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I’ll provide a more in-depth take on all things pitching this week, after the last meeting  which is tomorrow, late morning. I hadn’t intended to be away from the blog the past two days, but some writing work sidetracked me pretty good along with life type stuff like the car. Which cost not nearly as much as I feared – $300. Still an unexpected hit, but not the back breaker I imagined it could be. My mechanic had it back to me in a half-day, too. I was floored. I dropped it off that morning. He called me in about an hour and a half and said that he’d have it for me in two hours. He had the parts and it was all pretty straightforward work.

Onward and upward, right? Right! (At least that’s what I’m trying to focus on right now.)

If you’re so inclined (and I do recommend it) check out this post at Jason’s blog, Chasing Mist, here for his take on today’s meeting.

So how’s it gone this week, a.k.a. round 2?  Not bad. We do continue to learn and refine on each pitch in a very organic and productive way. To say we’ve been gaining invaluable experience as we’ve gone through this process would be an understatement. We’ll have had three more pitches which brings our total thus far to six. With each one it’s been pretty darn intriguing to watch the pitch gain shape and clarity, largely from Jason and I learning how to pitch the idea with succinct excitement, together as a team. Kind of like: one voice, one idea, two guys. It’s just now dawning on me that, yes, that would take some amount of practice that could only come from simply doing it, for real.

Tomorrow’s meeting is @ this . husband & wife duo’s company in Santa Monica. The company is called Parkes/Macdonald and apparently they have a TV Development deal with NBC.  The person we’ll be pitching to, is a former network exec – one time head of hour-long scripted drama at Fox. Not bad for a Friday on a holiday weekend.

Not sure what to write about tonight. Actually, not really feeling the blogging thing as of late – though I know that will pass and my general disconnection with the practice probably stems from my foul mood as of late. Not worth trying to deny that. Anyways, I’m open to answering questions, if anyone’s got any. I’ve had a pretty big drought in comments lately  (Thanks, Tiff, for sticking with me!) so maybe it’ll inspire folks to say hello. Feel free – writing related or not.

All right. I  vowed to get to bed quicker tonight and its already late, so let’s get down to it without the usual preamble.

- Who’s in first place in the N.L. Central?

- Happy Birthday to my sister, Caroline. Whom I don’t get to see enough of, even though she’s out this way!

- Saw TOY STORY 3 tonight. Man! What are they putting in the water at Pixar? Those guys know there way around a story, do they not?!?! If you didn’t have tears in your eyes at the end of that film, then I would guess you are either a robot or the Grinch. Take your pick. What a way to take the trilogy out. SHREK should’ve paid closer attention.

- I’m starting to cook more than I have in quite some time, which is a welcomed perk to the move. It’s so much more enticing to cook when there are others involved and not just yourself. I wish that it wasn’t that way, but it is for me.

- Speaking of cooking, I traveled over to Toluca Lake which is in the Valley (actually, a really lovely old Hollywood part) last night to my old friend Nicole’s house. I’ve known her from way back in Chicago days. She was actually one of the producers on my  ill-fated short film, Last Cigarette. She works in all sorts of different TV on the production side as a Unit Production Manager, Line Producer, et. all.  Essentially, she staffs, organizes and implements the actual physical plan of a production. Anyways, we were to get together for some coffee after work for her because she’s on my side of the hill, in nearby Marina Del Rey, for the job she’s on. But, her roommate decided he wanted to cook, so plans were shifted to a kind of informal, ad hoc dinner get together at her house –  her roommate, two other friends, Nicole, and myself.  A marinated London Broil was served with mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, salad – a wonderfully uncomplicated meal done to perfection. But, best of all, we outside in the back, where the dining table is; which is a fabulous upside to wonderful weather all the time. Then we sat around the table and talked movies and baseball for hours. Of course, everyone works in the industry so love of movies, debating movies and shows is a given. But, turns out, her roommate, the cook, is a born and bred St. Louisan and a major Cardinals fan, while one other friend is a Reds fan. So we had, between the three of us, A LOT to debate. I love, love, love nights like that. Simple, sweet, great food, even better conversation, under the night sky. Perfect.

