On August 24, 2010 Stacey & Tracee TV will give away 5,000 back-to-school goodies to students of the Fashion Institute of Technology. Free items include rare and vintage comic books, old fashioned lollipops and super cool shoe laces.
Stacey & Tracee TV reps will be stationed on 7th Avenue between 26th and 27th from 12 – 3 (or while supplies last). College students of surrounding area schools are also encouraged to drop by for a free treat.
The giveaway is part of a nationwide initiative to bring awareness to the emerging media company’s “Join the Revolution” campaign. http://kck.st/aqO4Ue
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Knocking Down the "Walls"
July 2010
Greetings Friend,
I hope you are well and staying cool. It has been a long time since my last update and I’m quite embarrassed to say just how long. In fact, I double-checked to make sure the date I read was correct; unfortunately it was. That said it’s great to reconnect with you and resume quarterly updates.
Since my last letter I did take time off from working on “Dressed Like Kings” (DLK) partly because the well was running dry (i.e. money) and in runners’ terminology I “hit the wall.” The good thing about “hitting the wall” is that you have to dig deep and force your sinew to press on to the goal. In addition, I had to truly re-examine what DLK was about and ask myself, “Why am I making this film?”
During this time of introspection, I had the privilege of working with Emmy Award-Winning documentary filmmaker, Stanley Nelson on “Freedom Riders.” The two-hour documentary will air in 2011 on PBS’ “American Experience”, marking the 50th Anniversary of the 1961 Freedom Rides that challenged the interstate transport laws in the segregated South.
One of the rewards of working on a history doc like “Freedom Riders” is that it reminded me why documentaries are important and why historical docs are essential. This made me revisit the genesis of DLK - a NY Times article written in 2002 about this special group of fashionable Zulu men. As I recalled the history of oswenka and the interviews of the men, I was driven to the word that summed up the entire film for me in the beginning - hope. It’s this same hope that has revived me and reminded me that the purpose of my film is to give a glimpse into a moment of time and space where Zulu men believe that ones self-worth is increased by donning a suit. In short, DLK is an important documentary film that is essential to the history of not only South Africans but African Americans as well.
With this new fortitude, I plowed through several grants (again) and approximately a year from this date I received a congratulations letter informing me that DLK was awarded a New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) Grant. I also received several generous donations as well! This new boost was a blessing and a reminder to “keep on keeping on,” as my Grandmother would say.
In the beginning of the year, there was an addition to the DLK team, Emir Lewis who holds the title of Editor. For over a month Emir performed serious surgery on DLK and I’m happy to say that she’s looking really good! I also experienced the generosity of two other film colleagues Michelle Stephenson and Joe Brewster, who donated their editing space. Since DLK’s major face lift I am reconnecting with former funding sources, revising the budget, making friends in the Archives Department in South Africa, and thinking outside the box on securing finishing funds.
In addition to DLK: I’m working with Stanley on his recent documentary about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); this is particularly exciting since I’m an alum of Dillard University. I also recently finished a forty-eight hour film challenge for Black Entertainment (BET) called “Scene Stealers” which you can check out at http://www.bet.com/lensontalent; and lastly my producing partner Tracee Loran and I are working on an Internet Revolution which we will be launching on a computer near you. Additional information on our Revolution is available on Facebook and Twitter under the brand name of Stacey & Tracee Media.
Moving forward, I continue to press toward the goal of delivering a film that you have supported in so many ways. I can’t thank you enough for the numerous ways you have continued to make this project breathe life (i.e. emails, calls, and “friendly” nudges) and I look forward (in the very near future) to sharing with you the beautiful work that we’ve created, together.
Sincerely yours,
Stacey
Greetings Friend,
I hope you are well and staying cool. It has been a long time since my last update and I’m quite embarrassed to say just how long. In fact, I double-checked to make sure the date I read was correct; unfortunately it was. That said it’s great to reconnect with you and resume quarterly updates.
