Temp Site

I posted a temp site for Patron of the Arts.  It will be awhile until our real site is up and running, but I think this shows the jist of it in one simple diagram: www.patronofthearts.org. Gotta run --Daily Show's on!

AMPTP Suspends Negotiations with SAG

Los Angeles, May 6, 2008 -The AMPTP suspended negotiations with SAG today. SAG National President Alan Rosenberg said, "It is unfortunate and deeply troubling that the AMPTP would suspend our negotiations at this critical juncture. We have modified our proposals over the last three weeks in effort to bargain a fair contract for our members. We are committed to preserving rights that have been in place for decades and not giving the studios the right to use excerpts of our work in new media without our consent and negotiation. Our team is prepared to work around the clock for as long as it takes to get a fair deal. We want to keep the town working."

According to SAG, over the last four weeks SAG negotiated and modified many of its proposals to the AMPTP, while, the AMPTP has offered only a few modifications to its new media proposal which was submitted to SAG in three documents containing 36 provisions that differed from the deals agreed to with the WGA and DGA.

Also troubling to SAG, the AMPTP put forward a proposal in which management's clip demand would gut existing provisions regarding actors' consent to use of their clips and would allow studios and networks to use or sell clips - going forward and from their libraries - in any way they choose and without consent.

SAG's Chief Negotiator Doug Allen stated, "We were hopeful that we could continue negotiations and reach a tentative agreement. We modified our proposals in effort to narrow the gap between us and now we need the AMPTP do the same. SAG's objective is to keep the town working and get a fair contract, so we are gravely disappointed that we will now have to delay to a process that we started over three weeks ago. We are willing to work for as long as it takes to negotiate a good agreement for our members."

Sunrise Location Scouting

Matt and I were up at dawn to drive out to one of the locations for the next feature he's shooting.   This scene will shoot just after sunrise, and Matt will make look like dusk!  It's fun watching him work his magic.   When Matt was prepping WAITRESS we also did an early-morning scout; this time to the Halfway House diner, where we watched the sun rise and then had a yummy breakfast there.

The scene where the three women are sitting on the steps of the restaurant (left), and Earl picks up Jenna --was shot at noon!  I love the magic of movies. 

Rainbows in the Mist

One of the little perks of being married to a cinematographer (who's also a really romantic person) is that he always find me rainbows.  If it's raining and there's a ray of light, he'll say "You know, there's a rainbow to be found".  And then he'll find it for me.  Well today, he made me a rainbow.  After we washed the car, he sprayed the hose into the mist and as the sun shone behind us, I got my rainbow.  I love when Matt shoots a movie in town, because we get to keep our weekends together.  And weekends like this are the things I know I will remember when I look back on my life...

POA: On the Way!

Happy Friday.  Well, Karen is totally onboard as a co-founder for Patron of the Arts. And she is already the amazing asset I thought she would be!  It was so nice to have a meeting where someone else was as on top of things as I was.  I could relax my brain a bit. She completely sees the potential of this company. We each have our assignments laid out, and I'm already 1/2 way through with mine.  I've set up emails for each of us at the website, created an online google sharing doc, and researched the company name in regard to Trademark.  Next steps: form non-profit. (I May not even need a lawyer to file the non-profit papers, if I use Mosaic for templates).  --NO CINDY-- You need to be doing other things.  Okay -we need a lawyer!  And also: need a talented Website Designer and Programmer who's experienced with creating extremely complicated sites.  Send referrals!  Oh, I'm going to ask my brother how to write this job description.  

POA: Creating a Game Plan

I'm still fighting the remnants of that nasty cold, but my voice has almost returned to normal.  It's been fun sounding raspy and different, but I'm ready to be well again.  I'm dying to go back to the gym and return to my routine with full energy.  Today Karen is coming over and I'm going to go over all the initial ideas I have for this new non-profit company: POA.  Map out the mission,  budget, company structure, job responsibilities, etc..,  She wants to be involved with the start-up as a founder; I only hope she has the time!  Fingers crossed--she'd be a great asset!  In the meantime, I think we're going to need atleast 2 more people.   I can't wait for the Launch and to tell EVERYONE about the new company.  I think it will be a truly revolutionary resource for filmmakers to gather film funding.  Pretty soon!   In the meantime, I am seeking a kick-ass web designer (it's a BIG job), and a lawyer to do our non-profit papers and advise.  Referrals are welcome!  Also need someone to design a great logo!

