Post Grad Blog

Ready For School?

August 28th, 2009

As summer is coming to an end, school is just around the corner! First days can be very stressful, but I know you can trek through it.

I remember my first day of college, I was a complete hot mess. Throughout the week I had only gotten a few hours of sleep a night because I was either saying my good-byes to family and friends or frantically packing. I didn’t know how I was going to fit my entire life into two huge suitcases! This was my longest time away from home and my dorm room was super small. I was on my own, no parents to nag me to do my homework, no bedtime, no home- cooked meals, and no mom and dad to wake me up in the morning. In high school my classes had around 36 people, now, in college, some of my classes have as many students as seats in a movie theatre!

The first day of classes can be a very nerve-racking experience (I know mine was) but here are a few pointers to help make your first day a little stress free:

1. I know we all love to procrastinate, but try to get organized before your first day of classes. Double check that you’ve signed up for a meal plan if you live in the dorms, bought your books, stocked up on food to keep in your dorm room (like Oreos, my personal favorite), and know where all your classes are located. If you don’t have a car, make sure you review the bus routes around campus. If you wait until the night before to organize, you’ll have more things to do and worry about.

2. Buy your school supplies and books! Books are very expensive and if you buy your books early, you’ll be able to buy used books which will save you money. Recommended supplies to buy for school are:

- A spiral notebook for each of the classes you are taking with a pocket folder to store all your loose papers, old tests, and homework.

- An unlimited supply of pens because you will most likely be loosing them of forgetting them.

- A calculator, #2 pencils, highlighters, a stapler, extra staples, paper clips, etc,

- And you might want to invest in a flash drive. A flash drive stores work from your computer and can transport files from one computer to the next. It is very small, almost the size of a stick of gum and can be carried on a keychain.

- Lastly, a day planner will help keep you organized with all the due dates for your classes.

3. Get some good, old fashioned, R & R (rest and relaxation). College professors are going to be giving you course overview sheets, test dates, and required readings all on your first day – so you want to be alert! You will want to arrive about ten minutes early as seats are going to fill up fast because there may be tons of students if you have lectures (some lectures are as big as 360 students!). Also arriving early will give you the opportunity to meet people in class. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself because everyone is just as nervous and excited as you! Get ready for taking notes and paying attention! Remember that your teacher is not your enemy but is there to guide you through the course, so if you have any questions, just ask!

4. Before classes begins, bond with your room mates or house mates by walking around campus and exploring the grounds. Take copies of your schedules and figure out where your classes are together. Find the places on campus that you will most likely need to go, such as the library, financial office, career center, cafeteria, and advising offices.

5. Most likely, you will have to do a lot of walking (and frantic running) around campus. Dress to impress but dress comfortably! Try dressing in layers because the weather will change throughout the day.

6. HAVE FUN! All the drama of high school is over! College is a new and exciting world, embrace it!

Have you guys started school yet? How did your first days go?

What Happens When Your Life Plans Don’t Work Out?

August 26th, 2009

In POST GRAD, Ryden (Alexis Bledel) thought she had her whole life planned out, until she graduated college. Now, she is forced to move back to her childhood home and needs to find a job, the right guy, and finally sort out where her future is headed.

Life is full of unexpected surprises. It is so easy to get your mind set on your ideal plans after you graduate, however, most of our goals can be a little unrealistic. I’m not trying to bum anyone out, but sometimes, things don’t always go according to plan, so it’s important to keep an open mind and be ready to take on any challenge that may come your way.

Remember that you don’t need to be accepted into your dream university or land your dream job to be happy. Being flexible and open minded will allow you to see opportunities as they come your way. By not putting all your eggs in one basket, you won’t be limited in your choices.

I was dead set on going to one university and thought it was locked because my interview went incredibly well. Then I found out - I was wait-listed. Devastation! I convinced myself that my future was doomed because I didn’t get into my dream school.

Looking back on it now though, I am so happy that I didn’t go to that original school and that I ended up at Santa Cruz instead. I have learned so much from my film professors and I have made friends that I will be close with forever. I realized that if I had gotten into my “dream school” I would have been struggling academically to keep up with the other students and I wouldn’t have fully enjoyed college.

Your plan “B” might be the “Better” plan for you. Acknowledge the benefits from your second or third choice schools or jobs. All of these places have a lot of talented, professional and happy people who are making it work for them. Be a part of that community and make yourself one of them!

