Thursday, December 20, 2007

Pre-Explosion Basement

This is my next-to-last day on "G-Force". This set is gonna be blown
up shortly.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Insert Hell

So titled by our Standby Carpenter, on the right. Next to him is one
of the Grips.

We're into the Plate Unit shots, this is pretty dull stuff though. I
found out from the UPM yesterday that Friday will be my last day.

I'll take the week of Christmas off and then I'll look for movie work
or get in some Lifeguarding days.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Future Work

This is one of our upcoming sets.

We still haven't completed principal photography last Friday, nor will
we finish today.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

2/3 of the Sound Dept.

Here is our Sound Mixer (Academy Award Winner) and Utility Sound
enjoying a few moments to themselves after lunch.

These guys sat in their truck most of the day before they recorded
sound. I usually hang out with Sound because Lee and his crew have
great stories to tell.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

SFX & Standby Painter

Here are Rick and Jesse our Special Effects foreman and Jesse the
Standby Painter. Both guys true professionals. They have been so
helpful and pleasant to work with.

Jesse doesn't remember my name so he calls me 'Medic' all the time.

I gotta tell you this about the movie biz, trying to relate the day-to-
day antics is a lot like trying to explain a dream the next morning.
It is the ultimate 'you should have been there' story.

Have a good day.

Be well

Monday, December 10, 2007

Bojan Bazelli A.S.C.

This is our Director of Photography mugging for the camera. We're
shooting on a small street in Westchester.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

My transportation

This is my bike with the "Pirahna Medic" lettering that the Art Dept.
made up for me.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Producer

This is our Executive Producer. He has single-handedly kept us moving
along. He started as a DGA (Director's Guild of America) trainee,
then an Assistant Director, Production Manager, and now Producer.

He knows how to keep the shooting day moving and that's what he's been
doing lately. You see, our DP (Director of Photography), takes a long
time to light a set.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Still Photographer

This is Robert Zuckerman, our Still Photographer. I like to talk with
the photographer on a show because my father was a photographer. He's
still alive but he has Alzheimer's and Parkinson's so he can't shoot
anymore. He was the Still Photographer on "The Ten Commandments" for
C.B. DeMille.

Confab

Latenight con

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Confab

Latenight talk amongst the electricians. We started today at 10:00
and we had a one hour lunch so our day is gonna be a long one.

Monday, December 3, 2007

After

This is what the set looked like after the mayhem.

Special FX

This is how the set looked before the visual effect crashes through
the wall.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Cheese Cloth

This was taken with a piece of cheese cloth over the lens. I like the
slight difussion.

Centerpiece

Colorful fruits and vegetables.

We are treated very well almost all the time and today is no exception.

Friday, November 30, 2007

The Study Set

This set is beautifully dressed and painted. Our Production Designer
has created a room that is great looking but some of the design
doesn't translate to the screen.

I have a pet peeve, film is a one demensional medium. The viewer will
not know that the monkey sculpture on the coffee table cost 13
thousand dollars. The audience can't see that something is real.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

2nd A.C.

This is one of - no, not one of, she's the easiest going people with
whom I've worked. Kristi is a good person to understate it.

On the work front, we're working on Saturday and I will be one this
movie until mid-January. The sixth day will make up for the short
week before Thanksgiving. I hope I can be a member of the reduced
unit that starts after the holidays.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

I missed yesterday for no good reason.

I missed yesterday for no good reason.
Once again we have the rumor of work this Saturday.

We're looking at a long couple of days if we are to dodge the Saturday
work.

I'm sorry to annouce that I'm really tired this morning but I'll try
to write later.

Be well


Sent from my iPhone

Monday, November 26, 2007

What's For 2nd Meal?

When the meal is Tito's Tacos the food doesn't last long. This is the
favorite food of 55% of the Grips, the other 45% prefer In-N-Out.

