My trip Home - Working in NYC

Alright, so I am going to make this post about my trip home three months ago in July. I haven't written about it since I was hired, and I have been meaning too. I really just wanted to write about my experiences working in NYC and seeing other productions.

I went home my last week in July to work on The Voice for the NYC auditions. The audition process was two days long, and it was a great one at that. Despite having a crew call time at 6am, I was upbeat and ready to work. Over the course of the two days, it was record breaking temperatures of over 107 degrees! Luckily, I was inside, but there were still some 16,000 people that showed up just for the chance to audition. On my first day, I was in the right place at the right time, where I actually got to see the auditions in the audition rooms, and that was a great experience to witness. Some singers were better than others, and some were amazing, while others were God-awful. I thought some who should of made it through didn't, and some that I didn't did. I guess I wasn't sure what the casting producers were looking for. Overall, working on The Voice was a great experience. The show was so well run; it was by far the most organized live production I have been involved with. I worked 10 hour days with not a minute of over time. They knew what they were doing. Hopefully one of the NYC singers will make it to the finals!

The other experience I had while I was home was meeting a producer on the set of Good Morning America. I have always dreamed about working for a show like this or the TODAY show because of how it seems to combine a lot of television that I love: live taping, some audience, news and entertainment stories, close to home, city life, and production. I was really excited to see the behind-the-scenes of the show, and it was definitely eye-opening. I was a part of the audience in the live outside segment in the middle of Times Square. I watched the judges of Project Runway speak and then stayed for a special appearance of David Beckham. Of course the set went chaotic when he arrived, so I quickly left the scene. I stayed for some time after the show and talked to a producer, walked on the live set, and saw the green rooms. Their world is definitely not as glamourous as I thought. Very little space for a big production. The set is also used for Dick Clark's New Year's Eve service, which I didn't know.

Anyway, my three days in the city was so needed, and it got me thinking a lot about working in the city. I miss home sooo much, and I can totally see myself working for somewhere like 30 Rock, but I have no idea if it will happen. After seeing GMA, I realized just how different their hours are. For producers, you usually work 11pm-noon, and that would really just play with my schedule. I am not a morning person as it is, but I don't think I could do those hours and expect to have a normal life. I miss NYC but I forget how quickly and overwhelming it becomes. Maybe someday, but for now, it was a good taste to see how entertainment productions work back at home.

Aside from that, my trip home was great and busy. I felt I could have stayed home a few more days, especially knowing that I wouldn't be returning until the holidays most likely. Just recently, as in last week, my mom told me that she is flying out here to visit me for a week the first week of November!! I am so excited you have no idea. Her coming out her to visit me is huge, and it will be a taste of home that will last me until Christmas. I will not be able to go home for Thanksgiving because of timing, no vacation days, and price. So I knew July was the last time for a while.

Anyway, I miss home, but what else is new. Home is where my family is, and they are 3000 miles a way. On days I need a hug, I wish I could just run home and get one, but that is not possible. I need to stay strong, especially as we enter my favorite time of year. I just hope that getting my career started out here will be worth it all in the end, because it is hard to be out here away from them. Thanks for making my trip home worth it guys! Love you all.

I"M HIRED!!!

Hey Bloggers!!

I officially accepted this morning!! After thinking it through last night, it became very apparent what my decision had to be. Obviously...I needed to accept!

I know I have such a huge over-analytical mind, and sometimes it is the death of me, and I had to get out of that frame of mind. My mom is right, I need to stop questioning everything and just go for it or else my life will never move forward.

So as of this morning, I am HIRED!!! I will be working as a Production Assistant for Walt Disney Animation on an upcoming film in their story department.

In the mean time, I will be able to work with top story tellers for a great project, learn how to develop a story, and see the whole process come to life. I think this can be an eye opening experience, and it will be a year of fun! I have no idea where it will go from here, but I guess that is part of life... take it as it comes at you.

It is hard to believe I have a job (?!). It took so long to get here. I am super excited, but now I am cannot wait to go home next week! I cannot wait to tell them the news, and officially be home one last time for a while.

I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and as my roommate once said, "sometimes you have to follow the direction in which the universe is pulling you. Sometimes it just knows better." I hope that is true, because I am really nervous about the new job, but excited! I really have no idea what I am going to learn or embark on in the next upcoming months, but hey, it's an amazing opportunity.

I look forward to making money, meeting new people, learning a new skill, and having fun. I will go after this whole heartedly as I do any job just because I know I owe it to myself not to compromise in any way.

Realistically, I will be working for Disney (of all my dream companies), in family entertainment, in a great environment, learning new skills and getting paid. What is not to love?

