Rantings of a Creole Princess

"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? 

It's not funny cuz it could be true...*sigh*

Regarding "Red Tails"

I wish I still had the luxury of being uber critical of a film with a main Black cast. Now? Hell...I understand the struggle of the filmmaker and as long as YALL don't understand it...there won't ever be a plethora of films for you to peruse.

Yall talk that nonsense about "Red Tails" because there aren't any Black women in it. Shit...be happy there are Black people in it PERIOD. I can watch movies from sun up to bedtime and not see a single.solitary Black person all day. NOT.A.ONE!

Truth be told...folks get on my GOT.DAMNED nerves being all "Black Power" when they ain't put in on this. If you want different, (ie BETTER in your brilliant head) options...don't sit your azz in a box and throw salt on someone TRYING to have a showing in the game. Learn to discern the BIGGER.PICTURE and recognize that if Black movies with a theatrical release don't make money...there won't EVER be Black movies, as a norm, in movie theaters. It's all about the money people. Don't be dumb. Use your money to carve out some space for those of us TRYING to offer you options cuz if you don't then I have to sit in meetings with folks listening to bullshit like..."Black dramas don't sell. You got any comedies? Any singing and dancing? Can you get a rapper to star in it?"

Hell...I wish I did have the luxury to be able to talk ish about being better and doing better and still have a shot in this game.

Next time YOU make a damn movie with Black people in it from beginning to end...come talk to me cuz then and ONLY then will you understand. I applaud the Jedi Master for trying cuz many wouldn't even look twice at a Black woman OR a Black man for a lead role let alone a full lead cast. I've seen every movie he's made and I'm not about to stop now.

In short...

Wait...nothing...cuz if I say anything else...Imma start cussing and I'm still on the Goodness and Light Tour of 2012.

Thank you in advance. You are welcome to and I encourage you to share this message FAR AND WIDE cuz it seems some folks need to read it.

Monica Mingo, Filmmaker

:)

 

As of tonight...we're 98% complete. I can't WAIT for you guys to see it! Are you a fan of the Facebook fanpage? If you're not I'm seriously going to start feeling some kinda way.  "The Coalition"

PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN!

"Soul Food Junkies"

Alright folks...here is another opportunity to get involved with a film that should most certainly be made!

What say YOU?

American Film Market and Black Filmmakers

As yall know I am pretty meticulous when it comes to doing what we do.  I take this SERIOUSLY.

When we were in Cannes during the world premier of our short film, "When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things," we met one of the executives who runs this market.  I researched it and decided that this was definitely something we should consider if we were close enough to a having a deliverable film ready to go.  My partner and I discussed and decided we should make it happen.

So we did.

From Dr. Punkin yesterday:

Sister dearest,

I know you are in the midst if your focus group but I wanted to tell you how very proud of you I am for finally going after your dream and not letting anything get in your way now that you've arrived.  It is my prayer that it will be well received and you will get some very positive feedback.  Know that we are behind you all the way and can't wait to see your name as award winning director Monica Mingo.  You totally rock!

 

SIP:  She wants something doesn't she?

Let's Get It Started! - "The Coalition"

Well guys...we had the first focus group screening of "The Coalition" last night at the Landmark Baltimore East Harbor theater. 

I was nervous all day and couldn't eat even though I was hungry.  I just felt like if I put something in my tummy...it would be ALL.OVER!

So...I got there and people were already there waiting.  We set up quickly and worked it out.  Folks were surprised to find that we were actually at the door checking people in.  ROFL!  I'm like...this is independent filmmaking at it's FINEST people!

I thought that was cute though.

The audience was filled with just the loveliest people and, even though we had to restart the film because I was unhappy with the aspect ratio I looked up and saw...they were really good sports about it.

Remember that nightmare I had about my being at our premier and everyone was dressed to the nines except me and I ended up in the projection room handling stuff? 

