Here is something to whet your appetite while we get one step closer to shooting the second season of Docket 32357...
Da Sweet Blood of Randy
"What we can tell you is that it’s an artistic, cinematic experience by a genius movie director and completely open to interpretation. Suffice to say in this film, which is beautifully shot by Dan Patterson, meticulously edited by Randy Wilkins and wonderfully scored, its “less sacrilegious to drink blood, than to spill it...." - Black Enterprise, June 2014
What a journey the last ten months have been for me. Last August, I was an assistant editor working feverishly on Spike Lee's Mike Tyson Undisputed Truth while working equally as hard on a Seed and Spark crowdfunding campaign to raise money for our web series Docket 32357. Fast forward to today and I am the editor on Spike's new film Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, while our web series has premiered online (see it here) receiving wonderful feedback from the public. I feel like I've matured by ten years in ten months. I can't really describe what I'm feeling at the moment because I am still in the middle of a whirlwind. I never thought my name would be mentioned in a film review by Black Enterprise for editing a legend's film. I quote honestly never thought I would create web based material allowing folks to binge watch a story that I love so much. It just goes to show how far persistence, hard work and commitment can get you. I hope the trend continues upward. I want to increase my impact and I want to inspire. I want to be a standard for artists and the general public. I feel really good about things right now and I feel even better that I'm surrounded by wonderfully talented people who push me every day. I hope you all get a chance to check out Da Sweet Blood of Jesus when it hits theaters and check out the Docket 32357 Web Series now!
The Docket 32357 Crowdfunding Campaign
I have to be honest with all of you. I didn't expect or anticipate the success of the Docket 32357 short film. I knew the film was strong in all aspects of the craft, but I was privately unsure if people would like watching two women hold a conversation on a bench. It turns out that people were really interested. We were constantly asked what happens next. We were told by our audience that they wanted to see more. We decided we would satisfy that demand with a web series. We really feel strong about this narrative. One of the reasons is the focus on multi dimensional women characters. I'm really excited that Docket features two strong women leads in a dramatic series. But in order for this series to come to fruition we need a communal effort. We recently launched our crowd funding campaign through Seed and Spark. We have a wish list of all the essential items we need for production and post production. We have awesome incentives like tickets to our premiere, roles in an episode, cooking recipes from Lois and other great packages. We really want to foster a community with Docket and would love for you to be a part of it. Please consider backing us by clicking on this link
If you can't make a contribution please consider tweeting, emailing, facebooking (is that a word?) or even following us on the Seed and Spark page. Every little bit helps. Thank you very much.
Demand Your Best
I had a conversation yesterday with an up and coming actress who is taking her first step into the world of directing. She wanted to speak with me about my process creating Docket 32357 and my general thoughts on directing and film. I was flattered because I don't view myself as an expert on either one of those topics, but I knew I had experiences I could share. We ventured into the subject of web series. She had an immediate negative reaction when the discussion began. I understood her feelings on it. As we talked, I realized that the reason we both felt disappointed in many of the web based projects was laziness or more specifically, the absence of putting your best foot forward as a filmmaker.
I don't want to waste space by criticizing other people's work. That is not the purpose of this blog. What I would like to do is briefly touch upon the absolute need for filmmakers to maximize their current abilities with every project they undertake. I can't tell you the amount of times I've heard filmmakers raise perceived limitations for why they didn't create the work they envisioned. Some of my favorites are money, locations, bad relationships with crew members, "it's just a short" and "it's just for the web." In my mind, these are all opportunities to not only showcase your skills, but an opportunity to add to your toolbox. All of those limitations are potential contributing factors to creating work you didn't even imagine you could make. It all begins with the attitude that you're gonna demand your best regardless of the circumstances. There is no obstacle for that mindset other than yourself.
Docket 32357 Screening on the Huffington Post!
As you can tell from the title of this post I have some exciting news to share with you all. Our short, "Docket 32357," is the inaugural film of the Huffington Post's Black Voices Breakthrough Theater film series. The film is available for the next week in its entirety. I ask that you all take 15 minutes of your time to see what I have been posting about over the last couple of months. I also ask that you please like, share, tweet, instagram, reddit, share of on google + and email your networks about this screening. We really need all the help we can get in spreading the word. Just as important are your comments on the film. We would love to hear feedback from our audience. This is really exciting and I would have NEVER thought the film would have an opportunity like this. Docket has gone through a wonderful journey up until this point and I hope it continues. Please join us for the ride. You can see the film at the Huffington Post here.
Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the Montreal Black International Film Festival
I am proud to announce that Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the Montreal Black International Film Festival. This is our Canadian premiere and the film's 19th selection. This has been a tremendous run for us and I'm really excited that the film is a part of this festival. A friend of mine, Donald Conley who directed "Sleep" the winner of the festival's Best Short Award, had some great things to say about it so I look forward to experiencing it. I think this is one festival where we will be live blogging and posting pics of since we've missed out on attending some other great festivals with the film. It's a great feeling to see that the film is still finding venues to play in and hopefully the run will continue. Thank you to all cast and crew and thank you to all of those that continue to support Docket.
Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the Newport Beach Film Festival
So we have one more announcement to make today and that is Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the 2013 Newport Beach Film Festival. This selection has a story behind it that I would like to share. When the film screened last summer, a representative from Newport Beach approached Eljon and I. She introduced herself and proceeded to tell us that the story in the film was eerily similar to something that she lived through not too long ago. She had a pretty strong emotional reaction to the film and was appreciative that we made it. At that point, Eljon and I didn't care as much about her affiliation with the festival, but were happy we could make an impact on her like we did. It was fulfilling. So it is special for us that we are a part of the program this year. I will definitely be in CA for this screening. I can't believe how much love the west coast has given the film. It is really humbling. If you are in the area the festival runs from April 25th - May 2nd and I will give specific details when I get them. And as always congrats to the cast and crew.
Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival
I am proud to announce that Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival in Seattle. This is a festival that I have been eyeing for a couple years now because of the good things I've heard about it. I'm happy that we are a part of the program. I've never been to Seattle so I'm hoping it works out that I can attend the screening. When I get more info I will post it on here. Congrats to the cast and crew.
Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival
Docket 32357 will be returning to the Los Angeles area as an Official Selection of the 2013 Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival. We are excited to be a part of the program. The Los Angeles filmmaking community has been really supportive of the film and we appreciate that a great deal. We look forward to a great festival
Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the Phoenix Film Festival
Docket 32357 will be a part of the 2013 lineup for the Phoenix Film Festival, which will take place April 4th through the 11th. We are really excited to be a part of the Prime Shorts Showcase, which is a category representing "strong films that were notable, recognized and handpicked by our festival leadership." This is festival selection number 15 and I'm excited that the film continues to gain exposure while playing in cities in the country I have never had a film play in. I'm gonna try my best to make it to this festival so there is the potential for some blogging coverage of the event. Congrats to the cast and crew on yet another accomplishment.
Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the Dam Short Film Festival!
I'm proud to announce that our short film "Docket 32357" is an Official Selection of the 2013 Dam Short Film Festival in Boulder City, Nevada! This is our first festival screening for the New Year and I'm really proud to be a part of this wonderful festival. It takes place February 6-9. Congrats to the cast and crew and thank you everyone that has supported the project.
Docket 32357 Wins Audience Choice Award at IBFFN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyvZgcQpTVg&feature=youtu.be&a It is with great pride and excitement that I announce Docket 32357 is the winner of the Audience Choice Award at the 2012 International Black Film Festival of Nashville. It is a great honor to receive this award that reflects the people's interest in our work. It is humbling and inspiring to know the public enjoyed the result of the cast and crew's dedication and hard work for the film. We were also nominated for Best Short Film. There may be an added benefit for winning the award, but I will have more info on that in due time. I want to congratulate Eljon Wardally, Jessica Karen Brown, Tara Gadomski, Ashley Denise Robinson, Kiel Perry, Ryan Denmark, Jeff Pinilla, Blair Doroshwalther, Jon Altman and everyone else who made the film come to life. It is a shared accomplishment.
The announcement comes around the 6:16 mark if you want to skip right to it, but take a look at all the winners.
Outgrowing The Shell On The Island
I returned home from the beautiful island of Nassau a couple days ago following the screening of "Docket 32357" at the 9th Annual Bahamas International Film Festival. Besides having the opportunity to experience the film's international premiere in 80 degree weather, I looked at the festival as a chance to work on my networking skills. The past couple of months have reinforced the old lesson that your ability to progress in the entertainment industry really does lie with who you know. Talent, craft and hard work are important elements, but you really need to have a substantial network to allow those other pieces to flourish. I am naturally a quiet and introverted guy. Part of being introverted is the natural instinct to only speak when you find it absolutely necessary. That can be a great thing, but also a hindrance when you need to build relationships with people that you don't know. Reminders about the previously mentioned lesson popped in my head and I decided to be active in taking advantage of the potential opportunities the festival offered to expand my network. I made the right decision. The comforts of being on an island made it possible for me to speak with great people in a relaxed environment. It felt natural to approach people and discuss a variety of topics that didn't necessarily involve film. It was liberating to be honest. I felt for one of the few times in my early career I was truly taking advantage of what a film festival can offer. I'm pretty proud of myself and I'm also thankful. I'm hoping that this is a sign of growth that I can take with me to future events. It is an admitted weakness of mine that I am determined to strengthen. Only positive things can come out of it and I need all the positives I can get.
