ActNow Foundation: Black Film and Theater

THANK YOU!

2011-06-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

Once again ActNow's New Voices in Theater (NVIT) was a SUCCESS! Thank you all for showing your support to the developers (Tanya Everett, Clinton Lowe and Patrick Shand) and cast (Bianca Laverne-Jones, Stephen Hill, Ginger Spencer, Lindsay Strachan, Tanya Everett, and Clinton Lowe) of GAME FACE directed by Kehinde Koyejo.

We are very excited to be able to bring to the Forte Green Brooklyn area quality readings that feature the works of new (published and unpublished) playwrights of color.

Please stay tuned for ActNow's upcoming events AND if you are a playwright or actor and would like to be considered for NVIT 's future readings/productions please submit your play or headshot/resume to kehinde.actnow@gmail.com.

Mark your calendars!!!! August 10th-13th ActNow will produce a four day mini theater festival! It will be a day of food, fun, networking, staged readings and more! Trust me, you don't want to miss !

Kehinde Koyejo

For Flow Wrap Up

2011-04-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

ActNow’s New Voices in Theater’s (NVIT) reading of “For Flow” (by Kesav Wable and directed by Kehinde Koyejo) was a SUCCESS! Thank you all for coming out and supporting ActNow, the playwright and of course the AMAZING cast: Donald Calliste, DJ Mitchell, Hollis Hayden, Clinton Lowe and Mr. Aurtur French. We are very excited to be able to bring to the Fort Green Brooklyn area quality readings that feature the works of new (published and unpublished) playwrights of color. Please stay tuned for ActNow's upcoming events AND if you are a playwright or actor and would like to be considered for NVIT future readings/productions please submit your play or headshot and resume to info@actnowproduction.org Mark your calendars!!!! New Voices in Theater’s next reading will be Wednesday May 25th. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it! Submit!

TAKE OUR FILM FESTIVAL SURVEY

2011-03-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you again to everyone who came out to the ActNow New Voices in Black Cinema Festival.
We would love to here what you thought of the event. Please take a couple of minutes to fill out our survey. The Festival will be back at BAM February 2012 and your feedback will help us make it bigger and better!

Click here to take our survey!

Thank you!
@TanyaStLouis

ActNow New Voices in Theater Presents: For Flow

2011-03-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

ActNow's New Voices in Theater Reading Series features the works of new, published and unpublished playwrights of color and on March 30th we will be featuring a piece written by Kesav M. Wable.

"For Flow" borrows Andrew Beckett's existential landscape and transplants two 'Beckettian' clownsrappers to a lonely street corner in the Bronx where they wait for a record producer; they're later joined by a woman DJ and Delta Blues guitarist who also meet at this crossroad in search of their own destinies. "For Flow" will be directed by Kehinde Koyejo. The reading will be followed by a Q&A with the writer.

Stage Directions - Donald Calliste
Dee - Clinton Lowe
Kane - Hollis Hayden
Roxanne -DJ. Mitchell
Broonzy -Arthur French

The reading will be held at:
ActNow Foundation in the South Oxford Space
138 S. Oxford Street
Brooklyn, New York 11217

Wednesday March 30
Time: 6:30pm light reception/
7:15pm Reading of 'For Flow'

RSVP REQUIRED. SEATS ARE LIMITED.

rsvp@actnowproduction.org
www.actnowproduction.org
$5 donation suggested

Please come out and support! See you there!

The Colored Museum -- Encore!

2011-03-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

If you missed last year's production of The Colored Museum or you loved it so much you want to see it again here is your chance.

George C. Wolfe's classic theater work will once again be directed by Bill Johnson- featuring Soyini Crenshaw, Melissa Gibbs, Myriam Moss, Nihara Nichelle, Jasmine Taylor,Tavarius Graves, Rafael Moreno, Michael Stith & FranCisco Vegas.

Only $20

March 9-13 @ 8pm

March 12-13 @ 2pm

Roy Arias Studios & Theaters

300 W. 43rd street - 4th floor

New York, New York 10036

See you there!

2011 Act Now: New Voices In Black Cinema Film Festival Wrap-Up

2011-02-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

A huge, ginormous THANK YOU to everyone who came out and supported The ActNow New voices In Black Cinema Film Festival. Tambay Obenson, film curator for ActNow wrote an incredible review of our event on his blog Shadow And Act. Click here to read it. You can also read also read a write up of the festival on XI Magazine.

Aaron Ingram, executive director of ActNow received a Thank You note from one of our guests and I wanted to share it with you:

Dear ActNow,

I just want to say thank you for presenting New Voices in Black Cinema it was truly awesome. A great experience for me, an aspiring writer as well as my two lil young ladies who are being opened to culture and seeing young black men and women represented behind the scenes...directing, filming, writing etc. Just wanted to take the time to let you know that you all have made me so proud.

Nicole O'Connor Bed-Stuy

This letter is why we at ActNow do what we do.

Stay tuned we have more great programs in store!

Interview with Clint Dyer

2011-01-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

Clint Dyer is the actor and producer of the film SUS and I was lucky enough to ask him a few questions about SUS. If one of your questions were not answered here please come to the screening on Monday February 7th at 9:30pm. Clint Dyer will be present and you can ask him a question yourself.

Before you check out the interview view the trailer for SUS.

Now on to the interview.

You were involved in the stage version of SUS. How did you get involved in the play and how did you find yourself starring in the film?

I performed the play ten years ago and was offered it again. On reading it I remembered how fantastic it was and decided to make it happen as a film as well as doing the new stage production.

What lessons did you learn while filming SUS?

Producing and acting at the same time is tough!

What challenges did you incur while acting in such a powerful film?

Having to stay in that emotional head space for so long was hardest.

Did you face any objections bringing sus laws to light?

Yes we had objections from Angela Rippon and Anna Ford two news readers who are mentioned in the play and featured in the film (but had to be cut out of the film). Apart from them everyone was very happy a message and film like SUS was being put out there, as the problems with Racism are still a big problem in the UK.

What impact do you think this film will have on our Brooklyn audience?

I can only hope that the response will be one of empathy, anger and some kind of hope, in that we are able to show our experiences in an entertaining heartfelt way.

How will audiences who have seen both stage version of SUS react to the film adaptation?

I think they will react the same.....nothing is diluted, possibly it is enhanced.

What can you tell us about your next project?

It will be a film called FAM which I have co-written to which I will act in and direct.

See you at the Festival! Purchase your tickets now.

Interview with Wendell B. Harris Jr.

2011-01-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

Wendell B. Harris Jr. is the mastermind behind the groundbreaking 1990 film CHAMELEON STREET. I had a few questions for the writer, actor, director and he graciously answered them. This was truly a great interview. His answer to my first question is why we at ActNow do what we do. We want to present "relentlessly sensitive human beings." Thank you Wendell for answering all my questions with pure honesty.
Great interviews keep me motivated and stimulated -- once again I thank you!

I hope to see you at the showing of Chameleon Street on Wednesday February 9th at 9:30pm. Find me after the film so we can discuss it. I think it would be a great idea if you purchased your ticket now.

TANYA: CHAMELEON STREET won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1990 Sundance Festival and, despite not being distributed, had a very strong underground following. Why do you think people who have sought out the film are so passionate about it?

WENDELL: I believe the Style and, most importantly, the Content of CHAMELEON STREET are riveted to an unadulterated expression of Truth. Unadulterated Truth has never been the target when it comes to showing black people on screen. Never. We've been portrayed as Exotic ... Over-The-Top ... Freakish ... Highly Sexualized .... Buffoonish .... Incompetent .... Monstrous .... Uncultivated ... Venal and/or Anal ----- everything and anything except 3-dimensional, relentlessly sensitive human beings. The on-screen image of black men, women, and children has been subjected to the most sustained campaign of character assassination in history. They don't call it 'Culture Wars' for nothing. You know, Tanya, it was never my aim to make a radical film. Not at all. My only aim was to tell the audience on-screen in 90 minutes what Doug Street told me in countless interviews over 4 years. That was the only agenda. If you sit any black person down for 4 years and have them tell you in detail what they've been going through in these United States of America ... honey, you're going to come up with a CHAMELEON STREET. You're going to come up with something utterly compelling and fresh and modern and almost revelatory, because our story ... told simply and without embellishment ... has been rigorously eschewed and censored since THE BIRTH OF A NATION circa 1915.

TANYA: What challenges did you face by taking on a triple work-load -- writing, directing, starring?

WENDELL: There's a trick to it, Tanya. Actually, two tricks. They're not 'tricks' per se. More like 'truths' ... two truths. You want to know what they are --- ?

TANYA: Yes, please share.

