I'll Have What She's Having...

For Women's History Month I received a master class when interviewing the tenacious filmmaking pioneer Christene A. Browne of Toronto. Browne's film, Another Planet (1999), is the first dramatic feature to be directed by a Black woman in Canada.  Her thirty-year career is only a few years beyond mine, but there was plenty for me to learn from this groundbreaking storyteller. And I'm thrilled to share our conversation with the readers of ByBlacks.com.  Please check it out here and share. It's our Women's History Month special. Thank you, Christene.

Still from Christene A. Browne's film Sena, currently in development.

Still from Christene A. Browne's film Sena, currently in development.

The Films of EPIPHANY Inc.: A Vital Role in Public Health

The end of Black History Month 2015 marks an incredible milestone in our 15-year existence as EPIPHANY inc.  We were busier than ever speaking at college campuses, hosting Twitter chats and completing post production on Little Brother:  Manchild in the Promised Land (Chapter 5, filmed in Tucson, AZ). We feel truly blessed.  Most welcome this month was our invitation from the Mayo Clinic's Office of Diversity and Inclusion to present the films of Little Brother and a panel of experts to speak on the public health impact of positive images and encouragement on young men of color. So many specific paths to success on this topic were discussed by a terrific panel of four extremely involved men from the Rochester, MN community. Our program, "A Century of Black Life, History and Culture," was envisioned by my family friend, Dr. Joy Balls-Berry, who I am so very proud of and thrilled that her colleagues at Mayo Clinic get a chance to see her brilliance as well. She is passionate about research and an advocate who champions science. Please click here and on the photos below to see our local news coverage as well! Thank you, Everyone, who celebrated Black History Month this year. Let's make this a year-round conversation that will change a generation.

Photo by Dr. Joy Balls-Berry.

Photo by Dr. Joy Balls-Berry.

We're on TV: FUBU TV

I've always admired the four guys from Queens story of Daymond John, J. Alexander Martin, Keith Perrin and Carlton Brown starting an iconic clothing line of "For Us By Us" fashion with keen entrepreneurship and focus. Their longevity for more than 20 years has proven this team holds the key to success and J. Alexander Martin, is once again on the cutting edge by bringing multi cultural content to a variety of broadcast channels as CEO of FUBU TV.  What's on the schedule? Our first four chapters of Little Brother films! We're very excited to be a part of this launch. And we know we are in great company when the company's mission aligns with our own:

"FUBU Television is the provider of media and entertainment for multi cultural consumers globally. Our brands reflect a range of experiences and connect with fans of hip hop, gospel, jazz, comedy, drama, news, lifestyle, sports, with a pro-­‐social agenda. We stay connected to our diverse audience through our television networks, video on demand, mobile and home entertainment. FUBU TV reaches over 55 million homes, provides contemporary entertainment that speaks to the youth and adults from an authentic, unapologetic viewpoint. FUBU Television serves a broad and diverse audience with inspiring content that seek to make a difference in the communities."


Visit FUBU.com for access to FUBU TV and distributor Simply Me.
For educational distribution in schools, libraries, house of worship and community organizations, all Little Brother chapters are still available for purchase with our distributor Third World Newsreel. Now with FUBU TV, our young men's voices are capturing the hearts and minds of audiences everywhere.  Little Brother is "a conversation that will save a generation." Help us continue the "For Us By Us" spirit and share our good news!

Special Lessons for Those Working with African American Boys

Thrilled to kick off Black History Month activities with a Twitter Chat for one of my favorite publications where I'm a contributor, The Good Men Project. I've been inspired by my mentor and senior editor there, Marie Roker-Jones (also of www.RaisingGreatMen.com) who offered our first Wednesday night #GoodMenChat of Black History Month to a topic my producing partner, J. Tiggett, film consultant Dr. Raymond Winbush and I hold close to our hearts:  The mis-education of our Black Boys.  I was fortunate enough to meet Roosevelt Mitchell III, M.ED over the holidays back home in St. Louis, MO and he's doing incredible work in special education. And he's a really cool children's book author! I thought why not have a real discussion on what has become an industry with special education and African American boys? Let's start hearing about some hard core numbers and how a number of children are set up for failure and those really needing assistance are blocked from reaching their full potential.  Is this your child? I believe they're all our children. Let's chat. #GoodMenChat on Twitter, Wednesday, February 4, 9pmEST.

