tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.comments2023-10-24T06:15:09.796-07:00Organization of Black ScreenwritersOBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12103326355104840389noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-56766763962146311272013-05-27T09:53:02.240-07:002013-05-27T09:53:02.240-07:00Though I haven't entered very many Screenwriti...Though I haven't entered very many Screenwriting competitions I am very aware of the "African American" movie scene and what films get produced. Quite honestly, I must express my disappointment in the sort of material that actually gets turned into films. Rags to bitches, THE FIRST BLACKS TO (insert action here) Ghetto dramas or Gramas lol and of course the 'Blacks at a'-- Bar B Que, Barber shop, Family reunion, Funeral, Church, etc THIS IT WHAT BLACKS DO stories. Even the stories about successful African Americans leave you feeling like they didn't deserve it or made fool choices once they had it. These are the stories that some people use to gain a birds-eye-view into the so called 'Black Experience' and unfortunately the late they paint is quite skewed. White people support these movies because they portray African Americans in a light that is very comfortable to them and we've learned to accept them and even adopt some of those same stereotypes rather than attempt to transcend the perceived norms.<br /><br />The same old Negatively Stereotypical stories of how Blacks just can't get it together and need to be saved from ourselves are pumped into theatre starring ensemble casts of our favorite African American actors who have given in to the idea of quantity over quality in hopes of remaining relevant in between seasons of playing the TOKEN BLACK characters on TV sitcoms and Police/Hospital/Lawyer dramas. The same boxed in character arch types: Thugs, Criminals, Shady Businessmen/women, (adulterous)Cheaters, and or the relatives forced to deal with such individuals. I had a friend argue to me that Tyler Perry's characters though stereotypical were relatable because as they put it, "Errbody gotta cousin like dat!' First I thought I NEED NEW FRIENDS but then I realized how many of us flock to these movies each year and pay our hard earned money to see these New Millennia Blaxploitation films. We glorify these writers/Directors/Stories and Characters as what’s best about Black Cinema and the fact that I've see that same idea born out in so much of our recent cinema almost made me want to stop writing.<br /><br />I thought to myself "Are we so desperate that we will accept any scraps we are given and call it Caviar or so Thirsty to see images of US on the screen that Content has No baring what so ever?" I shudder to think that it has come to this and I am only 34 years old witnessing what are supposed to be the most progressive times of my culture. We have risen so fast and come so far only to actively martyr ourselves for a buck. I say all of this to say that if we are complaining about Bias while flooding the market with these same stories and characters then the onus is ON-US. Write a story that truly looks at different elements of the Black Experience more so than just the hardships of Being Black. We already know being (African Americans) better yet Africans in America is difficult but if that is what defines us, than our book has already been written and there is no need to pick up a pen. I'm just saying. <br /><br />Devvin J. Mattison – Revolutionary WriterAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04126103976551265486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-78765193780387411712011-09-03T17:55:11.710-07:002011-09-03T17:55:11.710-07:00I think mayweather can defeat ortiz because maywe...I think mayweather can defeat ortiz because mayweather is zero losses and his skills is very nice he is one of the great athlete so my vote is for mayweather jr. <br /><br />For more visit:<br /><br /><a href="http://prolink-yzrieljohn26.blogspot.com/2011/08/mayweather-vs-ortiz.html" rel="nofollow">mayweather and ortiz</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://prolink-yzrieljohn26.blogspot.com/%22" rel="nofollow">WATCH MAYWEATHER VS ORTIZ</a>mark johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18102017608123329056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-30508559840528108832011-03-04T18:19:50.361-08:002011-03-04T18:19:50.361-08:00Stop expecting whites to finance our visions. Blac...Stop expecting whites to finance our visions. Blacks in positions of power must bring black shows to front. BET ain't about us. Why so many comedies, why always comedies. Why black female always under loved, back biting, silly, uneducated, hoochies. Why don't we finance our own stuff. BLACK FOLKS NEVER STICK TOGETHER, EVER. That's our problem.Evie_Callinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00103274418372909267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-39920296439636399302010-04-13T15:10:31.991-07:002010-04-13T15:10:31.991-07:00This just in: RT @Variety: HBO orders second seaso...This just in: RT @Variety: HBO orders second season of 'Treme': TV News: David Simon's New Orleans series premiered Sunday -- Just two days a... http://bit.ly/a5aUsyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-91488657977390430422010-04-08T15:07:33.472-07:002010-04-08T15:07:33.472-07:00WOW! Box Office is in and if you go by pure number...WOW! Box Office is in and if you go by pure numbers: <br />CLASH won, but if you do the math WDIGM2 WON! <br /><br />Clash of the Titans $61,400,000 37777 Screens<br />TP's Why Did I Get Married Too? $30,150,000 2155 Screens... <br /><br />We'll have to check in with our Supporters to see how the bet was resolved. Thanks all for weighing in.