Ode to the Athenian Philosophers

Dear TEDtalks.  Oh how I wish I could say you are both enlightening and inspiring to me, but I cannot.  There is nothing ground breaking or revolutionary about your initiative (i.e. the term “accelerated innovation”), as all I could think about when watching your videos were the competitions hosted by Socrates and Plato during the reign of the Roman Empire.  The only difference is the forum for exhibition is a digital one.  I will say I was impressed with Christopher Makau: a man who organized a TED event in the Kibera Slums of Kenya.  I also identified with the words of Gale Tzemach Lemmon in her speech about women entrepreneurs being the example - not the exception.  Still, I struggled to sit through enough videos to find a topic I could find my own heart in.  Maybe it’s because I’m more inclined to watch American Film Institute interviews, or “Behind the Scenes” vignettes included as part of DVD supplemental materials.  And maybe it’s a matter of taste, not preferring to sit through pontifications of budding orators presenting established thoughts and ideas as if they were brand new.  It’s harsh.  I know.  But what is a blog roll without a little honest opining?

I prefer humble, private discussions with leaders in my favored industry – directors like Sydney Pollack.  Here’s a man who is totally unassuming, yet a genius when it comes to interpreting the life of humanity through film.  Director Shekhar Kapur spoke in a TED event on how we are the stories we tell ourselves, and I appreciated that.  But the format for delivery is not for my taste.  Give me a two-camera shoot with the subject and interviewer sitting in a private den or study, talking about the simple geniuses of every day life – not as if they are new discoveries, but in a place of respect and reverence.  I don’t need all the trappings of elaborate set design and hoards of enamored people.  Let the films, the work of these greats speak for themselves.  

“By their fruits ye shall know them.” 

Florida Film Connections for Women (and Men)

http://www.womeninfilmfl.org/

Florida is not Los Angeles, and it is not New York.  But that doesn’t stop Florida’s film industry from growing increasingly stronger with the years.  Florida ranks as one of the top three states for tax incentives and, according to the Orlando Business Journal, follows only Louisiana and Illinois.   Additionally, statewide resources well-justify the tax benefits and rebates available to filmmakers.  Renovated in 2010 and located in Sarasota, the Florida Sound Stage touts 20,000 sq. ft. of open space with power coming from three locations. There are almost 60 local film festivals listed in “Film in Florida’s” website, and trade organizations including the Screen Actors Guild, Teamsters and the Writer’s Guild have chapters throughout the state.  One notable chapter is the Women In Film & Television, Florida.  Women In Film was founded in 1973 to represent women in all disciplines of film and television.  In 1989 the WIFT-FL  was established with the goal of increasing and promoting more film work throughout the state – for both women and men.  In concert with both the tax benefits and resources that Florida has, Women in Film stands as a formidable connection point of empowerment.  Joining the WIFT adds nodes of contact by helping members hone skills, expand influence, and enhance careers through mentorship and a supportive network of professionals.  Sponsors enable outreach programs, and association committees represent the organization throughout the community.  WIFT-FL uniquely joins advocacy with 40 other chapters around the world in promoting equality and productivity. Under the umbrella of the Women In Film organization of Los Angeles, filmmakers in Florida can connect through the parent organization’s various programs, classes and competitions.  Mentorship is a key factor of success in any industry, but imperative in the field of film.  As a highly competitive career path, trying to be the lone wolf is suicide – especially in Florida.  Although tax incentives and resources continue to draw talent to the East Coast of America, Hollywood still stands as the loudest voice of cinema.  If filmmakers want to “make it” in the industry, finding some clout to lean on is a necessity.  The Women in Film & Television, Florida appears to be a viable and reliable resource existing for that very purpose.