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I'm exhausted. Interning for the LA Film Festival, or any festival for that matter, does a number on the body. It's basically the same throwing out of whack that occurs during finals week in college. The nomZ and zZz's schedule goes to sh*t, to be blunt. These are insignificant cons, though, canceled out by my already ridiculous lifestyle of insomnia and 24/7 eating.
I still don't have a plan. Life is a beautiful and stressful question mark. But I definitely enjoy working in this festival atmosphere 100%. I love greeting and serving our filmmaker "customers". I love meeting volunteers, staff, and festival folk that are just great people. I even think I might've grown a pair tonight at the filmmaker reception and schmoozed a bit. And by schmooze, I mean talking up a "thank youuu" and "can I take 3 of these?" storm with the waiters carrying food while I stuffed my face. So yeah, I'm a gawd awesome schmoozer. I did carry on some entertaining conversations with our filmmaker guests.
Let me tell you something about the schmoozing. There's the kind that sucks: the fake flirting (whatistheflirting?), the networking, the selling yourself, the throw your head back and laugh at anything even if it's not that funny because why? Although, my laughter, being rather obnoxious, probably works against me in this scenario.
The kind I enjoy is just connecting in casual and lighthearted convo without ulterior motives. That being sad, one of the interns and I were having a deep chat (oxymoron?) about networking. Some things he noted made me realize that I am being a bit hypocritical and assumptive about networking. Guilty. I think I talk smack because I have no purpose or need for networking since I have no idea what I'm doing with myself. It hit me that I need a business card, but that card would be sans title. Megan Lee. Company ?. Freelance ?. Phone. Email. Meh. Another thing on the list of to-do personal improvements. By the way, since mentioning this whole business card thing, I will dedicate at least an hour after posting this to desigining a personal card, putting it in an online shopping cart, then leaving it be forever.
The arrow to the heart about working LAFF is not being able to watch all the competing and showcased films. I'd love to view all the international documentaries, narratives, the MVs, shorts, free screenings, and even the high school films. There's just not enough time, not enough screenings. Most of the competing films have uncertain futures, are lucky if they find solid distribution past the festival, and thus, rarely screened again anytime soon.
Oh yes, the economy sucking, sucks as well. The festival has been downscaled significantly from last year (and last year was apparently a downscale from the year before, meaning, I missed even better free swag from TARGET). Yes, I complain because the freestuffs is lacking and not as abundant as last year.
Well, LAFF is halfway through. I'm dying. Almost fell asleep at the desk today..it was a pretty sight. Plenty more updates to come, but we'll see if I can keep the posts regularly. Expect a brief hiatus until festival end, then a giant blog vomit summarizing everything. Excited?
22 June 2009
09 June 2009
With great power comes great responsibility
or in Stan Lee's original version, "With great power there must also come great responsibility." Either way, 'tis truth.
There are the obvious and obligatory ups and downs that come with stepping into any leadership role. I find myself evaluating the same flaws and problems I've always had since I was a tiny tot. Though, come to think of it, I was much more stubborn and aggressive as a child...seemed to have lost some of that "grr-ness" as over the years. Perhaps it's because I'm actually an elderly woman who enjoys bingo and Astaire-Rogers films and these discontinued coffee-flavored candies that used to be sold at Nijya Market. Anyhoo, back to my loss of grr. I do need to practice the word "no" much more, spoken nicely and with love of course. I also need to stop being overly apologetic. It's like a bad tick that I've developed. Many people call me out on it, and yet, all I can reply back with is, "Sorry [for saying sorry]". Gah.
