California here we come! Tavis’ Smiley’s new radio station, KBLA Talk 1580, is now the Saturday morning 6amPST home of our interview series, Before You Go! Sharing the stories of our elders and griots in the second largest media market is a dream come true. Will you join us? Download the @KBLA1580 app and share with friends! Thank you for tuning in!
Heading Into My First Class!
So excited to be in the inaugural NABJ Entrepreneur Academy Class for Content Creators powered by CafeMedia. I was thrilled to get the call! The team promises a packed two months of building our brand. I’m looking forward to brushing up on skills and learning lots of new ones. More than that, I’m honored to be among some pretty talented journalists who have stepped off the ledge into a big pool of self-starters. We’ve gotta dream big, right? And for you, our audience, we work hard every day to bring that dream to life. We’re excited!
Listen to our Podcast and Shop!
Thrilled to have two new affiliates supporting our #BeforeYouGoTV #podcast: Mutombo African Coffee™ and Eye See Me African American children’s bookstore.
Mutombo African Coffee™ flavors are so delicious. Drink another #coffee brand? "No, No, No!" :) Pls scan and shop via our link by clicking here.
Whether you're browsing the aisles in person or clicking through all of the enchanting titles online, a visit to Eye See Me via our link introduces young readers to a world of stories from the African Diaspora. We love reading. Grown up books are available too! Please click here to shop and support!
Thanks for shopping with us!
Join our Private Crypto Sale!
What is LifeCrypto? We’re crypto and we fall into the category of an altcoin. You know. Those are the coins and tokens you want to get in on “early” because Bitcoin is a wee bit out of reach for most. How about purchasing the next crypto that’s getting ready to take off? If you’ve ever wondered why you never hear of these opportunities before they hit, I’m writing this for you—you’re hearing about it right now. Meet the team here at this link. And read on to hear from me, LifeCrypto’s very happy CMO!
Nicole, is this is scam?
Not at all. As always please do your own research (DYOR) and read all about us by clicking here. Our team—none of whom are taking a salary—want us all to enjoy LIFE and make a difference for those who need it.
Nicole, is this a pyramid scheme?
Not even close. You’re fully in control of your own investment, wallet and transactions. And we would never taint the reputation of The Pyramids.
Wait…didn’t something happen with LIFE and everyone’s money disappeared?
Why yes, and it was quite terrible. LIFE was an altcoin run by admins who promised those of us who believed in them that we were going to be the answer for funding charitable causes around the globe and make millions in the meantime. The admin team even did a deal with the government of the British Virgin Islands to incorporate LIFE as their digital currency as their rapid response coin in case a hurricane wiped out all other government backed currencies and exchanges. Too good to be true? Ummm…yeah. We crashed. Big time. In May 2020, LIFE closed shop with no notice, no good-bye and left me and a number of my new LIFE friends stranded--holding empty “bags.” We’re talking upwards of $200,000 of individual investments (not me, I’m a $50 every now and then investor). Personal savings were wiped. Families destroyed. It was…brutal.
There was nothing left?
Well…there was us, the LIFE community left to hobble through the rubble. It’s never pretty to witness multiple adults experiencing the five stages of grief. But we had each other. And we were true Lifers because we believed in our common good. And plus…screw us? The angriest investors in our group chat had access to home addresses. Yikes!
So now…LIFE rose from the ashes?
I would say so, yes. Never underestimate some of the smartest and successful people I’ve met in cryptocurrency believing, “We can do this ourselves.” Thus, a community token was born.
LifeCrypto is one of the most exciting projects with one of the best comeback stories in these digital times. I love LIFE. I hope you do too.
Only invest what you can afford to lose. That’s my motto. If it’s $50 or a little less, with this private sale, you’ll make out quite nicely. Are you ready to join us? Please start here and join our main Telegram channel. A warning: Sometimes the conversations can resemble a locker rom. Stay still for a while and they’ll pass (smile).
You know how I mentioned earlier that you’ll hear this from me now so please don’t miss the boat? Here is the specific Telegram channel with instructions on our Private Sale. Yes, this is the sale before the main doors are flung open. Friends, come one, come all. At these prices, you’re going to enjoy LIFE even more!
