Summertime Grind: Success is Hard Work

August 26th is the official kickoff date for the beginning of the semester at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. I haven't been lulling away my summer though. Every day represents a new opportunity, so I'd like to share a few of my summer projects before the school year begins.

During the summer I learned about a film competition known as Looking At Democracy. The competition focused on finding creative media pieces which strengthened American democracy. I decided to submit my documentary, Portrait of the Storm: Tuscaloosa, AL, to the competition. I won the title of Emerging Artist in the competition.

This came with a $5000 dollar prize. You can also watch the submission by follow this LINK.

  

During the jury decisions of Looking At Democracy I came across another competition called The New York Television Festival A&E Unscripted Development Pipeline. Filmmakers pitched their reality television show to A&E Television Network for a chance to be produced. I pitched following the lives of black greeks on their prospective campuses. The title simple, The Black Greek. A month later I was chosen as one of twenty-five semi-finalist. You can check out the video I made during undergrad that was the inspiration.

Semi-finalists will also participate in the NYTVF pitch as an Official Artist in the 2013 New York Television Festival this upcoming October. So I'll be in New York a year after choosing to attend USC instead of NYU for my graduate film studies. If my pitch goes becomes top 5 I'll receive 20k to make the pilot. 

I also participated in writing competitions over the summer, though decisions haven't been made for most. I sent in a short script to Slamdance's Writing Competition. The first critique sent back to me was well received. This is a competition I'm not expecting to win, but I need to participate in. Writing is a crucial piece of my development as an artist. The best way to hone this craft is writing as much as possible, then allowing your work to be read.

First Critique Sent from Slamdance

I sent in a feature treatment, lookbook, and short script to Break Media's Prototype Competition. Eight chosen filmmakers will receive 20k to make a 5 - 10 minute short film based on their treatment/short script. One filmmaker will be given a deal to make their short into a feature. It's a long shot, but I'm more than willing to give it a chance!

Finally, I was a semi-finalist for a smaller writing competition sponsored by Dreaming Tree Productions. If I had won I would've received a 1k budget, use of a Red Epic Package, 1 Ton Grip and Lighting Equipment, and free editing and color grading of the film. This would've been an amazing win, but I wasn't chosen. Still, the feedback and collaboration with the production company left me with a very polished short comedy script I'll shoot in the future. 

The majority of the post has been geared towards non-production work, but I have been on the ground running. I decided to take the summer off and focus on honing my cinematography skills. This brought a large amount of pressure off my shoulders to direct anything in a small amount of time, freed me to work more on writing, and made me available to work on colleagues' projects. 

Working as DP and Steadicam Operator on set. 

Lighting the scene for a Kickstarter Video

I worked as The Director of Photography on a sets over the summer, and finally got the chance to steadicam operate again. These are a few of the many endeavors I dived into over the summer. I'm finishing my internship with Spiritclips, Hallmark's film production branch and I'll start with Panavision in early September. I'm working towards a dream, and I'll do whatever it takes to succeed.

Lenovo Seize The Night: DO

It's been quite a hiatus for since my last post. The transition from Alabama to California was pretty grueling. Thirty-six hours and two thousand miles later I made it into Lancaster, CA. I'm staying with family until I can find a suitable apartment in the Los Angeles area. I'll also be driving into LA for my Funny or Die internship interview in a few days. This does not even factor in USC. I may have an opportunity to begin this fall instead of spring semester, but it is still uncertain.

This has been an amazingly, nerve-wracking transition in my life. I'm ready for a new beginning, but the uncertainty of my future always leaves me anxious to create achieve my goals. Good news is on the horizon nonetheless!

The Que The Light's Lenovo Seize The Night Alternative Ending Video is now up!

Screnshot from our Lenovo Seize The Night Alternate Ending Video

Campus Moviefest chose 15 filmmakers from their Distinguished Filmmaker's Network to produce Alternate Endings to Lenovo's Seize The Night Short Film. Lenovo is the 2nd largest PC vendor, and a powerful company rising in the ranks of technological relevance. 

They gave me under two weeks to gather my crew, actors, shoot, and edit the entire film. Thanks to the help of a great cast, crew, and The Telecommunications and Film Department at UA we were able to finish everything with time to spare. Check it out. 