Happy Anniversary

Best day of my life: April 30, 2005.  I married my the love of my life, and best friend in Yosemite National Park, surrounded by my closest friends and family.  I feel very lucky and grateful.

More Ice Cream!

Thanks to my buddy Neil for this one too! TONIGHT, from 5-10pm April 30th is 31 cent scoop night at Baskin Robbins! (There is a limit of TEN scoops per person. Oh, what will I do with such limitations?!?) No, it's not free... BUT all proceeds go to support America's Firefighters!!! (How awesome is THAT?!? Yummy ice cream AND helping out our local heroes!!)

Free Cone Day

Today is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's.  I'm off to get my chunky monkey!  Delicious.

TABLE FOR THREE

Today was Matt's first day of prep on his next film called TABLE FOR THREE, and it's shooting here in LA!  Yippee!  It's with Starz new theatrical division, and so the office is right around the corner from us in Burbank.  The film's story line is so cute!  It's about this guy who gets into relationships too quickly, and ends up befriending this clingy couple who get jealous when he wants to find a new girlfriend, and all kinds of shenanigans begin to happen.  It stars Sophia Bush, Jesse Bradford, Jennifer Morrison and Brandon Routh.

Matt was actually supposed to be shooting a film called PICTURES OF YOU right now, but it was pushed for the third time. Hopefully it will be good to go when this one ends in July I only  hope it doesn't interfere with ODD BRODSKY.  I guess the key is to not worry about it yet.  I'm sure it will all work out. Right?

In case you were wondering what happened with the HANNAH movie that Matt was up for earlier this year: the director Peter Chelsom loved Matt, but ended up going with a DP who'd already had experience doing Disney films.  The director sent Matt the sweetest letter (not an email!) saying he'd felt a bit of pressure by the studio to go with the other guy, and he thinks Matt is incredibly talented and hopes to work with him soon.  He also said that most people in this town "say" these things, but he honestly means it.  He seems like such a great guy.

Goddess Retreat

Just got home from my women's group retreat in Summerland, California --up by Santa Barbara.  The Goddesses and I (yup, that's our name!) celebrated our ten year anniversary as a group.  Wow.  Ten years! Where does the time go?   

At our last retreat (in Portland, Oregon) I remember staying up very late one night telling Tamera  (far right in the photo) the entire story line of ODD BRODSKY.  Now here it is, all shot-listed, budgeted, scheduled, and ready to go!

It was a fun trip, but entirely too short.  And I had a pretty bad cold the entire time! But I certainly had my share of relaxing. I enjoyed the hammock in back (see top pic) as well as cuddling with Flippy the cat, who lived here.  We had great healthy meals, talked for hours, had fun on the beach, and worked on personality enneagrams (Apparently I'm a "5" Investigator and a "7" Enthusiast).   

2008 Prism Awards

Last night was the 12th Annual Prism Awards Ceremony, which took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel. (My first feature PURGATORY HOUSE was a nominee in 2005 and 2006).   Katrina and I had a blast!  We met Ben Vareen, Jonn Schneider, and my favorite: Homer Simpson, who accepted the award for "Best TV comedy series episode" (which just so happened to be one of the categories I judged) on behalf of "The Simpsons" and Fox Broadcasting / 20th Century Fox Television / Gracie Films.  

Other actors in attendance included Jenny Garth, Dee Wallace Stone, Meredith Hartley, Dr. Drew, Kathy Joosten (from "West Wing" -- who I know from when we were both actors with Theater Geo), and a bunch of others who I can't seem to remember right now.  It was quite a fun night!  Really well done.  The show moved quickly, and even included a magic act.  (It will air next month on FX Network). The dinner was delicious.  Life is good.

