Entertainment Wednesdays: Miss Naturally Crowned Carolina

We Connected Productions, LLC are the official videographers at the Inaugural Miss Naturally Crowned Carolina. We will be filming the pageant and providing DVDs to the Contestants, Founders, and Sponsors. We are so excited to be a part of this "movement" as we've been growing our hair natural for the better part of a year and half (Sharee) and a year (Rhonda). Here is more information about the pageant, the first of it's kind in Columbia, South Carolina.

Great hair and even greater dreams will take center stage on April 12, 2014, as ten finalists from across the Capital City compete for the historic title of Miss Naturally Crowned Carolina. The grand prize winner will receive $1,000 in scholarship or non-equity start-up business funding. The first and second-runners up will also receive $750 and $500, respectively, to further their education or start new businesses. Naturallycrowned.com

Unfortunately (or maybe it's a good thing), the pageant is currently SOLD OUT!!! We'll share pictures and highlights in a future post.

Rhonda W. and Sharee W.

"Gospel Talk's" Red Carpet Event

On Friday, January 31, 2014 500 movie goers gathered at Brookland Baptist Church Banquet and Conference Center,to support and screen Doyhae Films Safe House: A Christian Story. 

The Columbia, SC independent movie was filmed during Summer 2010 with over 20 cast members. The movie was executive produced, directed, written, and edited by local filmmaker Zeb Foulks. In addition, it was produced by We Connected Productions, LLC and Moving Forward Pictures. A private screening was previously held in September 2013 at Francis Burns United Methodist Church.

Gospel Talk's co-host Tabatha Strother conducted interviews with the actors from the film. Previous interviews from actors and crew can be viewed in a previous blog post or at Jones Media Group.

Have you seen an independent film recently? 

SCcrowdfund.com Is Now Live

SCcrowdfund.com is an alternative for raising capital and meeting the rising demand for financing local business projects.  Communities that grow their own job-creating businesses are more sustainable economies that mirror their values of rewarding local entrepreneurship, creating a vibrant middle class and protecting the health of its residents and environment.

We Connected Productions, LLC has been selected as one of SC's first participants (and currently the only one in Columbia, SC) in the inaugural year of the program, and we are excited about the possibilities of the requested funds of $8500.  It will allow us to market and expand our video production services into additional local faith-based organizations and churches.  This will allow us to become sustainable in making a yearly profit and utilize a portion of our revenue to entirely fund a week-long local kids film camp at the Columbia Bethlehem Community Center currently held during student's Spring Break.

We Connected Productions, LLC SCCrowdFund Campaign from Rhonda & Sharee Washington on Vimeo.

The crowdfunding site is now Live.  We need this first week to be "explosive" with support from the community and beyond, for as little as $10 up to $250.  Some of the perks of donating based on level of giving include a video thank you from the camp's past participants, a DVD copy of the kids completed film(s), and/or Producer credit.   

South Carolina is the first state to take on this type of crowdfunding initiative to support small businesses and a local non-profit. What is your initial reaction to this type of alternative funding?  Will you support it in your community?

Happy Holidays!

WCP, LLC entertainment blog post will be on hiatus, but we will be back on January 8, 2014.

Enjoy our "2013 Reel - Version 2" and what is ahead in 2014.


Blessings & Happy New Year!!
 
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.

The Trip of a Lifetime

Rhonda at The Trip To Bountiful Broadway play starring Cicely Tyson

My sister and I were surprised to have received three tickets from a dear friend of ours to see The Trip To Bountiful on Broadway in NYC. This exciting Broadway show stars Tony Award Winner Cicely Tyson (Carrie Watts), Vanessa Williams (Jessie Mae Watts), Leon Addison Brown( Ludie Watts), and Adepero Oduye (Young Woman on Bus). 

The acting, dancing, and singing by Cicely Tyson was phenomenal. The banter between Tyson's and William's characters was pure comedic. Mr Brown, who recently replaced Cuba Gooding, Jr. as Ludie, was mesmerizing to watch. His face expressions of the various emotions he displayed were touching. Adepero was a pleasure to watch on stage as well.

My aunt who has lived in NYC for 40+ years has never attended a Broadway play. She is now open to attend another Broadway Play. It has been my sister Sharee and I third Broadway play. We have previously seen Chicago in 2003 & The Mountaintop, starring Angela Bassett and Samuel L Jackson, in 2012. 

