Rantings of a Creole Princess

How to Use Google Calendar Properly

I've started using Google Calendar properly and it's changed my life.  There are so many things you can do with it that it makes no sense to NOT use it.

I add all my meetings, calls, appointments, etc. to it now and am always excited when I can just *CLICK* to add something to my calendar.  Eventbrite let's you do this as well as a lot of other services I use.  

It adds all of the details to my calendar and I can set up how I want to receive my reminders.  I generally use email AND text reminders.  Email reminders a day before so I can make sure I've done all I need to do for the event and text reminders starting 30 minutes out.

Another feature is the ability to share my calendar with the Robinator.  Both of us use this feature so we're not doublebooking things we need the other for and we can make arrangements for Lucy, etc.  His events are in blue, my events are in pink.

I receive a daily agenda (can be found in 'SETTINGS') every morning at 5:00am so it's the first thing I check when I look at my emails daily.

I can even insert/embed meeting information in an email so that the recipient can one click add it to their calandar as well.

It is seriously the best tool ever.

Are YOU using it?

 

David Therriault - #INSPIRATIONAL

I met the most fascinating man yesterday in the simplest way possible.  See...I have a neighbor who is really into her landscaping and I was checking out her new perennials.  I asked her where she purchased them and she told me that someone told her about this super cute little nursery that a man owns behind his house.  I was looking for some different shade perennials so I figured I'd give it a try.

It was only about 12 miles away from my home and it was a stunningly beautiful and yet cool day so a drive was just the thing.  I put the country ribs I had marinating the fridge in the oven on 225 degrees and set the oven timer for 3 hours leaving The Robinator with instructions to simply take them out when the timer went off.

I listened to music as Kadijah (the GPS lady) directed me to the address and oohed and aaahed over the simple, country style homes with porches and big, fenced in yards that I see in my future.

I found the house and followed the gravel around to the back as the signage directed me to do and I was presented with this:

"Love and Basketball" - Inspirational...TO ME!

One of my favorite movies on EARTH is "Love and Basketball."  I mean...it seriously doesn't get better than this movie for me.  I  watch it every.single.time I see it on and think to myself how awesome it is.  Like...everything about it was good.  

Gina Prince-Blythewood was the first Black woman director that made me think...WOW...JUST...WOW!!!!!

And a connection was made for me as a MAJOR point of reference.

I think I saw it 4 times at the theater as I was just so HUNGRY for a movie like this one.  So very, very hungry.  And I'm still hungry.    LOL!  Still wishing there were more Monica's and Quincy's.

Do you ever watch "Love and Basketball" again even though you've already seen it?  

I STANS for Ms. Jackee' Harry Baby!

 

"When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things" - Free Stream

When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things from Team Sizzle Films on Vimeo.

 

You never have to steal from us. We are extremely generous. ENJOY! Until 9pm EST!

@NonyeDamBizness

This lil girl stole my movie.  

And it pissed me off.

Why?

She was bold enough to flipping TELL me she stole it.

Making a movie isn't easy.  

And it's not cheap.

Bootleggers and pirates benefit off our backs when you get our movies from them.

This hurts.

Don't hurt us.

This is our DREAM.

You will KILL our dream if we don't get paid for it.

And the circle and cycle will continue.  

*sigh*

OH YEAH!

I just finished a scene I've been working on for 3 weeks that has driven me bat.shat.crazy! PARTY AT 13700!

 

Dream On

Question about "The Coalition"

Don't read the comments if you haven't watched the movie yet.

Did you talk back to the screen?  If so...when?

From Amazon:

I was making a purchase on Amazon and at the bottom...I see this suggestion:

Why yes Amazon!  I do like this!  LOL!  The Coalition

Circle Completed

Critical Acclaim!

My Godbaby gives it 4 stars for teeth-a-bility!  LOL!

THE COALITION IN STORES NOW!!!!!!!!!

FIND OUT IF YOUR TARGET HAS IT HERE!  FIND IN STORE

Send me a picture of you with your copy!  THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

SUPER BOWL XLVII!

