I am going crazy

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has shown outstanding support for my exciting life. I really appreciate hearing many of you send me your best wishes.

As excited as many of YOU are to hear what happens, I am literally on the edge of my seat waiting for a call. I am assuming I'll hear either way...and if I don't hear tonight, I will likley hear tomorrow. If not then, I would assume I did not get the position...but usually they call to inform people either way.

Until then, I will be doing lots of exercises to keep my mind FAR FAR away from CBS. I have my hopes so high and I really don't want them to be dashed now that I've gotten this far and I am SO CLOSE to what I want and have worked for.

As Hollywood would say, "TO BE CONTINUED..."

Hopefully, the ending will include me living happily ever after :) At least for the next few months!!

So now we wait.

The 2nd interview at CBS today went great. Now I am more excited than ever before.

Of course, now, I am sitting around...thinking about every second of the interview and being picky about what I said/should have said/etc.....

Ah well...

Fingers crossed, I'll be getting a nice phone call sometime today.

30 Second Update

Here's a 30 second preview of life right now:

1) I had a successful interview today at CBS
2) So successful, I am meeting with the VP tomorrow at CBS
3) Holy crap.
4) Warner Brothers called today.
5) They want me to come work for them.
6) Holy crap.

I think that's about it for now. I'm BEAT and tomorrow is another LONG day.

More soon.

The fun has just begun....

Guess who called today?

That's right....

CBS.

I have a one-on-one "in person" interview with them tomorrow as Step 3 of this marvelous process. I am excited, confused, nervous, confused, happy, confused, and did I mention confused?

Tomorrow I will find out more about the position, what it entails, etc. etc etc. Obviously this would be a dream job, but we need to see how much I am willing to give and take to make it come true. After tomorrow I am sure I'll have alot more answers.

Until then, keep watching the blog for more updates. I'll be in class tonight and tomorrow night so I will have limited time to talk, but I'll be updating this inbetween as much as I can.

Paula Abdul wasted my day

Today I had plans to go to FOX Studios for a recording of Paula Abdul's new song release, which she sings with Randy Jackson. They needed people to come and be in the audience for it because it's airing before the Super Bowl. It sounded pretty exciting, PLUS it was a paid gig, so I figured I would check it out.

I arrived at FOX around 10:30 AM. There was a small line, but nothing major, so I was pretty excited that I would have a good spot for the show. As time progressed, more and more people began to show up (as expected), until we reached about 11:30.

(For the record, the show was planned to start filming just after noon)

At 11:30, it started to rain. Hard. But I thought "don't worry, not too much longer and we'll be inside".

At about 12:00 (noon), the audience coordinators came out and told us we were going to a studio to sit and wait to be called into Paula's stage. We were taken to the set of "Best Damn Sports Show Period", where we all got to hang around the cold, dark, and empty (until we got there at least) set.

1:00 PM - We were told that everything was just about ready and we should be traveling to Paula's set very soon.

2:00 PM - We were told Paula just got back from lunch (!!!!!), and that she just needed to practice the number one more time before we came in.

By this point, my thought process (along with other's), is "we've waited this long...why not keep waiting?". So, we did.

3:00 PM - We are just about ready to go on stage. Paula's band has been practicing with her STAND IN (!!!!!!), and so Paula needs one run and we will be ready.

3:30 PM - We are offered the chance to leave the studio (you can't just leave at anytime because they have to escort you out). When I asked 'how much longer', the guy said "I honestly have no idea".

So I left.

I felt like I kept taking 2 steps forward and 2 steps back and I couldn't handle it anymore. (okay, bad joke)

I couldn't handle it....I was hungry and weak and I knew that I could not stand for a concert for 2+ hours when filming actually DID begin.

No payment, no nothing. We don't get paid unless we would have been waiting on Paula's set.

The truth is, it really isn't the not getting paid that bugs me. It's the fact that my ENTIRE DAY was wasted. Ugh, how dissapointing.

I've heard the rumors before that Paula is often late...but this was 'holy crap' late.

Unfortunatley, this IS the business of Hollywood and everything runs on a 'hurry up and wait' motto.

Ah well.....Hollywood Happens.

False Alarm

Alright, well it seems that I have not made the last round of the Dream Job interview process. Dam. That kinda sucks.

