This Is It, Groundhog Day, Yankee Fever

All I have to say is thank God I brought on sponsorship sales consultants for the 2010 NYILFF because this annual selling business is getting to be tiresome. This is my 9th year and I feel a bit like Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day". All day long I've been reaching out to my contacts at various brands and agencies to pitch the 2010 NYILFF. I'm SO relieved knowing there are 3 great people doing the same thing on my behalf. Phew!

Actually, that's not all I have to say. Here's something: Go Yankees! I'm not sure how I'm going to catch tomorrow's game while at my various parties, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. I can't imagine everyone else won't be trying to find a TV or get regular updates on their PDA's (how did we ever live without Crackberries and iPhones?!).

I feel like I should be annoyed listening to "Thriller" on the radio for seemingly the 10th time, but I'm still kind of diggin' it. Such a classic. Is anyone going to see "This Is It" this weekend?

Happy Halloween, witches!

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

Turn It up, Yanks!

I realize I'm supposed to be talking about film and the struggles/joys of being a media entrepreneur, but I can't resist talking about the Yankees.

In full disclose, I'm a Mets fan. Yeah you heard me... METS! In the spirit of NYC loyalty, however, I've been 100% behind the Yanks during this very exciting post season. But, last night... oh, last night. Ouch. It was downright sad. That Cliff Lee sure knows how to throw a ball. And, yet, I am keeping the faith. Come on, fellas - show those Phillies what you got!

On the work tip, this AM I received an exciting return call from an old friend in telecom who thinks we (finally!) may be able to work together. He's the Hispanic Marketing Manager at a major wireless company. This would be AWESOME because we've been talking for a few years now and, for one reason or another, it's never come to fruition. It's a great brand and perfect for our fest's tech savvy, bicultural Latino audience. Fingers crossed!

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

Hotlanta Anyone?

Had a great lunch with a potential new NYILFF staff member. She seems excellent. Hope we can make it work!

I was supposed to have another meeting, but the dude blew it off because he had a last-minute fire drill. I get the need to reschedule, but who doesn't even call/text/email to reschedule? Not cool.

I know of an agency position available down in Atlanta. If you have heavy event experience, are willing to relocate and are interested, let me know!

Go Yanks!

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

New on Cinedulce This Week!!

TELEDULCE

The Work Jerks
Ep. #2: The Work Jerks are instructed to film a video honoring a co-worker who recently passed away. Now all they need to do is find the right words to describe how much this "dead guy they hardly knew" meant to them.

Life Of A Struggling Actor
Ep #34: Joseph's family in San Diego



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

Expanding The Toolbox

We're putting together an invite-only screening with the folks at Credit Suisse, which I think is going to be fantastic. I spent most of today working on the logistics, including securing the moderator and panelists and doing a walk-through of the venue. PLUS, if this goes well, they want to make it an annual event and maybe even sponsor other screenings with us. Yay!

Side note: on Friday night, I saw "Whip It" (dir. Drew Barrymore, starring Ellen Page). Super-duper cute. That DB is one impressive talent. She just keeps expanding her tool box and evolving her skill set; she's now a triple threat: actress, producer and director. Honestly, she's a bit of a role model in terms of how to keep growing as an artist and businesswoman, and build a multifaceted career with longevity.

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

Decisions, Decisions

This afternoon, I had a really great lunch with a friend at AOL Latino to discuss 2010 partnership opportunities and business, in general. SUCH an interesting conversation. He's a relatively new connection so I'm pretty excited we're becoming friends - really good, cool, smart guy.

With all of the shifts going on in the media community, it really is very interesting to see how each company is (re)positioning itself for survival, if not growth. It's such a tough market for everyone (obviously). It seems the key is certainly cost cutting, but also trying to stay nimble and continually evaluate and refine your strategy. Hopefully, you hit a stride that carries you through this challenging time.

All I can say is I've spent quite a bit of time considering what moves we should make to try to ensure the long-term life of our companies. As a result, like many small business owners, I am making some fairly big, and in some cases, difficult decisions. Hopefully, those decisions will pay off. Only time will tell...

On a separate note, I'm seeing "Whip It" tonight. Who can resist the cuteness of Drew Barrymore & Ellen Page? Not I, said the fly.

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

Getting Creative for 2010

I just confirmed with a new friend/biz associate, "D", that we plan to work with his agency for the 2010 NYILFF creative campaign. Last week, I sat down with D, the executive creative director of a major multicultural agency, and the agency's president to share a bite and discuss how we can work together. One week later, we are putting together the details of a great promotional program. Because this partnership will focus on the campaign's concept, development and execution, we will still engage our other creative agencies for the web site and print materials. After last year's campaign, which featured actual festival participants (staff, filmmakers, volunteers, fans, etc.) sharing their favorite festival stories, I think this is a logical, exciting next step in our desire to connect with the community and showcase real, diverse talent and voices.

Details to come...!

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

CNN- On Fire

CNN's Latino in America
Premieres TONIGHT, 10/21 @ 9:00pm!
By 2050, the U.S. Latino population is expected to nearly triple. CNN's Soledad O'Brien explores how Latinos are reshaping our communities and culture and forcing a nation of immigrants to rediscover what it means to be an American.


