excellencehappensproductions

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What is Color Blind Casting Really?

I’ve been avoiding this subject, frankly, because I believe it’s a dumb conversation in an age when more important things are going on in the world. But, the more I listen to conversations the more I realize how the misconception of this kind of casting actually speaks to the problems we are seeing in the western world today.

I’m beginning to understand why people believe it is okay to cast a white actor in the role of a Hawaiian in the movie “Niʻihau”. Because the argument is the one same I hear all over the place for so many shows which is, “if he or she is a good actor then why not…” Prejudice and racism doesn’t play in these conversations because many of these people are minorities and in some cases the race in question.

Completely based on my observation, the problem is the lack of respect for the story, for history and for the writer (if the case maybe.) The lack of respect for culture​ is clear and self indulgence is obvious. What it all boils down to is the lack of education.

Acting and the ability to act means nothing. However, some how our society has successfully been brainwashed in believing this is relevant. It is not. The story is relevant. The message is relevant. The voice is relevant. It hasn’t changed people. Actors are a dime a dozen. Brilliant actors are everywhere struggling to break. This Zach person might be a wonderful actor. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him, I can’t be sure. But, he’s certainly not that great. Not great enough to steal the voice away from those who’s voices we’re stolen once before.

But, here is the truth. It is about money not about the story. Not about preserving history. Not about an important message, and not about culture. This is where the subject fits in with the chaos of the rest of our world. Color Blind Casting is another way of blinding the people of reality so that the rich gets richer and people become less and less of value. So, believe what you would like to believe about color blind casting. It really didn’t matter. What I said didn’t much make a difference. My opinion only. In the end, it’s all about the Benjamins.

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Today @generichphotography and I did the first official #LolitaGent shoot. Because secrets come in sexy packages, I will not reveal details. Instead I’ll use this opportunity to promote #rednoseday . #ExcellenceHappens and #LolitaGentryProjects are proud to participate in this charitable event with the goal to lead children out of poverty. Please scroll through the picture to read about this online event. To make a donation that will be matched by #billandmilendagates please go to https://www.facebook.com/ListSIR.Hawaii/posts/779884665511545 (for a limited time, you may click on this link in my Instagram profile.) Thank you for your love, care and support.#onwardandupwards #filming #lolitaandfrienemies #followthecreation #indie #psychology #sociology #film #shortfilms #supervillian #middleagedwoman #womenofexcellence #assasins #martialarts #producerslife #ExcellenceHappens #followforfollow #actorslife

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Going to take a quick break from #lolitaandfrenemies to announce another project I’ve had the pleasure and honor to work on. Soon to be released (see website www.tcatd.com) #TheCleanerandtheDeadMan is going to be the next hottest #indiefilm Shot in #Honolulu #Hawaii with some of the most talented local #actors and #Production #crews and #written #directed and #produced by local resident #JessBryden (The experience I was given on this project inspired me to finally take the nerve wracking step of building my own film project which you have been watching grow.) Like The Cleaner and the Dead Man on #Facebook and check out the fuss. Full of action, ingenuity, sexiness and an amazing story. #producerslife #actorslife #indie #indiefilm #film #movie #assassins #martialarts #stunts

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Yay! Had the best time on our photo shoot with our young #skateboarder #KellerAbe played by Hunter Naauao-Ota. Thank you to Hunter for doing such a great job, and his awesome mama, Teri Ota, for all her help and behind the scenes photos. I’m even more excited to get to the next step. Just around the corner! CheeeHooo! #lolitaandfrenemies #filming #lolitaandfrienemies #stories #followthecreation #creation #storytelling #creativewriting #indie #psychology #sociology #spirituality #film #shortstory #shortfilms #supervillian #middleagedwoman #womenofexcellence #assasins #martialarts #producerslife #lolitagentry #criminology #ExcellenceHappens #followforfollow #actorslife

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#mediaofhopeproject #project1voice Erich McMillan-McCall, the founder of Project1Voice has honored me by including Excellence Happens in his yearly project, 1Voice1Play1Day. Not only had this presented me with opportunity, but this new relationship brought me inspiration and his beautiful views life taught me a much needed lesson: seeing the world and everyone in it with a much different perspective which is more constructive and productive. Not seeing the world view through rose colored glasses, but viewing the reality as an opportunity to create a better world. I'm happy to share this exciting event Project1Voice will be holding which honors others who focus on empowerment.