WENDELL: It's kind of a secret, really. I should charge some ducats for this. The keys to successfully Writing - Directing - Acting in a single film are (1.) Circling. You've got to keep circling. You've got to keep walking around every choice, whether it's in the script, the lighting, the performances, the production design, everything. You never let up or let go. You keep on looking at every aspect of the film from every angle at all times. You've got to always keep in mind that you are doing alone what Hollywood has hired literally a hundred people - or more - to do. So, circle ... keep circling around everything. Keep walking around every decision with a critical eye ... looking for leaks, incongruities, abrasions, mistakes. Circle, baby, circle ... !

TANYA: Gotcha. And Number Two --- ?

WENDELL: (2.) Get the very best people to work with you. Fill every position with excellence. When you align with excellence, you invariably achieve excellence.

TANYA: Is there anything you would have done differently while making the film?

WENDELL: We initially negotiated with George Clinton to perform his song 'Bodyguard' in the Masquerade Ball Sequence. At the last moment, he canceled out.

TANYA: Why?

WENDELL: (sigh) It was a contretemps over cash. Clinton demanded his payment of $10, 000.00 two weeks in advance. Our agreement had been he'd get the 10K upon arrival in Flint for the 3-day shoot. So, everything fell apart. If I had to do it all over again, I'd make a more strenuous attempt to keep Clinton involved. I had this whole dance sequence for Street and Amina worked out to Clinton's music which was so great. It was beautiful ... dancing in that Beast make-up to Clinton's 'Bodyguard'. The choreography was dumped after Clinton dropped . That's my one Major Regret vis-a-vis CHAMELEON STREET's production. But I'm not complaining, Tanya. 99.5 % of my vision made it into the film's final cut, so ... I'm grateful. I'm grateful.

TANYA: The inspiration for the film came from a newspaper article about a con man. What challenges did you face while creating this fictional character from a real person?

WENDELL: Frankly, I never viewed the real Doug Street as a template from which to extrapolate a 'fictional character'. On the contrary -- my main concern was to film what Doug told me.

TANYA: How do you think the Brooklyn audience of 2011 will react to this 1990 film?

WENDELL: Interesting question. I'm sure that they'll 'get it'. Only Hollywood distributors claimed to be puzzled by CS and how to market it. But audiences ALWAYS get it. Whether in Italy or Germany or Detroit or Atlanta ... audiences always get it. And they get all the hidden stuff, too. I filled the film with allusions and cultural references and secret signs. And yet, people always come up to me and say, ' Hey, I notice you put so-n-so in there or such-n-such .' People are so hip. So smart. Mainstream Media is always trying to sell this image of people as ' Dumb- Ass' this ... or 'JackAss' that ... or reality shows dedicated to proving human beings are the 'Stupidest' mouth-breathing twerps on the planet. I haven't found this to be the case, Tanya. Quite the opposite, in fact. I find that audiences are far, far ahead of the film fodder they're being fed. And they don't miss a thing. They sit there, watching, nibbling on their pop-corn ... and they can tell you after the first five minutes what characters are going to do what, and where the film is going ... in amazingly accurate detail! Of course, there are some references in CHAMELEON STREET that only black people get. Generally speaking. But one thing's for sure --- whites are beginning to catch up. It's pretty amazing. For example, 40 years ago you couldn't find a white person on the planet who knew what the word CHITLINS meant, let alone how they tasted. Today, you walk up to a Caucasion and say, ' Uh ... have you ever had chitlins ?' and their faces light up, ' Oh, yeah ...! Had some for breakfast this morning -- !! ' Those wily Caucasians ....!

TANYA: What are your feelings on today’s state of black films?

WENDELL: Wow ... that's a loaded question.

Let me put it this way ... black people are not fooled. We support what's going on and buy tickets to all this yang while simultaneously adhering to that advice Richard Pryor gave us 30 years ago i.e. ' Be glad for black people and support them when you see them doing anything ... !' And we do. But, having said that ... black people are not fooled by all this cinematic prestidigitation. My father died at the age of 90 in 2000 . He used to tell me what it was like in the Thirties watching Stepin Fetchit, Willie Best, Butterfly McQueen etc, etc. These were great performers but black people were not fooled. We knew THEN how our image was being botched, belittled, and bastardized, and we know it NOW. Listen ... when you start naming names, it sounds as if you're pin-pointing the problem. That's the implication, anyway. That's not what I'm about to do -- okay ? I'm going to name a specific project, but only as a means of defining An Entire Syndrome. Okay -- ?

TANYA: Okay.

WENDELL: In 1975 I saw Ntozake Shange's FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUFF four times on Broadway. Sometimes, people come up to me and say, ' CHAMELEON STREET changed my life .' Well, I'm here to tell you, Tanya -- that Broadway version of FOR COLORED GIRLS in the mid-Seventies most definitely changed my life. Now, it's 2011 and I recently saw the Tyler Perry-Oprah Winfrey film version of FOR COLORED GIRLS. Whose life is that going to change, Tanya -- ?? To quote the inimitable Bert Williams: " Nobody' -- ! I feel like some kind of 21st century reincarnation of Langston Hughes, reiterating that poem he wrote: ' They done taken my blues and gone ... ! ' They done taken my FOR COLORED GIRLS and gone .... ! That play is one of our major, major masterworks ... and yet, from a cinematic point-of-view, it's throat was slit. And yet, that slit-throat cinematic travesty is what the entire world is going to see from now until the Second Coming. They're not going to remember what Trazana Beverley did on that Broadway stage in 1975. They'll never know the power of that masterpiece. Wow ... that brings another poem to my mind. Who wrote that poem ... it goes, ' He doesn't know the power of his own black hand ' ... ? I forget. But that's the crux of it. They don't want us to know our power. And any film project that truly empowers, imbues, and enlightens will either have it's aesthetic throat slit, or, if it DOES get made without interference, it'll be suppressed.

TANYA: Are you currently working on any projects? Will NEGROPOLIS be coming to a theatre soon?

WENDELL : That's very sweet of you to ask. NEGROPOLIS is ready to shoot tomorrow if I had the money today. The first version was written in 1990 for Chris Tucker, Howard Stern, Louie Anderson, and Oprah Winfrey. Yes, Oprah. A little ironic, eh ... ? The budget back in 1990: $20 million. Today, however, NEGROPOLIS could be produced for 7 million. That's not a lot of money, to be sure ... unless you haven't got it. The parts I wrote for Oprah, Howard and Chris in NEGROPOLIS are so incredible, they make everything those three have done in film up until this moment look like dog-paddling . I am also in secret talks with the lovely and legendary author, Lore Segal, about the possibility of bringing one of her masterpieces to the screen. What a woman -- ! What a human being. And what an immaculate artist she is. Lastly, Tanya: My documentary entitled ARBITER ROSWELL is very close to completion. It chronicles much of what we've been discussing here today i.e. how Mainstream Media has always been consciously contrived in order to coerce, co-opt, and control the Masses. ARBITER ROSWELL also shows how certain 'real life' incidents ... such as the alleged crash of an 'alien' UFO near Roswell New Mexico in 1947 .... are actually contrived and sold to the public. Why ... ? Come see the film when it's released. I will say this, however: the Roswell Incident; the assassinations of JFK, Malcolm X, MLK, and John Lennon; the induced disintegration and subsequent vilification of Mel Gibson --- all of these incidents that are still being sold to the public as spontaneous, real life happenings are, in reality, meticulously produced theatre pieces. Snuff Theatre Pieces ... more costly, more dangerous, and more heavily produced than a dozen Broadway productions of SPIDERMAN. Turn Off The Dark, indeed.

How you can help ActNow start a successful & fun film festival in Brooklyn!

2011-01-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

Your contribution will offset some of the travel costs and accommodations for the filmmakers to come up to Brooklyn and interact with you all at our Q&A’s, receptions and after-parties. We are also in need of funds to print film programs, which many audience members treasure as rare mementos of their festival experience.

With your financial assistance, we know that we can make this festival a phenomenal annual event in independent film, so we invite you to be a part of the festival.

We are using KICKSTARTER to collect contributions. Click here for more information and to donate.

THANK YOU!

NIGHT CATCHES US

2011-01-17T10:23:00.000-08:00

ActNow's New Voices in Black Cinema Film Festival

Night Catches Us (2010) 90 min.
Directed by Tanya Hamilton
With Anthony Mackie, Kerry Washington, Wendell Pierce and Jamie Hector

In 1976, after years of mysterious absence, Marcus, The Hurt Locker’s Mackie, returns to the Philadelphia neighborhood where he came of age in the midst of the Black Power movement. While his arrival raises suspicion among his family and former neighbors, he finds acceptance from his old friend Patricia (Washington) and her daughter. However, Marcus quickly finds himself at odds with the organization he once embraced, whose members suspect he orchestrated the slaying of their former comrade-in-arms. In a startling sequence of events, Marcus must protect a secret that could shatter everyone's beliefs as he rediscovers his forbidden passion for Patricia.

Check out the trailer below.

Following the February 4th 6:50pm screening director Tanya Hamilton and actor Jamie Hector (The Wire, Heroes) will both be present for the Q&A, which will be moderated by film critic Melissa Anderson. Jamie Hector was born in Brooklyn so it will be a nice treat to screen Night Catches Us in his hometown!

