Today, I shifted gears to focus on my super, secret project (Okay, yeah, it’s a short story), spending the greater part of the morning going over what I’ve already written, then most of the afternoon finishing up the hotel room scene. Call me crazy but, so far, I’m liking what I’ve got. Of course, it’s more than likely I AM crazy and the general opinion will range from Blergh! to WTF?!! Hmmm, now that I think about it, WTF?!! will probably be a fairly common reaction whether you enjoy the story or not. In my mind, I have four more scenes to write and I’m done. By the end of February, I hope to have a first draft that I’ll be able to write, rewrite, and re-rewrite for the entire month of March. And then – its fate will rest in the hands of my editor who will, hopefully, respond with a resoundingly positive WTF?!!
Last week, the actors were in gun school. This week, they’ll all be taking part in a relaxed rehearsal. Oh, and if you’re wondering, we’ve finished casting. Interesting news on the ladies coming your way next week – Chloe, Tamara, and Wray.
So I was on the Destiny set Thursday and had to walk up the spiral staircase in order to get some video and snaps of the rotating gate. Holy Crap! We weren’t even that high up and I was clutching the handrail, my knees turned to jelly. All I could think was “There’s no way I could ever compete in The Amazing Race.” Climb down the side of a building? Hell, why not just ask me to French kiss a komodo dragon?
Next to heights, do you know what creeps me out? Snakes. Especially snakes the size of school buses. Imagine coming across one of these suckers in your crawlspace: http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D964UPJO0&show_article=1
You know what also creeps me out? That Wife Swap series. I can’t imagine what the hell would possess someone to want to take part in this show. At best, they look incompetent. At worst, well…: http://valleywag.gawker.com/5148821/wife-swap-star-apologizes-for-having-worst-husband-in-world
It’s the American Dream. Despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles others may throw in your path, if you’re determined enough, you can succeed. Don’t listen to those who say you’ll never finish high school. If you study and stick it out, you’ll get that high school diploma. Don’t listen to those who say you won’t get that promotion. Have confidence in yourself and your abilities and, some day, you’ll be running that division. Pay no heed to those who tell you there’s a cap on the amount of silicone you can put in your body. Go to Brazil for the operation and, one day, maybe you’ll hold a World Record of your own: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/04/worlds-biggest-breasts-sh_n_163992.html
I really should get around to cleaning out my garage more often. There’s no telling what you’ll come across: http://www.newsweek.com/id/183833
What’s sad is I know several adults whose brains stagnated at this stage: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16535-why-teenagers-cant-see-your-point-of-view.html
Mailbag:
Lcshepp writes: “Joe, has there been any word on the ratings for ‘Vegas’ and ‘EATG’?”
Answer: Early numbers had Vegas doing a 1.3, Enemy at the Gate a 1.54
Van fan writes: “1. you list American and other ethnic/nationalities of food. why no Canadian? is there such a thing as Canadian food, distinct from America and the UK and France?
2. what’s your take on White Spot?”
Answers: 1. I’d consider any of the restaurants in the Pacific Northwestern Cuisine section Canadian in that they use build their menu using fresh, seasonal, local ingredients.
2. For the first two years I was in Vancouver, I always assumed they were a dry cleaning chain. I really like their triple-o’, their chicken burgers and, surprisingly, consider think their veggie burger is pretty damn good too.
Georgia writes: “I have had an heart dropping, gut wrenching week and your daily blog, insight and humor has made me smile.”
Answer: I hope things pick up for you next week.
DasNdanger writes: “Are you familiar with Brian Michael Bendis’ comic Powers?? “
Answer: Very. Now wouldn’t this make a terrific pick for our very first Book of the Month Club Graphic Novel selection?
Shawna writes: “For example, if you’ve got a character who’s supposed to be 20-25, would you look at actors in their 30’s if they had other qualities you were looking for?”
Answer: Sure. Of course adjustments would need to be made.
Ponytail writes: “ Joe you anwered their questions twice. You don’t answer my questions at all. Whats with that?”
Answer: Depends on your question. If it’s already been answered in a previous mailbag, I’ll skip it. If it’s a question about the broadcast schedule, I defer to the network that actually makes those decisions.
Jim Stiles writes: “Do we have a schedule of directors for Season 1 of Universe yet?”
Answer: It’s coming together. Look for the return of a familiar face.
Thornyrose writes: “Any ideas on what to do with a dog that snores louder than I do?”
Answer: My advice to you is: get used to it.
Rose writes: “By the way, is there any good poutine to be had in Vancouver?”
Answer: Hmmm. Not sure.
Davidd writes: “I was just wondering if, as a writer of the show, are you allowed to browse forums, fanfic, etc?”
Answer: Sorry. We don’t read fanfic.
AMZ writes: “So, when a casting call is first put out what kind of things do you list? Does height, build, age, previous work come into it, or other things?”
Answer: It really depends on the character we are casting. In the case of the Kiryk character (Tracker) for instance, we needed a young, rugged actor. An elderly woman, no matter how terrific an actress, just wouldn’t have cut it. As for agent recommendations – alas, I’m not the guy to ask. We deal with our casting director who, in turn, deals with the agents.
Suziesbluefeather writes: “Hey Joe I just finished looking at the VA Lottery page and it looks like I won $150. That’s almost a whole weeks worth of pay. If Fondy wants half though I can send it to her.”
Answer: No, she’d only blow it all on strawberry ice cream. Thanks for offering.
Kraut writes: “What, there is no decent German restaurant in Vancouver? “
Answer: Nope.
Sessy writes: “So is there any dining place in Vancouver you haven’t visited yet?”
Answer: Oh, yeah. Plenty. You’d be amazed the number of restaurants in the city, with more popping up every week.
Vvv0472 writes: “Do you watch, or have you watched The Flight of The Conchords?”
Answer: At present, Flight of the Conchords is my favorite show on HBO. For the past two days, I’ve had the song Hurt Feelings in my head. Some of my favorite lyrics: “I feel like a prize asshole. No one even mentions by casserole.” and “They were all lined up to watch that movie. Maid in Manhattan.”
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