“They can afford to be Nice”

Can any one afford not to be ?
   
    I recently had the privilege of working in the company of some very famous and highly successful people. They were not all “household” names but many of them are the tops in their field.
    I commented to someone about how nice these people were and how pleasant the working conditions. His response “They can afford to be Nice”, it took a few minutes for that to sink in and I began to think, that in a way, it was a sad observation. Is it necessary for one to first, be wealthy, successful, famous and powerful in order to be nice ?
    It may go to the question of mankind’s basic nature, I have always felt that mankind’s basic nature was GOOD. I have debated the point with Teachers, Professors, Clergyman, Friends and Family. I have been told that I was naive, idealistic and needed to “get real“. Admittedly there is evidence all around the I may be wrong but I shall continue to wear my “Rose Colored Glasses” when I can.
    I was working on a movie, and one of the Production People told me that in this “room” there are at least 20 Academy or Emmy Awards, not 20 different award winners mind you, but between Directors, Editors, Cinematographers, Costuming, Special Effects etc. and ,oh yes, Actors.
    This experience , for me, was evidence that my theory is correct. It is impossible for me to believe that during the time period it took these people to rise to the top of their profession, that they “Back stabbed”, slandered, cheated, stepped on or in any way mistreated a larger number of people and then when they reached the top of their profession suddenly STARTED being nice.
    I am smart enough to know that none of them are perfect but somewhere along the way they must have learned that they could afford to be “nice”.[“you draw more flies with honey than with vinegar”, I never knew why we would want to draw flies, but do understand the implication.].
    This was a great “new” experience in the movie business for me, as it was for many others working it. I heard many others remark how pleasant an environment it was. I believe it also stems from doing something you enjoy and doing it well.
    I have written previously about a recent production in which we extras and every one else were treated poorly. This also was a big budget Movie with a big “STAR” and a well known Director but in general everyone was treated with disdain and condescension. The job of an extra is not as easy as some might think, the hours are long, standing, walking, sitting, marching, hot, cold, hungry, thirsty, sleepy [why do we do it? because we love it, the last time I did anything like this I was in the Army, the pay was about the same and I was a lot younger, ha]. We are aware of the "Job" requirements and the general conditions under which we will be working and are accepting of that. However "attitude is every thing" . here in "HOLLYWOOD SOUTH" we are trying to establish our selves as a good place for movies to be made, we need the financial boost and the Motion Picture people need the Tax Savings we can provide here. That experience for many in our area was the proverbial "Straw", many have sworn to never work as an extra again, which is a shame as many need the work and a few productions since then have a hard time getting the people they needed.
      I hope those people who have been less than "NICE" can achieve the success in their field that they must want. I hope we continue to get to work with professional Production Companies and 'NICE' people. I for one am convinced that the two go hand in hand.
     I believe that people who are good at their job, happy in their careers and successful are NICE people.

And the others need to answer this question; 

Can any one afford not to be ?

By William Johnstone- We Believe

• That freedom, like respect, is earned and must be constantly nurtured and protected from
those who would take it away.
• In the right of every law-abiding citizen to protect his or her life, liberty, and personal property
by any means at hand without fear of arrest, criminal prosecution, or law-suit. The right to bear
arms is central to maintaining true personal freedom.
• That liberal politicians, theorists, and socialists are the greatest threat to freedom- loving
Americans and that their misguided efforts have caused grave injustices in the fields of criminal
law, education, and public welfare:
Therefore in respect to criminal law:

An effective criminal justice system should be guided by these basic tenets:
--Our courts must stop pampering criminals
--The punishment must fit the crime
--Justice must be fair but also be swift and, if necessary, harsh
--There is no perfect society only a fair one

Therefore in respect to education:

Education is the key to solving problems in the society and the lack of it is the ROOT CAUSE of
America's decline.
An effective system of Education:

--Must stress hard discipline along with arts, sciences, fine music, and basic
skills in reading, writing, and mathematics
--Must teach fairness and respect
--Must teach morals, the dignity of labor, and the value of family

Therefore in respect to welfare:

Welfare (we prefer workfare) is reserved only for the elderly, infirm, and those who need a
temporary helping hand and the welfare system must also:

--Instill the concept of honest work for honest pay
--Instill the concept that everyone who can work must work and be forced
to work if necessary
--Instill the concept that there is no free lunch and that being productive
citizens in a free society is the only honorable path to take

• That racial prejudice and bigotry are intolerable in a free and vital society


--No one is worthy of respect simply because of the color of their skin.
--Respect is earned by actions and by deeds, not by birthright.
--There are only two types of people on earth, decent and indecent.
Those who are decent will flourish, and those who are not will perish.
--No laws laid down by a body of government can make one person like
another.

• A free and just society must be protected at all costs even if it means shedding the blood of its
citizens. The willingness of citizens to lay down their lives for the brief in freedom is a cornerstone
of true democracy; without that willingness the structure of society will surely crumble and fall into
the ashes of history.

Therefore:

--Along with the inalienable rights to bear arms, and the inalienable rights
to personal protection, a strong skilled, and well-equipped military is
essential to maintaining a free society.
--A strong military eliminates the need for "allies," allowing the society
to focus on the needs of its citizens.
--The business of citizens is not the business of the world unless the
rights of the citizens are infringed upon by outside forces.
--The duty of those who live in a free society is clear, personal freedom
is not negotiable.

The New Doctor in da House.

   

Q: Doctor,  I've heard that  cardiovascular exercise can prolong life.  Is this true?
A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it... Don't waste on exercise.  Everything wear out eventually.  Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster.  Want to live longer?  Take nap.  

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A:  No, not at all.  Wine made from fruit.  Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way.  Beer also made of grain.  Bottom up!

Q: How  can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one.  If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.

Q: What  are some of  the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of single one, sorry.  My philosophy is: No pain...good!
         
Q:  Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A:  YOU NOT LISTENING!  Food are fried these day in vegetable oil.  In fact, they permeated by it.  How could getting more vegetable be bad for you?!?  