Okay... well I thought I should let you know. I start August 1st. I am going to go "un-think" for a while and relish in the fact, I am getting started now. YAY! SO after26 months of unemployment... I HAVE A JOB!!! Maybe it was not a bad thing watching all of those animation movies when I was five afterall. :D

TV Progress is Being Made!

(Written 7/13/11)

It seems that I may be getting somewhere afterall! I feel momentum is starting to kick up in life... little by little. Let me explain...

Well, today is Wednesday, and last Friday, I applied to be a PA on NBC's new show The Voice for their NYC auditions, and I got it! They want me to be in NYC for two days July 22 and 23rd to help out with the contestants of the show. After NYC, the show will continue to travel to Orlando, Atalanta, San Fran, and then LA by the end of the summer. I am hoping to do well in NYC so they may offer me a position when they tape in LA. I know that is future thinking and not where I am right now, but at least I got the chance to work on it in NYC!! Therefore... I am going home! I will be home Wednesday the 20th- the 27th. I cannot wait!

Then literally a few hours after I booked the flight, I got an email from the production coordinator working on X-Factor, Simon Cowell's new and most anticipated competition show, for ten days here in LA. Of course I wanted to say yes, especially since this is the "dream job" for me, even if only for a few days, but of course as life would have it, the dates conflict with The Voice. I would not be able to go home, and I would have to cancel on Voice.

I asked the coordinator if I could work half of the expected days and switch my flight, but he said that would not work for him. Darn! I finalized my conversation saying I need to honor my commitment to Voice as I made it first, even if it means losing money instead of earning it. All in the name of taking a career chance.

I do wish I will get the chance to eventually work on both shows. To be a part of the staff when they return to LA would be a dream come true because it is family entertainment combined with Live TV, and a mass appeal. I only hope!

Furthermore, I have been reaching out to producers in NYC working on GMA and Today as well as Rachel Ray. I have been in contact with three of them thus far, and when I return to NYC next week, they want to meet with me! YAY! I hope that could lead somewhere too. I will keep you posted.

And lastly, I was able to shadow the assistant to the Executive Producer on So You Think You Can Dance!! She is a friend of mine, and part of my theater group, and she knows I want to work in live television, so she invited me to watch the taping and meet others on the staff. I was on cloud nine. I literally felt like I was in the right place at the right time. Ugh, if only I could be given the chance to be on a show like that! I met with some of the editors as well as Barry Adelman, the Executive Producer and my friend's boss. He told me if I am interested in learning more about Live TV to hang around with him more often. I really hope he was serious!!

I finally feel with these recent developments, that I am finally gaining some ground in making it in the television world. It is starting to become possible, I just have to keep going. I really hope something breaks soon. I have not heard yet, from my other interviews, but I feel okay about that for the first time.

I recently had an idea pop into my head that maybe having a full time job is not in the cards for me. Maybe I was meant to start out as a freelance PA and have been fighting it all this time. Maybe being this sporadic in various projects was all what my path was supposed to be anyway. A job may not be my answer as I thought it was the only one a few months back. If only I could be wanted on a steady basis, then I could say goodbye to BJs and survive on my own.

I hope to get there someday with or without a job as once expected. I am okay with just knowing that, so who knows where the wind will take me. At least it is starting to become breezy and pointing me in some direction. Here is hoping!!

Promotions- who knew?

In the last entry, I was talking about some PA work. Well, this is a continuation of that, but I want to bring you more up to date with current day. I last left you leaving my internship in February. For the next few weeks after that, I had been job searching, and I was able to work the Hall of Game Awards.

Well at the end of February I was able to work for another top company in their promotions department. I was hired on as a temporary PA to help out with some promotional shoots for the upcoming season of a recurring dancing show. This shoot was a big deal because it was to reveal the cast for the new season, which was all confidential information.

I was happy to get work again, and it was through an old contact I had over the last two years. She was willing to give me a chance. I was working and making money again, and it felt great. I was an office PA, and on the day of the shoot, I was also the set PA.

The shoot was a great experience because it was broadcast live throughout the country during The Bachelor. Even for the short hour that it lasted, it took over a month's work to sort out all of the details.

Working on the set was great. I was able to meet a few of the new cast members as well as the hosts of the show. All were very, very nice. During the live broadcast, I moved around as an audience member to being needed in the control room. I worked with dealing with making production packets, talent escorting, and travel booking. Because this show is so "shiny" in its production value, the set was bright, the costumes were bright, and the shoots were dramatic in energy. I also too notes for the director during the "opening credit" shoot of each take he took with the camera. Overall, the production went really well.

