My mother is a singer/songwriter and as far back as I can remember I have been living around music. When I was a kid my mother, being the single mom she was, would take me to her gigs. I was her Roadie. I helped her carry in her equipment, sometimes set-up, then sit somewhere hidden in the bar as she’d woo the crowd. I guarantee you I was the only one drinking chocolate milk at those places!
But as far back as I can remember I listened to my mother practice in the living room while I tried to watch TV or play games, and I have to be honest and say I hated it as a kid. But I got used to it and if I had been old enough, my mother and I would have most likely sang a song or two together. Unfortunately by the time I was old enough to sing in the bars, I had given up on my aspirations of becoming a chanteur. To this day I still wonder what it would have been like to sing on stage with my mother. Perhaps we’ll have to go karaoke some night when I go home to visit and we can make fools of ourselves – – – My mother doesn’t sing anymore, though she always wakes us up with her higher octaves every time I visit from out of town, god bless her. I remember when I was younger, mother was practicing the song “The One” by Sir Elton John, and she would run any song she sang about a hundred times through the CD player, and my little brother, at 5 years-old, could sing that song word for word. I do remember when I was old enough to actually be in the bars when my mom was singing, I was bartending and bouncing at the door. In fact, my mom played several times at this one bar (CT Peppers) I worked at in Indianapolis. That was fun. But, I bartended when not so great bands played as well. Yeah, I’ve heard a lot of really bad music as well as great music in my time.
Anyway, I guess the point I am trying to get to is that I have always been around music, always listened to live bands, always “had the ear”. It was something I was raised with. I can carry a tune dead on for every note after the first time hearing something and had I found the proper path, I think I would have been a singer/songwriter or even a producer instead of doing what I do now. But I tried that path, got stage fright too easily, and chickened out. I even tried to start a band in college, and we practiced several different times, even created our own music, but nothing ever came of it. But I wish it would have. I wish I could have figured a way to overcome my shyness. I took the classes in high school and college, knew the tunes, could hit the notes, but never got the gumption to find the way. But either way, I am happy with the path I have chosen – still in the entertainment industry – and I used to see a lot of bands play live…a lot. I have not done that a whole lot lately, which is silly considering I live in LA. So I am gonna try and get out there and see some bands play again.
Unfortunately, there are so many bands out there that never really make it anywhere that are so damned great. I had a buddy of mine a while back who had a band out here in LA called “2 Cent Penny”, and their music was amazing. So amazing in fact – A mix of Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder and Damien Rice – that one of the guys from Stone Temple Pilots helped them get into the studio and get some music made. But overall, they didn’t have what it took to push on through. It must be so disheartening to be so close to something you can taste it, and not be able to push through. I have another friend who I randomly met one day in Nashville, TN, because I saw she was working on a film script, and I shared I was a writer as well, and we became friends. You should check out Jenna Lowery’s work if you get a chance, really impressive. I am so glad to see she is out there doing things for herself and cannot wait to see the things she might do. Music is a tough industry (my mom sang for over 20 years and actually cut 2 EP’s, but it never took her beyond Nashville) and my hat goes off to all those that stick through it. Those that have the fortitude to rediscover themselves, reworking and molding themselves daily, until they become the chanteurs they were meant to be. Those that have the guts to put themselves out there for everyone to see, so naked and vulnerable. It’s utterly impressive.
I guess there really is no point to this blog except maybe to tell you to stop sitting at home on a Wednesday or Thursday night and take the time to support your local bands, find a favorite or two. Likewise, dig into the other music that’s out there, find a favorite band to see every time they come through your neck of the woods. And give some of your old CD’s another spin and rediscover how great they once were.
Most importantly, find the time to get in tune with yourself.
So I have been a fan of Danny Boyle’s for quite some time. He’s had a wide array of movies, from the addiction kicking Trainspotting, to zombie running 28 Days Later, to facing the unknown in Sunshine, and now Slumdog Millionaire. (I haven’t seen Million yet) I have been a believer the day I finished watching Trainspotting. Anyone who can transform an Irvine Welsh novel into something that inspiring, my hat goes off to you. Boyle takes the true nature of mankind and finds a way to put it to the test. He has yet to fail in his exuberance in life, and how precious we really are as humans. Everything Boyles down to that in his movies. Thats why, as a writer, seeing how Danny Boy pushes the edges, inspires me even more as a writer. As the polar opposite of my rant on Hollywood + Formula= Success, this man is awe-inspiring and gives us all something to look forward to.
Slumdog showed that Danny Boy is the effin man.