Since my last letter I did take time off from working on “Dressed Like Kings” (DLK) partly because the well was running dry (i.e. money) and in runners’ terminology I “hit the wall.” The good thing about “hitting the wall” is that you have to dig deep and force your sinew to press on to the goal. In addition, I had to truly re-examine what DLK was about and ask myself, “Why am I making this film?”
During this time of introspection, I had the privilege of working with Emmy Award-Winning documentary filmmaker, Stanley Nelson on “Freedom Riders.” The two-hour documentary will air in 2011 on PBS’ “American Experience”, marking the 50th Anniversary of the 1961 Freedom Rides that challenged the interstate transport laws in the segregated South.
One of the rewards of working on a history doc like “Freedom Riders” is that it reminded me why documentaries are important and why historical docs are essential. This made me revisit the genesis of DLK - a NY Times article written in 2002 about this special group of fashionable Zulu men. As I recalled the history of oswenka and the interviews of the men, I was driven to the word that summed up the entire film for me in the beginning - hope. It’s this same hope that has revived me and reminded me that the purpose of my film is to give a glimpse into a moment of time and space where Zulu men believe that ones self-worth is increased by donning a suit. In short, DLK is an important documentary film that is essential to the history of not only South Africans but African Americans as well.
With this new fortitude, I plowed through several grants (again) and approximately a year from this date I received a congratulations letter informing me that DLK was awarded a New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) Grant. I also received several generous donations as well! This new boost was a blessing and a reminder to “keep on keeping on,” as my Grandmother would say.
In the beginning of the year, there was an addition to the DLK team, Emir Lewis who holds the title of Editor. For over a month Emir performed serious surgery on DLK and I’m happy to say that she’s looking really good! I also experienced the generosity of two other film colleagues Michelle Stephenson and Joe Brewster, who donated their editing space. Since DLK’s major face lift I am reconnecting with former funding sources, revising the budget, making friends in the Archives Department in South Africa, and thinking outside the box on securing finishing funds.
In addition to DLK: I’m working with Stanley on his recent documentary about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); this is particularly exciting since I’m an alum of Dillard University. I also recently finished a forty-eight hour film challenge for Black Entertainment (BET) called “Scene Stealers” which you can check out at http://www.bet.com/lensontalent; and lastly my producing partner Tracee Loran and I are working on an Internet Revolution which we will be launching on a computer near you. Additional information on our Revolution is available on Facebook and Twitter under the brand name of Stacey & Tracee Media.
Moving forward, I continue to press toward the goal of delivering a film that you have supported in so many ways. I can’t thank you enough for the numerous ways you have continued to make this project breathe life (i.e. emails, calls, and “friendly” nudges) and I look forward (in the very near future) to sharing with you the beautiful work that we’ve created, together.
Sincerely yours,
Stacey
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Note to Self
Last Friday I stood before my students at CUNY lecturing on the importance of marketing your work on the web. At least twice I had to remind myself that this lesson was not only for them but a reminder to me!
Since my last blog, many moons ago, I have been working non-stop; from picking “Apples,” teaching, prepping for the Freedom Rides, and working on a new cut of Dressed Like Kings. One of the biggest highlights was at the top of the year when I traveled to Park City, Utah for my first Sundance Film Festival. The film that made this possible was the feature length documentary Freedom Riders directed by award-winning filmmaker and Sundance Rock Star, Stanley Nelson. From sold out crowds to standing ovations, audience members were captivated by the powerful, harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of eight months in 1961 that changed America forever. From May until December 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans risked their lives-many endured savage beatings and imprisonment–for simply traveling together on buses as they journeyed through the Deep South. To learn more about the Freedom Riders, which will air on PBS’ American Experience, visit: http://www.freedomridersfilm.com
Fast forward to March when I received a call from Ralph Scott (a huge champion of my work) from Black Entertainment Television (BET) inviting me to participate in a new series Scene Stealers. The concept of the show was simple; another filmmaker and I would have 48 hours to: write, cast, crew, shoot, score and edit a 2-8minute short. In addition our filmmaking process would be documented and aired in five-minute pod casts for seven weeks and at the end, you would get to vote for my film. To find out more and to see my close-up, log on to:
http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/lensontalent/lensontalent_scenestealers
And finally, those Zulu men who swept me off my feet and sent me packing to South Africa are almost suited up for their U.S. debut. I’m happy to report that Dressed Like Kings is very close to a fresh new rough-cut, with the brilliant work of editor Emir Lewis. The next phase is raising the remaining 65K that will cover a fine cut, archival footage and images, music and licenses. If you care to lend your support to reach the goal, please email: info@blackbutterflyproductions.net to learn how you can make a tax-deductible donation.
