Week 482: Move Over Minions - Forced Blessing

Weekly Written Review

So much to write about. Such little time. I need to breeze through this post so I can focus on other things. Last week I broke my phone and my partner gave me her phone. She offered it to me a while ago but I didn't know until recently that my phone carrier accepts unlocked phones. I honestly didn't know much about unlocked phones period. Furthermore, cracking my previous phone's screen actually ended up being a blessing. My new Galaxy S6 is fast, super smart and incredible. I love it. This reminds me of several forced blessings in my life. Earlier this year I was under the weather and that situation inspired me to buy my own electric teapot and to start cooking rice. Then there's that situation in July of 2017 where I didn't have a place to live for a week. I had to shower, so I got a YMCA membership. I was only homeless for 5 days and I've maintained my membership ever since. I kept it solely for basketball. It's absolutely great for my body and mind. I love the investment. Then recently a forced blessing with my phone. I don't recall ever paying over $100.00 for a phone. My previous phone was fine and I would have kept it until the end.

In other news, I'm done with trying to connect with people's minions. It got me nowhere so this week I began seeking out the source. I sent out an email to a couple of executives then I wrote a letter and handed it to a very wealthy man. The keyword fueling my motivation is, "equity." I mentioned that word to another executive in a text and it empowered the entire conversation.


Sunday, December 8, 2019

* Blogging...editing this Free Your soul video for...

* Haircut...


Monday, December 9, 2019

* Featured on Station 19...Interesting I Baby story...

* Snake Executive reach...


Tuesday, December 10, 2019

* Meeting with Michael...

* Basketball... 1 win 3 loses...


Wednesday, December 11, 2019

* Info sent to Dayo...

* Dhar Mann dinner...Dhar Mann letter

* Audition notice...


Thursday, December 12, 2019

* Generation X audition...


Friday, December 13, 2019

* EBT Phone call 9:30am

* Tennis...

* Audition notice...wow, it's a big one.


Saturday, December 14, 2019

* Reunion follow-ups...

* Tree trimming event

* Autobio script editing


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 481: Attracting Powerful Phone Calls

Weekly Written Review 

Development for my autobio pic is heating up. From considering locations, and conversations about potential funding. I haven't had a chance to truly focus on funding yet, thus, I've been able to attract two phone calls that could lead to money. I rather not get excited about those calls. I think they went well but they have to actually like and believe in my story to get the green light. There's a long road ahead but this certainly confirms that I'm on the right path. 


Sunday, December 1, 2019

* Screening - Alita Battle Angel

* C&B Rewrite Intensive Reloaded day 4. Reading out loud, last edits and finalization. Sent off to our producer contact. 


Monday, December 2, 2019

* Relaxing...

* Meeting with Annie. Success.


Tuesday, December 3, 2019

* Autobio developing

* Phone call to a potential feature film investor


Wednesday, December 4, 2019

* EBT phone call...rescheduled.

* Talk with Dayo and it had a lot of Hart

* Phone call with my other writing partner, Michael.

* Autobio development

* Changing my privacy status on Facebook. Too many internationals are friending me now.

* First booking notice from Commerical Extras


Thursday, December 5, 2019

* Ford Commercial background work. Easy dough.

* Care Package part 4..soup and nuts

* Audition notice...


Friday, December 6, 2019

* Voices audition

* Broke my phone's screen on the bus. It looks really bad.

* Returned dish to Annie


Saturday, December 7, 2019

* Reunion planning...

* Spectrum drop off, Goodwill drop off, Stove drop off.

* Watching US.


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 480: Producer Contact Check Ins

Weekly Written Review 

At the top of this week, a producer followed up with me about my faithbased script. That's unheard of. I told my co-writer and we were delighted by her checking in. We actually have a script someone is interested in. That's incredible. We were still in the rewriting progress so we couldn't send the script yet. The short film that I started last week got in the way of our rewrites. At the top of week 481 completed the rewrite.

Later in the week, my writing partner officially became my producing partner. Things are looking up for my script and my autobio pic. Whoop! Whoop!


Sunday, November 24, 2019

* Team of Two day 4. Final day. During a scene, pretending to smash someone's head with a mallet, I pulled something in my left thigh. I recovered smoothly and it didn't get in the way of much.


