I'm a tourist

I get to be a tourist for my internship. HUZZAH!
What have I done? I took a tour of the Kodak Theater, which was incredible. The Academy Awards are held there.
Saw Cars 2 at El Capitan. El Capitan is an old movie palace that Disney bought, restored and plays their movies at. The music before the curtain opens (yes, the curtain opens dramatically to reveal the screen), the same instruments used to play the song for the It's A Small World ride play Disney music. I couldn't tell which song was which, because the instrumentation was really off putting. It was a weird deja vu. The theater is really cool with the old architecture. The movie...well...don't see it. It's cute. It's not the well developed Pixar story that we've come to love.
I went to the Universal Studios theme park to go on a tour of the actual studio lot. Little did I know, there was a real tour. We'll see if I go do that this week. I need to get down to business to get some work done for my internship.
I went back to the Kodak to see Cirque du Soleil's Iris (pronounced eeris). That was really awesome to see.  If you can't get to see Iris, go see a traveling Cirque du Soleil show. It's a sophisticated circus. They had trapeze artists to contortionists to big trampolines to beautiful sets and involved the audience. Also, it's in the Kodak. I saw a show in the Kodak. Let's hope the next one I go to there is the Academy Awards. That might be in like thirty years, but who cares.
Today, we're going to the beach. I haven't been there in a while, so this'll be fun!

TTFN

I'm a nerd

Why am I a nerd? For starters, last week I dressed up for the midnight show of Harry Potter (HP7p2). Rebecca and I went to a movie theater with a screen bigger than IMAX. We sat on the balcony so we didn't have to crane our necks up to watch all the goodness of the world. Also, Katy, Rebecca and I watched the last two and a half seasons of LOST, because Katy hadn't seen it yet. We finished last night. I teared up a bunch. Furthermore, I took a trip around the hill to Hollywood to go see HP7p2 at Grauman's Chinese Theater. It's a famous theater (Click here for info about it). I doubly geeked out, because it's The Chinese Theater and I saw HP7p2 in it.
Adding to the theme of my inner nerd, last weekend my family and I went to Disneyland and California Adventures. Dad was here on a business trip and Mom and Kal came with. I actually rode roller coasters. Yay! (The last time I was at Disneyland, I was five and roller coasters freaked me out. Disney World cured that a little when I was there in 9th grade) Pretty much I geeked out, because we were in a Disney park and it's Disney. I'm a Disney fan and turned into a little kid when I saw classic Disney characters walking around.
Now for the serious matter at hand. Just keep in the back of your head, that I'm okay. I was in a slow speed car accident and the car flipped onto the roof. I got out by myself and only had small cuts that are all healed now. My family had just flown into town, so Mom and Kal picked me up at the hospital. I went, because I wanted to make sure I was fully okay. It's a miracle that I'm okay. That was the same day I saw the midnight show of Harry Potter (there's my inner nerd).
What about my internship? I'm working with my professor on his documentary and on publicity for the LA program. I get to design a website and a brochure. Sweet!
Anyways, that's my life up to this moment. Sorry about not updating in...wow is that two weeks? My bad.

TTFN

Driving, Class, First Day

Tuesday July 5
I drove to get home before class. It took a while, but not as long as driving down to San Diego. Everyone said bye to me as I walked out the door. I really do miss it there.
Classes were good. Geoff LaTulippe who wrote Going the Distance talked to us about the industry from the standpoint of a writer. I needed to hear that, because I want to be a screenwriter. It's a hard industry to break into, but I'm hoping to at sometime soon.

Wednesday July 6
First day at Perfect Weekend! I read a screenplay that last week's guest speaker in one of my classes co-produced with them. I loved it! Then, my boss gave me the dvd to watch. I think it did the script justice.
They have a cook there, so he makes lunch. I don't have to bring lunch. At all. I had pasta with a shrimp marinara sauce. Yum! After lunch, I moved supplies from one bookshelf to another and cleaned the first bookshelf. I was told I could leave early.
Traffic was crazy getting back. Didn't take me as long to go home as to go to work, but it still was a looooong time.
Katy, Rebecca and I went to Bob's Big Boy for dinner. It's one of those famous places where everyone has to eat, because it's old and famous people frequent there.

