Showing posts with label Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog. Show all posts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Excuse me Sir, I believe that's my ride.
I didn't die, I'm just havin Summer fun. Or rather, I would if the sun ever came out. Or if I stopped working for a minute. Brb blog readers, life is calling. ^_^
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Did we just drive past Bradley Cooper?
Things I've learned since leaving film school.
1) Debt sucks, it takes for ever to pay off, and it makes you broke.
2) Minimum wage jobs also suck, especially when you have the affore mentioned debt. (see #1)
3) Nobody gives a shit about reality stars except the people who watch their tv shows. Having had a few of these staged in my presence recently, I can tell you their more scripted than the dramas gracing your screen. Although, the stars are totally just as stupid as they appear.
4) Traffic in LA only sucks, because people here are stupid. No, really, there's totally no problem with the infrastructure. Shocking, I know.
5) Everybody really is an actor, or a writer, or has a friend or a cousin or an uncle who "is totally in the biz".
6) If you call and bitch about your pizza being undercooked, the non-English speaking asshole on the other end of the phone will berate you for trying to rip off his business by demanding a replacement cause he "totally asked the cook, who insists it was cooked properly. Therefore, you lie."
7) People here really do get ahead by kissing ass, I've seen them at it.
Aside from that, I'd say its like everywhere else. Only a little bit sunnier. Which I'm okay with.
Now for something different, anyone get to book three of A Song of Ice and Fire? (A Storm of Swords) I'm like halfway through, and I seriously need to talk to somebody about what is going on!!!! D-:
1) Debt sucks, it takes for ever to pay off, and it makes you broke.
2) Minimum wage jobs also suck, especially when you have the affore mentioned debt. (see #1)
3) Nobody gives a shit about reality stars except the people who watch their tv shows. Having had a few of these staged in my presence recently, I can tell you their more scripted than the dramas gracing your screen. Although, the stars are totally just as stupid as they appear.
4) Traffic in LA only sucks, because people here are stupid. No, really, there's totally no problem with the infrastructure. Shocking, I know.
5) Everybody really is an actor, or a writer, or has a friend or a cousin or an uncle who "is totally in the biz".
6) If you call and bitch about your pizza being undercooked, the non-English speaking asshole on the other end of the phone will berate you for trying to rip off his business by demanding a replacement cause he "totally asked the cook, who insists it was cooked properly. Therefore, you lie."
7) People here really do get ahead by kissing ass, I've seen them at it.
Aside from that, I'd say its like everywhere else. Only a little bit sunnier. Which I'm okay with.
Now for something different, anyone get to book three of A Song of Ice and Fire? (A Storm of Swords) I'm like halfway through, and I seriously need to talk to somebody about what is going on!!!! D-:
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I've been cheating on you... With another blog.
Sad, but true. While I'd like to think that I'm good enough to blog on two separate websites the initial go getting kinda sucked it outta me. Have no fear, I have returned!
Not that anything super interesting happened while I was gone. I've seen more random celebrities than I could shake a stick at, including most recently David Allen Greir (sp? lol), very odd. Then again, this is LA so I should just get over it. :-p
BTW If you wanna check out my new posts, their up over at a website called ElectroKami . I'm one of a couple people who work on the site, but I think it's pretty sweet. All Tech, Movies, Videogames, Code-writing etc. Good times.
Anyway, I have a new obsession. If you know me at all you should be aware of the fact that I flitter to shiny objects like flies to those fluorescent bug zappers. My recent shiny object is HBO's new series Game of Thrones.
It's no secret that I love fantasy. (Especially a well renowned book series called (and sadly, cancelled tv show) The Sword of Truth.) This show however, is sooooo much more. I recommend it even for people who don't get fantasy. The books are even better. I burned through the first one, which clocked in at around 800pgs, in a week. It's an epic show about Lords and Kings and Bastards, and Usurpers all vying for rule of a country called Westeros. It's got some amazing acting and writing talent, as well as a TON of amazing Shakespearean actors from over in England. Including two newcomers who are becoming two of my favorite actors, Richard Madden and Kit Harrington.
