It’s very ironic how things work out with out even planning it. Two weeks ago I screened Girl Talk at NY Perks in Brooklyn, not to be confused with the one on 124th Street which is called Perks. The collective that sponsored the screening was Act Now Foundation (www.actnowproduction.org), a non-profit group that supports screenings for filmmakers like yours truly.
I can’t tell you the last time I actually watched the film in it’s entirety, but I have to admit that a few of those butterflies did make a brief appearance but once the film began they quickly flew away. Not to toot my own horn… okay yes I will toot a bit, I really enjoyed and liked my film. I know it sounds crazy but for you filmmakers out there I believe you can relate. For months and sometimes years you’ve worked tirelessly on your film and of course you want it to be perfect… but that state of perfection is only in the heavenly realm so we aim for a great, excellent, or amazing film. Girl Talk encompassed all three for me that evening and I brag, confess (whatever you want to call it) that with really great good amazing people I made a really great excellent amazing film.
Upon further reflection, during the Q&A, it hit me that 2008 marks the 10 Year Anniversary for Girl Talk! It was funny how some of the questions took me back and gave me moments of pause as I shared: the inspiration for the film, the things I would change if I could, and how we raised the money. The later question I proudly shared the story of an angel, Mrs. Stewart, who wanted to make a contribution toward my film. After raising funds from fundraisers hosted by family, friends and receiving generous donations I was still $15,000 short and I had to shoot in less than eight weeks. One day, after I returned to New York to begin pre-production, my mom ran into Mrs. Stewart who said to call her because she still wanted to make a donation toward my film. When I did speak with her, she asked how much I needed, I gave her the figure, $15,000, which she responded, “Tell your mom she can pick up the check tomorrow.” You can guess the ending of this story, I was able to shoot and edit the film.
10 years later, Girl Talk is a marker not only in time but in what God can and will do.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Last time we spoke…
Goodness how time flies! Since my last update I continue to wait patiently for my grant responses of ‘YES’ for those fashion forward men of Dressed Like Kings who continue to be such a big part of my life: Buthelezi, Khoza, Thulani, Adolphus and the sage Mguni. I have been in contact with Khoza and Rebecca, Thulani’s wife, who have kept me abreast of what the swankas are doing and where they’ve been. Apparently, word has traveled to France and Australia about oswenka and my men (yes a bit possessive) have been invited to travel to these locations. Next stop, U.S? Only when I finish the film and please note, donations are welcome, and they’re tax deductible. Please email ‘info@blackbutterflyproductions.net’ for more details.
In addition, my writing partner, Tracee, and I have been dishing out a plethora of treatments for the small screen. Reality, scripted, docu-series, the list goes on. Currently we are pitching our ideas to networks and production companies and look forward to negotiating with the highest bidder – any takers.
Lastly, I have two screenings the month of August, one in my neighborhood, Harlem and the second in Brooklyn. First up is Girl Talk; yes, my fab four ladies are still kicking it on screens and I’m so delighted. Second, 6 Things I Never Told You will screen at the historic Studio Museum in Harlem. Dates, times and locations will be posted shortly.
So next time we speak (i.e. write) I look forward to saying, “Yes, Dressed Like Kings has received finishing funds.” “Stacey & Tracee Filmnatics have just sold (title of show) to a really big network,” and “We had an amazing turnout at the screenings.”
Until then, thank you for your continued support and keep on keepin on.
In addition, my writing partner, Tracee, and I have been dishing out a plethora of treatments for the small screen. Reality, scripted, docu-series, the list goes on. Currently we are pitching our ideas to networks and production companies and look forward to negotiating with the highest bidder – any takers.
Lastly, I have two screenings the month of August, one in my neighborhood, Harlem and the second in Brooklyn. First up is Girl Talk; yes, my fab four ladies are still kicking it on screens and I’m so delighted. Second, 6 Things I Never Told You will screen at the historic Studio Museum in Harlem. Dates, times and locations will be posted shortly.