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-32007549801187959702009-11-24T03:41:56.393-08:002009-11-24T03:41:56.393-08:00Cool post as for me. I'd like to read somethin...Cool post as for me. I'd like to read something more concerning this matter.<br />By the way look at the design I've made myself <a href="http://www.admirableescorts.com/a_level_escorts_london.html" rel="nofollow">A level escorts</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-77229672813006455042009-11-20T15:30:08.250-08:002009-11-20T15:30:08.250-08:00Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium? ...Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium? <br />Help, please. All recommend this program to effectively advertise on the Internet, this is the best program!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-6338403595132543632009-09-03T10:05:04.137-07:002009-09-03T10:05:04.137-07:00I've entered about seven screenplay contests t...I've entered about seven screenplay contests this year with a script featuring a strong African-American female lead and mostly parts for African-Americans. A lot of these bigger screenwriting contests tend to skew more to the "arthouse" film, and not the commercial project from what I've read in my research and experienced from reading the contest winner and semifinalist lists. Stuff with African-American leads or feature stories deatailing the African-American experience don't tend to do as well with the readers of those contests.<br /><br />However, I'm not letting it discourage me. Perseverance pays off and I'm going to keep trying.<br /><br />I try to write stuff that's contemporary and allows the audience to see a diverse array of African-American experieces; I don't want to write within the vaccum of the "inner city" because I know Black people come in many colors and come from many experiences. Doing what I can to get my material out there. I would love to see an African-American fantasy movie or an African-American Superhero movie So I'm writing one!<br /><br /><br />I'm so glad to find this blog and the corresponding website find other black screenwriters. There aren't that many black screenwriters out there and we definitely need more.Shawn Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11712216572467743626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-8353187354133418912009-08-25T21:07:53.795-07:002009-08-25T21:07:53.795-07:00I find there are two sets of biases. One in parti...I find there are two sets of biases. One in particular is hwen dealing with the Warner Bros, Disney, Nickelodeon type of writing contests. If you know someone in that hierarchy, you are much more likely to win that if you come from nowhere but have the best script this side of literary heaven. I've seen both side of the velvet rope so I really know the "it's not how well you write it's who you know" is true. However, at least those contests are not pay-to-compete. I've not been privy to the inner workings of these contests where one must pay to enter so I cannot speak on it. I think the 'who you know' thing is more of a problem than being black when it comes to contests.<br /><br />Someone pointed out that black writers were more comfortable writing for black shows than Seinfeld. That may be true, but as writers, we have no right to stay in a comfort zone. We are supposed to learn to write all kinds of genres for all kinds of characters. Now being accepted as a person of color who can write for "The Big Bang Theory" is where the problem lies, since white producers think we can only write shuck and jive. Surely we're not flexible enough to write for a science sitcom as there are no black geeks, only black thugs and hoochies, right? Changing the perception of who black people are is our greatest obstacle. After all, white producers have no problem hiring white folks to write on black shows, the assumption being that white folks know all about black people and our culture. After all, they watched "Martin" and an episode or two of "The Fresh Prince." I bet they never watched "Under One Roof" and they still think "The Cosby Show" is a fantasy.<br /><br />More black producers who nurtured new black writing talent would certainly help this situation.Because jobs are so scarce for minorities, often we have crabs-in-the-barrel mentality and we refuse to help one another for fear that person will take our job. This is very unfortunate and does not serve us well at all. Jews do just the opposite. They stick together and look how that has worked for them!<br /><br />There is biasAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-62540501608920888762009-08-23T19:54:36.753-07:002009-08-23T19:54:36.753-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-52736806352279099672009-08-23T18:30:07.935-07:002009-08-23T18:30:07.935-07:00I have only entered one screenplay contest thus fa...I have only entered one screenplay contest thus far, so I can't say for sure if their is bias or not. I'm still waiting on the results of that contest, and all I can say is...hope I win! (Guess that makes me bias).