Some might say we’re a bit bias because we’re Chicagoans and our short film is inspired by spoken word poetry but that truly is not the case here. LTAB is simply excellent filmmaking from the heart and an absolutely must see for anyone interested in discovering the poignancy and power of today’s inspired youth.

To find out more about the film and how to support LTAB, visit: http://www.louderthanabombfilm.com/

Enjoy and share.

Q&A with John LeeHancock, Ronna Kress, Kim Dikens, Jason Patric, and John August.

2011 Directors Close-Up: Wednesday, February 02, 2011 at 7:30 PM - Wednesday, March 02, 2011 at 9:30 PM (PT) - Los Angeles, CA

Visit Film Independent

It’s down to the wire now. 10 days left to raise our film budget using Kickstarter. Help us spread the word by posting this link. Thank you to all my hometown chefs for showing your support. To learn more and watch a video about our short film visit our Kickstarter funding page:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/back2oneproject/back-2-one-project

Peace.

When I attended the Sundance Shorts Lab a few months back, I didn’t know a thing about Kickstarter. So you can imagine what happened when co-founder Yancey Strickler took the stage to explain why he created Kickstarter and how we could use it to fund our projects. Each and every filmmaker in the room gave him their undivided attention.

Kickstarter.com, an interactive fundraising site that taps into an artist’s online social media network. They launched the site back in April 2009 and have helped successfullyfund over 800 projects, which roughly works out to be nearly $2 million dollars in funds raised for creative projects like ours.

Each Kickstarter project includes a pitch video, a details page, and a unique list of pledge awards for backers. The real clincher here is that the artist must reach their goal amount before the self-imposed project deadline. If we aren’t able to reach our goal by the deadline, we don’t receive any of the money that has been pledged and our backers don’t get charged. It’s all or nothing and a really great concept.

What I love about Kickstarter is the transparency factor. Everyone can see what’s happening which engages them more and sparks conversation about your project. This is always a good thing.

Other funding sites have popped up but those sites don’t have the “all or nothing” bend to the funding process. I personally think it makes backers feel more comfortable when pledging and keeps them involved, especially when they know the artist absolutely MUST raise the total goal by the deadline or all bets are off.

Many of our friends have asked, “…aren’t you afraid you won’t raise the money for your short film project before you reach your self-imposed funding deadline?” The answer is NO. Fear has never played a role in my life and I’m not about to let it. Let’s be honest. I’m a Latin woman who was raised by a single mother in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. I’ve been passed over, told no, and kicked to the back of the line so many times that I should be a pessimist but I am not. Quite the contrary…I am an optimist, an idealist, a dreamer.

Have I let life’s hard-knocks stop me from pursuing my dreams? No. Will I find another way to bring my project to life if we don’t reach our funding goal? You better believe it! But we’re hoping we’ll succeed on Kickstarter with a little help from you.

If you can’t afford to donate $5, $12, or $25 right now it’s okay because you can help in another way. You can help us by spreading the word. It’s that simple.

Here’s how you can help:

Visit our film project on Kickstarter. If you feel inspired by what we’re doing spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. There might be people in your six-degrees of seperation who would like to be a part of our film, they just need to know how to get in contact with us.

It takes less than one minute to post a shout out on Facebook or Tweet about pledging support for the Back 2 One Project. You do it all the time for other things like: “hey, check out this video,” or “hey, follow my buddies on Twitter.” No sweat right?

Think of it this way, it would take the same amount of time for you to spread the word about our project on Facebook and Twitter, as it would to help me carry grocery bags to my car but without the physical exertion.

So what are you waiting for?

Visit the Back 2 One Project on Kickstarter and pledge your support before our funding deadline on November 17, 2010.

Thank you for taking the time to consider becoming a part of our extended family.

Blast it when you hit the 4 minute mark: http://soundcloud.com/karimso/karim-so-luvstep-episode-4-aug-2010

A few weeks ago I reached out to Kaz to find out if she would be willing to share some of the lessons she learned at the DWW. I was so pleased to discover a generous and kind soul on the other end of the line who not only spoke openly and honestly about her struggles but who also took the opportunity to encourage me on.

To listen to our first conversation, visit the Back 2 One Preoject podcast on iTunes.

Take a moment to watch the MEGAFAUNA film trailer.

MEGAFAUNA: Feeling set adrift in her own marriage, Anna corners her estranged husband Milo in a conversation about the nature of love and commitment, but ends up getting far more truth than she bargained for. Produced in conjunction with the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women. Shot by critically acclaimed DP, Reed Morano (Frozen River) and starring 2009 Tony-nominee and Drama Desk Winner Marin Ireland.

CAP provides students the opportunity to redefine their artistic abilities and to refine the role of artists, arts education, and the arts in society.

We are currently exploring ways in which we can partner with CAP to help broaden our outreach to teenage filmmakers. We will leave no rock unturned.

Six years ago, I discovered the art of Robert & Shana ParkeHarrison, the husband and wife team whose photographic work taps into the surreal imagination. I have carried their work inside of me ever since. The open, narrative quality of their work has served as a source of inspiration for our short film, THE AVIAN REVOLUTION.

Once I made the decision to proceed with this film project, I knew I would have to create a fabricated world much like the ParkHarrisons do in their photography, in order to afford to bring this story to life on screen.

