Anacusis Behind the Scenes Take 3: 48-Hour Film Project 2016

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...

Write On!!!!

Importance of the 48-Hour Film Project to Aspiring Filmmakers

48-Hour Film Project Eyes Entertainment 2015 Submission The Artful Dodger

lena.brown@filmmakerslab.com

Will Power: My Periscope Interview with Filmmaker Will Wonders

From Brooklyn to the Tribeca Film Festival, Will Wonders is doing some amazing things at Quiverfull Productions LLC.  Wonders and his team are definitely changing lives one story at a time.  I had the great opportunity to pin my cousin down (yes the talent runs deep) and get the full scoop on how he came to have a film on the Tribeca film circuit, other shorts in the can and what he has coming up.

Once again, I took to Periscope to vlog this post.  I was reluctant because I am still working on being in front of the camera and working on my interviewing skills.  I did not edit this because it is both interesting and hilarious.  Watch how we get down...

Click the Quiverfull Productions LLC link above to view the website.  Also, if you are interested in filmmaking check out Wonders Periscope at wwonders3 for tutorials on the world of filmmaking.

Blog Title Credit:  Karma Brown

Filmmakers Lab: New Look and Domain Name for 2016

I wanted to start off the New Year with a fresh start.  I hope you all like the new look.  My blog direction is to feature Indie filmmakers, actors, actresses, photographers, directors, producers and anyone in this industry that is contributing great creative work but are not privy to the mainstream media's exposure.  Who wants it anyway.  Most are good at misrepresenting and misquoting.

I will continue to add informative content with the occasional rant, of course.  Thank you all for the support thus far and look for great things to come.  I will be traveling to New York for a bit of R&R and work.  I will be on Periscope @filmmakerlenab, that is Filmmaker Lena B.  I wasn't able to change it to Filmmakers Lab.

This is the reason for the change of the Artful Dodger.  People were getting my name wrong, and I loved the sound of Filmmakers Lab.  I hope you like it too.  But, if you don't well that's okay because it stays for now.  Much appreciation again.  Write on!!!

Film Festival Love: 48-Hour Film Project

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.

I'll keep you all informed!

Short Film Rogue: The Journey

Logline: The government utilizes unsuspecting "less desired" 

citizens to test a serum to create a biochemically enhanced regime.

Project Rogue

Come take this trip with Dreaming in Color Films and I in the making of our first film short entitled Rogue.  This film is a familiar take on a government plot to create a super soldier, but with a twist that is both unsuspecting and unique.  Look forward to sneak peeks at the making of the film, props used and some clues as to what this film is really all about.  Check out the last picture below and guess its correlation to the film.

Dreaming in Color Films Pre-production Meeting
 Rogue will be ready for production in three weeks.

Photo Credit: Hwi Ai Brown

3/5th of the DICFilms Team

Karma Brown, Lena Brown, Ms. Flaire

Other members of DICFilms not shown above:  DG Sandz and S.N. Bynoe

Prop for the film Rogue (dog tags)

Toni Deroche is in a bad way. The military is responsible.  Can you guess why? 

(See the answer in upcoming blog post and a sneak peek at the script!)

As the time nears, I am totally in the moment thinking about filming a project that has my name on it (as a creator)!!  What an awesome process it has been.  It has been long, tedious, anxiety filled, and I love every minute of it.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this long journey.  We still have a way to go.  Baby steps...

"Boxes are for cowards." LB

A Family On Edge - Urban Drama (Feature Film) Slated for Release Fall 2012

I am Superwoman! No wait, I am really just Colleen, writer, mother, sister, daughter, filmmaker... Oh wait I am Superwoman. Well, Superwoman would have been able to keep up her blog while making a movie.  My apologies... Really I have been on the set of A Family On Edge. Check out the trailer above.

A Family On Edge

Cinesational Films (Former President of Paragon Records, Bruce Locke) and Eyes Entertainment (DP Hakim Robinson and Producer, ReGina Nicole) teamed up to create a gripping drama that will leave moviegoers on the Edge of their seats.  A Family On Edge, in dramatic fashion displays how sometimes we can't help but feel sorry for ourselves; how very destructive it is to only think of ourselves and what toying with someones' emotions can lead to.

