SCREENWRITING CONTEST - IS THERE BIAS?

I’m trying to become a more visual and active blogger, but sometimes the schedule is so hectic I can’t find the time to sit and write. I really need to get that software that you can speak into and it types it for you; something for me to consider.

I’m really excited though and need to write, because this past few weeks has been amazing for inspiration. I attended the Screenwriters Lab Networking mixer and met some really cool people. OBSWG#1 has been meeting weekly for the past two weeks and we’ll meet again this Saturday, but the scripts we’ve reviewed have been incredible. Our discussion and feedback from everyone has been exceptional to say the least. I also meet with our new group OBSWG#9 and that was out there. We had projects that ranged from science fiction, family drama, to erotica! I was impressed. Can’t wait to see the new generation of screenwriters and television shows – these writers are remarkable. If you’re not already you need to attach yourself to a writers’ group.

Last night was another magnificent gathering of writers’ adding another dimension. As you know we’re into our “August is Animation” and Shawnee & Shawnelle Gibbs, Terence Anderson & Ajamu Frasier took it to another level. I want FLASH! WOW! The stories I could tell. It took me back to the erotica story. You can really push the envelope with animation. You should have been there.

Anyway, I’m sharing this because lately I’ve been getting lots of questions. A couple of days ago, this one came to me.

I received a question a few days ago regarding screenwriting contest. “Is it me or does anyone see that black screenwriting contest are as biased as white screenplay contest?”

I was puzzled and asked, what do you mean by bias? But then proceeded to answer the question this way… Judging at best is subjective at every level across professions and screenwriting contests are no different. I find that contests are bias, if you choose to use that term, according to what they're looking for. The OBS contest is looking to expose "new writers" to the Industry. OBS is giving winners an opportunity to take a meeting with studios/networks that are competing. The bias as I see it would be if you have a commercially viable script. Studios and networks are looking for numbers of butts you can put in the seats to watch their television show, or pay to see their movie. They are interested in how much money can I make if I produce this project.

I don’t see it as having much to do with whether it’s a black contest or a white contest as much as it has to do with the objective of the contest.

That’s the short answer.

Question screenwriters, how do you feel about it? Do you think there is bias in screenwriting contest? Do you think “race” is an issue, when it comes to who’s running the contest? I’d really like to know.

Keep writing,

Jennifer

P.S. - The deadline for the 2009 OBS Original Script contest has been extended to August 31st and a new category added; "Spec Script". For more info: http://www.obswriter.com/2009script.html

NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

OBS PRESENTS "NIGHT AT THE MOVIES - SHORT FILM SHOWCASE"

OBS FALL SEASON BEGINS!

"Night at the Movies" - Short Film Showcase!

We start this fall season with a great short film showcase line-up. Not only will we continue to feature very talented writers/directors/filmmakers in the Los Angeles area, but this fall will bring the preview of the new comedy sweeping the Internet, "Poetri-N-Motion" written by OBS's own 1st Vice President, Kimberly Allen! We invite you to share the vision of these writers/directors/filmmakers, to support, and encourage them as you view their message through their eyes behind the camera.

We've also reduced the admission:
OBS MEMBERS $5
NON-MEMBERS $7!

We look forward to seeing you for a ...."Night at the Movies"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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OBS PRESENTS "NIGHT AT THE MOVIES" --A Short Film Showcase

FEATURING FILMMAKERS:


Kimberly Allen
Deon Hayman
Excel A. Sharrieff
Devin "Poetri" Smith
J. Christopher Smith

David Wendell Boykins

D. Kevin Epps
Christy Gamble

Danny Martinez
Camille Tucker

Keta Brown

Sheilah Brooks

Tamika Lamison

Hosted by:
Tracy Grant

Where & When

OBSGolden State Mutual Life
Insurance Building
1999 West Adams Blvd.Los Angeles, California 90018

Thursday, September 17, 2009

7:00PM-10:00PM

"Don't Go" - Written/Produced/Directed by Kevin Epps

"Don't Go" - A young woman conflicted within an abusive relationship endures a supernatural encounter from a surprising source in order to see her way through. -- 17:00 minutes