Q:  Will  sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not!  When you exercise muscle, it get bigger.  You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach.  

Q:  Is chocolate bad for me?  
A:  Are you crazy?!?  HEL-LO-O!!  Cocoa bean!  Another vegetable!  It best feel-good food around!

Q:  Is swimming good for your figure?  
A:  If swimming good for your figure, explain whale to me..

Q:  Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?  
A:  Hey!  'Round' is shape!  
Well... I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And  remember:  
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"
   
AND.....

For  those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health.  It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.  

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans..

5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
 

The Blue Truck !

I am always impressed how GOD ministers to us in small ways. I saw a real life sermon in the Pinewood Derby contest (small wooden cars made by Cub Scouts) which my Grandson was part of this past Saturday.
Aidan , my Grandson is not overly competitive and has the normal attention span of most 7 year olds. He just wanted a "PLAIN" blue truck. His PaPa and I showed him cars with fins, spoilers, racing stripes and all the “cool” stuff. He, however was satisfied with his effort, he was very careful to follow all the rules regarding size and weight, he is very concerned about doing things correctly. His was solid blue and resembled a pick-up, no painted on windows or other stuff but he was satisfied.
On the day of the race there were 24 boys, many parents, grandparents and siblings assembled in the church fellowship hall for the event. A long metal track with four lanes and a computerized timing system was in place. Checkered flags and other racing decorations were spread around the room.
His papa and I were excited but Aidan was just Aidan, happy to see his friends and waiting for refreshments.
A check of the cars reveled that, at lest on the surface WE had been out done. Classy paint jobs, plastic “drivers” , scoops, fins and other embellishments covered most of the other cars.
Each car was to race all others three times and the best overall time would be the winner. This took lots of time with 24 cars competing. His PaPa and I did our best to keep track of the times and each time the blue truck crossed the finish line first we (his dad and I) grew more and more excited, his quiet concern was only if everyone got a trophy or ribbon.
The event stretched past noon with a lunch break before the final races and awards.
All the boys were gathered up front with the excitement demonstrated by most in their age group, some sat quietly and waited ,Aidan was one of them as is his nature.
3rd place The Saints car, yea, 2nd place The Gold Bomb and 1st place The Blue Truck, Aidan had won over all the paint and extras on many other entries. He was of course very thrilled as was his PAPA and PAW PAW, I am not sure who was the most excited however most of all we were proud for him.
The whole experience reminded me of many teachings from GODS word, no matter what is on the outside, how “fancy” your appearance, or what you proclaim yourself to be its how you finish the race that counts.

Aidan’s effort bore fruit. How about yours?

How to beTotally Miserable in life, in Six easy steps !

     Do you know people who, no matter how fortunate they are, who seem to be miserable ALL the time ? That was a rhetorical question , I know you do. Some we know personally, you have worked with them, have them as relatives and you may be one. [ I do hope not ].
     You can pass them on the street or see them in stores and can almost see a gray "aura" and smell the "sour" emanating from them. We all have moods, and bad days, but some folks are forever in a "funk".
I have a relative that every time their mouth opens a negative thought or comment comes out. They can't stand being happy or at least contented. It is as if they would owe the world something or would have something you could take from them if they admitted to being anything other than miserable.
     For example, this person just got a job, which is a rare thing for them, I called to congratulate [trying to be encouraging and positive] their response, "Now I have to get up at 6AM every morning to get to work on time." [ my Mom's country expression was "They wouldn't be happy if you hung'em with a NEW rope"].
      I realize that some people have had a rough life, beset by misfortune and trouble, but I bet if you were able to examine the source of some of that "trauma" you would find that one of the issues below was at least a part of the problem. [we are often our own worst enemies]
    
I personally, am a "glass half full" person, that way I know I can look forward to more coming !

1) Pride. Spiritual pride, social pride -This doesn't seem to fit does it ? But think about it, some people think they are so special and so superior that finding joy in life's simple pleasures is beneath them.The smile of a child nor a hello from a stranger have no value to them.
2) Insecurity. Insecure people aren't willing to take risks. They complain about their lot in life, yet they're afraid to embrace change and do something about it. They prefer to remain uncomfortable.[I was recently selected to be in a movie in which I had to wear heavy robes in the heat,I would not have dared to complain, I new the deal when I said yes to the job.]
3) Moodiness. Moody people are like the wind - you don't know which way they'll blow. You can't depend on them. Confidence is never built on a person who's fickle. People avoid them,and they get to say "I don't know why I have no friends."
4) Perfectionism. Perfectionism is the obsessive need to perform flawlessly. It stifles your creativity, and turns others off. Perfectionists can't affirm themselves, therefore it's difficult for them to affirm anybody else.
This one is easy, no one else EVER does or says the right thing.
5) Over-sensitivity. Over-sensitive people are always licking their wounds and looking inward; as a result, they're unaware of the needs of others. Ironically, they never understand why they're so lonely.It ain't always about you dude, and it ain't personal.
6) Negativity. Negative people are hard to be around. Their personality says no to life in general, and people tend to avoid them like the plague.

  Bobby McFerrin probably said it best;

Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't Worry — Be Happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it Double
Don't Worry — Be Happy
Ain't got no place to lay your head,
somebody came and took your bed
Don't Worry, Be Happy
The landlord say your rent is late,
he may have to litigate
Don't Worry — Be Happy
Ain't got not cash, ain't got no style,
ain't got no gal to make you smile
Don't Worry — Be Happy
Cause when you worry your face will frown
and that will bring everybody down
Don't Worry — Be Happy

 Standard Report Form  - For a chuckle (If you can stand it) click the link to the left.

LIFE IS FULL OF STUNTS !

