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Showing posts from 2010

Year End Wrap-up: The Things I Am Grateful For

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Hello all, I know, it's been a while since my last entry. I'm going to be honest, I just didn't feel like writing or sharing. I was working on a couple of projects and really needed to focus on them and only them. I'm glad to be back and with the year coming to a close, I'm excited about my year-end wrap up. I'm a lucky girl. I got married thrice and not only did I keep my job during this horrible economy, but I also managed to continue to write (mostly revising older scripts) and promote After the Headlines at a couple of film festivals this year. Of course it wasn't all a win. The GOP took back the House, the financial recovery is as slow as molasses, and I did receive more rejection letters than I would have liked from both film festival and screenwriting competitions. But with all that said, I still have to consider this year momentous. I continue to expand my network of professional colleagues on the screenwriting front and my writing is getting be

Revise, Revise, Revise

Hello all, This weekend my task is to revise my feature length script Finding Patience for the six or seventh time. I'm not quite sure, but every time I revise a script it feels like a never ending process. That's probably because it is in some respects. I will keep this entry fairly short because I need to get cracking on it asap if I'm to finish act two and three of the script and have it emailed to my mentor come hell or high water Sunday night or maybe even early Monday morning. The devil is definitely in the details. Lately, I've been procrastinating.  I know it isn't helpful to my writing process. I use procrastination as a creative crutch, but if I am to be the writer I know I can and need to be I have to break free of it. This blog entry is my kick in the butt to get to work.  It's not easy to go back to a script and analyze what went wrong. It isn't easy to find pick out the exact page where your protagonist lost her way and her story arc hits

Rallying to Restore Sanity: My Personal Take aways

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I am proud to say that Karim and I woke up at 4:27 a.m. (we were actually supposed to be up at 3:30 a.m., but I messed up with the alarm), brushed our teeth,  got dressed quickly, and hit the road for Washington D.C to be apart of the Stewart/Colbert Rallies to Restore Sanity/Fear. We made pretty good time and didn't hit traffic until we were in Baltimore, Maryland on route 295 going into to D.C. When were arrived in our nation's capitol, www.clubquarters.com/loc_washingtonDC.aspx we checked into Club Quarters, and then met up with Gorman, a friend of Karim's who also was looking forward to attending the rally. It was a great day for a rally. The tempature was on the warm side for the end of October. When we hit the mall and saw hundreds of people heading toward the front of the mall where the stage was set up, I was taken back. The John Stewart show demo tends to be geared toward males, ages 18 to 35, but what I found at the rally was people of all ages, ethnicities, an

Aaliyah Miller Writer and Filmmaker AOF 2010

Incantation: Don’t Miss the Magic

During the summer I alluded to rehearsals for a show I was performing in. Well, d-day finally arrived and this past Friday, October 8, 2010, Incantation opened for audiences in the greater New Haven area. I literally jumped back in for opening night, having been on a 10-day hiatus from rehearsals due to my pre-planned honeymoon with Karim in Panama. Lyric Hall, a small theater restored by John Cavaliere, owner of the Lyric Antiques and Conservation, located at 827 Whalley Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut is the home for the production. Incantation is a choreopoem that is a litany for relationships in present time. It was written and produced by Gerene Freeman and directed by Edi Jackson, both residents of New Haven. The play builds on the issues, conflicts and concerns surrounding the central characters, five black women who have experienced heartbreak, yet still linger onto hope. The cast of local actors includes Ebony Benton, Parris Marie Cannon, Porsche A. Edmundson, Tyler H

Greetings from Panama

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Hola... I mean hello...actually I mean both, To be honest I wish I could type this blog entry in Spanish. I'm enjoying the honeymoon that much. I attended my blog entry to be a rant about how unhappy I was that Bridal Trousseau did none of the alternations on-time and that I had to get my dress the day before the ceremony, but due to all the stuff that I needed to get done last minute, I never got to that entry. Right now, none of that matters. Map of Panama Today is my third day on the beautifully picturesque island of Panama. For the first couple of days Karim and I did nada. I needed to rest and recuperate. The day after the wedding I began to lose my voice and as I boarded the plane at Logan airport, I was as squeaky as Mickey Mouse, just not as cute. I'm proud to report that Mucinex, green tea, Ricola, and Allegra-D have helped me recover. I am at about 85 percent, I almost sound like my old self. Karim and I visited the Panama Canal and got a personal tour of the