Yes...that happened except, thank goodness...this was a focus group viewing of a work in progress and folks knew there were going to probably be some glitches.

We moved on.

So...you know how you get REALLY annoyed when people talk to the screen or when they laugh too long and then you can't hear what happened next in the movie?  Well...that doesn't bother you so much when you're a filmmaker in the audience.  LOL!  That means the audience is really engaged in the story and is enjoying the film.  They "got" all the parts we meant to be funny.  The jokes, the looks, etc. 

We got some AMAZING feedback which was already in line with what we were thinking and, having the opportunity to see it on the big screen was soooooooooooooo helpful to us!  Like...at one point I saw a light on an actress's face that we've NEVER, EVER, EVER seen!  AND I SEE EVERY.SINGLE.THING!!!!!  LOL!    I was taking notes thinking...wow...where'd that light come from?

All-in-all I was so happy with the response that I will admit to having a moment.  Yall have no idea what it means to have people watch it and enjoy it.  Like...just...wow.

Thank you all for your lovely wishes and, for those of you who showed up, and CONTINUE to show up to support us...thank you so very much.  You have no idea how much it means to have framily surrounding you when you're dealing with something SO.SCARY.  When I looked into the audience and my eyes would light on my people...it would calm a GAMILLION butterflies. IT MEANS THE WORLD WHEN YOU GUYS SHOW UP!  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!

I simply can't thank you guys enough for being on this journey with us and for being so amazingly lovely.

We've made a movie folks.  Can you BELIEVE that?  Sure...there is still a lot of work to do in order to get it to look EXACTLY as we want it and to tell the story EXACTLY as we want it told and to incorporate the feedback we got last night into it...but yeah...we've ACTUALLY made a movie. 

This is going to be the start of something HUGE!

Browning It!

I blew drew (blow dried for those of you who aren't familiar with my issues) my hair instead of rushing out to buy a new dryer.

I got dressed.

Then I changed.

And put on a dress.

That brown dress I bought recently.

I have heels in my bag and will wear boots there.

Rain boots cuz the color makes me happy.

None of my black or brown boots made me feel happy.

I now want to own a pair of leapard print boots.

Or red boots.  I wish I had red boots.

This is the first time we've ever done a focus group screening en masse like this.

I'm nervous as hell.

And hungry.

Cuz I couldn't eat lunch.

I'll drink water.

Wish us luck. 

Passion...from a Cancer Survivor

• Passion:  a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept

I have a passion for life.  A zest if you will.  The kind of drive that makes it so that nothing less than the right way is the only way.  I don't have time for silly ish, hood ish, crazy ish or petty ish.  I'm simply trying to make dreams a reality. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  A lot of you new people don't know I'm a cancer survivor because I'm not one of those survivors who wear my cancer as a badge.  In fact...unless you read this blog or are someone I consider framily...you don't know this about me.  I don't use it as a crutch.  I don't expect folks to give me a pass because of.  I don't need no favors nor do I need some type of acknowledgment that you know and respect my journey as a survivor.  Sure...it comes up more these days than ever because one of the characters in "sisters." drops the cancer bomb and folks always ask about that but to be real with it...it's not who I am.

At all.

But...it's why I am the WAY that I am.

See...when a doctor  you respect rolls in and tells you that you have cancer...some ish that could KILL you it takes your breath away.  I know you can't understand this unless you're a survivor but it  truly breaks you down into the most minute part of who you are.  You're like a particle. An atom.  A simple azz molecule.

You know how in the movies sometimes a cinematographer can handle the camera so you feel all the air has been taken out of the frame and all the main character has is their breath in short and yet long, painful gusts?  That's how you feel.  You feel as if the room you were previously in, which was full of oxygen and light, is suddenly devoid of both.  You listen but don't hear because all you heard was CANCER.

I got the big "K" mama...CANCER.

You don't know much at the time...but you know cancer can fuggin KILL you.

