On August 24, 2010 Stacey & Tracee TV will give away 5,000 back-to-school goodies to students of the Fashion Institute of Technology. Free items include rare and vintage comic books, old fashioned lollipops and super cool shoe laces.
Stacey & Tracee TV reps will be stationed on 7th Avenue between 26th and 27th from 12 – 3 (or while supplies last). College students of surrounding area schools are also encouraged to drop by for a free treat.
The giveaway is part of a nationwide initiative to bring awareness to the emerging media company’s “Join the Revolution” campaign. http://kck.st/aqO4Ue
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Knocking Down the "Walls"
July 2010
Greetings Friend,
I hope you are well and staying cool. It has been a long time since my last update and I’m quite embarrassed to say just how long. In fact, I double-checked to make sure the date I read was correct; unfortunately it was. That said it’s great to reconnect with you and resume quarterly updates.
Since my last letter I did take time off from working on “Dressed Like Kings” (DLK) partly because the well was running dry (i.e. money) and in runners’ terminology I “hit the wall.” The good thing about “hitting the wall” is that you have to dig deep and force your sinew to press on to the goal. In addition, I had to truly re-examine what DLK was about and ask myself, “Why am I making this film?”
During this time of introspection, I had the privilege of working with Emmy Award-Winning documentary filmmaker, Stanley Nelson on “Freedom Riders.” The two-hour documentary will air in 2011 on PBS’ “American Experience”, marking the 50th Anniversary of the 1961 Freedom Rides that challenged the interstate transport laws in the segregated South.
One of the rewards of working on a history doc like “Freedom Riders” is that it reminded me why documentaries are important and why historical docs are essential. This made me revisit the genesis of DLK - a NY Times article written in 2002 about this special group of fashionable Zulu men. As I recalled the history of oswenka and the interviews of the men, I was driven to the word that summed up the entire film for me in the beginning - hope. It’s this same hope that has revived me and reminded me that the purpose of my film is to give a glimpse into a moment of time and space where Zulu men believe that ones self-worth is increased by donning a suit. In short, DLK is an important documentary film that is essential to the history of not only South Africans but African Americans as well.
With this new fortitude, I plowed through several grants (again) and approximately a year from this date I received a congratulations letter informing me that DLK was awarded a New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) Grant. I also received several generous donations as well! This new boost was a blessing and a reminder to “keep on keeping on,” as my Grandmother would say.
In the beginning of the year, there was an addition to the DLK team, Emir Lewis who holds the title of Editor. For over a month Emir performed serious surgery on DLK and I’m happy to say that she’s looking really good! I also experienced the generosity of two other film colleagues Michelle Stephenson and Joe Brewster, who donated their editing space. Since DLK’s major face lift I am reconnecting with former funding sources, revising the budget, making friends in the Archives Department in South Africa, and thinking outside the box on securing finishing funds.
In addition to DLK: I’m working with Stanley on his recent documentary about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); this is particularly exciting since I’m an alum of Dillard University. I also recently finished a forty-eight hour film challenge for Black Entertainment (BET) called “Scene Stealers” which you can check out at http://www.bet.com/lensontalent; and lastly my producing partner Tracee Loran and I are working on an Internet Revolution which we will be launching on a computer near you. Additional information on our Revolution is available on Facebook and Twitter under the brand name of Stacey & Tracee Media.
Moving forward, I continue to press toward the goal of delivering a film that you have supported in so many ways. I can’t thank you enough for the numerous ways you have continued to make this project breathe life (i.e. emails, calls, and “friendly” nudges) and I look forward (in the very near future) to sharing with you the beautiful work that we’ve created, together.
Sincerely yours,
Stacey
Greetings Friend,
I hope you are well and staying cool. It has been a long time since my last update and I’m quite embarrassed to say just how long. In fact, I double-checked to make sure the date I read was correct; unfortunately it was. That said it’s great to reconnect with you and resume quarterly updates.
Since my last letter I did take time off from working on “Dressed Like Kings” (DLK) partly because the well was running dry (i.e. money) and in runners’ terminology I “hit the wall.” The good thing about “hitting the wall” is that you have to dig deep and force your sinew to press on to the goal. In addition, I had to truly re-examine what DLK was about and ask myself, “Why am I making this film?”
During this time of introspection, I had the privilege of working with Emmy Award-Winning documentary filmmaker, Stanley Nelson on “Freedom Riders.” The two-hour documentary will air in 2011 on PBS’ “American Experience”, marking the 50th Anniversary of the 1961 Freedom Rides that challenged the interstate transport laws in the segregated South.
One of the rewards of working on a history doc like “Freedom Riders” is that it reminded me why documentaries are important and why historical docs are essential. This made me revisit the genesis of DLK - a NY Times article written in 2002 about this special group of fashionable Zulu men. As I recalled the history of oswenka and the interviews of the men, I was driven to the word that summed up the entire film for me in the beginning - hope. It’s this same hope that has revived me and reminded me that the purpose of my film is to give a glimpse into a moment of time and space where Zulu men believe that ones self-worth is increased by donning a suit. In short, DLK is an important documentary film that is essential to the history of not only South Africans but African Americans as well.
With this new fortitude, I plowed through several grants (again) and approximately a year from this date I received a congratulations letter informing me that DLK was awarded a New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) Grant. I also received several generous donations as well! This new boost was a blessing and a reminder to “keep on keeping on,” as my Grandmother would say.