At the same time, it kinda dosen't, because I get to continue enjoying my classes, etc this quarter and move on to making some friends and such for once.

Thanks to all the people that have been supportive of me in this roller-coaster type week....obviously my parents, but also Brandon, Sean, and Adrianne - you guys were there to chat with me and listen to my rants about the 10,000 different thoughts in my head about the possibilities of me getting/not getting a CBS job, so thank you.

Other than the excitement of CBS calling me this week, there hasn't been a whole lot else going on. TV Production class is still going great and I'm making some friends out here...slowly, but sure.

Time to share a funny picutre or two that I edited latley:





We all know I love Sean...but with a pose like this, I couldn't resist.

Holy Crap.

CBS Called.

They called in regards to the application / e-mail I sent them. They were impressed by it and think I sound right for the job.

They sent me a small 'editing test' and also requested to see a reel of something I edited. I replied to the test and sent a reel, and now I am just waiting to hear back.

If I get this, it could be a huge break for me into the industry.

The only downside - I would have to give up some school and everything I've worked up to thus far out here.

Crap. Either way I have to give up something.

More to come soon...

The Ultimate Hollywood Goal: Big Brother

Many of you are aware that I am currently persuing a job to fill my morning hours before my evenings of schooling. I am really not picky at all to what I get for a job -- I just need something that can bring in the cash flow that a college student like myself needs.

Well tonight, I found an extra special job post. As I do every night, I search a few websites for different job listings they may have availible. I very rarely look under the 'writing and editing' category, but tonight, I decided to take a stab at it. When I clicked into the category, the top post was: "BIG BROTHER FAN & EDITOR NEEDED".

My first reaction was to scream out loud and say "THATS ME!". This is totally my job.

For those of you that are unaware, I am a HUGE fan of the reality show, Big Brother. I have watched the show activley since Season One and I can't get enough of that show.

When I saw the listing for a job opportunity, I just about went nuts. The job is for a freelance editor to edit things together for their "Previously On..." and other small segments. It would be an amazing experience; especially for a show nut like I am.

The odds of me getting the job are...who knows what. What I DO know, is that I put my heart and soul into trying for that job. I made my e-mail and resume stand in a way that I hope nobody else's does. What a truly amazing job that would be....

Now obviously, this isn't goinmg to stop my job search. I will still continue actively looking for work...

..but I can dream, can't I?

I Couldn't Resist

Isn't Photoshop great?

NOTE: The numbers are NOT photoshopped....for those that are confused.

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

Hello Everyone!

WOW...things have been going QUITE crazy latley. I haven't had much time to stop and catch my breath until today. Alot of new excitement happening:

1) Teaching at Reseda High School - it's a blast and the kids are fun. I like what they are doing, and I think I have alot of things to bring to the table that can also help them, too.

2) TV Studio Classes - I am still loving my classes for Intro to TV, AND, my newest one - CCH: The TV Series. I am one of a few people in a very small class that will be directing and producing a TV series which will be put online, on the air (channel 36?), and all over. It's going to be alot of fun. We are creating a sketch show similar to SNL, so it should be a good time. Our auditions for parts went excellent, now we just need some band auditions...which are next week).

3. I created a sketch! - It's a parody of a song from Disney's Little Mermaid. Check it out and let me know what you think:
http://www.ppshollywood.com/In%20The%20Free%20World.html

Dedicated to my FAVORITE liberals: Scott, Joe, and Adrianne :) hahaha

4. My TV instructor (same guy for both classes) and I got a chance to hang out on Friday. We put together some sets for some upcoming TV shows and we even had some spare time to go over to Starbucks, before coming back to play with the green screens and such :)

5. Last night I had the chance to go on set of "According to Jim" for a really late night shoot. It lasted a few hours, but it was very cool. I actually got to shake Jim's hand and talk to him for a bit :)

Other than that, things just won't slow down around here. I'm sure I'll be updating again next week Tuesday after we do JEOPARDY in our TV class.

To Be or Not To Be

As many of you may already know, for over two years I have had a condition on my hands that is known as excema. Essentially, this condition irritates my hands, makes them extremley dry, and at other points, makes them extremley hot and flared up.

