Writing and researching grants!! The more energy we put in, the more we get back. A movie and a movement my good people. Let's do it.
Collaboration of voices...
"The originality of this documentary comes through its global organic collaboration of voices unifying the storytellers, filmmaker and audience through an edited feature film." I've written this in a few grants of late and just posted it on the website as I've been doing some updates this fine day. Today it stuck with me.
What I find amazing about some of the films I've worked with in the past, and this one right here, is the energy that comes from all individuals working together for the same purpose. The connection that occurs from the power of a unified voice is beautiful and strong. As we work together, we move further. But where do we want to go?
I'll tell you where I want to go with this film, and that's toward more funding to allow the project to reach its full potential. That said, my current schedule is one of writing, writing and...researching. Not necessarily in that order. Why? Am I writing down mantras or manifestations so that the money tree in the back will grow big and strong? No. Well, sort of. As I write grant after grant, my message does become a manifestation of sorts. I believe more in the project and its purpose.
"As I work to stimulate understanding and a sharing of perspectives through Gayby Boom, I feel this work experiments with creating change through an energy wave of human empathy and connectivity. This film has the power to awaken others and create a positive change through each story, screening and discussion."
It does and we can. (Check out past daily and weekly updates in collaboration with Goodkin to see how we got where we got.)
Beyond fundraising, I am also collecting a few last home videos trickling in. And I would still take others. I am beginning to form more creative content. I hope to capitalize on the potential of the movie and the movement. I believe it will happen. It will take work. So, back to work...
What I find amazing about some of the films I've worked with in the past, and this one right here, is the energy that comes from all individuals working together for the same purpose. The connection that occurs from the power of a unified voice is beautiful and strong. As we work together, we move further. But where do we want to go?
I'll tell you where I want to go with this film, and that's toward more funding to allow the project to reach its full potential. That said, my current schedule is one of writing, writing and...researching. Not necessarily in that order. Why? Am I writing down mantras or manifestations so that the money tree in the back will grow big and strong? No. Well, sort of. As I write grant after grant, my message does become a manifestation of sorts. I believe more in the project and its purpose.
"As I work to stimulate understanding and a sharing of perspectives through Gayby Boom, I feel this work experiments with creating change through an energy wave of human empathy and connectivity. This film has the power to awaken others and create a positive change through each story, screening and discussion."
Beyond fundraising, I am also collecting a few last home videos trickling in. And I would still take others. I am beginning to form more creative content. I hope to capitalize on the potential of the movie and the movement. I believe it will happen. It will take work. So, back to work...
UPDATES!!!
I have been gone too long from you... But back to working hard. Currently I am still accepting a few submissions -and I'll accept yours if you ask us to- as well as transcribing those sent in. Let me tell you, we have some great footage. I'm so excited as I watch the videos sent in...great quality and heartfelt openness as we are allowed into the daily lives of these families.
Just a quickie for you as I am working away... the plan currently is to transcribe the footage I have to create a longer trailer cut of the film for the Frameline grant application. I think we are a perfect fit for this.
As more entries come in, I will continue to transcribe...I will then read and study and let the dialogue given sink in...I'll wait for it, wait for it, wait for it to come to me...you know, the IT. When things click. When your core comes out and you feel connected to the message, the creation, the work. And it flows. So nice. Meaning, creativity will strike and I will write it down...take notes on the transcriptions, cut them out, post them up, rearrange them...create animation and insert it in the proper areas...I'm also going to work on expanding my style a bit to include less straight up documentary style and get a bit more creative and out of the box with it.
I feel really great about where we are going. I just sent a camera to Rwanda and it has arrived! Soon we will be receiving footage from LGBT families there as well. It feels so good to have many others from around the world working together for the mission of creating awareness and human connection. We are connected...
Just a quickie for you as I am working away... the plan currently is to transcribe the footage I have to create a longer trailer cut of the film for the Frameline grant application. I think we are a perfect fit for this.
As more entries come in, I will continue to transcribe...I will then read and study and let the dialogue given sink in...I'll wait for it, wait for it, wait for it to come to me...you know, the IT. When things click. When your core comes out and you feel connected to the message, the creation, the work. And it flows. So nice. Meaning, creativity will strike and I will write it down...take notes on the transcriptions, cut them out, post them up, rearrange them...create animation and insert it in the proper areas...I'm also going to work on expanding my style a bit to include less straight up documentary style and get a bit more creative and out of the box with it.
I feel really great about where we are going. I just sent a camera to Rwanda and it has arrived! Soon we will be receiving footage from LGBT families there as well. It feels so good to have many others from around the world working together for the mission of creating awareness and human connection. We are connected...
