Vote:"Hypothetically"- If We Made A Movie About Black Women-Which Genre?

We've been having an interesting discussion this week. We kicked the week off with my Fill in the Blank movie review for a movie called "Not Easily Broken", yet another movie where the professional Black woman plays the villain.  We followed up with a post asking

We had a few people from Hollywood give us all the reasons why the movies we want to see CAN'T get made. None of their explanations were persuasive.

It’s clear to me you have no idea how difficult it is for a black woman to make films. The lack of support at the ground floor up is never afforded to us, no matter how hard we lobby on behalf of our projects.. .You have to understand that the Republican party is way more progressive than the film industry! And then when you add race to that mix…Black women DO want to make films. It’s insulting to me that you would suggest we don’t. Disgruntled WAOD Reader

In the spirit of those who thought that the earth was flat, the sun rotated around the earth, and if you sail to far west, you'll fall right off the ocean, these folks are basically trumpeting playing by the rules of a game that has Black women beaten. I didn't ask you to tell me all the reasons why it COULDN'T be done in the past. I asked to you tell people what you would do if it COULD be done.

Yet, several commentators pointed out that other people manage to get their films made using non traditional business models.

Hawa from Fackin Truth said

Some go viral and rival the comparable levels of Hollywood fame. If Blacks believe that financial backing represent the biggest hurdle, why not exploit the inexpensive options on the internet, gain a name/reputation, and go from there. Some may consider this a back door, but what’s the difference if it’s successful and lucrative for the Black film market? Hawa in WAOD Comments

Someone else pointed out a film that was financed with less than $15,000. Thanks to all of your who brainstormed ideas. So I have separated the responses into  five categories.Romantic Comedies,Biopics, Coming of Age,Action Adventure ( Vampires, Super Heroines, Lord of the Rings),Scifi.

Romantic Comedies

Roslyn -I want to make romantic comedies with witty banter and repartee. Too many times ‘black comedy’ is mean-spirited and resorts to put-downs.

Knockoutchick-Therefore a great idea for box office might be a solid romantic comedy like NOTTING HILL, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, LAST CHANCE HARVEY, etc without the bitterness, competiveness and aggression you find in so called black or urban “romances”. Of course since this is a romantic comedy both leads would be fabulously beautiful

Biopics

Ursula- I think the movie of my dreams would have a black mentor helping out black kids. And the black mentor should not be forced to do it for community service or by their job, but because they want to out of the kindness of their heart.

Chele Belle- BIOS I’d like to see made: Madame C. J. Walker, Zora Neale Hurston OR Nina Simone.I’d also like to see a movie where we don’t spend half the time being embittered or pushed to the side so the other characters can shine and be front and center.

Coming of Age

Miriam -A young black girl coming of age. She has a powerful women who teaches her things and give her pride and knowledge. Now she begins to soar on her own and realizes she also has what to contribute to the world

Lisa 99- How about a teen movie featuring a group of African-American young women attending a majority black gifted and talented public high school… the movie can feature their coming of age stories and issues, while not making a big deal of the fact that they are both INTELLIGENT and black (since some think that the two don’t mix).

Action Adventure ( Vampires, Super Heroines, Lord of the Rings)

Seattle Slim- I would put black women as the lead crime boss who was calculated and coldly intelligent (think lucy liu in kill bill), I’d make her the lead assassin in a flick about secret govt organizations that secretly kill supernatural beings or criminals.

Al From Bay Shore- Okay, my movie would be about a black female veteran Iraq or Afghanistan returning home and readjusting after some sort of traumatic event. Perhaps being a sole survivor of a firefight that was preceded by an IED ambush. Perhaps she was traveling in a convoy. Let’s make her a Marine, an officer even but not too high ranking. I envision a flashback scene in which she does some mildly brutal things in this firefight for survival.

JJ- Where’s my Black Arawen from LOTR? got the Wiz from way back, but I need some other Black fantasy heroines and movies I general.

Scifi

Mary- one of my favorite movies is Gattaca with Uma thurman, i would love to see a black woman in her role, you know, just being a woman, falling in love, not being DEFINED by her race. i would love to see black women in LIGHT roles were there is no heart ache, drama, screaming, struggle. just something fun and entertaining.

Faith-Well I’d love to see a big screen version of the LA Banks Vampire Huntress Series novels because her main character is a Black woman with natural hair and brown skin fighting evil. It’s a great multi-cultural story as well.

Ignore the boo birds and experts from Hollywood who got "offended" that we challenged Black women to be more creative and assertive about getting their images out there.  If they knew how to get it done, we'd be watching their movies right now instead of hearing about how hard it is to get them made. Take the red pill with me and vote. Supposing we made a movie about Black women. Which genre first? What do you want to see the most.