Seeing the promotional side of the industry was very interesting. Not many people think of on-air promotions as a possible career path, but it really is its own genre of work. For every 30 second clip of learning what's going to happen in next week's episode takes as much time to make as a commercial. In fact, they are commercials. I never really got to understand this side of the industry until my experience here. Although I do not want to work in on-air promos, I can certainly appreciate it.

Unfortunately, after those shoots were completed in early March, I was let go shortly after. Even in my three weeks there, working for that company and department allowed me to gain some money to survive another month's rent, and exposed me to something new, and for that I am grateful for the experience. I just look forward to where I will land next. Until then...

Freelance PA Title

Following my great four months of interning, I have been able to get a few great new experiences in the television industry. One of the women I worked with is also the stage manager for every awards show you can think of; and she has been able to pull me into some Production Assistant work for some new and exciting projects.

When one tries to make it out here in Hollywood, there are two common tracks to follow. First is becoming an assistant to an executive, as I told you about over the summer. The other is to become a Production Assistant. That role is the lowest man on the totem pole, and it is your job to help out and do some of the lower level grunt work. Because PAs are highly sought after, and this industry is about who you know, once you prove yourself, you are in. One gig has the potential to lead to another and so on. Many people start off being a freelance PA. I never thought this would be my path, but I have been getting some PA gigs, that I guess that has

become my "title" if I were to have any.

My first real, paid PA gig was in February for Cartoon Network's Hall of Game Awards. It was the first time the channel has put on such a production, and since award shows are becoming a cable channel trend, I guess CN wanted to compete with Nickelodeon.

Anyway, the day was great. The show was filmed in an airport hangar, and I was in charge of working with checking in the kids and their parents with tickets. The

job itself was easy and straight forward, but I made some really great connections. Even better, I had already known some of the other stagehands from my internship. It proves that once you are in the circle of the industry you can get consistent work, but that is why it is hard to break in at first.

After the tickets were distributed, I worked in the mosh-pit and helped distribute props to the kids in the audience by the stage. It had to be done during commercial breaks, and since it was taped live, it had to be done quickly.

Overall, I met some really cool people, gained a handful of new industry contacts from executives to fellow PAs, and I got a production title under my belt. Working for the Hall of Game Awards was everything I love about entertainment: live, family programming and behind the scenes action.

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My second great PA gig was in April- the culmination and a life goal of mine to eventually attend- the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards!

This was everything to me. I watch the KCAs every year, and I always thought it would be years before I got the chance to attend, not just work, but attend the event. Well, I got the chance to work it, and I loved it!

This time, I was in charge of working with the kids who filled the mosh-pit. I worked with new people, but some of the old faces from the Games were there as well. I wore all black, and had my own walkie-talkie. I was in charge of keeping the kids calm as they arrived a few hours before the show. Closer to show time, I escorted them to the mosh-pit and had the glamorous duty of walking them to the bathrooms. :D

In all seriousness though, it really was an amazing experience. I had the option of getting slimed, and I wanted too, but it just didn't work out timing wise (long story). Looking back at it though, I was really happy not to get slimed! Those kids were dunked in it, and they had to stay drenched in it until they got back to their houses. I would not have wanted to drive looking like radioactive material! Plus, it smelled too.

The Kids were pretty well behaved for the most part, and I loved being on the floor during the taping. Because it was live, you never really know what is going to happen. Seeing the Black Eyed Peas and Jim Carry in person was not half bad either.

Working the KCAs was a wonderful dream come true, and affirmed why I want to be in this business. Kids, live television, top notch entertainment... what could possibly go wrong? :D I just felt like I was in the right place at the right time, and I wish I could hold onto that feeling.

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The other final Freelance PA work I did was a few weeks ago. It was for a Triscuit promotion held in three cities between NYC, LA, and Tampa. Although this was a way smaller project, my job was still the same- to help out wherever I am needed.

Triscuit was promoting self-farming within America's homes. We were at a university to promote growing personal plants and vegetables to help keep America green. This act was streamed live to a large exhibition in the middle of NYC and Tampa.

It was very interesting, and it paid, but it would not stand out as one of my most intense work experiences. I had to be there at 4am! Never again!! It was a good experience in the end.

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Overall, I have been able to get some really great production experiences as a PA, and that is what I came out here to do. Despite not having a job, I can show what cool experiences have come my way. I only hope to continue to get some freelance PA work in the future. Until then...

The Magical World of Corporate Culture Shock

Oh! So one of my bigggesssttt updates I need to address from the previous entry and forgot to do so is about the company’s corporate culture here at the Studios. I have been talking a lot lately with my roommate and several young co-workers about the environment and direction of the company, and it has always lead to some serious debate about future improvements. We talked about writing an email to the head of Walt Disney Pictures, the newly appointed Sean Bailey.