"Thorn of A Rose" - Directed by Danny Martinez
"Thorn of A Rose" - Rosa, a beautiful woman working in the wrong business finds herself in the middle of a moral dilemma, but with advice from the strangest source, she must choose what's right for her heart. -- 9:00 minutes

"Concrete River" - Written/Directed/Produced by David Wendell Boykins

"Concrete River" - A young man grieving the death of his older brother is persuaded by a childhood bully to ride against his brother's enemies. Concrete River is the story of how fear can consume the spirit and take you places you can never come back from. -- 16:43 minutes

"Poetri-N-Motion" - Written by Kimberly Allen/ Directed by Deon Hayman/Produced by Excel A. Sharrieff, J. Christopher Smith, Devin "Poetri" Smith and Juren Smith
"Rain" - A comedy pilot about a poet who inherits a million dollars with one
huge string attached - he has to fix up a dilapidated coffee shop in 30 days and
run the business for five years before he sees one red cent. -- 30:00 minutes

"Spin" - Written by Camille Tucker, Keta Brown & Sheilah Brooks

Directed by Tamika Lamison

"Spin" - Once one of L.A.'s top book publicists Alex Burke could spin any story to the
benefit of her clients and the detriment of her enemies. Her whole world changed the
day she met James Hughes, a former National Fiction Award winner, whose last three novels bombed. Engulfed by James' sexuality, talent, and need for her, Alex was sprung. So sprung, she's lied to save James' ailing career. Two days before the big press conference to introduce James’s new novel to the nation’s top critics, Alex discovers that every lie has a consequence. Even her own. - 25:00 minutes

Thursday, September 17, 2009
7:00PM - 10:00PM

ADMISSION: $5 - OBS MEMBERS
$7 - NON-MEMBERS
SNACK BAR AVAILABLE

Come and enjoy a relaxing evening with the creative visions of determined and passionate individuals. Meet the writers/directors/filmmakers and network.

Q&A with each writer/director/filmmaker will follow the films.
Feel free to invite friends and family.

Please RSVP to jwilliams@obswriter.com
Place "Night at the Movies" in the subject line and in the body of the email state your name, contact info, & how many will be attending.

You can also RSVP via telephone (310) 844-8755


For more information contact:

Kimberly Allen - kallen@obswriter.com

(310) 844-8755


Organization of Black Screenwriters, OBS
Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building

Los Angeles, California 90018
www.obswriter.com

DON'T MISS THESE
UPCOMING
OBS EVENTS

Wed., Aug 19th - 7 - 9:30pm
- Animation Workshop
Web Cartoon Creators Shawnee & Shawnelle Gibbs ("Adopted By Aliens," "Old Ladies Driving" & "Diva Smackdown") are joined by Terence Anthony ("Orlando's Joint") and Ajamu Frasier ("Monkkey") to teach you how to move your animated idea from page to stage. Location: Golden State Mutual Life Bldg
1999 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018
~~~~~~~~~~

Tues., Aug 25th 7pm - 1am
TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE!
FREE // Screening WITH Q&A of - "Applause for MISS E"

Written By: David Wendell Boykins Directed By: Michael Whaley

Ultra Lounge (Located behind the Industry Café & Jazz Club) 6039 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 AFTER FILM - Party to the sounds of DJ TrayBoogie on the 1s & 2s! Come early (6PM) and dinner in the Industry Café & Jazz before the screening our simply purchase food when you arrive.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wed., Aug 26th - 7 - 9:30pm- Animation Pitch Panel
Presented in partnership w/Blacks in animation & Visual Effects, (BAVFX)PITCH!

- You've created a great animated project, now, who, where, & how to pitch it.

We've invited some heavyweights to provide helpful hints and pitching techniques with an opportunity for one or two individuals to pitch and receive feedback!

INVITED GUESTS INCLUDE:

Karen Rupert Toliver - VP Production - Twentieth Century FOX Animation

Ralph Farquhar - Co-President /Partner, Farcor Studios, Da Jammies (New series)
Dwayne Corbitt - Co-President / Partner, Farcor Studios, Da Jammies (New series)
Sidney Clifton - President/Producer Sanctuary Enterprises

Roland Poindexter - VP of Original Animation Programming, Nickelodeon

Eric Elder - Ow! Entertainment

MODERATOR

Krystal Cooper - Chair, Blacks in Animation & VFX, LA ACM SIGGRAPH Membership Chair

Location: Golden State Mutual Life Bldg1999 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018
~~~~~~~~~~~

Sun., Aug 30th 11am - 3:30pm
- UCLA Writers' Faire 2009

Join OBS at the Writers Faire, presented by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. This whirlwind event includes 24 mini-panels and lectures where you can hear lively discussions about the art, craft, and business of writing. And it’s free.