And let's be honest.  A person who loves life as much as I do?  Death.Is.Scary.

When I was told I had cancer I was alone.  I was in a dark place and my mommy was dead.  I felt devoid of anything I believed I'd need in order to beat it except I was arrogant enough to still want to compete.

Yeah...with CANCER.

My left boobie is fake.  They cut it off and out and made me a new one.  I've since had to have work done to the old "new" one because it ruptured and hell...truth be told...that coulda killed me too. But it didn't.  Cancer didn't...nor did silicon flowing freely through my body.  So you see...not much scares me and there is not much that will ever deter me from doing exactly as I see fit either.

I.DO.WHAT.I.WANT!

Because I've had cancer I live my life to the fullest.  I dream big and work hard and fast.  I play hard too.  I don't think there is ANYTHING I can't do because hell...I beat cancer.

MAJOR.

I don't give a damn what anyone thinks of me because I know that, most likely, no one has ever told them they  might die SOON.   I'm a good person and I have a good heart.  I am one of the most charitable people I know and I would do anything for anybody I consider family, framily or friend who is trying to do the right thing.

It's important to me what God thinks of me and that's about it.  I figure if I'm doing things the way He wants...nobody else can complain.  I love my husband and my doggies and my people.  I love my people man.

October means a lot to different people.  To me it's a reminder that I BEAT cancer.  It's a reminder to everyone around me why I don't suffer fools.  I don't have time hell.  I recognized that life is for the living.  It's not for catty, petty shit.  It's not to doubt yourself.  It's not to wonder if you have what it takes.  It's for making your dreams come true.  It's for loving hard and strong.  It's for laughing out loud and letting those you love know you love them.  It's for giving a pass to someone you love with all your heart who is going through a bad patch.  It's for teaching what you know to folks who seem to give a damn.

Life...is for living and BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABY...Imma get it in.  I have a PASSION for it.

If it's one thing you can learn from me...it's that you can do whatever it is you want to do with YOUR life...and I hope you choose to live it FABULOUSLY.

You better get you some of this.  Seriously.

Love,

Monnie

P.S.  It's also why I love Halloween.  Why?  October.  Simple reasons for a woman who truly lives an extremely simple life.

Two Festivals...One Weekend!

IBFF, Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Nashville, TN.  (Yes...we caught the hanger strap before they took the official pics!  LOL!)

Thrill Spy Film Festival 2011, Sunday, October 9, 2011 in Washington, DC.

GO TEAM SIZZLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this man!

Documentary

If I were to do a documentary I think I'd do it about regular people like us.

See...you always see stories about big ballers shot callers.

Or about the bottom of the bottom.

But what about regular folks who have a good life?

Just normal people with families who take vacations and have awesome family holidays.

Regular ish.

That seems to NOT be regular.  Show folks how a nice, non-balling life is a good life.  Full of happiness and fulfilment and love.

Yeah...if I did a documentary...it would be about normal, regular people.

Like us.

What say you?

"One Last Run" by Hilton Carter

Yall are always talking about the lack of versatility in films by, about and featuring Black people.  I promise you will LOVE anything Hilton Carter dreams up!  SCOUTS HONOR!

If you can...send my boy some money for his kickstarter campaign!

ESPN 2! US! TODAY! DON'T.MISS.OUT!

"NFL Films Presents" featuring behind the scenes of during filming of "The Coalition" will be on ESPN2 today at 2:30PM EST! Check your listings for times in your area!

We've seen it and promise you're going to LOVE IT!

 

Tribe Private Screening of "Marco Polo" - REDUX

The password is what I call yall.

Lowercase.

Let me know what you think keeping in mind that I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about our shit.

We've gotten soooooooo much better since we did this one early last year but we still think it's good. :)

Password will change shortly.

If you miss it THIS TIME...you miss it.

 

SIP:  Oddly...she's  in a good mood this morning.  LOL!