Buy your tickets NOW.

ACTNOW: NEW VOICES IN FILM FESTIVAL TRAILER

2011-01-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

ActNow's New Voices in Black Cinema Film Festival is in a couple of weeks and we at ActNow are so excited to share these films with you. I recommend purchasing your tickets NOW. You do not want to be shut out of this event. Take a look at our trailer for the festival below.

This festival will feature a film for everybody. Pick out your film and purchase your tickets NOW.

Friday, February 4

2pm: Heart of Stone (Q&A with director Beth Toni Kruvant)

4:30pm: SUS

6:50pm: Night Catches Us (Q&A with director Tanya Hamilton moderated by film critic Melissa Anderson)

9:30pm: Black August (Q&A with director dream hampton)

Saturday, February 5

6:50pm: I Will Follow (Q&A with director Ava DuVernay)

9:30pm: Coming Back for More (Q&A with director Willem Alkema)

Sunday, February 6

6:50pm: Coming Back for More

9:15pm: Black August

Monday, February 7

4:30pm: Night Catches Us

6:50pm: Money Matters (Q&A with director Ryan Richmond)

9:30pm: SUS (Q&A with director Robert Heath)

Wednesday, February 9

4:30pm: Heart of Stone

7pm: Brooklyn Block Shorts (Q&A with directors)

9:30pm: Chameleon Street

Which film are you most looking forward to seeing?
Tell us in the comments below :)

Inaugural Festival by Brooklyn-Based Film Organization Opens Up Black History Month 2011 at BAMcinèmatek

2011-01-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

Very exciting ActNow news!

ActNow, in conjunction with BAMcinématek and NYC Council Member Letitia James, presents a new film festival that directly reflects the wide spectrum of views and themes within the African diaspora communities in Brooklyn and beyond. This inaugural festival will be opening up Black History Month!

The New Voices in Black Cinema Festival is a multi-genre showcase of quality movies geared towards getting general and new audiences to appreciate Black independent film. Choosing excellence over spectacle and boldness over standard fare, this program pushes the gamut of showing how film explores Black society and provides exhibition to new voices, and existing ones.

ActNow: New Voices in Black Cinema features documentary films of cultural and socio-political significance. Reminiscent of Still Bill, festival sensation Coming Back For More (2009—Feb 5 & 6) by musician and documentary filmmaker Willem Alkema searches for reclusive funk legend Sly Stone to bring him back to the stage again. Beth Toni Kruvant’s Heart of Stone (2009—screening Feb 4 & 9) focuses on the efforts of Ron Stone, principal of Newark’s Weequahic High School, in confronting the school’s pervasive gang problems. Previously among the highest-ranked schools in the country, Weequahic was plagued with problems and violence becoming one of the worst before Stone came on board. “Deftly structured, incisive and revealing, uplifting without ever glossing over grim realities, Heart of Stone offers a hard-won sense of hope and possibilities” (Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times). Journalist dream hampton’s documentary Black August (2010—Feb 4 & 6) showcases a grassroots movement to raise awareness about political prisoners featuring interviews with intellectuals and social activists such as Assata Shakur, and performances by hip-hop artists including Brooklyn natives Mos Def and Talib Kweli. The series includes personal narrative films like Money Matters (2010—Feb 7) directed by Ryan Richmond, about a single mother and her teenage daughter, as well as Tanya Hamilton’s Night Catches Us (2010)—named one of the Best First Features in The Village Voice 2010 Film Critics’ Poll—starring Anthony Mackie and Kerry Washington, about a former member of the Black Power movement returning home. Robert Heath’s SUS (2010), a “sharply written, beautifully acted, and devastating critique of institutional racism” (David Edwards, Daily Mirror), is set entirely in a British interrogation room on election night in 1979, centering on two bigoted cops attempting to pin a murder on a man (played by Clint Dyer, who also produced).

The festival concludes on February 9 with the Brooklyn Block showcase of short films from local filmmakers, as well as a screening of Wendell B. Harris’ newly-restored Chameleon Street (1990), inaugurating ActNow’s New Black Classics series. This satirical examination on race, based on the life of Detroit con artist William Douglas Street, Jr.—played by Harris himself—became the first black film ever to be awarded Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize in 1990.

New Voices in Black Cinema schedule

Friday, February 4
2:pm: Heart of Stone
4:30pm: SUS
6:50pm: Night Catches Us
9:30pm: Coming Back for More

Saturday, February 5
6:50pm: I Will Follow
9:30pm: Coming Back for More

Sunday, February 6
6:50pm: Coming Back for More
9:15pm: Black August

Monday, February 7
4:30pm: Night Catches Us
6:50pm: Money Matters
9:30pm: SUS

Wednesday, February 9
4:30pm: Heart of Stone
7pm: Brooklyn Block shorts
9:30pm: Chameleon Street

There is so much happening over at ActNow. Keep up with us every way you can!

Our Website
Our Facebook
Our Twitter
*And visit our friends over at Shadow And Act (and vote for them for best fan blog here)

Direction to BAM:

BAM Rose Cinemas

30 Lafayette Avenue (between St Felix Street and Ashland Place).

Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5, Q, B to Atlantic Avenue;

D, M, N, R to Pacific Street; G to Fulton Street; C to Lafayette Avenue

Bus: B25, B26, B41, B45, B52, B63, B67 all stop within three blocks of BAM

For ticket and BAMbus information, call BAM Ticket Services at 718.636.4100, or visit BAM.org.

*For more information about the New Voices in Black Cinema Film Festival, please contact Curtis John at curtis@actnowproduction.org or Donnet Bruce at donnet@actnowproduction.org or (347) 274-0563 and go to www.ActNowproduction.org

ACT NOW: New Voices In Black Cinema Festival

2010-12-21T06:25:00.000-08:00

Exciting ActNow News! See below:

ACT NOW: New Voices In Black Cinema Festival
February 4th-9th at BAM Rose Cinemas

ActNow Foundation is a film & theater organization that focuses on the minority experience in the United States and abroad. By showcasing diverse artists, they take audiences on a journey
that enriches their cultural background with stories about race, love, family, self-empowerment,cultural and class differences that shows how everyone shares the same human struggle for
survival.

A new, bold addition to our ActNow: New Voices In Black Cinema ongoing partnership with BAMcinématek (www.BAM.org) and NYC Council Member Letitia James’ office, our New Voices in Black Cinema Festival is a multi-genre showcase of quality Black movies geared towards getting general and new audiences to appreciate numerous independent films from and by the African diaspora. Choosing excellence over spectacle and boldness over standard fare, New Voices pushes the gamut of showing how film explores Black society and provides exhibition to new voices, and existing ones, that represent this rich and diverse culture,proudly putting them on display with our partners at BAMcinématek.

Whether the films are contemporary or period pieces, drama or comedy, science fiction or animated, the purpose of this series is to give filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their films
on a grand stage where they can develop opportunities for limited distribution and create buzz for future industry contacts.

*No longer accepting Feature Film submissions*
Short Film submission deadline is December 29, 2010

Eligibility Requirements

• Short Films (live action or animation) must be no longer than 30 minutes.
• Films must tell a story of the Black experience or feature a person of African descent in the leading roles.
• While not required for eligibility, premiere status is one of the
factors considered when determining a film’s acceptance
• For submission purposes, preview DVDs may be works-in-progress, films with temporary soundtracks or digital outputs.
• Filmmakers must deliver final format in advance (as indicated below)
• Films that had limited screenings up to 2008 are welcome
• International films are welcome

Submission Materials (must be sent all in one package)

• Completed submission form
• (1) Preview screener
• Film synopsis (100 words or less)
• Press kit on CD or emailed (film stills, film credits, director/writer bios and headshots)
• Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) for return of screeners (optional)

Screening Requirements
If your film is selected, please be advised that we will require:
Final print on 16mm, 35mm print, Mini-DV, HDcam, or BetcamSP (You will get back your master)

Photo stills (high resolution, color and/or black & white)

Film trailers, clip reels, posters, postcards (optional)
Agreement is non-exclusive.

--You retain the rights to your film and film materials.
--You are responsible for obtaining the rights and clearances pertaining to your film.

Packaging/Labeling

For DVD submissions, we require standard commercial 5-1/4 x 7-1/2 DVD cases or in a smaller hard plastic casing.

For all submissions, include the film title (in English) and the running time on the cover of the DVD packaging and/or on the DVD itself. If submitting a work-in-progress, indicate the elements that are incomplete on the DVD packaging.

Multiple Entries
You may submit more than one film, but each one must be on a separate DVD and must be accompanied by its own completed submission form.

Shipping
All costs for shipping submission materials to and from ANF’s Brooklyn, NY office are the responsibility of the sender. Ship your DVDs in a bubble pack envelope. ActNow Foundation is not responsible for damage to submitted materials incurred in shipping.

