Saturday, March 22, 2008

Saturday Quickie -- Oh what a wonderful feeling...

Having not gotten much sleep over the past few days due to Quickie anticipation, it did occur to me that the actual event itself could be a little anti-climatic and that I should downgrade my expectations. But no can do, the film festival was AMAZING. Such a great hour of shorts. And our 8PM showing was absolutely packed with friends, disappointing porn and laughter -- and isn't that the best combination?

Normally at this point, I would be going through a pretty intense spot of after-project blues, but not just yet. We're having TWO more showings at 6pm and 8pm, tomorrow (Sunday, March 23rd). So you still have a couple of chances to come out cool, in the "be there or be square" equation.

Plus, I'm rocking green toenail polish these days, and I know you want to see that hotness.

Click on the pic for more info and to order your tickets online.


Friday, March 21, 2008

Friday Quickie -- Spring! Spring! Spring!


As many of you know, I like to switch to glasses and straight hair during the brutally cold (I think it got down to 42 degrees in February!) California winter months. I like to look intelligent and practical while whining 24/7 about how it's freezing when the temperature dips below 60. Yes, I know I grew up in Missouri and went to school in the even colder Massachusetts, but it's a California thing, you wouldn't/couldn't understand unless you lived here.

Well, Spring is officially here, so I've shed my glasses and switched to contacts. I've also started curling my hair again, since it actually has a chance of drying within a 24 hour period now. 

Come see the new look -- which is actually the old look from before winter if you've seen me since the Holidays and the exact same look as last time if you haven't -- at The Quickie. Click on the pic for more details.




Thursday, March 20, 2008

Wed. and Thurs. Double Quickie -- Writing Music

So one of the main problems with writing for a living is that you really do have to write -- I mean even when you don't feel like it. Getting paid to write is kind of like sex. Usually it's great, but when you're not in the mood, you're really not in the mood, and unfortnately, you can't say, "Not tonight, honey" to a deadline -- though I've certainly thought about trying.

The other problem with writing is that it really does take a a lot of focus. This means my office door stays firmly shut while at work and it also means that I'm constantly on the search for what I call "Writing Music" -- this is basically music that is engaging and energetic but not distracting. Now this is a very hard bill to fill, b/c really, any music that has the first 2 qualities usually can't help but have the third.

But I've found a couple of nice solves for my music problem:

Vitamin String Quartet Tribute albums. This is an outfit that puts out classical string versions of pop faves. So great sound without all the distracting words. This takes some I-Tune sample minutes, b/c your favorite songs don't necessarily make for the best classical tracks. You really have to listen to the classical-fied samples in order to know whether you'll like it or not. But try The Coldplay Tribute. Also, even if you're not a fan of The Darkness (and you're a bad person if you aren't), the Vitamin String version of their first album kills.

My other writing life saver is French music. SO good, but not distracting, because I have no idea what they're talking about. Here's a rundown of some of my recent faves that aren't Daft Punk or Justice. If your favorite French song isn't on my list, let me know in the comments. Like I said, I'm always looking for more writing music.

"Quelqu'un M' A Dit" -- Carla Bruni: Makes me feel like I'm walking in a bittersweet French movie...

"La ballade du mois de juin" -- Benjamin Biolay: Makes me feel wistful.

"Mer Du Japon" -- Air: Makes me feel like I'm in a French writing montage.

"Abesses" -- Birdy Nam Nam: Makes me feel my deadline.

"Solta o Frango" and "Geremia" -- Bonde Do Role: They're actually Brazillian, but these songs make me want to join a French dance crew and breakdance for change and then write about it.

"Adventure" -- Le Peuple de L'Herbe: This song makes me jut my head from side to side while writing -- which is fun.

And guys, if you haven't discovered the glorious brilliance that is Yelle yet. Download "A Cause Des Garcons," "Je veux te voir," and "Ce Jeu" like yesterday. Also, check her out below.



