This has been a really nice week, though I realize now that it was full of things I completely forgot to take photos of! Many writing sessions, a lovely LA brunch with new friends in Larchmont, a competitive and hilarious games night with old and new friends alike.
Here’s what I’ve got from sifting through the photos I did have:
This was technically from last weekend, when we were invited to a baby party for two friends of ours who are expecting. Hosted by friends of theirs, it was a non-traditional shower with guys and girls and a laid back brunch vibe at a lovely little restaurant called the Six in Studio City.
I didn’t eat much of the food that was appearing in droves (easily distracted by catching up with people, and in fits of excitement about the Whedon panel next day), but it all looked amazing, and what I tasted was seriously delicious. The whole place has a cozy rustic vibe that’s just perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or lunch.
On Tuesday night we had the amazing treat of attending a screening of Jurassic Park in 3D, hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Not only was it my first time visiting the Academy itself (somehow still a profound experience, even after living in LA for years now), but it was for film that has really special significance for me (and millions of others).
Personally the last time I saw this film I was 14, on my first ever trip overseas on my own, in England with my best friend. The world had opened up before my eyes, and I was experiencing something for the very first time: an absolute passionate certainty of a goal. In this case, to come and live in London as soon as I could – which I went on to do after a few more years of dedicated study.
Back then Jurassic Park was sold out every time, so when we did finally get tickets we sat in the very first row of the cinema. Heck of a way to experience your first T-Rex! It was pure wonder. After seeing it in 3D, I can say this movie is still the masterpiece it was then, and somehow made for 3D (even from someone like me, who’s not usually a fan). We also had the privilege of hearing a panel of legends who worked on the film speak before the screening. Go and see this if you get the chance – it’s a proud symbol of how a movie can be a game-changer.
Otherwise this week has been mostly sitting at my desk, working on a rewrite of our pilot. A lot of fun puzzle shifting and problem solving, but that’s a post for another day. In between bouts of desk time, there have been some nice quiet walks – some around Hollywood looking up at the huge billboards of the moment.
The first time I looked up at this, I hallucinated briefly that the three boards spelled out one message which said something like ‘Welcome to Oblivion Forever’. Then I made a personal note that it was probably a good time to switch to decaf (and more outdoor time) for the rest of the week.
Walking around UCLA last week I felt that the campus was unnaturally quiet and empty – and then someone reminded me that it was Spring Break for the regular students. Walking to class I saw that the exception was one big lawn on campus, chock full of students studying, milling around and socializing.
There was something slightly unnatural about the scene at first. Then I realized that they were all keeping very still, then falling in to their individual movements at the same time. That’s also when I saw the crew trucks, and comprehended that – of course – someone was filming something. I continuously love how surreal this town is.
Which brings me to this awesome sign I only noticed this week, on a house two minutes down the road.
Hope you have an amazing week ahead!
x
