Last nite I went to my friends fundraising event in the lower east side. I LOOOVE the lower east side...wish I could live there...there is something that is just so...well, artistic about that area. Anyway, the event was at a place called Lolita, on Broome street, and I had a great time. I met some cool new people, danced, drank a little, danced some more, and are ate lots of popcorn...:)
Its great to see my friends having so much success with their film. I am really inspired by what they do...the party was so cool because they got sponsors for the event and gave out "goody bags" to everyone that attended. Got lots of "girly" stuff like perfume, makeup, magazines, etc...Suhweet!
Daphne Rubin Vega was there- which was very exciting. For those of you who don't know, Daphne was the original Mimi in "Rent".
I am going to be moving two flights up at the end of next month. Fifth floor walk up now. I am afraid that none of my friends will want to come visit me now, the stairs might scare them away, lol. But on a brighter note, I'll be closer to the roof- so maybe I'll have another rooftop party before it gets too cold! And maybe I can start another garden up there...hmm...do mice go up that high?....we shall see...
Its Friday nite people- we made it thru another week!! Bring on the party!!! :)
Jenn
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Ten Things Thursday.
Usually, when someone gives me a book to read, I get thru it pretty quickly. I'm a fast reader, always have been...its just something that I love to do and when I am really into the story, I cant put it down...but this book that we are reading is just so F***g boring!! Its like dragging my feet thru the mud!! I'm not going to name it here because I dont want to discredit the author or ruin it for others who might actually enjoy it- but in my humble opinion this book is a DRAG! Im more than half way thru the book and I keep asking myself- whats the STORY??? What is this book ABOUT??!!! Its got some pretty imagery and insightful ideas but theres no THRULINE...I'm not ROOTING for anyone yet or wondering whats going to happen next....ugh...
Anyway, all that to lead you to todays Ten Things Thursday List..Enjoy!! ;)
TEN BOOKS IN MY ARTISTS LIBRARY THAT I THINK YOU SHOULD HAVE TOO!
1) The Artists Way- by Julia Cameron. If you live in NYC and you are an artist, and you HAVENT read this book, you need to stop what you are doing and go get a copy of it. Now. I'm serious. If you have made a commitment to being an artist and you REALLY want to succeed- you need this book. You can borrow mine if you like. Just get a copy of it and start the tasks today. Its a self-help type of book that gives you tools and practices to do every day so that you are constantly making strides towards your artistic goals.
2) Effortless Mastery- by Kenny Werner. You know how sometimes when you "get your pretty on" and go to a party/event and you don't meet any hot guys? And then when you are all gross and sweaty from a gym workout and you are in a tshirt and sweats and your hair is in a bun and you are wearing your glasses, THATS when you get hit on???!! There's a reason for that...its because you are not looking or trying...you are just being yourself...and thats what this book talks about....about how when we stop TRYING to be such a great artist and make all of these grandiose plans for our careers, and just sit back and let the artist within us free to just do what it knows how to do- THATS when we succeed. This is a great book and it comes with a relaxation CD....
3) STORY- by Robert Mckee. More of a book for the writers among us...but even if you are not a writer, its a good read. It really breaks down the process of screenwriting...this is the book that helped me get my screenplay written..(and re-written, and re-written again..) It helps you to develop really strong characters, it helps you know what order to put your scenes in, its got great examples...if you are a writer you should buy this book...
4) A Dream of Passion- by Lee Strasberg. The definitive book on Method Acting... Read it my first year in college and still like to look thru it once in a while for a refresher...
5) The Oxford Shakespeare -The Complete Works....Got this as a birthday present last year...comes in very handy...its big and heavy..so you cant really lug it around the city...but its a great edition with info and tips...
6)The Actors Encyclopedia of Casting Directors: Karen Kondazian. Great resource book. We should all know who does the casting for our favorite shows, and be keeping them up to date about our projects. Also, when you get called in for an audition for a casting director that you dont know yet, you can go to this book and read up on them, what they've done, etc. You will be more informed and prepared when you go into the audition. :)
7) The Screenwriters Legal Guide- by Stephen Breimer. Another birthday present. ..."whats a treatment", "whats an option agreeement", "should I sign a release form", "whats a non-disclosure agreement?"...answers to these questions and more in this book...
