Tag Archives: filmmaking

Mercedes Ortiz of the Tribeca Film Fellows class of 2012. Photo: TribecaFilmInstitute.org.

Tribeca Film Fellow Finds New Beginning in Filmmaking

Mercedes Ortiz has just completed a year as a Tribeca Film Fellow.

The 18-year-old describes herself as “a singer, a musician, a songwriter, a poet, an activist,…

By Ashley Calloway

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VH1's top-rated show Love & Hip Hop might be known more for the brawls and drama than for its lessons on business acumen, but entertainment manager Yandy Smith proves there's more to the industry than reality TV fodder. Smith's worked her way up from being an assistant to industry power player and Violator Management co-founder Mona Scott-Young, to working with top talent including music artists 50 Cent, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Jim Jones, and television personality Tocarra.

Just in time for tonight's episode, Smith shares five tips for success that can be applied to any industry---for those just starting out on their career path or those looking to take it to the next level. ---Janell Hazelwood

My Journey Into Producing ‘Life, Love, Soul’ and My Inspiration from a Phenom Film Entrepreneur

Yandy Smith talks newest venture and success with director Noel Calloway

Entertainment manager Yandy Smith has embarked on a new venture: film producer of Life, Love,…

By Yandy Smith

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Backtalk with Debra Martin Chase

Academy Award- and Emmy-nominated producer Debra Martin Chase is the first African American woman producer…

By Darralynn Hutson

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A 35th Anniversary Tribute to the Landmark ‘Roots’ Miniseries

This history-making television event breathed credibility into the idea that I could, indeed, do and be anything I wanted to.

While the miniseries’ place in the firmament of American television history is firmly established, the…

By Alfred Edmond, Jr.

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Backtalk with Robert Townsend

Robert Townsend broke into acting more than 30 years ago, but branched into writing, directing,…

By Malecia S. Walker

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JeffFriday

Friday at the Movies

How this champion of black films keeps diversity on the screen

Jeff Friday sees a lot of movies. This year alone he’s screened roughly 500 films…

By Pamela K. Johnson

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Backtalk with Bishop T.D. Jakes

Widely known as senior pastor of the Potter’s House, a nondenominational megachurch in Dallas, Bishop…

By LaToya M. Smith

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Book Review: Produced By Faith By Devon Franklin

Christian and top film executive Devon Franklin shows how to succeed in Hollywood--or any industry--without selling your soul

Produced by Faith: Enjoy Real Success Without Losing Your True Self is an excellent book…

By Alfred Edmond, Jr.

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DuVernay with I Will Follow star Salli Richardson-Whitfield  (Marcia Wade Talbert)

Filmmaker Takes AFFRM-ative Action to Promote Black Cinema

Ava DuVernay unites black film festivals to encourage national releases of more movies for us and by us

DuVernay with I Will Follow star Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Marcia Wade Talbert)
Ava DuVernay has accomplished three…

By Marcia Wade Talbert

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