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ISE-NY, Inc.
Newsletter
April 2005 Volume 1, Issue 4
The Institute for Spiritual Entertainment - NEW YORK, Inc.:
MISSION
ISE-NY (The Institute for Spiritual Entertainment- New York) is a collective of practical and artistic people from all corners of entertainment, film, theater, media, communication and innovative arts dedicated to envisioning and creating empowering, positive and spiritually nourishing entertainment
ISE-NY was formed to support media creators with networking opportunities, educational forums, practical support, fundraising services, audience outlets, film festivals, competitions and basically as many ways to empower its members to create excellent spiritual entertainment as possible or necessary.
ISE-NY monthly series offers networking opportunities and practical programs that are both informative and also provide hands-on-experience. Additionally, we offer a series of interactive seminars with knowledgeable media professionals, as well as screenings of films in various stages of completion. ISE-NY also invites producers and performers of live entertainment to participate and share their work.
As an off-shoot of the global non-profit ISE organization, ISE-NY media makers are in communication throughout with their potential audience.
ISE-NY MEETS MONTHLY every first Tuesday of the month 7PM-9:30PM Location TBA. For details and to join the email list call 212 475-1875 or email Muriel@ISE-NY.org
BE INSPIRED, SHARE YOUR WORK, LEARN NEW SKILLS, MEET LIKE-MINDED MEDIA MAKERS!
The Director's Chair
Muriel Stockdale - Director & ISE-NY, INC.'s Co-Founder and Spirit Leader
Welcome to so many new people. Every week we add more people to our mailing lists. I hope that we can meet you all soon.
There is great interest in the events that we are holding this summer June 9 -12, around Stephen Simon's one day workshop. We have a very exciting weekend program planned, and expect to have all the details ironed out very soon so that you will be able to sign up. Meanwhile keep your inquiries coming and we will put you on the list because I have no doubt that we will sell out as we did last fall. Our previous workshop with Stephen was incredibly inspiring, I definitely recommend it. I can say from personal experience that it is totally uplifting to come together to clarify our goals and dreams and to share our work.
I just returned from the Damah Film Festival www.damah.org where the short version of "New York City Spirit" www.nycspirit.com was very well received. Many ISE-NY members were in attendance, and we spent time with members from the ISE-LA community and others who are deeply committed to spiritual entertainment. I was invited to speak at an interactive screening, to do an interview and to join a panel discussion of Damah filmmakers. Two days were packed tight with inspiring short films, seminars and panel discussions. One filmmaker said that she was so excited to be at a festival where the focus is on the message and not on the monetary deals that people are making. I met so many dedicated filmmakers from incredibly diverse points of view. All were intent upon nourishing their audience, themselves and their teams with film fare of deeper meaning. For me it is a career long dream to find that there are so many other filmmakers out there with a vision and understanding like my own of the transcendent power of media. I am also encouraged to find a great sense of responsibility and care in the process of creating material that is as influential as film can be. We are truly now in a new consciousness for our industry and you are the pioneers surfing the wave.
Blessings to all,
Muriel
Upcoming ISE-NY Events
I. ISE-NY April Meeting
Tuesday, April 5, 2005
Spiritual Entertainment Law 101: Practical Insights into the Legal Aspects of the Entertainment Industry
Guest Speaker:
Cynthia R. Litman, Esq.
BIO:
Proof that spiritual lawyers do exist, Cynthia R. Litman, Esq. is the Director, Business & Legal Affairs for Cinema Circle, Inc., the parent company for The Spiritual Cinema Circle. She is a cofounder and the attorney for the nonprofit organization The Institute for Spiritual Entertainment, Inc. and for ISE-NY, Inc. After serving 4 years in the Business & Legal Affairs department at New Line Cinema, Cynthia now devotes her practice to spiritual entertainment clients and recently established a private practice Cynthia R. Litman, Esq. PLLC. She is a graduate of New York Law School.
Program Description:
Are you sure your script is clear and ready to be sold?
What do you mean I can't use "I've Got You Babe"?
My friend will be fine if I base this character on her...
When being passionate isn't enough, the 2nd of ISE-NY's ongoing practical series of seminars is designed to provide you with an overview of how to navigate the often overwhelming aspects of entertainment law with your spirituality in tact.
Cynthia will offer information and insights on a wide range of topics impacting on the business behind creativity, and its legal implications.
