NYILFF Season is Fast Approaching...

Okay, so, here's what happenin' here, today...

First, we reviewed the first pass of the NYILFF commercial script (shoot this Saturday). Great first pass, but, of course like all first passes, it needs tweaking. I sent a fairly long email with specific comments from Calixto and me, including the key messages we want to relay. It's easy to get caught up in the fun creative process and lose sight of the main objectives. I just thought it'd help us all stay on point if I reiterated those goals and messages. But, we have an awesome creative team, so I'm psyched.

I have a conf. call in 45 mins with a (non-exclusive) spirits partner. Well, technically, it's not yet locked, but we have been given the verbal go-ahead. As you know, however, the devil is in the details and until we nail it all down (including budget...hello!), the deal, in my mind, is not done.

The exec from our potential financial partner got back to me today (he was on vaca). They're working on next steps, which is super encouraging. Major crossed fingers for that one, please!!

As of 9am, I have a meeting next Wed with a potential new cable b'cast partner. That could be very interesting. And, we're working on another (non-compete) b'cast partner that could also be exciting. Hopefully, I'll have that meeting in the next week or two.

And, on top of that stuff and other day2day busywork (i.e., recaps, email, calls, etc.), Calixto and I are in discussions with an org. potentially to run their film program. No, it's not another film festival so don't go thinkin' crazy thoughts... just yet. ;)

If you're as busy as I am, you need a break. Watch a movie on Cinedulce! :)

Liz
P.L.H.H.
Cinedulce
NYILFF

Just Another Day Fightin' the Good Fight

As usual, I'm having a super busy day (this theme will be increasingly more prominent in the months to come, so settle into it, folks...).

This AM, I had a great (i.e., promising) call with a potential NYILFF auto partner. Apparently, they already had their eye on us (who knew??), but may not have the resources this year (shocking...). I forwarded the proposal and now... all together please... WE WAIT!

Later in the Am, we went to a film screening for a mediocre movie. Not bad; not great. But the screening sparked a couple of great programming thoughts from Calixto. So, if all goes well, we may have figured out two key positions = silver lining.

After that, just calls, calls and more calls, including a conference call with our beauty partner. Oh, and I just received an email from a major spirits company with partnership interest. I'll let you know when I have more info.

One last note, I took a call from a filmmaker with quite the attitude. He clearly had no clue who I was, which, quite frankly, is irrelevant (other than it was funny to hear his reaction when I told him). Let's just say, he actually called me ma'am... and not in that respectful, 1950's, Beaver Cleaver kind of way; it was more an egregiously condescending "who the hell are you??" kind of tone. Yeah. Right. Good move, champ. Anyway, my point is - let's treat everyone with respect regardless of how much of a creative genius you think you are. ;)

Okay, I have a ton of work. Over and out...

Liz.
P.L.H.H.
Cinedulce
NYILFF

It's Always Better to Look Up

Yep, I'm stilllll waiting for answers from a bunch of potential key sponsors. Yes, this is late for us. Yes, I'm aware of the economy. Yes, I believe we will be okay. Yes, I'm an eternal optimist. Breathe.

We had a very good AM weekly meeting and are moving along with prep for Saturday's commercial shoot. We'll be sure to take some behind the scenes video so you can all check out how it went. Considering how well auditions went, we're pretty psyched. Fingers crossed...

Tonight, I'm going to a script reading for the new film of my friend, Hugo Perez, a massively talented filmmaker who's one of the funnier, smarter guys I know. His script, Betty La Flaca, won the '06 HBO/NYILFF Short Film Contest. It's seriously hilarious and still makes my dad laugh. If I'm not mistaken, tonight's reading is for Hugo's first feature-length script so I'm psyched to hear it. I'm sure it'll elicit at least a chuckle or two. Plus, I'm bringing my friend, Rachel, who's also pretty damn hilarious. Thanks to Hugo and Katharyn for the invite!

Liz.
P.L.H.H.
Cinedulce
NYILFF

Hot Tea With Honey, Anyone?

I'm remembering why I always lose my voice in the Spring and Summer months. I have been on the phone for literally 5 hours today. I've had 6 back-2-backs calls and have several more to go. Ay carumba! Operations for the fest are kicking into high(er) gear, as we continue to lock in staff, PR strategies, schedules, etc. I can't believe it's almost May. where does the time go??

On another note, I'd like to thank all of the folks who stopped by our offices yesterday for the NYILFF Share Ur Story audition. You all are awesome and are the reason we work so hard and do what we do. I literally can't thank you enough. Hopefully, you also had a fun time and met some cool peeps. In the meantime, remember we are still accepting vlogs. We'd love to build the community dialogue and see what you have to say. So, don't be shy and submit your original vlog today!

Disfruta el sol...

Liz.
P.L.H.H.
Cinedulce
NYILFF

Last Chance for UR 15 Mins (er... 10 Seconds) of Fame!

CALLING ALL NYILFF ALUMNI, STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS AND FRIENDS!

This is your final weekend for potential participation in the 2009 NY Int'l Latino Film Festival commercial spot, which will run on cable TV, in all Clearview Cinemas, before every film in the festival and online!

There are two ways you can 'audition'. You can either... :

1. Submit an original Vlog on Cinedulce before Monday, April 27. We've posted some videos on Cinedulce to give you a view of what some other folks have done. VIEW OTHER VLOGS AND SHARE UR STORY HERE!

OR

2. RSVP to our auditions, which will take place this SUNDAY, APRIL 26. RSVP to Filmmaker@Cinedulce.com (all details will be emailed to you in an email confirmation). We've already received a bunch of RSVP's, so space is filling up quickly. If you're interested, don't delay!

PLEASE NOTE:

• IF YOU SUBMIT A VLOG, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO AUDITION ON SUNDAY.
• THE NYILFF COMMERCIAL SHOOT DATE IS SATURDAY, MAY 02.
• NON-SAG MEMBERS ONLY PLEASE.
  

Good luck!!

Liz.
P.L.H.H.
Cinedulce
NYILFF

Feel the Local Fest Love

As of last night, the annual Tribeca Film Festival is now officially under way. As usual, they have a huge selection of films and programming from all over the world. They also have some strong Latino pics, including the already sold-out "Entre Nos". Don't forget they also have outdoor screenings, industry panels, live music and the always popular family festival. So, check out some new films, support emerging talent and celebrate in downtown NYC!

Liz.
P.L.H.H.
Cinedulce
NYILFF

It's Earth Day. Watch A Film. And Recycle.

I think there's no better way to celebrate today, 2009 Earth Day, than by watching some inspiring, world-class short films about being a conscientious, caring citizen of this planet. Well, okay, maybe there are some better, more productive things we all could be doing in the spirit of environmentalism and planetary love. But, let's face it - we're at work... so, we can't really do many of those things right this second.

But, we CAAAAN watch these films, take a little respite from work, maybe learn a thing or two and, of course, remind ourselves we need to treat Mother Nature the way we treat our own mothers because she's just as sensitive and generous, but has a much harsher temper.


Inconvenient Ruth and Think are probably my favorite, and Cow is intense, but they're all really good. Check em out!

Live Earth Film Series on Cinedulce.com

Liz.
P.L.H.H.
Cinedulce
NYILFF