TV Shows Contain Few Minority Characters, Study Finds
NBC 4 Los Angeles

Tue, 14 Dec 2004 1:34 PM PST LOS ANGELES -- Many television series are set in some of the nation's most diverse cities, yet few have regular characters who are Latino or Asian-American, according to a UCLA study released Tuesday. Click here to download report in PDF

BIZ: 'Bad Education' Perched Atop Box Office;
THINKFilm's 'Born Into Brothels' Debuts Strong
(by Brian Brooks, December 15, 2004)

Pedro Almodovar's 'Bad Education' continued to excel in limited release, dominating the iW: BOT for the fourth straight weekend with the highest per screen average in a specialty class that swelled by 11 additional titles from the previous week.

Newcomer 'Born into Brothels' from THINKFilm emerged the leader of the latest indie offerings, taking the second position on the chart, calculated on a per screen basis.

Last week's number two, 'House of Flying Daggers' swiped the third position, while 'A Very Long Engagement' remained entrenched in the chart's top tier on the same number of screens.

The iW BOT's top three overall earners gobbled nearly two-thirds of the weekend's box office, down slightly from last count, while several other theatrical debuts scraped limited attention from audiences. The Almodovar film maintained its tour de force in limited runs, adding two additional screens in its fourth weekend, ace-ing the box office test once again with $135,015 on five screens for a $27,003 average.

Last week, the film's per screen tally came to $29,619 from three sites, a decrease of just under 9%. 'Bad Education' has cumed almost $700,000 so far.

Read the Full Story @ www.indieWIRE.com http://www.indiewire.com/biz/biz_041215boxoffice.html

The National Latino Media Council proudly presents the 2005 Latino Television Writers Program

This program is not for beginners. It is for those writers who can write a half-hour comedy or one-hour dramatic television script in English within a four-week period of time.

The program will take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico from February 12 - March 14, 2005. Each participant is expected to complete a script by the end of the four-week session, which will then be read by network executives. Those writers whose scripts show promise will be interviewed by the network executives with the idea of placing them on a show. Two of our writers from previous sessions have already been placed.

A stipend of $200 per week will be given to each participant. Flight, housing, and meals will be provided. The deadline for submissions is January 21st. Scripts will be evaluated and program participants announced on February 2nd.

The program will commence on February 14th. If selected, you must be available to fly and stay in Albuquerque, NM from February 12 - March 14, 2005. Writing samples must be in English and Television scripts are preferred.

Please note that writing teams are ineligible.

Writing samples must be post marked by January 21st and sent to:

National Latino Media Council
2514 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90007

For more information call: (213) 746-1158

National Latino Media Council Member Organizations: Cuban American National Foundation, League of United Latin American Citizens, Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund, National Association of Hispanic Publications, National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), National Council of La Raza,National Hispanic Media Coalition, National Puerto Rican Coalition, Nosotros, Puerto Rican Legal Defense & Education Fund, National Association of Latino Elected Officials, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.

Latina Filmmaker Margarita Borda Finishes Documentary

Hi, my name is Margarita Borda. I just completed a documentary entitle 'Finding the Past' and it just screened at the Anchorage International Film festival. I hear it was very well received and I have gotten lots of complements.

SYNOPSIS: "A window into a rare and productive relationship between scientists and indigenous people working side-by-side with federal land managers to find answers to some of the most intriguing questions about the first people of the Northwest Coast of North America. The film takes us on a 5-day exploration of caves and ancient villages in the Prince of Wales Archipelago, where both Native cultural specialists and scientists face difficulties and overcome challenges inherent in the perspectives they bring to the process of finding out about the history of this people's region."

. USA/Alaska
. 33 min.

MARGARITA BORDA BIO: A bicultural Documentarian who works as a producer, and editor. She began by documenting 2 ethnographic projects: 'We will Continue to Weave' and 'The Art of Tlingit Carving'. She also produced a segment for PBS station WPBT magazine entitle "New Florida." As a student, she received the Cristopher Packala Award and Nosotros award and was invited to a WGA/NALIP writer's workshop.

