Becoming a hollywood producer...

Today's Lesson...Get to it !!!

I am a card carrying Christian who is open to Eastern Spiritual Belief systems and practices.  I am aware that the birth of Jesus Christ does not fall squarely on December 25th according to "the facts". I understand the month of December to be a month of holidays, as well as, religious and spiritual remembrances.


December 25th is at its worst a capitalist society's convention to mix some spiritual concepts like the birth of Jesus Christ and the birth of St. Nicholas (who I suspect is not a real saint) with one financial convention. "Let's revive the economy annually by going out to buy gifts for people who's birthday it is not with the exception of those actually born on December 25th to celebrate this day", is how this shakes down.


I have not thus far dealt with Christmas any other way except to purchase gifts for my son...I had not even gathered my child's Christmas list until yesterday.  I struggled to get into the "Christmas Spirit" and get to it.

With that I did my duty and braved Target and Old Navy for gifts for my child who assembled a wonderfully moderate list for Santa aka "me" to obtain. My twin sister Donna is in town, so Auntie Santa brought a few things to augment the offerings of Mama Santa.

I am however  concerned about perpetuating what feels like a myth...a cat carried by 8 reindeer is out delivering gifts around the globe in one night...really ?  It seems pretty elaborate...but then again is there anything wrong with our children having a sense of wonder?

While I know the reason for the season is not who can go broke the fastest...that's what it feels like...I did a dance today when I discovered there was one last Nintendo 3D DS Sonic Generations Game available...(even the display was gone)



Joy to the World...

write, produce and direct

Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,041 of the journey….

Today’s lesson…I am vacationing…

I really am. My good girlfriend baked 3 of these, Key Lime Cakes, before my very eyes. She is tenured professor of Graphic Design at Auburn University of Montgomery. I am proud to know her. She is an amazing artist who has added baking to her repertoire of skillz.

After driving through torrential rain to be here and bad weather…

which I completely underestimated. The visibility was almost non-existent at times. We were all riding with hazards on to make it down 65 South. I was so glad to get out of the car after driving for 2 1/2 hours from Birmingham to Montgomery, a drive that is at best 1 1/2 hours.

Upon my arrival to Montgomery to visit my girlfriend Breuna and her son….

I have licked cake bowls, eaten pizza, tried out Ocean Spray Cran-Pomegranate juice and chatted about life and the prospect of more than a patchwork of Love…

We have also listened to lots of Kurt Elling …

(Kurt’s in the middle)

because Cake Batter, CPK Frozen Pizza and Kurt Elling are what vacation is all about…

write, produce and direct

Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer....

Day 16,040 of the journey




I am supposed to be on "vacation", but I am "away".  There is a difference.  I am in Alabama visiting with my Dad, Breuna, Baine, Barbara eventually Wilma, Travis and the remaining Kiel clan which includes Donna Kiel, my twin sister and my nephew who arrive here in Birmingham, AL on Friday night.  I am thrilled to be away even if I am not vacationing.

I am away from Los Angeles where I live for and work at being a great mother and a great producer.  I am however never away from either pursuit.  As you know if you read this blog, I arrived here Monday.  I worked most of Tuesday...phone calls, emails and texts...

Today (Wednesday) I have not "worked" as much, but my mind never stops.   I am not sure you could pour or melt my brain into a vacation even if my body went on one.  Additionally, I received an email from my professor that I had formatted something incorrectly.  I corrected it and resent the assignment.



My mind swings from the projects at hand to the fact that I have not posted vlogs regarding the Congo in months and given that I tweeted for all I was worth every day of Congo Week; I watched and waited for election results from the first Democratic elections in 5 years, I marched with the Congolese Community of Southern California and that I blogged about Masika Katsuva right here on tumblr I am overdue.

I am supposed to be resting now for a 1 hour drive to Montgomery, AL in the morning, but I am blogging (Ali is up munching) and its 1:37a here in Birmingham and 11:37p back in LA.  I am about to work on a project and then I am going to bed.