One of the things most inspiring about Mr. Boyle’s movies are his wonderfully cementing choices in music. At some points in his movies, the music takes over and you go on a ride with main characters, diving right into their lives. This doesn’t change with Slumdog. It rocked, literally. And his way of telling the story? Ingenious. He always catches you off guard with something you never expected, and gives you the most raw emotion possible. It reverberates in your very soul after you are done watching it, and you can’t help but walk away from it and reflect on the masterpiece he has just given you. After watching Slumdog, I understand the hype. And the cinematography in this is heartbreaking, and beautiful at the same time. It’ll get to you…in the best of ways.
You should really go out and see it, but don’t take my word for it…ask Rotten Tomatoes.
I don’t rant too often, but I feel it is my duty to say this.
You know, the one constant love in my life has always been movies. I remember as a kid, sitting at home, watching VHS movies because we couldn’t afford to get cable. So I watched the same movies over, and over, and over, and over again. But the way movies made me feel, that was something that couldn’t be replaced. I remember sitting at home one night watching Oliver Stone’s The Doors and when it was over I thought, my God, that could have quite possibly been the most moving thing to ever influence me at that young age in my life. Even now, as I get older, I can watch the credits roll at the end of some movies and I just need a moment to reflect on the beauty that I just witnessed. My mind, brimming with thoughts. Emotions gone awry. Inspiration. As much as I love American football, I don’t get this after watching a game. Movies are the only things that effect me like this.
But the creative well is running dry. Not from a writer’s standpoint, but from an avid viewer’s. I was reading the other day that they’re going to make a new Karate Kid movie. Karate Kid? Really? And I have to ask….why? Don’t get me wrong, Karate Kid rocked. It really reached out to its audience. It was well written and executed…and did you know Pat Morita got turned down as Mr. Miyagi 3 times before he finally got the role? Could you imagine Daniel learning from anyone else? Not me. But Hollywood has become so bland in its creativity that they have tapped Jackie Chan to play Mr. Miyagi, and they’re moving forward with the old concept. Now the thing that really, really bothers me about this, is from a writer’s perspective, I know there is so much creativity oozing from even the sewers in this great city of mine, and yet, they decide to stick to what was once a winning formula. Danielson and his fearful teacher learned to conquer stereotypes, work together, and become champions. News flash: that’s why it worked in the 80’s. But those days are over. We’re a brighter, more intelligent audience who needs something more than the basic geek overcomes bully story. Another headline that makes me grow ill, is Gladiator badass Russell Crowe is going to play…Robin Hood. WTF?!?!?!? You mean there haven’t been enough movies already made revolving around the Prince of Thieves and his lovely Maid Marian? If I pull up Robin Hood on IMDB.com, I find no less than 25 titles pertaining to, or directly titled “Robin Hood”. 25 movies. I have suddenly decided to loathe Robin Hood. That’s it. Because some exec in a studio feels that there has to be one more new creative way to beat a dying horse, too bad he doesn’t already know its dead.
Now I agree that we are in tough times. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Punk music grew out of teen angst. Rock and Roll grew from the uneasiness and oppression of the 50’s. Beatniks, the Dead, and jam bands overall grew from political turmoil and unrest and the desire of Peace. It’s time we tap into the creativity that flows so vibrantly around us. And as writers, we have a responsibility to create like we’ve never done before. Because if we don’t…we’ll be writing the next installment of Breakfast Club, or St. Elmo’s Fire, or Ghost. And as a viewer, I can say that there have been a few great movies out there recently, but I can now narrow down the greats to a handful a year. That’s really sad.
The Bush family is gone. The derelict has left the building and with it, a change is gonna come. My spirits are lifted to hear Obama talk about how we have to pick ourselves up in order to make a difference. The change is up to us, he will lead us out of the darkness. The comparisons are there, but I can definitely see how he is like FDR. And as his speech came to a close, he seems to be as hard working, dedicated, and focused. He chose not to just settle in after he became president-elect but immediately took a plan of action, filling his cabinet, pulling back his sleeves, taking off his jacket and getting to work. Everyone complained when a lot of his cabinet members came from the Bill Clinton era, but one of the great things about Clinton that very few people seem to remember is that man got us out of debt. Right now, that is a key situation that needs to be handled.
Obama was sworn in on Abraham Lincoln’s bible. I think our forefathers would be pleased.
2009 rings in so much hope and so many great things, there is a lot to look forward to. I am thankful to be alive in times like these.
My best friend in the world (yes very elementary statement, I know) is gone for a couple months and I wanted to send a shout out to him and ask for blessings, his protection and to let everyone know what a badass he is.
