One Producer in the City

Awesome person Thursday: Remembering Marina Keegan

Back in July of 2011 I received an email from a young woman who was really excited about a reading of a new play in the Midtown International Theatre Festival. I was struck by the email because out of all of the requests for readings I had been invited to that summer, this email was charming, respectful, and directly to the point. I accepted and she was prompt in letting me know a seat was reserved and had mentioned that she was excited that I was coming. Her words:

"Great! I can't wait to see you there!"

I saw the reading and was really blown away. I was impressed how someone so young could write dialogue so engaging and thought provoking and craft such an amazing story and, as I have had a few times in my producing career, my gut told me that this was a writer I wanted to meet. 

We met in August and I was again so impressed by how well she handled herself during the meeting and I made it a point to introduce her to as many other producers, agents, and resources as I could. 

We stayed in touch via email and she kept me posted on her projects. 

Then over the weekend, one of the producers I had introduced her to, sent me this article. 

I felt like time stopped for a second. It seemed very surreal and then I read about what happened and felt an overwhelming sadness.

Marina Keegan was more than an amazing and talented writer.

She exemplified what an artist should truly be. Her compassion, her empathy, and her insight made those around her more thoughtful and if you read her commencement speech, you'll see that she had such clarity about what it is to be young and scared. The piece has a lesson for all of us regardless of age or background and is arguably the best work of art I have ever laid eyes on. 

I had a writer friend who once used the term "bone-like honesty" and after seeing this essay, I really know what it means now. 

This cheery, happy girl will stay in my memory every time I get an invite from a playwright to see a reading, she'll stay in my memory every time I see an artist do a selfless act, and she'll stay in my memory as someone who really has left a mark not on the surface, but all the way down to the bone. 

I have this Awesome person Thursday column and the idea is that it's devoted to someone awesome as in cool, but honestly, this time I am devoting it to someone who truly inspires awe. 

I'm in awe of how wise beyond her years she was

I'm in awe about how much her essay has made me reflect

I'm in awe of how selfless she was and how many people she helped.

I'm saddened I can't sit down for coffee with her one more time, but I am SO grateful I made the decision to sit down for coffee with her once.

That moment and that experience was a gift and every time I sit down with an aspiring playwright, I know that she'll be looking down on them and wishing them the best. 

I'll miss you terribly Marina, but Thank You for all you've done. 

and thank you for meeting me for coffee. 

Excelsior

Want to grow? Find new conversations.

One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is that they feel they can't get beyond their existing customer base. Whether it involves raising money and they are trying to get beyond  friends and family, or trying to get to a new base of clients for a business, the issue always seems to be the plateau. 

My answer: 

Find new conversations. 

One of the best ways to gather outside interest in a project is to talk to someone new, but rather than just go and randomly tell people about you, find an existing conversation and get involved. For step by step instructions check out Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk. 

Right now there are tons of conversations for you to get involved in. If you comment on this blog today and I comment back, you've started a new conversation with me and my readers for one example. 

Some others: 

Like a Facebook page and comment

Support someone on Kickstarter or Indiegogo and comment on why you're supporting them

Respond to a forum post 

Attend a gathering of people outside of your business

The more conversations you become involved in, the wider your reach will be. 

So start a conversation today. 

Excelsior! 

P.S.- One seat left for Finding Center! 

Where the big deals happen (It's not where you think)

This memorial day weekend a whole slew of deals were made. 

And I'm willing to bet very few of them were around a conference table.

They happened on boats, at barbeques, and most likely by swimming pools and here's why:

If you are working on a big deal, the other person needs to feel that they trust you. What better way to decide on this, than spend some time with you and your loved ones? 

Makes sense right?

All too often we turn down the opportunity to go out because we feel we must stay in and work, but if we do that all the time, then we're actually missing out on the opportunity to strengthen some of those major relationships. 

So the next time you get invited out by someone who you are working on a deal with or someone who you are developing a business relationship with, don't just write it off. 

You could be discussing that big deal and just not know it. 

Excelsior!

P.S.- Only 2 seats left for Finding Center! 

No guest blog today, but plenty to support

This week since my guest blogger cant make it, I wanted to make you all aware of some great projects and causes that could use the support of readers like you. A few notes about support:

1. You don't always have to give money- A retweet of this post, a mention via twitter or FB of a project, or a forwarded email can be just as effective as a donation. So if you're strapped for cash, give some link love instead!

2. Connect passionate people- If you read about one of these projects and love it, take the time to think if there is anyone else who may be as passionate as you and make an introduction. You'll have a great time and be happy you did. 