Tribe Sneak Peak of "Marco Polo!"

Come back tonight from 9:00pm EST to 10:00pm EST.

Dear Tribe:

 

 

If you'd like to see it...let me know by commenting and I'll make it happen!

Fanny Pack and MOI!

 

Kipling Handbag, Multiple Belt Bag

The fanny pack redux! Kipling's "Multiple Belt Bag" is a stylish take on the fanny pack--it's a must for savvy travelers and easily converts into a shoulder bag.

 

If it's one thing I learned from being on set...I have to have a lot of ish with me.  I'm moving all over the place and there may or may not be eyes on my bags at all times and I can't jump up and take my purse with me.  LOL!

So...I bought me a fanny pack for my stuff I really shouldn't leave just hanging around while there are a hundred or so people around, most of which...I don't know.  I figure it will fit my phone, charger, wallet, hotspot, keys, anti-bacterial, hand cream, pen, and receipts.

GO ME! (Please don't forget to remind me that I bought this when I start shooting again cuz yall know I be fo'gettin.  Thank you in advance.)

Let the ridiculing begin knowing I don't EVEN.MUCH.CARE!

 

Bookin' It!

Producer to Producer: A Step-By-Step Guide to Low Budgets Independent Film Producing

What are YOU reading? 

What's the last book you read that was career related?

Do you and your S/O ever read the same books?

From the Bottom to the TOP!

"sisters."  - Completed March 2010

"Marco Polo" - Completed August 2010

"Commitment" - Completed October 2010

"When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things" - Completed March 2011

"The Coalition" - ROUGH CUT COMPLETED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 BAAAAABBBBBYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

When I see it all in line, one after the other...it's pretty dang amazing. We rock. GO US!

"When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things" at IBFF Nashville!

Dear Monica:

Congratulations! We are excited to accept your film to screen in this year's International Black Film Festival of Nashville, slated for October 4 and October 9, 2011.   Attached to this email you will find a letter detailing the information we need from you by Monday, September 12, 2011.  Yes, I said Monday, September 12, 2011...if possible.

We discovered that there was a glitch in the Without-A-Box system and these letters were not emailed on the original date intended.  Due to the glitch, we understand that it may be difficult to meet the deadline.  We are willing to work with you.

Again, congratulations on your acceptance.  We look forward to meeting you at the festival.

 

We won Best Short 2010 in this festival last year...so yeah...we gotta go DEFEND OUR CROWN!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

"The Coalition" Teaser

 

 

Why? Why not? LOL! I LURVE watching this shit!

From a Future Filmmaker:

Hi Monica, I've been trying to work on a screenplay and for some reason I just feel down & discouraged and not really sure how to go about my dream. Do you write as well as direct? Do you know how I can go about finding a mentor? Maybe getting older and just feel scared of failure. I need to be uplifted in some sort of way.

JL

___________________________________________________________________________________________

TWITTERAZZI!

IF YOU'RE ON TWITTER...YOU SHOULD FOLLOW OUR MOVIE. YOU KNOW YOU'RE GONNA WANNA BE AT THE PREMIERE CUZ TEAM SIZZLE DOES IT BIG BABY!

@TheCoalitionTSW

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs: Things I learn from Actresses...

I was watching an actress recently and marveled at how gorgeous her legs were.  Even toned, no marks, simply gorgeous.

She was holding her hands out weird.

Me:  What's wrong with your hands?

Her:  I have leg makeup on my hands.

Me:  Seriously?

Her:  Yes.

And this is what she was using: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, Deep Glow, 4.4 Ounce

A Few Pics from ABFF 2011!

ABFF 2011!

I love ABFF for so many reasons.  I love the connections.  I love the films.  I love the filmmakers.  I love the film viewers.  I just simply love it.

It's a flow like none other, in my opinion, and I enjoy sitting back in the cut and watching the process.

