Film School at 44

I've done it!! With hard work and determination I can honestly say that as of today, March 28, 2008 I am a COLLEGE GRADUATE. As of today I have my Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Degree in Digital Filmmaking and Multimedia! I am very happy and proud that I have been able to achieve this accomplishment at the tender age of 44 given all the drama that I've lived through in the past couple of years. I will get my degree in a ceremony on May 2. Even though I dropped out of my Bachelor program at Pace University over 25 years ago to pursue my calling to be a thespian on the stage, I guess there was something in me that was determine to prove that it's never too late to finish college. The next step will be to get my Bachelor and then my Master's degree. But for the time being I'm going to pursue the workforce in a freelance capacity until I decide on what school I'd like to further my education at.

I should mention that I passed my only class, Literature and Composition by the skin of my teeth. I got a A minus. I thought that I would probably get a C or a B+ because I was late handing in my term paper (a comparison of short stories that I titled "Cowboys and Indians:The Dynamics of Male Bonding in Modern Western Literature") I compared the literature of Annie Proulx's "Brokeback Mountian" with Sherman Alexie's "This is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" from his collection of short stories The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. I say I passed by the skin of my teeth because I had so much trouble writing this paper. The first time I did it I forgot to save it on my thumb drive the day that it was due. When I went back to copy on my drive to take to from home to school, my stupid Dell laptop crashed and I lost the file entirely. So when I finally went into class on the last day ready to take what I had coming to me, my professor refused to take no for an answer and made me write "something" during the class. Well 2 hours later, I came up with almost an identical paper that I had written before (with a full bibliography included) of what I could remember. I guess in the end, when push comes to shove and my butt is on the line, I can write like it's nobody's business! In the end I got an "A" on this final paper of this chapter of my academic career.

I had a weird dream the other night where I had the opportunity to meet one of my Film idols, John Waters. It wasn't as crazy as one of his films (or mine for that matter) but it was nice. Someone had passed him a copy of my thesis film (which is still in the works once I get through with my minor medical issues) Poppin' In and one night I get this phone call from someone claiming to be John Waters. So at first I'm thinking it's a friend playing a joke on me until I ask him some questions that only he could answer (you can learn a lot from listening to the Director's commentary tracks on DVDs) and sure enough, it really was John Waters! I was flabbergasted and he invites me to lunch to discuss my short thesis film (That he thought was "a riot") and then I woke up. But it was a nice dream. I guess since I have been meeting famous directors (Mira Nair, Cynthia Wade) maybe this dream was telling me something. Hmmm....

Anyway this week at the Center we put up the March 2008 episode of "Out at the Center" and I have to say that I'm very proud of it especially since I had the opportunity to shot footage for several segments on this program. I even helped with the editing on the closing credits (a fashion show) and I hope that I've made all of my film professors at KGS (Katharine Gibbs School) proud of my film shooting and editing skills. Most importantly I hope I made my boss proud on the show. This week I also worked on filming an upcoming segment with author Michael Luongo who recently released Gay Travels in the Muslim World. I haven't had an opportunity to read the book yet, but from the discussion he gave, it fascinates me. Especially since once my brother-in-law told me that there were no gay people in Pakistan. I made sure he saw "My Beautiful Launderette" after he told me this bit of information. Okay, the guy lived in London, but he was born in Pakistan in the film. Plus it was the very first time I saw Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis and was smitten!

Anyhoo, until next time my darlings....

The Saga Continues

Life has been crazy. In addition to turning another year older (I'm 44 yrs young), I've been filming a lot at The Center. It's been interesting with very eclectic subject matters ranging from a leather fetish fashion show, to an art exhibition for nudist. If you hit the link above you can see some of my latest work. I especially proud of the NY City Comptroller William C. Thompson (no relation) segment that I both taped and edited for the program. I even had the opportunity to tape an interview with a new Oscar winner, Cynthia Wade. She came to the Center to talk about winning an Oscar a few weeks ago for best documentary short subject called "Freeheld: The Laurel Hester Story" If you haven't had a chance to see this documentary it will be shown in the summer on cable.

In addition to all that the thesis film has been sort of postponed until I can take care of some recent medical things that have to get taken care of. However, I haven't given up on filming the piece because I desperately want to get it into film festivals before the summer.