"All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; 
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts." William Shakespeare

      I have recently had an opportunity and the privilege to work with a group of REAL Hollywood Stunt People. The image that usually comes to mind is a tough, rowdy, group of people, however the ones I met and worked with,some 30 plus, were polite, courteous and respectful.[I have no doubt that they PLAY as hard as they WORK]. 
      One day on the set we were climbing up and back down a "hill" on a sound stage, now I think I am in fair shape [round] for my age, but after several trips up and down, I admit I was getting a little winded. Once on a trip down I noticed a ladder off to the side of the "green screen" and headed to it to sit a spell, I saw one of the Stunt Guys go over and get a chair [which, if I had not out of breath, I would have done], he brought the chair over to me and said, "Here Man, sit in this chair", a very nice gesture for an old man.
      I received other kindnesses from them as did others, and I saw them taking good care of each other as well. I saw them making sure no one was getting overheated or over tired.
     What I observed turned into what I consider a LIFE LESSON. Life no matter who you are, where you live, how much money you make or don't make, what religion you practice or don't , what "color" you are or where your ancestors came from Life has some "STUNTS" for you to perform. We can all be "Stunt People" for others, sometimes even "Stunt Doubles", standing in for others when things just get to hard for them.
      Regardless of how tough we are or what kind of role we have been cast in, there are times, when we need help to confront a problem, or work through a situation, if we have tried to live by the Golden Rule there will be someone to "double" us. When it becomes your turn, you may get hurt [I saw lots of knee braces, taped up elbows and and bruises on those Stunt People]. Never refuse a blessing, if someone steps up to "double" for you, let them, don't deny them the joy of helping ,it is truly better to give than receive.
     A few times in my life I have caught myself being kind, thoughtful and generous, I have even been accused of being selfless, but lets be honest, how many of us are really SELFLESS. Deep down inside I believe that when needed and least expected, others will treat me the same way.
      Through the use of "Movie Magic" I watched as "Crusaders" helped "Turks" to their feet and the end of a scene, all of them helping "peasants" and old "Priests" to find a cool place in the shade.
      So, put on your knee pads, tape up your wrists, be ready for your "Stunts" and when your needed be someone's "Stunt Double". Wake up, get up, look up, step up, speak up,wise up.

This may be your only chance for your 15 minutes of Fame.

BE A STAR !

      


     


 
      

A Little Help From My Friends !

By now, I suspect everyone is familiar with snopes.comand/or truthorfiction.com for determining whether information received via email is just that:  true/false or fact/fiction.  Both are excellent sites.


Advice from snopes.com   VERY IMPORTANT!!1) Any time you see an email that says "forward this on to '10' (or however many) of your friends", "sign this petition", or "you'll get bad luck" or "you'll get good luck" or "you'll see something funny on your screen after you send it" or whatever --- it almost always has an email tracker program attached that tracks the cookies and emails of those folks you forward to.  The host sender is getting a copy each time it gets forwarded and then is able to get lists of 'active' email addresses to use in SPAM emails or sell to other spammers.  Even when you get emails that demand you send the email on if you're not ashamed of God/Jesus --- that is email tracking, and they are playing on our conscience.  These people don't care how they get your email addresses - just as long as they get them.  Also, emails that talk about a mis sing child or a child with an incurable disease "how would you feel if that was your child" --- email tracking.  Ignore them and don't participate!

 2) Almost all emails that ask you to add your name and forward on to others are similar to that mass letter years ago that asked people to send business cards to the little kid in Florida who wanted to break the Guinness Book of Records for the most cards.  All it was, and all any of this type of email is, is a way to get names and 'cookie' tracking information for telemarketers and spammers -- to validate active email accounts for their own profitable purposes.
 You can do your Friends and Family members a GREAT favor by sending this information to them.  You will be providing a service to your friends.  And you will be rewarded by not getting thousands of spam emails in the future!

 Do yourself a favor and STOP adding your name(s) to those types of listing regardless how inviting they might sound! Or make you feel guilty if you don't! It's all about getting email addresses and nothing more.
 You may think you are supporting a GREAT cause, but you are NOT!
 Instead, you will be getting tons of junk mail later and very possibly a virus attached!  Plus, we are helping the spammers get rich!  Let's not make it easy for them!
ALSO:  Email petitions are NOT acceptable to Congress of any other organization - i.e. social security, etc.  To be acceptable, petitions must have a "signed signature" and full address of the person signing the petition, so this is a waste of time and you are just helping the email trackers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Tips for Handling Telemarketers 
 Three Little Words That Work!!

 (1)The three little words are: 'Hold On, Please...' 
 Saying this, while putting down your phone and walking off (instead of hanging-up immediately) would make each telemarketing call so much more time-consuming that boiler room sales would grind to a halt.

 Then when you eventua lly hear the phone company's 'beep-beep-beep' tone, you know it's time to go back and hang up your handset, which has efficiently completed its task.

 These three little words will help eliminate telephone soliciting..

 (2) Do you ever get those annoying phone calls with no one on the other end? 
 This is a telemarketing technique where a machine makes phone calls and records the time of day when a person answers the phone.

 This technique is used to d etermine the best time of day for a 'real' sales person to call back and get someone at home.

 What you can do after answering, if you notice there is no one there, is to immediately start hitting your # button on the phone, 6 or 7 times as quickly as possible. This confuses the machine that dialed the call, and it kicks your number out of their system. Gosh, what a shame not to have your name in their system any longer!!! 
 (3) Junk Mail Help:
When you get 'ads' enclosed with your phone or utility bill, return these 'ads' with your payment. Let the sending companies throw their own junk mail away.

 When you get those 'pre-approved' letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and similar type junk, do not throw away the return envelope.

 Most of these come with postage-paid return envelopes, right? It costs them more than the regular 44 cents postage, 'IF' and when they receive them back.

 It costs them nothing if you throw them away! The postage was around 50 cents before the last increase and it is according to the weight. In that case, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little, postage-paid return envelopes. 
 One of Andy Rooney 's (60 minutes) ideas. 
Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. Send a pizza coupon to Citibank. If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their blank application back!
 If you want to remain anonymous, just make sure your name isn't on anything you send them.
  You can even send the envelope back empty if you want to just to keep them guessing! It still costs them 44 cents.
 The banks and credit card companies are currently getting a lot of their own junk back in the mail, but folks, we need to OVERWHELM them. Let's let them know what it's like to get lots of junk mail, and best of all they're paying for it...Twice!
  Let's help keep our postal service busy since they are saying that e-mail is cutting into their business profits, and that's why they need to increase postage costs again. You get the idea!