STILL WATERS at Newport Beach FF

A film Matt shot called STILL WATERS starring Lake Bell and Clifton Collins Jr, will be screening at the Newport Beach Film Festival this weekend as part of the "Saturday Night Centerpiece Gala". It's a classy film noir inspired film that feels like a throwback to the 70's with a lyrical pace and stunningly gorgeous photography. Check it out Saturday April 26. 

Fundraising Packets

This week I've been working on my Product Placement Presentation Packet.  I hired someone who specializes in product placement to raise money for ODD BRODSKY, but before she can begin, I need to give her all the materials she needs... My brain hurts.

Can you believe this?

Current gas prices in L.A.!  Remember when we were shocked that it would top $2/gallon?  That was not long ago...

No Deal

I was so tempted to go to this open call for the game show "Deal or No Deal", but we just got home from Vegas, and I didn't have it in me to camp out all night.  But it would have been fun! Katrina and I actually auditioned for this show, and were chosen to be on the pilot episode!  But that was before they revamped the show and added Howie Mandel. 

The Way My Mind Works

I noticed that the acronym for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the acronym for the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) are quite similar.  They are both three letters with an "A" in the center, AND If you go five letters down from N, you get to S, and if you go 5 letters down from B you get to G.  Same amount of space on both sides of the "A". Do other people notice things like that too? Or am I weird?

SAG Effects

Lots of people have been asking how the SAG strike will affect ODD BRODSKY.  I spoke with my SAG rep a few months ago, and he said I can probably get a waiver since we're an indie. Don't worry --It will all work out the way it's supposed too.

NAB 2008

I've been chillin' here in Vegas with my Canon buds all week, talking about the new Canon XL-H1S and XL-HLA cameras.  We're staying at my favorite hotel: The Venetian.  I love the big, cushy rooms here, the layout, the dual plasma TVs, the remote controlled curtains --and of course the giant bathroom with the deepest bathtub. My favorite Vegas eats are: 1) Capriotti's --I've had THREE bobbie subs aleady-- 2)Grand Lux Cafe --The roasted beet salad-- and 3) Paris Seafood Buffet.  At night I've been working on the story and script for the second film I'm preparing tentatively called OFFICIAL SECTION.  It's coming along great. I must admit I'm feeling antsy to get home and continue prepping ODD BRODSKY.  (Although I've been making some fantastic connections for product placement while here). Life is good...  

"Secrets of the Trade"

Just saw the world premier of "Secrets of the Trade" at the Black Dahlia Theatre, and it sensational!  If you want to see a GREAT play, see this.  The actors are WONDERFUL!  The story was solid, contemporary, unpredictable, human, and extremely well told.  The direction was top notch.  I'm impressed and inspired. You will be amazed and surprised what this talented group does with a tiny theater.  

Dodged A Bullet!

Wow!  I'm glad I have good instincts.  I've been doing a little research online and just found this forum for the Trump Institute seminars I attended.  The actual reason I didn't sign up for the program, was because at the end of the seminar the two speakers (Rick Brown and Wayne Grey --who, by the way, I can find NOTHING about them online when I Google their names), would not respond to some basic questions I  had about the company.  In fact, it was almost like they intentionally didn't want to talk to me.  Why not? Afraid that my standard questions may dissuade the line of people standing with checkbooks in hand. I was so close to signing up. Whew...

Last Dance

For Valentine's Day Matt got us 6 weeks of East Coast Jitterbug swing classes, and tonight was the finale.  Best gift ever!  We had such fun.  I hate to see it end.

IndieTalk.Com

Purgatory House got another amazing review.  Indie Talk says "Bold, unabashedly artsy, fearlessly original, and nothing less than 100% provocative, “Purgatory House” is one of the wildest, freshest films that I have seen in a long time." Thanks Davy G.

