We had lots to say about the latest box office sensation: Star Wars. So have millions--possibly billions--of others, right? It's been fun writing and reminiscing about the space opera that changed the face of movie making almost 40 years ago. That's a lifetime of knowing the force is within you. Join our discussion at The Good Men Project here. And please share!
Movie Notes
From the Fall through the Oscars telecast it's movie season. And for us in the industry, it's quite an exciting time. I'm thrilled to have just submitted my selections for nominations for Best Director by The Directors Guild. We'll know soon if any of my picks made the cut! In the meantime, I'm happy to have been published as part of The Good Men Project's "13 Movies That Have Impacted The Good Men Project Writers." Join us with your favorites as well in the comments section. We'd love to hear from too--especially with how movies reflect the changing roles of men in the 21st Century. Click here for the article. And see you at the movies!
Join our Ambassador Program with kweliTV!
Thank you so much for your valuable support of EPIPHANY Inc. Because of our work and finding like-minded media companies who share in our mission, we have recently been contracted as the consulting company with the new streaming interactive video platform and app, kweliTV. In this role I will be serving as the new news director for kweliTV. I look forward to telling all of you more about my position in this exciting startup very soon. It is a startup, so we will need your excitement to help move us forward.
So here's something fun. Our #kweliTV Ambassador Program is available in most regions throughout the world.
As an Ambassador, you will receive:
--Free kweliTV subscription throughout the ambassadorship (1 year).
--Free #ShareYourStory kweliTV T-Shirt
--Opportunity to participate as a guest interviewer on kweliTV’s “Meet the Filmmaker” Q&A series.
--Quarterly All-Hands meeting with the kweliTV team.
--Bonus: Ambassadors who are able to recruit 10 new kweliTV members (subscribers) within 1 year will receive a special offer at the end of their ambassadorship.
Please visit this link for more details.
Character Chatter
This year has flown by so fast, it's reminding me that our June/July 2016 shoot of our first narrative feature--a microbudget--will be here before we know it! Just posted location photos on our Pinterest profile here. And the process of writing the first draft of the script was something I was happy to blog about on Medium here. Feedback is trickling from the chosen readers for the draft. I've now heard back from the director of the film program co-producing the shoot, our DP and our lead actress. It was after my notes from the lead actress today that I was thrilled to welcome a familiar sound: The characters talking to me. They won't shut up. Anyone who writes fiction that experiences this will know that these voices are welcome inside our head. That means the script is clicking for all of us (imaginary and real) and we have successfully transported into a world we hope to bring back to audiences here on Earth to much acclaim. That's the hope. I'm off to listen and make my edits for Draft 2. Please follow us and cheer us on. Your energy keeps us afloat! Thanks!
Looking forward to our scenes on this stairway where the confrontation will offer no escape.
Holiday Greeting from EPIPHANY Inc.
We have had a busy 2015 preparing for exciting projects that will bring everything EPIPHANY Inc. has worked for into a productive 2016. What has been sobering are the conditions that provoked certain films we launched five years ago, now featured so prominently in national movements. We feel as if we have a front row seat to a necessary conversation. And this is a dialogue we knew was important then, and is essential to the survival of humanity now. This is the reason EPIPHANY Inc. exists. We hear you and we look forward to bringing you more stories that enlighten and entertain--including a feature film!
Let’s continue a national dialogue through film and digital media together. We have ambassador positions (that come with gifts), freelance job opportunities and tax-deductible donation plans to benefit those who have trusted us with their stories. Visit and bookmark the “News” section of NicoleFranklin.com to join us.
We’ll see you in 2016! Happy Holidays and many many more! What’s your news?
We got to take home a little bit of our CBS Sunday Morning program for my table top tree. Photo of my grandfather in the background. Happy Holidays, All!
Have a wonderful start to the Holiday Season!
Writing, creating and developing new material for 2016 has been fantastic this year. Even more, I'm grateful for quiet moments away with friends and family. In this ever-changing, unpredictable world of ours, here's to all of you making the most of the reason behind the season. And please keep checking in with us here at EPIPHANY Inc. Exciting things to come!
Blab and Blabbing On...
The latest social media conference platform that will have my attention for a while is Blab. Still in BETA stage, Blab is a four-way conversation in open-air space. It can be downloaded, archived and shared widely. The Blab platform is rooted in Twitter. It's been fun testing it out and hosting my own #EConvo on Blab a couple of weeks ago with the new consulting firm Career Matters, founded by my friend Carol Ruiz. You can check that out by clicking here. My friend Dr. Vibe who always reminds us we're a "magnet for miracles" first told me about the Blab platform and had me on as his guest to talk about the importance of documentaries. We had a fun chat. The audio link may be found here. And the night of the first debate of the Democratic candidates had me on a Blab hosted by my friend Marie Roker-Jones who founded #CompassionConvos. Is there compassion in politics? We talked about all of the possibilities of what could be here. The usual suspects from our #EConvo conversations on Google Hangout last year are quickly finding our footing on Blab--and loving it. In fact, after only a month of testing out the platform my intern Janella Castro will host her first Blab "Ballin' and Talkin'" which you may subscribe to here. She loves the NBA. Hope you tune in to see just how much! So Blab with us and join the conversation! Let's chat!
