My Feel Good Weekend

Holy smokes, what a weekend! I needed the work week to begin to catch my breath from the non-stop action!

A highlight was Saturday afternoon and eve, when I volunteered at the annual gala for the Human Rights Campaign at the Waldorf Astoria. My dear friend, Bryan, was the event co-chair. Plus, I 100% believe in the cause and, quite frankly, am shocked gay rights continues to be a discussion in this country. I guess I'm just a "Free To Be You and Me" kind of gal. That aside, I was so proud of Bryan for an incredibly well organized, successful event, including 700+ guests and a special appearance by the lovely Sarah Jessica Parker and the very groovy Tim Gunn.

But, it was also an interesting experience for me because I reverted back to a worker (vs. queen) bee position. It was like the new CBS show, "Undercover Boss", except I didn't work my own event, but someone else's. Still, it was a good reminder what it's like to be a volunteer.

My job was registration. I sat at a computer and checked in what seemed like hundreds of people (including two executive friends from Time Warner!). Once my shift was over, I ate with all of the other volunteers in a curtained side room with a select (but tasty) buffet of salad and pasta, and, also like the other volunteers, was not permitted to participate in the main event; we had a bird's eye view of the festivities, watching from the grand ballroom's balcony.

And, you know what? I had a fantastic time! I met all sorts of folks, ran into other friends of Bryan that I have adopted as my own, and, generally, felt a great sense of pride and satisfaction for supporting a cause that I hold dear to my heart.

Ironically, I'm in the process of interviewing for a few key intern positions with the NYILFF. (Side Note: If you're interested, leave a comment here with your contact info.)

The moral of the story is twofold: 1. get out there and volunteer - it may help you even more than the cause you are supporting; and, 2. always remember that volunteers, assistants, interns, coordinators and staff are as valuable as gems and deserve your utmost respect.

Without a dedicated support system, you have nothing.

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

Lottery Man: Setting Up

Okay, so here's the deal.

• My producer's contract is signed. Whoopee!
  
• I've sent in a revised version of the film's business plan and am waiting for feedback from Thomas, my co-producer, and Matt, the writer/director.
• Matt is taking care of some minor script edits, which should be completed by Monday.
• Next week, Thomas and I are hoping to meet with our production accountant, Rebecca, to review and tweak the budget.
• Matt, Thomas and I put together a short list of potential men to play the lead, Patty. Thomas will start approaching their 'people', in priority order, to see if we can secure an LOI (letter of intent), which is super helpful in the fundraising process.
• We have a couple of women in mind for the lead actress (Latina), but we'd first like to secure the male lead since he's the story's protagonist.
  
• After all of the above is completed, we start looking for $$.
  

Oh boy...

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

Hispanic Media & Advertising Jobs!

Job listings from HispanicAd.com. Good luck!

Local Sales Manager - WVEA / Entravision - Tampa

GENERAL MANAGER - MEDIA Bustos Media LLC

National Retail Account Manager - Tribune Hispanic

Digital Creative Supervisor - Zubi Advertising

Account Planner - Zubi Advertising

Accounting Manager - Lopez Negrete Communications

Senior Account Planner - Alma DDB

Talent Manager - Alma DDB

Direct Marketing Manager - Lopez Negrete Communications

Senior Account Supervisor - Accentmarketing

SVP of New Business Development - Universal Music Group

Digital Ad Sales Manager - Veranda Entertainment


To view job listings CLICK below:

http://www.hispanicad.com/cgi-bin/joblistings/seeker/searchjobs.cgi

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

THAT'S MISS PRODUCER TO YOU!

Holy cow - exciting news! As of last night, I am officially signed on to produce my first full-length feature film. I'm SOOOO excited!

Without giving too much away, the film, titled Lottery Man, focuses on the themes of self-discovery, the unpredictability of love and, ultimately, redemption. It will be shot in NYC (woo hoo!), hopefully either in the Spring or late Summer. Obviously, I have the NYILFF at July's end, so we need to work around that.

Lottery Man's writer/director, Matt Smollon, is an old friend from my Shooting Gallery days - very talented guy with a great passion for storytelling (which, of course, I love). My co-producer is another old Shooting Gallery friend, Thomas Hanna - also a great guy and an attorney to boot. Convenient! I already feel a strong chemistry between the three of us (crucial), and feel so fortunate to have this opportunity. Hopefully, Lottery Man will serve as a springboard for my expanding journey as a kick-ass film producer.

So, anyway, I thought it'd be fun to let you in on the process so you can see what really goes down during the process of making a movie. Since this is my first feature, I also have a learning curve, so we can just do this together; you can be my virtual producing wing-man!

More deets to come...

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

2010 NYILFF SEEKS SCREENERS!

Do you love watching independent films?!

If so, the New York International Latino Film Festival, presented by HBO, is looking for volunteers to join the 2010 screening committee! Help shape our 11th year with the best in Latino filmmaking.

If you are interested, please send an email to Programming@NYLatinoFilm.com and let us know:
1) Your favorite film and why
2) Why you would make a great screener
3) Your availability February – April, 2010

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

WE WANT YOU TO MAKE THE 2010 NYILFF TRAILER!

The New York International Latino Film Festival, in partnership with GlobalHue Latino, is conducting its first-ever commercial contest.

WE WANT YOU TO MAKE THE 2010 FESTIVAL TRAILER!

What is the assignment?
Create the script/storyline for the commercial trailer, one minute in length, that will serve to promote the festival.

What is the communication trying to accomplish?

• Expand awareness of the festival.

What is the creative platform?
"New York International Latino Film Festival: How Latinos Do Film"

• We are unique. We are special. We love cinema. So give us your best shot of how we make movies. Be serious, be funny, be absurd, be hip... anything goes! Just tell us your story in 60 seconds.

Submission Guidelines

• Ideas must be fully explained in the form of a script of storyline, and must include a brief synopsis of the main idea.

How the Contest Works

• The NYILFF and GlobalHue will select the idea that best captures the spirit of the festival and promotes it.
• The winning creative concept will form the core idea from which all other communication will be developed (digital media, print, radio, wild postings, etc.).
• The winner with work with a team of experts at GlobalHue to develop and bring to life the script.
• The commercial trailer will be produced by GlobalHue, in partnership with participating production houses. The winner will participate in all aspects of the production (casting and talent, locations, direction) with the supervision of the GlobalHue team.
• The production will happen in the New York area and the winner will be financially responsible for his/her own travel arrangements/accommodations, except for air travel to and from New York (to be covered by NYILFF).

For more information plus contest rules and regulations, please CLICK HERE!

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com

"Elliot Loves" Fundraiser: Big Success!

Okay, I realize this is a bit tardy; my apologies, but I was away from Thursday AM through last night with no Internet access. But, I'M BACK!

I am so proud of Terracino (writer/director) and Juan (producer); last Wednesday's "Elliot Loves" fundraiser was a fabulous event. Over 80 people attended! Plus, everyone seemed to love the 10 minutes of footage they presented.

I want to thank Brian, Yvette and the entire CAFE BUSTELO team for helping to make the night such a great success. You guys are the best!

Also, big shout-outs to Lyndon, Justin and all of the folks who helped make this event a reality.

Remember, there are three ways you can invest:
1.) You can click on the PayPal link HERE!

2.) You can remit a check to: Third World Newsreel, note that it is for "Elliot Loves", and mail it to:
Gary Terracino
P.O. Box 290
NY, NY 10113

NOTE: This donation is tax deductible.

3.) You can contact Terracino directly at ElliotLoves@Yahoo.com about making an equity investment in Papi Chulo, LLC.

Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com