Comments

[Faith]

Thanks for this Gina!!! As you can see by all those that said it couldn't be done this is how things have operated in LaLaLand. That and the total sell-outs of Black women and the male comedians doing their latest version of the Minstrel Show. This is a refreshing and much-needed take. Now I'm rethinking about new possibilities as well as staying away from the "you can't do it" mentality. Sometimes our reality checks serve us no purpose.

[Lola]

It can be done! A friend of mine wrote and directed his own movie. He stared in it and he put out an Ad asking for volunteer film students. He created a trailer and posted it on Youtube. Last I heard it was being shown at a local "artsy" movie theater. Or someone could just upload their movie in 10 minute parts on Youtube.

[miriam]

Wish I could vote for more than one category.

[effingfilmmaker]

Gina, your critical naivete and pollyanaism of black female filmmakers is quite laughable. Especially since you reduced my statements to say "black women can't make films." I didn't realize you were such a literalist. Ugh. Honestly, it's impossible for me to have a serious conversation with someone who feels she's an authority on filmmaking and never made a film herself. Double ugh.

I find it interesting that filmmaking is the only industry where untalented black people with trite, overdone ideas believe they are qualified to craft a cinematic experience, just because they have the money, connects and/or ambition.

That's the problem with black cinema now. It's flooded with narcissistic businesspeople, logicians, rap stars, rationalists, singers, literalists...everyone but actual filmmakers.

[Knockoutchick]

Is there a large enough "progressive" black audience to support artistic, talented young film makers who would be making cutting edge film?

it seems to me that people who enjoy low brow entertainment exist in larger numbers. More black people want to see "Madea" than "Akeelah".

Or do we think a progressive "black" film can make money without a significant white audience?

Just thoughts....

[gem2001]

bwah!@EFFINGFILM What makes you think that ACTUAL FILM MAKERS don't read this log? You are! You would be surprised who is watching this process.

You can call me whatever you want to. If you were smart, which it appears you are not, you would recognize an opportunity to join technical ability, artistry, and the multitude of resources this community could offer Black women film makers. If any one is naive, its you.

You also appear to be short sighted, foolish and arrogant which will make proving you wrong all the more DELIGHTFUL.

@everybody else thanks for participating. Don't listen to the boo birds. Keep brainstorming.

[Noel]

I care less if Hollywood execs are a offended, I'm offended at the tasteless dribble they keep peddling to the masses. When I was younger I would go to the cinema a lot, but now ... uh uh.

Now I would rather 'hypothetically' download their shit than pay for it.

That's hypothetically ... not saying that I do. *smirks*

[Knockoutchick]

Part of the problem is that as the black community is in crisis...we have larger issues to deal with, therefore fostering a love and understanding of the arts falls low on the list.

I have been to many films festivals...and at black film festivals the audiences are almost entirely older black women, teaching professionals, die hard film lovers and intellectuals. Rarely will you see a young black person...say teens to early 20's. The only groups of young black men I have seen were brought as part of a class or school.

Yet I do remember going to film festivals in college.

[Knockoutchick]

@ Noel
"When I was younger I would go to the cinema a lot, but now … uh uh."

Yes, I think that is why Execs don't give a sh*t about what we say.

But here is a question IF a good film was made.....considering you are a professional man.

Would you make TIME to see it...considering ..job, family, bills, mortgage,etc....

Again we can look at "Akeelah and the Bee"...

[Hollywood Blackout]

Getting a quality film made is not impossible, it just takes a lot of fundraising, organization and know-how. I helped a friend of mine raise $10,000 for a short film he shot. He even got the dude that played "Candyman" to star in it which gave us a ton of press opportunities. If y'all are serious about this there are a few steps you can take.

1) If you have a good script make sure you register it with the WGA. Protect yourself and your work.

2) Shop yourself around to the top 5 agencies and a few lower tier ones. All the big agents have literary arms that represent writers and showrunners. Agents are weasels but they can make sure you don't get screwed out of money if someone decides to pick up your script. If you want to do the whole thing independently, let them know that you are trying to do this independent of a film studio so they know not to pitch the script.

3) Look into your local colleges and universities for free labor. Colelge students looking to gain expereince will work for just a coke and a smile. I know I did. You can get an entire crew of folks (lighting, sound, set decoration, costumes) just from students. Have them wear their school t-shirts when you're filming to get around permit fees (but check your local city's rules on that).

4) FUNDRAISE. The same way you raise money for school trips and retreats is the same way you can raise money for a film. Bake sales, auctions, raffles.

5) If you're looking for actors there are sites you can post your castings on for free or very little money:

www.actorsaccess.com, lacasting.com and other sites are trolled by thousands of actors everyday. You can post sides, character descriptions and browse actors' demo reels

6) Shoot on digital. Much cheaper.

