More Media. Clean Books!

Yesterday, Sonia and I met with our good friend, Susan, at 103.5 KTU, the NYILFF's English-language radio station. I've never met with her so early in the year, but I really want to knock out all key partnerships as soon as possible. She's so awesome - just love working with her. Plus, she brought in the head of sales to talk to us about potential advertiser upsell and tie-in opportunities. Turns out they may have some real leads. Granted, I've heard this story too many times to tell, but they're super gung-ho and want to make it happen. In my eyes, even one small KTU-generated deal would be a home run. So, I'll maintain low expectations and see what happens.

Today, I had a good meeting with our new bookkeeper, Avalon, who's helping me clean up and better organize our 'books'. The thought of it makes me downright giddy. Who knew I'd be so excited about organized accounting? My, my how being a small biz owner changes your perspective on fun. ;)

Oh, and my dear friend Benjamin at American Airlines (NYILFF's official airline!) invited me to next week's opening night of the Film Society of Lincoln Center's New Directors, New Films series. The film is a documentary, titled "Bill Cunningham New York" (dir. Richard Press) about the famed New York Times photographer. So fun! Thank you, B!!

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

Quote of the Day

"Most people's wake is much, much larger than they can ever imagine. We all can't imagine we have as much impact on the people and the world around us as we actually do."
Kip Tindell, Chief Executive of The Container Store to the New York Times on Sunday, 03/14/10

Pretty inspiring, huh?
Go make your wake and see the ripple effect of change...

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

Update

Thursday was insane and my Internet was out all of Friday. Ayyy! But, I'm back with updates.

Yesterday, Sonia and I had a great meeting with a potential replacement media partner (obviously, I can't say whom until the deal is done). They totally get it and already have some interested advertisers that may have cash for us (i.e., upsell the ad buy with a promo tie-in). Of course, I've heard this story before too many times to count, but these guys really seem excited to make it happen. Let's stay positive and see what they can do.

I also scheduled a meeting with NYWIFT (NY Women in Film and Television) about some tie-in ideas. I'm excited about that one because I have 3 potential sponsors interested in targeting Latinas. We shall see...

Last night, I went to a preview of the new Broadway play, "Looped", starring Valerie Harper based on a real, somewhat insane looping session with Tallulah Bankhead (looping is when an actor goes into the studio to re-record lines that didn't record clearly during the shoot). It was great... really funny, but also very touching. Kat (my friend who got the tickets) and I got lost in the characters and their stories and ultimately forgot it was Valerie Harper on the stage (it helped she was wearing a TON of makeup and perfected Tallulah's uniquely affected voice). Regardless, I definitely recommend it. Plus, we went to some random restaurant bar around the corner and met a huge DJ. So fun!

Who's going to Lyndon's bday tonight at the Essex Restaurant on the LES? Rain can't stop me from helping Lyndon celebrate the big 2-9! Happy bday, amigo!

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

Yin. Yang. Yang. Yin.

Bit of a bummer today - I was scheduled to have a NYILFF meeting tomorrow AM with a fairly big agency, but they canceled this afternoon. They don't think there's a fit with their clients' current strategies. And, so it goes. But, on the flip side, yesterday I received a call from a new, interested sponsor and, on Monday, I had a very promising conversation with an exec from another very interested sponsor. In this case of Monday's convo, the brand is a 2x former partner and, through the years, my relationship with the exec has blossomed into full-scale friendship and mutual respect. He's a fantastic guy and a good egg.

You know, you have to take the bad with the good. Yin and yang. I can't stress this one disappointment. All I care about is I secure like-minded partners and cover our budget so we can produce the best possible festival. Is that too much to ask?!

"Lottery Man": Matt, our director, had a great meeting with Tim, who's officially now our storyboard artist. Such a relief. Plus, Tim is a doll; he's a hardworking, passionate, incredibly talented guy. I'm so glad to give him the work. Thank you, Lyndon, for the recommendation! On the flip side, no word yet from the agency about the actress we want for the lead female. Yang. Yin.

Patty Dukes just tweeted she will be performing at SXSW. Big news! Congrats and buena suerte to her!!

RIP Corey Haim.

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

Slowly But Surely Coming Together

Don'tcha just love when a potential sponsor calls you asking if they can spend their money on your event?! Um... okay! Yes, indeed, that happened today. You know I can't reveal the brand, but, I promise, if the deal closes, you'll be the first to know!

I also hired the woman who's going to serve as our office manager and assistant to Tanya, NYILFF's Managing Director. She's going to be GREAT and Tanya's psyched, which is most important to me. The team continues to grow and gel. Loving it!

On the LOTTERY MAN tip, our director, Matt, met with Tim, the storyboard artist who was recommended to me by Lyndon, and he really liked him! Hired! Tim feels he can complete the initial scenes we want for the investor package by end of next week. Right on, Tim!

More changes and updates to come...

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

Oscars Recap

First off, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin were surprisingly kooky and funny - much edgier than I expected. Thank God, they didn't bust out the "Dirty Dancing", Catskills, schmaltz-a-thon. Ben Stiller? Hilarious! And, I don't care what anyone says - I love Neil Patrick Harris and thought his opening number was adorable. That bizarro dance medley, however, was another story. What the hell?!

Okay, onto the awards. There were few surprises, but it's still fun to watch. Mo'Nique, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Bridges and Christoph Waltz were, in my opinion, all shoe-ins. They've consistently been winning award after award and had a huge amount of momentum going into the night. The story of the night, of course, was Kathryn Bigelow winning the Best Director award. I wasn't surprised by the win, but to have a woman finally break through the old DGA boys' club and capture the coveted top creative award is astounding and a major ceiling-busting moment. You go, girl!

And, for all you ladies out there, I thought Sandra Bullock was the best dressed. She looked stunning! This was her moment and she worked it. I also thought Anna Kendrick, Rachel McAdams, Nicole Ritchie, Elizabeth Banks, Queen Latifah, Kristen Stewart (seriously!) and Demi Moore looked beautiful - really lovely dresses. And, J-Lo, as always, looked gorgeous!

The funniest Oscars feedback I've heard thus far: Joan Rivers on James Cameron, "He looks like a lesbian." Ha! Now, THAT'S funny stuff.

For the record, I won my Oscars pool (woo-hoo!), which worked out well because I spent a pretty penny on my micro-viewing party. The pot didn't fully reimburse me, but it did mitigate the pain! ;)

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

OSCARS!! (And, Other Stuff)

The seemingly endless film awards season is about to come to a glittery, faaabulous close with tomorrow night's Oscars telecast (8pm EST, ABC). I don't want to reveal my picks because, of course, I'm in an Oscars pool and I stand to win some ridiculously small amount of money. But, still, I could win!

To host your own pool or just have solo fun, print the official 2010 Oscars ballot and play along!
Download the ballot HERE!

Yesterday, I spoke to Rema, the woman I hope is coming on board as the NYILFF's new venue director. For the past few years, she's worked with us as a venue manager and is kick-ass. I love our longstanding venue director, Nancy, but she's not available this year. Boo! Although I adore Nancy, I would be totally relieved and psyched to have Rema take over her post. In fact, Rema was Nancy's genius idea! I absolutely LOVE how this new team is coming together.

Also yesterday, I scored a meeting for next Thursday, 03/11, with a major agency. They're inviting all of their execs so I'll be hitting reps for multiple key brands simultaneously. I love me some efficiency! Hopefully, the mtg will go well and at least one account exec will see an opportunity for his/her client. Just one would be a home run.
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com