[excellencehappensproductions]

Creating the Lolita Gentry Projects

The truth of the matter is…I have no idea what I’m doing. I have a dream. A dream I have had for many, many years. Since I was a child, I have had this dream to be a singer, dancer, actress and business woman in entertainment. Back then I didn’t get that a business woman in entertainment was called a producer. I sang, I danced and I have acted. Now in my fourth year as a production company owner (sixth year owning Excellence Happens) I’m trying my hand in creating my own project in film. Up until now I have produced theatre and events. Here in Hawaii not too many people know of the raves I and friends produced that brought theatre and dance into the mix of the electronic music and the drugged out art crowd. Something unique for the purpose of raising money for causes that meant so much to us because our aim was to change the world. We all grew up and the world changed alright. It went backwards. What we understood then was way off the mark. But, we had good intentions. Lolita Gentry isn’t about changing the world. It is about taking a look at the world as it is today. The ugly truth. No more PC, no more hiding the hate we all feel in our hearts, no more pretending like things are different. We know they are not. When I decided on this project, I had no idea the world would be in such disarray as it is now. It was already a mess. I was focused on my own pain and I wanted a place to channel that pain. Today, my writing is different because it is no longer about my pain, but curiosity. How is it possible that we can treat each other the way we treat each other and there still be such amazingly good people in the world who do not waver and without agenda? Some believe in God. Some of those believers are the biggest travesties, while some walk in the room saying nothing and you just feel God’s love. Some are not believers and they scorn all those who do believe and yet some non-believers…some how you feel God’s love through them, too. I’d like to think that; although my story is centered around a small group of assassins with an obnoxious agent of the queen, a clingy young skateboarder and the snow white of men, that we start a conversation about why we behave the way we behave. I will offend people. I already know I will when I read my work. I’m not sorry about that. I will not apologize. Sometimes the truth hurts. When I hear the truth I cuss and fume, too. But, some of the stories will be relatable or just curious. It’s a satire so they will be odd…a kind of a, “what just happened?” As the filming goes, I’m just going to see what happens. I have terrific actors. Some are brand new period. Some are just new to film, but come from the stage, some are seasoned film actors. I’m building a crew that is learning just as I am learning and I have an advisor who has been around…I think I still have him. I just don’t know anymore about those who are in the biz honestly. Not everyone takes me seriously and I don’t blame them. I’m not a fan of following the rules when they seem unnecessary. I mean this First act, second act, third act thing…Oh, so brilliant! You mean the beginning middle and end of a story? Sometimes people are just too smart for there own good. But, I digress. This is a journey on so many levels. A life journey, a political journey, an artistic journey and a professional journey. Lolita Gentry is a bit of a coming of age story. A coming of old age. When we cross over from being young and believing in dreams to becoming middle aged and wishing things were different because those dreams never came true. Then you look at your world and you search for answers to the question ‘why.’

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Introducing the Sketch Comedy Team jejCuz

Just three theatre nuts that came together and said, “hey, let’s do some film!” Excited, we all said, “yeah” and did one…four years ago… and it was just edited this year. But hey, better finished than not finished.

How did we come up with the name jejCuz? Just CUZ (pictured counter clockwise) Jeanne, Erich and Jared wanted. Get it? Huh? Get it?

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Yay!!!! What a fun photo shoot with our Eduardo, Lolita’s “special” henchman. Thank you to actor Jared Duldulao for a fun fun day in #Chinatown#filming #lolitaandfrienemies #stories #followthecreation #creation #storytelling #creativewriting #indie #psychology #sociology #spirituality #film #shortstory #shortfilms #supervillian #middleagedwoman #womenofexcellence #assasins #martialarts #producerslife #lolitagentry #criminology #ExcellenceHappens #followforfollow #actorslife

