Nalip Spots You on Documentry 411
Posted by: Darren Eath Posted: 03-24-2011
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Three years to the day I lost Grandma Carmen & 53 years to the Day Elizabeth Taylor escaped DEATH, we lose her, Queen Taylor an ICON of Humanity, Entertainment & Advocacy – RIP.
On the eve of March 22nd, I was privileged enough to attend The NALIP "Spotlight on Documentaries Conference." I welcomed the night as an NYC actor/writer & aspiring film producer. In appreciation of being invited to a very informative and poignant conference, I will expound on how NALIP dedicates to empowering and supporting independent FILM PRODUCERS. In attendance were producers and key members of the TV, film and media industry. Too many channels & networks to name and to add the venue, CULTURE FIX (9 Clinton Street, ask for Ari, Daniel or Coles) was proportioned and prepared to satisfy the Film industry in addition to their regular guests. Not a single impolite or crass soul in sight.
The highlight was solely on today's most prominent and abundantly sought after film style, The Documentary. Each element which comprised the event worked so well that to call the night a drag or even a disappointment would be a sin against the act and art of what NALIP sets out to conduct. If I were to call a spade out it would have been the audio but then again the attendees were so attentive and compelled by what the panelists had to share that using a PA system was an add on.
The night treated me to listen to five panelists and one featured guest, thus enabling me to understand and reaffirm why I've transitioned to the world of films. Starting off with William Caballero, an amazingly talented and well rounded prodigy of film making. Caballero was the recipient of the BILL GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP. His first documentary, AMERICAN DREAMS DEFERRED premiered at the NY Int'l Latino Film Festival and he's been twice nominated for MTV Movie Awards. His upcoming documentary film: SPEAK! So The World Will Listen: UGANDA, is complete and ready to premier. He was the opening theme of the night.
What followed next was the main course of Documentary films "Who's Who & Guess Who" formed and informative. From important figures of major network programmers, acquisitions and distribution, in addition to producers of 2010′s most riveting, entertaining and eye-opening films such as, SINS OF MY FATHER (a look at the Life of Pablo Escobar's Son, after the death of his father) up to ESPIRITU DE LA SALSA (an entertaining depiction of Salsa dancers in the Tri-state area which is portrayed by an extremely colorful cast).
Each speaker was as impressive as the other and each was ready to assist their fellow panelists in elaborating on the WHO, HOW, WHY and most importantly WHEN a film is ready to be PITCHED. The audience embraced their messages, OSCAR & EMMY winners and nominees alike respectfully drew on the challenges, blessings and mishaps of creating a winning and compelling film. The Moderator carried each topic and perfectly delivered a focused and descriptive look at the World of producing Documentaries.
The most significant descriptions I heard last night related to producing a documentary were: HONEST, RESPONSIBLE, RELIABLE and the list included PATIENCE and EDUCATED. Although many were trying to decipher The Divinci Code of "Financing and Pitch-it Time Frames", the statement which follows best describes the formula:
There is no such thing as a "Documentary Industry". Don't believe your documentary is "THE ONE" everyone will be after or looking forward to watching but film it as such. Be patient as well as open-minded. It is imperative to understand that the core expressions of the film can and most likely will be changed and most of all be prepared to pitch your concept in 3mins or less because you never know who will be by your side during events such as film festivals, airports, elevators and future NALIP conferences…
Coming from the music and entertainment world, Nalip's conference was a refreshing atmosphere, every single person was welcoming and engaging, I saw no egos & the flow of creativity was free, just as was the event. This goes to show that the Best Things in LIFe are still FREE!
Roman Suarez, Breaking Records 1 Hit@A-Time
Follow @DarrenEath or Google DARREN EATH
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