International Entries
All entries from outside the US should be sent Air Mail Registered by a parcel express service. We cannot accept entries shipped via air freight if customs and delivery fees have not been paid.

All materials must be sent to:
ActNow Foundation
138 South Oxford Street
Studio C
Brooklyn, NY 11217
attn: New Voices In Black Cinema

If there are any issues or questions email us at – info@actnowproduction.org
or call (347) 274-0563

Please click here to fill out the submission form.

2010-11-21T19:33:00.000-08:00

ActNow's stellar season has come to an end -- and we topped it off with a screening of Nurse. Fighter. Boy, directed by Charles Officer. It was a cold, rainy, Monday night but we still managed a pretty good turnout.

A huge thank you for everyone who made it to the screening and the after party. Enjoy some of the photos below and scroll down to see what ActNow has planned for the 2011 season.

As I mentioned above ActNow has some exciting opportunities for the actors and/or writers. Here is a breakdown below:

********************************************************

Black Playwrights' Group Jan 8th 2011

Created by ActNow Foundation and Liberation Theatre Company, the Black Playwrights' Group 2011 brings playwrights together to share and develop new work in a rigorous and professional environment. Playwrights who wish to be considered for the Black Playwrights' Group 2011 should submit a writing sample, resume and cover letter, outlining how our group would help your work as a playwright. We are seeking a committed group of ten (10) playwrights to participate in the yearlong group. This is a facilitated, but mostly self-guided group of professionals who desire creative connection and community relationships, at a one-time fee of $150.00. Monthly meetings will be the 2nd Saturday of every month, beginning January 8th, 2011, 10 -1pm,on South Oxford Street, in beautiful Brooklyn.

Deadline: December 1st, 2010
At Group sessions, playwrights share pages or scenes from works-in-progress, which are read by professional actors. They then invite their colleagues to comment on the work.

At year's end, we will present a weekend of readings by the Group.

*FYI - ActNow and LTC are committed to making this group affordable for many. $150 (tax deductible) nominal fee covers renting the group's meeting space for the year and administrative costs.

For more info please click Liberation Theatre Company

Please feel free to join us as an actor (FREE) in the play development process by contacting info@liberationtheatrecompany.org.

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The Monologue/Scene Study Character Workshop

Starting January 18th 2011
At 138 South Oxford St, Brooklyn, New York

Featuring Guest Instructor:
Pharah Jean-Philippe

This intensive and comprehensive 12 week workshop is designed for actors with some prior training or professional experience. This is a lab where actors will be challenged With both contemporary monologue and scene work. This will be fun, challenging Class for actors who want to sharpen their tools, learn how to ask smart questions, make strong choices, break bad habits and cultivate character through the self with honesty, Integrity, simplicity and playfulness. The session will culminate with a "sharing" of the Work open to a one-night workshop production followed by a reception.For more info on our affordable cost and additional information about our program please email us @ info@actnowproduction.org

or call 347 274 0563

For more online info please Click ACTING WORKSHOP

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THE NEXT 15 MINUTES
A Staged Reading of Work By Diverse Writers
Celia C. Peters, Creator and Producer

The Next Fifteen Minutes is a program that showcases the live dramatic reading of screenplay excerpts by screenwriters underrepresented in the American film industry with respect to their race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation/identity or physical disability. The purpose of this program is to give exposure to largely unheard voices in American cinema and to encourage underrepresented storytellers to explore writing and directing by providing a venue for them to present their work to a live audience.

For more info please click Next 15 Minutes

Thank you again for your continued support!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Interview with Amyre Loomis

2010-11-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

Amyre Loomis, Communications Director for NYC Council Member Letitia James, answered a few questions about the importance of Brooklyn and why the arts must remain a staple in our beloved city.

What is it about Brooklyn that motivates you to work tirelessly for your community?
Brooklyn is a jewel, it captured my heart because of such positive energy here, and I view it as one of the foremost cultural arts districts in the world. First of all, the foundation of downtown and central Brooklyn is its stunning architecture; this combined with old trees and an international, urban sensibility is magical - love this village. Also, I feel that the higher power brought me here (from MI), and gotta keep following His lead.

What effect do you hope to achieve with programs that bring more films to Brooklyn?
My hope is to offer options for fellowship opportunities and cultural experiences within the community, as well as entertainment choices - from and for people of color. It’s a thrill to play a small role in the telling of our stories, and creating more exposure of the black intellectual culture. We must share who we are, or our history may be told by others, or lost, right?

Why is it important to have ActNow's New Voices In Black Cinema at BAM?
ActNow's New Voices In Black Cinema’s programming helps to provide diversity and attracts new audiences for BAM! On this note, ActNow and Council Member James should be commended for creating more opportunities within the arts for people of color. I also want to say congratulations to all involved with ActNow Foundation for continuing to host significant, cultural events throughout the year - you are the bomb.

Are you excited for the Nurse. Fighter. Boy screening?
I really am. I had a chance to watch the film once at ActNow’s office on a computer, and I know the film’s saturated colors & natural settings will move me much while viewing it on the big screen. The music is soulful and soothing too. For me Nurse.Fighter.Boy is a realistic, spiritual drama - a hopeful modern film that deals with coincidences and connections, love and loss. The film experience is refreshing with great acting and writing, and its themes remind viewers to pay attention to the messages that the universe is sending us all the time. Also, the film reminds me that the small moments in life really are most important.

Please join us tonight as we screen Nurse. Fighter. Boy and celebrate the end of our season. Here is all the information one more time :)

Tonight Monday November 8, 2010.

BAMcinematek
30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Showtimes:
4:30pm, 6:50pm* & 9:30pm.
Tickets:
General Admission: $12
BAM Cinema Club members: $7

*After party in the lobby. Mix and mingle with movie lovers and the ActNow staff*

INTERVIEW WITH CHARLES OFFICER

2010-11-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Monday November 8th Nurse. Fighter. Boy will be screening at BAM! And I know you all are excited to have something to do on a Monday night.

Jamaican-Canadian Charles Officer directed and co-wrote the film, which went on to win best cinematography at the Sarasota Film Festival. I caught up with Officer and asked him a few questions about the heartwarming story. Check out the interview.

The title Nurse.Fighter.Boy is such a great, strong title. Where did it come from?
These were the first three words that came to me when I conceived the project. That never changed. In early drafts of the screenplay, the characters remained nameless, and were referred to as the Nurse, the Fighter and the Boy.

As co-writer of the film did you tap into any personal experiences for the story?
The story was inspired by my personal experiences, single mothers, magic, growing up with women who played the role of a father. Father's stepping up as protectors and one of my older sister who struggles with the Sickle Cell disease. The writing process was full of my personal investment in terms of characters, themes and story ideas before co-writing with Ingrid Veninger (producer). We began writing together a year before we went to camera. That process was intrinsic to the streamlining and clarity of the story from page to screen.

How did you cast for the roles of the nurse, fighter and boy?
Ingrid Veninger had worked with Clark Johnson on numerous occasions with projects she was producing and appeared as an actor. I had the pleasure of working with Clark and played his son in a film called, The Limb Salesman. We sent him the script and he agreed to do the role without hesitation. I met Karen LeBlanc in an open casting session. I had never met her before, but she instantly won the role when she walked into the room. As for Daniel J. Gordon, we had to raise the age range for union and budget concerns to twelve. I initially wrote the role of the boy to be nine years old. When we opened the call, Daniel walked in and blew our minds. He is such a talented lad. We were clearly blessed with our cast on every level.

How did the element of magic and mysticism come about?
Magic and mysticism was a huge part of my upbringing. The stories my mother would tell. This sense of psychic ability was always present when I was young. I have always been curious about the many ways magic manifests in our everyday lives. What we see and what we don't.

What was the most challenging part of directing this movie?
Because it was my first feature, my first baby. It was hard to let go of some ideas, the way you see things, hoped for things to go. Letting go was most difficult throughout the entire filmmaking process.

How was it working with Clark Johnson?
Clark Johnson is a gentle, gracious and generous giant. Beyond words. He showed up on our set the day after wrapping on the HBO show, The Wire. He was not only directing the series finale, but acting in it as well. He was there for us, flew up on weekends between cutting the finale episode. There is only one Clark Johnson. Just being around him, you get a good lesson on life.

What did you learn from the actors during filming?
Just how much I do love actors in the film. How brave and brilliant their souls are.

Your film was made in Canada and now will be screening in Brooklyn, a city with strong cultural ties. How do you think the audience will relate to the story?
I'm hoping Brooklyn will embrace the film. Experience the range of stories our vast Diaspora has to offer. Cinema is a magical way to import and export culture. After all, Toronto and Brooklyn are both urban centres located in North America. I'm thinking globally. No Sleep Til' Brooklyn!