Monday, November 25, 2019

* Nest Holiday audition. Straight to callback


Tuesday, November 26, 2019

* Producer contact asking for our rewrite

* Luxe Vaca day 1

* Trader Joe's snack attack

* Watching John Wick 3


Wednesday, November 27, 2019

* Luxe Vaca day 2

* Breakfast

* Swimming pool

* Watching Lion King 2019

* Switch gaming...coped Trivial Pursuit on sale and became the G for the second time.


Thursday, November 28, 2019

* Check out...

* Thanksgiving dinner


Friday, November 29, 2019

* Parasite Screening

* Watching The Hobbit - The Battle of 3 Armies

* SAG voting

* Writing partner to producing partner


Saturday, November 30, 2019

* C&B Rewrite Intensive Reloaded day 3


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 479: Short Film - Care Package

Weekly Written Review 

I started working on a short film this week. This is my first starring role in a short. I've avoided short films through my career and this experience confirms why. I enjoyed the camera time and most of the people but there were certainly a lot of things I didn't enjoy.

In other news, I received 3 surprise shipments this week. They all came from someone I met approximately 23 years ago. Someone whom I recently reconnected with. I was asked for my address so a card could be sent and shockingly I received boxes of my favorite foods. Very sneaky and thoughtful, I must say.


Sunday, November 17, 2019

* Team of Two 2 day 1


Monday, November 18, 2019

* Working on my autobio

* Post Office autograph sent off to Russia

* Care Package delivery part 1


Tuesday, November 19, 2019

* Basketball...

* Autobio developing...


Wednesday, November 20, 2019

* Added The Late Night Experiment on Stareable.com


Thursday, November 21, 2019

* Basketball...played a lot more than usual. * Loss the first two games. Ended the day with two-game winners.


Friday, November 22, 2019

* Team of Two day 2. Unfed for over 10 hours.

* Care Package delivery part 2 and part 3 (abundance). Whoa! Talk about being surprised.


Saturday, November 23, 2019

* Team of Two day 3


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 478: Life is Better with Audtions

Weekly Written Review 

Auditions have proven to be a total waste of time throughout most of my journey. This week it became a total disrespect. Last week I auditioned for Cheetos. That brought some hope. I thought I performed decently. On Wednesday, I got a notice for a callback. That's exciting. I haven't had a callback in a long while. On Thursday, I left basketball a little earlier than usual for the callback. When I arrived, I noticed something odd on the sign-in sheet. I was the only person coming in for a second call. Everyone else on the list was auditioning for the first time. I waited for a while and finally, they called us in for an explanation. After that, I was the first one up and they couldn't find me in the system. It sounded like a similar problem I had at the first audition. They found my picture but couldn't locate my name to go along with it. Eventually, they realized my audition was a mistake. Today's audition was only for first calls. They somewhat apologized and sent me off. The real callback was the following Saturday and I never got a notice for it.

I've taken a lot of chances auditioning in the past and now fake auditions are deliberately wasting my time. I'm at the point where I rather not audition at all.  Oh well. I just got to keep it moving. I'll still audition when my agent gets one for me but I honestly rather not.


Sunday, November 10, 2019

* C&B Rewrite Intensive Reloaded day 2


Monday, November 11, 2019

* Blogging...computer stuff


Tuesday, November 12, 2019

* Tennis with Hugo at a new spot...


Wednesday, November 13, 2019

* Dhar Mann shoot...

* So-called callback notice??!!!


Thursday, November 14, 2019

* Basketball...

* Fake Cheetos callback audition. False alarm. Such a waste of time.


Friday, November 15, 2019

* Tennis...great turn out. 8 people showed up.

* Smart & Final pickups. A grocery store aisle moment.

* Gaming...G Status. BOW...


Saturday, November 16, 2019

* Friendsgiving get together


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 477: Colorado Blesses Me

Weekly Written Review 

This week concludes another working vacation in Grand Junction, Colorado. By the end of my last trip in May, I returned a full-blown screenwriter. This time, I returned in pre-production of my autobiographical screenplay. Up until this trip, I didn't have the mindset of producing my own feature film. I have it now. Something clicked while I was in Colorado and it might not have clicked like that while I was in LA. The trip allowed me to break up my routine and think differently. Both times Colorado has been great to me and I look forward to more of CO in the near future.


Sunday, November 3, 2019

* Blogging...

