My biggest frustration is when I’m in the middle of one book I’ve purchased, and the library informs me three books I’ve been waiting for are available. Unfortunately, my library only allows for a fourteen-day loan period. Sometimes that is just not enough time.

My Current Reads:

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

I won’t reiterate what the book is about. You can find any number of reviews and information about the book on Goodreads. What I will tell you is that while this book is essentially about gamers and their creation of games, I have never been and never will be a gamer. Not even Pac-Man. However, the story and the characters are so compelling that I couldn’t put the book down. In fact, several passages are so beautifully written they brought tears to my eyes. Worth the read.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

Again, if you want the blurb on this book, head on over to Goodreads.

The author uses a particular storytelling device that I thought would get tiresome by the third chapter. Color me completely mistaken. There was nothing trite, tiring, or conventional about this story or its characters. In fact, it was the device she uses that compelled me to turn the pages.

What’s the device? You’ll need to get the book and find out. Worth the read.

The PI’s Deadly Charade by Anna J. Stewart

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61212096-the-pi-s-deadly-charade?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=l3SvQlMc1J&rank=1

This is a Harlequin Romantic Suspense.
For those not familiar – it’s a category romance. This category is within the genre of romantic suspense. The blurb is on Goodreads.

The author nails the pacing. Creates compelling characters you care about and knows how to string the suspense like a tightly taught violin until the end. Worth the read.

There are a gazillion planners on the market – the trick is to find one that works for you. Over the last two years, I couldn’t find a planner that served all my needs, so I purchased a large dot grid notebook and created my own planner.

This year, I’m trying something new.

I purchased the project planner by Laurel Denise. Her products have been around for a few years, but I’d only recently discovered her when I trolled YouTube in search of the “BEST PLANNER.” There are dozens of videos you could watch. I admit I sat through several. This one seemed to speak to me.

With a monthly calendar on one side and a weekly to-do list on the other, it dovetails nicely with the project planner pages in the back of the book. Check it out on YouTube.

I’ve also been attracted to Notion. Many people use it as a planner and a database to keep track of just about anything, from school assignments to books and podcasts on your list. It’s a robust program. The problem is the learning curve.

Notion lures you in by showing examples of how others have created a perfect database that is also aesthetic. After watching several YouTube videos on how to mockup your own Notion planner/database/calendar, etc.  – you’ll likely be exhausted or confused. I just gave up.

That was two years ago. This year I decided to give it another try, and Googled ‘Notion Planner’ and found a sizable number of templates for sale on Etsy. Delighted. I pressed the buy icon on this design, downloaded it, and bam – I was in and working on my plans within twenty minutes.

Notion has the advantage of being able to work on your computer and your phone. You gotta love the portability. I’m using both Notion and the Laurel Denise project planner in tandem – which will get me through the first quarter of 2023 with everything I need to accomplish – moved into the done list.

Good luck with your planner and your plans for 2023. If you have a favorite – leave it in the comments below.

]]> https://marialokken.com/2022/12/18/planning-for-2023/feed/ 0 https://marialokken.com/2017/10/05/the-light-on-the-truck/ https://marialokken.com/2017/10/05/the-light-on-the-truck/#respond Thu, 05 Oct 2017 11:00:04 +0000 http://marialokken.com/?p=2988 Read more]]> Show Runner:  “We really need the special light for this round of shooting.”

Line Producer:  “Why? I’m not saying no, I just need to understand why before I can allocate $350/day for something  that was never discussed or budgeted for.”

Show Runner:  “Yeah, well, the DP says we need it to create the effect we need.”

Line Producer:  “Okay, what effect is that?”

Show Runner:  “Create that halo effect we need for a scarier look.”

Line Producer:  “There’s no other way to get that look?”

Show Runner:  “Absolutely not, and without it, the entire scene will fall totally and completely flat.  We just have to have it or it won’t look right, the scene won’t play and we might as well not shoot it.”

Line Producer:  (To herself) – “Fine don’t shoot it, that’s one less thing to try and problem solve.”

Line Producer:  (To Show Runner) – “I’ll look at the numbers and see where I can get it from.”

DP:  We absolutely must have that light, without it, there won’t be a scene because you won’t be able to see it.

Line Producer:  “So I’ve been told. Working the numbers, standby.”

Assistant Director:  “Why hasn’t that light been ordered?  We’ve got to have it.”

Director:  “I’m not sure anyone has told you, but we gotta have this light, it will set the tone for the entire series.”

Line Producer: “I’ve been told, and told and told. Don’t worry, I made it work. You’ll have that light.”

Three days into shooting the Line Producer arrives on set and notices there’s no halo light. She turns to the Production Manager and asks, “Where the heck is that light that I was tortured and harassed over? I don’t see them shooting with it.”

