#First Atlanta Film Festival

[halfmoondaze]

could you maybe write something where hack is always treating reader like the queen she is. Like when in public he is always seen at her beck and call and absolutely in love with her. like maybe he ties her shoe for her or something. I've been in a hopless romantic mood lately. Thank you😘

Love Affair

Y/N who is currently one of the rising stars to dominate 2022, had her first breakthrough role in the film “The Great Divide” at the age of 17. She brough so much complexity to her role; making a memorable performance, and since then she was able to capture the attention of everyone. 

When it was first announced Jack Harlow was starring in the upcoming film “Angelene”, everyone was more than excited. But as filming was wrapped and the Venice Film Festival was just around the corner, all eyes were on them. And the premiere, was more than memorable. 

Fans captured the moment Jack Harlow saw Y/N Y/L/N for the first time before entering the red carpet, and it was endearing to say the least. 

The pair were first spotted together strolling through the streets of Y/H/T only days before the premiere of “Angelene” at the Venice Film Festival, sparking rumors they were an item. But the two managed to keep their relationship fairly lowkey ever since. 

The Fleeting Touch

During the red-carpet event, fans couldn’t help but point out instances in which Jack Harlow would sneakily find ways to touch her hand while posing for a group picture with the rest of the cast. In the video, Jack reaches out for Y/N’s hand and caresses it as to get her attention. But when she ignores it, he reaches out once again, in which she takes his hand and caressed it before pulling away. Not to mention, the few moments, Jack would steal glances at Y/N, not hiding how in love with her he was. 

Words Of Endearment 

GIF by jackhrlow

If that wasn’t adorable enough, the pair didn’t hold back when being asked about one another when asked about working with each other. 

I was so moved by his performance and I think he took on this role like nobody else. 

It was an honor working with Y/N. Ive seen her in “Then There Were Two” and I was blown away by her performance. So I feel thankful to be able to work alongside her. 

Fans Reaction 

Fans Encounters

Even though, the pair had managed to keep themselves off the radar of paparazzi, thanks to Jack Harlow spending most of his time in Kentucky and Atlanta; fans were able to spot him several times. And there was no denial that the pair were very much in love as they were seen smiling from ear to ear at each other, holding hands or kissing. And they also managed to make time to pose for a few pictures with fans and interacting with them. Its safe to say, the pair has won the hearts of both of their fans, 

[hoodharlow]

A Letter to M

AN: part 4 is finally here! I was gonna post Jack and Miriam getting frisky at Forecastle but 🥴🥴🥴. Hopefully y'all enjoy this. And for my El Novio readers, hope y'all like the little cameo lol

Requested? No

Warnings: angst with a hopeful ending, The Batman spoiler warning (idk if it's really, like the plot briefly mentioned to fit Miriam's character, mentions of Bobby Flay, jealous!jack, Jack being nosy and lurking, and overall Miriam being too stubborn and not realizing she jumped to conclusions

Word Count: 6.5k words

Miriam really hated LA and couldn’t wait to go back to Atlanta. Traffic was the worst, she had left her parents’ house an hour early to her appointment but she was still late. She was in LA for the week because in a few weeks ‘In the Heights’ is premiering and she had a photoshoot with Vanity Fair and Entertainment Weekly with her other co-stars. 

Beto got out of the driver's side and opened the door for her when they arrived at her friend's tattoo parlor. She knew Danny, the tattoo artist, since they were teenagers. Their dads became business partners a few years back when her dad opened his salsa company. 

Diego Santos’ restaurants were one of the first restaurants to distribute her dad's salsas. Recently, he even got his own salsa at her dad’s company. But before that when Mexico played at Qualcomm Stadium, her family would always go to his restaurant to eat and through the years, they developed a friendship. Most importantly, Miriam got most of her vintage clothes from Soni’s, Diego’s wife, boutique/vintage store. Specifically her vintage ACNE Studios leather coat that she left in Jack’s suite. 

It’s been almost two months since her shit show with Jack. For a few days, he’d leave her voicemails and messages begging her to call him back so he could explain. She didn’t bother to hear them and just deleted them, she wanted nothing to do with him. She was finally out of the way so he was free to make a move on her sister, which was all he really wanted. 

She was glad she was working on her movie because for a few hours she could be someone else and not think about Jack and her sister, who was able to make Miriam the bad guy in this situation because a slap over weighted playing with her feelings. At least her sister was at the Cannes Film Festival with all her model friends, and she didn't have to see her face while she was in LA. 

"Hey," Danny said, waving at them when the door jingled. He picked up his one year old son from his playpen and walked over to Miriam. He gave her a side hug. 

"Hi baby!" She told the one-year old as she took him from Danny's arms. She took a quick glance and noticed the place was empty. "¿Onta la milf?"

"Mede is in class. She's finishing up the last requirements for graduation." He explained. He held up a small platter of sushi. "¿Quieres?"

"I'm good, I had a big breakfast." She said

"You want some?" Danny asked Beto, who looked up from his book and shook his head. "I also have water or snacks. You can help yourself."

Beto nodded and went back to reading. 

"I think you might want water. You're looking a little thirsty." Miriam teased as Danny's cheeks flushed. 

"I'm being hospitable." 

"Sure, you are."

"Anyways, Claudia is coming by in a few minutes to pick up Sebas." He said changing the subject.

Miriam hugged baby Sebas tighter and pouted. "No, I barely got him. I haven't seen him in forever."

"You would have seen him at his first birthday party but you were too busy riding the subway with Jack Harlow." He muttered, referring to the video of them when they went grocery shopping.

She saw the video circling Twitter a few days after she started filming in Atlanta. Luckily for her face wasn't shown and she was just some mystery girl. She watched the video countless times and her heart broke more with every view. It looked like he genuinely liked her. The way he turned his body towards her to talk to her. Or how he twirled one of her curls while he whispered stupid shit in her ear to make her laugh. He even managed to trick the internet that he was interested in her. 

"From the way your face dropped, I'm assuming I shouldn't have mentioned Jack, huh?" Danny said solemnly.

Before she could answer him, the door jingled. The person she least expected to see walked in…her ex, Calum Hood. 

Well she shouldn't be as surprised to see him. Calum was basically Danny's brother in law. He's been dating Claudia, Danny's twin sister, for two years. Miriam didn't count him as an ex, she just liked teasing him that he was. Claudia even joked about it because he had freaked out when he saw her and her family at Claudia's graduation party.

They only dated for a month back in 2017 when the band was working on their album in San Francisco while she was at Berkeley. But a few fans caught wind of it and made it bigger than what it was. Some fans even speculated that Babylon was about her. The ex that song was actually about was shameless enough to claim that the song was about her. 

"Where's la mensa?" Danny asked Calum.

"She's re-editing her reaction video because the audio was off and asked me to pick up the little man." He said. He scanned the room and his eyes landed on Miriam. "Oh hey."

"Hey, Cal." She said.

Sebas climbed over Miriam, wanting to go with Calum. So she just handed him over to him. He happily took the baby.

She pulled out her phone and tapped through Instagram stories while the two bickered about snacks appropriate for a one year old. She saw her friend Christian post that his team won some basketball game, so she responded to his story, congratulating him. He replied back with a thank you. They talked back and forth for a bit. He invited her to another game taking place the next day, and she agreed. Her flight back to Atlanta was the same day, but she made a note to change her flight times for the evening. 

"Bye Miriam." Calum called as he left with Sebas and all his baby essentials. 

"Bye, tell Claudia I said hi." She waved.

"Imma set up for you, va?" Danny asked her when they left.

She nodded and watched him go to his station.

"Okay, I'm ready for you." He said, waving her over after a few minutes.

Miriam got up and went to where he was. She went into detail about the tattoos she wanted. She got the designs from her character in the movie. Her character had several tattoos and Miriam hated sitting on the makeup trailer for hours on end while the makeup artists adorned her body with them. Danny quickly sketched the designs to get the proportions right before he used the stencil and thermal paper to draw them in detail.

"You don't have to answer, but what really happened between you y el gringo?" He asked her, slipping on black latex gloves. 

"Nothing, thanks to Kat and her tits." Miriam mumbled. She unwrapped her wrap dress and turned so he could get started on the first tattoo. 

"I'm gonna need you to be very detailed because if I miss anything Mede is gonna be mad." Danny said as he pressed the sketch on her hip.

"You're gonna tell your baby mama about Jack?" Miriam asked.

"Yeah, hopefully if she sees that he hurt someone close to the family, then she'll stop playing his music. I'm tired of that fucking Rendezvous song." 

"Okay, but it's a catchy song." 

"So what happened between you two?" He asked scooting over to her hip with his tattoo gun. "I was kidding when I said that I was gonna tell Mede–well I am but not in detail."

With that Miriam started from the beginning and told him everything. How Jack saved her from getting in the soccer ball at the Chelsea and LA Galaxy game to how he gave her a ride to her parents' house only for him to go back to hang out with her sister at the club. She came to the conclusion that was when they conspired to make her look like an idiot. She then told Danny how her and Jack were texting and facetiming nonstop when she was in Europe for work. What she omitted, for legal reasons, was that she was casted as Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy) in the Batman movie with Robert Pattinson. Her character is a PhD student who is in some sort of friends with benefits relationship with Bruce. Her only scenes were the funeral and a hospital scene when Alfred gets injured and she visits him and offers him some herbal remedies. Throughout her interactions with Bruce, it's obvious that she knows something is up with him and he's hiding something. 

Danny motioned for her to sit up with her back to him, so he could get started on her other tattoos on her arms. Miriam continued her story and told him about how Jack got upset with her over her skit with Pete and their brief argument in the bathroom and how they ended up almost fucking in his hotel room. She gripped the seat, letting tears roll down her cheeks.

"I can't believe I was so stupid." She choked out before breaking into full on sobs.

