The Producer (Jane Loughman) and her Director (David Hewlett)

The Nerd’s Words on “A Dog’s Breakfast” first public screening… this is probably going to span a few blog entries because…well because I’m a windbag…but I’m typing so, maybe a keybag?

Musical accompaniment by DJ Danger Mouse as I tap this out. His Grey Album, banned because of copyright issues to do with the Beatles samples I believe…thank God for Limewire!

I’m going to have to admit to being terrified. I was more terrified screening “A Dog’s Breakfast” for all of you than I was shooting the thing… and I was pretty damn “a feared” doing that, let me tell you! I even have behind the scenes footage to prove it (but that may have to wait for the DVD)

Kate hadn’t even seen the film, I’d completely forgotten about that! I was very curious to read her blog entry about it all. Our family only communicates through blogs now, which is just how I like it. ;-) Though what is it with the Hewlett’s tiny fonts?!

Los Angeles - Jane rented her “fun” car, the PT Cruiser convertible. Apparently, it was the only “non boring” car they had. Jane really needs to embrace boring, you know, in the same way she’s taken to me. That woman is just fearless in L.A. traffic… so I handled terrified for both of us… the multiple soy latte’s didn’t help I’m sure (I’m afraid that the soy milk latte referred to here is not a joke, I have officially become everything I mock in Los Angeles)

We stayed at this ridiculously expensive hotel where we were welcomed with screwed up reservations and a dirty shower… nothing says “welcome” like a used band-aid! We’re looking for somewhere else next time… any suggestions? But, it must have a pool. Jane and I are part duck.

One advantage of the hotel was that it’s seconds away from the Getty Center. If you haven’t been up there, then you’re missing one of the best kept secrets in Los Angeles. Jane took her father and I on a tour of The Getty just before we moved to Washington. I wish that I’d known about it while I was living down there. I would have been there every day! We managed to pop up one evening on this latest trip. KCRW was doing a live music thang (by the way, there is nothing I hate more than live music… just so you know, my live music blinkers are officially on) but despite that, seeing the Getty at night was gorgeous. It was so perfect to introduce Kate and Michael to Los Angeles by night from such an awe-inspiring vantage point.

Our last trip down to Los Angeles was spent at MGM most of the time, talking over the plans for the film, and generally hanging out because… well it’s MGM! This time however were were asked to attend a meeting on the top floor. The top floor is kind of like walking into the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas with an entire glass wall of floating Oscars! They’re actually ingeniously attached to the glass from behind, but when you walk in there… floating Oscars, and I mean real Oscar awards going back to the early days of film…and Oscars for that matter! The sweeping marble staircases that surround the reception desk work towards the overall wow-factor as well! Since we hadn’t signed anything yet we couldn’t tell anyone anything. So, we just did little spontaneous joy dances when not watched by executives or security guards (who I am sure thought I was there to steal floating Oscars)…we also discovered that there are video cameras in the elevator …I’m going to take this moment to apologize to MGM security, we really didn’t mean for you to see THAT! I shouldn’t add here that we also met with the fine folks at Sci Fi and there was happy dancing in those elevators as well (Yep! Yet another pre-announcement announcement for you all to stew about!)

But back to this trip and the screening!

We parked up on the roof of the West Side Pavilion, right over the food courts. So, thanks to the giant kitchen vents, the entire roof smelt like fried food - as did the car on our return! It was like tooling around L.A. in a giant French fry…Mmmm, giant French Fry! We arrived at the theatre nice and early, but not as early as some.

There were already people lined up a good hour and a half before we screened! I was convinced that those were the only people that were going to show and that we were only going to be screening for those 30 or so people! I’m sure that they wouldn’t have minded, but it would have been a bit depressing after all the work Jane and I had been doing on the Internet marketing front. Jane told me to relax (but not in those words).

I had no idea that these screening things were so stress-full (say it like that “Stress – Full”!) When you’ve acted in something you just sit back and enjoy the show. Sure you get a bit antsy every time you show up on screen, and you do tend to focus ONLY on yourself and your performance even if that means you’re way in the background or are heard off camera or might be about to show up again or leave again, or be mentioned by someone else… okay so THAT’s stressful too! (Stressful…one word, say it!)

With “A Dog’s Breakfast” I was at least partially to blame for every aspect of the film. I was sweating bullets, and you know how that turns me into a big shiny forehead! I really had no idea how the film was going to go down. We made this film for the fans. I don’t just mean that in the cheesy “this is for you” way, I mean, the fans ARE our target audience! Sure, we’re also gunning for the pet nerds… like Kate and the furry cockroaches she calls cats. Or, like Jane and I… Mars has always been like a son to us, a big, smelly, hairy son, with bad hips and worse breath. Still, there’s no point in making a film that nobody wants to see. That would be a bit of a disaster! If the people there that night (yes, you!) didn’t like the film, then that would be the end of my most expensivest “hobby” ever and I go back to stamp collecting, not that I’ve ever really given that up…I have boxes of the things…coins too…and Jane calls me square!

