Art Without Limitations

Great art is subjective, but originality isn’t. There are so many artists attempting to create with a purpose instead of allowing the organic process to take precedence. Allow yourself to create without boundaries or self assigned rubrics. Unless you’re being paid to create art intended for a mass audience ,there’s no reason you should second guess your decisions to include the quirky details that make your art unique. Don’t listen to the naysayers that tell you to simplify your art because “people won’t get it”, or “you don’t have the budget.”  Challenging yourself artistically helps you master your craft. There are plenty of artists out there who’ve been told they’re insane for attempting to create what others see as impossible. Those same artist who defy the odds continue to push their individual art forms forward.  I’ve recently been inspired to write a screenplay for a short film by a talented LA based filmmaker Bryan Colvin. Take a closer look at his work below.

Spawn of Satan from Bryan Colvin on Vimeo.

I’m a huge fan of the horror genre and especially the campy elements tossed in for good humor; however, it was the masterful camera work and editing that impressed me the most. Although I don’t know his exact budget, I’m confident that this production didn’t have a million dollar budget. He may have taken cost-effective routes to achieve his desired results, but he never forgot the most important part of film-making, which is great storytelling. The special effects involving blood and guts rival scenes I’ve seen in feature films. Luckily for every artist that is too afraid there’s a fearless artist like Bryan that creates art without restrictions. The FCC doesn’t monitor your personal art so stop censoring your genius. I challenge all singers, writers, filmmakers, photographers, painters, sculptors, dancers, and dreamers to emancipate your art.

Thoughts?

How Important Is Equality In Children’s Programming?

For several decades children’s television shows have attempted to promote diversity and represent all ethnicities. The cast of characters resembling a UNICEF ad is now the expected norm, but is it enough?  Diversity has been redefined since the 70s, and  it takes more than mimicking the united nations  to reflect that. What about the children who are excluded?  Every child cast in children’s programming seems to perfectly fit in with societal norms,  however that’s not every child’s reality.  Some children are faced with learning disabilities that extend for longer periods than “This week’s episode” .  Some might say that I’m over analyzing the situation, but I can’t help but think that I would feel alone If I had been a child diagnosed with Asperger’s. It seems that it would  have been difficult to not see anyone who looked like me on television.  I’m wondering is the world ready to see kids who have autism, turrets or who identify as same gender loving represented in children’s programming?

Odd Future’s Best Kept Secret: The Internet

There’s been lots of buzz about Tyler the Creator and Frank Ocean, but more of the spotlight needs to be shared with trip-hop group The Internet.

Matt Martians and Syd Tha Kyd

Androgynous front woman Syd Tha Kyd  is indeed a lesbian, however don’t expect her to be a feminist. The LA born singer uses just as much misogyny in her lyrics as her label mates. The eccentric singer also serves as Odd Future’s main producer, and she has no problems with their usage of “homophobia” in their lyrics.  Matt Martians is the producer of the project who infuses his influences from The Neptunes, chill wave, and old school hip hop.

Their artfully designed debut album Purple Naked Ladies was released in 2011. The album’s topics aren’t typical, sappy, love-making bullsh*t. The lyrics are well written metaphors that glide through your eardrums like dandelion seeds.    Self-righteous idiots have attempted to brand the duo as supporters of rape, drug addiction, and criminal activity, however I think the sensitive conservatives should just relax and enjoy the music.  Check out my favorite record by them called “fastlane”  The visual for this ear candy was directed by Matt Alonzo.

I’m a fan for life, and I have been for a while. Even though they haven’t reached mainstream success, they’ve still managed to make an impact on the indie scene. Increased awareness of these audible artists is well deserved.

What are your thoughts? Are you interested to hear more music from them?

Clear Channel Killed The Radio Star

The media company Clear Channel Communications owns and operates over 1200 radio stations, and influences the masses to reject diversity. There was a time when you heard songs that weren’t  just “radio friendly”  microwaveable singles. That time was before the 1996 telecommunications act signed by former president Bill Clinton.  1996 was a historic time in the American entertainment industry for all the wrong reasons. The act made it possible for media conglomerates to monopolize all forms of media. That’s why you hear the same songs and artist in heavy rotation. Clear Channel has created a “cool kids table” in the high school cafeteria that is the music industry. Chances are your favorite artist isn’t welcome to sit there, which means they’re silenced. Some of the most talented musicians no longer have a voice.

Radio jockeys and station managers have been robbed of their powers. Once upon a time people looked to their local DJ’s to provide them with the best quality records they approved of. Don’t blame your local DJ, he’s only a pawn, blame Clear Channel. Everything is digital now including radio. Understand that your favorite dj is sent a playlist of songs approved by the big brothers of Clear Channel. They’re not really DJ’s anymore, simply radio personalities pressing the play button. You have to understand that politics play a huge role in what artist are successful. Decisions are made at the top before the song is even released. Most artist aren’t given the opportunity to see Top 40 success, because their records aren’t sent for “adds” at pop radio.  Adele is the same Adele when she released the album 19, but the album 21 saw much greater success than its predecessor because of exposure not quality.

