thought provokes!...
Last week, I wrote a blog about the challenges currently facing the film industry, and it clearly struck a chord. One response, in particular, caught my attention:
“I keep hearing ‘survive till 25’ from production folks.” That phrase has been making the rounds lately, and yesterday, during a webinar I was speaking on, it came up again. I was caught a little off guard since this was the third time I’d heard it this week. When asked for my thoughts on the topic, I simply said: “Whatever role you play in the film industry, if you can afford to hang on till 2025, you’ll be okay. The film industry is a resilient industry, everyone needs film and TV; it’s simply about getting over this hump.” But the truth is, this isn’t just a catchy phrase—it reflects the serious financial strain many in our industry are feeling from last year’s 7 month strike. A lot of people, from Producers to smaller production company’s aren’t getting paid, especially by major production companies. Several of these companies are struggling, and Paramount is one of the big names in the conversation, as they navigate both internal financial challenges and the ripple effects of industry-wide disruptions. There are thousands of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes—Many of them rely on contract work to make a living, but as production slows, so do their paychecks. With the previous strikes, studio mergers, and the rapid transformation of distribution models, the opportunities for steady work have dwindled. The impact is not just felt by those in front of the camera, but by everyone who makes a film or television show come to life. Unfortunately, many talented and essential crew members are finding themselves out of work, and without the pay they deserve. Major productions have stalled, and deals with major studios are being restructured or delayed. I myself have had two films cancelled and one put on hold this year alone. While independent filmmakers continue to push forward, even that space has been constrained by limited financing and changing distribution landscapes. Paramount, one of the pillars of the industry, is no stranger to these challenges. The company has been grappling with significant financial strain, which has affected its ability to pay production teams on time. I am limited as to what I can say, but they are in heavy layoff mode and have all but cancelled their own productions. If a show hasn’t been cancelled, it is bring migrated to CBS or put on hold. Adding to the complexity, Paramount is navigating merger discussions as the industry continues to consolidate in the face of evolving market conditions. Mergers between studios, like the rumored Paramount-Viacom-CBS consolidation, are designed to create efficiencies and help the companies compete in the new digital-first world of streaming and on-demand content. However, during the transition, many people are left in limbo. The restructuring of departments and production priorities means fewer projects, smaller budgets, and deferred payments for those who are contracted to work on films and shows. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially for independent filmmakers and small production company, like myself trying to stay afloat while the behemoths reconfigure themselves. Despite these challenges, I stand by my belief that the film industry is resilient. There have been difficult times before, and the industry always finds a way to bounce back. As we move toward 2025, streaming platforms and audience demands continue to shape the future of entertainment, and I believe new opportunities will emerge from this transformation. In the meantime, it’s critical that we, as a community of filmmakers, support each other. Collaboration and innovation will see us through this rough patch. For those of you out there feeling the strain, remember: surviving till 25 isn’t just about hanging on—it’s about positioning yourself for the opportunities that will come once this storm passes.
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A long @ss blog!!!
