A few months have past since my last blog and now she's back in da house! In the meantime...in between time I have been busy shooting a lot of media and now having to edit it. All this in prepration for my next 3-4 episodes. I'd had a lot of plans to do this and to do that...things/goals that never came to fruition. Everything suddenly changed. So I've been just going with the flow. My sisteren from Zimbabwe, Elizabeth Markham, Director of Ntengwe was scheduled to be at an AIDS/HIV Conference in Toronto this past August before joining me here in the Bay Area. Immigrations is not allowing her to leave Zimbabwe without the possibility of not being allowed to re-enter. So as I continued with the flow...in the meantime, in between time, I did get to spend a little time with Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe's most popular music maker) and his manager Debbie Metcalf after the late show on opening night at Yoshi's in Oakland. I was both seduced and haunted by the sounds of Zimbabwe even though my Sisteren could not be here with me. Nights before seeing Oliver and the Black Spirits, I had a time with other Zimbabwean musicians visiting in Berkeley you'll want to know of.

And I will be bringing it on home to Oaktown with a visit with our own Congressman Ron Dellums and his plans to succeed taking Oakland to the next level while keeping it real!

So you have a preview of what's coming in the next episodes.

Thanks for hanging! Peace Out!

Well folks, last night (6/21/06) "Dinah did Dolby". This was really a way to kick off my earthday season. My 3rd Eposidic presentation on African and African American Diaspora, All Power to Planetary Liberation. The audience really liked it. I got good feedback. All Power to Planetary Liberation! Will post to blogspot soon.

Peace Out!

Well folks, tonight is the night. My 2nd Episode is done (for now that is). I feel there is a lot more to do to make it real slick...but soon come. Had a few technical problems...but I just rolled right through them and will roll again when I have to. Here I am for now. So check me out. MacDIVA is still in the House!

Peace Out Y'all!


PlanetaryLiberation2ndEpisode

Spring break was tres bien. Saw three good films during this time. "Tsoti" , the foreign film from South Africa, "Celestine Prophesy", and Spike Lee's "She Hate Me". I thoroughly enjoyed all three, especially the effects in Celestine Prophesy. Really wanted to experience some good bands but nothing of great interest showed up for me then, but it's showing up at Yoshi's in Oakland tomorrow night... Omar Sosa (AfroCuban piano player from Cuba).

I also met a young man (teenager) in Oakland who wandered away from his class on a field trip. We chatted a little as he came to my work place inquiring about the Black Jazz Musician Sculptures. Finally, his very young cool teacher found him and escorted him away. Thirty minutes later I go for a break next door at "Gaylords" (a cafe on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland) and the class is hanging out there. After talking further with the teacher and the student, they told me that they are a poetry writing class (where hip hop meets punk rock...this is how they look) at a private school in Berkeley. The teacher told me that the young man I connected with is a young rapper and invited me to film them performing in two weeks along with another young man (not present) who they refer to as the "Panther Baby" (his parents were in the Black Panther Party during the 60s. This is actually more media for future episodes. This will work very well with the AfricanAmerican aspect of the diaspora I'm presenting.

On another note, I've been maybe too involved with the post production of the first episode. Thanks to Rob, I have a better understanding of how to put it on my blog. I just needed to take a break from looking at it so much and stop thinking I have to keep tweaking it so that I can just focus more and keep working on the second episode.

I so much appreciate the comments from everyone...Tony, Penny, Joe... everyone on my first episode, including and especially "Da Donn".

Peace Out!

testing

PlanetaryLiberation

The 2nd episode of "Planetary Liberation" goes deeper into the Ntengwe Organization and it's children. I am using most of the the same titles that I initially created in After Effects, but different songs from the Tuli Bamuchaala CD created by the orphans. My goal is to use different songs for each episode so that this beautiful music not only gets out there but it also tells their story. I have started extracting audio from my previous radio interview to put behind some of the pictures as well.

In February of this year I had my second radio interview with KKUP planned. It didn't work out for me because I was sick with the flu. I'm told things happen for a reason and there are no accidents in the universe. Such is the case here. My interview is being rescheduled in weeks to come so that when it happens the 1st episode will already be on the internet or my blog site, and I can have the radio listeners to check me out. I think it's important to at least have an episode or two already in place for them. Immediately after that 1st interview, there was a response from the audience. The phones at the station started ringing the minute the show was over. And there were requests to have me back. This I feel is a good way to give them the visuals which accompanied the radio dialogue and perhaps sell some CDs for the organization.

More to come next week...