Check it out. That's all I have to say right now. <3
Not that anything super interesting happened while I was gone. I've seen more random celebrities than I could shake a stick at, including most recently David Allen Greir (sp? lol), very odd. Then again, this is LA so I should just get over it. :-p
BTW If you wanna check out my new posts, their up over at a website called ElectroKami . I'm one of a couple people who work on the site, but I think it's pretty sweet. All Tech, Movies, Videogames, Code-writing etc. Good times.
Anyway, I have a new obsession. If you know me at all you should be aware of the fact that I flitter to shiny objects like flies to those fluorescent bug zappers. My recent shiny object is HBO's new series Game of Thrones.
It's no secret that I love fantasy. (Especially a well renowned book series called (and sadly, cancelled tv show) The Sword of Truth.) This show however, is sooooo much more. I recommend it even for people who don't get fantasy. The books are even better. I burned through the first one, which clocked in at around 800pgs, in a week. It's an epic show about Lords and Kings and Bastards, and Usurpers all vying for rule of a country called Westeros. It's got some amazing acting and writing talent, as well as a TON of amazing Shakespearean actors from over in England. Including two newcomers who are becoming two of my favorite actors, Richard Madden and Kit Harrington.
Check it out. That's all I have to say right now. <3
Monday, April 18, 2011
Action, Action and a little more Action.
Recently it came to my attention that I haven't exactly been doing as much research as I could for an upcoming script I'm working on. It's an action script, which I'm planning to write, direct and edit. To say this is a massive undertaking would be a massive understatement.
Anyway, I decided to go on an action film extravaganza and indulge in some of the best low-budget/high-budget/blockbuster/hong-kong cinema action movies ever made. Drawing a blank as one usually does when in search of a movie, I took to the net to dig up some gems. Unfortunately, their top ten lists just don't balance out with what I wanted. There's a lot of fan wank out there, and people seem to be afraid to leave the quintessential films off their lists. In answer to this disaster I present:
MEAGAN'S UBER ULTIMATE ACTION FILM *TOP TEN LIST
*please note that I am liable to change my mind at any moment and for any reason, and these really AREN'T presented in any order. Also, I feel like I should note that I fully understand that there are dozens of glorious films that just didn't make the list. (also, yes I can count, I'm aware that there are 12 films listed below. Deal with it.)
TYFYT.
1) WaSanGo (aka Volcano High) - Tae-Gyun Kim
One of the greatest Korean movies to ever be dubbed into a comedy by a bunch of rappers and MTV. This movie is a guilty pleasure that I'm definitely not guilty about loving. It has also inspired countless North American shit fests such as my favorite disaster The Covenant, and the horrible Dragon Ball live action film.
2) Police Story - Jackie Chan
It's all about the stunts. Real people, doing real stupid shit. Nuff said.
3) Hard Boiled - John Woo
This film changed the way action movies are filmed, and edited. Not to mention it completely re-wrote how action sequences are choreographed. On top of all that, it's hard to not get behind a protagonist who not only successfully smokes with a toothpick in his mouth, but also keeps the same toothpick there until the end of a violent gun fight.
4) Aliens - James Cameron
It's a well known fact that while Alien is a horror film, James Cameron's Alien is a full on action film. Featuring one of the most magical actors ever, besides Sigourney Weaver that is, Micheal Biehn. Who starred in Terminator, Planet Terror, not to mention a ton of other epic films. Basically, this movie made the list because it's scary, it's an edge of the seat kinda movie. Once it grabs you in the opening scene it never lets go even after the credits are rolling.
5) Sin City - Robert Rodriguez
This movie is great. Probably the best comic book adaptation ever. Equal props have to be given to Frank Miller who not only wrote, but also inked and colored the graphic novel, because Rodriguez literally took half the shots straight off the page. It goes to show you how a green screen and cgi can make a movie, rather than be the crutch that causes the film to fail.
6) Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair - Quentin Tarantino
If you thought the parts individually rocked, see my blog below. This will blow your socks off.
