June 30, 2009

1st Taste Tuesdays: 06.30.09

TELEDULCE

Ylse Webisode 3
Ylse's relationship woes come to a boil when her boyfriend Eddie (Jonathan Nichols) visits the set and makes a scene.

Ring Life James Kirkland Episode 2
Follow James Kirland's journey to become a champion. For more on Ring Life, log on to HBO.com

Diva Speak TV Season 2, Episode 18
Supawoman of the Week-Eartha Kitt Big Up-Spandex, Rhymes, & Soul Let Down-Bobby Jindal Feature-Sad Moments in Black History

Life Of A Struggling Actor Episode 18
Enrique Garcia & Riley Rose interview and short film

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 29, 2009

On Set: "Taco! Taco! Taco!"


Check out these pix from the Austin, TX set of this year's HBO/NYILFF Short Film Contest winner, "Taco! Taco! Taco!", directed by John Estrada:

FLICKR

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 26, 2009

Who Let the Toad in the Office?

Let the laryngitis portion of the program begin... I literally can never make it through late June/July, much less the actual NYILFF event, without losing at least part of my voice. If you've ever been to Opening Night or other NYILFF event where I make a speech, then you've definitely heard some sad apology for the croakiness. If you know me personally, you know I naturally have a fairly deep, raspy voice. But, I think I speak incorrectly (which is a bizarre concept, but whatever). Or, maybe it's that I breathe incorrectly as I speak. I have no idea, but I do know the effort to speak comes from my throat vs. my diaphragm and, as a result, the non-stop conference calls, meetings and general planning/talking lead to a near constant state of vocal cracking and hoarseness. So, yeah, the point is after spending approx. 60% of my day on the phone, my throat is almost spent. Awesome.

That said, we had a great conference call with our NYILFF press team, and we're all super-psyched about the A-list talent that's confirmed to attend. I also chatted with one of our sponsor partners, Cafe Bustelo, about this year's plans, which are shaping up really well. Then I... made edits to collateral, helped my coordinators with sponsor approvals, sent out the copy for our 103.5 KTU spot, finalized some agreements, sent out invoices, locked in an award presenter, etc. etc.

And now, I'm off to buy the new iPhone to replace my stolen Blackberry so I can continue the conversation at home...

Have a great weekend.


Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 25, 2009

OFFICIAL NYYILFF PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENT!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Reyes Entertainment (213) 483-4511
Gabriel@reyesentertainment.com
Yesenia De Avila (917) 650-3933
Yesenia@reyesentertainment.com

Festival Press Contact: Jennifer Abreu (646) 287-9566
Press@nylatinofilm.com

PRESS CREDENTIALS: http://nylatinofilm.com/press-industry/accreditation.php

Web Links: www.nylatinofilm.com

THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES
ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY IN A NEW HOME
WITH STAR-STUDDED WORLD PREMIERES


NEW YORK, NY (June 22, 2009). The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) celebrates its 10th Anniversary as the premier Latino film festival in the country, unspooling in New York City from Monday, July 27 to Sunday, August 2, 2009. This year, NYILFF will debut in its new venues at the Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 9 (260 West 23rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues) and the Visual Arts Theater (333 West 23rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues). Tickets go on sale July 04 and will be available at the festival’s box office at Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 9 and the festival's web site: www.NYLatinoFilm.com. NYILFF is presented by HBO™.

Major stars that will be igniting the screens this year’s festival are Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Calle 13, Ruben Blades, Vin Diesel, Christina Milian, Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, Jim Jones, Kerry Washington, Brandon Routh, Illeana Douglas, Shannyn Sossamon, Lara Flynn Boyle, Easi Morales, Ericka Alexander, Voltio, Tego Calderon, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Rasuk, Kuno Becker, Ana de la Reguera and Al Sharpton.

“We are very excited to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary,” says Calixto Chinchilla, Executive Director. “The NYILFF began as a dream to showcase our talent and to empower Latinos. We’ve been fortunate to have grown in size and stature. This year, we have everything; highly anticipated Hollywood premieres to independent films from filmmakers across the globe, industry forums, music showcases and free outdoor events for everyone.”

“Our 10th Anniversary is a testament to the strong support we receive from our corporate partners and the community, at large,” says Elizabeth Gardner, Executive Director. “The NYILFF has come a long way since 1999, and we continue to break ground as the #1 showcase for Latino and Urban films and filmmakers.”

