Note to Self: Spread the word about “Note to Self”

The world of independent filmmaking is growing all the time. There are so many visionaries out there creating, expressing, and leaving their marks. But every once in a while a film comes along, flying under the radar, that tugs on my heart strings in a special way. It’s one thing to go and watch a studio-produced, multi-million-dollar blockbuster and be evoked to that vicarious triumph-of-the-heart feeling. But there is nothing like a small-budgeted/huge-hearted gem that maximizes the opportunity to tell a quality story through honesty, levity and charm. That’s what Note to Self was able to accomplish.

On the surface the film, written by and starring Christian Keyes, is an insightful dramedic telling of a young college basketball player’s journey to self-discovery and love. But when you look deeper, it is about so much more. Using as a foundation true-to-life themes such as broken families and generational curses, Note to Self examines the lasting effects of such predispositions on the human psyche. How do the mistakes our parents made affect us as we pursue our own relationships? Are we doomed to repeat the past or do we have the power to write our own destiny?

Christian Keyes, LeToya Luckett

I must say, though, my favorite theme is explored through the relationship between Curtis (Keyes) and Paula (Luckett). Through multi-dimensional characters and some good comedic timing, Keyes’ story deals sincerely with the misconceptions we so often have about the opposite sex when it comes to communication, relating and intimacy. It is refreshing to see a movie that neither glorifies nor ignores the topic of sex in relationships, but rather, deals with the subject honestly. Note to Self offers a refreshed perspective on the difference between a high-quality relationship and a good-enough-for-now relationship. It also convicts us (if we are open) to look inward at what we are bringing to the table, not just at what we expect to receive when we get there.

Tri-Destined Studios produced the project, which co-stars LeToya Luckett (formerly of Destiny’s Child, star of Preacher’s Kid), Jason Weaver (Drumline, Smart Guy, He’s Mine Not Yours), Brely Evans (Just Wright, Sparkle) and featuring Valarie Pettiford (Jumping the Broom), Richard T. Jones (Why Did I Get Married, Judging Amy) and Brian McKnight.

As a filmmaker it always inspires me to witness the milestones of other emerging artisans, especially those emerging ahead of me. Christian Keyes is an extremely gifted artisan and he is leaving his fingerprint on this industry, one project at a time. Kudos to you on getting your first script produced, and to a job well done!

Here is the video for Keyes’ song “I’m Alright” featured in Note to Self

**Note to Self is available for viewing on Hulu+ and available for purchase on amazon.com and half.com.

Desiree Parkman: the Visionary, Dreamgirls and a “Happy Birthday to You!”

Well, kind folks, my network of colleagues never ceases to amaze me. I realize I am getting a whole lot of mileage out of the “In the Writers’ Room” workshop I attended last year (hosted by Bentley Kyle Evans and Stacey Evans Morgan) but be prepared to continue hearing those names, as they were the catalyst to many, many fantastic projects and pursuits coming at you this year.

Speaking of fantastic, Ms. Desiree Parkman is our woman of the hour. She is a seasoned dancer and performer who comes to Los Angeles by way of Broadway. I made her acquaintance last winter and we have kept in touch over the months that followed. Being the visionary that she is, Ms. Parkman has birthed a fresh kind of entertainment of the interactive persuasion: The Ebony Cabaret. Think back to films like The Cotton Club, Mo’ Better Blues, and Harlem Nights. The music, the clothes and the passion did us in—flavor, culture and history playing a harmonious tune together. Now imagine being able to experience that today; to be transported to another time and place, where the music is resonant and the lyrics, rich. Add a delicious Italian dinner and you have this week’s hottest event:  a preview of the DOMA Theatre’s production of Dream Girls (starring Tyra Dennis, Constance Jewell Lopez, Jennifer Colby Talton and Keith Arthur Bolden; featuring Ms. Parkman’s fabulous dancing) topped with music and dancing to celebrate Desiree’s turning the big 4-0!

The night will be hosted by Lacy Darryl Phillips and will feature singers Annabel Lee, Pamela Threats; burlesque dancer Ashleeta and the Ebony Cabaret dancers; and selections from house poet Shy but Fly

WHEN: Thursday March 14th
Doors open 7pm, show starts at 8pm

WHERE: MBar Hollywood
1253 Vine (@ Fountain)
$6 Valet parking
$20 door/$10 food/drink minimum

The Ebony Cabaret has hosted several packed houses at all the events it has hosted since its inaugural show in November 2012. The venture is meant to be a haven and an outlet for fellow artisans, from poets to dancers to musicians and Ms. Parkman has done a wonderful job of rounding up some of the most talented entertainers to perform for their pleasure and for our enjoyment. You won’t want to miss this Thursday’s extravaganza!

Congratulations, Desiree! This is a big year for you, in every way, my friend. Enjoy and be prosperous!