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-33696286633197522522009-08-23T10:57:48.284-07:002009-08-23T10:57:48.284-07:00Contests are subjective, and therefore, bias. You ...Contests are subjective, and therefore, bias. You can write a great action, but unless the contest you're entering is looking for an action script, it won't make the cut. <br /><br />My real concern is that Hollywood seems to prefer scripts where blacks are committing crimes, glorifying gangsta life, acting stupid and/or doing deviant things. Hence, black writers who want to break in are writing scripts like that which only serve to perpetuate the stereotype of blacks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-72021207018630339932009-08-22T16:54:07.551-07:002009-08-22T16:54:07.551-07:00If you are a writer then the written content needs...If you are a writer then the written content needs to be your top priority. Bias exists everywhere to some degree but that shouldn't stop the creative process. When you are trying to get into the party then you try every door and you don't waste time cryin' the blues if one door is locked. Try the next one! Too much time is wasted on lamentation of something that will be overcome if you keep your focus. A friend of mine who has had success as a writer in this industry for years was bemoaning the fact that others work was getting produced and his wasn't. He was letting the bitterness hold him back. We had many conversations and I pointed out that his path just like anyone else's is unique and it's a waste of time to compare yourself to someone else. Leave that to others. He picked himself up and decided that you can make your own way by doing it yourself. The lesson here is there are many ways to find satisfaction. Worrying about what's fair and what is not ain't one of them!ron's ranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12866013074457399843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-73885201919676651782009-08-20T14:10:09.548-07:002009-08-20T14:10:09.548-07:00During the 90's there were a couple winners of...During the 90's there were a couple winners of the TV script competition for OBS who were of European descent and they got jobs rather quickly. Bias, maybe but it was built into the system. You see, during that time white writers could get away with writing spec Seinfelds and Friends. Black TV writers would feel more comfortable writing a spec script for a Black series. <br /><br />Now the way the "built-in bias" works is that they spec script is to show a sample of your writing. The producers of TV series are usually very familiar with the mainstream shows. They knew how a "George or Kramer" character should look on a page, but when it came to Black shows which they never watched, they didn't have a clue as to the character of a Regine or a Max (Living Single). Thus more white writers were hired. <br /><br />What's maddening to writers of color is the second guessing of mainstream Hollywood. Do they want this or that? Instead of writing organically, many folks compromised a lot for mainstream TV. And even though the money is good, it is hard to feel good about what you write for "them." <br /><br />But as long as you know "the game," you can deal with what you have to put up with. But it is sad to see someone with an earnest and well written Marcus Garvey epic trying to sell that to Disney and ending up befuddled because no one is biting. It's Hollywood! They ain't bitin' unless you got your Oprahs and your Spielbergs and your "Obama Seal of Approval." <br /><br />But I say that to say a good commercially viable script will rise to the top in a screenwriting contest but the real bias is in actual production and actual (paying) jobs that should come out of winning one. <br /><br />(Forgive me if this hardly makes sense, I am writing this in the hot humidity of the Baltimore-Washington summer!)Butch Berryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15808901670261291207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-33758530786264671612009-08-20T13:53:49.056-07:002009-08-20T13:53:49.056-07:00I have been a reader for many contest and my only ...I have been a reader for many contest and my only bias is torward bad writing!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-76662324298821767192009-07-09T23:52:54.928-07:002009-07-09T23:52:54.928-07:00You asked this question on your blog: What movie d...You asked this question on your blog: What movie did you enjoy most at PAFF this year? <br /><br />I was present and enjoyed several of the films, but this one resonants with me most:<br /><br />"Skin" based on the true story of a woman who was genetically born to white parents, but a rare pigmentation in her skin caused her to look black and she was treated as such during Africa's aparthied.jazzzznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-41415023596490737092009-02-16T10:27:00.000-08:002009-02-16T10:27:00.000-08:00Hill Harper - smart and talented.Hill Harper - smart and talented.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-51048500912997373412008-08-25T20:10:00.000-07:002008-08-25T20:10:00.000-07:00Hey Jennifer,I feel you on the power of words! Com...Hey Jennifer,<BR/><BR/>I feel you on the power of words! Comedy is a great genre, but the comedy that can make you feel is prolificness.<BR/><BR/>The material of literary talent is words; and the material of story is life itself. -R. McKee<BR/><BR/>Keep up the good blogs Jen!<BR/>Sorry I've been MIA for a while, but I've been so so busy...I need to reconcile with my OBS family.<BR/><BR/>Moses ClarkMoseshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09088686775909893178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-88483570305498369022008-07-22T06:47:00.000-07:002008-07-22T06:47:00.000-07:00Nice,I cannot wait until we're able to do this on ...Nice,<BR/><BR/>I cannot wait until we're able to do this on the East Coast.<BR/><BR/>Keep it positive and keep it moving,<BR/><BR/>Kanarian K<BR/>"refusing to accept failure as my final authority"Kanarian K=> the 1 and onlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11677168573792689219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-31488237427903837352008-05-07T07:49:00.000-07:002008-05-07T07:49:00.000-07:00I have heard, and commented myself once or twice t...I have heard, and commented myself once or twice that, I write to insprire...