So next time we speak (i.e. write) I look forward to saying, “Yes, Dressed Like Kings has received finishing funds.” “Stacey & Tracee Filmnatics have just sold (title of show) to a really big network,” and “We had an amazing turnout at the screenings.”
Until then, thank you for your continued support and keep on keepin on.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
“This is the year of completion.”
Yesterday I spoke with a colleague who was kind enough to read through my ‘objective’ statement for a grant. These past two months have been lock down, hardcore grant submission time.
Once she gave me her notes, I asked how things were going with her screenplay. She indicated that she too was working on securing funds to begin production. Both of us have been working on our films for several years and are ready to finish our projects THIS year.
“This is the year of completion,” we both agreed.
Once we hung up I reflected on the state of both of our films. I have an award-winning documentary that is in the can and a fifty-five minute rough-cut. I need $204K to finish post-production (editing, color-correction, sound mix, etc.) and begin distribution/outreach. My colleague has: an award-winning script, notable talent attached, half the money to shoot and distribution in place. She needs the other half (of production money) to begin filming.
“This IS the year of completion.”
When I first became acquainted with the fashion forward men of Dressed Like Kings I was confident that I would: finish the film within two years, have a great distribution deal and be well on my way directing my next ‘great film idea.’ Well, the ‘great film ideas’ have continued but so has this journey of making this documentary. At this point, unlike any other point, I truly can see the finish line, in fact I can taste it.
"This is the year of COMPLETION."
Once she gave me her notes, I asked how things were going with her screenplay. She indicated that she too was working on securing funds to begin production. Both of us have been working on our films for several years and are ready to finish our projects THIS year.
“This is the year of completion,” we both agreed.
Once we hung up I reflected on the state of both of our films. I have an award-winning documentary that is in the can and a fifty-five minute rough-cut. I need $204K to finish post-production (editing, color-correction, sound mix, etc.) and begin distribution/outreach. My colleague has: an award-winning script, notable talent attached, half the money to shoot and distribution in place. She needs the other half (of production money) to begin filming.
“This IS the year of completion.”
When I first became acquainted with the fashion forward men of Dressed Like Kings I was confident that I would: finish the film within two years, have a great distribution deal and be well on my way directing my next ‘great film idea.’ Well, the ‘great film ideas’ have continued but so has this journey of making this documentary. At this point, unlike any other point, I truly can see the finish line, in fact I can taste it.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1-5
"This is the year of COMPLETION."
Saturday, April 19, 2008
No More Excuses
In October of 2007 I finally purchased a Canon HDV20 camera. Compact. Great picture. Easy to navigate. Easy on the wallet. It was time. After several months (years) of borrowing friend’s cameras it all came to an end when I started being referred to as “the second mom” of one friend’s camera. That and I just booked a job in Connecticut as an AP (Associate Producer) on a documentary and I was traveling to Mississippi for the New Media Institute.
At this point of the story I should say “… and I’ve never put the camera down since.” Not the case. I have gotten a lot of use from “my friend” (what I affectionately call my camera), filming behind the scenes footage of the documentary and footage in Mississippi. Oh, and how could I forget the hair brain production of Dating Miss Dillard with Tracee of Stacey & Tracee Consulting (okay a little plug), which we shot with "my friend".
Since that time “my friend” has racked up more miles going back and forth to CT than filming. Something is terribly wrong with this picture. Since graduating from the graduate film program at NYU (another plug, lol), I have observed that many graduates suffer from at least one type of post-graduate syndrome: intellectualizing one’s ideas to the point of it remaining just that, an idea or actually filming your great idea and taking FOREVER to finish it, if you ever finish. I will admit that I have experienced both syndromes, even recently, but today marked the day of breaking free of both.
As I returned home from an errand I walked by this little park around the corner that adds such a breath of fresh air to the neighborhood. Countless times I’ve passed by and seen a bird or a flower blooming and said to myself, “I really need to film this.” And countless times I’ve not done a darn thing, except today. Though I was strapped for time I grabbed my camera, headed out the door and walked to the park to film. It was beautiful.