Not sure if you readers are aware, but the company is entering a new and interesting phase. I call it “The New Regime”. Back in October, the leaders and heads of the Studios stepped down after 30+ years of service, and then followed those closest to him. So for the last 8 months, Disney has been in a deep mode of transition trying to find new leadership and great projects. With a new President of the Studios, Rich Ross, President of WDPics, Sean Bailey, and President of Marketing, MT Carney, I think this company will face many new changes.

I have my own ideas as to what will happen and what could happen, but in this entry, I am writing a mockup email to Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Pictures. He will be the one responsible for what movies Disney creates for the next several years. From what I hear, he will do great and get this company back on track. While I have been temping, one of the biggest issues for me has been the contrast between the theme parks and corporate environment. I must say, the Studios is no where near as magical as I think it could be to work, and if I had any voice, I want him to be aware and listen to the youth of this growing company; this is what I would say…

Dear Mr. President,

I am writing you this letter today because, as you start your position as leader of the Walt Disney Studios, I want to make you aware of some areas I suggest that need improvement.

To start, “Congratulations” on your newly appointed role within the most astounding company on the planet. As the new President of the WDSMPG, I hope you will turn this company around and bring it back to the right track, which we seemed to have lost.

I have been a member of this company for almost 4 years now, and I do not dream of working anywhere else. I started working in the theme parks as a tour guide hoping it would get me into the company and I could make my way to the Studios. As of March this year, I have been doing just that. I would like to say that it is everything I have imagined, but I am saddened to say, I am going through a bit of Corporate Culture Shock.

I know I have been with the Studios a very short time, as have you, and I want to see this company reach its potential. I am not here to tell you how to do your job, but I want you to see it from the ground up. I want to represent the voice of the lower hierarchy, and I hope you listen.

First, I have started to notice that there is very little communication between the various facets of the company aside from the given Synergy department. I am talking about daily interaction and life on the lot. For example, Feature Animation does not talk too or really communicate with Live Action. We work across the street from one another, yet the work environments are two separate worlds. I am shocked to learn top execs from Live Action never heard of top execs at Animation. Isn’t this company built on the strength of synergy? How is it when a screening happens, say for Animation, the Live Action Cast Members never hear of it and vice versa? Or, how come one production department does not talk to another? We need this to change. We must communicate and be aware of each others’ presence in order to strengthen our projects, resources, knowledge and company.

Second, the physical work environment themselves are not in sync. How is it that Animation seems to uphold the tradition and passion of the heritage of this company and live action does not? For example, Animation has characters and drawings of Disney classic heritage all over the walls, celebrating where we came from. One instantly feels the connection and honor of the company just by walking into the building. However, Live Action has no sign of connection or brand loyalty. If judged from the outside, one would have no idea we worked for Disney unless he or she looked at my email signature. Where is the homage to our past, present, and future productions? We are built on a strong legacy, where is that pride?

If I have learned one thing from the theme parks, it would be to show brand loyalty and show it proud. Why do the Studios not uphold that? I want to see the characters from which this company was so strongly built. I want to see and feel a connection of happiness and pride with my fellow co-workers.

I was asked to through a party this week for work, and I was hoping to find pictures of the classic characters in a database to use as decorations and theming for the occasion. I was immensely disappointed to find this did not exist and no one wanted the characters in order to preserve its “professionalism.” Since when did the demeanor of our leaders become so unenthusiastic and indifferent? Mr. Bailey, we need more spirit; no ifs, ands or buts.

How are we to get that back? I think you know that answer; that is why you were chosen for you position. We need to go back to the basics. We don’t just need good films and projects, we need to remember where we came from and bring back the same classic stories we once made. That is where you come in. You are going to be the new voice of the company. I pray you find great content and great stories that will make our brand come alive again both on the screen and within its office walls. The Studios need to be reignited!

Lastly, I had read in the trades a few weeks back a quote between you and Rich Ross stating you want to bring new, young producers onto the lot. Well, I admire this concept, and I want you to know, some are already here, it is just they have no voice. I do not see the older generation of leaders mentoring and molding the youth of this company as much as they could. It seems the youth have no voice, which is quite the opposite from the theme parks. I would like to see the upper level executives work together more with those just starting their career. Our company has a renowned reputation on honing new leaders and pushing youth to work together as offered College Program, which I am an alumni. I think it is about time the Studios take responsibility for some of the leaders it has already branded through that program and young outside wannabes and teach as much as possible.