- Still working through the last of the apartment set-up. Details, now, mostly. Nothing major. Just trying to get the last few things settled. Will it ever end? I’m starting to wonder, myself.

-Been a tough, tough week screenwriting wise. After the go-go-goness of last week, it’s been radio silence this week. Not a word from anyone. Which is about par for the course, unfortunately, and typical of the whole industry; which has perfected the art of hurry up and wait. This is, no doubt, a key factor in the difficulty in getting a career off the ground.  It’s hard to stomach and hard to keep the lights on when you don’t know if you’re going to be working sooner or later. Mind you, all it takes is a yes from the right person and all that changes – it’s back to go-go-goness but ten times the rate from before. Can you tell I’m a) Feeling impatient and b) Getting frustrated at the start-stop motion of it all?

- Meanwhile, we do have a feature script that we’re starting in on. Jason just wrapped up the “first fifteen,” which is the last step before we dive in, full scale, the writing of a full draft. We’ll crack the outline in half  at this point and each write our respective portions. This is the one for the UCLA director that we’ve been working on for almost the past year, just developing the story. It’s kind of Noir, modern day L.A., two cops, a killer.

- Kind of a cool night here in Palms. Got the window open. Beautiful breeze drifting in. I kind of like it.

- Who’s in first place in the N. L. Central? Come on! It shouldn’t be a surprise!!

Gettin’ sleepy. So that about raps it up, folks. Be good to yourself. More tomorrow…..

Aaaaaaaand we’re back!

Did you miss me?

We’ll, I missed you!

The big move is finally in the rearview mirror. THANK GOD!

It was a long, drawn out affair; but looking pretty worth it, each day.  I did realize in the midst of it all – the whole thing took about two and a half days to complete, unfortunately – that I really don’t have that many of these moves left in me. They are just too tough.

Our apartment is fantastic. Really fantastic. I think JAcob and I are a bit surprised, by it actually. While we thought it would all work out just fine between our furniture, gear, and potential as roommates; we’ve been continually amazed at how well the apartment’s laid out, how well our gear and furniture seems to mesh right now, and all the great benefits of having a roommate.

So, I guess you can see life is rolling along on the apartment front. On the writing front, life is cranking along as well. I’ll get into more of that tomorrow. We have a meeting with our TV Agent and our Manager and another Agent at 12:30 p.m. to discuss the recent revision of our pitch document for this series idea we have; which our Agent is really, really, REALLY excited to get us out there pitching as soon as possible.

So, once we talk to them, we’ll get into all that’s been going on, while I’ve been moving

We’ve been waiting out the weekend and we’re almost there. Why? For word Monday as to what happens next, on the writing side of things.

Jason and I had some fun relaxing and celebrating in our own way the past few days (Hung out with friends, chased Food Trucks and watched lots of Movies!) Yes, there was some writing. Jason was much more disciplined than I, though. He cranked through a rewrite we have due, which was impressive. While I…I…talked on the phone, saw an apartment with Jacob and….took a nap or two. Yes, I’ve been slacking and I need to get rolling on a few things here.

Poor Jason’s been relegated to sleeping on my couch, which can’t be comfortable, and must be driving him a bit crazy. He’s uncertain if he’ll be able to rejoin his family on the rest of there East Coast vacation. I know he’s thrilled to be here and to have this happening, but I also know that he misses all of his friends and family and wishes that he was with them, too.

Why is           here with me and not out in Topanga in his much more comfortable (than my couch) bed? He’s here b/c the Latshaw four have a house-sitter whom he can’t evict without knowing first if he must stay here. for sure There are pets to be tended to, among other things, and if he ends up going back east instead of having to stay  here in California; the intervening weeks will be to long and he’ll need the housesitter back. So, it’s been better to wait until we receive word tomorrow (hopefully.) I know he’d love to get back to his family if we’re not doing anything immediately. Or at least sleep in his own bed!

