I suppose I had always imagined the start of my Graduate film studies to be a lot more glamorous. Instead, all I had done thus far was study books and shoot a helluva lot of dailies. So when our first project came around, a twenty minute short on a subject of our choosing, well I was near elated.
I already had the script written out and ready to go, it was one of my throwaways from my last semester at AFI. All I had to do was find a location for it, and Id be ready to start shooting in about a week, I had the schedule for it (done in general terms of course so it could fit into whenever I was able to shoot, with minimal amounts of tweaking), my crew was awaiting my word and we had enough film to get us through the duration of the film.

I entered the cafes with an agenda in my head. I would go in there and be the toughest director there was, no one would say no to me. Save, everyone did. Each time I exited a caf with another no, I felt my plans slowly slipping from me. I had one last place on my list, The Planet. I wasnt a local, I had just moved here for Grad school, and from what I heard the Planet was a decent place to go. Caf during the day and swingin night club when the sun went down.
I entered the Planet with a much more lax attitude about the whole thing. I smiled a bit more, and I certainly didnt try to appear as though I was a professional. Im sure the worn khakis, wife beater, sandals and bandana did enough to debunk that theory.
Hi, I was wondering if there was a manager or owner here today? I asked the woman at the counter. She nodded slightly before disappearing into one of the back offices.
She returned a moment later with another woman. The new woman gave me a bright smile, she was nice. That was already a plus on my list.
Hihow can I help you? she asked warmly.
My names Jake DeLentorra and Im a student at UCLA, Graduate film studies. Were working on a project and I was wondering if there was any way that I could possibly use your caf as a location? I tried to sound as unthreatening as possible. If I struck out this time, Id be struck out of luck.
I dont know the owner said, her eyes turning to apprehension.
I had to work my magic and fast, or Id be doing a documentary about the cars on the freeway. I gave my warmest smile and reached into my messenger bag, pulling out my resume, my professors number and all the other stuff that had seemed to impress owners before. I also pulled out a tape of my work, it always seemed to help.
Here is my resume, my professors number and a reel tape of films Ive done before. Im looking to shoot a twenty minute short, which breaks down to about a week of filming. Id only need a few small parts of the restaurant. Its the main setting for this film. My number is included on there if you want to take some time before you you make your decision. I said with a bright smile.
The bigger the smile the better. I wasnt in the cut throat world of Hollywood yet, I was still trying to keep my grades afloat whilst I struggled to find location after location. I didnt want to change the main location of my film from quaint caf in West Hollywood, to, small kosher deli. It wouldnt fit.
The owner smiled and nodded slightly. I may not get a decision today but Id definitely get one tomorrow, and from the smile on her face I could tell she was impressed. Brilliance, I loved it when my schpeels worked.
I need to give it some thought. But Ill give you call tomorrow or Thursday. She said with a smile.
I nodded, giving a glance to the redhead that had caught my eye just then. I gave a sideways smile before returning my attention to the owner, giving her a smile, nod and handshake before exiting the caf.