Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Yes, It's late: The Weekend Wrap-Up

I got caught up in actually working at my job (crazy, but true), so I was unable to blog yesterday. Let's get into it, readers!!!

Friday:

I was feeling a little under the weather, so I just went to the comic book store, then I saw Stomp The Yard. It was predictable, but it had a nice message. Meagan Good is hot!!!

Saturday:

I got off work, but I still felt crappy. I watched the Tigers lose to Ohio State (BOOOOOOOO!!!). Okay, I'll say this: The Tigers didn't play good defense, and we got into desperation mode a bit too early, but I think there was some questionable officiating. Nobody respects Memphis. I am proud of the guys, though. I still remember 1997-about 2003. I call that the drought. The only place we saw the NCAA tournament was on TV. Next year, baby!!!

Sunday:

I felt crappy most of the day, but I got a call from my biological father. He has prostate cancer. Pray for him, send positive energy, whatever your belief system is, just keep him in your thoughts. He gave me a little grief about not giving him a grandchild. It's not like he doesn't have any. I also had a pretty good conversation with my half-brother Travis. He's married with childeren and living in El Paso. He wants to be an orthopedic surgeon. That's cool. I really enjoyed talking with him. I will try to meet up with him when he comes into town this weekend.
Later, I finally left the house. I went to Jordan's for a minute and then I went to the discount movie theater (Bartlett 10 rules!!!) to see Freedom Writers. It was cheesy and preachy, but it was inspirational. I liked it. That Hilary Swank is pretty good.

That was the end of the weekend. Hopefully, I will be able to spend time with Travis and my nephews and film some scenes for Rommel's Crossroad. Be easy, readers!!

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

RIP Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson

Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson 1939 - March 20, 2007 to Bishop W. A. and Mrs. Mary Patterson, Sr. in Humboldt, Tennessee. He was reared in Memphis, Tennessee and Detroit, Michigan.
Bishop J. S. Bailey ordained him in 1958 as an elder in the Church of God in Christ. In 1962, Bishop Patterson became co-pastor with his father at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis, Tennessee. Bishop Patterson continued his pastorate in 1975 as the founder and pastor of Temple of Deliverance, the Cathedral of the Bountiful Blessings in Memphis, Tennessee. Today, Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ is one of the nation's fastest growing congregations with over 12,000 on its membership roll. The church is located at 369 G. E. Patterson Avenue.

Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ also serves as the home church base for the rapidly growing Bountiful Blessings Ministries (BBM) which is viewed internationally on BET and TBN cable networks weekly, as well as on local TV stations throughout the nation. BBM has a mailing list of over 100,000 active donors from outside the Memphis viewing audience. Bishop Patterson was founder and president of BBM.

He studied at the Detroit Bible Institute, and LeMoyne Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee. He held an honorary Doctorate from Oral Roberts University and was the president of the Charles H. Mason Bible College of Tennessee Fourth Jurisdiction in Memphis, Tennessee. Bishop Patterson is the publisher of Bountiful Blessings Magazine and a contributing writer in the Spirit Filled life Bible (King James Version) published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and edited by Dr. Jack W. Hayford. In July 2002, Whitaker House Publishers released Bishop Patterson's first book entitled "Here Comes The Judge".

Bishop Patterson was a leader of church leaders. He was the Presiding Bishop of Church of God in Christ, Incorporated.
Bishop Patterson was married to his wife, Louise D. Patterson for 35 years.
He died on March 20, 2007 after battling prostate cancer and being hospitalized for an unannounced illness.

RIP Luther Ingram

Luther Ingram (November 30, 1937March 19, 2007) was an R&B soul singer and songwriter.
Born in Jackson, Tennessee, his songs appeared in the pop and R & B charts, even though he worked for a small label, Koko Records, owned by his manager and producer, Johnny Baylor. Koko and Baylor were closely associated with the Memphis-based Stax Records label during the height of its commercial success.

Ingram is best known for his hit, "If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don't Want to Be Right)", written by Homer Banks, Carl Hampton and Raymond Jackson. The song placed number one on Billboard magazine's R&B chart, and peaked at number three on that publication's Hot 100 chart in 1972 (later successfully covered by Millie Jackson and Barbara Mandrell). Other popular tracks include "Ain't That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)" and "I'll Be Your Shelter." He also co-authored the Staples Singers hit, "Respect Yourself."
Ingram died on March 19 2007, after years of kidney troubles and ill health, in St. Louis, Missouri, aged 69

Monday, March 19, 2007

Film Festivals, Sickness, and Tiger Basketball: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I got off work, came home and watched the Tigers beat North Texas. Yeah!!! I basically chilled the rest of the evening.

