So I'm flipping channels Wed. nite because I couldn't sleep and happen on NBC and Carson Daly at about 1:45 am. But then I have to adjust my eyes because I think I see one of my former students, Will Lerner, who attended ICLA's fall, 2006 semester, trading barbs with Carson. I put on my glasses (because that's what people like me have to do at 1:45am) and YES, it is Will! He's billed as "Will the Intern" and does recurring comedy bits on the "Last Call with Carson Daly."
I remember last year at this time Will coming in my office and trying to figure out where to intern. He tells me he's interested in sketch comedy and applies to a bunch of places, including NBC, where they need interns, and ends up working on Carson. Will was in my screenwriting class and, like many of you, was a talented writer with an original voice. But his duties with Carson were, among other things, office work and crowd control. Then they got to know him. Then he showed some of the writers some sketches he wrote. Then he graduated and was looking for a job. Then a p.a. position opened up. NOW HE GETS PAID AND IS ON TV. They decided to put him in a sketch. Then another. He still does office stuff over there - but my guess is not for long. Good goin', Will!
Is Will uniquely talented? Yes. But so are all of you. Make the most of your time here. No job is too small. Will told me he wanted to work in sketch comedy and now, one year later, he does.
Sometimes it's as simple as that.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
SHORT & DOC FILM FESTS
Two upcoming events of interest:
1 - 11th Annual DocuWeek - Theatrical Documentary Showcase from Aug. 17-23 at the Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood. This is a public exhibition of outstanding new docs and short films about a mile or two away from the Pendleton Center at Sunset Blvd. near Vine St. Check out the schedule at arclightcinemas.com or documentary.org.
2- 11th Annual (what's with the elevens?) LA Shorts Fest - Sept. 5-17th at the AMC Burbank Town Center 6 theatre. This week-long series of more than 100 new shorts is a rare opportunity to see a broad range of new work from fellow short filmmakers and often features panel discussions with top industry filmmakers. The event also needs volunteers and any time spent working on the fest will count towards internship hours. Check them out at lashortsfest.com or send an email to volunteer to: volunteer@lashorts.fest.com.
1 - 11th Annual DocuWeek - Theatrical Documentary Showcase from Aug. 17-23 at the Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood. This is a public exhibition of outstanding new docs and short films about a mile or two away from the Pendleton Center at Sunset Blvd. near Vine St. Check out the schedule at arclightcinemas.com or documentary.org.
2- 11th Annual (what's with the elevens?) LA Shorts Fest - Sept. 5-17th at the AMC Burbank Town Center 6 theatre. This week-long series of more than 100 new shorts is a rare opportunity to see a broad range of new work from fellow short filmmakers and often features panel discussions with top industry filmmakers. The event also needs volunteers and any time spent working on the fest will count towards internship hours. Check them out at lashortsfest.com or send an email to volunteer to: volunteer@lashorts.fest.com.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Welcome to MY Blog
This is a test. Not a graded test but a test nevertheless.
Actually, this is the intial entry on MY blog.
First -- Welcome ICLA - Fall, 2007 students. Wait -- isn't this still the beginning of August?? The good thing about getting here early is you get a jump on all the other students looking for fall internships. The bad thing -- well, look outside -- it's the beginning of August!! Of course, in L.A. everyday for the next 90 days will feel like August, so not to worry.
Second -- This semester is a great opportunity for you to get a sense of what L.A. and working in the entertainment and communication industry is like. Take full advantage of it. Experiment. Put yourself out there and be bold (within reason). And -- don't be afraid to ask questions. Steve T., Jon, Holly & I want to help in any way we can. We're all aware this is new territory for most of you and don't expect you to "get it all" in the first week. If you're feeling lost or confused come talk to us -- there are a lot of you, so take the initiative and let us know if there's an issue or problem (or even if things are going well :) )
Third -- I teach screenwriting and TV writing and have worked in many aspects of the industry. My official "title" is professional-in-residence -- meaning I know what it's like to live and work in L.A. and how to navigtate the waters here. I don't know it all (who does?) but what I don't know I can help you find out. Use me as a resource, come see me in the office or post responses or opinions to things I write (even if you disagree, especially on movies. I like a good argument). On that score, I'll be posting here at least weekly and providing links to sites/places you might want to know about.
Welcome again -- I look forward to getting to know all of you.
- SG
PS - You can also send me an email at: sginsber@ithaca.edu. Yes -- IC took the "g" away from the end of my last name on my email account. We've never been able to figure out why.
Actually, this is the intial entry on MY blog.
First -- Welcome ICLA - Fall, 2007 students. Wait -- isn't this still the beginning of August?? The good thing about getting here early is you get a jump on all the other students looking for fall internships. The bad thing -- well, look outside -- it's the beginning of August!! Of course, in L.A. everyday for the next 90 days will feel like August, so not to worry.
Second -- This semester is a great opportunity for you to get a sense of what L.A. and working in the entertainment and communication industry is like. Take full advantage of it. Experiment. Put yourself out there and be bold (within reason). And -- don't be afraid to ask questions. Steve T., Jon, Holly & I want to help in any way we can. We're all aware this is new territory for most of you and don't expect you to "get it all" in the first week. If you're feeling lost or confused come talk to us -- there are a lot of you, so take the initiative and let us know if there's an issue or problem (or even if things are going well :) )
Third -- I teach screenwriting and TV writing and have worked in many aspects of the industry. My official "title" is professional-in-residence -- meaning I know what it's like to live and work in L.A. and how to navigtate the waters here. I don't know it all (who does?) but what I don't know I can help you find out. Use me as a resource, come see me in the office or post responses or opinions to things I write (even if you disagree, especially on movies. I like a good argument). On that score, I'll be posting here at least weekly and providing links to sites/places you might want to know about.
Welcome again -- I look forward to getting to know all of you.
- SG
PS - You can also send me an email at: sginsber@ithaca.edu. Yes -- IC took the "g" away from the end of my last name on my email account. We've never been able to figure out why.
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