Day Three: Extra in a Music Video

The email was forwarded on, "hey, my friend's band is filming a music video in alphabet city and is looking for extras". How could I refuse? The band is called Plush Gun. I hadn't seen them before but my interest has certainly been piqued after Wednesday night and a little internet'ing. It turns out the drummer is a fellow Lexington High Schooler (was three years younger) even though I hadn't known him before. 

Free drinks for a few hours, massive hipster-dom, and...well, i'll let the instructional email do the talking:

Hello,
I'm Giuseppe De Angelis, producer assistant for Oikos Films.
I Know from Ana that you're available to be in the video as extras.
The call for extras will be at 5.30 pm tomorrow Wednesday 28th @ MAMA'S BAR 3rd Street and B in the East Village.

Please try to come with 2 items of clothing.
1. a dark jacket: ideally a leather jacket, or a big army duffle coat, or your big winter coat, OR FUR. Something intimidating and dark.

Something that says "We're cool and you're not."

2. Underneath wear something sparkly or happy or friendly or fun. It can be your most comfy vintage t-shirt, or fuzzy sweater! Or your favorite flannel, or a fun necklace, or ear muffs!

Something colorful that says "I'm approachable and cute!"

If you have question or request do not hesitate to contact me.

Looking forward to work with you.
Have a good night.

Giuseppe.


OIKOS FILMS, LLC
www.oikosfilms.com

Day One: Operation Bhangra

Out at dinner last Sunday night, it finally hit home. Around 9:30pm everyone else at the table started getting "that look", and everyone knows that look. Someone yawns, someone checks their watch, and suddenly everyone starts thinking Monday thoughts. The weirdest feeling ever was, after seven years, this was the first time I didn't have that feeling. 

Monday morning was all about sleeping. I lived as much as I could over my career in trading, and sleep was the element that was sacrificed for so long. My computer alarm that plays "Intervention" by the Arcade Fire on my desktop went off (an amazing alarm song if you're looking for one), but it was a great feeling to fall right back into bed. 

That evening was Challenge #1. I worked out for a few hours and then walked over to the classroom at the NYSC near me. I had seen many times a bunch of women in there dancing Bollywood style, and saw that the class was a 5:30pm "Masala Bhangra". Around 5:15  I nervously paced around the classroom and saw the lady who instructs the class with two other women doing some absolutely insane looking bhangra shit, and got a bit apprehensive. After standing there and telling myself the entire tone of my "severance kid" period came down to this singular decision, I walked in. I told the teacher that I had never done any formal dance class like this and after a standard "are you Indian? you don't look Indian" conversation, she said "as long as you have no shame you'll be fine". Jackpot.

The class was amazing and will definitely stay on the roster. After an exhausting 45 minutes where I'm sure I look ridiculous, she closed out the class playing that song from the very end of Slumdog Millionaire and you do the whole routine you learned throughout the class to it.  Three days later, my legs are still sore, but I'm definitely headed back as this was exactly the absurdity I seek. Next Monday at 5:30pm if you're around.

The teacher, Sarina Jain, on Youtube

Severance Kid

Having worked at the same company for nearly seven years, and getting laid off for non-performance related issues meant one thing: some decent severance. BofA fairly gave me around six months on the payroll and I certainly am not planning on wasting this opportunity. Ever since I've lived in NYC there's always been a slight jealousy at the stereotypical Trust Fund kid who somehow doesn't work yet partakes in all that the city has to offer. Well, for at least a brief while, I may not have rich parents who spoil me, but what I do got: severance. I plan on staying in the city at least a few more months before undertaking a long-awaited Flashpacking journey (I just learned this term and it absolutely describes what I want to do). During that time I plan on just "getting involved", whether its trying to learn a language, yoga, get in shape, or learn any other sort of ridiculous craft or engage in any absurd experience, I'm game. If anyone has any suggestions, please keep me updated and I'll be sure to join. In annoying trader talk: I'm short work, and massively long free time. 

The End and the Beginning

It finally happened. Since the day Ken Lewis swooped in and bought up Merrill Lynch, we all knew the day would one day come, and it finally did. Last Friday was the day, the call came in with a caller ID of a Conference Room on the 5th floor (we're on the 2nd). At first my boss turned to another co-worker Max and just said his name and the office number. As Max was walking back onto the floor, the boss answered another call from "Conference Room" and turned and said "Ranjan" while shaking his head. It was time. 

I began July 7th, 2002. I ended January 22nd, 2009. It was truly an amazing ride, with my career at BofA set against the backdrop of the wild ride of Wall Street itself.