Oscar Bound

Three Cheers for AccuWeight!

So sorry for the delay in writing...I've been purposely waiting to see how I did on a new weight loss plan I'm following, and I'm happy to report that I have officially lost 21 lbs in 22 days....well on my way to my goal of losing at least 45 lbs.

The plan is Accuweight and I really should do a commercial for them because this is the best, fastest, healthiest way I have ever been able to lose weight! It's not EASY, but it is very EFFECTIVE, and that keeps you motivated.

I'm one of those people who has a sluggish thyroid and metabolism and has been at least somewhat overweight most of my adult life. I've tried pretty much everything...even liposuction (don't do it...if you gain back weight, it goes into strange places)...and although I would sometimes lose some weight, I always gained it back plus a bit more.

Actually, this is the real reason why I love the Accuweight plan. You can read all about it on the website (it's an "East meets West" approach with no drugs), but what attracted me the most and motivates me to follow the plan diligently is that when you complete the program, you will have changed your body's weight "set point". What this means is that you will not regain all of the weight, but will hover closer to your new set point. Hallelujah!! And, if you don't believe me...join one of the list-serv groups on-line and listen to all of the success stories of those who have gone before me. 

The plan is also very de-toxifying, which is great--my skin is glowing, I have more energy and I'm sleeping better...all in 21 days.  And another side benefit--due to the way the plan targets ONLY FAT and not muscle or organ tissue, you actually lose more inches than you would on other plans...some people I've talked to have dropped a complete clothing size while plateaued on the scale for a week. Awesome!

So...if  you're looking for a plan that works, OR you know someone who has struggled with this issue, I hope you'll pass this information along. It could be life-changing for you or someone you care about.  They will work with you on a long-distance basis, so don't let the fact that they only have offices in NJ & NY throw you off.

Wishing Happy & Healthy Weight Loss to All!!

p.s. Don't let the "Milk" days scare you off--I personally heard about this diet last spring and dismissed it because of this (I hadn't drank milk since age 6 & really didn't care for it). NOW, the milk days are my favorite--why? You can flavor it with chocolate or strawberry syrup or add ice for a milk-shake AND these are the days I lose the most weight. LOL

Thank you, Brook Noel!

I recently stumbled onto a book by Brook Noel which I am loving! The name of the book is The Change Your Life Challenge:  Step-by-Step Solutions For Finding Balance, Creating Contentment, Getting Organized, and Building the Life You Want.  Sounds good!!

While I'm only about 70 pages in, I already feel more in charge of my life. As I'm gearing up to take on more film & writing projects AND homeschool my kids this year, I really needed to find a system that works for me. I've always been fairly organized, but weak in certain areas...processing/organizing paper, managing "clutter dump" areas within the house and keeping track of all the information, appts, and schedules around here. Some days I feel like I'm managing General Motors...and we all know how they're doing :(

Anyway, I thought I would take a minute to share the best tip I've found so far. Ms. Noel recommends using something called a CAN--short for Catch-All Notebook.  Basically it's just a small notebook (I find 5x7 works well) that you can carry with you and record information, ideas, to do lists or goals.  So, what's the big deal? Well, for starters, it's SIMPLE.  I've tried using Daytimers, Palm Pilots, binder systems, folder systems...but none have been as effective for me as this little notebook. I don't have to figure out how to use it. I don't have to worry about charging it or losing data. I don't have to cart around a bulky/bulging binder. Ok, that's nice, but still, so what?? Many people have used notebooks--there's nothing revolutionary about that. True. However, what makes this approach unique stems from her insistence that I keep it near me 24/7. As the author states, "it's like having a "spare brain". 

She goes on to explain that "in a study done to identify common practices of high-functioning individuals, keeping a notebook handy at all times to record passing thoughts, tasks, ideas and notes was an almost universal trait of the studied individuals, including Albert Einstein and Michaelangelo."