3. Spread the love- The more people and projects you help, the more connections you'll make and projects you'll be connected to, so if you have time today to spread the word or donate some dough, I'm sure the people on this list will appreciate it!

 

1. Baby Lu- You heard all about them yesterday. They have an ambitious goal, but have already made significant headway. Help them get over the hump! You can read more HERE. 

2. TheaterLab is not asking for money, they're asking for signatures to stay open. I can't stress enough how inportant it is to keep the Indie Theatre spaces in the city Open! To support them, go HERE.

3. Chitown- This incredible documentary by Nick Budabin has two days left to hit the ambitious goal it has set. If you love basketball, Chicago, or helping charities, this is one to check out. You can help by going HERE. 

4. RKP Ensemble- I have mentioned before the great work of Rachel Klein and her amazing ensemble and their latest show looks like it will be possibly the most incredible one to date. You can help them realize their dream by going HERE. 

5. The Active Theatre- This company does really awesome work and their latest piece Body Language is still in need of a push. To give them that push, go HERE. 

6. Doubles Crossed- I have seen Funny Sheesh's plays before and this one looks great. They only have 43 hours to go, so if you love film noir and comedy, give them a nudge HERE. 

This is just a small portion of what is out there looking for support, but the more you start to help, the more you'll find out about and if you want to be a producer, you'll want to be in the loop on the great things that are out there. Have a great Friday and Good Luck to all of these projects!

Excelsior!

P.S.- Early bird tickets for Finding Center are now Sold Out, but you can grab one of the last four regular price seats HERE. 

Awesome Person Thursday: Baby Lu

 

This week's A.P.T. is the film Baby Lu by new up and coming film maker Emily Ray Reese. Below Emily tells about her story and how that story has translated into a film. As a new producer, she and her team need our support. Take a look at the video below and if you can pitch in, you can be awesome too!

Take it away Emily! 

"Baby Lu" is a the first feature film to be helmed by writer/directed Emily Ray Reese. Baby Lu is a queer coming of age story set in a tiny out skirt town of Taos, New Mexico. Lucinda, a thirteen year old girl, is growing up under a well intentioned but unequipped single mountain man father. When an intriguing new woman arrives in their small New Mexican town, the two of them must grapple with new emotions and the confusion of Lucinda’s burgeoning sexuality.  For the past 5 years, Emily has directed over 5 short films, a web series and commercial spots. This film would  be her largest project to date and will also qualify as her thesis project and complete her MFA at the highly acclaimed Graduate Program at NYU. NYU's thesis films have a notoriety for success and often act as the stepping stone to a successful film career. NYU's graduate film program has been considered one of the premiere schools' since it's inception.  In addition to top notch facilities, equipment, and curriculum, the program's esteemed faculty, which includes award-winning filmmakers such as John Tintori (Eight Men Out, True Love), Todd Solondz (Happiness, Storytelling), Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing, Inside Man), and Mary Harron (American Psycho, I Shot Andy Warhol) is what makes this program so successful. Every year award winning films come out the the students and alumni of the program. Last year God of Love won the student academy award and Winter's Bone won the grand jury prize at Sundance. Being a student in this program pushes them to tell unique inspiring stories and to pursue the best possible level of filmmaking. Baby Lu is nothing short of the exceptionally high standards of Tisch Grad Film.

1) How is Baby Lu a unique story?

The story of Baby Lu is inspired from my own unique upbringing in rural New Mexico. Growing up with my own mountain man father presented an array of experiences and challenges, which came to a head when I entered my teens and even more so when I realized I was gay. While it was difficult to speak with my 

father growing up, we always had a way of tacitly communicating when he’d take me fishing or hunting. These moments bonded us forever, even though we could never

openly discuss my sexuality.

New Mexico and it culture of hunting, fishing, and "living off the grid" is a unique world that has hardly been explored in cinema.  Especially in a story that places this lifestyle in conflict with a queer questioning character. This combination has developed a very unique and interesting story that must be told!

2) What excites you about writing/directing Baby Lu?

The setting and the character’s of New Mexico provide the inspiration and guide for my creative vision for this film. The cinematography as well as the performances will be directed to feel as beautiful and raw as the towns I grew up in. Striving for the authenticity of New Mexican life will make the subject matter and tone of Baby Lu come alive.