I have known John since college and he’s always been a very loyal, honest guy. He has stuck with me through thick and thin and I have a lot of respect for him. Well, in January he shipped up to Alaska to work as a DP (cameraman) on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. This will be his second season overall for them, so he has a little experience from the previous year. He told me the first two weeks last Opilia season he had a hard time getting his sea legs after seeing the first 50 foot waves slam over the bow. But he eventually got it all down and is going back for a second helping. Check out these videos of some of the things he will have to go through. If you click on Camera Crew on the far right, you’ll get an idea and might have to watch a commercial or two (I couldn’t get the URL to link properly).
However, the Bering Sea is never forgiving and he needs all the luck he can get. This time of year is known as the Opilia season, the smaller crabs, and it is the most dangerous time to be out there. Not sure if any of you watch the show, but check it out if you get a chance. Cheer my boy on. I find the show thoroughly fascinating (but I’m a guy). John will be on the ship The Time Bandit, with the Hilstrand Brothers, which if you watch the show are the craziest of the ship crews. But they know their fishing, and it has been in their blood for over 80 years. Unfortunately, the season won’t air until about May, but you can watch John’s handy work last season in the constantly airing reruns.
So ever since I have announced my having gained a Manager, everyone asks what the difference between a manager and an agent is. A very fairs question, as most people in this industry can’t ever really tell you the difference. So lemme take a stab at it, as I’m sure a lot of people are foggy about it.
First, as a friend described it, if you watch Entourage, its Ari Gold versus Eric Murphy. Vincent really needs both to survive, and for good reason. But when you watch the show, you know exactly what Ari does, but you have no idea what Eric is doing. Hmm…except for maybe Eric, or “E”, is Vince’s best friend. So this doesn’t help much, unless you’re really paying attention to the show. But some of you aren’t, and some of you don’t watch Entourage. So lemme try this differently.
And agent works for your writing to get exposure, to get you into meetings, to get you out there and push you into the limelight, gets you to mingle with fame. Builds you up so others cannot refuse to talk to you, and puts their weight behind you. They set up meetings with big time execs, studios, agencies. They make sure you’re firing on all cylinders while you’re there. Managers however, do all this, but not at such an advanced level, and they manage your life. They help you decide which projects are worth taking and which you should hold out for. They help you decide when its time to work for a no-name production, and when its time to sit back and see what else is up for grabs. They help you make decisions on what is a good move and what is a bad move in your career. They remember your birthday. They buy you a drink. They ask about your family, they care about your personal affects. They understand you better as a person, and help you make better decisions.
So I hope this helps a little bit. As I do not have an agent yet, this manager is already pushing my stuff out there to some big name companies, and though he is sorta taking the place as an agent, I will need to get one eventually. Agents, plain and simple, can open more doors for you…they know all the big people. However, I can’t necessarily say I’ve made it once I get an agent. I know too many people who’ve gone through agents and nothing has happened. In fact, I had a friend who had written a book to be published and her friend read it, got it to an agency who loved it and signed her immediately. But they were a big name agency (I will not say whom) with lots of big name talent, and, well she was low woman on the totem pole. So she used her agency status as a calling card to get into meetings, but she would set up the meetings through her agent’s name, doing all the backbreaking work, and then when anything happened, the agent would get his customary 10% (they’re called tenpercentaries) off the top. She was very frustrated with the whole situation. So even though you have an agent, doesn’t mean you’re made. It just guarantees you’ve got one more mouth to feed when the harvest comes in.
Today was my birthday. It was rather uneventful in a lot of ways, but very eventful in others. My gf and I went to a place called SpeedZone about an hour away and raced go-carts, played video games, drank, ate lots of great food and overall had a great time. I didn’t really get to hang out with too many people, but that is okay. The planning wasn’t right, and lets face it, it sucks having a birthday so close to Christmas. I have contemplated moving my birthday to July strictly because when I was a kid everyone would combine my Christmas with my birthday and that sucks. And everyone’s burnt out from Christmas anyway.
I have learned tho (as a wise friend once said) that as you get older, people are more important than presents. Generally, people don’t like birthdays as they get older because it reminds them of just that- their age. So I learned that the best thing to do for a birthday is get your friends together and have drinks, and catch up with everyone. I mean what other opportunity will you really have to get all your friends together, some whom do not know each other, all together at once. And they really have to show up, because, its your birthday. And you get to be social butterfly and say hello to everyone, and you don’t have to spend a specific amount of time with anyone in particular, because you have a “get out of conversation” free card, because its your birthday. And you can drink as much as you want because whose gonna get mad, its your birthday. I am getting together with a bunch of friends next Sunday (25th) and the food and the drinks and the friendships will be flowing. I am looking forward.
