RIP Micheal Jackson-The One True Wiz

With This Dedication We Say: Thank You Micheal Jackson For Being The One True “Wiz,” That has captivated us all.

The Wiz was a film that has captivated the imagination of many young and old for over 30 years now. With the cast of Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, and Richard Pryor who would have thought a, “KING,” would humble himself to play the role of a outcasted scarecrow who would captivate us, motivate us and have us moving and grooving for years to come.

Micheal Jackson’s scarecrow was truly the star of this film, one that he will be remember for, not only for dancing and singing his way into our hearts and lives, but believing that we to could dream, and take the roads less traveled to find our true purpose.

This Blog is a dedication to his work in not only song and dance but is contribution to Film and Cinema Arts. Thank you for allowing a little five year old girl dream the impossible dream of one day remaking this film as a dedication to the work, life and art of you, Micheal Jackson. Thank you so much for your contribution to this earth. As we look today upon your memorial I thank God for sending an angel to bless us all. Thank you for leaving your legacy in the earth.

From the staff and writers at DT Productions we salute you Micheal Jackson, and may the Lord God, rest your soul and spirit in his great peace and love.

Talia Moore

Happy Anniversary DT Productions Blog

 

Happy Anniversary To DT Productions 

 1 YEAR’S OLD

 

DT Productions Blog was founded on June 24, 2008. And now In the month of June we are celebrating 1 YEAR of bringing you great film advice, supporting the FEMA trailer crisis, Hurricane Katrina/Rita survivors with Green The Gulf to providing blogs on Joe The Filmmaker and Daily Script Pitches. We have enjoyed this year with you and look for many more months of educational and informative information for up and coming filmmakers, script writers, producers and directors of film and stage.

Please let us know how we can further enhance this blog and give you the information that will advance your career and the life of your film and stage productions.

DT Productions Staff

Talia Moore

Pitch Perfect-Branding Film Phrases

Being in the entertainment industry you hear that film scripts are sold by the pitch, hook  or the sinker, well today I’m going to give you some personal pointers on how to make your “Pitch,” pitch perfect!

A pitch is what interest a potential buyer, seller, marketer or financier to your story! They are not interested in the full treatments they are interested in the hook! If you can sell them on the hook or the sinker of your story then the deal is in the bag. Many deals are done over paper napkins, in elevators, in taxies or anywhere where people are speaking about ideas/stories that work.

The film industry is not the only industry that has grasped the validity and value of a great pitch. These concepts have worked for marketers and major businesses for years. Marketers uses “Catch Phrases” or quick phrases that will catch your attention to buy a product they want to sell you. Ex. Just Do It (Nike), Bet You Can’t Eat Just One (Lays), Just For The Taste Of It (Diet Coke). These phrases has become so familiar that when we hear the catch phrase we automatically think of the brand of product that it derives from. Coming up with a pitch is similar to this same method. It’s the, “Film Phrase” or pitch banks at the boxoffice. Coming up with a perfect pitch takes practice. Follow theses steps and get your script noticed.

When you consider a story line you may start with a simple idea such as; A man in a tunnel. That’s a great start, now you must put a story around that line. Here’s an example.

1. A man in a tunnel. 2. The tunnel begins to leak water. 3. The man’s son appears in the tunnel 4. Precious jewels are found in the tunnel. 5. The man must decided between the life of his son or the rock that could prosper is life.

Now, looking at this example you have a lot of information. Now you must consider what is important and vital to the hook of this story. By breaking down these key points you will develop the “Film Phrase,” of your story.

“An errupting tunnel shakes a  man who must choose between his trapped son and a jewel that could change his life.” 

Now, with this condensed version of your story, people will get a clear message of the story, the plot, and are anticipating the outcome of the deciding choice.

These are the steps you must make to create your perfect pitch.

1. Create your main character

2. Place them in a dilemma

3. Create the challenge

4. Make an unpredictable outcome 

5. Write down key points of the story.

6. Develop a one line “Film Phrase” that will sale your story.

Please remember pitches are short versions of you story. The less the better and be creative and as innovative as you can regarding your story. People will take interest in your “Film Phrase” if you take the time to “Make It Great!”

By: Talia Moore/DT Productions

The Release Of Hidden Secret Documentary

Hidden Secret Documentary takes you on an dangerous ride through the life of seven students (male/female) who were victimize by their school principal Mr. Frank Williams and other male teachers of Byromville Elementary School, in Byromville, GA in the early 1960’s.

