Producers Guild Awards: A Night for the Books

            This past Saturday I had the opportunity to be a part of one the most exciting industry events for the second time. As a Producers Guild member, I attended a nominees breakfast and discussion presented by The Hollywood Reporter. The event, which took place at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre on Vine, featured a producer from each PGA nominated picture. The discussion included topics such as the hardships of production, the casting process, and the controversial lack of diversity on and off screen. Dede Gardner (who went on to win the award later that night for The Big Short) suggested that change starts with us as Producers when it comes to the representation of minorities. Gardner is responsible for the PGA and Academy Award winning 12 Years a Slave, as well as last year’s Selma.

            The day continued later that evening at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza where nominees and guests kicked off the night with drinks, dinner, and the awards ceremony. It was really nice catching up with colleagues and friends, as well as meeting with a bunch of inspiring producers and directors. One of the highlights was an appearance by Lady Gaga, who performed her Oscar nominated song, Till It Happens To You. The song is nominated for the documentary The Hunting Ground, which was honored with the Stanley Kramer Award for the positive impact it has caused in the nation.

            January 23^rd is definitely one for the books. Besides the fun (and drinks), the night served as a reminder of why I’m here and the goals I set for myself. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.

PGA nominees discussion panel at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre

Good times with my friends Julie Park and Sue Zen Chew

Good times with my friend Sue Zen Chew

Posing with friend Daniel Dreifuss (No), dinning with former colleague Omar Linares (Los Golden Boys, Tiny & Shekinah's Weave Trip), and sharing a moment with Mary Parent (The Revenant)

Top 10 Motion Pictures of 2015: Survival

After a lengthy hiatus from contributing to this blog, I am back for good! My goal is to write three or four posts a month as part of a new year’s resolution. To kick off that resolution, I found it fitting that my first post of 2016 is a flashback to last year (Notice it’s Friday? #FlashbackFriday) and since we’re currently in awards season.

From forty seven movies I watched (released in 2015), these are the ten that in my humble opinion are the best due to production value, technical elements, story, acting, and the impact they left on me; you know, there are movies you simply can’t stop thinking about or they lead to thought-provoking dialogue, and these were it. And don’t worry, my thoughts on each movie are very brief and don’t contain spoilers. If you’re interested in the post of my top ten from last year, click here; no, here!

10. Ex Machina (Dir. Alex Garland)

Chilling, fascinating, and scary at the same time. Ex Machina makes you question the direction in which we’re going as humans when it comes to technology and artificial intelligence. I found the use of arechetypes and foreshadowing exquisite and not over the top.

9. Macbeth (Dir. Justin Kurzel)

I wish this movie had been on the radar during the awards circuit. It’s such a piece of art with phenomenal production design, breathtaking shots, and an interesting use of red and yellow colors that aid the story visually. It requires full attention and commitment, due to the nature of the dialogue and language, but it’s a feast to the ears and eyes.

8. Beasts of No Nation (Dir. Cary Joji Fukunaga)

My biggest complaint is that I wish it had been released in more movie theaters! A Netflix representative agreed with me. I had the fortune of watching this on the big screen, absorbing all the sounds and visuals the way they were meant to be experienced. Abraham Attah, is a first time actor from Africa who plays our protagonist and he’s a gem.

7. Mad Max: Fury Road (Dir. George Miller)

Talk about the definition of an action movie. This was probably the most fun I’ve had at the movies in a while.

6. Steve Jobs (Dir. Danny Boyle)

This movie is a roller coaster of high energy that’s divided into three phases that take place in different years. The way it’s structured is what I enjoyed the most, and the tempo of the storytelling. If music was visual, this is what watching good music would be like.

5. Room (Dir. Lenny Abrahamson)

Dark, haunting, and hopeful. Room is another movie where the edit and structure worked really well. Two acts, very different from each other, that deal with human issues that anyone can relate to in one way or another. Along with Abraham Attah, Jacob Tremblay is not only a breakthrough child actor this year, but a breakthrough actor, period.

4. The Hateful Eight (Dir. Quentin Tarantino)

This movie is a treat to any cinephile. I had the fortune of watching it in 70mm with the 12 minute intermission. Another fun and challenging movie to watch from Tarantino.

3. Youth (Dir. Paolo Sorrentino)

An incredible artistic accomplishment that is classy, funny, and interesting. If you’re into music, I doubt you won’t enjoy this. It’s different from many things that are out there at the moment.