Danny set the tattoo gun down and went to hug her. He let her cry on his shoulder. After a few minutes she relaxed and stopped crying, he handed her a tissue.

"Thanks," she mumbled before blowing her nose. "Sorry for dumping all that on you. I talked to my therapist about it and she was not helpful. She said some shit about how I jumped to conclusions."

"I mean…"

"Danny!" She exclaimed. "You're supposed to be on my side."

"You did jump to conclusions." He shrugged. "You know the shit that went down between me and Claudia after her break up with Paco. We walked around eggshells for almost a year to avoid any actual confrontation until Mede's baby shower. Mede threatened to dump my ass because I wanted to believe what was convenient for me. My best friend, at the time, and my sister broke up. I sided with Paco because he was quick to twist it around to make himself look like the victim. Claudia wasn't here to defend herself and had to deal with consequences that could have been prevented. And as someone who's dealt with Kat's wrath, I can objectively say that that was her doing. She's intense and likes to mess with people for shits and giggles. Este güey just happened to be in the middle of her shit. Because at the end of the day what happened was that she saw a guy giving her younger sister the attention that she normally gets and got pissed. Don't forget this isn't the first time she's done something like that." 

Miriam sat quietly as Danny picked up his tattoo gun and went back to work. He basically said what her therapist said. For years she's been going to therapy to deal with her anxiety and insecurities after something happened in high school between her and this guy she dated in sophomore year. Her therapist said that she tended to self sabotage when she felt like something was starting to feel like it was too good to be true. In this case, it was Jack having feelings for her. 

"What do you think I should do?" She asked Danny, watching him get more ink.

He paused to really think about it. "As a father– no me güerres los ojos."

"'As a father' you have a one year old, calm down." 

"Jokes aside, I think you should hear him out." He said sincerely. "But don't go looking for him, if you happen to see him and he approaches you then see what he has to say. But if you kick Kat's ass again, I'm gonna need you to film it."

***

Jack couldn’t believe his eyes. Miriam was in LA. He was mindlessly tapping through Instagram stories when he got to hers. It was a post of her getting a few tattoos done with 🤍🤍 🤍 on the bottom. So he tapped on the post and was taken to the tattoo parlor's page. The first picture on the grid was of Miriam and the artist with their arms around their shoulders. He found the artist's personal account and scrolled through. He quickly deduced that they were really close friends after seeing a few posts of him with his girlfriend and their kid. He went on her profile in case she had pictures with Miriam, but she was private, though he did see that she followed him. He scrolled through more pictures, making sure he didn't like any, and landed on one with a familiar face. It was a girl he swore he had seen before.

He went on her profile. He read all the pages and accounts affiliated with her off her bio and then he remembered. It was Claudia Santos. 

Almost three years ago she interviewed him for a college radio show. He couldn't recall what happened in that interview apart from where she showed up late and with tear streaked cheeks. Jack was amazed that she was able to make it through the interview. After he ran into her while she was walking to her class, she apologized to him for showing up late and explained that she had gotten in an argument with her brother over something that happened with her ex. Jack didn't remember what he responded with but he did get her number out of it. Though she never texted him back. 

He followed her and scrolled through her posts, looking for some with Miriam. Then he checked her Instagram story in hopes she posted that she was with Miriam. Luckily for him, she had been hanging out at a backyard pool with Miriam and an influencer that he'd seen at parties. Moreover she was also in the ‘Luv is Dro’ video. She randomly got hired because she was visiting her boyfriend in Atlanta, so she was flown out to Louisville for the day. Neelam suggested hiring her because she was pretty popular on the makeup side of instagram and tiktok. 

Jack could easily see how more relaxed Miriam was with the two girls compared to when she'd hang out with her siblings' friends. With their friends, she's reserved, often pushed to the side, watching everyone. But in the Instagram story, she was laughing and talking animatedly. He smiled to himself as he watched the videos.

It felt like he was facetiming her when she took the phone and gave a play by play as her friends took turns diving in the pool. He replayed the story a few more times and came to the obvious conclusion that he missed her. He missed being able to message her at odd hours with a random thought or because he saw something that reminded him of her, and being able to just listen to her talk for hours. He missed making her laugh to the point where she was barely able to breathe.

"Jack you need to get mic'd up." Neelam said, watching him jump in his seat and scramble to turn his phone face down. She looked at him suspiciously and walked out.

Jack locked his phone and made his way to the venue. He read over his cue cards while a production assistant connected a mic on his person and linked it to an actual microphone. He thanked them and waited for Druski and Buster to join him in the commentators box. 

"And there's the most fashionable spectator we've seen in the whole league." Druski said, getting Jack's attention.

He looked in the direction Druski was looking and nearly choked on his spit when he tried to clear his throat. It was Miriam. She was wearing a CYN jersey, but it was cut and styled like that skirt she wore to Nobu when she ran into him, but in dress form. She paired it with her ever present Versace platform boots and a sparkly basketball bag. 

Jack's knuckles turned bone white as he gripped his cue cards, watching King Combs spin her around in a hug. Even more seeing her laugh as he spun her around to see her outfit.

"She's something." Buster mumbled away from his mics, eying Miriam's ass.

That was the final straw. 

Druski clapped his shoulder before Jack could react. "Miriam is someone who we call out of reach. A 'don't even think about it.'" He leaned into Jack so only he could hear him. "In your case, a bag fumble."

One of the camera people counted off and motioned to them that they were filming. Buster introduced them and the players were brought in. Not long after the first half of the game ended. Jack and Druski were sent out to the court to interview players and spectators sitting courtside.

Druski went up to Pardi, but their interview was quick so he went over to Miriam, who happily greeted him and hugged him. 

"Earlier, I was commenting that you are by far the most fashionable person we've seen." Druski said. 

"Aw, you're so sweet." Miriam said, watching as Jack walked around in front of them. He was not so subtly standing within earshot.

"How do you know King and how long have you been a fan of his exceptional scouting skills?" Druski asked her, making her pay attention to him.

She laughed and spoke into the mic. "I've known Christian and his family for a while so we go way back. Our moms were friends and Christian was one of my chambelanes for my quinceañera. And for his scouting skills…I can't comment on that. I don't know much about that."

"So what you're saying is that you're single?" He asked her.

"What does my relationship status have to do with the game?" Miriam asked him innocently. Druski laughed, clearly not expecting her to say that. "To whoever you're reporting back to, tell them I am single and to not reply to my friend's Instagram stories with keyboard smashes." 

"Dude, interview more people." Jack said, turning back from his interview with a player from King's team. The tips of his ears were a bright pink. 

Druski gave Miriam a knowing look and bid her goodbye. She shook her head and went back to her phone when he walked away. She was texting Claudia before Druski approached her because Jack had followed her and replied to the story where she was recording as Claudia and Gigi, Claudia's older cousin, tried synchronized diving in Calum's pool, with what seemed gibberish. 

It was the longest time she was able to have fun and relax with friends. She would have joined them in the pool but her tattoos were still fresh, so she chilled in the shade with Medelyn and baby Sebastian. Even after Medelyn’s badgering about Jack and the New York trip and Gigi apologizing profusely because she was in a music video with him when she vaguely told them about her fall out with Jack. 

Miriam pulled up Instagram and looked him up, tempted to follow him. Her agent suggested that she make her account public since she was becoming more known for her acting because it could help her bring in more views. She didn't feel comfortable doing that so she just made a new one and her private account became her finsta. She was able to garner 10 million followers, not even three months with her account.

She stared at Jack's profile for a few more seconds and pressed follow. She exited the app and shut her phone off, in case she got the urge to unfollow him. Feeling slightly anxious, Miriam bent down and grabbed her popcorn. She rummaged through her bag looking for her mini hot sauce bottle to put on when she heard a hard smack, making her flinch. She opened her eyes and saw a large hand in front of her face. Jack had caught a basketball before it hit her. Before she could say anything, he tossed the ball with one hand to one of Christian's teammates and walked away from her to interview someone from Pardi's team. 

He looked over his shoulder and saw how King wrapped an arm over Miriam's shoulders. He did a few more interviews then went to the commentators box. He pulled out his phone and saw that he was tagged by Urban in a small collage he made for The Crew League's Instagram story. Next to each picture was the @ of the person. The picture beside his with Druski was Miriam's. But the @ was different to the one he followed. Out of curiosity he tapped the @. It took him to Miriam's account, but it wasn't the one he followed. This one had fewer posts and 10 million followers. He went to the last post and read the caption. 'My agent said to make a public account so enjoy the shitshow ✌🏼😌✌🏼'. Jack snorted and scrolled up to follow her when he saw that the follow button said 'follow back' instead. Without hesitation he followed her back. He refreshed her profile and a new post appeared. It was a mirror selfie of Miriam in a bikini with 'what's a nine to a dime piece?' as the caption.

"The game's about to start." One of the production members let Jack know as Druski and Buster came back.

He locked his phone and slipped it back in his pocket. When the second half started, he let Druski and Buster handle most of the commentary, occasionally adding in a word or two. He couldn't concentrate on the game. The only thing on his mind was Miriam's Instagram post. 

It had to be a coincidence. She just happened to post a selfie with a line from one of his songs as the caption. There's no way she was waiting for him to follow her back just so she could post that. There was no way…

Soon after, the game gets called. Pardi's team won. Jack and Druski made their way down the court once more. They were met with chaos. King was arguing with one of the producers and refs. 

Jack couldn't hear what they were saying, but he did manage to hear something about the winning shot not counting as three points. He and Druski went to investigate and eavesdropped as the producers of the game, King, and Pardi bickered about the call. But they were ushered back to the commentators box. They brought in one of the players from King's team to tell what was going on but he was just as confused as they were. Same thing with one of the refs, except he provided some material for sexual jokes.

Jack glanced over to Miriam and frowned seeing her laugh at something Drake was telling her. It seemed like every time he looked over to her, some guy was trying to make a move on her. Even his childhood idol. 