See...first and foremost I'm a writer.  And what do writers do?  We observe.  I LOVE watching the interactions of people.  I love watching folks jockeying for position.  I love the hustle.  I love the energy of watching things unfold.

It makes my brain tick nicely.

My most favorite panel/discussion was Digital 101:  Digital Distribution.  It was chock full of information from a beavy of experienced and extremely knowledgeable panelists.  Every one of them was informed and DOING-T IT!

Folks we'd never have access to were it not for ABFF.

I can't thank Mr. Jeff Friday and Ms. Melanie Sheree enough for this extraordinary gift they give to us year after year after year.

 

"The Coalition" Teaser

 

So...tell us...does this teaser make you want to see the movie?

Does it intrigue you?

What do you think of what you see so far?

Did we do good?

"Commitment" is DOING-T IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We've just been notified that our short film, "Commitment" is in official competition at the New York City International Film Festival!  We are soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited!!!!!!!  WHOOOOHOOOO!

 

Hustling

I'm always working but it's not like work ya know?  Sure...I've worked before and there is nothing wrong with doing something to make sure you contribute money to your household and pay your bills of course...but the kinda work I'm talking about is the work that flows naturally from me.  I breathe it.  I live it.  I dream it.  I walk it.  I talk it. I work.  I work.  I work.

From the beginning to the end I'll work and the sense of satisfaction from something being born on paper and taken to the screen is one such there is a sense of satisfaction from the product...from the end result that all other frustrations seem to melt away as your recognize that the product...the film...is alive and fucking WONDERFUL.

It took me a long time to let my doubts go and free myself up enough to be able to live in this space I'm in.

It takes a lot of work.

But I'll be damned if it's not all worth it.

"The Coaltion" is soooooooooooooooooo hot.

I can't WAIT until yall get to see it.

Me so happy.

 

"The Coalition" Behind the Scenes Pics

Seriously Dude?

A bad cold has been running through our crew.

So...I'm sick.

And annoyed.

Why?

Robby fussed at me for being sick.

Seriously dude?

How you gonna fuss at me for getting sick?

HOW YALL DOING?  MISS ME YET?

Hey Yall!

Aiight...so if you're my friend on FB yall know how this is going.  AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING!  The only thing I've been having time to do at night is connect my camera to the computer and do the auto upload FB thingy while I shower.  There has been NO time for commentary, captions, none of that...but I'm sure you can tell from the pics that this ish is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hot!

Indeed.

Here are a few pics while I sit down waiting for my next meeting:

 

Day 1!

My breakfast of champions, after my workout, for the energy I'm going to need today. It's Day 1. History in our lives. The first day of shooting our first feature film. It's going to be long, hard, hectic and fun.

We can't WAIT!

Wish us luck. I will let y'all know how it goes.

Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless

Film Randoms of a Creole Princess

When you wake up in the morning I'll be in the sky.  I was supposed to leave tonight but there were a lot of things going on that I'm working with people on the West coast to handle so I didn't want to lose any business hours of available working because I was on a plane.

But I'm out on the first thing smoking in the morning.

I'm always reminded of when folks say ish like..."There is no such as an overnight success" during crunch time.  People see the end result of something and they think it's no big deal.  Well baaaaaaaaaaaaaby...that couldn't be further from the truth if I etched it in stone.  Making movies is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life and it's nothing you can do alone.  You seriously need a TEAM of amazing people in order to make it do what it do and even then...the most minute of things could stand in your way and halt EVERY.SINGLE.THING.

I'm dealing with a seemingly minute thing right now that I never thought would or COULD ever be an issue.  When I heard of it I stopped breathing and I only just started breathing again but in spurts.  The magnitude of this potential problem was such that it brought me to my knees because it was NOTHING I had any control over.

NOTHING.

I've been extremely meticulous all of my life and when it's something I'm responsible for...I make sure it happens.  Other folks?  They might have fifty lleven other things going on and, since they are not ultimately responsible...they could give a rat's patooty if it gets done.