The first time he saw the DVD all packaged up right!  

Champ Kind!  LOL!  This guy is AWESOME.SAUCE!  So lovely and nice!

She was so nice!  When she saw him she burst into tears shaking and he signed that DVD and gave it to her!

My peanut head.  LOL!

My SUPER Raven fan!  

Heading into the city!

These might be my new favorite shades.

On the BIG.SCREEN!!!!!!!!

He was in 7TH HEAVEN!!!!!

Getting ready for Bey!

THEY WON!  THEY WON!!!!

Did you watch the game?  What did YOU think of it?  What did you think of Beyonce's performance?  

From My Filmmaking Friend Chaka!

     

"Whats up Monica!! - need a favor! Today at 12pm NOON we are going to be doing a Social Media Blast of our Trailer for our Comedy Series "Dr. J. Peddy" this our first entry that will be entering the pilot contest for Comedy Central in March! - We are going to push the trailer to create a buzz- If you have the time at noon or after to share the link for the trailer I will be forever grateful - #The Power of Networking"

Ravens.

Still funny...

http://sports.yahoo.com/video/filmmaker-terrell-suggs-162603668.html

Pre-Order The Coalition!

You can pre-order it from Target, Walmart and Amazon so far!  

I wish I could stop grinning...but I can't.  It's available in Blu-ray and DVD and there are lots of bonus DVD extras to include commentary, screening Q&A, audience reaction, interviews of some of our team members and even a deleted scene which we thought would be an alternate ending but the focus group audience hated it so we took it out.  LOL!  

Such an amazing journey and we've learned so, so, so much since "sisters." and our other short films on the Training Camp DVD.  

I know I should say more but seriously...I can't.  I'm just so flipping happy.  

Please tell your family, framily and friends about it. Share our journey and let them know how we've been writing things down and making them happen and that we believe they can do the same.  

Yall wanted options.  We're trying to give you some.  And you know good and well we're working hard to provide it to you.

Thank you.

Love,

Monnie

 

Digital Download and Rental Now Available!

 

 

 

 

Team Sizzle Films Presents: Training Camp - A Short Film Showcase

You can now download it to your computer, iPad or phone for $9.99 now or rent it to stream instantly for 7 days for $1.99.

Technology...LOVE.IT!

Thank you guys so much for supporting us!  it means the world to us!

Team Sizzle Films...going yard!

Didn't know the video was autoplay. UGH! Link is here: http://sports.yahoo.com/video/filmmaker-terrell-suggs-162603668.html

Yes you heard correctly.  We've inked a deal with Magnolia Pictures.  THE Magnolia Pictures of Mr. Mark Cuban fame.  We're so proud and humbled and we know this means we have to keep working even harder to be part of such an amazing, amazing team.  

It started here for me.  Writing stuff down.  Making stuff happen.  Working my butt off.  Thanks to all of you guys for your continued love and support.  You make it easy to do what we do.

BIG NEWS COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!

Love yall like crazy!

Monica Mingo, Filmmaker

TEAM SIZZLE FILMS - TRAINING CAMP1

If yall order today it will probably arrive in time to show your family for Thanksgiving! LOL!

Let 'em know we're doing big things and just trying to build an audience out there!

THANK YALL IN ADVANCE!!!!!

Those of you who've already purchased? Did you enjoy it? Were you impressed? Surprised? Horrified? Wanna pretend like you don't know or "know" me yet? LOL!

Favorite FilmMAKERS...

 

It's no secret that Steven Spielberg is one of my FAVORITE filmmakers.

It might be a surprise to some that one of my other FAVORITE filmmakers is Nancy Meyers.

There are many others, of course.  Too many to list but I watch movies differently from most for far different reasons I'm sure.

What about YOU?

Who are your FAVORITE filmmakers?

 

SIP:  No need to mention us...we're not "there" yet.  We intend on BEING there mind you...but not THERE YET. 