The Trip To Bountiful plays through October 9, 2013

To see additional pictures from our trip to NYC visit Take A Leap.

Rhonda W.

"The Butler" - Review by WCP, LLC

Sharee and I entered into the theater toward the upper stadium seats - Full Capacity. I smiled as we maneuvered to two empty lower stadium seats near the front. 10:30am on a Saturday morning, more than 80% full, and a racially diverse crowd.

Forest Whitaker in Lee Daniels' The Butler.
Photo Credit: Foxnews.com

Lee Daniels' The Butler was a film everyone wanted to see. With Oscar Buzz already being heard I was highly anticipating the start of the movie and it didn't disappoint. The acting, fashion, hairstyles, and the parallel storylines through the eyes of The Butler inside of the White House of eight US Presidents, were phenomenal and on point. Told in vignettes separated by the President in Office, the 70's era had the best and most heart wrenching scenes of the movie. On a side note, I'm a 70's baby so it really resonated with me.  The laughter that came in spurts were unexpected and came exactly where needed to balance the heavy drama unfolding.

Lee Daniels' The Butler stars Forest Whitaker; Oprah Winfrey; David Oyelowo; Cuba Gooding, Jr; Terrence Howard; and Lenny Kravitz. In Theaters Now.

Did you see Lee Daniels' The Butler?  What were your reactions to the movie?

Rhonda 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

Welcome to Entertainment and Production News Wednesdays

Entertainment and Production News Wednesdays will be posts of articles, inspirational quotes, interviews, videos, movie reviews in the entertainment industry, and local auditions/production news updates. Subscribe to the link to the right for updates to your inbox on Wednesdays.

Review Coming Soon

Rhonda & Sharee

Your Life Captured in The Last 24 Hours

Michael B. Jordan as Oscar Grant, III in "Fruitvale Station"

I walked out of the theater in SILENCE. 

The image of Oscar Grant, III real life daughter in my mind. 

The heart wrenching scene of Oscar's mother at the hospital.  Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer did an outstanding performance in her portrayal as Wanda Johnson, mother of Oscar Grant, III.

Director Ryan Coogler [27 yrs old, the same age Oscar would have been] captured Oscar in his last 24 hours with his family, friends, and strangers in "Fruitvale Station".  

Favorite Scenes:

• The Father/Daughter scenes - The running scene between Oscar and his daughter stood out the most. It was funny & heartwarming.
• Oscar with his friends - Everyone wanted to be around him. Oscar smiling, joking around, and just having a good time hanging with his friends as they went out for New Year Eve to see fireworks. 

No one ever suspecting what those remaining hours will be like...

It gave me a pause as to what if I only have 24 hours in my life remaining. 

• Will I be with my family in a kitchen filled with tasty food and lots of laughter? 
• Will I be with friends on an innocent night out in the city? 
• Will I meet people throughout those remaining hours for the first time and meeting them changed my life and theirs?

When I think about it, those scenes could play out in my life on any given day of the week!!

Go see this movie if you have not seen it. Yes, it will remind you of  the Trayvon Martin's shooting, which is even more of a reason to see it.  Then say a prayer for Oscar Grant's daughter "T", girlfriend Sophina, mother, family and friends.  I know I did.

Have you seen "Fruitvale Station"? What would we see if the last 24 hours of your life was captured? Please comment below.

Rhonda W, Co-Owner of We Connected Productions, LLC

Currently casting for Bullyknot in Columbia, SC

Twitter @weconnectedprod

Facebook @weconnectedprod

Mentor From A Distance

As I was going to bed on Tuesday, July 30 my Facebook and Twitter feeds were congratulating Cheryl Boone Isaacs. The first African-American and only the third woman to be President of Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (AMPAS) aka The Oscars.  Boone Isaacs succeeds Hawk Koch, who served only one term.