* JH Picture wrap

* Headshots with Hank


Monday, November 4, 2019

* Flight back to LA


Tuesday, November 5, 2019

* Walk to the store

* Facebook Watch audition. Self-tape


Wednesday, November 6, 2019

* Basketball...

* Call from producer Katherine. Notes, notes, notes on C&B. All positive.


Thursday, November 7, 2019

* Cheetos audition

* Single parents audition (Fox)


Friday, November 8, 2019

* Tennis...

* Tehana's Improv show recording...


Saturday, November 9, 2019

* Screening of A Portrait of a Lady on Fire at the Soho House West Hollywood

* Luigi's Manson 3 pick up. 

* Sprouts...

* C&B Rewrite Intensive Reloaded day 1 


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 476: In Death There is Life

Weekly Written Review 

When I got notice of Marissa's passing, it drove me to reach out to a few people that also knew her. One person didn't respond until the next day on Instagram and we've been in touch ever since. We started off texting on IG, followed by video chat, phone calls, and more texts. The last time I saw this person was in 2010. Since then, she had a very false impression of me and she eventually thought I hated her. I have no hate in my heart but I honestly had no interest in inviting her back into my life, ever again. We met approximately 23 years ago. Without revealing full details about our history, I'll just mention she didn't treat me nowhere as great as I treated her. Nonetheless, reconnecting with her has been nostalgic. Our conversations have been entertaining, fun and full of transparent admissions. Regret was mentioned by one party and appreciation by the other. As of right now, it appears this pattern is on a straight path. For how long? I have no clue. Our conversations have been cool and I'll take it. Even though it may be temporary. I assume it's all a phase based on historical patterns but I honestly have no expectations. This odd occurrence has been enjoyable and a bit flattering. The irony of this entire reconnection would've never existed if Marissa didn't pass away. Coincidentally, I found out she sent me an email to a very old email address of mine that I no longer check, 24hrs before Marissa passed. The followed day we connected. Marissa certainly blew life into our dead relationship.

Over the past year, there was even a mutual friend implicating us in off conversations. I'll conclude by saying, this situation makes life a little interesting, adds anticipation and potential excitement. Some excitement is already on the calendar. History is what makes our conversation so valuable.  We're able to talk and/or joke about things with each other that we can't do with anyone else. Yet, none of it means a damn thing. In my opinion, I've become a way too complicated for nostalgia to result in anything meaningful.


Sunday, October 27, 2019

* JH workday 5. Short day.

* Fixing grammar on RAD...


Monday, October 28, 2019

* JH workday 6. Running from arrows. Fell in some cactus. Took it like a champ.


Tuesday, October 29, 2019

* JH workday 7. Cold and slowed later that night.


Wednesday, October 30, 2019

* Writing...

* Editing CLN. Atarah reread it and sent her rewrites.

* Rereading RAD

* Dinner at Roosters. I had a disappointing $12.00 salad.


Thursday, October 31, 2019

* Rest In Peace Marrisa Hammonds

* Screenplay submission into ScreenCraft Family and ScreenCraft Fellowship

* Really cold day

* Halloween at Hank's


Friday, November 1, 2019

* Computer work...

* Missed a chance to see the new Terminator movie

* Called and talked to Kevin B for the first time in a year. I gave him a break for particular reasons. October 29th made one year.

* Switch gaming with At


Saturday, November 2, 2019

* JH picture wrap. Today was my last day. Monday is the last shooting day.

* Reconnecting with a unique person after a very long time despite an unfortunate loss.

* Haircut

* Texting and video chat. Reconnecting with someone I met approximately 23 years ago.


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

In Memory of Marissa Hammonds (Sunshine Freespirit)

On Wednesday, October 30th, someone I know from high school reached out to me on Facebook. I don't recall her reaching out on Facebook before, so in many ways her correspondence was random. Her first message asked if I was available. I returned asking, "Available for?" Then she gave me her phone number to call. At this time, I was in Colorado. I was there working on a new film. I wasn't on set at that moment nor was I super busy but I also wasn't settled enough to get on the phone. To be honest, I was a little skeptical about the correspondence.  I requested that she input her message/question in the chat. From that point on, the conversation got weird. She wasn't sure if I was actually myself typing and I wasn't sure if that was her either. I kind of thought she got hacked and she thought a woman took over my phone.