The film industry, a cultural cornerstone and economic powerhouse, is in a state of flux. As we navigate through 2024, the landscape of filmmaking is evolving rapidly, shaped by technological advancements, shifting audience preferences, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adding to this complexity is the profound impact of the recent seven-month writers' and actors' strike, which has sent shockwaves throughout Hollywood and beyond. While the industry is resilient, its current state reflects both significant challenges and exciting opportunities. One of the most defining events in recent industry history has been the seven-month-long strike by writers and actors, which concluded late last year. This strike was not only one of the longest in the industry’s history but also one of the most impactful. The strike, driven by issues such as fair compensation, writer's rooms, residuals in the streaming era, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation, brought Hollywood’s production to a standstill. I know right now, I personally am feeling the heavy impact of the "trickle down effect," with productions getting delayed or cancelled. The immediate effects of the strike were felt across the entire film and television ecosystem. Numerous productions were delayed or halted, causing a ripple effect that disrupted release schedules, advertising campaigns, and even festival lineups. Studios faced mounting pressure as costs ballooned and anticipated release windows slipped, while streaming platforms had to scramble to fill gaps in their content pipelines- much of which was obtained overseas... dubbing anyone?! On the creative side, the strike underscored the vital role that writers and actors play in the industry. The halt in production led to a renewed appreciation for the artistry and labor that goes into bringing stories to life. As negotiations unfolded, the industry was forced to confront deeper issues surrounding the valuation of creative work, especially in an era where streaming residuals have become a contentious topic. The resolution of the strike brought about significant changes. Writers and actors secured better pay structures, improved residuals for streaming content, and clearer guidelines on the use of AI. These gains, while hard-fought, are expected to have long-lasting implications, not only improving working conditions for industry professionals but also setting new standards for future contracts. Even before the strike, the rise of streaming platforms had been one of the most transformative shifts in the film industry. Companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ have disrupted traditional distribution models, offering direct-to-consumer content that bypasses cinemas entirely. The strike further highlighted the power dynamics at play, as streaming giants became a focal point in the negotiations over residuals and fair compensation. As streaming continues to dominate, the traditional cinematic experience faces ongoing challenges. Theaters, already under pressure from the convenience and breadth of content available on streaming platforms, had to weather yet another storm as production delays caused by the strike led to fewer new releases. However, there is a silver lining: the strike catalyzed discussions about how to balance the needs of streaming platforms with the preservation of theatrical releases, potentially paving the way for more collaborative models in the future. While streaming has gained ground, the theatrical experience remains a significant part of the film industry. Blockbusters like "Avatar: The Way of Water" and "Top Gun: Maverick" have demonstrated that audiences are still eager to experience films on the big screen, especially when it comes to visually stunning spectacles. However, the types of films that succeed in theaters are increasingly limited to large-scale productions, while mid-budget and independent films often find it harder to secure widespread theatrical releases. This trend has led to concerns about the homogenization of cinema and the marginalization of diverse voices in filmmaking. The strike added another layer to this dynamic. With production delays, the pipeline of blockbuster films was disrupted, leading to a potential gap in big releases over the next few years. This could create an opportunity for mid-budget and independent films to gain more visibility in theaters, as studios and distributors seek to fill the void left by postponed tentpoles. Technology continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of film. Advancements in virtual production, such as the use of LED volume stages pioneered by shows like "The Mandalorian," have opened up new creative possibilities for filmmakers. (Very cool BTW!) These technologies allow for real-time rendering of complex environments, reducing the need for on-location shoots and enabling more efficient production processes. Additionally, the rise of AI and machine learning in post-production is streamlining editing, visual effects, and even scriptwriting. The strike brought the conversation around AI to the forefront. Writers and actors voiced concerns about the potential misuse of AI, particularly in areas like script generation and digital likenesses. The agreements that ended the strike included provisions to protect creative jobs from being fully automated, ensuring that AI is used as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity. This marks a crucial step in addressing the ethical implications of AI in the industry. In recent years, there has been a significant