8) The Art of Dramatic Writing- by Lajos Egri- BASIC!! If you are a writer...you probably already know this book...
9) True and False- by David Mamet....Another point of view on acting and technique. It contradicts a lot of other techniques like Meisner and the Method....but offers some interesting ideas that are worth exploring as an actor...
10) Seven Keys to Success Without Struggle- by Penelope Brackett.
Written by my coach- who I've worked with for five years now. GREAT BOOK. Here's a teaser for you:
The seven keys are:
1) Declare your goal
2) Make a plan 3) Get a life
4) Provide Excellent Service
5) Seek Support
6) Build Relatiosnhips
7) Maintain Consistency.
Thats all folks!! Have a great day!! :)
jennica
Anyway, all that to lead you to todays Ten Things Thursday List..Enjoy!! ;)
TEN BOOKS IN MY ARTISTS LIBRARY THAT I THINK YOU SHOULD HAVE TOO!
1) The Artists Way- by Julia Cameron. If you live in NYC and you are an artist, and you HAVENT read this book, you need to stop what you are doing and go get a copy of it. Now. I'm serious. If you have made a commitment to being an artist and you REALLY want to succeed- you need this book. You can borrow mine if you like. Just get a copy of it and start the tasks today. Its a self-help type of book that gives you tools and practices to do every day so that you are constantly making strides towards your artistic goals.
2) Effortless Mastery- by Kenny Werner. You know how sometimes when you "get your pretty on" and go to a party/event and you don't meet any hot guys? And then when you are all gross and sweaty from a gym workout and you are in a tshirt and sweats and your hair is in a bun and you are wearing your glasses, THATS when you get hit on???!! There's a reason for that...its because you are not looking or trying...you are just being yourself...and thats what this book talks about....about how when we stop TRYING to be such a great artist and make all of these grandiose plans for our careers, and just sit back and let the artist within us free to just do what it knows how to do- THATS when we succeed. This is a great book and it comes with a relaxation CD....
3) STORY- by Robert Mckee. More of a book for the writers among us...but even if you are not a writer, its a good read. It really breaks down the process of screenwriting...this is the book that helped me get my screenplay written..(and re-written, and re-written again..) It helps you to develop really strong characters, it helps you know what order to put your scenes in, its got great examples...if you are a writer you should buy this book...
4) A Dream of Passion- by Lee Strasberg. The definitive book on Method Acting... Read it my first year in college and still like to look thru it once in a while for a refresher...
5) The Oxford Shakespeare -The Complete Works....Got this as a birthday present last year...comes in very handy...its big and heavy..so you cant really lug it around the city...but its a great edition with info and tips...
6)The Actors Encyclopedia of Casting Directors: Karen Kondazian. Great resource book. We should all know who does the casting for our favorite shows, and be keeping them up to date about our projects. Also, when you get called in for an audition for a casting director that you dont know yet, you can go to this book and read up on them, what they've done, etc. You will be more informed and prepared when you go into the audition. :)
7) The Screenwriters Legal Guide- by Stephen Breimer. Another birthday present. ..."whats a treatment", "whats an option agreeement", "should I sign a release form", "whats a non-disclosure agreement?"...answers to these questions and more in this book...
8) The Art of Dramatic Writing- by Lajos Egri- BASIC!! If you are a writer...you probably already know this book...
9) True and False- by David Mamet....Another point of view on acting and technique. It contradicts a lot of other techniques like Meisner and the Method....but offers some interesting ideas that are worth exploring as an actor...
10) Seven Keys to Success Without Struggle- by Penelope Brackett.
Written by my coach- who I've worked with for five years now. GREAT BOOK. Here's a teaser for you:
The seven keys are:
1) Declare your goal
2) Make a plan 3) Get a life
4) Provide Excellent Service
5) Seek Support
6) Build Relatiosnhips
7) Maintain Consistency.
