Nine more wake-ups for production

"10, 9, 8," today we start the countdown to the end of "Zoey 101". We are shooting the last two episodes of the show.

The creator of the show, Dan is here so there is one more layer the director has to permeate in order for a take to be completed. It was maddening enough to listen to the producer to direct, "Can she say lower her hand a little, it looks awkward." The minute concerns of someone who is nice enough but won't step and take the leap and simply direct an episode. I think George wants deny ability if he screws up. Having someone else direct enables him to say, "It wasn't my fault."

We will be out in the heat for the 7 out of 10 days on these, the last two shows. I will be out doors the rest of the days and nights.

As the Set Medic, this show has been low key. The crew is very appreciative of "The Cart" i.e. the presentation and variety of medications. TV crews are generally not a high maintenance as feature film crews.

The weather is always hot out here and today is on exception. We started our day 0530 and bused across the freeway to Magic Mountain. We shot until 10:00 then came back to "stage" to finish our day outside. I worked for Aaron Spelling for three years and his production company was extravagant compared to Nickelodeon. Tomorrow is a split meaning the call time is 11:30 so we can shoot an exterior might scene. I start at 0600 so I'll have a long day. I wanna do something fun when I get off tomorrow night.

Tuesday July 24, 2007

I'm writing in blue because I feel a little tired and lackluster. I'm grateful that we're on stage today, it gives us a break from the heat outside. The rest of the week will be mostly on the exterior set.

Thursday we go to a nearby amusement park to shoot a scene on a roller coaster. This crew hasn't been off the lot in about two years. Some of them haven't gone on location at all on this show, so it will be interesting to see if we can complete the work in the four hours on the schedule. We have to get to "Mystic Mountain" off load, shoot, and load out in the alloted time.

I'll give a blow-by-blow of the experience. I can't wait.

Monday 7/23/07

Another day outside in humid Santa Clarita. We were working so quickly that we have to shoot two additional scenes on stage. A rare and blessedly early day is gonna turn long. Our starlet J. L. S. thought she was going to have an early day too. She was disappointed to hear she had more work as well.

More from Nick sitcom

Something that's very interesting to watch during the production of "Zoey 101" is who's directing the shows. There's a director but the executive producer gets on the radio after each take and gives his "notes" on what should be done differently. This seems to me to be a little frustrating for the director. I'm not the only person who wonders why the executive producer doesn't direct himself.

More news to come

Craft Service on the TV show.

The craft service on "Zoey 101" is spartan compared to what one sees on a feature. The food is pretty good but their truck is a little scary. I'm acclimating to the heat in Santa Clarita, but yesterday was a tough one. Fortunately we're on stage until Friday.

Back on the Biz teet. I'm working on "Zoey 101" for the next four or five weeks of their final season. My kids think the TV show is a real departure from shows like "Rush Hour 3". Work is work and I'm glad to be hear. This morning I took my recheck swim for lifeguarding. Now I'm good for another year. Santa Clarita is really hot today.