The past couple of weeks have been exciting and fun to say the least. Team Eyes Entertainment participated in the 48-hour film project to compete to get our film to Cannes. This is the behind the scene footage taken by my partner, Amanswell & his wife, Tanisha Davis. I created this short, short and that sick ass beat you hear is that of DGSandz, an original composed sound. Put it all together and you get what we are so passionate about. Okay, I know half of you are not going to even read this, and for those that do, thank you. Now, I will shut up. Now, click play...
Early in my script writing career, before I moved to Atlanta to
capitalize on the film market, I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting an extremely talented, down to earth
director, writer and producer named Abdu Dandridge.
He took time out of his busy filmmaking life to visit me in New York,
while on business.
I was anxious but excited while waiting for him to arrive. Upon entering my home, I offered him a seat
at the dining room table. I introduced
him to my daughter and my dad. Dandridge,
understanding good first impressions, left a lasting one on my family and I. I had an overwhelming feeling that I should keep in touch with him.
I wanted to get straight to our conversation because
Dandridge was in the trenches and could provide insight. Still, I didn't know what to expect. I hoped he didn't come to crush my dreams, a
Hollywood type who would make me feel worthless among the filmmakers. Others
were very critical in their opinions of my work. They pushed me aside, told me I was a mediocre scriptwriter and should hone my craft. As
true as some of these things were back then, all I required was a little push
to not quit.
To my surprise, Dandridge had an infectious positive attitude and
offered the nudge I needed. I soon found
he came to encourage my writing team and I, explaining we should ignore the naysayers, prepare
for the many more we would encounter and we had to be in it for more than just making money. We had to act on a cause. Our work had to have some sort of purpose.
Dandridge confirmed that there is no easy way to break into the film industry but to just do it,
go full throttle and complete the work. He had
finished his own film project Pressure which he wrote, produced and directed and was
looking to get it distributed. He told me if my team and I wanted our film to be successful we must do it ourselves even if that meant
making the pen move, holding the camera and finding the money. I was amazed when he told me he was doing it all. At that moment, I was grateful to have two other people (my cousins) by my side. Dandridge gave us hope.
I gave him my undivided attention and my only regret would be not
having enough foresight to document our talk. He dropped many jewels that have assisted me
throughout my writing journey, ones I could passonto someone else,
just as he is doing through his own film projects. The best thing I did was to keep in contact.
Through producing mentor-based projects,My Brother's Keeper, and his
film project Pressure, poised to be released in 2016, which teaches youth to be leaders and not succumb to peer
pressure, Dandridge is sure to leave an indelible mark on the film industry. He has an extensive list of films to his creditand an impressive writing, producing and directing list of both commercials and films.
Dandridge is the CEO and founder of the independent production company, Pressure Entertainment Films LLC., the one-stop production company that provides entertainment and promotional services. Pressure Entertainment specializes in the production of quality full-length features, music videos and tailored commercials. Pressure Entertainment Films LLC. is scheduled to produce a minimum of two films per year, including a range of online video and On-Demand content. Click play to view the new Pressure Entertainment Films reel.
INDUSTRY CREDITS
Dandridge is a native New Yorker who, with his family, now calls
Phoenix, Arizona their home. He started “Pressure Productions” in 1994 out
of his love for filmmaking. Early in his career, he co-wrote, produced
and directed the hilarious TV comedy No B.S. Allowed; which aired for
three years on Brooklyn, New York’s Community Access Television network.
He has written eight full-feature screenplays and directed numerous
music videos for independent record labels such as Now Or Never Records,
A.I.O Entertainment and Gatbush Brooklyn Crew. Dandridge also directed and
co-produced the music videos, Hit It From the Back, featuring Big
Daddy Kane; Heaven's Gate featuring G.B.B.K. and Metro featuring, Parry
Watson and DJ Prince Ice from the Big DM radio station in South
Carolina.
In 1996, Dandridge wrote, produced and directed his first animated project
entitled Junior High. That same year, he completed another animated film
entitled Brooklyn. In 2003, he produced, wrote and directed the very
funny comedy Captain Blue, which was independently released on DVD in
2010. Dandridge’s film and video experience continues to grow as he produced,
directed and edited a music video entitled Grown Man with artist
“P. Watts”, featuring “Piazo” and “Pachino Dino”. The Grown Man video
received the 2010 South Carolina Music Video Award for ”Best Video of
the Year”.
To say the least, Dandridge is ahead of his time. He is a true craftsman doing the necessary work to churn out timeless films that make a difference. His passion for mentoring youth andmaking great films is evident, and it is both refreshing and appreciated.It is a great thing to see his growth, and I am proud to say I know him.
Support the arts and click on the highlighted links to see Dandridge's work. Also click on the video below and check out Dandridge's animated film: Junior High - a gripping animated short that deals with bullying and one of my favs!!
I realize the clapper is not filled out exactly the way it is supposed to, but who cares! I am part of a brilliant team and very honored to be included in this venture!!
What is the 48-Hour Film Project
The 48-Hour Film Project is a festival that test the creative, resources
and efficiency of filmmakers. How fast would you be able to get a cast and crew together to include locations and props and create a 4 to 7 page script and shoot it in 48 hours? Could you do it?
For every project that is finished they will be screened at a local movie theater in the team's city. What??? I don't know about you, but I am overwhelmed with excitement. A chance to be recognized, a chance to be heard, a chance to make a difference.
If you are a filmmaker and you are not taking advantage of undeniable backdrops that can be used in most any setting, getting in on the Georgia film movement and tax incentives offered in Georgia let me tell you what you are missing:
VAST SCENERY (Locations)
Georgia has been used in films over the years, as a stand-in location, for many parts of the world. The Georgia scenery is one that does not compare to many. Most recently, The Blindside and Fast and Furious movies were made in Atlanta; very different genres both filmed in Georgia.
GEORGIA FILM MOVEMENT
The recent boom experienced by Georgia's film industry has created career opportunities in both union and non-union film jobs. Many occupations that were stand alone jobs can incorporate their skills with the film industry; such as builders, stylists and accountants. There are many other occupations that can make the transition into the entertainment business and Georgia is on the cutting edge.
INCENTIVES (Tax credit and sales/use exemptions)
Incentives come in the way of 30 percent tax credit on qualified films. First, you must have at least $500,000.00 secured investment. (In other words, lower budget films will not qualify). You will receive the first 20 percent once you've satisfied this requirement. Second, you will have to ensure that you will embed the Georgia (Peach) logo at the end of your screenplay to receive the remaining 10 percent. You may also qualify for the Sales & Use Tax Exemption, which can save production costs on materials and rentals up to eight percent.
Here are some comments by industry professionals and publications about filming in Georgia:
"...numerous carpenters, hairstylists, accountants and other workers upended by the economic slump have found steady gigs through Georgia's skyrocketing number of film and television shoots."
'Stay seated for the credits.... and you'll see why Georgia Film officials love Hollywood these days,' AJC
To find out more on the advantages of filming in Georgia and proper forms to get the incentives go to www.georgia.org. All information found here can be found on the georgia.org website.