At this time I'm looking over my media for the second episode while thinking of ways to trim and polish my first episode. I must admit I was a little nervous about unleashing it last week while being critiqued. However, it was constructive for me (especially coming from Evan Donn...after all he is "da man".

A few changes I've made...

I've slowed down my stills

Broken the wordy introduction into shorter individual clips and mixed it in with the stills. And of course, it's taken my 3 minute 8 second piece to 4 minutes. I hope to have it trimmed down by Wednesday night.

The next thing I need to do is figure out how to eliminate the shaky stuff happening at the top of two of my video clips. If anyone has any ideas for me I'd appreciate it.

Meanwhile, I am excited about putting my first episode of Planetary Liberation on internet TV. Trying to get kinks out as best I can, while preproduction ideas flow in for Episode 2. The two are happening simutanously. I feel good about all the footage I have. My whole story (along with the footage) was not something that I just thought of recently. It's been with me since I was in Zim in 2004. The classes I've taken with Evan and the time I've spent with the Mac Genius' have been more of a structure for me to follow while learning new techniques on how to create an educational documentary that's inspirational, educational, and uplifting to humanity as I experience my creative process and life purpose more deeply. Its kind of like the grad school student writing her/his thesis. The thesis is pretty much a book and it can be published as one, if one desires. Get it... I'm definitely enjoying the ride and it's for a good and meaningful cause.

I had no idea I would be in it. That was not a part of the plan. It just so happens that when I show up with a camera, there are those who insist I get in front of it. In this case I think it works at this point.

In the second episode I plan to use more audio from my radio interview to describe what's happening in the stills.

That's it for now. Until next time...

Peace Out!

Dinah

Hey What's Up!

Feeling pretty good about what I've created even though it is still a work in progress. I feel my content is pretty good. I like it a lot. All of my media was shot some time ago without really knowing what I'd be using it for. Some of my stills were shot by friends who were in Africa when I could not be there. Yesterday I received more footage from Rome. This will cover my next few episodes. I just took advantage of some opportunities as they come up. The editing have been long but fun. It actually helped to relieve the personal stress in my life. (smile) It just made me feel good. I'm getting the bigger picture as to what my shows will be about. The contents of my episodes that I previously blogged about are shifting and changing some. Editing keeps me ahead of myself, so it's almost as if I'm not sure where I'm going until I get there. And I'm just letting each piece I edit evolve on it's on.

I found that using my already existing media helped me a lot. I've had a lot of time to look at things in different ways and from different perspectives. The live interviews were done in June and August of 2005. I'd actually started creating some of the graphics last summer while taking After Effects class with Evan. My original plan was to work in Final Cut Pro and After Effects. However, given the time it took me think on some things, I got inspired by Mr. iPod Dad and pulled my After Effects files into iMovie. I've used iMovie and feel very comfortable with it. But things were getting down to the wire, and then last week Evan gave iMovie a few props, then I just told myself that's on now! So my 1st Episode is complete for now. It was fun. Still a work in progress.

Thanks for rolling with me.

Still looking at and trying to decide what shots to use and how I want to cut it up. Kinda been kicking it around in my head. Yes, no, and maybe. I just received word today via email from an italian couple in Rome (who also know my contact in Zimbabwe) that they sent out to me today via Fedx, footage they shot at the grand opening of the orphan center in Zim last fall, since I could not be there. This will be the second package of footage I will have received from them. Their names are Anna & Giancarlo Gigli. We all know the same folks back in Zim, however, we've never met face to face. Our relationship as humanitarians supporting the same cause with our best friend who started this organization has been developing over the past year and a half via email and a few short phone calls. So, I look forward to receiving this gift this week. I tell you, networking can be a power thing. So...it's time for me to suit up and show up. Next?

Dinah

Episode 1 PLANETARY LIBERATION

In the first episode I will present a variety of still shots of the children and Oliver with their music as a backdrop. Also a live interview with Oliver Mtukudzi filmed backstage at his 2005 performance at Yoshi's Jazz Supper Club in Oakland, CA.

The media I'm using for the first episode was all shot sometime ago. I have a lot of footage. Mostly stills. It's actually a great big challenge for me because I have so much to choose from. I didn't realize I had so much. But that's okay. Now I get to choose the most powerful pieces to tell a story in 2-3 minutes that make sense to others. The process is very time consuming. This week I will be playing around with creating effects and audio that will give it life. I will be working in After Effects and Final Cut Pro.

