Entertainment News Wednesdays: Belle at The Nickelodeon

The Nick as it is known in Columbia, SC was at full capacity when Sharee and I arrived inside the theater for the 5:30pm screening of the independent film Belle on Memorial Day. The first thing the announcer said at the start of the movie was that due to the high demand and sold out screenings, Belle has been extended to June 5. We previously posted that Belle was screened in limited cities and was happy Columbia was one of the selected cities.

We began Memorial Day weekend in NYC  attending a "Directing the Camera" workshop.  I was paying a lot of attention to head space, one thirds, composition, and was that a "track-around" or a "back parallax" shot.

Besides the beautiful shots of the film, the actors and storyline will have you emotionally connected to the movie. The audience at The Nick was a mix of young, old, African-American, Caucasian, Native American, and many more ethnicities. As everyone left, I heard many comment that they truly enjoyed the movie especially the woven storylines of love & politics. 

British Director Amma Asante
Photo Credit: Afrocelebs.net

No matter who directed or wrote a film or the actors in the film, if the script is good and marketed well, with positive word of mouth, people will come, as they did at The Nick.

Have you seen the movie Belle? What are your thoughts?

Entertainment Wednesdays: Short Film "I am"

Kids Cinema Camp-Columbia Bethlehem Community Center Spring Break 2014 from RJ Foley on Vimeo.

The kids who participated in Columbia Bethlehem Community Center's Kids Film Camp had a Red Carpet screening on Saturday, April 26. It was held at the Cottingham Theatre located on the campus of Columbia College in Columbia, SC. Although we missed the screening due to work, we were able to swing by at the end of the event. We were excited because a few of the kids and parents were being interviewed by The Meredith Show. The Meredith Show airs locally on NBC (WIS TV) at 12:30pm on Thursdays.

We are so proud of each of these kids and glad to have played a small part in bringing this opportunity to the Columbia Metropolitan area.

Rhonda's role model: Her mother.

• Treat everybody with respect and speak to all no matter their position. A position title does not matter.
• Smile! I smile to everyone because you never know how their day is going. 
• Finally, I learned from my mom to be the best me I can be.

Sharee's role model:  Her father.

• Keep my head up and look people in the eye.
• Nobody is perfect.
• If I am able to help someone in need, do it with a loving (not grudgingly) heart.

Who is your role model? Do you follow his or her advice?

Interviews with the Cast and Crew of Safe House: A Christian Story

On Saturday, September 28, 2013 Doyhae Films in association with We Connected Productions, LLC and Moving Forward Pictures premiered Columbia, SC independent feature film Safe House: A Christian Story.

Watch the interviews and hear what is happening next for these actors and crew. Thank you to Edwin Jones from Gospel Talk for conducting the interviews.





Safe House: A Christian Story Trailer


Last week we posted about being on the making movies train? What is stopping you from making your films? Are you making movies or just saying "I wanna make movies". Comment below

Rhonda W. & Sharee W.

The Premiere of Safe House: A Christian Film by Doyhae Films

Photo Credit: R. Eleazer
Zeb & Regina Foulks 

On Saturday, September 28 over 150 people including cast, crew, Francis Burns United Methodist Church members, and invited special guests viewed the premiere of Safe House: A Christian Story by Doyhae Films.

Photo Credit:  R. Eleazer
Actor Max Highsmith & sons

Photo Credit: R. Eleazer
Audience

Photo Credit: R. Eleazer
Deidre Foulks, Sister of Zeb

Photo Credit:  R. Eleazer
Producer Rhonda pauses for the camera

Photo Credit:  R. Eleazer
Producer Sharee is all SMILES

The goal of Writer, Director, and Executive Producer Zeb Foulks is to have the film premiere at upcoming Christian film festivals throughout the country and to find a distributor. Everyone has a story to tell and more people need to see movies like this.

We also recently featured faith-based film Grace Unplugged in a previous blog post. Will you go out to support Indie Christian Films?

Rhonda W. & Sharee W.

