While I like some "DMV" (District, Maryland, and Virginia) artists, I am not a huge fan of the local music scene. I am approached often about directing music videos and rarely agree to do so. When I first got back to the D.C. from London, I worked with many different artists. Thankfully, they still come to me for video work. But I have decided to not take on any new clients. The way everyone picks up a camera to shoot video without talent has really taken the exclusivity out of it. Therefore, I have decided to take myself out of that circle. I was recently approached by one of my clients, who…

If you know me, you know I've had a lot to say about local public relations. While this region has some hard-working, enthusiastic publicists, we also have some really bad ones. With that said, I don't see enough publicity for the county's film industry. There is plenty of clientele here, but I do not believe they are being handled properly by local publicists. There are so many projects that come from within Prince George's County and we seriously need the publicity. We filmmakers are good at promoting our respective work, but not so good at promoting ourselves. I know I don't have the best …

Have you ever seen an independent film trailer and couldn't wait for the movie to hit the local indie theater? Too bad for us, because there is no independent movie theater in Prince George's County. Sure, we have impressive indie theaters in D.C. and Montgomery County, but we need one here. So to see that indie film, you'll have to burn precious time and gas. I recently went to see The Devil's Double at E Street Cinema. While the movie was truly epic, I was truly disappointed that I had to drive all the way to D.C. to see it. I know I have spoken before about the county's need for …

This past week has been hectic. We have seen the stock market crash and the people of the UK loot and riot. Indeed, these are definitely trying times for everyone. This column is for the filmmakers who, like myself, are frustrated with the world's issues. Now is the time for us to document this history. In 2008, I shot a feature film, School without Walls, which depicted an uprising of East London residents. The uprising was the result of mistaken identity and the subsequent murder of a young boy. Three years later, I turn on the news and what do I see? An uprising in London after the police …

There will always be people who won't work with you for one reason or another. Therefore, business relationships can become a bit fragmented. It shouldn't be that serious, but let’s face it, we have overly emotional people in the local entertainment scene. To earn a reputation, you need to know who you are as a business person and human being. Many times, a person can go into business not knowing who they are as an individual. In the long run, not knowing yourself can hurt your pockets. For instance, I know a county filmmaker who doesn't get along with  certain people in the industry. He has …

Have you ever been in a situation where you refused to conform? I debated with someone recently about the power of a regional web series. Sure, his web series showed great initiative, but I saw room for growth. I curate films, so my opinions might not always be appreciated. Still, for someone who is educated in cinema, I make sure to give an educated suggestion. I wondered why there was so much fuss about a web series. Then I realized that while the web series is local, it has no actual competition. This column is dedicated to the Prince George's County filmmakers who have an idea, but need …

There's an event you've waited for all year. But once you receive the invitation, you see it's in Prince George's County, an area known more for its crime than its artistic events. Since you depend upon the Metrorail to get around, you decide to forgo the event because you don't want to be stranded. Unfortunately, you miss the event and the great networking that comes along with it. I hosted my film festival activities in Washington, D.C. and Prince George's County. While the events held in the District had great crowds, the event held in Prince George's struggled mightily. I know the county …

What could I say about this year's DMV International Film Festival? We select 25 projects each year and this year's selection set a respectable tone. I made sure to recruit people interested in the festival's overall success, not just their own. This year, I spent more time on programming, downsizing my staff to only the hardest-working people. My communications liaison and social media expert helped tremendously. And Sasha Vann, who helped promote the event last year, came back this year to guide the planning. My team was smaller this year, but we got a lot more accomplished. My life was …

I launched my film festival in 2009 while in transition from London to Maryland. I came back with big dreams of developing an awesome market from which filmmakers could profit. I realize there aren't many independent theaters in the Washington, D.C. region, especially in Prince George's County. Still, I came back with an idea, and once I stepped back onto American soil, I knew it was time to turn my idea into action. Two years later, here I am -- a film curator working to build a bridge for local filmmakers to unite with foreign territories. But with some filmmakers in this county, they will …

Take a moment to think of the most visually stimulating film you've seen recently. Now imagine some of the worst images displayed in the most beautiful way. Confused? Upper Marlboro resident Chris Farmer is at it again, and let's just say his vivid imagination takes some getting used to. He told me recently that I should watch "A Serbian Film," which is so stimulating that I couldn't turn away, but I wanted to close my eyes and make the film stop. The film crossed every line possible: it was gut-wrenching and sadistic, yet visually magnificent. As a filmmaker, will you have limits or will you…