The Production Manager points to the back of the grip truck and says, “Oh, you mean that light?”

Line Producer:  “Yeah – what’s it doing sitting on the truck?

Production Manager: (Shrugs.)

Line Producer:  “Please, please tell me it’s broken and you’re about to return it for a replacement?”

Production Manager:  “Nope, they decided they didn’t need it.”

The Line Producer is now silent because her head exploded.

Creative is ALWAYS going to need something or someone that was never planned for and isn’t in your budget. Before agreeing to anything, find out if they really do need the item. I mean, find out, don’t just take their word for it. Inspect the situation, ask lots of questions, do some research, otherwise you’ll waste money and it will be just another light on a truck.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Blah, blah, blah. So, what do you do Line Producer person?

Well, prayer never hurt anyone, but it’s not going to get you out of the jam, situation, or instance you will find yourself in time and time and time again. Some things never change. And if you expect that it’s going to change, or believe it will magically be easier on the next job, you, my friend, sadly have the word STOOOOPID written on your forehead.

So – before the word stoopid becomes tattooed on your forehead – here’s what you Line Producer person must do.

Number One
BREATHE. Seriously. Aren’t you glad you didn’t pay untold sums of money for that advice? But before you stop reading just wait a minute smart ass. Breathing, is going to pump oxygen into your blood stream, it’s going to send good messages to your brain and before you know it your mind will be able to function just a tad better.

Okay – moving on.

Number Two
DO NOT TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. Really?! By now you’re saying to yourself, “Is this bitch on drugs? How can I not take it seriously?”  Well, let me put this into perspective. Sure, it’s your job. And it’s your reputation, and it’s other people’s money. It’s a lot of things. But you are not saving starving children from a war-torn country. You are not curing a dreaded disease. You are not helping senior citizens live out their days with dignity. You are not doing any of those things. You’re creating a form of entertainment. Nothing to belittle. It just needs to put on the correct shelf, in order of importance in the grand scheme of things.

Number Three
DO NOT GET MAD. Really. Why bother. It will raise your blood pressure – never a good thing. It will make you feel bad. Don’t you hate that?  And it will make others not like you. And really – you’re working as part of a team. People should get along. More importantly, will you even ever remember this five years from now?  Hardly. So don’t be one of those people who looks back over their life to realize they’ve spent too many years being upset over things in the past that were…. what? See, you can’t even remember.

Number Four
It’s similar to number three. DO NOT WORRY. Worry makes you age. And that my dear will happen soon enough without you doing anything to aid and abet the process. Again – five years from now will you remember what you were worried about?

Number Five
GET A LIFE. So many of us on a production, work, work, work, ridiculous sweat shop hours. For months on end. Never seeing family, or friends, because deadlines are always so freakin’ right up in your face you can’t see anything else. Well here’s what, take one day a week and have a life. Yes, you, Line Producer person. Go out, see family, friends, smell the roses and daffodils and whatever else happens to be in season. Because life will pass you right on by and then you will become, anxious and mean, and mad and worried. And well you know the drill because you’ve probably already lived it.

Take it from me. I’ve allowed myself to be dragged through it, and I’ve been guilty of dragging others. I’m on the other side of it now and I’m here to tell you – stop the madness and you may become one of the rarities – a SANE Line Producer.

FOOD IS REALLY REALLY IMPORTANT ON LOCATION OR ON A SET
Don’t be the person who is ALWAYS at the crafty (food) table.  Food is an important part of a shoot.  The crew has been up since before the sun peaked over the East.  They’ve been carrying cases, cameras, lights, props, furniture and in general doing the hustle without any disco music playing – do not be the one person who is at the crafty table stuffing your face.  It just makes you look like you have nothing to do, or that you’re unwilling to help others that do have something to do. Producers who see people with time on their hands see people who are dispensable.

ON SET NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR YOUR OPINION
As much as you have a creative opinion, and we all have them, you are on set, not at some dinner with your friends telling them what you think about life. This is not the place to let it all hang out.  No, really.  In this instance, sharing is unnecessary.  Even if the director flat out asks you what you think- s/he doesn’t really mean it.  What they’re really saying is – “You agree with me don’t you?”

As much as you think you have a better way to do it, or your creative idea is the best, there’s an Executive Producer, Supervising Producer, Field Producer and Director on the set and together they probably have 50-years of experience.  It’s not that your idea isn’t special or doesn’t warrant being heard, but being on set is the time for you to shut up and learn.  Look around, see what’s happening, and who’s doing what.  When your neck is on the line for 3-5 million dollars for a series, then it will definitely be your turn to scream your creative opinion from the top of the Golden Gate Bridge.  Have at it.  But for now, soak it in.  Watch and learn.