On my way home from meeting family, I reminded myself of what was strapped on my back, “my friend.” Suddenly the world became my canvas; okay I know it sounds corny but work with me. The activities around me competed for a chance to grace the lens of my camera: a bird, men playing chess, girls double dutching, little children running down the street, brothers on the corner laughing, girls flirting with boys. At first I was hesitant. I didn’t want to draw any attention nor did I want to look like I was documenting “natives” in Harlem. I quickly got over that and began to film.
When I finally returned home I suddenly became intoxicated with the second syndrome of not finishing the film. Today that was not an option, I had to edit my piece and post it that instant. In little over an hour I had edited my piece and it felt GREAT! I reminded myself that I have the tools in my hand and for whatever reason I’ve taken them for granted. Was it fear? Doubt? Procrastination? Or was it the fact that I can be a perfectionist and quickly dismiss things that don’t turn out perfect? News flash to self, ‘Excuses will always be there but the opportunities will not.’
As “my friend” has settled back on my bookshelf I know it can’t be for long. There are many more things to film, edit and post, and whatever excuse I may give I don’t have time to analyze it. So today I’ve produced, directed, shot and edited my film with the quickest turnaround and have posted it. Perfect? No. Finished? Yes.
At this point of the story I should say “… and I’ve never put the camera down since.” Not the case. I have gotten a lot of use from “my friend” (what I affectionately call my camera), filming behind the scenes footage of the documentary and footage in Mississippi. Oh, and how could I forget the hair brain production of Dating Miss Dillard with Tracee of Stacey & Tracee Consulting (okay a little plug), which we shot with "my friend".
Since that time “my friend” has racked up more miles going back and forth to CT than filming. Something is terribly wrong with this picture. Since graduating from the graduate film program at NYU (another plug, lol), I have observed that many graduates suffer from at least one type of post-graduate syndrome: intellectualizing one’s ideas to the point of it remaining just that, an idea or actually filming your great idea and taking FOREVER to finish it, if you ever finish. I will admit that I have experienced both syndromes, even recently, but today marked the day of breaking free of both.
As I returned home from an errand I walked by this little park around the corner that adds such a breath of fresh air to the neighborhood. Countless times I’ve passed by and seen a bird or a flower blooming and said to myself, “I really need to film this.” And countless times I’ve not done a darn thing, except today. Though I was strapped for time I grabbed my camera, headed out the door and walked to the park to film. It was beautiful.
On my way home from meeting family, I reminded myself of what was strapped on my back, “my friend.” Suddenly the world became my canvas; okay I know it sounds corny but work with me. The activities around me competed for a chance to grace the lens of my camera: a bird, men playing chess, girls double dutching, little children running down the street, brothers on the corner laughing, girls flirting with boys. At first I was hesitant. I didn’t want to draw any attention nor did I want to look like I was documenting “natives” in Harlem. I quickly got over that and began to film.
When I finally returned home I suddenly became intoxicated with the second syndrome of not finishing the film. Today that was not an option, I had to edit my piece and post it that instant. In little over an hour I had edited my piece and it felt GREAT! I reminded myself that I have the tools in my hand and for whatever reason I’ve taken them for granted. Was it fear? Doubt? Procrastination? Or was it the fact that I can be a perfectionist and quickly dismiss things that don’t turn out perfect? News flash to self, ‘Excuses will always be there but the opportunities will not.’
As “my friend” has settled back on my bookshelf I know it can’t be for long. There are many more things to film, edit and post, and whatever excuse I may give I don’t have time to analyze it. So today I’ve produced, directed, shot and edited my film with the quickest turnaround and have posted it. Perfect? No. Finished? Yes.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Another Hair Brain Production
It’s funny how you can know someone for almost ten years and not realize that you have so much in common. This is the case with my writing partner, Tracee Loran. We met through a mutual friend, Erica and like distant cousins; we would only see each other at birthdays, concerts and Oscar ceremonies.