push towards greater diversity and representation in the film industry. Movements such as #OscarsSoWhite and #MeToo have brought attention to the lack of representation and systemic issues within Hollywood. In response, studios have made efforts to diversify their casting, storytelling, and production teams. This shift is slowly starting to reflect in the content being produced, with more films exploring diverse perspectives and featuring underrepresented voices. The strike highlighted the intersection of labor rights and diversity, as underrepresented groups within the industry were disproportionately affected by the work stoppage. As part of the negotiations, there were calls for more inclusive hiring practices and better support for marginalized voices in both writing and acting roles. The outcome of these discussions could lead to more significant strides in diversity, ensuring that the post-strike industry is more equitable and representative. Independent filmmaking remains a vital part of the industry, offering a platform for unique voices and stories that may not fit within the commercial mainstream. Despite the challenges posed by the dominance of streaming platforms and the difficulty of securing theatrical distribution, indie filmmakers are finding new ways to thrive. Crowdfunding, niche streaming services, and film festivals continue to be important avenues for independent films to reach audiences. The strike created an environment where independent filmmakers had to navigate additional hurdles, such as delays in production schedules and the unavailability of key talent. However, the resolution of the strike has brought renewed energy to the indie scene. The greater focus on fair compensation and the protection of creative rights could empower independent creators, allowing them to maintain greater control over their work and ensuring that they are fairly rewarded for their contributions. The film industry is at a crossroads, grappling with profound changes while also embracing new possibilities. The rise of streaming, advancements in technology, and the ongoing push for diversity are reshaping the way films are made and consumed. The seven-month writers' and actors' strike, while disruptive, has led to significant gains for industry professionals and set new standards for the future. While challenges remain, particularly for traditional distribution models and independent filmmakers, the industry’s resilience is evident. As filmmakers continue to innovate and adapt, the future of cinema remains bright. Whether through the big screen, a streaming platform, or virtual reality, the magic of storytelling will continue to captivate audiences around the world. The film industry, ever-evolving, will undoubtedly find new ways to thrive in the years to come. I was honored this month to attend the Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival #MiaScifi for Director/Producer Frank Mirbach of Mineworks Film to represent his Syfy/dark comedy film, Real Buddy. I had previously attended film festivals where Real Buddy the movie had been screened and Frank was screening the film at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival (CBFF) when the idea of Shadow of the Missing was originally developed. CBFF is one of my favorite film festivals, located in Llanelli South Wales. Unable to make it to Miami, and this being a very important festival (and in my back yard) I was happy to take Frank's place at this years festival. #MiaSciFi screened some of the best Syfy films all over the world, and there were so many talented filmmakers, actors and producers that flew in from all over the world to attend. NASA was one of the larger sponsors and there were several of panels, speakers and lectures not only from NASA but from various industry professionals. There were two very important lifetime achievements awards presented to William Grefe and Russell Bates. Both very interesting gentlemen who made HUGE contributions to film industry, Syfy in particular. Russell Bates is known for writing “How Sharper Than A Serpent’s Tooth,” which was produced and went on to win Star Trek its only major Emmy Award, among many other great contributions. William Grefe, a Miami native is known for for producing original cult classics and the second production unit for the 007 thriller “Live and Let Die.” Real Buddy had a great screening time, was well attended and very well recieved. The audience loved the film and seem to laugh in just the right spots! I held the Q&A that followed and was a little nervous about answering questions about Frank's film, although I am very familiar with all aspects of Real Buddy and was instructed quite well before the festival! The audience asked many interesting questions, some expected and some unexpected. I found it interesting that one of the audience members recognized the work of the film's VFX supervisor, Tobias Richter. Small world, even for a film coming from Germany! If you haven't attended the Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival, I highly recommend it when it returns in 2018. Check out Real Buddy the film, currently doing well in Festivals all over the world, taking home First Runner-up Sci-Fi Feature in this years Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival. Congratulations Frank for your achievement with Real Buddy. It's a Real Winner! www.miscifi.com and for Real Buddy the movie www.real-buddy.com I have been getting so many questions about what is happening in the film industry, where is the industry going and where things are being filmed.