Intolerance: My Emerging Issue

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Hello all, Today's entry isn't going to be about screenwriting or film making. I'm going to tackle a different subject today. Lately, I've been disturbed by the media coverage of the Islamic community center near Ground Zero. I know this may seem like old news, especially with the media now focused on pastor Terry Jones, who plans to burn Korans on the anniversary of 911. While these two stories are separate issues, I don't believe the fact that these events are happening a few weeks a part is an accident. If you've checked out my facebook page, you know where I stand on the issue of the Islamic community center, but just in case you aren't on facebook, I support the building of the center. One of the reasons I support it is because it's for everyone, people of all religions will be welcomed and even those who atheist and agnostic. Opponents of the mosque have made the argument that this building disrespects the memories of those who have perished in

Wonder Drug: The Power of Words

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On Tuesday evening I had the privilege of attending Caitlin McCarthy's staged reading of select scenes from her feature screenplay in development Wonder Drug .  As much as I would like to be out there attending festivals, staged readings, and other networking opportunities for screenwriters, I don't always get that opportunity, so it was a thrill to be in the audience for Wonder Drug . Caitlin's screenplay Wonder Drug is a scientific drama about DES (diethylstilbestrol), the world's first drug disaster. Before I get into talking about the reading I have to mention that this screenplay has nominations in over 20 international film festival screenwriting competion and labs, most notably: Action on Film International Film Festival Winner, "Most Likely To Be Produced" Screenplay Award; the Hamptons Screenwriters Lab Participant; Woods Hole Film Festival Winner, Best Science Screenplay; and Illinois International Film Festival Screenplay Competition Winner. You

Finding My Focus

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Have I found my focus? No, but I am getting closer to it. Last night, I was supposed to buckle down and get to my treatments for Finding Patience and Ego Tripping. Instead, I ended up watching the latest episode of True Blood. I must say it was a great episode, but I realize I probably should have not watched it. Howevery, it was so much easier for me to break fasting with an episode of True Blood, rather than dig deep to find the writer in me. I know, I've got to get my priorities together. It wasn't a complete lost, at around 10 p.m. guilt began to set in and I decided to at least grow through my file folders of scripts, script notes, and articles on screenwriting. As I was reading through some of the papers I came across coverage for Finding Patience. The coverage was of the first 20 pages of my script. The contest I submitted to wanted to see your first 20 pages and if the story pulled them in then they would look at the full script. I did not make the cut. Ironically the

Coming Down from a Festival High and Getting Back to Work

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Last week, I was in a celebratory mood. I was still getting a lot of kudos from colleagues, friends, and family for my recent screenwriting awards at the 2010 Action on Film Festival. Since my return I've been slowly coming down from the accolades and trying to get back my focus. It hasn't been easy. The shift from promoting and networking to getting back to the core of my writing is hard. I know the hubby would tell me I need to stop putting so much on my plate. For once I won't argue with him, cause he's right. I need to do a better job at prioritizing my work. I've had a lot of time to think about where I want my screenwriting to go. Am I really going to try and make this my career? The answer is yes, With that said, I need to exert a deeper dedication to the written word. At the end of the day it is about the writing. Writers write. I realize I have to do a lot more writing and I don't just mean my blogging either. I have to put in long hours to cultivat

The 2010 Action on Film (AOF) Fest: My Top 10 Highlights

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Although I've been back in Connecticut for two days, I'm still trying to adjust to the jet lag while also jumping back into the thick of things I left a little over a week ago. The adjustment is tough, but I'm hanging in there.  I'm really excited about this blog entry. Part of this feeling is because I have yet to come down from my high of taking home two honors at the AOF Writer's Award Dinner. The 2010 Action on Film (AOF) International Film Festival was a great experience for the screenwriter and filmmaker in me. I'm not just saying that because I won an award either. Instead of going on about how wonderful the festival was, I've decided to condense my memorable moments into a top ten list. To be more specific, I'm going to give you my top 10 highlights for this year's phenomenal AOF Festival.  My Top Ten:  10. Getting to AOF and receiving a warm welcome from the staff, Del, and Josh. The AOF team knows how to make you feel at home. "You m

