It has been bothering me that I haven't written a post in quite a while, so I wanted to say to the following to the cybersphere:
Please forgive me! I have been very busy creating and growing my web series Missed Connections Live. In the meanwhile, visit www.missedconnectionslive.com to see what has been consuming my life. I look forward to resuming my personal blog when my season 2 has come to an end. Thank you for your understanding!
All my respect,
Melissa
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Three Cups of Tea
The other night I was fortunate to participate in The American Place Theatre's 2010 Literature to Life Gala honoring the extraordinary Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea. For those of you who aren't familiar, The American Place Theatre was founded 50 years ago by Wynn Handman and is the reason why Off-Broadway exists today. For the past 15 years or so, APT has been focusing on a project called Literature-to-Life in which Wynn adapts a significant piece of American Literature into a 1 or 2 person stage play that is performed mostly for students and schools across the country. I have the honor of helming Lois Lowry's The Giver.
Three Cups of Tea is inspirational account of how one man (Greg Mortenson), after attempting to climb K2 in honor of the loss of his sister to epilepsy, meets a group of children in a small village and promises to build them a school. From that promise, Greg succeeds in bringing education to remote communities in Pakistan and Afghanistan, focusing primarily on promoting education for girls. He has provided eduction to 58,000 children, including 44,000 girls. He survived an eight day armed kidnapping by the Taliban in Pakistan’ Northwest Frontier Province tribal areas, escaped a 2003 firefight with feuding Afghan warlords by hiding for eight hours under putrid animal hides in a truck going to a leather-tanning factory. He has overcome fatwehs from enraged Islamic mullahs, endured CIA investigations, and also received threats from fellow Americans after 9/11, for helping Muslim children with education. Despite these challenges, Greg persists with his mission.
Needless to say, Greg Mortenson is a very special man.
Three Cups of Tea is inspirational account of how one man (Greg Mortenson), after attempting to climb K2 in honor of the loss of his sister to epilepsy, meets a group of children in a small village and promises to build them a school. From that promise, Greg succeeds in bringing education to remote communities in Pakistan and Afghanistan, focusing primarily on promoting education for girls. He has provided eduction to 58,000 children, including 44,000 girls. He survived an eight day armed kidnapping by the Taliban in Pakistan’ Northwest Frontier Province tribal areas, escaped a 2003 firefight with feuding Afghan warlords by hiding for eight hours under putrid animal hides in a truck going to a leather-tanning factory. He has overcome fatwehs from enraged Islamic mullahs, endured CIA investigations, and also received threats from fellow Americans after 9/11, for helping Muslim children with education. Despite these challenges, Greg persists with his mission.
Needless to say, Greg Mortenson is a very special man.
At the gala, A.P.T. actor Curtis Nielsen performed a 20 minute excerpt from this amazing tale. A group of children from a NYC public school were incorporated into the evening, and each shared how they promise to make a difference and honored elders who have made an impact on their lives. It was an extremely moving evening.
After the performance, Greg Mortenson spoke to the audience about his work, how important it is to contribute to the community, and how much faith he has in the next generation. Something that he highlighted was how exciting it is that schools are incorporating programs whose purpose it is to better our existing systems such as green engineering and architecture, ethics in business, etc. Who is demanding these programs? The students themselves.
One thing that really struck a chord with me was a comment Greg made about learning from our elders. He asked the group of students sitting in the front row if any of them had spent 10 hours this year taking time to talk and listen to an elder. The result---none. He gave them an assignment for the summer: Spent 3 hours listening to an elder speak about their experiences during the Civil Rights Movement, during Vietnam, during their first days of school.
This assignment got me thinking--How much time have I spent sitting with the elders in my family, listening to stories of their past? How much time do I have left? How much have I taken for granted? Though I check in with my grandparents every so often to see how they are doing and to let them know I'm thinking of them, when was the last time I asked to hear a story from my grandfather about his experience during the War?
Life, especially city life, moves at such a fast pace. We let opportunities fly by. We take A LOT for granted. Let this be a reminder to pause and take time to appreciate the life you are free to live and the people you love, and remember to cherish your elders.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Kickstarter week 1
Yesterday evening, I pushed the button and launched a campaign to raise funds for my web series Missed Connections Live on Kickstarter. For those of you who don't know, Kickstarter is an amazing fundraising platform for artists, musicians, filmmakers, inventors, entrepreneurs, etc. Basically, a person has a creative idea/endeavor. Said person posts their project on Kickstarter, sets a fundraising goal and time frame for a campaign. The general populous can pledge any amount of money towards the project, becoming a potential backer. If the goal is met in time, the person's project is funded and the backers get charged. Hooray! If the goal is not met, however, the person doesn't receive anything and the backers return to their normal lives. Boo.
