Diversify!

Happy Holidays! The time of year when dreams come true, people put aside their differences and come together...oh wait. That's not really how it happens is it?

I've never been one for holidays. I guess, after having spent so many holidays away from home in foreign countries and combat zones, I've seen how important holidays actually are. Even though I grew up in a house where we celebrated Hanukah and Christmas. Look at me now, and as atheist as they come! Whoo! Happy Holidays!

No no no, there's more. Don't worry. Like the title of this blog says "Diversify." The people that I consider to be successful at this level of the game, have their fingers in a lot of pies. A writer who pays the bills as a grip, electrician, and carpenter. Or a camera guy who shoots independent stuff who also works at a camera rental house.
It's partially to pay the bills, but it's also to stay busy. It's hard to always have something to do in this business. If you ONLY want to do production sound, and refuse to do anything else, it's going to be incredibly difficult to have enough work to live on. So learn how to do post production sound also, and while you're at it, learn how to edit. That way when you meet a potential client, you can be their one stop shop for sound and post production. You're increasing your value with every skill you pick up.

When I was trying to get into stunt work, I was taking jobs doing grip and electric work, as well as military advisor, armorer, and acting gigs.

I actually just watched "Hugo" last night, didn't love it, but I certainly appreciate it as a great film. The whole premise was about the film maker Georges Melies. His film "A trip to the Moon" is the logo of the Visual Effects Society, VES. Their award is the moon with the ship in the eye, which we have about six of in the Stargate office. I never really realized what they were, now I know the story. So thanks, Marty Scorsese!
In 4 1/2 years I'll be eligible to apply for membership into the VES. I heard some of the guys in the office, talking about their "Hobbit" screeners. I need to see that movie. It would be nice to have it delivered to my apartment.

So one of the things that I was going to do to diversify, was to host an internet radio show. That's been put on hold, because the school that was sponsoring it has fallen through for now. They still want to do it, but it's taking a back seat for a little while. I'm still confident that it will go on, but it's shelved for the immediate future.
Next, I've started a YouTube channel. I sit down and interview popular content creators and talk about their lives. I want to give it a personal touch, and help their audiences really get a feel for who are they are. I'm really excited about our launch, which was tonight. Check it out, and if you like it, subscribe:

Mr. Third Side

That's my big announcement. I'm very excited. Next stop, partner!

Happy Holidays, stay sharp, and stay tuned. 

Changes Changes Changes

So, to my loyal reader, I'm sorry it's been so long since I posted. I played with the idea of quitting the blog all together, but my strange need for the approval of others won out. I just like the world to know what I'm doing. I think I have a pretty interesting life, and maybe somewhere out there, people are interested.
I don't remember exactly where I left off with the blog (ya, I know I could load a new window and read my last post. Don't be such a smart ass), so I'll recap the last few months. After graduating from the LA Film School, I went on a 10 day trip to Israel, and had a blast. It wasn't life changing or anything, but it was fun and eye opening. I still don't believe in god, but it was good to see that part of the world. Especially after having seen parts of the Muslim region, to see the Jewish part was...educational.
Just before I started the trip, I got a call from my father, who told me to call his friend about a job at a visual effects company. I called and left a message saying that I was very excited for the opportunity, and I'd love to come in for an interview. That was all, then I went on my trip. When I got home, I found that I had got the job, and was going to start in three days. My parents took the liberty of changing my flight from New York to LA from Monday to Friday. Very smart, because I started work on Sunday.
Long story short, I now am employed full time by Stargate Studios in Pasadena CA. I am the Previzion operator. Previzion is a technology that attaches to a movie camera and records it's movement in a 3D space AND replaces green screen in real time. It's an incredibly powerful tool for directors and producers on set. The director and cinematographer can line up shots and see what the composed image will look like. We can also finish the shot in camera and give that to the producers, to put straight into the editor's sweet, then right onto television.
There are so few people that can operate this system, you could probably count them on your fingers and toes. So this really is ground breaking stuff. I can't believe how fortunate I am to have this job. A month out of film school, and I have a full time job that can take me all the way to the top. Incredible!
So no more stunts for me.

I need to be very careful what I put on this blog, I have signed several NDAs (Non Disclosure Agreements). I could get fired or sued if I say the wrong thing. So if I seem vague in the future, I'm sorry. I'll tell you what I can, when I can.

I'll be keeping the "stuntdan" title. I still love that.
Since I have a real job now, I have my VA disability money coming in, and I have my car paid off now. So I can afford to go out and have a good time. So I signed up with the USPSA, the United States Practical Shooting Association. I have two pistol competitions under my belt, I took 2nd and 1st place! Of course I was shooting against only three people. If I change classes, I can shoot against more people, but this is nice to not have pressure, I can continue to learn and get better. Which I will. I'll link some videos as I get some that make me look cool.

So like always, continue to stay sharp, and stay tuned.