From: Joe Palen (joe@palen.com)
To: Kristian Vallee (improvstagetime@hotmail.com)
---
Kristian...
I'm available for any Tue/Wed in December.
Thanks again for your consideration...
Joe
http://palen.com/joe/comedian
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Saturday, October 30, 2004
TV or not TV?
I'm already spewing contradictions. On the one hand, I'm not really interested in being a star. On the other hand, I'm aiming for my first TV spot.
What's the deal?
Here's what's going on...
Back in "the day" (circa late 1980's, early 1990's), comics had to work their way up the ladder in the clubs in order to get on TV. Now, it seems to me, it's the other way around (i.e., opening acts have TV credits, and can't move up the ladder without more TV credits).
So, once again, I'm backing-in. Not really wanting TV in the first place, but coming to the conclusion that in order to move up the ladder at the Improv, I'll need to be on TV.
Remember, this all started because I wanted to get a week at the Irvine Improv. With that goal still over the horizon, I may be on National TV first.
Now that's funny.
What's the deal?
Here's what's going on...
Back in "the day" (circa late 1980's, early 1990's), comics had to work their way up the ladder in the clubs in order to get on TV. Now, it seems to me, it's the other way around (i.e., opening acts have TV credits, and can't move up the ladder without more TV credits).
So, once again, I'm backing-in. Not really wanting TV in the first place, but coming to the conclusion that in order to move up the ladder at the Improv, I'll need to be on TV.
Remember, this all started because I wanted to get a week at the Irvine Improv. With that goal still over the horizon, I may be on National TV first.
Now that's funny.
TV - Focus on First Spot
I need to pull together my best 3-4 minutes for my first TV spot. My act is broken into 6-7 minute chunks, which is fine for clubs, and for some TV shows. But on Premium Blend, comics get 3-4 minutes. Lots of comics I've seen on Wednesdays at the Hollywood Improv have been on that show. Seems like a good target.
Just aim, focus, and shoot. Don't know how long it will take to get the first shot. The cool thing is, there's no time limit...
No rush.
It may sound big-headed, but I feel like it's only a matter of time.
And in some odd way (at least, I think it's odd), the only reason I'm a little anxious to get my first spot is so I can get it out of the way. Then it won't loom as such a big deal anymore. Lots of comics I run into at the Improv have had multiple TV spots. I hope to be in that category some day.
But until then, I want to come up with the best set possible, as if it will be the only TV spot I'll ever have. It has to be something I'll be proud of, and something I'd be proud to have my grandkids see someday.
Paradox Alert: It's no big deal, but it's stored away forever.
Just aim, focus, and shoot. Don't know how long it will take to get the first shot. The cool thing is, there's no time limit...
No rush.
It may sound big-headed, but I feel like it's only a matter of time.
And in some odd way (at least, I think it's odd), the only reason I'm a little anxious to get my first spot is so I can get it out of the way. Then it won't loom as such a big deal anymore. Lots of comics I run into at the Improv have had multiple TV spots. I hope to be in that category some day.
But until then, I want to come up with the best set possible, as if it will be the only TV spot I'll ever have. It has to be something I'll be proud of, and something I'd be proud to have my grandkids see someday.
Paradox Alert: It's no big deal, but it's stored away forever.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Hello, World
Suffering from sleep deprivation today. Actually, "suffering" isn't the right word. It's actually kinda cool. The coolest thing about sleep deprivation is that it's like being high, but doesn't show up on a piss test.
I don't deprive myself of sleep just to get the buzz. It's to have a life. Sometimes, in order to juggle family, day-job, and pursuing-a-dream (welcome back!)... there's not much time for shut-eye.
Do I use enough hyphens?
So, one night a week, I don't get much sleep. Hours on the road for a few minutes on stage at the Hollywood Improv, arriving home in the wee hours of the morning, waking a couple of hours later to fulfill the day-job obligation... under the influence of sleep deprivation.
It's worth it.
Not only do I get the chance to "expose" myself in Hollywood, but there's always a couple of celebrity spottings to enjoy... albeit in a somewhat subdued manner. It's cool seeing the 2D stars in 3D... but no need for a drool bucket.