Well I could go on about the web series that I’m working on with my writing/producing partner Tracee Loran or my next brilliant idea but I think it’s best to close right now so I will have something to share next time. Until then, thanks for your continued support, check out the websites above and ‘keep on keeping on’.
Since my last blog, many moons ago, I have been working non-stop; from picking “Apples,” teaching, prepping for the Freedom Rides, and working on a new cut of Dressed Like Kings. One of the biggest highlights was at the top of the year when I traveled to Park City, Utah for my first Sundance Film Festival. The film that made this possible was the feature length documentary Freedom Riders directed by award-winning filmmaker and Sundance Rock Star, Stanley Nelson. From sold out crowds to standing ovations, audience members were captivated by the powerful, harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of eight months in 1961 that changed America forever. From May until December 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans risked their lives-many endured savage beatings and imprisonment–for simply traveling together on buses as they journeyed through the Deep South. To learn more about the Freedom Riders, which will air on PBS’ American Experience, visit: http://www.freedomridersfilm.com
Fast forward to March when I received a call from Ralph Scott (a huge champion of my work) from Black Entertainment Television (BET) inviting me to participate in a new series Scene Stealers. The concept of the show was simple; another filmmaker and I would have 48 hours to: write, cast, crew, shoot, score and edit a 2-8minute short. In addition our filmmaking process would be documented and aired in five-minute pod casts for seven weeks and at the end, you would get to vote for my film. To find out more and to see my close-up, log on to:
http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/lensontalent/lensontalent_scenestealers
And finally, those Zulu men who swept me off my feet and sent me packing to South Africa are almost suited up for their U.S. debut. I’m happy to report that Dressed Like Kings is very close to a fresh new rough-cut, with the brilliant work of editor Emir Lewis. The next phase is raising the remaining 65K that will cover a fine cut, archival footage and images, music and licenses. If you care to lend your support to reach the goal, please email: info@blackbutterflyproductions.net to learn how you can make a tax-deductible donation.
Well I could go on about the web series that I’m working on with my writing/producing partner Tracee Loran or my next brilliant idea but I think it’s best to close right now so I will have something to share next time. Until then, thanks for your continued support, check out the websites above and ‘keep on keeping on’.
Friday, October 9, 2009
6 Things I Never Told You Screening
6 Things I Never Told You
Wednesday, October 14th
New World Stages - Stage 2
340 West 50th Street
NYC 10019
6pm - Reception
7pm - 10pm Film followed by Q & A with directors
Tickets: $16.50
RSVP http://blackivy6things.eventbrite.com/
Hosted by Black Ivy Events and ActNow Foundation
New World Stages - Stage 2
340 West 50th Street
NYC 10019
6pm - Reception
7pm - 10pm Film followed by Q & A with directors
Tickets: $16.50
RSVP http://blackivy6things.eventbrite.com/
Hosted by Black Ivy Events and ActNow Foundation
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Cookie's Fortune
I’m not big on fortune tellers or psychics, but I do get a kick out of reading fortune cookies. Every once in a while you get a good one like my colleague whose fortune read, ‘You will become a millionaire.’ I believe that one has come true for my colleague, or he’s very close to making it a reality. A couple of years ago I got one that read, ‘Never give up until you reach the finish line.’ This August marks the six-year anniversary of when I made my sojourn to South Africa to begin filming Dressed Like Kings. In doc years I’m apparently on track. But for Stacey’s timeline, Dressed Like Kings should have run the national and international film festival circuit, screened on television networks around the world, and should be enjoying the number one “queue” slot on Netflix accounts nationwide. These goals have not yet been realized. However, despite the turns, twists, jolts, jabs and dives, the vision remains and has now expanded to Tullahoma, Tennessee.