I was interviewed by Rick Romancito of the Taos News a few days ago and he asked what my goal for this film was. When thinking about it, I have always felt like an outsider between the two worlds that I live in. I always felt that I had different values then the hunting, gun loving community I grew up in yet I have always respected their way of living. Now that I am an adult and have become a part of a very liberal and queer friendly community here in Brooklyn, I still feel that I have to balance the politics of my upbringing with my current community. My goal for Baby Lu and it's story is that it can inspire some empathy that will allow us to identify similarities between both cultures. I hope that by seeing the world through Lucinda's eyes, I may be able to bring these opposing worlds together to cultivate dialogue and forgiveness. 

 

3) What are some of the challenges?

 Our biggest challenges will be casting and fundraising.  

Lucinda the main character in the story must be cast perfectly for the film to work. Not only do I need to find the perfect girl but I would love for her to be native to New Mexico, so that she can . I have already begun exploring the middle schools of Northern New Mexico to find this special kid. Lucinda's father, Zeus, also has to be perfectly cast. I'm seeking an actor who can convey a physical presence that truly represents that "mountain man spirit" but also has a quiet power  and  simultaneous vulnerability behind his expression. Once we find these two actors the rest will surely all into place!

We have chosen to run a kickstarter campaign with a hefty goal of 50k and  so far we have raised a whopping 10k! With 26 days left we are feeling optimistic. As long as we can get enough different sets of eyes on the project we can accomplish out goal and go into production in the fall. As an artist is is hard to see the creativity in fundraising and it's hard to ask for money. As we have gotten further into the process and with the help of a bunch of amazing people I have started to see  fundraising as a good challenge. It has forced me to put myself and my work out into the world. Had I never done this no matter how many movies I make, without an audience there would be not point to them other then self therapy.  

4) What's one thing you've learned that would be helpful for first-time writer/directors?

 

Collect an amazing team of collaborators! Honestly it takes a village to make a film and your movie will only be as good as those you have chosen to work with. Assemble your team according to those who's work you respect and who's company you enjoy. Once you have people on board you have to trust them to do their jobs.  

             And love your story! If you don't believe in it no one else will.

           

             To see more about Baby Lu and support our campaign please visit our kickstarter page at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/185154191/baby-lu

-- 

Thanks Emily!

Be sure to check out the video below folks.

Exceslior!

P.S. - There is only 1 early bird seat left for Finding Center and only a handful of seats left total! 

 

What NCIS can teach you about success

One of the shows that I enjoy watching when I have some precious downtime is NCIS. It's one of those murder mystery military things that ends up doing marathons on cable every other weekend. While I was meeting with one of my consulting clients, I realized that there is something they do in every single episode that actually makes a lot of sense if you want to be successful. Are you ready for it?

Return to the scene of the crime and look at EVERYTHING

It seems really simple, but take a moment now to think about the last time you had amazing success. I'm willing to bet that there were factors that lead to that success that you could probably find again. If you got an amazing client who has transformed your business, wouldn't it make sense to ask where that client came from? If they are from a certain referral, wouldn't it make sense to go back to that referral?

Now let's think about it in more depth. Who else worked on the project that you loved? Have you asked them what other projects there may be? Where you could look?

Return to the scene and you may find something you missed the first time and catch that gig. 

So the next time you are wondering where your next project is going to come from, take a second and go back to the project you just left. 

Who knows? Just like those NCIS folks, you may have missed something. 

Excelsior!

P.S.- Only a few early bird seats left for Finding Center. Grab them HERE! 

 

Are you feeling out of control?

It's ok.

We all have been there, myself included. 

About a year ago, I wasn't sure what was happening with my new business. I was pulled in so many directions that I wasn't really even sure where I was heading. 

So I reached out to my existing network and asked for advice and help. I took a long hard look at the business I created and started saying no to things. I started focusing on what was most important and tracking the results of what I was doing. It didn't come easy, but slowly things began to improve. As time went on, I started to develop systems for the challenges I had and I used those systems to solve the problems that came up. 

As I continued my consulting work, I shared these systems with clients and watched as they began to bring their lives into focus too, so I continued to refine these methods until I devloped a class specifically for those who are feeling overwhelmed. 

I launched that class today. 

And you, my blog readers are the first to get a chance to sign up. 

Seats are limited, so if it appeals to you, I encourage you to hurry. 

You can go HERE for more info. 

Excelsior! 

 

How to survive bad gigs

We all have them, especially in an arts related field.

Bad gigs.

Someone asks us to come on board with a project and it looks pretty good from the outside, but once we sign on, it turns into a nightmare. 

It's easy to despair in these situations and to blame ourselves. We ask how could I have been so stupid? Why didn't I say No? Etc. 

But none of that is really helpful. 

So from someone who has had a lot of bad gigs in his life in the arts and beyond, here are my top five tips for surviving them.

