So, I sit here in a Queens Dunkin Donuts, my home away from home, writing to you after a long absence. The hurricane swept through New York City, while I remained tucked away in the cave-like room I am renting.
On Saturday and Sunday, October 20th and 21st, we shot the pilot episode for MY PARENTS ARE CRAZIER THAN YOURS. A month of pre-production anxiety, fundraising, and logistic stress…culminating in a weekend of utter cinematic bliss and, well, a dream come true.
First Day of Production
We filmed in locations from New Jersey to Times Square to Chelsea to the Lower East Side. The moments of my life transformed into nuggets of humor that made even the crew laugh. I was on cloud 9.
I even got to meet for the first time one of my blogosphere friends who volunteered to help out on the shoot. Turns out she is quite possibly the awesomest person ever. Maybe you know Julie from www.gojulesgo.com. If not, you should.
Speaking of Cloud 9, I’d like a return ticket there right now. Too bad the airports are closed.
Because of the hurricane and the loss of power in lower Manhattan, my editor had to cease working on the project for now. My personal funds which have been supporting post production have run out, and I can’t desperately find some hated waitressing job because there are no subways to the city. So, I sit here with my remaining $3.50 and sip a raspberry iced coffee in a Dunkin Donuts filled with Bengalis, Latinos, barely mobile senior citizens, the occasional honkey, and my laptop.
Whilst sipping my cup of artificially flavored inspiration, I am brainstorming ways to come up with funds. Do stand-up comedy in amateur contests for quick cash? Teach a dance class that solely uses 80’s music? Be a cocktail waitress in a strip club? Sell “My Parents are Crazier than Yours” T-shirts for money? What do you guys think?
There is no doubt that I am super blessed to have shot an amazing pilot episode…soon to be edited. I’m a lucky girl. But now, in the next leg of my journey, the great unknown awaits. How will I emerge from this cavernous hell in Queens? How will we get this pilot finished and into the right hands?
Looking forward to hearing from you my dear friends.
My Parents Are Crazier Than Yours 
Bill McCurry
October 31, 2012
This is such fantastic news about the shoot. I can’t wait to see it. I’d buy a t-shirt, but overall they might be a losing proposition–hard to say. Good luck!
My Parents Are Crazier Than Yours
October 31, 2012
Thanks, Bill. It really was a wonderful shoot. I have to say, it often liked like “Sex & the City” times 4. It was like making a little movie…
penneyfox
October 31, 2012
Good luck on everything – we’re rooting for you!
And yes, I can tell you your mom is correct about our weather. I live in Orlando and its a bit chilly for this time of year. BUT the sun is out so I think she could have some success getting those legs tanned evenly 🙂
My Parents Are Crazier Than Yours
October 31, 2012
Thank you!! We’ll have to stay tuned for the unfolding of the leg tanning.
rachelocal
October 31, 2012
Congrats on the pilot! Also, congrats on being friends with Jules. I’ve met her in real life, away from the blogosphere, too. You are correct; she’s amazing!
Good luck on post production!
My Parents Are Crazier Than Yours
October 31, 2012
Thanks, Rachel! She actually took most of the awesome behind-the-scenes pictures which I’ll post soon.
Go Jules Go
November 1, 2012
Okay, if I ever need a pick-me-up, I know exactly where to come. I can’t wait to see you gals again
Maureen
October 31, 2012
Myra – you are alive and kicking! So glad to hear that. Being without power and money sucks big time, though. So looking forward to the video when it is finally finished. Hang in there, ok? And thanks for giving us an update.
My Parents Are Crazier Than Yours
October 31, 2012
Great to hear from you, Maureen! Can’t wait to show you the video.
Miriam Joy
October 31, 2012
Set up a fundraising page online, perhaps – like a Kickstarter or something. People on the internet are surprisingly generous, and if you offer them rewards (even simply things like getting their name in credits) they’ll be likely to donate.
Good luck, and glad the hurricane didn’t hurt you!
