THE END OF 2010 OBS ON TOUR



OBS On Tour New York - Left to Right: Jennifer Williams, Warrington Hudlin, Lisa Bolekaja, and Bridgett Michele Lawrence





OBS ON TOUR COMES TO AN END

We have just completed our 2010 OBS ON TOUR and it was awesome! We began with our kick-off in August with our meeting that featured special guest speakers Tananarive Due and Steve Barnes that lead to OBS On Tour LA. We want to say "Thank You" Tananarive and Steve for all the great information you provided us. We can't wait until the Jamaica Writers Retreat 2011 to really get in to it deeply.

August meeting was followed by two trips; one to New Orleans to participate on an entertainment panel for NBA Conference. The second trip was in early September, after the LA workshops, to the Congressional Black Caucus Conference in Washington, DC. I have to stop here to say thank you to William Marshall Jr. of MJT TV for providing excellent publicity coverage for the CBC Conference and our tours. MJT TV made sure every media outlet in the area knew OBS was in town.

OBS On Tour ~ LA was a series of six (6) classes, 2 nights per week for three weeks. Our main focus was feature film- High Concept, the films that get distribution deals. From there we hit the ground running, well the air running in September making a publicity stop at the Congressional Black Caucus Conference followed by OBS On Tour - New York/CNR-Rosa Parks Campus, DC/Howard University, VA/MABFF, & ATL/UMFF, which concluded this past weekend.

Special thanks to all of our guest speakers that provided Industry Insight from working experience and providing tools to assist writers in navigating the system as well as insight into pitfalls to avoid. In New York we had Tina Andrews, Warrington Hudlin, Craig T & Rosalyn Coleman Williams, and our own Excel Sharrieff. Thank you to Bridgett Michelle Lawrence for stepping in and providing valuable support for the team as in her membership capacity as well as transportation/tour coordinator. We also want to thank our New York host Dr. Barbara Adams and the staff of College of New Rochelle Rosa Parks Campus - they were fabulous.

From there we traveled to Washington, DC on the campus of Howard University. This time our special guests traveled with us from Hollywood; Ayanna Floyd, Supervising Producer of ABC's “Private Practice” and Kellie R. Griffin the writer/creator of the new show on BET “Reed Between the Lines” starring Traci Ellis Ross, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, & Robin Givens. Both ladies provided a virtual look inside the television writer's room for drama & comedy, respectively. We have to thank Ms. Aveta Addison, Program Coordinator Student Affairs @ Howard University. Ms. Addison made everything run smoothly making sure all students that had a desire were able to take advantage of the workshop.

For the first time Mid-Atlanta Black Film Festival held at the Crispus Attucks Theater hosted a screenwriter’s workshop and asked OBS On Tour to present it. With team OBS we were honored not only to present the workshop but also have Producer Monty Ross address our attendees along with our own Board of Directors member Michael Ajakwe Jr. and to host the directorial debut film from Director, Ted Lange, "For Love of Amy". We want to thank our host Gail Easely for welcoming us and making this workshop possible.

Finally, in Atlanta we were a part of UMFF hosted by Cheryle Reynolds. In Atlanta our special guest presenter was our own Sonya Steele, Chair of the WGA Black Committee, former OBS President & active member, and famed writer/creator of the awesome webseries “Celeste Bright”. Sonya presented the advanced segment of our workshop - Writing for Television.

Every tour received raved reviews including LA which had in attendance working directors and producers. The tour added a total of five more Writer's Groups including Baltimore, Harlem/Brooklyn, and additional groups in LA, DC, and Atlanta.

None of this would have been possible without our dynamic OBS On Tour Faculty and PR Team. I'd like to give special thanks to David Byrd, JaSheika James, Phyllis Banks, & Katrina Nelson the people on the ground that connected the dots from LA to DC - However, enough can't be said about David Byrd who sphere headed the DC leg for the second year in a row. I thank you so much for a great job.

And finally, but certainly not least is our illustrious faculty. Many of which wore multiple hats to present an informative workshop – Lisa Bolekaja, Rene Rawls, Tracy Grant, Ron Covington, Hilliard Guess, Kimberly Allen, & Teri Brown-Jackson.

Team OBS is awesome!

Jennifer Williams, President

Television: Does Having Black Actors in Front of the Camera, Translate to Black Writers in the Room?