Mom definitely called me out on it when I went home this past weekend. At this point, it's bad because I come off timid, but just like the boy who cried wolf, overuse and abuse will lead to it meaning nothing, an empty apology. That I do not want. That would be ultimate fail. Also, I very much need to manage my time better. This has been my most crucial issue since whatever age beyond babyhood that required time management skills. My insatiable desire to put stickers on everything has also been a problem, but that won't be too much of an issue with CEC, methinks. Oh, and I still, use, too many, damn, commas,.,
I'm blogging right now to get my writing juices flowing for the 16 pages of awesome B.S. (that's "Brilliant Stuff", mind you) that I need to write by Thursday. Okay, that wasn't quite believable. But blogging is a better method of procrastination than StumbleUpon, right?
Aside from that final monster, summer seems to be playing out smoothly. Subletters are falling into place. Timing, with some minor switcharoo issues, works out for all the current and new apartment-mates. I've found temporary housing for the duration of the LA Film Festival, graciously offered by Mattitude + co. I believe Karaoke, Donkey Kong, and late-night nom-ing are all on the schedule o' fun for June.
Official LAFF interning starts Wednesday. I'll be meeting the new guest services group and have been promoted to "head intern". I hope this relieves me of some of the copy machine/collate/staple duties, not that I hate doing that, but I can't make a living out of it. I look forward to the compensation in free crap (ex. stacks upon stacks of scratch paper), which I'll lovingly bring home and take up more space with. Hopefully I can go home for this weekend, re-group, re-arrange, and refresh before starting full time on Tuesday.
The only thing not quite in place is jury duty. Well, not so much not in place since I must serve and can no longer postpone (crap) or transfer (crapx2), but dad and I were discussing the distant possibility that it could be a serious case that extends all the way to my London trip. I'd then have to haggle with judge sir or lady. I doubt it will be something so severe *knock on wood*, but that is why we brainstormed how to wiggle out of jury selection. Instead of being too obvious with, "My dad's a lawyer I watch every single law show known to man and have strong opinions about lawyers blaw blaw blaw", we thought I could go with being very picky and opinionated about the po-po--"I think cops are the greatest, they are a secure and necessary level of enforcement" / "Cops suck. Bad experiences", depending on which side I'd like to kick me off. We'll see what happens.
That darn rat is persistent. Hopefully not enough to want to eat through duct tape...
I grant you all the power to keep me in check. I should not have another post up until after 12pm on Thursday (likely) or sooner, if I finish early (unlikely). Obviously, I should not have anything new or fun to blog about since I will be writing instead of playing. So....ttfn!
There are the obvious and obligatory ups and downs that come with stepping into any leadership role. I find myself evaluating the same flaws and problems I've always had since I was a tiny tot. Though, come to think of it, I was much more stubborn and aggressive as a child...seemed to have lost some of that "grr-ness" as over the years. Perhaps it's because I'm actually an elderly woman who enjoys bingo and Astaire-Rogers films and these discontinued coffee-flavored candies that used to be sold at Nijya Market. Anyhoo, back to my loss of grr. I do need to practice the word "no" much more, spoken nicely and with love of course. I also need to stop being overly apologetic. It's like a bad tick that I've developed. Many people call me out on it, and yet, all I can reply back with is, "Sorry [for saying sorry]". Gah.
Mom definitely called me out on it when I went home this past weekend. At this point, it's bad because I come off timid, but just like the boy who cried wolf, overuse and abuse will lead to it meaning nothing, an empty apology. That I do not want. That would be ultimate fail. Also, I very much need to manage my time better. This has been my most crucial issue since whatever age beyond babyhood that required time management skills. My insatiable desire to put stickers on everything has also been a problem, but that won't be too much of an issue with CEC, methinks. Oh, and I still, use, too many, damn, commas,.,
I'm blogging right now to get my writing juices flowing for the 16 pages of awesome B.S. (that's "Brilliant Stuff", mind you) that I need to write by Thursday. Okay, that wasn't quite believable. But blogging is a better method of procrastination than StumbleUpon, right?