Why did you decide to add the element of the nurse having sickle cell disease?
I have three older sisters. One of which has Sickle Cell. It has taken me a long time to come to understand what that meant for her, her life. I felt the disease receives such little attention and I have never seen it dealt with in cinema. I wanted to change that. In honour and respect to the many who live in silent pain. The sick healer was the first character that came to me. My mother was a nurse for many years.

Thank you Mr. Officer for that great interview. Please come out and support this film. We look forward to seeing you this Monday!

BAMcinematek
Monday November 8, 2010
30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Showtimes:
4:30pm, 6:50pm* & 9:30pm.

Tickets:
General Admission: $12
BAM Cinema Club members: $7

*After party in the Bam Lobby!

Nurse. Fighter. Boy

2010-11-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

The ActNow Foundation had a very successful season with The Process Reading Series, ANF Short Film Collective, Legacy Brooklyn Premiere, and The Colored Museum. We at ActNow want to thank you for attending these events and making the viewing such a hit!

New Voices In Black Cinema in Conjunction with BAMcinematek and NYC Council Member Letitia James presents the last event of the season: Nurse. Fighter. Boy, directed and co-written by Charles Officer.

The award-winning love story stars Emmy nominated actor Clark Johnson (The Wire), an illegal boxer long past his glory days. Karen LeBlanc, a nurse who struggles to take care of herself and Daniel J. Gordon a young boy who clings to magic for hope and happiness.

The film is visually moving and tells a touching story about survival and the power of love. Officer wanted to create a film with a depth and tenderness that is not presented enough in black films. “I want to make a hopeful, but real film that deals with death and humanity. I want to humanize some black people. That’s what I really want to do – it’s my mission. I hope that this is the first step in doing that.” Officer does in fact succeed in doing so and the film strong ties to the Caribbean and another level of humanization.

Check out the trailer below:

Bringing innovative new cinema to Brooklyn is what we are all about so please join us for our final screening of 2010.

BAMcinematek
Monday November 8, 2010.
30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Showtimes:
4:30pm, 6:50pm* & 9:30pm.

Tickets:
General Admission: $12
BAM Cinema Club members: $7

*Following this screening there will be an after-party in the BAM lobby area. Everyone likes a good party J

Recap: The Colored Museum

2010-10-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday. October 9th 2010. 7:00pm. The final night of

The Colored Museum.

The ActNow Staff man their stations. Juanita and Hugh work the door. Greg sets up The Great Room. Shirley prepares the music she will be playing throughout the show. Aaron and Bill are running around making sure everything is just right. 8:20pm. The lights dim and the show starts.

After providing all our wonderful guests with complimentary drinks I waited by the door for the right time to enter. I found my opportunity when the crowd burst into boisterous laughter. I missed the joke, but luckily for me there were tons more to come.

George C. Wolfe's brilliant and timeless play lampoons African American culture through a series vignettes. The production began with a stewardess and ended with a party girl. Weaved throughout was a soldier, talking wigs, Lala, Big Mama, Aunt Ethel, a man who saved The Temptations, Essence magazine come to life and the fabulously tantalizing Miss Roj. **Side note: I learned that you are to address Miss Roj in no other way then Miss Roj. Do not call her out her name or she will SNAP you out something fierce! I see you Miss Roj;)

The interactive play had the crowd laughing, gasping, shouting, singing, snappin' and knodding our heads in agreement. The actors brilliantly brought these characters to life and even touched upon current events such as Bishop Long and the recent rash of teen bullying and suicides. It was great to see how Wolfe's play can evolve while still remaining true to the story.

We have all, in one form or another, dealt with the struggles of these characters. It is our own personal experience that allowed us to connect with the stories despite the heavy satirical component. Simpley put, The Colored Museum was our experience.

A special thank you to Bill Johnson for leading an amazing troupe of actors and gracing use with his 36 triple D's. And a great big thanks to the Sexy, Sparkling and Supportive cast who can make even a set change utterly entertaining.

Below are some pictures from the show and afterparty. Enjoy!

THE COLORED MUSEUM

2010-10-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

This Friday ActNow presents The Colored Museum! Director Bill Johnson is tirelessly putting the finishing touches on the play, but he was able to quickly answer some questions I had for him.
Check them out below.

What is The Colored Museum?
A classic piece of American Theater that examines the African American Experience.

What made you want to bring the play to the ActNow Stage?
It's timeless, thought provoking, character driven and entertaining.

Why should people come out and see this play?
The timeless message presented by the sexiest cast in the world.

Finally, can you sum up The Colored Museum in three words? Fantastic, Fabulous, Fun.

Hope to see you there!

October 7th, 8th, 9th @ 8pm
Tickets :$15

At the South Oxford Space
138 South Oxford St.
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11217

C train to Lafayette
G train to Fulton St.
B,D,Q,R,2,3,4,5 to Atlantic Ave.

ACTNOW PRESENTS...

2010-09-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

THE COLORED MUSEUM

WHO: YOU!

WHAT: A series of pieces,
monologues and scenes that
present a multifarious
account of the African
American experience. Tickets
are $15.

WHEN: October 7,8,9 @ 8pm

WHERE:The Great Room
South Oxford Building
138 South Oxford Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217

WHY: Because Angelique Chapman, Soyini Crenshaw,

Leslie Jones, Amyre Alta Loomis,

Rafael Moreno, Nihara Nichelle, Michael Stith, Jasmine Taylor, Francisco Vegas, Melissa Gibbs and director Bill Johnson are an immensely talented group of artists who have worked hard to bring forth this amazing piece. Plus you do not want to be the only one who missed this great event;)

SEE YOU THERE!

ActNow: New Voices In Black Cinema Presented Legacy and...

2010-08-31T20:17:00.000-07:00

...I am proud to report the screening was a success!

I attended the 6:50 showing, and it's a good thing I bought my ticket in advance because it was a sold out show! I spoke to a couple of people who stood in the back the entire time because the theatre was so packed. It was nice to see the audience so excited and anxious for this film. A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out!

Aaron Ingram, ActNow Founder, greeted the crowd as did Council Woman Letitia James. Director Thomas Ikimi also said a few words and then the movie began. If you want a full review of the film check out Tambay's review on Shadow And Act. I'm not going to review the film. Instead I am going to quickly and succinctly discuss why Idris Elba's Legacy is important.

The psychological thriller, written and directed by British Nigerian Thomas Ikimi, steers clear of the current formula of black cinema. Hollywood may feel their current contribution of films revolving around family dinners and church picnics are enough to sustain audiences seeking diversity, however moviegoers want more. ActNow events are so successful because they cater to the needs of frustrated audiences. During the Q&A Thomas Ikimi discussed Legacy not being a black film, but a film with a black cast. The response drew a rousing applause from the crowd. It was what many people have been waiting for. Legacy proves that you can have an all black cast with a theme universal to us all. It is a film that made us sit up and pay attention. We all wanted to know who is Malcolm Gray and why is he unraveling before our eyes.

Ikimi asked everyone who went to the screening to go to IMDB and leave a comment on the message board. The film will be opening in theaters soon, so help generate some positive buzz :) You can also leave comments here. Did you enjoy the movie? Tell us in the comments section and check out some pics below.

Aaron Ingram, ActNow Founder and Writer/Director Thomas Ikimi.

Thomas Ikimi discussing the film with an audience member.

Thomas Ikimi and Tambay taking questions from the crowd.

Legacy after party. Guests mixed and mingled.

Ikimi hung out and answered everyone's questions.

INTERVIEW WITH THOMAS IKIMI

2010-08-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the LEGACY screening! I hope you all have your tickets, if not get them. You don't want to miss out on this great event.

The director of LEGACY, Thomas Ikimi, will be doing a Q&A during the 6:50pm showing. But ActNow was able to catch up with the him before the screening and ask a few questions. Check it out below.

How did the idea of LEGACY come about? What was the first idea that popped into your head?
Hitchcock is one of my main inspirations as a director and as I didn't have much money, I was attracted to the idea of making a film in one room as he did with Rear Window, Rope and Dial M For Murder. 12 Angry Men really solidified my desire to make a one room film. Legacy is essentially a classic thriller but squeezed into a tiny space. It was a challenge, but it was one that allowed me to be more creative and experimental with telling the story.

Did you struggle with any aspects of the story in terms of the script?
Making the film dynamic when you never really leave the apartment was difficult. Writing the script in a way that allowed for movement and diversity of scenes and action was the toughest part of the writing process. It isn't easy to avoid stagnation when you physically haven't got anywhere to go but those four walls. However, a common comment from audiences has been that they forget the film is set in a single room till it is over and they look back on it and realise they never really left the apartment.

What advice would you give to a writer who has a great idea but doesn't know where to start?
Just start writing things down. That is the easiest way to know whether you have anything worth pursuing. The more you put on paper, the easier it will be to refine it.

