FaceMyBookTwitt: The Mega Impact of Social Media on Black Hollywood

If you haven’t heard of social media and its impact on the world, this blog is most assuredly for you. Myspace, the Beverly Hills Corporation started in 2003 by employees of Friendster and euniverse, boasts hundreds of millions of members, and musicians eager to gain the attention of record labels. Recording artist Cassie formerly of Bad Boy (Sean “Diddy” Combs’ label) and reality-TV star and model Tila Tequila were both discovered and thrust into the spotlight from their popular MySpace pages. And in came Facebook. And Twitter. Social media is not a new phenomenon, however, its impact on our society and culture has been extreme. Log on; search for anyone in the world and you’ll be sure to find a page. News stations, popular TV programs, celebrities and politicians all leverage their brand, their popularity, their mission through social media. Even high-paid pro athletes and college stars’ tweets and updates are broadcast on sports stations and news channels for the world to view. Which brings up the most important factor of this article and of social media as it pertains to you. I’m sure most of you have a facebook account, perhaps a twitter account and maybe even an account with myspace.com Great. You and about 50 million others. What is important to remember is that what you say and portray through social media is vital and can be damaging too. Inappropriate language, lewd photos and even unprofessional people around your social media network can be a major turnoff for potential casting directors, executives and talent scouts. Believe me they all use social media. Have some not-so-professional photos on facebook? Dropping the F bomb on every twitter update? Erase that ASAP and step up your professionalism game.  You only have one shot to make an impression and it very well may happen online. Might be time to rewrite that email signature, erase some friends and get a headshot without the Kettle one in the back.

-Windy Cooke

Interview with actress Dominique DuVernay

Much to our delight (and surprise), catching up with actress Dominique DuVernay of New Orleans was not too difficult. Fresh off her appearance on BET’s "The Game" Dominique was eager to share her ups and downs with Black Hollywood. Juggling motherhood and acting, Dominique got her start three years ago after being signed by a Louisiana talent agency though it was not her first experience with an agency. The start was not an easy one, however. “I began taking acting classes with various coaches around New Orleans. It wasn’t until I got with my current agency in 2010 that I began to audition for bigger projects. Although my first two agents weren't working for me, I worked for myself and that's how I found work.” Dominique laughs at the idea of distributing headshots before truly understanding their importance for actors. “I was submitting cell phone pictures and pictures I took with my digital camera (laughs) because I had no idea of how to go about getting headshots, who to take them with and the huge importance of even having them." 

Working her way up in low and no budget films, Dominique took many risks along the way to optimize her chances of being discovered. “I crashed Mike Epps Comedy Show in 2008 and got a part,” DuVernay, a New Orleans native explains. Three years later her journey took her on the road, literally, carpooling with friends and $50 dollars in hand to audition for ,The Game. “I had to chip in for gas because this is such a HUGE show, no way I'm going to get cast. When I got in that audition room, it couldn't have been a more friendly environment.” Dominique recalls. “I thought that by it being such a big show, everything would be fast paced, ‘Hollywood’, rude personalities, but that wasn't the case at all. I was extremely comfortable." 

Dominique makes it clear that acting is no easy gig. Almost two months after her audition for "The Game," she hadn't heard anything and assumed she didn't get the part. Confidence in tow she decided to keep moving toward the red carpet. “There were so many times I just wanted to give up but something in me just couldn't. I was feeling really down on myself about the industry as a whole and seriously questioning whether I even belonged in it, so one day I really just cried to God and talked with him. A few days later, I got a late night text from my agent telling me I'd booked The Game two whole months later.” Dominique credits God, an amazing mother and perseverance for her success. “God is who I credit for any and all success I achieve. He keeps me focused. He keeps me driven.” Amen Dominique. Amen.

New Orleans the new Hollywood?

"Women like a man with a big, back porch!"

-Raymond (Princess and The Frog)

 

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, Big Momma's House 2, The Family That Prey’s. As Black Hollywood’ers-to-be, I’m sure you’re more than familiar with these movies. How about X-Men Origins: Wolverine? A Streetcar Named Desire? The Curious Case of  Benjamin Button, Glory Road, Déjà Vu? We are quite sure you are familiar with these award-winning classics. New Orleans, Louisiana is the new home for Hollywood. It’s no surprise the increasing number of films and popular TV series (HBO’s Treme) being filmed in The Big Easy post-Hurricane Katrina.