"Do you remember that video of Drake arguing with a Warriors fan during the NBA finals a few years back?" Druski asked him in a low voice. He reached over and turned off Jack's mic.

"Yeah?" he nodded slowly. 

"That was your girl. It was how she became Twitter famous."

Jack remembered the video. Urban showed it to him. He re-downloaded Twitter just to be updated on the supposed beef between Drake and the Warriors fan. She didn't show up for a game in Oakland and Drake caleld her out but she responded with a mirror selfie on a movie trailer wearing the Weeknd's bomber jacket and her Warriors jersey under. She tweeted, 'sorry I have important things to do instead of letting people know I'm a raptors fan and made it my personality.'

Jack was pretty sure that he unknowingly followed Miriam because of that Tweet. When he followed her private Instagram he searched her up on Twitter and was surprised that he was already following her.

Half an hour goes by and he and Druski have to go back to the commentators box. King was able to convince the producers to run the play once more and the game was going to continue since it wasn't the three points. Just like that the game ended and the results were the same, Pardi's team won. Jack and Druski went back to the court to do interviews. While he interviewed one of the players in King's team, Jack overheard Miriam tell King that she wished she could stay longer, but she had to go because she had a flight to catch. 

He knew this was probably his only chance to talk to her. He quickly took off his mic and rushed after her. Thankful that the cameras were all inside, he stood in the parking lot scanning for any sight of her. He caught her white jersey in the back and jogged over to her. 

"Miriam," He called after her.

She turned around and looked at him, unsure she heard him correctly. She looked around noticing the empty parking lot. She said something to her bodyguard and slowly met Jack halfway. 

"I'm in a hurry." She said quietly. She hugged herself as she stood a few feet away from him.

"I'll be quick. I, uh, just wanted to explain myself–"

"I don't think this is the place to talk. If you happen to be in Atlanta in the next few days, text me." 

"Jacky!" Someone called behind them before he could answer Miriam. "It's been forever!"

It took Jack a few seconds to figure out who she was not because he hadn't seen her in over half a year but because the last time he saw her she had pale skin and naturally platinum blonde hair. Now she was an awkward shade of tan that looked orange and her hair was dark and curly. She was an ex-hook up. He cursed seeing her struggle in her heels as she made her way to him. He covered his face in frustration. 

Miriam gave an apologetic look. "I really have to get going, but you should catch up with your friend."

She turned on her heel and went back to the car, feeling like a fool once more. She felt so embarrassed. After he saved her from getting hit, she spent five minutes looking for a cute bikini selfie to post in case Jack happened to lurk through her profile. She hoped that by using a line from her second favorite song of his, he would get the hint and reach out. She wasn't expecting him to follow her so soon. 

She sniffled as she pulled out her change of clothes for the flight. She went to the back row of the car and set up a divider with her blanket. She changed out of her jersey-turned-dress into a forest green Nike tracksuit. She swapped her boots for white slip on Vans. She finished removing her makeup and braided her hair into two Dutch braids. 

After she packed up her things, she took down the blanket and went to sit next to Beto. He looked up from his book and gave her a look where he wanted to say something, but he knew it wasn't his place to say what was needed to be said. 

"Just say it, Beto." Miriam sighed, reaching for the charging cable in the center console to plug in her phone. 

He put his hands in the air in surrender. "If I were you I'd revisit what Daniel was telling and see how you made the same mistake. But that's me. At the end of the day, this is your situation, not mine."

Miriam nodded, getting the hint. She obviously jumped to conclusions and ranway before Jack could even utter a word. She sat back in her seat and pulled her knees to her chest, processing her interaction with Jack. She hoped that he wasn't as stubborn as she was and wasn't put off by her actions and was willing to actually talk it out. 

***

"What the fuck do you mean that you need an in? It's been a week. She followed you, you followed her back, she posted a thirst trap with lyrics to one of your songs, and told you to text her when you're in the same city as she. What more do you need?" Urban asked Jack. 

It's been a week since he saw Miriam at the Crew League. A few days ago he flew out to Atlanta for some studio sessions. Jack would have reached out but he wasn't sure if she wanted him to after seeing one of his old hookups. 

"You're so fucking irritating." Urban sighed. He got up from Jack's bed and pulled up the Notes app on his phone. "I'm going to Target. You want anything specific?"

"I'll go with you. I've been cooped up for a while and need fresh air." Jack said, grabbing his wallet.

In the past few days, he'd been working on a song that can be read as a poem. He even made music to go along with it when he was messing around with the Circuit Tracks. He's not sure of the direction it's going since he's just writing his thoughts down. It's mostly self-reflection about his situation with Miriam and what he could have done differently. 

They arrived at Target twenty minutes later and split up their groceries. Urban was getting the food, while Jack took care of cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products. He placed some laundry detergent in the cart when Urban threw some things in the cart and tugged the cart in the direction of the cash registers. 

"We should go." He told Jack urgently. 

"Why?" He furrowed his eyebrows at his best friend. "You didn't even get half of what we needed."

"I,uh, left the stove on?" He said unsure.

Jack looked incredulously at Urban. He can count the number of times his best friend has used the stove and that's not counting when he'd use it to light up a blunt because he was too lazy to get his lighter from his room. 

"I don't believe you." Jack said pushing the cart in the direction where Urban came from. 

He went to the frozen food aisle and grabbed a few bags of frozen fruit. He then made his way to the pasta aisle when he heard, "Güey, I went to like five Targets looking for Suavitel qnd nothing. It's like that one tiktok, es latinofobia." 

It was Miriam. She was wearing leggings and a matching cropped zip up hoodie with white running shoes. She didn't see him; she was looking down at her phone, facetiming someone. Jack stood frozen. He wasn't sure if should say hi or walk away. He made eye contact with Beto and he nonchalantly walked towards the end of the aisle. 

Jack turned around to motion to Urban to go when he saw his best friend nowhere in sight. He cursed and pretended to be deciding between macaroni and some other shaped pasta.

"Excuse m– Jack?" Miriam asked him.

"Oh, hey!" He said a little too loudly. He cleared his throat. "How…how have you been?"

"I've been good. You?" 

"I'm good. I, uh, landed last night. I'm gonna be here for a week or two so I wanna cram a few studio sessions before heading back to LA."

"That's good!" She exclaimed. She could hear Claudia, the person she'd been facetiming, laughing through her airpods.

"How's your movie coming along?" He asked her. 

"Good." She nodded. "Uh, we've been filming."

"That's good." He stuffed his hands in his hoodie pocket. 

They stood in an awkward silence for a few seconds. Both unsure of what to do or say. 

"I should get going. I have an early call time. I just need to get spaghetti." Miriam nodded to the boxes in front of Jack.

"Oh," he said walking backwards to allow her to get it. 

He bumped into his shopping cart, nearly falling to the ground, but he caught himself. He pushed

"Jack?" She called to him softly.

"Yeah?"

"I can't reach the box. Could you…"

"Yeah." He nodded. He grabbed a few boxes of spaghetti from the top shelf and handed them to her. "Here."

"Thanks."

"Of course. I'm gonna go look for Urban." He mumbled. 

"Yeah, I saw him by the cereal aisle earlier." 

"I'll see you around, Miriam." He said before started pushing his cart.

"Yeah, you too." Once he was out of the aisle.

Miriam looked down at her phone, hoping Claudia had hung up. But she hadn't. She was folded over on her boyfriend's couch silently laughing. She knew in an hour Medelyn was going to call her and ask for the details because Claudia wouldn't explain what went down properly. 

"I'm hanging up." She told Claudia. 

"No! I'm literally so bored, keep talking to me." She pleaded.

"Don't you have a lesson plan to plan for?" Miriam asked her as she made her way to pay. 

The pair kept talking until it was time for Miriam to drive back to her brother's home. He bought a condo a few years back when he was filming a Hulu teen series because production was set in Atlanta. Her mom also used the condo when she would film her projects and now it was Miriam's turn to use the home while she worked on her movie. 

Beto helped her carry her groceries inside, doing a quick sweep of the house. He motioned to her that it was safe for her to go in. He bid her goodnight and shut the door after him.

Miriam opened the door that led to the small patio area so Daisy could do her business. She let the dog have some privacy and went inside to put away the groceries. She was going to make a full on pasta dinner, but she settled on making quesadilla and airfrying some dino nuggets and fries. 

She scooped some food and filled her dog's water bowl just as Daisy came back inside and settled on her bed. Miriam went to her room while her dino nuggets and fries cooked. She opened some packages she got.

Now that she was public on Instagram a lot of brands would send her things. She even became a brand ambassador for Savage×Fenty. To her luck the first package she opened was from Rihanna herself. She laughed at the handwritten note she got and pulled out the lingerie. Part of her contract was that she had to post two outfits/sets of the lingerie she received, so she decided on a matching lace bra and panty set and some silk pajamas. 

She changed into the lace set first. She recorded herself laying on her stomach though the full length mirror, zooming in on her ass then zooming out to her doing a peace sign. She searched for Doja's song 'Streets' on the music feature and slid her through the song until she got to, 'And baby, I needed space. Ain't nobody 'round here on your level'. She snapped a few mirror selfies after she posted the video on her IG story. She changed into the silk pajamas leaving the top open so the alce bra was still able to be seen and took more mirror selfies. She picked a few for her post. 

She hoped a certain someone happened to see her story and get a hint. If he doesn't, she's gonna take it as her hint to stop trying to get him to notice her. She could be the first to reach out, but she didn't want to seem desperate for his validation. Technically speaking, Jack was the one who wanted to talk, so he should be the one to reach out, not her. 

Miriam turned on the TV and went through the episodes she recorded. Her dad and Diego were going to be guests on Beat Bobby Flay and she never missed the chance to see Bobby get heckled by her dad. Once her dad and Diego were announced, she ran to the kitchen, remembering that she had food in the airfryer. She tossed everything on a plate and made her sauce concoction of ranch, Sriracha and ketchup. 