It will be good to get some sense of what we need to do and the demands placed on us the next few weeks. I’m right there with Jason – a supposed bigplanned, still need to look at apartments ( I think we found one. More on that tomorrow.) I also need a job and those are looking tougher an tougher to come these days.

Big day tomorrow. That’s all I’ll say right now. No, this doesn’t pertain to anything being sold, but these cryptic posts do relate to something career related, which for myself and Jason is a big deal and a bit nerve wracking b/c it’s uncharted territory. If all goes well tomorrow, it could be an important step forward.

So think happy thoughts, but not just for us, but for all the strivers and dreamers out there waiting on much needed good news (Tiff, JJ, and on and on!!) Its time!!

The dentist went okay today. I do have a fabulous dentist, who really is concerned with doing the best possible job while also managing my difficult situation. That’s not an easy task. (Have I always been such a handful?!?! I think so…) I’m wiped out though. It was another four hours or so in the chair and a ton of shots to keep my mouth numb. Sadly, one of the burdens of my past, along with my height and weight, is that I process the novocaine much, much faster than most adults. So, there has to be a near constant monitor on the pain level, which leads to many, many shots. This – the shots – is the part I hate the most. This quick metabolising of novocaine is not new. It was a big problem from the very first visits to my dentist in Chicago. I did watch part of Avatar in 2D while in the chair. You know what? I liked it better in regular old 2d.

Other than that?

Well, the title of the post isn’t meant to mean I had to just say that I was in one piece after the dentist. Nope. It’s meant to say I’m feeling a bit blue about this rocky road I’m on. Worn out, actually, more so than blue, maybe. It happens. I’m just getting it off of my chest. Or, rather, I feel like I need to. All the anxiety that comes with trying to fight your way in, is – in no uncertain terms – a heavy, heavy load to carry every day. We’re waiting on a meeting that could signify the turning of an extremely important initial corner in our careers, right out of school. I’m sure this malaise/weariness/muted frustration will past. It usually does, but it’s still irritating and bedeviling – the lack of leverage, the sputtering momentum, the constant pressure up and down.  I love to create stories. I really do. But, oft times, these shenanigans drains the fun write out of that. It’s been a few days like that.

To my sports-minded readers out there – any thoughts on where King James will land and why?

I’m curious, whether your sports-minded or not so much, what do you think of the craziness surrounding his impending choice?

Leave your comments below!

****End of the Day Update – Not much response, oh well…(Thanks, Jase!) I watched part of “The Decision” on ESPN tonight, as I’m sure did many others. WHat an awkward, stiff program. Really, ESPN? I think you’ve jumped the shark. While it’s been a decidedly disheartening, narcissistic couple of days for King James, his inner circle, and the NBA, what I was curious about above was if anyone was really surprised by this latest evolution in the greater NBA culture? And, if anyone have noticed where other sports are along the ladder en route to this kind of spectacle? What I’m getting at is branding. Everything nowadays is a brand – people, activities, products, I mean anything. If you think that I’m crazy, then I’m not sure you’ve turned on a television or walked down the street in the past decade and a half. The NBA has promoted this – individual over team – to great success in the late 90′s with first Michael Jordan, who played on one of the last old school team based dynasties with the early to mid 90s Chicago Bulls, but really gaining steam with Shaq, Kobe, then Lebron – with a whole slew of supporting characters rounding the match-ups out. We all recall when NBA advertising of games switched from Bulls Versus Suns to Jordan battles Barkley – showdown in the desert. The era of the “superstar” was underway and the way to best maintain and elevate your superstardom was to market effectively your brand (as superstar.) Which brought up to this evening, where a man announced to the world where the brand Lebron James would be headquartered next year, during the ensuing pro basketball season. By no means do I think this is entirely prevalent to the NBA. I think all pro sports are traveling this same path. I’d say the NFL is at the threshold that the NBA was at with it, back in the early 90s. How else to look at the whole Brett Favre, will he or won’t he – fiasco, in Minnesota? Baseball is a bit behind the NFL, but fast approaching. How long until Stephen Strasburg, the phenom Nationals pitcher, holds a similar episode of “The Decision?” Suffice to say, I don’t mean to rail on the NBA, and this isn’t meant as an anti-sports post (though it really grows tiresome, ESPN, especially when we’re endlessly hashing out the whys and what fors of a $100 million dollar contract v.s. a $130 million dollar contract.) I have a certain nostalgia for the team era of the 70s and early 80s, which I still recalled quite fondly. The Steelers and Chuck Knoll, The Cowboys and Tom Landry, The Big Red Machine, The Bronx Bombers, and Whiteyball, The Celtics Versus The Lakers. These were teams, in many ways what James/Wade/Bosh represent by coming together, but not truly cultivated or motivated by being a team, necessarily – just playing one on team – to help their brand. That’s the turn that we’re working through in modern (or post-modern, maybe) sports culture. The teams/dynasties I mention above were all built from the ground up and remained, largely in tact for many years. They weren’t just a product of free agency. I guess I’m kind of sad for the loss of that time. Why? How do you root for your home team when the players on it become so mobile and mercenary? I don’t know. I’m sure many Cavs fans are asking themselves the same thing, tonight.****

