New Film and Television Production Studio

  Film and television projects, which focus on entertaining rather than preaching, change hearts and minds. They reveal the worst of ourselves but also the best. This dynamic engages the full spectrum of audiences’ emotions—joy, sadness, love, loss, anger, and fear.  They represent the humanness that mathematical formulas are incapable of understanding, computing, or predicting. By engaging the emotions, rather than shocking the senses, the project empowers the audiences to envision a future based on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Kaleidoscope Film and Television’s mission statement is to reflect what was and is to order to change what can be. By focusing on projects based on age, gender, and ethnic diversity, we will break stereotypes in front of and behind the cameras. Revealing the best and worst of humanity will give the audiences the means to see beyond who they are now to who they can become. It’s never too late to find our best selves. 

When the focus remains on character and plot development, instead of preaching, the projects attract national and international audiences, thus making them popular and profitable. Keeping the production budgets reasonable and responsible only increases their profitability potential. By including those voices who have been overlooked or excluded, we will expand the audience base, giving our projects larger shares of nearly all demographics.

Kaleidoscope Film and Television will achieve these goals and so much more. We are seeking those, in front of and behind the cameras, who want to support the humanness of diversity and inclusion. By working together to share our talents and experiences, we create more of a cooperative than a traditional studio. Let’s open the door to new adventures together.

https://www.kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com/

#film #television #gender #love #future #development #project #change #inclusion #diversityandinclusion #diversity #projects #share

Rochelle Arjmand Steps on the International Stage

Seeing herself more as a conductor who brings harmony to her clients’ message, than a networker, Rochelle Arjmand stepped onto the international business, financial, and social influencers stage.  As an invited speaker by the founder of the High Net Connect Summer Conference, she spoke on the necessity of using connecting and networking to benefit society.  As an invited guest, Arjmand attended Tessy’s Brunch, further extending her influence as she was introduced and interacted with the socially prominent European influencers.

Arjmand spoke on the differences between making authentic connections and merely networking.  Making authentic connections builds bridges in which people are seen as individuals instead of business opportunities.  Learning more about what inspires each other builds the understanding and trust that enables them to speak more freely about business.  By clearly understanding the goals of her clients, she coordinates the resources and connections they need to bring harmony to their message.  However, her 360-degree approach includes understanding the objectives of all involved, not just her clients.  It creates an ever-expanding hub of which Arjmand is the center.

Founded by Liz Baitson BEM, High Net Connect facilitates relationships for business, pleasure, and philanthropy.  (https://www.highnetconnect.co.uk/)  With a background in finance as a commercial financer and co-director of Preneur Capital, Baitson ‘s passion lies in supporting philanthropic and impactful investment.  She believes that a person’s worth is based on more than just finances, but  on their ethics, integrity, and compassion.  The speaker’s list for the event also included:

Elliott Rayne: Multi-National Award-Winning serial entrepreneur and expert in blockchain and Venture Capital Funding - Rayne Enterprises Holdings

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliottrayne/

Dr. Daniel Moses: Forbes Council and award-winning property entrepreneur. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdanielmoses

David Blackhurst: Founder and TedX speaker – The Tiny Homes Foundation

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidblackhurst

Wynford Dore: Pioneer of Cerebeller, an expert in neuroplasticity and neurodivergence https://www.linkedin.com/in/braindevelopment

Meena Samara & Rachel Wayte: Intuitives and expert energy workers https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenasamara  

https://www.rachelwayte.com/

Buckso Dw: Performer and coach

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buckso-dhillon-894384212/

Emily Moon: ULTRA SOPRANO

https://www.linkedin.com/in/moonrising/

Fidel Beauhill: "The Kingmaker" and bestselling author of "Divorce, A Modern Man's Guide" https://www.linkedin.com/in/fidel-modernman-beauhill

Helen Pollock, Kerryn Fields, and Sarah Fletcher: Power UP your Public Relations, CONNECTIONS, SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING! 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollockhelen/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryn-fields/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/svfletcher/

Tony Courtney Brown: Founder of Total Body Health - where tech meets nature. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-courtney-brown/

Jess Roper: Former 2 x English Kickboxing Champion https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-fleischer-iamfightingfit/