"The let's FACE it BOOK"

     I am a child of the 60's , I was recently making reference to some music I like and asked a friend what he thought of it, his reply "Herb, I  WAS a child IN the 60's not of the 60's." Thanks, Jerry. The internet, computers, instant communication are still often a phenomenon to me. Despite working in a technical field,   I was d r u g into the computer age. I remember computers as large as a deep freeze, Punch Cards (and not the ones punched for a free Starbucks), programs on cassette tapes and lengthy training classes for those who would operate them.
     Years ago I made fun of people whizzing by me on the interstate using a "Car Phone" as they were called then, large hand held receiver just like a house phone, in came in a" Carry Bag" and plugged into the Cigarette lighter in your car.[accessory jack, as it is now called]

     

"Alright I am getting to the point." [I love chasing rabbits]

       I thought E-Mail was the "BOMB", it is a great tool and allows us contact with people and places we need and at times when urgent information needs to be exchanged. If indeed E-mail is the "BOMB" then FACEBOOK is NUCLEAR. I avoided getting caught up in any of the other "social networking" sites and have yet to "Twitter"[I twitch some however].
     FACEBOOK   on the other hand has opened up a whole new world [and a "Brave New World", at that] it has also opened up many, many cans of worms. I have cautioned people including myself not to air dirty laundry on FB , some one said that airing it allows the light of truth to help get it "clean" but it also allows people to see the "holes" in our underwear. If you don't mind showing your "bum" have at it [I know coming from me that may be a bad pun]
    We do not need to know what you bought at the mall today, your stomach is upset,etc [If you or a family member are seriously ill or hurt I would want to know so I could be praying] . Pictures of your pets are cool I love animals ,[wish they had their own FB pages and could type]. My point here is that the phone or e-mail is good for personal things and FB does have a "Message" application.Your love life should be YOUR love life, though I do enjoy sweet postings between couples.
     I am learning lots from friends I have made on FB, some of it is TMI , but the majority is worthwhile.Spirited political and "religious" debate ,sharing music, good quotes and jokes. One very interesting thing I see are a number of OLD people whose profile pictures I see who claim to be former classmates and friends.[will these impostors please return my friends identities to them]. I have added many people from the Movie Industry, but I don't do Fan Pages, these are people I have worked with or friends of friends.
      Quite a few of us are using FB for "Networking" [I have been making friends and talking to people for years and it now has a name attached !] regarding film making and job opportunities.I think Facebook is great tool for real communication, we can share ideas and feelings in an instant with all kinds of people all over the world, we can both learn and teach, as we should. One of the things I have enjoyed is the importunity for introspection, look back over some of your earlier posts , perhaps when you did not feel well, were a little sad or mad, or you misunderstood a posting or comment see yourself reflected back in the eyes of others and your fresh outlook.

Remember.

"You cannot fool the Man/Woman in The Mirror"

Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk (Movieswise)

 This post is an attempt to provide some background and terminology used around Movie sets I have added some notes of my own which may clarify things for those who are reading these Blogs and haven't been out "on" a Movie set.  [ it helped me and others, the Hollywood people assume we already know these terms and perhaps we should]

Quiet on the set:  When you hear the AD’s call for “Quiet on the set”, please be quiet.  If one person is talking, it may sound like a whisper.  If a group is talking, it sounds like a roar.

Pictures up: means they are about to start filming.  You should stand by for your cue.

Rolling:  means there is film moving through the camera.  Please do not move yet. Your cue is coming next.

Background!:  When you hear the AD’s call “Background!”, it is time for you to perform.  Please remember to never look directly into the camera.  And remember exactly what you were doing in a scene, so you can repeat your actions each time.

Action: When you hear the director call “Action!”, it is time for the main actors to perform.  

Pantomime:  If the AD’s call “Pantomime” then we need you to perform your actions without making a sound.  We need you to pretend that you are talking, laughing, clapping, cheering, etc.[you would not believe how many people, working as extras did not know this word !] [and it is harder than it sounds !]

Back to one: means that you should return to your first position and standby to start your action again.

It’s a wrap:  This means that we are finished for the day. [the scene just prior to wrap is called the "Martini  Shot". here in the South it would be 'it's Miller Time'.]

  Industry Terms Defined (Provided courtesy of castingworkbook.com)