Oh, and the staking opportunities. Those who follow my stock chat know I love dividend stocks and profits from holding dividend growth stocks. I refer to “staking” as my crypto CD.
Nicole, it’s Friday the 13th—is this for real?
If this were Friday the 14th, I’d be telling you the same advice: Buy LifeCrypto now. In fact on the 14th you’d be a day late. FOMO, anyone?
Is there a risk? Always. But losing everyone’s money is not who we are. Meet the team. Choose LIFE. We’ll make it worth your while!
~Nicole
We're Hiring!
Account Executive/Advertising Sales
EPIPHANY Inc.
Work remotely!
Job Type:
Part-time
Who We Are:
EPIPHANY Inc. is a production company producing award-winning films, podcasts, and, more recently, radio programming. We are seeking a part-time experienced account executive to sell media advertising. The position will bring in ad revenue for our radio show, podcast and website. The account executive will also build relationships with customers ranging from small businesses and nonprofits to large corporations.
The ideal candidate has 10 or more years of experience in sales. We are seeking a professional who is coachable, ambitious, self-motivated, outgoing and eager to make a large amount of uncapped income. This is an opportunity to work for an exciting and expanding production company.
Job Responsibilities:
· Prospect, contact and present to new businesses to generate new advertising revenue
· Contact potential clients via phone and/or virtual conference meetings
· Create and present sales presentations (with final approval from managers)
· Act as negotiator for assigned or new accounts
· Close all leads found or given
· Manage an active account
· Request referrals
· Provide weekly activity forms
· Attend weekly virtual sales meetings
· Maintain existing accounts
Minimum Requirements/Experience
· Sales experience
· Sales experience of 10 or more years a plus
· Advertising experience a plus
· Strong communication skills
· Excellent customer service skills
· Experience creating sales presentations
· Self-motivated
· Outgoing and confident approach
Compensation:
Account Executives can expect to earn 25% commission on each sale
Commission paid monthly
Monthly residuals on accounts under a monthly contract
Residuals on returning accounts
Send resume and cover letter to Executive Producer Nicole Franklin at Nicole@BeforeYouGo.TV and Chief Marketing Officer Cynthia Wagner at Cynthia@BeforeYouGo.TV.
See Us, Hear Us!
It’s been an exciting few months of media appearances. Everyone likes to hear about the fun we have with our Before You Go guests. They’re 100 years old or “getting up there” as we say. Our “super seniors” are fascinating, informative, wise and witty. Here are links to some of our appearances! Please support these hosts! Click on each title, take a listen and learn what makes us tick!
That's a Wrap for The Forks!
We’re back! Production for small indie troupes like mine and Myra’s are back in action and it’s been so much fun! Yesterday I was so happy to be on a real set—with people!
First I took a nostalgic walk along many of the places where I’ve filmed through the years—and even memorialized crew with a tree and park bench— in Manhattan. COVID it’s time to go. Then I hopped on a bus and headed to Brooklyn to the fabulous Bunker Studio to record the enchanting and very funny new radio play The Forks! by the super talented Myra Sito Velasquez. Our cast of friends and new friends was hands down the best to bring these delightful characters to life.
The play is a spot on #comedy so it was wonderful to laugh! I’m thrilled and honored to be a producer for my friend’s project and I can’t wait for all of you to once again experience Myra’s creation. Such a brilliant writer. Remarkable piece. The guys in the studio were laughing so we got a great reaction. More professional photos from our set #photographer Daryl Tillman to come. What a great way to start the week. Well done, cast—especially when we had to adhere to many COVID Compliant protocols to get here. It’s a new world, but the cast brought us back to those warm fuzzy feelings! Bravo! And Viva la Revolution!
Officially Joined the Babes Who Hustle Club!
Had such a blast being interviewed for Babes Who Hustle. Will leave the link right here for all to read. Please check out our fellow Babes too! Rock on, Ladies! And Happy Spring!
BlackFacts.com Has a New Podcast--With Us!