The research summarized three beneficial findings of this practice:

1. By keeping the notebook handy 24/7, it becomes a reliable location for confidently storing "mind matter."  by transferring thoughts, tasks, ideas and notes from mind to paper, the mind is free to focus on the task at hand.
2. The act of writing something down makes it more concrete and, statistically increases the odds of remembering and accomplishing the written task.
3. By having all information accessible (within arm's reach), indivduals are better able to maximize unexpected free time slots (even five to ten minutes).

The real gift for me in using this approach has been peace of mind...it feels so great to know that I'm not forgetting anything...especially ideas. Being an idea person, I sometimes have as many as 30 new ideas a day--many of which come into my mind...and then go right back out unless I write them down.
And, it's been a great little tool for managing my to do lists...putting work and personal lists together for the first time (I used to keep them separate and it just wasn't working)...now I just pick the top three priorities (either work or personal) for each day and list them in my CAN...so far I've been easily able to complete them and typically do more!

I realize that everyone has to do what works for them, but since this is ACTUALLY working for me, I thought I'd share it. And wait til I tell you about her next great tip:  UGLY DAYS :)

Delving into the past--as in Past Life Regression :)

Ok...so in order to move towards my goal of winning that Oscar, it came to me during a short meditation that I need to clear out anything that might be holding me back in my pursuit. I've had a vague feeling that I needed to let go of something, but couldn't figure out what it might be. So, I set it aside and just carried on with life. Wouldn't you know, as soon as I did so, I kept hearing references to past lives and past life regression...on TV, the radio, at the bookstore, with friends...it's been all around me. After about the sixth instance in the last three days, something clicked and I decided to see if my friend Karen, who is a fabulous hypnotherapist, had time to do a regression session with me. Well, today was the day!

Now before I go any further, and at the risk of losing the few readers I do have,  I should be up front and say that I am no stranger to the concept of past lives and have been a believer for a long time. I've even attended a couple of group hypnosis workshops in NYC with the master of past life regression, Dr. Brian Weiss, and had some very interesting experiences. After doing the hypnosis process, his first suggestion is that you look down at your feet (in your mind, not literally)  and see what shoes you are wearing, as this is a good indicator of who/where you might be.

The first time I did so, I was wearing knee high suede boots and was outdoors at some sort of an art fair...I was a young male painter during what felt like the Italian Renaissance era, and had my dog with me (who I was thrilled to discover was my beloved dog, Bailey, from this lifetime). I was very happy and content. I was never famous, but felt good about what I did and was respected in my local circles. Dr. Weiss always then asks you to flash forward to the end of that lifetime, and in this case I died of old age at home, surrounded by loved ones. Not bad :) 

In the second experience I had at one of his workshops, I had a sense of what was probably my most recent past life.  I was a woman in her late 30's/early 40's (sometime in the 1940's and it felt like it was in the U.S.), who was confined to bed because of a serious heart problem...I was weak and frail (and died of this in my 40's), but was comfortable and, again, surrounded by a loving family, who it seemed were somewhat well-off based on the size/decor of the bedroom I was in.  The main feeling I took from this experience was the sense that I was very at peace with myself and quite comfortable being on my own for long stretches of time since I was confined to my room. (I still have this trait...and in fact, relish time on my own...even for several days.) I believe I wrote journals during this time and was a a voracious reader and who loved to discuss ideas (also still true). 

Anyway, cut to today:  Karen went through the process of putting me into a hypnotic trance....which for those of you who have never experienced hypnosis, is really just a state of extreme relaxation. You are completely awake and aware of your surroundings, but SO relaxed that you can't open your eyes...even if you try.  I had told Karen that I was trying to look for information about any potential blocks I might have to major success...explaining that I had a nagging feeling that something was holding me back from the "grand and glorious" life I am aiming for.  Now, I have NEVER uttered the phrase "grand and glorious" in my life and she picked up on that, asking me why I chose those words. I said I didn't know and she said it probably had something to do with the life we needed to visit.