The male students recount their memories of being sexually abused and bribed by the very male authority figures who were intended to provide them with a safe learning environment . The female students recount their memories of being physically abused, manipulated and used as pons in the sick games the principle and staff would inflict on them.

The former students speak about how they have progressed, and speak openly about how their generation of adults turn their backs and kept the town secret abuse and molestation hidden.

Hidden Secret Documentary is not just about a generation of students who were abused, but about a determination to live past the pain of abusive authority figures who have directly affect the lives of many children who now struggle to live with the pain of physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse who have forced them to keep their secrets hidden.

For more information about Hidden Secret Documentary please see our Documentary Page!

Life Is Purpose-Film Review “Precious”

There are many reasons why we make film. To tell a story, to fullfil a childhood dream, to make our mother’s proud, but most of all because we are purpose to do it. Have you ever made a film on Purpose?

A film on purpose is a film that is made from the heart. A film that touches the very souls of the viewer and allows them to look into their own lives to see what areas in they life they can change and affect for the good. I usually don’t do film reviews but the movie, “Precious” is a movie that I feel will change the lives of millions of people.

The movie is an adaption to the book, “Push” by Sapphire that was adapted into film via a collaboration between Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry with Direction by Lee Daniels. The movie “Precious,” tells of a girl name Precious who endures sexual abuse by her father and becomes pregnant with his child. She is verbally abused and physically abused by mother (Mo’nique) who’s also a product of an abusive impoverished environment.

Precious dreams of being famous, being adored by fans that watch BET and MTV and being loved by light-skinned lover, but her reality dims her shine as the only love and fortune she has gained is that of pain and degradation by her parents.

Life takes a twist as she is forced by her abusive mother to seek welfare for assistance. The case worker (Mariah Carey) is assigned her case and overtime befriends her and attempts to seek the roots and cause of her needs; financial, mental, physical, and emotional.

Traditional school becomes difficult for Precious and she is forced to attend an alternative school, “Each One Teach One”, to which she is befriended by Ms. Rain (Paula Patton). By trudging through her path of pain, Precious is able to find, life, love and most of all purpose.

This acclaimed film has already won audiences over at Sundance Film Festival winning; Grand Jury Award, Audience Award and Special Jury Prize. It has yet to touch the hearts of millions of viewers who deal with this very pain and purpose on a daily bases.

Two Thumbs Way Up!

This movie is set to release in nationwide theaters on November 6, 2009

Review By: Talia Moore

Movie Marketing Madness!

Yes! Here it comes all you March-April Madness College Basketball Fans. With the hype of the final four,  I would like to add a tip for the Filmmakers who are looking to market their films in less then perfect economic times.

When I think about the technology we have  available to us to market our films to the world, truly the world wide web is our oyster. From youtube to myspace marketing film has become easier, cheaper and well, FREE! Now to become a true marketer of your films, you must, BRAND, BRAND, BRAND your film. Here are some tips to help you to brand your film while marketing it for FREE!

1. Google your film-By Googling your film you will find out where your story title ranks. If you have little to no exposure on google, you will need to make a list of FREE social networking sites that will allow you post your movie treatment/synopsis that will allow you to gain search engine tagging power.

2. What’s The Plan Sam?-Make sure to create a marketing plan that will give your film at least two months of exposure through various FREE Advertising/Marketing avenues to get viewers excited about the coming of your film. Make sure you create a website dedicated to the film for viewers to check out trailers and special bonus features about your film. If you are creating a large buzz about the film, build a Ning (Ning.com) to get people talking and spreading word-of-mouth reviews about your film.

3. What’s The Word-Write an article about your film and send it to trade publications and media conglomerates. If your story is a true life film, or documentary make a direct note about the heart of the story and don’t forget the, hook, line and sinker!

4. Community Networking-No matter how big or small your movie is you must get your community involved with your film project. Let them know who the next up-and-coming Director/Producer is in your town. Write a press release or presskit (Marketing Advertisement) to your local paper and news station of the release of your film.

5.  Cheap Film Distribution-For cheap film distribution check out createspace.com or lulu.com where you can produce and distribute your work online without the need to get a film distributor or gather a lump sums of cash for DVD copies of your work.