Director: Margarita Borda
Script: Margarita Borda
Cinematography: George Eversheim, Tim Timerick, Jeff Riffe
Music: Klawock's Keenya Kwann Dancers
Editing: Margarita Borda
Producer: Margarita Borda, William Demmert and Terry Fifield
Production companies: SunShots Productions
Country (y/ies) of production: USA
Year of production: 2004
Minutes: 33

Thanks for your time.
Atentamente,
Margarita Borda
SunShots Productions

Mija Magazine Debuts Strong

Felicidades everyone! Here is the chilling, yet caliente 3rd Issue of Mija Magazine! May I say, putting this site together is getting pretty difficult.but I can hang. As of today, Mija Magazine has received over 7,200 visitors to the site.we keep growing baby! I would like to thank all of you that enjoyed our last issue and as always keep writing and spreading the word. Peace and have a great New Year.

In this issue:
Viva La Timbalera!/Jessica Rodriguez
Emerging Mijas/Cheryl Quintana Leader President, Founder of INDIVISION Ladies Night and Latina Hollywood/Gabriela Tagliavini inspires on and off the big screen
Mijas on Stage/Doreen Montalvo's Hot debut album "Volvere" Salsarican /Les Rivera interviews salsera Brenda Ramos
The Mija behind the "Racket"/Only 14 years old, Patricia Rodriguez stars in her own inspired movie.
The Housekeeper's Diary/Poet/Performer, Lisa Alvarado Stop Ignoring Dark-skinned Latina/os/An open letter to Latino Media...a must read.
Besame Cosmetics/Gabriela Hernandez makes Latina faces stand out.
Ask the Life Coach/Answering questions will never be the same.
Column of the Americas/Our Role Model Nation
Mijas in Color/The Gender Connection by Silia Hurst
Cooking con Clotilde/Keep your cocina warm this winter
Staying Alive Is Killing Me!/Written by Mary Helen Ponce Poet Jackie Madrigal
Libros/Books/Meet Maria Guardado, an author at 14!
Trip from Mexico/A short story by Tere Avila
.and much, much more.at www.mijamagazine.com

Sinceramente,
Roberta M. Rosa
CEO/Founder Mija Magazine - "Where Latinas Matter!"

TotalAXIS, SAG and NALIP join forces @ CineSpace Jan. 11, 2005

On January 11th, 2005 TotalAXIS, SAG and NALIP will join once again for a one-of-a kind event. Two events all wrapped into one! The evening will start with our second installment of our Diversity for Dummies Series Part 2 followed by a one time Shorts FLIXfest.

This fest will be around an hour long and will include five (5) of the best shorts made in 2004 for you to start of your year with some great filmmaking.

7:00 PM - Cocktails & Dinner
7:30 PM - Diversity Panel
9:00 PM - Shorts FLIXfest
10:00 PM - Networking

The evening will begin at 7:00 PM with cocktails followed by a 90 minute panel on how to get in touch with the Diversity Departments of the Guilds, Networks and Studios and what they are doing to help position people of color within their systems. After the panel and screening, networking session will follow; an after event to have the participants mix and mingle. The viewing will take place in a highly state of the art digital screening room provided by our friends at CineSpace. (www.Cine-Space.com)

The Preferred Seating Deal: Since there are only 150 dining seats with an additional 100 spots in the screening area, and a total capacity of 600+. The venue is being offered for free; we will offer those members who make dinner reservations, preferred seating. We encourage you to come dine with us and watch a free movie and make new contacts.

You must make dinner reservations directly with CineSpace by calling 323-817-3456. Seating is available on a first come first serve basis. You must RSVP to this email FLIX@TotalAXIS.com for seating only. Entry is FREE but you are responsible for your own food and drinks.

CINESPACE
6356 Hollywood Blvd. (2d Floor) (1 block east of Vine)
Hollywood, CA 90028
(Main Entrance on Hollywood Blvd. / Self and valet parking)
Submissions are closed!
To RSVP to this event series, email us at FLIX@TotalAXIS.com

Support the Latino Theatre Company By Making A Year-End Contribution

Join our efforts to create bold and passionate theater! As a supporter of the Latino Theatre Company, you will help us to create innovative theater works and develop new artists and audiences to enrich the cultural life of Los Angeles. No amount is too small (or too large). Your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. We will send you an acknowledgement of your donation with our Non-Profit ID # for your tax purposes.