P.S. I think as I am about to graduate I will turn my blog focus on my film and video projects POST FILM SCHOOL from now on. It's been really interesting so far and I would imagine as I continue to gain more professional experience it will only get more interesting as the year moves on.

The Filmmaker Returns

I know it's been a while, but I've been really, really, really crazed. Check out my latest work at Out at the Center. I'm actually rather proud of it. Especially the William C. Thompson segment. No, we are not related. School has been interesting with the only class I'm taking now is Literature and Composition and I really like it. My professor is really cool too! She makes the literature that we've been reading interesting. I seem to be doing well so far. I did make the Dean's List once again for last quarter. However it's still the matter of my thesis film to finish. This has been the bane of my existence since last quarter. Problems, problems, problems all around. It would have been great if I was adopted by the Spielbergs or Brangelina-- then maybe the short would have been finished by now. It always come down to $$$$.

Oh, BTW, my school announced that it will be closing by Dec 2009. Good thing I'm almost done!

I cried when I heard of Heath Ledger's passing. A light put out much too soon.

Happy New Year!

I can't believe I'm just getting around to making my first entry of the year.

First of all I want to let you all know that just because the Hollywood writers are on strike doesn't mean that I am either. I've just been incredibly busy with the final stages of pre-production before the cameras start to role on my film, Poppin' In.

Second, as today is his birthday and I haven't phoned yet, I just want to wish an old friend Happy Birthday. So here goes:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE D.!

Joe, I know we haven't spoken in a while but I hope you know that I still love you (and everyone in your household) very much.

Third, If you haven't seen it yet check out Out at the Center's December 2007 episode. It's very hot! Brazilian men ALL OVER!!!

Sly Stallone has gone and done another Rambo film after 20 years. Did we really need another one? And why does Rambo still have a mullet? Whatever...

Okay, that's about all for now. I'm only taking one class this quarter, (the one I had to withdraw from last quarter) and it just let out a few minutes ago. But after I complete this class, I will be a college graduate FINALLY!!!!!!

Smooches!

Maurice Jamal's Dirty Laundry

Last night I had the opportunity to attend one of the many sold-out NY premiere screenings of writer/director Maurice Jamal's new film "Dirty Laundry." I must admit I am always a supporter of independent filmmakers, especially those done by other out men of color. His first feature, "The Ski Trip" which seemed to play endlessly when the Logo Network first premiered, was rather disappointing to me. However I was very happy to see that the film, about a group of Black and Latino gays and lesbian who go away on a weekend getaway to cheer up their newly dumped friend -- which also included Emanuel Xavier (one of the hosts of Out at the Center) in the ensemble cast-- getting the play on the network in the first place. This was prior to the premiere of the now classic series "Noah's Arc" of course. The thing that disappointed me about "The Ski Trip" was the broad scope of stereotypical gay characters portrayed. Not to say that people like these don't actually exist in real life, but I guess I really wanted to see a less buffoonish representation of gay people of color than what had previously been shown in other films prior to "The Ski Trip." With the exception of the lead (played by Maurice Jamal), I thought that some of the characters were more caricatures rather than grounded in reality.

Whatever my personal reasons for not being a great fan of "The Ski Trip," I have to say that Maurice Jamal has certainly won me over with "Dirty Laundry." In addition to some well known actors starring, including Rockmond Dunbar (from TV's Prison Break), Loretta Divine (the original 'Lorrell" from Broadway's "Dreamgirls") , the always flawless Jenifer Lewis and hysterically funny Alec Mapa, the story was well constructed and quite entertaining. For his second feature, I think Maurice Jamal has redeemed himself as a filmmaker. A filmmaker that I imagine (and hope) we will see more great work to come from in the future. This film in particular has more crossover appeal not just to the LGBT audiences or the African-American audiences, but anyone who has ever had a family (dysfunctional or otherwise) and had to make decisions that alter one's path. From a filmmakers POV I thought that the production value of the film was a major step up from his prior film. It was also inspiring to me, as a struggle to get my thesis film produced, that there is an audience for comedies such as this. It gives me a major boost of hopefulness for my own project.