For more information on Thursday’s event: https://www.facebook.com/events/171005083047712/?fref=ts

Here is also a link to a great article that tells a bit more about Desiree and her Ebony Cabaret:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnews4usonline.com%2F2012%2F10%2Febony-cabaret-brings-dinner-theatre-to-l-a-nightlife%2F&h=TAQG194Ei

Follow Ebony Cabaret: @ebonycabaret
Like the Facebook page: Ebony Cabaret

The DOMA Theatre’s production of Dream Girls runs through April 15 (Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm. For tickets and show information, visit www.domatheatre.com

Making Moves: In an “L.A. Minute”

For those following my blog you know that I am using it as a vehicle to cultivate my creativity and to keep you all up to date with the various projects that I have going on. But there is another purpose for this space that points to the bigger picture: to cultivate and encourage creativity in other aspiring creatives at all levels. It is a great day when I am approached by a complete stranger who has been referred to me by one of my peers to help get the word out about their project. That is a compliment that I do not take lightly.

With that being said, there is a new-comer to the filmmaking game with a vision he is working hard to make a reality. Dimitri Morantus, an East Coast native, recently moved out to Los Angeles to pursue his career as a filmmaker. To that end, he has made tangible strides toward producing his feature-length directorial debut film, L.A. Minute. The logline: A down on his luck loser thinks he has it made when he steals the identity of a wealthy man only to later learn that he’s impersonating a hitman.

In order to raise the funds necessary to complete the film Dimitri has produced a very clever, very funny campaign video. At the very least, stop by and check out what a visionary of this next generation of independent filmmakers is working with. At the most, in a show of solidarity for a fellow artist – or simply a fellow man – you might just decide that this action dramedy is something you can get behind and make a donation toward the cause!

“Life is short. As artists we are waiting for someone else to give us an opportunity. This is me doing what I have to do to make this passion happen.”
– Dimitri Morantus (Writer/Director)

To learn more about the project and the indiegogo campaign please click the link below. (Due to strong language the link will open up in a new window, separate from this blog page)

http://www.indiegogo.com/LaMinute

Throw-back Film Reviews – The Way of the Gun

In these throw-back film reviews you get to read work from a younger version of me. There are no edits, no alterations. Nothing but the straight, for better or worse. I shall maintain my stance. Find out for yourself! 

——–

The Way of the Gun

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie
Starring Benicio Del Toro, Ryan Phillippe, Juliette Lewis, James Caan

 I give the movie 4 stars.

Everyone wants to see a great action flick, right? Of course we do.  And if there’s some comic relief thrown into the mix, even better!  I am pleased to inform you that The Way of the Gun is a film that harbors both of the aforementioned elements, along with a dash of wit and a cast that is rich with talent.  First-time feature director Christopher McQuarrie (who wrote this film, as well as The Usual Suspects) set out to make a “different” kind of action movie and that, he did.  Although it rendered inklings of inspiration from other films in its genre, Gun exhibits some original spunk as well.

Benicio Del Toro (Usual Suspects, Excess Baggage) and Ryan Phillippe (Cruel Intentions, Playing by Heart) star as a couple of inept criminals trying to pull off that “big job.”  Longbaugh (Del Toro) and Parker (Phillippe) are making their honorable contributions to the bank of fertility when they overhear an interesting conversation: a young woman will be paid a cool million dollars to carry the child of a rich couple who don’t want to go through the pains and strains of the prenatal stage of parenting.  Their plan: kidnap the pregnant lady and demand a ransom; surely they’ll skate away with more than she’s getting.

Naturally, things aren’t so easy, or this wouldn’t be a movie…conflict, conflict, conflict!  Taye Diggs (The Best Man) and Nicky Katt (Boiler Room) play the no-nonsense bodyguards hired to keep a close watch on Robin, the surrogate (played by Juliette Lewis of The Other Sister).  Their job is complicated when they come face-to-face with Longbaugh and Parker, who are determined to procure Robin for their scheme.

When the bodyguards lose Robin to the young rebels, the rich, crooked soon-to-be father, Chidduck (played by Scott Wilson of Clay Pigeons) brings in his jargon-spitting, seasoned master of adjudication, Joe Sarno (James Caan, Misery), to regulate.

As is the case with virtually every action film, the final product leaves some issues unresolved.  The major shortcoming of this one: insufficient character development between the two heroes.  There’s no real empathy factor; the ladies love them because their sexy and the guys love them because they’ve got lots of guns!  On a rather positive note, though, Caan delivers a memorable performance as the wise old fogy who simply will not be countermanded.

Overall, The Way of the Gun is a great flick.  If you want action, go see it! If you want comedy, go see it!  If you don’t, go see it anyway…you’re quite likely to change your mind by the end.