As I Googled "Cheryl Boone Isaacs" and read her Bio, I was amazed of the fact that she was the Vice President of the 2013 Oscars when We Connected Productions, LLC was on the Red Carpet. I recently wrote "5 Actions to Take A Leap Into a New Career". The first action was finding a mentor regardless if you meet that person face-to-face: A Mentor From A Distance

My goal since then has been to read past and current articles and interviews about Cheryl Boone Isaacs. Everyday I'm coming across new information and learning the steps she took to be where she is today. Several of the posters on my Facebook updates commented on not only what she has done, but of her character. They said, "Wow. That's fantastic and couldn't happen to a nicer person", "History maker. I love it !", and "She's the first African American President and she's spectacular". I smile when I read these comments, because I know I will learn a lot, from publicity of films to navigating Hollywood - even if it is from a distance.

Facts about Cheryl Boone Isaacs:

•  Heads CBI Enterprises, Inc.
•  Consulted on such films as “The Call,” “The Artist,” “The King’s Speech,” “Precious: Based on the  Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” “Spider-Man 2” and “Tupac: Resurrection"
•  As the third woman President, Cheryl Boone Isaacs follows screenwriter, playwright and producer  Fay Kanin from 1979 to 1983 as well as actress Bette Davis in 1941.
•  Produced the 2012 Governors Awards
•  Will find the Host of The 86th Academy Awards aka The Oscars
•  Served as president of theatrical marketing for New Line Cinema (“Austin Powers: The Spy Who  Shagged Me” and “Rush Hour.”)
•  Boone Isaacs was previous executive vice president of worldwide publicity for Paramount Pictures.  Orchestrated publicity campaigns for the Best Picture winners “Forrest Gump” and “Braveheart.”

God Bless Cheryl Boone Isaacs as she serves her first term as President of AMPAS. We are praying for you and know the 86th Academy Awards will be one of the best. Congratulations!! We are proud of you.

My next post will be my review of the Ryan Coogler directed film, "Fruitvale Station".  I will see the movie this weekend. "Fruitvale Station" has been on the Oscar Buzz radar. We hope to see it nominated when The 86th Oscars Nominations are announced.

Rhonda W, Co-Owner of We Connected Productions, LLC.
Currently casting for Bullyknot in Columbia, SC
Twitter @weconnectedprod
Facebook @weconnectedprod

We Connected Productions Spoke to CBCC Youths

Sharee (left) and Rhonda
 introduce themselves.

Rhonda introduces the WCP, LLC Oscars
Red Carpet video.

We Connected Productions spoke on Tuesday, June 18 to Columbia Bethlehem Community Center youths during their Summer Camp. We spoke to them about attending the 85th Oscars this year, filming 4 short films since 2010, traveling to Italy and China within the past year with our Take A Leap Webseries brand, and filmmaking positions in front of and behind the camera.

Singer/Actress Jennifer Hudson was recognize
by the CBCC youths.

Sharee wore her Oscars credentials
as she spoke to the CBCC youths.

They also recognize Chris Tucker from
Rush Hour.

WIS-TV Von Gaskin Speaks to CBCC Youths

We Connected Productions, LLC filmed highlights of WIS TV  Meteorologist Von Gaskin as she spoke to youths on Tuesday, June 18, at the Columbia Bethlehem Community Center Summer Camp.

Rhonda W.

What has Florence from "The Jeffersons" Been Up to?

Hello everyone,

We are still uploading videos from our trip to Los Angeles attending the Oscars. We recently added Director Tim Story (Think Like A Man, Barbershop), Producer Will Packer (Stomp The Yard, Think Like A Man), and Ava DuVernay (I Will Follow, Middle of Nowhere, The Door). You can watch our interviews with these Directors, Producers, and more at: www.youtube.com/weconnectedprod

The interview below with Marla Gibbs (The Jeffersons, 227) is one of our favorites. She was such a lovely person to talk to, with a beautiful spirit. And the fact she complimented us our dresses was a highlight.

Rhonda W.

Production/Consulting Services & Small Business/Corporate Sponsorship- Update

We've posted this topic a time or two before. WCP, LLC is a for-profit-business and not a hobby.  It's tax time, and more recently, we have been advised by a tax accountant that we will have to cease operation (or risk getting audited) if we don't start gaining revenue.  To do so we need sponsors and we must consistently charge our clients.  No more being in the red year after year. We must start operating in the black!!

Rates good through March 31, 2013. April 1, rates will increase.  Get on the ground floor of an enterprising production company TODAY!!