The Writers Faire will be held in the Young Hall Courtyard on the UCLA campus

~~~~~~~~~~

Sat., Sept. 12, 2009
-10am - 12:30pm
OBS GENERAL MEETING
OBS will hold it's regular monthly meeting, but there will be nothing regular about it!
~~
Mark your calendar and plan to be there!


RSVP to jwilliams@obswriter.com
Admission to the meeting is FREE for members, with a valid Membership card presented at the time of the meeting.

All visitors and guests pay only $20 at the door that is applied toward membership fee if you join at the end of the meeting. (Cash or Money order only)

See our website for more details, www.obswriter.com.

Where: 1999 W. Adams Blvd. - LA, CA 90018 www.obswriter.com




Organization of Black Screenwriters OBS Golden State Mutual Life Ins Bldg 1999 W Adams Blvd, Conference Room Los Angeles CA 90018

CREATING ANIMATED CONTENT

ANIMATION IN AUGUST
WORKSHOPS

WED., AUGUST 12TH
- DAY 1: WORKSHOP
7:00 -- 9:30 PM
Creating Animated Content for Online and Off!

You've had an animated idea for years, but you never quite thought you could pull it off.
Well, think again! Creating your own animated content is easier than ever, and Shawnee' and Shawnelle Gibbs, web series creators and producers, will help you discover your inner-animator. This workshop will provide attendees with hands-on information on how an idea can go from page to stage with little to-know budget required.

Techniques Explored: Flash Animation, Traditional Hand-Drawn and Stop Motion

OBS members Shawnee Gibbs and Shawnelle Gibbs are an award-winning hybrid team with credits in writing, producing, and animation. They are the creators of the animated short film Ravishing Raspberry, and online animated series’ Adopted by Aliens and Old Ladies Driving, which have screened in film festivals across the country, as well as online, and television.

Shawnee and Shawnelle have been dubbed part of “The next generation of Filmmakers,” by The Oakland Tribune, highlighted in UVC Magazine’s, “Black Women Who Rock in Comics” issue, and have been featured filmmakers on BET.com. The Gibbs Sisters work in television during the day and are members of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Producing credits include Emmy-Award winning Top Chef, Emmy-nominated Project Runway, as well as contributions to Disney’s Emmy-nominated Wizards of Waverly Place.

LOCATION:
GOLDEN STATE MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE BLDG.
MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM
1999 WEST ADAMS BLVD., LA, CA 90018.

FREE Parking in the rear of the building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd.

PLEASE RSVP ASAP!
WORKSHOP FEE:
$10 -- MEMBERS
$15 -- NON-MEMBERS

===============================================================
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Wed., August 19th
- Day 2: Workshop
7:00 - 9:30 PM
From Page to Stage!

In the second day of this 2-day workshop, participants will continue to explore techniques for creating, recording sound and publishing their own cartoons for online and off. With creativity and simplicity, each participant will realize their own cartoon prowess, while developing ideas that can become the basis for the next step: a successful pitch.

LOCATION:
Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg.

Main Conference Room,
1999 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018.

FREE Parking in the rear of the building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd.
PLEASE RSVP ASAP!

WORKSHOP FEE:
$10 - MEMBERS
$15 - NON-MEMBERS

===============================================================
===============================================================

Wed., August 26th
- Day 3: Workshop
7:00 - 9:30 PM
Presented in partnership with Blacks in Animation & Visual Effects, (BAVFX)

PITCH! - You've Created a Great Animated Project, Now, Who, Where, & How to Pitch It.

We've invited some heavyweights to provide helpful hints and pitching techniques with an opportunity for one or two of you to actually pitch your project and receive invaluable feedback! Invited guests include:

Karen Rupert Toliver - VP Production - Twentieth Century Fox Animation

Dwayne Corbitt - Co-President/Partner, Farcor Studios, Da Jammies (new series)

Sidney Clifton - President/Producer - Sanctuary Enterprises

Roland Poindexter - VP of Original Animation Programming, Nickelodeon

Eric Elder - Ow! Entertainment

MODERATOR
Krystal Cooper - Chair, Blacks in Animation & VFX, LA ACM SIGGRAPH Membership Chair

LOCATION:
Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg, Main Conference Room,
1999 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018.

FREE Parking in the rear of the building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd.
PLEASE RSVP ASAP!

WORKSHOP FEE:
$10 - MEMBERS
$15 - NON-MEMBERS



We look forward to you attending our August is Animation events.
PLEASE RSVP for all events via telephone or preferably email. jwilliams@obswriter.com
310.844.8755

All fees can be paid at the door.


SEE YOU IN AUGUST!

IT'S ABOUT ANIMATION IN AUGUST AT OBS

OBS
presents
Animation in August

Summertime is the time for huge box office. Much of that box office is animated features. Therefore, OBS has solicited the partnership of Black in Animation &Visual Effects, (BAVFX) with some other special people to bring you the best information available to share with the OBS family.

Animation is one of the most vivid and lucrative forms of entertainment in today’s Industry. From Pixar and Disney to Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and the Web, there are more outlets to distribute animated content than ever before. For those seeking entrée into this once highly exclusive career field, now is one of the best times to learn how to become a part of this successful genre and how to create content for it.

Our overall objective this month is to inform our members about writing for and creating animated content in today’s market. As writers, we are aware of animation, but many of us don’t know the first thing about writing for it—or what it takes to create and bring such projects to life. Join us in August for an in-depth exploration of Animation, an art-form Walt Disney once said, “can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive.” We’ll host our General Meeting on August 1st, followed by three (3) consecutive Wednesdays beginning August 12th, August 19th, & August 26th.

OBS General Meeting
Sat., August 1, 2009

We’ve invited a group of multi-faceted industry professionals to provide attendees with inside knowledge on how to work in animation; the current climate of animation; the differences in 3D, television, and feature film, and how to bring your animated ideas to life. Joining us on our panel will be:

Ralph Farquhar – Co-President/Partner of Farcor Studios
Executive Producer, The Proud Family, Da Jammies (new series)

Kwesi Davis – Production Engineer, Dreamworks’ Madagascar, Shrek The Third, Kung Fu Panda

David Wyatt – Writer, The Proud Family, Class of 3000, OBS Board of Director

Jason Van Veen – Writer, Boondocks

Greg Eagles – Voice-Over Actor, AfroSamurai, Grim Adventures of Bill & Mandy

Daveed Kolodny-Nagy – Independent animator, Creator, Teapot

Tyree Dillihay – Animator/Director, Da Jammies, El Tigre, Read-A-Book

James A. ‘Jim’ Simon - Animator/Director, X-Men, Doug, Pac Man, Alvin & the Chipmunks, California Raisins, Smurfs, and much, much, more.


We’ll also have other special guests for the August meeting; Doreene Hamilton, Executive Director Cosby Program; Meg DeLoatch, Executive Producer/Writer along with all our regular segments.

OBS meeting is held at the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg, Main Conference Room, 1999 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018.

The meeting is FREE to Members with valid OBS Membership card.
$20 - Non-Members & visitors (CASH ONLY), which can be applied towards membership if you join at the meeting. FREE Parking in the rear of the building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd.

PLEASE RSVP ASAP!
jwilliams@obswriter.com
310.844.8755

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE...

We’ve decided to have a Membership Drive for the month of May. We did this last year in February and all the members loved it. So we’re doing it again.

Here’s how it works...

Join at the any of the levels below and receive 15 months membership for the 12 month membership fee. If you renew your membership in May you will also receive the benefit of getting 3 bonus months.

Professional $115 yr.
General Member $ 90 yr.
Affiliate (Out-Of-State) $ 75 yr.
Student (w/Valid Picture ID) $ 50 yr.
International $115 yr.

Ex. – May 1 2009 – May 31, 2010; would be May 1, 2009 – August 31, 2010

In June, (June 1st) our membership fees will increase. So join now and take advantage of the savings and bonus months!

OBS UPCOMING EVENTS...

Things are happening in OBS this Spring. Just take a look at all that’s going on!

SAVE THE DATES

OBS 2009 Original Script Contest OPENS Fri., May 1, 2009