Lenovo Seize The Night Alternative Ending - DO

The concept was inspired by the ongoing debate of Occupy Wall Street and the concept of The 99% and 1%. I wanted to convey the idea of dissemination of information enlightening those who are able to solve our current economic disparity. The original concept was too ambitious to fit into two minutes, so I decided to represent it through the virtual outspread of the word "DO." Do would embody the necessity of change in our society through whatever means possible. The main protagonists would virally spread this message of hope across the world while presenting to the kind of people who could fix it.

The entire video encapsulates the symbolism by highlighting the battery life beginning at 99% at the start of the video and ending at 1%. This would serve two purposes, highlighting the Lenovo Ultrabook laptop and further representing my original inspiration.

Let me know what you think. You can also watch behind the scenes production of the video too!



Be sure to share the video as much as possible! If I get the most views I can win $15,000. Wish us luck!

The International Grand Finale

The results are in. I'm proud to say that my 3D Documentary "Portarit of the Storm: Tuscaloosa, AL" won Best 3D Film for Campus Moviefest's International Grand Finale.

Photo Courtesy of Campus Moviefest

Overall, The University of Alabama had a powerful turn-out at the finale. Together, we brought six films. Of the six films three of the these films were in the top twenty five of over seventy films at the film festival.

Of the three films one was nominated for Top 5 in "Best Comedy" and "Portrait of the Storm" won best film in the 3D category.


What made this occasion so phenomenal though, was not the films that won (though all of them were amazing), nor the celebrities and significant industry executives, producers, directors, and writers we met. It was the sheer amount of filmmakers my age that had the same drive, passion, and need to fulfill themselves through film. I found myself among a small community of like-minded individuals who I believe will make a significant impact for years to come.

I'd like to share a small preview of a write-up I'm doing for UA about the occasion in my eyes.

           "...campus Moviefest International Grand Finale was an amazing experience that was tinged with the faint signs of what it would one day be like if any of the individuals present made it to the Oscars. You’re treated as the best of the best. The brightest individuals from a culmination of film-work toiled over for an entire year. It’s an unbelievable high until you realize every person in the room has the same aspirations as you and some far more talented....

            I remember when they began the routine introductory speech for my category. My palms got sweaty, my legs shaked, and I could feel my heart pounding on the inside of my chest. It was literally all the cheesy ideas you see in sappy movies about making movies and bad Golden Globe or Oscar Award speeches. When my name was called for Best 3D Film a weight lifted off my shoulders and another rested atop my head when I realized I had to give a speech. I managed to trudge forward and give an outstanding speech on the devastation of the Tuscaloosa Tornado and the necessity of keeping our plight in the limelight of the media’s eyes.

        As I walked backed to my seat I honestly realized I won something significant to my heart. It felt like a validation of my work. My first film “Bottom of a Glass” didn’t win, but without it, I would have never worked on the 3D film which allowed me to move on to the next level. 

            After the awards ceremony there was an abundance of congratulations, handshakes, and exchanging of business cards. Overall, the feeling of validity through winning draws people towards you, whether it is out of genuine interest or their need to keep in contact with those who have garnered even a small measure of success.

            I got back to my room and counted up the amount of business cards I received. I had given out over 200 and received around 140. The next day I emailed everyone to keep in touch as well as join a networking group I created.

            This entire event felt like a microcosm of the industry. A smaller version where I (or any of us) could be if we are successful. I may not meet everyone at the top and I may not even make it to the top, but these were the people I would later shake hands with if I did. I was introduced to the industry in a sterile environment, but one that gave me a good glimpse of what it means to win and lose at the same time..."

The experience has been amazing and humbling at the same time. My 3D film did well, but I can only imagine how well "Bottom of a Glass" could have been if I had put more time and effort into it. This only motivates me to do even better next year when Campus Moviefest comes around. At the same time, I cannot allow myself to get comfortable. I don't know the progenitor of this quote but I believe it holds true to me and any filmmaker.

"You are only as good as the last thing you made. No one cares beyond that." 

There is more to be done and I'll have time to relax when I'm gone from this world. 

Also, be sure to check out check out The Emerging Magazine Feature highlighting my win at the first ever 3D Student Film Festival. 

Desire & Success

I'm not one to share my emotions or allow others to become privy to the inner sanctums of my thoughts. I believe in the idea professionalism must keep a polite distance from personal details.

This is why I treat Que The Lights as an intersection between my aspirations for the future and the work I'm doing to further this cause. Still, ambition must have a personal appeal. There has to be a reason more distinguishable beyond success for success' sake.

