->

Well, that was the last time I'll wake up as a teenager. I'm still not thrilled about how quickly the time goes, but I'm ready, for the right reasons or maybe not, to let go of the title of teen. Because it is titles and claims, 'last times' and 'never haves' that I usually get stuck on. I was planning on a dvd night, but fortunately I went to the cabin and Andrew, having recently turned 20 himself, convinced me to go out, accept my decades for what they are, and I had a good time.

Over the last couple days I did have the good fortune to hear Al Sharpton and John Edwards speak on the diag. I barely caught the last couple sentences of Sharpton's 5 minute speech, that was part of a BAMN rally against the MCRI initiative (to end affirmative action, or mitigate it). Regardless of stance, I think BAMN really debased their argument by letting high school, and younger, students speak impromptu. There was a lot of swearing and unprofessionally, that gives the campaign a negative flavor. John Edwards is a clean lookin' 50 year old, who gave a great speech and had as large a crowd as I've seen on the diag. I found his ideas fairly impressive, but it's hard to disagree with eliminate poverty.

Thursday night our co-op flag football had our first game and won. I contributed very little to this, but it's still a fun way to spend time with housemates that doesn't require immense amounts of febreeze.

I have lots of programming to do for the 489 project, an app for the library to find and meetup with others studying the same thing, which I'm pretty excited about, and a 281 out of the box exercise project. Off to bbedit and xcode.

Defending the castle threshold

I just overslept for the second day in a row. Yesterday I ran out the door and was only 20 minutes late, but today it's on north and I'm not gonna bother. Not too worried about it. Actually, I decided to skip my 281 class later too. Havn't gone to that one much at all, except last time, which was the exam. The professor isn't very clear, it's just a better use of the time to read the book. . . or do anything else.

The exam for that class was brutal on tuesday, especially because of the tiem allowed. Fortunatley for me, in UM like much of life I don't really have to excel so much as do better than the rest. Of course I don't try to act that way but it is a convenient crutch when it comes to grades.

Dr. D gave our disney class an experience that is sure to stay among our most memorable lessons ever. After discussing the ability of a space to tell us who we are and how we are supposed to act in it, he made the comparison between the ugli (undergrad library) and the law library. We then left to visit the law quad across the street. The ugli, with its rows of books and tables, is clearly intended for sitting and reading. Of course, to a student the building is also suggestive of socialization. The law quad, which we were informed copies Cambridge architecture, places the library as the center of attention. There is an air of importance, a pressure to succeed and be intelligent, and certainlya pressure to be quiet. It is also suggestive of more than behavior, it is suggestive of stories like dead poets society and harry potter...

On the way back Dr. D walked ahead of us, leading us a different way than we had come. As he approached the tunnel back to South U we heard shouting from the corridor and 6 people came charging out at each other with helmets and chainmail on and weilding weapons. Dr. D came walking back towards us with a 'O my lord' look on his face, as the 6 enacted a scene where half were storming and half defending their stronghold. The defenders won. Dr. D turns to us and says of the law quad "Other stories are possible too". My intial reaction was that it was Ring of steel group practicing a routine in a spot that was fun for them. Though as we got back to class it became increasingly clear that I was the last of the group to realize he had asked them to come. Well he made the point, the scene fit the location after the intial shock, and certainly fit more than a similar performance in the ugli.

Last night I had a great time of getting NYPD pizza with Kirsty and then learning the proper way to use milk in tea. She always exudes warmth and compassion, and this time she brought some McVitie's HobNob cookies along too.

A very happy 20th to Andrew today. I went over to the cabin for midnight, just before the White Sox won. And I'm about to see him on the diag, where Al Sharpton is speaking today.

One week left

I spent the majority of today studying in one way or another for my french cinema exam tomorow and my eecs281(data structure/algorithm) exam on tuesday. This included a two hour review session with the best GSI I;ve had so far at this university. Yesterday was full of even more rigorous study than today, culminating in a little too much coffee. I'm slightly ashamed to say it was, I think, the most chemically imbalanced I've ever made myself. Fortunatley, the cabin was up watching When Harry Met Sally.