Towards the end of 2008, and nearly all of 2009 Black shows disappeared from television. It wasn't even a slow demise, one day they were there and the next they were all gone.

No more shows like, Family Matters, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Brandy, In the House, Living Single, Girlfriends, One On One, The Steve Harvey Show, The Parkers, Love, Inc., Eve, Fatherhood, Martin, For Your Love, Cuts, Between Brothers, Jamie Foxx Show, Brothers,

Sister, Sister, Moesha, Sparks, Out All Night, My Wife & Kids, Proud Family, Smart Guy, Roc, Malcolm & Eddie, Eve, The Game, Cosby, Bernie Mac, Everybody Hates Chris, Just Jordan, All Of Us, Half & Half, Second Time Around, Fresh Prince of Bel Aire, and Sherri -just to name a few.

Now there's an influx of shows that have Blacks in the ensemble cast, but nothing like those I just named are visible on television. Well, there's Grey's with four (4) from time to time and Shonda Rhimes as it's creator - she's also the creator of Private Practice - but the question remains, does that translate to Blacks in the room?

Why does that matter? First, there are many talented Black writers that have created shows with more in their arsenal as well as many undiscovered talent waiting to share their shows with the television viewing audience; but they need to get that in-house experience so they can then bring us their vision. Second, there's that authentic voice for the characters. The voice that sometimes only a Black person can bring. The one that rings true for their roots, their heritage, where they live, and their culture, the family dynamics.

At the end of 2010, with a Black President in Office, we still have ensemble cast, but also blacks as the lead characters in Undercovers & The Event on network television. Then there seems to be a trickle of the return of Black sitcoms with Are We There Yet (Ice Cube & Ali LeRoi) on cable; and coming are the return of The Game (Mara Brock Akil), Love That Girl (Bentley Kyle Evans & Stacey Evans Morgan), Reed Between the Lines (Kellie R. Griffin & Arthur Harris), & Let's Stay Together (Queen Latifah).

What do we have to do to bring back the numbers that existed in '80s & '90s? What do we have to do to see Black dramas? What will it take to get our Black Creatives working again? Are webisodes on the Internet our only answer?

OBS: JET MAGAZINE ARTICLE

JET MAGAZINE ARTICLE
SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
For More Information Contact:
JaSheika James, Executive Secretary
323-735-2050
Organization of Black Screenwriters - OBS


LOS ANGELES, CA - Sept 21, 2010 -
Headlines/BLACK SCREENWRITERS GROUP OFFERS WORKSHOPS FOR ASPIRING ARTISTS

Sessions will touch down in several cities over next couple of weeksBy // Clarence Waldron
2010-09-21
The Organization of Black Screenwriters (OBS) is providing workshops for writers interested in the development of scripts for feature films, television programs and webisodes in a tour that touches down in several cities.
The tour kicks off at Harlem's College of New Rochelle (Sept. 24-25), then moves on to D.C.'s Howard University (Oct. 1-2), followed by the Mid-Atlantic Film Festival/Crispus Attacks Cultural Center in Norfolk, Va. (Oct. 7-8) and concluding at the Urban Media/Makers Film Festival in Atlanta, Ga. (Oct. 15-16).
Producer Warrington Hudlin (Boomerang) will be the guest speaker on Friday, Sept. 24, at the New York event.
"We have a comprehensive workshop program that takes writers from start to finish, from the idea concept to a completed script," says OBS President Jennifer Williams.
To view the program descriptions and the roster of guest speakers in the various cities and to register for the workshops visit OBSwriter.com.
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JET MAGAZINE ARTICLE



###
The Organization of Black Screenwriters, Inc. (OBS) began in 1986 to address the lack of black writers represented within the entertainment industry. As a result of our great efforts and the continued growth of the organization, we have developed a powerful network which includes the Writers Guild of America and many agents, producers, directors and studios.

Mission Statement: "The goal of this non-profit organization is to develop great writers. We desire to empower our members with intense training, hands-on experience, expansive resources and extensive industry exposure. We encourage freedom of expression via quality writing and filmmaking, without compromising the image of people of color."