Aside from that final monster, summer seems to be playing out smoothly. Subletters are falling into place. Timing, with some minor switcharoo issues, works out for all the current and new apartment-mates. I've found temporary housing for the duration of the LA Film Festival, graciously offered by Mattitude + co. I believe Karaoke, Donkey Kong, and late-night nom-ing are all on the schedule o' fun for June.
Official LAFF interning starts Wednesday. I'll be meeting the new guest services group and have been promoted to "head intern". I hope this relieves me of some of the copy machine/collate/staple duties, not that I hate doing that, but I can't make a living out of it. I look forward to the compensation in free crap (ex. stacks upon stacks of scratch paper), which I'll lovingly bring home and take up more space with. Hopefully I can go home for this weekend, re-group, re-arrange, and refresh before starting full time on Tuesday.
The only thing not quite in place is jury duty. Well, not so much not in place since I must serve and can no longer postpone (crap) or transfer (crapx2), but dad and I were discussing the distant possibility that it could be a serious case that extends all the way to my London trip. I'd then have to haggle with judge sir or lady. I doubt it will be something so severe *knock on wood*, but that is why we brainstormed how to wiggle out of jury selection. Instead of being too obvious with, "My dad's a lawyer I watch every single law show known to man and have strong opinions about lawyers blaw blaw blaw", we thought I could go with being very picky and opinionated about the po-po--"I think cops are the greatest, they are a secure and necessary level of enforcement" / "Cops suck. Bad experiences", depending on which side I'd like to kick me off. We'll see what happens.
That darn rat is persistent. Hopefully not enough to want to eat through duct tape...
I grant you all the power to keep me in check. I should not have another post up until after 12pm on Thursday (likely) or sooner, if I finish early (unlikely). Obviously, I should not have anything new or fun to blog about since I will be writing instead of playing. So....ttfn!
05 June 2009
Oh.S.T.
Movie original soundtracks sure are magical. People tend to underestimate the power of the musical score or soundtrack of a film. Not to say that the 500 DAYS OF SUMMER OST is the most brilliantly scored thing ever!, but it just goes to show how a great selection can help move or enhance the storyline and bring out traits from the characters. Plus, it's always feel-good to hear a song that takes you back or has you tapping/humming along.
Webb's "The Playlist" article explaining his song selection for 500 DAYS is an interesting read. It also makes me wonder if there is or that is something to consider in the entertainment industry as an occupation--Executive Song Chooser. Mmm, yeah. Here I go again, maybe this, maybe that...la dee da.
As for the film itself, 500 DAYS OF SUMMER is captivating. It's just cheesy enough, but doesn't go completely overboard. The ending is not exactly what I'd imagined (and I was NOT expecting a cheesy close), but that might've had something to do with the casting choice. I'm more than satisfied with films that are smart not to take the indulgent and corny route for chick flicks. IN GOOD COMPANY is one such example of a great ending. 500 DAYS is a chick flick, but it's also an everyone-flick, a little more realistic than all the Meg Ryan-P.S. I Love You-Serendipity-doo-da films that leave me wanting the quart sized Haagen Daaz instead of pint size. Zooey and Joseph Gordon Levitt are quite the charming duo. JGL, I've been a fan of you since ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD. I listen to The Smiths, too. Pick me. kthnx.
Oh, and a film I shockingly left out in my last blog vomit is none other than THE WICKER MAN. Now, mother and I are loyal, longstanding fans of Nick Cage. He's made a solid amount of good moves--FAST TIMES, RAISING ARIZONA, A&A, THE ROCK, ADAPTATION, etc.--but hooo boy is this film awful. It's one of those awesomely and laughably bad flicks that is priceless to watch with good company. And that is how I recommend you watch it.
