I don't know how or why my mind translated 'snow day' into 'contract day', but lo and behold, that's what I did for most of today. Fun stuff, people, fun stuff.
The upside is I took care of things that were burning a hole in my desk. Namely, I revised the consulting agreement with Reyes Entertainment, our publicity AOR (agency of record), wrote a consulting agreement for a new staff member and fully executed our agreement with GlobalHue, the glorious creative agency that's leading the charge for our trailer contest.
Speaking of which... did you see we extended the NYILFF trailer contest deadline to March 15?! Oh yes, we did! So, hop to it because you now have 17 extra days to knock our socks off. We're already received a bunch of submissions, so be sure to put some thought into it and send us your coolest, most creative ideas! Represent!
Click here for contest rules, regs and submission guidelines... HERE!
I need to catch up on some movies before next Sunday's Oscars presentation (March 07!), so I'm going to check out an Oscar Foreign Film nom. I'm torn between "Ajami" (Israel) and "A Prophet" (French). Both are supposed to be amazing, but I don't have time to see both this weekend. What do you suggest?
I don't know about you, but I fully intend to enjoy this recent snow dump by going skiing on Sunday. Hunter, baby, here I come...
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
February 26, 2010
February 25, 2010
A Bee Story
I just had one of the best confirmations ever of the concept 'you get more bees with honey than vinegar'. Here's my story:
As you know, I'm knee-, no waist-deep, in sponsorship outreach. It's insane. So, this afternoon, I sent an email to a guy I know at an auto company (to remain unnamed) including a detailed message and brief festival overview. No one likes to read long-winded proposals as a first step, so this was my intro email - short, sweet, to the point. We can talk and go from there. That's the point.
Shortly thereafter, I received a brief but not unkind rejection email from the agency. BUT, here's the kicker - the agency guy sent me the entire message thread between him and the client. Doh!
In it, the agency guy mentioned all of these totally inaccurate assumptions about us being a logo festival, no activation, we didn't even include the tiers but rather just a range, etc. Oh no you di'n't!! Breathe...
So, I composed a really professional, positive, but direct email, which stated, for future reference, that we always customize with our partners integrated platforms that include programming ownership, retail bounce backs, filmmaker and consumer promotions, cause-related overlays, blah blah blah (I won't bore you with the details). I ended it with a super friendly sign off.
Not 15 minutes later did I receive a heartfelt apology and detailed explanation of why they're passing, which, for the record is fine. It's not the fact they're passing - puhleese! welcome to sponsorship - it's the way it was done.
Anyhow, so again I replied warmly and suggested he check out the video on our web site (which he clearly had not done) should he have any other clients with a more appropriate fit.
His final response:
Thanks so much for understanding and for sending the video... I'll check it out!!
And, that, my friends is how you get more bees with honey.
The end.
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
As you know, I'm knee-, no waist-deep, in sponsorship outreach. It's insane. So, this afternoon, I sent an email to a guy I know at an auto company (to remain unnamed) including a detailed message and brief festival overview. No one likes to read long-winded proposals as a first step, so this was my intro email - short, sweet, to the point. We can talk and go from there. That's the point.
Shortly thereafter, I received a brief but not unkind rejection email from the agency. BUT, here's the kicker - the agency guy sent me the entire message thread between him and the client. Doh!
In it, the agency guy mentioned all of these totally inaccurate assumptions about us being a logo festival, no activation, we didn't even include the tiers but rather just a range, etc. Oh no you di'n't!! Breathe...
So, I composed a really professional, positive, but direct email, which stated, for future reference, that we always customize with our partners integrated platforms that include programming ownership, retail bounce backs, filmmaker and consumer promotions, cause-related overlays, blah blah blah (I won't bore you with the details). I ended it with a super friendly sign off.
Not 15 minutes later did I receive a heartfelt apology and detailed explanation of why they're passing, which, for the record is fine. It's not the fact they're passing - puhleese! welcome to sponsorship - it's the way it was done.
Anyhow, so again I replied warmly and suggested he check out the video on our web site (which he clearly had not done) should he have any other clients with a more appropriate fit.
His final response:
Thanks so much for understanding and for sending the video... I'll check it out!!
And, that, my friends is how you get more bees with honey.
The end.
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
February 24, 2010
Call, Email, Call, Email...