It's natural to burn the midnight oil when you're facing deadlines. And to make matters worse, it's getting tougher to find sleep in Prince George's County with accessible studios open late night. I recently found myself at BnM Studios in Forestville, barely able to stand because I was so tired. While I took "cat naps" during the day, I missed out on valuable daytime hours. As a filmmaker, you sometimes have to sacrifice sleep for the sake of production. However, if there is a way to finish your work during the day, I strongly urge you to do so. Beauty sleep never hurts. Last year, I shot a …

There is a new studio in town to add to the reputation that PMG Studios so graciously paved. This new studio was introduced to me by Kyndra Turner, a professional hair stylist and photographer. BnM Studio is located in Forestville -- just down the street from Upper Marlboro. This new venue is not too hard to find, has plenty of space and an opportunity for you to be as creative as you need for your project. Since I'm a "production head," I immediately noticed all of the studio's technical abilities. The warehouse space is large enough to transform into your venue needs. And most importantly, …

Although creativity is largely embraced, what really matters in society is your ability to keep the lights on. And getting paid to be a filmmaker? That's a wonderful thing, just ask Upper Marlboro resident Chris Farmer, who recently landed a job where he can develop his editing skills while earning a salary. But while we are on the same path, we are traveling from two different directions. I wake up some mornings wishing I had the stability of a "9-5" job. If I don’t get gigs then I don't eat. That method of survival can be a bit harsh but it is what it is. The "9-5" shuffle is something I'm …

I’ve always said that radio needs to do more to embrace filmmakers. Radio should not only promote music, it should also promote the arts to the public. In the past couple of years, internet radio has been a huge sensation across the world. And while there are plenty of internet radio stations in the country, I am proud of the outlet right here in Prince George's County. Located in Upper Marlboro, we have Mindstream Radio. Since moving back to the States, I've reached out to several media outlets in the metropolitan area. Mindstream Radio has always embraced my thoughts and views on cinema. …

You want some "shine," so you write a film -- based on a fictional character -- but the story is very personal. As you put this film in motion, you assemble a cast and crew and make yourself the main character. You have no experience acting, but you feel the story would be better if you were in it. Now it's time to edit, and instead of bringing in outside music, you put your own music in the film for more promotion. You think it's a great idea, even though your cast and crew don't think you're a great actor or musician. You've just created a “me” film. As a filmmaker, there comes a time when …

If you're just starting out and have minimal contacts, you shouldn't pretend to be something you're not. The movie industry in Prince George's County is small, and you never know who knows who. It is always good to be honest with yourself and others about who you are. I recently worked on a commercial in Upper Marlboro with a "producer" who couldn't be humble. Before the shoot, he said things would be organized and that he was different from other "janky" producers in the area. Over the years, I've learned this: When a person says they are not something, then nine times out of ten, they most …

The other day I was thinking to myself, “PMG Studios has been quiet, what have they been up to?" Soon after, I found out they've been busy. Of their many projects, the studio is making an independent film right here in Upper Marlboro. The film is set to be released in the spring. And I must say, I am excited to see more filmmakers in the area taking initiative. Now that we have the movie camera rolling, it's time to highlight some area filmmakers. Frank E. Jackson Jr. has been making films a bit longer than the rest of the younger filmmakers, but this doesn't mean his work is of lesser value…

You're sitting at your desk, looking at the pictures pinned to your cubical wall. You're missing your film shoot because you had to go to work. Just as suddenly, the boss walks over and drops a stack of papers on your desk. You feel defeated at that moment. You'd rather be making art. Chris Farmer, an Upper Marlboro resident and member of Cool Kids Forever Films, is working hard to brand himself as a filmmaker. But he recently realized that he needs to get paid stable money for filmmaking or get a full-time job. Naturally, the thought of getting a job automatically turned Chris off. In many …

The internet has become a primary tool for filmmakers, as there are several websites set up to promote us and our projects. With these advantages, what would happen if all Prince George's County filmmakers decided to document this area? Would that draw more attention to the county and bring in more work for us? A renaissance has begun here, and as filmmakers, it is our job to document this era. My fellow independent filmmakers often complain about the lack of representation on mainstream television. That's a void we can easily fill ourselves, especially when the Web makes it easier to create …

We all know about the national recession, but I can honestly say that local filmmakers are experiencing the same struggle. While there are plenty of clients in Prince George's County, there isn't enough money flowing from local businesses and entrepreneurs. Let’s face it, money circulates itself when it is spent correctly. It is essential for us artists to generate our own revenue, since we've been hit hard by the economic crunch. Small businesses should not have to suffer. The county's arts community is growing, but limited funds can stress the growth. Local businesses need support from …