Life update #10923192390. There is a rodent (haven't seen long enough to figure out whether rata o ratón) in the apartment. I've been living in paranoia for two days now, preceding my steps out of my room with loud noises, deliberately shaking, hitting, opening and closing things loudly before entering or leaving. If it were Remy from Ratatouille, I'd be perfectly fine...but it's the real-life, mucky, grey kind, so no thank you. University Apartment hotline sent over man with glue traps. Great. Not that I'd prefer actual snap traps, but glue is unpleasant too and Rach further helped that out by sharing horror stories of glue traps. Not to worry, I've located the source and done my best to block up those openings. Fashioned myself up a barrier out of plastic bag+thick shopping bag+soy milk carton+duct tape. I'm puzzled why the critter chose our apartment. There really hasn't been much pungently aromatic eats here for the past couple weeks.
Awkward transition to: Last night, the outgoing/incoming directors and graduating seniors on CEC dined at FOGO DE CHAO. I haven't had Brazilian BBQ for several years, so this was a real treat. Unfortunately, having been recently sick plus with poor stomach health (due to the horrible way I eat and live my life), I wasn't 100% normal in eating habits. Regardless, I managed to stuff myself silly with meat off of swords, and it was glorious. The evening was also bittersweet, as I've grown closer to and will truly miss everyone leaving this year. Cue Vitamin C "Graduation" and tears.
Apologies for the recent, lengthy posts. I suppose it's because of all the bottled up blog energy in my fingers and head after the hiatus, but I won't promise that they'll necessarily be shorter, especially with LAFF and London coming up! Must conquer the finals first---aghh I think I hear real Remy trying to break through my barriers...
Webb's "The Playlist" article explaining his song selection for 500 DAYS is an interesting read. It also makes me wonder if there is or that is something to consider in the entertainment industry as an occupation--Executive Song Chooser. Mmm, yeah. Here I go again, maybe this, maybe that...la dee da.
As for the film itself, 500 DAYS OF SUMMER is captivating. It's just cheesy enough, but doesn't go completely overboard. The ending is not exactly what I'd imagined (and I was NOT expecting a cheesy close), but that might've had something to do with the casting choice. I'm more than satisfied with films that are smart not to take the indulgent and corny route for chick flicks. IN GOOD COMPANY is one such example of a great ending. 500 DAYS is a chick flick, but it's also an everyone-flick, a little more realistic than all the Meg Ryan-P.S. I Love You-Serendipity-doo-da films that leave me wanting the quart sized Haagen Daaz instead of pint size. Zooey and Joseph Gordon Levitt are quite the charming duo. JGL, I've been a fan of you since ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD. I listen to The Smiths, too. Pick me. kthnx.
Oh, and a film I shockingly left out in my last blog vomit is none other than THE WICKER MAN. Now, mother and I are loyal, longstanding fans of Nick Cage. He's made a solid amount of good moves--FAST TIMES, RAISING ARIZONA, A&A, THE ROCK, ADAPTATION, etc.--but hooo boy is this film awful. It's one of those awesomely and laughably bad flicks that is priceless to watch with good company. And that is how I recommend you watch it.
Life update #10923192390. There is a rodent (haven't seen long enough to figure out whether rata o ratón) in the apartment. I've been living in paranoia for two days now, preceding my steps out of my room with loud noises, deliberately shaking, hitting, opening and closing things loudly before entering or leaving. If it were Remy from Ratatouille, I'd be perfectly fine...but it's the real-life, mucky, grey kind, so no thank you. University Apartment hotline sent over man with glue traps. Great. Not that I'd prefer actual snap traps, but glue is unpleasant too and Rach further helped that out by sharing horror stories of glue traps. Not to worry, I've located the source and done my best to block up those openings. Fashioned myself up a barrier out of plastic bag+thick shopping bag+soy milk carton+duct tape. I'm puzzled why the critter chose our apartment. There really hasn't been much pungently aromatic eats here for the past couple weeks.