More than the exams, it's the week left of teenage-ness thats on my mind. Fortunately, I have a great friend in Kirsty who understands it very well and has crafted a remedy involving tea and something called hobnobs for this wednesday. Well, it's a quick look over avant garde trends of the 20's before bed.

Back to School

2005-09-06 00:58:43
Well I want to comment on camp but it will have to wait. Obviously the blog schedule didnt hold over the summer. But it's the night before classes, so let me talk about that briefly.

Wiht the addition of carpet and a new mattress my room in the Jones coop jumps from 'gross but livable because it's cheap and im counting it as an experience' to 'hey this could be a pretty cool room though its not a bad idea to keep some purell handy'.

Though I am dissapointed at not getting an internship with Disney this fall, as the Engineer who I would have been with switched departments, but not incredibly so. Going to UM for a semester is not such a bad thing, and its always easy to shut your complaining up by putting things in perspective. For example, EECS 281 vs Hurrican Katrina.

Now more used to the college lifestyle and knowing Ann Arbor, this has been my favorite welcome week, as it was the first I didn't dislike. But with Ari's shabbat meals, kelmo in town, and Justin's transplant of the game Balls to michigan, its been pretty good. Still I look forward to my classes as well as the box of 96 single-serving raisin bran bowls (jonah avert your eyes) I took from camp.

On the job front I've taken a part time job with Inner Circle Media on state st. doing whatever odd coding tasks they need. I am playing with the idea of getting a few hours at the new NYPD pizza too. I would love to get DreamTree Studios started on the Bar/Bat mitzvah route, but feel frustrated with the intial push/advertising.

Now that I've taken my own advice to my campers (writing 5 minutes the night before HS), we're done for now.

Day Off #1

2005-06-19 22:20:34
5 and a half days of precamp completed, 21 hours left of day off, and about 34 hours until the campers arrive.

Precamp was mainly a mix of planning camper activities, sessions on Tamarack policy and how to work with campers/deal with problems, and social events to meet other staff. I'm happy to say Seidman, Evan, Noah Levinson's and Avi's team made it to the finals of the annual staff Bball tourament, and that I played for the first time in the tournament leading my teammates to a total of 3 points over two games. None of which I score. Im glad they roped me into it.

While I didn't know a lot of the sT staff coming in, we are becoming fairly cohesive, and it's an exciting mix. Several activities in the works should be really great, and I'm really looking forward to counselor-ing a bunk of 18 boys (many of which I know from last year) with Eric Blumberg.

While we got to see the Pistons games, have the Bball tourny, see IALAC and a few other traditions, I'm sorry to say some were absent, like the staff banquet (meaning a different sup introduction), and a hypnotist or other entertainment (though there was a dance). Though it left me a bit of a sinus infection I hope to be over by tomorrow morning, precamp also left me very excited for Tuesday.

T.05, get ready

Last Night in NY

2005-06-10 23:24:31
well, as expected it went very fast. As expected, it was a terrific experience, and I'm glad that everything came together and thankful for the various rolls played by and encouragement/permissions given by my parents. Also Ben.

Wednesday Kirsty and I walked all the way to central park, and in it for a little ways. Eventually we found a roasted nuts cart for her to try some, and I tried some roasted (read: soaked in sugar) coconut. I intend to look into getting a cart and a permit for ann arbor when camp is over. Wednesday night Kirsty and I saw Phantom of the Opera. Lot of really cool stage effects, and a great idea story. Good show, but didnt quite come together for me, or have the emotional punch it could have had.

Thursday after I dragger K to the post office, we visited NY Milkshalk Co before getting her to Grand Central to leave for la guardia.

Tribeca Lab ended on an upnote. I finished all but a couple tapes, and David was excited at the idea of sending me a drive in the fall with some scenes to give me a chance to cut some of the movie. Having seen hours of footage and I have some perspective on the whole project. Being able to cut something, anything would be great. As is he said I will have a credit as assisstant editor, or some similar title. Which is cool.

RumuR ended on a down note. I was able to finish the administrative part of their website that will let them change info on it, add trailers and pictures etc. . but I couldn't get the main flash site done. It was too much to teach myself as I went along, with a class, internship and desire to leave the library. I will turn over what I have and hopefully get a friend from Couzens to finish up the flash.

