Nicole's Diary - Page 8

Coming off a wonderful Mother's Day weekend I am quite disturbed by recent news locally here in NY. Trust me there's been plenty to set me off lately going around the country. But this one hits home.  I live in the NYC Tri-State area--NJ specifically--and since my Mother is more than 3,000 miles away, I visit my Harlem, NYC tribe for special Sundays that require family time. Because of my cousin being the guiding force my sister and I have for two Midwestern girls in the big bad city (not so bad, overall), I'm in Harlem a lot for dinner, community and a lot of laughs. I lived in Harlem for seven years and took it all in. It's nice to have a place to hang my hat as well. Yet this weekend while most of the local news focus was on the recent investigation of slave conditions of the nail salons what did not get as much buzz were the attacks in Central Park. Two violent attacks within hours of each other took place in a location extremely close to my heart--"The Jewel of New York" to which Central Park is often referred. It was my go-to place for working out, for peace of mind, for crying my eyes out, for a game of softball, for a play, for a film shoot, or just to be by myself among the thousands of city natives in our beautiful back yard. It is truly beautiful. And to learn that one of the attacks involved "a roving band of hoodlums — one armed with a taser and another a knife" who left one girl who was enjoying the Park with her boyfriend, punched in the face, I can't stand for it. Central Park is the one getaway we have in a city of 8 million. And you have to travel in a gang to do something as cowardly as rob one or two people and think you'll get away with it? I feel bad for the victims, yes. But I feel worse for the kids who felt they needed to act in a criminal manner at 7:30pm on a gorgeous day. While it's still daylight, they could only do something so stupid and reckless while traveling in a pack--their tribe, amongst their peeps. Most Central Park lovers who were interviewed about the story said this will not keep them away.  But the kids responsible for this mayhem are not going to escape the vitriol of people like me who will put them in their place. Grow up. Know that this gang-like activity has caught the attention of the NYPD and a heck of a lot of people who spend millions of dollars to live across the street on all sides from what you may consider new territory where you can act out. My former residence, Harlem, borders the North. Bring your brand of foolishness to Central Park? You're in the wrong neighborhood for such shennanigans. And these friends you're surrounding yourself with in order to carry on this way will dump you the second you have to run.

Snapshot from my walk in Overpeck Park, Bergen County, NJ. Nice, but doesn't compare to my Central Park.

CLICK SHOP PROJECTS FUNDED

What you may not know about EPIPHANY Inc. is that the bulk of our production funding comes from the dollars you put into us.  If our films make money from our audience (which is growing so much--thanks for talking us up!), we reinvest in community outreach and our Little Brother franchise.  We are also raising a few dollars toward our microbudget indie feature slate. These are the films you want to see. And we are truly grateful. Through NicoleFranklin.com, the benefits of a supportive community of sponsors, family and audience members bring a variety of goodies.  Sure you love the films and digital media (thank you!), but what about shoes, movie tickets offers and discount hotel bookings? Through affiliate partners such as Sketchers, Fandango and Hotels.com, click on and shop through our website. We raise funds and you don't have to change your routine! And you know what's pretty cool? In addition to being my favorite footwear, Skechers has teamed up with Bob's to donate a pair of shoes to a child with every purchase. I bought mine for the season. Click here through our page to try yours. And visit our For You page to see even more ways to support our projects, make tax-deductible donations and--For You--list your business with us and share your links with our growing fans! Contact me at Nicoleedits@gmail.com to hear more about joining us. Click, Shop, Projects Funded! Thank you!

CLICK, SHOP, PROJECTS FUNDED

Femergy Abounds

My Femergy meter was off the charts last week.  I started using this term after reading my friend Abiola Abrams' latest book, The Sacred Bombshell Handbook of Self-Love.  She talks about us taking some conscious time to have a goddess year. I found myself wondering what it would be like if I did! Well, attending my friend William Greaves Memorial Service at The Schomburg and hearing pioneering producer Madeline Anderson's tribute inspired me so much I had to document it for all of you--women and men--who wish to one day proclaim as she did "I believed I could fly. And I did." Anderson said she reached the pinnacle of her career as the only woman producer/director of WNET's Black Journal because Bill gave her wings. Thank you, Bill. You may listen to her remarks here.  You may also read my tribute to Bill in the Canadian publication ByBlacks.com here. Two days later our latest film Little Brother:  Manchild in the Promised Land (Chapter 5 - Tucson, AZ) premiered at the Women of African Descent Film Festival hosted by the Brooklyn Links. It's one of our favorite places to be every year and the supportive crowd who celebrate women in front of and behind the camera is so empowering. I was thrilled to see my fellow presenters and their afternoon selections including first-time filmmaker Rachel Miller-Bradshaw whose film On My Own I've been promoting as the discussion about single motherhood is so valuable to our community. The work of Rachel and the women who ranged from emerging to seasoned in one afternoon has a way of recharging the batteries. More to come as May is setup to be our target date for some new EPIPHANY Inc. projects to take off in flight as well. Stay tuned...