It’s going to take you a long time to figure out what you want to do and your first choice anything is usually only temporary. You might have been rejected from a school because your grades weren’t as high as the other applicants. If you’d squeezed in, you would have been the one struggling with the course load rather than enjoying the college experience. Was your job profile not as lengthy and experienced as the other applicants? That just means you could use more experience in the field, so apply to jobs that are willing to teach you about the industry and see your potential, not just your statistics.

Communicate with your friends and most importantly your family when you are deciding your plans for school or life after graduation. As embarrassing, goofy, and insane as your family probably is, they love you. When you do talk to your family, know that admitting you’re not sure what you want to do or where you want to go is a sign that you are thinking ahead and shows them that you are mature. Talk to your friends about your plans if you are worried because they are in the same boat as you.

Getting rejected from a job or a school DOES NOT mean you are a failure. Stop complaining and worrying and go out there and make your plan “B” the “Brilliant” plan! Life’s too short to let anything hold you back!

How To Survive A Family Reunion

August 24th, 2009

Summertime means weddings and family reunions. Many people are stressed out from family events because of obnoxious people they have to encounter, ranging from intoxicated aunties, cheek pitching grandparents, and bullying cousins. As annoying as they can be towards you, they love you unconditionally. In POST GRAD, Ryden (Alexis Bledel) has the wackiest family of them all. Her little brother talks out of a sock puppet, her grandmother is planning on buying an eccentric coffin, and her parents are completely clueless to the complications of her life. Ryden grows to accept her family and realizes that whatever happens in life, her family will always be there for her.

Even if your family drives you crazy, their insanity is driven by their love for you. To deal with their behavioral tendencies at family reunions, practice how you are going to interact with them to make the initial meeting a little smoother. Just remember these few helpful tips:

1. Just brace yourself for the event. Yes, your family might be a little annoying initially, but if you really listen, most of them have amazing stories!

2. If you’re going out of town for the event or you’re going back home, plan events to do in the area. Meet up with friends who still live in the area or take a personal day to go shopping.

3. If it’s a local family event, arrive early and leave early if you really don’t want to be there forever or need to avoid that aunt who always asks about your love life.

4. Avoid judging your family. They love you and you love them, simple as that. When you love someone, you need to look past their flaws and see the great person they are underneath.

5. When having a conversation, don’t compete with your relatives about how great your lives are. Let go of their comments and just let them talk. You aren’t here to compete, just listen and let go.

6. Have fun with your family! Hangout with the people you miss seeing and enjoy their company! Your younger siblings, cousins, nephews, and nieces aren’t going to be little forever, and you could become closer to them as they get older.

7. Invite a friend to come with you! That way at the event, you have someone to pal around with and entertain. Also having a buddy is a great way to break the ice when talking to people you haven’t seen in a very long time.

Have you guys hung out with your family this summer? What did you do?

POST GRAD IN THEATERS TODAY!

August 21st, 2009

Grab your girls and head out to theaters today to see Post Grad! Stock up on popcorn, candy, nachos, and all the other movie essentials and enjoy your Friday with a good, old- fashioned, feel good movie. So what are you waiting for? I know you’re going to love it!

Once you see it, let me know what you guys think!? What were your favorite parts? But make sure to note if you’re going to give a *SPOILER ALERT*

GET EXCITED :)

August 20th, 2009

Tomorrow, Post Grad hits theaters! Are you guys excited? I’ve seen ads all the time on MTV and it still gets me pumped. I listen to the Ting Tings song, “That’s Not My Name”, almost everyday now because of that movie.

What are your predictions for the movie? Will Ryden (Alexis Bledel) land her dream job at a publishing company? Do you think Alexis will choose Adam (Zach Gilford) or David (Rodrigo Santoro)? So many questions to answer in only an hour in a half!

“One Day” Jack S will be my boo…

August 19th, 2009

Check out the ever dreamy Jack Savoretti’s music video for “ONE DAY” - his song sung by Zach Gilford’s character for Alexis Bledel in POST GRAD!! It’s on the PG soundtrack too - out now.