Topics will include:
-Managing your expectations & relationships in business dealings
-Intellectual property (if you don't know what this is don't miss this seminar!!)
-Clearances and release forms
-License agreements
-Acquisition agreements
-Forming production entities
Be prepared and know the business and legal aspects of the entertainment industry to avoid common and costly mistakes.
You will receive helpful hints, checklists, and an arsenal of resources to help you help yourself.
Program Notes:
In order to fully benefit from this evening, please come prepared with questions related to entertainment law, as well as your experiences in handling the legal and business side of creativity.
Please understand that the information to be shared is for educational purposes only and you are encouraged to seek independent legal advice for your specific legal questions.
Please Bring:
Paper & Pen
Program Date/Time:
Tuesday, April 5, 2005
7-10 pm
Program Location:
St. John's University - Saval Auditorium
101 Murray Street (Near WTC)
Admission:
Gratis-All welcome
A $5 donation to support the work of ISE-NY, Inc. is gratefully accepted.
RSVP:
Please RSVP before March 30th to Guirlaine@ise-global.org
II. April 1-4: Spiritual Cinema Circle & ISE-NY, Inc. @ Omega Institute's "Being Fearless" Conference
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Spiritual Cinema Circle & ISE-NY, Inc. promotional table at next weekend's "Being Fearless" conference presented by The Omega Institute.
Specifics:
-Location: at The Sheraton New York Hotel (811 7th Ave at 53rd St).
-Dates: Friday, April 1 -Monday, April 3, 2005
Friday 9am-5pm
Sat: 8am - 10pm
Sun: 8am - 10pm
Mon: 9am-4pm
-Duties: Volunteers will inform conference attendees about the Spiritual Cinema Circle, distribute promotional materials, and encourage subscription to the Spiritual Cinema Circle. Volunteers will also distribute ISE-NY, Inc.'s promotional flyers and answer questions about ISE-NY, Inc.
We are looking for at least 4 volunteers per day (2 volunteers per shift).
If interested or for further information, please contact Cynthia at Cynthia@ISE-NY.org
Please visit www.eomega.org for more event details.
Save-the-Dates
ISE-NY presents a weekend of
SPIRITUAL FILMMAKING with Stephen Simon
June 9 - June 12, 2005
Join veteran Hollywood producer and Spiritual Cinema pioneer Stephen Simon for an interactive weekend of seminars designed to inspire and empower spiritual cinema enthusiasts, established and emerging industry professionals and students to create and appreciate spiritual entertainment.
Stephen Simon is the co-founder and President of The Spiritual Cinema Circle, the niche DVD home delivery subscription service and President of the non-profit organization, ISE, The Institute for Spiritual Entertainment.
Stephen produced and directed the independent film INDIGO and produced the Academy Award® winning WHAT DREAMS MAY COME starring Robin Williams. His book "The Force is With You -Mystical Movie Messages That Inspire Our Lives" calls for recognition of a new film genre - Spiritual Cinema.
Program Schedule:
Thursday, June 9th: Mystical Movie Messages that inspire our lives
Friday, June 10th: Mini-Film Festival & Reception
Saturday, June 11th: Spiritual Filmmaking 101: All day workshop
Sunday, June 12th: The Power of the Pitch
For details and to RSVP, contact Muriel at (212) 475-1875 or email Muriel@ISE-NY.org
Featured Filmmaker
Stephanie Angel
Stephanie Angel is a twenty-three year old writer and director and an ISE-NY volunteer. The short film she wrote, "Tree of Life," was her directorial debut which recently screened at the Westchester film festival on March 10th.
"It was such an incredible experience to start off with a vision which came from two re-occurring dreams I had. All of the stages of preproduction, production and post production were both learning experiences as well as confirmations that this is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. Nothing is more beautiful than to make a spiritual film and to see its effect on someone else's heart. Seeing "Tree of Life" on the big screen, in a sold out theater, surrounded by the people who made it possible along with others whom I had never met before sent the chills through me."
Along with many treatments, Stephanie has also written a feature length script that she plans to direct in the near future. Over the past couple of years, Stephanie has been the script supervisor on five feature films; her first as a trainee on "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," starring Robert De Niro, Kathy Bates, Harvey Keitel and F. Murray Abraham. Prior to that, she was a casting assistant on the A&E television series "100 Centre Street," directed by Sidney Lumet and a production assistant on "The Believer," the Grand Jury Prize winner at the Sundance Film Festival in 2001.