Microbudget here we come
Our microbudget film set to shoot next June is quickly moving from development to pre-production stage. I met many members of our crew at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Morristown, NJ tonight. These students will be joining me as part of their thesis course. They're looking to learn from me and my core team. I know after meeting them tonight that we'll learn so much from them as well. Even more, I think we'll learn a lot about ourselves. Microbudgets (ours is hovering around $75,000) are designed to be semi-stressful vehicles. But I'm confident this crew, under the guise of Professor Howard Libov, are up for any challenge. These young technicians, art department, makeup and producer/AD teams seem terrific-ly excited and up for the challenge. I'm documenting our progress--starting with the adaptation of the screenplay-- with our behind-the-scenes story @Medium. Let's roll!
November
My birthday month is around the corner and I'd like to talk to all the young women out there who feel birthdays suck because you may not be where you dreamed of by the calendar date you set. Trust me, when you hear things happen when they are supposed to they do. Were your dreams too big? Nah. We're supposed to dream big. Dreams are our key to surviving any man-made situation meant to destroy our spirits. There's a morality game we are put on this Earth to play--win or lose. Others are in the same position and the good and bad choices need a partner in crime. Stay focused on the prize. Do daily maintenance on the strategy that gets you to your goal. Welcome the team members who join you. Recruit others who share your dream and nurture theirs too, which also serves as a quick background check to including them in your circle. You need a circle of friends. You do not need agendas that are meant to harm, not heal. What does all of this mean in plain English? Success is what you make of it, young women. There are risks, traditional patriarchal obstacles and setbacks based on your relationship with your self-esteem. Dream big and go hard. Enjoy the ride, though. The road behind you should be littered with small victories of both you and your running buddies lighting up the way for who will follow.
The Return of EConvo
After a one-year hiatus (feeling like an HBO original series) our #EConvo online social media conference events are returning. Thanks to #EConvo community member Dr. Vibe, we are true believers in the new online platform Blab. Have you tried it? If not, please check it out here. So far I've been a guest on a couple including one that served as a lead-in to the first Democratic Presidential Election Debate as part of the #CompassionConvos with Marie Roker-Jones. After a few trial runs we're now ready to host our own, bringing #EConvo back on a monthly basis. We talk global issues with the interesting people behind the stories. This Friday at 5pm please join our chat with career counselor Carol Ruiz. Are you beginning your career? Are you mid-career and interested in something new? Let's talk #Internship to #Mentorship. Ruiz is terrific and you'll soon see why. Subscribe here: https://blab.im/nicole-franklin-an-econvo-internship-to-mentorship.
Broadcast Schedule for This Week
Thanks to publicist Robert C. Walker (please contact him here) I have two radio appearances this week and a Blab conversation with my friend Marie Roker-Jones, producer of the #CompassionConvos. I'm hosting an #EConvo Blab chat of my own on Friday to wrap up this busy calendar of chatting. More on that later. Here is the schedule for the first three appearances. Will you join us?
Nicole on "Reel Talk" hosted by DaDirector via Blog Talk Radio. Monday October 12, 2015 at 9pm EST Hotline #: 646-595-4038.
Nicole and Marie Roker-Jones in a Blab #CompassionConvo. Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 9pmEST. The topic: Compassion and Politics. #CompassionConvos challenge bias through compassionate action. Subscribe to the event here: https://blab.im/RaisingGreatMen.
Thursday at 12:15amEST (right after midnight) join host Keke LiBron and guest Nicole Franklin on the Green Zone Radio Experience. The call-in number: 914.636.9847. WVIP FM 93.5 FM. On-line, www.wvipfm.com.
Looking forward to changing the world through our chats--a little bit at a time.
Photo by Francesca Andre.
It Takes a Medium
I'm having a great time on @Medium. Are you on it? It's a great place for storytellers. And since I am writing a screenplay at the moment, as part-procrastination/part-education, I'm sharing my story behind the telling of the story on @Medium. Really, it's not so complicated. It's actually quite fun. And yes, you heard that correctly. I'm writing a screenplay--my third adaption. I kind of dig those. When I can base the story on previous material--this being the first time as solely fictional characters in a novel vs. real people in a documentary I've had the luxury of filming--the structure is there as well as the enticing characters (hopefully) that drew you to the story in the first place. At least that's what I hope. It'll all unfold on @Medium. Will you follow me? Click here. And let me know if you're on as well so I can follow back!