As she was saying this, I had a strong impression that I had been living at some sort of royal palace...I wasn't one of the royal family, but felt as if I was someone they respected and honored with living there and was either working on a project for them or they were funding my work in some way. Anyway, I was indeed living a very "grand and glorious" existence! However, I then immediately had a vision that I had been poisoned by someone who was jealous of my position.  So, basically, I was murdered for living the life of my dreams!!

I then flashed to the life I mentioned earlier, as the Italian painter...where I still did what I loved, but was never hugely successful...just had a local following and a comfortable existence. This life felt like it came after the life in which I was murdered. As I was describing all of this to Karen, she pointed out that I probably have a push/pull situation going on within me in this life....go for the Gold (the Oscar) and feel a risk of being "murdered"  or play it safe and continue with a smaller, more comfortable life such as the one I already have. Now, I don't want FAME per se....but I do want to achieve the highest level of success within my field...mostly so that I can attain credibility, respect and find that doors are wide open for me to bring all of my ideas to life...whether via film or books or some other venue. 

So...how do I use the knowledge gleaned from the past life regression to clear any subconscious block re the (irrational) fear of death I may be clinging to around achieving major success?? Obviously, it needs to be cleared or I'm going to end up sabotaging myself in some way :) Well, it turns out Karen had a great technique for helping me to do this...it's called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and it's an amazingly simple, yet powerful therapy. We worked on this specific scenario for awhile and I have to admit I really DID feel a shift happen...I feel lighter, more relaxed and very enthusiastic about pursuing my goals. Most importantly, that nagging sensation that made me feel something was holding me back has eased and I just feel very calm, yet motivated at the same time. Awesome!

Now I'm not saying past life regression is for everyone...but it was an interesting little adventure and seemed to provide some of the insight I was looking for, so for me, it was worthwhile! If you're interested in learning more, a great book to read is Many Lives, Many Masters.

Re-Inspired!

Saw the new film Julie & Julia last week and it definitely got me motivated to get back to blogging. Not that I'm expecting a book deal out of it...but hey, if it happens, I wouldn't turn my nose up at it:)

Anyway, it got me thinking that I've been pretty slack in my blogging efforts and have neglected my original purpose of documenting my journey towards the goal of being nominated for (ok...winning) an Oscar one day. Originally, I was thinking this might come from my documentary work, but more and more I'm actually thinking I may have a better shot in the screenplay category. Why? Because I've had a couple of incredible opportunities come my way in the last several months that both revolve around screenplays I co-wrote...it actually looks like they are both going to be made into feature films at some point in the next two years.  This alone is pretty amazing to me and I'm still pinching myself.

Anyway, stay tuned, cuz I'm going to be more diligent about focusing on this journey. OSCAR, here I come!

Happy Birthday to Me :)

Still trying to get back on track after losing my dad last month, but making good progress. Normally I have plans for my birthday but this year I'm very content to just spend a relaxing day doing whatever moves me in the moment. Just found this fun little personality study for those born on July 18th on-line this and I love looking at this stuff. Let's see how much is true....

July 18 Cancers are high-energy individuals with a psychic bent. They understand the ways karmic forces can facilitate self-realization. Deeply in touch with their own subconscious drives, they're usually able to achieve their aims through focusing on those inner desires.
    VERY TRUE...all of it!! (wow...I'm actually a bit amazed at this!)

