About 15 years ago I was working as a usher at Cineplex Odeon at River Oaks Mall in Calumet City. I cleaned toilets, wiped up nacho cheese off the sticky floors, and lied to the customers when they asked 'is this popcorn fresh?' One of the perks of that job though, was I got to watch Jurassic Park over 50 times - for free.
Thats when I learned about ILM, the company that not only did the fx for Jurassic Park - but almost all of my favorite childhood movies. Star Wars, Ghostbusters, E.T. just to name a few.
From that point on - I wanted to work for Industrial Light Magic more then anything. I came close a few times, I got interview'd once - gave me a t-shirt that I treated like the holy scroll - but alas no job.
Today though, I got to walk the halls of ILM and I was reminded why I wanted to work there so badly. Walking those halls was like walking in the history of cinema. I got to see the bike Elliot rode w E.T. in his basket, I got to see Slimer from Ghostbusters, and yes - I got to see that T-REX again. It was like seeing a very old friend.
I use to ride my Grandma's bike back at 1am from the movie theatre - and would dream of a day that I got to make movies. Im so so fortunate my dream came true. And if they are ever working on a Jurassic Park - The Prequel - im soo there!
Thank you Peng. I wish you were there Rob.
You went without me! NOOOOOOO!
ReplyDeleteyou had a great life, Mr.Hartline...
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