Production/Consultation Services

Free 15 min. consultation to access needs
DVD copies? DVD Duplication start at $25
Polish Script? Script Services start at $100
Ready on the set? Production Services start at $250

*Screenwriter
*Script Coverage
Pre- Production
*Production
DVD Duplication
Special Screenings
Video on the Web

*Services will be contracted to other individual or business.



Small Business/Corporate Sponsorship

Bronze Level ($199)
Banner on website for 6 months; mention and link in blog post

Silver Level ($299)
All above plus: Banner on website 6 additional months; 30-45 sec. web video

Gold Level ($399)
All above plus: Product/Service Placement and mention during event or show

Platinum Level ($499)
All above plus: Exec. Producer Credit; Invite to film/video location w/approval

All sponsors will get periodic production updates; invites to special screenings; and an annual sponsor appreciation luncheon.

Sponsorship money will allow us to attend or produce the following:

Speaking Engagements
Special Screenings
Take A Leap
Film Festivals
Award Shows
Red Carpet Interviews
Behind-The-Scenes Interviews
Webshows/Webseries

Interested? Contact us weconnectedprod@gmail.com for more information.

WCP, LLC Presents The 2013 Oscars Red Carpet

We Connected Productions, LLC Presents The 2013 Oscars Red Carpet.
Read about our Oscar experience at http:wcptakealeap.blogspot.com

Rhonda W.

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

A February to Remember

February 2013 will be a month to remember. 

We Connected Productions, LLC Take A Leap Italy webisode will premiere February 9 at the 5th Black Reel Pix Film Festival along with the two short minute films from the Youth-Mini Film Camp, We Connected Productions, LLC did in association with Columbia Bethlehem Community Center. The facilitators RJ (videography & editing) and Ursula Robinson (writing & acting) worked very well with the youths age 10-17.

The Right Path and Choices will screen both, February 9 and 10 in Columbia, SC.

AND.....

We will be guest bloggers for the 2013 Oscars. Filming and interviewing the nominees on the Red Carpet in Los Angeles, CA on February 24, 2013. More details to come.

Thank you to Stephanie Frederic, Executive Producer for FGW Productions based in Los Angeles, CA. This Christian production company films many of your favorite movies behind the scenes DVD and TV specials. www.fgwproductions.com

We will have a hashtag (#) soon for you to follow us on Twitter @weconnectedprod. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and at our Take A Leap blogsite as we post about finding a dress, pictures of the dress we choose (we would love your opinion), and of course the Red Carpet experience of We Connected Productions, LLC at the 2013 Oscars.

Thank you all for the support and prayers you have given us. Reading our posts and watching our videos on our Youtube Channel. We appreciate you.

Rhonda W.

What's In Store for the New Year for WCP, LLC??

We are going into our third year of operation in 2013.  We have helped many local actors and crew get their start in the film industry.  We have felt very compelled to help people, and in return they have helped us.  We could not have completed our four short films without their in-kind help, whether through time, money, talent, or skills.  We have also produced several rewarding projects with local filmmakers including Ed and Paul Cannon; Matthew Mercier; RJ Foley; Cheryl Broadus; Ursula Robinson; Bobby Sutton; Angela Washington; Caletta Bailey; and Zeb Foulks.  We have also spearheaded a small, yet lively, networking group, Southeastern Filmmakers- Columbia, that meets monthly.  We have been truly blessed.

What's in store for WCP, LLC is to expand on what has been working for us, and cut out what has not.

1)  We will no longer sell our short films on DVD.  The films can be viewed online for FREE through our YouTube channel.

2)  We will continue to work through our church communication ministry to film the choir, dancers, and other special events.

3)  We will continue to work on commercial video projects by local small businesses.

4)  We will continue to promote and offer financial backing of local filmmakers fundraising effort.

5)  We will continue to offer the Youth Film Camp in the Summer, as well as during Winter and Spring Break, as time and resources become available.

6)  We will continue to produce Gospel Talk.

7)  We will take a hiatus from producing short or feature films, commercials, webisodes, etc; but will offer new innovative acting and film workshops that will tie into the Take A Leap concept.

8)  We will continue to expand Take A Leap.  More info can be found on our latest Take A Leap post.

Please keep our efforts in your prayer.  We are appreciative of everyone who has ever and continue to believe in us.

Rhonda W. & Sharee W.

Special Screening of Pilot Episode of Take A Leap