Tickled Pink :)

Today was a pretty awesome day. It was a long day, but pretty awesome.

My cast, crew, and I spent the whole day from 6:30 AM til 8:30 PM working hard to make the dream of "Mouth to Mouth" a reality.

First, and foremost, I must say that our casting for this show is incredible. We have some of the best talents in the industry working with us. Guaranteed. These are rising stars that will be big names on day. I look forward to working with them on this journey as we all climb to the top together.

The shoot went really well, despite a few minor setbacks. For starters, we got rained out while filming our park scene. What luck, eh? It never rains in LA. But even with the rain, things went alright because we were ahead of schedule; which means we managed to capture just about everything we needed. After I get a chance to review tapes, we'll know if we have everything or if we need to do a re-shoot on a day when it's not planning on raining in LA.

As the day went on, I got to know our cast better, which was nice. (Two of the four I had met at auditions for a short period of time, and the other two I had just met for the first time today.) It was really great to get to know these people and to learn about their stories and reasons for being out in Hollywood.

Something that truly surprised me was the amount of overwhelming support that our cast (and crew) displayed for this project. It was so nice and refreshing to see a group of people as excited as I am about a project. I don't think I've ever quite had a situation like that until this production came along. In the past, I have worked with casts that are supportive...but this group that we have for "Mouth to Mouth" is different from all the rest. They get it. They know this is something funny that has the potential to become something great. They are in this for the long haul. And perhaps most importantly, they are not only supportive, but highly dedicated. And passionate! They are all willing to do whatever it takes to make this project happen.

It all seems so simple when I put it on writing, but these traits (support, passion, and dedication) are hard to find. Especially in Hollywood. This cast is simply the best I have ever worked with, and I look forward to more fun adventures with them all in the near future.

As we wrapped up for the evening, I received some really nice compliments from the cast and crew. It's always nice to hear good things about a production you put a lot of time and effort into. It's especially nice to hear those good things from the actors you are working with. Everybody told me that this was one of the most organized shoots they've ever been on. That meant a lot to me.

So, for now, that's a wrap. But in reality, this project is just beginning. Things are just kicking into gear, and we are now fired up and ready to go full force. I'm so excited. My first 'Hollywood production' and so far, so good. A lot has happened in a little bit of time. I can't wait to see what the near future holds.

Can't Sleep...

Our first official shoot for "Mouth to Mouth" is less than four hours away. I can't sleep. Shocking.

I actually slept a few hours more than I thought. I took some Tylenol PM to help me crash earlier, because I knew my mind would be racing. But then, I had to get up for some stupid reason, and I'm as awake as ever.

This has been one hell of a week, and I'm glad to have it behind me. I'm looking forward to starting off this week on a great note with the filming of "Mouth to Mouth".

Follow my twitter feed today for live updates throughout the day. It's bound to be a good time.

Cross your fingers and wish us luck!!

Overload!!!

Wow, these last 2 days have been a bit of a wild ride.

For starters, yesterday I received news from South Milwaukee High School that Mr. David Nelson passed away. For those that are unaware, Mr. Nelson was a science teacher at SMHS for years. He was loved by everyone, and during my time at the school, he was a major supporter of "SMHS: 007". He even had a role in the movie. It was tough to hear about his passing...especially since it came as such a surprise. He was in school the day before.

I put together a quick video with some clips and pictures I had from SMHS: 007 of Mr. Nelson. You can view it below. There will be another, more elaborate video made for his memorial service next week...so stay tuned for that.

That evening, I found out that the studio we planned on shooting at this weekend had a fire. What a surprise that was! What are the odds?! So, needless to say -- everybody started scrambling right away. I am happy to report that now, almost 24 hours since finding out, a new location has been secured. Thank god. I put too much work in this past week for us to not shoot on Sunday!

This morning I woke up to more unfortunate news. This time, it was news regarding the passing of a peer of mine from school. We actually went to the same elementary school and continued going to the same schools all through high school. She was a year ahead of me, but we sometimes had classes together and would join each other at the same table for lunch. We also did theater together. Her passing will be another hard loss for South Milwaukee to swallow. Erin Connor, you will be missed.

And as if that wasn't bad enough, the pumpkin pie that I picked up yesterday morning from the bakery already got mold on it. :-\ So much for eating my stress and sorrow away with a pie...

Sooooooo, here we are. Things are slowly getting better. The shoot is looking up now that the major crisis has been averted and we have secured a location. And closure is slowly but surely coming to those back in South Milwaukee.

I'll be updating more soon, I'm sure. For now, I leave you with a heavy heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those we lost in my hometown.

Babysitting Class

Today, I taught a Babysitting Class in Burbank. I always enjoy teaching Babysitting Classes because it's a nice break from teaching adults. Kids are way more fun.

In class today, two of the girls said they were becoming babysitters so they could save up enough money to go to a Taylor Swift concert. It was really cute. I didn't have the heart to tell them my true feelings about Taylor...

Ah well...

Coming Soon....

Hello!

I thought I'd quick share a few updates.

As some of you may know, I have been hard at work for the past few months working on Pre-Production for a new type of show. The working title is 'Mouth to Mouth' and the show is based on real life experiences I've had as a CPR instructor.

A week from today, on January 30th, I am going to be filming the pitch video for 'Mouth to Mouth'. Details and specifics are still coming forward slowly, but we have set the date and it's locked in. In just a week, we will be in a studio, and this dream will take one giant step forward in becoming a reality.

It's so exciting to think that things are moving along so well. Just a few months ago, I was struggling to finish a final draft for a script, and now, I am gearing up for what will be a 'real' shoot -- in a Hollywood studio and everything! So much has happened so quickly, it's hard to keep up.