7) The French Connection - William Freidkin
Just go watch this one, you'll get it.
8) Die Hard - John McTiernan
John McClain has a rough Christmas, Action movies are once again completely re-stylized, and running around bare-foot never seemed like such a bad idea. The Everyman finally wins, and evil English guys are always worse than American ones. I think there's just something sinister about that accent.... ;-)
9) Smokin' Aces - Joe Carnahan
While not a widely accepted movie and found a little hard to follow, Joe Carnahan's Smokin' Aces makes the list for it's enginuity, it's originality, and the fact that the new Captain Kirk place the freakiest fucking Nazi skin head since Edward Norton in American History X. Favorite scene? When the elevator doors open, and all hell breaks loose between the different hitman all out to get Buddy Israel.
10) Fist Of Legend - Gordon Chan
Jet Li vs an entire Dojo.
11) Independence Day - Roland Emmerich
Will Smith was on fire as far as choosing epic films. Anything that combines Action with attacking aliens is pretty much good in my book. Plus, you cant help but love those epic speeches that make you feel like Aliens planning to destroy your entire race aren't really any match for a bunch of ex-military dudes and a drunk in a crop duster. (see original ending.....)
12) The Karate Kid - Harald Zwart
I went in about to strangle Jackie Chan for his treachery, and smack Will Smith for destroying my childhood. I left wondering why Daniel-son (wtf...) was such a wuss and how the fuck wax-on wax-off taught him anything when clearly Jacket-on Jacket-off is where it's at.
Honorable mentions go to: Bloodsport, Pitch Black, The Fast and the Furious, The Last Dragon, Anything Jackie Chan, The Transporter, Speed, The Matrix, Indiana Jones (all of em), Commando... and anything else I feel like giving a shout out to, or for that matter forgot to mention....
What makes your list?
Anyway, I decided to go on an action film extravaganza and indulge in some of the best low-budget/high-budget/blockbuster/hong-kong cinema action movies ever made. Drawing a blank as one usually does when in search of a movie, I took to the net to dig up some gems. Unfortunately, their top ten lists just don't balance out with what I wanted. There's a lot of fan wank out there, and people seem to be afraid to leave the quintessential films off their lists. In answer to this disaster I present:
MEAGAN'S UBER ULTIMATE ACTION FILM *TOP TEN LIST
*please note that I am liable to change my mind at any moment and for any reason, and these really AREN'T presented in any order. Also, I feel like I should note that I fully understand that there are dozens of glorious films that just didn't make the list. (also, yes I can count, I'm aware that there are 12 films listed below. Deal with it.)
TYFYT.
1) WaSanGo (aka Volcano High) - Tae-Gyun Kim
One of the greatest Korean movies to ever be dubbed into a comedy by a bunch of rappers and MTV. This movie is a guilty pleasure that I'm definitely not guilty about loving. It has also inspired countless North American shit fests such as my favorite disaster The Covenant, and the horrible Dragon Ball live action film.
2) Police Story - Jackie Chan
It's all about the stunts. Real people, doing real stupid shit. Nuff said.
3) Hard Boiled - John Woo
This film changed the way action movies are filmed, and edited. Not to mention it completely re-wrote how action sequences are choreographed. On top of all that, it's hard to not get behind a protagonist who not only successfully smokes with a toothpick in his mouth, but also keeps the same toothpick there until the end of a violent gun fight.
4) Aliens - James Cameron
It's a well known fact that while Alien is a horror film, James Cameron's Alien is a full on action film. Featuring one of the most magical actors ever, besides Sigourney Weaver that is, Micheal Biehn. Who starred in Terminator, Planet Terror, not to mention a ton of other epic films. Basically, this movie made the list because it's scary, it's an edge of the seat kinda movie. Once it grabs you in the opening scene it never lets go even after the credits are rolling.