Saturday:

I got off work and went to the Lil' Film Fest 5. The theme was "The Legend of Craig Brewer". I was in a short called "Intense Black Guy, Bitchy White Women". I played a cross between D'Jay from Hustle and Flow and Lazarus from Black Snake Moan. I chained up Monica Summerfield (Eat) and then I try to convince her to be my "rapping partner". It was funny, and very improvised because a lot of people didn't show up. I wish we could have filmed the original script, but oh, well. I had a feeling we didn't win when it seemed like more people were complimenting me on my portrayal of Lazarus in the "trailer" for Black Snake Moan that was shot by Rod Pitts. It got second place (first prize) in a contest, and Rod and the director, Naseera Lewis (What Goes Around), got to go to the New York Premiere of Moan. Congratulations to John Pickle for winning another Lil' Film Fest with his piece, Do You Know Craig Brewer? It makes sense, he did have actual footage of Craig Brewer from his annual Hallloween Costume Party. It was hilarious!! I was a little saddened when Jon Sparks (www.jonwsparks.blogspot.com) did not call on me for this short. Once I saw the short, I realized that It's Hard Out Here For a Gump used clips from Hustle and Flow, Black Snake Moan, and Forrest Gump to tell a story. I told Sparky that I am the Leo DiCaprio to his Martin Scorsese. He didn't agree in either case. I look forward to working with Sparky again and recreate our award-winning collaboration from Lil' Film Fest 4. I also enjoyed Nicki Newburger's short Moanin at Sundance. She used footage of Samuel Jackson, Christina Ricci, and Justin Timberlake being interviewed at Sundance and had three prominent Memphis filmmakers do voiceovers. Samuel Jackson was my good buddy and film mentor Rod Pitts (heck of a job, Rod), Christina Ricci was Brandon Hutchison (Dollars and Signs), and Justin was Morgan Fox (Blue Citrus Hearts). That was funny!!! I kept trying to tell people that my bad rapping in the short was acting, but I don't know if people believed me. They don't know about my spoken word and brief forays into hip-hop, but that's cool.

After that, I went to Comics and Collecibles and got my first sign of the day: Sean, one of the employees, asked me what happened to my hip-hop dreams. I told him that I had gotten depressed last year and quit writing. He was trying to light a fire under me and push me to do it again. Thanks, Sean. I appreciate that, dude. Next, I was on the phone with my buddy Denna Greer (What Goes Around) and I was explaining again how I got a little depressed last year, started eating, and now resemble a linebacker or a wrestler. Next week, I get my own zip code. Anyway, she suggested that when I feel down, I should try writing. She reminded me that I hadn't wrote a poem in a minute, and I am "that damn good". That, boys and girls, was my second sign of the day. Denna is a very intelligent woman. Her advice is normally on point.

After my conversation with Denna, I called Rod Pitts. Rod tells me that I am not getting any younger and that I should try to write a screenplay and an album, because these things interest me. He says that if I was serious, he and Keenon would help me. Yes, people, that was my third sign. Okay, in the words of that song from The Color Purple, "Maybe God Is Trying To Tell Me Something". I will try to get back on track with the poetry and hip-hop. I don't know about the script. People say write what you know, and my fear is that my life experiences would turn into a boring geek fest with characters occasionally singing 80s cartoon theme songs (it's a gift). We'll see.

I began feeling sick, so I turned in early and attempted to sleep it off. I wasn't so successful.

Sunday:

I drug my slightly sick carcass out of bed and went to Jordan's for a Chicken Philly and some karaoke. After that, I went home and hung out with my brother and his friends while we alternately cursed and cheered the University of Memphis Tigers to victory. Victory was costly, however: Leading scorer Chris Douglas-Roberts left the game with a moderate sprain. The Tigers still prevailed over Nevada and will play Texas A &M in the Sweet Sixteen on Thursday. I hope Roberts can contribute, and I hope the Tigers continue to play hard.