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next OBS Meeting - Larry Wilmore
Writer/Executive Producer 10AM - 12:30PM Sat., May 2, 2009
Author of the book: “I'd Rather We Got Casinos: And Other Black Thoughts”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dramatic Read 10AM - 2PM Sat., May 9, 2009
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Special Screening “Dancing in September” - 7PM Thurs., May 14, 2009
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OBS Presents - A, B, & C - “A Breakfast & Conversation
w/Isaiah Washington” Sat., May 16, 2009
Actor/Producer/Writer/Humanitarian
9 – 11 AM
$45 Members /$55 Non-Members In advance
$55 Members /$65 Non-Members At the Door

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OBS On Tour Northern CA – UC Berkeley May 22 & 23, 2009
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Night At the Movies – Short Film Showcase 7PM Thurs., May 28, 2009
$7 per person
Featuring Films By: Lydia Martinelli, Patricia Tone, Filmmaker, Joyce Fitzpatrick, and more…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OBS Meeting Actors Panel Sat., June 2, 2009
Invited Guests: Denise Dowes, Brian White, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Vanessa A. Williams
Anthony anderson, Yvette Nicole Brown, Tatyana Ali, Karen Malina White, and more…
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OBS Family Picnic Kenneth Hahn Park Sat., June 13, 2009
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OBS Presents – Special Screening- Wed., June 17, 2009
“The Guest at Central Park West”
Starring: John Marshall Jones, Actor/Producer/Writer
Red Carpet – Screening – Q&A – Rooftop Reception
6:30 PM - Midnight
$35 Members /$45 Non-Members In advance
$45 Members /$55 Non-Members At the Door

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OBS On Tour New York – New York University June 26 & 27, 2009

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OBS 2009 Original Script Contest ENDS Tues., June 30, 2009
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CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS:
www.obswriter.com
OR CALL
310.844.8755

The Oscars - No, Not the Fashion!

Did you watch last night?

The Oscars, that is. I did. I was fortunate enough to have been invited to a wonderful Oscar Viewing Party @ The Independent Downtown Theater on Main Street. That theater is very nice. The seats were really comfortable considering; unlike watching at the movies for 2 hours max, I was sitting from approximately 5 pm – 9 pm.

The new format was very interesting. I enjoyed it, because it held your attention and kept you on your toes -- you didn’t know what would come next. I believe you can always change things and tweak as you go along. The real interesting change was the 5 presenters. It has potential, but what seemed to be missing from some of the praises for the nominees was the Presenters' sincerity. There were a few of them that I totally felt they truly believed what they were saying. But when a few stumbled reading the monitor, it gave it all away and made the entire thing feel a little plastic. I think this could really work if the presenters weren’t just previously nominated actors in this category, but rather actors that are close to the nominee. Then I think as one commentator explained; if it is the explanation of how they were nominated for the category; then each speech should contain those elements.

The performances were interesting – that’s all I got on that, interesting.

Now, Eddie Murphy presenting to Jerry Lewis, well he gave the connection – well the one they wanted you to believe, “One Nutty Professor to another.” So, explain John Legend singing Peter Gabriel’s song (for Wall-E), after he protested? Controversy? Umm... Let’s use a Black guy. I don’t know if Eddie Murphy was in the original plan, but I know John Legend wasn’t. Okay, that’s just my two cents.

What did you think of the new format?

Anyway, on my mind are of course the winners for “Best Screenplay” and “Best Adapted Screenplay”. Were you all shocked at all?

I must say I was quite happy and pleased with the winners. By each of them winning, I knew, at that very moment, that me standing on that stand one day is not far away. I also heard Hill Harper’s words ringing in my ears, “It all begins with the script…” I think that was very true for last night's winners. I believe many films being made rely too much on the “A” List Actor, putting butts in the seats, rather than focusing on the script. The story that must be told, the story that should be told must always come first, rather than the story that they glaze over with beautiful faces, well-known names, and hot bodies. It seems just having Brad Pitt didn't do it for the Academy voters this time. The 'down-on-your-luck', 'hit the rock bottom', comeback kid, didn't do it for them either.