That is a super loaded question! The industry is changing dramatically in attempt to keep up with technology. It has been a tough year for Hollywood, many box office bombs and a small handful of bock-busters! That being said, let's chat about where everything is being filmed in the US and why. Georgia's is the next Hollywood peach! By January 2017, Pinewood Studios Georgia will be the LARGEST studios outside of LA and Georgia has a great tax credit program. Beyond expanding the actual studios, they are building an entire city (community) around them. Atlanta is currently tied with Louisiana for the No. 3 filming location in the world. A recent study has put Georgia as the third largest film industry in the world only behind the United Kingdom. And with the recent BREXIT issues, expect Georgia’s film industry to only grow and "possibly" become the number #1 filmmaking location in the world. (many articles about this, some differ who will be #1 but all name Georgia in the top 3!) I personally think Hollywood will always be Hollywood and China will take over the market, especially now that China is offering credit incentives as high as 40% for co-productions... but that's yet another story! As far as tax credits go: Hollywood also goes where its cheap and easy to film. Movie production incentives (Tax credits) are offered on a state-by-state basis throughout the United States to encourage in-state film production. These incentives came about in the 1990s because movie productions were fleeing to other countries such as Canada. I believe there are currently 26 states which currently have tax incentives for TV/FILM. (varies 26-30 depending on the year.) That being said Louisiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia all have amazing tax credits. Puerto Rico also has a great tax incentive program but can be tricky to retrieve! GEORGIA TAX CREDIT: (This is the boring bit, don't read unless you are curious! Otherwise skip to the end!) 20% transferable tax credit + 10% if production includes Georgia promotional logo in credits, or other negotiated placements. $500,000 minimum spend through single or multi-projects in single year. Compensation included for non-residents, $500,000 cap; however, PSC, loan out or 1099 contractor not subject to cap. Nonrefundable, transferable once in tranches of at least $100,000 to multiple taxpayers. Heightened scrutiny with regard to the use of “pass-throughs,” a GA vendor must have a physical operation and employees and must be engaged in procurement activities related to production expenditure. Travel agencies and insurance companies no longer have to be headquartered in GA, but must be Georgia businesses. No required certification process, exposing buyers to potential recapture of credits once transferred. As a consequence, the market price for credits sold by independent producers (who are generally unable to provide a strong financial indemnification to buyers) has been significantly diminished relative to the market price of tax credits offered by studios or networks. However, the state now offers a “verification review” at a cost of $55/hr per state auditor (no final hard cost estimate, requires deposit based on budget). The results of the review are effectively non-appealable, but does insulate purchasers of verified credits from recapture. However, the reviews currently have a 6+ month backlog. Payments to loan-outs (artistic or “core” production activities) subject to registration and 6% withholding payment to state. Withholding payment can be made by production company or payroll company. Post production expenditures in GA may qualify only if processing footage shot in GA. FYI: Transferable credits allow production companies that generate tax credits greater than their tax liability to sell those credits to other taxpayers, who then use them to reduce or eliminate their own tax liability. Refundable credits are such that the state will pay the production company the balance in excess of the company's owed state tax. You can sell your tax credit through a broker or online. TOLD YOU THAT WOULD BE BORING!!!! Georgia has a 5 star rating with tax incentives, combine that with Pinewood studios 361,000 square feet of sound stages, 175,000 square feet of office space, 185,000 square feet of workshop space and 267,500 square feet of vendor warehouses, for a total of 989,100 square feet by January and that's where its at baby! You get the idea! So what's being filmed in Georgia now you ask? There are currently 41 TV shows and Movies being filmed in Georgia this month (October) Too many to post, here are a few! Finding Steve McQueen, Jumanji (also being filmed in Hawaii) Married to Medicine, 24, MacGyver, Avengers: Infinity Wars (Mary Lou Part 1 & 2), Spider-Man, The Leisure Seeker, The Originals, The Walking Dead, The Vampire Diaries, Underground, The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks, Superstition: Final Chance (The creator of the Final Destination series is launching a new film franchise called Superstition.) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, Burden, 38. Also, the last three Marvel movies were filmed in Atlanta with another three movies coming soon. (That is all I can think of off the top of my head) You get the idea! Georgia's hot, and if you are an actor hungry for work, you should get an agent with a Georgia/Louisiana connection because there are casting calls everyday for major motion picture and TV series!
A few weeks ago the Bleeding Critic asked me to share my Horror Memory. Gosh, there are so many (mostly real life) but he was particularly interested in horror films. Kinda hard for me to do since we have worked on so many scary movies and I think of them as "cookie cutter films." I decided to share my first horror film, which I wasn't suppose to watch when I was a child, and gave me nightmare for years... and ya ya, its a cheesy one! I also shared "the fall" on our recent film Shadow of the Missing and my new creepy online friend who likes to send me scary pictures before bed time!