I've never worked like that.  FOR anyone or WITH anyone.

Work ethic goes a long, long way in my book.

This movie making business is as hard as it can get and I truly don't think I will breathe properly again until it is COMPLETELY in the can and ready to be delivered. 

Cannes was AMAZING to me.  My presentations were on POINT!  I got so good giving them that I knew what they were going to say before they said it.  I scheduled meetings with smaller sales agents and distributors first so that I could "practice" before I met with the big guns.  By the time I got to them I was a well rehearsed and oiled machine.  I was dressed right, smiled right, laughed in all the right places.  Hell...I even did girly stuff like flip my hair and teedle-laugh.  Yup...alla dat.  It got to the point where I had to cut meetings short so I wasn't late for my next meeting.

The kid ain't messing around but mainly because...I'm not a kid.

I'm a grown azz woman.

I finished Mika's book, "Knowing Your Value," and it was right on point.  Empowering even.  LOVED.IT!

I'm nervous and worried but I guess I'll always be nervous and worried.  That nervous energy is what keeps me sharp and thinking on my toes I guess right?

Let's hope so.

Cannes was SO amazing to me.  I loved, loved, LOVED being there.  Being in the middle of it all.  Being with all the power brokers.  It made me feel ALIVE!  Truly.

Not like I'm dead mind you.

We ended up being able to go to a private party by Red Granite Pictures on the beach where Kanye West was performing.  Dude...I was like 2 people behind the stage next to Rosario Dawson (who is stunningly beautiful and whom I've decided I can't like BECAUSE she's so stunningly beautiful by the way) yelling I LOVE YOU YEEZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey...yall KNOW I love Kanye.

I gotta leave at 4:45 am.  I'm already tired.

Having Robby with me taking bad pics of me is much better than having no one around to take ANY pics of me.

Sniffles.

But I have my memories indeedly.

I've been looking for linen pants with a dedicated waistband and a drawstring that are long enough to cover my feet.  Of course I found them in Cannes.  LOL!  I bought two pair.  GO ME!

I was out and about today and my hotspot stopped working.  o_0

That really annoyed me.

I have soooooooooooo muuuuuuuuuuuuch to do!

I'm sorry I've been neglected the blog.  Movie making has CERTAINLY gotten in the way.  I promise to keep trying.

Love yall!

 

 

The Qwiki of the Day!

Qwiki

Full Version of "sisters."

The little award winning short film that started it all. Shot in two days for $8,000. #WINNING!

Good Enough?

This filmmaking journey makes me doubt myself and my abilities every minute.  EVERY.SINGLE.MINUTE. 

This filmmaking journey has pushed me in ways I've never pushed myself.

This filmmaking journey makes me laugh, cry, get angry, get sad, get downright MEDIEVAL with my tactics.

I'm constantly questioning whether or not I'm good enough.

Whether or not WE are good enough.

ABFF 2011!

Yall know we LURVE us some American Black Film Festival!  I mean...it's truly where we got started and we haven't looked back since.

Think about it.  Movies, Miami, Movies, Miami, Movies, Miami!  SERIOUSLY?  WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE! 

You watch movies all day and attend FABULOUS parties at night!  Whooooohooooooo!

Yall coming?  ABFF 2011

That Diamond in the ROUGH!

One of the things I absolutely LOVE about what I do is finding talent.  I LURVE that ish man.  Seriously.  One of the MANY things we do right is that we believe in folks having a dream and we believe in helping folks get there if we can.  I often use my personal experience as a guide when considering folks.  I mean think about it.  Prior to my being 37 years old...I wasn't anything film related other than a movie watcher.  Sure...it was a dream but it wasn't the kind of dream that you just jump up and do.  You gotta step out there, write it down and follow through.

And then...you have to put in the work and DO IT.