I know I may be a bit naïve and young, and who am I to voice such an opinion? Then I think who am I not too? I feel this company is so full of promise, and as it is taught in the theme parks, we need to respect the heritage and traditions where hence we came. Especially coming from the Studios, the Mecca of our company’s reputation, if we do not preserve the brand loyalty, communicate together on the principles of which we were founded, and maintain the childish eye of the viewer, I am afraid we may fall short of our previous accomplishments.

Please take what I have said into consideration. I want to feel pride among my fellow Cast Members in the Studios as I have at work. Our Corporate Culture can use a good improvement, and you have that power. I hope you understand where I am coming from and see some room for great changes. I am fully available and would be honored to talk about these changes with you if you are ever so willing.

I wish you the best of luck as you start your new journey, and I look forward to where we are going, just as long as we keep moving forward. Thank you for your time,

Sincerely,

Me

Culture and Improvements

(written for 6/11)

Well, my first full week as the new staff assistant in the physical production offices have ended. It actually went by quite quickly, plus the fact it was a great week. I feel as if I have been at this job now for weeks, when in fact it has been 5 days. I seem to know most of the people, and for the first time since I started temping, it seems I am actually able to joke and be funny with most of the workers and really be myself. I cannot tell you how great that feels. I am able to be loose and energetic just as long as I get my work done.

The work load has not been too much as they are easing me into this position. I have started it knowing there is no end date as of now. Until they fill this position full time, I am here. That could be either two weeks from now or it could be a year, as I have been warned. So, I know I am here for a while. I really do like the position, and I hope they consider me for it.

In short, I am the second assistant to two production executives and the kitchen manager. Have a said this already? I feel like I am repeating my words. Sorry if I am!! I just want to make sure you understand where I am these days.

Although work is good and slow, part of the reason is I am having serious computer issues. It is complicating everything with the fact I am still an active Cast Member in Florida. I need access to a computer system called SAP through our employee website, but I am technically "already registered" in the company's database, so I cannot have a CA id. However, I MUST have a CA id or else supplies cannot be ordered. So right now, they are trying to create two different HUB or Portal (company's employee website) ids for me to exist. That is complicating everything and I just hope they can solve it soon. It's not that I don't want to work, but it's that I cannot do anything until I have the proper access.

Anyway.... I guess all I have to really add about this week is that I am getting the hang of the floor. The layout of the floor is like its own maze; it is so complicated to get around and quite humorous when delivery men can never find the proper room #s and look like kids in a labyrinth trying to get out. We all get lost. But I am slowly getting it figured out. I am learning all about the travel documents for everyone in the cast from the assistant audio man to the lead actor. I am also learning about equipment rentals and budget deals among other things. Like I said, not very creative, but a necessary part of the process.

Anyway, I will give you an update next week about everything. See ya!

Temping in the Land of Production

(written for 5/24-5/28)

Week in Production at the Studios...CHECK!

Overall this week was pretty laid back, believe it or not.

From 5/24-5/25, I was interning. What more needs to be said about that other than I am the only girl in a 5 person office, not doing much, read a script, worked looong hours, and that's it. Done.

So from Wed-today, I was in Production! It went really well once again. This time, I was able to meet most or many people on the floor. I work next to the offices of the President of Production, who is a very serious man, but I recognize him from the research I've done the last few years.

My one boss, is actually from my neighboring home town, so go NJ! He is really neat and laid back. The other exec I cover for is a woman who is eccentric and a bit quirky, but never a dull moment in her offices.

This week, I learned the ins and outs on to how the floor works. I am seeing the execs that I met with on my Meet and Greets, and they ask me what I am doing here. Hhaha, I love to answer that question.

I am learning about the budgets for the films, some of the production deals, and various types of paper work. Not too exciting, but absolutely vital to the process. The others I work with are super nice and friendly. Not too many young faces so the culture of the company is quite different, but that is for another entry.

Luckily, I am coming into the floor at a pretty calm time period. With all of the leadership changes these last few months, there are no new projects coming through, so things are slow. I have taken advantage of this time and have started organizing everything from the kitchen to the supply closet, both are in need of some major reorganization!

I don't mind organizing actually, as it is one of my greatest strengths, and I find it quite soothing. Not only that, but organizing those main common areas leads to great networking chances and opportunities to be seen by others. I have actually met quite a few others with this tactic.

I wish I had something more exciting to say about the Production floor, but I am just getting used to it, and it has been calm on both sides. I act mainly as a support to the other assistants, who are not giving me too much work because I don't know the processes yet for them. At least I offer.

I can see myself staying staying in this position for a year or so, because it is meant for just that, an entry level position to gain a foundation of production. Well it is memorial weekend, so I will be back next week with more updates!