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Introducing Hunter Naauao-Ota staring as our 13 year old #Skateboarder who just will not leave Lolita alone. So, she puts him to work. This will be Hunter’s second film experience. I had the honor of performing with him in his very first film and it was a joy to watch his natural talent form. I’m happy to add him to the team as well as his very supportive and kind hearted mother. #lolitaandfrenemies #filming #lolitaandfrienemies #stories #followthecreation #creation #storytelling #creativewriting #indie #psychology #sociology #spirituality #film #shortstory #shortfilms #supervillian #middleagedwoman #womenofexcellence #assasins #martialarts #producerslife #lolitagentry #criminology #ExcellenceHappens #followforfollow #actorslife

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Bill 610: The Future of our Children in Jeapordy

Trump is a master at creating disturbing distractions. But, who we really should be watching is our Congress. Those who are to represent our state and ensuring the best for the people who pays their salary. Yet, as we focus on Trump’s obnoxious tweets, flock to protests and rallies, and spend a day not doing something, it’s our Representatives that are passing bills that are harming our country as a whole behind our backs though it’s actually in our faces.

Bill 610 affects our failing public education: taking what’s bad and making it worse. The most disturbing aspect of this bill is that, if it passes, children who otherwise would not receive a nutritional meal if not for the 2012 No Hungry Kids act… well…will go hungry.

This bill is highly detailed. It is important everyone in the US understand the impact of this bill. By clicking on the link provided you will be able to read the details as well as guidance on how to contact your Senate and the talking points to get their attention to attempt to convenience them to not let the bill pass through their hands as it already has through the House.

It is important that we do more than argue on social media about petty differences. Protests only work if it has a clear objective and no hidden agendas. Anger is a necessary emotion, but must be used constructively to make a change. Provoking those who disagree with you has proven to be…plain stupid.

Bill 610 is a terrible bill that affects our children who already has it tough. It also shows that our Representatives do not have it’s constituents’ best interest in mind.Hey, they work for us. Never forget that!

Whatever goes wrong in our government, like with any boss, it’s because we dropped the ball. So, as the boss who is unhappy with it’s employee’s performance when he/she over steps his/her bounds, we must step in and pull rank.

Click on the link below to learn more about Bill 610 and what you can do to keep it from passing.

https://www.romper.com/p/how-to-call-your-senator-about-house-bill-610-the-first-betsy-devos-education-bill-42933

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#CBS HAS REMOVED VIDEO

#mediaofhopeproject #cinderaellastory #oscarsopps #mistake or #inspiraton ? Look again and see. I know, I know. #OldNews But, I don’t watch the #Oscars The only #Awards show I watch are the #Tonys . I’m a snob. So, I missed watching this. I heard about it. Or at least I read “OMG, I can’t believe the Oscars blah blah blah.” & “Oscars oopsie” or (holy moly really people) comparison to Trump…That’s just dumb. Then of course the race stuff. Yay, black people won stuff! So, I watched the mistake. I’m so happy I did because I felt so inspired.

Quick back story! For the first time in my life I’m creating my own independent film and I have no budget. I have to raise each penny. I haven’t even started production and I can tell you this, if it’s not your passion don’t do it. It is far from easy and no you may not have all the latest and greatest equipment, so it makes it that much harder. Like #Moonlight, this is a passion project meaning no one is being paid…Because it’s not in the budget… which is zero (oh I can feel the judgement of the “I have the best equipment and lots of money why don’t you’ folks already. Cha) So, those who are loyal work very, very hard for no pay. They also have their regular lives. I can go on and on. Basically, It’s not Hollywood. There’s no big bank role. You have a story to tell and it’s your dream to tell it. You are told your whole life that you can make your dreams come true so you take the leap of faith into to a heap of crap and you do everything you can with that crap and cultivated to make the most fruitful flowers grow. Nothing is just handed to you. You have to make it work. So, yeah, sorry. The Osars made a boohbooh. But what you witnessed is what America should be. Ordinary people working hard to make a dream come without punishment. There’s a problem. Immediately it is corrected. Shit happens. When was the last time you were perfect 100 times in a row? (Wait, How many years has the Oscars been in business?) Then, chilvary. (#JordanHorowitz I’m now your biggest fan.) Leaping to action like the great Knight of… something valiant (trust me, it’s amazing) you took control of the situation and see to it that the man of Honor receive the reward he so richly deserved. The love for this man’s friend was worth more than that award, and it seemed that the great majority of the people on that stage and in the audience recognized true value of hard work, passion, love and what it means to see dreams come true. This isn’t a fairy tale. This isn’t about love at first sight and everyone lives happily ever after. This isn’t fake news. A theatre full of people of all races, colors, religions, genders, sexual orientation, cultures, classes… Probably mostly rich but still, in one place together stood for this amazing display of love and beauty. Tears flowed. I cried. It’s easy to make fun, isn’t it? To frame to oppsy. But I challenge anyone to find joy. Come on! I dare ya! #Lalaland and #moonlight I admit are movies I must see. What they all displayed the night of the Oscars 2017 will stay with me forever. The win of the hard working underdog and the chivalry of the gracious filmmaker both I will follow forever to remind me of the importance of plowing ahead and being good people no matter the circumstances. #Trump. I don’t know why they would compare such a beautiful situation to you. You are your own story. I won’t take that away from you. But to La La Land Producer Jordan Horowitz and #writeranddirector of Moonlight #BerryJenkins and all who worked on both films, you empowered me and I’m sure many others. Everything happens for a reason. You represent the true American spirit well. Please, keep it it up.