I have stories to tell – real-life stories, fictionalized truths, and fiction. I have several scripts, too for both the big and small screen. Now it’s down to the polishing and making sure they’re ready.

Actually, I don’t think it’s far away for any OBS member or the many writers I’ve come to know over the past two years.

You have to just keep re-writing; then re-write, and re-write, and re-write!

When is your turn?

What have you written or are you re-writing to take you there?

The Oscars – No, Not the Fashion!
Written By: Jennifer Williams

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO…

WHAT FILM DO YOU THINK SHOULD WIN?

The day is almost here and there are Oscar parties planned everywhere. I happen to be attending the REEL Ladies Oscar Viewing Party @ Lola’s – you should join me. But when I accepted the invitation a incident came to mind. I’ll share…

Okay, so a few weeks ago I get invited to attend a screening of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons” @ WGA and of course there’s a Q&A to follow. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and did not at all feel the length.

I loved the premise and I thought Taraji P. Henson, as Queenie, was awesome. I was fasinated by the storyline, although there are those that say it was very much like “Forrest Gump” – but the interesting part to me is that I learned during the Q&A that the film was originally set in Baltimore – that got me to thinking -- to move the setting to New Orleans would have required quite a bit of re-write to make the characters fit the region and how they would relate to what was going on around them.

Another interesting point was that even though there was a mother/son relationship between Benjamin (Brad Pitt), and Queenie, there was great independence, a distance, if you will between the two characters also. Queenie seemed to have an understanding of who Benjamin was without knowing exactly who he was – and never curious as to where he came from. Queenie did show some traits of a southern mother, but it was stretched, for me. Benjamin never felt it odd or questioned that his mother was a different color; as he never felt it was too odd that he was old and growing younger -- that he questioned, but quietly accepted. And somehow the writer was able to sell it to the point the audience never thought it odd either, at least not the audience that I was viewing it with. I guess just “Curious” as the title indicates.

I have to admit, however, when Brad - OOPS! I mean Benjamin made it to the peak of his manhood (when he came of age), in that shirtless scene and the motorcycle scene; I was very happy! (Actually wanted to slap Angelina - but I came back, remembered it was Benjamin Buttons). ;-) Anyway, Benjamin was a very good looking man, better than Brad Pitt actually. But I digress...
I saw a few more things that left me with a couple of questions, but I’ll let it rest.

However, my question here relates to the “curious” question the audience was asked. Towards the end of the session the writer asked – “What is it about Slumdog Millionaire? I saw it, but I didn’t get it? Was it that good?” that was a bit funny to me and ”curious” – but then I saw it.

Both films have been nominated in the following categories:

• CINEMATOGRAPHY
• DIRECTING
• FILM EDITING
• BEST PICTURE
• SOUND MIXING
• WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)

Now, I didn’t understand that question until last night when I saw that last category.

So tell me what do you think?

Who should win in each category?

You can go here to see all the nominees:
OSCAR NOMINEES
http://www.oscar.com/nominees/?pn=nominees

Written by: Jennifer Williams

“SO, YOU FINISHED YOUR SCRIPT! NOW WHAT?”

OBS at the 17th Annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Written by: Monique Reed

This year the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) was held at the Culver Theatre in Culver City. On, 2/14/09 OBS held a workshop/ panel discussion titled:

“So, You Finished Your Script! Now What?”

This was a great, informative, and interactive discussion for aspiring filmmakers. It was exciting to see more than 80 people in attendance for this event. In case you missed it – check out the topics discussed:

