Alliance of Women Directors Event Oct 19, 2011

Earlier this week I had the privilege of shooting - capturing footage - at the Alliance of Women Directors Filming Fight Scenes: Gun, Swords, and Fists event. This was my first experience at an AWD event and it has left a very good impression with me.

“Alliance of Women Directors is the only organization solely dedicated to education, support and advocacy for women directors in the entertainment industry.” 

It was not only an action packed evening but also a very informative evening with event attendees freely asking questions of the professional fight coordinators and stunt people. Time flew by as the discussion dove into on-set weapon, crew, and performer safety and proceeded into communication and camera angles for capturing the action.

I loved being able to see the live action simultaneously on the stage and on the big screen. Everyone had a great view.

Women and men, AWD members and non-members were in attendance. The attendees weren’t just directors. They were producers, editors, camera operators, etc. Besides the amount of awesome information being shared throughout the evening the atmosphere at this event was very welcoming and supportive.

The Alliance of Women Directors announced a November 22^nd event addressing the last 45 minutes before shooting on a television show. Please check out their website http://allianceofwomendirectors.org/ for more information. 

prepping the stage & placing the stunt pads

Kim Turney tests the sound system for the presentation

The presentation is ready on the big screen.

Lynette laughs at the size of the microphone on this HD camera.

Patty Jean Robinson being silly during a break.

Terrence Julien also being silly during a break in the action.

A Computer Geek Wakes Up

This morning I roll over and look at the clock. 4:04 AM. Not fully awake my mind registers "404 Error -  Item Not Found." My next thought is "who stole my clock?" I then roll back over to sleep knowing I have another hour before I really have to be up.

I can't even remember the last time I saw that error message appear but I find it humorous that that's what went through my brain this morning.

A scene from my first feature script

As some of you may know I have been writing my first featre length script. It's taken me a while because I've been using this as my training ground learning feature length story telling from the ground up. I just finished a rewrite which developed the B-story more than before and I've decided to share a part of the script with you. Your comments are welcome.


INT. RICKETY SHACK
Rays of light poke through the broken wall boards. Elaine fixates on a mirror propped up in front of her as it flashes images from her life.

Images of security escorting her out the door of her place of work; her holding an eviction notice; her holding a positive pregnancy test; someone slamming a door in her face; and someone tossing a glass of wine on her.

Elaine cries out in frustration hitting the mirror causing it to crack. A piece falls to the floor. She collapses to the floor also.

The demon Rayann with deep black eyes appears unnoticed and kneels behind Elaine.

RAYANN
        How can you even think of caring for a child?       

ELAINE
I can’t even take care of myself.                   

RAYANN
He doesn’t love you.                                     

ELAINE
Why doesn’t he love me?                            

RAYANN
You don’t even have a job.                         

ELAINE
I’m worthless.                                           

RAYANN
You can’t handle this.                                 

ELAINE
                There’s no way out. No way to make things better.    

Elaine picks up the piece of broken glass.

EXT. RICKETY SHACK - CONTINUOUS
Zita walks up, looks around then steps inside.

INT. RICKETY SHACK - CONTINUOUS
Zita steps up behind Rayann and see’s Elaine contemplating using the broken piece of glass.

ZITA
(whispers)
                       Cool this is one of my favorite parts of torment.             

Rayann turns to see Zita.

RAYANN
(whispers)
                            It gets better than this. They always think this will             
stop the pain and hurt.                             

ZITA
(whispers)
               But in reality this seals the deal that this particular
           torment will continue to haunt them for eternity.

Rayann stands up turning her back to Elaine.

RAYANN
Exactly.                                                   

ZITA
       I’m looking for a woman named Bailey who's
         travelling with a man named Victor. Have they
been by this way?                                    

RAYANN
       Not that I’ve seen but a while back I did hear
                   faint screaming from somewhere in the distance.       

ZITA
           If, perchance, they do come your way notify me
            immediately. The Prince really wants her.           

RAYANN
      Immediately. Sure. Is this a case of her being
               close to discovering love?                                       

ZITA
                 We don’t know yet if the guy is filled with the light.  
                      But you know what the Prince will do to me if she does.