       — Lauren C. Snowden
(written October 2000)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! (2012 in review)

Hello, all my faithful loved ones! I sit here reflecting on another year of goodness and grace that God has bestowed upon me. To help put things into perspective (I suppose) the WordPress.com stats helper elves prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. In case you’re interested, here it goes! (PS – stay tuned for more exciting things to come in 2013; Lord blessing, it will be EVEN BETTER! Thank you for going on this journey with me =)

Always love.

Lauren

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 2,000 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 3 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

Check Out My Unique Metal Artwork – Just in time for Christmas =)

Hey everybody! It’s not too late to stop by my online store and do some Christmas shopping. Order a piece or two of unique metal artwork for those special people in your lives, or for yourself! Have the package shipped right to their door and even take advantage of free gift wrapping while you’re at it =) Hope to hear from you…

Peace and blessings!

– Lauren C.  Snowden

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MetalworksByLauren

Here’s a little taste (more available online!):

Keepin’ it Tight with “Keep It Short”: Changing the filmmaking paradigm

Roberto Sanchez, Jio Fbotr, Alisa Banks, Hilliard Guess, Scott F. Evans and Steven Turner on the set of the latest film production, THE HIDDEN TOLL

When I was growing up I used to love watching those domino competitions. You know, the ones where they come up with this crazy elaborate design, stacking the dominoes up on their end, just the exact distance apart from one another? If they did their job right, when they tipped that first domino, they could literally make those things climb stairs! The impact of a chain reaction can be quite powerful. That’s what this week’s blog is about: finding our place in a much bigger picture; discovering our purpose in this chain reaction called life.

Those who have been following my blog this year know that I have been immersed in my craft; digging in and trying to get better as an artist. If you’ll remember back in February I attended a workshop called In the Writer’s Room, hosted by the brother-sister television producing duo, Stacey Evans Morgan and Bentley Kyle Evans. This workshop was essentially a powerful Meeting of the Minds; so many creative forces, each with their own vision but with a shared passion for creating content that will last. Bentley’s and Stacey’s goal with their two-day intensive  seminar is to inspire young artists to get out there and take control of their creative destinies and do what they were purposed to do. In effect, Stacey and Bentley were that first domino—the catalyst that got things moving in the right direction. It was at this juncture that I met the fabulous Alisa Banks, founder and president of the “Keep it Short” film group.

Alisa is the most approachable, most vibrant person you could ever hope to meet. Her canvas always displays a warm smile and her arms are ever-welcoming. Her persona is reflected perfectly in the way she presents herself to her peers. In fact, it is her very nature that makes her the perfect person to facilitate this creative co-op of filmmakers and craftsmen of the industry.

“Keep It Short” was birthed out of a necessity to create quality content and to raise up this next generation of storytellers and artisans. The focus of the group is to tell stories that speak truths about life, in one facet or another—stories that matter. “This is a labor of love…These are our projects. Our vision. People’s voices matter,” Alisa stated plainly as we sat talking in a Hollywood diner a few Sundays ago. And people – from film neophytes to long-time professionals – are coming by the droves to be a part of this inspirational movement.

The group meets once every five to six weeks to introduce the upcoming film project. Team members are surveyed when they join up and asked for their areas of interest, and Alisa makes it her job to ensure that folks are gaining experience that is relevant to their desired creative path. There is a different director for each film and each cycle a different writer’s script gets made. The object is to get as many people as much hands-on experience as possible.

Alisa makes no attempts to lord over the group or micromanage its members. She calls herself a facilitator; again, merely the catalyst for the movement. However she may see herself, one thing is for certain: she is making an impact on the independent film community one step at a time. Alisa thanks Stacey Evans Morgan for sowing into her life as a mentor, for inspiring her to do what she may not have otherwise found the courage to do. And just like Stacey and Bentley implored us to do, Alisa is paying that gift forward. One of my favorite things about the film group is that it is also involved in a number of community outreaches, especially involving youth and media literacy. Being an educator myself, I am a huge advocate of helping young people find their voice. This group is innovative, growing strong, and promises to turn out a very strong body of work in the months and years to come.

The older I get the more I appreciate the concept of loving what we do with our lives. It’s a good thing to work hard and to have fun while we do it. What a privilege to be called to this industry, to be able to make even a small impact on the fabric of it. I know Alisa feels the same way and that is one of the qualities that draws us to one another. I am so proud to call her my friend.

It costs nothing to join the group; all you need is the desire to learn and the willingness to put in the work. Any questions? You can direct them to:

Alisa Banks
(323)445-1680
alisabanks@keepitshortproductions.com
thaactress@yahoo.com

Find out more information about the group’s latest film project, “The Hidden Toll” at http://www.gofundme.com/KeepItShortProductions

Alisa Banks

– Lauren C. Snowden