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’.