RIP Heath Ledger

Just found out that earlier tonight actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his apartment. I'm shocked, especially as I was just chatting to someone about how good the forthcoming Batman is going to be with Ledger as the Joker. He's an actor I've admired for ages from '10 Things I Hate About You' through 'Ned Kelly', to 'Lords of Dogtown' and 'Brokeback Mountain'. The details are on a million websites if you want them.

He was a talent. RIP.

Valley of the Dolls

Currently deep in the 'Valley of the Dolls', which is an interesting if slightly grubby place to be. I'm proposing a remake for one of my MA modules, but it's awfully hard to do so whilst keeping a straight face. I just want to shout 'Sparkle, Neely, sparkle!' every 4 minutes or so, and spray my hair into a big helmet while I belt out a showtune. Part of me wishes I'd gone for a comic remake, but it's too late now. I'm throwing on a lounge suit and giving it my all.

Come one and all

These are some of the most recent Google searches that have brought visitors to my blog. You have to wonder, about the oddness of some of them, no?

2 12.50% stories about sex my mother never told
2 12.50% mother voyeur
2 12.50% voyeur mother
2 12.50% colin glascoe
1 6.25% the last of the mohicans soundtrack itunes
1 6.25% literary criticism last of the mohicans
1 6.25% fool fool fool poor bachelor boy
1 6.25% my mother never worked story
1 6.25% my life as a bus stop download
1 6.25% flashbacks of a fool
1 6.25% show studio ysl
1 6.25% voyeur of mother

Resolutions

I've been having a look back at my 2007 resolutions to see what I was hoping a year ago. Here's what they were :

* to watch more films - definitely achieved as I worked my Lovefilm gift voucher to death, and have been continuing the trend;

* to be more proactive about my writing work and strive for at least one project to begin a development/prod. journey in 2007 - definitely been more proactive - attended the Edinburgh International Film Festival as a delegate for the first time, and MADE myself network which was a nightmare at first but actually quite fun - learnt a LOT and met loads of interesting people; entered more competitions which led me to getting through the 2nd round of BSSC, having my micro-short script filmed for the YSL/SHOWstudio fashion project, and being given a place on the Scottish Book Trust's Screenwriting Lab helmed by Adrian Mead; also started workshopping more which has been a revelation and have a few things with a couple of Producers at the moment so fingers crossed;

* to continue my MA ScreenW. course and practically apply what I learn to my own work rather than get mired in theory - into my last year so managed that even though it's been a struggle financially and time-wise, it's proving to be a definitely worthwhile choice. Less mired in theory since the Summer as I'm getting braver with my work and no longer trying to write what I think they want to read - I'm writing what I want to write, and what I think I need to write (about bleedin' time too);

* to continue developing my vintage business - I use Ebay too but the website is my baby and needs work - well this one has fallen by the wayside, but if something had to then I'm glad this was it. Ticking along but hasn't really been updated as I hoped. Sold a dress for a recent Daniel Craig film though and have made a few interesting contacts so not a total washout, and sales are good through my Ebay end of things;

* to plan a roadtrip (last one was Edinburgh to Brighton in a Fiat where I met Ali Smith - RIP little gold Fiat) - alas no serious road trip last year as instead of a holiday, I bought a Delegate pass for the aforementioned EIFF and it was well worth it. Hopefully this year I'll manage a driving adventure;

* to be happy, healthy and (cliche I know but doesn't harm to say it loud) to remember there's always someone worse off than you - this one has been a funny one. Just about every celebration whether it's a birthday or Christmas or even an odd festival day like Easter (regardless of religion) seems to gain more significance when you've lost a parent (or significant other). 2007 was my year for starting to accept that regardless of that big loss, life does indeed go on.

Live your life with as much joy as you can - it's my one and only personal resolution for 2008.

Regardless of professional or personal achievements or disappointments - when you hit a high point, remember to take the time to revel in it - I wish you (and me) a spectacular 2008 (and lots of cake, good cake though, not that weird black stuff with the dried-up raisins in it).

In the bleak midwinter...

Happy New Year!

It's snowing, as you can see from the pics above taken this morning. Am fighting off a chest infection/cold b*st*rd thing whilst wrestling with a 30 minute TV pilot featuring a dentist, a death-metal loving mechanic and a baker who likes to dress up as Doris Day. Is that revealing too much? I don't think so.

Snot sucks.

Stay warm.