Sundance Special

Last week was packed for me with the beginning of the 30th annual Sundance Film Festival. I'm not in attendance, but I had the honor of writing two preview pieces for NBCBLK.  Our NBCBLK snapshot is a quick guide for which films to watch involving African American filmmakers, actors and subject matter. You can click here to read and share.  My favorite conversation of the week had to be hearing and reporting about Firelight Media's eighth appearance at this pinnacle of indie film exhibition and market with The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution.  With this documentary, Stanley Nelson is the director with the most documentary feature premieres--Black or White at the Festival. This is an incredible feat. Please click here and below for the article. I really enjoyed interviewing my friends and colleagues whom I've admired for years.  Writing for this new vertical for NBC News, I'm also privy to a number of comments from some who would rather there not be a division dedicated to news of the African Diaspora.  I hear you. And managing editor Amber Payne has given eloquent responses to the criticism in an interview you may find here in The Wrap. My two cents:  Once mainstream media are covering the news that's equally good, bad and controversial on a daily basis for all communities of color then I feel it is within our best interests to provide a platform for reporting and broadcasting to a specific niche. Are mainstream media there yet? For some people, they feel it is. I feel the launch of NBCBLK is a strong step toward keeping me as an African American well informed, well represented and--hey--working.

Still from Firelight Media's The Black Panthers:  Vanguard of the Revolution

Still from Firelight Media's The Black Panthers:  Vanguard of the Revolution

Academy Schmademy

When 2015 made its debut less than a month ago I was quite excited for several new projects.  One I can share with you now is a new writing assignment I have with NBCBLK.  The new vertical for NBC News, with managing editor Amber Payne, is described as elevating America's conversation about black identity, politics & culture. I was thrilled to help launch its debut with an article on Ava DuVernay. This talented, dedicated and generous film professional has been thrown into the spotlight for all of the same reasons featured in the screenplay of her directorial achievement Selma set in 1965. She and the we’re-so-over-the-lack-of-diversity Oscar nominations have the civil rights conversation in the news again. What I hope DuVernay and those who appreciate the art of film realize is that the reason her name brings up such a heated dialogue about race is because she did an excellent job directing a now Oscar-nominated film.  In the history of the Academy, there have only been two films nominated by African American female directors:  Selma for best feature and Tuesday Morning Ride by Dianne Houston for best short film (live action). Hollywood seems to think we still need time to become the best. Since the days of Oscar Micheaux in the early 20th century, and, for women, the days of Alice Guy-Blaché in the late 19th century, we’ve always been there, guys.  Our excellence in filmmaking covers all categories.  No Academy Awards for us? Alrighty, then.  It’s not our fault you’re diminishing the value of the Oscar you hold so dear.

 

 

Let's Connect!

I'm hosting a teleconference--the first of many monthly calls--on Monday, Feb 2 at NoonEST. We'll catch everyone up on our projects and opportunities to volunteer. Please call in: 567-704-9617/Primary Passcode 501505#.

Phone in, let's chat and let's also hear your ideas! Let's also discuss the news of the day and how our work at EPIPHANY Inc. addresses it through our EPIPHANY Conversation (#EConvo) events. It would also be great to meet! Please RSVP here at Nicoleedits@gmail.com. Thanks!

Building Our Mission

Thrilled to say Nomad Builder:  On Assignment is a new TV/Streaming show we have in development with creator/producer/host and contractor Nick Jardine. Nick is a popular on-camera contractor with experience all over the world. We thought why not incorporate these talents and help communities in need? Please tune in to our production meetings by clicking here, as we build our online web community. Soon we'll release our show website where you will be able to track the progress of our show and the community capacity missions we will travel to serve. We will travel safely and more productively with your messages and posts of support. For more info on Nick, please read all about him and watch his on camera home improvement tips here.  And may we also ask for about a minute of your time to complete a superquick five-question survey? This would really benefit our research in a huge way. You may submit your answers by clicking here. And please share. Looking forward to having all of you watch our broadcast this time next year!

The List

Here it is:  The ultimate production resource, "Nicole's Curated Crew List." I have wanted to do this for years! And now with List.ly we have the perfect platform.

