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