As far as audio goes, I will be using the original music. Ntengwe launched a music CD (Tuli Bamuchaala – which translates to We are the Orphans) in which the children wrote and composed their own songs that express their feeling of being alienated from the rest of society. The children recorded this CD along with Oliver Mtukudzi, Zimbabwe’s most popular music maker. I will also use audio from the radio interview I did with Emmanuel Nado of Radio Station KKUP.

I'm very excited at this point. It all feels good. I do feel that this is something I can do on a monthly basis provided I work my ass off getting enough footage for 2-3 episodes per month, while editing 1 episode per month.

Thanks for checking me out.

COMING UP WITH WAYS TO MAKE MONEY FROM MY SHOW...well, well, well, well... Most of my adult life I've had problems asking for money. I have been told over and over that there is a lot of money out there and it is finally starting to sink in. I do know that there are people out there willing to fund creative/artistic projects that are meaningful. Furthermore, I do know that there are people out there that support my vision and want to see me live it out to the fullest. Some may not be in a position to write me a big fat check but they do know people who know people who may know something about something. I'm just stepping out there on faith and giving it a shot and here's what I think so far...

During the early to mid 90s I worked as a production assistant for an independent filmmaker who mostly survived on the money he made from his production company. I know the chances of making money that way is not for me. You just work too hard sometimes for such little returns unless of course you're an EVAN DONN or somebody like that or something. So, I'm not so sure production is a way to even break even, however, that was then and this is now. I am very open and receptive to feed back and ideas but still haven't come up with it yet.

A while back some friends offered to help me by organizing FUNDRAISERS at some of the local night clubs and community centers; and also asking friends and friends of friends to host HOUSE PARTIES where my audience pay a fee to get in to see my shows and I donate a portion of the collected fees to the particular community center or to a worthy cause, for example Hurrican Katrina victims, Orphan Centers in Africa, etc. (while having my DVDs available for sale at theses functions.

Another option is selling myself via radio. Last year I had an opportunity to have a radio interview about an education doc I'm doing on KKUP's Echoes of Africa 91.5 FM. Interestingly enough, there are those who called in to the station who were interested and as a result, I've been invited to come back on the show, Monday, February 27, 2006. With the knowledge and information I've gained since last year, I'd like to think I'm more prepared to present myself in a bigger and better way. The show airs from 3pm - 6pm every Monday. I will be going on about 4:30. Tune in!

Peace Out!

My Internet TV Show

1. Who is the intended audiance for my show?

Educators, students, historians, writers, artists, musicians, scholars and the general public with interest in african and african american diaspora and multicultural literacy. Those having an interest in the arts, philantraphy and helping vulnerable women and children and those who's lives are affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

2. Why would they be interested in my show?

Most African Americans believe the history of Africa has never been included nor properly represented by educational institutions in America. Simply put, African history is not included in the primary and secondary school curriculums. As a result there is a lack of knowledge that borderlines the type of ignorance that seperates people, races and cultures due to this lack of knowledge and understanding.

On the other hand there are those who want to learn and/or enhance their knowledge and experiences of relationships more fully with Africa through a variety of educational media and techniques that create memorable experiences.

3. Why will they choose to watch it instead of spending their time somewhere else?

While being innovative and creative, it represents the different view points and experiences of our diverse and ever changing society.

4. What does your show have (or does it need) to turn viewers into fans/evangelists?

Storytelling, entertainment, art as culture, current events - updates on what's happening in modern day rural Zimbabwe, (a country governed by dictatorship) and the psychological and social issues surrounding this experience as it parallels what's happening in modern day America.

5. How can you initially get your show in front of the intended audiance?

Marketing will be via art and history educational blogs and websites.

In 2004 I journeyed to Zimbabwe and independently established relationships with Ntengwe, Government Leaders, Anthropologist from local museum, Minister of Education, Minister of Health & Child Welfare, Staff & Students at Primary & Secondary Schools in a rural district of Zimbabwe. Ntengwe is a non-profit making organization promoting development, especially for youth, women and children through projects and programs in art, film and video, and publications. The organization promotes community awareness of HIV and AIDS, provides income generating projects, home based care and counseling and orphan support services. While there I had an opportunity explore and experience the culture in ways that I still cannot find words for, however, the media I will be presenting will tell the various stories intermingled with the many similarities to African American culture. I will direct and produce 12 episodic internet TV shows. The topics will be as follows:

Episode 1 PLANETARY LIBERATION

Ntengwe launched a music CD (Tuli Bamuchaala – which translates to We are the Orphans) in which the children wrote and composed their own songs that express their feeling of being alienated from the rest of society. The children recorded this CD along with Oliver Mtukudzi, Zimbabwe’s most popular music maker. Oliver’s gifts as a live performer were first introduced to the U.S. as part of the Africa Fete tour, on which he shared the stage with Taj Mahal and Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal. Oliver also made an appearance in the Spring of 2002 on The Late Show with David Letterman. Oliver also co-wrote and recorded a song for Bonnie Raitt’s album in 2002.

