American Black Film Festival 2011

It's no big secret that South Beach, Miami is one of my absolute favorite beaches...granted it's not like I've been around the world and I, I, I, I (okay, just alittle homage to my childhood via Lisa Stansfield) LOL!  Anywho, when I made a conscience decision to stop sitting on my (for lack of a better words) ass and get back in and around the field I graduated in (radio/television/film) I decided to start investigating and researching ways to network...you know get my feet wet.  Ways for me to stop procrastinating on each and every minor and major dream I have.  (Funny how God works)  When I began researching things just kind of started happening!  ....Stay tuned...
One thing I knew, was that I wanted to get around and network with individuals within the field of radio and television.  YES, I'm apart of different organizations...but to be apart and being involved are two totally different things. So now...it's time to get involved!
I found out back in February the American Black Film Festival 2011 was to held in Miami (South Beach) in July!  Talk about Christmas in July!!!!!  Of course I jumped on it.  However, because it was my first time and (always skeptical) I wasn't so sure of how legit the event was.  I mean, I never knew anyone that went.  So I was ever so careful of exactly what I paid for "online".  Call me old fashioned, out-dated, whatever...I STILL like to have a REAL voice and "REAL" people to speak with and deal with.  (sign of the time)
When I got there; all my inhibitions were eluded and I discovered (through following many on Twitter) just how legit, professional, exciting and inspiring the week beginning on Wednesday and lasting through Sunday would be!
Let me preface this week by saying, "I know nothing about networking.  I am totally shy."  Some will vehemently disagree, but you are hearing it from the horses mouth..."I AM SHY!"  I do many things out of necessity and alas, I have many opportunities that come my way...THANK GOD!  I am working on this, and going to a film festival in Miami ALONE speaks volumes.  Don't you think?!  Well...I do!!
I'll also say, next year will be absolutely different.  I will purchase whatever and however.  This year, because of my skepticism; I only purchased things on-site but it was definitely well worth it! 
My focus was not on the hoopla of seeing John Singleton walking behind me in the Ritz Carlton, or partying with Bill Duke and Keenan Ivory Wayans at Club Play and Liv, sitting poolside with Melyssa Ford and Jalen Rose, and I certainly wasn't phased by THE Don King coming over to me, with his light-up cane telling me, "You are beautiful!" and walking through with his entourage...NO!  I especially kept focus with ALL the gorgeous (and, er...not so gorgeous) folk offering to buy, escort, or just plain old enjoy the sights.  I was GOOD!  I came there for one thing, and one thing only.  To learn!  To find out! 
I took Robert Townsend's Ultimate Pitch class where we learned:
*Hollywood doesn't invest in characters, they invest in REAL people.
*Time is money
*You only get the pitch to make the deal
*Give birth to your ideas and produce.  Stop holding them!
I sat in on a conversation with Paula Patton where I found out:
*Perfect your craft daily
*True love is real and good (as she's been with here husband since they were 14 and 15)
*Be honest with your self about what it is you really want to do AND are good at
*You're never too late to Just Do It
I went to a panel discussion about the Business of Reality TV where I was schooled that:
*You don't make money from an idea! (light bulb moment)
*Figure out a filter or brand
*Pitch meetings to station developers
*Produce something...that's where the money is NOT the idea
*There are four things stations are looking for
*Expand your vision
I met attorneys, writers, film makers, talent, directors, camera men, casting directors, show runners, producers, production assistants, every position you could imagine...ALL hungry.  ALL with the same goal in mind.  ALL there to network.  ALL there to be somebody.  ALL grinding. 
It was an experience to say the least, and I'm exhausted, but I'm invigorated!  Inspired and brought down to reality!  Needless to say, I'll be back ready for sun up to sun down excitement and networking!  I made lots of "friends"!  Just like Robert Townsend said, "You don't need to seek out the Robert Townsends, Spike Lees and Keenan Ivory Wayans' to make "it" happen...there is wealth of knowledge and talent all around just use it!  Work together and make your movie!  I got about ten things on my plate!"  He is absolutely right!
Cheers to me for "opening up" and stepping outside the box!
XOXO