Tracee and I first worked together when I enlisted her in a filming exercise. The next time we collaborated was when she asked me to direct the pilot of her reality show, The Hot Sport Show. It was quite a successful adventure and was the impetus to our AMAZING partnership.
From that day on Tracee and I built on our creative concepts, sometimes at the expense of our dear friend Erica. Without going into detail, let’s just say, some of the work that we wrote/directed and produced, created quite a stir in some circles. It was after that Tracee and I realized that working together came naturally; perhaps it was because we have the same warped personality and comedic timing.
MOH I & MOH II (Maid of Honor), Dating Miss Dillard and our most recent conception, Amazing Idea #1, are just a few of the productions we are developing. In addition to our own projects, Tracee and I have teamed up to share our creative skills (writing, directing, producing, acting) to help others put their ideas on paper. In short, the dynamic duo of Stacey and Tracee Consulting is open for business!
Tracee and I first worked together when I enlisted her in a filming exercise. The next time we collaborated was when she asked me to direct the pilot of her reality show, The Hot Sport Show. It was quite a successful adventure and was the impetus to our AMAZING partnership.
From that day on Tracee and I built on our creative concepts, sometimes at the expense of our dear friend Erica. Without going into detail, let’s just say, some of the work that we wrote/directed and produced, created quite a stir in some circles. It was after that Tracee and I realized that working together came naturally; perhaps it was because we have the same warped personality and comedic timing.
MOH I & MOH II (Maid of Honor), Dating Miss Dillard and our most recent conception, Amazing Idea #1, are just a few of the productions we are developing. In addition to our own projects, Tracee and I have teamed up to share our creative skills (writing, directing, producing, acting) to help others put their ideas on paper. In short, the dynamic duo of Stacey and Tracee Consulting is open for business!
Spread the word and check out the site:
staceyandtraceeconsulting.com
Looking forward.
Stacey…
Monday, March 31, 2008
One Step Closer to my YES
Last month Dressed Like Kings was hit with a slew, okay two letters that began:
Dear Ms. Holman,
Thank you very much…
Pause. The infamous words of ‘thank you’ that in everyday activity is said after one has received a generous gift, displayed an act of kindness, or a surprise… not a rejection letter. At this point I debated whether or not to continue reading to see how gently the blow would be or place it in the folder marked ‘Misc.’ aka ‘Round File.’ Instead I chose to skim through the letter looking for those key words followed by ‘thank you’: understand, tough, overwhelming, urge, next, wish, regards.
Next. When one receives such a letter at least in the case of the first one I felt invigorated and driven. The letter was nothing but a springboard to launch my next plan of attack to secure funds for my film. After my phone consultation (you get a chance to speak with the funder who will tell you why you got the ‘Thank you’ letter) I was even more convinced that my revived approach and plan of attack to raise the funds was seamless.
The grant approach has been daunting and at times I really think that they will give the money to the person who applies the most. Side bar, they now know my name (i.e. my film) at one of the grant places, which is a good thing, I think. This time around (I won’t reveal how many) I truly felt confident about the arc, the character development and the drama. Dressed Like Kings was finally working on paper and from the scenes the editor was cutting it was working visually as well.
Breath. One thing about grants is that it is truly a waiting process and this most recent ‘thank you’ letter was a test of my patience and lack of. When the date of notifying applications approached I didn’t hear a thing. ‘No news is good news’ I consoled myself, but after a week no news wasn’t such good news.
I felt like I was walking a plank as I dug for the number to the funder and after a minute of connecting to the right person I didn’t get a ‘thank you’ instead I got, “We’ve sent out all the letters last week. You haven’t gotten anything? Oh, I’ll resend it, what’s the name of your project?” From her casual tone I knew the fate, and the email that funny enough came straight through, confirmed my prediction, another ‘thank you.’
