Meg S
6:50am It feels weird to be writing anywhere besides my journal, especially to be writing on my phone. But as to not look like a reporter with a pad of paper and pen in hand, I am on my notes app. I work in film and today I’ll be working in the Wissahickon, which makes me feel lucky. I’ve been there all week for work, spending 10 or so hours outside in a park. It comes with bug bites and sunburn and never really feeling clean, but it also comes with fresh air, beautiful surroundings, and the occasional frog spotting.
8:56am Now that I'm thinking about it, the Wissahickon has served the Philly film community very well. With how big it is, with the beautiful bridges and trails and also paved paths for crew/ equipment, it’s a popular spot for things to be shot. If you haven’t watched Mare of East Town on HBO you should, and you can enjoy catching the ever so famous bridge in it. Since it’s a public park we’re working in, we get a lot of runners, bikers, and dogs passing near set which is fun. It’s always a toss up if we’re gonna get a glare and a “you’re messing up the city!” Or if we’re going to get a bunch of questions about the show, and general excitement to see Philadelphia on TV. For me at least, I’ll always find it very exciting. I don’t think the novelty of movies and the magic that goes into making them will ever wear off for me. And it means even more to see Pennsylvania represented. I also don’t have signal where we’re working so this is my main source of entertainment.
2:56pm It’s hour 7 in the Wiss. One great thing about working in film is the food. Fresh breakfast, catered lunch, endless snacks and coffees in between. The people I work with joke about my love for lunch. l’ve only been in the industry for four-ish years, compared to a lot of peoples 3 decade long run so far. So they’re pretty used to it.
3:40 They brought out pizza and these dense woods are becoming my yellow wallpaper after a 50 hour week. Hence the shorter entries. Sometimes during long takes where we can't make noise and need to be very still, I'll read a litte. I'm halfway through Mother Night, which I picked up for $5 at Molly's in the Italian market. They've blessed me with so many books I wouldn't have thought to try if not for the amazing deal. I also love a used book that has been so weathered you can literally feel the lives it lived before you picked it up.
5:21 We are wrapping early and I am headed home cruising on Henry Ave with Ashlee Simpson on for a Friday vibe.
7:34
I am home again in South Philly. It's Friday and I am 26 and there are surely many places to go out, but my friends and I have planned a pizza and movie night, with a round of Catan included.
11:21
It was time for bed and I thought I might have more interesting things to say in my entries today. Insight into the film industry on the east coast, a deeper look at a 20-something in Philly in July. But sometimes a full week of work just takes it out of me. But as I lay in my room, I feel grateful for even the most ordinary of days.
Meg S grew up in Bucks County and now lives in South Philly with 2 friends and 2 cats and 2 many film cameras. She shares her film pictures on Instagram at @pennsylvaniahoneyfilm.