A.D. - The Assistant Director.[these people are members of the 'unholy hierarchy' and the ones who pass instructions down through PA's to we extras]
ART DIRECTOR - Person who conceives and designs the sets. AUDITION - A tryout for a film, TV or stage role. Usually auditions involving reading from the script, but can also require improvisation.
BACKGROUND - The Extra performers.[props the eat, wall paper and paint]
BEST BOY - The assistant to the Chief Electrician, or Head Gaffer.
BILLING - The order of the names in the title of opening credits of a film or TV show.
BLOCKING - The actual physical movements by performers in any scene. Also can refer to the movements of the camera.
BOOKING - A firm commitment to a performer to do a specific job.
BOOM - An overhead microphone, usually on an extended pole. The Boom Operator is the member of the sound department responsible for holding the boom pole, with mic attached, over and sometimes under the actors. Also usually responsible for placing radio mics on actors.
BLUE SCREEN - Shooting in a studio against a large blue or green backdrop, which allows a background to be superimposed later on the final image. The actors must imagine the set they are on and be aware of the limitations of their movements.
BREAKAWAY - Specially designed prop or set piece that looks solid but shatters easily.
BREAKDOWN - A summary description of a script prepared by or for the casting director often including the names of the director, producer, network or studio, together with audition location and times, storyline and roles available for casting in a production.
CALLBACK - Any follow-up interview or audition.[very exciting when this happens]
CALL SHEET - A sheet containing the cast and crew call times for a specific day's shooting. Scene numbers, the expected day's total pages, locations, and production needs are also included.
CALL TIME - The actual time an actor is due on the set.
CAMERA CREW - With the D.P. (Director of Photography) as its chief, this team consists of the camera operator, the first assistant camera operator (focus puller), the second assistant camera operator (film loader and clap stick clapper) and the dolly grip.
CAMERA OPERATOR - The member of the camera crew who actually looks through the lens during a take. Responsible for panning, tilting and keeping the action within the frame.
CASTING DIRECTOR - The producer's representative responsible for choosing performers for consideration by the producer or director.
CASTING FACILITY - A studio or space used by one or more casting directors for holding audition taping sessions. Many casting directors have their own casting facility and others rent facilities for their auditions as required.
CASTING NOTICE - Similar in format to a Breakdown, the casting notice is not restricted to agents only. They are distributed to actors, agents and the public, much the same as a posting in a newspaper.
CATTLE CALL - The actual time you are due on the set [ MOOOOOOO !]
CATERER - Responsible for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a set. Different from Craft Services.
CHANGES - Outfits worn while performing. CHEAT - The actor's adjustment of body position away from what might be absolutely "natural" in order to accommodate the camera; can also mean looking in a different place from where the other actor actually is.
CHECKING THE GATE! - A verbal command to check the lens on the camera; if the lens is OK the cast & crew will move on to the next scene or shot.
CHIEF ELECTRICIAN - Heads the electrician crew; also called the Gaffer.
CINEMATOGRAPHER - Director of Photography
CLOSE-UP (CU) - Camera term for tight shot of shoulders and face.
COLD READING - Unrehearsed reading of a scene, usually at an audition.
COMMISSION - Percentage of a performer's earnings paid to agents or managers for services rendered.
COMPOSITE - A series of photos on one sheet representing an actor's different looks.
COVERAGE - All camera shots other than the master shot; coverage might include two-shots and close-ups.
CRAFT SERVICES - On-set beverage and snack table. Different from the Caterer
CRANE SHOT - A camera shot raised over or above the set or the action.
CREDITS - Opening names in a film or TV show; also refers to a one's performance experience listed on a resume or in a program.
CUE - Hand signal by an AD or PA
CUT! - The verbal cue for the action of the scene to stop. At no time, may an actor call, "cut!"
CUTAWAY - A short scene between two shots of the same person, showing something other than that person.
DAILIES - Screening of footage before it is edited.
DAY PLAYER (DAY PERFORMER) - A principal performer hired on a daily basis, rather than on a longer - term contract.
DEMO TAPE - An actor’s audio or video tape that agents use for audition purposes. These are now going digital and are being uploaded to the Casting Workbook saving duplication and shipping costs for agents and their actors.
DIALECT - A distinctly regional or linguistic speech pattern. DIALOGUE - The scripted words exchanged by performers.
DIRECTOR - The coordinator of all artistic and technical aspects of any production.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY (D.P. or D.O.P) - Supervises all decisions regarding lighting, camera lenses, color and filters, camera angle set-ups, camera crew and film processing.
DOLLY - A piece of equipment that the camera sits on to allow mobility of the camera.
DOLLY GRIP - The crew member who moves the dolly.
DOUBLE - A performer who appears in place of another performer, i.e., as in a stunt.
DRESS THE SET - Add such items to the set as curtains, furniture, props, etc.
18-TO-PLAY-YOUNGER - A performer legally 18 years old, who can convincingly be cast as a younger age.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Person responsible for funding the production.EXT. (Exterior) - A scene shot outside.
EXTRA - Background performer, used only in non-principal roles.
FIRST A.D. - First Assistant Director; person responsible for the running of the set. Gives instructions to crew and talent, including calling for "first team," "quiet," "rehearsal," and "take five." [VIP-Very Important P....]FIRST TEAM - The production term for the principal actors in a scene.
4-A's - Associated Actors and Artistes of America; umbrella organization for SAG, AFTRA, Equity and other performers' Unions.
.FOREGROUND CROSS - Action in a scene in which an Extra Performer passes between the camera and the principal actors; sometimes called a "wipe".
GAFFER - The Chief Electrician.
GOLDEN TIME - Contractually called 16 Hour Rule Violation for Extra Performers, is overtime, after the 16th hour, paid in units of one full day per hour.
GRIPS - Members of the film crew who are responsible for moving set pieces, lighting equipment, dolly track and other physical movement of equipment.

Pay it Forward is Still Alive

This Blog is inspired by and dedicated to my Wife Beebee.

    She is the worlds biggest fan of the Movie "Pay It Forward" 
We own a copy, we have it recorded and she watches it every time it comes on TV. If you are one of the few people who have not seen it you should. Its sweet, sappy, heartwarming and most importantly thought provoking.
    Beebee has a what might be called a simplistic , open, and perhaps naive outlook on life. She leaves the cynicism to me [I assure you I can handle it]. She believes in accountability, The Golden Rule, tit for tat, eye for an eye, and what goes around comes around. She sees no “gray” areas ,she believes that Mans basic nature is good and she believes that paying back is good -but paying it forward is better. [It gets more people involved in the process]
    The premise of the film is the idea that when someone does something for you, you may not be able to pay them back in kind, but you can do something for someone else and ask them to do the same. This “ACT” is to be done three times.
    According to the Boy in the movie when this is done in the manner proscribed the “goodness” expands exponentially, mathematically this would work. Where human nature is involved, however, this plan may not expand in a perfect “spread”.things like  Selfishness, a lack of compassion, laziness and even pride can stop or stunt it’s proper progression.
    My wife is almost fanatical about the plan, every time we are blessed by someone or receive some unexpected good fortune She is ready, even excited about another opportunity to PayIt forward, this is as it should be. We all need to realize that "Paying" does not need to be, nor should it be about money, often it is, but some people find it easy to throw money around with the thought that this “buys” them good will or elevates their standing [increasing Karma, if you wish] .
    Beebee now does it ALL the time, some of her “PAYMENTS” are as follows; If you see someone in a store struggling with an item on a shelf help them, [she is only 4’ 11” and 90 lbs if she can do it so can I or you]. If you are in line with someone in a store and they are “short” a few cents, offer to help. [she often comes out of the store and says “OH, I gave the lady in front of us, a dollar because she was short a few cents“, some times her stingy old husband says, ‘well did you get your change.’]. When she gets to go “Yard Sale-ing”, she will buy things we have no need for, her reasoning is this "well so and so needs this,or that" and cloths, she has plenty, and kids cloths and not for our many Grandkids, fortunately they are plenty blessed, she will tell me this child or that child the we know about needs more jeans and shirts, she is that way about kids shoes also, they must have good shoes [I have found strange pairs of shoes among my Walmart purchases when unloading the van]
    She has infected the whole family, from time to time my Grandkids will put a box in my van and say “Paw paw, give these toys to some kid who needs them, we got lots of stuff we don’t play with.” and it isn’t junk either, I recently passed along a Fire truck I would still play with
      These are actually simple examples of what can and should be done. Part of the impact of the "program" is paying back with an act that is not easy, giving from the hand, heart and head, teach someone to read, weed an old persons garden even if you don't like yard work. take a special needs child to the park while their parents have a "Date Night" and pay for it.Give it some thought.
         Recently Beebee was in the Hospital for treatment of her Multiple Sclerosis.Her stay was poorly timed as we were between paydays and I will  finish the story in her own words;