More to come... I promise!

Comments

I'm not the only one Written by Cate8 on 2007-12-01 01:11:50 Okay, I know this blog was posted forever ago, but I was trying to catch up.    Just wanted to add that I thought I was the only person who hates live music. Everyone I've told that I don't like live music looks at me like I'm crazy(er that usual). I'm glad it's not just me.

Written by spamco on 2007-02-18 02:33:01 So I'm bored at 12:30 in the morning, so I backtrack through your blogs.    Dude, if you loved The Grey Album (cause honestly, who doesn't? Other than those folks over at EMI), I highly recommend Once Again by John Legend.    Just cause that album is pure brilliance. I just started listening to that album again...I love it. Just as much as I love ska. Don't even let me get started on ska. Sorry, I'm a music whore. *shrugs*

Coffee tastes Written by Phoenix_Maat on 2006-12-28 22:19:37 You see, Mate, that's why you get a Venti Iced Caramel Mocha Frappe from Starbucks! LOL!!  Peace, love, and Quantum Physics,   Ani

Anxiously waiting... Written by Argon on 2006-12-10 16:40:13 Boy, do I wish I was there.  The screening sounded amazing!  I'm glad that it was a success. ^^    Now, down to buisness:  Come to Canada, PLEASE! (Specifically Ontario)  I'm waiting, but like most Canadian fans, I'm getting impatient as well.

-is impatient- Written by AylaMc on 2006-12-08 20:18:19 When's this baby coming to Canada? Halifax is waiting!  Yay for the screening going well, though I had no doubts.  Now hurry and get it up to the maritimes, I'm getting impatient, hearing all these great things about it!  [And I love the trailer!]    Ayla

sniff Written by nomidalantian on 2006-12-08 17:28:34 I couldn't go. my mom wouldn't let me go halfway round the world for a screening, especially not on my own.  Anyway, I hope there are a lot of visits to places in the future for you (tip come to hull, east yorkshire, england, better still my house- we'll talk logistics later)   And, Considering you appear to be THE MAIN PART surely you'd know you'd be in most of it, hopefully you didn't cover your eyes.... whatever, I dont even know what i'm writing.... cya!

Written by bluejay on 2006-12-07 15:34:00 I'm still incredibly jealous of the people who got to see it (and went to the premire). The previews look hilarious, and I'm always up for a good laugh. I can't wait to snatch it on DvD (yes I heard the MGM thing went through, congrats!)     I think I've had a worse hotel experience than yours...I actually found bodily leftovers in my bathtub. Somebody got a free night's stay     Next time you should try staying in one of those hotels that accepts dogs. It's loads of fun being on the road with a dog!

Written by naynay on 2006-12-06 11:52:16 "Yep! Yet another pre-announcement announcement for you all to stew about."    You're such a tease...I like it!     I've only heard great things about the movie from those lucky bastards that got to see it.

Written by SalsGal on 2006-12-05 01:09:20 I love that picture of you and Jane. You look great together. =)    Seriously, ADB was one of the funniest movies I've seen in ages. My wife (the lovely lass on the motor cart, the one from London, ON) said as much, too.    We had a blast at the screening. You, Jane, Kate, John, the whole lot of you were so incredibly gracious and accessible and nice - you're all just so awesome.     Can't wait to see ADB again. Gonna make a sequel?    Happy Holidays, y'all.    -Barb

Blue blue electric blue... Written by nunshavingfun on 2006-12-05 01:08:28 The grey album is awesome. You scream like a girl. That may have been one of the best parts of the whole movie. That and the falling. Screaming like a girl and falling is comedy gold!

Written by noa on 2006-12-04 14:43:05 But a small (and private) question...is it possible that Jane is pregnant? It´s only a supposition because of the new photos.    I can´t wait to see the movie

New ADB Trailer Written by cgiGeek on 2006-12-04 13:17:47 Thanks for posting the new trailer, it was cool.    -Cheers

Written by Gebo on 2006-12-04 04:27:55 Pre-announcement announcements Just after getting it right about the MGM deal, I've now got to work out this   You are a cruel man...

