Life... The Series

No, no, no... I haven't written a series called life.  It just feels like God has written me into one; an episodic dramedy that happens daily.  The credits roll when I crawl into bed with anticipation, or dread, of what's going to happen in the morning (the next episode).

The short version:  Since November, my last entry, a lot has happened, personally and professionally (which is so interconnected that I'm starting to wonder if there is any difference).  In January, I went to Los Angeles for casting on my short comedy, Curdled.  Though we had talked on the phone at length, that was my first meeting with director Yolande Geralds and Producer Lisa Love ("Lovie").  Singer/Actress/Curdled cast princess Keke Palmer even showed up between other appointments to read with several of the actors.  Everyone brought A-game.  From that experience on, I was a believer in the process, in Yolande's vision for the film and in the journey on which we were embarking.  My baby was no longer being home-schooled.  My baby was going to straight to HARVARD!

Just under a couple of weeks after that, Yolande, Producers Courtney Carreras, Lisa, and I completed a 3-day shoot of, what turned out to be, our amazing project.  From Cast to Crew (John Barr... are you kidding me?!)... the entire experience was, in Yolande's terms, AMAZE-BALLS!  (If you haven't clicked it yet, check out www.CurdledTheMovie.com.)  So all of this is to say...  Curdled is DONE!  Yep, and there's a website and a TRAILER and more joy than my heart can handle.  

The process for getting the film done was pretty nontraditional.  While the innumerable books, the many classes, workshops and seminars I've engaged were extremely helpful in making me ready, none could have prepared me for the series of actual events that let me to/through this production. (Accidentally calling her, who knew him, who put me in touch with ... blah-blah-blah...) Events that I learned some really hard, deep lessons from; lessons that will serve me for the rest of my film-making life.  I will say, though, that they did prepare me as a film professional and that, if I stuck with it, opportunity would inevitably present itself.  So, for those wondering about the "magic formula" for breaking in, I would say there truly is no magic; no slight of hand.  Do the the work and don't sleep on ANY connection you make.  It may be the one that opens an entirely unexpected world of possibilities.

I've sucked the marrow out of the "child/film birthing" metaphor but making a film really is like birthing a baby.  All of the anxiety and fear around whether or not it will be healthy (and cute).  The worry and wonder and prayer that the caregivers will love it as much as you do, and give the best to it, as if it was their own.  Well, I was EXTREMELY blessed in that aspect.  The cast AND crew was an amazing group of creative professionals.  For my first time at the big show, I feel like I'm showing up with the dopest representation ever.

I am also excited to report that I even recorded a song for the film!  (Maybe when I'm feeling more intrepid, I will post a link to my funky blues tune, "Old Mama.")  I had planned it as a part of the production but the actualization of it was even more amazing that I could have hoped.  While I did sing the lead vocal (which means I can cross off Bucket List items # 70 & 71, because my husband, who IS a singer, recorded with me), I'm VERY CLEAR that I'm no singer.  Much respect to singers.  From here on, I'm staying in my lane.

If there is a down side, it is that everything changes once things become "real."  In exciting ways and in disappointing ways.  People around me started dreaming big and looking forward to how they could benefit from my anticipated "fame" (a fame which is TOTALLY imaginary).  Others started to separate themselves with statements like, "Remember all of us little people," (as if I'm going somewhere or as if there is such thing as "little" people when it comes to being in a person's life) and "When are you moving to LA?"  What they fail to understand is that short films are made everyday and no one is guaranteed any movement because of them.  I am EXTREMELY proud of what I wrote and what we, as a team, were able to accomplish.  But, don't write me off into Hollyweird just yet.  I am working harder than ever on my next scripts, revising old scripts, trying to have plenty to say should my phone ring (and it's not my dad).

My prayer is that the real love and support of family and (real) friends doesn't waiver.  I need it like a newborn needs colostrum.  As it happens, in case this film thing didn't work out, I applied to grad school at the University of San Francisco; like, on the off-chance that I got in, the sting of my unrequited film career would not feel so devastating.  Well, as the Universe would have it, I got in!  So, at the same time that I will be hitting film festivals hard, I will be working on my MS in Education.  When it rains it pours... in all the best ways.

We are in the process of planning a screening for Curdled in Oakland.  I won't spoil the surprise as all of the details are still coming together.  But I have been very active on Twitter and Facebook, so you might find tidbits here and there as things progress.  Until then, stay tuned.  New episodes of this "series" are sure to be posted more frequently.  Well... maybe.

SXSW Woman On Fire... YAY-UH!

For those of you who don't know, South by Southwest has grown into the premiere festival of the southwest, officially making Austin one of, if not THE, hippest little spot in Tejas.   

Per the festival, "The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals (March 8-17, 2013) offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery."

For the first time ever, I pitched a panel for inclusion in the film festival and... IT WAS ACCEPTED!  Following is the info.  Now comes the challenge of getting all of these fiery women to buy in so that we can set SXSW aflame.

Saying prayers and crossing my fingers and asking you to do the same!  Hope to see you there! 