We Have News!
(and click here for our press release!)
Our Before You Go Team is now hosting the daily podcast—the Black Fact Of The Day™—from BlackFacts.com. With 1.5 million visitors to their site per month and 25 million seeking out their Black Facts during Black History Month, we’re having a blast!
Launching Before You Go Books with Women We'll Never Forget
When we think of Women’s History Month, rarely do we refer to the history that emerged of women spending months on cargo ships, kidnapped, terrorized and—for those who survived—threatened with death at every waking moment. Our podcast, Before You Go, introduces audiences to history through first-person accounts. Needless to say, we’re also big fans of historians, who tell us of decades and centuries past.
Joining us for our inaugural live stream event, under our Before You Go Books series, is a premier researcher in Middle Passage Studies. Dr. Sowande’ Mustakeem of Washington University in St. Louis authored the book Slavery at Sea: Terror, Sex and Sickness in the Middle Passage. She joins us Saturday, March 13, 4pmEST for a live chat about her findings. We’re anticipating a most riveting conversation. Please register for our free online event by clicking here.
Join our BYG Team!
Before You Go podcasts hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh
BYG Pop Quiz #1
We have a new podcast! Before You Go is a first-person podcast with 100-year-old guests—or at least those who consider themselves “getting up there.” The wisdom, the fun memories, the resilience is sometimes found all in one guest. And we’re loving it. Click here to read all of the deets!
Sometimes hosts Nicole Franklin (that’s me!) and Bryant Monteilh bring on a guest to listen in with us on these fantastic interviews. In our first newsletter, we offered up our first Pop Quiz. The question: What is the name of our guest who joined us for our “Who’s Listening In?” segment in Episode 1 featuring the talented and wonderful piano teacher Mrs. Maud Carroll? We’ll give you a hint: He’s a very prominent member of the more than 100-year-old organization, National Association of Negro Musicians!
If you’re first to leave his name as the correct answer in the comment section of this post, we’ll give you a special #SeniorMoment in our next newsletter. What does that entail? Allow us to feature you, your favorite charity and a small business you may wish to promote. We’re thrilled to share your work with our global audience. We love that you’re enjoying our podcast.
Please leave your answer in the comment section below! Thanks for playing our Pop Quiz!
Help is just a phone call away
Our podcast, Before You Go, features a mature, seasoned generation who do not dare hold back when telling their story. There’s no need. They’ve lived incredible lives. And at this point they know their experience may help—or save—someone else from harm. Some of these experiences come with deep, dark pain. There are times in our first episode where the details are so shocking, it’s hard to imagine one human being torturing another. But it does happen. And—no matter what the motivation—life can get super tough sometimes.
There is help. It’s just a phone call away. If any of our stories trigger emotions of depression, self-harm, or just the need to reach out, we recommend picking up the phone. Here are some suggestions:
National Suicide Hotline - 800-273-8255
National Center for Healthy Safe Children - 1-866-577-5787
Internet Search - “Abuse hotlines” and look for agencies associated with a government or civic entity, such as a state mental health organization. Look for clinical backgrounds of the directors or board members in the mix.
In your state: Department of Children and Family Services may be found under most State Department of Human Resources websites.
Mental Health resources are a part of the mission of the United Way. Reach out!
Please connect with someone. Trust that someone you’re not even thinking of really wants you to be here. And they whole-heartedly want the best for you.
You are not alone.
A Star Is Born and She's a Podcast!
We did it! We started 2021 with a brand new project: A podcast! Our stories that tantalize the ear are first-person accounts from 100-year-old guests—or at least interviewees who are “getting up there.” Our super seniors are lively, reflective, master storytellers and ready and willing to drop a heck of a lot of knowledge. We love our podcast. We titled it Before You Go, because there’s no time like the present to get these conversations on the record. What a gift! Click here to read all about it!
