Day 30 in L.A. (Quest Evaluation - Is this Realistic? - Special Announcement Included)

(Day 30 = Tuesday, October 19, 2010)

In this post you will read through a questionnaire evaluation of my quest, for its 1st 30 days in L.A. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine significance of my progress, and determine what’s next.    
Since I have been my own boss for over 7 years I will be conducting this evaluation by asking myself the questions. These questions will be important yet critical and will provide clear foresight for my quest. In appearance these questions may seem to be completely personal but they are also designed to help your own personal quest or conviction. 


The Boss: Mr. Motown Maurice, can you please define what you mean when you say you’re on a quest?

Motown Maurice: Well, according to Wikipedia, a quest is journey towards a goal. In literature, objects of quests require great exertion on the part of the hero, and the overcoming of many obstacles. The hero normally aims to obtain something or someone by the quest, and with this object to return home. The object can be something new, that fulfills a lack in his life, or something that was stolen away from him or someone with authority to dispatch him.

The Boss: Motown Maurice, I applaud you for memorizing Wikipedia’s definition but please define the quest on the terms that you are in.

Motown Maurice: My bad. I’m on a quest to become a nationally syndicated late night talk show host. On September 19, 2010, I left my hometown Tampa, FL and relocated to Los Angeles, California seeking to fulfill my quest.

The Boss: Motown, don’t you think you’re over dramatizing it by calling it a quest. Why can’t you just say you have taken a trip to L.A. I assume you also think you’re a hero now.

Motown Maurice: The word trip would provide a false impression. This isn’t a vacation nor a getaway.  I’m in L.A. for one reason only and that’s to host my own nationally syndicated late night talk show. I choose to describe it as a quest because there is no blue print that tells me how to accomplish this goal. Since the inception of late night talk shows in the early 1950’s there have only been a handful of hosts. Each host has their own unique story on how they received their own show. What makes my quest even more challenging is the difficulty of building a relationship with a network. The gates of Hollywood are heavily protected and are built to keep people out. I am virtually unknown in this industry and I am taking an unconventional path to achieve my goal. That’s why I’m on a quest.

Now to answer your question about me being a hero, I consider myself more as a seeker. However, I’m honored to say that in the eyes of many I’m considered a hero. I’ve lost track of the amount of people that have been inspired by my quest and envy my sacrifice. There are many people in my hometown that are living their dreams through my quest because they are not able to pick up and leave as I did. Many others are passionately rooting for a successful accomplishment. From that stand point I could be considered as a hero but I have a lot more to achieve before I truly deserve that title.

The Boss: How do you feel about your first 30 day’s? Do you feel like you have accomplished a lot? Are you satisfied?

Motown Maurice: I will never be satisfied until this quest is over. Then when this quest is over, I’m sure there will be another quest. My agent and many others say I’ve accomplished more than some people accomplish in a year. Let’s just say I’m far from content and I’m definitely not throwing a party. It’s possible I may have expected more out of my 1st 30 days. Now it’s more important to focus on the next 30 days and make sure it’s significantly more successful than the 1^st 30 days.

The Boss: I understand the definition of a quest and what your quest is, but why are you doing this? What drives you? What is your motivation?

Motown Maurice: That’s a great question. Recently I was watching a 60 minutes interview with Eminem. For those of you who don’t know him, he is the most successful rapper of the last decade. If it makes any difference to you he is also white. The first thing Eminem said in the interview is, he’s trying to win the respect from the crowd and his fans.

After of a series of shows in Tampa I officially decided I wanted to become late night talk show host during the 2^nd quarter of 2009. For the first time, every one of my personality traits, accomplishments and desires started to make sense. Than on January 23, 2010, I officially joined the late night race with the intentions of competing with The Tonight Show & The Late Show from Tampa, FL. I was obviously trying to gain the respect of Leno, Letterman and the other late night hosts. So now I’m in the main turf for late night shows and they still don’t know I exist. So like Eminem, a part of me is doing this to gain their respect and get their attention. Of course I also want the respect from the people. They are also the gate keepers to success.
Besides that, becoming a nationally syndicated late night talk show host is my purpose in life. As a host I am able to entertain and most importantly inspire. I love to inspire and improve the lives of others when I can. I truly don’t have any other options at this point. I have sacrificed everything to make this happen and there is no plan B.  Either complete my quest or die. If you’re not willing to die for what you want then you probably don’t really want it. As scary as that may sound it’s the truth and it’s a requirement for success in epic portions.