:)

Sometimes I just go to Amazon just to see it.  Is that weird to you?  

SIP:  YES!  IT'S WEIRD!  STOP DOING THAT!  

Team Sizzle Films Presents: Training Camp - A Short Film Showcase

ON AMAZON! Team Sizzle Films Presents: Training Camp - A Short Film Showcase

 

Team Sizzle Films Presents: Training Camp - A Short Film Showcase

Guess what's available on Amazon now?  LOL!  Yup!  US!

Yall know the journey.  You know we said we'd do 4 or 5 shorts to practice, build our team and hone our skills to get ready to shoot features.

We wrote it down.

We made it happen.

And now...those 4 shorts, our TRAINING CAMP, are available on Amazon!

Please buy our DVD and show us some love and support.  You have no idea how difficult doing what we do is.  We seriously just want to entertain you guys and we're getting better and better and better with each project as you'll see in the DVD.  

Team Sizzle Films presents 4 short films produced in 2010 and 2011 and screened at film festivals around the world: sisters., Marco Polo, Commitment, and When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things. 

Team Sizzle Films is led by All-Pro Linebacker and 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. Terrell is Executive Producer of all 4 short films and co-writer of When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things. 

sisters. looks in on two siblings as they acknowledge the complexity of their relationship and their struggle to love each other, period. sisters. won Best Short Film in the 2010 International Black Film Festival in Nashville and screened at both the Chicago International Film Festival and the American Black Film Festival.

In Marco Polo, beautiful and successful Dr. Ann Christman long ago settled down with her second choice, a black man who loves her dearly. The unspoken challenges of interracial marriage weigh heavy and finally come to a head when past passions are stirred.

Ten years ago, Ashur did what he could to leave his Syrian government post for a new life in America. Commitment picks up when Ashur gets a new neighbor with an unnerving curiosity about the past. After a vicious altercation, a judge must decide who was predator and who was prey. Commitment screened at the Cannes International Film Festival in the Short Film Corner, as well as the New York City International Film Festival and ThrillSpy International Film Festival. 

When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things covers the twenty-four hours surrounding a wedding. Twelve beautiful hours before... twelve ugly hours after. When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things screened at the Cannes International Film Festival in the Short Film Corner.

Disclaimer: These films are not rated. The content is intended for mature audiences and may not be suitable for all viewers.

Team Sizzle Films Presents: Training Camp - A Short Film Showcase

Hollywood Black Film Festival - THE COALITION!

If you're going to be in Los Angeles this Friday, come on out and check out THE COALITION!  Tell your friends in the area!  Should be a good time!

You may purchase tickets here:  "The Coalition" Tickets

 

Best Feature Film 2012 - Urban Mediamakers Film Festival! -THE COALITION!

And Best Indie Hustler!  LOL!  That one cracked me up.  I guess showing up sick, passing out flyers, talking people up and making a mad dash to catch the last flight out is indicative of a HUSTLER!  LOL!

We are always so very excited to watch our film with an audience.  I mean...there is truly nothing like the feeling in the world.  They liked it...no...loved it and the Q&A afterwards turned into a straight up Venus Vs. Mars verbal brawl.  ROFL!  Like...people walked away arguing with people they came with still.  ROFL!  

Poor Roslyn sent me an email telling me that even she and Whit fell out behind it. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!  THAT.BRINGS.ME.JOY!  LOL!

So yeah...we won.  So excited.  So exciting.  And can't WAIT to be able to share more news with you guys regarding the project.  

GO TEAM SIZZLE!!!!!

"The Coalition" Trailer - OFFICIAL from Team Sizzle Films on Vimeo.

COMING SOON FROM TEAM SIZZLE FILMS!

Bobble Head Filmmaker Girl!

Look what Shelly Bean had made for my birthday! LOL!
~ MMingo

Perched Just Right

That takes talent.  LOL!

"Soul Food Junkies" by Byron Hurt

"Soul Food Junkies" Official Teaser (2011) from Byron Hurt on Vimeo.