In a matter of seconds, my confidence dwindled and a shadow of doubt and fear towered over my faith in my story and my filmmaking. “How many ‘thank you’s’ can someone take?” I cried! My answer came from my dad who said, “Just think, you’re one step closer to your yes.”
Dear Ms. Holman,
Thank you very much…
Pause. The infamous words of ‘thank you’ that in everyday activity is said after one has received a generous gift, displayed an act of kindness, or a surprise… not a rejection letter. At this point I debated whether or not to continue reading to see how gently the blow would be or place it in the folder marked ‘Misc.’ aka ‘Round File.’ Instead I chose to skim through the letter looking for those key words followed by ‘thank you’: understand, tough, overwhelming, urge, next, wish, regards.
Next. When one receives such a letter at least in the case of the first one I felt invigorated and driven. The letter was nothing but a springboard to launch my next plan of attack to secure funds for my film. After my phone consultation (you get a chance to speak with the funder who will tell you why you got the ‘Thank you’ letter) I was even more convinced that my revived approach and plan of attack to raise the funds was seamless.
The grant approach has been daunting and at times I really think that they will give the money to the person who applies the most. Side bar, they now know my name (i.e. my film) at one of the grant places, which is a good thing, I think. This time around (I won’t reveal how many) I truly felt confident about the arc, the character development and the drama. Dressed Like Kings was finally working on paper and from the scenes the editor was cutting it was working visually as well.
Breath. One thing about grants is that it is truly a waiting process and this most recent ‘thank you’ letter was a test of my patience and lack of. When the date of notifying applications approached I didn’t hear a thing. ‘No news is good news’ I consoled myself, but after a week no news wasn’t such good news.
I felt like I was walking a plank as I dug for the number to the funder and after a minute of connecting to the right person I didn’t get a ‘thank you’ instead I got, “We’ve sent out all the letters last week. You haven’t gotten anything? Oh, I’ll resend it, what’s the name of your project?” From her casual tone I knew the fate, and the email that funny enough came straight through, confirmed my prediction, another ‘thank you.’
In a matter of seconds, my confidence dwindled and a shadow of doubt and fear towered over my faith in my story and my filmmaking. “How many ‘thank you’s’ can someone take?” I cried! My answer came from my dad who said, “Just think, you’re one step closer to your yes.”
Monday, March 17, 2008
" Look. How lovely it is, this thing we have done - together."
" Look. How lovely it is, this thing we have done - together."
Toni Morrison’s, Nobel Lecture 1993
Toni Morrison’s, Nobel Lecture 1993
Friday, March 14th, 2008 was the date of new beginnings! As the lights dimmed at The Gate House in Harlem, little did The Leagues know what to expect from our first “paying audience.”
The darkness was filled with an array of laughs, gasps and sighs of relief. Once the lights came up and the applause began to settle, six talented and amazing filmmakers took their rightful position in front of the screen. 6 Things I Never Told You has been a long time coming, two years to be exact. To see the anthology again provided us with encouragement as well as a reminder that what we created is essential and needed.
The experience of creating 6 Things I Never Told You, even with all the bumps and bruises, was well worth it. It is an accomplishment when as Ed said, “six ego maniacs,” can actually complete something and “still talk with each other.” Miracles never cease.
To my comrades: Ed Durante, Rod Gailes OBC, Caran Hartsfield, Cinque Northern, and James Richards, I’ve enjoyed the ride. What I have learned from each of you is priceless and I would do it again at a drop of a hat.
To the audience in waiting, I feel we still have some cleaning up to do with color correction and sound design to make the film perfect. When these corrections have been completed and financing is secured, 6 Things I Never Told You will be reaching a screen (big or small) near you.
Looking forward.
The darkness was filled with an array of laughs, gasps and sighs of relief. Once the lights came up and the applause began to settle, six talented and amazing filmmakers took their rightful position in front of the screen. 6 Things I Never Told You has been a long time coming, two years to be exact. To see the anthology again provided us with encouragement as well as a reminder that what we created is essential and needed.