To make a donation to the Latino Theater Company click below:

Click here: Latino Theater Company - Play Your Part Or send a check payable to:
Latino Theater Company
514 S. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
For more information: (213) 489-0994

Since the holidays are the time for giving, add your name to your tax gift list by donating to your favorite charity. As long as you itemize, you can deduct gifts of cash or goods to help reduce your tax liability. Another nice thing about giving to charities, aside from the satisfaction you get from helping others, is that unlike medical and miscellaneous deductions, your contributions don't have to meet a percentage threshold. Your entire goodwill helps your tax situation as well as the recipients. Click here: AOL Personal Finance: Money Today

4th Annual Tribeca Film Festival Currently Accepting Submissions for Feature and Short Films of All Genres (April 21 to May 1, 2005)

Short Film Deadline: December 10, 2004
Feature Film Deadline: December 17, 2004

For more information: http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org

TRIBECA ALL ACCESS CONNECTS
The Tribeca Film Institute is also accepting submissions for TAA Connects, running April 25-28, which seeks screenplays and documentary proposals from U.S.-based directors and screenwriters of color.

Early deadline: December 10, 2004
Final deadline: February 4, 2005
Submission guidelines: http://www.tribecafilminstitute.org

Palm Beach Intn'l Film Festival Accepting Film Entries

The Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF) is actively planning our 10th annual event scheduled for April 14 - 21, 2005. With the dates in place, we're now accepting film entries. Entry forms and eligibility guidelines are available on the festival's website at: http://www.pbifilmfest.org

Early submission deadline: December 30, 2004.
Final Deadline is Feb 4th, 2005

Hair/Makeup Artist & Location w/Piano Wanted For Music Video Shoot

LA-based pop/rock artist is shooting a music video Thursday and Friday of this week. They need a super talented hair/makeup artist who's quick and experienced with film/TV shoots, lighting & other technical considerations etc. There is pay.

They're also seeking a fairly large open and spacious warehouse or loft type location with a piano in it, preferably a baby grand or grand. The video will be featured on the forthcoming MTV DVD 'Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County', a DVD release of the hit reality drama's entire first season.

Contact the director Daniel Hamilton-Lowe at daniel_lowe@yahoo.com or (323) 871-1087 for more info.

New York-- Cuban Writer Needed for Character Driver Thriller

Seeking a Cuban screenwriter to collaborate with me on a smart, character driven feature thriller that I am developing. Drive to succeed, speed at your craft, creative & skilled screenwriting are all elements that I am seeking. The pay is low as this is a collaboration. I am seeking a local writer at NYC.

Please contact Craig at grendelent@aol.com. Thanks for your interest.

Seeking Editor & Composer for Indie Feature

'East Side Story' is an indie feature by Carlos Portugal, producer of several shows for Telemundo (La Cenicienta, Solo en America, Viva Vegas). 'East Side Story' is a West Side Story-esque interracial love story set in East LA. It also deals with gay sexuality and gentrification issues. This is a paid position.

** We are only interested in people who "think outside the box". The Director has editing experience and is seeking a Creative person who can offer a fresh perspective and innovative techniques.

** All submissions (DVD, VHS, Quicktime) must be brought to the location, mailed, or emailed as links.

* Make sure you state that Pocha sent you.

* Our address:
Into Action Films
Attn: Carlos Portugal, Director
122 South Lucerne Blvd
Los Angeles, Ca 90004

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank You! -- La Pocha, Associate Producer 714.417.0073 Pochioux@aol.com

Editor's Commentary:

In previous issues of these ramblings, Danny Rodriguez, producer of the 'Devil Inside', and I, Associate Producer of the same film, have been sharing with you, our readers, the experiences and lessons learned while filming the picture down in Baja, Mexico. We have been having IM chats on the matter and we are sharing them with you. Please excuse the typos and profanity that we may use, but we want to give it to you unaltered and as honest as we can do. Hope you all share with us in the learning experience. So, if you are a Novato to these chats, please refer to previous issues of the Newsletter where you will be able to find Part 1 and 2 of this series. Agárrense que aquí vamos.