That being said, as exciting as it is -- it's also a ton of work. I think it is safe to say I have never worked so hard on something before in my life. This project has become my life, and I have a feeling this next (and final) week before shooting will be no different. While I have a great support system, there is still a huge chunk of work that I just have to do myself...because I know that I will get it done right. I set a very high standard, and I always strive to achieve it...and while I always take help when someone offers a hand, there are some things that I just have to do in order to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. It's intense. It's hard. It's exhausting. Before I know it, it'll actually be happening.

For now, I am heading back to keep working. I have a class tomorrow that I'm teaching, and it'll be nice to get my mind off of this stuff for a bit. But then it's back to work again! Hopefully this blog makes a bit of sense...I'm a little tired, but I wanted to make sure I updated so people know what I'm up to. :)

More soon!

Golden Globes: Behind the Scenes

Tonight, The Golden Globes were held on NBC with Ricky Gervais as host. The show was a bit long, but overall, pretty enjoyable...with some deserving folks winning some of the biggest awards of the night. It's always fun to see Hollywood celebrities tipsy and accepting awards.

Some friends of mine asked me to 'spoil the secrets' behind The Golden Globes and share what goes on behind the scenes. If you are curious in learning some of the lesser known facts about the awards show, continue reading on! They aren't really 'spoilers' or anything, but rather, fun facts about what happens behind closed doors.

For starters, all of the celebrities in the room are starving when the show starts. It is literally one giant room of hungry stars. Waiters remove all the food before 5 pm regardless of whether the stars make it to their tables beforehand to eat or not. Why? The producers do not want the sounds of knives and forks clacking in the background of the show. Furthermore, we don't need to see celebs with potatoes hanging out of their mouth on camera.

Another fun fact is that the ballroom (where they hold the show) is EXTREMELY LOUD! Near the end of the show, it became easier to hear on TV. It's something the critics hit every year in their post show reviews, and often times, celebrities make mention of it, as well. The loudest crowd is the group of folks in the back of the ballroom, where guests are allowed to hang out, mingle, and drink. Security guards are asked by production to act as ushers during the show and 'shush' celebrities that are talking loudly during the broadcast, but this often has little or no impact on what people will inevitably continue doing. The sound engineer who manages to keep all the noise out of this telecast deserves an Emmy, without question.

And of course, like any good awards show, seat fillers are always standing by and ready to fill seats at a moments notice when celebrities step out of the room. BUT! Believe it or not, The Golden Globes has the lowest number of seat fillers used every year. I wonder if it has to do with the fact that celebrities can have drinks at the seats during the show??? Hmmm...

In case you are curious, here is a shot of the Red Carpet DURING this years broadcast (once everyone was inside the ballroom, obviously). Pretty big, eh?

Lastly, in case you were wondering, when Christian Bale was accepting the first award of the evening, he was censored for his colorful use of the "s word", when he said that Robert DeNiro was 'the shit'. Oops. You gotta love live TV!

It's exciting to see Awards Show Season in full force! Who's exciting for the upcoming SAG Awards?! or The Grammys?! or better yet...The Oscars!! Stay tuned for more updates :)

Seriously Funny Kids

Good News, everybody!

I got a call last night asking if I could work on an awesome new Lifetime show today :) I gladly accepted the offer, and now, I am proud to say I was a part of a new show, called "Seriously Funny Kids".

The show is a spin off of "Kids Say The Darndest Things" and is going to be very cute and funny! Be sure you all tune in on February 1st for the premiere!

Here's a preview:

People's Choice Awards 2011

Tonight, I had the unique opportunity to attend the 2011 People's Choice Awards. To make things even more exciting, my friend Sara came with.

It was really neat to be in the audience and see what goes on behind the scenes of a live awards show. Furthermore, it was an added treat to see so many celebrities under one roof!

This is a little 'behind the scenes' video of the choreography the producers taught the audience just moments before going live on the air. The video is short because I didn't want to get in trouble sneaking footage...but you'll get the idea!

Also, here is a gallery of the pictures I took during the show that you can enjoy, as well! I got some pretty cool pics! Enjoy!

Happy 2011!

Happy New Year, everybody!

WOW! It's crazy to think that another year has come and gone.

Today I took some time to look back and reflect on the amazing experiences and opportunities I've had during 2010, and without question, I've had quite a few.

Here were some 2010 Highlights:

I had the pleasure of teaching Tyra Banks CPR. She later helped me get a job working on America's Next Top Model.

I performed improv on stage with Wayne Brady.

I met Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed during a CPR class :)

I met Ryan Murphy, the Executive Producer of GLEE.

I helped South Milwaukee High School bid Mr. Bill Jackson a fond farewell. In the months since, I am happy to report Mr. Jackson found a new gig at Menominee Falls High School.

I attended the "I'm with CoCo Rally" in Universal City to help encourage NBC to let Conan continue running 'The Tonight Show'.

I served as the Video Director & Producer for the Red Cross Flash Mob at Universal Studios.

I attended the Season 2 Red Carpet Premiere of GLEE.

I watched my cousin Tabitha get married! On the beach!

I held my (2nd Annual) Summer Entertainment Camp in Milwaukee, WI -- giving high school students a chance to learn about (and actually be an active part of) the entertainment industry

I had the pleasure of working on two FANTASTIC seasons of America's Next Top Model -- working with some of the best in the business and making some great friends and connections.

After over 5 years, I finally had the chance to reunite friends who I worked with at NYFA (the Disney Orlando Filmmaking Program).

As always, I had a great time hanging with friends throughout the year (as seen here at 'Medieval Times').

And of course, who can forget "Milwaukee Girls"?! The video went viral with over 40,000 hits in just a month. Now, the video stands strong with over 70,000 hits.

Wow. That's pretty cool. :)