Written by Erynn on 2006-12-04 04:13:45 My parking lot is no longer a skating rink, thank all the weather gods. I wish I could have been in LA for the screening; my envy knows no bounds.    It sounds like you had a fabulous time once you relaxed a little, and don't worry too much about the soy lattes -- so long as they weren't decaf. I mean, decaf, what would have been the point?    Your meeting with SciFi sounds intriguing, though I must admit I'm still twitching about what's happening with Paul on SGA.     Your ambiguity is cruel, Hewlett. Put us out of our fannish misery already! I hear that the Terror Twins invited you to our little soiré in Vancouver in March -- I hope you and Jane will be able to make it. We don't even bite or anything.    Well, not unless asked politely...

Written by Shawna on 2006-12-04 01:17:31 So fun to get the report from othe other side. Thanks! And please, be as big a keybag as you like (after all, isn't that why one creates one's own website?).

Written by SeiyaTheLeaper on 2006-12-03 13:28:29 I just went to Kate's blog... it's HILARIOUS!!!

Written by kamelion on 2006-12-03 00:12:40 Loving the info, keep it coming!

ouch... Written by Aten on 2006-12-02 22:50:22 Hey, I'm from L.A. and I think soy lattes are icky!     Though I have my own eyewitness account, it's so great to read this. Point of view is definitely the key.     And as for the pre-announcement: I can handle it. I've gotten really good at holding in my antsiness over things like these over time.

Written by SeiyaTheLeaper on 2006-12-02 16:21:44 Hmmmm.... "behind-the-scenes footage" and "DVD" used in the same sentence is making my mouth water even more... when can we pre-order said DVDs??? Any region will do!!!    And what about this "pre-announcement announcement"?? Curious!!!

Written by Zerocool on 2006-12-02 15:25:52 Yey! Lots more Squirrel happy dancing to come! I look forward to it

Written by Zerocool on 2006-12-02 15:25:52 Yey! Lots more Squirrel happy dancing to come! I look forward to it

Written by pavaneofstars on 2006-12-02 13:01:47 I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your perspective on the screening.     A pre-announcement announcement?! You are evil.

What is a soy latte? Written by taywolf on 2006-12-02 11:27:12 Reading about all the crazy weather makes me glad to be in Scotland. Granted it rains all year, and our summer lasts about 4 days but it is never totally OTT. Good place to bring a nice film - I am glad that the viewing went well for audience and the people and dogs who had an input to its production. Mars should make more films, he has the looks and personality.

Written by Becky S. on 2006-12-02 09:31:24 Ah, David, you DO love to tease!     It' snice to hear your view on how things went. Looking forward to hearing more. But I am sorry that your hotel wasn't quite what it should have been.

More waiting... Written by Annie on 2006-12-02 07:53:53 I should be studying for the resit I have to do in 9 days (how much studying can 1 person do for a PRACTICAL part of an exam I'm wondering?) but instead I find myself strangely drawn to this site and the thought of having to wait for more announcements.     I wouldn't say my family only communicates through blogs but my mate Bekki and I communicate through emails. The fact we work in the same team and her desk is opposite mine has nothing to do with our lack of verbal skills!     It sounds like you all had a blast on your trip, can't wait (rolls eyes at more waiting lol) to hear more.

Angry-full Written by Vive les Unas on 2006-12-02 07:13:03 Why couldn't I go to the LA screening ? I was about to flee my little area in the France North, but I didn't have enough money to go to LA by plane and be sure to came back (not in the suitcase compartment I mean ). And I didn't want my folks to get worried so...I'm just eating my fingers and waiting for the DVD release or BETTER for a screening in France

Written by dutch eowyn on 2006-12-02 02:03:46 Ah, lovely, sparkly, bouncy report and beaming picture that has me sitting here with a goofy grin on my face. I'm so curious about the movie and hoping to be able to one day see it, but in the meantime these reports (both by fans and by you) have already made several of my days.

Written by geekjumper on 2006-12-01 22:08:55 Love the photo! Jane is absolutely luminous - the pair of you make me grin like a git. Can't wait to see the film, man. Everyone's said it was great, (in highly non-spoilery fashion, because they know they'd get punched in the collective head for giving anything away.) I'm sure it was absolutely nervewracking, but bear in mind - we've watched Boa vs. Python for you, Hewlett. We knew this one was going to be good, but I think it's safe to say we'd have stuck by you regardless.