Clear Channel Communications

Everything is a business. Radio isn’t here for your entertainment, it’s here to collect your dollars. The music industry sends songs to radio to promote records that they sell. Radio plays the records for you to listen for free so that you will be exposed to ads. Advertisers pay for commercial time so you will buy their products. It’s all about money.  It’s always been about money, however Clear Channel has robbed you of diversity. They avoid certain artist like the plague simply because they assume you will turn the station, which means less listeners for their paid advertisers. I’m aware that marketability plays a role, but it’s wrong to rob listeners of quality diverse records. There are still stations that stay true to music lovers, but every day Clear Channel buys them and forces them to conform.  Sadly, I don’t see any of this changing soon. Until it does I’ll continue to steer clear of radio.

Understanding Confidentiality

Silent partner

The mass media industry has a veil of glamour surrounding it, which attracts a lot of the wrong people to its workforce. There are many fame hungry social climbers looking to use their entry-level job as a stepping-stone to becoming a celebrity, or for the bragging rights to say they know a public figure on a first name basis. If you’re one of these delusional wannabes, you might want to consider confidentiality becoming an obstacle.

Confidentiality plays a large part of any media related profession. The staff has privy knowledge before the rest of the world does, and you’re expected to keep your mouth closed about these details if you want to keep your job and avoid a lawsuit.  You need to understand that you won’t be able to discuss the ad campaign you shot for L’Oreal Cosmetics starring Beyoncé. You won’t be able to discuss who won the new season of Survivor. You won’t be able to discuss how First Lady Michelle Obama criticized one of the production members for having “bad lighting”.  All of these are hypothetical scenarios, but they are indeed realistic!

Confidentiality agreements you sign will hinder you from admitting you’re the real “genius writer” of that oscar winning film, or  the author of that “amazing speech” given by a politician, therefore don’t enter the industry looking for fame. Ghostwriters aren’t famous, but they can cash checks!  Your job might allow you to witness or be informed of some amazing details, but you’re not able to discuss them. For those of you that think you’ll have this glamorous job you can go home and gab about, think again! Don’t leak information on social media, record conversations that should remain private, or snap pictures with your iPhone of a female celeb without her wig. Those actions reflect that you’re in it for the wrong reasons. Your employer hired you to do your intended job, not to be an informant for the National Enquirer .  All I’m trying to say is, love your craft, do outstanding work, and enjoy the perks along the way!

What are your thoughts about confidentiality agreements in media? Do you see them as a form of censorship?

Networking Well With Others.

I’ve learned very quickly that networking is key in the world of media.  Developing friendships with the right people can contribute to your career being a success. This need to be social may create a problem for those introverted geniuses of the world.  Some might say that your work should speak for itself and your social life shouldn’t be a factor. Yes, “some” may indeed speak those words, however, they are wrong! Jobs in the media require long hours and lots of teamwork. You’ll see your coworkers more than your own families, therefore, people want to work closely with people they get along with. Take advantage of social media and educate yourself how to use it properly. Your online presence is just as important as your physical interactions with your peers. It’s important to brand yourself and allow the people you want to connect with discover you. Active social media usage increases your networking opportunities. 

The moral of the story is, you will be required to step out of  your comfort zone, prepare yourself for it now. Do yourself a favor and educate yourself on current events in pop culture , go to the gym and get fit, dress stylish, and drink socially. Also,  have a marijuana and a cocaine dealer on speed dial, because the reality is people love their drugs and they’ll associate you with making them feel good.  One common mistake people make once they’re employed is neglecting their social media profiles. Stop thinking of social media as a distraction from work, because if used properly it can be a tool to promote your brand, and develop relationships with other professionals in your industry.

I want to know what you think. Share your thoughts! What are your networking strategies?

Gays are the new crocs?

The LGBTQ presence in media is growing day by day, but why?  Is there pressure from American audiences? Are television networks passionate about representing our country’s diverse citizens? Is there some sort of hidden agenda to push the “gay lifestyle” on to Christian America?  I’m sure you’ve heard one of those ridiculous conspiracy theories before lol.  I’m convinced that media outlets are simply seeing dollar signs. Gay seems to be the Go-To for methods of shock value, edge, and a way to secure good PR with liberal audiences.

I’m not convinced that Americans are as accepting of the lgbtq community as the media would allow you to think. There are still just as many hate crimes taking place it seems as there were pre Matthew Shepard’s murder. Some people may argue that seeing more members of the glbtq community helps queer youth adjust. I do agree that queer youth seeing more “people who look like them” in media is helpful to build self-esteem, however, I think the sugar-coated stories are misleading. The idea that the presence of Chris Colfer’s character Kurt on Glee and his fame are a sign of things getting better is just as ridiculous as the notion that President Obama’s  position brings an end to racism.  Media corporations have the power to tell untold stories , but they’re not being responsible with that power. Networks like Fox, NBC, and MTV are designed to be profitable, money-making machines. They are in the business of selling dreams and giving the public what they want, which is whatever provocative, edgy, unexplored topic they can find.

The trend is currently retelling stories we’ve seen repeatedly , but making the characters same gender loving to convince you its new. The media’s not only telling us , but they are showing us that gay is the new black. Gay is in style. Gay is in vogue. To put it simply gay is a Fad.

So let me know what you think, Is gay here to stay?