If you read this blog (does anyone read this blog?), you hear me mention Full Sail Universty quite a bit. Here's a video glimpse into my alma mater, now grown into an even more hulking, brain-smashing temple of technological wonderment.

Interviewed here is Garry Jones, one of the founders and easily one of the top ten most influential people in both my career and the way I approach life.

        

Another informative video for those with an interest in writing for reality tv. 

        

I've spent 30 plus years in glasses, but never had as much fun getting a new pair as I did from Gogosha in Silverlake. Go! Patronize! I command thee!

Okay, how about if I just act nice and suggest it?

And as long as you're there, go across the street and have the best fish taco you've ever had.

http://gogosha.tumblr.com/

        

Okay, it's no secret that I've been a great proponent of organizing reality television writers, but today a discussion with a dear friend and reality producer drove me over the edge. 

Once again, I was offered the argument that reality television shows can't afford to go union (you know, like Gary Benz's wonderful INTERVENTION, which is WGA signatory, and DANCING WITH THE STARS, which is WGA signatory if only to the benefit of the wunnerful Mr. Dave Boone) because reality television shows can't be reaired. There's just no shelf-life, my friend argues.

In the past few months alone, I've watched the same episodes of many shows multiple times on cable networks like HGTV and others, and have seen my own work on THE BACHELOR, FLIPPING OUT and THE SURREAL LIFE reaired on networks other than those they originated on.

I'm passionate about organizing, but have always considered myself a pretty civil guy about it. The "there's no money in the aftermarket" argument for ever-decreasing non-union story rates, though, is really getting under my skin.

By the way, I've heard of some younger story producers taking jobs at 1000-1200 a week, and just wanted to let you know that most of the folks I know that are worth their salt are commanding two thousand to twenty eight hundred a week. Taking low-paying jobs, in the absence of minimums being set by a collective bargaining agreement, only serves to lower the bar and reduce your future earnings. You've getting your foot in the door to a business you're simultaneously hurting your earning potential in... so get the rate you deserve, and remember --- if you turn one down, there's always another job.

        

So I've been feeling crummy since this afternoon... well, crummy is the polite word for it.  There's a possibility I might be calling in at work if this doesn't let up, which has me concerned even though I'm in pretty good shape as far as my stuff-that-needs-to-be-happening goes on this show.

Think a happy, non-crampy thought for me in the meanwhile, won't you?

        

I'm up to my eyeballs in edit this weekend on a passion project, but a few minutes of YouTube goofoffage produced this... two very talented fellows who have yet to play in America.

        

Please enjoy the attached video from our friend Jeff Shonert, one of the funniest people we know. Patricia (my girlfriend, if you don't know me) was in Bill Dyer & Dick DeBenedictis' musical TROLLS with him during its recent run in Los Angeles, and you can't imagine a more talented guy.  Somebody cast this man, already.

        

In addition to TruTv's BLACK GOLD, another series I story produced for, QUEEN BEES, will be coming to The N, Noggin's nighttime network for kids, on July 11.

And since I gave Black Gold the same treatment, here's a little something something.

        

Black Gold, the reality series I'd spent the last eight months on for Thom Beers' Original Productions and TruTv as Lead Story Producer, will be making its debut on Wednesday, June 18 at 10pm.
 
Just thought you should know, in case you're not already Tivo-ing Curling With the Stars, VH1's Celebrity Barbecue or whatever else may be up against us.

In the meanwhile, here's some unrelated "Black Gold" material to tide you over.

        

We've all heard of those 24 and 48 hour film festivals, right?

Last year, I co-wrote COOKIE DE MAYO with MIND OF MENCIA's Cristela Alonzo for producer pal Carl Hansen. Seemed appropriate to post it here in honor of its inspiration, Cinco de Mayo.

Enjoy!