Anthony Dorsey (right)of R&B group 'Hamilton Park' 
with Wayne Stewart(Young Mike) and Jacobe King (Young Gabe)

The cast includes Anthony Dorsey from the famed Atlanta-based R&B group 'Hamilton Park' and rising stars Sean White, Gabriel Davis and Jules Nobles, each bringing an explosive mix of raw talent and energy.

Sean White (Mike)

 

Gabriel Davis (Gabriel) and Jules Nobles (Risa)

The film's cast and crew set out to complete the movie in 15 days. Principal shooting began on March 18, 2012.  The grueling 10-12 hours days took its toll on everyone, with most of the cast suffering from being out in the elements all day and night.  Although, the schedule was rough, every single person involved gave 100 percent and the film was completed 15 days later on April 1, 2012.  The dedication put forth was nothing short of amazing!
  

Some of the cast & crew of A Family on Edge

It was a great time on set and the learning experience was invaluable.  My advice to rising filmmakers, writers, producers and those of the sort is to surround yourself with people that share your same goals.

Please be on the look out for more blog posts about the movie and more importantly about what I learned as the script supervisor on the set.  'Like' A Family On Edge on Facebook and check out some of the behind the scenes stills and video.

More press releases:

http://hmmawards.mi2n.com/pr.php3?id=152780
http://tinyurl.com/6ue9ch2
http://tinyurl.com/7pg879z
http://www.dogonvillage.com/

How to Effectively Dodge the Pitfalls of the Filmmaking Industry

My sister gave me the name the Artful Dodger. Immediately I was drawn to the name.  I thought, "Yeah that is me, that fits me perfectly."  My daughter did her research and found that the term is applied to those that dodge responsibilities.  Well, one thing I understand about life is no one can define you, but yourself.  When applied to me, the Artful Dodger is one who dodges obstacles artfully.  Getting out of the way with poise and grace and I have managed to do just that; dodging the pitfalls and wolves of the entertainment industry.

My partners and I have met with so much rejection and shadiness that we should have quit a long time ago, but thankfully we have emerged from each adversity unscaved.  My advice to those who are trying to pursue a writing/filmmaking career is as follows:

KNOW THE CRAFT

• Make sure you are knowledgeable of the industry, the creative and business side.  What good is the talent if you don't practice or research.
  

WORK ON YOUR CREDIBILITY

• Make your presence known online and in the world.  Let people know what you are trying do. Write for some of the online publications. This is a great way to get recognition and be taken seriously. Also, try working on a movie set as an Intern. The best position I have found that doesn't require a degree is Production Assistant (PA).
  

BEWARE OF THE MONEY CHASERS

• Don't trust everyone.  There are so many wolves within the industry and the bottom line is how much money can your story make them. Never compromise your integrity.
  

BE YOUR OWN MOUTHPIECE

• Never allow anyone to speak for you.  It causes confusion and miscommunications.  If you can find someone as passionate as you are about writing and your projects you have tackled half the battle.

I have been writing all my life, but I only started writing professionally about five years ago, writing for online publications. It has been a long road and I have made some mistakes. The best part is I am doing something I love; the obstacles are challenges. Take one at a time, conquer it and keep it moving!

Why Filmmakers are Missing out if They Don't Film in Georgia

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."

Creative Loafing

'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.

Life of a Writer/Filmmaker

I think it is important to chronicle one's life whenever possible. It's important for me because I am getting older and I don't ever want to forget what a completely awesome experience it has been writing and making movies.  Yes, I am a writer but I am also a filmmaker and well on my way to making my first feature film along with my partners, Curtis S. Brown and Donald Sanders. Follow us as we give you a close look at what it takes to be a successful writer/filmmaker.  It's not what you think at all. Join us as we artfully dodge the pitfalls of the industry on our way to entertaining and teaching the world through the art of film.