Uneventful (un) Beach day

My day was pretty uneventful.  I had the day off while the production shot at Venice beach. (hence an 'un beach day' for me.  I would have liked to go as to have a day off later in the week, but it was a good day.

I wrote a tiny bit, and read a tiny bit.  The rest of the day was split between watching and clearing off my dvr, returning emails and tutoring.  I didn't nap like I body would have liked, but it was a pretty chill day.

Now, off to bed...

Free...

What the contestants had to cook with...

I'd like to give a detailed account of my days at work this week, but I'm just too tired.  I did however get the following for free...

A day of prepping stuff like Sheep's heads, cow's tongues and bull's testicles.

Two hotel buffet vouchers...since we shot there and we were there from 1am til about 3pm.

A Sunday not at work. 

A week of work to the production (since unfortunately my paycheck got 'lost.')

Now...off to bed...tomorrow is a new day.  

Some time with Mom...

I knew I would be working when my mother told me she would be visiting during her spring break...but she didn't much mind that I wouldn't be around all the time.  I mean she knows I gotta do what I gotta do...so she was fine with chillin solo in the hang suite.  I don't think she realized I would be out of the apartment so much though.

As it happened however, I got the Saturday, Sunday and Monday off...so we've been able to spend some time together.  Tomorrow (Monday) the production is going to San Diego for a field challenge, but I somehow got the day off.  It's probably because some of the others (the guys) want to make sure they get a weekend day off.  (We all get Sunday off...well, except one, poor guy.  He's always there as the stage coordinator/2nd AD...so hopefully he's getting paid well for it.)

But no complaints from me.  I will spend one more full day with mom, get some rest, catch up on my DVR shows and reading then crank out 5 more days of work!  I also got my first paycheck, and it was nice to go to the bank with it.  Just continuing to pray that come the end of April when the production is through shooting, something permenant falls right into place.

That's about all for now.  Not very interesting, but it is what it is...and I'm ok with it.

First Day off...

Today was my  first real day off since starting the show and boy was it needed.

I don't feel as tired when I'm on set, but today it hit me.  I didn't however sit in my pjs and clear my DVR between naps like I had hoped.  But I did get some things done that needed to be done...like get gas, exchange some clothes for my 'show blacks' collection (of which I am building a good set,) and I even met with my tutee...though she arrived late and took three phone calls during our session, so while any other day I would have stayed a little while longer, she did not get that courtesy today.  I was out of there at 5 on the dot...didn't even wait for her to pack up her stuff and walk with me.

As for the show...it is fun but there are also down times...but during those times I get to think and ponder and meet new people and chat with different members of the crew.  I've even gotten a bunch of compliments on my door opening abilities.

And since I didn't get much rest today, I'm calling it a night.  Tomorrow's call time is at 7:00am, but the (estimated) wrap (end) time isn't until 12:30am...so it's a big day.  I'm out.

House Guests...

Yesterday on my home I got a call from Delaware saying that tonight was for sure the last night.  Now, yesterday was supposed to be the last night, so it was a surprise to me...but not bad.  I rather enjoy the company.  I was pretty tired, so my initial plans were to come home, have dinner, shower and go to bed.  That didn't happen as we all talked about how our days went, ordered in Chinese food (as a thank you to me) and watched a movie (which I fell asleep on.)

This morning Delaware went to work and the Actress and I hung out till it was time for her to go pick up her mother from the airport.  While we were hanging out, she got a text from Delaware about not being able to get the 'bed bug' powder for a couple days and that she didn't want to go back to the apartment until she could.  Now the place has been sprayed, but one, they have to wait a certain amount of time before going back in the apt. (which is why they stayed last night,) and two I don't blame them for wanting an extra dose of protection...which is what they will be waiting for to arrive.  So, I'll have house guests for a little while longer.

Though for the next few days it will only be Delaware...the Actress and her mother will likely get a hotel room.

On my day off I need to get some black clothes for set...my position puts me in a position whereby I may be seen on camera, so black is what is required to be as concealed as possible.  All the black stuff I have, I don't want to wear in a dusty warehouse!

I press on...

Employed!!!

Yesterday was my first day on a legitimate job in Hollywood...on the set of MASTER CHEF.  Now I've had little gigs here and there, but nothing on this scale...and I actually had to fill out paperwork and give my social, which is my determining factor for determining the validity of a real job.  (I did have to give my social when I did day work for MTV's company, and different I-9 forms for other companies,  but never a full packet.)

The first day was fun, and undoubtedly more relaxed than the days to come since it was a rehearsal day.  I'm a Set PA (Production Assistant) within the AD (Assistant Director) department.  I work very closely with the AD who is the sister-in-law of a very good friend of mine...more about that later. 