Did you ever get so overwhelmed to the point where you felt you couldn't finish directing?How do you deal with pressure and stress on the set?
Yes. More or less every day on set. That was mainly to do with how much pressure I had on this film though. It won't always be that way. The best way to deal with pressure is having done the ground work and preparation before hand, and being very clear about what it is you wanted and want. Then, no matter how crazy things get, you always have a compass you can use.

Did you learn anything from your actors?
Yes. Actors need their directors to guide them. No matter how established the actor is, if the director doesn't know what he or she wants, the actors will be badly affected.

Did the success of your film LIMBO prepare you for LEGACY? How were able to create that film on a $9,000 budget while still in school, during midterms?
I was very young and naive with a ton of energy. I was 20 - 21, didn't realise how hard it was to make a film, and I just went and did it. A feature no less. I quickly realised that it was no joke. I have to say a lot of prayer, miracles and hard work and sacrifice made that film happen. It did prepare me for being a one man army though. I learned a lot about self reliance and being able to shoulder responsibility and take charge of situations, especially when there are problems. Without my LIMBO experience, there is no way I could have made LEGACY, a film I had to write, direct, produce and co edit.

The original budget for LEGACY was $20,000. But Idris Elba's involvement pushed it to $500,000. How did that happen?
I raised all the money for LEGACY through a company I set up in Lagos called Kaleidoscope Nigeria. I partnered with Amrit Walia of Deal Real Entertainment in Lagos to raise the funding which he coordinated through various investors. Once Idris was involved, it allowed me to show investors in Nigeria that we had a viable star that could guarantee returns on their investment based on the modest budget I was asking for.

How did Idris Elba get a hold of Legacy?
I sent him the script and an letter explaining who I was, what I thought of his career, and why I felt we should work together.

How did it feel to win an award at ABFF?
Amazing. That is one of the most important awards I have ever won, primarily because, for me, it is essential that black audiences embrace this kind of film. Too many people told me that black audiences won't be interested in films like this and that award proved them wrong. I believe the issue is that there are no films with black actors like this in existence. So how can you say black audiences don't want to see such films if they don't even exist? This film is not a 'black' film. It is a film with black actors in it. However, it is a film where black actors are playing roles that they are not often, if ever, seen playing on the big screen in this genre of film. For me, it is absolutely crucial that more films like this are made with ethnic casts so that more filmmakers of colour with different ideas can get a shot. Films like this need to do well enough to validate financiers supporting more different and interesting films with black or minority principle casts.

What can you tell us about your next project?
I am developing an action heist film and a futuristic sci fi film. Again it will come down to finding the backers to support my continued efforts to put diverse casts in front of and behind the camera in films that diverse casts have not yet grappled with to any meaningful degree.

Thomas Ikimi is a passionate director on a mission. Support his mission tonight at the Legacy Screening. Click here to purchase tickets.

BRAND NEW LEGACY TRAILER!

2010-08-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

Now I know I said the :50 second trailer was the only sneak peak I was giving you for Legacy, but our friends at Shadow And Act got their hands on the first official full-length trailer.

Click here for the brand new trailer! Enjoy!

Legacy Tickets

2010-08-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Today I purchased my ticket for Legacy and I found out that if you show your Bank of America Credit or Debit card to the ticket agent your $12 ticket will be reduced to $9! Just $9! You have to jump on this offer because it expires August 27. The same day as the Legacy screening ;)

If you are feeling lucky why don’t you enter to win two FREE tickets to the 6:50pm screening. Tambay, ActNow’s Film Curator, is holding a competition on his website Shadow and Act. Click here to enter!

Good Luck!

ActNow: New Voices In Black Cinema Presents: Legacy

2010-08-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

LEGACY

Friday, August 27^th , 2010

Showtimes: 2pm, 4:30pm, 6:50pm, 9:30pm @ BAMcinematek

Brooklyn, New York 11217

One man. One room. One mission.

Legacy stars Idris Elba, Eamonn Walker Monique Gabriela Curnen and Clarke Peters. It is written and directed by Thomas Ikimi, executive produced by Idis Elba and produced by Thomas Ikimi, Kiernan Parker and Arabella Page-Croft.

Legacy is a psychological thriller starring Idris Elba. Idris is probably best known for his work on The Wire and The Office, but he is switching gears for his role in Legacy. He plays a Black Ops operative who returns home after a botched mission in Eastern Europe. Once home he begins to mentally unravel and is torn between retribution and personal salvation. Check out the trailer below.

Now that :50 trailer is just a taste. You wanna see more? You have to come out to the screening. Admission is $12, $8 for BAM Cinema Club Members and if you go to the 2pm showing it's just $7.50!

For those of you who will be coming for the 6:50pm showing you are in for an extra special treat! A Q&A with director Thomas Ikimi conducted by ActNow Film Curator Tambay. Check out Shadow And Act for some of Tambay's work.

Thank you in advance to BAMcinematek and NYC Council Member Letitia James for working with us to make this screening happen!

Now after the screening come back here. Let's talk about the film.

2010-08-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

Michael “Boogie” Pinckney got his start over twelve years ago under the tutelage of filmmaker Spike Lee and soon joined The Director’s Guild of America. He has over ten years experience as an assistant director on films such as The 25^th Hour, The Best Man and Inside Man. He won an award for Excellence in Media from the Black Men’s Film Conference for his HIV film “The Candy Store.” Pinckney is also the founder and managing editor of Black Noise Media, a full service production house based in NYC.

If you attended the ANF Frantic Film Screening on August 11^th you were fortunate enough to catch the film “Gun Play” directed by Pinckney. We recently caught up with filmmaker to talk about his film and how he got his start.

What led you create Gun Play?

I was approached by the producer Taj Lewis on behalf of Goodwill to create a short film that would speak to the issues of young people and I thought gun violence was an important issue for young people.

How was the editing process of Gun Play? Was it difficult to omit certain scenes?

I actually hired an editor and then later decided to edit the film myself. I wanted an edgy film with a gritty and high contrast look. I also wanted the effect where the whole film is black and white with only the cool red and blue showing, that was the first time I attempted that effect.

What impact do you think this film will have on audiences at the screening?

I think it has a hard and real effect on audiences. I added the documentary element at the end for that effect.

One of your films jobs was being a PA for Spike Lee. How did you get the opportunity to work with Lee?

When I was a sophomore in college I was taking some workshops that Spike was giving and I met a few people from 40 Acres, his company. I was able to score an internship from there.

What was the best of piece of advice you received from Lee?

Spike told me if I wanted to direct films I should go make a film

You've worked on many films, Malcolm X, The Best Man, Inside Man, which set gave you the most hands on experience?

Inside Man was a film I had the most creative input on. As an assistant director you’re given a lot of responsibly. But being that I had worked with Spike for over 10 years he puts a lot of trust in me.

What inspired you to create your production company Black Noise Media?

I created Black Noise Media to develop and shoot content I felt wasn't being produced by Hollywood.

You served as producer on the film Spare Change, which just premiered at the NY Latino Film Festival, How did you get involved with project?

With regard to Spare Change I knew the writer/director. She was an actor in my film You're Nobody Til Somebody Kills You. She called about a script she wrote and wanted to direct. She asked me to be a part of the project and help her make the film. I liked the script and saw how passionate she was about it and I came aboard.

What can you tell us about your first feature You're Nobody Til' Somebody Kills You?

You're Nobody Til Somebody Kills You is a feature film I wrote and directed. Spike Lee Executive produced the film and it's about a serial killer targeting rappers.

Congratulations on being tapped to pen the Bobby Brown biopic! How did that come about?

An actor friend of mine is friends with Bobby and they were talking about a movie being made on his life and my friend told him he should talk to me about it. So we all talked and I started researching and writing the script.

How would you best describe your writing style? And what advice can you give to writers struggling to complete a project?

My writing style is very mechanical. I breakdown the whole story idea and location and character breakdown before I actually start the writing process.

Writing is like giving birth. I mean I'm not a woman but I know giving birth is hard and painful. Don’t procrastinate. Stay up all night and complete it. The only thing stopping them from finishing the script is themselves.

Finally, can you name a film that changed your life?

The film that changed my life (In regards to film) was Do The Right Thing. FIGHT THE POWER!!

FRANTIC SCREENING

2010-08-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Last night ActNow presented The ANF FRANTIC Short Film Screening. It was a great night filled with great films. After the screening Aaron Ingram conducted Q&A's with the filmmakers. Check out some of the pictures below.

"Consequences" actors Clinton Lowe, Stephen Wilde and Jarrett Alexander.

The writer and director of "Consequences" Darren 'Nice' Malone.

The writer and director of "F*cking Liar" Celia C. Peters.

Writer, director and star of "Waters" Yana Bille.

The writer and director of "Playguns" Michael 'Boogie' Pinckney.

Ekwa Msangi-Omari the producer of "Weakness".

A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out and supported ActNow and the filmmakers.
Hope to see you at the next screening!

ActNow Profiles...