5) Sin City - Robert Rodriguez
This movie is great. Probably the best comic book adaptation ever. Equal props have to be given to Frank Miller who not only wrote, but also inked and colored the graphic novel, because Rodriguez literally took half the shots straight off the page. It goes to show you how a green screen and cgi can make a movie, rather than be the crutch that causes the film to fail.
6) Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair - Quentin Tarantino
If you thought the parts individually rocked, see my blog below. This will blow your socks off.
7) The French Connection - William Freidkin
Just go watch this one, you'll get it.
8) Die Hard - John McTiernan
John McClain has a rough Christmas, Action movies are once again completely re-stylized, and running around bare-foot never seemed like such a bad idea. The Everyman finally wins, and evil English guys are always worse than American ones. I think there's just something sinister about that accent.... ;-)
9) Smokin' Aces - Joe Carnahan
While not a widely accepted movie and found a little hard to follow, Joe Carnahan's Smokin' Aces makes the list for it's enginuity, it's originality, and the fact that the new Captain Kirk place the freakiest fucking Nazi skin head since Edward Norton in American History X. Favorite scene? When the elevator doors open, and all hell breaks loose between the different hitman all out to get Buddy Israel.
10) Fist Of Legend - Gordon Chan
Jet Li vs an entire Dojo.
11) Independence Day - Roland Emmerich
Will Smith was on fire as far as choosing epic films. Anything that combines Action with attacking aliens is pretty much good in my book. Plus, you cant help but love those epic speeches that make you feel like Aliens planning to destroy your entire race aren't really any match for a bunch of ex-military dudes and a drunk in a crop duster. (see original ending.....)
12) The Karate Kid - Harald Zwart
I went in about to strangle Jackie Chan for his treachery, and smack Will Smith for destroying my childhood. I left wondering why Daniel-son (wtf...) was such a wuss and how the fuck wax-on wax-off taught him anything when clearly Jacket-on Jacket-off is where it's at.
Honorable mentions go to: Bloodsport, Pitch Black, The Fast and the Furious, The Last Dragon, Anything Jackie Chan, The Transporter, Speed, The Matrix, Indiana Jones (all of em), Commando... and anything else I feel like giving a shout out to, or for that matter forgot to mention....
What makes your list?
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Another reason to love Los Angeles:
I suppose in any other era not speaking to someone, or in this case updating a blog, for a week wasn't anything to sneeze at. However in modern times, a week is almost a lifetime. There has been a lot of upheaval in MeaganLand though, so you'll have to bear with me. Things might be settling into a more coherent form of crazy soon.
As for what I've been up to, I found and moved into a new apartment here in LA with a classmate from film school. Which is far nicer than the tumultuous arangments of the past few months. BunnyGate 2011 included. (details if you want em, but suffice it to say I don't understand the appeal of having pet bunny rabbits....)
I ran into critically acclaimed Director David O. Russell, who did such movies as The Fighter, and Three Kings. Who was rather nice, just don't ask me how I feel about his film I Heart Huckabees, because I am not a fan.....
There was also a pre-release screening for a film, which I am unable to technically blog about because I signed legal wavers. :-( Rest assured as soon as the movie actually comes out, you will be the first to know. However, I'm hoping that it gets rescued because the cut that I saw unfinished though it was can't even be classified as a hot mess. It was a disastuh.
Tonight marks yet another film screening. One that I've been looking forward to for literally YEARS. Back in 2003 (i believe) Quentin Tarantino screened his movie Kill Bill at Cannes. In it's entirety. It was subsequently chopped and re-edited into two parts. Tonight though, I get to witness The Whole Bloody Affair. Tarantino's original cut, with extended animation sequences, and from what I've heard a colored version of the slaughter of the Crazy 88's.
I literally can't wait, I'm so excited.
You may expect my full gushing review soon enough. I might need a while to digest the awesome tonight is sure to bring. Speaking of Tarantino, I was in Hollywood today and went into Amoeba Music. Which is pretty much the best music/dvd store in the city. They happen to have sections dedicated to certain actors or directors in their catalogue and how can seeing something like this not make your day?
I'll leave you with this. One day, I'll have my very own section. Until then, I'll see you around.