DON’T MESS WITH A HOT SET
A Hot Set is a set that needs to be left exactly how it was when the director called cut because they will come back and shoot the exact same set, but for right now the crew is either eating lunch, screening something, working over the script, or shooting something else.  Whatever the case, that set marked with tape or string and has HOT SET written all over it; means do not touch we’re in the middle of shooting and we aren’t finished.  Don’t be the dumb-ass who picks up a pen and paper from this hot set cause you need to write a coffee order. You should have a pad and pen in your pocket at all times anyway.  Unless you’re super nimble and can move your thumbs across your qwerty keyboard as fast as those 15 caramel macchiato orders that are about to come your way.

YOU WANT SOCIAL HOUR – CALL YOUR FRIENDS
Don’t join in on the conversation when the Director is directing the actors.  First it’s his/her conversation with the actors and second – you’re not there to socialize.  The Director is giving direction and you have no part in the conversation unless someone asks you a direct question.  Stand back.  Far back.  And listen.  Watch.  Learn.

WATCH WHERE YOU’RE WALKING
This may seem obvious.  Almost like telling someone not to text and drive.  But – I’ve seen it time and time again and I have been guilty of said crime – not looking where I’m going and bam – tripping over something important.  Don’t be the one who trips over the stand holding the light they just spent 2 hours putting in place.  People will give you dirty looks.  Be observant – do not sleep walk while on set or on location.

Enjoy your first few times on set or on location – they can be very exhilarating.  The most important point is to be observant – you’ll learn a lot.  A Lot.

So what essentials are in my bag?

1. Seems obvious, but I’ve had to turn around more than once because I left my phone sitting on the kitchen table. Be prepared and make sure it is with you at all times – this is your main source of communication with the world.
2. Phone Charger for wall and car. Do not leave your home without your phone being fully charged and with a charger for the wall and the car. Just don’t. You’ll be on your phone all day– texting, making and taking calls, searching for a heart shaped birdcage the production is sure to need at the last minute. Be prepared don’t run out of juice.
3. Paper and pen. Yeah, yeah, we live in a technological world. Everything is done on the phone or computer. But what if you’re on location and you need to leave the location owner a note, have a quick production meeting for the next day and need to take notes, make a change for the next day’s schedule, write down a very large coffee order, whatever… your thumbs just don’t move that fast and you need all the information, not half of what you can remember. Be prepared, write it down.
4. Folding umbrella. Even if the weather report says sunny skies for the next 20 days – bring an umbrella. When has the weather report ever been truly correct? I’ve known it to say sunny and warm and the next thing you know I’m standing in the middle of a freak snowstorm. Be prepared, weather is unpredictable.
5. A small drive. You just never know when you’ll need to do an emergency transfer of files and you won’t always be near a 24-hour Walmart.
6. Post-it-Notes. These are very handy, because sometimes line producers just need to put notes on things. Be prepared, little notes can serve as reminders.
7. Extra sweater or sweatshirt. You may suddenly find yourself in an unexpected frigid house, trailer, studio, etc. Be prepared, it’s draining to be cold all day.
8. Extra socks because there is always the possibility you could; step in a puddle, turn the cooler full of melted ice on your feet, get drenched in a down pour, or any other minor calamity. There’s nothing worse than spending your day in wet socks. Be prepared, because, well, wet socks suck. (Say that fast 7 times.)

So what’s in your bag?

The fact is the creative asks are never going to get less. As a Line Producer there’s only one way to handle miniscule budgets – you to have PUNCH YOUR WAY OUT.

10 things real live Line Producers have done to help reduce the costs of producing reality television:

1. When the travel is going to be ridiculously expensive and more than you could EVAH afford – try purchasing one-way tickets.  It can sometimes save you hundreds.  Another option is to get tickets with layovers in the city you want to be in and don’t take the second leg of the trip.
2. Instead of shipping all your gear to the next shoot, have the crew and talent take one gear bag.  This way you’re only paying for the extra baggage fee.
3. If you’re shooting anywhere near a culinary school see if they’ll cater for real cheap.
4. If you have to shoot interviews in a small town check the local church, library Elks club, or community center, perhaps they will rent you their basement for $50. Don’t let a hotel conference room be your first ask… you can go cheaper.
5. When you’re looking for a location and don’t have a ton of money, check if one of the locations could possibly be a local restaurant.  For the location fee offer the restaurant owner the cost of buying the crew’s lunch.  The crew gets fed and in essence you’re getting a free location.
6. For long production cycles, don’t give box rentals to the media manager, instead, buy a used computer, you will save money on the box rental and the company will own a computer when it’s over.
7. If you’re not travelling too far, turn the travel day into a travel and scout day, it will save you on the number of crew days you’ll pay.
8. If you’re shooting a docu-soap with lots of on-camera interviews and your budget is real tight – have the DP set up the shot and the lights for the first day, then use a Camera Operator for the rest of your interview shoot days.
9. Hire a very experienced Production Coordinator to be your Production Manager at a rate that’s higher than what they’ve gotten, but less than a super experienced Production Manager.
10. Use the caravan system to take people to the airport.  Hire a PA and a van and have them pick people up or have everyone meet at a central location.  It will be cheaper than everyone taking a car service or taxi to the airport.