DannyRodriguez03: listo?
DannyRodriguez03: =-O
AlexMend: well, let's do it
AlexMend: do u want to refresh your mind with where we left it at the last time?
DannyRodriguez03: well we were talking about things coming up last sec before we had to head out to mex
DannyRodriguez03: money going down,
DannyRodriguez03: cast
DannyRodriguez03: what else ?
AlexMend: so this teaches me that the puzzle (film) not necessarily gets puts together from the frame (story) first.
AlexMend: and that to put together the puzzle you don't need to have al the pieces at once
AlexMend: well, here we go, something valuable learned AlexMend: so here we go, and ACTION!
AlexMend: so Danny, the last time we learned that is myth that you can't have a good film without starting first with a great story. Of course we are assuming that we will come up with a good film at the end...
DannyRodriguez03: but of course
DannyRodriguez03: you've seen the dailies AlexMend: what is that makes you so confident of the end result
AlexMend: yeah they are very good but there is still a long and winding road to go through
DannyRodriguez03: well, coming from distribution it gave me an edge over other producers AlexMend: how come?
DannyRodriguez03: in a way I had a formula AlexMend: and that one is?
DannyRodriguez03: i knew what sells.....where to sell it
DannyRodriguez03: and how to sell it
DannyRodriguez03: i think producers forget this sometimes
DannyRodriguez03: i started in production
DannyRodriguez03: and it led to me just seeing distributors make bank with my films while i barely broke even
DannyRodriguez03: therefore i knew that in order to become a successful producer I had to be well rounded in the business side of things AlexMend: wise advise
DannyRodriguez03: so coming into this film
DannyRodriguez03: i had my if "worse comes to worse" scenarios
DannyRodriguez03: which were still pretty good
AlexMend: now, since i had the advantage point of seeing develop the idea all the way to production, i have always believed that you were grounded on earth without major pretensions of making the next "Gone with the Wind", but the project grew almost without you intending it to do so, isn't? What happened, where did you lucked out?
DannyRodriguez03: well you are right, it started as a little side project of maybe 50k in digital......
DannyRodriguez03: but as talent infront and behind the camera started to jump on board and resources like Panavision
DannyRodriguez03: then it began to turn into a monster of its own
AlexMend: Panavision?, you mean the deal you got for the 35mm package?
DannyRodriguez03: and dont forget the Mexican Swat Team
DannyRodriguez03: yeah.top of the line package.......and not just one 35mm camera but two
DannyRodriguez03: just in case one went out
AlexMend: how u got that deal?
DannyRodriguez03: well the key word as I put it on how this film got put together is "HOOK UPS"
DannyRodriguez03: panavision was brought in by our DP
DannyRodriguez03: he knew the VP and pitch him the idea and told him we needed his help
DannyRodriguez03: and that we would pay rate one day......
DannyRodriguez03: i guess ever since Lucas was denied by them
DannyRodriguez03: they take some chances
AlexMend: Lucas?
AlexMend: what he has to do with anything here?
DannyRodriguez03: i heard that back in the day he went to panavision and asked them for help and they gave him a big NO
DannyRodriguez03: so thats why he is so PRO digital
DannyRodriguez03: and does all his films in 24p AlexMend: ok, but we digress
AlexMend: so your DP, besides of being a complete SOB actually even him was good for the production (i will relate to our readers why I locked horns with him later)
DannyRodriguez03: yes
AlexMend: so here we go, is not what you know...
AlexMend: but who likes you
DannyRodriguez03: do we have that much time......
AlexMend: so lets give our readers some fun
AlexMend: nothing better to see someone fall on his face...
AlexMend: and then get away with what he wants
AlexMend: so you lost your investor and some of the cast days before production
AlexMend: and friends and acquaintances came to the rescue
DannyRodriguez03: right
AlexMend: what else is worth of sharing that can teach us some- thing new
AlexMend: you want to talk SAG?
DannyRodriguez03: ohhhhhhhhhh noooooo
AlexMend: you are right, that is for a complete installment
DannyRodriguez03: don't mention those three letters
AlexMend: so what other hurdle you needed to jump in Pre- Production
AlexMend: can i be over critical?
AlexMend: ok i will
AlexMend: your preproduction stank!
AlexMend: days before the production the schedule didn't match with the script
DannyRodriguez03: i know