Thats all folks!! Have a great day!! :)
jennica
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Patience is a virtue...we were up for four hours last nite and then another two today working on the trailer...my sister came over to see our work and I feel like I am back at square one. She's the first one to have seen it and she had ALOT of input. We have a lot of changes to make if its going to accomplish what I want it to accomplish, namely to get people hooked on my film so that they can help me get it produced. We are still close to the end, but we are not there yet...almost...I am in awe about how much time, energy, and effort it takes just to complete one three minute trailer...
On a liter note, I gave in to the peer presssure of all my female friends who were raving about Steve Harveys Book on dating. I bought the book and read it, and I thought it was OK. The truth is that most of it was stuff that I already knew. And I actually think that the book has more to offer to MEN than to women. I already know that men should always pick up the check, open doors, show up on time, call when they says they are going to, etc.....its the men that dont know that... And they wonder why you lose interest in them,lol... Anyway, if you are looking for a lite and fun read its worth stopping by your local Barnes and Noble and picking it up. It was really funny and a nice break from the work routine.
This week I am going to a fundraising event that my good friends are having for their film. Tiff is my really good friend who was my first roomate in NYC- we've been friends forever and now she is married and has the cutest little boy! She and her husband have their own film production company. They are really supportive of me and my projects, and I love to support them as well.
Tomorrow I go to see my agent, and I have another editing session scheduled for Friday.
More tomorrow!! Sweet dreams!! :)
Jenn
On a liter note, I gave in to the peer presssure of all my female friends who were raving about Steve Harveys Book on dating. I bought the book and read it, and I thought it was OK. The truth is that most of it was stuff that I already knew. And I actually think that the book has more to offer to MEN than to women. I already know that men should always pick up the check, open doors, show up on time, call when they says they are going to, etc.....its the men that dont know that... And they wonder why you lose interest in them,lol... Anyway, if you are looking for a lite and fun read its worth stopping by your local Barnes and Noble and picking it up. It was really funny and a nice break from the work routine.
This week I am going to a fundraising event that my good friends are having for their film. Tiff is my really good friend who was my first roomate in NYC- we've been friends forever and now she is married and has the cutest little boy! She and her husband have their own film production company. They are really supportive of me and my projects, and I love to support them as well.
Tomorrow I go to see my agent, and I have another editing session scheduled for Friday.
More tomorrow!! Sweet dreams!! :)
Jenn
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday
Today I am working a lunch shift, and then tonite I have an editing session with Dunstan for my trailer. I am so happy to be back on board with this again. We had to take a three week "break" because of a technical difficulty..what a pain...anyway, tonite we are back on schedule and hoping to wrap this baby up and get it out to people in the next week or two. Yeah!
I am loving my new work schedule and co-workers. A lot of the them are actors too and I cant wait to go see them in their shows. Being on my feet and constantly in motion keeps me in the present, in the here and now. Often times when I was at a desk, with no heavy workload, my mind would wander and I would fall into "daydreaming" mode. As the expression goes, idleness is the devils breeding ground- when I sit still then it allows room negative thoughts to enter my mind...but when I am constantly in motion- there is no time ro room for that. I am constantly engaged and doing something.
One thing that made me laugh yesterday in Sunday School- the leader asked the kids what they would like him to pray for- one little girl raised her hand and said "Cake!". Then he asked another kid, and he says "Please pray for more cake!".
Im hoping you all have a great Monday, and find a moment to enjoy a piece of cake. :)
Jenn
I am loving my new work schedule and co-workers. A lot of the them are actors too and I cant wait to go see them in their shows. Being on my feet and constantly in motion keeps me in the present, in the here and now. Often times when I was at a desk, with no heavy workload, my mind would wander and I would fall into "daydreaming" mode. As the expression goes, idleness is the devils breeding ground- when I sit still then it allows room negative thoughts to enter my mind...but when I am constantly in motion- there is no time ro room for that. I am constantly engaged and doing something.
One thing that made me laugh yesterday in Sunday School- the leader asked the kids what they would like him to pray for- one little girl raised her hand and said "Cake!". Then he asked another kid, and he says "Please pray for more cake!".
