Not Asking for Too Much

"Hurt" as covered by Johnny Cash, video directed by Mark Romanek

I'm not sure what to expect, but tomorrow I'll be meeting with Mark Romanek to talk to him about becoming his assistant. It's a job my friend, Mark Martin, had before, so over the years, I've heard a thing or two about said job.

A month or so ago, I wrote a mission statement of sorts, stating what it is that I want in terms of my next job. I wrote:

"To work in an environment that is supportive and joyous with a person who is acting as my mentor.

My mentor sees obstacle as opportunity, mentorship as a natural progression from one generation to the next, and 'work' as an extension of one's creative ability."

Then, after the job interview I had where I was left wondering how one lives off of $700 a week, I added:

"...that pays me far more than $700 per week for my services."

"Closer" song by Nine Inch Nails, video directed by Mark Romanek

As I sit here tonight on the eve of my interview, after having reviewed the bulk of Mr. Romanek's work, I am impressed with his visual style, I am convinced that I could learn quite a bit from a director like him, and I am hoping that he is a kind person who will see the value in working with me.

I am also confronted by some of my fears.

As I watched his work, I realized that there is still so much to learn. I am saddened by the fact that I have not contributed more, and wonder, quite frankly, if I have what it takes to ever make a contribution.

That, I suppose, is a fear every artist has at one time or another.

On a more practical note, I am also at the point in my life where working for peanuts is not an option, no matter the level of talent of the person I am working with. So, let's also hope that Mr. Romanek is a person who understands simple economics.

After all, I don't think I'm asking for too much.

"Bedtime Story" song by Madonna, video directed by Mark Romanek

**Update**

It's Friday, March 21 at 5:36 p.m., and I still have not met with Mr. Romanek. I did meet with Janet at Anonymous Content. She said she would pass along my résumé, that I would most likely hear back from her to set up and interview with Mark next week. I'll keep you posted. Who knows, right?

**Update**

It's Friday, March 28 at 5:06 p.m. This morning I met with Gatekeeper #2, Bridgette Romanek, Mark's wife. She was very nice. I think it went as well as it could have. I'll find out in a couple of days how it really went...

**Update**

It's Tuesday, April 1 at 2:27 p.m. No April Fools here. I didn't get the job. Oddly enough, I'm relieved.