<BR/>I now know that I write to entertain. I want my films to evoke the response "man that was good...gotta see that again..." as people are leaving the theater or turning off the dvd. As a writer, I want to influence people with my life, how far I have come, how I have no plans on looking back with regret or slowing down. I guess I can say in a nutshell (little too late for that...sorry..:)) that I want to entertain with my films, inspire with my life.<BR/>mschel diaz<BR/>tennesseeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-64728655017153868892008-04-10T19:34:00.000-07:002008-04-10T19:34:00.000-07:00Greetings All,I am writing because it is a gift fr...Greetings All,<BR/><BR/>I am writing because it is a gift from God, and I enjoy doing it. I write for wisdom, I write for freedom, I write because writing is a creative medicine...I am an Electrician by trade, and while I'm working I think of things to be writing. I even told my Wife last night that I'll make love to her hard for thirty minutes if she lets me write for the rest of the night lol!(kidding)<BR/><BR/>My goals as a writer is to inspire people in my films, not only people of color, but all races and nationalities. I want to give a message in my work, that can be positive, and encourage people to move mountains.<BR/><BR/>Well...my goal is to write five scripts a year, and in twenty years I will have a hundred scripts...If I could sell one, that would be a blessing. I am also in the process of going to back to school to get a degree in film at UCLA...Eventually I want to produce my own projects, mentor young diligent writers and producers, opening a door of opportunity for new talent.<BR/><BR/>much loveMoseshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09088686775909893178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-4797390416184025742008-04-08T14:15:00.000-07:002008-04-08T14:15:00.000-07:00I write for several reasons. First being it's my p...I write for several reasons. First being it's my passion. As I child I have always held an obsession with putting pen to paper.<BR/><BR/>I'm a very creative person & writing is the perfect outlet for me. <BR/><BR/>As for what I want to accomplish that varies. With my memoirs I wanted to open myself up to the world, showing others conquering obstacles isn't hard with determination and faith.<BR/><BR/>In addition, I want people to understand they must be willing to let go of the guilt of their past if they want to move along to the next level in life.<BR/><BR/>In regards to scriptwriting I want to cover all facets of everyday life. Have you ever watched a film & you could see yourself within a particular charater?<BR/><BR/>Well that's what I plan to do. Create quality material that others can relate to. <BR/><BR/>Keep it positive and keep it moving,<BR/><BR/>Kanarian Kindred<BR/>Writer, NYCKanarian K=> the 1 and onlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11677168573792689219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-20689919351789464312008-04-07T18:11:00.000-07:002008-04-07T18:11:00.000-07:00Jennifer,Writing is my way to get my messages to t...Jennifer,<BR/><BR/>Writing is my way to get my messages to the bublic, but also is my way to get in control of my own life and finances. To Produce the true image of Non-Professional and Professional African Americans and African live all over the world.<BR/><BR/>Blesings to all<BR/><BR/>Jerry Baxter<BR/><BR/>SP ... I do not know what HTML tags are!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-66301996456245041172008-03-27T21:31:00.000-07:002008-03-27T21:31:00.000-07:00I think it's a combination of everything. Now more...I think it's a combination of everything. Now more than ever artists are taking their craft into their own hands, instead of waiting on Hollywood to do it.<BR/><BR/>The independence factor is something not seen in previous generations. In history numerous actors/producers/writers were so happy to be on the screen, owning the product wasn’t THAT big of an issue, if at all.<BR/><BR/>With the success of Tyler Perry, John Singleton, Quentin Terantino, among others, Hollywood is facing the harsh reality that others can make it own their own terms.<BR/><BR/>On the flip side of the coin, if certain movies are a cash cow it will guarantee make it in Tinsel town regardless of the quality. Ask yourself, how many times you have seen a movie of poor character/quality, but it made millions at the box office.<BR/><BR/>In the “olden days” of film making, certain standards were upheld regardless of the potential success of a film (just my opinion). In the early 40s, 50s, and 60s, a certain respect for family films existed. Meaning, they seemed to care if some films were able to be viewed by the WHOLE family. I do not see that much anymore (just my opinion).<BR/><BR/>Have a good one!<BR/><BR/>Kanarian KKanarian K=> the 1 and onlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11677168573792689219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401226671801820151.post-2579499259424851492008-03-22T10:49:00.000-07:002008-03-22T10:49:00.000-07:00I think it is all of the above. The New Hollywood...I think it is all of the above. The New Hollywood is about doing it for yourself and not waiting on Hollywood to make your dreams come true. Tyler Perry is the perfect example of what we need to be doing. If we are making our own projects and they are making money, Hollywood will seek us out. Let's go for it people. If we pray, collaborate, then anything is possible. Anything. God Bless!!! z+!blessed1https://www.blogger.com/profile/03437150821209189775noreply@blogger.com