While I am sad to leave, if I put away the usual sentimentality I am ready. The work and the city environment are both busy-ish, which is fun, but you have to temper yourself to life here a little. I could see myself coming back, certainly, but for now it will be nice to have a couple days without constantly worrying about getting hit by a cab. Probably couldn't see mysely living in manhattan for a lond period of time, at most a semester or two.

And of course, there is camp. Very excited for it, have a small list of ideas, and a couple fun items from around the city. I'm ready for the bird behind my back Jonah, bring it on. Specialty 05: "Slogan to be included here at a later date"

Desserts, Shows, and Desserts O My!

2005-06-08 16:54:45
Well, as expected my pace has significantly slowed since the first few days. I added some pics to the last couple posts. Including those with mom, the theater where they were filming 'the departed' and Jenny's graduation.

I have gotten a lot done at tribeca. Almost 45 tapes copied. During them I go get a snack or work on the RumuR website. The past couple days I've managed to work fast and get out around 11 or earlier for the day.

A lot to talk about, but won't go into detail here because Kirsty and I are out to dinner and then Phantom. Some highlights:

Brian and I took the subway uptown Saturday and checked out Grand Central, where we got free candy at a Germany Tourist exibit, and walked around in the part of the UN building open to the public. Couple of the pics on the left are from that walk.

I was very fortunate to see The Pillowman (with Brian) and 700 Sundays (and get BC's autogaph). This was last week. Both of which were fantastic. I think you don't really realize good acting until you see it. It seems like a lot of people just sort of accomplish the task, but Pillowman really impressed me with the way the actors really created characters. This was later reinforced at a show I saw last night.



Back up a bit... Kirsty and I, in an attempt to see Wicked while she was here (o, by the way Kirsty is visiting! we walked far into chinatown, and then down to battery park yesterday) entered our names in the WIcked lottery. There were over 100 people, and I wasn't expecting it at all when they called my name first for the lottery! It was very exciting, and a great 2.5 hours to the show anticipating the front row.

The show wa that much more impressive the second time. Every element is really at a very high level, the lighting, acting, music, constumes, sets. No one, even the small parts, ever missed a beat. They were in it, even when the attention was away from them.

Well being a student is swell. . . We were able to get discounted tickets to Phantom tonight, probably my last of the trip. It will be a little tough to leave, but I can't wait for camp. I made a couple small purchases at the Disney store today that will start the summer off right.

Life Lately

2005-06-02 17:59:08
Fast week. Hard to believe that already had to submit the first drafts of our screenplays today.

Somehow I have yet to see Dave Pilot since he left. Tuesday he let me take off because I finished what he wanted me to finish. I walked to T-Square, and I went all around looking into rush and SRO tickets and managed to get a cheap SRO to thursday night (tonight) for 700 Sundays, Billy Crystal.

Yesterday and this morning I have been in the office making copies (and writing screenplay/reading about flash a little too). It's tough because his scenes are all over different tapes. It's a good lesson in striping tapes and proper preproduction.

Class has been very little of Prof. Thompson talking, mostly students presenting. Last couple days were presenting our step-outline (list of what happens), and today we cast our scripts to people in the class (because we know everyone fairly well at this point) and sat back. I think my idea is decent, but is flawed in execution. It's not as funny as I'd like, got some laughs, but pretty moderate reaction.

The class has been terrific, I think it was very helpful and fun. It certainly was educational and if there wasn't such a time crunch I could maybe even apply a little of it. Prof T. is great, I like his actor's approach at writing and his exercises helped us get to know each other better. And everyone came out with a first draft and couple other initial ideas.

Have tried several cool food places this week. Couple days ago I had almond cookie ice cream at the Chinatown Ice cream factory that was great. I went back to the bakery where Mom/Brian/myself got bubble tea and got a mini cheesecake, peice of butter cream cake, and a rice roll for $2.45 . . . everything was just ok though. Today I had fries from Pommes Frites and a cookie dough shake from NY Milkshake Co. Healthy I know. Both great, PF offers lots of sauces, I had mango chutney and sweet chili. Will go back.