As for what I've been up to, I found and moved into a new apartment here in LA with a classmate from film school. Which is far nicer than the tumultuous arangments of the past few months. BunnyGate 2011 included. (details if you want em, but suffice it to say I don't understand the appeal of having pet bunny rabbits....)
I ran into critically acclaimed Director David O. Russell, who did such movies as The Fighter, and Three Kings. Who was rather nice, just don't ask me how I feel about his film I Heart Huckabees, because I am not a fan.....
There was also a pre-release screening for a film, which I am unable to technically blog about because I signed legal wavers. :-( Rest assured as soon as the movie actually comes out, you will be the first to know. However, I'm hoping that it gets rescued because the cut that I saw unfinished though it was can't even be classified as a hot mess. It was a disastuh.
Tonight marks yet another film screening. One that I've been looking forward to for literally YEARS. Back in 2003 (i believe) Quentin Tarantino screened his movie Kill Bill at Cannes. In it's entirety. It was subsequently chopped and re-edited into two parts. Tonight though, I get to witness The Whole Bloody Affair. Tarantino's original cut, with extended animation sequences, and from what I've heard a colored version of the slaughter of the Crazy 88's.
You may expect my full gushing review soon enough. I might need a while to digest the awesome tonight is sure to bring. Speaking of Tarantino, I was in Hollywood today and went into Amoeba Music. Which is pretty much the best music/dvd store in the city. They happen to have sections dedicated to certain actors or directors in their catalogue and how can seeing something like this not make your day?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
"Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie? "
It's either one thing or the other. Tonight, it was a legend of old Hollywood and Modern Cinema. The king of the spaghetti western. The muse of Sergio Leone. The Man with No Name. Dirty Harry himself.
If you haven't caught it yet I don't know what to do with you.
It's come to my attention that I have a proclivity to run into my hero's. Not exactly something to be ashamed of, even when the "run in" only consists of eyes meeting over check out stands at a busy store on a Saturday night.
This Saturday night, I had the awesome fortune to bump into the man himself, Mr. Clint Eastwood. Words cannot explain how much I love this guy, but I'll try. I grew up in a "rustic" area of northern California where cowboys were a common sight, and the cow that lived in the pasture who I called Omar was affectionately called "dinner" by my non-to-tactful father. Western's were a staple of our household and classics such as The Outlaw Josey Wales, The Man With No Name Trilogy, and High Plains Drifter were often viewed and highly adored.
Now past his gunslinging youth, Mr Eastwood continues to wow the World with his stunning Directorial masterpieces (starting in 1971 with Play Misty For Me). Films like Million Dollar Baby, and Grand Torino all of which are critically acclaimed, and rightfully so.
Long story short, I've come to accept the fact that when I decide to frolic off to Whole Food's at 8pm on a Saturday because I'm craving Chocolate Almond Milk, I should listen. Because it allows me to snap hella sketchy cellphone pics of my idols.
"Right turn, Clyde."
If you haven't caught it yet I don't know what to do with you.
It's come to my attention that I have a proclivity to run into my hero's. Not exactly something to be ashamed of, even when the "run in" only consists of eyes meeting over check out stands at a busy store on a Saturday night.
This Saturday night, I had the awesome fortune to bump into the man himself, Mr. Clint Eastwood. Words cannot explain how much I love this guy, but I'll try. I grew up in a "rustic" area of northern California where cowboys were a common sight, and the cow that lived in the pasture who I called Omar was affectionately called "dinner" by my non-to-tactful father. Western's were a staple of our household and classics such as The Outlaw Josey Wales, The Man With No Name Trilogy, and High Plains Drifter were often viewed and highly adored.
Long story short, I've come to accept the fact that when I decide to frolic off to Whole Food's at 8pm on a Saturday because I'm craving Chocolate Almond Milk, I should listen. Because it allows me to snap hella sketchy cellphone pics of my idols.
"Right turn, Clyde."
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
It's Go Go, Not Cry Cry.
