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.

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!

My First Quilt

My favorite new (& very expensive) hobby is quilting. Am I good at it? Absolutely not. Do I love it and daydream about fabrics? Yes.

The Pink/Green one was my very first and definitely had its share of challenges. The other went a little smoother.
Forgive the wrinkles - I have yet to wash them & to be honest...I'm kind of afraid to - What if they unravel or something!

Moving Out West

I just realized that most of you probably haven't seen the photos of us moving out here.

It was an experience to say the least! Over 2,000 miles in 3 days with a dog & a very unhappy cat!

It starts with everything we own in that little cube in Tallahassee to our brand new (teeny-tiny) home.

So it's a little overdue, but here ya' go:

All packed up & ready to leave Florida at about 4am!
Texas was (very) surprisingly beautiful. Of course we went in January...I'm sure August is a whole different story

Mandatory Stop where everyone gets screened


Finally in our new spot in LA - LA Land!



Finally - Jakes favorite thing...The yard!

Orange County Super Fair

We went to the fair because it seems un-American not to!

It was a blast - especially the animals...our favorite! And the food! Mmmmm - Giant turkey legs, corn on the cob and, of course, funnel cakes!

Here's a few of the pics

New Movie Updates

Wow! It's been a long time, I know! We've seen so many movies, we're just going to do a REAL quick overview of each one!

Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince

Way to much teenage love angst & not nearly enough magic - not even a Voldemort sighting! A huge majority of the book was left out of the film...notably a certain someone's very important funeral. Nonetheless, It is a Harry Potter film and I love it regardless; however, it doesn't even compare to the last two.

The Proposal


A great movie! So much fun! As for a summer romantic comedy, it's just about as good as it gets. We aren't talking Oscar Worthy here, but it is very funny and sweet and a bit of a different story than we are all so used to.

A Perfect Getaway

This is a story about a couple on their honeymoon in Hawaii during a murder spree.
Beautiful scenery...terrible movie. Micah specifically hates it when movies talk about movies in the movie - so he was irritated from the beginning. At times it is actually laughable and the "Big Twist" at the end is really nothing more than a slap in the face. Not only is it predictable, it also doesn't make very much sense! Skip it unless you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico or Jamaica (the two places they filmed it)

My Sister's Keeper
Cameron Diaz & Abigail Broslyn

Of course it is a tear-jerker...How could it not be! Anna Fitzgerald (age 10) looks to earn medical emancipation from her parents who until now have relied on their youngest child to help their leukemia-stricken daughter Kate remain alive.

I was anticipating a cheesey, made for TV Lifetime movie - It's not! It's wonderful! I normally could pass on Cameron Diaz - but she does an amazing job as the mom - not glamerous and often times actually looking as if she were loosing a child. Great acting and a wonderful story. The sick sister comes off a little too "Holier than Thou" but I get it and it works. That is my only somewhat negative comment. Wait, I do have one more negative comment: Bring Kleenx - if you don't, you will be stuck walking away with a sleeve full of snot and tears!

The Orphan

Asside from the super cute daughter (prettiest kid you've EVER seen - worth it to just see her!)- The first 2/3 of the movie is familiar and has been done a million times before. It does have a good twist towards the end which make it better than "The Good Son" with McCauly Caulkin. And the third act (last 20 minutes) is pretty suspensful and fun. If you don't like horror movies, don't bother. If you do, rent it.