She settled back in bed and continued watching the episode. Halfway through, she got a text message alert. She reached for her phone on the nightstand and checked who it was from. Miriam nearly fell off her bed seeing Jack's contact name. She sat up straight and stared at the notification. She couldn't believe he actually messaged her. 

She needed to take a breather before she went to read his message. She grabbed her dishes and went to the kitchen. She washed her dishes, cleaned the counters, and swept up the crumbs that fell onto the floor. She took out some chicken from the freezer and set it in the sink to defrost for the morning. Once she felt like she stalled enough, she went back to her room. Fifteen minutes has passed so she can finally see what he sent her. 

'Hope you don't mind, but Urb passed me your email. I sent you something through there. Listen to it if you want, no pressure. Night.'

Miriam pulled up her email and found what he sent listed at the top. She clicked on it, revealing an audio file. It was titled 'A Letter to M'. She grabbed her noise canceling headphones from the nightstand and connected them to her phone. Her thumb hovered above the file. Her heart was practically beating out of her chest. She wiped sweat off her palms on her comforter. She took a deep breath and exhaled, finally pressing on the audio file.

It started with Jack kicking Urban out of his room and cursing for not realizing he started recording. He started talking, apologizing for how awkward he was when he saw her at Target. Miriam smiled to herself. A simple beat started playing after a few seconds of silence. Jack cleared his throat and started rapping, completely catching Miriam off guard. 

She hugged her big pillow and listened to what he was saying. He was apologizing to her, taking the blame for what happened with her sister. He went on talking about how he missed being with her and how wished he could have done things differently so he wouldn't have lost her. He ended the song with 'Sincerely Jack'. It was then when Miriam connected the title to how the song was formatted. 

The music stopped. Miriam pulled off her headphones and turned them off. She wiped off her tears and played the song once more at the highest volume, letting Jack's voice bounce around her room. Once the song ended, she did the same. She replayed the song a few more times. 

It finally sank in. She was a fucking dumbass that jumped to conclusions.

Miriam turned off the song and pulled her messages. She sent him, 'Can I call you rn?'

Instantly he saw the message. The three dots appeared at the bottom then they disappeared. Miriam frowned but quickly collected herself as Jack's name lit up on her screen. She didn't hesitate to answer. 

"Hey."

Taglist: @cherryxcreme @youngharleezyxo @deannaard @meyocoko

[filmnoirfoundation]

ASK EDDIE returns Thursday, September 7, 7:00 PM PT to our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/filmnoirfoundation/live

FNF prez Eddie Muller responds to film noir fan questions fielded by the Foundation's Director of Communications Anne Hockens In this episode, we discuss “Oppenheimer”, why audiences laugh inappropriately at classic film screenings, how to get the most out of a NOIR CITY film festival, Fritz Lang’s “The Woman in the Window” vs. “Scarlet Street”, if either the Dick Tracy or the Charlie Chan films can be considered film noir, and more. We wind up the show with a discussion of Westerns, both noir and not. On the cat front, Charlotte is curious and Emily sleeps.

Want your question answered in a future episode? We solicit questions from our email subscribers in our monthly newsletters. Sign up for free at https://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/signup.html

Everyone who signs up on our email list and contributes $20 or more to the Film Noir Foundation receives the digital version of NOIR CITY Magazine for a year. Donate here: https://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/contribute.html

Can’t join us on Thursday? No problem! A recording will be up on our YouTube channel, @NoirCity, on Friday, September 8: https://www.youtube.com/user/NoirCitySF

Note: Eddie will not be able to answer questions posted during the livestream nor ones left on our social media accounts

This week's questions

This past Saturday night, we were in your audience at the Music Box Theater in Chicago for the screening of “Call Northside 777”. For some viewers, the 1948 dialogue seemed hopelessly funny, no matter how serious the scene, whereas for others, the same dialogue elicited no such reaction. Do you see this kind of split reaction among viewers when you present noir films across the country, and if so, what do you make of it?  (Is it okay to laugh at a serious scene if/when the dialogue sounds too hokey to sustain the mood?) -Mike I am planning to attend my first NOIR CITY this year. Any suggestions for first timers to maximize the experience? -Carlton, Atlanta, GA Could you put in a plug for the downloadable back issues of NOIR CITY Magazine? -Jerry, Burke, VA What should take precedence …the music or the sound? Very often, if the sound effects are that powerful and important, they take the music out. There are directors who feel that one shouldn’t hear the music.  Music can be overshadowed by horses’ whinnies, or anything the sound-effect person put into the track prior to the musical scoring. -Alan, San Anselmo, CA. I have a question concerning noir films set in England but staring American actors. In "Night and the City” Richard Widmark would not be able to obtain a work permit. Burt Lancaster in "Kiss The Blood off My Hands” is in England illegally, having jumped ship. How does Bill Saunders not get deported at the end of his prison sentence and how does he get a legitimate job as a truck driver without a passport or work papers? Also, there is nothing in the plot that makes it imperative that it be set in England. The story could easily have been changed to take place in the States. Why not make this change? Or am I the only one who notices or cares about such details? -David Fishman, Chesterfield, VA Curious if Eddie is familiar with a tongue-in-cheek 1954 homage to Film Noir produced as a 30-minute black and white episode of "The Adventures of Superman" TV series titled "Semi-Private Eye”. -Brian In watching TCM's marathon of Dick Tracy movies recently, it struck me how Noirish these RKO B movies were. Would these Dick Tracy movies be considered Film Noir? If so, would Eddie show them either on “Noir Alley”, or at a Noir film festival? -Scott, Los Angeles, CA Would you consider the Charlie Chan movies noir, and should they be aired regardless of the Chinese aspect of them? -Gerard It’s so interesting that Fritz Lang basically remade his 1944 film, The Woman in the Window, just a year later with “Scarlet Street”.  Do you know of any other instances where a director made such a close variation on his own film?  Also, which of the two films do you think is better?  -Kingpin Johnny, Doylestown, PA I recently watched a batch of early 1930s Joan Bennett movies and was struck by the contrast of her wise-cracking, sassy characters in those films with the film-noir roles she would go on to play in the '40s and '50s. Can you think of any other actresses that made a similar transition? -John from Bethesda Would Eddie consider "Julie" to be Doris Day’s noir film? Maybe “Midnight Lace”? -Pam Eddie, are you a fan of Westerns and what are your favorites? Would any qualify as noir? -Kitaman

[courseyoulovemeyoudontknowme]

Moonlight (2016, Barry Jenkins)

14/11/2023

Moonlight is a 2016 film written and directed by Barry Jenkins, based on the play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney.

The film was positively criticized and won numerous awards, including the Best Film Award from the National Society of Film Critics, the Golden Globe for Best Drama and three Oscars for Best supporting actor, for best non-original screenplay and for best film: it is the first LGBT-themed film to obtain this recognition (after Philadelphia), as well as the first with a cast entirely made up of African Americans, and the second for the highest grossing low (behind The Hurt Locker which won in 2010).

Chiron is an African-American child originally from Liberty City, called "Little" by everyone. He and his mother live together in a Miami neighborhood marked by drugs and violence.

As an adult Chiron becomes a drug dealer in a bad neighborhood of Atlanta and there he tries to live on his own, armed with his faithful revolver.

In 2003, Tarell Alvin McCraney wrote a semi-autobiographical play, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, partly to deal with the death of his AIDS-stricken mother.

After the release of his first film, Medicine for Melancholy in 2008, Barry Jenkins wrote several screenplays, none of which went into production. He and producer Romanski began brainstorming sessions via video chat twice a month about his projects, and shortly thereafter Jenkins began work on the script for McCraney, which he learned about through Borscht's Miami arts collective. After consulting with McCraney, Jenkins wrote the first draft of the film during a month-long stay in Brussels.

Jenkins sought financing for the film throughout 2013, finding success after sharing the script with Plan B Entertainment executives at that year's Telluride Film Festival. Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner became producers of the film, while A24 undertook to finance it and handle worldwide distribution, which also marked the company's first production.

The film had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival and subsequently at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, and at the New York Film Festival in October.

The film was chosen as the opening film of the 2016 Rome Film Festival. Its first television appearance took place on 4 March 2018 on Sky Cinema with the title Moonlight - Tre storie di una vita.

On the aggregator Rotten Tomatoes the film receives 98% of positive professional reviews with an average rating of 9.00 out of 10 based on 384 critics, while on Metacritic it obtains a score of 99 out of 100 based on 53 criticism.

[blueiskewl]

Lonesome Cowboys Andy Warhol, 1968

A set of original 16mm presentation reels of the film that sparked the “Stonewall of the South.” Six 35mm film reels housed in 2 metal flight cases. Movielab, New York, pritned ca. 1969.

On the evening of 5 August 1969, a small crowd of seventy settled in to view Andy Warhol’s Lonesome Cowboys at the recently opened art cinema at the Ansley Mall in Atlanta. About fifteen minutes into the homoerotic underground spoof on westerns featuring Warhol stars Viva, Joe Dallesandro, Eric Emerson, Meade, and Tom Hompertz, the film suddenly stopped, and the house lights went up. The police, some in uniform, others in plainclothes, were everywhere, some with cameras taking photographs of the startled movie-goers still in their seats. Those who attempted to depart quickly were blocked at the door and they too were photographed and questioned by Atlanta police officers. Other officers headed upstairs to the projection room to seize the film reels and arrest James Russ, the manager of the Ansley Mini-Cinema. The police mounted the raid not only to enforce local obscenity laws but identify “known homosexuals,” part of a pattern of harassment that members of Atlanta’s gay Midtown neighborhood routinely endured. Abby Drue, a noted LBGTQ activist, was in the audience that night. “They had everybody get up and line up,” she recalled. “We had popcorn in our mouths. I think I had a submarine sandwich I was in the middle of eating. That’s how absurd it was.”