"We congratulate the NYILFF on reaching a 10-year milestone,” said Lucinda Desir, vice president, Acquisition and Multicultural Marketing at HBO. “Their spirit, passion, energy and commitment to the Latino film community are just some of the reasons why we come back every year. They have truly raised the NYILFF to the premier Latino festival that it is today."

10th ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

OPENING NIGHT – Tuesday, July 28
LA MISSION. Opening Night is the New York premiere of LA MISSION, starring Benjamin Bratt, Jesse Borrego, Erika Alexander, Jeremy Ray Valdez and Talisa Soto Bratt. LA MISSION is writer-director Peter Bratt's rich and powerful story of a man's journey toward redemption through his struggle with violence and homophobia. The film is produced by Benjamin Bratt, Alpita Patel and Peter Bratt. Sponsored by Heineken.

JOHN LEGUIZAMO AWARD PRESENTATION: - Wednesday, July 29
WHERE GOD LEFT HIS SHOES. The NYILFF and Tres Generaciones® Tequila are proud to honor John Leguizamo, a great Hollywood success, a shining example to our community, and a long-time supporter of NYILFF. Leguizamo will be honored with the Tres Generaciones® COA Award, a special award created by the brand to recognize outstanding achievements in Latino filmmaking. The film is the story of Frank, Angela, and their two children who are evicted from their New York City apartment and have no choice but to move into a homeless shelter. After a few difficult months, good news comes on Christmas Eve: a nearby housing project has an apartment available immediately, but Frank needs a job to qualify. While the rest of the city prepares for Christmas, Frank and his stepson roam the cold streets of New York trying to find a job by day's end. Where God Left His Shoes is the story of a family that refuses to break apart during the darkest time of their lives and discovers that they will survive as long as they have each other.

DOMINICAN NIGHT – Thursday, July 30
DON’T LET ME DROWN. Directed by Cruz Angeles. In a post-September 11th world overflowing with fear and hate, two Latinos discover that sometimes the only thing that can keep them from drowning is love. Presented by Heineken, sponsored by HBO™and the Dominican American Professional Alliance.

CLOSING NIGHT – Saturday, August 1
LA LÍNEA. Directed by James Cotten, LA LÍNEA is the story of rival mobsters and mysterious assassins waging warfare on the mean streets of Tijuana. It is a gripping crime drama with an all-star cast that includes Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, Esai Morales, Armand Assante, Bruce Davison, Jason Connery, Michael DeLorenzo, Joe Morton, Valerie Cruz, Jordi Vilasuso, Danny Trejo, Kevin Gage and Gary Daniels. Presented by DIRECTV Más, sponsored by Heineken and Tres Generaciones® Tequila.

PREMIERES

CALLE 13: SIN MAPA. Calle 13’s innovative fusion of urban music with pan-regional sounds from across Latin America has garnered a Grammy, Five Latin Grammy awards, and worldwide critical acclaim. In Sin Mapa, we join the socially outspoken duo on their journey “Without a Map” across South America for an exploration of indigenous music and culture.

LOS BANDOLEROS/FAST & FURIOUS. Los Bandoleros is the never-before-shown in theaters short film that reveals what happened to ex-con Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) after his disappearance at the end of the original adrenaline-pumping blockbuster, "The Fast and the Furious." Living as a fugitive in the haven of the Dominican Republic, Dom's tranquil life is eventually affected by a series of political and personal events, including his friendship with Don (Don Omar), Tego (Tego Calderon) and Han (Sung Kang), and the unexpected appearance of Letty (Michelle Rodriguez).

This leads to the latest adventure in the series, “Fast & Furious”. When a tragedy brings Dom back to Los Angeles, his long dormant feud with FBI agent Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) threatens to reignite -- until they discover a common enemy. Dom and Brian declare a precarious truce, as they try to outmaneuver their adversary and exact revenge. From convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, the two men push the limits of what is possible behind the wheel as they live for speed, drive for the rush and break all the rules!

RED APPLES FALLING. An uncensored look into the life and music of Harlem rap superstar Jim Jones and his Dipset Byrdgang. Rappers Mel Matrix, Sandman, NOE, Freeky Zeeky and Chink Santana comprise the most dangerous assembly of talent and muscle to emerge in decades from the streets of NY. Their real life stories, uncovered in hard-hitting interviews by Angie Martinez, weave together gritty realism with musical interludes.