I had planned some great picture scheme for my birthday, but never got around to it. I am like that, as all Capricorns are. We love to plan, but about 50% (generously) doesn’t get done. Better to wish it, than be bored with not wishing it. Oh well. I had a great time anyway.
So as of today at about noon I officially have a manager. He’s a friend of mine and has been a friend for quite some time. I met him a long time ago when he only knew me as a cameraman and paid me to do some field work for him. When the work was finished he asked what it was I was really out here for and I said writing, and he was an agent leaving a big name agency at the time. We became friends and have kept in touch. He was supposed to be my de facto manager until I decided what to do with Storyville, but was helping me with all sorts of things. So he finally called me after his vacation and discussed Storyville with me, asking if I wanted him as management. I did and I do. I like him a lot as a person. Very intelligent, very in-the-know, outgoing, and very resourceful. So we’ll see. Wish me luck. This is a big step for me as I didn’t imagine I’d get a manager so quickly. In fact, this is a benchmark because I’ve never had a manager. I have heard many horror stories about how people go through a hundred managers and they change them more often than their undies. I hope that isn’t the case here. Keep your fingers crossed for great things in 2009.
I have had a little down time, nothing big, but a little vacation here and there over the last couple weeks, but the one thing I still love doing when I’m not busy is watch movies. I have to say my 2009 has started off right with watching two great movies, The Wrestler, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke was an exceptional movie. I honestly believe that Darren Aronofsky is the tragic Shakespearean reincarnate. I mean this man has tragedy down so well, his ability to show us heart wrenching is…well, heart-wrenching. He takes his time letting us get into people’s addictions and exploiting them for all their worth, before he takes us down the character’s tragic roads. So don’t go to this movie thinking its all painted roses, because that isn’t the case. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t go to see this movie hoping for sun filled flowers, I expected the worst, and Aronofsky didn’t disappoint. And Mickey Rourke, man, oh man. You know when I was growing up all I knew about The Mick was he was in 9.5 weeks and did a lot of soft porn. He was the definition of sleezy. I never really liked him until 2005 when he came out in Sin City, and a new found liking made him tolerable. But after The Wrestler, I have all the respect for him in the world. Aronofsky takes him down a twisted path of possible retribution and we can’t help but feel sorry for him every single step of the way. That’s the beauty of the movie though. This man is a loser in the film, and he makes decisions based on his opportunities in life. Aronofsky just chooses to allow the fates of tragedy to intervene. If you’re ready for a fairly depressing movie that will give you something to think about, check this out.
Benjamin Button
Now the Curious Case of Benjamin Button is of a whole different process, by David Fincher (of Se7en, The Game, and Fight Club fame) no less. This movie, in its Forrest Gump likeness was so much more moving. It was melodic in the way it moved. It was poignant, sweet, thought-provoking, and most of all incredibly sad. Now I’ve been a Brad Pitt fan for ages. Fight Club, 12 Monkeys, Se7ven, Legends of the Fall, A River Runs Through It all show his ability to morph into wonderful characters. I was actually a little disappointed with his movie choices the past few years but have seen him turn a corner in his last couple projects, and he doesn’t disappoint. And the make-up and special effects in this movie are amazing. And overall, its a fantastic love story. Take your girlfriend or boyfriend to sit through all three hours of this because you’ll be glad you did – I had a huge mocha before the movie and didn’t get up once to go to the bathroom, didn’t want to leave the theater, it was that good. Now from a writers perspective, it was a bit soft in places, but overall well worth the viewing. But be warned. It’s one of the saddest movies I’ve seen in a long time. Nonetheless, well worth the view.
Overall I am excited about several movies coming out this year, and it has been off to a good start already.