In case you haven't heard of this creepy clown, he is known in the digital world as Bleeding Critic. He reviews horror films, creates short creepy stories/interviews and basically all things horror! *Screams* No one actually knows his real identity. He is always seen online and in videos wearing this very creepy clown mask (see below.) He has the creepiest voice I have ever heard with a bit of a sexy accent (in that very creepy way!) Check him out www.bleedingcritic.com on twitter @BleedingCritic or FaceBook Bleeding Critic. Watch me telling Bleeding Critic what keeps me awake at night... what's gotten in my head and ruined me for life! The Controversial boycott over the Academy awards. THIS IS MY OPINION!
Trending this week via social media and on every major news networks is the boycott over the "lack of Diversity of Academy Awards Nominees." Last week, for the second consecutive year, the Oscars nominated 20 white actors as the best performances of the year. I'm sorry, but everyone in Hollywood knows it has always been the good ole' boys club... in every aspect. I may not be person of color or ethnic background, but I am a woman, and with that comes its own challenges in life and in the industry... but I don't pout, boycott or cry about it. I speak at conferences and seminars and teach other young ladies that working harder, smarter and being the very best at something can get you just as far. The road may be longer, harder and you will probably have to work twice as hard as the guy next to you, but anything can be achieved. The academy awards are no different. I don't think people really understand the dynamics of the AMPAS, which oversees the Academy Awards (Oscars.) They were started in 1929 and they weren't even televised till 1953! It is the OLDEST awards entertainment ceremony in the world and arguably the most respected. This weeks boycott lead by Jada Pinkett Smith because hubby Will Smith wasn't nominated kinda feels like another "Kayne West pout fest." Don't get me wrong, out of the roughly 6000+ voting members, something like 93% are caucasian and 70% are male age 60+. Actors constitute the largest voting bloc. Membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is by invitation only. The Academy sends out invitations to a very limited number of qualified members of the film community once a year. Membership in the Academy normally fluctuates between 6,000 and 6,500 voting members. Candidates for membership are proposed by current Academy members and then voted on by committees consisting of prominent representatives of the Academy's 14 branches - directors, screenwriters, documentary filmmakers, etc. A candidate normally has the backing of at least two members of the branch for which he/she may qualify. Candidates must receive an endorsement by the appropriate branch executive committee before their name is given to the Board of Governors for its approval.... (complicated, and boring eh?) So even though I do NOT agree with this years boycott and Jada Pinkett Smith whining rant, I do agree that there is a lack of diversity (women included) in the Academy. George Clooney said something very interesting in an interview. ".......I would also make the argument, I don’t think it’s a problem of who you’re picking as much as it is: How many options are available to minorities in film, particularly in quality films?" In my opinion, although Brain Drain (now officially called Concussion) was not nomination material. (Sorry Jada!) Will is great.... a better nomination (again IMO) would have been Benicio Del Toro in Sicario. None of the movies that people are talking about for being racially snubbed (Creed, Beasts of no Nation, Concussion, Straight outta Compton) were amazing performances. I suggest you view ALL the Oscar SNUBS, not just the ones involving diversity. Whoopi Goldberg made a great statement saying "You wanna boycott something? Don't go see the movies that don't have your representation. That's the boycott you want," she said. "To me, we have this conversation every year. It pisses me off." And Charlotte Rampling who is a member of the Academy and thus eligible to vote and is up for and Oscar this year said she disagreed with quotas. “We live now in countries where anyway people are more or less accepted,” she said. “There are always problems: ‘He’s less handsome’ or ‘He’s too black’ or ‘He’s too white.’ There will always, always be someone who will say, ‘Oh, you’re too ….’ What are we going to do? We’re going to classify all that to create thousands of little minorities everywhere?” Her statement is very Hollywood. When casting directors look at actors they often do say she's too this... or that, too tall, thin, fat.... too aged... My very favorite stand against this boycott was Stacey Dash. She is as beautiful and diverse as you can get. She stood up and said "I think it's ludicrous, because we have to make up our minds. Either we want segregation or integration. If we don't want segregation, then we need to get rid of channels like BET, and the BET Awards and the Image Awards, where you're only awarded if you're black," she explained. "If it were the other way around, we would be up in arms. It's a double standard." "The good news is, there's attention brought to it now. But, like I said, over the past eight years, we've had a president who's black, who gets his funding mainly from Hollywood. 'The elite liberals.' So, it's odd to me that this has now become such an issue." YOU GO GIRL! Lionel Chetwynd, film director/producer/ screenwriter, wrote that “enforced ‘diversity’ will undermine the very mission” of the Academy. “The face of the Academy will change as it should, to the meter of its time, the pace of its art." I do think the Academy will become more diverse..... but over a long period of time. Slow and steady wins the race! Life isn't fair. Never has been, never will be for ANYONE. Just look at Leonardo Dicaprio. This is his sixth Oscar nomination....and although I think he was amazing in The Revenant, I think Matt Damon in The Martian will take it. (I am going for Leo though!!) Things aren't always going to be easy or go your way and there are so many things out of our control. But that truly is life... unfair and disappointing. So put on your big girl panties and suck it up! That's life! Take a lemon and make a really good lemonade! If you are ready for a good tease, then hold onto your pants! Shadow of the Missing has officially released the teaser/trailer for the film. That's right! Sit back, get ready and enjoy the ride!