LIFE IS HOT IN CRACKTOWN. Based on the 1993 best-selling novel by Buddy Giovinazzo, LIFE IS HOT IN CRACKTOWN shows the gritty, hard realities of a neighborhood, as well as the struggling, proud people who attempt to survive. The intertwining stories come together in a powerful climax of love and salvation, showing that despite the obstacles of life in the inner city, humanity and hope can still prevail.

ASSAULT IN THE RING. For the first time ever, the HBO Sports® Documentary ASSAULT IN THE RING reveals the real story behind the infamous 1983 Luis Resto-Billy Collins Jr. fight at Madison Square Garden -- a boxing match turned thirty-minute criminal assault.

BRING IT ON: FIGHT TO THE FINISH. Christina Milian stars as sassy cheer captain Lina Cruz, whose world is turned upside-down when her family moves from the urban streets of East Los Angeles to the sunny beach town of Malibu. At her new school, Lina clashes with Avery, the ultra-competitive all-star cheer captain, while also falling for Avery’s super-cute brother, Evan. Lina’s always been able to rise to a challenge, but can she create a new all-star squad, beat Avery at the Spirit Championships, and still keep her romance with Evan? Hot music, fierce competition and high-flyin’ fun continue in this all-new movie!

OTHER PREMIERES
PARAÍSO. Directed by Leon Ichaso.
SULTANES DEL SUR. (Sultans of the South). Directed by Alejandro Lozano.
LA CLAVE. Directed by Mariella Sosa.
ROAD TO THE HOLY LAND. Documentary featuring Al Sharpton.

As the leading U.S. Urban Latino Film festival with an estimated annual audience of 25,000, the NYILFF's continued growth and success is due, in part, to its unique position as the only Latino film festival specifically targeting the second and third generation, English-dominant, acculturated Urban Latino - an increasingly powerful demographic that has caught the attention of Madison Avenue. According to the latest Pew Research Center figures, Latinos will comprise nearly 30% of the entire U.S. population in the next few decades and is growing at a rate 2-3 times faster than the general population. By all accounts, any marketer wishing to add new consumers MUST target the Latino demographic.

The 2009 NYILFF is presented by HBO, and made possible with the additional support of HBO Latino, Heineken, DIRECTV Más, American Airlines, The Hollywood Reporter, Daily News/VNY, Telemundo, WNBC, 103.5 KTU and 93.1 WPAT FM. The NYILFF is also proud to have as Benefactors Café Bustelo, Clarins, CNN, El Diario La Prensa, El Especial/El Especialito Newspapers, glaceau, Maya Entertainment, nocheLatina.com, Tres Generaciones® Tequila and Cinelatino. Venue partners are Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 9, Visual Arts Theater, New York Restoration Project, Imagenation and Showbiz Software. Technology partners are Analog Digital and Audio Video Group. Special Thanks to Avid Technology Inc., Crunch, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Screen Actors Guild, Urban Latino Media Group and the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting®.

About the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF)
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2009, The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) is now the premier Urban Latino film event in the country. The NYILFF's mission is to showcase the works of the hottest emerging Latino filmmaking talent in the U.S. and Latin America, offer expansive images of the Latino experience, and celebrate the diversity and spirit of the Latino community. Programming includes the flagship film festival in NYC, new music and art showcases, free community events, scholarships, and a nationally recognized short film competition in partnership with HBO. The NYILFF has been endorsed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg's NYC Latin Media and Entertainment Commission since its inception in 2003.

(c) 2009 Home Box Office, Inc. All Rights Reserved. HBO and related trademarks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.

Side Note: A friend, who found my use of dagnabbit to be fairly entertaining, sent me the following
UrbanDictionary.com definition of the word. Enjoy.

Dagnabbit:
Old cootism used during great consternation or surprise. Used by 1890’s prospectors, cantankerous old farmers, and young people playing old people on TV in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.

Them dern aliens ruined my golldarn rubbarb patch with their flyin' machine, dagnabbit!

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 24, 2009

My Addiction

Hi. My name is Liz and I have a problem; I am addicted to 'to-do' lists. I literally can no longer function at work without my to-do lists. In fact, if I do something that's not on my to-do list, I actually write it down after the fact just so I can check it off. Is that weird?? Regardless, at this point, I just have too much to do to wing it. I can't afford to let the details slip, so everything... I mean, everything, is written down.