RAYANN
                         We don’t want that. I’ll definitely let you know if I see her.

As Zita exits, Rayann kneels down behind Elaine once again.

RAYANN (CONT’D)
(to Elaine)
                   That’s right. You can do this. This will make everything
better.                                                         

Bonding over Boobies

Ladies, it is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I got my mammogram this past week and if you haven’t done so yet please make an appointment and get yours before October is over.

This was my first trip in for a mammogram where other women were present in the waiting room. All the seats in the hallway were full of ladies waiting for chest x-rays, ultrasounds, and mammograms. Conversations ran the gamut from needing to rush off to work, going through perimenopause, quick and delicious recipes, etc.

I have the privilege of personally knowing two breast cancer survivors but my experience earlier this week was a first. To physically be present when another woman, who has three teenage daughters, is dealing with the stress of breast cancer not knowing for sure what the future holds for her has made quite an impact on my life. The one thing this woman repeated to me multiple times during our conversation was “I waited too long. I waited too long to do something.”  Her words will forever be etched in my mind. I hope that no other woman will ever have to say those words. 

So ladies, I beg of you, if you have not done so yet, please don’t wait any longer, make an appointment and get your yearly mammogram. You’re worth it.

I do apologize for the title but I thought it might get your attention and I do feel that I bonded with the woman next to me because of our conversation.

The Friendship Game & Anti-Bullying

At this time where the anti-bullying campaign is so important, I find myself thinking about ways to stop bullying. What are we teaching youngsters today? How do we and how can we instill positive acceptance of others? Are our kids playing any games that have a positive influence against bullying?

One particular game comes to mind. A game I learned to play while in Russia. I don't remember its name but it promotes "positive self-esteem and friendship" in each of its participants because there is no loser.

"Game" requirements: Have an odd number of people. Usually at least 9 people - the more people the better.

The set up: Form two lines about four feet apart and face the person directly across from you. This is your current partner. Designate one end of the two lines as the front. One un-partnered person is at the front of the two lines.

The game: The non-partnered person ventures between the two lines and takes the hand of the person they want to be partnered with. They both hold hands as together they continue through the open area between the lines to the end where they separate and take the end position in opposite lines. The new non-partnered person makes their way on the outside of the lines to the front. they then venture between the lines, as the last person did, and select who they want to be partnered with. This continues over and over for the duration (you choose the time frame) of the game.

Rules: The non-partnered person cannot choose the person they were just partnered with. New partners must hold hands as they travel together to the end of the lines.

This game can be played by all age groups. The group that taught me the game began with elementary aged kids and included multiple generations. I was 26 when I learned to play.

The awesome part of this game was that everyone felt special - wanted, included, etc - because they were chosen by someone who wanted to be their partner and stand with them. And those whose partner was chosen did not become a loser because they became the next selector. While playing this game, I never saw one person disappointed by being chosen. Smiles were abundant.

I can't think of any other "game" I've ever played that did not include a loser. According to thefreedictionary.com the top three definitions of Game, as a noun, are:

1. An amusement or pastime; diversion
2. A contest with rules, the result being determined by skill, strength, or chance
3. A single period of play in such a contest, sport, etc

 By these definitions, this "Friendship Game" as I've titled it - for lack of a better brainstorming moment - is most definitely a game.

So if you ever want to play a very positive esteem building game this could very well be the game you've been looking for.

I remember playing countless hours of Red Rover (which had winners and losers) and I have not turned into a bully. But what if we were to play more games -without winners and losers- with our kids? Would that bring the downfall of the American competitive spirit or would it enhance it by providing our youth with more positive self esteem building play experiences?

I don't have all the answers. I just wrote what was on my mind this morning. The big questions is how do we put an end to bullying.

Comments on Jane Russell An Autobiography

Earlier this week I read Jane Russell's autobiography. Rarely do I read autobiographies but a friend of Jane's gave me the book to read and I'm so glad I did. Don't worry. I won't give everything away here.

Jane had ups and downs and some of her journeys were a "maze" but the one constant in her life was God. He didn't abandon her. The world saw her as a star on the silver screen and had their own opinions of her both good and bad but she remained a down-to-earth, fun-loving woman. A woman I wish I had known.