Ken Dunn: Managing Director and Founder of Eternal Flame, Africa’s Gift and Connecting Communities Worldwide https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-dunn-mbe-frgs-mfa-/

 

The Director of the Diana Award (https://diana-award.org.uk/), Tessy Ojo CBE, periodically organizes brunches to make introductions among the influencers, who use their time and resources to create positive social change.   The Diana Award continues Diana, Princess of Wales’s legacy by developing and inspiring projects which empower young people to become socially active.  In 2020, Ojo’s work earned her recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honors with a CBE – Commander of The British Empire for her services to children and young people.  Additionally, for the last 20 years, she has worked closely with Diana’s sons to ensure the award honors her memory and legacy. Ojo believes that the future will be created by the present investing in it.   Tessy’s brunches and her work at the Diana Award have been designed to bring awareness and support to socially relevant projects that achieve sustainable change. The June brunch speakers include:

 Gina London: former CNN Anchor Correspondent, CEO, Executive Advisor, TEDx Speaker, Author, and Columnist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginalondonexecutiveadvisor/

Helen Cook: Deputy Director, Prime Minister's Policy Unit

https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-cook-8a43a616/

Ciara McElligott: Investor, Strategic Advisor, NED in human capital/work tech

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciara-mcelligott-41542124/

Dr. Aziza Sesay: General Practitioner, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, Host, Speaker, Educator, Health Content Cobreator, UN Women UK delegate 2023 (volunteer)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-aziza-sesay-36b2b2200/

Annie Castano: Corporate and Personal Stylist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-castano-09703012b/

Sally Flatman: Podcaster, former BBC Producer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-flatman-12bab154/

Chizzy Akudolu: Actor, presenter, writer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chizzy-akudolu-97133946/

 

Arjmand has realigned Catalytic Connections’ mission statement to focus on representing those who lack the time, connections, or inclination to connect with the people they seek to meet.  At the High Net Connect Summer Conference, she began by asking if anyone had heard an orchestra play without a conductor.  Without someone coordinating the musicians, the music lacks cohesion and harmony.  However, harmony is restored when the conductor becomes the focal point.  Arjmand coordinates her client’s message so that is honed and structured for presentation.  Additionally, she acts as the conduit to arrange introductions and make presentations.  She represents her client’s interests at meetings and events they are, for whatever reason, unable to attend. Currently, she is interviewing for available positions for her extremely limited client list.  Her appointment schedule can be found on her website.

https://catalyticconnections.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellearjmand/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/catalytic-connections/

 

 

#RochelleArjamand #CatalyticConnections #TessyOjoCBE #DianaAward #LizBaitson #HighNetConnect #ElliottRayne #DrDanielMoses #DavidBlackhurst #WynfordDore #MeenaSamara #RachelWayte #BucksoDw #EmilyMoon #FidelBeauhill #HelenPollock #KerrynFields #SarahFletcher  #TonyCourtneyBrown #JessRoper #KenDunn #GinaLondon #HelenCook #CiaraMcElligott #DrAzizaSesay #AnnieCastano #SallyFlatman #ChizzyAkudolu #OrchestratorofAuthenticBusinessConnections  #OrchestratingAuthenticConnections

 

 

 

 

​

 

 

WACCI: American Foreign Policy in the Middle East

 American Foreign Policy in the Middle East

May 4, 2023, at Illini Country Club




Young Diplomat Program 5:30 pm

Reception: 5:30 pm

Dinner: 6:15 pm

Program: 7:15 pm



Professor Gawdat Bahgat will use his expertise in the Middle Eastern to discuss how Russia and China have been consolidating their economic and strategic ties in the region.