In the beginning of the year, there was an addition to the DLK team, Emir Lewis who holds the title of Editor. For over a month Emir performed serious surgery on DLK and I’m happy to say that she’s looking really good! I also experienced the generosity of two other film colleagues Michelle Stephenson and Joe Brewster, who donated their editing space. Since DLK’s major face lift I am reconnecting with former funding sources, revising the budget, making friends in the Archives Department in South Africa, and thinking outside the box on securing finishing funds.
In addition to DLK: I’m working with Stanley on his recent documentary about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); this is particularly exciting since I’m an alum of Dillard University. I also recently finished a forty-eight hour film challenge for Black Entertainment (BET) called “Scene Stealers” which you can check out at http://www.bet.com/lensontalent; and lastly my producing partner Tracee Loran and I are working on an Internet Revolution which we will be launching on a computer near you. Additional information on our Revolution is available on Facebook and Twitter under the brand name of Stacey & Tracee Media.
Moving forward, I continue to press toward the goal of delivering a film that you have supported in so many ways. I can’t thank you enough for the numerous ways you have continued to make this project breathe life (i.e. emails, calls, and “friendly” nudges) and I look forward (in the very near future) to sharing with you the beautiful work that we’ve created, together.
Sincerely yours,
Stacey
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Note to Self
Last Friday I stood before my students at CUNY lecturing on the importance of marketing your work on the web. At least twice I had to remind myself that this lesson was not only for them but a reminder to me!
Since my last blog, many moons ago, I have been working non-stop; from picking “Apples,” teaching, prepping for the Freedom Rides, and working on a new cut of Dressed Like Kings. One of the biggest highlights was at the top of the year when I traveled to Park City, Utah for my first Sundance Film Festival. The film that made this possible was the feature length documentary Freedom Riders directed by award-winning filmmaker and Sundance Rock Star, Stanley Nelson. From sold out crowds to standing ovations, audience members were captivated by the powerful, harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of eight months in 1961 that changed America forever. From May until December 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans risked their lives-many endured savage beatings and imprisonment–for simply traveling together on buses as they journeyed through the Deep South. To learn more about the Freedom Riders, which will air on PBS’ American Experience, visit: http://www.freedomridersfilm.com
Fast forward to March when I received a call from Ralph Scott (a huge champion of my work) from Black Entertainment Television (BET) inviting me to participate in a new series Scene Stealers. The concept of the show was simple; another filmmaker and I would have 48 hours to: write, cast, crew, shoot, score and edit a 2-8minute short. In addition our filmmaking process would be documented and aired in five-minute pod casts for seven weeks and at the end, you would get to vote for my film. To find out more and to see my close-up, log on to:
http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/lensontalent/lensontalent_scenestealers
And finally, those Zulu men who swept me off my feet and sent me packing to South Africa are almost suited up for their U.S. debut. I’m happy to report that Dressed Like Kings is very close to a fresh new rough-cut, with the brilliant work of editor Emir Lewis. The next phase is raising the remaining 65K that will cover a fine cut, archival footage and images, music and licenses. If you care to lend your support to reach the goal, please email: info@blackbutterflyproductions.net to learn how you can make a tax-deductible donation.
Well I could go on about the web series that I’m working on with my writing/producing partner Tracee Loran or my next brilliant idea but I think it’s best to close right now so I will have something to share next time. Until then, thanks for your continued support, check out the websites above and ‘keep on keeping on’.
Since my last blog, many moons ago, I have been working non-stop; from picking “Apples,” teaching, prepping for the Freedom Rides, and working on a new cut of Dressed Like Kings. One of the biggest highlights was at the top of the year when I traveled to Park City, Utah for my first Sundance Film Festival. The film that made this possible was the feature length documentary Freedom Riders directed by award-winning filmmaker and Sundance Rock Star, Stanley Nelson. From sold out crowds to standing ovations, audience members were captivated by the powerful, harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of eight months in 1961 that changed America forever. From May until December 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans risked their lives-many endured savage beatings and imprisonment–for simply traveling together on buses as they journeyed through the Deep South. To learn more about the Freedom Riders, which will air on PBS’ American Experience, visit: http://www.freedomridersfilm.com
Fast forward to March when I received a call from Ralph Scott (a huge champion of my work) from Black Entertainment Television (BET) inviting me to participate in a new series Scene Stealers. The concept of the show was simple; another filmmaker and I would have 48 hours to: write, cast, crew, shoot, score and edit a 2-8minute short. In addition our filmmaking process would be documented and aired in five-minute pod casts for seven weeks and at the end, you would get to vote for my film. To find out more and to see my close-up, log on to:
http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/lensontalent/lensontalent_scenestealers
And finally, those Zulu men who swept me off my feet and sent me packing to South Africa are almost suited up for their U.S. debut. I’m happy to report that Dressed Like Kings is very close to a fresh new rough-cut, with the brilliant work of editor Emir Lewis. The next phase is raising the remaining 65K that will cover a fine cut, archival footage and images, music and licenses. If you care to lend your support to reach the goal, please email: info@blackbutterflyproductions.net to learn how you can make a tax-deductible donation.
Well I could go on about the web series that I’m working on with my writing/producing partner Tracee Loran or my next brilliant idea but I think it’s best to close right now so I will have something to share next time. Until then, thanks for your continued support, check out the websites above and ‘keep on keeping on’.
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