Check out our movies!
Here's a few rough cuts and promo pieces for your viewing pleasure and education. Subscribe to us for up-to-date updates. We love to have you close! Enjoy!
Goodkin Collaboration
Check out the daily blog, yes I said daily, on Goodkin's site. We have a beautiful collaboration building and I am contributing a blogathon. So it seems.
Follow us...
Follow us...
Deadline is a coming!
We have until September 1st to catch our global representation of LGBT families! We have excerpts in the works of home videos sent in by LGBT parents (we're waiting on home videos by children of LGBT parents) and here's one to start.
Copy, Paste, Ca-lick
Copy, paste, click. Copy, paste, click. Oh, yes. Many hours go by like this working on Gayby Boom. I’ve been tackling a brief, yet comprehensive, guide of LGBT organizations around the globe via a list on Wikipedia. Brief as there may be only 1 organization per country. Or there may be 20. And I’m looking at all countries all over the world. Thus, comprehensive.
Now, if they would have direct links to the website and if those websites were in English automatically, this would ease my process. (Or if I knew at least 3 languages...which would be sexy, too) But who needs ease? I’m refining my research capabilities. And it’s truly amazing to see all the good work going on around the world, including regions where it is dangerous to be OUT.
My process? I got through the list on Wikipedia and find the organization’s website and add info to my excel worksheets, including name, email, contact, website, notes as to our contact and geographical location. Then, I send an email to them with a Press Release and Flier. To assist in spreading the Call for Entries, I am awarding opening credits to the organization or individual who refers us the most entries.
The email looks like this and feel free to pass along:
It seems to be working. I can feel the momentum building. I’ve had ILGA, the International Lesbian and Gay Association, send the email off to lists around the world. Forum Haifa in Israel forwarded to their mailing lists. Two organizations in Canada sent the information to their lists and posted to their blogs. The Center in NY posted in their newsletter. An organization in Chile responded with questions in Spanish, as I sent the Press Release in Spanish...choppy though. And Gay Parent Magazine is posting in their next issue. And a professor from Nebraska requested a link to send to her network. Building. Yes, we are. It takes a lot of time and work, but this is an investment.
Would you like to invest? You can in a few ways. Submit a video, subscribe to the art, and/or pass this press release on to 5 people and ask them to pass along to 5 people...and on and on...It works. You work. Let's work it.
The email looks like this and feel free to pass along:
Hello, my name is Lisa Marie Evans. I am a filmmaker and activist currently working on a documentary, Gayby Boom, exploring LGBT families and values. We are seeking home videos by LGBT parents and families from around the globe to compile this feature documentary.
As the home video entries are vital to the completion and quality of the film, I am working to build connections around the world to garner a diverse representation and voice for LGBT peoples and families. If you could pass the information on to your networks, I would appreciate the exposure and hope we may build upon each other's mission. The organization or individual who refers the most home video entries to the film will be awarded opening credits. I have copied the text from the Press Release below, as well as attached a pdf copy and a flier.
I am working to create connections and networks to build upon the work we do and benefit from one another's mission, today and in the future. I appreciate your efforts and energy. I hope we may work together. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or input you may have. Thank you...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lisa Marie Evans
Tel. 816/590-5014
Cell Phone: 816/590-5014
DOCUMENTARY FILM, GAYBY BOOM, SEEKS VIDEO ENTRIES BY LGBT FAMILIES
ARIZONA, May 3, 2010 - Parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender are invited to submit home videos to be included in a feature documentary, Gayby Boom, exploring the ever-evolving definition of family values.LGBT parents and their children of all ages are encouraged to submit. Filmmaker toolkits are available online to assist in the filming process.
"We need parents from around the globe to submit home-videos to represent the many faces and lives involved in LGBT families. In a time where it is still illegal for LGBT individuals to marry and/or adopt in the U.S. and many other countries, this is also the time to share our lives in the spirit of education and awareness for all communities,"expressed filmmaker Lisa Marie Evans. "This will be a brilliant education tool for LGBT individuals seeking to bring children into their lives as they may learn from the stories and experiences of others."
When signing the release forms, individuals are asked who referred them to submit a video. To assist in publicizing the call for videos, the organization or individual who refers the most entries will be awarded their name in the opening credits.
For more information on participation, including where to submit your video, a filmmaker toolkit, releases and press materials, visit: http://www.gaybyboomfilm.com
Submission deadline: September 1, 2010
###
Opening credits to the organization who spreads the most love
Spread the love! Share the news! We'll give it right back. That's how we work it.