The United States has several major national interests in the Middle East including oil supplies, the security of Israel, nuclear nonproliferation, and counterterrorism. To protect these interests, Washington has been heavily involved in the region. However, in the last two decades, both Russia and China have consolidated their economic and strategic ties with several regional powers. Meanwhile, some Arab leaders perceive the US as withdrawing from the region. Senior US officials strongly disagree with this assessment. This program will examine the main forces that shape US foreign policy in the Middle East and the rest of the world and discuss the challenges and opportunities in US relations with major regional powers (Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey among others).





https://mywacci.org/

https://mywacci.org/future-programs/

https://catalyticconnections.com/


https://vimeo.com/822411861?share=copy

leaders, security #china #oil #saudiarabia #middleeast #WACCI #WorldAffairCouncil #springfieldil @RochelleArjmand #CatalyticConnections #RochelleArjmand #ProfessorGawdatBahgat

A Butterfly is Born receives 5 Star Reviews

Shylon the caterpillar becomes self-aware in her egg. As she develops, she learns and grows to the point that her world had become too small to hold her.   As it breaks away, she becomes both fearful and curious about the outside world. But when the egg disintegrates and she no longer has the option to return to it, her fear becomes anger. Mother calms and comforts her until she is again forced to face another uncertainty.  Shylon's anger escalates with each challenge until she comes to the point when Mother can no longer reach her. Shylon must choose between the path leading to love or the dark angry one where love cannot go.

No matter what our age, like Shylon, we are ever-changing. Physical and emotional growth continues from the time we enter this world until the time we leave it. Whether we like it or not, we continually change and grow. Sometimes, our evolution is so slow and steady that we never notice how much we have evolved until we look backward. Other times, it happens without warning; suddenly the world as we know has disappeared.  Frightened, confused, and frustrated, we sometimes lash out, hurting ourselves and others. Like Shylon, we alone can decide which path we will continue to follow to the end.

Kari Marie

5.0 out of 5 stars A Journey of Emotions

Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2023

I really liked this book! It was written simply and beautifully- very easy to read and the length is wonderful. Shylon is the main character and she goes through a process of self-awareness with the help of “Mother” and a few friends. Her innocence is heartwarming and her fears and pains are so relatable. I cried unexpectedly a few times and felt this was healing me also. I learned to not judge myself as much. A good reminder that we are never alone. There is another story at the end about Shannon that also resonated with me. Overall, I feel one of the overarching themes of this book is to embrace growth and change because we are meant to expand. And it’s also about the ones who support us towards that growth and those changes. Without them, we may not fulfill our potential. It made me think about the people who pushed me- towards being and doing greater. A good read!

leolady

5.0 out of 5 stars Reclaim your power and have faith in yourself

Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2023

This book reminded me and taught of how I learned how to emerge from many obstacles throughout my life from childhood through adulthood. I had learned to embrace change, through a serious illness in my later years of life, I learned to stay positive and not to let fear f any obstacle encountered take over my life. I survived. “shylon” in the book means a person of true faith, all one has to do is to believe in something. I highly recommend this book for children or adults. The book is inspiring and offers encouragement and faith in oneself.

Let’s girl talk

5.0 out of 5 stars Promotes self-awareness of change and how scary it can be

Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2023

This book is an amazing example of what change feels like and the importance of embracing it and not letting fear rule our lives. The name that was chosen for this book “shylon” was perfect! It represents so many good character traits, but the one I love the most is the representation of self-reliance and self-confidence. A very good read for children and adults

Joseph A Giangrosso II

4.0 out of 5 stars Multiple layers create evolving lessons.

Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2023

Verified Purchase

This story gives an interesting path for the reader, without question. There are multiple layers as the story builds, just like the main character has multiple layers that are both grown and shed. I like the parallel between the fanciful characters and people. There is definitely the theme of transformation that embraces human emotions and questions and fears but is provided in a safe space, something we all need when faced with ourselves. The final shift to the theatre was a big surprise, but a welcomed one as it made me think more fully about the whole story. Thank you for sharing your work. Joey Giangrosso

A Butterfly is Born is a Divinely inspired short novel, which tells the tale of how Shylon the Caterpillar faces her fear to become a beautiful butterfly. it will help those, who are facing life's challenges, find the strength to heal and move forward. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and as a Kindle.

Amazon Link

It’s also available on the website as a PDF.

Website

#facingfears #healing #healingjourney #lifechanges #adolescence #amazon #amazonbooks #kindlebooks #lifechangingopportunity #newbeginnings #TheresaChaze #AButterflyisBorn

WACCI; The three intertwining circles of energy policy, foreign relations, and economic trends

  

The World Affairs Council of Central Illinois will host Assistant Professor, Dr. Brandon Barclay Derman at 6 pm on April 26, 2023, at UIS Brookens Auditorium as he puts the United States energy policy affects foreign relations and international economic trends into perspective.  The event will be live-streams and available for playback at  https://mywacci.org/.

