I lived up to my word today…I reached out to my closest circle of “industry peeps.” I didn’t over think it, I just did it. I’ve decided that’s going to be the MO in terms of reaching out and trying to land this first job…I’m not going to think about it too much, I’m just going to do it.
I’ve also decided that I’m not limiting myself in terms of any position that may come available, with the singular exception of reality/unscripted television. I do want to be a *writer* after all…I feel like that’s a fair line to draw. But anything else I think is fair game. Right? Like, if the idea is that these writer’s assistant gigs are practically impossible to get, and people want to hire someone they KNOW can handle the environment…well then that means I need to build that fucking resume. Prove to various circles I can be trusted…and then work on getting those circle to overlap and lead me into the chewy center of a TV show’s writer’s room. That’s the master plan, mwahahahaaa.
…we’ll see how funny it is once it actually starts happening. I just really have to keep in mind the hustle I think. Don’t get side tracked. Bide my time, but ALWAYS be looking actively for the next gig that will get me closer to that writer’s room.
So…that happened today. I hope someone I already know has an opportunity for me. Some day. I have a feeling, though, that this first gig is going to have to be something I hustle up on my own. It ALWAYS seems to happen that way. I’ll make a cold call and someone is going to NEED someone right away, and I’ll be in the right place at the right time. It’s the second step where my group of friends and colleagues will come into play; some kind of vetting process where they’ll say, “oh yeah, I know him, he’s alright.” And that will push the needle into my favor. But it always seems like that first step is one I have to take on my own, out in the wilderness.
That’s phase two, y’all. Cover letters, resumes, and cold-calling. It doesn’t get any more directly laser-beamed than that. Production offices targeting people writing TV shows. I have high hopes for that. Not necessarily *speedy* hopes, since that shit’s all about the timing…but high hopes nonetheless. It just strikes me as something that almost nobody out there is willing to do. Send out materials and then actually call to follow up. It’s hard to do that. It makes you a nervous wreck and can be incredibly discouraging. But…it’s worked for me before. And that’s all that matters to me.
I got to watch Steampunk’d again tonight with our friend Matt, who’s a main judge on the show. It’s definitely growing, and it’s really fun to watch it with him, especially for the unique perspective he has as someone who was actually there. It’s a steampunk design show, where contestants are eliminated each week after a group challenge. That was fun. Liz made pop corn.
I’ve also decided I *think* that I’m going to take the rest of the week off to recharge away from editing. I did the math…it’s going to cost me about a grand…but I was honestly feeling fatigue and getting overly frustrated at things earlier this week, and I think part of that has been NOT focusing on what to do with the writing career, and too much on the editing. I need a breather. It sucks because there is some easy pickins on the table right now lessons-wise…but I feel like I need a few days to just veg out and recharge. Maybe I’ll go play a round of golf, or something like that.
That’s all for tonight. Things are happening in my mind and resulting in action. It feels good. I already feel like a weight is being lifted. I was telling Liz ealier today that I mostly feel afraid that I’ll shy away from what I’m doing because it’s hard, and fall into old patterns…that is my biggest fear…but I also don’t feel like that’s going to happen. I’m afraid of it, but I don’t think it’s going to come to pass. I can see success…I really can. I just need to go out and meet it.
Good night, y’all!