The Boss: Are you being realistic about this quest? I hate to sound doubtful but realistically your chances are slim and there are several variables against you. 

Motown Maurice: There are 4 things in this world that fascinates me beyond belief. There are subways, airplanes, highway/interstate and space traveling. Do you think any of these things was realistic before they were created? Yet, someone created an airplane and someone else set forth to build subways underground. Today we all see it as another way to get around but back in the days it wasn’t realistic. Nevertheless, it started in someone’s mind and we are enjoying the pleasures of it today. 

I would like to expose you all to another side of the famous actor Will Smith in this video below. Please watch it. Not only do people say I look like him, but we also think very much alike. He can probably articulate success much better than me but our thoughts flow parallel. Please watch this video.



The Boss: Very inspiring video, now…

Motown Maurice: I’m sorry to cut you off but before you ask another question I would like to touch on something Will Smith said about talent and work ethic. Like him, I have never considered myself to be talented. I have an imagination that can be very creative but I am not talented. My confidence is in my work ethic. I work hard and I devote everything I have into my quest and anything I’m a part of. My skills are developing and they will continue to develop as I create.
 
The Boss: How do you plan to gain the respect of Hollywood if you don’t have much talents? Wouldn’t you like to work your way up on The Tonight Show? You can only get that opportunity if they recognize your talents right?
 
Motown Maurice: You are asking a question that has been on the surface of my mind these last few days. The conventional way of one day hosting a late night talk show for a network is to appear as a talent on a regular basis and hope to one day work your way up. I’m not a standup comedian by nature nor do I have any special talents. As a result, that way won’t work for me. My agent told me over a week ago that my approach is different compared to most traditional actors. In deed she is right. The system that is already designed won’t work for me. I will study the system, audition and do my best to understand it all but I am my own designer.
 
The Boss: If you not going to become a late night talk show host the standard traditional way, then if you don’t mind me asking what is your plan?
 
Motown Maurice: Literally, yesterday I started to sum up all the signs that I have been receiving since I arrived in L.A. Now for the first time I’m going to announce my plan to premiere the 2^nd season of The Motown Maurice Show live in L.A. Please note I didn’t come to L.A with these intentions. I came hoping to work my way up some talk show ladder, pursue acting, host some other shows and get noticed. Granted, I still need the experience/exposure and I will still attempt to find some gigs to make money. In the mean while, I have conceived a plan of action for the next season.
 
The Boss:  Can you tell us your strategy? How do you plan on accomplishing this?
 
Motown Maurice: Some answers you will have to read when the book comes out one day. The truth is I did it before and I can do it again. This time I will do it much better. I have access and I know how to access a lot of skilled and talented people hungry for opportunity and work. In many ways it’s going to be easier. All I will say is that I have a huge campaign idea and I’m excited about bringing it to life. Originally, I was going to use the idea to promote the 2^nd season of my show in Tampa but this time I will use it in L.A.
 
The Boss: Did you get the results you wanted during the first season of your show in Tampa and what results do you expect from doing it in L.A.?
 
Motown Maurice: I absolutely did not achieve the results I desired or deserved in Tampa because it simply isn’t the market for late night talk shows. Each show I anticipated a sonic boom that never did happen. That sonic boom will come in due time. I am located in Mecca of entertainment which gives me access to gain the respect from the other hosts, the people and the networks. Ultimately, I have to make enough noise and execute a brand of quality that will lure the executives to me. I don’t know where to find them nor do I have time to search. I have to keep it moving.
 
The Boss: Don’t you need a lot of money to pull this off? Do you have any?
 
Motown Maurice: You’re right. I’m still in great debt from my 1^st season but I’m not going to let money deter this vision. It will come and I will find it. I had no clue how I was going to finance the 1^st season but somehow all the expenses were taken care of. I still have a lot of credit card bills but all the expenses were taken care of.
 