2010-08-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

CELIA C. PETERS

Celia C. Peters is an avant-garde director and award-winning screenwriter creating compelling stories filled with diverse, authentic characters. Peters is a member of New York Women in Film and Television and Women in Production and the Writers Guild of America. Her work has been broadcast nationally and shown in festivals and galleries in New York, Los Angeles and Detroit. Currently, Peters is developing her first feature film, an exploratory sci-fi project entitled Godspeed, as well as writing, directing and producing an illustrated multi-media sci-fi/fantasy Web series called Allevon and writing a live-action science fiction Web series called “Temporal”.

What led you to create "Breakthrough"?

I had a terrifying nightmare that I was riding in a car with my cousin Phyllis (who I get along with great, BTW) and she drove us off a cliff into the ocean. A huge wave rose up and was about to bury the car….everything was so realistic that I was convinced that it was real life. I mean, I consciously thought about it in the dream. As soon as I made peace with the fact that I was about to die, I woke up in my apartment --- but I had no idea where I was for a good 5 seconds.

How was the editing process of "Breakthrough"? Was it difficult to omit certain scenes?

The editing process was tricky because there was a disconnect between the footage and the script --- I realized this in hindsight, of course. The first rough cut of the film was based on the script but then I made adjustments to it (many, many adjustments) to try to get to the experience I wanted to create. Then, about a year or so later, I had a second editor trim the cut and tighten it up. The biggest challenge was realizing what I should have shot after seeing what I had in the can.

What impact do you think this film will have on audiences at the screening?

Overall, I hope the film will take the audience on a little trip out of the box. I am very much a fan of surrealism and “Breakthrough” was an attempt at telling a story in the surrealist tradition. Also, I expect (I hope!) that the interaction of the women --- especially the relationship between Sapphire and her cousin Phillis --- will make people squirm. At the very least, I think that women will recognize the kind of non-physical warfare that we are so ready to get into with each other….and I hope they’ll think about that.

What approach do you take when creating character driven stories?

My approach to creating character-driven stories is really one of exploration. My background is in clinical psychology, so I’m always in my characters’ heads…looking at what motivates them and how they act. I’m fascinated with how complex the human psyche is. I really get into how people feel things and how those feelings drive them…. Especially because it’s so different from one person to the next ---- and it always surprises me how those feelings translate into unexpected and dramatic actions.

What sparks your creativity?

Life sparks my creativity. Or I guess I should say my view of life…and the human existence in particular. Science and spirituality are major, major, major sparks for me.

What keeps your motivated?

The fact that the more I learn, the more I realize there is for me and all the rest of us human beings to discover. That excites me more than anything in the world and it propels me forward.

What can you tell us about your feature film Godspeed?

Godspeed will be my first feature film as a writer/director. It’s an exploratory sci-fi story about a woman who thinks she’s going crazy---but discovers she’s not human. As it turns out, her ‘insanity’ is the key to her redemption. It’s definitely speculative, because I’m looking at a scenario that’s entirely possible.

How would you describe your writing style?

My writing style is inspiration-driven. (Thank God it comes often!) When story ideas or characters come to me, it really is like something is streaming through me and I try my best to get it all out as fast as I can. Then I go back and refine, refine, refine. Aside from that, my writing is psychologically driven; I did graduate work in clinical psychological and almost became a therapist. In terms of technique, I try to read as much about dramatic writing (story, character, etc.) as I can. Reading and enjoying the arts --- watching film, going to theater, going to art galleries, going to see dance and hear music --- all of that is critical to my process. It’s my way of getting the nutrients I need to continue creating.

And what advice can you give to writers struggling to complete a project?

Don’t give up! Getting over the finish line is *so* worth all the pain and angst and struggle, but the only way you accomplish that is to keep on moving. If you stop, you definitely won’t get there. Think of some work of art that inspired you and imagine how different things would be if that artist had given up when they got frustrated….if you’re really an artist, and you’ve been blessed to experience the joy of creating, you owe it to the artists who’ll come after you to share your unique gift. And not for nothing, but in the worst case scenario, even if you end up leaving that particular project in a desk drawer, the act of completion is critical to artistic growth. When you finish something, no matter what else transpires, you’ve accomplished something huge. You’ve created something. Definitely keep your eyes on the prize and never, ever stop going for it, because whatever you truly believe is what will be.

Finally, can you name a film that changed your life?

That’s not fair---I can’t name just one! I watch movies all the time, almost every day….and certain films have changed me a lot at different points in my life. If you asked me this question 5 years ago, my answers would be different than today, and if you ask me 10 years from now, I bet I’ll have different ones. Here’s a dozen or so that will always be up there:

Blade Runner (Dir. Ridley Scott)

THX-1138 (Dir. George Lucas)

Carmen Jones (Dir. Otto Preminger)

Chameleon Street (Dir. Wendell Harris)

The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (Dir. John Cassavetes)

Eve’s Bayou (Dir. Kasi Lemmons)

The Killer of Sheep (Dir. Charles Burnett)

ChungKing Express (Dir. Wong Kar-Wai)

Portrait of Jason (Dir. Shirley Clarke)

The Godfather (Dir. Martin Scorsese)

Stormy Weather (Dir. Andrew Stone)

Nothing But a Man (Dir. Michael Roemer)

The Night Porter (Dir. Liliana Cavani)

Persona (Dir. Ingmar Bergman)

A Raisin in the Sun (Dir. Daniel Petrie)

2046 (Dir. Wong Kar-Wai)

Check out Celia's "Breakthrough" Wednesday August 11 @ Littlefield. And check out Celia's website: www.artisticfreedomfilmart.com

ActNow Profiles......

2010-08-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

YANA BILLE

Yana Bille is a native of Cameroon and lived in France for over a decade before moving to the U.S. to further a career in filmmaking. She has written for the critically acclaimed Telesud TV Series, YaMa Afrika and is the head of eM1productions, an independent production company. On Wednesday August 11^th The ANF Short Film Collective will be screening Bille’s short film “Waters” as part of our FRANTIC series. ActNow recently caught up with the director. Check out our interview below.

What lead you to create “Waters”?

It was time. I’d been thinking about it for a while so a couple of years ago I decided to come up with a self-contained idea that could be shot in a day or two with a limited budget.

What was the greatest lesson you learned while directing “Waters”?

The most important lesson I learned was that making a movie is a collaborative effort. So it’s important to choose your cast and crew wisely.

What impact do you think this film will have on audiences at the screening?

I believe this is a provocative movie and people react differently towards it. Some are uncomfortable, some find it very liberating. Once in a while after a screening some people come to me and thank me, in tears, for being their voice.

What sparks your creativity?

Creating is a very introspective process for me most of the time, daydreaming helps too…But I also get inspired by sounds, newspaper clips, delicious meals, and babies’ laughter. Pretty much anything has potential for a story for me.

What keeps you motivated?

I love movies and I don’t see myself doing anything else. Seeing amazing work by artists I respect keeps me going.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?

I’m having a fundraiser on August 19^th to finance my next film while I’m editing a feature film screenplay. The fundraiser promises a sensory overload of entertainment, including scenes performed from the film’s script on a live movie set, dancing to the hypnotic sounds of renowned DJ’s such DJ Dhundee and Ant Demby, and free drinks. It will take place at DCTV – 87 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10013.

How would you describe your writing style?

Dark. I try to be as creative as I can possibly be by exploring obscure paths.

What advice can you give to writers struggling to complete a project?

Schedule your writing time and commit to it. Write an outline, it will get you through it. And never edit your work as you’re writing, you’ll have plenty of time to do it.

Finally, can you name a film that changed your life?

There are so many, but I would have to go with Holy Mountain. It’s a jewel that made me look at cinema and art differently. Alejandro Jodorowski is a genius, who uses spirituality, symbolism, incredibly striking images and unbelievable art to express his vivid depiction of the human condition. He makes me want to be good.

Come out and watch “Waters” August 11^th at Littlefield. Showtime 7:15pm. And support Yana's fundraiser on August 19^th atDCTV.

ActNow Profiles...

2010-08-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Wanjiru Kairu

Wanjiru Kairu is a filmmaker based in Kenya. Her primary goal is to create films that promote social dialogue. Her film "Weakness" was the official selection at: Kenya International Film Festival 2009, Amakula International film Festival 2009, Umoja Film Festival 2010, Pan African Film Festival 2010 and New York African Film Festival 2010.

We caught up with the filmmaker. She talks about creating "Weakness", filmmaking and her future projects.

What lead you to create "Weakness"?

Abdu Simba, the screenplay writer and executive producer of the film "Weakness" and I met during a story-lining process of an East African television series that Ekwa Msangi-Omari had created and was contracted to produce. It was there that we all got to talk about our passion for film, the challenges and frustrations involved in the process and generally where we'd like to see the East African film industry grow and develop to.

A few months later, Abdu dusted off a script that he'd made for the stage, reworked it then sent it over.

"Weakness" was easy to fall in love with, the hopeless characters and the situations they were in really touched and connected with me. We just had to make this film.