I think my office chair might actually have butt-cheek impressions. I've been nearly glued to my seat, making calls and emailing primarily about fest sponsorship. I tell you, it is never-ending.
I did, however, have a GREAT meeting with my friend and NYILFF staff member, Zulaika, who is returning this year. Yay! I merged her original role (industry client relations) with VIP client relations to create one consolidated dept, which she will manage. She's super-fantastic and PERFECT for this. Such a smart cookie, she is. Plus, she's just a cool cat so, yes, I'm psyched to have her back on board.
First thing in the AM, I met with a Mac 'genius'; my MacBook's DVD drive hasn't been working. It turns out, I'm still under the AppleCare warranty (only 78 more days in a 3-year plan... can you believe?!), so drive replacement is free. The hardware + labor together cost more than the insurance so it was totally worth it. PLUS, Matt (my little genius) realized I've worn out my keyboard, so he's replacing that too. What a peach! Hopefully, they can take care of the whole shebang on Saturday. I love me some Mac. As my friend, Justin, says, once you go Mac, you never go back...
P.S. No word yet from the talent agent I called regarding the lead female role in Lottery Man. Stay tuned...
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
I did, however, have a GREAT meeting with my friend and NYILFF staff member, Zulaika, who is returning this year. Yay! I merged her original role (industry client relations) with VIP client relations to create one consolidated dept, which she will manage. She's super-fantastic and PERFECT for this. Such a smart cookie, she is. Plus, she's just a cool cat so, yes, I'm psyched to have her back on board.
First thing in the AM, I met with a Mac 'genius'; my MacBook's DVD drive hasn't been working. It turns out, I'm still under the AppleCare warranty (only 78 more days in a 3-year plan... can you believe?!), so drive replacement is free. The hardware + labor together cost more than the insurance so it was totally worth it. PLUS, Matt (my little genius) realized I've worn out my keyboard, so he's replacing that too. What a peach! Hopefully, they can take care of the whole shebang on Saturday. I love me some Mac. As my friend, Justin, says, once you go Mac, you never go back...
P.S. No word yet from the talent agent I called regarding the lead female role in Lottery Man. Stay tuned...
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
February 23, 2010
New on Cinedulce! 2 Music Vids! Emmi, "Angel Dust" short and More!
URDULCE
"Bed Stuy" (3:49)
Music video for Spec Boogie, directed by Ali Santana.
Ali is a HUGE talent. Love him!
"Magazines" (4:09)
Music video for Cool Breeze Ray Directed by Steven Tapia.
According to Lyndon, this is aesthetic Candy... not a bad review!
Headliners "Making Of A DVD Magazine" Promo (4:43)
Check out the making of a true hip hop DVD Magazine by David "Drizz" Rodriguez.
"ANGEL DUST" (6:38)
Welcome to her world. Hasan Salaam and Noisemaker Media present "Angel Dust," a voyeuristic tale of survival. Directed by Mark Carranceja.
You MUST check this out!
Hanging Out With Emmi, Ep. #6 (8:16)
Comedian, actor and Urban Latino Radio personality Victor Cruz hangs out with Emmi, and shows him around Spanish Harlem.
TELEDULCE
Life Of A Struggling Actor, Ep #45 (6:47)
The Top Secret GIECO gig.
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
"Bed Stuy" (3:49)
Music video for Spec Boogie, directed by Ali Santana.
Ali is a HUGE talent. Love him!
"Magazines" (4:09)
Music video for Cool Breeze Ray Directed by Steven Tapia.
According to Lyndon, this is aesthetic Candy... not a bad review!
Headliners "Making Of A DVD Magazine" Promo (4:43)
Check out the making of a true hip hop DVD Magazine by David "Drizz" Rodriguez.
"ANGEL DUST" (6:38)
Welcome to her world. Hasan Salaam and Noisemaker Media present "Angel Dust," a voyeuristic tale of survival. Directed by Mark Carranceja.
You MUST check this out!
Hanging Out With Emmi, Ep. #6 (8:16)
Comedian, actor and Urban Latino Radio personality Victor Cruz hangs out with Emmi, and shows him around Spanish Harlem.
TELEDULCE
Life Of A Struggling Actor, Ep #45 (6:47)
The Top Secret GIECO gig.
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
February 22, 2010
Anyone Got Some Extra Cash? Anyone? Bueller?