We have a new contest of sorts going on. Yes, we are keeping it real and keeping it innovative. We shall give opening credits to the organization who sends us the most entries. Well, how does that work? Easy. Each LGBT family who sends in a home video must fill out a performance release form. These are available to download at www.gaybyboomfilm.com At the end of the form we ask how you heard about us. We will tally up the organization, or individual, with the most mentions and they will have their names in the opening credits.
Below are tools and links. Enjoy!
We have a new contest of sorts going on. Yes, we are keeping it real and keeping it innovative. We shall give opening credits to the organization who sends us the most entries. Well, how does that work? Easy. Each LGBT family who sends in a home video must fill out a performance release form. These are available to download at www.gaybyboomfilm.com At the end of the form we ask how you heard about us. We will tally up the organization, or individual, with the most mentions and they will have their names in the opening credits.
Below are tools and links. Enjoy!
Making movies, key word "making"
I've taken a bit of a marketing break, well at least in terms of marketing the call for entries. I've turned to marketing my own work for a bit, so that the work can be made and paid.
Have you ever wondered how a movie gets financed? Well, one needs to be creative to make the movie as well as to pay for the movie. I just so happen to be creative. If you're here and reading this, you're interested and you care about the work. You might be interested in subscribing to it. Oh, I think you might.
Do you have passion? I think so. And I like that.
I, too, have passion. I produce unique films and art to stimulate positive growth and create social change, (with a hint of flirtatious zest.) Take a look at my current work and projects at www.lisamareiart.com To continue to produce this work, I have created a Subscriber’s Program.
WHO? Today is a New World for myself as a filmmaker and artist. It is important to find people with interest in my projects, who can become patrons, even mentors. This Subscriber’s Program is a partnership between you and I.
You, who have shown interest in my work. You, who fights for similar causes of humanity, equality, the rights of living beings and quality entertainment.
WHAT?
At $20 a month, or a yearly fee of $200 (yes, a $40 value!), you become an active Subscriber to Lisa Marie Art.
What are the benefits to you as a Subscriber? Bestow your beautiful eyes upon:
- Monthly newsletters sent via email. Perhaps you’ll sit down with a glass of wine, tea or coffee and relax whilst you read about the impacts of your support.
- Private, subscribers-only blog featuring weekly updates on current projects at hand, those being researched for future endeavors, lists of to-dos and how-tos, marketing paths, tips and tricks...all with photos and links. I find this aspect interesting as it allows you to get an inside view on certain processes one takes through building a career as an artist.
- Name recognition on completed projects. I’m talking your name typed out and listed in credits of films, books (mhmm, books...you’ll find out more about it through the updates...), and a page on the website dedicated to thanking you as a subscriber. Your name is important and I want to ensure it is recognized for its impact as a Subscriber.
- Internal satisfaction as you directly play a role in bringing art alive to create change locally and globally.
Right now is the perfect time to begin. You choose either a monthly or yearly payment option.
WHERE?
Right here. You click your preferred payment schedule and you will be taken through Paypal’s secure system.
Click to be a MONTHLY SUBSCRIBE
or
Click to be a YEARLY SUBSCRIBER.
HOW?
Through Paypal, the Subscriber’s Program is assured to be safe and secure. You choose the $20 monthly or the $200 yearly subscription and Paypal takes care of the rest.
You may also end your subscription at any time through your Paypal account.
WHY?
We truly are in this together. The Subscriber’s Program works to benefit both you and I. I need your support to continue to produce films and art. We need quality media that creates social change in this world. It’s entertaining and has purpose. I hope you’ll find purpose in subscribing today. I would love to work with you. Every voice counts and we can make a difference together.
Thank you! Your subscription will ensure this film's completion. Leave your mark...
From Tucson to You to Malawi, with love
I feel strongly in the power of media, both in quantity and quality. I use the art and media I create to stimulate discussion and connection around issues of human and environmental concern. It makes me feel good to do this. I find purpose.
With Gayby Boom, I truly feel the film will educate the public about LGBT families on a basic level as well as give an understanding around many issues facing LGBT families, and individuals.
We need to hear stories from around the world. We need to share and open our lives to educate. Now, I'm all about privacy, don't get me wrong. But, some things need to be sacrificed for a greater good. In balance.
From Tucson, where I am currently working and living with this project...to you, where you currently are reading and supporting this work and your own work...to Malawi, where others are being persecuted wrongly ...we work to spread a positive and fearless message of love.