The Boss: Do you have a launch date yet?
 
Motown Maurice: All dates are to be announced but I will start recruiting and rebuilding my new team on Nov 1^st.
 
The Boss: This is an even bigger undertaken from your last. Are you sure you want to do this?
 
Motown Maurice: What other options do I have? This is what I know how do. I can’t wait for Oprah or Jay Leno to come knocking on my door because that’s not going to happen. I said in Tampa that I wanted to compete right? So, I’m going to bring it to them the only way I know how.
 
The Boss: Let’s say you launch your show in L.A. will your quest be completed?
 
Motown Maurice: Absolutely not. My quest won’t meet its goal until I am nationally syndicated. Rebuilding my show from a grass roots level is just another stepping stone. Eventually, I will still need the support/backing of a cable/major network. To my benefit, many of the major and cable networks are in L.A. which makes the recognition possibilities higher.
 
The Boss: When do you plan to return to Tampa?
 
Motown Maurice: This is a good question. I don’t know yet? In my studies most seekers or hero’s never return home until their quest is complete. In many terms I feel the same way. The holidays are approaching and I know my family would like to see me. As a matter of fact, I’ve never been away from my family during the holidays. I can’t fully answer this question yet.
 
The Boss: Briefly, what are your long and short term goals?
 
Motown Maurice: They are generally the same as they have been for the past few years. Creative jobs and host my own nationally syndicated late night talk show. I still want to be part of another project that will give me some national exposure first, but that is beyond my control. Originally, I wanted to create jobs in Tampa but I don’t have a problem creating jobs in L.A. I’m positive there will be a time when I’ll be able to do something big in Tampa. That will come in time.
 
The Boss: What are going to do to prepare for your 2^nd season?
 
Motown Maurice: First thing I have to do is reactivate my leadership abilities. I literally stopped leading since the conclusion of my 1^st season. 2^nd I’m going to have to focus more on my performance skills. I have always worn multiple hats in the past. I can’t do that this time around. As I start recruiting my team I’m to have to specially focus on finding strong producers and writers that will take the weight off of my shoulders. I also hope to start attending Monkey Butler Comedy. They offer free improvisational classes and free is what I can afford right now. Hopefully they are good. If not them, I will look for another troupe. The troupe I mentioned on day 11 didn’t work out for a few reasons I consider red flags.
 
The Boss: Even though I am your boss and we are the same person, I think you’re insane but I completely support you. I came to this interview with the intentions of beating you up with critical questions but there is no stopping a man who isn’t afraid to die for his purpose. I wish you all the best. Do you have any final comments?
 
Motown Maurice: First off, I would like to thank you for this opportunity. I never experienced such a thorough interview. You did a great job and I enjoyed myself. First I want to thank everyone that has been supporting me and following my blog. Thank you to everyone that has sent me donations for my quest. Thank you to those who have called and checked on often. Thank you Ma, Aunty Bern, Attorney Pamela Y. Robinson, Valerie, Rodney & Crissy. I recently realized that I already started rebuilding my team and didn’t know it. A few people help from time to time help with grammar errors on my blog and Reggie has always been available for technical support. Thank you all.
 

I appreciate my agents very much. First Class Talent Agency is the best. Every other day I meet someone who has horrible stories about their agents and I couldn’t ask for anything better agency right now. Thank you very much Cynthia and Sandy.  

I don’t want to get too deep into thanks because this quest is far from over but everyone should know I am grateful. Please forgive me if I left your name out. Know that are loved and appreciated.  As for this blog, I set a goal for myself to blog about my first 30 days. This blog has been a quest within a quest.  The reason I write some much is so you all can learn from my experiences and to outline the book I’m going to write one day of course. After today, I’m going to change the frequency of my posts. Blogging everyday isn’t easy. I may take a break for a few days and return on an every other day basis. I’m not sure yet of the frequency but don’t worry I will continue to keep you posted with everything as I have been doing.  

Thank you all. I look forward to seeing your comments and please share share share! I can’t only go national with your support. 

As the quest continues…
 
Motown Maurice