Conquering Fools

I normally stay away from all the internet message boards...though this week I jumped in the mix. Some poster went to actor Tony Devon's page to bash him. I've worked with Tony, and I know randomly negativity like this would bother him. So, apparently I  broke the "message boards" rule...and wrote a friggin book, when apparently one to two sentences is the norm. But I liked telling the story....this is sort of how it went:

"Hi Emolykid,

Just wanted to reply, though at this point it looks like several good folks are WAY ahead of me. As much as you are entitled to your opinion, I'd like to throw my opinion in, which is, "HECK NO". How am I qualified to respectfully disagree? I've actually had the chance to work with Mr. Devon as an actor, writer and director. He and I worked together on a pilot. It was Tony, Matt Myers and myself. Needless to say I was intimidated, because Tony D and Matt Myers have made great careers from being terrific scene stealers. So I needed to really kick up my game to keep my head above water with these guys. I read that script every single day, and on my first scene with Tony, I needed to be ready. It would be like stepping into the ring with a prize fighter. So to get my head right, I read the script 3 more times the night before and got to set 2 hours early. I was going to really be prepared. So I get to set at 1pm (the call time was 3pm). And don't you know, Tony was ALREADY there. He had been prepping as well. That's his work ethic, do you want to start 2 hours early? Well Tony has already started THREE hours early. Needless to say, his work in the pilot was really outstanding. So, let's fast forward a few years later. I'm actually directing my first feature film. I needed a scene stealer, just a guy to come out and knock it out of the park. I put in a call to Tony on a Monday and 6 days later, we were on my set. I was on set by 5am, just prepping and scouting out extra locations, just in case. Tony puts in endless preparation and research, plus he's worked with some truly incredible directors, Scorcese, Coppola, Spike Lee etc etc, so now, as a director, I also wanted to make sure I was kicking it up a notch. My great cinematographer was in awe of Tony's catalog of work. Needless to say, his work here was excellent as well....and here's the thing, he was always up for improvising, he actually improvised an ENTIRE scene, and it was so great....we kept it, and it remains one of my favorite scenes in the movie, and after just coming off a ton of screenings, that improvised scene is also an audience favorite. I wish I could take credit for writing that, but, really it was Tony's brain storming. So, Emolykid, if you ever direct a movie, I'd recommend Mr. Devon, you will not be disappointed. That's a top notch actor. Take care, TC"

I have to say, it was sort of a rush. I may go stand up against other negative posters out there. Except the negativity for Counting Crows and Maroon 5. They bring it on themselves.

My Tuesday was strange. It started off well, I get a call with good wishes from great photographer Art Murphy, and he ends the call with "Tim, Stay Lucky".

Ironically luck went on hiatus right after that.

I had to go in for another screen test for this film from last week. I actually was going to take a pass on this screen test because my schedule has been tight these days, between LEAF + Down With The Boogey+ Project I can't talk about yet (hint: early 1980's and lots of free time), not to mention my brand new hobby of fighting meanies on internet message boards.... anyway, they called me to try and fit everything around my schedule for Tuesday. So I really couldn't say no to that. I sped to Philly to be there by 2:45.

But there's no one there.

 I call my manager/agent/person who takes 10%,  and say "what the f?" She told me to hang tight while she found out.  Turns out that it was at another studio, and someone in my managers office forgot to tell me this.  So now I'm bugged. Now I'm running around late for something they worked around me. Plus, it was someone on my pay roll who made this silly mistake. I finally get there, and all things considered, I think I did some decent work. I left the city, but not before getting nailed with a 26$ parking ticket...

Finally, I get home and hang out with my little guy. As I hold him I walk out on the outside screened in porch with him, where very randomly a squirrel is climbing the outside part of the screen. The squirrel gets to the outside part of the roof, and jumps....and splat! On to the driveway and making a horrible cracking sound. I'm thinking "I'm going to have to shovel a suicidal squirrel now?" Somehow the squirrel got up and ran away. But really it can't be in good shape, that splat sound was pretty ugly. Poor little squirrel, he's ok now, but he may need a little bit of counseling.

New Jersey! Again. These days I feel like an honorary citizen. Though I still haven't had this jersey pizza which is supposed to be the greatest thing in the history of greatest things.

After being in Avalon, NJ last weekend, I'm back in the great town of Pitman for the exclusive, first ever public screening of "DOWN WITH THE BOOGEY". Want to come on out? Please do, the more the merrier. Click here for advance tickets info....I promise a fun movie and good times. Apparently there's a pre show that's supposed to be a lot of fun. I'll be seeing it for the first time with all of you. Friday May 16th! I said Saturday last week, but I was wrong. It's Friday the 16th.

 It's nice and toasty here on the east coast. Anyone driving with the windows down? You need some fun tunes. Try these 5

1. Weezer: Pork and Beans. Finally, that "Weezer" sound is back. Perfect summer song.

2. The Editors: Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors. Yep it came out last summer. But it wasn't a huge hit, plus it'll sound good on your car stereo

3. G. Love and Special Sauce: Recipe. Play this song first thing in the morning. It'll get you going. G Love is one funky fella.

4. The Urge: Jump Right In. This is a crusty old song, but it sounds especially good while driving around in the sunshine. Plus that's Nick Hexum from 311 on the huge hook.

5. OAR: Conquering Fools. Where have they been? I haven't heard from this band in a very long time. No worries. This song from 2001 will keep your head in that right mood.

And if you don't feel like tracking these tunes down, just use VAN HALEN: 5150. The whole thing, from beginning to end, without skipping around. I'm not ashamed to say, Sammy Hagar was my favorite singer of the Halen.

Don't forget to hug a mom this weekend. It doesn't need to be your mom, it really can be any Mom. Just find one and hug one.

stay lucky,
TC