Together, we can make change.
Up-to-dates
I am tweeting and twitter-following, facebooking and linking info onto other pages...such as what you're viewing right here. This way, I hope to use my whoa-man power to reach more folks by linking to a facebook group page, such as COC Nederland...because we are trying to go international. Inter-national.
Which leads me to the next linking example. Italian translation. I'm not sure how clean it is but I do believe it showed grand efforts. Who doesn't want to see hot Italian moms and dads?? I do. And, sure, we'll see the kids too. I don't mean to exclude the family aspect. But I do think parents need a little praise here and there.Moving along.
Tweeting (we've gotten shout-outs), facebooking...sending out press releases...I am beginning to see the fruits of my labor. Partly because I am indeed organized and I Excel my data and contacts, (yes Excel as a verb but with a capital E for name brand.)
Tomorrow I discuss with Melanie Nathan of the fabulous lezgetreal.com to cover the movie...they saw a link posted on Facebook...
I have a podcast interview set up for August 5 with Coach Sappho, America's Favorite Lesbian Love Coach. Now, I must be honest...I love the sound of that.
I've also heard from a few folks with commitments to send in videos. There shan't be a movie without video submissions, so this is a good thing.
My eyes hurt from being on my i-phone so much as I try and extend many connections to garner better reach and marketing. (Sidenote, i-phone screens are not durable and geniuses need a better line over, well, it is a small computer. Welllll, it is a big phone and expensive too, so fix it, Genius. My phone is great though. Just saying.)
Back to cause and effect. Mombian posted information about Gayby Boom yesterday, which was great. We heart mombians. We got a call from a woman to submit a video after she saw the info on Mombian.
So, it works. These marketing efforts will pave the way for future endeavors as well. Like what? Check out some of my work and see for yourself, www.lisamarieart.com
Basically, it's one person...me...researching, posting, writing, connecting...and loving it. But it's a lot of work and a lot of time. If you'd like to assist, we are open to interns. I also offer a subscription program to allow a sustainable route to continue to produce work and art that makes a positive impact in this world. You can too. Support the work and make a difference.
Enjoy and watch us grow. This is how it happens. Don't you want to be a part?
We are everywhere.
So, the image is back. Since I've begun this family project, I am now seeing and hearing of all these families and children. I. Love. It. I've requested, via the Gayby Boom Facebook page, for others to send their pictures to me to post. Feel free to do so yourself! Send them to me@lisamarieart.com
We have beautiful people...in Toronto, Missouri, Arizona, Washington. We wish to add to our collection of photos. We would like to diversify and showcase the dads, people of color, and those who are transgender. So, I'll work on that. Until then, enjoy the pretty faces below...
Hookin' Up and Marketing
I have a new mission...market, market, market. Fortunately, in the way of the social networking world, this comes at great access. Currently, I am utilizing Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to find individuals through like-minded communities and asking them (you) to be my friend. It somehow reverts me to childhood, this befriending... but I had a pretty good one, so I'm down with that.
We have a fabulous project in the works with amazing potential. We can showcase LGBT parents' lives from all over the world. By doing this, we share their experiences with other LGBT folks who are trying to bring children into their lives so that they may garner knowledge and know-how...and there is a need for this knowledge. I know. The people have spoken.
Also, this film and these stories bring awareness and education that is still much needed today as there is great hypocrisy, discrimination and violence toward LGBT people and their loved ones. We got purpose, people, let's move with it.
I've had the pleasure to make a new connection with Amie Klempnauer Miller who has recently authored a book that pertains to our stories, "She Looks Just Like You: A Memoir of (Nonbiological Lesbian) Motherhood."
It's great to be part of a larger movement...one toward equality and human connection. It feels good to feel good.
Remember, if you would like to help us connect and spread the word, find us and follow us...and bring your people:
FACEBOOK-GAYBY BOOM
LINKED IN
TWITTER
We have a fabulous project in the works with amazing potential. We can showcase LGBT parents' lives from all over the world. By doing this, we share their experiences with other LGBT folks who are trying to bring children into their lives so that they may garner knowledge and know-how...and there is a need for this knowledge. I know. The people have spoken.
Also, this film and these stories bring awareness and education that is still much needed today as there is great hypocrisy, discrimination and violence toward LGBT people and their loved ones. We got purpose, people, let's move with it.
I've had the pleasure to make a new connection with Amie Klempnauer Miller who has recently authored a book that pertains to our stories, "She Looks Just Like You: A Memoir of (Nonbiological Lesbian) Motherhood."
