Looking up into the clear blue sky on this Sunny, 65 degree Los Angeles day, it's easy to forget that Christmas is just 4 days away. People often don't realize how easy it can be to change someone's life through the simple act of giving. I am very inspired by the prospect of our limitless potential as human beings (...or as Van Halen would say "Humans Being").
Someone recently told me that expressing oneself through the written word is an essential part of being an artist. Well here I am, being productive and writing away. Just a thought or two, on what inspires me to continue moving forward on my path. The story of how I got my foot in the door readily comes to mind.
Brian Reingold (aka Mr. Speciale [yes, with an "e" at the end]) was the first person to ever give me a job in the movie biz. He was the Unit Production Manager for the Belladonna Studios production "L.I.E."
Like most everyone these days, I had no job or even a single lead straight out of college. It also doesn't help when you get your degree in Film Studies. So within days of graduation, I took it upon myself to walk around Manhattan, and go into a string of production company offices cold, resume in hand. They would all tell me the same thing; that they weren't hiring right now or that they would put my resume on file. There seemed to be little or no hope, really.
Then one fateful day I walked into the Belladonna office in Chelsea, Manhattan, I was greeted by a bald, hyperkinetic guy with a thick Buffalo accent. He introduced himself as Brian, but everyone eventually called him Mr. Speciale. Within moments of meeting him, he said a word or two about his German film producer with the French name, he went on rapid fire style, about his son's major league baseball ambitions, then quickly changed gears again and offered me a gig on the spot despite my lack of experience working on a film set. I sat there in an illustrated state of dumbfounded excitement.
I distinctly remember the 1st Assistant Director, Jose Gilberto Molinari-Rosaly, coming over and glaring at me, with a "Who the hell is this? What the hell is he doing here? Get him the hell out of here! I don't want him to be on my production staff!" look on his face.
After a few tense moments between the two of them as they argued right in front of me over whether or not I should be hired, I butted in and let them know that I could ask a bunch of my former classmates to help out if they needed any more production assistants. I got the job, much to the chagrin of the 1st AD and through much situational massaging on the part of Mr. Speciale. I also happen to supply the film with 5 other PAs.
Me and my fellow alumni busted our asses working on that movie, and after the first week Jose ate his words. He actually congratulated all of the PAs and told us we were the best team he had ever worked with!
Why recount this story? Well, I'm glad I asked! Because I am inspired by one's willingness to take a chance on someone unproven, solely based on their first impression. These days it's damn near impossible to find a job without knowing someone first. It's not what you know, It's not even WHO you know, but rather who knows YOU. It's true... look it up.
Mr. Speciale hooked me up, got my foot in the door and helped me get other tv/film jobs etc. For that I am eternally thankful. Everyone should be so lucky to have someone randomly help them out like that. Pay it forward in this season of giving.
Merry Christmas Everyone! :)
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