2. The Big Short (Dir. Adam McKay)

Probably the most important movie in terms of the story and theme. What a great way to compile a heavy load of critical information into a two hour movie. The dark humor fits with the unforgivable damage and tragedy that was caused during the 2008 housing crisis.

1. The Revenant (Dir. Alejandro G. Iñárritu)

I watched this three times; I think there’s no need for me to write much to describe my admiration for this ambitious and elegant movie. As many of you know, Iñárritu is my favorite filmmaker and a huge inspiration in my life, but that’s besides the point. The Reventant is a game changer that will move your senses in various ways.

26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

            This weekend was one for the books. I got to be a part of the 26^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards! For those of you who aren’t familiar, GLAAD is a non-profit organization that works to amplify stories from the LGBT community and issues that build support for acceptance. Every year they put together the GLAAD Media Awards, which recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of the community and the issues that affect their lives.

            I came on board as part of the planning committee for the awards thanks to my friend Cody Lassen, who is a member of the board of directors. These past few weeks consisted of seeking local talent for the ceremony’s reception, obtaining donations for a silent auction, selling seats to the event, and some other things. I am thankful to my friends Rob Schneider, Darren Bousman, Keith Blau, Phil Pallen, and Roland Emmerich for their valuable donations to the silent auction. At the actual awards show, which took place at the Beverly Hilton, I worked as a talent escort to Roland Emmerich, who was presented with a Stephen F. Kolzak Award for his contributions to various non-profits that support prisoners’ rights, shelter for homeless LGBT youth, marriage equality, and children in Cambodia. His upcoming independently financed film, “Stonewall,” covers the 1969 riots in New York that sparked a civil rights movement.

            As someone who’s all for diversity in film, television, and entertainment in general, I’m proud to have been able to share my time, talents, and connections to this respectful non-profit that is saving lives, opening minds, and changing hearts. I want to thank Craig Bowie and Ricky Carter for leading the planning committee, Cody Lassen for encouraging me to do it, the five individuals who donated to the silent auction, all the hard-working team at GLAAD, and my friends who made this such an exciting night. This was an invaluable experience that I would love to be a part of again next year. 

Ellen DeGeneres presenting Kerry Washington with the Vanguard Award

Got to meet Bruno Tonioli from "Dancing with the Stars"

Fun with my friend Chanel from the alternative LA-based group Pony Boy Curtis, previously known as Badlands

Roland Emmerich with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award and Cody Lassen

Craig Bowie, leader of the planning committee

Dan Franzese took over GLAAD's instagram account during the show

Having fun with friends at the "Transparent" photo booth

Top 10 Motion Pictures of 2014: Survival, Anger Issues, and Superheroes

            It’s that time of the year, where I get to write a blog post with a “Top 10” list of what I consider to be the best motion pictures of 2014. Last year was full of surprises. As I’ve been mentioning for the past couple years, my list consists of movies that I consider to be technically and artistically beautiful. These ten pictures have impacted me in different ways. They’ve scarred me, they’ve activated my brain in thought and philosophy, they’ve made me cry, they’ve made me laugh, they’ve challenged me; most importantly though, they opened my mind as a filmmaker, movie geek, and individual.

10. Nymphomaniac (Dir. Lars Von Trier, Melancholia)

The Film Journal International couldn’t be more right when it said, “Who needs 50 Shades of Grey when you have Lars Von Trier.” The provocateur offered me the most challenging movie to watch of 2014. It is raw, intense, mind bending, but most importantly, a rule breaker. Dalai Lama said, “Know the rules well so you can break them effectively,” and I can’t think of a quote that better fits this movie. From the fact that it’s divided in two volumes (Does that make my list a “Top 11” instead?) to his cast choice. From the storytelling done in chapters to the abrupt change in music style. This movie, which is for a limited audience, deserved to be on my Top 10 from the moment I saw both volumes earlier this year at the Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles.

09. The Grand Budapest Hotel (Dir. Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom)

Here’s another film from early 2014 that breaks the rules and has a stamp signature by its director. This “moving painting,” as I like describing it, is quirky and beautiful to observe due to its hurricane of a cast, bold colors, art direction, and the composition of the shots. It feels effortless even though it is such an elaborate and grand piece of work.

08. Interstellar (Dir. Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight Trilogy)

Some loved it, some hated it, some didn’t get it. This was probably the most emotional film I watched last year. Beyond the outstanding visual effects and suspenseful moments, this movie has heart and does a great job grabbing you instantly and taking you through a black hole (Literally!) 