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THINK!!! #EzRepost @excellencehappens with @repostigapp

Welcome to EH’s #onlinestore #Flauntyourexcellence it’s newest product line #THINK it takes a lot to make #ExcellenceHappen but first you have to THINK! We are overwhelmed by our #generation of #propaganda that can lead us away from excellence. How do you stay on top of it all? #Stayfocused and THINK. #Show the #world that YOU are in charge of YOUR own #destiny THINK! #marketing #producerslife #takecontrolofyourlife #forsale #moveon #standup #excellencehappens #clothing #posters #tshirts #smallbusiness #actorslife #empower #followforfollow #teamfollowback #Excellenceisthenewsexy #thinkaboutit

[excellencehappensproductions]

THINK!!! #EzRepost @excellencehappens with @repostigapp

Welcome to EH’s #onlinestore #Flauntyourexcellence it’s newest product line #THINK it takes a lot to make #ExcellenceHappen but first you have to THINK! We are overwhelmed by our #generation of #propaganda that can lead us away from excellence. How do you stay on top of it all? #Stayfocused and THINK. #Show the #world that YOU are in charge of YOUR own #destiny THINK! #marketing #producerslife #takecontrolofyourlife #forsale #moveon #standup #excellencehappens #clothing #posters #tshirts #smallbusiness #actorslife #empower #followforfollow #teamfollowback #Excellenceisthenewsexy #thinkaboutit

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There's many arguments as to what mental illness Adolf Hitler suffered from. One illness on the list is Bipolar... or evil... For sure he suffered from depression. There are reports of his closes supporters having to come to his immediate aid at his lowest times to raise his spirits to keep him going with his mission. Now here is where I have the biggest problem. His closest supporters came to his aid when he was at his lowest to lift his spirits so he could keep going. Without this support getting him through these tough times, he wouldn't have had the strength to continue his dream of destroying millions upon millions of people's lives. There would have been no World War II, and he wouldn't have left a legacy of followers who continue the Nazi regime all over the world. Here is my question: why is it that people who suffer from similar mental illness who have ambitions and dreams that are beautiful and actually might be of benefit to the world are told they must not do because they will stress themselves out. They'll get sick. "You'll have another episode." Instead of aiding the person so that the person can have the strength to move forward with her/his honorable mission, she/he is discouraged, causing more depression and a feeling of defeat. What if the person of illness and an honorable goal had the same push and encouragement as Hitler and all other terrible ruler in this world or this country? (I'm not looking at anyone in particular. I swear.) But no, this is what we do as support: "You have a mood disorder so you should sit in your room to avoid stress. Try reading a book. Color in a coloring book. Watch non stressful television shows. Get some rest." This is far from Excellence. Take a lesson from the Nazi. Lift the person's spirit to do he or she can stay focused on his/her mission. But, make sure it's for good.

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You never know who you may need and who's on your side. Also, obviously, size isn't always what matters. This is Excellence!

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You never know who's help you may need.

[excellencehappensproductions]

It takes work to make Excellence Happen, but this is what it takes... Over and over and over and over... But it's worth it for all those who come after you.