WOMEN ON FIRE (Panel)

PROPOSED Speakers:  Ava DuVernay (Film), Issa Rae (Web), Shonda Rhimes (TV) , Shelby Stone

Moderator: YOURS TRULY

Description:
In the recent Variety Features Women’s Impact Report 2012, the article entitled “TV Open to Femme Helmers but Film Still a Man’s World” reports that women only comprise 13.5% - of around 1,200 - of the Director’s Guild of America’s membership.  For the 2011-2012 season, Indiewire.com reported that off and on screen roles for women were drastically down, from big budgets to indies.

While the staggeringly low statistics for women in the film and television industries might make other industry wannabes firm up a Plan B, 2012 also witnessed the rise of Sundance's first African American woman to win its Best Director Prize, Ava Duvernay; the (Mis)Adventures of an Awkward Black Girl web series superstar Issa Rae, and the Empress of Shondaland, Shonda Rhimes, Creator of NBC’s Grey’s Anatomy, its spin-off, Private Practice, and most recently, SCANDAL.

Join this panel of highly decorated women in their fields to take an in depth look at success (how to define and achieve it); how each found her "spark", fanned the young flames and ultimately, became trailblazing "women on fire" in their industries.

Saluting Older Moms... Tell Me Your Story...

Are you an over 35, expectant mom?  Was your child born while you were in your late 30s, or early 40s?  In support of my short film, Curdled (a hilarious look at expectant moms in their 40s), I want to hear from you.  POST A COMMENT and tell the joys and pains of your pregnancy and new mom experience.  I can't wait to hear from you.

Onward and upward...

Shame on you, Dr. Oz!

So, recently I was scrolling through my DVR viewing options and came across a re-airing of the "When are you too old to have a baby?" episode of the Dr. Oz Show.  My DVR is set to record the series, so, needless to say, I'm already a fan.  On the show, Dr. Oz shares a wealth of (sometimes life-saving) information about nearly every aspect of the female body and its inner workings.  Even further, I love the doctor's cool bedside manner and open, honest admission to the faults of his profession. 

All of that said, I was quite surprised that in this particular episode, there seemed an imbalance of information, with a great emphasis on inspring fear in women over 35 regarding the impossibilities of conception. 

Having given birth to three children, with our last little surprise arriving in my 39th year, I have admittedly taken for granted the gift that not all women are blessed with... the ability to conceive.  Much like the woman in Dr. Oz's audience, who stood up with absolute faith and confidence in her own ability "when the time comes," I had always been optimistic about creating a family, never anticipating a complications, even at 39.  (In fact, it wasn't until my doctor started using terms like "high risk" that the thoughts even enterered my body.  But more on that in another post.)

The most frightening moment for me, during the show, was when Dr. Oz introduced "Lady Optimism" to a woman who had experienced great challenges in her attempts to get pregnant, spending an exorbitant amount of money along the way.  I was mortified for "Lady O"!  So much so that I can't even remember if the latter woman had actually even gotten pregnant.  I only can recall turning off the show and carrying the hope that "Lady O" held her optimistic ground.

None of this is to say that every soundbite of information in that episode wasn't true or valid.  My challenge was in the implication that full-term, healthy pregnancy seemed implausible.  The entire show downplayed "possibility" to make room for the "delicate issues" that made pregnancy post 35 (and god-forbid 40), appear foolhardy. 

Even further, had there been pregnant women over 35, in the studio or viewing audience, I can only imagine what kind of anxiety and stress they felt watching the show.  For them, there should have been, at the very least, a balancing effort; a small, Dr. Oz dose of, "If you are over 35, and you are pregnant, congratulations.... and here are a few things you should know."  I wanted him to offer the type of infomation that would have helped me and my random assortment of older-than-40 momfriends, who managed (against the apparent odds) to have uncomplicated pregnancies and delivered beautiful, healthy children; moms who might inspire other women and who would undoubtedly challenge the entire premise for that show.  What about arming the rising population of women who are over 35, and becoming pregnant, with information to ensure the safe arrival of their little miracles?  Tsk, tsk, tsk...  Shame on you, Dr. Oz.

Lastly, this, dear Dr., is exactly why I wrote my forthcoming short film, Curdled.  I wanted to make space for women like me to experience the story of possibility and hope.  I want to join the likes of Barbara Hannah Gufferman who, in her Huffington Post article, "Older Mother, Better Mother," talks about her own experience as an "older mom," illuminating mention-worthy realities about later-in-life pregnancy and motherhood.  (Thank you, Barbara!)  Most of all, I wanted to move in the light, the laughter and the joy that comes with creating life.

Onward and upward, friends...
Shia
(PS-Older moms ROCK!)

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU...!

First of all... my deep and sincerest THANK YOU to the 21 beloved donors, for believing in this project, for trusting me, for being active supporters and putting their money and voices (via comments) where their hearts and mouths are. This film will BE, because of you.