The Donald

I just attended a very long (5 hour) seminar for the Trump Institute.  It was interesting.  Their financial strategies sound too good (and easy) to be true, which made me pause.  Not sure what to think. Overall, their wealth philosophies line up with the very same conclusions I have already come to.  I almost signed up for the classes, but how on earth would I fit in yet ANOTHER project to my busy life? 

Arri Dinner

Tonight Matt and I got a "sneak peak" of the three latest and greatest products that Arri will be unveiling at NAB next week: the new True Blue series of lights, the Arriflex 416 HS (a high-speed super-16mm camera capable of running at 150 fps) and the D-21 (the update to their state of the art digital camera, the D-20). Impressive Stuff!

We hung out with "Heroes" D.P. Nathaniel Goodman and "Dirt" D.P. Geary McLeod.  Dinner was a yummy goat cheese salad with balsamic vinegar dressing, followed by a delicious chicken and steak combo with rice pilaf and steamed veggies.  Thanks Arri!

A Red Sofa

I've been dying to get a new sofa for a long time, which makes this victory all the more sweet.  I was not sure how a red (maroon) sofa would work against our yellow walls.  Thankfully, it's looks AMAZING.  Wooooo!  Yes, I'm doing the happy dance now.

Dabbling With Agents

Chris Wyatt and Shak (two producers whom I respect) thought I was at a place in my career where I should consider getting an agent. I haven't had much time to pursue this, but I did ask one of Matt's agents at Innovative if he knew anyone who'd be a good match for me. Well he sent the script for ODD BRODSKY to an agent friend and just heard back. The agent really liked the writing--said it a was very smooth read! Nice. He feels that scripts having a Hollywood theme are a tough sell. (Yeah, I knew about this taboo when we wrote it, but there are a lot of examples of successful films that take place in Hollywood too. Another rule is to avoid using flashbacks. PURGATORY HOUSE is filled with flashbacks and after it was competed, not one critic commented on the large number of flashbacks!) We're really flattered that he liked the writing!

The Big Five and My Plans To Take Over The World

Now that's a title! Sometimes I feel paralyzed by Opportunity. In my strategizing out-of-the-box ideas to finance ODD BRODSKY I came up with an amazing concept for a new non-profit company that would help OTHER filmmakers finance their films! Although I came up with this idea three weeks ago, I haven't had time to work on it. I really need a team of people and an office.

Priorities:
Find Office Space (in Burbank)
Find a Producing Parnter
Write Job Descriptions and Delegate tasks

Current Large Projects and "To Do's"
1. ODD BRODSKY: Finish Financing, Confirm shoot date, get team
2. PATRON OF THE ARTS: Mission, to do's, job description list, fill jobs
3. MOSAIC THEATRE: Meet with Katrina, make job list, fill jobs
4. OFFICIAL SELECTION: Decide on the story beats by 4/30/07
5. New House

The Nicest "No"

I heard back from Greene Street Films. He said that ODD BRODSKY was a "very funny and unique script which has a lot going for it" but the subject matter was very similar to a film they already made a few years ago called LISA PICARD IS FAMOUS. Oh Well. Atleast all the feedback we've been getting is positive!! I'm gearing up to shoot in July (and hopefully use the Actor's strike in my favor!)

Creating a Morning Ritual

I think one of the hardest things about being self-employed is the discipline required to create an effective and balanced day. Having freedom can actually be paralyzing. My compulsion is to wake up in the morning and go directly to my computer (around 7am) to start my day and work right through dinner time (around 7pm). It truly is an effort to eat, bathe, exersize and take time for my spirit in the morning. Yet if I don't do these things in the morning, the day never makes time for them. Then I become resentful of doing the work I love! If I can discipline myself to take daily quality time by creating a morning routine or ritual, not only will my work become more enjoyable, but it will also be MORE productive! I just know it... Today I am committing to: 1) Creating a more reasonable Daily Routine. 2) Making the Master Plan for my 5 Current Projects (ah!)