PowerPoint: Best Friend or Worst Enemy?

I've spent the last week+ working almost exclusively on PowerPoint. I finalized the generic 2009 NYILFF sponsor recap, customized the recap for one NYILFF partner, and wrote the 2010 NYILFF sponsor pitch deck. Plus, I had already spent hours prepping the 2009 NYILFF recap, so these past 6 or so days represent additional time spent using PowerPoint.

I love PowerPoint. It allows me to put together pitches, presentations, recaps and all sorts of other good stuff in an easy-to-use, creative asset-friendly environment. It's simple, direct and flexible.

I hate PowerPoint. It's slow; it periodically and spontaneously shuts down for no discernible reason; and, it's limiting in many ways.

Although I've knocked out a ton in the past two weeks, I still have more to do in PowerPoint. I need to customize two additional '09 NYILFF recaps and customize a 2010 NYILFF proposal for an interested sponsor. That's great news, of course, but the thought of double-clicking that red "P" makes my eyes cross.

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

RIP Patrick Swayze

I realize this is a bit off-topic, but I feel compelled to acknowledge the passing of Patrick Swayze. My 80's youth and teen-hood unequivocally would not be the same if not for such 'classic' lines as "No one leaves baby in the corner" (Dirty Dancing for the completely oblivious) and "Let's do it for Johnny" (spoken by Matt Dillon as Dallas in The Outsiders, in which Swayze starred as Darren alongside other emerging 80's hotties, including Tom Cruise, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio (the aforementioned Johnny), Emilio Estevez and Rob Lowe). What a cast... heartthrob city!

Swayze's career highlights also include Red Dawn, Youngblood, Ghost, Donnie Darko and the unforgettable To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, in which Swazye, alongside John Leguizamo and Wesley Snipes, hilariously explored his feminine side. Even Road House has its own cheesy charm.

RIP Patrick Swayze. Thanks for the memories...

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

New on Cinedulce!

Check out this new programming on Cinedulce!



Victor Cruz is PAPO in "The Break Up" (dir. Lyn-Don-McCray)





Victor Cruz in "Pendejo Watchers" (dir. Lyn-Don-McCray)





Tha Heights' "Selfish" music video (dir. Javier Alejandro)






Fresh Daily's "Untucked Nunchucks" music video (dir. Steven Tapia)





"I'm on a Date" (dir. Mr. Muse)





"The Ministers" (dir. Franc.Reyes) official trailer!



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

Feedback

I'm a big believer in 'customer' feedback, however you define 'customer'. I know it scares some people because the process inherently makes you vulnerable to criticism. Depending on its delivery, criticism can be painful. If delivered constructively, however, criticism can be a key to success and growth. I need real feedback so I can find ways to improve the NYILFF's process, service and overall experience. I'd rather know exactly what folks think and recommend rather than remain ignorant because, let me tell you, ignorance is not bliss when it comes to business.

That said, I spent a good part of today writing a fairly comprehensive staff and volunteer survey. I'm really hoping folks take the time to complete it because, again, I'm doing this in the spirit of growth and improvement. We need everyone's help to make the festival as successful as possible.

In advance, thank you!

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

Done!

Phew! I FINALLY finished this huge corporate pitch doc I've been writing and editing all week. Holy cow, it turned out to be quite a task, but, I have to say, I'm feeling pretty darn good about the accomplishment. I repeat... phew!

Meanwhile, I put a ton of other work on hold to complete that writing, so I'm fairly relieved I can now turn my attention to other responsibilities. Don't you just love working down your to-do list? I know, I know... total nerd.

Okay, I'm off to get my September pedicure (yes, I actually get them monthly), have a cocktail and begin my holiday weekend. Enjoy Labor Day and back at ya on Tuesday!

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

Busy Bee

Jeez, considering pre-Labor Day is supposed to be a relatively quiet time at the office, I'm a busy bee! After getting a bunch of work done (and paying yet more bills...), I had a couple of meetings yesterday that took up my entire afternoon and evening (the 2nd was a dinner).

The afternoon mtg was VERY interesting and productive. Unfortunately, I have to stay opaque about it because it's too early to discuss deets. Needless to say, I'm working on some stuff that could, potentially, fulfill some very positive change for the organization and, similarly, for me, personally. That's what you call a win-win. Of course, now I have a boatload of follow-up work, but that's to be expected.

I then had dinner with the folks at DIRECTV Mas, who were first-time NYILFF partners this past year and are signed on for 2010. Yay! Super cool folks and a great dinner. That was also a very productive (and fun!) discussion. So, overall, Wednesday was a solid day.

Now, onto that boatload of work I mentioned...

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

Tic-Tacking Along

Today is one of those days when I basically sat at my desk and wrote all day. I've been working on this important sales pitch for a couple of days now. The funny thing about writing, I find, is there tends to be a point where you think you're never going to finish; you get easily distracted, your eyes start to ache from staring at the screen, you keep grabbing for the 'freshmints' tic-tacs, the stress of other, neglected work compels your knee to bop up and down and, then... boom! You're done! Yipee!

The good news (other than finishing, of course) is that I'm actually quite pleased with the result. I'll have to see what kind of feedback I get, but I feel confident in this first draft.

Now, I just need to pay some bills to some very patient vendors and staff, and then head off to meet my dad and brother for tennis at the U.S. Open. Woo-hoo!

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