Do I get a clam?

I need those clams!


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I'd watch this as a web series.

via Interview: Writer/Producer Lena Waithe Talks New Series 'Twenties' + Watch Pilot Presentation, by Masha Dowell, Shadow and Act.

Shadow and Act: What is a pilot presentation? Why did you opt for this route? 

LW: A lot of networks read the script and loved it, but they either thought there wasn’t an audience for it or that it already existed. Of course I became extremely frustrated because I knew neither of those things were true. So I realized I had to show these network executives that TWENTIES was one of a kind and that there was nothing on TV like it. And I figured the best way to do that was to shoot a pilot presentation, which meant we would shoot a few pivotal scenes from the script, edit them together, and give people a sense of how the show would look and feel. Lucky for me, Justin Simien (writer/director DEAR WHITE PEOPLE) offered to direct it and Flavor Unit was willing to pay for it. Now I had the opportunity to show people what I was going for instead of trying to explain it to them. My plan wasn’t just to show it to executives, but to show it to the world so that the people could have a voice in this as well. And just so we’re clear: this is not a web series! I repeat this is not a web series. Not that there’s anything wrong with doing a web series. I’ve done one. My goal is to partner with a network that understands what I’m going for.

[...]


Shadow and Act: What do you want us to do after we’ve watched it?
 

LW: The good news is I don’t want your money. There’s no Kickstarter or IndieGoGo attached to this project. All we want you to do is commit to sharing TWENTIES with twenty of your friends. The more you spread the word the better chance we have of getting it on TV. We’ll keep pitching. You keep sharing. Let’s do this!

I don't know if there is a network that is going to understand and agree with what Lena is going for. There's a reason there aren't many scripted shows from the US with a lead character that is

1. an L, G, B, or T person
2. a black woman
3. a lesbian woman
4. a person talking to multiple black people
5. a black lesbian woman talking to a bunch of other black people

As Lena pointed out, the networks "thought there wasn’t an audience for it or that it already existed", even though "neither of those things were true." If I had a project as amazing as TWENTIES, and networks passed on it, I wouldn't try to prove anything to them. It's 2013. I would produce, distribute, and promote TWENTIES myself, online, as a web series. I would have more control over the show, avoiding interference from well-meaning, but misguided network notes. Also, people would actually be able to see it. The series wouldn't be stuck in development for years, with the risk of never making it to air.

For me, it would be a waste of time trying to sell a product to someone who has no interest in buying it. There just aren't enough network executives who both see the value in and are willing to take a chance on airing a show about the honest story of a black woman, much less one who is articulate and queer. Instead of emphasizing the fact that "This is NOT a web series", why not embrace the new medium and create a successful web series (while we're waiting on Dear White People)? This would allow a fan base to grow around TWENTIES, and make the sale of the project even more profitable (and likely).

I have opinions!

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"We survive for you."

via CocoaFab.

Love.


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"If you stay flat...what will happen?"

"It's okay, beloved."

 Hee!


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To achieve my goal of becoming fluent in Spanish,

apparently I need a Volkswagen Passat. I'll get right on that.

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I would like a hug from a polar bear,

even though I'm not a married homeowner who wears a suit jacket with sneakers and slouchy pants. Dude, you're in your 40s. Dress like a grown-up.

Hello, 40-year-olds! Please leave a comment. :)

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The best Suze Orman call yet.

Yes, Elf School. No, Orlando Bloom from Lord of the Rings will not be there.


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J G-L, Jiggle, Jose, Giuseppe

I'll call him whatever he wants me to call him. Just let me know.

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So, why are you here?

I'm here to make friends, so please leave comments!

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"Let's put the bait in Debate."

Here are my other favorite commercials of the day:

Those meddling kids. Though I do enjoy Cottonelle. So soft

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I thought the best part was the ultrasound, until I saw the scene with the sign language. It makes the iPhone 4 seem touching, useful, and inclusive of the deaf community. And yet, I'm still not getting one.

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"Step your game up!"

I don't have a PSP, or a little brother, but I do enjoy the ingenuity of this Sony campaign for portable gaming.

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"Money, money, money, money, money."

- from the mixed-up files of Janeane Garofalo

On a lighter note from "Garofalo", as she calls herself:

I keep the 20, too. (At 4:40.) It's right here, on my belly. I'm ready to work. Where indeed is my kudos from Siskel and Ebert?


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"Oh, here comes the chubby funster."

For some reason, I've been into Ricky Gervais's comedic works over the past few days. My renewed interest started with Extras last week and has now expanded into reruns of The Office (UK). Jim and Pam are funnier in British.

Also, for you history fans out there, a bit about Rosa Parks:

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"You don't even think about it. You just do!"

Well, I don't. Too much hype, not enough usefulness.

Maybe the iPad isn't appealing to me because I don't want to watch the latest Star Trek remake on my lap. Or because the people behind this "magical and revolutionary product" don't exactly reflect me.

"I don't have to change myself to fit the product. It fits me."

Of course it fits you, Jony Ive, Senior Vice President of Design at Apple. You made the product, along with a bunch of guys who look like you and live the same Apple-tastic lifestyle that you do. Setting aside the moneyed white male aspect of the design team, did anyone on the team consider making the iPad unbreakable or waterproof? That would fit me and my lady lifestyle.

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I would like to have a pair of anthropomorphic shoes

that greeted me at my door.

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"Oh. That's what's supposed to happen."

Purity.

Running on the beach.

Twirling in slow motion.

That's an accurate representation of my period.

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This commercial turned out well, but

it could have led to an episode of SVU. Kids, don't talk to strangers, even if they helped you find your puppy.

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"Normal Asian family on TV!"

[found via Racialicious]

Or more precisely, an average family on TV, who happens to look Asian. My favorite part is the two gray-haired members of the family enjoying the beatboxing and dancing.

I like this commercial, too, for similar reasons:

This one, too!

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Classy black guy on TV!

I first saw Hill Harper peddling The Conversation last week on The Wendy Williams Show. (Yes, that Wendy Williams Show.) Then I heard him talking about it on The Steve Harvey Morning Show the next day.

As you may know, this is the third book from Hill (or Mr. Harper to Sasha and Malia). He has worked with both Joshua Jackson and with his friend President Barack Obama. Can you say the same about yourself and your friends? I need to be friends with a President. Readers, get on that: One of you needs to be elected President so I can be friends with you. Start the campaigning today.

I like to page through Hill's other books, Letters to a Young Brother and Letters to a Young Sister, while I wak through airport bookstores. So, no, I don't actually own any of the books yet, per se. But you readers should get them, and tell me what you think!

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I would go to a movie with both of them.

Best YouTube comment, by star0shadows:

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, you are officially invited to the party in my pants.

~ ~ ~

Meaning, I would watch a movie in a theater with each of them sitting next to me. However, I think that Mr. Wood would be more interested in Mr. G-L than he would be in me. (Yes, I did watch the Season 3 premiere of Mad Men last night. Did you?) Or maybe not. I am adorable and charming, as you readers know. :)

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