BT-dub, know what else is sorta French -- my film for The Quickie. You'll have to come out to the event THIS weekend, March 22nd and March 23rd, to see what I mean by that. Click on the pic for tickets and more info.










Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Tuesday Quickie -- The Days Are Getting Longer

Okay, all the films are in, and my fellow Filly and festival coordinator, Sallie, has reported back that they are AMAZING! Hysterical, wonderful and beyond inventive. Apparently, this really is going to be our best experiment to date.

Normally, I'd be excited about this -- The Fillies knew the concept was festival gold as soon as we came up with it, and it's nice to see that we were right. But now, I'm feeling crazy-impatient, because I really want the weekend to get here. Upsetting but true -- Sallie doesn't allow anyone -- not even the other Fillies -- to see the full final product until game night, and I'm seriously afraid that the anticipation will kill me before Saturday.

But just in case I survive until then, do join us for the big event. We're giving you FOUR chances to see the films with showings at 6pm and 8pm on Saturday, March 22nd and Sunday, March 23rd.

Be there or be icky. Click on the pic for tickets and more details

Monday, March 17, 2008

Monday Quickie -- New Favorite Things


Our kick-ass new stove. If you haven't heard the stomach-turning story about what happened to the old one, buy a drink at The Quickie and ask me about it -- but not if you've just eaten.

Our kick-ass new refrigerator. Yes, it's currently residing in our dining room, but I have hopes and dreams about the catalog-worthy life filled with lots of refrigerator-door ice and water that we will live once it's installed.

Our kick-ass upstairs Moroccan light fixture.  CH made it light-bulb ready and installed it himself, while I oohed-and-aahed in the background. Everybody, if you can, marry a DP. 

Our kick-ass upstairs. After 8 months, it's finally looking ready, and our days of being that boring couple that can only talk about their on-going remodel may soon be over. In fact a little birdie has told me that we actually might be able to move in as early as (gasp!) this weekend -- though of course we'll have to put that off until next week, b/c we'll be at The Quickie. See you then. Click on the pic for more info and tickets.


Sunday, March 16, 2008

Sunday Quickie -- Restoration

Having somehow escaped from the dark clutches of death once again and after a hectic weekend of Quickie business, I decided to wind down at Urth Yoga's Sunday night Relax and Restore class, which was being substitute-taught by my fellow Filly, Kalimba.

Basically it was a bunch of relaxing poses and breathing in the dark, with some massage thrown in -- as promised, very restorative, very relaxing. Also, the space is gorgeous. It's a self-billed Eco Yoga studio, and apparently, everything's made of non-toxic and recycled materials. By the time I left I was feeling like the world was a good place again. Perfect way to end a weekend, and totally worth checking out if your in the area (Silverlake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, Korea Town). But don't go next weekend.

Next weekend, you have plans. Click on the pic for details and tickets.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Saturday Quickie -- The Art of Art

Exhausting Saturday. But the for-sure highlight was hitting up the BCAM Inaugural Installation at LACMA with my fellow Smithies. I haven't been to LACMA since before they expanded the campus. And the new building is gorgeous. Clean and modern lines, but inviting and accessible. 

And even my in-the-know art friend, Karen, was mesmerized in childlike way by the clever elevator -- which is sort of like a cool floating room with wood floors and red and black accents. 

Totally worth seeing. Here are the pieces to seek out -- if you have my exact same tastes that I do:

Anything by Jeff Koons. You know how I love the bright colors.


Same goes for the John Baldessari installation. You know how I love the cynical words.


Also adored many of the Edward Ruscha pieces. You know how I love the ambiguous religious imagery.

And I also think the Damien Hirst "Away from the Flock" is worth seeking out. Yes, that's a sheep (lamb?) in formaldehyde. You know how I love hearing my friends say, "Ew!"


Robert Therrien: "Under The Table." This made me suddenly remember how much I used to love crawling under tables when I was a kid. You know how I love when art brings up forgotten feelings.