The police raid in Atlanta occurred a little more than a month after the Stonewall riots in New York, and for many members of the city’s burgeoning LGBTQ community, the raid on the Ansley Mini-Cinema was the final straw. Several days after the raid, a group of protesters were pepper-sprayed and some arrested. These events compelled Atlanta’s LGBTQ community to form the Georgia Gay Liberation Front. That organization would mount Atlanta’s first Pride march in 1971 — an unsanctioned march in which many of participants wore paper bags over their heads to protect their identities — starkly demonstrating the risk of physical harm that was an ever-present threat. Despite local hostility, the marches continued, and Atlanta’s LBGTQ community began flourishing over the ensuing decades becoming strong and vibrant. Today, the raid has been dubbed, “The Stonewall of the South.”

Yet the Atlanta police were not the only law enforcement agency to take interest in Lonesome Cowboys. The FBI had been monitoring the film soon after it was filmed in a single day a dude ranch near Tucson, Arizona on 28 January 1968. A Special Agent was dispatched to Arizona to interview witnesses to support a potential charge of “interstate transportation of obscene matter.” The investigation had been prompted by a complaint received at the Pinal County Sherriff, that “some guests at the Rancho Linda Vista Guest Ranch were making an obscene film.” Sherriff’s deputies arrived at the ranch on the afternoon of the 28th and ordered that the filming be halted immediately. The FBI kept a copiously detailed dossier on the film’s production based on eyewitness accounts that offer a window into the chaos of the film’s production covering all aspects from various “unnatural sexual acts” to details on the license plate numbers (redacted) of those on set. One eyewitness recalled that “The movie seemed to have no plot and the actors just said anything that came into their minds.” (Vincent Canby and other critics would take a similar view.) The FBI continued to monitor the film’s production and distribution, noting that Warhol had intended it to be premiered at the Hudson Theatre in New York in late April 1968, but editing was taking longer than planned. Then in early June, Warhol fell victim to an assassination attempt, further delaying production. It finally premiered at the San Francicso International Film Festival on 1 November 1968, and FBI agents were there collecting further evidence.

Meanwhile in Atlanta, the question of whether the film could be considered obscene landed in the courts. Ultimately, Lewis Slayton, the Fulton County District Attorney, allowed the film to be shown after Cradock Films, who held the rights to distribute the film in Georgia, agreed to edit out what the county considered objectionable. By early January 1970, the Ansley Mini-Cinema was once again presenting Lonesome Cowboys. As far as the FBI’s investigation into Warhol’s activities was concerned, federal prosecutors in Arizona, San Francisco and New York ultimately declined to pursue the charges in court, as the film was not considered “obscene within the definition of that word as defined by the Supreme Court of the United States.”

The present copy is believed to have been printed as early as 1969, but no earlier. According to the FBI report on the film’s screening in San Francisco in November 1968, the film opened with “the woman [Viva] and her male nurse [Taylor Meade] on a street in the town,” but the present copy, opens with a sex scene between Viva and Tom Hompert which appears to be consistent with the currently-known copies. The markings found on the paper sleeves include a red stamp for “INTERNATIONAL AMUSEMENT CORP,” a short-lived distribution and production company based in North Carolina established in 1974. This would suggest this film was in circulation in various art houses up until at least the mid to late 1970s.

The current number of original copies used during the film’s showings in 1969 and 1970 is unclear, but the present set of reels is marked as “Print No. 10” on each of the surviving paper sleeves. Original reels of the film are known to have survived including a master print at the Andy Warhol museum and copies at the Museum of Modern Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. It is not clear if other copies survive in any private collections.

[intoxicatingimmediacy]

From Musicians & Actors to TV Series Co-Creators - A Conversation with Daveed Diggs & Rafael Casal 

Atlanta Film Festival | Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal have known each other since high school. Their first feature film, Blindspotting, premiered at Sundance, opened the 2018 Atlanta Film Festival, received worldwide distribution, and was nominated for over 25 awards. The film, written over 10 years and made for less than $350,000, grossed over $9M at the domestic and int'l box offices. Less than 2 years later, they co-wrote and pitched Blindspotting as a TV series which picks up 6 months after the movie took place. After a successful 1st season, the Lionsgate / Starz comedy-drama has been greenlit for season 2.

This conversation from the 2021 Atlanta Film Festival Creative Conference explores their background, how their collaborative process works, the importance of mentorship, challenges they've overcome to get where they are, and what's next for them to conquer.

[raybizzle]

"Fakin' Da Funk" (1997) is an independent comedy film written and directed by Timothy A. Chey. The film premiered at Asian American International Film Festival. It starred an incredible cast, including Dante Basco, Duane Martin, Margaret Cho, Pam Grier, Tatyana Ali, John Witherspoon, Tichina Arnold, and Nell Carter. The film consists of two stories about Asians living in urban Los Angeles. Dante Basco plays a Chinese teenager adopted by a black family as a baby. Margaret Cho is a Chinese exchange student erroneously placed with a black family in Los Angeles.

The movie is a funny film meant to show how the environment plays a role in a person's perspective. A black family raised Basco's character, so his behaviors, mannerisms, dialect, and cultural upbringing is what he knows. He doesn't know much about his Chinese lineage. However, Cho's character is from China, but she learns to adapt to urban life with the help of her exchange family's daughter (Tichina Arnold). This movie has many stereotypical tones, but Chey made this film with intentions in comedic fashion. There are appearances by Rudy Ray Moore and Reynaldo Rey in a barbershop scene and a classic "yo mama" joke session. If you're looking for a funny and politically incorrect movie to entertain you, then "Fakin' Da Funk" isn't a terrible choice.

Director: Timothy A. Chey Writer: Timothy A. Chey

Starring Dante Basco, Duane Martin, Margaret Cho, Pam Grier, Tatyana Ali, Ernie Hudson, John Witherspoon, Tone Loc, Tichina Arnold, Chris Spencer, Rashaan Nall, Bo Jackson, Kelly HuRudy Ray Moore, Reynaldo Rey, Nell Carter, Martin Chow

Storyline An accidental switch at an adoption agency sends a Chinese baby to an African-American family. Julian is accepted into the family and his tight-knit Atlanta neighborhood. Still, the search for a better life takes the family to South Central L.A., where his new neighbors think Julian is pretending to be Black. For the first time in his life, Julian faces an identity crisis.

Available on DVD and streaming services

[animationscreenwriter]

20+ Years of Screenwriting Experience

Welcome to AnimationScreenwriter.com! My name's Toby and I'm a Screenwriter / Co-Writer / Editor, available to collaborate on new freelance projects - animated and live-action films, TV series, web series, comic books, video games - including: brainstorming ideas, concept / story development, treatment writing, outline planning, screenplay writing, rewriting and polishing your current draft, editing and proofing your final draft, pitch deck writing, logline writing, synopsis writing, and more...

Over my years in the film & TV industry, I've developed and written projects for major studios, networks and streamers - including Netflix, Amazon Studios, Universal, Paramount, Viacom, Sony, Bravo - as well as independent producers, directors and student filmmakers to create award-winning and eye-opening entertainment in a diverse variety of genres, for viewers of all ages.

My scripted projects - including an Academy Award®-eligible animated film - have played commercially in movie theaters worldwide and as Official Selections at leading Oscar-qualifying film festivals: Austin Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, Foyle Film Festival, Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, Animayo, and Palm Springs International Film Festival’s ShortFest.

Our 2D animated film (co-written with a first-time student director) won the Jury Award for Best Animated Short at the New York International Children’s Film Festival, which qualified us for the Academy Awards® - as chosen by the prestigious NYICFF Jury Members who included: Oscar-winner Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), Oscar-nominee Mark Osborne (Kung Fu Panda), Oscar-nominee Ramsey Naito (The Boss Baby, President of Nickelodeon Animation; President of Paramount Animation), Oscar-nominee Pelin Chou (Over the Moon), Oscar-nominee Nora Twomey (The Breadwinner), Amy Freidman (Head of Kids and Family Programming, Warner Bros), Melissa Cobb (VP of Kids and Family, Netflix), Guillermo Martinez (Head of Story, Sony Pictures Animation), Oscar-nominee Uma Thurman (Pulp Fiction), Oscar-winner Geena Davis (Thelma & Louise), Oscar-winner Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket) and Oscar-winner Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks). 

The film also picked up the awards for Best Animated Short by a Savannah College of Art and Design Student at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Best of the South at the ASIFA International Animated Film Association's Animation Festival and Conference, and Honorable Mention at SFFILM, San Francisco International Film Festival.  

My work has proudly received critical acclaim and a finalist placement for the Snow Leopard Award as selected by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, as well as being featured in Animation Magazine, Animation World News, Empire Magazine, Variety, Entertainment Weekly, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter.

Moreover, I've written films and shows that have racked up millions of views, reaching the Top 5 of Netflix, gaining fans worldwide. One of my favorite gigs has been writing for a franchise with its own animated series, comic book, and action figure toyline. As the writer of all episodes of this popular 3D CGI cartoon series, and with more stories developing in the pipeline; I'm having a blast bringing these characters to life and building their world.

Also, I co-wrote an upcoming animated feature film with its director that is being made with traditional hand-drawn animation. Our screenplay was optioned by Academy Award®-winning producers and is currently in the final stages of post-production. I can't wait to share it, soon!

In addition to these successes, I've written a new 2D cartoon series that is presently in production - coming soon! - and I've co-written the screenplay for an animated feature with songs from an Emmy-winning producer.

Prior to all this, I wrote and co-produced a VFX/CGI rotoscoped "graphic novel-style" live-action movie, shot entirely on green screen, that won a Best Film award and a generous six-figure payday in a global filmmaking competition run by Amazon and Warner Bros.