July 18 natives often come from a family where the parents encourage competition between siblings. They make extraordinary parents. They love the rough and tumble aspects of playing with their children and are eager to be involved in their activities.
    NOT SO TRUE :(  Happily, my parents never encouraged competition...and I'm not great at rough & tumble play. BUT I like to think I'm overall a pretty good parent (maybe not extraordinary...but I guess I still have time since my cherubs are only 9)

July 18 natives usually enjoy robust good health, though they're often guilty of overtaxing their physical resources. They should be aware of their propensity to scatter their energies. They should concentrate on a focused workout that incorporates aerobic and breathing techniques.
    TRUE  Overall I've always been in good health and really don't get sick unless I'm feeling overwhelmed (which unfortunately usually happens when I travel!) As far as exercise, the operative word is SHOULD...yes, I SHOULD :) 

It does not usually matter to July 18 people if they have a high-powered job in the corporate world. They seem to have the golden touch when it comes to making money. They enjoy taking financial risks and don't flinch from losses. It's all part of the game to them.
    TRUE (Did have a big corporate job but left 15 years ago and never looked back...and in my mind I have the golden touch :)  I've definitely taken risks with investing in all of my film projects, which is all just now starting to pay off...so I'd say this one is pretty accurate as well.

July 18 natives get as much fun from participation as they do from victory. Although they have a competitive streak, it's competition that turns them on. Their goals aren't written in stone. They change and intensify, just like the personality of the people involved.
    TRUE! I'm always saying to my friends that I love the thrill of the journey in all that I do...I also love winning and have been fortunate to win awards for every project I've done so far, but I love the process of seeing the idea become a reality...that's what really lights my fire! However, I still want that OSCAR!!!!

*Birthday analysis courtesy of: http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/july-18-birthday-astrology.htm

In Memory of Dad

Following is the eulogy I gave for my Dad, Gary Joseph Schneider, at his memorial service yesterday. He passed away unexpectedly from a massive heart attack last Tuesday at age 66.

Little did I know that when I began my quest to become a filmmaker seven years ago, that one of my first projects would be a script that would provide the basis for what I want to say today.   When you develop a script, the experts say, “Write what you know.” So I thought for awhile, and it wasn’t long before I knew that of all the people in my life, Dad’s larger than life personality was the right place to start. 

The next decision to make was what the actual storyline was going to be. We all know Dad led a colorful life full of ups and downs, but I decided to focus on what I knew best….and that was our relationship as father and daughter  So, the story quickly began to unfold in my mind and eventually on paper (thanks to my writing partner, Liz)….this was to be a tale of reconciliation and redemption…..of two people finding their way back to each other and finding peace within themselves.  The title of the script is “Relative Distance” and that’s the concept I’d like to talk about for a minute.

Typically when defined it means “a distance relative to a specified reference point, usually one in motion.”  To me, it means how close or how distant I was to my dad at any point in time.  Between us, we’ve covered about every distance on the map…but it was the distance of the heart that of course takes its toll on your soul.  There were many times when Dad and I were not in touch….sometimes because he was in a dark period and others because I was mad at him for what he might have done during those dark periods.

Despite all of those times, we eventually found a way to close the distance and find our way back to each other. I’m glad we did, because for the last ten years I was fortunate to know my dad as the guy I like to think he really wanted to be, but didn’t know how to earlier in life.  The dad that I’m choosing to remember is the man who:

*bragged to anyone who would listen that he had “seven wonderful children”

*got a kick out of teaching his grandchildren to fly kites

*loved his dogs and couldn’t turn away a stray

*enjoyed a good card game of 500 and thought nothing of bidding 10 no trump without the joker

*had to drive a Lincoln or a Cadillac….whether or not he had a dime to his name

*was able to find humor in almost every situation

*could make friends with strangers instantly, spending hours on the phone with credit collectors, hanging up to say,  “That person was from Des Moines”

*admitted “he was a handful” but asked Gloria to put up with him with a charming smile and a plea for some more ice water

*always worried that I was mad at him if he didn’t hear from me for a couple of weeks, no matter how many times I reassured him that I wasn’t

*cheered me on in my film endeavors and would leave me voice mail messages posing as Steven Spielberg to make me feel like I’d hit it big

*the man who couldn’t stop thanking Chris and I for all of the help we gave him once he couldn’t work anymore

*and mostly, I will remember him as the man who I know loved me deeply and told me so every single time we talked.