1. Assess honestly- When I realize I'm in the middle of a sh%# storm, I take a moment to ask how bad things really are and I'm often surprised to find that they are not as bad as I think. Whatever the gig is you're on, ask yourself what the worst thing is that can happen. Once you have that answer you know how deep you're in. If you're not in that deep, there may be options for making things less tough or easing the burden in certain places. If it's really bad and you're in deep, you know what you're dealing with. The worst thing is to not assess honestly and call something really bad not that big a deal. Remember, the most dangerous words in the English language are "Maybe it will go away" 

2. Consult a mentor- If you're gong through hell, chances are someone before you has also gone through it. Ask them about their experience and what they did in that situation. You may get some really good advice or hear about something you may not have thought of. They may be able to connect you to someone who helped them out of the problem in the past. They may also be able to talk to the person managing your project and get the full picture. My mentors have helped me get out of a number of bad gigs. If you don't have a mentor, start looking for one. 

3. Know your rights- If you have a funny feeling about a project you are working on, then there may be something to that. I have been on a number of gigs in the past where someone asked me to do something that seemed shady and sure enough, when I asked around, I found it to be illegal or have significant repercussions. Sometimes that person I was working for wasn't even aware of the repercussions. Before you do anything that feels strange, make sure you know what is legal. 

4. Vent to those not involved- It's going to be tempting to complain to someone on the team, but it's also really easy for that person to go back to the boss and have a conversation as well. If you aren't happy about something and need to vent, find an outlet that is not connected to the gig. It keeps everything in perspective and those who aren't working on the project will often offer different viewpoints which are incredibly valuable.

5. Take notes and decide what you won't do in the future- This is the most important thing. If something frustrated you, take notes and in the future, add a clause to your contract so the thing that is happening doesn't happen again. Take note of what you loved doing and what you hated doing and when a new project comes along, ask yourself honestly how many things will you be doing that you love and what will you be doing that you hate? Choose the project based on that information and you'll be in good shape. 

I can't promise that you'll be offered good projects from here on out, but I can promise that you'll make more informed decisions about what projects to take on. 

And being informed will always lead to better work.

Excelsior! 

Guest Blog #66: The art of throwing a party

We're switching it up a bit and giving a Wednesday guest blog. This is Patrick Soluri who's going to tell you all about throwing a great party. Take it away Patrick!

As a composer and music producing, I love bringing people and music together. A party that started in my apartment, turned into an event that last time had 800 paying guests at the Copacabana and gets written up regularly in the WALL STREET JOURNAL and TIME OUT NY on a regular basis. Many people ask how did this start and how has this helped me become a better producer?

When I was in college I started throwing small parties in my apartment and would invite musician friends to come over and play. I was a blossoming swing dancer then and loved jazz and blues. We’d dance, drink, lounge and have a great time. Before long, they started getting known, celebs would stop by and press started paying attention. Then during one summer party, my apartment was overflowing with people out in the hallway, the door open, and without A/C, I realized I needed to start doing them in a proper venue.

As you can imagine it started small and was a learning experience… bar guarantees, minimizing risk, projecting sales, promotion, This was pre-Facebook, but I tapped into a few message board groups where I was a member and hired some bands I loved that never fit in my apartment. First party I had 300 people! I had hit on a formula of 2 floors with multiple bands and acts performing throughout the night. Also I partnered with a friend who loved making cocktails (known now as mixology or craft cocktails). The ideas was during the party you could hang out in one room for a while, then go to the next; each with a different scene. I had managed to naturally combine the loungers and swing dancers, which apparently hadn’t been done. But from a producing perspective it was diversifying and expanding the demographic and tapping into multiple scenes.

From there we grew and worked with different venues, bands and performers. I experimented with different locations, styles and price points. All crucial issues for the competitive nightlife scene in NYC. I’ve produced events at venues such as GALAPAGOS, SALON NYC, THE EMPIRE HOTEL, THE PLAYERS CLUB, REBEL NYC, THE COPACABANA and THE EDISON BALLROOM. We managed to hit the post 90’s swing retro scene that has become huge in NYC, especially since MADMEN and BOARDWALK EMPIREs. Then Facebook hit and I was able to promote at low expense and wide reach. Luckily this was augmented over the years with notable  press from THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, TIME OUT NY, METROMIX,HUFFINGTON POST, NEWSDAY, MTV, The NY POST, and WBGO Jazz FM, as well as international press and write-ups from the blogosphere.

