Impossibility: Make A Film Foundation's Tamika Lamison Inspires TEDx

This one's kinda personal...

One reason I began blogging was because what was once IMPOSSIBLE to me was made POSSIBLE and that story needed to be shared to inspire others. Going from watching the Oscars sitting on my blue couch in North Carolina to working on the red carpet and backstage of the Oscars in four months after relocating  seems like an impossibility to many. But "all things are possible..." as the pastors say and proof of it exists with Tamika Lamison, founder of MAKE A FILM FOUNDATION in her TEDx address.

Yes all things are possible! And that belief is what fuels those of us who've chosen to work in this fickle game of show. Actors continually subject themselves to rejection because it's possible one breakout role could turn their careers around. Filmmmakers continually give ideas on paper flesh because it's possible that work could win "Best Film" by some notable body of industry peers.  Even singers & musicians continue to create because it is indeed possible one song could become the Grammy Award winning or chart busting hit that could move them from mama's drafty garage to a comfy 5 bedroom house with a pool.

So I'm posting this INSPIRATIONAL TEDx speech to get YOU, reader, to continue believing in the impossible no matter what it looks like.  And FULL disclosure...Tamika Lamison, the woman addressing the TEDx audience is a someone I've worked with and gotten to know.  Just when I was about to give up on what I thought was possible for me, she hired me to edit a video for her organization, the MAKE A FILM FOUNDATION. That little gig helped motivate me to hold on just a while longer.

And in case you were wondering, she didn't ask me to blog about it. I was MOVED to do so. This is somewhat a personal blog so I share with you what moves me. Lately, I haven't been inspired by much on the entertainment front, but the message in Tamika's address is worth sharing, especially now with so many industry folk letting go of their passion for whatever pays the bills.

So take a few moments and really listen to Tamika's testimony because this is a TRUE "Hollywood As I Live & Work" example in that it shares how we TRULY live, work, and think here. What motivates most of us is indeed impossibility or said another way "I'm possible."  Thank you Tamika for sharing this great video!

Folks, please share YOUR comments below and be sure to spread this inspirational video amongst your circles on influence and make it viral.

2012 NAACP Image Awards

2012 NAACP Image Awards, a set on Flickr.

The 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards celebrated some of the best and brightest in Hollywood Friday night. Yet despite the elation of the evening, the deaths of Whitney Houston and Don Cornelius were on the forefront of people's minds. But they weren't the ones, award winning singer, Jill Scott, paid tribute to Etta James in her performance and appearance.

But from the red carpet to the stage to the press rooms, most of the talk was of Whitney and her impact on our lives culturally and individually. Jill Scott's heartfelt "So Blessed" performance and Yolanda Adams moving rendition of Whitney's "I Love The Lord" expressed the shared sentiment of loss but also our gratefulness to still be alive to enjoy the gifts those now gone left behind.

Backstage it appeared spring had sprung in fashion, as many ladies posed for pics in sexy, vibrant colored dresses. Shades of orange, red, purple, pink, and blue gave the red carpet and press rooms needed bursts of color as nominees, performers, and award winners talked to press.

Speaking of winners, "The Help", and "Jumping The Broom" were the big winners of the night giving "Broom" actor, Laz Alonso, his first major award for acting. Other big wins were the much talked about film, "Pariah"; Jennifer Hudson for her album, "I Remember Me"; Jill Scott for female artist; Salim Akil for directing "Jumping The Broom"; and highly popular tv show "Unsung" it's first award in the news/information category. And even Oprah received 2 awards for her "Life Class" and "Master Class" series.

To read the official list of winners visit the NAACP Image Award's official website at http://www.naacpimageawards.net/43/home/

Tyler Perry's "Good Deeds" LA Premiere

What a busy week and it's not even over yet! I attended the red carpet premiere last night of Tyler Perry's new film, "Good Deeds", in downtown LA. However, I was NOT there to cover the event as my usual, just enjoy it for a change. "Good Deeds" features a great cast of some of my favs, Thandie Newton, Gabrielle Union, Phylicia Rashad, and Brian White. And this time round, Tyler is totally out front as a leading man. He plays Wesley Deeds, a man that seemingly has everything--wealth, privilege, beautiful fiancee (Gabrielle Union)--but has lost a sense of himself and what makes him truly happy.

When he meets an employee, a pretty single mother named Lindsey who works as a janitor (Thandie Newton), his eyes are opened to the stifling world around him. Likewise, prideful Lindsey comes to realize the help she needs most is all around her if she would just ask. Now THAT really hit home!

Before you roll the video, I know you're asking, "What did you think of the film?" Ask me FEBRUARY 24TH! As with most of Tyler's films, traditional and non-traditional press are asked to withhold reviews until the film's release date. And since I've seen no reviews online from any major outlet yet, I'll honor that too. Leave me a comment or question about my thoughts on the film and I'll respond closer to the release date.

In the meantime check out this red carpet coverage from friends, Black Tree Media, and visit Good Deed's Facebook Fan Page for more interviews, contests, fan chats, and photos. "Good Deeds" opens nationwide FEBRUARY 24TH.

PAFF 2012 Night of Tribute Presented by The Africa Channel

PAFF 2012 Night of Tribute Presented by The Africa Channel, a set on Flickr.

The Pan African Film Festival's Night of Tribute last friday was presented by The Africa Channel. Individuals from entertainment, business, and community activism were honored including actresses Meagan Good and Loretta Devine and "Red Tails" actor, David Oyelowo to name a few.

If you're attending any of the 2012 PAFF events and screening throughout LA leave me a comment below and share what you experienced. Happy film festival going!