"I thought I told you that we don't stop"...even though we should...And eventually I will, but for now ...I am living the dream.


write, produce and direct

Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,029 of the journey...



Today's lesson...Don't Be Afraid of the Dark...

I love to talk, but conversation scares me sometimes.  Conversation beyond "hello...how are you?" is daunting at times.  It feels dark and unknown.  I am afraid of the dark.  I was an adult when I started being able to sleep in the dark. 

Conversation feels like standing in a dark room. You don't know what to reach or grab for in that darkness.  "How do I sit still, listen and pay attention after the initial issues are addressed?" (that's when it gets dark); "When do I add anything?"; "What do I add?"


Listening is patience and I gave up my place in line, when God gave that out. If I am listening I will know when to add something.  As I listen I will know what to add.

Funny thing happens though when you try harder than you are used to trying. You begin to do "it" and the more you do "it" the more of "it" you become capable of doing.



Today was a day of emailing, talking, listening and responding...conversation.  I got lots done, but I still got lots more to do.


write, produce and direct

Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,028 of the journey…(Monday)

Today’s lesson…Keep the faith

Today I am part of the “mile-high” club.  I am on a flight for which our final destination is Birmingham, AL.  Southwest had me choose seats online, but it was a trick…a ruse I had to announce to the passengers that my son and I wanted to sit together so that we could.  A nice young woman obliged our pursuit by giving up her seat.  Ali and I are now sitting together.

 

I got all my work in yesterday for my class.  I just realized though (at the airport) that the scripts I had planned to read while on vacation I forgot to pack.  I am still inspired and shell-shocked by the 6 I’ve already read. I also completed 95% of the work on the reel for my client.

I am feeling “high” …”mile high”.  Ali is playing on his DSI.  I am contemplating what Santa will bring and listening to Ella Fitzgerald.

I might even have some Christmas cheer…

My birthday is coming …December 26^th

Writer, produce and direct

Danna

PS: There is turbulence and I need to go use the rest room…I am nervous.  There are also adult twin sisters on the flight. One has a baby that is 1 to 3 months old.  The other’s baby may be 8 months. (turned out only one was a mother and the other was an auntie).

You guys know I'm a twin, right ?

and we are both mothers...

I am now listening to Diana Krall’s Live in Paris.

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,037 of the journey...(Sunday)



Today's lesson...be authentic...be intense in your pursuit...

I got closer to the finish line on the edit of the reel.   

I completed all of my mandatory assignments for my first Thesis Qualification class, but not without some “wrangling”. 

Our teacher observed that some of us were having difficulty meeting the deadlines for our class assignments.   She sent a generic, “this is what you will need to complete to pass the class” email to all of us.  

She then sent me the obligatory and my very own “get your shit together by Sunday …or else” email.  I got my “shit” together and before the stroke of midnight tonight (Sunday) I turned in all of my “mandatory” assignments.

Most of my peers would argue that a progressive or even a terminal degree for endeavors into the Entertainment Industry is not valuable to your success in our field ...our industry.  I would only say to anyone, do and participate in what will improve you.

write, produce and direct


Danna

Pictures...

Okay so I don't have anything to say other than I saw this photograph and thought it amazing...I stole the painting below from a Facebook friend...I got the photo above from Facebook, as well (different friend) and I am just sharing these images...because I believe these women to be beautiful...

So the photo and the painting are provocative...their beauty still can't be denied....

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,036 of the journey...

Today’s lesson…I can make it…but only if I keep going…

After finishing “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” ...



I started reading “Head of State”.  I love Chris Rock and I saw bits/pieces/parts of this film, but never the whole thing.  Sitting down to read the script brought the political satire completely to life.  It in fact advanced my understanding of “Satire”.

I am High School Graduate, I am a college Graduate and I am currently pursuing an MFA so I am more than familiar with the literary device.  I am however ALWAYS closing the gap between intellectual comprehension of a concept and the craft (craftsmanship) to create and execute these concepts into living breathing things…screenplays, plays, poems and short stories.