TTFN

July 4th!

Happy Birthday, America! I love living here and being a citizen. We're a superpower and we have crazy awesome freedoms.
Aunt LaDan, Uncle Chris, their boys and their friend Laurie came by today. The boys were adorable as always. They swam in the pool and ran around the house.
I think I ate too much today. Actually, I did eat too much today. It's the nature of a holiday, especially a holiday where there's a cookout.
A bunch of us played this game called Dominion. It's this card game where the object of the game is to get as many land points as possible. I'm a fan. We played that pretty much the whole afternoon. Afterwards, we had dinner. Again, sooo goooood.
After, we watched the fireworks over the bay. The house has a pretty sweet view from the back deck. I think the show lasted for half an hour. There were five stations with the same fireworks that were synchronized with each other and with music. We had a pretty good view of three of those stations. That show was fantastic!
A bunch of us made s'mores after. I didn't, because I didn't feel great. Too much food does that. I had a bite of one, though! It tasted delicious.
We all hung out before bed.

San Diego (7/3/11)

I love it here. It's beautiful weather and I'm with family.
Today, I went to church with the fam. So good!
After church, we went to lunch with my aunt and uncle's friend at the marina. We then got a tour of his boat he's selling. By boat, I mean a 55 foot boat that can be sailed all over the world. Its not a yacht, but it's close.
We came back and shopped for dinner and tomorrow. I got stuff to make my mom's really good couscous salad.
My aunt, uncle and cousin's best friends came into town today, but they're pretty much family. One of them lives in the area, so he's been hanging out with my fam all summer. We all cooked dinner and had a great time. Us girls watched Charlie's Angels. It's okay. It is July 4th.

TTFN

Warner Brothers and a drive (7/2/11)

We went to warner Brothers!!! I had several geek out moments. We went to the museum, which is comprised of costumes, set pieces, props and models. I shall list the movies and what I saw in the museum.
Inception: snowsuit, the pinwheel and last will that were in the safe, model of the stronghold in the Alps in the snow dream.
Dark Knight: Batmsn suit, Joker outfit, masks, Joker nurse's outfit
Where The Wild Things Are: Monster costumes
Casablanca: the Oscar statue for Best Picture (that was a big geek out moment)
Harry Potter. Harry Potter took up the second floor. What I remember seeing: Hagrid costume, Fred/George costumes, Fred/Grorge candies, giant spider, bedroom under the closet, broom, Sorting Hat, giant egg from the Triwizsrd Tournament, Privet Drive sign, and a whole lot more. Honestly, there was so much I cannot remember anything.
We then went out into the Back Lot. Back Lot - where exteriors are shot on the lot. There are some practical buildings that can be shot on the inside, too.
Next stop: cars. I saw the flying Ford Angelina (car) from HP3, The Tumbler from Dark Knight, the Batmobile, the Mystery Machine and other cool cars.
Then we went into the prop/lighting department. There's some fantabulous pieces in there like some standing chandeliers that Peter the Great comissioned and there are 4-6 left and they have 2.
Last, we went into a sound stage. It's set up for Pretty Little Liars. I walked through the high school entry, cafeteria/English room and courtyard.
After all of that, I drove 3.5 hours to San Diego through traffic. It was supposed to be 2.5, but it's California so estimated times are never really true all the time. I finally got there! I'm staying at my aunt and uncle's, which is in Point Loma. (Aunt Tracy wants me to say she's one of my three favorite aunts). I love it here! They had food ready and I got to see my family. You have no idea how nice that is.
Anyways, today isn't over and I shall update lat.

TTFN

Dos

Woke up at 9am, because David (the other person working on the documentary) called to check in with me. Five and a half hours of sleep makes me somewhat functional. 

Molly and I got In-N-Out for lunch. I feel like I've gone there too much. 

Talked to Tom about the documentary and then chilled by the pool. 

We had leftovers for dinner. Leftover fajitas! They were just as delicious as yesterday.

Man this post is short, I'm sorry world!

