“I used to think as I looked out on the Hollywood night, ‘There must be thousands of girls sitting alone like me dreaming of being a movie star.’ But I’m not going to worry about them. I’m dreaming the hardest.” – Marilyn Monroe
I am over the moon that the AFTRA/SAG and WGA union strikes are now resolved. My heart goes out to all the writers, techs, performers, and ancillary operators/talents who give the world what I consider some of our greatest national products. How these union workers have managed emotionally and financially these past 118 days of unemployment is beyond my comprehension but not my compassion scope.
I’m happy to offer my services at 50% through the end of the year for any member of SAG/AFTRA, WGA, or IATSE who is still struggling with anxiety, depression, addictions, or any other symptoms from this overwhelming experience.
I just love Hollywood. I love stories and all the myriad of storytellers and artisans that make Hollywood run. With its many flaws, the net sum is positive like life. I love the glamorous history of the Golden Age of Hollywood, silent movies, talkies, matinee idols, superstars, Oscars, the drama, the chaos, the good, the bad and the ugly. All of it. I love it all, for my life would be missing richness beyond measure without movies, documentaries, comedies, “Friends,” Seinfeld, Frazer Crane, “I Love Lucy,” The Twilight Zone, “All in the Family,” the Mankiewicz Brothers, Martin Scorcese, Ron Howard, Spike Lee, “This Is Us,” “Yellowstone,” American Ninja Warriors, Dateline, “Will & Grace,” and don’t even get me started on my list of all-time favorite movies and actors.
Creative artists are vital to any culture. Their work can be prophetic, healing, enlightening, challenging, reflective, inspiring, responsible (and sometimes irresponsible, certainly), escapist, educational, and more. Art is the signature of a society. And most importantly, artists are human. They can never be replaced by AI any more than a photograph can replace your baby.
What it takes to embark on a journey to become a professional in any capacity in Hollywood is Herculean. I know something about that. I threw my hat in the ring years ago, and as mentioned in a previous Nugget, it is for the good of God and mankind that I did not make it as an actor. (I wanted to be Meryl Streep, and sadly, people laughed at me, so I changed my shingle to stand-up comic….but I digress.)
Thank you, SAG/AFTRA, WGA, and IATSE members, for all you do. For all the years you put into your craft, coping with enormous competition, the blood, sweat, tears, and more. I have infinite respect for you, treasure what you create, and here’s to many, many more years of doing what you do best. Welcome back.
“In Hollywood if you don’t have a shrink, people think you’re crazy.” ― Johnny Carson
Creativity Hypnosis
I work extensively with actors, singers, comics, writers, models, producers, directors, and more. Do you have questions or concerns about creativity hypnosis? Please contact me for more information about how creativity hypnosis can help you. I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation and would happily answer your questions.