So let me share this with you.
 
This past year has been a giant culmination of accomplishments I'm still somewhat perturbed have happened. Everyone has their valleys. No one is immune to drawbacks. Still, I've been able to finish a majority of projects in a short period of time and I've found myself in a position few African-American men can attest to.

I'm one year away from my undergraduate with a major and three minors. I've become fully immersed within a powerful passion. I've had the privilege of traveling outside the U.S as an intern. I've built a website with quality content and a respectable following. My work as a photographer and filmmaker has been recognized on a local and international level. I've been featured as an outstanding student on the main web-page of my University. I've been able to become a part of a highly selective international fraternity of like-minded men and I can even say I have clientele along with two equally favorable jobs.

Essentially, it's been a lot. I've worked hard since freshmen year, and I will always stand by the fact where I am today is God's doing along with my willingness to strive for achievement.

Still, I'd be lying to say other reasons are not involved. One of those being the faded opinion of a woman.

Let me explain further. In a few days the year mark of when I met this person will come and pass. This should be an insignificant piece of my story as an individual until I examine its impact.

It is a weathered belief the endeavor of men can be traced back to a desire to impress women. To prove he is the caliber of man worthy of her admiration. I am a man. I am no less susceptible to this whim.

I remember the day I met her and the day I lost her favor. I remember the day it became apparent the individual I was did not have whatever elements composed a man of her magnitude. I would never be someone fortunate enough to win her favor.

Most would count their losses. They would move forward. Unfortunately, I am far more stubborn. If I was not the man that could win her favor, then I could build myself into the individual capable of being her match.

After I met her, I became a part of the educational department I'm working within to finish my main degree. After I met her, I began the project which evolved into the entity your reading now. After I met her, I found myself surrounded by a cast of colleagues and professors who have allowed me to grow as a creative individual bent on absorbing more every day. After her, many of the accomplishments which have come to mark a new chapter of my persona occurred. After her, everything happened.

Slowly, the desire of educational and hierarchical elevation due to a woman's nonchalant dismissal of me faded as one of the main reasons I strove in recent events. This left me with the over-arching reasons I held far before meeting her.

The need to succeed. The need to repel the negative aspects associated with the African American male. The need to have substance in my life through the path I chose.

This women was never the main reason for my desire to achieve. That was an inherent characteristic of my person. She just seemed to be a catalyst. A reactionary piece of my life which blurred my main reasons, but propelled my world into a mode of intense progress. A drug which sped up my desire to achieve. For a moment, I had forgotten the deeper reason for my pull towards advancement.

She's moved on, no doubt still considering my caliber of person beneath her. She did leave me with a consolation prize more valuable than her approval, the thirst for success.

Slowly, I've realized the girth of my accomplishments hold no valuable meaning for her. I could have been ten-fold more successful, and I would still be of little consequence to her eyes.

It hurt me then. It drove me once. It reminds me now. It reminds me meaningful success cannot be based on desires stemming from outside forces. All men need motivation.I just never knew the need for a woman's attention could be such a powerful force in a man's quest to achieve.

And in a few days, it will mark a year.

Patience

With the oncoming of the school year I've found myself looking towards what can be considered the next venue. What's the next move?

It is without question I have a specified dream where I plan to set my soles one day, but at the moment...this ambition seems so far off & lofty I'm not sure how to begin.

Let me paint a picture.

If my goal represents a dream beset by winding stairs you must climb to reach the pinnacle...I am still at the bottom toiling, building the very steps I must (at some point) traverse. This means I will catch a glimpse of the very thing I desire yet & still (once done building) descend to begin the ascent towards the goal I've seen from a distance.

Hope you get that....

---Xay B.

Block Party

Each year The University of Alabama hosts a Bloc Party featuring the Black Greek Culture found within the confines of the campus.

Each Greek organization introduces themselves through their particular style of hop, stroll, strut, etc...

The even not only gives insight into the stylistic intentions of each frat/sorority but gives freshmen their first glimpse into what could be their future (quite possibly).

The Graduate School Quest

More cases than not, people tend to consider film an "easy" college major. A route or formula designed for those who are too lazy to participate in real classes. I can recount (a few weeks back) a young girl giving me quite a look of distaste when I informed her my area of expertise rivaled her major (biology) in difficulty.