And the Winner is....Out of the Box

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In my last blog entry I said let the fun begin. The fun times at the 2010 Action on Film (AOF) International Film Festival, www.aoffest.com   did unfold and part of me is really sad that the screenings, seminars, and networking is finally coming to an end. I still can't believe that my week here is almost over. Tomorrow night will be final night for the 2010 AOF, time really does fly by when you are having fun. Yesterday evening I had the privilege of attending the 2010 AOF writer's awards dinner. My short script, Out of the box was nominated for 'Best Short' and the 'Hollywood Scriptwriter 2010 Written Word Award,' (and I wasn't aware of the latter). Being nominated for a second year was a great honor in itself. I know a lot of the writers in this fest and the competition is tough. To my surprise I was awarded first runner-up for 'Best Short' and won the 'Hollywood Scriptwriter 2010 Written Word Award.' When my name was announced as ru

2010 Action on Film (AOF) Festival: Let the Fun Begin

I have safely arrived in the Pasadena area. My flight arrived late last night around 11:30 p.m. I headed over to Budget to get my car rental and then off to Sierra Madre (a small suburban town outside of Pasadena). I'm actually staying in Sierra Madre, with my friend and fellow screenwriter Pauline Gray. I made all the necessary calls to the hubby and my mom as well as updated my status on Facebook and twitter. I feel well rested and an ready for the day. This morning I power-walked for about 45 minutes while going over my lines for Incantation (my next theatrical project). In about 15 minutes I plan to finally head to Pasadena and register for the 2010 Action on Film Festival. I'm really excited and looking forward to potential networking opportunities. I've already started building relationships with some of the filmmakers in attendance via twitter. I'm really looking forward to being out here for a week. If you read my last blog, you know why. If you haven't

The 2010 Action on Film (AOF) International Film Festival: A Screenwriter's Retreat

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I'm just one day away from flying out to Pasadena. The anticipation for this trip has been building for me and I'm ready to get away. I need to. I have a lot on my plate right now. I'm in rehearsals for a production entitled Incantation (I will have a blog about the show when I return), planning a wedding celebration (since I'm already married), and also getting ready for the 2010 Action on Film (AOF) International Festival, http://www.aoffest.com/ . While part of this trip is business, I also see part of this trip as a personal retreat from the world as I know i Preparing for AOF has required a lot of time and I don't have much of it these days. I've had to order two movie-sized posters for the film to display at my screening and relabel post cards to promote the film. I've also been constantly posting on my social networks, handling my traveling accomindations, and a bunch of other little tasks I can't remember at the moment. I'm glad that I was

Media Advisory: Connecticut Screenwriter’s Short Film, Receives ‘Best Produced Screenplay’ Nomination at the 2010 Action on Film International Film Festival

Media Advisory                                                                For Immediate Release Connecticut Screenwriter’s Short Film, Receives ‘Best Produced Screenplay’ Nomination at the 2010 Action on Film International Film Festival JULY 15, 2010, WATERBURY, CT – Aaliyah Miller, a resident of Waterbury, Connecticut, short film, After the Headlines has been chosen as an official selection for the 2010 Action on Film (AOF) International Film Festival. In addition to being an official selection, the film is also nominated for ‘Best Produced Screenplay.’ Miller’s film was selected from thousands of entries and follows Clara Dumont, a guilt-ridden mother who struggles to stop blaming herself for the death of daughter Alexis. The poignant script takes the reader on Clara’s emotional journey of as she seeks personal redemption. “I’m ecstatic about this year’s acceptance and nomination. I consider it a real privilege to be back for a second time.” says Miller. Last year, the

Great News from Action on Film (AOF)

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I know my last entry had a tone of frustration. Since then the level of stress I was feeling has subsiding a  bit. I feel better having got some things off my chest. It wasn't just what I wrote, I also received some really encouraging feedback from a fellow screenwriter as well as words of encouragement from others who read this blog. Thank you. I'm please to report, actually I'm more than pleased, I'm completely ecstatic. This morning, I received the earth shattering news (earth shattering for me) that After the Headlines received a nomination from for Best Produced Screenplay at the 2010 Action on Film (AOF) International Film Festival, www.aoffest.com . I was happy when After the Headlines was accepting into the festival but getting nominated really sweetens the deal. I am really looking forward to the trip out to Pasadena in a couple of weeks. Out of the Box , a short screenplay about five women of color living with HIV/AIDS was nominated for 'Best Short&