I have a B.A. degree in Film -- screenwriting was always my dream job. Back when I was serving popcorn and ripping tickets on the weekends at my local multiplex, I would be daydreaming stories and then in my free-time writing spec scripts, sketching comics, and animating cartoons on my computer. After submitting a few funny things to Nickelodeon, they were the first to show my characters and ideas on TV screens nationwide.

Now as a full-time screenwriter for over 20 years, I continue to turn dreams into reality. But enough about me...

What are you working on? I'd love to hear about it. Email me to find out how I can help get your project to an award-winning level for a fair and affordable rate: tobyscreenwriter@gmail.com

I've been hired countless times, so I know how to deliver quality results by a given deadline. Bring me onboard as your team's Writer, Co-Writer or Editor, and I can:

brainstorm, plan and develop original stories and characters with you;

write and co-write professional scripts for films, TV shows, comic books, video games, webisodes, and more;

rewrite your scripts, outlines, treatments, pitch decks, etc;

polish your scripts, outlines, treatments, pitch decks, etc;

edit your scripts, outlines, treatments, pitch decks, etc;

turn your character designs and ideas into scripts, outlines, treatments, pitch decks, etc;

turn your sketches / storyboards into complete production-ready scripts with dialogue and descriptions;

consult on projects from start to finish, and so much more!

I'm a big believer in Paul Schrader's notion that a screenplay is not a work of art; it's an invitation to collaborate on a work of art. So, let's work together and make some art. :-)

- Toby (IMDb)

[unitedtreepro]

Fun facts about Marietta, GA

Marietta, Georgia is a vibrant city located in Cobb County, just a short drive from Atlanta. Known for its rich history, friendly atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings, Marietta offers a plethora of interesting and fun facts that make it a unique destination for both residents and visitors alike. Let's explore some fascinating facts about Marietta, GA.

The Big Chicken: One of the most iconic landmarks in Marietta is the Big Chicken. Standing at 56 feet tall, this giant chicken-shaped structure has been a local landmark since 1963. It serves as a KFC restaurant and has become a symbol of the city.

Birthplace of Coca-Cola: Marietta is proud to be the birthplace of one of the world's most popular beverages, Coca-Cola. The drink was first concocted by John Pemberton, a local pharmacist, in 1886. Today, you can visit the Gone with the Wind Museum, located in Marietta's historic district, which features a collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia.

Historic Marietta Square: The heart of Marietta is its charming town square, which is steeped in history. The square is home to a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including farmers markets, concerts, and festivals.

Marietta National Cemetery: Established in 1866, Marietta National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 10,000 Union soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It is a solemn and peaceful place that serves as a reminder of the city's significant role in American history.

Aviation History: Marietta is home to Dobbins Air Reserve Base, which has a rich aviation history. The base is known for its role in manufacturing and maintaining military aircraft, including the famous C-130 Hercules transport plane. Visitors can explore the nearby Marietta Museum of History to learn more about the city's aviation heritage.

Glover Park: Located in Marietta Square, Glover Park is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors. It features a beautiful fountain, a gazebo, and ample green space for picnics and relaxation. The park is often the venue for concerts, outdoor movies, and other community events.

Gone with the Wind: Fans of the classic novel and film "Gone with the Wind" will be delighted to know that Marietta has strong ties to this literary masterpiece. Author Margaret Mitchell lived in Marietta, and the city features several sites associated with the novel, including Mitchell's childhood home, now known as the Margaret Mitchell House.

Marietta Museum of Art: Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Marietta Museum of Art, which showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional artwork. The museum hosts rotating exhibits and offers art classes and workshops for all ages.

Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying the local charm, Marietta, GA has something for everyone. With its unique landmarks, vibrant downtown area, and welcoming community, it's no wonder that Marietta continues to be a beloved destination in Georgia.

Maintaining the health and beauty of your landscape requires expertise and care, particularly when it comes to the trees that grace your property. A professional tree service company offers a range of essential services that ensure the well-being and longevity of your trees. In this article, we will delve into the invaluable role of a tree service company and highlight the benefits they bring to your outdoor space.

Tree Pruning and Trimming One of the primary services provided by a tree service company is tree pruning and trimming. Regular pruning promotes tree health by removing dead or diseased branches, improving airflow, and reducing the risk of property damage from falling limbs during storms. Additionally, skilled arborists can shape trees to enhance their aesthetics, ensuring they complement your landscape design. Proper trimming also helps maintain safe distances from power lines, structures, and other trees, preventing potential hazards.

Tree Removal and Emergency Services In cases where a tree becomes hazardous due to disease, storm damage, or overgrowth, a professional tree service company can safely remove it. Their trained arborists possess the knowledge and equipment required for efficient and secure tree removal. Moreover, during emergencies such as fallen trees blocking roadways or damaging structures, a tree service company can respond promptly, providing emergency tree removal services to restore safety and normalcy to your property.

Tree Health Care Maintaining the health of your trees is crucial for their longevity and vitality. A tree service company offers comprehensive tree health care services, including disease diagnosis, insect control, and fertilization. They can detect and address early signs of diseases or infestations, preventing further damage to your trees. Moreover, these professionals can provide tailored treatment plans and recommend appropriate care practices, such as mulching and watering, to ensure your trees receive optimal nutrition and hydration, promoting their overall well-being.

Stump Grinding and Land Clearing Removing tree stumps from your property can be a challenging and time-consuming task. A tree service company can efficiently grind stumps to ground level, eliminating tripping hazards and allowing you to repurpose the area. Additionally, if you're planning new landscaping projects or property developments, a tree service company can assist with land clearing, ensuring the safe and efficient removal of trees and vegetation to make way for your vision.

Engaging the services of a professional tree service company is a wise investment in the health, safety, and beauty of your landscape. From tree pruning and removal to comprehensive tree health care and land clearing, these experts possess the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary to ensure your trees thrive while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.

United Tree Pro Service LLC 1487 Milford Church Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30008 770 795-5616 https://unitedtreepro.com/

[journalistorian]

For Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a conversation with the director and writer behind the controversial satire and Sundance Film Festival favorite starring Justice Smith [Published March 14, 2024].

[anothersebastianblog]

https://www.filmlinc.org/daily/53rd-new-directors-new-films-lineup-announced-taking-place-april-3-14/ does "the New York premiere" mean actual premiere or is it a figure of speech and it's basically another festival screening without A24's involvement? In any case, hey, i guess he won't be hiding in Atlanta throughout next few months 😅

Nyc premiere means that will be the first time it is shown in nyc… so figure of speech yeah

[yessadirichards]

What to stream this week: Usher, classic commercials and lots of puppies

LOS ANGELES

Usher’s first new solo album in eight years and the “Abbott Elementary” debuting its third season on ABC are some of the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Justin Hartley of “This is Us” debuts his new CBS series “Tracker,” Sony’s new multiplayer military shooter Helldivers 2 and Celine Song’s “Past Lives,” an achingly tender film about making peace with the choices that shape our lives.

— Celine Song’s “Past Lives” is an achingly tender film about making peace with the choices that shape our lives. Song’s directorial debut, which is nominated for best picture and best screenplay at the Academy Awards, is about a woman named Nora (Greta Lee) who, while married and living in New York, reconnects with a childhood friend (Teo Yoo) from Seoul. Though modest in scale, “Past Lives” gently reckons with existential quandaries that stretch across time and continents. In her review, AP’s Jocelyn Noveck called it “a gorgeous, achingly wistful feature debut.” Streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime.

— The mind of Charlie Kaufman has produced some of the most memorable films (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “Synecdoch, New York”) of the last few decades. But even when Kaufman last scripted an animated film, (“Anomalisa”), you wouldn’t call the results child-friendly. But in “Orion and the Dark,” Kaufman adapts Emma Yarlett’s illustrated children’s book about a fifth-grader (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) who’s afraid of the dark, among other things. He’s forced to confront his fears when visited the actual Dark (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser). In his review, AP’s Mark Kennedy said director Sean Charmatz’s film “is about fear and overcoming … but has too much junk clogging up the vision.” Streaming on Netflix.

— Laura Chinn’s directorial debut “Suncoast,” which recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, draws from Chinn's own experience growing up in Florida and caring for her ill brother. With a cast including Laura Linney and Woody Harrelson, newcomer Nico Parker stars as the high-schooler Doris in this coming-of-age drama. “Suncoast” streams Feb. 9 on Hulu.

— AP Film Writer Jake Coyle

— It may very well be Usher’s world, and we’re just living in it. From an incredibly successful Las Vegas residency to scoring the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, the “Confessions” singer is experiencing a well-deserved influx of attention — from a new and curious audience as well as those filled with nostalgia for his smooth ’00s R&B. There’s more great news: on Friday, Feb. 9, just two days before he appears at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Sin City’s inaugural Super Bowl, Usher will release “Coming Home,” his first new solo album in eight years. He hasn’t missed a beat — “Good Good,” the single with Summer Walker and 21 Savage — is silky summertime R&B with some Atlanta bounce — a winning combination. Elsewhere on the album, Usher joins forces with Burna Boy, Latto, The-Dream, H.E.R., BTS member Jungkook and Pheelz. “Stacked” is the word.

— Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson will release her fourth studio album, “Venus,” on Feb. 9 — an album full of shimmery synth-pop and Euro dance-pop that burns bright, hot and fast like a Saturday night. “On My Love” with EDM giant David Guetta proves it, but Larsson’s commitment to feel-good club bangers exists throughout: like on the strings of “End of Time,” which she said was inspired by Rihanna and ABBA in equal parts. Now that’s a combination.