ANYWAY (since there should always be at least one "anyway")...
Last night's spottings included Eric McCormack (Will, from "Will & Grace"), Kevin Nealon, Kathleen Madigan, and Bobcat Goldthwait. Budd Friedman (the owner/founder of the Improv) was there, too. The first show was a charity benefit. That's why there were a few more "heavy hitters" than usual.
Speaking of "heavy hitters", last night was the night the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years. Cool night. At one point, Eric McCormack sat next to me at the bar, and we talked about the Red Sox winning the Series for a bit. Just guy-to-guy stuff. No showbiz talk. Once again, pretty cool...
But no drool bucket.
Oh, and I performed, too. After the benefit. During the late show (a.k.a., "Improv Jam"). That's ostensibly my reason for going up there. Actually, that is the primary reason, with the goal being to become an Improv Regular one day.
Originally, my goal was just to get a week at the Irvine Improv. Ironic that I need to go to Hollywood to get booked for a week in Irvine. I was reluctant at first (considering how things turned out the last time I immersed myself in the scene up there). But as it turns out, I'm enjoying it, and even shooting a little higher than Irvine.
Not much higher.
I'd be happy becoming an Improv Regular, and performing as a Featured Act (a.k.a., Middle) at Improv locations around the country...
While keeping my day job.
I wouldn't mind doing a little TV now and then. Little spots on shows featuring several stand-ups...
While keeping my day job.
No aspirations to have my own show. No dreams of starring movie roles. No shooting for the stars this time around. Instead, I'm satisfied with getting my performance fixes, and the occasional celebrity elbow rub...
While keeping my day job.
Am I in denial? Stay tuned...
I don't deprive myself of sleep just to get the buzz. It's to have a life. Sometimes, in order to juggle family, day-job, and pursuing-a-dream (welcome back!)... there's not much time for shut-eye.
Do I use enough hyphens?
So, one night a week, I don't get much sleep. Hours on the road for a few minutes on stage at the Hollywood Improv, arriving home in the wee hours of the morning, waking a couple of hours later to fulfill the day-job obligation... under the influence of sleep deprivation.
It's worth it.
Not only do I get the chance to "expose" myself in Hollywood, but there's always a couple of celebrity spottings to enjoy... albeit in a somewhat subdued manner. It's cool seeing the 2D stars in 3D... but no need for a drool bucket.
ANYWAY (since there should always be at least one "anyway")...
Last night's spottings included Eric McCormack (Will, from "Will & Grace"), Kevin Nealon, Kathleen Madigan, and Bobcat Goldthwait. Budd Friedman (the owner/founder of the Improv) was there, too. The first show was a charity benefit. That's why there were a few more "heavy hitters" than usual.
Speaking of "heavy hitters", last night was the night the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years. Cool night. At one point, Eric McCormack sat next to me at the bar, and we talked about the Red Sox winning the Series for a bit. Just guy-to-guy stuff. No showbiz talk. Once again, pretty cool...
But no drool bucket.
Oh, and I performed, too. After the benefit. During the late show (a.k.a., "Improv Jam"). That's ostensibly my reason for going up there. Actually, that is the primary reason, with the goal being to become an Improv Regular one day.
Originally, my goal was just to get a week at the Irvine Improv. Ironic that I need to go to Hollywood to get booked for a week in Irvine. I was reluctant at first (considering how things turned out the last time I immersed myself in the scene up there). But as it turns out, I'm enjoying it, and even shooting a little higher than Irvine.
Not much higher.
I'd be happy becoming an Improv Regular, and performing as a Featured Act (a.k.a., Middle) at Improv locations around the country...
While keeping my day job.
I wouldn't mind doing a little TV now and then. Little spots on shows featuring several stand-ups...
While keeping my day job.
No aspirations to have my own show. No dreams of starring movie roles. No shooting for the stars this time around. Instead, I'm satisfied with getting my performance fixes, and the occasional celebrity elbow rub...
While keeping my day job.
Am I in denial? Stay tuned...
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