Having four days off was great and everyone is in agreement on that.
The only downside is many on our crew have returned to work with a
cold or flu.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Thanksgiving Eve

I don't know how I managed to miss a post yesterday but I did.

Today's work was comprised of many takes, Int. FBI command vehicle. The entire interior of the van is on a large gimble which moves the set piece around as though it's being shaken by some large thing. The first few takes are interesting to watch but the repetition dulls the senses.

I'm off to bed after a pre-Thanksgiving meal.

Be well.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Fog Photo

Although this is from last Friday, I really like the look of the light
and the fog. The night didn't turn out too badly, all things
considered.

We're excited to be back on stage with only two more wake-ups this
week. 2nd Unit is working on the stage next door and they make a lot
of noise because they don't have sound.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Our last night here is Somis has turned out to be the coldest.

Our last night here is Somis has turned out to be the coldest.

2nd unit will be here tomorrow shooting what we miss. I am so happy
not to work.

The weekend has the potential to be blissfully quiet.

I don't have much to say today as not much is happening. I have
noticed the crew is very happy to go back to stage Monday and as more
and more TV shows shut down, we are all grateful to have a job during
this downturn in our industry/business.

Whatever line of work you're in, I hope the employment future is
consistent, if not bright.

Be well.


Sent from my iPhone

Friday, November 16, 2007

The Vanities & Costume

Here are make-up, hair (the vanities) and costumes sit in a reading
clutch and wait for the first shot after lunch.

The temperature is about 20 degrees cooler than last night but the
mood of the crew is almost giddy. I think this is due to two things:
it's payday and we know we're not working here Saturday night.

The Holiday Inn Express in Camarillo is a decent enough hotel but it's
not as nice as the Marriot we stayed in when I worked on "Rush Hour
3". Don't get me wrong, it's better than driving home every day.

Another crew member was sent to the hospital today. A camera mount
fell off a dolly and struck the 2nd Assistant Camera on the back of
the head. She didn't want to go but I told her that a head injury
should be checked at the hospital. The Fire Safety Officer told the
A.C. that she would be examined in about 10 minutes... it took three
hours.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Hump Night

Hump Night

It's all downhill from here. The great news is, it appears we will
finish shooting our nights in Somis on Friday. Monday will find me
close to home at The Culver Studios. We've been on location for almost
eight weeks, so stage is a good place to work.

During one our mortar scenes tonight a stuntman sustained a possible
broken collar bone. As he ran past an exploding mortar the concussive
blast through him to the ground. I say "possible" because I can't
determine a closed fracture, an X-Ray is necessary to be sure. I've
worked with this stuntman before and I know he is usually very careful
but accidents happen. He was taken to the hospital and I look forward
to hearing an update.

That's all for tonight.

Be well.


Sent from my iPhone

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Before The Mortars

We are preparing to shoot a scene where the "monster" shoots at the
good guys. The Special Effects technicians placed mortars in the lawn
and filled them with cork and potting soil. The explosions were pretty
good and the debris went everywhere.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Pride

Josh, Craft Service, makes a fine looking basket of goodies. This is
one of about a half dozen that will be set out for us after lunch.

The rumors of our future in Somis are blowing faster than an empty
water bottle in these Santa Ana winds. We'll probably be here through
the end of the week.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Behind The Scenes

I'm getting more sleep working nights than if I was on a day shift. I
think I tell myself that I have to get to sleep as fast as I can.
Consequently I've gotten eight hours a day/night since this night work
starred. That doesn't mean I still not tired though.

We're going to a UCLA football game tomorrow.

Have a great weekend.

Be well.

Here I am in Somis for night two of a proposed seven. The house is big and the grounds are enormous.

Here I am in Somis for night two of a proposed seven. The house is
big and the grounds are enormous.

81 background last night and 61 tonight. Party scene arrival from
early this week. There is a lot of down time here. Next week will be
tough because everyday is night, yuk!

I discovered that I've misspelled Bill Nighy's name. I should be more
aware.

