Really? This Video Explains Everything...

Really?

Because of the amazing accomplishments I achieved in 2010, I thought it would be a great idea to continue to apply myself creatively and set new goals to encourage sustained success in my life and career in 2011.

One of my goals was to upload at least one video blog a month in 2011-

I sat down today, January 31st to tape the first of said video blogs... I think the video I taped says it all... and don't worry- when I went to upload and play it back, I too realized that it recorded sideways! ...I taped it the exact same way I record all of my videos. I tried to flip it, edit it and reedit it, and for some reason it will not play correctly! I raged for over two hours before I decided to "release it" or "let it go" and move on...

Honestly I didn't have the patience to re-shoot...

I think the universe might be trying to tell me something!

I promise I'll do better next time. I mean I'm not an a moron... I know how to record and edit video, I just think this speaks volumes for how 2011 has started off for me. I plan on turning it around and getting back on my "A" game for the remainder of 2011!

Successes and Setbacks...

In life, I'm told you have to take the good with the bad...

I'm not sure why, I guess I just have to accept it and move forward. There really is no point in dwelling on things that cannot be change- But there is a little part of me that wants to act like a five year old! Jump up and down, screaming at the top of my lungs... and then throw myself to the floor, kicking and biting until the last ounce of rage spills out!

Yesterday, just as I had finally made peace with trusting that this year will be every bit as successful as last year, as long as I stay focused and positive, I received a disappointing call.

Long story short- in this industry (and in life) people are waiting around every corner to screw you over. In yesterdays instance, I learned a valuable lesson regarding the choice I made in hiring an assistant that did less assisting me, and more assisting herself in scooping up a job from underneath me!

I've been in this town long enough to understand how the game is played- and most people that I work with play by the rules, so I guess I was just bummed that in this moment, the rules didn't apply.

I have faith that the person delivering the upsetting news is in fact on my side, and I trust her whole hearted when she says she will make it up to me- Moreover, I was extremely grateful for how she handled the situation... Unlike my former assistant, she understands the rules in which you play.

I learned a valuable lesson. I lost a potential job because I allowed my assistant to show up in my place on the final day of shooting on a previous job, while I attended another project... In short, all she had to do was "baby sit" the actors to make sure they felt comfortable.

I will never make that mistake again. I will be even more selective when hiring an assistant, and I will make sure that they know their place is assisting me- not networking their own deals!

On a happy note- (the good with the bad...) I finished the first rough draft of the book I've been writing! After almost two years of research, writing and struggle to stay inspired, I'm pleased that I accomplished one of my 2011 goals already!

Now the tough part begins. Editing, rewrites and publishing!

Wish me luck!

Doubt Is the Devil

The daily battle to fight off doubt.

Some days you win, others you lose-

Everything wonderful in my life, came through faith and confidence.

Yet, a part of me continues to let the devil creep in...

Regardless of how many times I've been educated on this life lesson, I constantly test the boundary.

Fear is the root of evil. A plague. A nasty waste of time and energy on this already short existence.

In order to live up to my maximum potential and have a full life, I have to banish the doubt completely.

The only thing I can control in my life- is how I react to where I am, and determine how to proceed.

The only thing to lose is opportunity. So enough! I've got to stop wasting my time on negative energy, and focus on manifesting my goals into reality.

Collaboration is Key!

I just finished reading a wonderful book. The Collaborative Habit- Life Lessons for Working Together, by the famous choreographer Twyla Tharp. I'm moved and inspired by the stories and advice she shared.

And it couldn't come at a more appropriate time! After the success that my creative partner and I shared last year with our Real Housewives parodies, we've decided to kick it in to high gear with our collaborations. The first being our own production company. We've toyed around with the idea for several years, but because of the wonderful growth that we've made creatively and personally, we've decided to really pour our heart into our company: A Group Production, LLC.

Jeff (my partner in crime) and I share the same sense of humor, passion and drive. We both understand that in order to get anywhere in life, you've got to take the reins and make it happen. With the talent and generosity of our creative friends and colleagues, we've been able to focus on producing a product that is worthy of our own television show-

Hence, this has become our challenge in 2011.

When we started out working together, it was hit or miss- Though we share the same common goal, we both have strong opinions and personalities, so finding level ground was a challenge. Now, however, we've applied a layer of padding and we've found a way to communicate that is not only fair, but productive too!

The result. Hopefully a very successful partnership creating and developing television, film and theatre that we love, for a very long time. One that will include the amazing and talented people we know in this industry, because after reading Twyla's book, I'm confident that two (or more minds) is stronger and more creative than one!

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,

I miss you. I know that I made a promise to spend more of my creative time working on finishing the final draft of my book, however, I really think it might be better for me to share more with you too!