 In 2002, Louisiana began offering tax incentives for film and television production. Famed movie director, writer and producer Spike Lee has come to New Orleans twice in three years to cover the affects of Hurricane Katrina. In August 2010, HBO aired Lee's documentary series If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise, which chronicles how New Orleans and the Gulf Coast area have fared in the five years following Hurricane Katrina. One of Hollywood’s highest grossing stars Nic Cage is currently filming yet another film in New Orleans. Disney, the multi billion dollar enterprise responsible for cartoon classics Mickey Mouse and Snow White has also been hit with the Nawlins mojo. The Princess and The Frog, which compiled the voice of Black stars Oprah, Terrance Howard and Anika Noni Rose, grossed a remarkable $7 million dollars at the box office during its premiere. Co-Writers and Directors, Ron Clements and John Musker stated that they chose New Orleans as a tribute to the history of the city, for its "magical" qualities, and because it was executive producer John Lasseter's favorite city. (Oh, and did I mention Tyler Perry is from New Orleans?)With major films, come major budgets and major opportunities to cash in and there appears to be an insatiable desire for directors and producers to return to NOLA. Look's like it might be time to pack some bags and head on down to the crescent city!

-Windy Cooke

Mr. Tyler Perry. If he can, YOU can too!

“I was unhappy and miserable during the first 28 years of my life.”

- Mr. Tyler Perry

Practically everyone on the planet knows who Tyler Perry is. No need in taking time and space on this blog re-telling his story. This post is written because we believe Tyler Perry is not the last. Out of the millions and millions of performers in America how many ever land that gig? Not many, right? Well, don’t fret. Tyler Perry has established something that no one person in Hollywood ever has… and probably ever will. But that’s Hollywood, not Black Hollywood. See, it is the enduring nature of a struggling person to explode above and beyond what has already been done. Have you struggled throughout your life, searching for something to call your own? Have you endured poor choices, disgruntled family lives, impoverished neighborhoods and communities? Have you always heard the NO and felt it deep down inside you?  I bet that started a fire and here you are anticipating the fire’s massive explosion. 

Well, case in point, Mr. Tyler Perry began writing plays at the age of 18. For 8 years following he was a homeless writer living in his own car. Some 11 years after writing his first play Tyler saw his explosion, to the heights never seen in American cinema previously. It took Mr. Tyler Perry more than 30 years, a time spent living in his car, physically and sexually abused by predators and contemplating suicide, before he “made it.” You, like Tyler have been through so much. Be inspired by his journey and his endurance, not his mansion and revenue. The good things are not always the “things” but the effort it took to get them.

-Windy Cooke

How to build a lasting relationship with a Casting Director

“I never view things as hard. That’s a word in my vocabulary I try to never use.”

-Robin Reed-Humes, Casting Director (For Colored Girls, Antwone Fisher, Malcolm X)

First and foremost it’s important to recognize casting directors for what they are, the gatekeeper to a lot of success for actors and actresses. A simple yes from a casting director (coupled of course by your tedious work ethic, knowledge of script and character) could literally send your career into overdrive. However, let’s not be misleading. It’s all about the effort, professionalism, vision of the Director and a little luck when it comes to getting that ever-elusive gig. Casting directors have spent years in school, just like you. Casting directors have bad days, just like you. Casting directors have many interests, bills, mood swings and off-days…just like you.

So, how do you go about building a lasting relationship with a casting director? The same way you would go about building a relationship with a friend, colleague or love interest. Relationships require communication, effort, and endurance among other things.

Communication. Please, do not try to over-communicate with the Casting Director once you land a gig or in an attempt to land a gig. They are professionals who work 10-12 hour shoots 6 days a week. A professional but personable email before and a thank you email after will do.

Effort. The little things go a long way. Have you taken the time to read through the casting information before contacting the casting director? Have you done a spell check? Are you just chatting on set or are you determined to make a pleasing impression? Maximize your time, maximize your effort.

Endurance. The director, the crew, the actors on set are in it for the long haul. You, be it an extra or a principal, must be in it for the long haul. The big screen has the ability and the magic to make things look simple and easy. The truth of the matter is millions and millions of dollars are on the line and every second counts. However you may be on set for 10 hours before anything happens. You must have the staying power to endure the long days and nights if you ever want to see that Red Carpet up-close.

-Windy Cooke