The soundtrack by Hans Zimmer is tremendous and Jessica Chastain once again proves why she is Hollywood’s “It” girl. She definitely got snubbed this awards season.

07. Lilting (Dir. Hong Khaou)

I had the honor of watching this limited release independent film at Outfest Film Festival in Los Angeles. What a treat! It’s a compelling story about a traditional Chinese mother (Pei-pei Cheng from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) who goes to Great Britain to pick up the belongings of her son who passed away, only to discover that he had been in a loving relationship of many years with another man. The language barrier between Cheng’s character and her son’s boyfriend, portrayed magnificently by Ben Wishaw (Cloud Atlas, my favorite of 2012) makes it much more interesting and there’s an amazing 360 shot that will require you to watch the movie if you don’t want me to spoil it! As a supporter of diversity in film, this had to be my movie with LGBT leading characters for my list. Sorry The Imitation Game!

06. Foxcatcher (Dir. Bennett Miller, Capote)

This very slow-paced movie won me over as it kept moving along in the middle of the second act and last act. Those last thirty minutes made it all worth it! Another project by the genius Megan Ellison that is cold, twisted, and heartless and gave me the ability to empathize with the main character, no matter how insane he was.

05. X-Men: Days of Future Past (Dir. Bryan Singer, The Usual Suspects)

I had been waiting for this movie since I watched the first X-Men movie fourteen years ago. This was the best treat for the child in me, to bring Bryan Singer back as a director, a big chunk of X-Men characters from past movies in a thrilling and adventurous movie that has soul and tones of social issues that are current in today’s world. Where else can you go watch a movie consisting of a cast with three Oscars, six Golden Globes, one BAFTA, two Emmys, two Tonys, five Oliviers, and one Cesar award?

04. Unbroken (Dir. Angelina Jolie, In the Land of Blood and Honey)

I had the opportunity to attend the LA premiere of this film at the Dolby Theatre and it was an unforgettable experience. This is a great example of why I appreciate historical pieces. I got introduced to a character I was not aware of, who was able to persevere, forgive, and live to tell his story besides the horrible atrocities of war, the shameful situations he was put in, and the obstacles he faced that determined whether he would live or not. Angelina and cinematographer Roger Deakins did an amazing job representing this person and the scenario he was put in. It’s a shame the movie was underrated and didn’t do well this awards season.

03. Mommy (Xavier Dolan, Tom at the Farm)

A 25 year-old director envisioned this? My respects to Xavier Dolan for directing two strong female characters, a rebellious teenager with anger issues, and for breaking aspect ratio rules. Now I can see why he won the Jury Prize at Cannes. This film made me smile each time a song would come up. From Dido’s “White Flag,” to Alfil’s “Blue,” to “Wonderwall” by Oasis, this film was sort of like Boyhood on steroids. I’m so sad it didn’t get any love in the foreign language film.

02. Whiplash (Dir. Damien Chazelle)

Whiplash was the most thrilling film I watched last year. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time! Who would think that a movie about a college drummer could create such reaction, right? J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller are terrific together, the way the music merges with the pace of the edit is outstanding, and the fact that it was shot in 19 days made have even more respect for the film. This is one of those movies you want to keep watching over and over again.

01. Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance (Dir. Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu, Amores Perros)

If you know me well, don’t say anything before I clear my case. I know Iñárritu is my all-time favorite director, and no, that is not the reason why this monster was my favorite film of 2014. Birdman is so phenomenal that I don’t dare to write anything about it. It is genius! It destroys critics, Michael Bay movies, and YouTubers. So many things about it are true. I enjoyed the mix between real life, the play, and the mind of Riggan/Birdman. And of course, my respects to Chivo Lubezki for that amazingly choreographed cinematography.

Let's Create a Generation of Gratitude

            Last night I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of Pop 2 Action, a collection of original artwork inspired by pop culture and mass media influences. The event took place at the Hero Complex Gallery in Los Angeles and was organized by Dana Ashmore (Mob City) and Laura Bousman (The Devil’s Carnival).

            These amazing ladies are the founders of Gratitude Collaborative, an organization with the mission to generate art that serves a purpose. The goal of this weekend’s exhibit is to raise money to teach art classes to kids, purchase school supplies, feed the hungry, sponsor after-school programs, and support young playwrights.

