Little Brother is our 10-chapter documentary series featuring young Black men across the U.S. and their thoughts on Love. We are thrilled to say we've reached a milestone as we're now five chapters in! Little Brother: Manchild in the Promised Land (Chapter 5) was filmed in Tucson, AZ. Our 17-minute film will have its festival premiere Saturday, May 2 at 1:15pmEST at the Women of African Descent Film Festival (WADFF), Brooklyn, NY. Our young men of the Southwest take a look at the how the often untold part of their history is possibly shaping the views of how others see them today. As always our young men open our eyes to their thoughts and feelings which they rarely get to speak about on camera. You may see a clip of this fifth installment on our Little Brother Film website here. In the meantime, please share our news and let's keep going for chapter six!
Nicole's Diary - Page 6
Today was one of those days when I was glad for the recently declared school of thought that 60 is the new middle age. My age, 45, used to be the guidepost. We're now "Women of a Certain Age" which is much more appealing. Ten years ago, two close friends were then in their mid-40s and when walking down the street with me one day noted that men don't look at them any more. "You they do," they told me. "But once you reach a certain age, honey...it's over." Yes, I've kept that in mind in time for my current situation. But today was different. The nice, cute, young (too young for me, but sweet to be so considerate) cashier at my market gave me a very nice compliment on the way I lifted the bag of groceries he'd just packed for me. What does it do when you remind a woman she's feminine and worthy of your attention when she's of a certain age? Totally makes her day.
Nicole's Diary - Page 5
Extremely long day with two edit sessions to plow through which equaled 16 hours away from home. I'm very lucky, I know, in that my work is pretty energizing. So I can't complain about anything except lack of sleep most days, being pulled in many directions every day, and a burgeoning case of irreversible high blood pressure maybe someday. I'm working on the last part. My doctor's pretty good. But it's nice when scheduling days like today when I get to take advantage of breaks (in this case during the time it took for rendering and DVD encoding). I couldn't make the machines go any faster when at my West Village publisher, so I did what anyone who wanted to clear their head would do. I went upstairs to the next floor and visited the storefront psychic.
It seemed harmless. She was advertising a sale, and where else could I find out so quickly what my future holds? There was the usual, long life line (thanks, at this point!), strong career, still figuring out love. Apparently 2013 was a tough year for me (tell me about it!) and I made some career choices that stuck (that's true!). I had past lives as a journalist, an educator and a therapist (o.k…two of those apply now). This June and July my career will be going so well I'm going to have two choices put in front of me and will have to make a big decision that will lead to even more success. August is the time when the man who has been wanting into my life will reveal himself for that happen (She's sure?…That's nice). What a packed June - August ahead. Clearly this woman has a thing for summer.
What was interesting, though, is that she did say I needed to reconnect with my spirituality. I kind of was ready to call her out there. Anyone who enjoyed and laughed their way through their reading as much as I did (did I mention I found the whole thing ridiculously amusing?) obviously exhibited some doubt in getting everything they've ever wanted. Well, I had to tell her. No one gets everything. I'm the happiest I've ever been knowing and accepting that. She tried to convince me otherwise. I had to respond, "No, really…Give your future clients the option to be happy where they are. It works! For real!" She just smiled and suggested I reconnect with God. I've never heard the God reference from a psychic. I did mention just the other day, though, that I've fallen short of my daily prayers that mainly consist of declarations of gratitude. I must never miss a day of that. Not ever.
Your future awaits. Horatio St. West Village.
Hot Docs News
Or...some news. I had the privilege of reviewing for ByBlacks.com a documentary short screening in this year's Hot Docs in Toronto this week. Music Lessons by Michael Mabbott was a treat to watch. One word: adorable. I haven't made it to the festival yet in this lifetime. Hopefully next year I can make my visits to Toronto (and meet my colleagues there) a little more frequent. You may read all about the festival and conference here. And if you're a filmmaker in attendance, give us a shout and let us know about your experience. In the meantime, want to be like these kids and escape all that is wrong with the world? Sign up for music class!
Applause--No, Wait--Thunderclap, Please!
We're trying something new for our new Little Brother Pay-what-you-wish Curriculum Guide. We're asking for you, the audience, to Thunderclap our news! Just visit the Thunderclap social media platform by clicking here. While on the site, it just takes a few seconds to click your support to share our news. No fees. Just share! On May 3, our campaign ends with your social media circles receiving our good news!
Quite simply, when you click the link below, you signup with Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr to automatically post when the website goes live on May 3. Again, it's automatic, just because you took a few seconds to make this happen. This will be great for sharing our news exponentially. Only a few days left. Please click here and let's go! Thanks so much!
Nicole's Diary - Page 4
It's been a busy but productive few days on my end, but the word of the week for me had to be Gyrocopter. A 61 year-old mail carrier from Florida was willing to risk his life--risk being shot down--in order to fly his homemade aircraft into the "protected" air space of the legislative branch and bring attention to his cause. Let's just say he made such a statement, a few of my colleagues and I wanted a test drive of our own. To the Secret Service: Please don't come after us. We're just envisioning a carefree solo trip to work and back. Looking beyond the espionage factor, I really appreciated the commitment and dedication of this character. It's very motivational as I am currently in writing and development mode on a new project. It's a lonely existence. But the hope as always is that something phenomenal comes out of self-imposed seclusion from friends, family and fancy dates. We'll see.