Who is our first guest? Mrs. Maud Carroll. She’s so amazing, she actually gets two episodes! Words cannot describe how much her story grips your heart and takes you for a heck of a ride. Mrs. Carroll is no ordinary piano teacher (and yes, she still teaches 90 students at 100 years old!). Our BYG Artist-in-Residence, Carlos Dos Santos, was so inspired he designed this special work of art! For a suggested donation of $25, we will remove the Before You Go watermark and email you a digital file that has a maximum size of 4908 x 4908px. Click here to pledge an amount for your next art purchase. Your gift would mean the world to us as we show Mrs. Carroll how much she inspires. Thank you!
Advice to the Blind Mice
As we wrap our Indie Fuxion Film Showcase, I have to congratulate our youngest filmmakers we featured: Blind Mice. They’re recent graduates from Hofstra University, where—full disclosure—I was their professor. I applaud their new adventure as a recently formed film production company, and I hope they know they have my full support. As in my own case as a young creative, it was the women who came before me who handed me projects to produce or broadcasts to edit, not just work as entry-level crew. They told me, I believe you can do this. Go tell this story. I’m hiring you. I was in my early 20s and showed up, over-prepared but ready to learn more, with boundless enthusiasm.
I know these talented young creatives have an exciting career ahead. I believe in them. And some of our veterans featured in our showcase, such as the innovative Womanity Project and fantastic filmmaker Celia Peters (Mission) in an earlier post, shared some valuable advice. Here’s a taste:
Danielle Eliska Lyle (Shield): “Stay the course. You've been given immense talent and vision for a reason. Do not despise small beginnings. Keep taking steps toward the goal. It may not happen overnight--but success will come in its beautiful form as long as you work hard and keep going. Bless your journey.”
Ruth Sergel (BELLE): “The community we create is the community we get. Thank you for expanding our world with your bold and compassionate vision.”
Louise Fleming (Rain UP Close): “Become more adept at listening and observing. If you are doing narrative get GOOD actors as they will be able to bring to life, the words you have written. This is a must. If you are doing a documentary get a GOOD editor. And be supportive of each other. Last [but not least] take care of your own physical and mental wellbeing.”
The always poetic Myra Velasquez (Kung Fu Granny):
“When things get tough ’n things get rough,
Step back and sing yourself a song. One of my favorites is:
Row row row your boat
gently down the stream
Merrily merrily merrily merilly
Life is But a Dream.”
(And trust me, Myra is very serious about this piece of advice. Give it a try!)
There are many gifts this industry has to give. One thing this pandemic has taught us is that our plans can change in a millisecond. Be open, young mice. And don’t let anyone take away your joy. This is a business, yes. But we’re the behind-the-scenes magicians who bring the fun. Thank you for being a part of our Showcase!
Indie Fuxion is a Wrap!
Thank you so much, Everyone! Our month-long Indie Fuxion Film Showcase wraps on December 15. GFNTV was the perfect platform to dive into something new—fearless films from some talented artists across the globe. I’m a proud first-time Artistic Director who very much enjoyed hearing comments like these:
"I just watched Trayvia. First short film I've ever watched!"
"Had a chance to watch Mariette’s film last night. Very well-made and engaging."
"I'm going to watch Stella and the films for kids with my children. Thank you for this!"
"Just watched Shield. I'm going to get to the others tonight!"
“Saw Kung Fu Granny TWICE! And now want the sequel.”
“I watched The Little Black School House and really enjoyed it. Lots of history.”
I can’t wait to share more of your kudos with our courageous filmmakers. So…we’d love to know. What’d You Think? Please fill out our feedback form by clicking here.
And stay in touch with us! Leave us your email address on this website on our contact page by clicking here.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for watching!! Last looks? Here’s our link to our Showcase. Please watch and share. Have a safe and wonderful end to 2020. Here we come, 2021. Be kind to us!
A Chat with the Iconic Tim Reid!
I was in grade school when WKRP in Cincinnati became the “grown up” show I was allowed to watch. Audiences were in high anticipation of any and all appearances by the stylish and suave Venus Flytrap. You know what else was cool? Seeing him credited as a writer on some of the episodes. Yeah. I was nerdy like that. This was an industry I loved. And I wanted “in.” I absorbed industry moves like a sponge. And with all of the plot advancements that are Tim Reid’s career, I stay a student of how to keep the indie spirit in me thriving.