“Head of State” moved me closer…I felt it… ("did y'all feel that ...over there?")



write, produce and direct


Danna

(I am excited to report I met Chris Rock earlier this year at a party.  I so wish I had read this before that day...we might have conversed about something other than the gray hair he's hiding and the gray that I hide by cutting my hair as SHORT and CLOSE as possible)...look at that short hair on the girl in the center...me

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,035 of the journey...



Today's lesson...persevere...that's it...

I held on. Even though the script for "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (that I'd begun on Wednesday) felt  like the story that would never end, I knew it would and that I had to finish it.  I did.

The source for the script was not a PDF, but a txt document.  A "txt" document prints out tiny unless you copy and paste it into a word document. I did.  In that format it turns into 424 pages of script formatted "txt" aka "hot mess"...and I read it ... all of it.  I am admittedly a member of the "procrastinating bum" class, but I don't feel anything is gained when we shortcut the process.

It was so very long, but did not disappoint.  I soaked in my triumph and began reading Chris Rock and Ali Leroi's "Head of State" script which was to my surprise in many ways a modern retelling of "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington", what a coincidence...really a "God Wink".

I say "God Wink", because it gave me new insight into the writing process that feels like it will serve my current career path well.

I was inspired to press toward the mark of the higher calling....


write, produce and direct


Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,034 of the journey...



Today's lesson...work through it...
 
Whatever challenges you most you have to work through it...you also have to work even harder to give yourself the time to work through it.  I have to read a total of 10 scripts for 2 assignments. My professor cut me a break so I now only have to read 5.

The 5 however must be in the same vein.  I have read a total of 4.  3 were in that same vein so I have to push through two more (Mr. Smith Goes To Washington and Head of State) to go with the 3 which will make 5.  I must write one page abstracts "so to speak" drawing similarities and differences between the project I am writing and the ones I've already read.

I have read a lot and still have a lot of reading to do.  I have always struggled with "reading comprehension".  I am both an audio and a visual learner, but more aural and as a result more verbose...loquacious. I understand how to listen and respond.  I am at times just befuddled by too many words on a page.

I don't sit still much.  I don't sit still to watch spray paint dry.  If I do sit still that long, I usually fall asleep.  I am still exhausted from the 4 scripts I read between Saturday and Monday.  It's Thursday and I've been reading "Mr. Smith" since Wednesday.

sidebar in ....yes I have known about the assignment long enough so that I wouldn't be jammed up...but we procrastinate the stuff we are most fearful or uncomfortable doing...I am ain't right ...just honest...sidebar out

The story is compelling, but just sitting and reading it is like watching interior latex paint dry.





I am not only down to the wire on the assignment, but I am in free-fall trying not to hit the pavement.

Additionally, my eyes don't read large amounts of text on a screen for long periods without fatigue and discomfort.  I have printed my scripts and am toting them around.  I have read everywhere from the car to a friend's Christmas Concert.

So today is just about more reading and getting through the reading...and more reading and more reading and more reading....oh and completing the reading...

Because not only can I get through it, but I can overcome the reading and finish my assignments...(besides I have to :)


write, produce and direct

Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,033 of the Journey...

Sometimes I wish somebody would take me by the hand…and honestly just hold it….

Day 16,033 of the journey…

Today’s lesson…bending and standing strong…at some point you have to do both and possibly at the same time.

When I should be quiet or speak softly I talk and sometimes when I talk I should speak softly or just be quiet.  Being accurate to the moment on either aforementioned tasks requires that I stand strong enough to bend.  I must be steadfast and unmovable in the mission, but always abounding in love, humility and professionalism to achieve the task at hand.  It feels to me and my pride like we are making a deal with the devil, but it’s so not.

I was told recently that I have the “gift of asking” if I do it without fear, reticence and trepidation.  Today on the phone I called a colleague and while I over intellectualized it and over schmoozed it, I stood strong in the mission and bent for the immediate goal and accomplished what I set out to get.  It was quietly amazing and humbling. Courage came today on the wings of signs and wonders.