I’ve been a little in and out, lately, I know. Great big period of transition happening out west. So, please hang in there with me. So interesting stuff, as always, just over the horizon.

I’m in AZ, visiting first my Aunt and Uncle, then on to say hello and see a rodeo with Ms. Antone. (Can’t wait!!!) SO, posts will be sporadic at best as we march towards the 4th, but I will be in and out. Next Monday, I’ll be back and locked in, full time. Lots of works needs to happen. Be safe out there!

Just returned a little while ago from the Graduation Ceremony. It was a beautiful day on campus with a nice late afternoon breeze on a perfect, seventy degree sunny day. I got to sit to with such one-of-a-kind friends who I’ve shared such a wonderful start to what will, hopefully, be a much longer journey together, we celebrated and laughed and soaked up the collective accomplishment. There were fantastic speakers and everything clicked right along. My Mother and Father were here to witness the whole event and I think they enjoyed themselves quite a bit. It was quite lovely to have them here for it and we went out after for a great dinner to celebrate.

That’s about as far as I’ll get into the ceremony, tonight. I know, I know. Details, right? Well, hopefully we’ll get to that when I’m a bit more rested. Instead of that, I would like to do a little something else. I went back to my old blog, FROM NORTH CAMPUS…, which I started shortly after arriving out here. The purpose of the blog was to share my school experience with some close friends and family, that weren’t here with me, on MOBILE ME (The Mac service and their web templates.) It was really quite barebones and all. More like a shotgun shack to the mansion that is Guided By Wire. What I was looking for was my first official school post. There was a first post that was a test balloon of sorts, but then came this post:

MONDAY’S ON NORTH CAMPUS ARE QUITE AN EVENT!”

We all go through it. Everyone. Some more than others, but no one escapes it. Which builds camaraderie. Along those lines, Monday’s the one day your guaranteed to see everyone else at some point in the day (Usually 130A which we all have to take together). Which doesn’t happen often, so we get excited to see each other. There’s a lotta love among the first years. As Richard Walter would say – Go Bruins!!

What’s the breakdown of classes? Here it is:
12:00 to 12:50 – 130A, Screenwriting Fundamentals, Lecture w/Richard Walter
1:00 to 1:50 – 130C, Screenwriting Fundamentals, Discussion w/Alice O’Kieffe
2:00 to 4:00 – Lunch and Reading for Documentary class (more on that tomorrow)
4:00 to 6:50 – 431, Intro to Screenwriting Workshop, W/ Paul Castro
7:00 to 10:50 – 298B, Strategy; or I Graduated From Film School, Now What The Hell Do I Do? W/ Howard Suber & Ken Suddleson

So what are those classes? We will get into that sometime this week. It’s late and I need to eat dinner here, because Documentary Tuesday is fast approaching. I do want to get a few things up and running, though.

