With many attendees to the 19th Annual American Black Film Festival (#ABFF2015) taking content creation into their own hands, it was helpful to check out How to Monetize a Successful Web Series, where Andrea Lewis (Black Actress), Numa Perrier, Dennis Dortch (Blackandsexy.tv) and Smokey Fontaine (Interactive One), shared tips on how to take your web series to the next level.
Check out the video highlights from the ABFF playlist on the Robin Downes Network:
Make sure you download the BE Events app, available via iOS and Android. Use the app to register for ABFF events and enter to win a trip for two to ABFF’s 20th anniversary in 2016.
For complete coverage of the 2015 American Black Film Festival, visit www.blackenterprise.com/tag/abff/
or follow along on social media using #ABFF2015. For more information
on the films, schedules, and activities, download the BE Events app on iTunes or Google Play.
Film director Rick Famuyiwa's critically acclaimed film, Dope, sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of American, will open the 19th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) on Thursday, June 11, at the SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street, NYC. With its New York City premiere, Dope is one of the buzziest and most talked about film releases of the 2015 summer season.
Dope is a coming of age comedy/drama for the post hip hop generation. High-school senior Malcolm (Shameik Moore) and his friends Jib
(Tony Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) bond over '90s hip-hop
culture, their studies and playing music in their own punk band. A
chance encounter with a drug dealer named Dom lands Malcolm and company
at the dealer's nightclub birthday
party; when the scene turns violent, they flee -- with the Ecstasy that
Dom secretly hid in Malcolm's backpack. A wild adventure ensues as the
youths try to evade armed thugs who want the stash.
Recently, I had the opportunity to have a sneak peek VIP screening
hosted by Open Road Films, Mack Wilds, Angela Yee and the 135th Street Agency. I found the film to be a fresh 2015 voice for a new generation that is often misunderstood. The film evoked full belly laughs and thought provoking reflection on the state of affairs for this coming of age generation. I can see why it is being hailed as a classic in the same status as Boys In The Hood. The film opens in theaters June 19th. For tickets to the American Black Film Festival (June 11 - 14, 2015) go to www.abff.com. #DOPEMOVIE Check out this video clip of the 'Dope' trailer in the 'ABFF Playlist' on the Robin Downes Network:
In addition to providing updates on my blog here, I will be reporting about the filmmaking process from a socially conscious (mind, body spirit / Yoga Flava) perspective for my new TV Series "Focus Friday's With Yoga Flava" Subscribe to the show for free on the Focus Broadcasting Network.
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced their highly
anticipated roster of films that will screen at this year’s festival.
More than 30 documentaries, web originals, short films and narrative
features will showcase at the AMC Empire 25 in Times Square to a
devoted, movie-going audience. (READ MORE HERE)
Check out this video clip of 2015 ABFF Ambassador Welcome - Taraji P. Henson:
For Festival passes and ticket information, visit www.ABFF.com.
Starring Academy Award® Winning actress Mo’Nique and Isaiah Washington, BLACKBIRD
tells the story of seventeen-year-old Randy (Julian Walker), a devout
Christian, who, as strong as he seems on the outside, is hiding a secret
inner struggle - a denial of being gay. It is not until he opens
himself up to love that he discovers that becoming a man means accepting
who you really are. The movie opens in theaters April 24, 2015. You will also be able to stream the film on UrbanMovieChannel.com
I was able to get more insight into the creative process that went into the making of BLACKBIRD provided by director, Patrik-Ian Polk (The Skinny, Noah’s Ark), at a NYC press screening hosted by Traci Blunt from RLJ Entertainment / Urban Movie Channel. After the screening, the Q & A was hosted and moderated by TheGrio.com Entertainment Editor, Christopher Witherspoon. Patrick-Ian Polk revealed that the overall theme of the film is that "God Is Love".
Additionally, in the audience was Tatyana Ali (Actress, Fresh Prince of Bel Air), who gave her passionate feedback to the director about how she related to the characters experience of awakening sexuality.
Check out the highlights from the press Q & A and hear Tatyana Ali's validation for Patrick-Ian Polk's storytelling in this video below:
Freedom Williams is best known as an American hip hop and dance music performer, who gained fame as the lead vocalist on C+C Music Factory's biggest hits. Recently, I learned that he is also a human rights activist and philanthropist through his support for NY Youth At Risk / Unlocking Futures.
I was able to interview Freedom backstage at Santos Party House
during his fundraiser, Aquarius Gives Back, on February 13, 2015.
Watch This exclusive video interview from the Robin Downes Network on Youtube: Freedom Williams Gives Back | What's Up With Robin Downes?
Donate today to the non-profit organization New York Youth at Risk / Unlocking Futures http://www.nyunlockthefutures.org
In
addition to music, Smith is known for her role as Faith Evans in the
film "Notorious". She also played Mimi Marquees in the Tony Award Winning
Musical "RENT".
According to Music Producer Dr. Dre, “She is the
Industries Next Star.” It is evident that 2015 is the year for
Antonique Smith with her first Grammy Nomination followed by the
releasing of her upcoming EP “Love is Everything” this Spring.
She took
time out of her busy schedule to stop by and have a very heartfelt and
candid conversation. She reflected on how important it is to have love around you, to keep you going with tips about keeping it real in the entertainment
business. Check out this exclusive video interview from the Robin Downes Network on Youtube "Antonique Smith Interview | Keeping It Real Tips About The Entertainment Business:
Recently, I attended a Johnny Gill “VIP
Listening Lounge [and performance]” hosted by WBLS 107.5, at
SOBs in NYC to celebrate the release of his new album "Game Changer".
At the event he was interviewed by DJ Lenny Green of WBLS discussing how the music industry has changed. The R&B crooner and music industry veteran of 31 years, was asked to give advice to new comers in the music industry. Johnny Gill encouraged them to "count your blessings and be thankful at what ever level you are in your life, then build from there."
Grammy®-nominated, multi-platinum selling artist Johnny Gill (New Edition,
LSG, Heads of State) released his long-awaited solo project, Game Changer.
The 12-track album features sexy titles such as “Your Body,” “Strung
Out,” “Role Play,” “Can’t Keep My Hands Off You,” as well as the
chart-topping lead single “Behind Closed Doors.” Game
Changer is available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and at retail.
Game Changer, released through Johnny’s label
J Skillz Records,also features songs written and produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Tony Dixon, Chuck Harmony, Greg Pagani, Ralph Stacy, Wirlie Morris, Andre Brissett and Vidal Davis,
including a song featuring New Edition—the group’s first new song together since 2004.
Check out this video clip for more of the interview and live performance:
With
an unmistakable trademark style, Johnny Gill has altered the sound of
R&B music for decades with a signature sound that pairs superior
singing with extraordinary showmanship—with
hits such as “My, My, My,” “Rub You The Right Way,” “Where Do We Go
From Here” and “Boys To Men.” With a seemingly endless list of hits,
ranging from his time in New Edition to the all-star trio LSG (Gerald
Levert, Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill) and Heads of
State (Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant), it’s easy to see
why Johnny Gill serves as the prototype for the supreme R&B singer.