Please post, re-post, share and help get the "buzz" out for Shadow of the Missing. Indie films are tough and we need as much help with social media as we can get! Shadow of the Missing will be festival ready by March! Get ready for the ride!!!! Click or copy either the Vimeo or Youtube links below! https://vimeo.com/152020924 https://youtu.be/IPDR0bH1eaQ Many people have asked how they can be in or an extra in a film. For this particular blog, I will focus on New Orleans. To be cast for a film in NOLA you will need to get your info to casting directors. There are several ways to do this. I happen to think that the best way is to apply to Casting Websites or directly through the feature or series:
Many casting directors have their own websites. You will need to email your photos and measurements, or fill out an application or “Talent Registration.” Websites will also include information on what films are currently being cast. If you are hired, they will also be used to let you know when and where to show up, and other specifics concerning your clothing and appearance. Sign up with each of these websites, and check in regularly, as new movies begin casting all of the time. Here are a few of the Casting Websites in NOLA and surrounding areas: Batherson Casting Caballero Casting Coulon Casting Glorioso Casting MyCastingFile Applying to specific films. You can contact films currently shooting and ask to be put in touch with their extras casting directors. When emailing a specific film for the first time, always put “Extras Casting” in the subject line. When calling ask if you can speak with “Extras Casting.” I recommend emailing. These are the two largest projects in productions now: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back Wraps: January 29 [email protected] NCIS New Orleans Season 2 Wraps: April 2016 [email protected] Up and coming features: Billionaire Boys Club Begin Principal: December 11 [email protected] Brothers Blood Begin Principal: November 28 [email protected] Bad Moms Begin Principal: January 11 [email protected] Always remember: NEVER bring a camera on set!!! Personal cameras are strictly forbidden and if you get caught taking cell phone pictures, you will be asked to delate them, may have your phone confiscated and may be kicked off set. A film’s producers have a right to protect the images that are being created on set. You shouldn't even have your cell phone with you since you cannot have them on. Super pet peeve of mine... this is why I never post set photos unless its my film or no one is on set!!! People keep asking me where everything is being filmed. This is pretty much everything I could think of in the last 12 months. Remember movies take a long time in post usually. Most TV series are being filmed in NYC. There is so much more in Louisiana and Pennsylvania but I am drawing a blank! Also Louisiana just added a position (I forget what they are calling it, for my blog I will refer to this person as the tax czar!) The tax czar will start reviewing budgets starting 2016 for production approval for tax credit. They are adding an extra hassle!
