The little things…
I think that one of the most wonderful things in life is learning to appreciate the little things. Moments that light up your day; small surprises that make you smile. Sure, big things are great, but how often do they really come along? Learning to love the little things makes every day a treat.
1) Katharine Hepburn stamps. I have been looking for these damn stamps for such a long time! I finally found them at the Pasadena post office, and I proceeded to purchase 40 of them. Looks like I have a lot of letters to write!
2) Being the “voice” of Double Feature Films. For approximately 45 minutes, I was the voice of Double Feature Films. Did I give a speech on behalf of the office? No. Did I represent them in a pitch or business meeting? No. Did I handle all the phones, manning everyone’s desk and taking on a job that usually requires 5 people? Yes. And boy did I feel proud. All the company execs and their assistants went into a meeting and all the capable interns were out on runs. That left me to pick up the slack. There are some important people that call into that office, and dropping or missing a call isn’t an option. Needless to say, I was nervous. OK, I was a train wreck. But I was able to manage, and after earning a few gray hairs, I’d say I did a great job. Small victories.
3) Leveling with my boss. The professional barrier is finally coming down, I think. I feel way more comfortable around my boss, and I’m enjoying chatting with her and getting to know her better. The other day she had me looking up prices for spa weekend retreats. When I came into her office to show her my findings, she was like, “I don’t know why I have to look up spa retreats for [undisclosed person] — why can’t she just get a hotel room and smoke some pot and relax that way?!” I’m so pleased that our relationship has come to this point.
4) Most recent “is-this-real-life” moment. Sitting in the car, stuck in traffic after a long day at work, I was feeling a bit frustrated and tired. But then, I had a wonderful moment of realization. I looked out my window and saw the beautiful Hollywood hills. I felt the cool breeze of the 70 degree weather that settles in at night. I recalled my day. And then I thought to myself, “why are you upset, YOU’RE IN L.A.!” It’s all about perspective.
We run this town
This past weekend was glorious. Why? Because I finally got some rest after a long first week at the office. Rachel came over on Friday night for a catch up session and to just relax. I ran errands on Saturday during the day, did laundry, and got a run in. All were much needed.
Then, on Saturday evening I met up with Rachel and some of her friends to watch a movie at the Forever Hollywood Cemetery. The movie was “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1956), a perfect film to show in a cemetery at night. It was fun watching it in a crowd, too, and listening to different people’s reactions to different parts of the film.
After the movies, Rachel and I decided to hit up WeHo (West Hollywood), and we had the time of our life! I took her to experience the enormous and super high energy dance club, The Abbey. We were welcomed in by the sounds of Whitney Houston and Donna Summer. I knew I was in the right place. Afterward, we got a little late night IN-N-OUT Burger — always a good choice.
“Listen, your girl is on the radio!”
These are the words that I spoke to English actor Douglas Booth in my car today — he’s also the new face of Burberry (the one in front). He was in their last winter campaign; he’s in their current cologne campaign; and he’ll be in their upcoming winter campaign as well. And he showed me photos of the upcoming campaign that are only in Milan right now. Legit.
Now, why did I say “listen, your girl is on the radio” to this young man? Well, “Party in the U.S.A.” was on the radio, and Doug will be starring opposite Miley Cyrus in Double Feature Films’ upcoming picture “LOL.” Again, legit.
Douglas is a 17-year-old Englishman who is making his breakout in the US and joining the teen starlet crowd here in the states. He told me about riding over on the plane with Taylor Lautner and Kristin Stewart and how he was at one point considered for a part in the 3rd Twilight films. He told me about parties in Milan and having Burberry foot the bill for everything. We talked about what is was like being so successful at such a young age and how he got started. We talked — as foreigners often do — about the differences between the US and the UK. Oprah, football, Lady Gaga, British accents, and cars were all topics of conversation.
I was asked by the office today to escort Douglas around LA. I picked him up from his hotel, took him to a voice coach, treated him to lunch, drove him into the Hollywood Hills to work with a vocal instructor, then took him back to his hotel to change before dropping him off for a premiere at Paramount. It was a good day. I was so flattered and excited that the office picked me as the intern to be responsible for him for the day. You know, even if I was technically driving around a younger, hotter, much more successful member of the entertainment community than myself, I still really enjoyed it.
This whole experience has been so great so far because it has given me the opportunity to see the industry from so many different vantage points. From my own, as a lowly intern; from that of a director who’s prepping for her next film; from that of an insanely busy producer who is flying all over the world to scout locations and take meetings; from that of a friend who’s working on a set and hoping to break into acting; from that of a young, successful model and actor who’s just getting his feet wet in the US and struggling with an American accent. This experience has been invaluable. I’m seeing how movies are made and spending time with the people who make them.
I’m living my dream.
Blake