ALSO... this afternoon, CNN premiered the new music video, "Breathe", for my dear friend, Ryan Star. The touching video focuses on the plight of joblessness in the U.S. Ryan and his gang even launched a web site to help the REAL people featured in the video find employment. Super cool, right?

Check out the video for "Breathe" and the corresponding web site here: breath4jobs.com

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

New on Cinedulce This Week!!

New Series on Teledulce!


Work Jerks
Series Pilot: It's Lacey's first day in the offices of Long & Cumming. In her quest to find herself a chair, she meets all of her new co-workers. By the end of her day, Lacey realizes that not only is her office not ordinary, but its employees are far from normal as well. They are Work Jerks, and she will soon become one too.

Life Of A Struggling Actor: Ep #33
Joseph Fierro's backstage & Miss PlayAStream.com



URdulce

Death of the System
Song by Marcel Cartier, music video directed by David "Drizz" Rodriguez, recorded at The Rebel Diaz Arts Collective, Bronx, NY.




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

Long Day

Busy day today. I am waiting to receive a call from a gentleman I've never met but to whom I was (digitally) introduced by a mutual friend in the business. This guy helped launch the Latin division of a major talent agency, so I'm sure we'll have a bunch to discuss. Should be interesting.

Then, in the early evening, I'm going to a private screening of HBO's "Celebrity Habla", where I plan to catch up with some friends at HBO and Time Warner. Immediately following that, I'm going to dinner with a good friend, who runs the multicultural practice at a major promo/event/talent agency. We have a TON to discuss and it's been nearly impossible for us to coordinate schedules, so I'm really looking forward finally to getting together. Plus, he's a great friend, so, on a personal level, it's just nice to reconnect. Like I said - busy day...

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

Moving Along

Yesterday, I had a really interesting lunch with both the president of and the executive creative director at a major multicultural agency. I met them a couple of weeks ago at a panel event in which their media planning director invited me to participate. I've decided I really like these guys. Very sharp. Very cool. Very grounded. We talked about one partnership idea, in particular, that could be great for the NYILFF. I think they're on board, so the ball's in our court.

Also, I just received confirmation we are a-go for a private November screening event with our friends at Credit Suisse. Love it!

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

Busy 24 Hours!

Last night, I went to the premiere of Franc. Reyes' "The Ministers", the 2008 NYILFF Closing Night film. The event was definitely a big success with a full house and fantastic after-party at the Empire Hotel rooftop bar. Celebs in attendance included the film's stars John Leguizamo, Harvey Keitel, Florencia Lozano, Wanda DeJesus and Manny Perez plus Luis Guzman. More importantly, I saw all sorts of friends ranging from local actors, filmmakers, production company/studio/media execs, publicists, etc. It was just really fun to connect with everyone during the 'off season'. Congrats to Calix for a great job!

After my fairly late night (esp. for a Tuesday!), I spent all of today at the LatinVision Convergence Conference, where I connected with a whole other group of friends and biz acquaintances. Plus, I met a slew of new folks, which, of course, is the point of these networking events.

All in all, I had a busy, fun and productive 24 hours. Sleep anyone??

"The Ministers" opens THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16!! Please support the picture so Hollywood recognizes the power of Latino film lovers and invests more resources into Latino film!

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

New on Cinedulce This Week: 10.13.09!

TELEDULCE

Life Of A Struggling Actor: Ep #32
Joseph Fierro's backstage & Miss PlayAStream.com

URDULCE

"The Work Jerks": An Interview with Karate Chris
Meet Karate Chris. In this clip, he breaks down the fundamentals of "Street Combat" which is a fighting style he has taught to many of the Long & Cumming employees.




"The Work Jerks": An Interview with Jason
Meet Jason Long, brother of Julian Long. In this clip he quickly demonstrates how he creates the finest in illegal drug cuisine.





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

Big Stuff

I have a couple of big meetings today and another on Monday (sorry Columbus!). Lots of big stuff happening over here. Unfortunately, I have to stay fairly opaque, but let's just say I'm on the move. As you know, I've already assembled a team of NYILFF sponsorship consultants and, after completing a structural reorg, I'm also working on a couple of other key festival positions. That, in and of itself, is quite exciting.

But, there are other big plans in the works that could potentially lead to huge changes - all positive - for both the NYILFF and Cinedulce. Breathe...

On a separate note, on Sunday, I'm going to see Pedro Almodovar's new film, "Broken Embraces", the Closing Night feature at the 2009 New York Film Festival. From what I've heard, it's typical Almodovar, which isn't bad, of course; it's just not new or different. On Sunday afternoon, I'll see for myself.

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

Sponsorship Help... Finally!

I finally secured two sponsor consultants for the 2010 NYILFF... yay! In the past, I've tried to get support, but, quite frankly, each time I've been disappointed. Sponsorship is a harder gig than most folks recognize and a lot of it comes down to plain old experience and relationships. I've made the mistake of working with folks who either have never worked in the multicultural marketplace so they don't have a relevant database to support the sales efforts, are too green to work on this level, or misrepresent themselves and overestimate their reach. Frustrating.

