Wanye Newton and some Beef Cake

Grace my tv screen, as I type. Even Eric Roberts is in it, "Best of the Best II" made in 1993, lame ass, but pleasant background while I do this.

Tonight was the 2nd night of TC ASL Week, it went pretty well with some technical issues near the end but other than that here's how it went;

I set up a simple page on projection screen saying that tonight's events were dedicated to Sarah Pack who was instrumental in mine (DeafeningChameleon) and Jade's film developments. That she died unexpectedly November 2005 and she was only 29 years old. We MISS you New York Pack! From left to right (Back row); Blondie, Me, Yingst, Vincent, Patty 'O (now continue to the front row) Knob, Cole and ofc New York Pack! This was taken last September for Jade's birthday bash. It was a good night.


Then I began the evening line up opening with Kathy Diamond, a terp and a familar face in the theater world. On a short summary of Earnest Marshall, the "Father" of deaf-filmaking. We watched "A Cake of Soap" that was filmed in Central Park, 1963. Very nice little number.

Next we watched Kamau Buchanan "Help Me" video, Kauma's Website. Check it out, its pretty good. I liked it because it has a slight "Alfred Hitchcock" feel and deals with mental health. People loved the twist that it climaxed to, definitely watch thru the credit till the movie is COMPLETELY over, otherwise you'll miss the real ending.
My only complaint is the subtitles should be in the letterbox so its not so hard to read.

Next was Ridor's work, "An Idealistic Day" made in 1991. You can watch it Here. Unfortunately it wasn't captioned and some of it was hard to see, but overall the deaf audience members loved it. There was roarous laughter and some puzzled looks.
It was the hearies who mostly missed the jokes. Oh well, we had voice terps but ofc, Ridor's production would be ASL superior to most *grins* I had to explain to Erfo's friend Barcardi the joke. Ridor, when are you gonna get someone to clean up the video and transfer it to a better grade? And when are you gonna post your other movie? Adamo was so surprised when he found out I was showing your movie. Ridor? He has a movie? I said not one, but TWO! and he's working on a screenplay. Ridor transfer your 2 movies on to a DVD and get them out there, deafies will enjoy it!

Next we showed Rene Visco "Audism" and what "Light Kitchen" means? both were well recieved and well done. Rene hads been doing this for years now. I remember taking 1 class in multimedia and doing poorly. I worked with him and Allison Aubretch later on for Audism play they did in DC. I was proud and glad to show his work.

We then took a 10 minute intermission which turned into 25 minutes because the PC wouldn't play Jade's or my movie, grr. Had to make several trips to media services. Good thing I work there, I just grabbed what I needed. Jade went ahead and spoke with the audience some on her background to kill time and also she was planning to speak after we watched her piece.

Next we watched part of Jade's "Reaching Zenith: A Black Deaf Filmmaker's Journey" It opened her background and Jade speaking a little from her office. Then it moved onto her earliest worked filmed on 16mm black and white film. Very cute and the audience laughed several times. The DVD we used did not have a chapter menu and so we didn't get to show various parts of the DVD which I appreciate Jade giving that up as it was not possible to do so due to time restraints. It was already 8 45 and the event is from 7 to 9.

Last but not least, I quickly realized like Nutter I forgot to introduce myself earlier and dove into the nights line up. I wonder if King will continue the jinx or?? anyhoo I just sprouted out a few words saying its all volunteered and team based projects. People LOVED Erfo! She had them rolling. What can I say, she's a star! Also when Blondie made her appearance all of the deafies were thrilled. It was a great feeling seeing and hearing (yeah with a hearing aid) laughter here and there. Both Erfo and Blondie were a big hit, as well as several other deafies in the film. I even had Patty 'O ask me to buy a copy on the spot! That was a great feeling. Its made me want to work harder on finishing what I've done so far and stop doubting myself so much. Yes I will teach in the fall but its April and September is 5 months away. I'm gonna make the best of it till then!

Blondie and I went to a meeting today for our classmate and friend Adamo. We will help him and his classmate shoot a 5 minute "Dos and Don'ts" for hearies on deafies. Blondie will star, me I will be an extra and help consult with filming and the shot line ups. Then I will join King and some others for a 5pm terped live show downtown callled "Skin Tight" playing at Spoon Theater. Now I going to bed and this is early for me, folks.