In 2003, Stephanie received a B.A. from Muhlenberg College, where she was on the Dean's List. While there, she self-designed two majors, "Film Expression" and "Spiritual Thought."
"I always knew I had to carve my own path, despite the challenges along the way and those that probably lie ahead. It's always worth it in the long run. After meeting Stephen Simon and being a part of ISE-NY I have come realize that others have also been carving there own spiritual paths and now it's time to come together as a more powerful force. I plan to help develop an outreach program and to continue to create spiritual films that will hopefully inspire others."
When Stephanie was seven years old, her younger sister passed away. Her sister's spirit guides Stephanie to follow her heart. "My sister showed me that love is that connection between souls that is everlasting. Love doesn't die. Love is my motivator and my drive, my reason for writing and directing films. A great film is a vision, a vision that manifests before one's eye and becomes another's inspiration; one by one, we awaken to a truth long forgotten. That is my goal as a person and a filmmaker."
"Tree of Life" is a short film that deals with the fears we create within ourselves that block us from living fully. When Stacy the protagonist decides to transform that fear into love, she returns to life, this time with a brighter soul."
* for further information please contact Stephanie@ISE-NY.org
"Tree of Life"
(Poem at end of short)
I chose this life
Despite the strife
I hid in my fears
In nightmares I lived
Lived so small
Fell into a hole
Only to know
I had a long way to go
Splash there I went
Into a new world I crashed
Immortality of my soul
Was what I chose
So I breathed again
This time
Filled with Love
Production News & Opportunities
I. Question from a filmmaker: How do I schedule my shoot to save money?
By Carole Dean
(1). Try to schedule your shoot over a weekend, if possible. Rental companies might make a deal with you to rent equipment over the weekend which could be 3 days for a one day price.
(2). Question every price for rentals, do your homework and do not accept the first quote. Prices aren't the same everywhere.
(3). See if you could get a discount on equipment by offering a link to your website, screen credit, etc.
(4). When hiring your crew, make a flat buyout agreement with them. That means the person accepts a flat rate for whatever hours they work - you do not pay overtime. Negotiate your rate for the whole show, just in case you do one shoot, and your second shoot might not happen for many months later.
(5). Schedule your start and wrap day (if known), scouting or prep days, wrap days and travel days. Negotiate your per diem, credits, and deferments, if any. Promise them a pay date too.
(6). Put your crew on hold, but do not confirm until you are sure of your exact production shoot date.
(7). Think carefully when scheduling a shoot for multiple cities. Determine if it's cheaper to do it in one trip or multiple trips.
(8). Someone who works for free seems to be cheaper than an experienced person. But who will work faster, and add more to your film? Don't skimp on cameraperson, editor or writer.
(9). If a person or event is on a remote location, schedule your interview, B roll, etc at one time, do not travel to the same location twice.
(10). Create a realistic shooting schedule - keep in mind it takes longer to light an interior set than it does to light a day light exterior set. It's easier to shoot one interior and one exterior on the same day, rather than 2 interiors.
(11). When on distant location, hire local crews when possible. Call film commissions in the state and city you are working in to get personnel.
(12). Have the camera and sound people take thorough notes, and label the tapes. It will save you time in the editing bay.
(13). Purchase stock footage if it would be difficult or expensive to shoot the same subject.
(14). When covering military or NASA events, it is possible an event will be photographed by a governmental agency, in which case the footage is public domain and you can get access to it.
(15). Purchase phone cards for long distance calls, it's especially cheap at the 99 cents store. It's less expensive than using a long distance phone company calling card.
(16). Whatever equipment you rent, make a detailed list of each piece, it's ID # to insure all equipment is returned to the rental company, and nothing is lost in transit.
(17). Network with other filmmakers to purchase tape stock in bulk, if you are using the same stock, and divide it among all of you.
Carole Dean created the "short end" business and took it from an idea to a $50,000,000 a year industry. She is a producer of over 100 HeathStyles shows over 30 Filmmaker shows. She created the Roy W. Dean film grants in 1992 and since then has read thousands of applications/proposals for shorts, docs and independent films. Her 7 grants award over $380,000 a year to aspiring filmmakers. Carole teaches you what is needed to find funding for your films based on her 30 year experience in the film industry.