Couple days ago, I saw a shoot going on at 12th and University Pl and stopped cause I had time before meeting Brian and David for dinner. They were shooting 'the departed' and I got to see jack nicholson. Apparantly missed Matt Damon when I was getting a filafel sandwich, o well. I'd rather see Scorcese than him or DiCaprio.

Lots of excitement on the horizon. Making plans with Kirsty for her to visit for a couple days next week. It will be a ton of fun, and a lot of desserts I have a feeling. I also think about camp quite a bit, and have some decent ideas...

Enter: The Hyperlink

2005-05-30 23:05:13
OK, slight hiatus there. Quick recap:

Wednesday, Tribeca as usual, as far as I can remember. After picking up a DVD for Rumur employee Dave, I took the subway to 79th and met Uncle Clark /Jenny for sushi. We arranged for the next day, and had tuna/mango and sweet potato rolls. Sounds slightly better than they were, but was great to have sushi. As those two headed to am play, I met (roommate) David at the entrance to Hairspray. We were in the back row! But moved at intermission. It was fun and upbeat, but not great.

Thursday, Dave (Pilot) gave me keys to the office and we layed out the 12 tapes I should copy while he headed out of town until Tues morning. A lot of trust in me soon, but I had no worries of finishing them in time. We usually meet at 9 (read 10, after he calls at 8:30 to ask if 10 is ok), and I knew i would be breaking that easily. In class I read my idea proposal and got feedback. It's a comedy, premiss: what if you came home unexpectedly and found your parents doing everything they ever told you not to. People seemed to like the premiss but pointed out some major problems...working
Madison Square Garden right after class, met Clark eventually out front, Shelly inside and saw Jenny's graduation. Faculty, and especially the TImberland CEO gave great speeches. Very funny....Grad followed by a fantastic dinner with the four of us at 'My Most Favorite Dessert Company'. Mostly the peanut butter moose (sp?) was the fantastic part!

Friday, In the office early, got a bunch of tapes done. Walk downtown to give Dave (Beilinson, w/Rumur) the DVD, but he wasn't there yet. Mom called as I was sitting in Battery park and I subwayed to the dorm, picked up her guest pass and went outside as she pulled up in a Cab. What followed for the next three days was a lot of walking.

First to times square, where we grabbed a quick sandwich and were very fortunate to get in the lottery line for Wicked and see the show that night. As long as I spent laboring over the Star wars disappointments I would probably spend complimenting this show. In the end story, dialogue, lighting, set, acting, and music joined in making a great show.

Saturday, Mom and my roommate brian head through a walking tour of union square, chinatown and little italy, stopping in the last for a bite. Pooped, we head back to the dorm, relax and then get pizza for dinner in the West Village.

Sunday included mom doing an art show by herself, hehe, and a return to chinatown for a cheap hairpiece for alli, and a walk through soho. Dinner at a fast food indian place, called Indian Bread Co.

Early this morning I saw mom to a cab. Slept another hour and got to the office to finish off a bunch of tapes. Inbetween (read: during) tapes I headed out for ice cream at the Chinatown ice cream factory, and worked on my story for class. Brian and I tried out the new dining hall that opened, (with a bigger selection of desserts). I wrote (read: tried to write) in W square for a bit. OK that about does it. Pics will follow tomorrow.

The move to hayden

2005-05-24 08:54:32
Much of Sunday/Monday was spent learning flash, but I did go down to Tribeca in the afternoons. Last night I met one of Dave Pilot's friends at another local, but larger production company, Rainlake. While Dave is out of town for a week, I will be working there. I went by, it seems like a good atmosphere and is only a few blocks from Tribeca Lab.

Sunday morning, nearly right at 9 I checked out of Brittany and moved to Hayden. It's slightly nicer, the shower is much nicer, and the location is pretty good. I found my roommate asleep when I got back that afternoon, but met him after his nap. His name is Brian, he's interning on Wall Street, and seems like a real nice guy. Of course, I still plan to call Dave and go to the dining hall with him when I can.

In class we've begun pitching our initial ideas and getting feedback from everyone, I havn't gone yet.