6. Throw a Film Release Premier Party-When you release your film invite your film crew, actors, and associates to see a first viewing of the film. Also, invite established film producers, directors, and other media conglomerates to your celebration for extra exposure. Make sure you rent an intimate space, serve appetizers, have a cast and crew meet and greet, show the film, and for profit sale autograph copies of the film after the showing.

7. Free Online Marketing Sites-This is a personal list of websites that you can begin marketing and advertising your film: youtube, myspace, ning.com, weebly.com, createspace.com, lulu.com, mandy.com, twitter.com, digg.com, hourtown.com. There are many more but this blog page would be way to long.

This is a start for marketing your film the FREE way for more tips on this topic stay tunned. For more interest on this topic please email us your personal request.

DT Productions Staff

How To Copyright Your Film Script

Your script has been completed, the final draft has been printed and you’re ready to send the finished copy to your agent. Well, my friend there are a few steps that you will need to take before your script is sent off into the world, and one of them is copyrighting your work.

I have listed the most popular ways screenwriters/scriptwriters have copyrighted their work to have it legally protected against piracy and copyright theft. Always remember to check your title against other script titles for similarity of name and storyline. Also, be sure to get correct authorizations from the proper parties if your script is an adaption of a story previously made from a book or other feature film or work.

These simple steps will reduce your stress when it comes it making sure you have the rights to the script you wrote and would like to produce one day.

You can copyright your work a number of ways. One is to copyright it through the us government copyright office, you can visit this link below.

www.copyright.gov

Or you can can copyright your work with the WGAE/A Writers Guild America East/West you can vist this link below.

www.wgaeast.org

www.wgawest.org

The Government Copyright Office will charge a $45.00 fee to submit your work for copyright, you should receive your letter within 3-6 months. Remember, once you send in the proper forms your work will be considered copyrighted once received by their office. Also, you should be able to check your copyright registration online for verification that your work has been received. The government copyright will be valid for a number of years and is very secure for a legal copyright.

With WGAE/W will charge a $22.00 fee to non-members to submit your work for copyright, you should receive your approval letter within 2-4weeks. This certificate will be valid for a number of years. This copyright is less secured but usable as a valid copyright for your script/screenplay.

This comment is derived from the opinion and experience of our staff. For more about perspective copyright resources please research the links we have provided for you. Thank You For Reading.

DT Productions Staff

Silence Of The Blog Posting

When I write, I have to write for inspiration and from experience, or otherwise, I’m writing in vain.

When I think about passing on knowledge I first have to become the student. I must sit in the chair intently soaking in my mentors/teachers advice, study the content of my education and eventually pass the test. Well my firiends after doing much soul searching and examing myself I realize that what I added to this blog was not just information but an interpetation of lessons I wanted to learn, and wanted lessons I wanted to teach others so they would’nt have the struggle I did while trying to become a filmmaker.

Now I want to end my, “Silence Of The Blog Posting,” and give you my heart so that it will bring purpose in to your life.

Just a few short months ago I applied for the rights to create, “Return Of The Wiz,” as a feature film from Universal Studios. After many letters and faxes were exchanged they denied my rights to produce a sequel for this film. I had felt like a failure and just sank into depression. I stopped writing and didn’t answer calls from anyone and literally wanted to give it all up. I felt worthless, and that I had put so much time into my work that for me to come to this point and fail, was just tragic.

Just this last week I was examined my creative talents  and I prayed and cried, and shut down and listened, then I stopped and paused and said that I was just going to quit all together giving my heart to the craft of entertainment/film/stage. I screamed that I would just work my job and only work on one project at a time and that’s only when I had given it time.

Then I started reading the, “Purpose Driven Life,” (That’s A Great Book…Go Get It Now!) and it was speaking about burying my talents. That I was purpose to have talent in my life that could only be expressed by me in the time that is meant for me to express it. Only if I decide to give up will my talent will die and I will pass them on to someone else to carry out the purpose that I should have completed.

Just when I decided not to give up my talent, ideas, people and life started to move through my life again. I decided to rewrite, “Return Of The Wiz,” and make it my story of triumph and purpose. Also I will once again attempt to put on the production for, “Mamma Don’t Cry,” as well as possibly working with another screewriter to create a script writing business.