I also hope I get over this cold and am back to my normal, (kinda) energetic self. I have scenes to act out, poems to write, and verses to pen. Be easy, readers.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Lil' FIlm Fest 5

I got this from Jon Spark's website (www.jonwsparks.blogspot.com), and I think it sums up what's going on:

5th Li'l Film Fest: The Legend of Craig Brewer will be this Saturday (March 17th) at 2pm at the MeDiA co-op (1000 S. Cooper, Midtown). For more info, go here.


The lineup:

"Brainstorm" dir. Tatsuya Graham

"Do You Know Craig Brewer?" dir. John Pickle

"Dream and Achieve" dir. J. Lazarus Hawk

"Intense Black Guys and Bitchy White Women" dir. Timm Scalita

"It's Hard Out Here for a Gump" dir. Jon W. Sparks

"Maggie Lynn" dir. Elizabeth Harris

"The Secret History of Black Snake Moan" dir. C. Scott McCoy

"Trail Spice" dir. Tom Foster

"What's Brewin' Craig" dir. Donald Meyers

*Plus bonus fun stuff by Christopher and Sarah!!!

Free admission, but donations are always accepted.

I am in Timm Scalita' short. As always, your support is greatly appreciated.

Be easy, readers!!!

Monday, March 12, 2007

Movies, Chilling (But No Acting): The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I got off work and went to the Malco Paradiso to see 300 with my people: Denna Greer (What Goes Around), Paul "P-Dub" West (producer of the future!!!), my boy Terrance, his girlfriend Jill, and others. I felt like the "7th wheel" being there with 3 couples. I REALLY hope that doesn't happen again!!! 300 was awesome!!!! That's a darn good movie full of fights and death. You need to see it if you haven't already. After that, I went home.

Saturday:

I got off work, hung out with Rod Pitts (director,What Goes Around) and we saw Black Snake Moan again. It's a good film, with a surprisingly solid performance from Justin Timberlake.
After that, I went to the karaoke bar and rocked out. Shout out to "The Mayor of Frayser: (www.mayoroffrayser.com), who I have not seen since his car accident last year. Thank God, he's okay.

Sunday:

I was extremely lazy and did not leave the house until after 5 PM. Shout out to the Tigers for being a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. I regret that I have been too busy with film activites to follow my alma mater, but I am rooting for them. I went over my friend Shomari's house and watched a wrestling pay-per-view.

I'm sorry my blog isn't as exciting as normal, but I am "between gigs", as they say in show business. Hopefully, I will act somewhere soon. Be easy, readers.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Upcoming Screenings

Hello, loyal Viewers (or should I say Middlemen?),

I just wanted to let you know about some of the upcoming screenings across the country of features or shorts that I played a part in. Let's begin, shall we?

1: This one's actually in Memphis. Oddly Buoyant Productions will have a screening of their movie "Eat" tonight at the Brooks Museum at 7:30. The cost is $6 for members and free for nonmembers. Look for my short scene, most people like it.

2: Courdoroy Wednesday has some screenings of their trailer for the Grindhouse contest coming up during the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival in Austin, Texas:

First, on Saturday March 10th, at the 501 Theater, Snuff's Enuff will play at The Best Lil' Grindhouse in Texas at 4 PM. Admission $3


And last but not least, Robert Rodriguez will be hosting a panel called Grindhouse 101 at the SXSW Film Festival Sunday March 11th at the ACC Theater. This is the big one and you must have a SXSW Badge to attend. This is sure to have a packed house. The Grindhouse trailers will be showcased again.

Three times the Sindy!!! But if Texas ain't your thing you can always watch Snuff's Enuff over and over again at cwfilms.net or on youtube at http://youtube.com/watch?v=dQOXvgX-hI8
Warning: This trailer ain't work safe and it ain't for the kids!! (I am an extra in this one)

3: And on another Corduroy Wednesday note, Grim Sweeper has been selected to the Bare Bones Film Festival in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Check it out at http://www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org/ (I am an extra in this one as well)

4: Divine Manipulation of The Threads has also been accepted to the Bare Bones International Independent Film Festival (I play a thug named "Clefty" in this one). For more about the movie, go to www.rustedsunfilms.com



5: I am also in a horror film, The Sick, that will debut at the Texas FearFest in Mesquite, Texas. There will also be a panel with the directors and some of the stars. For more info, scroll down this link: http://www.txfearfest.com/EVENTS.htm

