Welcome to my first post! We officially went “live” yesterday, but I spent most of that time uploading and writing content so you (the browser) had fun stuff to look at as you “surfed” my site.
First off, I have to say a special thank you to the person who designed my new website: Lindsey Breeden. He is a fellow alum of Loyola Marymount University and a pretty cool guy.
Not that I’m a slow-go with this crazy new thing the kids are calling “the internet,” but I always felt that if I ever created a website, I wanted to do it right. And like the old adage says, “Nothing happens unless you make a plan.” Plus with work and family and things like the final seasons of “Lost” and “24,” a website was the last thing on my mind. But as I was working on the DVD extras for the Johnny Bravo: Season One DVD, I realized how much “stuff” I had that didn’t necessarily fit with what Warner Brothers was looking to put on the DVD. Coincidentally, around the same time, I happened to be rifling through old magazines and discovered an article about Lindsey Breeden and the importance of websites. It was the kick in the butt I needed to stop making excuses and start putting together my website. So I did. After the series finale of "24."
And speaking of the DVD, it was released yesterday and, last I checked, it was listed as #500 in the Amazon Bestsellers Rank in the Movies and TV section. But then I checked an hour later and it was ranked #600? I guess there was a huge rush on the Tom Selleck thrillers, Jesse Stone: No Remorse (#94), Jesse Stone: Thin Ice (#33), and Jesse Stone: Sea Change (#569).
Foiled by the fans of Tom Selleck.
At least we’re ranked higher than the 2007 release of Jesse Stone: Death In Paradise (#1,075) so the DVD has that going for it.
And while we’re back in a time and space where people are watching the Karate Kid while talking about Betty White and Gary Coleman, I thought I’d dedicate my first post to someone who transcends relevance: Mr. T.
I worked with Mr. T back on the fifth season of Johnny Bravo and found him to be an honest and hard-working individual. Plus, you can’t help but smile when you’re around Mr. T. The man can command a room like nobody’s business. He came into the studio like a whirlwind and after the record, came upstairs to visit with our staff and stood in a corner inviting everyone within shouting distance to meet with him and take pictures. At one point, he shushed the crowd and said, “This one guy over here just asked me if I’d pick him up over my head! I told him ‘no!’ You know why?” As I got a bit uncomfortable thinking that I should’ve taken a little more control of the crowd, Mr. T yelled, “Cause I don’t pick up men!”
He was in such a great mood that day and probably would’ve went into every office in every floor if we asked. The laughing and pictures went on for about 30 minutes, at which point, I turned to my Line Producer Diana and suggested that maybe we should let him go home. But not before inviting him to join us as the guest of honor at our wrap party!
Unfortunately, because of scheduling conflicts he couldn’t make it, but he did agree to film an introduction to all the guests at the party!
A few weeks later, Craig Lewis and I went over to Mr. T.’s house in the valley with a video camera. I remember nervously ringing the doorbell and getting a barely audible voice over the speakerphone saying, “Can I help you?” “Hi. We’re here from the Cartoon Network to film a spot with Mr. T.” Then, all of a sudden, the voice chimed in with that all too familiar gravel, “Oh yeah! Yeah! C’mon around back!” Soon enough, Mr. T was there to greet us, all smiles and enthusiasm. At the very least, we wanted him to simply welcome the guests, but Craig had the bright idea of writing a comedy spot and seeing if Mr. T would perform it. Much to our surprise, he quickly memorized his lines, threw on some bling, and filmed the spot. All in about 45 minutes. During that time, he was extremely gracious and took the time to make sure we did it right, doing a number of takes until we were satisfied. After we left, we quickly drove down the street, pulled over, and watched what we had filmed with giddy excitement. As we sat in the car and watched, some lady accidentally bumped into our parked car with her car! It would’ve been a bigger deal had we not just left Mr. T’s house, so she lucked out since there was barely any damage.
So that’s my Mr. T story. I’ve heard from several people that have run into him in the valley, that he’s always gracious to people and takes the time to talk with whoever wants to talk with him.