The first episode presents a variety of still shots of the children and Oliver with their music as a backdrop. Also a live interview with Oliver Mtukudzi filmed backstage at his 2005 performance at Yoshi's Jazz Supper Club in Oakland, CA.

Episode 2 DIARY OF AN AFRICAN JOURNEY

In August, 2005 I was a featured guest on “Echoes of Africa” KKUP Radio Station 91.5FM with the Producer/Host Emmanuel Nado (a native of the Ivory Coast). At that time I shared with the radio audiences in the San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell and Monterey areas of my Zimbabwean Journey with the Ntengwe Orphans and local government and community leaders. The second episode presents more stills with narration of radio show interview telling the story behind the pictures.


Episode 3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YA!

The third episode presents segments of the joint birthday celebration of two African American Elder Women (ages 77 & 90) in San Francisco, and also a Zimbabwean boy's fourth birthday party in Zimbabwe.

Episode 4 AFRICAN RHYTHMS by an AFRICAN AMERICANS

The fourth episode presents master drummer and musicologist Kamau Sietu, native of New Orleans as he takes the audience on a journey through the different african rhythms via drums to the rhythms of New Orleans infused with the movement of Hip Hop Dancer, Hassan Chaney who danced his way from Oakland to New York's 106th and Park St. (BET Cable TV Show).

Episode 5 DIARY OF AN AFRICAN JOURNEY CONT...

In March of 2005 the Japanese Embassy funded the building of an orphan center in Zimbabwe for the Ntengwe children. It opened it doors in October of 2005. This episode will feature my second KKUP radio station interview on the current events of Ntengwe Orphans since August 2005. Radio Host, Emmanuel Nado and I will discuss the footage shot during the Center's Grand Opening via Radio with the phone lines open for dialogue from radio audience.

Proposal

I have been fascinated by the origins and development of races, the preservation of cultures and customs and the various spiritual beliefs of humankind and the overall challenges involving different concepts of culture throughout the world. I am a native of New Orleans. This is where I was born and raised into adulthood. Growing up in this very colorful place where African American culture is infused with African culture taught me to respect people's right to be understood as they want to be understood and how to see the value in culture because culture is value.

Since early times leading up to our contemporary society, people rely on educational institutions for the preservation of our cultural collective memory. Included are indigenous groups sharing their histories, to be told and understood as they know and understand it. In keeping with this tradition, it is my intention to showcase the celebration of life and culture of African and African American Diaspora by producing 12 innovative and creative episodic intenet TV shows surrounding the psychosocial circumstances and situations the experiences represents. This in my opinion can make a difference in the lives of thousands of children and adults around the world by stimulating cultural awareness and addressing the changing needs of various communities around the world.

As educator and filmaker, I would like to develop, implement, evaluate, produce, and direct Internet TV shows with the goal of enhancing public assess to the understanding and interpretation of a collection of historical experiences through a variety media techniques and modalities to create memorable experiences for viewers.

I see myself playing a major role in the empowerment of viewers to experience the African and African American Diaspora more fully through stimulating, informative and very creative educational programs that are enjoyable and represent the different view points and experiences of our diverse and ever changing contemporary society.

THE WAY I SEE IT...

I see validity in everything being said in these articles, including the various comments people wrote up. On the one hand its not so much about what’s right or wrong but that everything changes and it’s okay to preserve some of the old ways of media because everyone will not be consciously nor economically ready to accept change. This is after all the age of political correctness…and everyone thinks they are.

I especially liked the comments people made on "The Coming Golden Age of TV". In particular, Post #24 presented by Ray Barrington. He speaks of color TV in the 60s being a novelty. I feel HD is not always a solution for certain films but content is extremely important. Especially when I think back to the blaxploitation films of that period such as “Cotton Comes to Harlem”, “Superfly”, or “Shaft”, or VanPeables’ Sweet Sweet Back Badass Song. I don’t feel the need to see them in HD. For me these films represented a highly emotional and spirited time in the life of black America. The quality of film during those times had a different texture, flavor and sound that now evokes a very romantic and mesmerizing feeling that I’m not willing to let go of.