…when the anxiety reaches a fever pitch. Tonight is apparently one of those nights. I’m rolling out two drastically different film projects in two very drastic ways. Lots to analyze and obsess over. It catches up to you sometimes. It is mandatory that I relax. Writing helps.
I just finished up my bi-coastal weekly conference call with the MBK3 Producers’ Team. We are now 7 days away from the premiere of Season 3 of our made-for-TV drama series MY BROTHER’S KEEPER. This project has been in production since the Fall of 2005 when I was 21. I’m now 28. I spent the day at home readying myself for the phone call with my partners, which almost didn’t happen because of the screen on my MyTouch cell phone ceasing to work — thank God for my trusty old Blackberry. I’ve been updating our website, designing promotional materials for social networks and working on the shooting schedule for this upcoming week.
It’s hard to believe how far this project has traveled and that for the most part I am still with a team that I have been collaborating with for the better part of a decade. This time is different, however. In the past, the internet wasn’t the avenue it is now for projects of any kind to find its audience. We never had any official premieres and set release dates. I’m excited, as I always am, and definitely curious about where the season will take us this time. It’s usually somwhere so far-reaching and unexpected — a place where no one could have anticipated. We’ve been to the bottom — maybe this time we’re going to the top.
for me it involves pulling…stuff (for lack of a better word) out of your psyche…what you discover could be great and brilliant or it can be harmful (and maybe still brilliant)…but for me it feels like such a risk nonetheless…i think that’s why i procrastinate when it comes time to write…you never know what you’re gonna get.
…how multidimensional my new film is (I know that sounds like vanity, but it isn’t). There’s a story of love and friendship on top but underneath there’s self-loathing, depression, existentialism, political apathy…so much. Geez. Maybe this is why I’m sturggling to put together the trailer for the film…
designed by archan nair // new dehli, india
i love the artwork. some people don’t feel like it captures the mood of my film. which is dark in theme. however, what this artwork did for me was open up my mind creatively as far as how to put the story together since i’m in the editing phase. one of the goals for my film is for it to also appeal to an international audience – one that has an appreciation for art in a way that Americans would view as unconventional. i really want to experiment with the art direction and take the narrative of the film and make it into an interesting visual that propels the film to something beyond what even i imagined. i’m looking forward to what we come up with in the editing suite.
some of my friends ask me about the tag line “Be deathly afraid of what you’ve inspired”, which is a line from one of my poems featured in the film. one friend asked if it was a threat. you’ll have to see the film to determine. ; )
Exclusive new image from #TalkingWiththeTaxmanAboutPoetry:
We are officially wrapped with principal photography!
The first week of filming is complete on my new upcoming arthouse feature film TALKING WITH THE TAXMAN ABOUT POETRY. Like any film shoot, the effort was not without its complications. However, I had a great crew that had my back and an amazing cast of professionals who banded (and bonded) together to get the work done. It truly was a great experience to be working with people who are there mainly for their connection to the story that we all have a hand in telling. We resume the last week of filming in September. Despite the bundle of nerves, butterflies and anxiety, tonight I go to sleep feeling very accomplished. The night agrees with me. Sometimes I forget how good it feels.
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.” – Robert Frost
8 more days until we’re on the set of the first week-long leg Talking With the Taxman About Poetry. Right now it’s about lots of phone calls, emails and last minute meetings getting everything ready. It’s do or die time!