Greetings all (4) loyal readers. So good to have taken a vacation and be back for the new year. I am excited for what this year will bring, mostly because I have reached that point in my life where I do not have a choice. Either I do something with myself or I fall in the same rut as last year, which will be the same five years from now, which will be ten years from now, which will be the end. So sick of complacence. So something’s gotta happen or I’m gonna break. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in a bad place. I have felt truly blessed so far. But I’m not where I wanna be either. So the goals this year involve self-improvement. Yes in the typical ways, but in the atypical as well. Time is a funny thing because time was actually created so we could keep track of lunar cycles, so we could farm better, so we could organize our lives. Now time organizes us. As we set about our weeks, our months, our years, we follow time from the day we are born until the day we die. Everything revolves around time. That concept, as well as money (another blog for another time) has always boggled my mind. But the one good thing that time does allow are new beginnings. As my Flickr friend Gayle pointed out in her Day One photostream, we all feel the need in some way or another to start over. When I was younger I was afforded this luxury at every turn. I loved having that opportunity, but as we get older we see those opportunities dwindle. We can’t start over everything, in fact, we can start over very little. So we should take great advantage in the opportunities we are given, before even they are gone. We wake up everyday, we are offered a new beginning. This is the dawn of a new morning. I’m not sleeping in (this time). I’m gonna get up, I’m gonna do many things. I don’t necessarily need resolutions, but solutions. Solutions to problems I would like to fix in my life at the moment.
Solutions:
1) Problem: I have lived in LA for 8 years and still do not have recognition as a writer. Solution? If I have to moonlight as a writer’s assistant for a year, I will. If I have to write 3 television specs this year, I will. If I have to take a Fellowship of some sort to finally get into the studio system, I will. I will find a damn good agent/manager to pimp my work out.
2) Problem: I don’t read enough. Solution? I am gonna read 12 books this year that do NOT have anything to do with cameras and writing – those don’t count because they are anxiously read. I used to read all the time in college. not just text books for class, I mean I read for enjoyment. When I was a teacher in Korea, I taught 5 different books at one time. I need to catch back up. My first book I’m gonna read? The Catcher in the Rye. Why? Because it sits on my shelf calling my name. And why not? Besides, I find a lot of my inspiration on others’ writing.
3) Problem: I don’t take good enough care of my body. Solution? I’m not gonna make lofty ultimations. I’m gonna run, gonna play basketball, gonna go to the gym, gonna hike some, gonna swim some, gonna find a softball league that I can join, maybe a bowling one too. Gonna do more to exercise and eat better. I’m going to the gym on Monday. I promise 🙂
4) Problem? I do not have a DSLR camera. Solution? I’ve gotta buy one. I was in the know when It was time to use SLR’s, but it took me forever to make the transition over to DSLR. Luckily my buddy John has graciously allowed me to use his Nikon D40 because he also has a D300 and a D80, but I’ve got my sights set on the D90. Woo baby. I’m excited to get it! The goal? To have it by March. Hmmm…
5) Problem: I don’t take that great of pictures, at least not where I want to be taking them. Solution? By the end of the year I want to have 10 pictures on Flikr’s Explored because I feel this is a good determiner of what a good picture looks like. (This may be a challenge, I’m not even sure how to get pictures voted onto explored!) But either way, I wanna learn my camera inside out…once I get it.
6) Problem? I have Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, Flash, DreamWeaver, Motion, and Color all on my laptop, each within themselves amazing software. I don’t really know how to use any of them. Solution? I’m gonna take a spiritual journey into one of them, if not two by the end of the year. I’m gonna start with Photoshop, because I’m working with pictures right now. That’s my hobby. I want to perfect it. I own CS4. I must learn to use it.
7) Problem? I have not been able to afford to give anyone a really (really) nice, unexpected gift before. Solution? This year they raised my grandpa’s club fees at his golf course, to where he cannot afford them. He has played golf his entire life and is damn good. How would you feel if someone took away for favorite hobby? I’d cry I think. But that’s just me. I think my grandpa deserves his course membership.
8) Problem? I have lost my spiritual self. Solution? Find it. Any way possible. I miss the love and life I was granted when I was that person. Read this anyway you want. I just know when I was younger I had spirituality in my life and it moved me every day. I need that back. Whatever your crack is, get high off it. I’m not judgmental. Nuff said.
I think I could go on, but right now those seem to be the most important solutions to problems in my life. 2008 was a good stepping stone to a more secure livelihood. I have found new friends, I have finished things I started too long ago. I finally reached that stage where I know myself – not only who I am but who I wanna be. And I’ve finally grown to understand what I need to make me happy. Now I just need to allow that person to become who they’re supposed to. I need to find solutions to problems.
Good luck to all in 2009, and the next blog will be about Darren Aronofsky, so it won’t be nearly as boring!
(After you read these, I encourage you to write out some of your own in comments after the blog.)
So ever since I have announced my having gained a Manager, everyone asks what the difference between a manager and an agent is. A very fairs question, as most people in this industry can’t ever really tell you the difference. So lemme take a stab at it, as I’m sure a lot of people are foggy about it.
Dusty McCloud's Blog 