The ULTIMATE Boyfriend Test

August 19th, 2009

I’m kind of an idiot when it comes to relationships. I always realize what I’m actually looking for when it’s way too late. I’m just like every other girl, I date jerks and I always realize someone likes me when it’s way to late to do anything about it. In POST GRAD, Ryden (Alexis Bledel) is trying to decide between her best friend, Adam (Zach Gilford), and her neighbor, David (Rodrigo Santoro). She has known Adam her entire life, however, David is thrilling, new, and exciting. Who would you choose? Take the boyfriend test to find out what kind of boyfriend YOU are looking for!

1. In all honesty, what exactly are you looking for in a guy?

a) Someone who can make me laugh and anything we do together is fun.

b) Someone smart, caring, and who I can talk to for hours about anything.

c) Someone ridiculously attractive who I can just look at all the time

d) Someone with a rebellious streak and a rocker attitude

e) Someone who is into art and music so we can go to the underground scenes together.

2. Who would your ideal guy be friends with?

a) We’re in the same group of friends

b) He only has a few close friends, but they are all really great guys, most of them already have girlfriends

c) He has really attractive friends, but a LOT of girls hang around them…

d) His friends are his band mates, they’re amazing live!

e) His friends are in his art class and they are all really talented

3. How would he ask you out?

a) On our ride home after seeing a movie with our mutual friend, he would admit his feelings for me in the car, give me a kiss, and ask me out.

b) He would invite me out to dinner and present me with a necklace he saved up to buy me. He would then proceed to ask me out. ]

c) He would text me that he likes me and then ask me out. Really casual.

d) He wouldn’t really ask, he would just come up to me in the hall in front of everyone, kiss me passionately, and we would just both know.

e) He would write a song about how much he cares about me and perform it at our favorite coffee shop.

4. You see a great outfit at the mall that would be totally perfect for your date tonight! What does the outfit look like?

a) Skinny jeans, black ballet flats, and that cute top I’ve been eyeing. Something I normally wear, but a little dressed up.

b) High waisted skirt with a plain t-shirt tucked in and some sandals, I always want to look chic and classy.

c) A super short sparkly dress with some sky high gold heals. You gotta look good for a date, almost too good!

d) Short jean skirt, converse, and a graphic t-shirt. Comfortable and cute.

e) A flannel shirt over a low v-neck, skinny jeans, and moccasins. I just want to wear my favorite outfit, do I have to buy a new one?

5. Your boyfriend shows up at your house out of no where. What does he say to you when you answer the door?

a) “Hey, I just rented Superbad. Want to have a movie night?”

b) “Hey, the Watchman graphic novel is on sale and I just picked it up for you. I know how much you wanted to read it.”

c) “PARTY TONIGHT!! You down?”

d) “My buddies and I are planning on sneaking into a new club downtown. Ready to go?”

e) “Hey, I finally got tickets to the Radiohead concert! Want to go?”

6. You’re looking at his facebook page, what’s his profile picture?

a) A goofy photo of both of us and our friends at Six Flags.

b) A really sweet photo of the both of us at formal and I’m kissing him on the cheek.

c) A model-esque picture of him looking into the sunset with his surfboard

d) A picture of him with his friends at one of their “boy’s nights

e) An artistic photo he took and developed on his black and white camera

7. When you catch him looking at you in the hallway, what does he do?

a) Walks over to me and puts his arm around me

b) Walks over to me and suggest meeting after school so we can catch The Simpsons marathon

c) Just a subtle wink when I walk past him

d) Mischievously grins when we make eye contact.

e) Walks over to me and asks me how my day is going so far.

What type of boyfriend are you looking for?

Mostly A’s:
You need a guy who has always been a great friend. For you, you feel that the best way into an incredible relationship is a solid friendship. You are looking for a guy who will always be there for you even when the relationship road gets a little bumpy.

Mostly B’s

Admit it, you’ve got a little bit of a nerdy side. You want a smart guy who is sweet and supportive of everything you do. He’s not judgmental and your parents absolutely adore how he treats you.

Mostly C’s

You’re looking for some major eye candy. You’re most likely not looking for anything serious, you just want someone to look at rather than be with. You just want to be young and have as much fun as possible.

Mostly D’s

You have a thing for bad boys. But please be careful, bad boys aren’t only called bad boys because of their rock star tendencies, but they also tend to play with people’s hearts.

Mostly E’s

You’re looking for an artsy guy who will be in the same artistic circle as you. You want a guy who is intellectually challenging and can keep up with your witty attitude.