The primary topic of discussion is the WGA strike and what it means to
each speaker. Thankfully our movie probably won't be effected by the
writers. We all hope for a settlement soon. I have medic friends on
"24" and "CSI: Las Vegas" who will be out of work by the end of the
month.

We're shooting a Doberman barking and it's driving me to distraction,
so goodnight/morning.

Be well.


Sent from my iPhone

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Last night

This is the Interior of the Bill Nigh character's mansion.
I didn't post last night because we, the crew, heard the day was going
to be so short they'd have to stretch to get to lunch.
This was total bs. we I worked 16.5 hours. I think one of the A.D.'s
needs to say to the crew, "Look, something's come up and we're In the
toilet". Now the crew is still gonna be pissed off but I think they
want to help get back on track.
Today we begin 7-? days of nights. At least we know when the "day"
ends.

Be well.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Gathering Spot

Just as everyone gathers in your Grandmother's kitchen, so it is on a
movie set with the crafty table.

On Wednesday we begin eight days of night in Ventura County. We will
stay in a hotel which will make everything a little better.

This month is going by so fast even though it's only the 5th. I'm
looking for four days off for Thanksgiving. I think we are going to
be on stage just before the break.

Friday, November 2, 2007

I missed the last couple of days because I've been pretty tired.

I missed the last couple of days because I've been pretty tired.

We're working in Sun Valley with Bill Nigh, Davey Jones from
"Pirates of the Carribean". He plays the bad guy and we're shooting
his mansion.

An ugly rumor is circulating that we will work on Thanksgiving because
it isn't an IATSE holiday and we are behind. I hope that isn't true.

I'm dealing with 150 background "artists" who are hitting my cart
hard. My situation is nothing like Crafty has to deal with. These
folks are like Locust, they sense food with some sort of highly
developed radar, it's scary.

I don't think I'll get out of here before 2:18 AM

Be well.


Sent from my iPhone

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

We are within hours of moving out of the warehouse after nine days of shooting. The schedule had us here for five. "Missed it by that much, Chief", as Don Adams/Agent 86 in "Get Smart" used to say.

We are within hours of moving out of the warehouse after nine days of
shooting. The schedule had us here for five. "Missed it by that
much, Chief", as Don Adams/Agent 86 in "Get Smart" used to say.

I've just been informed that we're actually at least two hours from
completing our work. Add to that, an hour and a half to two hour wrap
and this is gonna be long day.

I'm glad I have a couple ofNPR podcasts.

Be well.

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Surprise, surprise, we're back at the SCs warehouse again tomorrow. That makes nine days out of scheduled five.

Surprise, surprise, we're back at the SCs warehouse again tomorrow.
That makes nine days out of scheduled five.

I'm taking bets on how many days of nights we'll work. The schedule
says rnine but I think it'll go 15 days.

I've probably railed about this before and I'm going to again, "It is,
what it is". This means nothing can be can be done about whatever
situation you find you yourself.

That's about all I can say right now.

Be well.


Sent from my iPhone

Monday, October 29, 2007

It's only Monday.

I raved about the iPhone but I was writing a post and lost the email
when I closed the application.

We worked less than 12 1/2 hours and that was great. It took a little
of the sting out of having a one day weekend.

The Producers have extended our time at this warehouse by two days.
Next we're off to Sunland for 3-5 days.

If I haven't mentioned before, my younger son is taking in the
recycling from the show. I'm actually bringing the bags home and we
seperate them together. This morning, he and his Mom took the stuff
in and made the biggest haul yet,

I'm a little tired.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Friday night

I'm at home but I think 1st Unit is probably still shooting. The 2nd Unit call time was 10:00 PM and I left a half hour later. My replacement will cover both units until 1st Unit wraps.

We're working downtown on Sunday and then back to the warehouse location Monday.