7) You can rent just about any film equipment you need with just a credit card.

I know so many people who have made films, it means almost nothing in LA. Plenty of folks have DVDs of their $10,000 or $15,000 film collecting dust on their shelves. So if you're going to do it, follow through. Submit to film festivals and other competitions. Host a screening at your church or local community center. Invite local reporters. Network. Don't be afraid of criticism.

I recommend a book called "How Movies Work" : http://www.amazon.com/How-Movies-Work-Bruce-Kawin/dp/0520076966

It takes you through all steps of filmaking from casting and shooting to marketing.

[Hawa]

@Hollywood Blackout: Thanks for providing so much information in your response. Although I don't aspire to be a filmmaker, you may have helped somebody else carve out a strategy.

[Fed up observer.]

I voted "Bipoic", because it seemed to be the only category that really matched what I would like to see. What I really think needs to be made are movies with all-Black female casts, and aim them at younger sistas. They know something is VERY wrong, and they are tired of the bs. Somebody has to speak to them, tell THEIR story, OUR story. Let them know that this will be all about US at long last. It is way over do. The time for OUR story to be told is NOW.

[phoenix]

I picked action/adventure but I also like scifi stuff too. If someone out there is really interested in getting a scifi/ fantasy project going, they should try to see if they could do movie based on the novels of Octavia Butler. She is an awesome Black scifi writer. If I had some money, I would buy the film rights for the novel "Wild Seed" and make that. check her out if you have the time!

[sarah]

Phoenix...I agree with you I've always wondered why nobody has made Octavia Butler's books into films..especially Kindred...I would love to see that one on the big screen.

[jemmitt]

Okay, if it's not too late. I'd like to say Scifi. I'd like to see someone take any of Virginia Hamilton's scifi books, like "Dustland" and "Justice & Her Brothers," and make them into movies.

[Lorraine]

Very nice observation and subsequent posts Gina. Bravo to you as usual. You know, I wrote a script back in the day. I heard a black female exec talking about the lack of black Horror & Sci Fi writers on NPR. So, me with my little upper division History of Horror Films class, decided to write a script. I got an "A" on the project but absolutely nowhere with anyone anywhere near Hollywood (including the executive in the interview).

I found you had to be connected or at least in a film school. I wasn't trying to take short cuts, I just had a super story line that would have been nice to get out there. As a matter of fact, I am going to dust off my copyrighted works and try again. Thanks for the encouragement and be on the look out for "Arctic Terror" --- if not on the screen, in a bookstore somewhere near you.

PS: Excellent advice Hollywood Blackout.

[Noel]

@Knockout,

I don't go because there is nothing worth going to see for 10$ a person. Let's be real, would you waste your money on something that's mediocre from the onset?

Would you buy a dress on the rack that's wrinkled with a tacky seam?

I am not a professional black man, so I don't know why that question was directed at me. I'm a woman (er ... the name should've clued you in).

And I believe you are wrong, Hollywood execs don't give a shit because they never did. That is the point, you can go to the cinema in droves to see any mainstream film black, white brown or other and it wouldn't matter. If you saw that PBS documentary some years back, an exec all but spelled it out. Black don't sell and they selling to whites, not us. So ...

In the past I've seen many black folks at the theater doing just that watching whatever Hollywood put out, so that argument is baseless.

People can't keep pointing to Akeelah and The Bee as an example. It was a good film, but has it come to the point that just because it's a black film with a positive message, we all have to run out and watch it or forget about ever getting another 'black' film of good quality?

That's just ridiculous and silly.

I'm a grown ass woman and if I don't want to run out to the theater to see a movie about a young girl and a spelling bee, what should it matter? That's the double standard we face.

There are room for Changelings, Million Dollar Baby, American Pie, Something About Mary, Gilbert Grape and Heat but for some reason, the black experience can only be three notes, gangsta, slapstick ghetto comedy or some overcoming being black shit ... like Akeelah, The Great Debators and Rosewood or nothing at all.

What kind of dumb ass logic is that?

Notice the pattern. They usually fall into that. When we gonna get some grown folks shit? Wait, I'll answer that ... never as long as you are waiting on the white man to do it for you.

Spike Lee is one of the few people in Hollywood that was able to do some grown folks shit and of course he is demonized.

Anyway, I call bollocks on that bullshit and if so, let's say that's how it goes down in Hollywood, well I'm all for giving a big F U to them and not watching shit ... whether it be online or at the theaters and take up the idea that was presented here before.

1$ a month toward eventually make the film I would like to see, produced, written, directed and starring black women. I'm for it- let's go.