This documentary is pretty awesome and I truly hope you get to see it. If you hear about it...go see it.  GO.SEE.IT!  And take your entire family and tell all your friends.  It's so compelling and enlightening.

'LIKE' the fanpage for information on future screenings.  Soul Food Junkies on Facebook

Team Sizzle Films

 

 

THE COALITION is coming to LA!

Online Ticketing for Terrell Suggs / Team Sizzle Films VIP Screening - THE COALITION powered by Eventbrite

Los Angeles Readers!

If you're in Los Angeles and would like to see THE COALITION...holla atcha girl.

Instrastin!

Thank you!

Everyone was amazed at the response of the audience to our film.  I was nervous, of course, but that's because we've worked on this SO.HARD.  I knew that if people saw it...they'd love it.

And yall know I like to go out with a bang.

So yeah...we wanted to straight up sell out at both shows.  In order to do this, I asked family, framily and friends who were attending if they'd mind helping us get the word out and baaaaby!  They showed up and showed OUT!

As soon as folks hit Miami they hit me up to find out where we were.  They came got a t-shirt and bags of flyers, water bottles, silicone bracelets, etc. and hit the streets telling everyone about our movie and letting them know when our screening times were and shortly thereafter I saw pretty much every person walking around with SOMETHING from Team Sizzle.

And the buzz grew.

And grew.

And grew.

Before long...it was all everyone was talking about.  Going to see "The Coalition."  They had folks out there scanning the QR Code for the trailer, telling them who the actors were, the synopsis of the film.  Like...they REALLY showed out.  It got to the point where you'd walk up on someone and they'd say..."I've heard about "The Coalition" and I DEFINITELY plan on seeing it." before we even said anything because someone else had gotten to them earlier.

Last I counted...we had about 30 people rocking and rolling on our behalf.

A friend called me yesterday in the midst of the madness I had ongoing and wanted to ask me how I was able to get so many people out there on the ground putting the word out.  My answer?  I just asked them and they came.  They didn't get paid.  They just care about me enough to show up because they know I'd do the same.

I am so blessed that my framily is my FRAMILY for real.

My only regret was that I didn't get an opportunity to spend as much time with them as I'd wanted to, but for me it was a work trip and I had a few things on my list that I wanted to cross off so I did what I needed to do in order to do them.  They, however, had a blast without me and I am so grateful everyone got along so well and had so much fun.

If it's true you judge a person by their framily...well...King Kong ain't got nuttin on me!

Thank you to my family, framily and friends who came out and supported us.  I can't put into words just how very much it meant to me.  YALL ROCK!

GET THEM PEOPLE IN THEM SEATS!

Full Premiere Talkback

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PREMIERE!!!!!

The Coaliton Premiere Highlights! from Team Sizzle Films on Vimeo.

AND THAT'S A WRAP!

SMOOCHES GORGEOUS, AMAZINGLY, AWESOME PEOPLE!!!!!

The screenings were off the charts HOT.TO.DEATH!  Both sold out and the response was AMAZING!  I'm still reeling over the fact that everyone loved it and I love knowing their expectations were blown out of the water!  LOL!  Everyone was blinking with their mouths open like...WOW!  THAT WAS SOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!

And it made us so, so, so very happy!

There is nothing like sitting with a REAL, LIVE AUDIENCE watching your film and absorbing their reaction.  I wish I could bottle that feeling and use it whenever I'm in need of a quick pick me up or assurance that we're doing this the right way.

My brain is a jumbled mess right now because I have all kinds of things going on right his minute but I'll be back to tell you guys more about it.  If you were there...let us know what YOU thought and if you had a good time.  If you weren't there...let me know if you talked to someone who was and what they thought!

Thanks to everyone for the total unconditional love and support you always show us and know that we appreciate it more than anything.  

BOOM CHICA WOW WOW!

"Marco Polo" Sneak Peek!

We got hate mail so it's back tonight until we lock it back up again. I hope you enjoy it. Humph. Evil azzes!

