Reel Ladies Collabo Mixer (Los Angeles)

Film phenom, Tim Alexander

Filmmaker Director Producer Writer Tim Alexander and I at the Tim Alexander Studios in Los Angeles at one of the Reel Ladies Collaboration Mixers for filmmakers, directors, producers and writers this month. Alexander, the one man film phenom wrote, produced, directed, filmed and edited the infamous "Diary of a Tired Black Man" in 2008. The film acclaimed much attention in African-American communities around the world, including other countries where men spoke out publicly upon viewing this film and finding it to be the catalyst for their voices concerning relationships.
                    

Filmmaker-Director-Producer-Writer and NightWriter357

Alexander screened his film and gave us ladies in attendance some priceless insight on the state of relationships between men of color and the women who love them. Some don't get it and it's unfortunate some never will, but in a nutshell, there is WORK FOR US TO DO if we are to sustain loving and wholesome relationships, not only for ourselves, but we're raising our kids and our kids' kids should know what healthy relationships feel like. 

Screening "The Diary of a Tired Black Man" at Filmmaker Tim Alexander Studios

(LAULYP) Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals

I attended a symposium mixer-styled meeting, Behind the Lens Panelists, hosted by (LAULYP), Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals at the Writers Guild of America, West on August 16, 2012. LAULYP is a sister group to the 100-year-old Los Angeles Urban League. Its focus and ties are embedded in positive business development opportunities via empowerment and networking. The panelists included Matty Rich, Dir., Prod. and Writer, "Straight out of Brooklyn" and "The Inkwell," Issa Rae, Dir., Prod., Writer and Actress, The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl webisode series, Christopher Mack, a Warner Bros. studio executive and Pat Charles, a graduate of the coveted Bill Cosby Fellowship Screenwriting program at USC and staff writer at Fox television. So many people, so little time to ask, inform and discuss television and film opportunities with the aspiring directors, producers, writers and actor/actresses that showed up. I had no idea who the panelists were as they mingled amidst us and with us nibbling on gourmet deli sandwiches, swiss and feta cheese balls, assorted fruit and berries and mini red velvet and lemon creme cupcakes swigged smoothly down with a complimentary glass of the new raspberry-infused cognac. Gulp! As I handed Rich my business card and in exchange I asked for his, I had no idea that he was who he was when I asked him if he was a writer, director or producer and if the woman with him (his wife) was an actress and  he her agent all in one sentence. He smiled and answered "something like that" and "I do everything." Fast forward to my jaw dropping when the panelists were formerly introduced and my eyes locked with his. He knew that I didn't know. I asked honest questions and did not become star struck by someone's presence asking groupie questions that annoy industry professionals. Sometimes not knowing is best, but I sure wish I knew who he was on August 16th. (Sighing)