Here's a breakdown by State where things are being filmed. This is only off the top of my head and not a complete list! Many movies are filmed in multiple States and locations. I have to say... I didn't realize how much content is on prime time! There is a lot of TV out there! Also, there is much much more being filmed in many of the states listed (i.e.: Utah) but again, I just put the known productions and what I could think of. If you have questions, feel free to leave comments or email me. NYC: Law and Order: SVU, Limitless, Madam Secretary, Blindspot, Elementary, The Affair, Shades of Blue, The Good Wife, Royal Pains, The Blacklist, Gotham, Blue Bloods, Unforgettable, Mr. Robot, Orange is the new Black, Mysteries of Laura, Bloodline, Broad City, Person of Interest, Roadies, Billions. Movies: John Wick 2, The Get Down, The Boy Downstairs, The Bleeder, High Maintenance, The Path, The Girl On The Train, Daredevil, Boss, The Americans, Deuce, As You Are, Vinyl, Going In Style, Shudder, Benders, The Family, Why Did I Say Yes, The Get Down, How To Be Single, Wizard of Lies, The Character, Falling Water, Mozart in the Jungle, Joey Smuggler, Scareacon, Divorce, The Family, 50 Years of Get Smart, It Doesn't Have To Rhyme, Don't Think Twice, Girls, Rock and Roll, Silent Treatment, Tramps, Breakable You, Silent Treatment, Crime, American Dresser, Iconoclast, Insomniac, Custody, B Real, Good Girls Revolt, Jessica Jones, Search Party, Nice Guys, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmid, Heaven Sent, Youth In Oregon, The Get Down, Girls, Madoff, 37, Ringside, Wiener Dog, Silent Treatment, Fireworks, Hand Of God, Tallulah, Antonio, Outlaws. California: Scandal, Criminal Minds, Extant, Revenge, Aquarius, CSI: Cyber, NCIS, New Girl, Scorpion, Grey's Anatomy, Major Crimes, Rosewood, Supergirl, Castle, Arrow (in-studio, I think!) Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Jane The Virgin, Teen Wolf, True Detective, Glee, True To The Game, Secrets & Lies, The Player, Modern Family, Agent X, Wicked City, Grace & Frankie, Face Off, Shameless, Shades of Blue, Legends, Rizzoli & Isles, Planet of the Apes (yes, another one!) Crash Pad, True to The Game, Stitchers, Togetherness, Silicone Valley, Officer Downe, The Fosters, Grandpa, Desolation, LA LA Land, 20th Century Women, House Of Lies, Pale Horse, Just Jillian, Angel from Hell, The King of 7B (pilot), Sunset, Rush Hour (yup, another one!) Nerdist, Abolionists, The League, Outlaws, Marry to the West, Westworld, Alvin & The Chimpmunks 4 (ya.. I didn't know they did a 3 either!) What Now, Act 252, Chasing Life, The Weatherman, The Runaround, Arms and the Dudes, You're The Worst, Baskets, Colony, So You Think You Can Dance, Swiss Army Man, Truck'd Up, It's Always Sunny, Bar Rescue, From Zero To I Love You, Grandfathered, Blackish, Switched At Birth, You Were Never Here, Fear of the Walking Dead, Boys in Blue, Kingdom, Awkward, YOLO, Shot Caller, I saw The Light, Hand Of God, Jekyll & Hyde, Uncle Buck, Message from the King, The Secret in their Eyes, Rob Zombie 31, Lucifer, Gippy Grewal Project, JOY, Hail Cesar, Funny or Die Georgia: Originals, Quantico (pilot), Containment, Bolden, Constantine, The Walking Dead, Sleepy Hallow, Vampire Diaries, Live By Night (new Affleck movie), Satisfaction, Game of Silence (pilot), Reserrection, Red Band Society, Fist Fight, The Detour, Stone Diaries, Archer, Birth of a Nation, Dish Nation, Powers, Married At First Sight, Gifted, Island Life, 7 Little Johnstons, Bastards, Neighbors 2, Sully (Clint Eastwood), The Phenom, Passengers, What Josiah Saw, 5th Wave, Mother's Day, Greenleaf, Mena, Hindsight, Allegiant(Divergent Series), Devious Maids, Zoe Ever After, King Maker, Party, Coat of my Colors, Down South, Rectify, The Accountant, Survivors Remorse, The True Memoirs of an International Assassin, Stranger Things (Netflix), 2Fat2Fly, Married to Medicine, Dying Kind, Alvin & The Chipmunks, Like a Boss, Halt & Catch