""I met a lady we will call her Beth, she knew I was there for the same reason she was, and that I had little money to buy snacks or a bottle of water, she gave me a pamphlet it was  Christian based, when she gave it to me I didn't have the time to look at it so I put it aside, when I finally had time, she had gone home. I opened the pamphlet and seventeen dollars fell into my lap with a note that said " Pay It Foreword". So I have been doing just that not by giving money but doing things for people, things that are not easy just like in the true story. If you have not seen the movie" Pay It Foreword" I suggest you do.

  Still Paying It Foreword,  Beebee Johnston"" 

.

More Movie Musings !

     When we last talked about movies I mentioned movie FOOD, I am not talking about the food served to us working on the film, but let me share about that a minute. I have complained about the lack of food and the length of time before meals were provided and I do not want to sound like a complainer so I must even the score, In most of the films I have worked in to date the Meals when provided are exceptional, some production companies bring their caterers with them from the West Coast, some use services available locally.[this is good for our economy and gives the production companies additional tax breaks]. The meals are attractive,well prepared, large quantities and gourmet selections. As can be expected in productions when their are several hundred extras [remember we are "props that eat"] cost is a factor even for big budget films, but Chicken leg quarters and hamburgers can and were prepared well and welcomed. Excellent meals are known to be one of the perks of the movie extra business, and they know we can't work well when hungry even if it is just standing still !
       PROP FOOD- Sometimes the food used in a film is real food used as a prop and some times "something" made to look like food. 
       Real Food- Sometimes you are allowed to consume the food [should you dare take a chance] but most often not. The reason for not consuming the prop food is continuity, you would not think that people would notice , more bites taken out of a sandwich from one scene to another, or the level of beverage in a glass, but there are whole websites designed by people who have nothing better to do than find little foibles in film. In one film yet to be released many of us are "Fair Goers" and are enjoying typical Fair food; Ears of Corn, Cotton Candy, Cold Drinks, Hot Dogs, Sausage on a Stick and something I had never seen before and wanted so to try-PORK CHOPS ON A STICK !!!
       In one of the first scenes shot on the first day ,at the "Fair", one of the lead actors in facing the camera and during the shot he takes a bite out of this beautiful piece of Pork, and, as is common in this business there were many "re-takes" and each time he was given a new chop and the old one thrown in the trash [I shed a tear each time]. His "wife" in the scene is drinking what appears to be a Frozen Lemonade and during the scene she takes sips through a straw and at each "cut", before the next take, her cup is refilled to the exact spot as when she started (there is a "prop" person at a table, off camera, with an Ice chest and Lemonade mix and a blender, making a new batch each time.)  The extras [in this case the props that don't eat] are walking around "pantomiming" the purchasing and consuming of soda, popcorn,cotton candy etc, which was neither eatable or desirable.When we "wrapped" [finished for the day] we threw our prop food in 55 Gal trash cans. { a few years ago when I lived in Arizona I raised  some pigs to whom we fed food scraps from various sources, for any readers who have pigs, find the nearest movie set and ask for their trash, it could be a great savings on your feed bill !}.
     A few days later, in another scene we were given cardboard carry trays, loaded with various types of 'Fair Food' once again, hot dogs, popcorn and drinks, But we caught a break, since the cups were Styrofoam and no one could detect the level of liquid inside, we could sip these beverages ! and eat some of the popcorn as long as the level did not go below the top of the box,COOL, [the popcorn had been popped hours before and the drink cups held NO ice.] When one leaves the set between scenes we place our 'props' on tables with numbered squares and are instructed to remember our numbers so that in the next scene, THE 'PROPS' THAT EAT CAN BE SEEN HOLDING THE SAME 'PROPS' THAT THEY CAN'T EAT !

Next time- it may look like a Duck, it may quack like a Duck, but it ain't always a Duck !

A Kick in The Chest .

There is an old joke of sorts among smokers that is applicable to many areas of so city today. I am not advocating nor encouraging smoking but you will soon see my point.

Someone asks to "borrow" a cigarette-you give them one, then they ask for a light-you hand them your lighter-then, just to be funny you ask 

"What else do you need,  

A kick in the chest 

to get you started." 