Now we get to the part of the post where the title is explained. You see, I called the production company that the guest speaker on Tuesday worked with on one of his feature films. I sent them when I'd be available to work and my resume. I'm not sure if they wanted my resume, but I emailed it anyways so they'd have it on file. I get an email back asking if I can work on Wednesday. BAM! I have two internships now. I'm working at Perfect Weekend, which is a few blocks away from Venice Beach. I'll have a long drive, but I'm pretty much used to traffic thanks to living right outside DC and metro train construction.

I went with my roommates to the hot tub and now I'm working on laundry. 

I feel like my day has been quite a successful one. 

TTFN

Long Day

I met with Tom (professor/boss) to get my workload for the day. I took the notes I wrote down about the documentary on Monday and transferred them to the script. I never realized how long it would take to copy and paste things. Granted, the notes were five pages single spaced. Fun idea to put in the back of your noggin: when typing for a long time and you can't hold a phone to talk to someone, use bluetooth. It saves you the hassle of trying to keep your shoulder to your ear as you type, which is never fun. Tom bought lunch for me, which was nice.
I made chicken fajitas for dinner! I called my parents to ask how to cook chicken in the oven, which isn't hard. How was the chicken? Deliciously juicy. That was the first time around, too.
Molly, Katy and I went to the hot tub after dinner to digest our food. We went to the south clubhouse and there were all these child actors who crowded the hot tub, so we walked to the north clubhouse. It was busy, but not packed. We met some cool people from Temple University in Pittsburg. They're here on their version of our LA trip.
Molly and I chilled with some of the JMU guys and we all hung out talking about pretty much everything. I fell into my bed at 3:18am. I remember thinking that my parents have probably just gotten up to start their day at that moment, since it's 6:18am their time. So weird.

TTFN

Bugs and Two Degrees

I had to take my car to Enterprise this morning, because the stereo was screwed up after it was jumped. A code was needed to be entered to turn on the radio and that code was not in the glove box. I dropped by Enterprise thinking they'd give me the code. Instead, they took my car and gave me a black VW Bug. I guess it was easier. The Bug is twitchy, but I'll get used to it. It's a pretty sweet car.
Free lunch! My professor's wife fed us so she can get us together to talk about our internships. Free food!
Classes went well. We had a guest speaker in one of them. There is now two degrees of separation between me and Steven Spielberg. The guest speaker worked for DreamWorks and is on first name basis with Spielberg. I'm jealous. I asked him to help me get another internship, so we'll see what happens there.
Family dinner! It was comprised of steak, loaded baked potatoes and Caesar salad. It's a triumvirate of comfort food.
Worked on my script a little before I went to sleep.

TTFN

Employed

Katy and I didn't have anything to do today, so we went to the Glendale Galleria. It's a lot better than the Burbank Town Center, I think. The mall is a lot like my mall back home, but more spacious. I bought a pretty sweet Gryffindor sweater for the midnight show. That with my tie will be quite epic. Speaking of Harry Potter, I BOUGHT MY TICKET! I'm geeking out about it.
My car died. No worries, we called AAA and got it jumped. I think I accidentally left the lights on Friday night after driving back. Why does this sound like something I would do?
I have an internship, thus I'm employed. My professor is working on a documentary on Graham Greene (dead famous british writer) and I'm helping log every audio and video clip used in the video. I'm just glad I have an internship. He said I can still keep looking for another. I will until I find one, or it's this time next week and I can't find one.
I worked on homework that's due tomorrow. It was fun. I like homework for major classes, because it's stuff I love.
My roommates and I are headed to the hot tub. Might not be the best idea with a slight sunburn on my shoulders, but I do believe I shall survive.

TTFN

Vacation?

I left the apartment early with my roommates to go to brunch at Hotel Casa Del Mar. We sat with my professor, his wife and their daughters. I had fancy pancakes. The hotel is gorgeous! If I don't get an internship, I am making my way through traffic there so I can write. It is right on the water, I can buy the cheapest item for lunch and sit in a room with beautiful architecture.
My roommates, a group of guys from the trip and I walked around the Santa Monica Pier. It's alright. It's more of a tourist destination. The guys left and we hung out on the beach. I did not attempt to swim, because the water is very cold and my formative years for swimming were spent in warm pools in Houston and Phoenix. Guess who got burned! I put on sunscreen, too. Good thing I tan no matter what.
We decided to go to Venice Beach. It's not as awesome as we thought. The boardwalk was packed and parking took forever, because it was the middle of the day. There will be a day during the trip that I see a sunset on the beach. This will happen!
Tomorrow equates to internship hunting and homework.