Of note that I didn't remember to write about last Thurs or Fri when it happened: On one walk back from Tribeca it occured to me that I it was possible to stay in New York. With the money and modest resume I have, It's possible to start jobs in some of these film groups or other jobs and find a cheap place to live. Not doing it, but it was weird to realize that it is possible. And it is possible.

So now that my parents are sufficiently shaken. .

There are some pics to the left of the new room in Hayden and the view. (the park is if I lean out and look right).

Times Square and RENT

2005-05-21 22:02:47
I failed to wake up at 6 today to go uptown and wait for an SNL ticket. Whether it was me, or whether it was my alarm... lets not place blame. But I did get up around 7:30 and jogged a bit. I walked uptown to TKTS to get some tix to Rent for Theresa and myself. On the way I got a cinnamon scone at a tent that was part of some spring flower/harvest type event in Union Square. Couple fun street performers in the TKTS line, a steal drummer and a karaoke singer.

I walked back quickly (after a short stop in the Hershey store), and got a falafel sandwich for lunch. Same price and street, different restaurant than last sunday. Just as good. I called Theresa and asked if she wanted to go early because I read that Kelly Clarkson had a concert in Central Park today and I wanted to see if we could hear any of it. We took the subway up. A guy walked trough our car playing trumpet, and was very good.

There was no way the huge line would get inside in time for us to hear any of the concert. We were pressed to get to the theater as it was. Rent was great! Now I finally know what councler Laura was talking about way back in Pioneer. I was only mildly impressed at intermission, but it got great after that. Lots of good music, esp. electric guitar, powerful themes, and well performed. I wish I was able to pick up on more of what was being said in the messages, for example why emphasis on holidays? Some basic stuff was clear like carpe diem, and the idea of putting time in new contexts, "seasons of love" instead of the monthly rent. And aids helps puts time in prospective. Great show.

We found a Vietnamese place on 48th that was actually pretty good and reasonable. BBQ beef and a curry soup were delicious. I had maybe thought of seeing another show tonight, but I have plenty of time. We headed back, trudging the last 10 blocks or so in pouring rain...

I was suprised by an IM upon my return that Zach Borden was visiting Josh just a few floors above me. So it was nice to say hi to.

Well, to flash and story development -->

Thurs/Fri recap

2005-05-21 22:02:05
Both mornings I was at Tribeca at 9. Thursday we went to B&H, where David got a DV deck and some tapes. On the way we passed a film shoot, which a security guard told us through the cab window was the Sopranos. Friday we tried copying a tape, but had it in the wrong mode and it used the whole tape in 40 minutes. Well, it took two tries to figure it out and that was the time. Not a lot gets done in that room so far. . .

Thursday class we did a lot of improv, and Prof Thompson related them to writing. The idea is to give your characters a goal, let their character and the dialogue come form it. A writer can try to play both parts of the improv in their head. He had me as the shopkeeper that didn't want the customer to buy anything, and then in the reverse position. Later I had to give my Truth/Lies stories. I first said that a camper had switched my white conditioner and suntan lotion, which I then gave to several campers, whose skin dried so bad that they were in the clinic for 3 days. The second story was that I drank a frozen coke every day of high school except for 6. They then discussed and voted on which they thought was true. Obviously, the latter.

That night I saw SW:RotS with Eli, Josh, and David (roomate). Already wrote on that. Except I may have been to harsh. It was the best of the 3 prequels, and overall enjoyable to watch. I ended up going again friday, dont ask, with Theresa. I noticed some great things. Anakin and Padame's have a great scene where they are across the city and thinking of each other. Their best for sure (not to mention they dont say anything, thay may be why), if not one of the best in the movie. It gives a sense of the epic which I realized is the other major thing missing. Moments like announcing Padame is pregnant, naming Vader, were not emphasized and given the historical and epic nature they deserve. OK, done with this movie already!

Friday, Theresa and I had walked to Times Square to get tix for sat, but I had to go downtown to Meet Dave (another one) with RumuR. Took the subway all the way to Wall street. Positive meeting, nice guy. Couple potential one time editing jobs, like a demo reel, for them, and info on the site they want. Excited about these tasks, but want to talk to NYU internship person about looking at my options. There is some slight disappointment with the Tribeca job. Hopefully, will pick up. Walking around after the meeting I saw the WTC site, NYSE and lots of important people doing important things. Got pizza.