Since I've been in California, my hands have been decent and haven't acted up TOO much more than they should. However, later last week, the problem became difficult to manage, so I made an appointment to see a doctor.

I went to see my new, California doctor - Dr. Shakespeare - today. (I was kinda nervous seeing a guy who was named after a man who was famous for saying quotes such as, 'OFF WITH HIS HEAD'...but it was alright). He was a very nice man and wants to help me with my hand problem as much as he can. He sent me to a dermatologist, which he requested I see ASAP.

I went to the dermatologist and he is an extremley nice, friendly, and down to Earth guy. Upon looking at my hands, he seemed confident that I didn't have excema....but yet, something more rare and of course, more difficult to treat. The exact name of what I have is Gydropfdjkfdjkhwiwufnjfsdhujshwsjrwsh90210-olyon". :) It was a long name....

Basically, because it is this 'highly advanced' (and more rare :D) version of excema, I have a few options for treatment. The option that I am starting with is a procedure called UV LIGHT THERAPY. Sounds like tanning at a salon, eh? It's similar, but not quite...

The process is simple, but kinda freaky. You step into this large room and put on some fun sunglasses. Then, you step into this big giant Tootsie Roll and theres a whole BUNCH of UV lights all around you. Then, the doc closes the door and you feel like you are in a freaky Time Portal for a few seconds...until the really bright lights come on. Then, you stand there with your hands up...not like you are being yelled at by a cop, but as if you are feeling a warm campfire...and you stand there....and stand there....and stand there...and BEEP! Just like a turkey in an oven, you're done! :) A wonderfully simple and harmless exercise. The only downfall: I have to go in 3 times a week for it...but frankly, it's worth it if it gets rid of it.

So that's that :) I posted this not to give you my not-exciting story about my hands, but because alot of you have showed concern and wanted to hear updates on my situation. Thanks to everyone who has cared about my hands, and with a little luck, within a few months we won't ever have to mention it again :-D

Tonight is TV Broadcast class....WOOOHOO!! Tomorrow I start teaching at Reseda High School...double WOOHOO! I'll update more tomorrow!

Krystal is sick :(

Poor Krystal :( She is sick with food poisioning. She's been to the bathroom to throw up about 6 times. Hopefully she'll get better soon! Cross your fingers....

Updates

Hello Again :)

Hopefully people are starting to catch on that I am sending out blogs again after my long absence over winter break. Make sure to tell all your friends that Kyle is back on the web so they can all come rushing over to the computer to check out what is new.

My job search is going alright. I've applied at a lot of places on-line and in person, but I haven't come across any positives yet...although I do have an interview or two that is pending. Hopefully Universal will pleasantly surprise me with some work next week, so I can fill these mornings with something that I get money for!

The other two classes I had this week at Columbia were "Intro to Visual FX" and "Cinematography 1". The Visual FX class is cool - we get to look at alot of neat films and talk about some cool concepts. The teacher is actually an Emmy-winner, which is also pretty neat. The Cinematography class is alright...the teacher is alot of fun, but sadly, it was not the same teacher that everyone was expecting (and had hoped for). We were supposed to have Charlie Rose as our instructor, but due to conflicts with his schedule, we ended up with someone else. It'll still be a neat class, but not QUITE as neat without Charlie.

Other than that, not TOO much is going on. It seems that our kitchen sink backed up and clogged up the other day. I called the "Apartment Fix It Man" to come fix it, and he did within about 10 minutes! Whoohoo! :)

Stay tuned for more updates in the near future.

PS: I thought I'd upload a fun picture. This was my meal from the hotel I stayed in on Christmas Eve. Not bad for $12, eh?

Awesome Night :-)

So tonight was a great night. Only one small downside to the evening...it seems that the job that said "you're hired" to me seems to be hiding some details. I have my doubts that it will work out now, unfortunatley. This just means I have to pump up the other jobs and move forward with them.

But ANYWAYS! The part that made this night so great was my TV Production class. It is AMAZING!!! I knew there was good reason to look forward to this class....it's because this will be a very hard class to beat.

First, and foremost, our instructor is a dynamic teacher. He welcomes us to make mistakes and he wants us to learn with as much hands on time as physically possible...which is great!

The outline for the class is spectacular. Each week we are filming a different sort of TV show....talk show, game show, cooking show, etc etc....until the end of class...which is VERY cool.