Wedding Unbliss

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Lately, I've been tired. Too tired to do things I should be doing and when I am working on something, I'm hustling to get it done. I'm in reactive mode instead of proactive mode. It's not a good place to be because, my creative output is low. I really don't like feeling this way, but since I control my destiny, this is my own doing, I'm not sure how I got so off track. When I talk to folks, people are asking how I'm coming along with the wedding. I smile, and tell them things are moving along and they are. I finally have the invitations mailed out. Getting that task done was like lifting a boulder off of my back. I had my first fitting of my wedding gown, my mom and two of my bridesmaids, Catherine and Matie joined me. It went well. I felt good in my dress. I continue to check off tasks on the to-do list which is great, but the wedding celebration bliss I expected to be feeling isn't here at the moment. It's more like a Wedding Unbliss. I don'

Black Obsidian Media Group is Back with ResurGENTs

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I know I've been a little laggy lately. My apologies, between changes at work and tasks for the wedding I'm spent. I was very happy that I finally had a chance to relax and rejuvenate this holiday weekend. I have to shout out Jackie and Everett for a great weekend in Waltham, Massachusetts. The low-key time with friends is just what I needed although I did manage to squeeze in a little work here and there. I'm glad to be back blogging. I'm long over due. This entry is for my theater lovers, especially those who frequent the Off Off Broadway circuit. This entry is for you. Last year, I blogged about the production of Black Man Rising , the award-winning New York Production took audiences by storm. Winner of four AUDELCO Awards, for "Excellence in Theatre," inclucing Best Director, Patricia R. Floyd, Best Choreography, Juson Williams, Outstanding Ensemble Performance and Dramatic Production of the Year. The production was produced by the Black Obsidian Media

Rejection Isn't Always a Bad Thing

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Hello all, This week I've been thinking about what I was going to blog. I want to make sure I stay on track and write a blog entry a week. When I got home I checked my email. As I was scanning through my junk mail I came across an email from the Central Florida Film Festival. My gut told me it was a rejection, but I had to look at it anyways. I was right. After the Headlines wasn't accepted. However, it wasn't the standard rejection email thanking me for submitting and telling me the competition was so strong this year. Bob Cook, the festival director, http://bobcookfilmdirector.blogspot.com/ , was matter-of-fact on why After the Headlines wasn't chosen by the five judge panel. I won't go into the details, but I will say that I found this rejection letter to be inspiring. I know, that has to sound weird. Mr. Cook told me not to take the critique personal. He reminded me that film is art and art is subjective. I really appreciated his words. I found them co

It's Important to Read the Fine Print

This Sunday I was thrilled. I had finally finished editing my audition tape for Oprah's Next TV Star. I had spent Memorial Day weekend shooting footage of a trip to the Finger Lakes I took with my sister Dawn. My idea for the video was to do the standard introduction but then also showcase my skills with a camera and being on camera.  I took a look at some of the interviews online and thought my idea was different and would help it stand out. I submitted the video at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday night. I was all set to do my social media blast. I created an event in facebook and posted the link, but when I clicked on the link I noticed the video wasn't up. I go check my email and see an email from the contest staff at Own. I click on it and read the message. My video was rejected. I was at a loss for words. How can this be? The email advised that I take a look at the rules and regulations. I go to the page with the rules and regulations and start reading again. Half-way down the p

After the Headlines is an official selection at the 2010 Action on Film International Film Festival

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GREAT NEWS!!! After the Headlines is an official selection of the 2010 Action on Film AOF International Film Festival. This film festival is listed as one of the top '25 Film Festivals Worth Their Fees' by Movie Maker Magazine.  I'm really excited to be a part of the film festival for a second year. Last year, I attended AOF because After the Headlines was nominated for "Best Dramatic Scene." If you're a regular follower of In the Mix , you already know that I won. One year later, the film is being shown. I call that progress. Right now, I'm looking for a small contingent of folks from the cast, crew, fans, and supporters of the film to come out to Pasadena with me. AOF is an awesome film festival that has a great track record for the filmmakers and screenwriters that submit their work. I think it would be a great networking opportunity for those interested in careers in entertainment and would love to have a strong presense at the festival. If I end