Our communication wasn't making any sense so I left it alone. The very next day she sent me a message stating, "Marissa passed this morning. Service info will be on FB once set. Hope you're able to make." That put me in a state of shock and disbelief. I gave myself a moment to gather, then I called Marissa's sister with the number she shared the day before. Calling ensured confirmation with each other. She still wasn't sure it was me when she sent the news. We both admitted to a communication mishap which unfortunately made me miss the opportunity to talk to Marissa before she passed. She was trying to connect us because she knew we were good friends. I wish I got a chance to talk to Marissa before it happened but I appreciate the fact that her sister thought of me.

Marissa and I went to high school together. She was about two years younger than me and her unfortunate tragedy made me realize how important she was to my adolescence. Marissa was the first girl to genuinely like me. Perhaps at one point, she loved me. In return, I chose to like someone else that didn't even reciprocate an ounce of Marissa's love. On the first day of school during my senior, word got out that I had a girlfriend for the first time. The news devasted Marissa yet she remained a good friend throughout the years. We later attended Florida A&M University together and we continued to keep in touch post-college. In 2010, she assisted me with my late-night show behind the scenes. I believe she was living in Chicago at the time. Earlier this year, I sent her an invite for the upcoming 10-year reunion for The Motown Maurice Show. I had my fingers crossed hoping she would attend in January.

Marissa and I shared some great high school memories. Unlike the girl I chose to like, Marissa made me an inclusive part of her life. Before my senior year, she invited me to her house several times, I knew her two sisters and her mom very well. Marissa was the first person to expose me to the West Tampa lifestyle. She made me feel wanted. A person might take for granted feeling wanted as a teenager but now as an adult, I realize how important Marissa was to me. My confidence with women probably started because of her. She might have been the first girl I drove around in my 1985 Dodge 600.

The last time I saw Marissa in person was on Tuesday, February 26, 2008. I was living in Tampa, FL at the time. She came to visit me, I took her to Jerk Hut, we ate and she performed karaoke. She sang Jill Scott's "Is It The Way You Love Me Baby." I recorded a snippet of her performance and took some photos.

                                          VIEW VIDEO

Rest In Love, Marissa Hammond

Motown & Marissa

Motown Maurice & Marissa Hammonds

Marissa and I shared a lot of photographic memories together from high school but I currently don't have access to them. She was born on August 2, 1982, and she passed on Thursday, October 31, 2019. She was way too young and far too perfect. I don't know a negative thing about her. She was pure, genuine, honest and beautiful. Her soul was one of a kind. She always had a glowing smile on her face. Years ago my mom told her she had a smile like Gladys Knight, in which she did but only better.

Marissa was also one of my greatest supporters. She could've dismissed me because of the girl drama during my senior year but she was too great of a person to stoop that low. After searching through a few old emails, proof of her greatness is personified in her words. She took the time to respond to a mass email I sent out on November 2, 2005. The email highlighted a news article published about me.

YOU GO BOY!!!!! I knew you would break headlines....I told you years ago you were gonna do big things and your uniqueness and entreprenueral spirit is definately taking you places. You are just a talented man and I admire your ambition and willingness to think outside the box. I am so so proud of you. You started with a dollar and a dream now look at you! I've always been behind you...from your reign as the president of HCC (which I completely made a fool of myself in the talent show...just for you), your haitian restaurant ( I learned how to make plaintains), until now. I wish we had a chance to talk more, but I know you are busy on the move and I expect to hear about more great things from you. Let me know if you ever need my help. Love ya  

Ya girl forever,  

Rissa
-------------------

I responded telling Marissa, "I love you." I also thanked for her for the encouragement, uplifting my spirit, always saying the right things and for seeing things in me I never saw in myself. I called her my biggest fan.

In 2011, less than a year after relocating to Los Angeles, I reached out to Marissa and another young lady about submitting to a reality competition show. Marissa was on board with no hesitation. Here's our hilarious video.


While writing this post, it dawned on me that Marissa never told me, "no." She was always there for me because she was a perfect person. The world is at a great loss without her and so is my heart. She's one of the reasons why I'm working so hard on my journey. I thrive to make a lot of people proud and Marissa is certainly on the top portion of that list. When its time to celebrate my greatest accomplishments I want Marissa to be there with me as she's always been. I know she will always be there in spirit but it's just not fair. Marissa's passing doesn't make any sense and it never will. Her funeral was on November 9, 2019, and unfortunately, I was not able to attend.