It was an early start...I was out the door by 5:00am for my 6:30am call time.  I googled directions to the location and it was about 40 minutes on the highway and 1 hr. on the streets.  Initially I was going to take the highways, since it was it the wee hours of the morning and would likely be very little traffic.  But, after hearing the high winds I decided to just 'street it.'   

I arrived there in plenty of time and sat in my car for a while to scope it out.  I watched people greet and hug each other...obviously they'd worked on this production before.  Finally I walked in following a group of people, since I wasn't quite sure where I was to go.  This week we are shooting at a huge warehouse and the set is really amazing.  I'd love to post pictures, but one of the first things I did was sign a confidentiality agreement...so this is probably the one and only picture I will post while on this production...well, while on set anyway. 

After filling out paperwork, getting my walkie-talkie, and meeting my group, we got to work.  Our first task was to open/clean and place out about 100 coolers for the contestants.  Then we helped the art department fill grocery bags and pass them out to the 100 contestants who arrived from the other location.   The contestants were only there for a short while to shoot the opening sequences, then they left. 

The rest of the day was filled with a lot of different meetings, watching over the 'stand ins,' being a stand in, and a bit of standing around...it was after all a rehearsal day. 

The production will shoot at this particular location for the first week while doing the initial weeding out of contestants...and where I've been given the task of opening the door.  That's right, I'm a door opener.  There's a fancy 'automatic' door that opens for the contestants to come in and out of the cooking area, and I control it.   The AD gave me the task and I will not let her down...but I've said too much already!

Speaking of the AD (which is what I will call her)...she is all business on set and it's really neat to see.  I definitely don't want to cross her on set because she looks like she will quick, fast and in a hurry put you in your place.  But seeing her in her home, with her family gives me a different perspective of her...and things can get stressful on set, so other characteristics need to come out...though knowing that will help me to be thick skinned.

So anyways, after about two hours I finally saw her and she looked cool, like Darth Vader....only because she had on all black, high black boots, and a long black coat (kinda like the one I got in NY...it was a cold morning and it was cold in the warehouse.)  She also had a black Kango pulled down low over her eyes and  when she walked the coat floated behind her like a cape.   The fact that she was running things on set only made her look cooler.  

The additional fact that she knew me and spoke with a tone of familiarity when we were in our department's meeting or when generally referring to me, was pretty amazing.  (Since she was introduced to me through a good friend as 'Angel,' that's what she calls 'me'...which is fine for her, but something I don't let just anyone call me...so I have a feeling the crew will be calling me that soon.  I still introduce myself as Angelica, so we'll see.) 

The question I heard the most during the day was "Who do you know?"  No one asked how you got the job, or what you do or anything like that...not initially anyways, but everyone asked "Who do you know?"  Which proves it is in who you know (although I've been clear on that fact for a while now.)

I will say it was neat to actually have someone to 'say I knew'...and that that person was a person whose name carries some weight on set.  When I said it was the AD, then it was "Oh, how do you know her."  I wanted to say 'None of your damn business,' but instead I went with 'Oh, a friend of a friend...' which isn't a lie.  The fact that she's married to my very dear friend's brother, and I've baby sat for her and had dinner at her house is none of any one's business.  She did seem to give me slightly preferential treatment, and I'll take it!!!

So it was a long day, but a good one...meet lots of people (all of which were really nice) and looking forward to going back on Friday.  I'm off today and will make the most of it.  There's more to this day...but like my day, this post is getting long, so I will start a new one. 

House Guests and Bed Bugs!!!

Last night I was kinda tired and around 10:00pm I started getting ready to shut it down for the night.  Then I got a call from Delaware.  She told me that the Actress woke up with large, red welts all over her body and that they had BED BUGS!!!! Aggghhhh...I thought those were a myth or something TV makes up to create more drama.

So she called and asked if they could crash at my place for a few days until the landlord could call the exterminator in there and get the situation rectified.   Of course I said yes, but made quite sure they took the necessary precautions to keep the vermin from finding a happy home in my hang suite....and they did.

So the night turned into a makeshift slumber party and I was glad to help.

Today they are staying again, and as much as I'd like to stay up and lend my support (along with my home and laundry facilities)...Tomorrow is my first day of work on Master Chef...and I've got an early call time and long drive.  Some I'm out.  Prayers for a great first day and beyond are much appreciated!

A Beautiful Beach Weekend...

Temperatures in the low 80's, sunshine dripping from clear blue skies and sweat running down my back.  It was a perfect weekend to hit the beach.  If it was any more perfect, it would have been Florida!   Unfortunately, it was a busy weekend that didn't really leave time to for relaxing with toes in the sand.