Madeline Anderson remembers our friend Bill Greaves at this memorial service, April 30, 2015, The Schomburg, Harlem, NYC. Click here to hear her remarks.

Selfie with filmmaker Rachel Miller-Bradshaw, On My Own.

Nicole's Diary - Page 7

"Get your a-- over here…" was what many of us were mouthing along with the video that went viral of Toya Graham giving her son the beat down on the streets of Baltimore earlier this week. Those of us who know mothers like Graham know she saved his life--by smacking some sense into him and dragging him home.  It was a moment that brought a smile to my face (every time I see it, actually…I still remember my Grandmother whoopping my ass into tomorrow). Images of Graham and her son Michael bring back many memories, amidst the tears. I've been crying all week. And I don't cry well, as I get headaches which turn into migraines when I'm upset like this. As I told a number of friends today, I'm tired. I have rogue policing fatigue. Something I'm ashamed of is that I can still watch the video of Walter Scott being shot to death and not be shocked. I'm just waiting for the next one. And that's not right. I'm more upset that the more we work for change, the more things stay the same. Seeing riots and looting on television this week took me back 20+ years to the LA riots which I was right in the middle of with friends and colleagues. We as a country were in pain then. We're in pain now. Twenty+ years later when Baltimore, Ferguson and our emotions are on fire, I don't understand why some people don't get it.  People of color are not disposable. Period. Unarmed Black men are not target practice. But I live in a United States where Black boys seem to be born into that role. And we all are responsible. I work in the field of Black male achievement because I can't help myself. This is family. And for people across all races, we're all standing up to say our family is in pain.  I'm not a mother. As a Black woman it would break my heart to see my son walk out of the front door every day without me walking right behind him. Hats off to the parents who are much stronger than I am. Baltimore strong.

"Mother of the Century" Toya Sherman and her son Michael.

Vote Your Voice - a Chat with FUBU TV

Heartbreaking images of Baltimore in pain has affected anyone who cares about justice.  Violence begets violence, though. Can voter registration be the answer? Can an Election save lives? I was eager to share our ‪#‎EConvo‬ platform with FUBU TV to discuss ‪#‎Voting‬ as a major movement to voice frustration and propose change.  St. Louis Alderman Antonio French (@AntonioFrench) and Nigerian activist and hero (read how he saved 500 Nigerian girls from abduction here) IG Wala (@ig_wala). Our Twitter Chat is at 1pmEST, Tuesday, April 28. Never been on a Twitter chat? No problem. Please follow me at www.Twitter.com/Nicoleedits. We'll be using the hashtags #Voting #FUBUTV. Around 1pmEST today, click on either my timeline or #Voting or #FUBUTV. You'll see our Twitter thread including questions and answers from all of our panelists. And if you're on Twitter, please leave me your Twitter handle and join us! See you in at 1pmEST!

Support Little Brother in Five Steps

Support Little Brother in Five Steps!

 Little Brother, the 10-chapter documentary series by producers Nicole Franklin and Jai Tiggett, is premiering its latest chapter, Chapter 5. Celebrate our midpoint milestone with us and share the voices of young Black men in Five Steps!

Step 1: Watch us on FUBU TV. Not heard of FUBU TV? This new VOD network is being launched to 55 million households. The pilot programming includes the first four chapters of Little Brother.  No TV? No problem. Watch us here.

Step 2: Read our guide while you screen. Our Pay-what-you-wish curriculum guide is now available as a download from our website. Share our social media campaign promoting this 67-page handbook by clicking here.

Step 3: Our young men from our first chapter are ready for college! We’re collecting your small change as A Graduation Gift to Little Brother. Please share coins and dollars by clicking here. 

Step 4: Little Brother:  Manchild in the Promised Land (Chapter 5), filmed in Tucson, AZ has its festival premiere Saturday afternoon on May 2 at the Women of African Descent Film Festival (WADFF) in Brooklyn, NY. Will you be in NYC? Please attend and share our link here.

Step 5:  Does your local school, library or house of worship know about us? Please inquire, and, if they’re interested, email us at LittleBrotherFilm@gmail.com. We will have our distributor, Third World Newsreel, send DVDs!

Thank you for your generous support in Five Simple Steps. Just in time for May.  Stay in touch! Happy Spring!

Little Brother:  The Fire Next Time (Chapter 4)

Tucson, Arizona's Little Brothers - Past and Present

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!

 http://thndr.it/1IxiAEh

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

So honored to be interviewed for an article on the career I'm very passionate about. If you're a regular visitor to these pages, you already have an idea.  If not, take a read here. Great questions by Robert Walker! Thanks for the curiosity!

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.