Me prepping for this past week's "Meet the Filmmaker" Twitter chat with The Good Men Project featuring our Little Brother films on FUBU TV. Couch, laptop, pajamas and nimble fingers for typing.
"Meet the Filmmaker" and Meet more of FUBU TV!
Very excited to be the first in our lot of 22 filmmakers in the #FUBUTV pilot programming schedule to be the focus of a Twitter Chat introducing the content creators on this newly launched channel. Please visit www.FUBU.com and watch the first four chapters of the Little Brother film series as well as the terrific independent films of my fellow filmmakers. FUBU TV is set to broadcast to 55 million households. I've written about its inception here. This week, hosted by The Good Men Project, we will begin a series of "Meet The Filmmakers" Twitter chats that will offer a chance to chat with each of us about our films and our distribution experience on FUBU TV. Little Brother Film is first up. I will be appearing along with our film consultant, psychologist Dr. Raymond Winbush, @RWinbush. Hope you join us Thursday, 7pmEST on Twitter with the hashtags #FUBUTV #GoodMenChat. You may also find information at any time by clicking on #LittleBrotherFilm on Twitter. Thanks so much! And please feel free to ReTweet one of the following phrases leading up to our chat:
@FUBUTVnetwork presents filmmaker @Nicoleedits for our #FUBUTV #GoodMenChat abt #LittleBrotherFilm, Thurs, 7pmEST
When do #BlackBoys learn about #Love? Find out with @FUBUTVNetwork and #LittleBrotherFilm series Thurs 7pmEST #FUBUTV #GoodMenChat
#NJ #Chicago #FL #OK #LittleBrotherFilm travels to film positive images of #BlackBoys. Thurs 7pmEST #FUBUTV #GoodMenChat @FUBUTVNetwork
Little Brother: The Street with video intro by @Common airs on #FUBUTV. Chat w Director @Nicoleedits Thurs 7pmEST #LittleBrotherFilm chat.
Socially conscious television is #LittleBrotherFilm on #FUBUTV. Chat w film team @Nicoleedits and @RWinbush Thurs 7pmEST #GoodMenChat
Shoutout to #Camden, #NJ featured in Chapter 1 of #LittleBrotherFilm. Meet the film team and #FUBUTV Thurs 7pmEST
"What’s the difference between a boy and a man to you?" Chat with #LittleBrotherFilm Thurs, 7pmEST #FUBUTV #GoodMenChat @FUBUTVNetwork
"Is that embarrassing to talk about girls?"PATRICK: "Can we skip that question?" #LittleBrotherFilm Thurs 7pmEST Chat #FUBUTV @FUBUTVNetwork
"My mom tells me you can’t even spell love at your age" Chat w #LittleBrotherFilm @Nicoleedits @RWinbush Thurs 7pmEST #FUBUTV @FUBUTVNetwork
#Cherokee #Freedmen at odds in #OK as told by young boys to #LittleBrotherFilm. Chat w @Nicoleedits @FUBUTVNetwork #FUBUTV Thurs 7pmEST
Nicole's Diary - Page 3
Tons of random thoughts going through my head today. First, what a tragedy it is to today mark the one-year anniversary of #BringBackOurGirls. Second, April 15--tax day--is tomorrow, such a day of demarcation for so many in the U.S. In the light of things, this is not that tragic and so many people need to accept that. I, thankfully, have for years done my taxes on or around February 14. If there's going to be such a ridiculous holiday in existence as Valentine's Day (sorry to all of the devotees out there--but why can't every day be... nevermind), then I'd better use it to my benefit. Love not having the stress of one more deadline. Numbers...numbers...this year for me sees three weddings to attend, one baby on the way (not mine, thank you, but thrilled to be another "auntie"), and several of my projects which I protect like children--set to be birthed. Yes, it's a good spot to be in but the year is flying by possibly too fast to enjoy the fruits of my labor. It's April. And with the recent climb in temperatures to 60+ degrees on the East Coast, it's finally Spring. There's a lot that has been dragged over from the previous year and there's a lot still left to do. Here's a number I'm proud of: 4. We have officially launched Hack4Hope as the Hackathon + Hack4Hope Academy to little by little usher in the youth from my childhood neighborhood in North and East St. Louis into the booming tech scene downtown St. Louis now has become. This has been almost two years in the making. More details to come soon... In the meantime, I'm proud of my hometown. I'm aware of our issues. Since Ferguson has exposed our wounds, I'm grateful for the group that has rallied together with me to help turn around a stack of tragic situations and keep hope in the hearts of our youth with tangible paths through technology to problem-solving and success. We can quantify that success later for posterity. For today, on this date of great stress, let's just be assured that as bad as things may seem, there will always be a young person who needs us to be strong, focused and prepared to fight for their future.
