Perception is 50% and Assumption is the other 50%

How Ironic is it that someone could write a scene that mimics someone's life that they get offended by the scene. I had no idea that the scene I wrote was based on truth. God is always on point. He knows exactly what He is doing. Thank you God for clearing up a mis-understanding on my part, where an actor assumed too much about what I know or did not know. Now I feel so much better. That actor can't make or break me. The actor may never want to work with me, but that's cool too, They have their own demons to fight and that is there problem not mine. My future is set, God's got me. Thank you Father for always showing me what I need to see.

Actors who get offended by the script

Monday, I scolded myself for offending an actor because of the scene I wrote for them. I apologized, I decided to rewrite the scene or take it out altogether. I even offered them to ad lib all they wanted. I cried about how much I offended them, because I have so much respect for them and it was not my intention to offend anyone.
               After lamenting on it all afternoon, just at this moment, I realized that what they said about my scene was offensive to me. They said it was offensive and lacked taste - now was that about my entire script or was it about the scene. Then they said they are very careful about what projects they do.  But the ironic thing about that statement is they stated that they will do and follow whatever I wanted them to do. They wanted to cuss a lot, play a bitter person or whatever. Then they read the script and all of a sudden it was beneath them.                          

     As actors, should we take a script personal and make it about ourselves or is it really about the quality of the work? What actor always wants to play themselves? Isn't it about the challenge to play a character that is totally the opposite from themselves?  I'm learning that the characters that are totally different from who we are is what the craft is about. Not to be offended by what a writers vision is or to belittle it.

     I guess I could've been offended by the words of the actor, instead I made myself feel guilty about offending the actor. I wonder if I had been Lee Daniels, Steven Spielberg, Jerry Bruckheimer, Rob Reiner, Spike Lee or Scorcesee  would the actor have turned me down?
  
     Putting this production together is teaching me a lot. Now I know, that when I offer someone a role, to make sure they read the script first before they say yes. So now what do I do about the actor? Will they decide to sever our "contact" with each other? Will they ever want to work with me again? or will they ever recommend me for anything etc. But I guess the real question should be, will I ever want to work with them again, that is the real question.
      Now being a writer, executive producer and film maker, I now can choose who I want to work with again.  I guess I will also learn who my friends really are. All I can say is this. I know that I was meant to write my script, to produce it and let God do the rest. All things have been falling into place and whether people say no to me or yes is not going to stop me from the goal. If I have to recast my film there are plenty of people who would love to be in a Kubbic Inch Production.

     Nothing is by chance or by accident. God has ordained everything that has gone down and will go down. So Kub - Keep it moving, Keep believing and walk in your blessing. There will come a time when actors will be requesting to be in your productions. Then when I look back on all of this I will say to myself- was I bugging out to let this person rattle my spirit.  Nothing is perfect, but "All Things are Possible for those who believe." That is what will keep me going. So I forgive myself for allowing that person to jack me up. Forgive myself for begging their forgiveness and Forgive myself for lamenting on it for so many hours.

Casting the Handsome Man in Shenika's Redemption

I've asked Tobias Truvillion to play the Handsome Man. I'm almost afraid that he is going to turn me down because I cannot pay him what he is worth. His reel is awesome. I also would like Lamman Rucker to be in the film also. I originally wanted Lamman but he may be really difficult to get in contact with. Plus I can't pay him either. So I'm hoping they volunteer to help an up & coming actress, writer etc.  We will see what happens. God knows who He has planned to do this film with me. Just before I finished this blog, Tobias said Yes!!!! See how quick God works.  I still want Lamman in the film too. I'm excited.  And I got more donations in too. What a beautiful day!!!!!!
           

Shenika's Redemption - Pre-Production

Well, it's finally time to produce my first short film. Pre- Production so far is well organized. Rehearsals have been scheduled. Meetings have also been schedule with the music producer. Need to cast one more roll, then the background features will need to be cast. This is exciting and exhausting at the same time. Putting in late hours to ensure, I get as much done as possible before filming begins which will be on September 30 - October 5th. Prayerfully everything will run smooth. All we pray that the investors and donations go through.  Will keep you posted.