Have a great weekend and be well, I'm off to bed.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Waiting

Boom, Utility, and Props wait for our DP to light the set for our last
shot of the night.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Painter

This is Jesse our Standby Painter. Jesse's been in the paint local
for 30 years. He's a funny, hardworking character who calls me
Medic,he doesn't remember my name.

The rumor du jour is that we're working Saturday and Sunday. We shall
see what happens.

I'm still getting the hang of emailing from this phone. I hope to get
off by 8:30 tonight so I can get my new iPhone at the Apple store.
Mine won't hold a charge.

Be well.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Fwd: Brown Monday



Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: tony.whitmore <tony.whitmore@gmail.com>
Date: October 22, 2007 6:51:37 PM PDT
To: Tony's Blog <go@blogger.com>
Subject: Brown Monday

The fires throughout the County have sent smoke to our location east of downtown L.A.

This corrugated warehouse gets hot and the weather has been unseasonal.

On technical note, my iPhone doesn't hold a charge.  I've been to the Apple store twice to no avail.   I have an appoinment tonight at the store and I'll tell them I need a new phone.  I am leaving a little early in order to make my appointment.

There isn't much to report from the set today other than that we are behind.  We'll find out on Wednesday whether we're working Saturday.

Be well.

Sent from my iPhone

Monday, October 22, 2007

Brown Monday

The fires throughout the County have sent smoke to our location east
of downtown L.A.

This corrugated warehouse gets hot and the weather has been unseasonal.

On technical note, my iPhone doesn't hold a charge. I've been to the
Apple store twice to no avail. I have an appoinment tonight at the
store and I'll tell them I need a new phone. I am leaving a little
early in order to make my appointment.

There isn't much to report from the set today other than that we are
behind. We'll find out on Wednesday whether we're working Saturday.

Be well.

Sent from my iPhone

Friday, October 19, 2007

Crafty Crafty

Friday night.

Here we are shooting a night shot at our warehouse location southeast
of downtown.

I probably won't get out until after 10 tonight. Thankfully I have
two days off.

I'm gonna post a pic of our craft service key, Nick Mastendrea. I
first met Nick on "Spang'lish" a few years ago. We have the same
birthday.

Have a great weekend and be well.
Sent from my iPhone

Thursday, October 18, 2007

From my iPhone

This is my second post from the phone so I'm not sure I like it all
that much. I like the ease of use and the diversion of all this phone
offers.

We're in a warehouse for day one of eight including some nights.

I tried to send a photo of Hoyt, our director. I hope it works.

Be well.

Sent from my iPhone

The Director discusses his options

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Hi

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Another Day In Pasadena.

When a company doesn't use people for much of a movie then shooting can seem disjointed. We film scenes that will have animal elements added. We didn't complete our work for today so we'll be back again tomorrow. Even with the additional day some set pieces will travel to the next location. I keep nodding off so goodnight. Be well.

Monday, October 15, 2007

The Ark of the Covenant.

One of the Grips named the cart. I tell people the cart has two things in common with the Great Wall of China: Thousands of people died making it and it can be seen from space. We're shooting day two of three in Pasadena. The work is going slow today, due in part to overcast skies. A lot of the work will have to be shot some other day. Be well.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Wedge Tail Eagle

Thursday, October 11, 2007

What to do in the event of a STRIKE!

The possibility of a Writers Guild strike appears to be more and more likely. Here's an interesting fact about the WGA "demands", they are asking the producers for 4 cents more on each DVD sold. That's on top of the four cents they are currently making. This isn't much money when a producer spends tens of thousands of dollars on an actor's trailer. On the other side, I think it's lousy for the Writers to bring the entire industry and the outside support businesses to a halt over four cents. If there is a strike, I'll work at the beach Lifeguarding. I'm glad I have that job to fall back on. Be well.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

East L.A.