TTFN

Merry Christmas

I listened to Christmas music today. It's in exactly 6 months, so why not? Last year, I had a Coke in a Christmas can, because it was there at my internship.
Today was a pretty chill day. I stayed at the apartment and started working on my super hero script. I'm starting with the ending, because I know that the best. I called a few of the many people I need to talk to, which was great! I also got my travel plans worked out with my aunt who lives in San Diego. I'll be there in a week!
Helped work on a short film. It's about a real life Pokemon battle with cards. So much fun!
I went out with my roommates just to get out of the apartment. We were going to see Bad Teacher, but a $16 ticket price was too much. They don't cost that much in DC! We ended up walking around Sunset Blvd near the CNN building and they got dinner.
Tomorrow is a beach day in Santa Monica and we're leaving early.

TTFN

We we we so excited

Today was pretty great. I drove Katy and Rebecca to Enterprise to get their cars. Sure they pick you up, but it was faster if I drove. We grabbed In-N-Out after. That was definitely needed. 

Talked to O'Connor about switching from the internship class to the independent study class. It's going to happen. However, if I get an internship it can be my independent study. I'm still going with writing as my independent study, because it gives me a deadline. Deadlines are fantastic like that. I have friends on the trip with me who will vouch for me when they have to turn down internships, because they have one already. I'm the last one to get an internship. It's frustrating, but no matter what happens I'm here. I'm in the City of Angels. I can go visit studios, I can go to the beach, I can drive. The last one is funny, because two years ago I was freaked out by driving (just ask my parents). People want to be here and I am here. 

I started researching genetic engineering regarding super humans. Just checking to see if it's possible. Yes, I'm writing a superhero story, but it's not like every other one out there. It's a bare bones outline, which is awesome. Yes, I am aware that I haven't given any part of the story away. If you want to know, just ask!

I went out with a bunch of the other students on the trip with me. We went to this Irish pub, which was pretty awesome. I was the designated driver, in case you were wondering. After the Irish pub, we all wanted to go to a karaoke bar. Here's the thing...they card. I don't have a fake ID and I'm 20 and they don't let people 20 and younger in. That is going to put a cramp in my style this summer. I'll make do. Thankfully, I had a friend to walk back to the car with. Buddy system!

Now it's 1:09AM PST and I am in need of some sleep.

TTFN

Past couple days

Two days. Let's do this!

Yesterday (Wednesday)

Busy, busy, busy day. Drove around LA to help friends get to interviews for potential internships. They said their interviews went well, which is great!I chilled in Hollywood for a little bit waiting for one the interviews. It's a tourist trap. Never drive there (more explained in a minute). We saw Marilyn Monroe and Jay Leno's stars, which was pretty neat. I actually like driving around LA. It's fun! I'm learning where to drive and what to avoid.

Went to the pool with my roommates. Didn't exactly swim, but I did work on my tan. I think I'm darker...

Today

Left my apartment the earliest I have during this trip, which was 9:15. Drove my friend Rebecca to her interview, which went well. I drove through Hollywood, again. If you are ever here, never drive in Hollywood near the theaters. Why? Tourists can be kind of oblivious. There was this one guy who stood in the middle of the crosswalk and took a picture of the road. I could've hit him. Han Solo guided me around a different way on the way back to my apartment. Han Solo is my GPS...well actually it's voice. I bought the voice when I got the GPS. It helps me not stress when I'm lost and I wish Harrison Ford was an adopted uncle. 

Called a couple companies today and sent out my info. Nothing yet. 

My roommates and I went to the grocery store to get stuff for dinner, which I helped make. I made this broccoli salad my mom makes that's really awesome, Molly made chicken and Katy made mac n'cheese. We ate a homemade meal at the table! It was delectable. After, we chilled in the hot tub to let the food digest. It was a fantastic bonding experience. 