I would like to take credit for it, but it was God…

It’s been a week of signs, wonders and “God winks”.




(Don’t tell anybody that God might be a Black woman who looks like Betty Boop)

Since Monday my thoughts from the road have been confirmed by a piece of mail when I walk in the house or the complaint of looking for some contact info and the next thing I pick up is it after not having had any idea where to look since getting the info in January.

I was introduced this to the “God Wink” business on December 1st which referred to Squire Rushnell’s book.  Getting into “God Wink” business was confirmed by Artis Lane who mentioned a God Wink by saying, “you know when God kinda winks at you”.  I asked her about Rushnell’s title. She was completely unfamiliar with the work.

Signs and Wonders aka “confirmation” provide me the inherent strength and fortitude (together they are called faith) to submit to the will and the way of the creator and the universe…

Submitting to the rhythm of gaining significance is not easy (maybe for some).  I am convinced that I am smart.  I am not convinced I know everything, but I am convinced that I am smart.  I believe that if I think it through I can figure out how to get it done. Submission to anything feels treasonous…like another deal with the devil.

Here’s the thing though…

“Getting it done” and “being smart” don’t play nice.  Further, “getting it done” seems to keep “being smart” on the ropes.  “Getting it done” requires submission to the will of God (the Universe…all of creation it feels like)

So I am today and many days from now…getting it done…




write, produce and direct

Danna


(as I get it done will somebody please hold my hand…just for a few minutes :)

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,032 of the journey... 

I met Artis Lane today. She sculpted Sojourner Truth, my (s)hero.



She painted Oprah Winfrey, who was gifted the above painting by Jamie Foxx.



She sculpted this so that all men could see their manhood.



This is of course her.  We chatted like old friends swapping concepts and understandings of life, God and metaphysics.  She is 83 and spoke softly and openly about her whole life.

We talked Jacob Lawrence, Ernie Barnes and Cary Grant (She knew them all).  I was blessed to have a close friend on board with me.  I left them momentarily. When I returned; she said, I need you here “words are not my medium”...and I thought "they don't have to be."


writem direct and produce

danna

(playing catch up)

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,031 of the journey...




Rest in abundant peace...John Atterbery...

What I learned today...hmm...I was reminded that life is indeed short.

The handsome 40 year old face you see above was shot in a RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE on Friday.  I worked in the record industry a few short moons ago and had met and seen John Atterberry in passing.

I did not know him intimately, but I know that any of our paths could have led us to the intersection of Sunset and Vine this past Friday around noon.  John was shot in the face and chest by a suicidal and homicidal maniac, who was killed by police that same day. John was of course hospitalized for his wounds.  I reported this story on my radio show on Saturday and on Callywood, as well.  I woke up this morning wondering about John's condition.

All I know is...it can all turn on a dime and today shortly before 5pm at Cedar Sinai Hospital...it did.

John Atterbery you were loved and you will be missed...

Becoming a hollywood producer...

 

Day 16,030 of the journey... 

 

Today’s lesson…I am only human…

And I get envious…I am envious of how some people get things done and appear effective and efficient.  I work awfully hard, but obviously not as smart as some.

Today I saw where somebody had invited me to a script reading, something I have been threatening to do for years on various projects, but have not executed.  I was jealous of my colleague whom I knew when I got his invitation.

I am happy that he or anybody’s doing it…but it blows the horn on all of my insecurities and fears about my future, present and even my past which I can do nothing about.

I am reading scripts today for my Thesis class.  I completed 2 and started a third.  I attended a portion of a good friend’s holiday concert.  She sings with a church.  She cried when another friend and I showed up (late).  Don’t get me wrong….the house was packed, sold out.  It however meant the world to her she explained during the intermission that we showed up…for her.

On this very human day of envy and other sins…I felt like I did something right.

I am working to be greatful and remember that success and significance are in abundance…there is some for me.

write, produce and direct

Danna




somebody…get that monster please !

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,029 of the journey.... 