— If you frequent indie music corners of the internet, you might’ve seen the shirts released by Helado Negro, the musical moniker of Roberto Carlos Lange, before you heard his music: “Young and Latin and Proud,” they read, a celebration of the South Florida native born to Ecuadorian immigrants’ identity, but also the identity of many of his listeners. It’s a great framework to consider Helado Negro’s latest album, “Phasor,” a day-dreamy collection of experimental pop (like on “Best For You and Me”), psych rock (“LFO (Lupe Finds Oliveros)”) and alternative rhythms and flutes (“I Just Want To Wake Up With You.”) It is a celebration of an incredible diversity of Latin music, including one that gets lost when listeners focus too closely on geography: atmospheric sounds.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

— “Abbott Elementary” aired its season two finale last April and there are lingering questions that need answers. Can Janine and Gregory (series creator Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams) remain platonic after almost stepping outside the friend-zone on the field trip to the science museum? Did a summer at Harvard prompt Ava (Janelle James) to finally take her job as principal seriously? And will Mrs. Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) finally learn that Brian Tyree Henry’s name is not Brian Austin Green? Answers may be revealed Wednesday when school is back in session and “Abbott Elementary” debuts season three on ABC. Episodes also stream on Hulu.

— Revisit popular Super Bowl ads from years past on “Super Bowl Greatest Commercials XXIII: The Ultimate Countdown,” on Wednesday on CBS. The show presents top commercials from over the years from brands including Budweiser, E-Trade and Coke. Hosts Boomer Esiason, the former NFL quarterback, and actor Danielle Ruah narrow down the competition to two finalists, and viewers can pick a winner by scanning a QR code on screen to vote live. The special will also stream on Paramount+.

— There’s a four-legged alternative to Super Bowl Sunday: Puppy Bowl XX. This year marks the Bowl’s 20th year and 131 adoptable pups have been drafted from shelters and rescues across the U.S. to compete. Teams Ruff and Fluff square off for the coveted “Lombarky” trophy while also encouraging people to adopt and not shop for pets. Puppy Bowl XX will simulcast on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Discovery+, TBS, TRUTV, and MAX before the big human game on Sunday, Feb. 11.

— Great American Family also wants in on the call-to-adoption programming. Year two of the Great American Rescue Bowl will feature both dogs and cats -- all who have already been adopted — to highlight the kinds of pets you can find at a shelter or rescue instead of a store or breeder. The paw-some game between teams The Adorables and The Cuddlers begin at 12 p.m. also on Sunday, Feb. 11.

— Justin Hartley of “This is Us” debuts his new CBS series “Tracker” in the prime spot after Super Bowl LVIII. Based on the book “The Never Game” by Jeffery Deaver, Hartley plays Colter Shaw, a guy with a skill for tracking down the missing and all he asks for in return is reward money. In an interview, Hartley says he was itching to roam around outside after years of being in kitchens and living rooms for “This Is Us.”

— Alicia Rancilio

— Sony’s new multiplayer military shooter Helldivers 2 invites you to “wage war for peace” and “die for democracy.” If those slogans sound like something out of the 1997 satire “Starship Troopers,” wait until you see the enemy, a species of giant insects called terminids. You can join forces with up to three friends as elite soldiers defending “Super Earth” from the aliens — which, of course, is best accomplished by attacking the monsters on their home planets with a spectacular assortment of high-tech weaponry, from your basic laser rifle to massive bombs. If you find yourself cornered by an alien “bile spewer,” well, that’s your problem. The invasion launches Thursday on PlayStation 5 and PC.

— Lou Kesten

[piddlepaddlepanda]

A panda went down to Georgia

Thank you Atlanta Film Festival Screenplay Competition for awarding The Tao of Piddle Paddle Panda (formally working-titled Crayola Zen) our 42nd international Film Festival award/laurel found at piddlepaddlepanda.com screenplay Forum.

Over 50,000 screenplays are registered with WGA West each year, yet the world-wide super brand, Crayola, found ours (thanks in-part to Tumblr's), and they nicely asked we re-title our project. Wow that's amazing because of the Okay Boomer Superband, The Who. "WHo are we, who who, who who, tell me who the f- are we?!" (Only 1 of gazillion amateur screenplays!) Corporate America noticing our world-wide success in vetting our streaming-movie screenplay is, Zen.

The Tao of Piddle Paddle Panda is a better working-title, anyways. It features a good-hearted single-mom, a troubled kiddo, and our world's first African Pope who disrobes his religious "cosplay" to attend an amateur gaming-tournament held at San Diego Comic Con. (Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe approve, gracefully awarding us in their Film Festivals.) This screenplay is vetted with international/cultural appeal around the world. Everyone roots for mom. And panda cubs.

The Green Brothers (writers) already secured an IMDb credit and hit radar of corporate America for this screenplay. Atlanta Film Festival is an Academy Award qualifying (Shorts) Film Festival. It's the bigs.

We thank Atlanta Film Festival Screenplay Competition for judging/ qualifying The Tao of Piddle Paddle Panda (formally Crayola Zen) as big league streaming-movie material. That's Zen.

Visit piddlepaddlepanda.com, read the screenplay or listen to an AI computer table read. Join the Discussion Forum posting original music for a Soundtrack pitch. Be the Casting Director, or post about any myriad of subjects this 'romantic comedy' implies. Realizing, pandas have no idea we even exist, literally, because their very nature is peaceful, fun.

[ricardotomasz]

Such is life! Behold, a new Post published on Greater And Grander about The Dancing Rabbit; Virginia Jones

See into my soul, as a new Post has been published on http://greaterandgrander.com/the-dancing-rabbit-virginia-jones-2

The Dancing Rabbit; Virginia Jones

Tyler is a versatile, award-winning screenwriter, actor, director, designer, and teacher. Born in New Mexico and raised in New York, Tyler went to Architecture school at Cornell University, where he graduated in 2006. After college, Tyler worked as a designer at a large firm in Boston and taught design at an Architecture College for a number of years. Realizing he needed a big change, Tyler began pursuing acting in 2009.

Tyler received training at the Stella Adler Academy and the Upright Citizens Brigade and quickly began booking many film roles, predominantly leading roles on small indie projects. After getting an agent and manager and joining SAG, Tyler landed roles on ABC's "Body of Proof," TBS’s “Men at Work,” CBS’s “Marry Me,” Crackle’s “Chosen,” and 20th Century Fox's "What's Your Number?".

Tyler is a huge fan of the sci-fi, fantasy, psychological thriller, and horror genres, and the first short film he wrote and directed, “Electric Blue,” was produced in 2015, and screened at a number of great festivals including the Williamsburg Independent, Atlanta Independent, LA New Wave, Kansas City, Roswell, and Film Shortage. He works with lawyer Natalie Hottle.

Although he currently resides in Los Angeles, Tyler prefers to work on both coasts. His screenplays and films have been selected and awarded at countless competitions and festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad. He writes, produces, and directs under his company’s moniker, D R K B L U Films.

What are you working on now that you’re excited about?

I’m super excited (and mortified) about a big crowdfunding campaign I recently launched for a dark fantasy thriller feature film epic called AETERNUM.  We need all the support we can get, so please hop over to check out the project on IndieGoGo, and if you can contribute, please do!  https://igg.me/at/aeternum-film/x#/

Why did you get into the entertainment industry?

By accident.  I used to be an architect, but during the big downturn in 2008, I started to reconsider my love for that field.  I took a little break from the field to get some perspective and decided to try to do something entirely different than I’d ever done, just to have fun for a few months until I’d inevitably go back to architecture.  Enter acting.  What I thought would be a few months of goofing around and being far less serious than I was accustomed to, turned into a lifelong love affair, to which I never formally returned to architecture.  I started while living in Boston, got quite a bit of work out there, commuted into NYC frequently for auditions and shooting projects, then made the move to LA back in 2011.  I now focus on acting, but also screenwriting and directing, in my pursuits of making films. 

I was 27.

What was the first project you worked on?

I did a couple of very weird experimental plays in Boston with this small company called The Imaginary Beasts.  We did a show inspired by the writings of Gertrude Stein, and it was really out there.  I was an understudy at the time, but one of the leads got sick, and I had to suddenly do the final two shows.  Apparently, I did alright because they offered me one of the leads in their next production. 

How did you find it?

I honestly don’t remember.  It’s very possible that it was something like Craigslist. 

What were your goals when you started?

To really just do something different with me, stretch, have some fun, loosen my mind from the pressures that had been heaped on me from becoming a professor of architecture (I was teaching at an architecture college in Boston and they wanted me to go towards a 10-year track).  I just wanted to try acting out, explore it a bit, and honestly just even see if I could get a single audition, let alone be cast in something.  I had set the bar pretty low.

What are your future goals?

To become a full-time, successful filmmaker.  Right now filmmaking work isn’t consistent enough, and I need to work a teaching job in order to support myself financially.  I would love to just be working on my film projects with freedom and consistent financial stability.  If it were entirely a career in acting that would be just fine with me, but I also really love screenwriting and would be happy to entertain the more multi-hyphenate life like so many people seem to find themselves in.  A holistic approach to filmmaking, and my roles in there, sounds like a good fit for me. 

Did you go to film school?

No, I went to architecture school at Cornell University.  I’ve taken some acting classes here and there, but I am almost entirely a self-taught actor/filmmaker. 

What did you originally want to do in Hollywood?

Acting was 100% the focus.  Now I’d say it’s like 60% the focus, as I took many years away from it to pursue screenwriting in order to develop the skills to write and create my own projects, rather than rely on someone else to do the writing.  I did that because when I got out to LA and was auditioning for roles, I was particularly disappointed in the quality of the writing I was being exposed to.  So I had to stop complaining and do something about it.  My scripts have since won many awards at festivals and competitions, and have had many directors, actors, and producers attached to make them.

What difficulties (if any) did you encounter in Hollywood?

Nepotism is one of the grossest things Hollywood seems to possess in a way other industries don’t.  And it is ever-present and distinctly powerful in the film world.  There was very little of that on the East Coast scene, but in LA it’s utterly rampant.  I wasn’t prepared for that, and that really crushed a lot of my fledgling interest in acting when I first came out to LA. 

What did you do for a day job while looking for showbiz work?