Take a moment to get to know some of their work like; “Mending the Earth”, which features the artist performing the improbable act of repairing cracks in the earth’s surface with a huge needle.

You can also view the series of images that inspired me by visiting the “Architect’s Brother” section of their website.

One of two things happen when I meet someone for the first time . . . my intensity either draws them close or scares them away. Whether I’m talking to a person or in full-on work mode, I focus 100% of my attention on that individual or project. Everything I do, I do with passion. Those close to me know that when I start something new, I live, breathe, eat, sleep, dream, talk, sing, and dance about it. This is especially true when I’m working on developing a story for the screen. I think about every detail, what I want to say and why.

When I began asking teenage filmmakers why they wanted to tell the stories they’re working to develop, crickets could be heard. This got me thinking about Carl Daikeler, CEO of Beachbody.com, a multimillion-dollar health and fitness company and a man with a clearly defined “why.”

For those of you who don’t know, Carl is the Telly award-winning producer behind P90X, the #1 selling in-home fitness program in the world. Demi Moore, Aston Kutcher, Sheryl Crow, Erin Andrews and many, many more have seen extreme results by using P90X. You don’t get to enjoy this kind of success unless you have a crystal clear “why” driving every decision you make.

Whether preparing to direct a film or start a new business (both HUGE undertakings), Carl’s insight on the importance of having a clearly defined goal can help bring us all a lot closer to making our dreams reality.

To listen to Carl’s inspiring message, visit the Back 2 One Podcast on iTunes.

Yet another example of why I’m proud to be connected to the Ms. Foundation. There are countless numbers of teenagers helping make a difference. Invest in our future by investing in our youth.

To join the Ms. Foundation for Women and be part of an inclusive movement for change, visit: www.ms.foundation.org

Chef and I have always had a good time collaborating. Whether designing the interior of his newest restaurant Belly Shack, photographing his culinary creations, or working on designing his restaurant websites, I noticed that we think about design a similar way . . . it’s all about keeping it real–no nonsense, up-close and personal, surprising and well-made. I was so happy to be a part of helping my sister and her husband bring their dream to life in any way I could. They deserve the success they’re enjoying now. They’ve worked hard and they’re both really, really good at what they do.

It was no surprise when Chef offered to contribute to the Back 2 One Project by lending his culinary talent. I know better than anyone how important it is to feed your crew good food so why fool around when your brother-in-law is Chef Bill Kim.

If there’s one thing I miss about Chicago it’s the great food. I can’t wait for Chef to bring Urbanbelly or Belly Shack to Los Angeles. Until then, our crew will get to enjoy his culinary brilliance.

If you find yourself in Chicago, don’t forget to visit: Urbanbelly (urbanbellychicago.com) and Belly Shack (bellyshack.com)

It was one of those days that helps serve as a reminder to keep a world view.

Paul Haggis is a new filmmaker’s dream mentor.

When I discovered Suzanne was the woman responsible for the unforgettable work in the movie BOUND, starring Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to give Suzanne her props. How beautiful did those women look in that film? STUNNING.

I’m happy to count Suzanne as a dear friend and collaborator. The contribution made by a makeup artist can really elevate a film to iconic status. Suzanne’s work in BOUND is a perfect example of that. So you can imagine who popped into my mind when I started to think about who might be able to bring my iridescent dreams to life.

Earlier today, I met with Suzanne at LOCAL, a casual little restaurant in Silverlake, California to record a new iTunes podcast episode and discuss working together on my film project.

I explained to Calleen that I had this look in mind for a short film I was developing and thought we could both benefit from the experience. She’d get some really bold images for her 2010 ad campaign and I’d be able to get a real good read on whether or not this was as dreamy of a look as I had in mind.

These cameras are so impressive that Fox Network’s “HOUSE” series shot their Season Finale exclusively with the Canon 5D MKII.

Canon’s cameras are totally worth considering when you need some extra coverage. Here’s a link to the short film Vincent LaForte shot in downtown Los Angeles using Canon’s 1D Mark IV: Nocturne

We just got back from attending the AFI Directing Workshop for Women 2010 Showcase at the Director’s Guild of America in Los Angeles. This is the big red carpet event where all eight DWW participants from last year get to showcase their finished films.

The evening opened with a wonderful introduction by Lesli Linka Glatter, director of HBO’s TRUE BLOOD, and DGA Award winning director of MAD MEN. Leslie Linka Glatter began her career through the AFI Directing Workshop for Women. She playfully joked about how fortunate she was to have gone through the workshop years ago as she doesn’t think she’d be selected if she applied today. I highly doubt that but we all got the point…it’s selective.

All eight films were really quite wonderful with one major stand out: MEGAFAUNA by director Kaz Phillips. It’s really clear that this is a filmmaker with a vision. Well done Ms. Phillips.

We left the evening’s festivities feeling much more motivated to make it happen.

We’ve also partnered with Brian Preiss for our silk screened Back 2 One T-shirt collection. We still need to raise funds for our film project so we hope the T-shirts will help us reach our goal. Sport your support and pick up a Back 2 One T-shirt. Check them out here: shop.back2oneproject.com

Big shout out to the Carney twins for lending your handsome mugs to our shop page. Thanks guys.