Marissa, even though you're not here with us physically, your Sunshine Freespirit still shines brightly. Rissa, please know that I won't let you down. I will continue to fight every day in your honor and in effort of making always proud of me. Marissa, we need your smile to shine from above in hopes of making the earth as great as you are. From the time we met, you've planted several seeds in me and you helped me learn things about myself I never existed. Marissa, thank you for being a messenger and gift to my life. Thank you for all the great memories and for the positive impact you've bestowed upon me. I could write for a century straight reminiscing about our good times. I recall helping her with a history project about Motown Records during my freshman year in college. From that time on, she gave me endless praise about how creative I was. That fact probably makes her one of the first people to truly acknowledge my creative abilities.

Marissa, Thank you, I love you and I look forward to meeting you again.

In Marissa's most famous signature,

Love, Peace and Hair Grease. 


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 475: Looming Screenplay Completed

Weekly Written Review 

It's a true relief to complete another screenplay. That's exactly what I did this week. That was my third one of the year. As mentioned, several times since the month of May, I've transformed into a full-blown screenwriter. After acquiring two writing partners, I ventured upon a journey to write. With one writing partner, I successfully completed two incredible screenplays relatively quickly. The screenplay with my other writing partner started off at a good pace but it slowed down after a while. He had some planned trips that postponed a few meetings than my schedule picked up.

We developed a good treatment, built a lot of great momentum but it eventually got put to the side. After completing my second screenplay of the year in September, I knew it was time to complete the other. I did not want to go into the holiday season with a screenplay looming over my head. I had to get it done. First, I deserved a break and I needed it. I allowed myself to relax with sports and gaming because it was really hard returning to the mindset of writing again. I completed one day of rewriting but that's about it. I honestly didn't want to write. Nonetheless, I decided to maintain relaxing and resume writing during my Colorado trip and it worked.

Getting away from my routine environment was imperative in returning to a creative state of mind. I arrived in Colorado with maybe 20 good pages. I had some pages from my writing partner but I rewrote most of it. It was very difficult getting started. I did almost everything to avoid initiating.  Often I kept telling myself, "One more game, then start writing." Finally, I dove in and it was smooth sailing from thereon. Initiating is always the hardest part. It's a big process for me to begin. I got back into writing last week (474) Wed, Nov 16th. Exactly a week later I was at 70 pages. By the end of the week, I completed my draft with 100 pages. It's such a relief to get it done. There's an indescribable freeness soaring through my body and I love it. Still a lot of work ahead with edits, grammatical checks, and rewrites but there's no longer a pending pressure to write new pages and produce ideas. I need a true break from that. This also prepares me to fully embrace preproduction of you know what. Wink. Wink.


Sunday, October 20, 2019

* JH workday 3. Rough shoot. A lot of time on the ground.

* Writing RAD


Monday, October 21, 2019

* Off shooting day for everybody

* Blogging...

* Group screening of Dragon Soldiers


Tuesday, October 22, 2019

* Writing RAD


Wednesday, October 23, 2019

* Washing clothes

* Writing RAD (70 pages)

* Acquired a production advisor for my autobiographical


Thursday, October 24, 2019

* JH workday 4. Shot a really good scene. A good combination of physical acting and dialogue.


Friday, October 25, 2019

* Writing RAD


Saturday, October 26, 2019

* First draft of RAd completed (100 pages)


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 474: Back to CO - Pre Production Status

Weekly Written Review 

Just before leaving my last trip to Colorado in May, I found out I might get an invite back in the fall. Here I am. That last trip completed shifted my creative gears. I returned a full-blown writer and I acquired two writing partners. In approximately four months, I completed two and a half screenplays. I started working on the third one upon my arrival and so far so good.  I hope to complete the first draft soon.

A new movie is being made and I heard there's a possibility of more in 2020. This what you call a working vacation. I get to relax in a new environment and play in front of the camera. I'm sure the new film is going to be great but I quickly realized there's a higher purpose for this trip. This trip reminded me of all the resources at my disposal, amazingly talented people, our common struggles and achievements.