            I found out about the event on Twitter through Darren Lynn Bousman. The director of Saw II, Saw III, and Saw IV is a fellow alumnus from my alma mater, so I figured it would be great to support his wife and this great cause.

            There were several pieces that really struck my attention. One in particular by artist Tou Vue. His painting portrays a couple laying on the ground with their backs to each other and holding a cell phone. The artist used this as a way to express how technology and social media is a double-edged sword; it brings us together but at the same time it separates us.

            There was art inspired by Kill Bill, The Wizard of Oz, Pokemon, and much more, but I ended up acquiring an amazing painting of Morpheus from The Matrix. It’s basically Morpheus’s face wearing a set of 3D glasses, which represent the red and blue pill that he presents to Neo. The artwork is titled Red Pill, Blue Pill and was created by Lord Byron Bradley.

            If you are in the Los Angeles area make sure you swing by the gallery this weekend, check out some art, and support this great cause. They are located on 2020 South Robertson Blvd. In the words of Dana and Laura, “Let’s create a generation of gratitude.”

Sharing a moment with Laura, Dana, and her husband Shawn Ashmore

Help Us Adopt

            Hello my friends, happy hump day! I hope everyone’s having a great week and is taking advantage of the season changes such as sweater weather, pumpkin beer, or orange leave-filled streets. Several days ago I had the fortune of supporting Becky Fawcett and Help Us Adopt at their second fundraising event in the Los Angeles area.

            Help Us Adopt is a non-profit organization that was launched in 2007 by Becky and her husband Kipp Fawcett, who are adoptive parents of two kids. The goal of the organization is to overcome the financial obstacles of adoption to build everlasting families, regardless of religion, marital status, race, or sexual orientation.

            Something I’ve learned since meeting the crew of Help Us Adopt is that adoption is a lengthy process that many families can’t afford due to the high cost. “It’s not only about the kids, but also about the parents,” Becky said at the second LA event that took place at Everson Royce Wines on October 9^th. Here’s a brief Q&A with Becky. If you’re interested in learning more feel free to click here and help spread the word.

How important is it to have a presence in the media for the growth of the organization and how has it made a difference?

Media coverage has been essential to the growth of Helpusadopt.org for several reasons: 1) We are a national organization and media coverage helps us extend our reach into markets that we serve but where we don’t have a physical presence. 2) It has helped us reach members of the adoption community. Believe it or not, in general the adoption community doesn’t readily identify itself. 3) Authenticity.  Having coverage like The Today Show, CNN, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal helps a young organization like ours establish its authenticity and credibility to those that don’t know us personally. 

What's your dream news channel, talk show, etc to appear on? Why?

We’ve gotten an amazing amount of media coverage since our launch in 2007 and for that I am extremely grateful. But there is one name missing: OPRAH.

What is your goal and vision for the organization specifically in LA?

I believe there is a real opportunity for Helpusadopt.org to establish a solid support system in the Los Angeles area. Our mission of family equality resonates in Los Angeles and really means something to people. Family is Family. 

Where do you see Help Us Adopt in ten years? 

In ten years? I imagine we will have some amazingly strong fundraising events in the Los Angeles area (as in hundreds of guests/donors). I also see that we will be raising several millions of dollars a year and giving away most of that in adoption grants. That kind of significant financial growth will impact our adoption grant program with the growth we need to help more children find the forever families they so rightfully deserve. I would also imagine in ten years and hopefully MUCH sooner, that we develop a very strong celebrity following. Celebrities that have been touched by adoption or care about saving the lives of children who need homes could really impact our work in such a positive way. We need their voices!

What do you think has to be done to facilitate the process of adoption? There are clearly thousands of families waiting to be formed, yet, why is it such a lengthy process and what are some ideas to ease it? 

I wish I had the magic answer and I hope someday I come up with it because the number one obstacle standing in the way of millions of children being adopted into loving homes is the fact that adoption is expensive and most families are challenged by the lump sum payment of $30, $40 and sometimes $50,000+. In the meantime, you are asking the wrong person this question. I didn’t write the adoption laws and I certainly didn’t set the bar for the fee structures. I am simply a mother who saw a void in the world of adoption and a group of people who needed help, that’s why I created Helpusadopt.org. Your specific question needs to be addressed to the adoption professional community.

Keith Blau (Supporter), Ricardo Ramos, Becky Fawcett (Founder) and Sidney Jackson (Staff)