Salvador Dali, Freelancing & Hoodies.

We all went to the Met today as part of a field trip for the classes I’m taking up here. We were required to go through the Egyptian, Ancient Near Eastern, Medieval and Renaissance sections. As much as I enjoyed looking at all the Catholic art in the latter sections, I was riveted by some of the stuff in the modern art section.

In particular, I saw this giant painting by Salvador Dali called “Crucifixion.” Something about this painting draws me in and I can’t define it. It takes place on some kind of surreal landscape, and floating in the air is a 3D cross from which Christ is hanging. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to convey some kind of message. It’s just… wow.

Work was simple this week. Just transcribed all day, every day. I’m developing a sort of stamina. The longer I do it, the less painful it becomes. The biggest point of the week however, was finding out that this was Taqiy’s last week. He’s been working as a freelance assistant producer for the producer I’ve spent most of my time working with, and he’s been the guy that’s been the easiest to talk to, and I think I’ve learned the most from so far.

His contract was up as of yesterday, so he’s moving on, going to Houston for a few days, actually. On my way out Wednesday (my last day for the week), we exchanged information and I subtly expressed an appreciation for his guidance. He refused to make any kind of good-bye, though, insisting that the world of production is much, much too small and that we’d run into each other again soon. I hope he’s right, because I enjoyed working with him.

Dylan, the producer is still there, and he’s a cool enough guy, but he’s always in high gear, pushing through trying to get the show done, so the time in which I can get to know him and talk to him about the company, etc. is very limited. I’ve kinda gotten to know Michelle, the P.A., but she’s also freelance and I’m not sure how much longer she’ll be around.

The nature of this business is so transitory that it has me wondering how I’ll be able to repay my loans, but everyone seems to be getting consistent work, provided they’re willing to use their contacts and start off with the low-end stuff. I’m curious how much a general freelancer makes, but I don’t know how to ask about that without getting too personal. After all, it’s impolite to ask how much someone makes and stuff like that.

In any case, I don’t really have too much new to report this week. I’ve been kinda cooping myself up in the Lamb’s, trying to get over this damn cold of mine. It seemed like every time I went outside, the blast of cold air made my cold twice as bad. It’s mostly gone now, but it’s still a pain in the ass. The Hard Lesson Learned: Even if the weather is only in the 40s, if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time and there’s a chance of rain, a hoodie is not enough—Wear a real jacket.