One particular conversation with my Snake Outta Compton cast member Joston Theney assisted in redirecting my thought process. While talking about my recent scripts, he told me to shoot it myself. He's preaching to the choir because I've done that with my web series and other endeavors but after another conversation with him, a click switched. I decided I'll be making my directorial debut in 2020 with a new script. Joston encouraged me to write a contained screenplay that I can shoot and direct myself.  I didn't truly envision myself directing the scripts I recently wrote. So his words inspired me to write a new script that I can direct and produce myself next year.  That sounded like a good plan for next year but that plan changed by Saturday. On Saturday, October 19, 2019, I made the biggest decision of my quest. I decided to produce my autobiographical screenplay myself. Truthfully, it was just a matter of time before I made this decision. Adding up the Jimmy Kimmel disappointment and screenplay contest declines helped me get to this point. This is essentially an impossible mission that I have to make possible. The reality is, I've been here before. The Motown Maurice Show (2010) was impossible but I made it happen. My web series was impossible but I found away. Now I'm about to produce, act and direct in my own autobiographical screenplay. Initially, I wasn't confident about directing it has to be me.

I'm officially in pre-production of my own movie. Actually, my mindset is in pre-production. I have to finish writing my current screenplay first but I'm done wearing the screenwriting hat for a while after that. It makes sense to do it by myself. Over the years, the genesis of my biggest ideas are often dependent upon studio support. It seems impossible by myself. I did my best to attract studios and production companies. Now, I don't even want them involved anymore. I've already started recruiting. The most important puzzle pieces have been in front of my eyes all along. I just had to make the decision. I'm convicted. There's no stopping me now. I'm a new person ready to make the impossible possible.

My current state fully reminds me of my journey to my first late-night show in 2010. I didn't think I could do without sponsorship and this and that. One day something clicked and I decided to take on the "By Any Means Necessary" mentality. I made that happen and I'm going to do it again in 2020.


Sunday, October 13, 2019

* Tennis with Hugo at Rancho Cienega. I should've won the first set but I couldn't close. He beat me in a tiebreaker. The final match score was 3 to 1. I'm content with that. It should've been closer but I had a lot of good moments.

* Updating CLN and my autobio


Monday, October 14, 2019

* Road trip to Colorado. 7am departure and we arrived around 7:30pm.

* First stop Hanks, next stop Roosters. I haven't had that much chicken in a long time.

* Slept in an Air B&B for one night. The next day we moved into a cabin for the remainder of the trip.

* Someone on Inktip requested my autobio script. Probably because we're familiar with each other. I sent it to him the next day and never heard from him again.


Tuesday, October 15, 2019

* Cabin check-in

* Movie fittings, table read...

* Script sent to Tim


Wednesday, October 16, 2019

* Finally back to writing RAD

* Inspiring talk with Joston


Thursday, October 17, 2019

* JH 1st workday

* Executive producer marketing. I reached out to a high school friend. You never know.

* Writing  RAD late at night


Friday, October 18, 2019

* Writing RAD...

* A full vision of my upcoming reunion developed in my mind today. After 9 months of planning, I finally know how to make it a very special event.


Saturday, October 19, 2019

* JH 2nd workday. It was a long night. They made me arrive early and I only did one quick scene. All is good. I took my laptop with me and I completed a scene in RAD.

* I started recruiting today. I'm officially in pre-production. I've already got two potential cast members and a sound guy.


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 473: Getting Ready for...

Weekly Written Review 

I'm supposed to be completing my third and final screenplay for the year but I honestly don't want to. I rather relax. Regardless of what I want to do, the job has to get done. I recently took it upon myself to carry most of the writing burden between my writing partner. However, I'm not ready to focus on that script yet. Hell, I deserve a break. I just finished a 111-page screenplay last month. I deserve to take it easy.  However, I have a plan to fully reemerge myself in the writing process during an upcoming adventure. Meanwhile, I enjoyed increasing my intake of sports this week. After that screenplay, I plan to return to a more frequent sports cycle for a while.


Sunday, October 6, 2019

* Hair trimming...

* Blogging...

* Reaching out to talent agencies in Tampa. It was a spontaneous idea. Meh!