The experience of creating 6 Things I Never Told You, even with all the bumps and bruises, was well worth it. It is an accomplishment when as Ed said, “six ego maniacs,” can actually complete something and “still talk with each other.” Miracles never cease.
To my comrades: Ed Durante, Rod Gailes OBC, Caran Hartsfield, Cinque Northern, and James Richards, I’ve enjoyed the ride. What I have learned from each of you is priceless and I would do it again at a drop of a hat.
To the audience in waiting, I feel we still have some cleaning up to do with color correction and sound design to make the film perfect. When these corrections have been completed and financing is secured, 6 Things I Never Told You will be reaching a screen (big or small) near you.
Looking forward.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Save the date...
2008 is marked to be an AMAZING year! Not only will the nation decide the next President of the United States, Dressed Like Kings and 6 Things I Never Told You will be reaching a screen near you!
March will mark the premier of 6 Things I Never Told You the first feature film by The Leagues. For those who are unfamiliar with The Leagues, just think Negro Leagues Film instead of Baseball. In short, I had the privilege to collaborate five extremely talented NYU Alums AKA League members to create an anthology of six shorts on romantic relationships at different stages marked on the time line of commitment. 6 Things I Never Told You will screen:
Friday, March 14th at Harlem Stage
Harlem Stage on Screen
150 Convent Avenue at West 135th Street
http://harlemstage.org/SEASON/index.php?id=1
Next up, Dressed Like Kings continues to press on to the goal of completion. Currently the editor is cutting away to finish a fifty-minute rough-cut just in time for Creatively Speaking’s Festival, Sunday, April 27th at 9PM at Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).
In addition the grass-root campaign lives on as my producers and I continue to secure finishing funds for the fashionable five oswankas. If you want to be part of the grass-roots for DLK campaign, donations are tax deductible and should be made out to:
Women Make Movies
66 St. Nicholas Place #21A
New York, NY 10032-8043
**ON THE MEMO LINE WRITE:DRESSED LIKE KING*
Lastly, I’ve partnered with the talented and AMAZING Tracee Loran to create and develop several hair-brained schemes. Two of those schemes can be seen in the TV section (The Hot Sport Show and Dating Miss Dillard) for your viewing pleasure.
Continue to check in for monthly updates and screenings and renovations to Black Butterfly Productions website.
Keep on keeping on.
March will mark the premier of 6 Things I Never Told You the first feature film by The Leagues. For those who are unfamiliar with The Leagues, just think Negro Leagues Film instead of Baseball. In short, I had the privilege to collaborate five extremely talented NYU Alums AKA League members to create an anthology of six shorts on romantic relationships at different stages marked on the time line of commitment. 6 Things I Never Told You will screen:
Friday, March 14th at Harlem Stage
Harlem Stage on Screen
150 Convent Avenue at West 135th Street
http://harlemstage.org/SEASON/index.php?id=1
Next up, Dressed Like Kings continues to press on to the goal of completion. Currently the editor is cutting away to finish a fifty-minute rough-cut just in time for Creatively Speaking’s Festival, Sunday, April 27th at 9PM at Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).
In addition the grass-root campaign lives on as my producers and I continue to secure finishing funds for the fashionable five oswankas. If you want to be part of the grass-roots for DLK campaign, donations are tax deductible and should be made out to:
Women Make Movies
66 St. Nicholas Place #21A
New York, NY 10032-8043
**ON THE MEMO LINE WRITE:DRESSED LIKE KING*
Lastly, I’ve partnered with the talented and AMAZING Tracee Loran to create and develop several hair-brained schemes. Two of those schemes can be seen in the TV section (The Hot Sport Show and Dating Miss Dillard) for your viewing pleasure.
Continue to check in for monthly updates and screenings and renovations to Black Butterfly Productions website.
Keep on keeping on.
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