“Quick & Dirty Loglines & Pitches” presented by: Lisa Bolekaja.
Talking about your film idea can be nerve-racking. Lisa suggested talking about your film as if it is already in the theaters, and to imagine you’re talking to your friends. This helps to relieve the nerves.

Another tip given was to have your logline and pitch memorized, instead of reading it off of a sheet of paper. Energy and delivery are keys to a good pitch meeting.

Want help with creating a logline?

Lisa gave samples of quick logline templates, for example:
The Plot Driven Logline: (Title) is a (Genre) about (Protagonist) who must (Objective) or else (Dire thing will happen if Protagonist fails). Created by Max Adams, Writer
“The Screenwriter’s Survival Guide”.

After Lisa’s presentation, there was a discussion w/ Q&A with an industry panel that included presentation by the PGA, WGA, and Production Company. The OBS Industry Panel included, Charles Howard, Lamese Williams, Kellie Griffin, Rene Rawls, and David Wyatt, who all gave important tips. For example:

1) Writers, Re-write. Once you complete your screenplay let others critique it. A draft usually can have up to at least four re-writes before shopping it around.

2) Don’t be afraid to take low paying jobs to get your foot in the door, especially for television.

3) Have more than one plan of action: 1) enter scripts in contest 2) Query agents, managers, and production companies, 3) participate in industry events/network with others.

Want more information? Check out the next OBS meeting.

What was your favorite event or movie at the PAFF?

The 40th NAACP Image Awards, aired 2/12/09

The 40th NAACP Image Awards, aired 2/12/09

The show was hosted by Tyler Perry and Halle Berry.
This year the NAACP celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Tyler Perry made a point of noting if it wasn’t for the N.A.A.C. P.
there would be no O.B.A.M.A.

In cased you missed it - check out some of the winners:

Film
Best film – “The Secret Life of Bees”
Outstanding independent motion picture – “Slumdog Millionaire”
Best Documentary – “The Black List”
Outstanding actor and actress – Will Smith and Rosario Dawson for “Seven Pounds”
Best supporting actress – Taraji P Henson for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Best supporting actor – Columbus Short for “Cadillac Records”

TV
Outstanding drama series – “Grey’s Anatomy”
Outstanding comedy series – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”
Outstanding television movie/mini-series – “A Raisin in the Sun”
Best Directing (drama series) – Ernest Dickerson for “Lincoln Heights”
Best Directing (comedy series) –Kevin Sullivan for “30 Rock”
Best Writing (comedy series) – Erica D. Montolfo for “The Game”
Best television actress (drama) – Chandra Wilson for “Grey’s Anatomy”
Best television actor (drama) – Hill Harper for “CSI: New York”
Best supporting actor (drama) – Taye Diggs for “Private Practice”
Best supporting actress (drama) – Angela Bassett for “E.R.”
Best television actor (comedy) – LeVan Davis for “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”
Best television actress (comedy) – Tracee Ellis Ross for “Girlfriends”
Best supporting actress (comedy) – Keshia Knight Pulliam for “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”
Best actor/actress (television movie) – Sean “Diddy” Combs and Phylicia Rashad for “A Raisin in the Sun”

Music
Outstanding male artist – Jamie Foxx
Outstanding female artist – Beyonce
Best new artist and Best album – Jennifer Hudson

Honored
Chairman’s Award Recipients
Al Gore – Former Vice President, currently chairman of Current TV, was honored for his work in informing the world about the dangers of climate change.
Dr. Wangari Muta Maatha – 2004 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, was honored for being a eader in the fight for democracy, human rights, and environmental conservation.
Vanguard Award Recipient
Russell Simmons – hip-hop pioneer and mogul, was honored for his groundbreaking ideas that brought hip-hop culture to the mainstream audience.
President’s Award Recipient
Muhammad Ali – the first three-time world heavyweight champion, was honored for his influence in the civil rights movement.

Did they get it right?

Who is your favorite male and female actor?

What’s your favorite film of 2008-2009?

What’s the best TV show of 2008-2009?

For a complete list of the winners visit: http://theenvelope.latimes.com/
For a complete list of the nominees visit: http://www.naacpimageawards.net/40/nom_movies.php

Written By:
Monique Reed
OBS Communications Committee