Carole Dean is teaching in NYC at the National Arts Club April 23, 2005 a full day seminar on "The Art of Funding Your Film"
This one day workshop is a necessity for people funding their films either through grants, private individuals, corporations or funding parties. All of these sources are explained in detail by Carole Dean, head of the Roy W. Dean foundation and author of "The Art of Funding Your Film: Alternative Financing Concepts."
-Learn the art of pitching your project.
-Create the perfect pitch to fund your film.
-Master your approach to corporations for donations.
-Acquire the "Art of Asking" individuals for money.
-Get your 2 page proposal reviewed and returned with written suggestions for improvement.
-Learn where to find funds for indies & docs.
Carole Dean, executor of the Roy W. Dean Grant Foundation, one of the largest, most prestigious grants in the US, is coming to New York City to teach strategies from her new book "The Art of Funding Your Film: Alternative Financing Concepts"
Some of the other topics that Carole covers in this information-packed film financing conference include:
-Successful fundraising house parties
-Where to find donors & investors
-What goes in a good proposal
-Wooing donors & making the "ask"
-Creating the perfect pitch
-Raising funds from Individuals
-Asking for Donations from local businesses
-Approaching Corporations as partners
-Getting discounts on goods and services
-Money from product placement
-The Art of Manifesting
You'll learn how to apply for the 7 Roy W. Dean grants valued at over $370,000 per year; how to reduce production costs on your film; which are the most competitively priced companies in the industry; how to create a proposal to raise funds; and how to package and present your proposal to funding organizations.
Carole Dean will teach you what judges want to know in your proposals. And you will have time to "pitch" your project, so she can sharpen your presentation for you!
You will leave the Workshop with...
Over 100 granting organizations web sites
Databases that will give you over 400,000 names of private
Sector fellowships, grants and loans
Hot internet search tools
An understanding that funding is available
Ideas for alternative ways to fund your films
Tips for saving production dollars
Ways to get product placements
...and a road map to get your film project funded!
Proceeds from the workshop go to the Roy W. Dean Grant Foundation, 501c3 non-profit organization, for the grants awarded to filmmakers just like you!
Please note that Carol has generously agreed to donate $10 from each ticket purchase made by an ISE-NY member to ISE-NY, Inc.
In order for ISE-NY to take full advantage of Carol's generosity, please
(1). register for this event @ http://www.fromtheheartproductions.com/workshopny.shtml
(2). send an email to both Muriel @ Muriel@ISE-NY.org and Carol @ caroleedean@att.net
EARLY BIRD Rate (until 12 noon, April 6, 2005 $75.00)
(Pre-Registration after April 10th will be $80.00)
Film Financing Conference/Workshop Full Rate: $95.00 (at the door, if seats are available)
II. Short Film Competition (Amazon.com & Tribeca Film Festival)
Amazon.com,the Tribeca Film Festival, and American Express invite you to premiere your short film to an audience of millions by entering our Short Film Competition, whose grand prize is an American Express prepaid card in the amount of $50,000.
Through April 13, we're accepting submissions of films that have a total running time of no more than 7 minutes and are appropriate for a general audience.
Starting April 18, the films will be presented to Amazon customers, on a random basis, in the Tribeca Screening Room at Amazon.com. Customers will be invited to rate the films, on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, to determine the five finalists.
At the end of May, the five highest-rated films will each be featured on the Amazon.com welcome page over five weeks. Amazon.com customers will again be invited to rate the five finalists to determine the winner.
To register, go to http://www.amazonshortfilm.com/
About the Tribeca Film Festival
The 2005 Tribeca Film Festival presented by American Express will take place from April 19 to May 1 in various locations throughout lower Manhattan. The 2005 Festival will feature special events and screenings, a street fair, and panel discussions with noted filmmakers. For 2005 event schedule and program details, please go to www.tribecafilmfestival.org.
A Message from Tribeca
The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff as a response to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Now in its fourth year, the Festival's mission is to create platforms for filmmakers to reach the best and broadest possible audience for their work.
With the launch of this Short Film Competition, we hope to further our mission and extend a welcome to all filmmakers to participate.
THE TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL AND THE AMAZON SHORT FILM COMPETITION ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ISE-NY, INC. AND IS INCLUDED FOR INFORMATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.