First Impressions
We have a gift for you! For our popular Little Brother film series, we now have available a 67-page curriculum guide to accompany screenings everywhere. Now, ideas for discussions and activities for pre- or post-screening of these 15-minute documentaries may be done with ease. And the cost? Pay-what-you-wish! Our text, First Impressions and the African American Male: a Guide to Experiencing the Truth about Little Brother is affordable for schools, community organizations, houses of worship or small groups. You'll see in the opening acknowledgements that I personally took a lot of time writing this guide as it was my master's thesis. I wanted to share why we as a film team felt the need to improve upon decades of media images when it comes to this specific population of African American males. After many trips to the library, I am happy to say we are a becoming a part of the nation's library system as well. This is exciting for our mission in media literacy and responsibility as filmmakers. Click here to purchase our (pay-what-you-wish) curriculum guide. And please purchase and encourage others to purchase our educational DVDs at Third World Newsreel. You may also watch our chapters on FUBU TV. Thank you and happy reading!
Spring Intern Needed
Intern needed for EPIPHANY Inc. Filmmaker Nicole Franklin needs assistance with administrative assignments and social media posts. Three-month internship, 10hrs/wk. Great opportunity to get acquainted with potential hires. Please send resume/website to Nicole Franklin, Nicoleedits@gmail.com by April 15. Thanks!
My News
Nicole's Diary - Page 2
It's Easter and as a woman raised in parishes that religiously welcomed back its flock this time of year, I feel the annual pull to take time, reflect and celebrate a renewal. It is not easy after a week of awful news. I don't want to re-read this post in the future and be taken back to the memory of this week's events in terrorism, so I won't detail them here. No matter if atrocities happen overseas or in the next town over, lives lost in senseless killings always take the shine off the finer things in life. Because I cannot harbor a feeling of helplessness, I react--some say over-react--to things out of my control. I wanted to accomplish so much this week, and I have in my career, for which I am so grateful... but there is still the issue of some illegal activity happening next door to a property I own in New Jersey. The perpetrators know me, they know my disgust and yet in any attempt I make to shut them down, they outwit me in the simplest of ways: ignoring citations, waiting out the heat, friending the police. I am told over and over to wait it out. Well, it's been five years now. Five years with an abandoned house next door to mine on a block whose only problem is this eyesore. Five years in a cat and mouse game with squatters where it seems only I am the one who gets years taken off of her life because of my frustration. This is the year it stops. Now is the time for change. Trespassing, operating an illegal mechanic shop, siphoning electricity may seem like petty crimes to some, but living as 50+ year old men who perpetuate a culture where no one applies themselves, means you're ultimately not free. How many have died before us just for the right to be free? Since there is not a care in the world if they have made it to sundown without an arrest, then they probably missed the news. Nearly 150 students with dreams and ambitions were gunned down before sunrise at their university this week. You see to me, choosing hustling as a day job means you think their lives meant nothing. And I can't stand that.
Buyer needed for the abandoned house and large lot to the right of this beautiful home in Newark, NJ. Grab this opportunity for a steal and help us keep the peace.
Time to Chat about FUBU TV!
Thrilled for tonight's Twitter chat, hosted by The Good Men Project with guest J. Alexander Martin, CEO of the newly launched FUBU TV. Martin will take questions about the genesis of this new network for multicultural programming (including our first four chapters of Little Brother-yay!) and socially conscious television. Join us at 9pmEST, Wednesday, April 1 (no joke!) at #GoodMenChat #FUBUTV. And please join me on Twitter 24/7 @Nicoleedits. Twitter's one of my favorite platforms for socializing and social change. Thank you for helping us launch this exciting new channel! All your questions answered tonight. See you online!
Nicole's Diary - Page 1
Yes, there is a diary I have that's more than 15 years old (time flies!), but here--on my very public website--I think it's time to bite the bullet and start another. I'm a busy filmmaker, single, passionate about life and my career and because I am involved in so many projects the question I get asked most is "How are you doing it all?" My immediate answer: "I don't have a husband and kids to take care of and I'm good at time management, I guess." That still leaves so many unsatisfied looks and stares. It makes sense to me, but then again, I'm still making sense of it all. So at this time in my life as a 40-something New Yorker from St. Louis, I am opening the door to a journey that includes a number of current projects and life experiences that are making waves and past projects and life experiences that probably didn't. I've been extremely blessed to pursue my passion and inspire a fellow talent here and there to possibly do the same. I invite you all to please leave questions in the comment section of these posts and I'll be happy to address them. And please share with others--this may be the closest I get to writing my memoir, which includes step-by-step instructions on Filmmaking 101 - The Nicole Franklin Guide. :) But most of all, I expect that these diary entries online may be the best way for me to share insights on life, career and spirituality (if you allow me) all while working on the stories I still, as a filmmaker and writer, have in me to share. There are many tales out there of breaking down barriers in order to claim the life, love and happiness that is one's inalienable right to have. Thank you for taking the time to check in every once in a while for mine.
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.
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.
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
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.
