that's the biz, kid ...

a couple of entertainment business-related observations for the day ...

went to the filming this evening, which i will be unable to write about for this week's column, i learned - after filming wrapped, that is. so, after taking nearly minute-by-minute notes on the experience, it's all going to that big notepad in the sky ...

but the experience was interesting and fun in its own hurry-up-and-wait way. there were many people there who obviously had never done anything with theater or film before, which made for amusing times. quite cute really (she writes as she realizes how condescending she sounds). we spent just over two hours clapping, screaming and clapping for the actor, who stood on stage and bowed for us (and, when he wasn't on camera, prompted more catcalls with a rather risque little tease, might i add). i enjoyed the experience - so much that i'll be going back tomorrow morning to most likely work as an extra in burlington. there is supposed to be money involved - i figure if it covers my gavin ticket, i'll be a happy camper.

speaking of money ... i was floored to see how much my favorite musicians are asking for to perform these days ... from the clear channel college entertainment site (which, might i add, features a photo of averi on its main page ...):

- averi: $1 - 2k (not bad at all)
- matt nathanson: $3 - 5 k (another reason why we <3 matt)
- pat mcgee band: $10 - 15k (pretty much what they were asking for when we tried to get them for the benefit concert)
- rufus wainwright: $15 - 20k (not too shabby)
- howie day (full band): $20 - 25k (ouch)
- guster: $30- 40 k (they've been touring for how long now - they deserve it)
- jason mraz: $50 - 75k (includes lights and sound - but i'm still justifiably floored. i'm not crazy about the whole light spectacular - i just want to see jason, ian and toca jam. no need for the other shite.)
and, of course:
- john mayer: call for pricing. because if the policy is the same as when we were band-hunting for the benefit, mayer's people don't offer a price because they accept bids. bids=lame.

mraz-related: listened to "melt with you," his contribution to the "50 first dates" soundtrack. vocals are great. song=i hate it. the background music is so 80s, so electronic, so busy that i remember why i prefer looking back on the 80s fondly to actually living through the 80s.

and anyway, how can you possibly top modern english? honestly ...