before the end of the film and sat in the bar. It was then that I saw the director tear out of the cinema and into the projection booth followed by one of our investors. Hmmmm...
To cut a long story short ... We are one of the first films in NZ to be distributed digitally. Meaning rather than Rialto sending 'prints' of our film to it's 23 cinemas, hard drives are sent instead. This includes a new 5.1 Surround sound mix. Somewhere in the transfer something went a bit, um, woopsy, and our brave sound designer took it upon himself to remix some things. James, not happy. When I caught up with him he looked like he'd just had a stillborn baby delivered. Panic stations as James and Tom went about finding the original stereo mix to play for the following session and for the national release on thursday. 2 speakers being better than the 'new version' in 5.1 they reckon.
My bloody legend teammates from the North Shore Raw 5th division ( now 4th Division!) football team were none the wiser, as I kept pointing out, and we went in for the Q&A.
Toa Fraser, genius playwright and accomplished filmmaker (No.2, Dean Spanley) ran the session. He was funny, articulate and downright good at it. It was fun remembering how it all came together two years ago, and how this whole L.A adventure is down to this film. I'm proud. And have a newfound sense of my coming adventure being part of the whole Harry Jenson experience.
James, who put in the good word with his L.A manager, (now also my manager) was invaluable over a few beers after with advice. He gave me a blow by blow account of a typical day during pilot season, and what traps to look out for. Sounds like i have my work cut out for me.
I am assembling every Kiwi I can find in L.A to go see the All Whites play Mexico in March. Though as my smarty-pants cousin Aaron points out there might be a few Mexican fans there too.
So, I leave the morning I'm Not Harry Jenson goes to cinema in New Zealand. A remarkable achievement for a film that cost the same as a Film Commission funded short. I'm very proud of the boys, and everyone involved. Go see it of you get a chance, it'll hook you in. A Song of Good, which won Best Film (Under 1-Million) at the screen awards never got this. You may find it at the DVD store next to lots of other fine NZ Films that weren't considered good business to release to cinema.
That's enough from me tonight. I have to pack and pick up my dry-cleaning tomorrow.
L.A. Here I come.
www.imnotharryjenson.com
G
Tonight was the Rialto Film Club Preview of I'm Not Harry Jenson, followed by a Q&A with Director James Napier, Producer Tom Herne and actors Cameron Rhodes and myself. I couldn't bear seeing myself on the big screen again so turned up an hour before the end of the film and sat in the bar. It was then that I saw the director tear out of the cinema and into the projection booth followed by one of our investors. Hmmmm...
To cut a long story short ... We are one of the first films in NZ to be distributed digitally. Meaning rather than Rialto sending 'prints' of our film to it's 23 cinemas, hard drives are sent instead. This includes a new 5.1 Surround sound mix. Somewhere in the transfer something went a bit, um, woopsy, and our brave sound designer took it upon himself to remix some things. James, not happy. When I caught up with him he looked like he'd just had a stillborn baby delivered. Panic stations as James and Tom went about finding the original stereo mix to play for the following session and for the national release on thursday. 2 speakers being better than the 'new version' in 5.1 they reckon.
My bloody legend teammates from the North Shore Raw 5th division ( now 4th Division!) football team were none the wiser, as I kept pointing out, and we went in for the Q&A.
Toa Fraser, genius playwright and accomplished filmmaker (No.2, Dean Spanley) ran the session. He was funny, articulate and downright good at it. It was fun remembering how it all came together two years ago, and how this whole L.A adventure is down to this film. I'm proud. And have a newfound sense of my coming adventure being part of the whole Harry Jenson experience.
James, who put in the good word with his L.A manager, (now also my manager) was invaluable over a few beers after with advice. He gave me a blow by blow account of a typical day during pilot season, and what traps to look out for. Sounds like i have my work cut out for me.
I am assembling every Kiwi I can find in L.A to go see the All Whites play Mexico in March. Though as my smarty-pants cousin Aaron points out there might be a few Mexican fans there too.
So, I leave the morning I'm Not Harry Jenson goes to cinema in New Zealand. A remarkable achievement for a film that cost the same as a Film Commission funded short. I'm very proud of the boys, and everyone involved. Go see it of you get a chance, it'll hook you in. A Song of Good, which won Best Film (Under 1-Million) at the screen awards never got this. You may find it at the DVD store next to lots of other fine NZ Films that weren't considered good business to release to cinema.
That's enough from me tonight. I have to pack and pick up my dry-cleaning tomorrow.
L.A. Here I come.
www.imnotharryjenson.com
G
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The 39 Steps and 3 Days to Go.
Well, in an effort to keep all my friends, family and interested parties informed, I am now a Blogger!
I will give it my best to blog my way through the upcoming months in Los Angeles as I try to find my way in Hollywood.
(Thanks for the suggestion Aaron.)
I've spent the last few days in Wellington seeing Serena. I had finished everything I could do, was killing time, and realized I should be killing it with the hottest actress in New Zealand. Serena was pleased to see me. She's fantastic in her play The 39 Steps at Circa. It's a Hitchcock spoof and shows off her talents well. It's a return season after selling out last year, I enjoyed watching it from the lighting box too. Great to have a few days with Rene in Wellington again, where it all began. Had a great curry and catch up with cousin Aaron. Zac's growing up too fast. Big boys bed now. Blimey.
So... back in Auckland. I leave Wednesday morning, early for Los Angeles.
My manager Lena Roklin is very excited about having me, and I can't wait to get into it frankly.
I'm not expecting miracles, but I'm quietly hoping for one.
And I won't be letting my cute Kiwi humility stand in the way of selling myself either.
Thanks for tuning in. I'm boring myself already.
Hopefully I'll have some stories to tell over the coming few months.
Wish me luck!
G
I will give it my best to blog my way through the upcoming months in Los Angeles as I try to find my way in Hollywood.
(Thanks for the suggestion Aaron.)
I've spent the last few days in Wellington seeing Serena. I had finished everything I could do, was killing time, and realized I should be killing it with the hottest actress in New Zealand. Serena was pleased to see me. She's fantastic in her play The 39 Steps at Circa. It's a Hitchcock spoof and shows off her talents well. It's a return season after selling out last year, I enjoyed watching it from the lighting box too. Great to have a few days with Rene in Wellington again, where it all began. Had a great curry and catch up with cousin Aaron. Zac's growing up too fast. Big boys bed now. Blimey.
So... back in Auckland. I leave Wednesday morning, early for Los Angeles.
My manager Lena Roklin is very excited about having me, and I can't wait to get into it frankly.
I'm not expecting miracles, but I'm quietly hoping for one.
And I won't be letting my cute Kiwi humility stand in the way of selling myself either.
Thanks for tuning in. I'm boring myself already.
Hopefully I'll have some stories to tell over the coming few months.
Wish me luck!
G
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
