nice guys finish last...or do they?

24 Apr 06 Monday

Hi Again,

Me here.....another monday posting...I want to clarify something I said last week regarding why I live in LA. I had said that I didn't move here for the 'industry'. That's partly true and partly untrue. You see, it was only about 25 percent my decision to come here. The other reasons, well, I'll save for another topic. I work in this industry because it is my birthright. I am 3rd generation theatre, film, radio broadcasting, and television. My grandparents met on the stage in Russia, and my parents met on the NY Stage. It's an odd combination of familial history and a source of great pride for me. I was raised to chip in, respect and be nice to everyone involved in a show. My mother's family based themselves in NYC where my parents met, but I am the only one to move to LA. I have found since moving here (having worked in NY and Boston) that this part of the industry can be crazy!!!! I recently left my job at a studio where 1 of my bosses was very cool, and the other was a complete abusive control freak who fought on a daily basis for power. This latter part of my work existence is all too common here in this town. Too many people wanting too much power, thinking they have it when they don't and being jerks in the process. While this wasnt the 1st time I had encountered this behaviour, it was by far the worst I had been in touch with on a long term basis! Tho I am certain someone out there has had it worse. The funny thing is, I really liked my job, I learned alot, I worked hard, had fun and I met some great people! Which leads to me to today's topic...

My first job in LA was as a Production Assistant on a TV show called 'Cracker' - it is where I worked with the late Scott Brazil (he died last week). Here is a man who worked on "Hill Street Blues" and lately "The Shield" and he was a very nice man! He knew his job, knew what he wanted, and he made it happen without scaring the bajeebus (sp?) out of people. The industry lost a great guy last week and I am honoured to have worked with him. After many other jobs over the years I had the great pleasure of working with Robin Le Chanu who was the Production Manager on a Steven Soderbergh film that was shooting on our lot this past year. I used to love being called up to her office. I enjoyed watching how she handled some often times tricky situations - she was tough, firm, and always nice. I also watched how she respected those she worked with, treated them well and never lost her head whilst dealing with them. She was very sweet to me as well, treating me the same as her co-workers. Sometimes it was a nice break being beckoned to her office, even tho it wasnt always a fun time being there. Then one day I met George Clooney. He was very nice!!! He had a good handshake, introduced himself as "George" and was an overall sweet guy who looked you in the eye when he spoke. (No I didn't confess my childhood crush on him when he was Joe's boyfriend on "Facts Of Life"). He is probably at the very top of this industry and I have never heard a bad word said about him from ANYONE who knows him.

When I think back on that job at the studio and what some of my more negative experiances say about how nutty and messed up this industry can be, I think about the above people (and the countless others just like them). I am grateful to have known, worked with, or simply met them because in the midst of all this they prove you can be nice, respectful....................and finish first!

Until next monday....thanks for tuning in!