Also at the premiere was Nathan Hale Williams (one of the Executive Producers) and his partner Author/Activist (and Associate Producer) Keith Boykin. I have been a big fan of Keith Boykin's writing ever since I first read "One More River to Cross" (that I loaned to my friend Paul Andrew Lucre -who is sitting across from me on his laptop as I type this post -many years ago and he has since become a fan of Keith Boykin's work as well) and I refer to my tattered copy of "Respecting the Soul" almost daily to help get me through the day. As a black man and an out gay man, it's a comfort for me to know that there is someone else out there who is making a voice in my community. Also at the premiere was Jenifer Lewis and as I was leaving I saw, the very funny Erica Watson - who in my opinion, stole every scene she was in as the gold-toothed Clalrine - in the lobby of the theater.

I can't say enough good things about this comedy except you have to see it for yourself and take your family members to see it too. It's just ashamed that this film hasn't gotten the promotion that big budget films like Tyler Perry's "Why Did We Get Married" has gotten or the other current film with Loretta Divine, "This Christmas." But this is the why people have blogs to get the word-of-mouth out about why you should add this film to your MUST SEE list!

I also wanted to mention my music video that I posted many months ago (were I caught Will Smith on the set of the upcoming film "I Am Legend") has been getting a lot of hits recently. Thanks to all of you who have checked it out. I plan on going to see this film as soon as it comes out since 1) I think Will Smith is very hot for a guy with big ears and 2) I really liked the original film version --"The Omega Man" starring the sorta hot Charlton Heston -- that scared me silly when I saw it as a kid. In any case I plan on seeing Will in "I Am Legend."

Mira Nair and World AIDS Day

So much has happened in the past few weeks I don't know were to begin. For starters I met one of my directing idols, Mira Nair. I had the opportunity to meet her at a retrospective of her work last Sunday at the IFC center. They showed her new short film called "Migration" which dealt with HIV transmission in India. Mira has never shied away from taboo and hot button topics. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why I have always loved her work. It was very apropos for these few weeks since today is World AIDS Day.

Speaking of which, this morning I help with camera work at a World AIDS Day event held at the Center. It was a concert followed by a candle lite vigil and reading of the names of those who have passed from this dreaded disease. The concert was very moving and spiritual with invited classical artists and vocalists. I should also add that if you get the chance to see "Migration" you should. It was very powerful filmmaking.

In addition to viewing Mira Nair's short film, all the attendees were given copies of the new DVD release of her film "The Namesake." It had some really incredible special features that would be of interest to many film student. One in particular are excerpts from one of her courses that she teaches at Columbia University in the Film Program over there. She even has invited guests that come in and offer commentary on the film producing process. A couple of my professors studied with her at Columbia and said it was a very good and informative course.

I'm still trying to get my film financed and find a key location in which to shoot. I tried posting an ad on Mandy.com but eventually I was rejected because of my "fund raising" content. No bother, I will post it here on my blog in the meantime. See Below:

Executive Producers

I am currently in the process of trying to get my student thesis film shot. I would like to shoot the first weekend in Jan or sooner depending on availability. I am looking for 1 location in exchange for an Executive Producer's credit on the project. The film is a comedy short that I plan on entering in all of the LGBT Film Festivals worldwide upon completion. The potential for marketing products and services to this audience is also a plus for those interested in being involved. I currently have a documentary that I'm entering in festivals.

I am looking for 2 things that would be good for anyone wishing to build up their resume with Executive Producer credits:

1) One interior location of one New York City apartment. All 10 scenes take place in the bedroom (1), bathroom (1), living room (7), and kitchen (1). Ideally the door to apartment should open to show kitchen and/or living room but I'm flexible.

2) Funds! This is my thesis film for graduation and it is my responsibility to find money to defray cost of equipment rental, prop and wardrobe, catering, post-production cost, etc. The film program that I'm in doesn't teach a class on how to exactly do this, however it is expected. Unfortunately for me I wasn't born in the Coppola or Spielberg families, so I am trying this route.

My school only gave me 12 weeks in which to complete this film. However, after many, many failed attempts to start this (and many doors closed) I'm trying a different approach and I hope that someone, somehow, somewhere out there reading this will be able to help in anyway possible. Who knows maybe you could say one day "Yea, I was an Executive Producer on Billy Marshall Thompson's thesis film!"