Off to bed before a day of internship finding. 

TTFN

The Big FC

I talked with one of the professors today about my cover letter. It seems that it works at the moment. To make it better, I just need to flip around paragraphs. Sweet!
Classes went well. The first one with O'Connor was good. It felt long, because the class is two and a half hours. I had an hour between classes, so I brought my swimsuit and chilled in/by the pool. It was fantabulous. The water was cold, but it was a nice transition from being in the hot sun.
The second class was pretty sweet. A producer at E! News is our professor and he's from Falls Church and graduated from George Mason High. Yes, that is where I grew up and went to high school. SWEET! We learned a little about the entertainment news business, which seems like a blast.
Pad Thai for dinner! It'll be here soon. Back to internship shopping.

TTFN

Beverly Hills. That's where I want to be.

Beverly Hills. Rolling like a celebrity. If that were to happen, I'd drive an Aston Martin to my sweet house in the Beverly Hills neighborhood. The houses there are gorgeous! I bought a pair of nice pants for an interview a block off of Rodeo...if any occur. I still have nice pants, no matter what. They're white jeans that look professional. Sweet! Rebecca, Katy and I chilled on Rodeo before Katy's interview at Village Roadshow (Matrix, I Am Legend, the multiple Hangovers).

I have class tomorrow. Wait, I'm here for class? I'm not in the school mode. What is this learning they speak of? It still feels like I'm on vacation. Ha.

Still looking for an internship. Sent out about 5 applications today. I'll get one sometime and if I don't that's okay. I'll be able to take an independent project class and that means a bunch of writing! It's a win-win, but I'm still going for the internship.

TTFN

Sunday

The Oakwoods has a brunch every Sunday at 11am. I had a pizza bagel. This isn't the normal split-a-bagel-open-and-put-pizza-toppings-on-it bagel. The bagel acts like the crust of a pizza. That toasted with cream cheese is delicious!

I went to Reality - LA for church and I liked it. I met up with a friend of the family, which was great! Thanks Aunt Tracy for helping me out!

Shopping occurred after. Katy, Rebecca and I drove to the Burbank Town Center. It's an indoor/outdoor mall. We tried to find interview things for Katy and me. 

My apartment and the program director and his wife went to Will Greer's Theatricum Botanicum. What is this you may ask? It's an outdoor theater with gardens around it and classical plays. We saw Moliere's Tartuffe and I found it quite enjoyable. It's about this family who has to deal with a guy named Tartuffe (why his mother named him that is beyond me) who dupes the father into giving him the estate by being fakely pious. People try to reason with them with how good people actually act, but to no avail. In the end Tartuffe is exposed for who he truly is and all is well. It ends in the promise of a marriage, so it must be a comedy.

The drive to the Theatricum Botanicum was gorgeous! It's in Topanga Canyon (yes, I thought of Boy Meets World). The view is gorgeous during the day and at night. Daytime shows the progression of the hills and nighttime shows the city lights. Love it!

Hopped off the plane at LAX

Busy past couple of days.

Wednesday:
Dropped Kallen off for her last two exams. Then Mom and I went to get my license renewed, which didnt take long. We had enough time for me to get a few pairs of nice flats and sandals to stick in my backpack. I had an hour of down time between lunch and going to the airport. Rather wonderful! When I went through security at Dulles, the same guy who checked my ticket on Tuesday checked my ticket. He remembered me. Probably because I washed the same clothes from the day before to wear and my license looked expired. Could've been an awkward moment. I didn't have to deal with bags, because they arrived on Tuesday. The flight over here wasn't bad. I read the first two book of The Hunger Games. They're awesome! I highly recommend them. Can't wait to see how they're transformed into movies. Dad picked me up and he took me to this place for dinner called Primitivo. We had some hot tapas dishes that were really good. When we arrived at the hotel, I was about to fall over, because I was so tired. Slept well, though.