Today kinda feels like the picture…

I cut the perfect Avocado…it was the perfect yellow with green trim…the seed was the perfect shade of walnut brown and the texture of the “meat” was that perfect blend of smooth and firm. In my mouth a slice of well…heaven.

I also felt this way because I am producing a sizzle reel for a project and we completed a rough cut of it today.  If you know what a rough cut is then you know its a”first draft”  or even a “rough draft” of a video. 

We use the word “cut” because “editing” is nicknamed “cutting”.  When frames are assembled it is called a “cut”…albeit “rough” or “final”.  In the world of production, a “rough cut” is not an ending as much a culmination of lots and I mean LOTS of collaboration and effort…both code words for WORK.

I’ve had to eat and drink computers, drives, video clips, “add on’s” and high res photos all week.  The editor has worked diligently and fiercely in the face of adversity: “Car in the shop”, low monetary resources and perfectionists for producers.  You’d thought that we were up for an Oscar or Nobel prize…neither just an opportunity to show the world we know what we are doing…

One day soon it will all make sense…in the meantime

write, produce and direct

Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer....

Day 16,028 of the journey... 

 

He’s still the boss…
 

Today’s lesson…know you are okay (not perfect) no matter what…
***NOTICE***

The above lesson may be something that everybody processes like the air they breathe.  It could even be possible that I am the only one who doesn’t process it that way. Don’t tease me.

Yesterday felt good and today feels good.  I am always in search of “victorious”…maybe even “triumphant”, but good is a blessing.  I just need to hear the horns going off or those streamers shooting up and in every direction every once in a while to feel great or just to feel like there is progress.

I am today saddened because good friends are moving away from LA again…on Friday. I also learned that another friend will be moving away in June.  She is taking some items home during the Christmas Holiday and will complete the school year.  She will then move into the home she’s already purchased…in another state.

The patchwork of love is feeling stretched and frayed once again on this good day.  As I watch those around me making transitions for better lives for themselves and their children, I could not help but reflect and meditate on my choices for my son’s life and my own.

Well I remember my earthly boss is my son, Ali Daniel Kiel and that God is the sufficient disposer of affairs; however it all still feels complicated, courageous and crazy.

I feel the day is successful (and sufficient) because I am keeping my word. It is successful (and sufficient) right now because I am sitting with my dear friend (who is not moving to anywhere) in silence (because we are working) and I feel comforted and at peace.  I pray that my presence is a source of comfort and peace for her, as well.

On this hodge podge day …I know that Love is probably really the answer…no matter what the question is…



write, direct and produce

Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,027 of the journey....

He's the boss...



What I learned today is...that it always takes longer than I think...plan, strategize, be patient (with yourself most of all), be ready and be open....

I am often liberated by technology.  I believe that is what technology is supposed to do, liberate us (me).  There is nothing new under the sun... so as the IPad2 commercial suggests we are doing and loving what we always did, but we are now provided with new, more efficient, revolutionary (even) ways of doing those things.

Today was a day where I had to keep quality and exposure separated.  I possibly deal with Executive Function Dysfunction.  It doesn't clip my grasp at greatness it just means I have to work really hard at "a consistent quality of performance".

I have been blessed with a lot of intellect, competence and capability; but sometimes my hands fall short of what my mind can process and my mouth can articulate.  On the other side people take for granted that if you are good at 3 out of 5...and you can intellectually process the other two...you can do them (the other 2, that is).  It's simply not true.

Today I figured out some stuff...some good stuff.  I actually performed well, but it took extraordinary patience with me from me to get it all done.

The thing is...at any age practice is the only thing that makes perfect so today I am learning to practice. Perfection comes, one day at a time.

practice...perfection...significance...

write, produce and direct

Danna

PS: Shout out....to Hakeen

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,026 of the journey...

This is how I feel today.  It gets me nowhere, but its how I feel.

Today's lesson...be really open to what it takes even the stuff I don't know and I can't see or for-see.

All I can say is that they don't feel like mistakes when you are making them. However it sounds like and feels like everything's been a mistake everyday for like 3 months now. While that's not accurate, its how it feels.