2008 ended with a plethora of love letters (i.e. “We regret to inform you…,” “Thank you for your submission, but…” etc.) from grant organizations. One of the aforementioned love notes boldly asked the question, “Why should we care?” I guess a story that depicts a positive side of African life that isn’t clouded by AIDS, genocide and war isn’t enough; for the letter-writer I have to go deeper, I have to connect the dots.
Sometimes scorned “love” imbues inspiration. Those heart-tugging dots led me to a black and white image of a man that I never met, John Henry Holman, my paternal Great-Grandfather and master tailor who lived in Tullahoma, Tennessee. My impetus for documenting the fashion-forward men, the reason for the film, and to be totally honest, my love for seeing Black men in fine tailored suits, resided with him. And as I dug deeper, John Henry’s keen sense of style has carried through the generations from my Grandfather, Father, and Brother, and ultimately leading me to a special group of men who have the same classy and self-respecting fashion sense, the oswenkas. What has started to unfold is a film that pays homage to a man who recognized the power Black men possess when dressed in a suit.
As I continue to press toward the finish line with Dressed Like Kings, 6 Things I Never Told You is making waves. I’m excited to announce the premiere of 6 Things at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival in Los Angeles and the FESPACO Film Festival in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa.
Pan African Film & Arts Festival
Culver Plaza Theatres
9919 Washington Boulevard Los Angeles, CA
(310) 836-5516
Saturday, 2/14, 7:00pm
Sunday, 2/15, 2:30pm
Monday, 2/16, 4:30pm
The actual screening dates and times of FESPACO will be posted at a later date, but the festival will take place February 28th – March 7th.
I look forward to posting regular updates on Dressed Like Kings, 6 Things I Never Told You, the other projects that are in development, and the ones yet to be revealed. If you’re working hard and running faster toward your dreams, but yet they seem miles away remember the encouraging words of the fortune cookie “Never give up until you reach the finish line.” It just might be right around the corner.
Pressing forward.
Stacey
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Markers
It’s very ironic how things work out with out even planning it. Two weeks ago I screened Girl Talk at NY Perks in Brooklyn, not to be confused with the one on 124th Street which is called Perks. The collective that sponsored the screening was Act Now Foundation (www.actnowproduction.org), a non-profit group that supports screenings for filmmakers like yours truly.
I can’t tell you the last time I actually watched the film in it’s entirety, but I have to admit that a few of those butterflies did make a brief appearance but once the film began they quickly flew away. Not to toot my own horn… okay yes I will toot a bit, I really enjoyed and liked my film. I know it sounds crazy but for you filmmakers out there I believe you can relate. For months and sometimes years you’ve worked tirelessly on your film and of course you want it to be perfect… but that state of perfection is only in the heavenly realm so we aim for a great, excellent, or amazing film. Girl Talk encompassed all three for me that evening and I brag, confess (whatever you want to call it) that with really great good amazing people I made a really great excellent amazing film.
Upon further reflection, during the Q&A, it hit me that 2008 marks the 10 Year Anniversary for Girl Talk! It was funny how some of the questions took me back and gave me moments of pause as I shared: the inspiration for the film, the things I would change if I could, and how we raised the money. The later question I proudly shared the story of an angel, Mrs. Stewart, who wanted to make a contribution toward my film. After raising funds from fundraisers hosted by family, friends and receiving generous donations I was still $15,000 short and I had to shoot in less than eight weeks. One day, after I returned to New York to begin pre-production, my mom ran into Mrs. Stewart who said to call her because she still wanted to make a donation toward my film. When I did speak with her, she asked how much I needed, I gave her the figure, $15,000, which she responded, “Tell your mom she can pick up the check tomorrow.” You can guess the ending of this story, I was able to shoot and edit the film.