That aside, we just received confirmation two HUGE celebs are attending the
NYILFF. Total insanity. Of course, after multiple high fives with Calixto, I immediately realized we just blew the security budget. Dagnabbit!

Yesterday was so crazy I didn't get to write Cinedulce's 1st Taste Tuesdays, but rest assured there's new content. Check out Teledulce for new episodes of Ylse, HBO Sport's Ring Life, Diva Speak TV & Life as a Struggling Actor.

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 22, 2009

June 19, 2009

:30 Spot Is Done!!

I'm SO excited. The NYILFF's :30 spot is done and it is amazing. Our creative team is just ridiculous. I mean, honestly, how did we get so lucky? Lyndon McCray, Ali Santana, Arthur Retiz, Shirley Miranda-Rodriguez from Somos Arte, Jose Mendez, Larry Burnett and Liz Lanese from HBO - you guys are insane. Love you all. I know the :60 will be just as amazing.

I CANNOT wait to show you this campaign. I hope you love it as much as we do because we're all pretty pumped around here. And, of course, we did finally get all of the necessary sponsor approvals... just in time. Phew!


Other than that, this was yet another busy-bee day. Plus, I spoke to one of the detectives working on my stolen purse case and, apparently, there's a lead. They're hot on the tail of a perp! (you know I just wanted to write 'perp'...) Someone please tell me how I ended up in a Law & Order episode! ;-)

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 18, 2009

Help Me, Help You

Why is it that some of the NYILFF's partners make our approval process so challenging? I'm just trying to ensure they're happy with their logo and brand presentation. We are very careful not to print or broadcast or post any sponsor-related communication without approval, yet the process of getting those approvals is like pulling teeth. Why, I ask? Why? It happens every year, and every year I'm befuddled. Maybe they like to torture me. ;-)

That aside, our NYILFF :30 spot is just about locked. We're making a few minor tweaks and then we're done. So awesome! And, I just finished editing all of the brochure text except for one section, so we're almost done with that, too (pending, of course, sponsor approvals... ay dios!). Now, I'm off to finish the American Airlines info so all of you out-of-towners can get discount flights to NYC!

Rain, rain, go away...

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 17, 2009

Ready, Set, Insanity

It's completely bazonkers! I literally am running at a million miles an hour, trying to balance NYILFF sponsor execution and approvals, press releases, creative edits, synopses edits, call recaps, invoices, newsletter text, agreements, scheduling venue walk-throughs and everything else under the sun. Total (controlled) madness! Thank God for my interns, Michele and Dileyka, or I'd really be a mess!

Our next NYILFF newsletter goes out this Friday. We're including the winner of the HBO/NYILFF Short Film Contest (woo-hoo!) and travel info for the festival. Book early, folks, because this year is going to be ridiculous!

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 16, 2009

1st Taste Tuesdays: 06.16.09

Teledulce

YLSE (New Show Premiere!)
What's in a name? In this quirky comedy, talk show host Ylse navigates life as a Latin woman in the male dominated entertainment news industry.

RING LIFE: Omar Sheika Ep. 2: One Last Run At A Dream
Follow Omar Sheika's journey to become a champion. For more on HBO boxing, log on to HBO.com.

DIVE SPEAK TV: Season 2, Episode #16
Inauguration Special! SupaWoman of the Week: Taraji P. Henson Big Up: Slumdog Millionaire's Golden Globe Win Let Down: "Fight Club" at Riker's Island Feature: My Trip to Obama's Inauguration

LIFE AS A STRUGGLING ACTOR: Ep #16
Suncom commercial audition. I ran into an actor. Food stamps came through.

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 15, 2009

Who Stole My Bag??

Wow - estoy muy cansada. Por que, you ask? Because my purse was stolen last night (I know... right!), leading to a very long and exhausting evening and stressful AM. I had to cancel all of our credit and ATM/debit cards, suspend my Blackberry's wireless service, replace the cylinder in my deadbolt (they have my key and license!) and go down to the local precinct to file a police report and talk to a detective. And, I still have to call my insurance company to see if I can get anything back. Both my regular glasses and my sunglasses were in my bag. Dagnabit!

Fatigue aside, I'm busy at work (what else is new?). I just finished editing the NYILFF short film synopses (so many great films!!) and am about to review the synopses for the shorts in the Cinedulce showcase.

