Sunday, September 13, 2009

Logan's Quilt

Our nephew, Logan, had his 3rd Birthday party on Sunday! Among a pirate ship, water gun & a spaceship - he also got a handmade quilt from Uncle Micah & Aunt Kim.

A HUGE undertaking but well worth it.
Here's some pictures of how it turned out!

Final Dimensions: 75" X 90"














Packaged up and ready to be sent to Colorado!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Breaking into Hollywood

Just a little insight into how a writer gets started in Hollywood.
First things first... Writing a spec script

So what the hell is that! Here's the literal definition courtesy of Wikipedia:

"A spec script is a "speculative" screenplay shopped or sold on the open market , as opposed to one commissioned by a studio or production company." The process of 'going out' with a spec script can be an extremely tense and nerve-wracking one for a writer. If the writer has an agent or manager, the agent will identify a number of prospective buyers who may range from small independent producers to executives working in the major studios, and attempt to build up 'heat' under the script. The script is sent out simultaneously to all the prospective buyers, usually to be read over the weekend, in the hope of attracting a bidding war. "

Here is a staggering statistics: Of the screenplays out there that even get an opportunity to see the light of day (aka - 'going out' to producers/studios, etc) only 6% or those will actually sell.

Depressed for us yet? Sound like we're crazy? We're not! Promise! Micah has prepared himself in all the best possible ways. It's still a tough sell - especially in this economy. But we both feel confident that good things are right around the corner.

Micah finished his latest spec script, "A Good Hunter". His mentor and manager are thrilled with it. So what now? His manager is currently helping out with the 'heating up' part of the plan. Next, the script will be sent to a couple agencies in the next week or two and then out 'on the town' a week or so after that. (& hopefully a bidding war will ensue!)

So keep your fingers crossed, wish us luck and send out any spare good energy you have that he will join the ranks of the 6% of the successful writers! We'll keep ya' posted.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

We survived the Station Fire


Last Thursday the Station Fire was started by an arsonist in the Angeles National Forest just outside of Los Angeles.  
We live pretty darn close to the foothills and had some real good views.  It is mostly under control, but not out yet. 
As of today, 2 firefighters were killed and at least 60 homes were completely destroyed. 
Over 157,000 acres  have burnt so far.  The expect to have it out completely within another week or so. 
I've had a consistent sore throat and burning eyes for the past week.  It felt like we just hung out by a real big bonfire! And every morning we woke up with ash on our car. 

To give you the idea of it's size - here are some comparisons: 

New Lenox, IL: 10 sq. mi.
Joliet, IL: 38 sq mi.
Viking, MN: .5 sq mi (yes, that's 1/2 mile!)
Thief River Falls, MN: 5 sq mi.
Entire city of Chicago:  234 sq mi

The station fire currently is 245 square miles and still is only 51% contained.  It's huge - here's some great pics: 











Happy Birthday LA



Happy 228th Birthday, Los Angeles!