Help us Joanne, You're our only hope

2005-05-20 03:06:14
I'll catch up on the last couple day's activities tomorrow when I get a chance, but I'd like to comment on Revenge of the Sith, while it is fresh in my mind.

I hate to suggest I have the right to critique someone like Lucas, and I want to respect the right of the auteur to produce to his/her satisfaction. Still, it kills me that such a terrific universe doesn't meet its full potential. Much like the Matrix sequels, it pulls down the proud beginnings of the whole franchise. Though this was much better than the 2nd and 3rd Matrices, and the best of the new episodes. The following will give away parts of episode III.

I think the new star wars are like the later matrices in that they put too much emphasis in CG. Bullet-time didn't sell the Matrix by itself. Visually, CG may have allowed Lucas what he wanted originally, but it moved the new movies away from what made the first movies so great. I felt jaded of massive fight scenes, and skies full of ships. The camera was constantly on the move. It's not the impressiveness of the fight, but how much the viewer cares about the outcome. And for that the audience needs to be fighting with the character. The first time I felt anything in the movie was Sammy J's battle against the Darth Sidius, because I had at least some attachment to that Jedi and some fear of the Emperor. I didn't feel General Grievous to be a threat at all, he was knew and unknown. Think of meeting Vader for the first time. The fast pace (and the last two movies) didn't let me connect to Obi Wan. So I was indifferent to his battle with Grievous.

The anticipation was almost intolerable as the Death Star ever so slowly came around the planet into firing range.

One very important quality of the first three for me was nostalgia. You came to love the worlds created. Even average fans like myself remember Hoth, Tatooine, and Endor. We have an affinity for the X-wing, the Millenium Falcon, and a fear of the death star, star destroyers, and TIE fighters. The technology in these worlds was more advanced than ours, but at the same time it was older and less advanced. It was not high tech. Who can name a world from these three episodes? (well i know who, but i mean the average movie goer). There is a barrage of new planets, creatures, and ships. We don't get attached to any of them, no matter how well they are modeled, textured, and lit. We got a slice of that life living in Tatooine bar, and Jabba's Palace. What locations had that same pull? Nostalgic machines gave way to high tech.

It is a formidable challenge, asking an audience to get involved when they know the outcome, let alone follow a man they know will be evil. But even if the camera gave us a chance to meet them, would we love the new characters? How much more devastating would the fall from Anakin to Vader be if we loved Anakin? Leia was a self-empowered woman, Luke a brash but lovable boy. The characters of Anakin and Padame arn't memorable in and of themselves. Han, Chewie, C3PO, R2D2, and the old Obi are all fantastic characters. Jar-jar, the flying guy Anakin worked for, the sith from the last episode, and Sammy J don't give us anything of the sort. The banter between Han and Leia is sorely missed. Yoda is the only memorable character that joins us, and the audience reactions are all around him and Vader.

I wanted the feeling at certain moments that I was witnessing a decisive moment in history. Vaders ascent was better emphasized in the trailer. The birth of Luke.Leia for example had no slow in pace, no contemplation of the meaningfulness of that moment. The midwife was a never seen before droid. The connection between Vader/Padame on the tables and new birth of good/evil was terrific, but like the series as a whole not done to its potential.

Having said all that it is a very enjoyable movie. After the first hour I began to get into it. Even when I knew Yoda, Sidius, Vader, and Obi Wan survived I was engaged in their battles because I cared for the good guys, and feared the bad guys. But it was thanks to the 4th, 5th, and 6th episodes that I did so. I didn't know how they would get out of their fights and it kept me in the action. I wish the themes of destiny had been layed more throughout, and more connections to the old episodes had been sprinkled throughout. Much like Sirius black is mentioned in the first chapter of the first book. It was a fun movie, but that it doesn't realize its utterly fantastic possibilities and therefore lowers the founding installments to some degree, causes me distress. I had a similar feeling with the Matrix franchise, and it leaves me with a bitter disposition towards sequels in general. It has the faintest hints of a story far, far away from today's screens about a few pigs and a mouse from long, long ago. I only hope that destiny has in store the achievements of a young be-speckled, magical boy who will help realize the possibilities in another fantastic world.