Why do we have to set such high demands on our relationship? I don't understand why my book is so jealous of our time together...

Maybe it's because you're such a better listener!

My book is just so, "Work on me. Finish me. Me. Me. Me..."

I understand where my book is coming from. I have been putting it off for a while now-

I guess I just need you Blog- to feel more creative and inspired.

Would it be okay if I stopped in more than once a week to share?

I hope that's cool with you. I know it would really help me.

Thanks for being her Blog. I'm really glad we had this talk!

Your friend,

matthew

A Lesson Learned. Again...

I've spent my entire life comparing nearly every event, adventure and accomplishment I've experienced with an early moment or memory. So it's no wonder I would fall into this pattern day in and day out-
Of course the start of 2011 has been no different! Despite the fact that I've already wrapped on a successful project that I co-produced, wrote, directed and act in and it's only the second week of a new year... My mind wants to stress that I'm not doing enough.
Or worse- that I'm already not living up to the success I had last year!
It's a strange and overwhelming feeling. And though I am aware that I have this flaw in my personality, rather than stop the negative thoughts- for some reason I allow myself to buy into it! Again!
Even after a wonderful year without it... Some part of me feels like I did so good last year that I have no chance "top it."
I realize how ridiculous this notion is... what's worse is that I know how to stop it
Thankfully today I snapped out of it.
I woke up and remembered the key ingredient:
I was successful last year because I lived in the moment EVERY day.
Without any preconceived ideas about what I had to accomplish.
I did not let myself give in to the negative energy or doubt, and I didn't worry about the uncontrollable circumstances.
In short- I lived in the moment with a positive outlook and balanced lifestyle.
I enjoyed my play time, creative time, work, family, friends, travel and health.
I focused on what I could accomplish each day, and was open and responsive to the unexpected opportunities that came along
So, I'm going to forgive myself for forgetting the amazing lessons I learned last year, I'm going to concentrate on living in the moment with positive energy, I'm going to continue to work to create projects and opportunities that inspire me and I'm going to force myself to stop comparing my life to past experiences or people.
I have to trust that living in the moment has always lead me on an amazing journey, and as long as I keep my energy moving forward and my faith in check, I will end up exactly where I'm meant to be.

Fame, Fortune and Plastic Surgery

Without further ado, I'm pleased to present the latest spoof that I've been working on!

Though I LOVE The Real Housewives of New York City, as they were the original inspiration that started the entire parody idea... We couldn't help but point a laughing finger at the delicious and delusional ladies of Beverly Hills.

What do you get when you cross a former child star and a former Playboy centerfold and throw in some Beverly Hills Ca$h?

You get The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Parody:

(If you're having trouble viewing this video on the blog please

click the link above.)

A New Year... A New Real Housewives Shoot!

I'm so excited...

Gearing up to shoot another parody of Bravo's The Real Housewives franchise!

This time we're spoofing the glamorous gals of Beverly Hills!

They're by far my favorite.

They have more money than all of the other "housewives" combined, and they still act like total heathens- in gorgeous gowns and fabulous mansions!

I can't wait to call action...

Overwhelmed

Feeling a little overwhelmed today.

Want to start the new year off in a positive way-

Trying to keep things in perspective,

I know I have the choice-

Remember, positive action when fear is near.

So many wonderful adventures last year...

Stop trying to compare.

Just let life take me where I'm meant to be.

I've always had and amazing journey.

Relax and trust that the path will clear!

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye...

After spending the last 365 days sharing my emotions to the blogosphere-
I'm having a hard time resisting the urge to sign on and chat!
I spent a number of days during the past year forcing myself to make sure I followed through with my writing goals- even if I had nothing important or creative to say. So I never imagined I'd actually miss the opportunity to release my thoughts, yet here I sit only one day away from an accomplished resolution from last year... and I'm ready to blog some more!
It may be out of habit. But I think it's a bit deeper.
I'm going back to Los Angeles tomorrow, and I'm sad I have to leave my family-
In particular, both my grandma's. Two wonderful women. Very different, but amazing and beautiful in their own way.
I hate saying goodbye to begin with- when it's either of them the layers of pain are intensified.
They sit, each of them with their puppy, and I see them in a new light.
The look in their eyes; sorrow, joy, fear and pride all in one glance. I know they worry about me-
I wonder if they realize how much I worry about them?
It kills me to watch these two magnificent women struggle in their own way with the aging process-
Not from a vain point of view.
I don't know how many more chances I'll get to spend time with each of them, I hope and pray they'll be around and healthy for many years to come.
But the only thing I can be sure of, is the time I get now...
Which is why it's so hard to say goodbye!