Written by Kara McKay on 2006-12-01 22:02:59 I'm glad it worked out for you. I can understand your stress -- I've never done anything like a movie, but I've had similar feelings about my own projects. I'm always sure everything is going well until it comes down to crunch time, and then I'm suddenly sure that everyone is just going to hate it. Gotta love those ups and downs.     Best of luck with future screenings.    Kara

Written by watcher652 on 2006-12-01 21:29:10 Finally a post about your LA experiences! I thought we were going to have to rely on Kate to do the reporting.     Isn't the Getty just awesome? I only got to tour it once and didn't get to see it all, even though I spent almost the whole day there.    How can you hate live music? I hope you mean live music like at malls and not going to hear an orchestra or a band or hearing music at the local outdoor celebration. I love going to a club and listening to my favorite indie folk/rock band live. It's like watching TV vs a live theatre performance. Both have their merits. I even like street performers. I've had some wonderful conversations with some talented musicians who just happen to like taking their music to the people and don't mid competing with the noise of the cars and busses.    You jumping up and down in the halls of MGM isn't as silly as a bunch of your fans bouncing up and down in their seats when we read the good news.    Thanks for all the details. We're all looking forward to more.

Written by thaddia on 2006-12-01 21:03:52 *happy dancing in elevators* There's nothing more fun! I can't wait to hear more!

Written by Rebeccasaurus on 2006-12-01 20:56:55 I'm impressed with the fry scented car

Written by zwild1 on 2006-12-01 20:43:18 Would loved to have been in L.A., was in NYC last Feb., stuck in Kansas deep in Tech. World...GAH!! Sounds like you had nothing to be nervous about from all of the fabulous reviews! Can't wait to see ADB on the silver screen.

Written by Delka on 2006-12-01 19:27:27 Congratulations on the news from this squirrel too.    And go ahead and keep bloging away. I make sure this is my first stop ever time I get online. Get a kick out of reading it.     Can't wait to see ADB in my neck of the woods!    Thanks again to you, Jane, Mars and the rest of the crew. Great inspriration you guys give off!    Forever a fan (never worry about that!)

loved it! Written by margarks on 2006-12-01 19:01:58 I was at the screening and loved it! i laughed so hard at some points that my sister-in-law, whom i dragged with me, ended up laughing at *me* the rest of the night because of how much i enjoyed it.    i'm really hoping more people in kansas request a screening (i already did) so that i can see it again soon!    You all did a great job. Kate was lovely and you were hilarious! Your physical comedy was just a blast to watch. And Paul's facial expressions continually cracked me up (though it was weird hearing him talk without the scottish burr).

Written by jivefish on 2006-12-01 18:43:13 Is it weird that I've lived in LA my whole life, yet I've never had a soy latte?    Driving in LA is the funniest thing ever. I would've loved to see Jane drive through our crappy ass traffic.    Oh, and I completely understand communicating with your family through internet. Do it with my sister [who was at the screening] all the time. Her desk is directly behind mine, yet we ususally talk through AIM.    Oh yes, I may as well refer to myself as the purple sharpie girl. If you never gave it back to me, my sister would've gotten pretty mad.    Someone should just give you a box of purple sharpies as a gift. Now THAT would be an interesting gift.     Pre-announcements annoucements. You mean mean man.

Written by casey on 2006-12-01 17:38:56 Ooh, I missed this when browsing your site just now.    I have no idea what you're talking about with all the landmarks since I've never been to LA but it sounds fascinating to me.     But I love the idea of pre-announcements announcements!     Whatever it is, it'll be cool.    Great work on the distribution and hopefully I will see ADB on the big screen in Australia!

ADB Written by Scary on 2006-12-01 17:32:40 Love your write up about going to meetings at MGM.     So you are in discussion with SCI-FI? How about the SPACE CHANNEL in Canada?     Can't wait to hear more news!!!!

Written by love6echo on 2006-12-01 17:25:40 Nice to hear your side of things! I can tell you we were pretty nervous too, not about the movie of course. We knew that was going to rock.     Complete agree with you about live music. It's too loud to talk over and not enough to keep my attention. Unless there's a trombone involved, that's completely different.    You giant tease. ; )

alternate LA Written by the_spike on 2006-12-01 16:43:04 I have a friend currently staying in the downtown LA version of this: http://www.standardhotel.com/ altho there is a Hollywood version too. It looks fun. Not, you know, as cool as this: http://www.lileks.com/institute/motel/index.html but what could be?

Quack! Written by ZoniDuck on 2006-12-01 16:37:33 Part duck you say?     That is a great picture of you two, I have to say. I'm enjoying your travelogue immensely, and I can't wait to hear more. The comment about meeting with SciFi is particulary intriguing.    And the idea of the Hewlett family communicating solely through blog entries and comments is hilarious.    Can't wait to read more!    PS - Does the distribution deal mean that you won't be submitting ADB for any film festivals? I'm still holding out hope that you'll bring it here to Phoenix for the festival. We have lots of lovely hotels with pools. Just sayin'.

hotel reccomendation Written by MystressMayhem on 2006-12-01 16:24:52 It's really close to LAX so good and bad but Embassy Suites (no matter the city actually) is awesome. With pool and buffet breakfast.