Im hoping you all have a great Monday, and find a moment to enjoy a piece of cake. :)
Jenn
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Ten Things Thursday
Happy Thursday People!!! :)
Ten Plays/Shows I Really Like
1) A Raisin in the Sun
2) Anna in the Tropics
3) Uncle Vanya
4) West Side Sotry
5) Alls Well that Ends Well
6) The House of Bernarda Alba
7) Danny and the Deep Blue Sea
8) Summer and Smoke
9) A View From the Bridge
10) Once on This Island
Ten Plays/Shows I Really Like
1) A Raisin in the Sun
2) Anna in the Tropics
3) Uncle Vanya
4) West Side Sotry
5) Alls Well that Ends Well
6) The House of Bernarda Alba
7) Danny and the Deep Blue Sea
8) Summer and Smoke
9) A View From the Bridge
10) Once on This Island
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
And- We're Off!!!
Three shifts down. So far, so good. I'm loving it. I'd forgotten how much I love this type of work. Being on my feet, being constantly busy, teamwork, the social aspect...its also really great to be surrounded by actors again-like being with my "tribe". We all speak the same language. I like my co-workers a lot.
The flexibility in my schedule is also like a breath of fresh air. I am able to get so much more done!
The trailer is about one work session away from being completed. Theres been a "technical difficulty" which has placed the project on hold. I'm trying my best to be patient, but man, its a challenge. I am so eager for this to be done already so that I can start getting it out there. Hopefully by this weekend we'll be done.
Football was great on Saturday! I am really getting the hang of it now! A co-worker at Mad River was breaking it down for me on Friday nite- I asked him a TON of questions, he showed me examples, drew a map, showed me examples. And it really clicked! I also volunteer Ref'd for the game before ours, so I was able to WATCH the entire game and see what they were doing. Also, D gave us "stage directions" during the game- like getting blocking for a play or choreography for a dance piece...I also got to feel firsthand why professional football players wear helmets...someone hit my face really hard and it HURT....o well...
Shakespeare gym starts in two weeks... we're looking at Richard III...cant wait...
I'm off to run errands and do my FIVE THINGS before work tonite... I hope you all have a GREAT day and take some time to enjoy life in the middle of your hectic schedule: feel the fall breeze, have a warm cup of cider, talk to a good friend....
Jenn
The flexibility in my schedule is also like a breath of fresh air. I am able to get so much more done!
The trailer is about one work session away from being completed. Theres been a "technical difficulty" which has placed the project on hold. I'm trying my best to be patient, but man, its a challenge. I am so eager for this to be done already so that I can start getting it out there. Hopefully by this weekend we'll be done.
Football was great on Saturday! I am really getting the hang of it now! A co-worker at Mad River was breaking it down for me on Friday nite- I asked him a TON of questions, he showed me examples, drew a map, showed me examples. And it really clicked! I also volunteer Ref'd for the game before ours, so I was able to WATCH the entire game and see what they were doing. Also, D gave us "stage directions" during the game- like getting blocking for a play or choreography for a dance piece...I also got to feel firsthand why professional football players wear helmets...someone hit my face really hard and it HURT....o well...
Shakespeare gym starts in two weeks... we're looking at Richard III...cant wait...
I'm off to run errands and do my FIVE THINGS before work tonite... I hope you all have a GREAT day and take some time to enjoy life in the middle of your hectic schedule: feel the fall breeze, have a warm cup of cider, talk to a good friend....
Jenn
Friday, October 15, 2010
A Leap of Faith
So, today was my last day at the day job. Kind of sad. I really liked it here and I am sad to go. I will miss the people so much- I was so blessed to be led here and I am grateful for the way the way they welcomed me in. This was SUCH a tough decison to make. I am trusting that I made the right one.
I was so touched by everyones well-wishes and support. Although they are sorry to see me go- they know where my heart really is and what I needed to do. I am overwhelemed by all of the good wishes and appreciation and good luck that I have received today. Thank you!
I was so touched by everyones well-wishes and support. Although they are sorry to see me go- they know where my heart really is and what I needed to do. I am overwhelemed by all of the good wishes and appreciation and good luck that I have received today. Thank you!
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