Awkward transition to: Last night, the outgoing/incoming directors and graduating seniors on CEC dined at FOGO DE CHAO. I haven't had Brazilian BBQ for several years, so this was a real treat. Unfortunately, having been recently sick plus with poor stomach health (due to the horrible way I eat and live my life), I wasn't 100% normal in eating habits. Regardless, I managed to stuff myself silly with meat off of swords, and it was glorious. The evening was also bittersweet, as I've grown closer to and will truly miss everyone leaving this year. Cue Vitamin C "Graduation" and tears.
Apologies for the recent, lengthy posts. I suppose it's because of all the bottled up blog energy in my fingers and head after the hiatus, but I won't promise that they'll necessarily be shorter, especially with LAFF and London coming up! Must conquer the finals first---aghh I think I hear real Remy trying to break through my barriers...
02 June 2009
What better place than here. What better time than now.
Word. Where better to procrastinate on the Life To-Do List and what better time than during tenth week?
Yes, I'm back after a blog hiatus. Meganomz Bubbletoes, here, reporting from chair at desk in 555 Glenrock.
The condensed happenings thus far:
I wish I'd pursued something in art more seriously in HS. I did studio for a summer after JH, then stopped. I was an ASB kid. Worked my way up from class secretary, to class pres, to ASB pres. I also did yearbook editing and was a student ambassador. Yeah, I was thaaaat kid. My stereotype = enthused dork (and aZn), but that is what I know (and am). I'd like to think I fine-tuned myself into "sophisticated, grown-uppy, but still enthused dork".
So, I'm good at ASB things, eating, always had something...some knack, some ear, an inclination for art/music/lang./ling. things, cleaning, sanitizing, working with children, office stuff, NOT schmoozing/networking, not gonna be a gymnast-ballerina, nor singer-dancer, le sigh. I love grammar and proofreading, but I never did or do anything with it besides edit people's papers--definitely not up to par to make it my profession at a legit publication. I've always been aware and accepting of my flaws and weaknesses, so when it does come to the arts, I'm not a sketcher or cartoonist--these are my dad's forte. But I pick up the slack in color and color composition and using paints (yes, this includes pre-school finger painting!) My mom and I agreed that the physical arts, aka, "making sh*t", above anything in fine arts, has always been more my thang. I also fold a mean origami crane--made one using a foil Dove chocolate wrapper. I can haz sustainable salary? Bah!
At home visit, parents and I backtracked through all of the above. The discussion escalated into the always heated cries over "wth have I been/am I doing in college and with my life?", then simmered back down to the same conclusion as always. All they want is for me to figure out what I'm passionate about and go for it.
Cut to movie news:
Summer and beyond...
No more apartment plugs, I promise. Three papers away from freedom. Here I come...
Yes, I'm back after a blog hiatus. Meganomz Bubbletoes, here, reporting from chair at desk in 555 Glenrock.
The condensed happenings thus far:
- I caught the CEC plague. Directly disobeying my parent's phone call/text/gchat orders to avoid crowded places with lots of people, I attended our non-stop series of CEC events where, rest assured, sickly people roam.
- This school year is a fail. Silver lining: at least I've been consistent? and I have my senior year to turn it around.
- As of last home visit, I think I may be going to grad school for some field of art?
- Begin life pondering, regretful ranting, etc.:
I wish I'd pursued something in art more seriously in HS. I did studio for a summer after JH, then stopped. I was an ASB kid. Worked my way up from class secretary, to class pres, to ASB pres. I also did yearbook editing and was a student ambassador. Yeah, I was thaaaat kid. My stereotype = enthused dork (and aZn), but that is what I know (and am). I'd like to think I fine-tuned myself into "sophisticated, grown-uppy, but still enthused dork".