Written by MdGateFan on 2006-12-01 16:06:10 Hey we don't mind reading your posts...keep posting away.    It sounds like you had a good trip - even it was a bit nerve racking. (though I am wondering which was worse on the nerves - LA traffic or the screening?)     Another not-yet- announcement? I agree with those above - you are evil. But in a good way, so please keep it up.

Blame it on the out-age Written by 11nine73 on 2006-12-01 16:05:45 Deprived of internet, over posting is understandable     I question your use of the word "fun" for a PT Cruiser convertible. Makes me wonder at the rest of the selection. And it's called "pro-active driving"...    How can you hate live music? Unless this is live radio, which is different. My God, did they have disco lights?    But of course, all went well. How could you doubte Teh Love? Bad boy.    Congrats

You needn't have worried Written by Jan on 2006-12-01 16:00:20 From the many reviews given by those lucky squirrel minions able to make it to the screening, it seems you needn't have worried: you obviously put together a good film-- everyone raved!!!     Did I rave? Well, no, because I was aaaaaalll the way over on the other side of the continent, far away from any screening-y goodness, but had I *been* in a position to rave, I assume I would have done so.     Please share more of the adventures of D and Jx! We're all so happy for you guys!

Written by darklock on 2006-12-01 15:59:57 Keybore? ;-P    Blended Tuxedo Freeze... double shot, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and whipped cream, while wearing mittens.    *goes to get one*

BLOG AWAY Written by crazy4dh on 2006-12-01 15:37:18 Blog away - be as big a keybag as you want we love it!    Wish I could have made the LA screening. You may have been worried about how ADB would go over but WE, THE FANS, knew it would be successful.    I would be terrified of driving in LA but I hear taxis are terrifying as well.    Pre-announcement announcement. You are brilliantly evil and tortuous. I don't know if you should be kissed or strangled!!    last note: Used Band-aid?? Ewwww!!!

Haha! Written by windshieldbug on 2006-12-01 15:36:04 Too great! You know how fast we get the updates when you post?     I'm so glad you had fun. (Even if your hotel was less than perfect!)    PS: LOL Criz.

Written by criz on 2006-12-01 14:35:18 *hehe*  mental images pop up in my mind - with emphasis on mental ...    the chatting division of the awesome squirrel squad will know what I mean     glad to hear about the experiences in LA and I'm looking forward to read more about it

Spill it! Written by Mercury973 on 2006-12-01 14:31:38 Pre-announcement announcement???    Ok- spill it! I'm not sure how much more I can take this. And this movie better be showing in Seattle!

Nice update Written by tmac72 on 2006-12-01 14:10:02 That was some enjoyable reading. I really like a 'big shiny forehead'. Nothing wrong with that in the least.   What is really bad is when you start to communicate with your spouse via the internet.   Thanks for the laughs and the 'pre-announcement announcement'. That is so bad of you to tease us that way. It is something else to look forward to.   Stay warm!

Written by Jand on 2006-12-01 14:06:00 STRESS-FULL, shiney-headedness, and yet from other reviews I have read of the screening you managed to make your fans feel welcomed. I've admired your acting ability for some time, and recently your humour, but your kindness is truly impressive. Now... if you have a say in the MGM premieres, you could pamper your Jane in the Palm Beaches of Florida. Today's weather is a cozy 82F and our blackouts only happen during hurricane season, which thank the lord ended yesterday. Last year our blackout lasted 1 month!   I think blogging might save families, especially when they are flung around the globe. They can see a child's missing tooth or a dog's head cone the day it happens. Cheers

::snerk:: Written by elfgirl on 2006-12-01 13:57:09 I have officially become everything I mock in Los Angeles    This made me laugh out loud when I read it because I make it a point to mock all my friends that live in L.A.. They've tried to convince me of its better qualities, but I remain skeptical. One of them works at the Getty, though, so I suppose that's colored her perception of the whole metropolis.     You're horrid (h0rrid?) for teasing your fans with upcoming news, you know. Although, I suppose it's a good thing that there's news to be had for all our sakes.    More story soon?  ::makes gimme hands::

:) Written by s_aurius on 2006-12-01 13:42:48 So glad to get a chance to hear a bit about your reaction to the screening. I am looking forward to the next part.   LOL I know what you mean about communicating with family through a blog. My brother and I talk mostly through myspace. The wonders of the internet!  I wish I could have been at the screening, but hopefully the next one?!

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