Fire, Captain America, Sleepless Nights, Confirmation, Sunday's Best, Barber Shop 3, The Red Road, The Game, Complications, Quantum Break, The Founder, The Do-Over, Hot Summer Nights, Christmas in the Smokies, Zelda, Siren, Home Free, Miracles from Heaven, Offer and Compromise, Cordon (Pilot), Folk Hero and Funny Guy, The Revised Fundamental of Caregiving Tennessee: Nashville (of course) Quarry Illinois: Empire, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, AAnonymous Content, Chiraq Pennsylvania: Creed, Let It Snow, Game Brain & Concussion, The Last Witch Hunter, Downward Dog, Love The Coopers, In My City, Southpaw, Outsiders, The Burgh, American Pastoral, Out of the Furnace. Louisiana: Scream Queens, NCIS: Nola, Magnificent 7, Bad Moms, Jack Reacher: Never Go back, Roots, The Tale, Camera Store, American Horror Story: Freak Show, Astronauts Wives Club, I saw The Light, Maggie, Zoo, The Long Night, Our Brand is Crisis, Big Life, Peeks Kill, Salem, American Ultra, Jurrasic World, When The Bough Breaks, Julia X 3D, Trumbo, Elvis & Nixon, Joe Dirt 2, Vincent & Roxxy, Fantastic Four, Daddy's Home, Geostorm, American Ultra, Hap & Leonard, Don't Mess With Texas, Kamp Kool Kids, Navy Seals vs. Zombies, Gracias, Desolation, Pitbulls & Parolees Season 7 Utah: Blood & Oil North Carolina: The Dome, The Suicide Note Toronto-Ontario: Suits, Hero's Reborn, Hannibal (exteriors in Florence Italy), The Strain Montreal, Quebec Quantico (Pilot was filed in Atlanta but the production moved to Canada) Vancouver: Arrow, The Flash, Warriors Gate, iZombie, X-Files (YEAH!) Man in the High Castle, Boston: Ghost Busters, Central Intelligence, Black Car, Hawaii: Kong: Skull Island If I ever need to feel like a woman in power, a confident woman who can take on any problem at any time, a problem solver, a fixer. A woman who can take on all of Washington and the world, I flip on my DVR and for 43 minutes get lost in #Scandal. For 43 minutes, I take on the attitude of Olivia Pope. For 43 minutes, I can fix anything and am on top of the world! Olivia is a Gladiator, and so is everyone on her team. For 43 minutes, I am a Gladiator!
She's sexy, sassy, intense, perceptive, powerful, emotionally strong, yet completely complicated and most importantly: Fashionably fabulous!... Yeah, basically Olivia Pope is Super Woman. Tonight's episode (4th episode of season 5) reminded me so much of the Lewinsky-Clinton scandal. This season is about the President's affair with Olivia being discovered and her actually admitting it to the world. Tonight was the media picking her apart and making her the home wrecker (although we all know the President pursued her!) The idea was that the President could be impeached for the affair...sound familiar? For the first time, it hit me, Olivia Pope is Judy Smith. Well, a very loose interpretation of her! This was the super empowering episode where the entire world hates Olivia and the media has crucified her. The President's team has skinned her alive and hung her out to dry. Somehow, when the entire world hates you and anyone can "anonymously" post anything they want about you online, you can see the "person" in her. She is just as vulnerable as you or I, she simply has a much much higher tolerance for nastiness. A much thicker skin if you will! Olivia Pope has her limit, she has her "kryptonite" like every superhero, like every person. And just like every superhero, she picks herself up from the floor, looks the villain(s) right in the eye, head held high, and she carries on. Respect is gained by standing tall, standing behind integrity and owning it. No matter what challenge life throw at us, we can always overcome it. We are all Gladiator's, you just have to discover your inner strength that makes you a Gladiator...and if you can't find it, at least you've got your 43 minutes a week! |
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January 2017
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