So what kind of parties have we done recently? "Celebrating Sinatra," at the beautiful 1930's Edison Ballroom in Times Square, with over 400 guests and 60 performers including Bucky Pizzarelli and other legendary musicians who performed with Frank Sinatra, an open bar and four course dinner in true supper club chic. The idea was let young singers perform their favorite Sinatra songs with the guys that used to play with him (you should have heard the stories). I do an annual "New Years Eve Eve" party, on December 30th: in 2011 at The Copacabana with over 40 performers and 800+ guests; in 2010 at the night club Rebel NYC with over 500 guests, 40 performers and sponsorship by Hendrick's Gin and Milagro Tequila; and in 2009 at the historic Players Club on Gramercy Park with over 500 guests attending and liquor sponsors Dewar's and Infinium Spirits. Since 2009, the annual LIBERTY BELLE SPECTACULAR on July 4th at the Empire Hotel rooftop (a co-production with Dances of Vice, Wit's End and Champagne Riot) draws an average of over 1,000 guests. TIME OUT called it the "Top Live Show - Best of the Week" and one of THE things to do in NY on July 4th in New York City.

 

SO now I’m looking to expand and do more… it’s fun, but a lot work. Please join us this Friday for THE SILVER SCREEN, a tribute to silent films. Just got listed in TIME OUT today (This week in NY, Best by Day). More info here http://www.thesalon.biz/May18.htm

 

 

At the forefront of the "Retro Nouveau** scene in New York City, THE SALON has been producing events since 2001. Each event celebrates the past and the future by bringing together creative people to perform music, dance, and share their art to appreciative and discerning guests who dress-to-the-nines and enjoy bespoke cocktails in classic New York venues. The tradition of great salons from the past have been reinterpreted for the modern world by pulling from a creative community of friends and colleagues who come together to share, collaborate, and showcase their incredible skills in an atmosphere of old-school glamour with an up-to-the-minute appreciation of the finest talents in vintage-inflected music and performance that New York City has to offer.

** as mentioned and defined in the Wall Street Journal

Patrick Soluri is a New York City based composer and music producer who specializes in dramatic music for orchestra, ballet, opera, film & TV. His love of telling stories through music is evident in a large body of work for the stage, screen and concert hall. This includes five commissioned ballet scores, (Staatsballett Berlin, Dances Patrelle and CVYB); and numerous operatic works including a showcase by New York City Opera, a one-act commissioned by American Lyric Theater, and a series of short comic operas that have premiered annually at sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall. He has also worked on numerous film and TV projects including the Emmy winning Wonderpets, and recently finished working with Sean Lennon on the film score for ALTER EGOS. His music has been featured on various shows on NBC, TLC, LOGO and DISCOVERY in the US and Europe, including Americas Got Talent. He produces recordings and music in multiple styles from music theater, to pop, jazz and singer/songwriters. His retro-themed party featuring dozen of performers, bands, burlesque and craft cocktails, called THE SALON, celebrated its 10^th anniversary last year and has been featured and written up in WALL STREET JOURNAL, TIME OUT NY, HUFFINGTON POST, NY NEWSDAY, NY POAST, WBGO, WNBC and MTV among others. More info at: www.patricksoluri.com (composer/producer), and www.thesalon.biz (party).

P.S.- Solving for X is coming up. Grab your tickets HERE. 

What to do when you're stuck in the mud

We've all had those days where we set out to get something done and without warning everything seemed to go wrong.

The file took too long to download

We got stuck on the subway

The paperwork took longer than we expected

Someone's feelings got hurt

The copier jammed

The list goes on an on.

The way I look at project setbacks is the same way I look at getting stuck in the mud. There are a few things that you should NEVER do when things are not going your way.

1. Get mad and step on the gas- When you have a setback on a project, it's very easy to get really angry and push as hard and as fast as you can to get everything done. Much like a car in the mud, if you do this you will only sink deeper and get more frustrated. When experiencing a moment of failure the best thing to do is calm down and slow down. Staying calm and moving slow will help you assess your situation.

2. Ignore your suroundings- When something isn't working, it's your natural inclination to look at the road ahead and want to move forward, but sometimes you need to look behind you, see the situation and make an informed decision. When in the mud, sometimes moving backwards gets you to a point that is less muddy and provides more traction. You may also find opportunities on either side of you that you can turn into.

3. Do it all yourself- No one wants to ask for help when their car is stuck, but sometimes you need someone to give you a push. If you find yourself slipping on one of your projects, think about who else you know who might be able to give you a little push while you gently push the gas. 

It's never fun being stuck in the mud, but you don't have to stay there forever. Take the time to slow down, look around, and ask for help and you'll be on the road again in no time. 

Excelsior! 

P.S.- Find someone to give you that push at the next Solving for X!