All the Pieces Coming Together!

"Commitment" - ONE NIGHT ONLY!

In anticipation of our big premiere...we're sharing some of our short films online briefly!  You call them short films...we call them PRACTICE!  GO US!

Check it out and tell us what you think!

 

"The Coalition" - OFFICIAL TRAILER

PLEASE SHARE!!!!!

"The Coalition" Movie Poster

What say you?

"Commitment" has been accepted into the 2012 Short Film Corner at the Cannes International Film Festival!

Commitment - Trailer from Team Sizzle Films on Vimeo.

TEAM.SIZZLE.ROCKS! That is all. :) This feels sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good yall!

"Toying With Jerry"

Toying With Jerry

A while ago...my friend and film colleague, Rich, asked me if I wanted to do something film related and completely for fun.

DUH!

So he gathered a few of his friends together, plied us with high fructose corn syrup and veggie lasagna, and shot his project...Toying With Jerry!

Go check it out and tell me what you think!  Also...don't forget to check out the cast and crew bios.  The last line of mine is in contention.  Imma need to remind SOMEONE the rules of fight club.

Humph!

Acting While Black

After reading many, and participating in few, spirited Facebook exchanges regarding Meryl Streep going home with the Oscar instead of Viola Davis...I walked away pretty perplexed with a few of the comments I ran across.

This really stood out to me:

But perhaps it was Viola herself who most hurt her chances of winning Best Actress when, during her months-long Academy Award campaign, she made a point of taking a stand and lifting her voice about what black actresses face in the still lily-white Hollywood. Every time she found herself in front of a microphone, Viola reminded all those within the sound of her voice that times are still hard for black girls in Hollywood, where roles for African American women with dark skin and outside-the-mainstream beauty are sparse, underdeveloped, and meant solely to help white actors and actresses shine. She made a point, though, of acknowledging that despite Hollywood’s faults—despite the odds—a black actress who masters her craft can make any portrayal, whether it’s as a maid, a crack addict, a wise BFF or a love-starved single mother who doubles as the president, will be masterful at her job.

In other words, Viola Davis didn’t play the game; she called Hollywood on its bull, reminded everyone that she’s total badass at what she does, and showed up on the red carpet as her beautiful, natural self—chocolate, glistening and wearing her short, red-tinted afro, with her beautiful, chocolate glistening husband at her side. And honestly, I couldn’t be more proud of her for lifting her voice, being sure of her talent and beauty and insisting that we all get on board and accept her for being exactly who she is.

A friend, whom I respect, typed that verbatim from this article:  Viola Davis and The Oscars: Anatomy Of A Best Actress Snub

I'm curious as to what you guys think about this.  I mean...I saw both movies, "The Help" and "The Iron Lady."  Meryl Streep DID.THAT.  I mean...she BECAME Margaret Thatcher.  Viola is, obviously a talented actress too.  I mean hey...even Meryl Streep says that. 

Couldn't it have been as simple Meryl's performance was so good that she deserved the award?

What say you?

Randoms from the Sundance Film Festival!

I totally got sick.  Well...I was already sick...but I got really sick.  I'm talking fever-y tired-y sick.  I'm sure you can tell from this picture.  LOL!

"Red Tails"

The Usual Suspects are going to see "Red Tails" tomorrow. 

This film had a budget of $90 million so I'm kinda worried about what it's going to do at the box office.  I mean...mathematically...the odds are already against it when you take into consideration that, for the most part, only Black people go see movies about Black people and...well...I just don't know if $90 million plus dollars worth are going to go see it.

Which could seriously rock the boat for Black filmmaking and filmmakers.

I boat that I'm on and I'm not wearing a life vest cuz there ISN'T one.

Are YOU going to see it?  What do YOU think about the odds of a $90 million dollar movie about Black people being a box office success?  What do you think it's going to do to the efforts of filmmakers who are trying to get more movies with a Black cast made if this one is one HUGE flop?