Well, guess what! With Indie Fuxion Film Showcase, I get to chat with the man himself and bring this encounter with an icon live to you! Tune in on the GFNTV FB page for our live event Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 7pmEST. Mr. Reid may share some of the secrets to success. I suspect he’ll be full of wisdom, intellect and wit. Please join us by clicking here. See you soon!
Filmmaker Sylvia D. Hamilton
From Canada, with Love
Picture this. I finished my first film—a feature documentary on double Dutch jump rope—and was invited to a then 20-year old film festival in Nova Scotia. I had never been to Nova Scotia and thought this was an incredible feat for a film I had decided if nothing happened for it, I’d just sell it out of the back of my car. I was a brand new documentary filmmaker. How do I navigate this?
There in Canada, I sat in the back of the theatre where the public came to watch. I remember a lot of families. I remember a lot of attendees who did not look like me. I remember standing outside the theatre at the end of the screening and shaking hands with people who had a lot of smiles for a film that brought them smiles. Then the biggest smile of all came from a Black Canadian woman named Sylvia D. Hamilton. She took me along with her to the after party and from that moment on, we were sisters.
After returning to New York and looking her up her impressive resume, I knew I struck gold. Sylvia is the big sister I didn’t know I needed. As a debut documentarian who was to suddenly receive some recognition (my film sold to The Sundance Channel a few weeks later), Sylvia became my go-to for advice, direction and support. My life in academia, my work as an author…Sylvia’s passion, interests and her own work were already leading the way. Because of Sylvia and hundreds of colleagues who offer a helping hand on the regular, I feel safe.
In our inaugural Indie Fuxion Film Showcase, we have two docs from the slate of Maroon Films Inc. You’ll be impressed. And you’ll want to research Sylvia and know more. Essays, poetry…her storytelling abilities are bountiful and endless. For those who want to dissect her process, she offers a write-up from a lecture she gave at the University of New Brunswick titled “When and Where I Enter: History, Film, and Memory.” Want to learn about the ancestors who arrived as “freedom runners” in Canada through beautiful and gripping poetry? Be sure to get a copy of the poignant And I Alone Escaped To Tell You.
For the month of Nov 15 – Dec 15, 2020 on GFNTV we’re streaming Sylvia’s The Little Black School House and Portia White: Think On Me. You’re in for some fantastic storytelling, and I knew I couldn’t begin this journey as a curator without Sylvia leading the way.
For the FREE Indie Fuxion Film Showcase, please click here to RSVP. Happy Streaming!
The Films of Sylvia D. Hamilton
Filmmaker Ruth Sergel
Our BELLE
I was thinking of telling the story of my long friendship with talented creative Ruth Sergel via a timeline of our lives. It’s been two decades, though, and during the most productive time of my life. Too many wonderful memories to mention. So I think I’ll just share my gratitude.
Thank you to our delightful friend, pioneering film critic and festival founder Kathleen Carroll for saying to me 20 years ago, “You have to meet my friend Ruth Sergel. You both are so alike.” I never questioned Kathleen, “How so?” but at the time Ruth and I both had films on the festival circuit. So I attended Ruth’s screening at our old New York haunt Anthology Film Archives and saw a beautifully moving film Cusp that unveiled the drama of being an adolescent. My film on adolescents and adults reliving their teenage dreams through double Dutch jumprope was touring at the same time. But when the Cusp filmmaker stood up to do her Q&A I had to laugh about our resemblance to each other in Kathleen’s eyes. But hey, we went for coffee, got to know each other and though we didn’t travel in the same circles, formed a bond. It was effortless.
Which came next? My short film shoot or hers? It didn’t matter. She was there for me in a huge way and I was there for her. As you’ll be able to tell in Ruth’s work she grew up professionally in the camera department. She was also reared by award-winning photographer Nathan Farb whom I also call my friend.