The students in the class (there are a whopping 10 people in the class) are awesome and extremley down to earth. This is a major plus...especially considering my really sucky classmates last quarter. There's a few students in the class that I am already getting along with quite well that I have found I have alot in common with, which is exciting.

Tonight we were recording a TV Talk Show. For the first run (we did about 7-8 runs), I was the director. As the director, it is my job to call the shots (literally), tell the graphics people what to do, instruct camera operators, cue hosts, etc...etc...etc.... After the talk show (which ran about 10 minutes) was complete, we all huddled up to hear feedback from the instructor. He said...

"You didn't do good. You did GREAT. I have NEVER seen it run so smoothly on a first try and I have NEVER seen such clear and articulate directing on the first run."

He could not stop praising us, and the feeling was sensational.

After a few runs, it was my turn to be the host of the talk show. It was decided I was going to be Donald Trump and the guest was going to be Trump's son. The show went extremley well, and we had the entire crew (and instructor) laughing the entire time. They let the show go an extra 10 minutes just to see what else we would improv on the spot. It was great. I even through some tricky challenges at the camera guys by standing up super fast without warning, and the operators caught every moment on tape without a hitch.

I realize that alot of this seems like a forgein language...and the fact that I am uber excited about a class is confusing...AND the fact that I really enjoyed directing and hosting a show seems odd...but trust me, it was definatley a great time and a class that I am REALLY looking forward to attending next week. :)

The Blog is Back

For those of you that were worried that I had fallen off the face of the Earth, I apologize. As many of you already know, I have a weird (and totally bizarre) pet peeve of only updating my Hollywood blog when I am actually IN Hollywood. But enough about my silly little things...

This trip back home was something truly special. I appreciated the time back home and enjoyed seeing all of my family and friends again for the holiday season. A special thanks to those people who really made my visit back home extra special. I truly appreciate it.

On this most recent trip home, some of my friends caught me a few times when I referred to my apartment in California as “home”. Whenever it was brought to my attention, I froze up in shock and didn’t know how to react. It was easier to say than to actually think that California is my new home. However, while I may live their the majority of the time now, I will still always see South Milwaukee as my first (and best) home. I proudly advertise to people in California that I am from the area and I truly enjoy being able to say that I am proud to be from a state that produces snow. (Even if nobody in California knows what snow is.)

Visiting back home in both November and December was a lot like giving myself a new, fresh breath of oxygen. It is so incredible to be able to be around friends that KNOW me and see people that I have made close friendships with over the years.

Without question, living in California is the most difficult thing I have ever done. One of my biggest struggles out here is one I continue to fight with myself. All alone. There are many times when I am lonely and I wish more than anything that I could be back home with my friends from Wisconsin. I know that friends in California will come over time, but unfortunately that doesn't make the present day any easier. I know that within due time, it WILL happen, but its just rough at times. One of the reasons my start out here was so challenging was because literally overnight I was away from my family and friends, starting off on my own in a state that I knew nothing about(with the help of my awesome roommate, Krystal).

I am extremely fortunate to have found a ton of great things in the short time I’ve been in California. I am grateful to have an amazing job at Universal Studios, and I look forward to starting a new job teaching in a school district out here within the next week. As some of you know, I am now searching for a 3rd job to fill some of the time that I will have open in the mornings when I’m not at college, teaching, or working at Universal. All of this is a completely new experience (I had a perk of running my own business back home, but out here, I’m not the only one producing and directing videos), but I am confident that over time, things will get easier and come more naturally.

I cannot thank those that have helped me enough. Whether you have just talked to me in person or on the phone, sent me a letter, or given me words of encouragement to know you are thinking of me....all of it really helps and is truly appreciated.

This is a challenge that is like nothing I’ve ever done, and it is a lot harder than I expected it would be. I am giving it my all to make sure that it works, but as we all know, all good things come with time. I’d like to hope that Steven Spielberg will be knocking at my door tomorrow morning, but if that doesn't work, I have a back up to get where I want to be.

Again, thank you, to everyone that has supported me and my journey out here. I miss being back in Wisconsin more than some people realize (I miss the people, not the snow....just for the record), but I know that being out here is where I need to be to get where I need to go.