Today doesn't feel like there is anything to be optimistic about.  It's only 10:44a PST and everything feels wrong from the personal, the political to the professional.

I am choosing right now as I write to think positive, be productive and be thankful for life.


write, produce and direct
danna

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,024 of the journey

Today was just frustrating...this current landscape of producing content and selling ideas moves literally at the speed of light.  Technology has created enough tools to assuage anybody's desires or needs of the work...the content.

I learned to color footage today. I re-strategized my workflow on some audio production and learned a new software that I had to integrate with another software I just learned back in August.

I am sick of learning new stuff...but the new stuff is never-ending.  Learning is therefore never-ending.


The "Love Patchwork" was stretched and and became frayed today.  I am blessed to have a patchwork ...but the dream is to be a patch and meet a patch.

Tomorrow we shoot...

We also start pulling graduate work out of the Grand Canyon it fell in...


write produce and direct
danna

Masika Katsuva...Strong Woman

This is Masika Katsuva. In the Congo (DRC) she survived being brutally raped watching her daughters 15 and 13 be brutally raped and witnessed her husband murdered, chopped up and then being force-fed his private parts…

She lived to tell…she opened a farm to give sanctuary to rape victims …170 currently.  They farm, harvest and heal …

I am Masika Katsuva…
Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,023 of the journey…

I just love her picture.  There is no real reason for it.  I just love her face and her gaze of resolve as she stands around this pole. Yesterday I missed a walk against Global Girl Abuse hosted by my friend Sha Givens founder of I Can Fly International.  This girl’s picture reminds me of the resource I am responsible for protecting.

Today’s lesson…”just do you” or in my case….”just do me” …whichever it is you know what I am saying :) ..

It’s Sunday and I saw a great play last night called Sunday Mourning.  It was a testament to the work of artists trying to rise above some of the art of the current marketplace.  Afterwards I was inspired and looking for my “playwriting muse”.

We all enjoy works of art whether at a playhouse or in a movie theater that have given life to our passing thoughts and ideas.  We wonder “why didn’t I write that?”

The truth is we all share in competencies and capabilities, but we are distinguished by our aspirations and choices. We can write the play too…

Repeat after me…”Just Do Me!”


write, produce and direct
Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,022 of the journey...






Today’s lesson…EDUCATE YOURSELF - be a lifelong learner…

There is no end to knowledge and information. The more you know truly the more you grow.  Some knowledge will help you graduate and get promoted, but some knowledge just improves your modus operandi.

The world, the ether, the atmosphere, the climate changes around us every minute of every hour of everyday.  I am not suggesting to keep up with or manage change at that rate, but change (the thing I hate MOST) is the only constant.  In order to not be overwhelmed or run over you must breathe it in and keep moving.

Living with and through change is educating yourself.

Today so far is not the day that I wanted.  Its 1:30p and there has already been victory and defeat…I made it though my radio show, I made it through my contribution to my girl’s radio show and I spoke briefly with Freeway Ricky Ross …the REAL Rick Ross aka Donnell Ross. He was an authentic inspiration…20 years in Prison and 600 million in drug sales and he lived to tell…

Shout out to Black girls and Black boys everywhere and around the world doing the right thing in the face of so little that affirms your presence on this earth and living to tell…I glorify you !

Who is Masika Katsuva …Find out…google her ! (hint: women are changing our world)

I am grateful…

write direct and produce
Danna

Becoming a hollywood producer...

Day 16,021 of the journey...

It's Friday...thank God

Today's lesson...build each piece well and it will be well with the whole thing.

Everyday and almost everything feels like production.  Being a mother has taught me the most about production in reel time. I love my son and I want “it” (all of it) as perfect as I can get “it” for him.  That’s production…

The weird thing is when you become self-employed...your understanding of time as your own must shift drastically...I feel like I am never off the clock.  The morning has not been what I/"we" planned, but I stand on the mission...to be significant...with a measurable impact on my industry.

I therefore roll with the soft punches.



write, produce and direct.
danna