Thursday:
I checked into my apartment first thing so I could drop off my bags. Only 2 bags. We drove from Burbank to Beverly Hills so Dad could check into the Beverly Hills Hilton. We walked around Rodeo Drive. It's pretty swanky around there. Got lunch at a nice cafe. Truffled fries are really good. I saw a Bugatti Veyron in person! Checked that off my bucket list. Dad and I walked through the neighborhood nearby and found this house that could fit into Middle Earth. Really![picture coming soon] We walked back to his hotel. Then, we drove back to the Oakwoods and took the senic route through the hills. If these were in the Shenandoah, they'd be considered mountains. The houses there are gorgeous! When we got to my apartment, Rebecca was already there. She's my roommate and she's really cool! We ordered pizza and watched some TV. Went to sleep early, because Of jet lag and time zones mixing in my head.

Friday:
Woke up at 7:30, which is decent, and got dressed. Went to a meeting with my group where a bunch of people were. It was a short orientation meeting. After, I got my car with one of the guys. We met this lady from Milan, Italy. She wants to improve her English, which is good already. I got a 2010 Honda Civic and it drives really well. I miss my Jeep back home, but this works just as well. I saw an In N Out in the way back to the apartment. For you East Coadt types, In N Out is to the west as Five Guys is to the east. Except, it isn't greasy and the bun is toasted well. If you've been to Elevation Burger in Falls Church, it's sort of like that, but still different. We went to the grocery store and got cupcake ingredients to make for our other roommates, Molly and Katie. They turned out well. The program director and his wife hosted a cookout at a clubhouse and we had a short orientation meeting with the head of security and we discussed what to do as a group. After, some of us watched LA Condidential. It's really good! It's in the top 100 movies. Got back to the room and chilled with the girls before heading to bed.

I must start getting ready for my day. You'll hear about it later!

TTFN

Groundhog Day

Right now, the plane is thousands of feet in the air and is about an hour and a half into the five hour and twenty minute trip to LA. How do I have an internet connection? You see, I have this obstacle in my way. I was in security and the guy checking my ticket wanted to see my driver's license. He said that my license has been expired since my birthday about a month and a half ago. I never got a letter in the mail saying it had to be renewed, so I had no idea. Called my mom and she said that I can't rent a car with an expired license. I cancelled and rescheduled my ticket, Mom and Kallen picked me up and now I'm digesting pizza in my family room. That is why I have an internet connection.

I hope I'm not going into a Groundhog Day type of thing. It wouldn't be Groundhog Day, but Flag Day, since it's Flag Day. (Happy Flag Day everyone!)

Tonight, Kallen and I are baking and watching Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1. It's not Los Angeles, but that's okay. Just chilling with my s

I give myself 5 out of 5 on a successful dry run.

Two Days Left!

I leave on Tuesday for LA. I'm really excited about this! It's going to be a lot of fun going out there and being in the middle of the industry. I'm still getting things together and packing it all. I'm running laundry as I type so I can have options for what to pack. It will likely be most of my wardrobe, but that's okay!

Do I have an internship? Not yet, but I am talking to someone on Wednesday morning and I have contacts out there I'm also talking to, to help me out. I'll find one soon!

Hey go see Super 8! It's the new J.J. Abrams movie that came out this weekend. The story was fantastic, the filming was wonderful and the acting was great. Special effects were pretty sweet, too. Really, go see it!

Anyways, need to get back to packing. Next time you'll hear from me, I'll be in California!

[insert exclamation of joy here]

TTFN (Ta Ta For Now)

Almost There

Hi everyone! If you don't know me, my name is Hillary. Welcome to my blog Lights and Cameras and Film, Oh My! where I shall post updates on what's going on during my summer semester in Los Angeles. I go to JMU (the same JMU that beat VTech in football last fall) and was accepted into a study program in Los Angeles. I will be taking 2 class and am in the process of applying for an internship. If you know someone or know someone who knows someone at some film production company, let me know!
I will definitely hit the high tourist spots (can somebody say Disneyland? Hollywood?), try to catch some shows (So You Think You Can Dance?, Ellen, The Price is Right), and possibly make it to some premiers (HP7p2 would be fantastic). I'll also do some adventuring around town.
And in the middle of internships and hitting the city, I'll do homework...somewhere. 
I'm excited to see what this summer brings and that you get to read up on it, too! Friends and Family, if you're ever in LA this summer let me know! 
- Hillary