I originally spear-headed this LACMA trip based on a friend's (thanks Kimberly!) suggestion to see Chris Burden's Street Lamps installation (I was told not to call it an "exhibit" by an irate ticket seller/snob) -- and that was worth the price of a ticket. So do seek out all the Chris Burden stuff. Truly awesome, but not pictured here, b/c of the "justice" factor. 

But you know if you're more of a moving arts kind of fan, you should definitely come out to The Quickie. The film concepts that this theme has inspired will blow your mind. 100 % good time guarantee -- I can say this, because I've seen the alcohol budget. So do come out. Click on the pic for info and tickets.


Friday, March 14, 2008

Friday Quickie -- Common People

As many of you know, I fell head-over-heels in love with "Common People" by Pulp during my broke-as-a-joke 20's, and I'm an even bigger fan of the William Shatner version on his beyond brilliant Ben Folds-produced CD, Has Been. So how thrilled was I when the hubby sent around this Archie-reimagine of the lyrics?






See the original Pulp video here, and click here for the full-on Archie redux.

UPDATE: Re-reading this passage, I realize that it might seem that I'm saying that my husband, CH, did the Archie stuff, but that is not the case. Full credit and lots of blog hits should go to Chris at Chris's Invincible Super-Blog: History's Greatest Villian Since 2005.


Much love,
etc

P.S. And don't forget to get your Quickie tickets. One more week. Blah, blah, blah. Click on the picture.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Thursday Quickie -- Suffering for your Art

Apparently, little sleep + making a short in which 10 cigarettes are smoked 3 feet away from you + change of seasons + shady sinuses = Sick as a dog.

I woke up with a desert in my throat and a raw nerve where my sinuses usually reside. This is the first time I've been sick in almost two years. But unlike with past sickness, I didn't immediately conclude that it was tuberculosis or ask CH to get a gun and put me down like a dog -- I was tempted, but CH has informed him that it disturbs him deeply when I say things like that, so I just told him I didn't feel well. See, I'm growing up.

I actually had to call in sick, which I never do. But there are two things that give me solace:

1. CH making an early morning run for Halls Vapor-Action Lozenges, Thera Flu and Chicken Soup. Very sweet.

And...

2. That suffering for my art will all be worth it when you guys all come out to The Quickie on March 22 or March 23rd. Click on the pic for details and tickets.


Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Wednesday Quickie -- In defense of critics

My fellow blogger/playwright, Kyle, posted this funny item about "Angries" or critics who fuel up on free wine and then confront the playwright with cutting, suicide-inducing, on-the-spot reviews.

I don't think critics should ever engage in such poor behavior, but I will say this: I can somewhat understand the temptation to do so.

Though, many artists prefer to paint critics as bitter wannabes who can't do abd therefore they criticize others, this is, in most cases, I think, not true. During my short stint as a theater critic, when I gave very bad reviews, it wasn't out of jealousy or general animosity on my part, it was because the play was bad.

And as a theater critic, you have to see a lot of bad plays, which after the initial thrill of seeing theater for free wears off, makes you angry. And as time goes by, you start kind of hating any playwright that subjects you to works that are tedious, boring, self-indulgent, self-important, deeply unfunny, mastabutory and a bunch of other ugly adjectives that I'm sure, I too, could throw in the face of a playwright if I got drunk enough. Because this playwright has not only wasted my time, but also has no reason to live, and I don't get paid enough to have sit through such drivel.

Same goes for when an otherwise good play is ruined by a over-directing, over-acting, or just an over-terrible production.

In many ways, paying for plays is much preferrable to being a critic, because at least you can walk out. Until you've been forced to endure and stay awake through a bad play that clocks in at over 2 hours, don't presume to understand the critic's motivation.

You know how some vets have a hatred for war that goes way beyond the run-of-the-mill anti-war person's hatred for war, and sometimes gets them arrested? They'll tell you that's because they've seen a lot of bad shit while out in the trenches.