No more private messages of "Nicole, who would you recommend for…." Let's search this list, share throughout the industry and get to work! Check out the list by clicking here and crew up! Not sure how to join? Click here for clear instructions on how to add your entry.

And if you have not been contacted by me and wish to be on the list, it's quite easy: Please contact me directly with two professional recommendations. That's it! Also, please be upfront about if you're just entering the business as an intern or an assistant. We'll take care of you.

Joining our list is quite seamless. We're listing crew from Line Producers, to AD's to Wardrobe Dept, to Dramaturgs, to Caterers, to Boom Operators, to Visual EFX Artists, to Publicists, to Payroll, to Web Design, to Distribution. All positions and departments are a must.  Let's promote the talented crew behind Film, TV, Theatre and Digital. Check us out here and please share!

Hold on! It's the end of the year!

It's the end of the year and I've been honored to be so busy getting everything off my plate.  My plate is still full and I have everyone of you to thank for it.  First I wrapped up our #EConvo series with a 10-minute sponsored segment with my friend Mali DeSantis who does incredible work with children with autism. We featured her holiday gift guide for these special children with special needs. Watch our web conversation here. So proud of her and honored to have her sponsorship.  Also thrilled to be sharing our Little Brother:  Chapter 5 (Tucson, AZ) editing room links with all of you.  I'm always honored to bring the voices of our young men to the screen. Check out our clips on my Patreon channel and please let me know what you think? What do you want to see more of? Or less? We love hearing from you--especially before final cut! I have also been quite moved, as you probably have, by all of the protestors staying on message with #BlackLivesMatter during the aftermath of a rapid-fire series of high profile Black male killings.  A couple of tours around Twitter will show you that #PoliceLivesMatter is also a response. Are there two sides to this story? There usually are. So I'm hosting my first Twitter Chat with my colleagues at the Good Men Project this Wednesday at 9pmEST. We're talking good policing. Let's see where it leads--hopefully to a productive, healthy and prosperous 2015.

The Heroine's Journey - Not so Heroic

Just published in The Good Men Project is my interview with the very talented Alice Meichi Li.  While attending Comic Con in NYC this Fall, I heard Alice speak on the intricacies of The Heroine's Journey vs. The Hero's Journey which is the go-to story structure for the majority of film school and literary graduates. According to Alice, being the female star of books and films leaves our so-called heroines in a grave deficit at every single turn on her adventure. And this opens up the door for real-life demons and dragons to enter our lives.  Ultimately the proposed setup does not just bring the possibility of grave danger, but instead inevitable failure. Maybe a new solution--as brought up by the panel--is to just replace the same three act story structure, character development and dialogue of our heroes with a female in the role. What a different world.  Life and art often intersect. Come study this writing analysis with me by reading our article here.  And please leave us a comment--especially if this changes your mind on the last bedtime story you read aloud. (smile) 

Illustration by Alice Meichi Li

Illustration by Alice Meichi Li

Black Men Loving

At the beginning of the year I was reminded of the sentiments of one of my Board members, when reflecting on the impact of our work at EPIPHANY Inc., that "Black Men are In."  We knew that the state of Black men was destined to be a topic on our national agenda. We did not foresee the explosive reaction that so many would have--and so quickly--in response to our sometimes injustice system.  We demand a new narrative. The time is now. And in my work and fellow filmmakers work, I am happy to celebrate those who are steadfast in presenting all who walk this earth as equals. It was a pleasure getting to know and welcoming the latest filmmaker into the fold, Ella Cooper of Toronto. Thank you, Ella, for your beautiful new film on fatherhood titled Black Men Loving. I was inspired and thrilled to add it to the Black Dox selection of articles for ByBlacks.com. Please click here for our interview and the trailer.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s a phrase that has been leaving my lips all week.  This week in particular has me happily delivering this greeting publicly, but privately shedding tears. Tough week.

This country was just knocked to its knees again by race. Why do events in Ferguson, MO (a few exits up the highway from where I grew up) weigh so heavily on our minds? Our lives are accustomed to patterns.  Setting a schedule, washing the dishes, depositing a paycheck…some patterns we count on for our comfort and some we dread. Into which category does the killing of young Black men fall? 