What were some of the challenges you faced in making this film?

Due to budgetary constraints we had one day to shoot the film. Still, it was a really good experience, making "Weakness", and I'd do it again.

What impact do you think this film will have on American audiences?

I sincerely don't know and would very much like to see how an American audience will react to this film, the questions they'll have, and whether they'll think the storyline to be too 'African' or heavily influenced by the west.

"Weakness" stars great Kenyan actors. What direction did you give your actors to help bring the characters to life?

I'm grateful I had some of Kenya's best talent in this film. It would have been hard to pull it off in a day's shoot with novices, and like all professional actors Maqbull Muhammad, Chichi Seii and Melvin Alusa kept giving their best, take after take.

What can you tell us about your first feature Transcedence?

The screenplay is a little ambitious in that it's an African Superhero storyline. It's also very much in its inception stage and there are many mythical and legendary stories that I'm consuming right now, so there are countless options as to how it could go.

What sparks your creativity?

Good books. People are very interesting to observe, questions and learn from. Good music, watching really good films and sometimes asking yourself "what if"?

What keeps you motivated?

My goal is to be instrumental in raising the standards of the films that come from the East AFrican region...and when the going gets tough, I have a support system (family and friends) that help me focus on this goal.

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers and writers?

Just do it. Make your mistakes and learn from them. Don't ever stop writing, or creating your films.

How would you describe your directing style?

In a word - chameleon. Every film calls for a different treatment and approach and as a filmmaker, I want to make films that provoke discussion, whether it is about the content or the style.

Finally, can you name a film that changed your life?

Wow, I wouldn't say "changed my life" but, there are films far too many to mention that trigger new ideas and call into question long held beliefs about life or art. Off the top of my head, I'd say She's Gotta Have It by Spike Lee and Quartier Mozart by Jean-Pierre Bekolo.

Check out "Weakness" August 11th at Littlefield. Showtime 7:15pm

ActNow Profiles...

2010-08-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

Darren 'Nice' Malone

Darren ‘Nice’ Malone began his film career as a production assistant. He built his skills in all aspects of filmmaking and found his true passion to be writing, directing and cinematography. In 2004 Malone, armed with his knowledge of film and video production, founded Nice Looks Entertainment, a multimedia production company.

“Consequences” Malone’s directorial debut won The 2009 Indie Fest Award of Merit and is the SDBFF Official Selection for 2010. Malone took some time from his very busy schedule to answer a few of our questions.

How did you know you wanted to pursue a career in film?

I always had dreams of making movies. Even when I was little my brothers and I would act out epic sagas in our backyard. I would pretend to have a camera, since we couldn't afford a real one. I took theatre classes in junior high, acted in plays in high school, and worked on student films in college, even though I majored in Computer Science. After working in the corporate world for a while, I was laid off due to budget cuts. That was the excuse I needed to return to my passion.

Where did the inspiration for "Consequences" come from?

There were many inspirations for the setting, tone and characters. The main concept was inspired by true events that took place in a small town in the South. I thought about how stories like this usually end up on Jerry Springer or Maury Povich, and are presented as entertainment. The difference is that many real stories end in tragedy and children are affected by the outcome. As for the characters, they are all inspired by real people I have encountered at some point in my life, directly or indirectly.

"Consequences" was co-written by Celestine Rae. Did you find it easy to work with a partner?

It was a great creative experience, but difficult at times. I had never worked with another writer before and was very hesitant, at first. The story was about 95% completed when I wrote the opening scene. Celestine volunteered to help when I became stuck with dialogue between the mother and daughter. I quickly realized that having a young woman's perspective brought more depth and realism to the female characters in particular. I'm extremely visual in my thinking. Being that the characters were from my personal experiences, the most difficult part was communicating their characteristics in a way that made sense to someone from a different background. She asked many great questions that forced me to examine their motivations and backstories. I was pretty stubborn with the overall vision, because I didn't want to lose the message behind the story. It wasn't easy at all, but I think the result was definitely worth it.

What impact do you think this film will have on audiences at the screening?

You never know what impact a film will have on an individual. I just hope everyone enjoys the experience and takes something positive away with them.

Congratulations on winning The Indie Fest Award of Merit for "Consequences". How did it feel to win an award for your directorial debut?

It felt like I could exhale a little bit. I felt like "Ok, at least it doesn't completely suck." *LOL. Really, I was so excited. I felt so relieved that someone outside of my circle saw the film, liked it, and got the message. It gave me a lot of confidence for the future.

You watched "Consequences" with Michael K. Williams. (Omar from "The Wire") What did he think?

I never want to answer for someone else. He seemed to like it a lot. He pointed out particular plot points and character arcs. I was just glad that he really watched it and paid attention to the details.

What is your next project?

I'm gearing up for my first full-length feature. It's an indie project based on a novel which was released. I can't really give too many details right now, because there' still a lot of paperwork to be done. I will say it's going to be intense. I'm also launching a monthly video magazine which features actors, models and filmmakers. There will be interviews and also video segments very similar to still photo shoots for models and actors. The first issue should be out later this year.

What sparks your creativity?

Literally everything. The smallest details of life to the whole universe. I know it sounds a little out there, but I am truly inspired by everything past, present, and future. I'd have to say science and technology are special interests of mine, though.

How would you best describe your writing style? And what advice can you give writers struggling to complete a project?

I guess I'd describe it as 'visual emotion'. I see the story unfold visually and jot down the main points. Then as I'm writing in more detail I get inside each character's head to feel what they are experiencing. With action or suspense scenes, I sometimes feel like a spectator in the scene that is hidden to the characters. Like I'm there, but just observing.

As far as advice...Finish it! Even if you don't like the first draft, just get it done. It is much easier to have a complete draft and fix it than to sit for weeks pondering over each detail as you write it out.

Finally, can you name a film that changed your life?

Star Wars original trilogy. I'm still amazed by those films. The geek in me loves the sci-fi, but the story and the adventure is what pulled me in. It's why I wanted to make movies.

Check out "Consequences" August 11th at Littlefield. Showtime 7:15pm

ANF Bimonthly Short Film Collective Presents: FRANTIC

2010-08-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

FRANTIC (adjective)

- Excited with strong emotion or frustration.

- Distracted by Fear. Pain. Joy.

- Frenzied.

We over at ActNow know the 3 things you will be doing Wednesday Aug. 11 at 7:15pm (doors open @ 6pm).

FIRST:

You will make your way over to Littlefield (622 Degraw St. Brooklyn, NY 11217). Once there you will prepare yourself to enjoy an evening of short FRANTIC films. Here is a little a taste of what the filmmakers have in store.

“BREAKTHROUGH” by Celia C. Peters
When a nightmare becomes too real one woman wakes to find she is in more danger that she ever dreamt.

“WEAKNESS” by Wanjiru Kairu. Executive Producer/Writer Abdu Simba. Produced by Alodu Simba & Ekwa Msangi Omari.

When a recovering alcoholic in severe debt goes to his brother for one more loan the brothers get more than they bargained for.

“WATERS” by Yana Bille

What begins as a normal day turns into a women’s ferocious attempt to break free of contamination.

“GUN PLAY” by Michael Boogie Pinckney

A young man’s decision will forever change his life.

“F*CKIN’ LIAR” by Celia C. Peters

A snapshot of the very tricky nature of deception -- it’s enough to drive you mad.

“CONSEQUENCES” by Darren “NICE” Malone
A nineteen-year old mother’s reckless behavior puts her family at risk and now she must face the consequences.

SECOND:

After the screening give a round of applause because these films are amazing! Then stick around and mingle with some of the ActNow staff. We are pretty awesome people.

THIRD:
Get home safely. Once home get on the interweb. Log on to the ActNow Blog and comment on your favorite shorts of the night!
Which of these films are you most looking forward to? Let's talk about it.

WELCOME!

2010-08-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome! You have entered the ActNow blog and we are ready to serve you a healthy helping of the arts.

Lead by Executive Director Aaron Ingram, the ActNow Foundation is a not-for-profit company created to provide a platform for ethnically and racially diverse artists. We supply a home for filmmakers, producers, writers and actors who are eager to share their stories with limitless creativity.

Throughout the year ActNow hosts events that will take you on a journey that enriches your cultural background. One of our most popular expeditions is the ANF Bimonthly Short Film Collective. Twice a month ANF screens short films from the African Diaspora, Latino community and other underrepresented backgrounds. The films are all tied together with a common theme. Our next screening will be on August 11th at Littlefield. The theme is: FRANTIC.

This blog will be the go to spot for all your entertainment needs. That means when you want to check out stellar shorts, tantalizing theatre or fulfilling features you go to this spot!

Now that you know us, we want to get to know you.

In the handy dandy comments section tells about an amazing theatre and/or film experience you had. Did a film change the way you view the world? Did a certain play give you goose bumps? Let’s talk about it.

I’ll get the ball rolling.