Truth told, I'm totally fixated on getting a response (please God, say yes!) from one potential sponsor. It's actually more stressful thinking about that situation than dealing with last night's thievery. Crazy, right??

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 12, 2009

Calls and Meetings

Today was another mad busy day. Actually, I'm still working so I guess I should say it IS a mad busy day.

I had a good meeting with an old friend at a cable network that wants to work with the NYILFF and Cinedulce, which is great. We had a very productive conference call with our crack PR team. Gotta love 'em. I had a fantastic call with American Airlines and then with SAG, two of the NYILFF's partners. Both Benjamin (AA) and Adam (SAG) are great guys, so it makes the planning process so much more enjoyable. And, now I'm about to edit the last of the film synopses. Phew!


Most of exciting of all, however, is... we saw the rough cut of the NYILFF commercial. LOVE IT! We're so psyched. I really think (hope!) you're going to like it. Our creative team is so awesome. Honestly, I don't know how Calixto and I got so lucky, but we both must have been very good in our past lives to find ourselves surrounded by such incredible people in this life.

I'm going to see "The Hangover" tonight. I've heard it's hilarious. Enjoy your weekend!

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 11, 2009

Grinding Thru My To-Do List

It's June 11 and I'm still not done with NYILFF sponsorship. I mean, come on. This is getting a bit ridonculous. But, I have to say I'd rather still be waiting on potential partners than have nothing in the hopper. So, no complaints. Promise.

Today's been a big NYILFF media day - scheduling our various ad runs, reviewing the media budget, figuring out production time lines, etc. Riveting stuff, I know. But, it's super important. Plus, I edited the text for our direct mail brochure. This is when it gets very busy and very detail oriented, but also exciting because all of our hard work from the past several months starts to take shape and come to life. Cool stuff!

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 10, 2009

Efficiency. It's a Good Thing.

You ever have one of those days where you feel like you're knocking out a ton of little stuff? In a strange way, it's very satisfying b/c it's like tying up lots of loose ends.

So, for example, I... worked out the promotional and spot particulars with 103.5 WKTU,
NYILFF's English-language radio station... and organized the new TV show we're launching this Tuesday on Cinedulce (yay! new show!)... and (hopefully) re-upped NYILFF's trade media partner and a car company for the NYILFF... and worked out our buy with AM NY... and got the update from our stylist about the NYILFF's potential apparel partner... and worked out some details with one of our theater partners (ClearviewCinemas)... and set up a few internal ops calls... and set up one of my interns with her to-do list... and preliminarily worked out the logo situation on our trailer end card...

You see what I mean? Just lots of stuff. It's good I've accomplished so much today because I have to leave early for a family commitment. You can't forget the fam!

On another note, we just received
confirmation on NYILFF attendance from huge talent. We're super-psyched!

Speaking of efficiency, I need to get back to work!


Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 9, 2009

1st Taste Tuesdays: 06.09.09

Teledulce
Omar Sheika Ep. 1: Prospect Or Journeyman?
Paterson, New Jersey's light heavyweight prospect Omar Sheika has had a year out of the ring after once being lauded as a potential champion. Now, with a fight signed with Roy Jones Jr., the potential for Sheika to try again for ring greatness is within his grasp.

Diva Speak TV: Season #2, Ep #16
Inauguration Special! SupaWoman of the Week: Taraji P. Henson Big Up: Slumdog Millionaire's Golden Globe Win Let Down: "Fight Club" at Riker's Island Feature: My Trip to Obama's Inauguration



Life Of A Struggling Actor Ep #24 1 of 2
Suncom commercial audition. I ran into an actor. Food stamps came through.





Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 8, 2009

Workin' It

I received an email from one of the execs from the financial institution with which I've been talking for a few months about potential NYILFF sponsorship. At this point, we're getting pretty detailed about execution and the benefits package. According to the email, we needed to reconsider (i.e., bump up) the hospitality experience. So, I gave it a bunch of thought and -- shazam! -- I think I have the solution. I'm really excited about the concept and think it totally satisfies what they're seeking. PLUS! I think I may have also solved another key point on their wish list, which is related to in-branch activity. If we can make that happen, I would be over the moon!

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 5, 2009

Great News b/f the W/E!

Two bits of good news before the weekend.