The names of the dead are too many, the cries for justice are too often and the families of these victims are too weary.  When young Black men are marked for death and are considered disposable for so long, a pattern was to have formed like all others in life—eventually taking on the role of what we consider to be common sense. But we have the human race on our side.  Enough human beings have their neighbors/sons/daughters/brothers/sisters’ humanity to protect and serve.  I am thankful human nature reveals itself to make sense at times. Peaceful protests by hundreds and thousands in the name of justice happening across a nation built on race?  For this I am grateful for a pattern that instead of promoting racial division, sparks a movement for change.

Ferguson Map

International Men's Day is Upon Us

As I write this we are on Day 3--Mental Health Day--of International Men's Day and #19DaysofHealing. How do we incorporate the health and well-being of men in our daily lives?

As a woman who films and speaks in public spaces on When Young Black Men Learn About Love, I especially take an interest in the emotional stability, mental capacity and relationship possibilities of men.

I am thrilled to participate in the international observation of #IntlMensDay this year with two #EConvo events.

1) An EPIPHANY Conversation: Male Feminists meet Sacred Bombshell Abiola Abrams. Please RSVP here: https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/c35j21u98usssect4nc0cv9krmg.

2) An EPIPHANY Conversation: Real Talk with The Good Guys with Dr. Rhonda Perry. Please RSVP here: https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/cphdn7oajinb32q1vaijn3t4j2c


And, as always, our films on young Black Men and their thoughts on Love are available at www.LittleBrotherFilm.com. Please purchase this educational series for your classroom, organization, NGO or house of worship.

We're having a conversation during these #19DaysOfHealing on Facebook as well, here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1524948244414243/?pnref=story.

Let's talk to our men. Today.

The Perfect Pitch?

I'm very much looking forward to my appearance as one of the U.S. panelists featured in the upcoming Toronto event, The Big Pitch, from 404 Media Group.  Have a book or business that needs publicity? Want to expand your audience and multiply your sales?  I'll be in the presence via webcast of a number of esteemed industry guests who will join me and the hosts in sharing our adventures, expertise and tips! No industry secrets here. We're all about the reveal!  There are many ways to get your product noticed. I am grateful for the avenues that have been afforded to me and I am always willing to share. I'm also thrilled to spend this three-hour session learning what works and what doesn't from others in the know.  Click here for what is sure to be an exciting and informative evening designed to move your project forward at lightning speed and with amazing results.  And hats off to 404 Media Group for what is sure to be an amazing opportunity for attendees.

Building Happiness

My latest article to publish with Toronto's ByBlacks.com features on camera expert Nick Jardine, a contractor who's becoming a television favorite to audiences everywhere. Jardine hails from Canada, by way of Australia, by way of South Africa. Well traveled and well versed on the craft of building beautiful homes, Jardine takes it one step further by providing renovations for clients that makes their lives easier, more enjoyable and beyond what they ever envisioned.  "I build happiness," says Jardine. And we're happy to have his expert advice when we try to play Mr. or Ms. Fix-It ourselves. Click here for the full article.

We Are Still Mad

Just hosted an incredibly informative #EConvo on the supposed return of the Chibok schoolgirls that was supposed to take place this week.  None of our panelists were convinced it actually would happen. There are too many failures in the surrounding environment to ever see the girls--or any children of the region--safe, educated and thriving.  We learned that 80% of the educated youth do not have jobs available to them.  Abortion in the state of Nigeria is illegal.  Any money that Nigeria claims to be swimming is not accounted for. A $20 million safe schools initiative from the UK? Where is it and which schools are secure?  Boko Haram does not want to see girls educated. Well, we need to be educated even more. Please click here for our webcast. Please share it with your communities. We met the press secretary for Representative Frederica Wilson from Florida, a lawmaker who keeps the pressure on our government to keep the pressure on the Nigerian government and the abductors on a daily basis (#JoinRepWilson + #BringBackOurGirls on Twitter). We need to keep up the protests and activism and not succumb to activists fatigue. We are still mad! And we want innocence back. We want human trafficking to come to an end. And we want a solid education and a promise of a future available to children everywhere!

The Camouflage of Race

So honored to yet again have an article published in the Toronto publication ByBlacks.com.  Meet Mary and Susanna, slave and relative of the slave owner to whom Mary told her story.  The turning point in their lives are documented more than a century later in artist Megan Morgan's beautiful photographs set in her unique style of hybridity.  The photographer, the influence of her own background on her art, and the inspiration and connection of this incredible moment in history may be found by clicking here.