The Juice Is Worth The Squeeze

It has been far too long since my last blog post, and for that, I must apologize. It has been a busy time at work, and the blog had to take a backseat to the exciting things going on at TWD. I won't make anymore excuses though, I am re-devoting myself to keeping this thing fresh and exciting... So what's new you ask? Comic-Con is in town! The Cannes of comic content (and much more) is showcasing a million things this year, as usual, but one of them happens to be The Walking Dead. Kirkman is there, along with Franky D (Darabont), another producer Gale Anne Hurd, as well as bunch of the cast. It's should be a blast, and hopefully it will leave people hungry for more. The show is really starting to come together, with production in full swing, and the writers room is beginning to wind down. It's been an incredible ride, and it sucks that it has to end, but what an experience. I have spent the last couple months learning about television writing and the industry from a group of genuine geniuses, who are total characters to boot. The writers have worked so hard to make this show something great, and I think it definitely has that potential. The dailies and things I have caught a glimpse of are impressive, and there is currently a contest on the AMC website for season two, so the network feels it's promising. The writers have shown me how to create in depth characters, that extend beyond what is shown on the screen, and how to break down what each scene in a script is really about. My writing has improved immensley (well maybe not my spelling) just from being in this environment. I've also witnessed that the industry is not always glitz and glamour, but rather, blood, sweat, and tears, spilled during long hours of hard work. Hollywood runs so well because the people behind the scenes work as hard as they do, in addition to the hard work put in by those that get the spotlight. Often those people, and that side of the business, are forgotten as you enjoy film and television, unless they make a mistake. But make no mistake, its equally important, and that's why there are credits, to pay respect to those people. I will not be credited for my work on the show, but that's fine, because it's been an amazing experience and my foot is wedged in that metaphorical door... I'm almost in (hopefully). I have done some less interesting tasks, like hole punch thousands of sheets of paper, to have them ready for when we need to print scripts (ran out of pre-punched paper, and had a shit load of non punched, so we make do), and doing the dishes (I barely do them in my own home), but I've also spent hours and hours observing in the writers room, and helped research for ideas and even contributed a few. The juice has definitely been worth the squeeze, and now I need to translate this experience into some dollar bills, so I can support myself. Some updates, since I said some of my own work would be out in the world soon; my kidnapping feature has gone through a revamp (almost done, not quite) and will hopefully be getting some notes from Odin (he's got serious writing skills...and breakdancin' skills; that's a crazy combo). The adaptation I have been working on (and still dont have the rights to) has been on hold, because I am doing a comedy pilot with my friend Stephon Ramsay and a dramatic military short that I hope to send out to some festivals. I've got some mighty bold ideas kicking around in my head, so look out Hollywood, because I'm here to stay.