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Monday, August 20, 2012

That's a wrap!

Today, August 20th, we have wrapped the production stage of "The Artist Formerly Known as 'Trina'".  What exactly does that mean?  Let me tell you...

Filmmaking is defined by three stages:
Pre-Production: This was the "foreplay" stage.  This is the stage of the film where all of the the planning and preparation takes place.  Deciding when, where and who to film, acquiring funds, getting equipment..that is all pre-production.
Production: This is the stage where the raw footage is shot.  This included shooting in the classroom, the comedy clubs, interviews and the Iowa adventure. 
This is the stage that we have just finished as of 2:30 pm today.  Which means we are moving on to the 3rd phase.
Post-Production: If pre-production is foreplay and production is "the deed", well then post-production is the baby that comes after.  This stage is where raw footage becomes a movie.  Images and sound are edited together to create a story.  This is where to dozens of hours of footage get whittled down to one cohesive film, with characters you love and story you can follow.  It is not a quick process, it is not an easy process, but in the end it's worth it.  Just like a baby, right?

We are officially in the post-production phase.  This means that the camera is no longer rolling.  We have the pieces of the puzzle, now it's time to put them together.  I am admittedly very nervous about this next step.  It seems like a huge undertaking to re-visit hours upon hours of footage and scrubbing through equal amounts of audio.  But I have a vision, and I have a plan.  At the same time this is a process and it will take some time.  (Hopefully, unlike growing a baby, this process will NOT take 9 months.)

The last 5 months since we started this movie have flown by.  I have no doubt that the next 2 will pass just a quickly.  Honestly I can't even imagine what the next 8 weeks without Teej around are going to be like, but after talking it through, we decided that this was the best avenue to take.  This decision was made on a professional level, it is NOTHING personal between TJ and myself (I'm sure some of you were wondering...so there it is).  I know you all are going to miss the hell out of TJ's posts, I will, too.  Luckily for you, you can follow her on her personal blog ghettopolitan.blogspot.com.  I have always been a follower of Ghettopolitan myself and am looking forward to catching back up with it!  In her absence I will be sure to keep you all updated on the progress of the film as it starts to come together (and maybe just a general life update every once in a while!)

As always, I have unending gratitude for each and every one of you that is sitting on the other side of the internet reading our blog.  I cannot believe we are coming up on 10, 000 views.  Thank you so much for being patient with us as we make this transition, it will be worth it...I promise!

That's a wrap!

Bridget




The next step, a break, and what that means

Hey blog readers. I hope you all had a great weekend. Just wanted to post a little something to fill you all in with what's up with the film. Bridget and I truly appreciate each and every one of you, and are grateful for your support. You will all be kept up to date regarding the project, so check in from time to time. If you are new to this blog, feel free to start from the beginning. We've had quite a journey thus far.
ME!!

BRIDGET

As much as I love working with Bridget and being an integral part of the process, we have decided to part ways for a short time. What does this mean? Well--it means that my part is done for now and Bridget rightfully so needs some space for creativity. Bridget now has the daunting or exciting (depends on who you talk to) task of sifting through fifty hours of footage then piecing  it together to create a film. I'm a distraction and I need to respect my place in this process. Bridget cannot possibly make an honest film about what she has seen in the last five months if I am always hovering and questioning her decisions.

Bridget has told me this from time to time:



I have to let go and trust, so that is exactly what I am going to do. I know that whatever Bridget creates--it will be brilliant. She's a gifted artist with a vision, lots of courage, and a huge amount of wherewithal. Frankly--I'd be scared to death so I really admire her for taking this on.  I'm sure she has fears too, but facing fears creates greatness which is why I know with every fiber of my being that this film will be a winner. So--for the next two months I will not have contact with Bridget or be posting on this blog. I will miss them both very much!! I'm sure Bridget will keep you all updated with the process when she has time. A lot goes into making a film and right now it's more about doing instead of simply writing about it, but like I said--you will all be kept up to speed. If you have any questions regarding this project please email Bridget at Tinysyperstars@gmail.com. She will gladly answer them or will send them on to me. Just know that even though we do not post on here as often as we used to--we are moving through the process quite nicely.