As of this evening, I am 'that' much closer to securing 3 new, key festival hires. Slowly but surely, things are coming together with the org. restructure. It's so fulfilling to realize a vision. Love it!
Flip side: I'm still working on sponsorship... always, sponsorship. Will it ever get easier? Or end?! Honestly, if you've never been responsible for securing sponsorship as your primary revenue stream, give it a go and let me know how it works out for you. Thank goodness we already have HBO, Heineken, DIRECTV Mas and CineLatino on board (thank you sponsor-friends!), but we need more if we're going to run this festival the way it should be run. Presssssssure...
You realize, of course, on top of festival sponsorship, I will soon start fundraising for my feature film, "Lottery Man". Thomas and I are finalizing the investor package and then we need to hit the ground running, especially if we're going to shoot in late Summer/early Fall. I've actually already started building some potential leads. I feel like a machine. Well, actually, we'll see if I'm a machine after I do (or don't) close the necessary deals. To be continued...
Tomorrow, I'm calling the agent for the talent we hope to secure as the "Lottery Man" female lead. I might be the only person excited to call a talent agent.
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
Flip side: I'm still working on sponsorship... always, sponsorship. Will it ever get easier? Or end?! Honestly, if you've never been responsible for securing sponsorship as your primary revenue stream, give it a go and let me know how it works out for you. Thank goodness we already have HBO, Heineken, DIRECTV Mas and CineLatino on board (thank you sponsor-friends!), but we need more if we're going to run this festival the way it should be run. Presssssssure...
You realize, of course, on top of festival sponsorship, I will soon start fundraising for my feature film, "Lottery Man". Thomas and I are finalizing the investor package and then we need to hit the ground running, especially if we're going to shoot in late Summer/early Fall. I've actually already started building some potential leads. I feel like a machine. Well, actually, we'll see if I'm a machine after I do (or don't) close the necessary deals. To be continued...
Tomorrow, I'm calling the agent for the talent we hope to secure as the "Lottery Man" female lead. I might be the only person excited to call a talent agent.
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
February 19, 2010
"Harlem Hostel" Opens!
Last night, I attended the premiere of the comedy, "Harlem Hostel", co-produced by my good friend, Juan Caceres. Juan's co-producer is another friend, Jorge Cano-Moreno of Urban Latino. Plus, I finally met the director, Nestor Miranda. It seems we've heard about each other for years, but never have had the opportunity to meet before last night. Plus, I got to catch up with a bunch of friends at the after-party at Libation AND have a VERY interesting work discussion. Yes, I actually had a meeting with a Dewar's and ginger in hand for an hour+ in the middle of a thump-thumping club. When in Rome...Regardless, the film is SOOOO cute. These guys did a GREAT job, especially with a teeny-tiny budget. It just goes to show what dedication, passion, creativity, talent, resourcefulness, team work and heart can get you... an adorable, funny movie with distribution! Good job, Maya, for spotting a good one!
The film is enjoying a limited theatrical run at Sunshine Cinemas. Catch it while you can to support these talented Latino filmmakers and get a good laugh!
Theatrical Sneak-Peek
Sunshine Cinemas 143 East Houston St. NY, NY 10002 (V/F trains to 2nd Ave.)
Saturday, February 19 - Sunday, February 21, Show Time: 11:00am
Monday, February 22 - Thursday, February 25, Show Time: 6:00pm
February 18, 2010
Heineken is back! Storyboard artists?
Heineken is officially back as the NYILFF's official malt beverage partner AND they will have a larger presence. YAY!! Thank you, Alex!
That was just the good news I needed since I've been working like mad on securing fest sponsors. It's a process, I tell you... such a process.
On a separate note, Matt, Thomas and I had a great LOTTERY MAN meeting last night. We're moving along with the investor package, which should be ready shortly, but we need a storyboard artist. I have a couple of recommendations, but if anyone wants to send me other names, please don't be shy!
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
That was just the good news I needed since I've been working like mad on securing fest sponsors. It's a process, I tell you... such a process.
On a separate note, Matt, Thomas and I had a great LOTTERY MAN meeting last night. We're moving along with the investor package, which should be ready shortly, but we need a storyboard artist. I have a couple of recommendations, but if anyone wants to send me other names, please don't be shy!
Liz.
2hpl
Cinedulce.com
NYLatinoFilm.com
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