So now, when I think about the term “Relative Distance”, it has one more meaning to me….that Dad will from now on only be as far from me as the memories I hold in my heart.

As a footnote, about six months ago, the “Relative Distance” script magically fell into the hands of an up and coming production company in NYC and they are currently planning to produce the film next year. They recently asked me to provide some casting suggestions and when I asked Dad who he would like to play him I had to laugh….his list included Charlie Sheen,  John Travolta  and Patrick Swayze.  I said Dad, one is too young, one is too Italian and the other is not doing so well….maybe you should give it some more thought.  I’m hoping for Nick Nolte myself ☺

Time to find some balance :)

I've been burning the candle at both ends again, and of course came down with a nasty cold and cough as a result! This ALWAYS happens when I find myself moving down that slippery slope of over-scheduling and  feeling stressed. You'd think I would learn by now that too much of anything (even the good stuff) is sometimes just plain overwhelming!

The crazy part is that it's nobody's fault but my OWN as I'm the one in charge of my schedule; LOL :) So, why do I keep doing this to myself? Nobody is forcing me to stay up til 2 AM most nights. Nor is anyone telling me to take on multiple film projects at one time. And who is the one who decided now was the time I need to start home-schooling my kids? Yep, that's right...me!

Time to come up with a PLAN for Balance!  That is....after I get back from my whirlwind trip to Iowa where I will be meeting with no less than about 20 people in 3 days, all while trying to spend as much time as I can at the nursing home with my ailing grandmother. Not to mention the exhaustion of just getting there (literally think trains, planes and automobiles)! 

Calgon, take me away....oh, that's right...I can't even do that as my bathroom has been under renovations for three months (don't ask; LOL)!

Now taking applications for the role of "Alice" (a la Brady Bunch days)!!!

Film Festival Smestival

I don't usually do this, but have just gotta vent a bit about the wonderful world of film festivals. While on the surface they sound glamorous, in my experience they are usually disorganized and have very little to do with making filmmakers feel good about their work. More and more I see that most festivals are really an ego trip for those who run them and a way for them to hob nob with a few mostly D-list celebrities.  Sort of along the old adage of...if you can't do, teach....or if you can't make films, run a film festival :)

Many may have been started by someone passionate about film, but these people rarely know much about event planning. And since they are mostly run by volunteers, can be hugely inconsistent from year to year.  One year a festival may be great...the next, crappy. One year they may love documentaries, the next year they want horror.

Having now participated in, competed at or attended over 30 festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada, I have a few suggestions to offer:

1.  In addition to the goals of making money, meeting celebrities and feeling important within your community, make it a top priority to make your film festival one that is a fantastic experience for the filmmakers.  The world of filmmaking is small....we TALK to each other...and we will spread word that your festival is GREAT or it sucks.  Believe me, when I make it big (and I will one day), I will remember which festivals treated me well :)

2. Communicate with your filmmakers EARLY and OFTEN....it's great to receive the notice that you've been accepted, but what we really need to know is WHEN we will screen, what events you have planned and where I can stay while there.  I can't tell you how often this information is poorly communicated...often times not until the week before the festival. If you want me to attend, I most likely have to travel and incur expenses...the more time and information I have, the better.

3. At a MINIMUM, have a welcome area set up for the filmmakers as they arrive...give out packets of information about the festival. Make them FEEL GOOD about having traveled to participate in the experience. INTRODUCE THEM to other filmmakers and festival execs. You would not believe how many festivals I have attended where not one person from the festival ever extended a hello or acknowledged our presence in ANY WAY!! I know this sounds crazy, but it's TRUE...it's as if once they have your film, they could care less if you were there.

4. Along these lines, make sure someone from the festival is at EVERY screening to introduce the filmmakers.  You can't know how disappointing it is to travel to a festival, sit in your screening and never even be introduced (and yes, this happens frequently!) The audience usually wants to ask questions of the filmmaker...they wouldn't be attending a film festival if they didn't have an above average interest in film and even if you don't have time for a formal Q & A, let people know who the filmmaker is so they can talk to them in the lobby afterwards!!