III. New York Resident Photo Contest
"How would you describe a New York Minute"
Submit a photo you have taken in Manhattan that captures the essence of the city on film and one lucky winner will see their image on the cover of our 17th Anniversary issue in July.
Photos must be submitted no later than April 1, 2005, in either or pdf format and should be 150-300 dpi. Email entries to contest@resident.com
All photos will become property of New York Resident and are subject to publication.
Only one entree per address.
Winner must consent to having name published in a future issue of New York Resident.
THIS CONTEST IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ISE-NY, INC. AND IS INCLUDED FOR INFORMATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.
Related Programs of Interest
I. SHORT CUT TO NIRVANA opens in New York City on APRIL 15, 2005
What: An award-winning documentary about the Kumbh Mela, the biggest gathering in the history of humanity, featuring many great Indian spiritual leaders and H.H. the Dalai Lama. 85 minutes of pure nirvana!
When: Opens Friday April 15, 2005
Where: Sunshine Theatre, Houston St, NYC
Who: Filmmakers Nick & Maurizio will be there to present the film and answer questions.
Why: Because the world needs a message of tolerance, peace and unity... and because it's a unique, joyful, and uplifting film!
Also the filmmakers are planning to have a GRAND LAUNCH PARTY about a week before the opening. More details soon.
II. CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN: What's Next for Our World? by John Perkins
DATE: Tuesday, April 5
TIME: 6:30 pm reception, Talk 7-9 pm
LOCATION: All Souls Unitarian Church
1157 Lexington Ave (80th Street), NYC
Suggested ADMISSION: $15
TO REGISTER: Call 212-741-2207 or visit www.fions.org
Space limited, reservations suggested.
The author of the best-selling Confessions of an Economic Hit Man will help us explore where we might go from here as he offers possible scenarios for turning the US "empire" into a true republic that can inspire the world to realize the dream of our founding fathers.
In the Epilogue to Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, Perkins writes,
"The hour is ours. It is now time for each and every one of us to ask the important questions, to search our souls for our own answers, and to take action. The coincidences of your life, and the choices you have made in response to them, have brought you to this point."
This event is co-sponsored by the NYC Chapter of ASAW (Association for Spirit At Work), and the NYC Baha'i Business Forum.
John Perkins currently writes and teaches about achieving peace and prosperity by expanding our personal awareness and transforming our institutions. Since 1990 he has been a champion of indigenous rights and environmental movements, working with the Amazon tribes to help them preserve their rain forests. In 1980 he founded an alternative energy company that successfully changed the US utility industry. From 1971 to 1981 he worked for the international consulting firm of Chas. T. Main, where he held the titles of Chief Economist and Manager of Economics and Regional Planning, but in reality, was an economic hit man. He continued to keep his EHM role under wraps until the events of 9/11 convinced him to expose this shadowy and secret side of his life.
While ISE-NY, Inc., supports all of the Spiritual Entertainment Community members, ISE-NY, Inc. is not affiliated with the aforementioned individual projects. ISE-NY, Inc. is providing a platform for the community to announce projects and network with other members of the community.
Links
ISE-NY's Film Making Circle: http://www.FilmMakingCircle.com
The Spiritual Cinema Circle: http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com
New York City Spirit: http://www.nycspirit.com
Los Angeles Spiritual Cinema Circle Community: http://ww.ise-la.org
Rensselaerville Spiritual Cinema Circle Community: http://www.GardenofOne.com
Damah Film Festival: http://www.damah.org
Writers Boot Camp: http://www.writersbootcamp.com
Good News Broadcasting: http://www.goodnewsbroadcast.com
The New Seminary: http://www.NewSeminary.org
St. John's University: http://new.stjohns.edu/campus/manhattan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Submit your announcements and pertinent articles of interest for the ISE-NY, Inc. newsletter to Ms Guirlaine Belizaire, Guirlaine@ise-global.org, by the 10th of each month to have them included in the next issue.
EXPAND THE COMMUNITY:
If you know of others who might be interested in receiving a copy of this newsletter, please have them send an email to Ms Kat L'Estrange, kinc@efn.org, with "subscribe" in the subject line.
UNSUBSCRIBE:
If you wish to be removed from this list, please send an email to kinc@efn.org with "remove" in the subject line.
ISE-NY, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose tax exempt status is pending.
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