This is the exterior of our pet store that is on stage. This isn't a bad location and Craft Service brought in a coffee truck with all sorts of good drinks. Like last night, we have a night establishing shot in a couple of hours. King Jerry Bruckheimer visited us again today. Yesterday he stayed for lunch and his assistant pulled J.B.'s lunch out of a cooler. That's the news for today. Be well.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

After the effect.

Special FX used air mortars to blow out the glass in this house in Redondo Beach. That was our first big effect of the show. We're now shooting a night ext. establishing and then we will wrap. Tomorrow we shoot in East Los Angeles. Be well.

Monday, October 8, 2007

On Location

Today we begin six weeks on location. Thankfully we are shooting day exterior this week. Later in the schedule we will do two plus weeks of night work. This is a photo of the interior loading dock, the set is in the "warehouse district" and it's hot down here. Will the heat ever end? I sent my first patient to the hospital this morning. A cook helper was splashed in the eye by hot butter. The note from the hospital said it is Chemical Conjunctivitus. This is something new to me. Fortunately he's back at work. Be well.

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Long day Friday

The common industry practice of *@#% Friday was in use today. I started at 8 AM and wrapped at 12:30, that's 16 hours with the 1/2 hour lunch deducted.

Monday will be our first day on location and it should be a dosey (sp?). The only saving grace for the crew is that we are shooting day exteriors all next week. The bad news is that our DP (Director of Photography) lights the shite out of everything and his set-ups take a long time.

I'd love to write more but I'm bushed and I need sleep to enjoy my weekend.

Be well.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Uneventful

Today was pretty dull. We had no actors, only "readers". They are voice actors who read the parts of the cg guinea pigs, fly, and other characters. The real voices, I've been told, will be played by Johnny Depp, Will Ferrell, and Salma Hayek. By and large it was a quiet day on stage.

Tomorrow will probably be a little more hectic, as we are leaving the comfort of the studio to begin six weeks on location including three weeks of night work. Ugh!

I'll tell you how it goes.

Be well

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Working For A Living

Please indulge me a moment atop the soapbox. This photo is of a flier from our Sound Mixer, Lee Orloff. Lee is asking people to go to www.ftac.org to get a sample letter to send. The goal is to get our government leaders to see that the subsides other countries give to movie production companies is a violation of the free trade agreement. On another note, the day's work is creeping along. The excitement today was having a dump truck on stage. The Teamsters moved it on stage last night and by lunch we were through with it and off the stage the truck went. We're behind so we start location work on Monday instead of Friday. Be well.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Puppies

Of course there are puppies at a pet store. Even though the G in the title stands for guinea pigs, we have other animals. These lab pups are really cute and fun to hold. My son stopped by and got to hold one of the dogs. We have three dogs at home but holding a puppy always makes me want another dog ... until I remember that they grow up. Be well.

Monday, October 1, 2007

'If you don't eat a tamale I'm gonna hit you'. '

This is Terry our Craft Service Technician handing out tamales for second meal. They are very good but Terry doesn't remember who provides them. When you're on production the food flows like water. We worked on Saturday, I put in 15 hours. Today's work got off to a little slow start but the rumor is that we'll finish around 7:00 tonight. That's it for now. Be well.

Friday, September 28, 2007

It's thursday not friday.

Our crew is into workingout. This is "The Rack" and the one pictured belongs to our Electrical dept. I bought one from our Still Photographer, Robert Zuckerman who co-invented it as I mentioned in an earlier post. I suggested he bring one to set and sell them. He's sold four. To get a better look go to:

www.therackworkout.com

The thing about tomorrow looks like it might not be too long. I can hope. Be well.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

A view from the perms.

This is the view from the permanent (perms) catwalk above stage 12 at Culver Studios. I've been collecting recycling for my younger son and today at lunch someone came on stage and emptied the recycling cans. That's like stealing in my book. That's all for now. Be well.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Saturday is for sure

I found out today that we are working Saturday. What a bummer! Although the hours aren't long, I do enjoy my weekends. Our family likes to spend time together and in this business there is precious little time for family.