Docket 32357 Screens at Inaugural IBFFN Online Festival!
The International Black Film Festival of Nashville is stepping into the online world for this year's installment of the festival. We are honored to announce that Docket 32357 is a part of this historic lineup. The festival runs from Thursday, December 13 - Sunday, December 16. Docket will be screening ALL DAY on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15th. I will post more details about the screening (i.e. link, pricing, etc.) as soon as I receive it. Being that this is an online festival you will be able to check the film out wherever you are through your computer, ipad or cell phone. It will run all day Saturday with an encore screening the next day at a specific time slot. Please take the time out to see the film. I will have more information soon. Thanks.
Docket 32357 Screens at Imagenation's Sangria Sundays
I apologize for not being as active with the blog lately, but I have been putting most of my writing energy towards my feature script "The Gunnery." I wanted to bring you all up to date with future screenings of Docket 32357. If you are in the NYC area during Thanksgiving weekend, please come out to Imagenation's Sangria Sundays in Harlem for a featured screening of the film. The event is at Raw Space, 2031 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. (bet. 121st & 122nd Sts.), New York, NY 10027 on NOVEMBER 25TH from 3-7pm. Here is an example of a past Sangria Sunday event: http://imagenation.us/ai1ec_event/sangria-sundays/?instance_id=55425. The tickets are $5 for admission and that comes with a complimentary glass of Sangria or Sorrell. So please come out, be in good company, have a drink and check out Dockt 32357 to end your holiday weekend. I hope to see you there!
Docket 32357 Earns a Nomination in Birmingham, England!
Docket 32357 is a nominee for the Best Short Film Award at the 2012 Birmingham Black International Film Festival! This is our second official selection from an international festival. It is awesome to see our film can span across different borders and entertain different regions. It's also nice to be recognized as a nominee for an award. The festival runs from October 20th to October 28th and the awards ceremony is October 27th. Congrats to the cast and crew and a special thank you to all of the film's supporters!
Thank you Docket 32357
Eljon Wardally.
Jessica K. Brown.
Tara Gadomski.
Ashley Denise Robinson.
Kiel Perry.
Jeff Pinilla.
Blair Doroshwalther.
Sauniell Connally.
Ryan Denmark.
Kia M. Neal.
Jonathan Altman.
These wonderful talents, along with many others, have allowed "Docket 32357" to achieve success on the festival circuit in a relatively short amount of time. With our latest acceptance, the film has now reached ten selections. This landmark means a great deal to me. Docket was created because I wanted to keep my directorial skills sharp and I wanted to remain relevant to various film audiences. Eljon wrote a strong piece and it provided an opportunity to achieve those two goals. My hope was that our film would play in a couple festivals nationwide and showcase the talents of everyone involved. Now I can say with confidence that my expectations have been exceeded. It feels good when your work has an opportunity to be shown in front of diverse audiences that you haven't had a chance to engage with in the past. It is also satisfying because our determination to overcome numerous challenges is being rewarded by the overwhelming positive responses the film has received. I was a little concerned when I first took on the project because it is a simple premise in one location. But that concern dissipated when I trusted the talent around me and had faith that the audience will be engaged if we told the story with quality and care. Docket 32357 reminds me of why I love being a filmmaker. The adrenaline rush of being on set and the excitement of interacting with moviegoers. It is addictive. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the Bahamas International Film Festival!
We are making our international debut of Docket 32357! Actually, this is my first opportunity to screen any film of mine outside of the continental United States so this is pretty special. We have been selected for the Bahamas International Film Festival in December. In addition to being a part of a great festival, I am happy to be a part of the program because I met Executive Director, Leslie Vanderpool, in 2005 at the old 40 Acres and A Mule office while interning on Inside Man. She mentioned the festival and it was always one I wanted to have a film in. Now I have that opportunity and who doesn't like watching films while hanging out on the beach? I can't wait for this one. If you're looking for a quick vacation in the sun come down to Nassau and hang out with us.
Screening and Ticket Info for Urbanworld Screening of Docket 32357
Hello Everyone, Tickets are now available for the New York premiere of "Docket 32357" at the Urbanworld Film Festival. The screening times are SEPTEMBER 21st at 3:15PM and SEPTEMBER 22nd at NOON. Both screenings will be held at the 34th Street AMC Theater in Manhattan. You can purchase tickets at the theater box office or you can purchase them here. I hope to see you all there. Thank you.
Docket 32357 is an Official Selection of the Louisville International Festival of Film
I am pleased to announce that Docket 32357 will be a part of the 4th Annual Louisville International Festival of Film in October. We are excited to be a part of the program. It is awesome that the film continues to get exposure in various regions of the country. It gives us an opportunity to add to our audience for not just Docket, but for future projects as well. We look forward to a great screening in the city of Louisville.