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



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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.

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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!

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"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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
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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

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

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