First off, this AM, Marisa (Buzz), our regional Heineken mktg rep. and I had a great walk-through @ El Morocco, this year's Dominican Night after-party venue. Yep, we're taking Dominican Night uptown to the Heights! So psyched. The film is amazing and this party is gonna be hot. Many thanks to Debbie for being so supportive!


On another note, I just received a call from a brand new NYILFF sponsor who commited not only to 2009, but also to 2010! YAY! We REALLY needed that shot of good news. Unfortunately, I'm not yet done with this process (if you can believe it), but this is wonderful news and an awesome brand association. It's just good all around.

At this point, I'm also knee-deep in execution and operatons, so the balance with sales outreach is getting tricky and fairly stressful. If the rest of the potential partners would follow this partner's lead, I would be a much relieved, happier festival director. :)

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 4, 2009

Phone, Agreement, Recap. Repeat.

Earlier this afternoon, I was sitting at my desk, working away. The phone rings. It's Katie at the reception desk. There's a delivery. I knew we were supposed to get one case of Vitamin Water because they're the NYILFF's new beverage partner! Yay!! Well, let me tell you, those folks at Glaceau (yes, I mean you, Melissa!!) are the bomb! They literally sent us approx. 7 cases of product, including Vitamin Water and Smart Water. I mean... what? How awesome are they? And, more importantly, how psyched am I they're our partner?? Love it!

Other than that, my day has been pretty darn hectic, alternating between calls, recaps, agreements and faxes. Time for yoga and then editing a press release. I'm off.

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 3, 2009

New Bundle of Joy

No real news today, which isn't necessarily a bad thing because, you know, not all news is good news. I did, however, have a great meeting with a really cool mag./media company that wants to partner with both the NYILFF and Cinedulce. Good stuff. I also managed to send out almost all of my partner agreements, which is a giant relief. And, we had a great weekly Cinedulce meeting. They're always so productive and I love having everyone on the same page; it just gives me a sense of calm.

On the programming front, we have selected all of our short films for this year's NYILFF. Woo-hoo! We are super-psyched to present this year's selection of 40 shorts! I know I've said it before, but, I'm telling you, this year's line-up is bonkers.

On a personal note, I have a new nephew! SO EXCITING! Mom and baby are healthy, and all is well. I can't wait to meet the handsome little muffin this weekend!

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 2, 2009

1st Taste Tuesdays: 06.02.09

TELEDULCE
Ring Life Nate Campbell, Ep. #3: An Outsider Once Again
Nate Campbell fights to defend his title. For more on Ring Life, log on to HBO.com





Diva Speak TV, Season #2: Ep #15
Supawoman of the Week: Aaliyah Big UP: Usair flight that landed in the Hudson Let Down: "Notorious" movie Feature: From the Blogosphere Check out the Teaser for my new show ...





Linked, Ep. #14: "Just When You Think It's Over" (SEASON 1 FINALE)
Gabriel thought he had it all figured out until he was proven completely wrong. How will he redeem himself? Will the girls ever be found? Or is it, simply, too late.




Life Of A Struggling Actor, Ep #15
The Booking Crew interview






Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

June 1, 2009

Sometimes, You Just Gotta Do What You Just Gotta Do

Today was one of those days when I literally sat at my desk all day and just wrote. I edited the NYILFF documentary section synopses, wrote a partnership agreement, wrote a proposal, wrote a meeting recap, wrote, wrote, wrote... phew! The crazy thing is I totally didn't get everything done on my to-do list. At a minimum, I still have 3 more agreements to write.

Digression: Calixto and I just had an interesting, though not altogether unique, conversation about how difficult it can be to balance art and commerce, particularly when it comes to sponsorship. One of the many challenges of working with sponsors is maintaining creative integrity and curatorial freedom while also being cognizant of and sensitive to any potential legal and/or branding ramifications those decisions may have for our partners. When a conflict arises, it can be a wee bit complicated, but, of course, there's almost always a solution. Both parties just have to think creatively, show flexibility and exercise a level of compromise. That aside, this is a conflict that has existed through the ages and likely will never change. Fundamentally, it's a power struggle between the architects and the financiers. The situation is no different than, for example, a producer pressuring a director to curtail a ballooning budget, or a board of directors applying pressure on top executives. The reality is, in business and in life, sometimes you just gotta do what you just gotta do... ;)

Liz.
p.l.h.h.
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com