Friday, April 07, 2006 :::
 

Can't Sleep- so what else is new?
Got a 9am meeting on a committee and not sleep yet and it is like 6:22am. Went to a meeting yesterday. Went well. Still connected with the business community and working on new partners. I'm close to closing some deals, so it is worth it, but Man is this tiring.

Still, one does what one has to do.

Have to get back to the priority of promoting the fundarisers. I did a little of that yesterday, but have not been doing it as heavily as I should.

I'm still in the Asking Mode for Partners although I have learned that just because you can ask everyone, doesn't mean, you should. I only have the time to really target people who I think will say Yes. I read a busienss book once where the guy said, you want either a Yes or a No. A definite answer either way. It's the Maybe's that kill you and waste time.

Still I really don't have time to pursue what I feel will be Maybes or even Nos. I am just going after the potential Yeses. Also I have a few people taking to people outside of here for me and maybe in May for a bit, I might have to go out west. Which would be nice. I need to see my little baby. This movie stuff is just a job, "pero mi familia es muy importante."

::: posted by Alex at 3:21 AM

Wednesday, April 05, 2006 :::
 

People will Talk. But Never will say who they are.

I'm not perfect, but for the most part, I don't say anything behind someone's back, that I won't say to their face. Which means, if I don't like someone or have reason to not think well of them, they know it. I try to keep my opinions of people based on what I can prove and not what others say in hushed voices.

An "actress" told me someone has said some terrible rumors about me. And I said, who are they and what did they say. Of course, she won't say. I really think people should have the "balls" to say what they think of someone. Of course they never do. And if you run into these people, they smile in your face. It is just the "classic" thing of people in Cleveland going out of their way to knock other people down. Which is why I stay far away from "communities." I know for a fact, none of these people would say things to my face. In fact, given the fact I don't go anywhere near them, what truth can they know except the lies they make up. F'ing Cowards. And the least said about them, the Better. I'd just like one name of one person. I hate to lump all of them together or think bad of the wrong person.

On the other side of things. Working on a few nice deals here. And I should be able to get back on track with the show and expand the Studio soon.

I did some writing on Dark Five. I added the attack on a character in an attempt to get more action going in the storyline. I know the Actor wasn't too happy, but honestly, that is the way the storyline originally went. I have to admit, I do like the Guy, but I wasn't exactly happy changing the storylines. I probably did it without thinking of the show and instead thinking of keeping people around who could "help" out with the production. It always felt like the Dark should be more intense that it was.

I had some talks with My People and they said, the show should have more action. I remember Detective Mike telling me that before we shot a scene. He said, our show should be more like "24." And you have to take the advice of a guy who is the real cop. Besides the Dark was always planned to be like that. So, it was a matter of returning to the true nature of the show.

I can't just have people talking in every show.

I do like the direction Dark Five takes things. The stories feel more intense. I am sure by the end of the First Season, someone will probably die. It is a crime story after all.

Getting ready for Two Fundraisers. Have to promote them more.

I spent time with DM who wanted me to work on something with him. Yet, I am way too busy and the way he talked, he really didn't need me. So, I thought, hey, why take time away from my business deals to devote time to something which I am not needed for. Besides I really have to work on the Company deals now that I have the attention of the Right People who can write a "check" tomorrow for the Studio.

There is still some work to do. The Annual report is done, but I need to go and look at some other business models from indie studios.

Also been getting in touch with all my contacts and working my way from the "Top Names" down. That takes time as well.

Honestly today I shouldn't have wasted time seeing DM, but I was curious to see this thing he had come up with. I told him, he could sell it as is, but that wasn't good enough for him. True enough, one never knows what is the MAGIC THING that takes one to the top. That's why you keep working and doing a lot of different things. Also, why you show up from time to time at the right places.

I know I am on the right track and my Consigliere told me, to stay focused and well, I have to say, just as a friend, I gave DM some advice. That was all, but I can't stop doing what I am doing now. Hey, a little advice (an hour or so) didn't hurt me or take me off track. Besides, I was really curisous to see the thing. And I did.

I have to say that, if you need someone's help with something, you don't "sell it," like you don't need them or you're doing them a favour. I have people I need help from now and I am not ashamed to admit it or pretend I don't. I am willing to help them, but I also think one has to be honest about needing help in order to get it. Also one has to respect that other people are working on things as well. When I told DM, I was working on some things, he said, "So, what's that got to do with this."

OK, I honestly expected that. I do like the guy, but I do know him. we are all a little selfish, but some are moreso than others. I think it comes from being desperate.

Honestly, I have been working at this stuff for a while, but I have made some accomplishments and I don't particually feel desperate. In fact, I feel real good that I have enough Connections and I have People who are willing to help me out. I just have to Stay Focused.

I went to the i-open thing tonight. been a while since I was there. Not that I was avoiding them. I adore them. It's just, I have been so busy lately. I am glad that the Annual Report is done and I am getting it out there. I have to connect with i-open more. I do so by e-mail, but it is nice to see people in real life and also I need to help them more. They are great folks.

Unlike DM, I don't want to be so concerned with only what I am doing that I forget to help out others. Especially those who are helping me.

I have a lot of people to contact now. I know people who know people and people who can really help the Studio move forward. The time feels right. Just have to stay focused.

I am directing a staged reading at Karamu. A lot of work, but I thought a good way to promote the Fundraiser and it is nice to do something creative again. Contacting business people and income projections and research is all fine and neccessary, but one has to do something creative again.

The play is not mine and it is a good piece of work. Interestingly enough, it is hard finding black actors for it. I enlisted my guy Rufus and I would do the other part (only 2 guys in it and 2 girls and a narrator), except I have to be somewhere the first night.

I am on two other committees that have a lot of good business contacts for the Studio. A lot of work here, but it is good to be part of something that brings attention to the city. And if I expect the business people to help me in my "Studio" cause, then I have to help them in their causes.

My Blonde Consiglire is out meeting people that will benefit both of us. That girl works hard. She's wonderful. Evenif she thinks, I'm a "loser." (Inside joke there)

Oh, and I broke down and bought a TV show from itunes. I could see the model working, but only for shows like "Battlestar Galatica" and "Lost." Not for the Dark, but I have some plans to make sure we can enter the DVD market and not get profits diminished from piracy. I have to run the figures on this, and with the right backing and partners, it will work. At the very least, it will be different.

So, I'm back into more Business work and also I have to make more connections with all my contacts. I'd like to just be an Artist, but until I completely fund the Studio, that won't happen. Still, I may jump and back forth or maybe I'll just settle into running the Studio for a while and let the others worry about the Art.

::: posted by Alex at 9:59 PM

Monday, April 03, 2006 :::
 

Back to Business: Had a tooth pulled that had me out of commission for a few days. Also things have been so hectic with running back and forth that I really need to get some more focus and start to make sure that I only devote energy to things that need my time. First things first. I need to get some Business Partners for the company. I know enough people who would fit the bill. I just have to ask.

More later...

::: posted by Alex at 10:16 AM