Noah Barclay-Derman holds his Master of Public Health degree from the Global Health Department at the University of Washington’s School of Public Health and an International Development Graduate Certificate from the Evans School of Public Affairs. Before joining the UVM faculty, Noah was the deputy director of Development in Gardening (DIG), overseeing programs at the intersection of agriculture and health in Senegal, Kenya, and Uganda.  He has 15 years of experience working on global health issues in the public and private sectors both domestically and internationally. Noah’s areas of interest include food security and nutrition, sustainable development, and monitoring and evaluation. Noah is also a returned Peace Corps volunteer, for which he served communities impacted by HIV/AIDS in northeast Thailand.

April 26, 2023

UIS Brookens Auditorium

University of Illinois Springfield 
One University Plaza
Springfield, Illinois 62703-5407

Young Diplomat Program 4:30 pm

Reception: 4:30 pm

Dinner: 5:00 pm

Program: 6:00 pm

https://mywacci.org/

https://mywacci.org/future-programs/

https://catalyticconnections.com/

kaleidoscope Film and Television: The Returning Control to the Creatives

 

The pencil heads and bean counters of the corporate world have taken over the entertainment industry.  They see film and television projects more like widgets that can be mass-produced rather than creative endeavors. They have been managing the industry according to the mathematical formula they created to reinforce their narrow point of view, which is everything that can be summed up on the bottom of a balance sheet.  They plop numbers to their formula, believing it will project the audiences’ interests and desires.  People can’t be summed up at the bottom of a balance sheet.  They are messy, complicated, and inconsistent.  Just because they like a project once, doesn’t mean they will accept prequels, sequels, and remakes.   Unlike widgets, which need to be standardized, successful film and television projects are the ones that left the standards behind to tell tales based on unique characters and plots.   They are the leaders that blaze new creative trails that everyone else follows.

Part of their equation focuses on using A-list talent. Yet, A list talent only guarantees a much larger budget; they don’t ensure a successful project. But the studios, investors, and distributors insist on only supporting projects with A-list talent attached. Although, for the most part, A-list talents have earned their places in the industry, they only achieve that status by being correctly hired for projects that suit their talents.  Mismatching or forcing a talent to fit into a project can damage or end careers just as quickly. 

Every A-list actor who has walked the red carpet had that one role that launched their career.  Someone saw value in their talent and opened doors for them.  Unfortunately, with the corporate state of mine, the roles and projects they were offered afterward became standardized to a stereotype, because they are seen as numbers, not people. As long as they stayed in their place, the studio executives will support them.  Stepping out of their pigeonhole could lead to the red carpets being rolled up.

What’s more challenging--attracting an A-list talent or creating a new one?  Existing talent has an established body of work and fan base, but both bring audiences’ expectations.  Fresh talent lacks both those limitations and assets.  It’s the difference between buying a suit off the rack and having one custom designed.  However, offering a stereotype-breaking role to an A-list talent becomes a game changer as it resets the stage for her or him. However, it can also be a double-edged sword as the bar of excellence will be raised as the actor faces preconceived expectations.

As with onscreen talent, writers, directors, and producers also find themselves limited by the same parameters.   Success frequently leads to being only offered projects in the same genre and at the budget level.   Industry and audience expectations create a glass ceiling in which new adventures and challenges can be seen but not realized.

Kaleidoscope Film and Television will break the chains that bind talent to the past and open doors for those new to the industry.  By keeping the budgets reasonable and by focusing on original projects, it will return to the old business model of producing quality in quantity.  However, it will deviate from past practices by focusing on bringing age, gender, and ethnic diversity and inclusion to the screens.  This will be accomplished by breaking stereotypes in front of and behind the cameras.  With top-of-the-line equipment and a versatile soundstage, Kaleidoscope Film and Television will nurture new talent, while expanding opportunities for experienced actors, producers, directors, and writers. With the intention of being fully operational by the end of 2023, it is currently building its team by reaching out to like-minded individuals, who want to create projects that will entertain while opening the world to new possibilities.