5. I highly recommend having the Q & A' s after each screening...this is what the audience members want!! Even an average film is more interesting once you know the story behind how it was made...and believe me, every project has a story and represents someone's dream and hard work. In many cases, this may be the only film the person will have in a festival....give them their moment in the sun!! It's a small thing, but it's actually HUGE in terms of making the filmmaker feel good about their experience.
The key is to have someone skilled running it so that you stay on schedule. You can have an overflow area where you suggest anyone with additional questions can talk to the filmmaker after the screening.

6.  Assign volunteers as liasons to each filmmaker....someone to welcome them, make introductions, set up meetings for them with other filmmakers or press, give them tips on getting around town or tourist things to see while in the area. Only one festival I attended did this, but it was so amazing...it's a simple idea really and it's also a great experience for the volunteer as they also get to know a filmmaker really well.

7.  Every festival has badges for people to wear....COLOR CODE them so we know who the filmmakers are vs. the festival volunteers vs. the Press, vs. the Judges, etc...I just attended a festival this week and had NO IDEA who anyone was :)  And they apparently had NO IDEA who we were since we were there three times and not ONE person from the festival ever greeted us or said "boo" about our film.

8. Hold special "filmmaker only" events....panels, breakfast mtgs, cocktail parties....and have a Filmmaker only hangout area stocked with water/snacks...this could be a restaurant or a room in a hotel or other venue.  Filmmakers want to network...that is one of the main incentives for attending a festival.

9.  If you can't help out with transportation expenses, at least let filmmakers into the events and other screenings for free...yes, believe it or not, I've been charged $$ to attend an awards ceremony at a festival where I was screening. What ???  And give them a t-shirt or mug or SOMETHING they can take away from the event as a memento.

10.  Hold lots of panels and invite the filmmakers to be on them...it feels great to participate and share whatever knowledge you can. Open these panels up to the public as well. It will add something extra to your festival.

I guess one day I'm going to have to add running an amazing film festival to my to do list :)

Go Iowa!

Is it just me, or is my home state becoming hip these days? Not only did they recently legalize gay marriage, which is pretty interesting, but it seems to be referenced in practically every TV show I've watched lately and is featured in the new Star Trek movie-- as Captain Kirk is of course from Iowa!

Iowans themselves are in the news. Last week, Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson, who hails from Iowa, won the current season of Dancing With the Stars. And who could miss Iowa native Ashton Kutcher all over the news a few weeks ago for being the first person to reach one million followers on Twitter :) What I like about these two is that they exude what I term "Iowaness"...very down to earth, friendly and determined types of people.

Bizarrely (to me anyway), both Dear Abby and Ann Landers were from Iowa, as well as the original and most recent Superman actors...George Reeves and Brandon Routh. And let's not forget Jerry Mathers, who will live forever as the Beaver (from Leave It to Beaver fame).

Although I haven't lived there for almost 25 years, my mom and several relatives, as well as my best friend all still live in Iowa and seem to have no intention of going anywhere else. In fact, many rarely leave, very content with the lives they lead in Hawkeye state.

Recently, I became involved in a script project based on a little known story involving my hometown of Algona, IA...during WW2 the town was the site of a large German POW camp. Yes, that's right...there were German POW's in America...over 300,000 of them in fact. And they worked in the factories and on the farms right alongside those they had previously fought against. It's a fascinating and little known part of our country's history...and hopefully it will make it to the big screen and join the ranks of the other famous Iowa-based flicks.....Field of Dreams and The Bridges of Madison County.

