It Never Stops Ringing

Thanksgiving comes once a year but the phone never stops. I couldn’t imagine how this business was run without cell phones. My direct cell phone number goes out to very few people. When my phone rings, it’s either Friend telling me the status of one of the movies on our roster, one of my old law school buddies calling to make fun of me, an old fraternity brother with an update, someone extremely important that my assistant gave my number out to, my assistant calling to ask if a person is important enough to give my number out, or someone calling with the best news I’ve heard that day. My assistant gets to decide if something qualifies as the best news that I’ve heard that day, and then she gives my number out. If something comes along later in the day that is even better news and she’s already given my number out then she’s fired. I’m kidding.

So, if my cell phone rings, it’s probably always important enough to answer it. I’ve got another cell phone that is not always important enough to answer. Those calls come from people at the studio and other people around town. It always comes in second if both phones are ringing at once, and believe me…it happens. Thanksgiving is work day for me just like any other. I keep my phone in my pocket because it never goes on my belt.

The other phone sits it my jacket pocket because it can be left behind if by some reason I have to flee my jacket. Every number I own is in that phone which sinks up to my Macbook Pro. Someone trying to make it in the business would give their life for that phone directory. Last Thanksgiving, I got the call that Johnny Depp had signed on to the “based on a book” movie. We gave him the script one week before hand and made the offer two days before Thanksgiving. He talked it over with his family and called me personally to accept the offer. This Thanksgiving is no different because we’ve got three pending offers out that are waiting to be accepted. Steve Carell has been offered a part in a new comedy we’ve got coming up. Seth Rogan has been offered a part as a supporting actor in a new Sci-Fi comedy the studio is working on, and we’re in talks with Zach Braff to direct a dramedy that’s set to begin production next fall.

Three for three would make a nice Holiday. So would an ending to the damn strike that’s got this town in a frenzy. Although, it has given me some time to make repairs around the house. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and I hope your holiday is as great as mine could possibly be. I just hope my pocket vibrates tomorrow.

LD

Almost Thanksgiving...

Oh yeah! Thanksgiving is nearing. Like tomorrow. It actually kind of snuck up on me again. I say “again” because it always does. In Los Angeles the weather doesn’t give out any hints that the holidays are on their way. This city is located in one of seven small Mediterranean Climate locations in the entire world. Weather pretty much stays the same all the time. When I first moved out here, I wasn’t used to it at all. I completely missed Thanksgiving that year, and almost missed Christmas too. Back where I’m from, I would know it was time for the holidays because of the season cues: leaves changing colors, cooler temperatures, and ultimately snow on the ground. I thought I would get used to not having those reminders, but every year it’s the same surprise. This year I was reminded of the holiday from shit loads of junk email that came telling me about all the different “Day After Thanksgiving Sales.”

You couldn’t pay me to get out in the middle of that shit. The traffic, the lines, the parking… it’s hell on earth. “But, it’s the biggest shopping day of the year.” I know. That’s why I’m staying home. Not just because I’m rich, but because I am smart. I avoided this day even back when I was poor. People turn ridiculously mad when the idea of saving money enters their heads. They go crazy. They camp outside of stores the night before, just so they can wait in line for another 3 hours to save $45 on a no-name brand piece of shit 15” Flat Screen TV. It’s not even HD, who cares if it’s a hundred and thirty bucks; you’re going to have to throw it away in a year.

Wow, then there are the Cell Phone commercials on TV. All the major players in the cell phone game are pushing their new phone: Samsung, Verizon, Motorolla, T-moble. It doesn’t matter. Just stop. Seriously….Stop. Save your money on advertising. Use that money to come up with a new product all together. The cell phone gig is up. Why in the hell would anyone buy your new cellular when they can buy an iPhone? Have you seen that thing? Yeah, there is nothing you can create that will compete with it. It doesn’t matter how small you make it, how you arrange the buttons, or even what colors it comes in. I don’t want it. Other people may argue that Apple still has their fair share of commercials out there for the iPhone. It’s true, they do, and they suck as well. It show’s all its features, its sleek design, and its user-friendliness. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great, but all they need to say on the commercial is:

iPhone. If you’re seriously thinking about buying a phone other than this one… you are a fucking idiot.

AJ