It's great to be part of a larger movement...one toward equality and human connection. It feels good to feel good.
Remember, if you would like to help us connect and spread the word, find us and follow us...and bring your people:
FACEBOOK-GAYBY BOOM
LINKED IN
Pre-production and development phase of this here movie
So, we've been working on this here movie for over a year now. What have we done in that span of time? I'll tell you. Because I think it's interesting to learn about the experiences of others and movies are cool. Therefore, our experiences are cool. We wish to share:
-We got lawyers. Smart and sexy ones at that. We were able to attain their services through Kansas City's Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (KCVLAA)
-Laura Karpman, four-time Emmy award winning composer, has agreed to score this film upon completion. What's that? Yes, we said four. Hmm? Oh, yes, we said Laura Karpman.
-We became fiscally sponsored by Midwest Alternative Family Alliance (MAFA). This is a great organization. We love our sponsor.
-Kim, one of our producers, filmed her family life over a span of time from trying to impregnate her partner, finding a donor, getting pregnant and having a baby. (You don't have to do this if filming. We'll be happy with a day in the life of...)
-Kelly, our other producer and my girlfriend, her son and I moved from Missouri to Arizona. Just in time for the immigration bill. And have therefore changed the PO BOX address for submissions.
-We developed funding materials and did (do) fundraising.
-We created a trailer/call for entries, website, facebook page, promotional materials, a logo and catchy title (you like?).
-We created a filmmaker toolkit to assist others in the filming process.
-We have set up a consultation with distribution guru, Peter Broderick, to better prepare an innovative plan to succeed, my friends.
-We extended the deadline for entries and have been connecting with others across and around this damn fine globe. Which has brought us to here.
Here. We are connecting. Our goal right now is to make as many connections as possible to spread the word about the film's call for entries. We desire a large and vast selection of diverse LGBT family stories. We will then continue to connect. We want to build community and awareness through this film. As well as entertain. And show you off. Now is our time.
-We got lawyers. Smart and sexy ones at that. We were able to attain their services through Kansas City's Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (KCVLAA)
-Laura Karpman, four-time Emmy award winning composer, has agreed to score this film upon completion. What's that? Yes, we said four. Hmm? Oh, yes, we said Laura Karpman.
-We became fiscally sponsored by Midwest Alternative Family Alliance (MAFA). This is a great organization. We love our sponsor.
-Kim, one of our producers, filmed her family life over a span of time from trying to impregnate her partner, finding a donor, getting pregnant and having a baby. (You don't have to do this if filming. We'll be happy with a day in the life of...)
-Kelly, our other producer and my girlfriend, her son and I moved from Missouri to Arizona. Just in time for the immigration bill. And have therefore changed the PO BOX address for submissions.
-We developed funding materials and did (do) fundraising.
-We created a trailer/call for entries, website, facebook page, promotional materials, a logo and catchy title (you like?).
-We created a filmmaker toolkit to assist others in the filming process.
-We have set up a consultation with distribution guru, Peter Broderick, to better prepare an innovative plan to succeed, my friends.
-We extended the deadline for entries and have been connecting with others across and around this damn fine globe. Which has brought us to here.
Here. We are connecting. Our goal right now is to make as many connections as possible to spread the word about the film's call for entries. We desire a large and vast selection of diverse LGBT family stories. We will then continue to connect. We want to build community and awareness through this film. As well as entertain. And show you off. Now is our time.
We're all in this together...
We all deserve equal human rights. We all do not share equal human rights. When fighting for the rights of others, I innately feel as though I'm fighting for my rights. After all, what truly separates us? When fighting for the cause, I often think of this poem attributed to Pastor Martin Niemoller,
"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant.
THEN THEY CAME for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."So let's speak up. Spread the word. Build awareness. You and me.
Spreading the word
Currently, we are spreading the good word about Gayby Boom! I am making connections all over the world so that we might get a diverse collection of entries ---> which makes for a diverse representation of all the fine LGBT parents that roam this earth.
Please pass us along.
So far we have entries coming from:
Seattle, Wa
Tucson, Az
Kansas City, Mo
Vancouver, BC
Boston, Ma
I know you want a shout out from your hood...so feel free to pass us along. If you need any information, I'm here at your convenience.
Looking forward to seeing how far we reach...
Please pass us along.
So far we have entries coming from:
Seattle, Wa
Tucson, Az
Kansas City, Mo
Vancouver, BC
Boston, Ma
I know you want a shout out from your hood...so feel free to pass us along. If you need any information, I'm here at your convenience.
Looking forward to seeing how far we reach...
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