As I near the tuition deadline for the Spring 2004 semester, I find myself saying, “I have to register and pay for a class that I’m not going to take because I can’t register and pay for a class that I am going to take.” Anyone who knows the hassles of USC’s D-clearance and registration system knows what I’m talking about.

…can you hear a tire screech, metal/glass cunching/shattering, and then more squealing as an engine revs and fades away, only to rush outside to find no sign of an accident besides the sound of debris on the road as passing cars drive over it.

Second-rate toilet paper: something about it just rubs me the wrong way.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted an update. The Southern California October 2003 Wildfires have come and gone, the weather has turned colder, and Streakers has gone from production into post-production. I will most likely not have time to post another update for quite a while, and I apologize if this one isn’t quite really up to snuff. I’m doing my best, but this blog thing is really last on my priority list.

And that’s pretty much it. Sorry to disappoint. I’ll see you in December, perhaps?

Jeremy Kagan arranged for French director Patrice Leconte to talk to us about some of his filmmaking experiences. He was joined later by American cinematographer Steven Poster and the two of them related their experiences working together as it pertains to a learning experience for the student directors. It was very interesting. These two film giants have worked so much in the industry and have so much experience; it was inspiring, a little humbling, exciting, and very informative.

Steven Poster, Patrice Leconte (this was not a “posed” picture) in the Ron Howard Screening Room, Zemeckis Center, USC:

Last night in directing class, French director Régis Wargnier visited and talked about Indochine and some of what he went through to make it. It was most informative. He also helped a few of us with our scenes for class.

Tonight I have the shoot from hell. We start at 21:00 and go until 09:00 Saturday morning. Then Sunday 06:00 to 18:00. Who comes up with these murderous shoot times? Ah well, last weekend of principal photography. Then I get at least one weekend back…. ☹️