[Noel]

@ Hollywood Blackout, thanks for sharing info on how to do something. It's better than sitting around complaining.

[becca]

i love sci-fi flicks and i'm surprised and elated to see that so many other Black Women feel the same way. I'm profiling Black Female Superheroes on my blog and have uncovered 100+ in the past few months. WHO KNEW?

No one is optioning these heroes for movies or franchises... it's criminal.

[Fed up observer.]

Becca, what is your blog?

[gem2001]

@fed click on becca's name to go to her blog. Her Black super heroine series is impressive.

[Fed up observer.]

Thanks Gem! Appreciate it!

[The_Creeper]

For the horror/sci fi/ thriller fans

Whoopi Goldberg has a miniseries coming to Fearnet.com.
She's the star and the star and executive producer.

http://www.fearnet.com/shows/stream/about/index.html

[Natoe]

Hey as a female african student I have read the above comments with interest. I voted for romantic cause how often do we get to see young black/brown women fall in love?( girlfriends doesn't count) But then again I also wanted to vote for sci fi, with at least a black villain or heroine. but am tired of seeing too many rappers on my screen . . . here is a question can anyone name for me any black female directors? and if possible the names of the movies that they have directed or written a script for . . . ?

[Knockoutchick]

@ Noel
Oh my, I thought Noel...as in Noel Coward or Noel....the black guy who was often a guest speaker on WBAI. I do have a GF Noelle ...spelled in that way.

"Hollywood execs don’t give a shit because they never did. That is the point, you can go to the cinema in droves to see any mainstream film black, white brown or other and it wouldn’t matter. If you saw that PBS documentary some years back, an exec all but spelled it out. Black don’t sell and they selling to whites, not us."

I have to disagree on many points. If any group is going "in droves " to see a type of film Hollywood will respond with more of the like because it is a business. And even though it is a business it is still run but people...human and being so there are among the greedy slime are folks who do actually want to make good films..but it has to be logical. No "us" vs. "them"

No Exec wants to lose money. But if you can show an audience wanting to see a certain type of film...there are possibilities. Not that it is easy...but an argument can be made.

I disagree that "black doesn't sell". That is thinking from the from the 90's. Certainly Hollywood does think that black films can make money...just what type of films is the issue.

Will Smith was the top opener in films...so black clearly sells.

There are also talented black film makers making good movies that are not being seen by larger audiences. That is WE are not even going to good small black films with our stories made by our talented artists.

Hollywood is a vast business with many players. There are black execs...black female execs. But we have to support films to SHOW there is money to be made. That is why I kept bringing up "Akeelah" not because I think it is wonderful, but because there are so few large STUDIO funded black films made that are outside the over the top melodrama, that when even one is made...it's success or failure is seen as a benchmark. And execs will compare that to ANY black film outside the melodrama type.

As in see "Akeelah" didn't make any money. How can I fund your vampire action movie...you negroes don't go to see those types of films.

Yall know you only want to see "Soul Plane" and "Madea" :-)

At least that is where the numbers are.

[Goldenah]

Do films actually lose money? I mean with DVD sales, DVD rentals, and the occasional release on cable or network TV how can something so long lasting be a money loser?

I've also wondered why with 100+ cable channels out there (and I don't have cable or a TV), there's not even one dedicated to multicultural films. I even read that there was once a channel (public access?) dedicated to watching fish. Al Gore was able to get a cable channel with a tiny audience.

What's missing here? People make movies, but distribution and finding an audience seems to be the issue.

I read that Spielberg is going to Bollywood to get money to finance his films. Even Nigeria has a film industry.

Thanks to Hollywood Blackout for that information on making a film.

I saw Akeelah and the Bee, I thought it was a "cute" film. I didn't see it in the theaters. Some films are never around long enough to enjoy.

[Celeste]

I love romance and foreign films

I would want to do an epic love story that chronicles the life and journey of a vampire (Djimon would play this role). The story would begin in ancient Africa, where he whitnesses the african diaspora which leads him to Brasil (or somewhere in south america) and ends in Europe where he falls in love with a mortal (Aissa Maiga)

[Amanda]

It always gets me how people say that black women or black people in general can't have a black film industry or a successful one. Well then what about Nollywood. Yes many movies need to improve, but the fact that Nigerians are making movies with limted resources and money says alot. Many Nigerian filmmakers that I know are shocked that African Americans don't have our own industry because they see the resources that they don't have the advantage of using.

[Amanda]

I care less if Hollywood execs are a offended, I’m offended at the tasteless dribble they keep peddling to the masses. When I was younger I would go to the cinema a lot, but now … uh uh.

The masses keep going so they keep making it. We have to remember that Hollywood or any other film industry is about show business not show art.