Let the races begin

A lot of work to do already!

After the post last night I talked to Rumur Inc, set up a 10am meeting today. Well the place is in Brooklyn, and getting there was educational. I managed to get on the right train but got lost when I got out of the subway. My map was of little help, but I called and they guided me to the right house. I met 2/3 of the group, who work out of an office/studio in the house, and learned a bit about the group's works and plans. Michael gave me a DVD of their last documentary 'Horns and Halos' to watch and a documentary journal with an article on them. It looks like I will help develop a flash website for the company, and accompany them on a couple shoots if possible.

It was then back on the train to Canal, where I rushed to the 20th floor of 401 Broadway to meet David Pilot, the main force behind Tribeca Lab. He is currently going into post-production of a feature 'Saving Manhattan' about a christian fundamentalist preacher trying to purge the city of its sins and come to grips with his religion. Amy Poehler of SNL is a co-star. I think this will be my main gig. At first I'll be logging clips, but David is a nice energetic guy (who reminds me slightly of Weisserman) will give me a chance at cutting some scenes and giving input. He also said he will help New Yorkicize me. Which is much needed.

The building is on the edge of chinatown, which I had to bypass for lunch today, but I look forward to in the future. I got to class as the professor was. We did a couple concentration exercises, such as looking right at someone and describing a movie as they do the same. No breaking flow of what you're saying, and you try to pick up what movie they are talking about at the same time. We discussed the importance of the center idea of a script. A few people told their truth/lie stories. He asked us to come up with one true story and one lie and tell both. The rest of the class then discusses and votes on which was which. The point here is to learn about believability and how to create it, because after all, the art of the movie is the art of lying, to some degree.

His approach is very much from the actor's perspective, but he is open about it and it seems a fairly logical way to discuss scripts. Though he makes the point that film is not really a visual medium, (at least that the visuals are not whats the most important) and I tend to disagree with that.

I received an unexpected call from Mirimax, which I thought was done with me after they didnt return my phonecall about 2 weeks ago. It was too late to call but I will in the morning, just to see. I also got an email from IFC, inquiring about my length of stay.

I relaxed until going to dinner with Dave, did my class readings in the Square and went to the 10th of Bobst library to jot down some ideas for my short script and get a book on flash. Watched 'Horns and Halos' and signed off.

Class Bobst and a lot of Walking

2005-05-16 23:35:33
I started today with a short run around Washington Square, after getting turned away from Coles for lack of a real NYU card. I showered, had a fried-egg sandwich at the counter of Silver Spurs across the street, and got my card from the NYU office building on 12th. My picture looks as though I'd received some anesthetic shots just before, but what are ya gonna do... I tried the housing office to see if I could switch early, but to no avail.

I set up an interview with Tribeca tomorrow, and got lunch at the Weinstein dining hall, the main one open for the summer. It's a step up from Michigan, but not a big one. Some of the improvements include normal size glasses, real scoopable ice cream, burgers/hot dogs made to order, a nicer looking salad bar, grapefruit juice, and pasta (occasional stir fry) cooked to order. On the other side, it can't match the CZ for ambiance, but lets be honest...who can?

So a quick look into the Bobst library and off to class. The teacher, Paul Thompson, has a great English accent and seems like he'll be very good. He started the class, which has 13 students, with a couple acting exercises: Impromptu collaborative storytelling. In small groups we brainstormed aspects of scripts, and specifically short films (which we each write over the course of the course). He discussed each one and then gave us his 7 important aspects of screenwriting: Art is a lie, Writing for performance, Film is a time art, Anxiety, Necessity, Pain, and Who is your tribe? We watched a cool short, 'A Close Shave', and looked at it in terms of some of these aspects. I really like the class though it seems just above my level of artsyness and 'critical film analyzation'. I'm embarrassed to say that it took about an hour into class before I realized that the room vibrating every 15 minutes was due to the subway and not someone watching a bass-heavy movie in the room next door. . .