Why did I set out to raise money? Creating my own work has been empowering, fun, & challenging, and I want to be able to continue to do so. It's very difficult to make anything, though, without the proper tools and resources. Up until now, I've been getting by on borrowed and outdated equipment, pretty much running the show on my own with the help of a few amazing friends and 1 particular special guy. How cool would it be, though, if I could invite more talented people to participate? And how cool would it be if I could enhance the look and feel of each episode? And how cool would it be if I can expand my series in a way that could really engage the community?!
For me, this is both scary and exciting. On one hand, the fact that a thing like Kickstarter exists to help me achieve these things is amazing. I can reach out not only to my friends, family, colleagues, and fans, but also to a broader audience. On the other hand, if I don't meet my goal, I get zip.
I spent some time agonizing over what my goal should be, how long I should run my campaign for, if I should consider a less risky option for my campaign. I wanted to set the bar high for my goal, but not too high that I had no chance of making it. I wanted to give myself enough time to reach my goal, but not too much time. I wanted to create a sense of urgency to meet my goal. EEEK!! I stared at the LAUNCH button yesterday for a long moment. If I don't make my goal, what does that mean?! Am I doing the right thing?!!
After a few deep breaths I said to myself, "@#$ it." Part of the fun is the risk and you have to play the game if you want to have a chance at winning. (Did I just make a sports analogy? What's come over me?!) So I took the plunge, stepped off the ledge and....CLICK...let's hope the universe will provide.
In the meanwhile, I will continue to work on my next episode with the tools I have at my disposal and pray to Moses that I meet my goal come June 20th, 2010.
Why did I set out to raise money? Creating my own work has been empowering, fun, & challenging, and I want to be able to continue to do so. It's very difficult to make anything, though, without the proper tools and resources. Up until now, I've been getting by on borrowed and outdated equipment, pretty much running the show on my own with the help of a few amazing friends and 1 particular special guy. How cool would it be, though, if I could invite more talented people to participate? And how cool would it be if I could enhance the look and feel of each episode? And how cool would it be if I can expand my series in a way that could really engage the community?!
For me, this is both scary and exciting. On one hand, the fact that a thing like Kickstarter exists to help me achieve these things is amazing. I can reach out not only to my friends, family, colleagues, and fans, but also to a broader audience. On the other hand, if I don't meet my goal, I get zip.
I spent some time agonizing over what my goal should be, how long I should run my campaign for, if I should consider a less risky option for my campaign. I wanted to set the bar high for my goal, but not too high that I had no chance of making it. I wanted to give myself enough time to reach my goal, but not too much time. I wanted to create a sense of urgency to meet my goal. EEEK!! I stared at the LAUNCH button yesterday for a long moment. If I don't make my goal, what does that mean?! Am I doing the right thing?!!
After a few deep breaths I said to myself, "@#$ it." Part of the fun is the risk and you have to play the game if you want to have a chance at winning. (Did I just make a sports analogy? What's come over me?!) So I took the plunge, stepped off the ledge and....CLICK...let's hope the universe will provide.
In the meanwhile, I will continue to work on my next episode with the tools I have at my disposal and pray to Moses that I meet my goal come June 20th, 2010.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Zen and the Art of Archery
I want to go to the Oscars. When I say I want to go to the Oscars I mean that I want to be nominated for an Oscar someday. When I say someday I mean that I want to be nominated for an Oscar and win one in the next 10 years. A pipe dream? Maybe. Impossible? No. The idea of holding that statuette in my hands fills me with hope, with a sense of accomplishment, with a sense of pride and amazement, an idea that all the hard work I've been putting into my craft and career might someday be worth it. I want to be able to thank my family, my loved ones, my friends, colleagues, & my team for helping me achieve my dreams. I want to give hope to all the young girls out in the world who dream of someday standing on the same stage. I want to be a part of the community of actors and entertainment professionals I admire.
Here's the problem...
I have no control over whether or not I get nominated for an Oscar. And what is an Oscar anyway but a superficial marker of excellence or, a lot of the times, a token of popularity. Where it's ok to visualize and dream about walking that red carpet someday it's not ok to become fixated on seeking an external reward for my work. I have to let that go. Such a trap might blind me from seeing real opportunities along the way. I musn't forget what's really important and what ultimately an Oscar might represent--becoming the best artist I can be. So how does one do that? With such vivid dreams and goals, how can I just let them go?