Take acting.  There are some people out there who have always dreamed of being an actor and their life just didn't send them in that direction yet.  So...in all of our casting calls we let it be known that novice actors are welcome.

Because everybody had a dream.

Some of these folks come out and it's what they've always wanted to do and we would never, ever, EVER turn anyone away.  If you show up...we're going to see you.  No matter what.

It's one commitment we won't ever break.  Sure...it makes our days longer but meeting so many people with dreams helps us in ways folks don't even consider. It keeps us BELIEVING.

In Phoenix a young man showed up because he'd heard about the casting call on the radio station.  He showed up and filled out his application.  He didn't have a resume, nor any pictures.  He hadn't sent anything in via email because he's not an actor.  Not even a part in a church play.

We were handed his resume and thought this would take us 5 minutes.  Long enough for him to slate himself (look in the camera, say your name, who represents you and the role you are reading for) and then read.

He'd been given a one pager which is pretty standard for novice actors.

He walked in and knocked that shit outta the park. 

I sat up.  I looked over at my partner and he was grinning.  Our cinematographer was running the camera and he looked over his shoulder at me with that "look."

I asked the young man a few more questions and sent him back to the waiting room to get the sides for another character.  I told him to spend a bit of time with the sides and then come back in to see us.

He closed the door behind him and we were all in awe.

We kept working.

I needed to go to the restroom and I saw the young man at the end of the hall studying his sides.  He was seriously INTO it.

I smiled.

When he came back in...he did his one, two and I gave him a bit of direction and asked him to go out and come back in and do it again.

He knocked that shit outta the park.

He started looking the part to me IMMEDIATELY even though, based on the other characters...he might look too young.

I told him how well he did and that we would DEFINITELY be in touch because I'd made up my mind that I'd use him some way...some how.

We continued on with the casting call for several more hours.

When we left...he was still there.  One of our guys went to talk to him and told me later that the young man didn't want to leave.  He just wanted to be AROUND it still.  Around that feeling he got thinking that he could actually do this.  He told our guy that he wasn't doing anything with his life that he wanted to be doing right now and that I'd told him he was good at this and he believed me.  He WANTED to believe me.

That touched me. 

We have the power to change this young man's life.  I've since worked with him for about an hour and a half and, starting today, will work with him for an hour a day until he's where I need him to be.  He's so personable and respectful and you can tell he's putting his all into this.  I respect his desire to throw himself into this and give it all he has. 

Why?

It's the same thing I did once I realized that the kids weren't coming and I wasn't doing with my life what I thought I'd be doing and needed to follow my Plan B which wasn't a plan until I received the support from my husband that I needed in order to pull the trigger. 

We're going to change this kid's life.  I just KNOW it.  He's got the drive it takes to take advantage of this opportunity and he WANTS it.

Me:  I expect a lot out of you.  I believe in you.  You can do it.

Him:  Yes ma'am.  I won't let you down.  I promise.

I believe him.

I love this ish man.  I truly, TRULY do.

Working...working...working...

I was away from home for 9 days.  During that time we held a casting call in Los Angeles and one Phoenix.  We pounded some SERIOUS pavement location scouting, held reads early morning, worked with actors via Skype at night.  I attended a Nintendo Ambassador event and returned home to my Robinator, Jaru and Lucy around 11:30pm last night. 

What did I do today you ask? 

We held yet another casting call in Baltimore at 11:00 am.

Am I tired? 

That ain't the word.  I honestly think I'm going to wake up in the morning without a voice which will be TRAGIC because I have 4 back-to-back Skype sessions, one hour each, with actors and a whole lotta phone conversation to do in order to keep this ball moving.

So yeah...the kid is WIPED.OUT!

As you can see for yourself:

 

 

Feature filmmaking ain't no joke. But baaaaaaaaaaaby...this is what we do!

Just because I like looking at it. LOL!

"When Beautiful People Do Ugly Things" Teaser!