Happy Halloween

Photo (and related article):
http://bobbydobbybloggy.blogspot.com/2011/10/boo.html

In 1952 the ConocoPhillips refinery started a tradition of painting one of it's 3-million gallon storage tanks into a giant jack o'lantern.  Wilmington, CA...that's a bit south of LA.  I took the virtual drive-by on Google Maps, but it wasn't fully painted in the picture (though it is orange).  Take a peek here.

Just to round it out, here's an old picture from the LIFE magazine archives.  You might notice they are painting on a different portion of it (the stairs are different), but other than that it looks as though this 60+ year tradition hasn't changed much.  Admirable!  Let's all drive down to Wilmington and patronize their shops (the positive kind of patronize)!

Quick Tip: Extension Cables

Perhaps you read a previous post on How To Wrap Cables Properly.  On a similar note, here's some advice that is useful both on set and at home.

Extension cables, or "stingers", sometimes have to be run along in a daisy chain to power equipment.  It's frustrating and embarrassing when your chain keeps coming apart, so use this simple trick to hold them together:

Emergency Numbers

Photo:  www.you-are-here.com

It's always a good idea to have a couple taxi company numbers stored in your phone.  You never know when you'll need a ride, and it's nearly impossible to hail a cab on the streets of LA.

Checker Cab:  323.654.8400

Yellow Cab Company:  877.733.3305

United Taxi:  800.822.8294

L.A. Taxi:  323.428.6896

5 Essential Terms for a PA

After a handful of gigs, I've picked up some of the basic terminology that's being thrown around on set.  This is beginners info.

I think these are the five most essential phrases to understand:

1. "Ten-one"
2. "Eighty-six"
3. "C-47"
4. "Twenty?"
5. "Points!"

WATCH: The Californians on SNL

I've been thinking a lot about Californian stereotypes lately.  One thing I love is seeing New Yorkers' opinions about people in Los Angeles.  SNL has a funny bit on just that topic, called "The Californians".  Spend a couple weeks here and you'll know all you need to know.

The Californians

Like it?  Check out  the dress rehearsal take.

Craigslist Makes Me Smile/Cry

From glorious Craigslist:

I'm looking for one lucky producer who has the means to prouduce a micro budget film that has 100 million dollar potential. I need someone who has experience in producing horor movies. I have written the script and own the rights to the screenplay. The concept for the movie is genius, and has been ran past several freinds and colleagues who all agree that the movie will be succesfull. Please if you are interested drop me a line with your experience, and express to me what kind of finicail backing you are bringing to the table. I've been in the movie business for years, started out as a PA, now I do freelance lighting and grip gigs, and camera operate. I taught myself how to screenwrite, and need to make this movie my bread and butter; the one that puts millions in the bank so money is like air. Thanks for reading this. You can respond to me via email, or call me @ (206)***-****. 

Robby T****

• Location: Los Angeles
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
• Compensation: you will get rich

Spelling/Grammar errors aside, I love his passion for stories.  You can tell right away he means business with lines such as, "need to make this movie my bread and butter; the one that pus millions in the bank so money is like air."
I'm also thrilled to know that he owns the rights to his own screenplay.  That should help push things through development, that and his "genius" concept.

Robby T, you had me at "prouduce".