So.. It's a Wrap!  My Indiegogo.com campaign has wrapped and the project successfully raised $770 (before fees), toward my reworked $4918 short film budget.  What happened to the $12,900 goal, you ask?  Well, when it became evident that the lofty sum would not be met, I reworked the possibilities of the shoot, found individuals who could bring there talents to the table based on the new budget, and VOILA!

One, if not THE, major component to the project was actually gained because of the indiegogo campaign.  So, there were benefits from having done the campaign that I never could have conceived prior.  And, unlike kickstarter.com, the project still gets the benefit of the money donated by all of the beautiful, generous believers (minus some mention-worthy fees, but still).  My understanding is that kickstarter keeps (or returns?) the money to the donors if the campaign doesn't reach the intended goal.  And I do get it...  Going in, you believe wholeheartedly that you will champion this baby toward AND reach its goal.  Until, somewhere in the middle of that vast sea of hope, you realize people are floating on their own life preservers or wading close to hore for fear of ... EVERYTHIG.  We, by and large, are all-to-often tuned into the blaring narrative of lack, when we actually HAVE.   We are gasping and praying upon the belief that we are too broke and we can't sacrifice even $10 to support lofty hobbies/dreams/goals like filmmaking. 

I am grateful for this journey because while often I have been consumed with floating and gasping and praying, I don't realize the water is knee-deep.  Or that I did learn to swim. Or that I blow $10 on stupid stuff on a weekly basis.  I am as guilty of singing that song as any of us.  So, what I promised myself coming out of the process is that my current PT salary IS enough and that I'm NOT broke.  I am blessed and I can support indie film and creative projects that might not (otherwise) make it, without my support. 

Onward and upward...

So, today, I started my Starbucks work time by buying a drink for the unsuspecting woman behind me.  I did not want her profuse gratitude.  I modestly said I was on a journey and wanted to do something kind for smene I didn't know, which is true.  But, beyond that, it was to remind myself that it is the generosity of my heart that is the blessing... not the measly $2.00, I spent. 

I am knocking a significant amount of "To Do's" from my list.  The new DP, under the new budget, is breaking down the script and we are meeting to discuss production details next week.  The script has been finalized.  Five of the eight roles are casted.  There's even a soundtrack emerging.  I think this project is going to exceed what I thought possible, no matter the budget.

I finally got the results from the Austin Film Festival.  CONGRATULTIONS to the screenplay (and teleplay) second rounders and semifinalists!  Sadly, my fabulous script, Lady Cowboys, did not advance.  I'm contemplating the services of the fabulous Diane Drake (Only You and What Women Want) to get a proven professional set eyes on it.  We'll see.  The great thing about where I am in my process is that my mourning process for rejection has gotten shorter.  And... I KNOW the script is a good one.  The bad thing about this industry, and about being an artist in general, is that "good" ad "advancement worthy" will always be subjective.  As a member of the Austin Screenwriters Group (ASG), I remember the story of a screenwriter who entered the EXACT SAME SCRIPT into a screenplay competition several years apart from each other.  The first year, the script didn't advance beyond the first round.  The final year of entry, it advanced to the finals.  SAME SCRIPT, NO CHANGES, DIFFERENT YEAR.  Very interesting. 

Tip of the day: Join a great group of writers like the ASG to keep you motivated and grounded about the possibilities.

So, on with the business of the day.  My Indiegogo campaign is drawing to a close.  While it hasn't raised a significant fraction of what is needed to make it under the current budget, I have been offered resources that I NEVER COULD HAVE GAINED had I not gone through this process.  While I wish I could have raised the entire budget and moved forward as planned, which would have been quite a feat, I have NO REGRETS. 

I dragged myself to the Lakeshore Starbucks on what could have been a lazy Sunday.  Gotta  push through this last rewrite for Curdled.  Starbucks is a great place to run into all of the people you've been missing in your life.  (We are all addicted to coffee.)  Today for me, it was my "sister" LaTonda, then my writer/friend Ingrid.  The bad thing about this public workroom is that you can (obviously) become distacted by all of the activity around you. 

Earbuds in... Pandora on... Final Draft open...

She writes...

The Results Please... PLEASE!!!

Despicably, today I've effectively bitten all of the nails off of the fingers of my right hand (not quite to the nubs but still) and eaten my 2-day's share of  mint chocolate chip ice cream.  I've been anxiously awaiting the results of Austin Film Festival's Screenplay Competition.  I entered my script, Lady Cowboys, into the competition back in June and the letters of joy and dread are FINALLY landing in mailboxes across the country this week.  As the "Tweets" come through, reporting how other's have fared (California letters have a farther distance to travel, I imagine),  I am trying to hold true to the belief that "no news is good news."  But, honestly, at this point, no news is just making my hair gray, my fingers bald and my belly bulge.

I want to believe that either way, JUST KNOWING will put me out of this misery.  There were a 6,500 entrants this year so, just having entered is something to be proud of... blah, blah, blah... I want this.  The script is a good one.  It's time.  Stay tuned.  I hope to be telling you soon that I...

(PS-If you aren't already, follow me on Twitter quick updates... @SSSOnscreen)

Onward and Upward...