If you'd like to keep up with my goings on--please check out Ghettopolitan.blogspot.com. That's my own personal blog and it's pretty cool.

Please send good vibes to B Naj as she begins the editing process. We all believe in her and I'm hopeful she knows that and also believes in herself. I picked her for a reason and wouldn't have it any other way. This journey was meant to be, and even though it hasn't been the easiest journey--it has been life changing--at least for me. I can't speak for B Naj.

That's all I have everyone. Thanks for your support. You should all be receiving round two of your rewards very soon so watch out for that.

See you all in late October.





 TJ




Saturday, August 11, 2012

HIGH FIVE!!

To tinysuperstars readers: This post is just for Bridget. One for our adoring fans will be posted soon. Thanks for reading!













Friday, August 10, 2012

Comedy, the next chapter, and gravy

Hey blog readers. This will be a quick post. I just wanted to give everyone my comedy schedule in case you wanted to catch me at my finest. Also--I will be back in the classroom starting on August 20th. I'm looking forward to the semester.

In September, I will be performing in a number of shows as well as producing some of my own shows so watch out for that info. The best way to keep up with my goings on is to check out ghettopolitan.blogspot.com. That's my personal blog, and it will be updated by tonight as well maintained on a regular basis.

All is well with both tiny superstars. We appreciate all of the support that everyone has given us. Stay tuned for updates on the film, as things are coming along nicely. On Wednesday, we will be wrapping up  another chapter. My work is pretty much done--now it's B's turn to shine. Kudos to her for putting up with me for the last 5 months and kudos to her for being brave enough to accept the challenge of making a film. I wouldn't be able to do either of those things. This project has forced both of us to face our fears, and for that I am grateful. As far as I'm concerned--we've already done more than we set out to do. The rest is just gravy--and I really really like gravy. I look forward to enjoying said gravy--no matter how it is prepared. True story. Ok--here is my schedule. B will post soon. Thanks for believing in us! TJ








Friday, August 3, 2012

New Directions and Random Thoughts

Hello blog readers. I thank you for checking in. I'll start today's post with a few shout outs!!!
Shout out to the following:
1. My "better half," Myriam. Myriam is in Mexico with her family. I miss her a lot and want her to know that I'm thinking about her everyday. Yeah--that's kinda sappy, but--hey--that's how I roll. Myriam is like the greatest thing in the world. No wait. She is the greatest thing in the world. Come home SOON!

Feel free to add to the stereotype!


2. Jessica Hardy. Jessica is a friend of mine and is currently in London representing  the USA with her awesome swimming skills. JH is one of my heroes. Her patience, persistence, and perseverance astound me. Team Hardy--always!

Yeah--she's pretty amazing


3. Tatiana. My friend Tatiana passed away yesterday and left a legacy like none other. Tatiana was a brilliant poet, a brave soul, and a teacher of many things. Her zeal for life and acceptance of death defined true freedom. She will be missed.

Godspeed!


4. B Naj. Y'all know B Naj. Well--shout out to her. She grew a pair and kinda changed my life. Also, we finally found that balance we were looking for. It was totally her fault that it took so long!!! I'm kidding of course. HAHA

One of my favorite snaps

My Japanese students. I normally call my students "kittens," but a friend suggested that I call them hello kitties. Ya know cuz they are Japanese. I won't tell you who said that because it's kinda racist. Oh--what the hell--it was Bridget. Anyway, I LOVED every minute that I got  to spend with them. Arigatou!!

HELLO KITTIES!!!

Ok--now that the "shout outs" are done I'll get on with things. Ready? Here we go.
All is well with both tiny superstars, and things are progressing nicely with the film. After taking a short break to recover from the "Iowa adventures," B and I finally got to sit down and discuss what was next.  The meeting we had was pretty frickin awesome. We have actually decided to take some new directions with our project, and I could not be happier. 