So, my fellow writers, directors, producers, agents, and entertainment workers. If you have come across hard times in this economy, or you have had rejection after rejection, or you have been deep in depression about your projects not working the way, “You” want then to work, Reject, Reflect, and Reset!

Reject-You have been rejected or neglected, or denied, accept this portion of your problem, this is the fuel you will need to turn things around. Accept Rejection it’s your weapon for success!

Reflect-Reflect on what steps you have taken and congratulate yourself. Think back on your beginnings and where you have come from, to where your perseverance and success has brought you now, now use that fuel to go forth into your true purpose. Purpose is not always success, but lessons learned.

Reset-Hit the reset button on your goals, remake yourself, renew your vows to your craft and start working. A restart is the fuel you need to become refocused and make clear minded sound decisions for your future. A restart is not a setback, but a set up for your destiny.

I thank you all for checking out my blog, and pray that you keep writing, or filming, or producing or what ever it is you do to bring a story to other who might not have otherwise heard the story. We need you to survive.

Talia Moore

DT Productions

Here’s My Restart

Who The Heck Is Talia Moore

Who The Heck Is This?

Well, most of you are familiar with DT Productions by now, and realize the information that is provided to you by our website. But who is the person behind this project we call, “DT Productions.” Well, to answer that questions, it’s Talia Moore. Talia is the founder of DT Productions and the master mind behind a wide variety of screen and stage plays that are listed on the new website, www.taliamoore.weebly.com.

In the future I would love to bring you a reference guide on how to go from script to screen. Most starting writers have no idea how to get started, what agents to call and who’s looking for their material. They are sending out thousand of query letters regarding their scripts with no return, and are frustrated that they are not getting called back.

Others want to take the leap to produce their own works and also don’t have a clue about press kits, executive statements, and production contracts. Please let me know the information you are looking for to start your career in the entertaiment industry. This process really should not be so complex, so if you have questions that need answers on your way to the TOP, please e-mail dtproductions.biz@gmail.com and let me know your fears, experience and stories about making your film, stage and TV production dreams come true.

I Was Born To Write This Movie

This was an original vision and inspiration

Picture Created By Sherita Searcy

This is Talia Moore, the creator of the script, “Return Of The Wiz.” I will tell you the story about how this film touched my life and how I was born to write this script.

The Wiz was released, October 1978 in movie theaters nationwide. That was the same year that I was born, August 4,1978 to be exact. I was five years old when I remember seeing The Wiz for the first time. I was mesmerized by the characters, loved Micheal Jackson and could not wait for the, “Brand New Day,” song at the end of the film.

As I became older, The Wiz showed regularly every Christmas season. I was excited every year that I was bound to see my favorite movie at least one time a year guaranteed, until like the time I found out that Santa Clause was not real, after I turned 10, there would no longer be a Christmas showing of The Wiz on regular TV.

As I got older The Wiz faded from my memory. I grew older and went on to high school, college, married, and now two kids and two dogs later I had still kept the memory of The Wiz in my mind. I knew somehow that my favorite childhood movie would somehow follow me and have a significant impact in my adult life.

I will never forget it, I was alone on Christmas 2006 because I had to work and my husband and children had gone to my In-laws for the holidays. That year Dreamgirls had a Christmas opening date, and I was compelled to see it yet, the weather was not favorable and the nearest theater showing it was Syracuse, NY, which was an hour away from where I lived. Just as I wrapped up dinner with my friend Jen and her family, my twin sister called and enthusiastically stated that I had to see Dreamgirls tonight, that it was to good to pass up.

So, I jumped in my 92 Mecury Topaz and press through, snow, sleet and winds to see Dreamgirls. It was the greatest African-American musical I’d seen in film since, The Wiz. As I watched the film tears welled up in my eyes as a voice spoke to my spirit …write Return Of The Wiz. With determination in my heart for the next year and half I wrote and re-wrote, and re-wrote again Return Of The Wiz. Now that the script is complete the final step is to see it come to life on screen on Christmas, December 25, 20??

From growing up to love The Wiz , to the coming full circle to write its completion, only leads me to believe that I was born to write Return Of The Wiz. This is my dream. My birthright and my contribution to a classic that has touched the hearts of millions. My only prayer is that a completed remake of The Wiz will touch the hearts of a million more Return Of The Wiz fans that are yet to come. We all have a story to tell, all of us, and this is mine.