My Parents Are Crazier Than Yours
October 31, 2012
Thanks, Miriam. I used Kickstarter to raise funds for the pilot. I think I’ll do something different, but more personal to raise additional funds. Thanks for the inspiration!
Invisible Mikey
October 31, 2012
With your own imagination, and help from others you were able to inspire – you built that! It’s a real achievement. I’m so happy for you. Do whatever (within legal limits) to keep yourself alive. Because you are clever, I think cocktail waitressing has more quick cash potential than the food serving kind. Drinkers enjoy a wisecracking server and they’ll tip better. You could even use it to practice your performance skills, channeling Eve Arden or Sarah Silverman.
Tee shirt sales as a back-up, because your project will build by word of mouth. Certainly you should always be wearing one yourself, when you can. People will ask what it’s about, and you have your opening for a sales pitch.
My Parents Are Crazier Than Yours
October 31, 2012
You had me until ‘legal limits.’ Just kidding. Thanks for the advice. I’ll send you a picture of the t-shirt in action.
Invisible Mikey
October 31, 2012
Sweet!
shreejacob
October 31, 2012
Congrats on the filming of the pilot episode Myra! Also glad that you are a safe and sound 🙂 Invisible Mickey has some good ideas – but whatever it is that you decide to do I wish you all the very best as I’m sure all your readers do too!!
You know…hehehe…Colin Farrell is in New York! Filming a new movie…and you know….he once helped out this homeless guy in Canada…total make over etc. I usually cyber stalk him once in a while and that once in a while happened on a whim last night (no particular reason, I was just bored) BUT see what information was revealed (that he’s in NY)…and he seems like a nice person…and he’s well connected ( that’s me assuming that he is)…..hmmmmm…..
My Parents Are Crazier Than Yours
October 31, 2012
Hmmm. Are you insinuating that I cyber stalk Colin Farrell? Perhaps I can find him and ask him if he really is as short as I think he is.
shreejacob
November 1, 2012
Noooooo…I’m suggesting (insinuating..hehe..I liked the idea of someone thinking I am an insinuator) that you “bump into” Colin Farrell…and I don’t know…be Myra and tell him about the blog and your great idea that will change the world of TV bringing something fresh and new instead of the repetitious stuff that’s being churned out these days…it will be a reality series with a twist!!!!! Maaaaaaaybe…he might be interested….or…know of someone that would be interested…..you know? I mean I say”why not!” (though it will require actual stalking and not cyber stalk)
shreejacob
November 1, 2012
and DON’T talk about height!!!! might be a “sensitive” issue..
Go Jules Go
November 1, 2012
Aw, shucks! Right back’atcha! You made my [otherwise bleak, cold, power-less] day with this! I just love that picture of you, too.
I’m SO excited for when editing picks up again, and I think the t-shirt idea is great! Those were a hot commodity; I have been wearing mine with cloud-9-pride.
Just let me know if there’s anything you need over the coming weeks. What I lack in electricity, I make up for in enthusiasm, LOL
The Byronic Man
November 1, 2012
SHUT UP. We just posted a comment at THE EXACT SAME TIME.
Go Jules Go
November 2, 2012
Gah!!!.
The Byronic Man
November 1, 2012
I’ve been getting my behind-the-scenes updates from Jules. Glad you were able to make it happen.
pattyabr
November 1, 2012
Glad you are safe and somewhat sound in Queens
I say go for the T shirt idea
Cheering you on in Colorado
cherylhuffer
November 1, 2012
The dance class sounds fun! You should do that!
clemarchives
November 3, 2012
So I’m a recent college grad working an internship at POV/PBS (which is a nice way of saying I’m hella broke), but this sounds awesome and you sound funny so if you ever need a volunteer with few skills but a lot of enthusiasm in Brooklyn you can contact me!
Carl D'Agostino
November 3, 2012
My people on western side of Staten Island and said they did not get hit so hard.
icescreammama
November 12, 2012
gojulesgo led me to you.. and i thank her. so fun. can’t wait to see your pilot. what an adventure you’re on. good luck. 🙂