Same goes for theater critics, because for the most part the job is sitting through bad plays and reporting back to consumers as to whether they should see it or not. That's also why they tend to cream all over a playwright in print when the play is actually good.

So dearest playwrights, please don't take it personally when a critic lambasts you in writing. or much more inappropiately, in person. It's not you. It's your play. And it's set off someone's PTS.

Besides, I notice that no one ever complains when a critic, hopped up on cheap wine, gushes all over a playwright -- which is also inappropriate.

Hope this helps,
etc (the former critic)


P.S. -- See why I don't do criticism anymore? It makes you kind of harsh. I think my blood pressure actually went up while writing that piece.


P.S.S. -- As a recovering critic, I've since learned to appreciate art for art's sake and now actually enjoy seeing someone fail well -- especially if it seems like they were really putting some effort into it. Long live art!


P.S.S.S. -- Please come be part of my ongoing recovery. You can check out my latest directorial effort at The Quickie, and perhaps confront me angrily with your criticism afterwards. Click on the pic for details and tickets.




Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Tuesday Quickie -- My MGMT problem

Dearest,



So I've been raving on about "Time to Pretend" by MGMT (pronounced "management") for quite a while now. It's cynical and young and naive and intelligent and wise and existential and basically my favorite song of 2008 so far. Plus, I cannot stop watching the video. I love the Lord of the Flies kalaidascope acid trip aesthetic of it. Check it out here.



Also, if you're representing for theatre, do check out the interesting to def blog called "The Producer's Perspective" from Ken Davenport (self identified as the guy from the I-Phone commercial and the producer of Altar Boyz). I'm on deadline, yet ended up losing 45 minutes of my life on this page, and it makes me wish that more producers kept blogs.



One last thing: If you haven't gotten your Quickie tickets yet, click on the pic.



So much love,

etc

Monday, March 10, 2008

Monday Quickie - March 10, 2008

I was up filming until 11pm. Catching up with work until 12am. Then desperately trying to get to sleep b/c I knew I had to get up way early this morning until 1am. I somehow managed to drag myself out of bed on anxiety alone at 6am this morning, and the entire house reeked of cigarette smoke from last night's film shoot. In my Japan-grad school-pre-thirties days, this wouldn't have even fazed me, I would have gone to work, bragged about how little sleep I got, then hit the bar for the Monday night happy hour specials. But now I realize that I am officially too old for this kind of schedule. I'm tired and crankier than Dick Cheney at an Iraq War protest rally -- before he's had his coffee.


Anyway this is all to say, two things:


1.) This spring forward mess is bullshit, and


2.) You should all come out to see the film that officially made me old. Maybe we can pour out a bottle to my lost youth. Buy your tickets here.




Sunday, March 09, 2008

Quickie Blog Series -- Sunday, March 9, 2008


Dearest,

In honor of Filly Film Cult's next film festival, The Quickie, I will be doing quickie blogs all the way up until the big event on March 22nd and 23rd. 

Sadly, there will be no disappointing porn. But hopefully you'll enjoy anyway.

Today's Quickie:

I finished my novel, Molly Ringwald Ending, two weeks ago, and have sent it off to an analyst. On his blog, Christopher Moore quoted Truman Capote as saying, "Finishing a book is like taking your child out in the backyard and shooting it." This, from what I can tell is entirely correct. I am just now getting over feeling depressed and completely untethered over this event.  After 2 and a half years, I felt rather bereft that it is for the most part done and ready to share, which is bizarre, b/c beforehand, I've always reveled in "having written." And usually cherish sending a work out into the world. But I suppose this is the difference between novel and playwriting.

I did however, manage to get a 3-page screenplay together for my Quickie entry, which I'm shooting today. It's moody and bizarre and stars Danielle Bisutti. Plus, I haven't written while depressed since 2005 (remember Grown-Ups on the Playground), so do come out to see the result. Info below, and tickets may be purchased here.

100% Love,
etc