For those of you who don't know me--I usually do most things in a big big way. This is not only exhausting, but can also wreak a lot of havoc in my life. I have been reeling since the Iowa show. In fact, until last week I was more of a spaz than usual . I think B can vouch for that. LOL!! I've said this in previous posts, but I will say it again--this has been a life changing summer. I have decided to take a few steps back and enjoy the things that are in front of me. I've decided to simplify things and allow whatever is going to happen to happen in its own time. What does this mean? Well--without disclosing too much I've come to a few conclusions and I'd like to share them with y'all. 

Intensity has always been one of my greatest strengths AND one of my greatest weaknesses. When I do something--I like to start here:

The greatest--first place

I should for all intents and purposes start here:

Welcome to Glee club; let's have fun.

That's the cast of GLEE btw, and the name of their group is fittingly--"New Directions." See--even when they are on hiatus they still inspire me.

I usually start here:

Gold and Grill

I SHOULD start here:

Just testing the waters

As far as the film goes--I was here:

Oh--our film will be featured

When I shoulda been here:

Let's make a plan, B. She said it best when she told me "Teej, stop trying to sell a product that we don't even have yet." SNAP!

This is how I pictured the premiere:

Look at all the people who love me

But this would be just as awesome:

ALWAYS choose quality over quantity!

The bottom line is this--we are making this film for US--not for anyone else.  If the masses want to see it--that will be cool. If they do not--it won't matter at all.

My recent "a ha moment" has put a lot into perspective. While I still plan on pursuing a comedy career I first need to step back and refocus my energies. I have a few shows scheduled for August and September and I'm really excited about them. I guess you can say that I am no longer in a place of desperation--a place I see so many other comics in. I am in a place of self awareness and plan on performing under my own terms. I will no longer do "bringer" shows or sit for three hours to perform for three minutes in front of three people. I will no longer be discouraged because I haven't had my "big break." Instead--I will focus that time and strength to write stories and sets that I can be proud of. I've put my time in--I've hoed my talent, pled for acceptance, and agonized way too much about how other people view me. Fuck it. I'm a good comic, a good friend, a good daughter, a good partner, and a good teacher. Big things will happen for me--in fact--they already are. I have a lot of support and have already made an impact on this earth. I want to take a moment to appreciate those who have always been there for me and to pat myself on the back for what I have already done. This newfound sense that I am both lovable and unforgettable instead of lovable yet forgettable can only bring more awesomeness into my life. I'm super stoked about the next chapter. I was already writing the next book--when the first one wasn't even done!!



Well--that was quite the post. I think I'll leave you all with a list of some sort. I guess it's just gonna be a list of random thought so--enjoy.

1. The banjolele is by far the greatest musical instrument of all time
2. Everyone needs to STOP talking about Chick Fil A. Just stop--I don't give a rat's ass about which side you are on. As the fattest nation in the world, we should stop eating fast food instead of worrying about what some "suit" believes is right or wrong.
3. They are remaking Steel Magnolias with an all black cast. LOVE!!!! Can't wait.
4. I've decided to study some form of Martial Art. Any suggestions would be cool.
5. I want Eminem to guest star on Sesame Street
6. How is ZSA ZSA GABOR still alive?
7. If I were an Olympian I would ALWAYS wear a cape. ALWAYS.
8. I'm actually really excited for the upcoming Will Ferrell movie. Yes--I really am.
9. The person who aired the commercial starring the monkey doing gymnastics RIGHT AFTER the interview with Gabby Douglas should be fired.
10. I think our next President should be chosen via Hunger Games.
11. Bridal expos are disgusting in every single way.
12. B got a new juicer over a month ago. I don't think she has used it yet which is weird.
13. The game of chess is completely overrated.
14. Every time I watch The Golden Girls I realize that only one of them is still alive--then I shed a tear or two.
15. What is the point of poppy seeds?

Ok--that is it for today. Thanks for reading. B will post next, so definitely watch out for that. I thought her last post about Iowa was brilliant and I am so very glad she enjoyed my home state, my family, and my friends. Keep it real people. TJ