Last night I was lucky to get the last TKTS ticket to see A View From the Bridge before it closes. I really enjoyed the show. It made me proud to be a part of the theater community. It made me want to be more a part of the community of actors who's work I seek to emulate. I was very moved, especially by Liev Schreiber and Corey Stoll's performances. Watching their performances reinforced my desire to dig deep inside myself to help illuminate those aspects of the human condition that people are scared to face. Isn't that why we get into acting to begin with? To communicate? To shed light on what's beneath the surface? To challenge people and help them understand themselves?
Ultimately, then, the idea of an Oscar, or a Tony for that matter becomes irrelevant--an afterthought. What's really important is the work. The artistry is not in the reward but (not to sound cliche) in the moment. Maybe I will stand on the stage at the Kodak Theater with a statuette in my hand and maybe I won't. I will still allow myself to dream but I will not allow myself to become attached to such meaningless things. To quote Eugen Herrigel, "For access to the art--and the master archers of all times are agreed in this--is only granted to those who are 'pure' in heart, untroubled by subsidiary aims."
Here's the problem...
I have no control over whether or not I get nominated for an Oscar. And what is an Oscar anyway but a superficial marker of excellence or, a lot of the times, a token of popularity. Where it's ok to visualize and dream about walking that red carpet someday it's not ok to become fixated on seeking an external reward for my work. I have to let that go. Such a trap might blind me from seeing real opportunities along the way. I musn't forget what's really important and what ultimately an Oscar might represent--becoming the best artist I can be. So how does one do that? With such vivid dreams and goals, how can I just let them go?
Last night I was lucky to get the last TKTS ticket to see A View From the Bridge before it closes. I really enjoyed the show. It made me proud to be a part of the theater community. It made me want to be more a part of the community of actors who's work I seek to emulate. I was very moved, especially by Liev Schreiber and Corey Stoll's performances. Watching their performances reinforced my desire to dig deep inside myself to help illuminate those aspects of the human condition that people are scared to face. Isn't that why we get into acting to begin with? To communicate? To shed light on what's beneath the surface? To challenge people and help them understand themselves?
Ultimately, then, the idea of an Oscar, or a Tony for that matter becomes irrelevant--an afterthought. What's really important is the work. The artistry is not in the reward but (not to sound cliche) in the moment. Maybe I will stand on the stage at the Kodak Theater with a statuette in my hand and maybe I won't. I will still allow myself to dream but I will not allow myself to become attached to such meaningless things. To quote Eugen Herrigel, "For access to the art--and the master archers of all times are agreed in this--is only granted to those who are 'pure' in heart, untroubled by subsidiary aims."
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A Missed Connection Success
Do "missed connections" ever turn into actual connections? This is a question that provoked me to create Missed Connections Live, an original web series inspired by Missed Connections on Craigslist. Thousands of people write Missed Connections entries on Craigslist, but why? Are they too shy to act in the moment of that initial spark? Do they actually think that the subject of the missed connection will read their entry? Are the entries even real?
A couple of weeks ago, I was reading through Craigslist in order to select new material for my series. I came across an entry that really touched me. It was so honest, sweet and sincere. It made me smile. I ended up contacting the young woman who wrote the entry to let her know about my series and to ask if she was interested in becoming immortalized on the (very) small screen. She was thrilled I contacted her and excited to see the results. I was grateful she jumped on board, and the icing on the cake...the man who she wrote the missed connection about actually contacted her! They corresponded via email for a brief while but lost touch. The young woman was convinced it was something she said and let the possibility go of maintaining a relationship....Until now! Turns out, the gentleman hadn't received her email response. They've started corresponding again and she sent him the link to my episode. Though I don't think I am at all responsible for their reunion, I like to think that I've helped in some way!
I guess missed connections can work after all.
A couple of weeks ago, I was reading through Craigslist in order to select new material for my series. I came across an entry that really touched me. It was so honest, sweet and sincere. It made me smile. I ended up contacting the young woman who wrote the entry to let her know about my series and to ask if she was interested in becoming immortalized on the (very) small screen. She was thrilled I contacted her and excited to see the results. I was grateful she jumped on board, and the icing on the cake...the man who she wrote the missed connection about actually contacted her! They corresponded via email for a brief while but lost touch. The young woman was convinced it was something she said and let the possibility go of maintaining a relationship....Until now! Turns out, the gentleman hadn't received her email response. They've started corresponding again and she sent him the link to my episode. Though I don't think I am at all responsible for their reunion, I like to think that I've helped in some way!
I guess missed connections can work after all.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The New Frontier
I attended an event last night sponsored by the Writers Guild of America East about the economics of new media. Given my web series/production company, the WGA contacted me about signing with them as part of their 2.0 New Media initiative. Cool! So, as I'm in the process of forging a relationship with the WGA I thought I'd check out this event.