We're on in the South!
The Southern States of these United States are now the broadcast region hosting Little Brother Chapters 1 through 4 on FUBU TV! Do you have Comcast VOD/Xfinity? Here is how to watch us ON DEMAND.
Instructions for finding FUBU TV on COMCAST (Big South Local - TN, GA, SC, AL, MS, LA)
Comcast VOD (Xfinity)
-Tabs to the left
-Scroll down to GET LOCAL
-Select MOVIE & ENTERTAINMENT SCENE
-Then scroll down to FUBU TV
I bounce from New York and New Jersey to Missouri from time to time. So I'll miss it. But if you're watching, can you let us know by leaving us a comment here? We'd really appreciate it! And our Little Brothers love your notes too. Thanks so much for watching! Please tell friends!
Watch us on Comcast/Xfinity in these States: TN, GA, SC, AL, MS, LA.
A Family Photo - Little Brother: The Fire Next Time (Chapter 4 - Muskogee, OK)
Nicole's Diary - Page 21
An amazing week has just ended. I can only call it the blessing of being In Good Company. First, his Holiness came to the East Coast and New York City where I live and work kept its cool through traffic tie-ups, large crowds and tight security measures. Everyone was on the same page. I also became an official member of a Manhattan co-working space for women this past week. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity for a desk outside of my home office, networking and conference room availability for the occasional meeting that must impress. Please email me here for details if you are interested. Women-only, please. Third, I had an amazing meeting about my first narrative microbudget feature in production for next summer. This is only possible because an angel came on board an offered the following: "I'd like to help you on your next film. Here's what I can do." What he is doing is making it happen and I could not be more grateful. When you spend your entire life committed to your craft--and all of the sacrifices that are involved--you hope someone notices. It feels like God always has. And for this and the people with whom he has me surrounded, I am truly grateful.
Pope Francis in NYC. Courtesy NBCNews.com.
Are you on Ebay? Me too!
People who know me really well know for some reason I always end up moving every two to three years. Now in addition to trips to the Salvation Army, I'm unloading some of the goods. If you're on EBay, please join me there. My handle: NicoleIsMoving123. Let me know you're on and we'll follow each other! First item up is quite Vintage!
Meeting A Princess
One of the highlights of this year's #TIFF2015 was meeting Princess Shaw of the documentary Thru You Princess. It was also a pleasure meeting her dedicated and talented team which include Kutiman and director Ido Haar! If you ever want to know what it means to have a dream and go after it, I hope you plan to see this film. It is truly a treasure. Please click here for my review in ByBlacks.com. What an honor.
A Bold Look at Egypt through Nasser
One of the highlights from covering documentaries for this year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for ByBlacks.com was interviewing Egyptian filmmaker Jihan El-Tahri. Her film, Nasser, featuring the 1950s Egyptian ruler put so much into perspective. She tackled the unsteady foundation of a country rocked by politics through the decade-long efforts of this military man. And audiences at #TIFF2015 were all the more grateful for it. What an incredible breakdown of a presidency and a comprehensive explanation of a complicated religious and cultural history. Bravo to the filmmaker and TIFF who programmed the doc. Please click here for my article and be sure to catch the film.
Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser
Veteran documentary filmmaker Jihan El-Tahri
Racism in Canada: 1969
Back from #TIFF2015 to write a few more articles, but I was pleased to see that one of the earlier films I reported on had a welcoming reception from the festival crowd. The film team of Ninth Floor received a standing ovation. Please click here for my review in ByBlacks.com.
National Film Board of Canada
Black Dox at TIFF 2015
Currently attending Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as it turns 40 this year and is still at the top of its game! I'm here as a filmmaker who writes about documentaries for ByBlacks.com where I have the column Black Dox covering Black documentaries and documentarians of Canada. I love having this opportunity to learn, network and share with our readers all of the exciting news and releases in the world of nonfiction (yes, documentaries can be sexy too! Be sure to hop on the bandwagon!). Please click here for the first in a number of articles I'll be filing from TIFF: A Q&A with Artistic Director Cameron Bailey. Thanks for reading!
A great week for Gershwin and Bess
Gershwin & Bess: A Dialogue with Anne Brown premiered on kweliTV this week. I first met the phenomenal woman and talent Anne Wiggins Brown in August of 2004. Now, 11 years later, we are able to present the documentary featuring her first-hand account of being chosen for her iconic role on the new streaming service. kweliTV, whose female CEO is someone I also very much support. I'm so honored and excited to be a part of this platform--especially with six films as the Gershwin & Bess... film was acquired along with five Little Brother film chapters as well. Please join me here for the films of EPIPHANY Inc.!
Anne Brown and Nicole Franklin in Oslo, Norway 2006. Photo by Barbara Meyer.