I work in theater, right? Not film? Just checking; I think someone must have forgotten to tell my day planner.
Exhibit A: The Entourage Video
At my work, there's a little-known program called Entourage that I happen to administer. Being the marketing department and all, we decided to raise its profile with a little informative video. Nothing special, just something visual we could use to draw a bit of attention.
Somehow it became this:
Yes, that's Rita Moreno in that video. Winner of the Oscar, Grammy, Tony, and two Emmys. And that's me, winner of the "Most Dramatic" award (Santa Teresa High School yearbook, 2002) which is...not quite the same thing. I wrote that script in about 15 minutes and the whole thing was terrifying. I wrote about it on the Berkeley Rep blog here.
Exhibit B: The Teen Movie Project
I don't know how we did it, but somehow we did it. It's over.
It took a month of filming and countless hours of scheduling, prop-making, costume-fitting, and hair-pulling, but yesterday we wrapped on production. Which is, I don't know, liberating? Terrifying? Now that it's done, there are no more chances to fix things or insert new great ideas, and it means I have to start the epic chore of editing this entire thing into one cohesive narrative. Although, to be honest, I'm really looking forward to that part. Because I was in almost every scene, I didn't have a lot of chances to really direct the thing. Fortunately, I had an amazing DP, who made it easy to let go and rely on his talent. I know he got some amazing shots--probably way better than if I'd told him what to do, anyway--and I'm looking forward to standing on his shoulders and making a movie out of his images.
And now it's finally time to relax. Haha, just kidding! I'm flying to England on Saturday and not coming back for two weeks.
Want to see a play, have a few drinks, and dance with cute strangers? Of course you do! Which is why you should check out the parties I'm throwing at Berkeley Rep this week:
On Wednesday (December 1), there's night/OUT, a free party for the LGBT community. Grab a ticket to Lemony Snicket's The Composer is Dead that night (psst: use the code NIGHT online to get 20% off, or 50% if you're under 30), then stick around and enjoy the party! We'll have beer, wine, tequila, and plenty of sweet and savory snacks from local sponsors--and it's all free! DJ Pauline will be spinning records (or, you know, queuing up MP3s) and you're basically guaranteed a good time. .
On Friday (December 3), come back for 30-Below, a free party for the under-30 crowd. Get a ticket (use the code WEB30 and it's half-price), see the show, and stick around for drinks, dancing, food, and more. Under 30 and a member of the LGBT community? Come to both! (Ok, probably not. But I'd totally give you a medal for being hardcore if you did.)
If that wasn't incentive enough, you'll almost certainly run into me there. I'll be the one making my panic face.