Getting away for the Holiday Weekend

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I know, I am long over due for an entry.  I needed a break. I still think I need more of break and then I remember that my time is limited and it is time for me to get myself back in gear. I hit a slump. It happens. I'm not sure what lead me to my recent slump, but I think it has to do with a feeling of stagnation. I haven't felt like my progress needle has been moving forward. I think I'm over this slumpy period. Last night, I finally worked on a script. It was a revision to a short I've revised at least 20 times, but since I've been reading John Truby's, The Anatomy of Story, I have a deeper appreciation for all the elements that go into making a good story. Writing is simple, but writing good can be complicated, especially if you miss a beat. I feel like some of my stories have missed the beat and then they miss the mark. It felt good to look at my dialogue and analyze my characters actions and motivations. I ended up cutting back on some of my character

My Highlights from Kent

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The Kent Film Festival. Where to begin? Let me start off by thanking Patrice and Frank Galterio and the Kent Film Festival staff. They ran an awesome festival that felt good from when I went to their offices to grab my festival passes and goodie bag until the last film was screened. Frank and Patrice make you feel like family, for the weekend I was part of their filmmaking family. This past weekend I enjoyed some good films, talked with fellow filmmakers from all over the country, and had a few celebrity spottings, but at Kent even if you are a celebrity, you don't bring that Hollywood vibe with you. Kent is to chill and laid back for A-list egos. There are many memorable moments, but if I typed them all, this blog would go on for to long. Besides I figure you, like me, have lots to do in your day and reading this blog may not be your first choice. In lue of that, below are my highlights from the 2010 Kent Film Festival. The order is fashioned like Letterman's "Top Ten.&

My Last Day at Kent

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I'm a little sad about this entry. Today is the final day of the 2010Kent Film Festival and it's a rainy day. The rain puts me in a somber mood. Despite that, I would like to thank all the folks who trucked it all the way up to Kent to check out the screening of After the Headlines . I'm honored to have your support. It is was a small group of people, but I know the folks who were there really wanted to be there and that means the world to me. Indie screenwriters and filmmakers make the films they want to make, we tell the stories that we know the studio system isn't interested in. For the most part our films aren't high-concept, which just means that have a simple plot set-up and can be mass-marketed to large audiences. Basically, keep it simple stupid. Yesterday, I had the chance to check out some really good shorts and feature length films. I was really impressed by the other films in my short block. I also attended a workshop that was on the Red

Gearing up for Kent

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The 2010 Kent Film Festival officially kicked off yesterday. I wasn't able to make the first night of the fest because my allergies were kicking my butt. I also think my travel for work this week also had me spent. I had a night to recuperate and am ready to go. Wednesday night, I attended Campbell Scott's screening of his film Company Retreat . Scott wrote, produced, and directed the mockumentary film that looks at the world of reality television. The film is definitely quirky and has a lot of funny parts, but the ending threw me for a loop. After the film there was a great Q&A with Scott. He explained how he came up with the film's ending, which I still sorta don't get, but that's okay. Scott is a veteran actor that has been in a bunch a really good films, he is also a resident of the area. You can currently see him on TNT's hit series Damages . It was interesting for me to learn that he also has a passion for storytelling wearing the screenwriter and di

The Republican American: Behind the Scenes

Hello all, I'm thrilled to share the link to the local story on After the Headlines in the Republican American. Click on the link for the article. Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for the down low on the 2010 Kent Film Festival. http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2010/04/21/entertainment/movies/478672.txt

Getting Local Press for After the Headlines

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Hello all, I planned to write this entry much earlier in the week, but I just couldn't seem to find the time and focus (a problem I seem to have, but if you read this blog on the regular you already know that). If I would have written my entry on Thursday like I planned, the title would have be Seven Days and Counting. The 2010 Kent Film Festival, http://kentfilmfestival.org/ is just six days away, five if you count the private benefit screening of Company Retreat” , written and directed by acclaimed actor/director Campbell Scott . The screening will take place on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at the Kent Community House, the evening before the start of the 5th annual Kent Film Festival, a celebration of aspiring independent filmmakers. I'm really looking forward to attending the festival and the screening for After the Headlines .It's my first film festival for After the Headlines , and the fact that it's taking place in Connecticut makes the honor of being