I went back to Bobst library. They have a tremendous amount of books. Kind of like the UGLI atrium on steroids, with the entire grad stacks wrapped around it. I got a couple books on Avid to prep for tribeca, and DisneyWar. I was late to my internship class meeting, due to thinking 1027 was on the first floor. In other news I bought a stamp to use on my forehead which says "out of towner". That meeting was basic do's and don'ts of interning.

Dave and I ate at Weinsteins, where I discovered they have a hot chocolate/cappuccino machine, gas station style. I walked all the way to Tribeca Grill to see if I could find Eli, but he wasn't there. But it was a fun walk, my first time in SoHo, and I saw the building where my internship is tomorrow. He called about when I got back, we got some Cold Stones and walked around. His blog is at http://summerinnyc.blogspot.com

First day in NY

2005-05-15 20:22:23
A busy day straight from 4:08 until now. After some quick cereal, it was off to the airport with mom. I took a Spirit arilines flight to La Guardia, an airport bus to Grand Central, and a taxi to Washington Square. While I saw the Statue of Liberty from the plane it wasn't until the bus emerged from a long tunnel that I saw the city, the trees near La Guardia giving way to amazing, tall buildings.

My dorm-transfer request hadn't gone through, and the front desk at Hayden hall said I'd have to go to Brittany. After failing to find the housing office I dragged my luggage to Brittany and found my room. It's quite sizeable compared to anything at Michigan. It's a triple, with a bathroom, hallway and three closets. (see pictures, the kitchen and pool table are in a lounge on the ground floor) The internet was down today :(

I set out to find the housing office, Coles sports center (read: CCRB) and my class location. Found only the latter, and returned. Set out again and found the other two, but housing said they couldn't switch me until at least next Sunday.

I started walking in the other direction up Broadway, and came across a Thai appreciation celebration in Union Square. After sampling a snack mix and very quickly realized it was composed of sea weed ...i think. I bought a candied fruit drink, which turned out to be remakably like a smoothie, and watched some Thai dancing. . .

After more walking I returned to 203 Brittany, and soon after entered my only roommate Dave, a just-graduated NYU student focusing on finances. Very nice guy. I had seen his stuff but we had kept missing each other throughout the day. After a bit of unpacking, and trading a NYU notepad for a UM one, he showed me Mouman's (sp) Filaffel. A great $2 sandwich, which we ate in Washington Square.

Tonight will involve sorting out internship possibilities and preparing for interviews. I don't expect most entries to be this long, after all it is my first day in NY!

On the Horizon

2005-05-15 19:59:59
Well, sorry about the decade since my last journal entry. . . We will see how long this lasts. I expect the Hopscotch Chronicles will mostly be a recap of the day's events, but will include other thoughts occasionally. I will include details that may seem obvious now but I feel might be interesting loking back.

I am currently on the plane to NYC for a month, taking a screenwriting class at NYU and doing an internship with one of three places: RumoR inc, Tribeca Lab, or funny cry Happy LLC. Which one it is will be decided over the next 24 hours.

The plan is to get in at La Guardia at about 8:30, take a bus to Grand Central and a taxi from there to Hayden Hall. I don't know yet how many room/suitemates I will have.

Of note outside of usual luggage, I have with me Undaunted Courage (the book on Lewis and Clark I must read prior to graduation, courtesy of my Uncle Tommy), my Final Cut Pro book (to review some of the details if i need to for my internship, for which I fear I won't be competent enough for off the back and will have to catch up quickly), my iPod, my laptop, a digital camera, and a notebook with a few notes about a potential plot for my screenwriting course, revolving around a library and the people that frequent it.

In general I am excited for the next few weeks, and camp after that, but nervous about the unknown factors of the internship and how making the most of a month in the city.
[Written 7:30am]

new blog!

Rather than moving the blog I made myself with php over from Mchalk.com (which my lease ran out on), I decided it would be easier to just get a blogger account and link to it. It has nearly all the flexibility I need, and maybe the ease of use will encourage me to write a little more.

I will copy over the posts from the old HC, through NY and the summer, to this blog soon.