What many people seem to misunderstand is the amount of work necessary to make a film, even in smaller projects. Many people would consider this thought process ludicrous. How can film be equated to the likes of paths such as biology, pharmacy, mathematics, etc. Well, the path to understanding an area of art is to willingly learn more of it. Promise, if more people were allowed to be on the set of a production, forced to make their own short, or work behind the scenes during pre or post-production they would find a new appreciation behind the art of filmmaking.

Now, excuse my off-topic musings. This conversation leads back to a more finalized idea. For most, even a bachelor's degree in film (or something related) does not prepare them for the level of sophistication necessary to work on indie or high budget films. In this case, individuals who want to focus on the industry have two options

1. Jump in and work
2. Go to graduate school

Interestingly, the second option is the first option (to a degree) while the first option is independent of the second. To go to graduate school means you'll be working in the industry, but working in the industry does not mean you'll go to graduate school. At the moment, I'm staying with family Los Angeles, California. Consider Cali the overwhelming central of mass media (besides New York, and upcoming Atlanta). Thus, the best graduate schools will most likely be centered around where business is most productive. During my time in Cali, I took out the time to check out three of the top schools for film in the nation.

UCLA

UCLA had the privilege of being the closest school to where I was staying. UCLA was also the only school I explored without supervision (in comparison to the other two). I may have missed out on a few things because of this, but I was able to easily get all of the factual information I needed from the front desk of East Melnitz Hall (one of the film department buildings).

The campus is an uphill battle so be prepared to walk. One of the nice things about the campus (which I would find out about all three) was that it was an actual campus, not a series of building stuffed into the city. The department's contribution to the film industry (specifically the films alumni have worked on) was impressive. I thought the department would be much bigger, but it is actually tucked away on the outskirts of campus to itself.

I maybe ignorant of UCLA's main provocation to come to its school, but I thought the film program was the most prominent quality. I may have just been assuming, but it was still a very good visit nonetheless. I wasn't able to truly flesh out the innards of UCLA's grad school, but I believe it is a very appropriate option. Name alone is enough, but I'd highly recommend taking the tour

USC

I am most definitely glad I took out the time to visit USC. This time I did it the right way by going for an actual planned visit. You can find the information you need to visit here.

USC reminds me of the program I'm in at the moment. It's known as New College. It is an interdisciplinary degree program which lets you pull from a plethora of different curriculum throughout the school while maintaining a core class focus (pretty cool). USC allows you to come in on various differing notes (screenwriting, directing, producing, editing, and the list goes on), but what you find out is that you'll be dabbling in a mixture of everything.

The programs emphasizes the necessity of creativity and willingness to delve in the various mediums of film, while strengthening the main process you entered for. I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. If I definitely like the fact USC looks for students based in creativity rather than strictly looking for students who are just film.


Out of the three trips, I can say the AFI tour was the most intimate.   The tours are very small number wise (my tour consisted of only one other individual who had already been accepted).

AFI

From the beginning, I found AFI tremendously interesting, especially its location. Each of the campuses sit atop a mountain or hill of some sort, but AFI is literally etched into the side of a mountain. From the main road, without my GPS, I would have most definitely missed the entrance.

The institute is right beside a high school Catholic institute (interestingly, the Conservatory use to be the Catholic school's college for the graduating girls before being bought out).

AFI's curriculum and methods are far more narrow and specific. You will be helping with every aspect of film, but you will be focused primarily on the specific graduate path you chose. Each of the school's graduate acceptance is extremely small, but AFI stands out with the least amount of applicants who are accepted. This is due AFI's demanding process which forces you to deal with a small, group of students though your two year program. In comparison to the other two school, AFI ONLY has a graduate program. The AFI's program includes a good amount of perks if you are able to make it through, but of the three you can expect this program to be the most demanding of your time.

I consider these three graduate programs probably the best in the entire nation when focusing on film (I've heard NYU has an excellent program so I'll have to do more research). Each has its perks. USC allows you to be more broadened in your horizons while AFI expects you to more keenly hone the skill you came in to cultivate. UCLA's position in a nice community as well as its perks does not slink behind either of these programs, but I'm unable to give as accurate a description since I did trudged the journey by myself.

Hopefully (in a year or two) I'll be at one of these schools. You never know what is in store for the future, but I do know I must be willing to accept any opportunity I am given. Till then, I need to keep striving to make opportunities.

If you have any other film schools you would recommend looking into please inform me via comments.