DannyRodriguez03: and there is many reasons for that AlexMend: not to mention the budget
DannyRodriguez03: ok
AlexMend: no excuses, just what you learned
DannyRodriguez03: well "Things I learned while ..."
DannyRodriguez03: #1 thing
DannyRodriguez03: if not anything else....get a professional Line Producer and Production Manager......and don't trust friends that tell you........ohhhh yeah, i can do that........
AlexMend: ouch
AlexMend: that is too close for comfort (readers: i will explain this also later)
DannyRodriguez03: because I was asking for favors from actors it was hard to lock up dates and agents are not your best friends when they know you are dragging their client into another country for well below their rates
AlexMend: what i was reassured of with that is that this is a FORMal biz, FORM being the operative syllable here
AlexMend: I have learned not to try to re-invent the wheel or improvise
AlexMend: that this biz, through many years of trial and error is now FORMalized to the level of an art
AlexMend: i am meaning that the steps and FORMS customarily used in the industry MUST be followed if you want to minimize your headaches
AlexMend: i.e. Breakdown, Day-out-of-days, Budget, Call Sheets, STRIP BOARD!!!
AlexMend: why you didn't have one?
AlexMend: and I don't buy the concept that scheduling programs are a replacement for a physical STRIP BOARD!
DannyRodriguez03: well we got trejos final confirmation 2 weeks before we were suppose to go to mexico
DannyRodriguez03: and our friends at SAG gave us hell until 2 days before
AlexMend: i know, that is a complete different installment talk
DannyRodriguez03: things were just hectic and i did not have a real line producer
AlexMend: can you replace knowledge for loyalty and commitment? Or you rather have experience?
DannyRodriguez03: well if you ask me now, forget loyalty and commitment.......i want experience......that whats gonna get my film in the CAN AlexMend: but experience costs
DannyRodriguez03: yeah, thats why i said maybe not in all phases but in those two.....LP and UPM , dont be cheap
AlexMend: so ok, surround yourself with friends, especially those that have experience, if not go for experience and asks your friends to cover in non-critical positions, while they keep and eye on your back... right?
DannyRodriguez03: amen!
AlexMend: so here we go again, another valuable lesson learned.
DannyRodriguez03: wow, is that your line?
AlexMend: AND DO NOT BELIEVE YOUR FRIENDS that they can do the job if they do not have a track record doing it, like CATERING...
DannyRodriguez03: ohhh no
AlexMend: and with that we CUT!
DannyRodriguez03: dont remind me
AlexMend: AND CUT!
DannyRodriguez03: alex our caterer.......
DannyRodriguez03: hmmmmmmmm
AlexMend: AND CUT!
DannyRodriguez03: perfect example
DannyRodriguez03: of todays lesson
AlexMend: Turn that f... camera off!
DannyRodriguez03: can i ask you alex, what made you think you can cook for 40 people
DannyRodriguez03: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DannyRodriguez03: and snacks
AlexMend: I'm not here, alex signed off...

Alex Mendoza
Alex Mendoza & Associates
AMARTE Design & Digital Printing
9513 Longden Avenue
Temple City, CA 91780
626-614-8277
alexmend@aol.com

To Post News, Announcements, Business Data or Jobs Postings please click on the following link: alexmend@aol.com

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The Latinos in the Industry e-mail Newsletter is a free service provided by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) with the generous assistance of Alex Mendoza & Associates (AMA) and it is provided in an "As-Is" basis and for the education and information of users only. It is not provided with the intention that users rely upon the information for any purposes. Accordingly, NALIP and/or AMA, their principal(s), employees, agents or representatives shall under no circumstances be liable for any loss or damage, including, but not limited to, loss of profits, goodwill or indirect or consequential loss arising out of any use of or inaccuracies in the information. All warranties expressed or implied are excluded to the fullest extent permissible by law. All comments and postings, including those by the Editor, are the responsibility of those individuals posting and no endorsement by NALIP and/or AMA should be inferred. Referral links and individual e-mail forwarding are permitted. NALIP reserves the right to withdraw or delete information or to discontinue this service at any time. All quoted, linked and/or referred information, as well as all copyrights and trademarks, are the property of their respective holders, used here under license and/or "fair-use" rules. ©2004 NALIP.