     It seems that so many people today and society in general need a  A kick in the chest  to get them started, some times I need to get my own foot high enough to do that. There is a story about a large group of people seated around a table eating and their spoons are too long to get food to their own mouths so they are forced to learn to feed each other. This is a wonderful little analogy regarding caring for others, while I am a GREAT believer in NICE and GOOD and LOVING, if you have read any of my previous Blogs or know me, I am a Big believer in TUFF LOVE. I speak from experience having had it applied to me more than once.
     There are a number of reasons and situations in which this procedure should be applied;
ONE-There are people who despite all the breaks they get, money they are given, chances they get can never seem to get anywhere. Sometimes it can be from a lack of education or training, (but their is an APP for that), Two young men I know, who are well above the age of consent and should be responsibly people, are, to be PC, "chronically under employed". When I discuss this with them, their response is "well you have a good education", my response is "Were the schools closed when you tried to go ?" and "You got kicked out for what reason?". Both have sore chests and my leg is getting tired. It is said "You can lead a Horse to water but you can't make him drink." I promise you if you hold his head in the bucket long enough, he WILL swallow.!
TWO- Sometimes there is no one who cares enough to kick. "It's not my problem." , "I don't want to get involved."and "They will never learn anyway." Those are phrases commonly heard today, IT IS, YOU SHOULD, THEY MIGHT. Be it the "Long Spoon" or "A Kick in the Chest" we are responsible for each other, and this is not necessarily as selfless as it is selfish.  If I use my Long Spoon, I will find others at the same table with Long Spoons also. If I am willing to lift my leg high enough and kick as hard or soft as necessary, then I can count on someone else giving a tap when I need it. We all experience times when we are down, can't seem to get motivated and need a push start.
     Unfortunately  there are people who are not self motivated, and will never learn.I have always thought that so called "Primitive" people were not so wrong when they allowed the weakest and the most lazy members of their societies to die, (Chlorine in the Gene pool) .

FEED ME, I WILL FEED YOU. KICK ME, I WILL KICK BACK 

COMPASSION AND COURAGE - USE BOTH.

     
    
       

 

INFORMATION PLEASE !

I gladly welcome all comments and critiques either as comments here or to my E-Mail which is shown in my profile, let me know what you want to talk about or don't want to talk about. Which Blogs did you find you enjoyed reading. I have a teachable spirit and an OPEN mind, keep me learning,you can simply check one of the boxes at the bottom of each Blog and give me some idea how you feel. 
You will note I try to vary the topic from something serious,as serious as I can get, to something lighter on a random basis. I try to title the Blogs so you can follow a particular theme if you like. Their is a common thread, however.

Self Motivation, Self Sufficiency and Self Respect.

The Old Guy.

More Movie Magic

    I like being in the Movies and TV, that has become obvious to my readers and others who know me, but, as much as I like being on camera, even as an extra, it is what goes on behind the camera that really fascinates me. I took drama classes in High School and College and enjoyed building scenery and working as stage crew as much as anything.
    I would be lying if I did not admit that I would like to be DISCOVERED. [I see old fat guys in almost everything I watch]. I would not ever expect to be a Star, but I would like to work steady and at a better pay rate !
    Working with so many attractive and some talented younger people. I have seen and met dozens who want to be “Real” actors. I have met several with genuine talent and the attitude and drive to succeed and I wish them well. [maybe I will at least get to say I have worked with that STAR].
    I have also met many people with whom I am developing real friendships and this contributes to the satisfaction I receive from this adventure. These people are bright ,intelligent and energetic and this rubs off on me and I’ll take all of that I can get. Sure there are some “Prima Donnas” , you can spot them quickly and usually avoid them.
    The casting and production people are experienced and are quick to identify these types as well and they tend not to get called often and don’t get a lot of camera time [unless they push them selves to the front which many do].
    Now that I got that off my chest and lest I digress more it’s magic time.
Wardrobe- Costumes; so far the few films I have done have been set in the 20th Century and we are asked to bring three clothing options for approval and changing for different scenes. Only twice so far have I needed to borrow from Wardrobe, once a sweater for a TV show (it was a “fall” scene) and I was give a different Tie as mine was to “flashy” [she did not like the Neon Gum Balls on mine, humph]. I have been anxious to be in a Western, every little boys dream, I auditioned for one but didn’t get the part. In a few days, however I will be in a movie set in the 14th Century
    A few days when BB and I went for costume fittings I was over whelmed by what I saw. We entered a vast building , with rack after rack of costumes , no  SuperWal-Mart, JC Penny of Ross Dress for Less has anything on this place. There were sewing machines, cutting tables, washers and dryers and at least a dozen people working very hard at their task. They were now outfitting a small town, a small army and who knows what else. A guy I know from another movie is working this one also. When he saw me he said “come over here and check this out”. He was working in what looks like an Army Surplus Store from the Crusades, Helmets of three or four different types, piles of shoes and boots, Armor, tunics, vests and CHAINMAIL, any kid would be excited to be there, this one was.
    He picked up a Chainmail “hood” that is made to wear under a Knights Helmet, he handed it to me and I was amazed at how much it weighed , several pounds probably 3-4 lbs. “How did those guys do that, the helmet had to add another 5 lbs”, I asked. He then handed me another “hood” which was even heaver than the first, now I was astonished , the first one was made of plastic links, this one was actually metal. Very heavy at least as heavy as a 5 lb bag of sugar.
He then took me over to where the Chainmail “shirts” were hanging, we knew the weight of those- plastic 15 lbs, metal 25 lbs [these numbers are necessary for stunt people to engineer their “bits”]. We did a rough calculation as to what the entire costume would weigh; 75-100 lbs.- trousers, shirt, boots, leggings, hood, Chainmail “hood“, helmet, Chainmail shirt, leather vest, tunic, belt, sword or pike. We realized the Men of Yore were some real men, the average man 600 years ago was estimated to be 5’3”-5’6” and weigh 110-130 lbs. Today it is 5’9” and 180 lbs. We will be working in Louisiana in August, our hottest month, [I have applied for the part of the fat man in the bath tub].
    The women will fare no better, my Wife’s costume consists of; wool slip. Over dress, sash, turban, hooded cape, leather shoes.The Royal Ladies will add a Brocade dress to that.

More next time, Phony Food and False Moons !

  

Darwin Did Us Dirty !