This go-round, I approached it a bit differently. Rather than ask friends and keep the search fairly tight, I went out to LinkedIn and Craig's List. I heart the Internet because I received a flood of emails from folks representing a broad range of skill sets and professional backgrounds... interesting process. Needless to say, I really liked two of the guys; we agreed on terms and, now, off to the races we go! Plus, I'm getting some smaller scale, ancillary support from our publicity firm. Fortunately, I have a bunch of deals in place already, but we definitely need more. Let's see how having what I believe to be a very strong, competent and experienced team helps the process. I have high hopes!

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

New on Cinedulce This Week!!

TELEDULCE

Life Of A Struggling Actor
Ep #32: Joseph Fierro's backstage & Miss PlayAStream.com

URDULCE

El K-Liejon Teaser
Watch this teaser for new a show featuring music videos, sketches, topics, and interviews with artists.

The Work Jerks: An Interview with Diana
Meet Diana. The resident pregnant chick of the Long & Cumming office. In this clip she shows her "motherly" side (and by motherly we mean she should not be allowed anywhere near children.)

The Work Jerks: An Interview with Julian
Meet Julian Long. He's the head honcho at Long & Cumming. In this clip he talks about keeping his employees in check...And in fear.

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

"Good Hair" is Good Stuff

Earlier this evening, I had the super opportunity to attend a private screening of Chris Rock's "Good Hair", hosted by Dr. Miracle's and WEEN (Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network). What a great flick! I swear, Chris Rock is one of the funniest people on the planet. And, yet, this film is not only laughs (though, there are a ton of those) - it also has a message... and, an important one, at that.

Synopsis:
An exposé of comic proportions that only Chris Rock could pull off, GOOD HAIR visits beauty salons and hairstyling battles, scientific laboratories and Indian temples to explore the way hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of the black community.

More more info, check out the film's web site: "Good Hair" web site

Congrats to WEEN on a packed house and huge thanks to my good friend, Marsha, at Credit Suisse for inviting me. I had a blast!

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

"Precious" Weekend

Saturday night's NY Film Festival Centerpiece screening of "Precious" totally lived up to the hype. It's an incredibly powerful, "spirit-affirming" story, shot right here in Harlem. I predict it will be an awards season dark horse, similar to "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Little Miss Sunshine". And, for the record, Mo'Nique, who didn't attend (hmmm....), is scary good as the abusive mother. It gets to the point where you literally cringe when she appears on-screen.

On the gossip tip, a boatload of A-list talent came out to support this touching first feature from Lee Daniels. Present cast members included Mariah Carey, Paula Patton (stunning!), Lenny Kravitz (still ridiculously hot), Sherri Shepard and 'one-to-watch' newcomer, Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe who plays the lead, Clareece "Precious" Jones. Other A-listers I spotted were Jane Fonda, Harvey Keitel and Joan Allen, who is arguably the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in the flesh. She's actually breathtaking.

Also, I had the opp. to thank my friends, Benjamin and Ellen from American Airlines, for the tickets and I ran into my friend, Ephraim Fetti Benton, who plays a small role in "Precious", but also is the star of the film, "Inside a Change", which won Best Picture @ this year's NYILFF! It's a fabulous film and his performance is key to the film's success. Really beautiful.

"Precious" release date - November 06!

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

New Roomies!

Today, we're doing an office switcheroo. My friends at Buzz are moving into our office space so we can share costs and, in turn, reduce overhead during the festival's 'off season'. I'm thinking this'll be pretty fun!

Tomorrow night, I'm going to see Lee Daniels' "Precious" at the New York Film Festival. The Centerpiece screening won the Audience Award, Grand Jury Prize and Special Jury Prize for Mo'Nique (no joke!) at this year's Sundance Film Festival AND the People's Choice Award at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. Not too shabby.

I have to thank my dear friend, Benjamin, at American Airlines (official airline of the NY Film Festival and of the NYILFF) for hooking me up with the tix. You're the best!

If you're interested in checking out "Precious" or any other NY Film Fest movies, click here.

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

So Fresh & So Clean

Last night, I saw my dear friend, Joe "Pocho Joe" Hernandez-Kolski, in his 2-man show, "So Fresh and So Clean" at Ars Nova theater. His co-star and co-writer is Joshua Silverstein. Honestly, it was ridiculously awesome. We've been friends for many years, but, because he lives in LA, I've never seen him perform. I was absolutely blown away.

In their words...Straight from LA, two-time HBO Def Poet Joe Hernandez-Kolski and internationally-known beatboxer Joshua Silverstein combine comedy, poetry and beatboxing in this hilarious hip-hop theater piece that grapples with love, sex, ethnicity and politics. Chock full of outrageous (im)mature subject matter, this duo might not always be clean, but they’re unarguably fresh.
3min Demo Reel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gv5IZpk7pU

So, if you're in L.A., PLEASE check out Joe and Josh. Trust me, you'll thank me. Also, they're working on their follow-up show, which promises to be even better than the original. Stay tuned, folks because these guys are on fire...

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