So, I'm good at ASB things, eating, always had something...some knack, some ear, an inclination for art/music/lang./ling. things, cleaning, sanitizing, working with children, office stuff, NOT schmoozing/networking, not gonna be a gymnast-ballerina, nor singer-dancer, le sigh. I love grammar and proofreading, but I never did or do anything with it besides edit people's papers--definitely not up to par to make it my profession at a legit publication. I've always been aware and accepting of my flaws and weaknesses, so when it does come to the arts, I'm not a sketcher or cartoonist--these are my dad's forte. But I pick up the slack in color and color composition and using paints (yes, this includes pre-school finger painting!) My mom and I agreed that the physical arts, aka, "making sh*t", above anything in fine arts, has always been more my thang. I also fold a mean origami crane--made one using a foil Dove chocolate wrapper. I can haz sustainable salary? Bah!
At home visit, parents and I backtracked through all of the above. The discussion escalated into the always heated cries over "wth have I been/am I doing in college and with my life?", then simmered back down to the same conclusion as always. All they want is for me to figure out what I'm passionate about and go for it.
- Dilemma: I like everything. Sciences and mathematics, not a hater! I just know that I'm not so inclined. I like (or I think I like) too many things. I'm glad that I'm open-minded, but this can be horribly impractical and is demonstrative of my indecisiveness and my fickleness.
- Frustration. I don't know how to focus. I have life ADD.
- What happened to teaching? Still my ultimate plan. It's the "passion" that I'm gonna pursue later on to the scenario point where: my health deteriorates and I become the cranky, old teacher who should retire at age A, but the principle will feel guilty about letting me go because of my __ steadfast years, growing old at the school and thus, lets me stay on against better judgment to ridiculous age B, when I really need to retire due to the fact that I not only cannot hear the children, but also yell at them anyway.
Cut to movie news:
- UP! Far too overrated from all the Rotten Tomatoes pre-hype. It is not the best Pixar ever. That being said, it's still perfectly amazing and magical. Dug the dog, Kevin the bird, and Russell are hilarious and to some extent remind me of something about myself...perhaps Dug and Kevin's flighty/do-do ness and Rusell's so very obvious Asianness--for those who thought otherwise, c'monn, his eyes! Plus if that didn't convince you, he is voiced by a little Asian boy.
- Terminator 4: pure special Fx entertainment. Christian Bale continues to use that scruffy voice (that made him unintelligible as the Dark Knight). Sam Worthington and Moon Bloodgood = token eye candy. Way better than T3, not even close to matching T1-T2.
- Star Trek. <3
- Night at the Museum 2...my gawd I really want to see this. I loved the first one.
- 500 Days of Summer. Our last CEC event this year! I am expecting a wonderful film about love that is not a love story.
- Public Enemies, Ponyo, Transformers II and many more will be premiering/screened during LA Film Fest.
Summer and beyond...
- I'm interning for LAFF guest services again. I'll try to watch and post about as many of the festival films as I can, including the aforementioned.
- Jury duty. Eff word. I'd postponed it months back to after LAFF, but forgot to transfer it too, so.......Megan Lee reports to Compton on June 29.
- Round-trip ticket to London and back, purchased! Finally found someone I know who is going. Coincidentally, we became friends during LAFF last summer!
- We'll be regular video bloggers throughout the trip. That's right, it's like we'll be having a mini-occasional web-tv show in England! So you get to see me fumbling about, live, in London. I also think we get to use a mini HD for it, so that will be super cool.
- Also volunteered to be a super-blogger for the travel study program, meaning 4-5 posts/week.
- Contemplating flying from London to SD for Street Scene. Maybe, just maybe!
- CEC! Nothin' but love, sometimes stressful, but love all the way. It has been and will probably continue to be my priority. The addition of a meager stipend next year for my efforts as incoming Films Director is a lovely plus! Exploring new waters is frightening, especially having to follow in K-Cut's and Kid Freezy's footsteps, but I'm up and excited for the challenge.
- Oh, yes. Being a grown-up sucks. I have a "real" apartment now and have to find a subletter and pay monthly rent + utilities. UCLA university apartments spoiled me rotten. Might as well try here, too. If you/anyone you know needs a place in LA for the summer, do tell me!
No more apartment plugs, I promise. Three papers away from freedom. Here I come...
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