{From an intellectual standpoint I would recommend that ,wither you are a Creationist or a Evolutionist or still confused you should either read Darwin's work or a good review of it, Google works well. I believe both sides will be enlightened.}

     Regardless of which view you adhere to I think Darwin did us dirty. Their are a few things I have wondered about lately, his theory puts great emphasis on "Natural Selection", "Survival of the Fittest" and the "Improvement of the Gene Pool". {I sometimes think it needs more chlorine}

    For example Tigers with 11 inch fangs and the size of Hummers would be more fun to watch and much more effective in hunting than the ones we have now and Jack Hanna's shows would be better. Mastodons, modern pachyderms stomp on a few Circus Trainers, Villagers, and Photographers a year, but Marauding Mastodons, now that is movie material !
    Early man, the Stone Age now their was a time. Take Housing for example-just find a hole in the ground or on the side of a mountain, throw out a few cats and bats and there ya go.{my two kids in Louisiana and their spouse's recently bought houses, both are very nice, probably overpriced like everything else and GOD FORBID, a REALLY big wind could knock them down. Just playin' guys}.  Consider Clothing- I have never been a "cloths horse" nor do I read GQ, which is probably obvious, Army Uniforms,Hospital Scrubs and now Overalls just about complete my wardrobe {I do have a suit,the pants have elastic in the waist} People are so concerned about brands and labels , back then just pick the animal which was considered "Chic" at the time, skin it and "catch" lunch while your at it.{and don't forget Men, ALL women then wore fur bikinis}.
    What about Food - shopping even for groceries is a pain, catch the sales, pick the brands, beware of Salmonella and E-Coli, back then- set a trap, catch it as it runs by, hunt it down, if it's something you haven't tried before, so what, it all tastes like chicken anyway.Cooking it once you get it is now an issue, Gas, Electric, Microwave, Convection who knows, kitchens are the most expensive part of a modern house. I really like BBQ but to cook your food over a fire you must go to a BigBox store and pay hundreds of dollars to get a device to do this with (natural gas,propane,charcoal even electric) and put it OUTSIDE in your yard !   Sportsman, no license, no really good lease, no restriction on what caliber of rock or sharp stick you can use.Team sports what could be better than two groups of 11 men trying to chase down the same Warthog and the winners get supper.
    Dating and Marriage- Both Men and Women today spend a fortune on cosmetics and cloths, they read books on sensitivity, men become Metro-sexual in an attempt to not seem to Manly and aggressive and Women read guide books on being alluring without being to submissive, back in "The Day" all it took was a nearby rock or stick. Wedding Ceremonies- We just had a BIG one here in our family, people do all kinds of cool stuff now at these events, but I would like to see the release of two snow white Pterodactyl's instead of Doves or instead of  Butterflies a big bug with six foot wing span.
    Despite how Darwin's deal is supposed to work, I think we are weaker members of the species now, I have heard how better developed our brains are now, and how our intellect is superior to those old guys, but think about it, they conquered the know and unknown world, developed Civilizations we cannot even understand and they did not even have their GED'S.

     I am not an expert on EVOLUTION VS CREATION but I want to share what an Old Cajun man said;

"I ann my people have livet in dis swamp fo ner Two-Tree hundret yer , an I knows mos all de famlies, an I never hearet o' no fish what walked out dat Bayou and climet into no Ias Chess, ayie."

NEXT TIME MORE MOVIE MAGIC !

What it was, it was FOOTBALL !

     I really have no idea what happens in parts of America this time of year, (it could be global warming or in this case cooling. Perhaps secret CIA planes are spraying something in the air which affects a specific group of people.) Suddenly, intelligent, usual rational people are going berserk or are at least acting strangely, (I have some very “colorful” friends so something serious is going on for me to notice a change.) 
      I am seeing Facebook postings, receiving e-mails and even an occasional phone call regarding FOOTBALL. Not that I don’t like football, I love football, (yes dear, my wife is a Whodat Honey) but the intensity of the emotions in generates is incredible. I tried to play in High School and broke my arm the first day of practice, (I was trying change the Nerd/Class Clown image which hung on me, you can’t fight fate I guess,) While living in College Station, Texas I did catch a bit of the Aggie Fever (the water supply there is tainted). We were having a winning season then,(this was obviously years ago). And a local exclusive men’s clothing store would give a discount each week based on the point spread after a TAMU win, I have a Maroon tie which was still expensive despite the discount.
     Both Louisiana and Texas are Football crazy. Six man Football, Eight man Football, Eleven Man Football any number you can find will play in, front yards, back yards, streets, parking lots even living rooms. It has been known to divide family, cities and even states (beatings and deaths have been attributed). Back in College I knew a couple, with whom my wife and I were good friends, we had Easter Egg Hunts, spring outings, 4th of July Celebrations even Sunday dinners until the FALL their house became Dallas Cowboys Central. The entire house became Blue and Silver; kids, cloths, furniture, dogs, faces, dishes  and on Sunday afternoons “talking” was only allowed during Budweiser Commercials. In their house she was a worse fanatic than her husband and swore that Roger Staubach could have anything he wanted including her Husband and Kids.
    Football in Louisiana is a large part of our cultural identity. We have only one University which counts for most people LSU, the Purple and Gold, (we have many other great Colleges and Universities with Football programs but they are quickly over shadowed.) Pro Football is, or was an issue in Louisiana. At one time there were a large number of Dallas Cowboys fans in Northeast Louisiana, due to our proximity to the Lone Star State along I-20, from time to time you will still see an occasional Silver Star on the rear window of an oilfield workers truck.(we have many here now as their is new production going on,) You see some Chargers, 49er's and Vikings but their usually on starter jackets worn more as a fashion statement than anything. The Saints have many die hard fans who haved love and supported them with out question and recently a whole new crop of supporters, richly deserved. The New Orleans Saints are a phenom and even I have caught the fever, below please find a little tome which I found this A.M. on Facebook;

Twas the
night before Training Camp and all through the Nation, not a Who
Dat was stirring, not even Sean Payton. The helmets were hung in the
lockers with care, in hopes that Lombardi would again be there. Saints
fans were nestled all snug in their gear, wondering "What's the
...chances.........of a repeat, a two dat this year?"...GEAUX SAINTS!