POST GRAD Soundtrack on iTunes

August 18th, 2009

Hey guys! Today the POST GRAD soundtrack is released! Go on iTunes today to purchase the CD by clicking here This CD is the perfect back to school mix whether you are studying, hanging out with your friends, or traveling.

Don’t miss out on this awesome mix and remember to check out POST GRAD, in theaters THIS FRIDAY!!!

Interview with the director from POST GRAD, Vicky Jenson

August 17th, 2009

Interview with POST GRAD director, Vicky Jenson! She discusses her childhood, life as a post grad, and dishes advice for future directors

Vicky on Set!

1. What attracted you to Post Grad?

Vicky:

I recognized the characters, they reminded me of my family so that helped me relate to Ryden. And I understood the frustration and disillusionment Ryden feels when her plans don’t work out. Mostly I thought the message was a really wonderful: That having your sights on the horizon is great, having goals is wonderful, but don’t let the achievement of that destination blind you to the life and people around you.

2. Growing up, did you always know that you wanted to be involved with making movies?

I was raised in a family that really valued the arts… all of us played instruments, painted, or danced. I knew I’d be in the arts somehow, I just didn’t know which one exactly. I had wanted to paint but I did everything. I even took flamenco lessons and joined a fencing team! Early on my older sister and her husband had a small animation company making commercials so I started painting for them. Little by little I moved up the ranks in the the animation world and that become my way into movies.

3. Was there someone who inspired you to get into movies?

My father. He was a lot like Michael Keaton’s character in the movie. He was a tinkerer, fascinated with cameras. He was a writer and loved the movies. When we were kids (way back in the stone age before vcrs, Tevo and netflix) he’d get a projector from the public library and bring home all kinds of classic black and white movies on 16mm.

4. How were you as a Post Grad?

Well, ha ha, um… actually I never graduated! I had kind of the opposite experience of Ryden. I got so lucky! I started working at one of the last animation companies in the US on the original He Man series. It was a syndicated show which meant we did a lot of episodes and were not laid off for a hiatus, the way tv shows work when you only make a short season’s worth. So I started working full time and kind of never went back for my last semester of school.

5. Do you have any advice for Post Grads now?

I think work experience is great. Even if you’ve got a degree and feel you are over qualified there’s nothing like seeing how things fit together from the ground floor. In other words don’t be afraid to try interning again! Entry level is not beneath anyone. But be patient and make sure the field you are entering is really something you love. Speaking as a hiker and an achievement oriented person, the road may be long to your goal so you better enjoy the walk!

6. You started in animation as a cell painter and then directed big flicks like Shrek & Shark Tale. What did those experiences teach you about the business?

Patience, and how to pick battles carefully. It takes so many people to make an animated movie and it can easily become unwieldy. I’ve heard it described as ants trying to steer an elephant with threads. Everyone has to work together. BUT while filmmaking may be a team sport, the director is the captain. You’re the one that has to keep everyone pulling in the same direction.

7. How is it adjusting from directing animation to live action?

Many of the same skills apply but it all goes so much faster in live action! And what were different departments in animation all converge on you at the same time on the set rather than in stages. But the main thing I learned was to treat shooting the scenes as gathering pieces to work with later with my editor. I didn’t go to film school so I had a tendency, from my animation background, to “edit in the camera”. This bugged my boss and mentor Ivan Reitman to no end when he saw the dailies. It was an important lesson and one I really got. Eventually!

8. Do you have any advice for people who want to be directors?

Watch movies you love and try to figure out why you love them. Then get a digital camera and make your own movies to get the goofy stuff out of your system. If you can get into a film school great, if you don’t, don’t let that stop you. There are a lot of ways in, Just make sure you have something to say.

9. Any Post Grad set secrets you can share with us about the exciting cast?

Keep your eye out for little cameos. Though the parts were small we wanted to find funny people for them… watch for Craig Robinson (Forty Year Old Virgin,) Demetri Martin (Taking Woodstock) as well as comedians Kirk Fox and Andrew Daly.

Interview with actress, Catherine Reitman, from POST GRAD

August 14th, 2009

Interview with actress, Catherine Reitman, who costars in the movie, POST GRAD. She talks about acting, comedy, summer songs, and her new tv show. Check it out! You’ll laugh your a- off!