COMMITMENT ~ CONNECTION ~ COMMUNITY

SAVE THE DATE

Oct. 2nd - OBS General Meeting: Guest Speakers: OBS Members Panel - Kimberly Allen, Hilliard Guess, Caryn K. Haynes, Raenell Jones, Christy M. Lavalais, Zelie Dember-Slack, Emill Shavoz, Kathryn J Taylor-Smith, & Michael Wolfe
Discussion: "From Script to Screen: OBS Members Discuss Their Journey of Bringing Their Script to Life"

Oct. 1st & 2nd - OBS On Tour - D.C.: Howard University - Blackburn Center - Registration: http://obsontourdc.eventbrite.com/

Oct. 7th & 8th - OBS On Tour - VA: Mid-Atlantic Black Film Festival- Crispus Attucks Cultural Center
Registration OBS On Tour: http://obsontourva.eventbrite.com/

Oct. 15th & 16th - OBS On Tour - ATL: Urban Media Makers Film Festival - Marriott Hotel Norcross
- Registration http://obsontouratlanta2010.eventbrite.com/

ORGANIZATION OF BLACK SCREENWRITERS DEBUT AT CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS CONFERENCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
(323) 735-2050
Jasheika James
jjames@obswriter.com
Phyllis D. Banks
pdenise@msn.com



ORGANIZATION OF BLACK SCREENWRITERS DEBUT AT CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS CONFERENCE

Group to Preview OBS On Tour Workshop Scheduled for Washington D.C.

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles-based Organization of Black Screenwriters will preview its OBS On Tour workshop as a part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc.’s 40th Annual Legislative Conference being held Sept. 15 – 18 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Led by OBS President Jennifer Williams, the organization will be a first-time exhibitor at the legislative event. OBS members will be on hand in the exhibitors pavilion to discuss the upcoming OBS On Tour workshop being held in Washington, D.C. in October at Howard University. Additionally, members will discuss a host of issues surrounding Hollywood and the need for development of African-American writers to create positive African-American images for the big and small screens.

“We are excited about the opportunity to participate in the CBC conference to meet our Congressional representatives up close and personal. We know many are as concerned as we are about the promotion of positive images of African-Americans in all forms of media and entertainment. That’s why OBS is committed to supporting and training writers who are serious about careers in the entertainment industry,” said Williams.

OBS is conducting a nationwide tour in selected cities to provide a series of dynamic workshops designed to help aspiring writers in the development of scripting feature films, television programs and webisode series. The tour kicked off in Los Angeles in August. The OBS On Tour schedule includes workshops at the College of New Rochelle in New York City, Sept. 24-25; Howard University in Washington, D.C., Oct. 1-2; Mid-Atlantic Film Festival/Crispus Attucks Cultural Center in Norfolk, VA, Oct. 7-8; and, Urban MediaMakers Film Festival in Atlanta, Oct. 15-16.

Founded in 1986 to address the lack of black representation among writers within the entertainment industry, OBS is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization. For more information on OBS, OBS On Tour and registration information, visit www.obswriter.com.

###

OBS VIEWING PARTY FOR TREME!

Last night was the premiere of David Simon's "Treme" on HBO. Since I heard this project was in the works, I've been anticipating this premiere. Several members of OBS came together for a viewing party that was awesome. The evening would not have been complete without at least a Creole dish to accompany the viewing. So Sonya volunteered her culinary skills and prepared a Shrimp Gumbo and Lisa brought out the Wok and created a Scallop Pasta dish (well was sort of New Orleans) and would not have been complete without beer and wine! All of us being huge fans of "The Wire" couldn't wait to see hoe Treme would unfold. Adding the caveats of Khandi Alexander, Wendell Pierce, Clarke Pierce, Rob Brown, as well as, local favor of music by Uncle Lionel Baptiste, Benny Jones, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, et. al.; the people of the city, New Orleans itself, were definitely a huge plus.

Being writers, we understand that it can be difficult to introduce a pilot and make it work. You never know if your vision will come across on the screen. Especially difficult at times is how to make certain you excite your audience, bring them into the story, get them to care about the characters without exposition, all within 90 minutes, in this case. All of us at the viewing party were well versed in the premise of the show; so we still had no clue of how it was going to play.

We were all impressed. David Mills did an excellent job. the unfolding of the story-flow worked while never downplaying the level of devastation the characters returned to

without sucking life out of us in the process, but allowing us to rejoice with them, empathize, share their pride, and feel their spirit --was realized. As I watched, seeing the landmarks, you understand that there is a culture within a culture ---with New Orleans sharing the spotlight with the music - its soul.