I have had a lot of teaching experience, so teaching has always been a way to financially support myself while doing creative things that mean more to me. 

When did you decide to stop working for free?

I got a good bit of studio and network TV work very quickly while living out in Boston, so joined SAG and got an agent out there after about a year of pursuing acting.  From there on out I don’t really think I was allowed to work for free anymore.  I would have, I didn’t always mind that if it was a cool enough character/project, but rules are rules. 

Do you ever work for free or on spec now?  And if so, how do you choose when to work on those terms?

I’ll work for free for a friend in an acting capacity.  In terms of writing, I have to constantly write on spec or create decks on spec to pitch projects, etc.  That side of filmmaking is more spec than not, for most people, I’m pretty sure. 

What are you currently working on, and how did you arrive here?

I always have a few projects moving around in different stages of development, but the one I’m really focused on and passionate about right now is AETERNUM:

“A grieving hypnotherapist must help a mysterious man with special abilities regain his memory in order to find her missing son.”

The film is going to be visually stunning; and takes inspiration from other tonal fantasy epics like Pan’s Labyrinth, The Fountain, Midnight Special, The Fall, and the Tree of Life.  With Aeternum I wanted to make a film that was truly original, that would be visually gorgeous, be infused with everything I want to say to the world, and be able to retain as much creative control over as possible.  Thus, the crowdfunding effort.  Which has been nothing short of nerve-wracking. 

What’s the biggest thing you depend on, on set?

A really comfortable feeling amongst everyone on set.  When things are tense or chaotic or people are disagreeing or being petty or unprofessional, it makes it very hard to make a movie, whether in front or behind the camera.  When I’m the actor, I’m always trying to be friendly and connect with everyone.  When I’m the director, I’m always asking everyone how they’re doing and if they have what they need, and reminding everyone to have a good time.  We take as many breaks as we need but also push for high quality and time efficiency.  

Did someone ever try to take advantage of your inexperience in Hollywood?

Yes.  They still do.  I don’t want to name any names (I mean I do want to but I’ll restrain myself), but there have been writers and producers in particular that have stolen script ideas and stolen large parts of actual scripts themselves.  I cannot underscore how deeply painful and infuriating those experiences have been, and how much they’ve made me question both the value of the film industry and the integrity of the people in it. 

Did you ever pay for a program that promised big results to help further your career, but it never delivered?

Not really no.  I haven’t taken too many classes or anything like that, and none of the ones I’ve taken made big promises, as far as I can recall.  

Did you ever come across a project or a person that looked promising, and then the whole thing blew up in your face?

I was offered a unique opportunity through a director that was attached to one of my projects to work with this new seemingly cutting-edge technology that would get us all kinds of access to various things.  Without giving too many specifics, the person offering the “opportunity” turned out to be pretty shady, and wasn’t going to honor certain things he said he would, so the director and I jumped ship.

Were you ever put in a position where you were asked to compromise your artistic integrity?  What did you do?

All the time.  The tricky thing about writing scripts for projects meant for me to act in basically fundamentally invites this kind of problem.  Often times producers will read a script of mine, love it, and want to make it, but refuse to have me play the role I’ve scripted for myself.  Most of the time I say, nope, this is non-negotiable.  Lately, there’ve been a couple of times where I’ve caved, but I hate it, it feels awful.  

Did anyone ever approach you and say they would offer you a job if you slept with them?

Nah, I think people know better than me.  You can take one look at me and know I’m not gonna put up with that.

Be honest, what’s the worst part of your job?  Or the part of the job you enjoy the least?

All the hustle and the bullshit.  I’m creative; I’m not a businessman or agent or marketing specialist; and I don’t want to be those things in order to make my art.  I think it’s sad that we need to do those things, to try to sell ourselves to others, in order to be granted permission to do something we love.  The math of it doesn’t work out. 

If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

In an alternate universe, I would get involved with acting at a younger age to give myself more time to build a resume and experience.  But there are of course a slew of negative side effects that come with acting at a younger age, which I would not have been keen on.  I also probably should’ve just stayed in Boston/NYC, frankly.  LA is for people who have daddies in the industry pulling strings for them, not for people just trying to break in based on a meritocracy system.  Because there really isn’t one here in LA, unfortunately. 

What motto do you try to live your life by?

I don’t have a motto for my life, but I try to always consult my heart, consult my head, consult my spirituality, stay as present as I can, and stay as true to myself as I can–difficult as all of those are to maintain.  I like to maintain a careful balance between freedom and routine, and adventurousness and groundedness. 

Where’s your favorite place in Los Angeles?

The Museum of Jurassic Technology.  The coolest place in LA.

You can check out Tyler's work on the internet at the below links:

IndieGoGo Campaign - https://igg.me/at/aeternum-film/x#/

Website

www.tylerpeck.com

www.drkblufilms.com 

Instagram

@tyler__peck 

@aeternum_film

Do you have your own thoughts? Let us know in the comments! Or join our community of successful creators on Patreon!

#Aeternum, #California, #DancingRabbit, #Director, #Entertainment, #Filmmaker, #Filmmaking, #Hollywood, #LosAngeles, #MediaProduction, #NewYork, #Screenwriting, #TV, #TVMovie, #TVShow, #VideoProduction, #VirginiaJones

[mcsaatchisena]

Top Tips for Brands to Remain Authentic in Culture

By Matt Draper

For brands, harnessing that sweet breeze of acceptance that comes from tapping culture for a  collaboration carries strong allure. But, in the age of information-abundance and high consumption, we’re attention poor and against an everything-at-once maximalist backdrop.  Creative concepts can be tricky to pin down. Behind most successful collaborations between a brand and musical artist, there are a few core truths and considerations to keep in mind. 

Be authentic. First thing’s first. Authentic cultural connection is your way in. Looking to leverage hype alone only gets you so far. Of course, adding value for your brand is the goal and while gonzo examples of a brand muscling their way in do exist, generally if it lacks authenticity, then cracks will form. Always keep your core values and audience in mind, asking how and if a collaboration can work. Tapping into your history to consider nostalgia - culture’s greatest drug - is always good, but you don’t want to go over people’s heads or assume they know everything about your brand.

Be humble, curious and seek advice. Acceptance and trust are earned. You’re trying to break in and reach a new audience but you need to do it with wide eyes, be ready to listen, observe and ask questions. Work with authentic partners or curators from the scene you’re targeting and let them steer you. The culture isn’t as hard to reach as you think, just be open and surround yourself with the right people. In the age of big data, take a human approach to curation, collaboration and creativity. Ask community members who might be a good fit, versus throwing out artist names that are trending. An authentic, impactful connection with culture is hard to build and easy to fake. 

Mix it up, everyone else is. Like people, artists aren’t one-dimensional and your campaigns don’t need to be either. Remember fandom is layered. Look across genres, scenes, eras, age groups and formats. High culture and low culture mean nothing when everyone is wearing Crocs. Metal and rap exist together (again). Punks Turnstile played rap’s biggest festival, Rolling Loud and walked the Grammy carpet in sweater vests and midriff. Singer-songwriter Faye Webster released her own signature yo-yo. Liquid Death made a horror film and hired an actual witch for a Super Bowl campaign. Red Bull sold out a symphony hall in Atlanta with Rick Ross. A notable brand truly embracing this maximal melting pot approach is LA’s Brain Dead who just in the last few months, sponsored a music festival, elevated workwear stalwart Dickies, released a Korn capsule (Nu Metal is back baby), collaborated with HOKA and Oakley and made furniture out of mycelium. Phew. 

Think community-minded. Free is always good. 

Look at what artists and brands are doing and think about how you can tap in. Chicago rapper Noname held a block party in August that was free if you donated a book by a Black author. Music platform and live series Boiler Room aims to “avoid inundating a given city with a lineup entirely stacked with foreign artists, given that a good chunk of the world’s most popular DJs tend to operate out of the same major cities. Instead, they collaborate with professionals from local music scenes to curate.” Artist MIKE held his latest Young World Rap Fest in Brooklyn this July which was free to attend, featured Earl Sweatshirt, Georgia Anne Muldrow and more and as Pitchfork noted: “in era of thousand-dollar VIP passes and nosebleed stadium seats that cost half of your rent, the free fest is expansive but manageable, globally minded but locally sourced, and rap-centric above all else.” Streetwear giant Supreme sponsored the fest and it was really well received by widespread audiences.

Remember what artists do and meet them there. Yes, you’re technically a benefactor in this, but true collaborations are just that, a collaboration. Depending on the size of the artists or scenes you’re targeting, remember what artists do: They create, record and collaborate, they release music and they play live to support it. For smaller artists this cycle is gospel and damn expensive and if your brand can insert themselves at any point along the way, you create opportunity, meeting these artists where it makes sense for them. 

Timing is key. Talent is busy, especially on cycle. It’s important to be upfront and transparent about what you’re after and the timeframe you’re aiming to execute on. Reviewing concepts takes time, so keep things simple, and roll out the evolutions as you see fit, in stages. Email chains will get long, longer and lonnnger. Consider everyone at play: The artist team, your team, partners, legal, etc. and then remember the artist still has to say yes. 

Limited audiences (generally) mean limited reach: Sure, a limited run of spendy custom merch released alongside new music is cool and gives super fans something to talk about but if most can’t access your collaboration then poof, there goes your relevance. Some earned media success for a campaign like this may follow as scarcity can carry value but overall, most editors want to share something that audiences can access. 

And above all, Manage expectations. Everything doesn’t have to have 1M views. Phrases like “It’s a community play” seem flimsy to some, but do indeed hold water because the audience is wise. Sometimes, making content just to make content can be more impactful because, well, it’s more than the other brand did. Supporting an artist or community because you believe in them and what they represent should be reason enough. It’s good to have an idea of how you’ll define success because metrics alone can’t always be it. It’s a much broader picture and its crucial that the brand internally is aligned on the anticipated output.