Have to admit I still love it out here, there really isn't anything like it. I would live here full time if I could. Partying, working and living here while consistently visiting my amazing family/friends back home every few months would be a dream. Honestly, who wouldn't right? But reality sets in and I know that heading home in a few months is happening. I know my limitations as a Canadian visitor and I am sticking to it. It's actually amazing the amount of Canadians that live out here. For example we shot a video for a commercial today on Venice beach. Sure it's a tourist area, but I spoke to as many Canadians as I did Americans. It won't always be that way, but we are always proud to say where we are from. Maybe that is why I meet so many of us...Hummm, never looked at it that way. Standing tall, proud and making sure that everyone knows that we are representing Canada. It's a beautiful thing!
The last few weeks has actually been a pretty fun eye opener. See my goal coming out here was to meet industry people. The big break has obviously not happened but I can't discount what has. I've met directors, producers, actors, comedians and a million other people trying to make their mark in this industry. If you are weak, shy or scared then this town could be hell. Life sets in and realizing or even knowing this is key to survival. We've all heard those stories about "the starving actor" or "the one that tried but failed" or of course the "E! story Bio success". These are the extremes and most live within these borders. Certain jobs like Cameramen, lighting/sound guys, Indie directors and script writers are plentiful. The truth is they are all wanting more. The tough part is finding the ones that are genuine compared to the ones that would pick the kernels out of the dog shit at a corn roast for gig.
How do you know? I'm really not sure, If I ran the industry then it would be full of really hot, talentless actresses with fat fetishes, but Noooooo. We are all trying to get that piece of the pie and choosing true talent is a talent in itself. Some are naturals, some just work hard and others are lucky. This might be the only comparison to real life jobs/careers. The naturals seem to move up for the right reasons, the hard workers are given alot of work and those "right place at the right time" assholes are just there. Is that hot chic at a coffee shop more deserving than the weird looking girl with 8yrs of improv? Again I don't know...
I came out here with the attitude that I can do anything. Challenge me and I will prevail. It's easy to say but hard to produce. The naturals can be put in any situation and act like the queen of England at a donkey show if needed. This is the reason that the same actors are always casts for those difficult roles. It's crazy hard. I'm not normally camera shy, I like to make jokes...It's kinda the reason I'm here. But today I shit the bed a bit. I met a film director with great credentials last week that wanted to work with me. I got a call this morning to star in a commercial shoot. Previously, I was comfortable with camcorders and dialogue that I wrote but being put on the spot with a professional camera crew was pretty intimidating. I could have done soo much better. Don't get me wrong it wasn't the worst but not the best. He even mentioned to me " hey you froze there". It was crazy right from the start, all the equipment, the microphones and the cameras. It was awesome and I get it now. Luckily he still wants to work with me and we have a few projects lined up already.
As mentioned in the last few weeks I met some great people that want to work with me. I've never even seen a a real script in my life but have been brought on board to re-write and add comedic twists to one. I'll tell ya sitting in on a pretty big budget film as a writer is pretty crazy. I was introduced to the producer and director as a comedy expert?? I actually had the balls to deny that and say that I'm just there to help, cause that is a ridiculous introduction. It went well, and learnt alot about the film industry. I look forward to completing this project...Bigtime! I was asked or I can say even challenged to write my own comedy. Sure the plot guidelines are extreme but I have been working mercilessly on completing it. I'm proud to say that it's done in rough form and not too bad. I actually have 2 other writers helping now to complete it for the final pitch....Ya never know!
It's not hard to get caught up in the bullshit out here, I might have and maybe I wasn't productive as I should or could have been. But this is all foreign to me, it really is. Making the best of it and taking it all in is all I got. That insane work ethic has never been my thing but a little creativity sometimes helps. My only disapointment is that I havn't lost any weight out here, you figure with all the walking, sweating and lack of food money I would almost perish, but nope. Full figured as always, but that's just cause it's a good look. I'll be coming home with as many chins and rolls as before...Thank God!!
Was I too detailed in my blog? I know that my site needs alot of updating with videos, jokes, etc. Please note that I am working on it and some more Bigbobaloo is one it's way. The truth is I'm lazy cause the whisky is $12 a bottle...I know, awesome.
Thanks for reading...Love ya!
P.S. I learnt 2 new dance moves and they are sweet...
Bob
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