Now I can't end this without saying we did question one thing...at least the ladies in the room did. Steve Zahn. We opened with his butt! Come on, you could have given us a sexier butt than that! Besides, we could have used a sexier character period. I mean, Davis McAlary had nothing to offer a women like, Janet Desautel, which he was trying to impress. Davis is a little annoying but clearly loves New Orleans, the music, and the culture. but he could be sexier so we want to tolerate him and that we could believe that he could pull a woman like Janet. Steve Zahn really? Davis has no heat, no hot water, no money, an unattractive job, come on...really? Now if you had given us Harry Connick, Jr. as Davis, now that's sexy and tolerable! I'm just saying. LOL!

We're looking forward to the next episode, we can see a little heat coming.

Writers and others, what about you, did you see the show? What did you think? Will you be there next week? Let me hear from you.

I WRITE TO PLEASE...WHO?

There's so much on my mind when it comes to writing it's difficult to get it on the page. One of the things that keeps coming back is the question, as a writer what is your priority? What I mean is, do you write to tell the stories you always wanted to tell; the ones that are in your head, on your heart, that relate to your surroundings? Or do you tell the stories you think others want to hear? -The stories you think people will find acceptable.



Now, this is a question that has several parts and angles and I want to address it as such - so I'll start here.



Looking at the above questions as a screenwriter - being asked to adapt a novel and you do your best. Your best turns out to win you an Oscar, Geoffrey Fletcher, Best Adapted Screenplay. The first African-American to win this award, a triumphant feat for a job well done. The novel was written by Sapphire and is the compilation of her thoughts, experiences, surroundings, fantasies, and reflections of things she has seen or been told. If you read the novel, you know that it was a difficult read in many aspects, but still it was through the pen/mind of Sapphire the way she wanted us to see it. Later, someone came along, read it, and saw it as a challenge. They read a story so compelling that they were willing to take their money to bring it to life on the big screen. The characters were strong and complicated. To bring that to the screen required the actors to reach deep inside to places they didn't know exist with them them. However, they did it so well, Mo'Nique and Gabourey Sidibe, were both nominated and Mo'Nique won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress respectively. As well as, the vision of the screenplay, through the eyes of the director, Lee Daniels, who was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Director. As difficult as the story is to comprehend, it is still thought provoking and deserved to be told. I think Geoffrey did an extraordinary job in allowing us to get a glimpse of how twisted the characters were without totally grossing us out and Lee did an awesome job in bringing us the symmetry of the visual darkness; no windows, no friends, no role models, no fresh air, just their damp hovel.



All of the above to say that as late as yesterday, I was engaged in a debate as to how horrible the film was (the persons I was speaking with thought it was horrible NOT me). The participants questioned why the movie was made. why did the actresses, screenwriter, and director get nominated for such a film. why have the only Black people that received Oscars of late been those that have portrayed roles of undesirable characters. For the role Denzel Washington played in "Training Day" and Halle Berry played in "Monsters Ball"? My answer was simple - "...they deserved it." I had to question if this is really the question that should have been ask or if that was the reason they were so upset. But they blamed the screenwriter, the author, the director, the actor, and the actresses...



My question again, "Why Do We Write?" Do you write to tell the stories you always wanted to tell, the ones that are in your head, on your heart, that relate to your surroundings, Or do you tell the stories that you think other people want to hear? - The stories that people (Black people) will find acceptable.

WHO WILL WIN?

This weekend's box office has a wide variety of choices. There's actually a debate on a great OBS Support's Facebook Page that has generated lots of response so we thought it would be interesting to post here and on OBS Fan Page on Facebook to get your feedback.

"...Who will win the box office this weekend, Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too?" Or "Clash Of The Titans 3-D"?

Let's hear from you!

OBS

CONGRATULATES

OSCAR WINNING ACTRESS

MO'NIQUE

FOR HER

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

WIN FOR HER ROLE AS "MARY"

IN THE FILM PRECIOUS.

Mo'Nique you were wonderful. This is the first of more to come.

We'd also like to congratulate

GEOFFREY FLETCHER ON HIS OSCAR FOR

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

FOR HIS SCREENPLAY FOR THE FILM PRECIOUS.

As well as being the first African-Amercan Male to receive this award! You make us proud!