There were 3 panelists who gave their input on what the landscape is and how us New Media creators can shift our perspective to capitalize on these new opportunities: Anita Ondine (CEO of Seize the Media), Mark Lukasiewicz (VP NBC News Specials and Digital Media) and Moishe "Mo" Koyfman (Principal at Spark Capital). Basically here's the gist...the world is changing fast. What once were the gatekeepers of creative expression are now busting open. New platforms are continuing to emerge and we as creative artists have a duty and an opportunity to seize the reigns! But how do we profit from this new-found freedom? With traditional financial models falling apart as we speak, what form do we follow?
The answer is there is no answer. Comforting, huh...? What's exciting is that we get to have a hand in crafting the answer. Some possibilities? Sponsorship from a corporation, branded marketing, and crowd sourcing. Companies like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo help artists raise money by encouraging fans to contribute to a particular project and help bring it to life. The key is to engage the audience, get them involved in every part of the process. Give the power to the people!
Though a bit overwhelming, it is exciting to know that possibilities exist. People (myself included) are working really hard to create, to innovate, and to shape the landscape of media and entertainment as we know it. It's a big deal and I'm proud to be a part of it.
There were 3 panelists who gave their input on what the landscape is and how us New Media creators can shift our perspective to capitalize on these new opportunities: Anita Ondine (CEO of Seize the Media), Mark Lukasiewicz (VP NBC News Specials and Digital Media) and Moishe "Mo" Koyfman (Principal at Spark Capital). Basically here's the gist...the world is changing fast. What once were the gatekeepers of creative expression are now busting open. New platforms are continuing to emerge and we as creative artists have a duty and an opportunity to seize the reigns! But how do we profit from this new-found freedom? With traditional financial models falling apart as we speak, what form do we follow?
The answer is there is no answer. Comforting, huh...? What's exciting is that we get to have a hand in crafting the answer. Some possibilities? Sponsorship from a corporation, branded marketing, and crowd sourcing. Companies like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo help artists raise money by encouraging fans to contribute to a particular project and help bring it to life. The key is to engage the audience, get them involved in every part of the process. Give the power to the people!
Though a bit overwhelming, it is exciting to know that possibilities exist. People (myself included) are working really hard to create, to innovate, and to shape the landscape of media and entertainment as we know it. It's a big deal and I'm proud to be a part of it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
My Mantra
As I'm integrating new tools and practices into my life, I've decided to come up with a mantra of sorts. Plus, I have a great audition tomorrow that I plan on booking. So here goes...
I welcome success, prosperity, happiness and good health into my life and into the lives of the people I love. I am amazed at how quickly I have been able to make my living solely doing what I love! How is it that so many exciting opportunities continue to present themselves to me? How is it possible to get paid so much money to follow my dreams? I can't believe that I am collaborating with and working alongside the best and the brightest talent in the industry. Great work continues to fall in my lap. Money continues to fall in my lap. My career continues to unfold in the most thrilling ways. I am able to share my success and riches with my family and my friends. I am able to give back to my community in a way that I never thought possible. I am continually challenged and inspired by my work and my peers. I am able to afford luxuries and have more than enough money to help support those less fortunate than me. I have the freedom to pick and choose my projects. I have the freedom to travel around the world. It's fun being in demand. It's fun sinking my teeth into provocative, challenging acting roles. It's fun getting my colleagues' work produced! It's fun setting a positive example to younger artists who have similar dreams. I feel amazed, humbled, inspired, grateful, empowered and overjoyed.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it :-)
I welcome success, prosperity, happiness and good health into my life and into the lives of the people I love. I am amazed at how quickly I have been able to make my living solely doing what I love! How is it that so many exciting opportunities continue to present themselves to me? How is it possible to get paid so much money to follow my dreams? I can't believe that I am collaborating with and working alongside the best and the brightest talent in the industry. Great work continues to fall in my lap. Money continues to fall in my lap. My career continues to unfold in the most thrilling ways. I am able to share my success and riches with my family and my friends. I am able to give back to my community in a way that I never thought possible. I am continually challenged and inspired by my work and my peers. I am able to afford luxuries and have more than enough money to help support those less fortunate than me. I have the freedom to pick and choose my projects. I have the freedom to travel around the world. It's fun being in demand. It's fun sinking my teeth into provocative, challenging acting roles. It's fun getting my colleagues' work produced! It's fun setting a positive example to younger artists who have similar dreams. I feel amazed, humbled, inspired, grateful, empowered and overjoyed.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it :-)
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