Saturday I spent some time tutoring and was supposed to help Delaware move into her new apartment.   The day was wasted as she informed me that she wouldn't need me until Sunday because it was her current roommate's sister's birthday...and they pretty much spent the day and night drinking.  

(A small caveat...Delaware and I were supposed to eventually room together to save money.  But then one day when out in the crew I happened to find out from one of the girls in the crew...I'll call her what she is...The Actress...I found out that she and Delaware where looking for places together.  I was sitting in between them, so when she told me, I asked Delaware about it [in a clandestine way] and she confirmed.  I felt a bit hurt, not because I wasn't considered to be rooming with her anymore [cause Lord knows I like my privacy and I like things the way I like them] but because she didn't tell me.   Ah well...whatever.  It's not the first disappointment I've faced since moving here and I'm certain it won't be the last.)

But the day was so pretty, that I did try and stay out of the house for a while.  I went to the mall and Ikea (who doesn't love that place?)  I also went to the park then came home opened up the windows...read a little and watched a little.  It was a relaxing day.

On Sunday, that relaxing day came in handy because I did help Delaware and it was hot.  I met her at her current home and helped her load the truck (and my car with whatever didn't fit in the truck.)  Then we went to her new apartment, and it is a nice place...close/walking distance to a lot of places/attractions...and they can see the Griffith Park Observatory from their window (which is really neat!)  Three of the guys in the group were supposed to meet us there and help with the heavy lifting, but 0 showed up.  Well, one showed up after we'd finished with an excuse that he'd mixed up the times.  He also takes the bus so that was also a factor.  At least he made the effort.

When we got to the apartment, it smelled like gas.  Delaware was able to call the gas company and they showed up in about half an hour.  While he was working, Delaware and I finished the heavy lifting (we had already done all the boxes and piece items.)  Just when we were finishing her new roommate showed up.  So...one time for the girls, doing the hard work!

After we were done, we all sat around and chatted...then my lungs starting acting up.  The spasms and tightening was pretty bad.  Understandably so...I did do a lot of lifting and twisting...and it doesn't take much for them to act up.  But this time was bad...I paced for a while and they still didn't feel better.  I stretched, massaged (my chest) tried to lay down...nothing worked.  Then it became hard to breathe.  I'm sure I freaked Delaware and the Actress out.  The Actress offered to give me a back massage (because on this rare occasion it was hurting on both the front and back...usually its either one or the other)...I took her up on it and it did help.  It finally calmed down and I was able to relax a bit.  Neither of them wanted me to leave until they thought I was ok...so it worked out.

I ended up staying the day.  While Delaware returned the truck I stayed with the Actress, helped her with some things in her bedroom  and then we chatted, which was nice.  I know her because she is in 'the crew' but I've never gotten the chance to just talk with her one on one outside of a loud restaurant or bar.   We initially meet when Delaware gave me her contact info and she was cast in a student film I was producing.

The day continued with the three of us taking a trip to Ikea and Bed, Bath & Beyond, where they spent their money and I pushed the cart.

All in all...besides having to miss church and the lung issue...it was a good day.

Disappointed...

I have to say that I was a bit disappointed with myself for not mustering up the courage to bogard the set today.  Yes, I did  make it out there, and I did walk around and through the set, but I didn't pull anyone aside to talk to them, or start picking up stuff or anything that would potentially help on the job front (or my comfort zone.)

But...I did email a friend of my professor who works on the show, (as I had done last year about this time with no response) and this time I did get a response.  She said there are others she's trying to get employed that are 'in the line ahead of me,' but once I got bumped up to the top of the list, she would do everything she could for me.  We'll see.  I was happy at least not to be ignored again.

I also got an email from my gig on Master Chef with a few details (with more to come in the following days) about the shoot, which helped me focus on more positive things.   I researched the producers on the show to see to whom I should attach myself to possibly help in a transition into scripted TV, but none of the producers have worked on anything but reality TV.   I will still be the best PA I can and  make connections and have an open mind to what God has in store for me there.

My tutee convinced me to meet with her today, and while it wasn't our regular day to meet and I didn't particularly feel like going, I did and it kept my mind occupied for a few hours.

Now it's about 3:38am...and because of my (probably overly exaggerated) disappointment with myself and lack of courage, I decided to work on writing/developing the next project on my personal docket.  I feel better and productive...and right now I'm just taking a break.

A text from an East coast friend wishing me a blessed day was a nice surprise...though it was even more of a surprise for her to get a response from me.  I'm sure she was hoping it would be a nice morning surprise for me.  We texted a little bit, and she's probably right; I should be sleeping...but when I feel like working, I gotta do it.  In a little bit, I won't be able to pull all nighters...well not for a few months anyway, so I gotta get while the gettins' good.

Break done...back to work.