Serious interested parties should contact me via email and we can set up a meeting and I can show you my Director's notebook for the project as well as my current reel of my work. I should add that the small cast includes 2 small dogs and 3 adults. The crew includes 6 adults. I should also add that I got an A on the script (and maintain a 3.88 GPA) and all of my professors are big supporters of my project and the belief that I can make a good film.

If this sounds like something that might interest you please contact me or if it sounds like someone you know might be interested in, please forward this posting to them.

Thanks,
BMT

Filthy Thesis Madness!

Slowly, but surely, my thesis film is beginning to take shape. I was finally able to find 2 dogs (one owner) who didn't object to the subject matter and will allow her pups to appear in the film. That is one less headache for me now.

One of my professors gave me a compliment the other day and I've been beaming about it ever since. I had told him that the owners of the first set of dogs I had cast had decided to bow out of the project due to artistic differences after reading my script. Professor Ezovski said, "It's only because it's filthy!" Most people would have taken that as an insult but not me. I know that John Waters has been called "the King of Filth" since his introduction to the indy film world back in the 70's with Pink Flamingos. So for Professor Ezovski to say that to me made me feel like I could one day be "the PRINCE of Filth!" Who knows?

But I still need to raise the $2,200 to start shooting and then I'm done. I know that it doesn't seem like a lot of money but I really can make this film for this amount of money. Maybe I should send my script to Mr. Waters and see if he'd finance it? Hmmm, that's something to think about. I went location scouting with my Production Designer, the wonderful Elba Estela, last weekend and I'm hopeful things will start to come together soon. I also met with a Product placement broker the other day and discussed options for product placement as a means of financing the piece.

EVERYONE who has read the script says that it is definitely a great script (and not really filthy, depending on how you define "filthy" and NO ONE is ingesting doggy doo in my script either! Ewww! Even I have my limitations) and would do very well in film festivals. I'm hoping to hit the LGBT festivals the moment the film is scored. If I could only find the one location that I need to shoot the piece I'd be able to rest a little easier. If there is anyone out there reading this blog (and I know that millions of you do!) who lives in NYC and would be interested in allowing a small film company to use your apartment for 2 (possible 3) days to shoot, what will one day be a masterpiece (and be the talk of Cannes and Sundance), please email me and we can take a meeting to discuss the details. Anyone who lets me use their space to shoot will get a credit as an Executive Producer! Now wouldn't that be something to brag to your friends and family over the holiday get-together's? "Yea, I just EXECUTIVE PRODUCED a film by an up-and-coming filmmaker. More a pino grigio anyone?"

Anyway I hope that I can get this thing done before Christmas so that I can edit it and submitted for my grade. That would be Lover-ly! Honestly, I've been so stressed out this week trying to get this thing together I almost forgot to call my mother yesterday to wish her a Happy Birthday. The day before that I lost my eyeglasses and walked around half blind for most of the day. I even filled up my frequent guest card from Crumbs (1 punch on card for ever order of coffee and a cupcake you order). Next week I will be able to get a free cup of coffee (or tea- LOVE that Earl Grey with soy milk!) and a cupcake of my choice. Speaking of which, yesterday I had a "Brownie" cupcake which is another way of saying "DEATH BY CHOCOLATE." Today I had the Caramel Apple and it was so good I got stares from the inhabitants of the lab were I was editing as I ate orgasmic bite after, orgasmic bite. Just thinking about it as I type this entry is giving me...never mind... I'm determined to keep this a clean blog.

Anyway I realized the other day that if I don't get this film finished soon I'll never be invited to the Independent Spirit Awards and walk the "green carpet". Or I'll never meet interesting people like John Waters (or for that matter, John Amaechi.) Just so I can tell J.W. just how much his films have influenced me as a film maker and tell J.A. just how much his book meant to me as out and proud gay black man. Either way, I will finish this film even if it means I go without dinner for a week or two. After suffering from "cupcake nirvana" this week, I could stand to loose a few pounds. That is how determined I am to get my thesis film done.

The sacrifices one must make for one's art.