Ruth Sergel and Nicole Franklin on the set of Harlem Sistas Double Dutch
Yet even though Ruth and I had our debut directing experiences behind us, when it was time for her short, BELLE, there were plenty of nerves. Why? Oh, we were working with a cast of 80+ year-old women led by the incredible and brave Ethel Greenbaum and it rained on us the weekend for our shoot on the beach. Back in the day many indie filmmakers remember we could rent our truckload of 35mm equipment for a one-day price on a four-day weekend. We made our indoor scenes happen, but then we had to keep our fingers crossed on many fronts and wait till Labor Day weekend to resume. This was a Ruth Sergel film. There were plenty of parties and gatherings to bond with the ladies and check in on them. One of the loveliest summers I’ll always remember.
Did I mention our star had to appear completely in the nude for a scene in the film? That part. That’s the magic of working with Ruth Sergel. She can make you believe in yourself and all of your gifts. And she had a crew of us to uphold her vision. This is not an erotic story. Ruth refers to BELLE as a “subversive fable of old age & beauty.” Ripped from the daily adventure of the life of a senior—a day trip to the market can be filled with unseen adventures. The subtleties that made this story one to watch garnered a TriBeCa Film Festival premiere. Ruth and her team deserved it. We continue to this day to bow down to Ethel, our heroine. I revel in the friendships we made with these women who were not professional actors but were the blue blood workers, unionizers and activists who made New York City the great force that it is—the New York to which I relocated to be a part of the world they helped build, just by believing in the humanity all of us should savor.
I could go on and on. But know that Ruth’s talents have led her into brand new areas integrating technology and AI in the life she now leads in Berlin. I continue to be inspired by her and my colleagues in the States and know that my evolving into new platforms is part of my DnA. Just like Ruth. Thank you, Ruth, for joining me in my first-time out as an Artistic Director. Whenever you need me next, I’ll see you in Berlin!
Watch BELLE and much more adventurous cinema as part of our Indie Fuxion Film Showcase, Nov 15 - Dec 15 on GFNTV! Click here to RSVP. Happy Streaming!
BELLE by filmmaker Ruth Sergel
Filmmaker Aimiende Negbenebor Sela
A Mini Studio run by a Mega Talent
When I first met the unstoppable Aimiende Negbenebor Sela I was instantly curious about and eager to see her work! Aimi, as we call her, is a beautiful spirit who’s warm, full of light and wicked smart. She’s a writer, filmmaker, actor and model who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering and a BA in Literature. Yep. I had to check that I heard that right. She has an engineering degree—a BE. Her films represent her leap into highly complex and ambitious projects. Trust. She’s already figured it out.
Sela Films is a banner company with bold, versatile narratives that span the globe. Even though Aimi herself looks like she could grace the cover of every fashion magazine, bold versatility describes the human behind her winning smile. She speaks of her company the following way: “Six short fictional films and a handful of non-fictional projects later, Sela Films has proven that it's here to stay -- a black female owned indie production company committed to telling stories about our shared experience as members of the human race and focused on interrogating the human condition, but with empathy.”
When you watch a Sela Films storyline, humanism wins every time.
What is evident in Aimi’s work is that no matter what race, culture or gender is represented on screen there’s a Black woman director behind the camera. And the most important part to all of this: No matter what the race or gender, there’s a damn good director behind the camera.
For the inaugural Indie Fuxion Film Showcase, we choose to screen Utopia. I applaud the original storyline and how committed Aimi’s cast and crew seemed to want to deliver for her. The film has top production values and visual effects and awesome production design. Every detail brings this story to life.
In fact, every film of Aimi’s represents what Indie Fuxion is all about. We don’t wait for a Hollywood hire. We hire ourselves. We look to each other for opportunity, growth and collaboration. Filmmakers like myself, Aimi and our indie colleagues formed a creative village a long time ago. We invite you to come along for the ride!
Join us Nov 15 – Dec 15, 2020 for our free Indie Fuxion Film Showcase on GFNTV! Click here to RSVP. It’s FREE!
And be sure to be a part of contributing to Aimi’s production company and her latest venture 8:46PM. Harriet Arrives by clicking here. Happy Streaming!
Utopia by filmmaker Aimiende Negbenebor Sela