Our days have been uneventful for which I'm glad. It's fun having a bike to ride around the lot and to and from home. Culver Studios is down the block from a Trader Joe's where I went yesterday to purchase some Emer' gen "C".

The lot is full of productions including a Brad Pitt movie, "State of Play", I know nothing about and "Deal or No Deal" with Howie Mandel and us.

There isn't much else that went on today so goodnight and be well.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

My new bike.

Here's my bike that I bought over the weekend. I rode to work today and it took eight minutes to get here. There's a rumor that we may work on Saturday and I joked that we're on our seventh day and already behind schedule. On a completely different subject, I found a cool piece of workout equipment that our Still Photographer co-invented. It's called "The Rack" and it's compact but has a lot of exercises. I'm thinking my sons might like it. More to come.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Monday, monday

Well I had a pleasant surprise this morning as I got out of my car. I saw Vicki, the Key Craft Service from "7th Heaven". She was at the studio to work on "Las Vegas". We had a chance to catch up and since her show doesn't have a caterer, she had lunch with my crew.

Today's work was pretty easy, the animals only worked half the day as did the background. Oh and since the main characters are CG we have readers for the voice parts that are rumored to include; Johnny Depp and Will Ferrell.

I bought a beach cruiser over the weekend to ride around the lot and to and from home. I'll post a picture of it tomorrow.

I'm off to bed. Be well.

Friday, September 21, 2007

The historic Culver Studios.

This is the front of the studio but it was not used in "Gone With The Wind". Because today is Friday, we have our first $5 day. This is a tradition where you write your name on a five dollar bill and put the money, folded into fourths, into a bucket. At the end of the day someone pulls out a five and reads the name and, "Ta Da!" that person wins the pot. I'll report Monday on who wins. Be well.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Crafty Truck

I started work this morning at 0430 so I don't have much to say. More tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Show Card

A Show Card is a laminated or not, card that is placed on the dash of a crew member's car. The design comes from the Art Dept. but it is handed out by the Teamsters. The idea of these is that security or the cops on the show know who you are. The cards have been around the business for many decades. Anyone who has a more concrete explanation or timeline drop me a line.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

The Benevolent King

Our Boss, Jerry Bruckheimer is sitting in his car outside the stage. I saw him often on "Enemy of the State" and he was very low key them. One must admit that everything the man touches, turns to gold. I want to mention that when I write on the phone mistakes will be made. I will proof read as I go to minimize the typos. You probably can't tell from this photo but there are a lot of lights on this set. Consequently little stage 12 gets very warm. Tomorrow I'll bring my camera and try to get some video for the blog. Bye for today.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Monday September 17 2007

Today is the first day of 60 scheduled days of shooting. "G-Force" is slated to be released in 2010 so we're not in much of a hurry. This is a picture of the color chart that a camera assistant used for a test. I had a good talk with the safety guy from Disney who used to be a Medic until a few months ago. I've noticed that every 1st A. D. has a phrase that he or she uses all the time. On this, Richard says, "Picture is imminent". I've worked with another A. D. who hurries her crew along by saying, "Quick like a bunny". These can seen like nothing the first few times but after a week you want the speaker to suffer a slow painful death.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Pre-Shoot Day for 'G-Force'.

Here's one of the stars of the next Jerry Bruckheimer movie. All I know so far is that the show has lots of animals. Today and tomorrow are Pre-Shoot days involving the pet store set and visual effects plate shots. There are some familiar faces from other shows I've done with the producer and UPM. Some of the crew was on "National Treasure 2". Well, they just called lunch so until tomorrow.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Goodbye Genre

I just wasn't into writing yesterday.

Today is a new day and a chance for a better outcome. I'm done working on "Genre" today for tomorrow I prep my cart for "G - Force". There is a squall of politics on the Medic horizon. It should be known that I was not the first choice to be the Production Medic on the show. My friend was to have the job but he's unexpectedly unable to leave his TV show. I've worked with the UPM and Producer of "G - Force" ("Master And Commander" & "Poseidon") and the UPM asked my friend if I was available and that's how I came to be the Key Production Medic.