To say that I'm a big fan of Quentin Tarantino is an understatement. I LOVE his movies, I LOVE his writing, I LOVE his sense of humor, I LOVE the movies he produces... It's just an all around love fest.
Needless to say, when I heard that in celebration of his birthday this month Tarantino was hand selecting all the movies scheduled to play at his New Beverly Cinema, I was very excited. Even more excited when I found out that one of those nights included a triple feature:
Planet Terror, Death Proof, and Machete. Three of my favorite movies, two of which are by the great Robert Rodriguez. (who I also love. And can I just fan girl for a moment to say holy shit is this man attractive.... wow. okay, I'm done. Maybe.)
I met Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. They came to sit in the crowd and enjoy watching their films on screen, and even did a little intro before hand. Quentin also hand selected the old school commercials and trailers that accompanied the film, saying that this is the way the had wanted the movie to be shown in theaters when it was released, and now at their own theater they could force us to watch whatever they wanted. :-p They were really funny, and sooo unbelievably great. I ran over to chat them up during intermission and while I couldn't have made a bigger stuttering/baffoony mess of myself, (including saying some of the most bizarre compliments...) They couldn't have been more personable, gracious and amazing. If you get the chance to meet either of these amazing directors, don't hesitate. You won't regret it. I know I can cross it off of my list of things to do before I die. Although I would love a chance to make a second more coherent impression...
Till next time.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Nevermind the water mark...
I basically love California. Leaving here was the bane of my existence as a child. Now that I'm back, I can honestly say I feel very at home. It's awesome. I'm also starting to finally get on my feet. I just landed a really neat job at a juice bar down on the Promenade in Santa Monica. It's only 3 blocks to the beach, and the people all seem really great. It's not working in tv/film, but I'm still pretty stoked about it. All I need now is to find a place to move into next month...
Feel free to come and visit me, I don't have an issue playing tour guide. Oh, if you think I'll get tired of posting pictures of the beach/ocean, think again.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
"Go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is." - Jimmy Carter
I read an article on one of my favorite blogs Classy Career Girl about networking. Now, Heaven knows I'm not the most outgoing person, especially when it comes to asking people for things, but this really rang a bell for me. I've never been in a position where I needed other people so much, and not just for their help, but for their experience. I've also developed a complex over the years where I feel bad anytime I ask for help, there's no need for that.
The challenge is to meet up/make contact with with 4 people you know, and 4 people you don't every month in order to expand your network. I've done pretty well so far, I had lunch with two classmates of mine from film school. It was a great opportunity to see how their doing and what actions they are taking to advance their careers, as well as share what I've been up to and get feed back. You never realize how helpful stuff like that really is until your in the thick of it. I'm planning a lunch with another old classmate for next week, and have decided to make a wish list of professionals I'd like to do informal interviews with. I think this is the start of something good. :-)
... AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.
I'm in L.A. now, I adore this city. It's been really fun driving around and running errands to get the lay of the land. In fact, just this morning I was up in Burbank ordering my very first set of business cards. I feel very professional. lol. I'll have to put pictures up when I get them. I also went to the beach out in Santa Monica with my mom who was visiting. It was a gorgeous day, and I even took a few pictures.
The challenge is to meet up/make contact with with 4 people you know, and 4 people you don't every month in order to expand your network. I've done pretty well so far, I had lunch with two classmates of mine from film school. It was a great opportunity to see how their doing and what actions they are taking to advance their careers, as well as share what I've been up to and get feed back. You never realize how helpful stuff like that really is until your in the thick of it. I'm planning a lunch with another old classmate for next week, and have decided to make a wish list of professionals I'd like to do informal interviews with. I think this is the start of something good. :-)
... AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.
I'm in L.A. now, I adore this city. It's been really fun driving around and running errands to get the lay of the land. In fact, just this morning I was up in Burbank ordering my very first set of business cards. I feel very professional. lol. I'll have to put pictures up when I get them. I also went to the beach out in Santa Monica with my mom who was visiting. It was a gorgeous day, and I even took a few pictures.
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