Website

 

 

 

 

Screenwriting 101: One page doesn’t always equal one minute.

 

Screenwriting 101: One page doesn’t always equal one minute.

 

Most screenwriters are taught that one page of script equals one minute of screen time.  But that is a misnomer.  Timing depends on the amount of dialog versus action.  But more importantly, it depends on the director and actors involved; they are the ones who set the blocking and delivery of the lines. 

Scenes, which focus primarily on dialogue, more closely align with the one-page-one-minute concept.  These scenes open with a general description, which sets the stage.  Unless specifically written, the director and actors will set both blocking and emotional motivation. Both determine the context of how the lines are delivered.  The perfect illustration is how the different actors, who played James Bond, said the classic line “Bond, James Bond.”  Each of the actors had a unique tempo, which was only slightly altered by the scene settings.  Emotions and actions always affect how lines are delivered.   Strong emotions and intense actions will slow down the dialogue in some situations by creating necessary pauses, while fear and anger increase the speed of others.  The interactions between the character, whether with overlapping lines or long pauses between them, will either shorten or length the scene.

However, scenes that focus primarily on action might be described in a few sentences, yet they will run for several minutes on the screen.  For example:

The crowd’s cheers rapidly became gasps of horror as Jackson and Drake's cars murderously battle for the lead.  Using the other vehicles as weapons, they played bumper cars with each trying to knock the other off the track.

These two lines could very easily run for two to three minutes on the screen.  Without a word of dialogue, the scene and the motivation are set.  Nothing needs to be said.  Their actions speak louder than any words could convey.  The final length would be determined by how explicit the director wanted to make the violence and if there are intercutting scenes, which reveal actors inside the cars.

Most scenes combine both dialogue and action.  The following scene from my dark comedy, Completely Loyal to Me.  It’s just shy of two pages.  According to the formula, it should run for two minutes.  However, the action and reactions of the characters would more than double the screen time.  Walking and running on beach sand while trying to catch someone, who doesn’t want to be caught isn’t easy and will quickly lead to exhaustion.  The lines would be interspersed with action with the delivery becoming increasingly slower as actors portrayed the characters become breathless and tired.

 

EXT. BEACH: DAY

Cheryl and Karen walk down the beach. Lynne runs toward them from the other direction.

CHERYL

You are so grounded.

LYNNE

(excited)

I have proof!

CHERYL

You promised mom and dad--

LYNNE

But I have proof!

CHERYL

You broke your word!

LYNNE

Just listen!

KAREN

Let’s go home.

LYNNE

(Pulling away)

No! I won’t!

CHERYL

We’ll drag you back.

KAREN

We who? Don’t look at me.

 

Cheryl tries to grab Lynne. She eludes them. In a keystone cop chase, Cheryl and Karen try to catch her.

 

KAREN

Damn! She’s fast!

LYNNE

(frustrated)

Promise you’ll listen!

CHERYL

Do you want to be arrested?

KAREN

Arrested? Wait a minute. Just her? Right?

LYNNE

Just listen.

CHERYL

I will--at home!

Lynne continues to elude them.

LYNNE

NO! We have to go to the lighthouse.

KAREN

No! It’s off-limits.

LYNNE

But we have to.

CHERYL

Why? Why do we have to go there?

LYNNE

That’s where he went.

CHERYL

Who?

Lynne points up at the mansion.

CHERYL

If we don’t find anything, do you pinkie swear to stop playing Nancy Drew?

 

With one hand behind her back, Lynne offers her pinkie.

 

CHERYL (CONT.)

Let’s see your other hand.

 

Lynne shows her other and uncrosses her fingers.

 

CHERYL (CONT.)

Let’s go.

KAREN

(whining)

My feet hurt.

 

The dialogue implies the action and emotion of the characters, but it also gives the actors and director a great deal of leeway to enhance the action and emotions, especially for the actor playing the eight-year-old Lynne.  The comedic possibilities would be nearly endless as the twenty-somethings try to capture her  Realistically the scene would run about three and a half minutes.  Running it too short would stunt the humor; too long would be overkill.

 

 

Website 

#writingscripts #screenwriting #producing #featurefilms #darkcomedy #writingtips