So GO IOWA...you ROCK! Now if you only were within commuting distance of New York City :)

Meanwhile, some other famous Iowans you may recognize include:

Tom Arnold (actor)
Lara Flynn Boyle (actress)
Bill Bryson (writer)
William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (frontier scout)
Steven Collins (actor)
Janet Dailey (romance novelist)
Mamie Doud Eisenhower (First Lady)
Dan Gable (Olympic Gold wrestler and coach)
George H. Gallup (the poll taker)
William Frawley (actor)
Halston (fashion designer)
Herbert Hoover (31st U.S. President)
Lou Hoover (First Lady)
Howard Hughes, Sr (inventor & founder of Hughes Tool Co)
Mary Beth Hurt (actress)
Cloris Leachman (actress)
Laura Leighton (actress; Melrose Place)
E.F. Lindquist (inventor of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills)
Ron Livingston (actor)
Jerry Mathers (Yes....the "Beaver" is from Iowa!)
The McCaughy Septuplets
Glenn Miller (bandleader)
Michelle Monaghan (actress)
Kate Mulgrew (actress)
Harriet Nelson (actress & mom of singer Ricky Nelson)
Robert Noyce (co-inventor of the microchip)
David Rabe (playwright)
Harry Reasoner (newscaster)
Donna Reed (actress)
Lillian Russell (actress/singer)
Jean Seberg (actress)
Wallace Stegner (author)
Sullivan Brothers (war heroes)
Sada Thompson (actress)
Henry A. Wallace (Vice President under FDR)
Marcia Wallace (actress, Bob Newhart Show)
Kurt Warner (football quarterback)
Tionne Watkins (singer, TLC)
John Wayne (actor)
Andy Williams (singer)
Meredith Wilson (composer, "The Music Man")
Elijah Wood (actor; Lord of the Rings trilogy)
Grant Wood (painter)

Where does the time go?

Wow...3 months since my last blog. Yikes! I've been busy, but didn't think it was THAT long :)

To be honest, I've been a bit obsessed with Facebook (and now Twitter) and was debating dropping the blog, however, after thinking it over a bit, I realize that 140 characters is sometimes not enough.

So, here's the condensed version of what's new:

*Finally finished the re-vamped version of The BlueBelles and all of the DVD extras, which are now longer than the movie itself, but fun. And, we're very happy to announce that we  just got into our first festival...The Jersey Shore Film Festival which will be in and around Asbury Park in mid-July (screening date and time TBA).

*Wit's End continues to have some great momentum...we have now been in four festivals since January and have a screening coming up at The Hoboken Film Festival on June 1st (where we are in the pilot competition). Fingers crossed for a WIN! We also have some interest in the show from a NY based production company but I can't name names yet...to be continued :)

*Just finished a book proposal that we will be shopping around as a complement to the BlueBelles doc...we see it as a gift set. Concept is a book of tips about life, love & friendship from the Belles, along with the DVD. It seems to be getting some great feedback so far, so hope to meet with some publishers over the summer.

*Still co-producing the documentary, "Waking Up" about juvenile arthritis. We're looking for funding at the moment so it's a bit slow-going, but it has been very inspiring to meet and talk with the film's subjects. For more info and video clips about this project, join the Facebook group for Waking Up.

*We're in pre-pro on a new doc about psychics...this probably won't really get off the ground until the fall as we need to finish some other projects first, but it's something I've wanted to work on for a long time and it's going to be a good one.

*Liz and I are thrilled to have been asked to join the development team for an exciting new production company in the city....Kipany Productions. And, most exciting about this is that one of the films they are considering producing is our script, Relative Distance.

*TOP OF THE LIST though in terms of exciting news is that we were hired to do a re-write of a film with some exciting A-list connections. I can't say much about it right now except that we've finished the re-write and had a great response to it so far.  This could be a major breakthrough for us in terms of establishing ourselves as screenwriters and we are very grateful for the opportunity.

*LAST, but not least, I've been working hard on the website for my new podcast show, "The Nitty Gritty Cafe". The website is almost complete and we hope to launch in the next 30 days...it's been a bit frustrating not being able to get this out there before now, but all in good time as they say :)

Stay tuned :)  I'll write more about Nitty Gritty very soon!