Sadly, I will be at none of these events. I have work respnsibilities and will be taking off work for upcoming films. Still, it feels good to be in projects that are actually seen. That's part of the dream, I guess: Making work to be seen and hopefully enjoyed by as many people as possible.
Be easy, readers.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Birthdays, Movies, and Hanging Out: The Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday:

I got off work and went to see some wrestling. Shout out to my partner Clint for inviting me. It was at Capleville Gym on Malone off East Shelby Drive in Memphis, Tennessee. The main event involved Sid Vicious, a local wrestler who has wrestled for the big organizations. He murdered a few local wrestlers and really got the crowd into it. These local guys were doing all kinds of high-risk moves. I had to move away from ringside a few times. Shout out to Jason Turgeon and his broadcasting partner. Turgeon and I were at the University of Memphis around the same time. Turgeon and his broadcast partner host a wrestling show called "Off the Ropes" that comes on ESPN Radio AM 730 on Thursday nights at 6 PM in Memphis, Tennessee. It was cool.

Saturday:

I got off work, dropped off my good buddy "Uncle" Marvin Skinner, then I had an audition at the Media Co-op. Two-time Indie Memphis winner Geoff Shrewsbury had auditions for his feature "A Bird in the Hand". It is being produced as part of his BFA Thesis for NYU film school. I read, he liked what he heard. I told him that since I have the record for most film appearances at a single Indie Memphis (8 in 2006), that we should work together. Yeah, I talked noise, but after the audition. Hopefully, he can find a spot for "King Indie". Shout out to Dana Terle (Heart + Strings) and Monette Mclin (Last of the Red Hot Lovers (stage)), who I ran into at the audition. I told Monette that I loved her in that play (Last), but I had never seen it before, so I thought that her character would give in to the man who was trying to seduce her.
After that, I went to Perkins, then Bookstar, where I ran into an old friend of mine named Melissa. She's dabbled in acting and singing. She was whispering "Superstar!" and startled me. We chit-chatted for a minute.

After that, I made it to The Spaghetti Warehouse for three of my friends' birthday celebration. Denna Greer (What Goes Around), "Angry" Nick Jones, and his friend Courtney Wright all turned a year older. I bought Denna a Barbie that was dressed like Dorothy (she's a collector), and I bought Nick a wrestling action figure (we're fans). Of course, I made sure it was in a Spider-Man gift bag just to mess with him because he hates that character (I ain't right).
We had a good dinner, me and my boys Terrence, Donovan, and Paul West talked about Power Rangers, breakdance movies, and 80s cartoons. It was great!!!
Later, about seven of us went to the Muvico Theatre to see Wild Hogs. I liked it. Some of them wanted to see Reno 911 and had other things to do, and so they left. They missed out. It was a cool film. Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy played some middle-aged bikers that went on a cross-country trip. Nice, funny movie, and it was great to see Oscar winner Marisa Tomei (My Cousing Vinny) in a movie again.

Sunday:

Okay, I accidentally left my interior light in my car on. Thank God for roadside assistance. Once I was "on the road again", I met up with my good buddy Steven, aka Furious Styles (www.myspace.com/furiousstyles1). He gave me a free t-shirt with his record label, M-I Rec (Mentalee Ill Records) on the front. We also chatted about hip-hop and life and dreams. It's always good to talk to that brother. If you like hip-hop where the lyrics mean something, check him out.

Later, I saw Black Snake Moan. Shout out to Samuel Jackson, Christina Ricci, and Justin Timberlake, and a host of locals. I saw Bevan Bell, Christin Ackerman, and others as extras. Shout out to local muscian Amy Lavere (she had a speaking role) and Jeff Pope (he got to speak, too) as the guy who sells pills to Christina Ricci. I am in a crowd shot in the middle of the film. Samuel Jackson is performing at a juke joint. You can see my face in the crowd while he is singing his first song ("Annie Mae"). It's cool, I am grateful for the money and the opportunity. I am more proud of my "no-budget" indie film roles because I actually talk. I am saddened that the movie only made 4 million its first week and finished 8th. It's a decent film, and I wish the film community would support it. I just want Craig to continue being able to film in Tennessee.
Oh, well, maybe the next one'll be a blockbuster hit. Be easy, readers.