10 years later, Girl Talk is a marker not only in time but in what God can and will do.
I can’t tell you the last time I actually watched the film in it’s entirety, but I have to admit that a few of those butterflies did make a brief appearance but once the film began they quickly flew away. Not to toot my own horn… okay yes I will toot a bit, I really enjoyed and liked my film. I know it sounds crazy but for you filmmakers out there I believe you can relate. For months and sometimes years you’ve worked tirelessly on your film and of course you want it to be perfect… but that state of perfection is only in the heavenly realm so we aim for a great, excellent, or amazing film. Girl Talk encompassed all three for me that evening and I brag, confess (whatever you want to call it) that with really great good amazing people I made a really great excellent amazing film.
Upon further reflection, during the Q&A, it hit me that 2008 marks the 10 Year Anniversary for Girl Talk! It was funny how some of the questions took me back and gave me moments of pause as I shared: the inspiration for the film, the things I would change if I could, and how we raised the money. The later question I proudly shared the story of an angel, Mrs. Stewart, who wanted to make a contribution toward my film. After raising funds from fundraisers hosted by family, friends and receiving generous donations I was still $15,000 short and I had to shoot in less than eight weeks. One day, after I returned to New York to begin pre-production, my mom ran into Mrs. Stewart who said to call her because she still wanted to make a donation toward my film. When I did speak with her, she asked how much I needed, I gave her the figure, $15,000, which she responded, “Tell your mom she can pick up the check tomorrow.” You can guess the ending of this story, I was able to shoot and edit the film.
10 years later, Girl Talk is a marker not only in time but in what God can and will do.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Last time we spoke…
Goodness how time flies! Since my last update I continue to wait patiently for my grant responses of ‘YES’ for those fashion forward men of Dressed Like Kings who continue to be such a big part of my life: Buthelezi, Khoza, Thulani, Adolphus and the sage Mguni. I have been in contact with Khoza and Rebecca, Thulani’s wife, who have kept me abreast of what the swankas are doing and where they’ve been. Apparently, word has traveled to France and Australia about oswenka and my men (yes a bit possessive) have been invited to travel to these locations. Next stop, U.S? Only when I finish the film and please note, donations are welcome, and they’re tax deductible. Please email ‘info@blackbutterflyproductions.net’ for more details.
In addition, my writing partner, Tracee, and I have been dishing out a plethora of treatments for the small screen. Reality, scripted, docu-series, the list goes on. Currently we are pitching our ideas to networks and production companies and look forward to negotiating with the highest bidder – any takers.
Lastly, I have two screenings the month of August, one in my neighborhood, Harlem and the second in Brooklyn. First up is Girl Talk; yes, my fab four ladies are still kicking it on screens and I’m so delighted. Second, 6 Things I Never Told You will screen at the historic Studio Museum in Harlem. Dates, times and locations will be posted shortly.
So next time we speak (i.e. write) I look forward to saying, “Yes, Dressed Like Kings has received finishing funds.” “Stacey & Tracee Filmnatics have just sold (title of show) to a really big network,” and “We had an amazing turnout at the screenings.”
Until then, thank you for your continued support and keep on keepin on.
In addition, my writing partner, Tracee, and I have been dishing out a plethora of treatments for the small screen. Reality, scripted, docu-series, the list goes on. Currently we are pitching our ideas to networks and production companies and look forward to negotiating with the highest bidder – any takers.
Lastly, I have two screenings the month of August, one in my neighborhood, Harlem and the second in Brooklyn. First up is Girl Talk; yes, my fab four ladies are still kicking it on screens and I’m so delighted. Second, 6 Things I Never Told You will screen at the historic Studio Museum in Harlem. Dates, times and locations will be posted shortly.
So next time we speak (i.e. write) I look forward to saying, “Yes, Dressed Like Kings has received finishing funds.” “Stacey & Tracee Filmnatics have just sold (title of show) to a really big network,” and “We had an amazing turnout at the screenings.”
Until then, thank you for your continued support and keep on keepin on.
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