Fun Things I Learned Today:

“Waste less time by wasting less ink”
“Best way to engage the audience? Withdraw, then they’ll come after you.”
– Richard Walter, 130A, on the importance of efficiency in screenwriting.

“Coordinators, that’s who you want to get to know. There not assigned to anyone and they’re already calling themselves Agents to some people.”
– Barry Cotler, Agent @ The Gersh Agency, UCLA TFT Grad ’02, in 298B, on where
Screenwriters can most effectively look for initial representation. (I had never heard of
Coordinators before. This was a big deal. Much chatter after class about Coordinators among the first years.)

Lots of times we have Guest Speakers, industry professionals – mostly alumni , who come into mainly the Producing classes to talk to us about the state of the Industry, share with us there stories, or what they do within the Industry. Sometimes, I’ll just list who it was for the record. Sometimes, I’ll get into what they talked about.

Monday’s Guest Speaker Roster

298 -Strategy Class
Barry Cotler, Agent @ The Gersh Agency, UCLA TFT MFA Grad ’02.
He reps writers on IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, BURN NOTICE,
CRIMINAL MINDS, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, SAVING GRACE, BONES and a few actors, one of which is on 30 ROCK.

Barry gave us a run down on what it means to be an Agent. What an Agent wants from his Clients in terms of working dynamic. Big theme of his talk? Invest in the relationship. Learn to work together. The usual stuff, but he had some gems in there like the Coordinator tip.

Felicia Henderson, Producer/Writer/Director/Professor/PHD Candidate, UCLA MFA Grad ’00
She’s currently Co-Executive Producer and Head Writer on the CW’s Gossip Girls. She Was Co-Creator and Writer/Producer for Soul Food: The Series. She wrote for The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, Moesha and Family Matters among others.

Felicia talked to us about writing for television. She said a lot of great things. Best thing, though? That when she staffs a show she looks for original work from writers – feature screenplays, or original pilots. She encouraged us to write original material and not scripts for existing shows as work samples (which used to be the rule). This is a big shift in how Showrunners staff

That’s it for today. Tune in tomorrow for Documentaries!

That was the very beginning! Remember those days? Oh, boy! I read a few others, around that same time, and I was completely struck by the noticeable shift in tone between those entries and some of the stuff now. What do you think, despite the small sample size?

A few more things, real quick.

When I came here, first quarter, in our mandatory inaugural writing workshop here at UCLA, the 431, I met four fellow first years who had all gone through the Professional Program as I had. Something wonderful clicked and we fell in together as friends, then, at the end of that quarter, forming a tight knit writing group – just the five of us, meeting religiously once a week for a couple hours. The name of the group? The 431. It was a left field occurrence and elevated my tenure at UCLA in ways I could’ve never fathomed. It was a defining choice to form that writer’s group and to collectively share our ongoing UCLA experience with each other – to read each others pages and scripts, to break story together, to share our different professors wisdom, and to just vent when things got tough. It sped up the learning process a hundredfold, it deepened it immeasurably, and it provided a necessary lifeboat when the going got stormy, which it did for each of us at different times, in different ways. We’ve been through a ton together, and I count those four among the best friends I have here. Two of which I got to go to Austin’s Film Festival with and are definitely two of the closest friends I have in this journey. One of those two is the first guy I ever met in L.A. (along with his wife who’s a super close friend, as well, and their two awesome kids) as well as being my writing partner (Yes, it is Jason.) To honor the 431 and their immense contribution to my development as a writer:

The 431, end of the 1st Quarter, in Westwood - the night before we officially formed the group.

Then here we are, three years later – today.

If you're wondering, I took the first photo, and the second was taken by a friend

Pretty cool, huh?

More snaps tomorrow!