And there you have it, just a few ways to get some cha-ching! back in your budget.

YOUR OPINION – SHOULD REMAIN SILENTLY YOUR OPINION

As much as you have a creative opinion, and we all have them, you are on set, not at a dinner with your friends sharing your viewpoints on life. This is not place to let it all hang out. In this instance, sharing is unnecessary. Even if the director flat out asks you what you think – s/he doesn’t really mean it. What they’re really saying is – “You agree with me don’t you?”

As much as you think you have a better way to do it, or your creative idea is the best, there’s an Executive Producer, Supervising Producer, Field Producer and Director on the set. They likely have 50-years of combined experience. It’s not that your idea isn’t special or doesn’t warrant being heard, but this is the time for you to shut up and learn. Look around you, see what’s happening, and who’s doing what. When your neck is on the line for 3-5 million dollars for a series, then it’s your turn and you can scream your creative opinion from the top of the Golden Gate Bridge. Have at it. But for now, soak it in. Watch and learn.

FOOD IS REALLY REALLY IMPORTANT ON LOCATION OR ON A SET

Don’t be the person who is ALWAYS at the crafty (snack and beverage) table. Food is an important part of a shoot. The crew has been up since before the sun peaked over the East. They’ve been carrying cases, cameras, lights, props, furniture and in general doing the hustle without any disco music playing – do not be the one person who is at the crafty table stuffing your face. It just makes you look like you have nothing to do, or that you’re unwilling to help others when you have nothing to do. And people who have time on their hands are dispensable.

DON’T MESS WITH A HOT SET

A Hot Set is a set they will come back and shoot, but for right now the crew is either eating lunch, screening something, working over the script, or shooting something else. Whatever the case, the set marked with tape or string and has HOT SET written all over it, means do not touch, we’re in the middle of shooting and we aren’t finished. Don’t be the dumb-ass who picks up a pen and paper from the hot set cause you need to write a coffee order. You should have a pad and pen in your pocket at all times anyway.

YOU WANT SOCIAL HOUR – CALL YOUR FRIENDS

Don’t join in on the conversation when the Director is directing the actors. First it’s his/her conversation with the actors and second – you’re not there to socialize. The Director is giving direction and you have no part in the conversation unless someone asks you a direct question. Stand back. Far back. And listen. Watch. Learn.

WATCH WHERE YOU’RE WALKING

This may seem obvious. Almost like telling someone not to text and drive. But – I’ve seen it time and time again and I have been guilty of said crime – not looking where I’m going and bam – tripping over something important. Don’t be the one who trips over the light stand causing the light to move when they just spent 2 hours placing that light. People will give you dirty looks. Be observant – do not sleep walk while on set or on location.

Enjoy your first few times on set or on location – they can be exhilarating. The most important point is to be observant – you’ll learn a lot. A Lot.

I’ve had my share of rookie moves on set – come on spill. What’s the funniest mistake you’ve seen happen on a set or on location?

Here’s what their website says:

So, how does it work?
After typing in their destination address, users just drive with the app open on their phone to passively contribute traffic and other road data, but they can also take a more active role by sharing road reports on accidents, police traps, or any other hazards along the way, helping to give other users in the area a ‘heads-up’ about what’s to come.

In addition to the local communities of drivers using the app, WAZE is also home to an active community of online map editors who ensure that the data in their areas is as up-to-date as possible.

I’m particularly intrigued by the ‘community’ aspect of the app.  How many times have you been in a traffic jam and turned on the radio station that is  “all news all the time”, and they say NOTHING, ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY nothing about the jam you’re in; and you are driving on a major highway.  Now, with WAZE perhaps you can avoid the jam, and if not, at least you can let others know about it.  If it’s true that what goes-around-comes-around , then next time, maybe,  someone will help you avoid the dreaded, oh-so-hated traffic snarl ups that get your heart racing and skin sweating because you happen to be driving the cargo van that has ALL the cameras and everyone is waiting for you.

Download the free app here.

If your location manager isn’t given you 360 degree views – the kind you get in real life, then tell him to down load the free app Photosynth. I think it makes capturing a location much easier and everyone gets the full picture.