Supporting The Arts

Photo Credit: www.Kinniksky.com

After recently purchasing our tickets for the October 13 performance, Sharee and I were disappointed by the news that Columbia, SC native Kinnik Sky play Sunday Mourning was cancelled.  We were looking forward to Kinnik bringing her NAACP Award Winning play to the Koger Center.  Fortunately, South Carolinians can still see the play, but you must travel to Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 20, 2013.  Click on Kinnik's website link above to find out more information.

Sunday Mourning took home 3 NAACP wins!

Kaira Akita for Best Supporting Female

Juhauhn Jones Best Supporting Male

Kinnik Sky Best Lead Female

Sharee and I previously met Kinnik in Los Angeles at the pre-Oscar event Gospel Goes to Hollywood Awards Luncheon.

Watch We Connected Productions, LLC interview with Kinnik as she talks about bringing her award winning play to her hometown.

This past Labor Day, our Aunt, who has resided in NYC for 40 years, saw her first Broadway Show, The Trip to Bountiful.  She was never exposed to a Broadway play until we invited her to attend a performance.  Now she is interested in seeing other Broadway Shows.  More exposure is needed for youths and adults to theater.  The more exposure, the more likely communities will support the arts.

We want to read your comments.  Why are communities not supporting the arts?

Rhonda W. & Sharee W.

Edwin Jones & Tabatha Strother Are Hosts Of The Webshow "Gospel Talk"

Gospel Talk Season 1 Highlights

Season 1 featured the following guests:  Christian actress Tabatha Strother, and Gospel artists Kenny Smith and Kristen Williams. Click here to watch the full episodes from Season 1.

  

New for Season 2 is Co-host Tabatha Strother and Gospel Talk Moments with Jones Media on location.  The first episode featured Gospel Artist The Genesis.  Stay tune as more web content will be added as filming resumes this Fall and Spring 2014. Subscribe to Jones Media Group Channel to not miss an episode.

Rhonda W. & Sharee W.

Auditions in the Columbia, SC Area

Photo Credit: www.waimeacommunitytheatre.org

Two Upcoming Auditions

WCP, LLC always want to share opportunities for current and new actors in the Columbia, SC to show their talent for positive & uplifting entertainment . Two productions are currently seeking actors. Audition information is below:

CrossRoads Productions is seeking male and female actors for a gospel play entitled Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You! Coming this Fall 2013. We need ALL singers, dancers, and stage hands. Looking for passionate people with a love for the arts. If you are ready to become a part of a team that does ministry by stage then come join our cast. OPEN AUDITIONS NOW! For more information or to set up an appointment please call: (803)239-6557 You may send your resume and head shot to: pastorshelia@yahoo.com 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Doyhae Films in association with Blaq Reign Media is casting for its Pilot and episodic series My Brother’s Keeper.  Auditions will be held September 22^nd from 6:30 pm to 9pm at Trustus Theater which is located at 520 Lady St. Columbia, SC.

Auditions will mainly be considered for the characters listed below, but all applicants are welcome for potential extra and small recurring roles.  We are looking for serious actors for the roles listed and would prefer you email and bring to the audition an updated resume and headshot, but not required.

Potential shooting dates will be in late October and run throughout the rest of the fall and early winter with the bulk of filming taking place on weekends, but some weekday shoots may be required. 

My Brother’s Keeper is the story of the internal affairs of a church amongst a city in which the political players wish to remove it for capital and political gain, with the sub plot of a young street hustler facing obstacles that are pushing him towards salvation and joining the church although he fights it every step along the way while being coerced by the CEO of his record company who has a dark past and a darker future.

CASTING FOR THE ROLES OF

Mya Richardson – AA Female, 28 – 35. Strong female lead.  Able to handle business matters in a   professional setting and delegate when needed.  Very attractive but not so confident in that department. 

Bobby Blanchard – White Male, 45 – 60. Wealthy real estate broker.  Confident, power player. Powerful executive type with southern charm and charisma.

Pastor  Barnes II – AA Male, 28-35. Young ambitious pastor trying to remove himself from his father’s shadow who is also a pastor.  Confident and charismatic, must be able to come off as strong and deliver a sermon from time to time.