Meanwhile the Construction Medic thought he was the heir apparent simply by virtue of starting the show. Sometimes the construction medic rolls over to production but not when the UPM and/or Producer have a relationship with another person.

A few years ago a friend/Production Coordinator recommended me for a mini series. During the interview the UPM asked me why she should hire me for the show. I told her, "Every EMT, LVN, RN, or Paramedic in the Local can do this job but someone you trust recommended me for the job. That is what separates me from all those other people in the union".

What many people fail to realize or refuse to see is that this business is all about relationships. A producer will continue to use the same people because he/she is comfortable with that person. The producer knows what they're going to get with the employee and they don't necessarily want to take a chance on the unknown quantity.

Tomorrow, my sons will give me a hand prepping my cart at stage. I'll let you know what it's like at the new digs. I checked www.mapquest.com for the distance from home to stage and it's just over one mile. I gotta get a bike this weekend.

Friday, September 7, 2007

No Work Weekend

The good news is that I won't be working this weekend. At least I won't work on a movie this weekend. I'm just as happy since production starts on Thursday, the 19th.

I may take the family to the Rose Bowl flee Market on Sunday. If the weather stays cool it'll be a fun place to go and my younger son wants to go to an antique store anyway. The flea market would definitely qualify for that.

I'm a little tired at the moment and this is about all I can concentrate on writing.

Have a great weekend and be well.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Hot off the press.

This just in, there is a movie that I will start very shortly. I will have more information as the days go by.

Downey isn't such a bad place. Although it's a few miles farther from home than the mill in Glendale, the drive home was much faster. The only blip on the drive is the transition from the 105 west to the 405 north, the metered lights are on so it slows traffic a little.

I'm very excited that this upcoming movie is very close to home. It's the same place as "Rush Hour 3". I have to buff out my cart even though it worked on production only a couple of weeks ago.

That's the latest at the moment.


Be well.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Outside Stage 1

Stage 1 at Downey Studios. I was last here for a might shift on "The Island" a few years ago. The place is a former Boeing plant. There are two huge hangers that have been turned into stages. Their website makes the place look like it's almost state-of-the-art but it is just big hulking buildings that are as much a stage as the warehouse "Zoey" used. The weather is more tolerable here. More to follow.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Tuesday with Tony


As you can see, I figured out how to put video on the blog. I shot this with my still camera but it turned out okay. We'll see how it looks with a real video camera.

The day after Labor Day finds me in good spirits. I'm rested and refreshed and ready for the week. It's nice to be in an air conditioned office. This place is cooler than home.

My son and I will go swimming after work today. I only worked out three days last week, one of those was a buoy swim yesterday at 26th street in Manhattan Beach. The water was so warm and it's a lot nicer than Venice, where I swam on another day. Unfortunately the boys don't like to swim at the beach.

I don't know where I'll work the rest of the week but I think it's still busy so there shouldn't be a problem. I still have a goal in my mind to get some days lifeguarding.

Be well.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

No video

I have a lot to learn before I can post video. Typical of Tinseltown, too much hype for the product.

Explosive

I want to see how it works to put video on the blog.

This is old footage from last season's "24". This was footage used as an element of another shot. I think the final scene was on this oil rig in the final episode. They film at night or against black because it's easy to place the footage over almost anything else.

I'm working in the "Genre Project" warehouse today and possibly tomorrow so I'll have a one day Labor Day weekend. I'll tell you this is a lot better than the stage in Santa Clarita. I'm online, I brought some movies to watch and I'm writing this.

I hope you have a safe, work free, and enjoyable weekend. Let me know what you think about the video. I want use it more often, maybe shoot some myself once I can get my son's camera.

Be well.
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