Pastor Barnes Sr. – AA Male, 55-70. Senior pastor stuck in his ways.  Calm but fiery when needed.  Able to mingle with many type of crowds while maintaining his integrity and identity.  Power player in the community.

George Lipski – White Male, 28-35. Young city council member looking to run for Mayer. Cunning and decisive. Tactical and thoughtful.

Anaya –  AA Female, 23-28.  Girlfriend to a lead character. Street savvy and loyal, but spiritual and religious.  Calm demeanor with the ability to get her point across when needed.

Chance – AA Male, 25-30.  Brother to a lead character. Street smart. Hustler type. 

Mrs. Barnes – AA Female, 55-70 Pastor’s wife.

Extras – All ethnicities and age groups.  Various scenes. Some parts may recur and turn into speaking roles.

If you have any questions or comments please free to contact Zeb Foulks at (803) 727-3593 or via email at z.foulks.zf@gmail.com or Jamar Goodwin at (803) 447-1496 or via email @ blaqreignmedia@yahoo.com .

Rhonda W.  & Sharee W.

Thank You For Auditioning For Bullyknot: The Movie

Nervous and anxious, adults and middle/high school age kids with their parents in tow, enter the Arcade Building in downtown Columbia, SC on a rainy weekend afternoon.  Casting applications and release forms are carefully completed and returned.  Name badges are given to the auditioners, and they walk upstairs with our 12yr old niece and intern, Merakle, in the lead.  Their picture is taken, and they cautiously enter the audition room with all eyes on him or her.  As they exit, it's a sigh of relief and a smile on their face.  The waiting begins.

Kelly, an intern, prepares to slate a middle schooler auditioning for Bullyknot.
Photo Credit: Reel2Real Productions

We Connected Productions, LLC(WCP, LLC), along with Real2Reel Productions and Executive Producer, Sabrina Tindal-Cruz, would like to thank each of the young kids, middle and high schoolers, and adults who auditioned for roles for Bullyknot: The Movie.  The racially diverse actors had varying acting experiences from theater to acting workshops to newbies getting their start. In fact, two adults had no intention to audition, but decided to go outside of their comfort zone. They had no regrets.

Bullyknot: The Movie Facts

Sabrina Tindal-Cruz - Executive Producer 

Caletta Bailey, Real2Reel Productions - Director

Rhonda & Sharee Washington, WCP, LLC - Pre-Production Producers
Real life stories depicted including Sabrina's son, Sabrian

This documovie will depict Bullying and solutions to implement in the schools

What's Next For Bullyknot: The Movie

1.  Rally at The State House scene (thousands of extras needed) -- Date TBA
2.  Another audition date for roles unfilled, including extras 

3.  Locations locked by WCP, LLC

4.  Filming begins in Fall 2013 in Columbia, SC and surrounding area

Rhonda & Sharee

Last Minute Film Festival Cancelation and Road to the Oscars Update

The 5^th Annual BlackPix Film Festival that was to be held in Columbia, SC has been canceled for the weekend of February 9-10, 2013. Take A Leap Italy (documentary); Choices and The Right Path (youth short films) were to be featured films. There was a conflict with the facility. No further information is known at this time as to if it will be rescheduled.

Our fight to Los Angeles have been booked utilizing frequent flier miles for minimal costs out of pocket. Rhonda is scheduled to get to LA on Wednesday, February 20; and Sharee will be coming in a day earlier than planned, and is set to arrive in LA on the evening of Thursday, February 21. They plan to have rehearsal on the Red Carpet on Friday.

They have selected the dresses they will wear at any Pre-Oscar parties they maybe in attendance at. Videos and pictures will be posted on their Take A Leap Blog, Twitter, and Facebook pages on the day of the event. They are currently soliciting votes for their Red Carpet attire, and will be making a decision by the end of the week. This is sooner than originally planned because of alternations needed.

A final update is that the Paul Mitchell School of Columbia will be providing us manicures and pedicures; and Marcie Mallory, an independent distributor with Premiere Designs, will be providing high fashion jewelry to polish our look on the Red Carpet.

Follow us on Facebook (We Connected Productions), Twitter @weconnectedprod #wcpattheoscars, and on the blogsite http://wcptakealeap.blogspot.com