* SAG Comm Screening: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood at the Beverly


Monday, October 7, 2019

* Writing...CLN updates


Tuesday, October 8, 2019

* Central Casting photo update

* Tennis with Hugo at Shatto

* My landlady gave gifted me a nice suitcase for my upcoming trip


Wednesday, October 9, 2019

* Garage cleaning, Rearranging, most of the day

* Helping Barb with some stuff


Thursday, October 10, 2019

* Basketball...

* Sent and email to someone that knows, in which I thought would help but I got the Hollywood response. No reply.


Friday, October 11, 2019

* Basketball..Since I won't be playing for a while I played twice this week. It was the first time in a while. I enjoyed it.  I want to get back to doing that soon. Lost the first and won the next 4.


Saturday, October 12, 2019

* Blogging...

* Watching Power

* Trader Joe's...followed by unnecessary drama


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 472: Rebranding Process Initiated

Weekly Written Review

I started off this week very low spirited because of a handful of disappointing reasons. The most disappointing is not hearing back from an attorney that I was supposed to meet with on Monday. We connected on Bumble. He represents literary talent and the connection seemed promising. Plus, I'm winding down from a creative high. Between the month of May and September, I wrote two screenplays. That's a lot. I didn't crash but I sure burnt a lot of rubber. Outside of my own journey, thoughts about the Amber Geiger verdict really disturbed me. I'm not going to address it. Nonetheless, I spent most of this week relaxing and in deep thought. Sometimes I can get destructive while in this kind of state and I did, a little. On Thursday, I made a bold decision to begin a rebranding process of my image. Here's a snippet of what I shared with my agent.

---------------------

I've been in deep thought this week about my career and I've come to the conclusion that I'm no longer interested in auditioning for young aged roles. Throughout the course of my career, I've auditioned for several young aged roles and received minor success. I've been wearing a beard for most of this year and I think it's working better for me. I'm ready to take a new path and rebrand my image. 

I've already begun clearing up my profiles. I've archived all the clean-shaven photos on my three profiles (Actors Access, Casting Frontier and LA Casting). I left approximately eight or fewer photos with facial hair. I would like to start targeting roles age 27 to 35. 

------------------------------------

I've thought about doing this in the past. The reason I never did it is because it's easy to get high off, "You look so young" compliments. Plus, it's not an easy transition yet it had to be done. There's a common saying in this industry, "Less is more." I had way too many photos on my profiles and I had to get rid of alk the clean-shaven photos. I'm also planning a photoshoot with a friend later this month. That shoot will capture my new look with a beard. 

Sometimes you have to demolition what you got so you can rebuild from the ground up. 

Sunday, October September 29, 2019

* Dolemite screening. Hands down the best movie of the year.

* Started watching, The Boy.

* Low spirited day...


Monday, September 30, 2019 

* Was supposed to meet with an attorney about my writing career but I never heard back.

* Relaxing...low spirited day

* Script reading (DH), emails, maybe some minor writing...


Tuesday, October 1, 2019

* Relaxing/low spirited


Wednesday, October 2, 2019

* Writing...

* Finished reading DH and a cop comedy from Joss...

* CLN did not advance is a free contest...


Thursday, October 3, 2019

* Basketball...with Joss. He hurt his ankle really bad. Last game of the day I hit a long-range game-winner three-pointer and ended it.

* Rebranding confirmation


Friday, October 4, 2019

* Tennis...


Saturday, October 5, 2019

* Waves movie screening. I regret ever seeing that movie. It's full of propaganda.


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 471: Intentionally Lazy

Weekly Written Review 

I wanted to resume writing my third screenplay but my mind needs a break. I'll try again next week.


Sunday, September 22, 2019

* CLN script editing...just a little

* Making phone calls


Monday, September 23, 2019

* Intentional lazy day...

* CLN sent to my reader Lu...


Tuesday, September 24, 2019

* Second intentional lazy day...

* When for a walk to the dollar store, post office and back...

* Signing SAG contractions for my agent

* Audition notice. Say what?


Wednesday, September 25, 2019

* Totoya audition


Thursday, September 26, 2019

* Basketball...

* Writing RAD


Friday, September 27, 2019 

* Tennis...


Saturday, September 28, 2019

* Hustlers screening...

* Joker screening at Warner Brothers Studio...


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 470: Another 1st Draft Completed

Weekly Written Review 

I completed another screenplay this week. It's the first draft of a second completed screenplay this year. My writing partner came up with the idea on July 19th. I started developing the characters on July 28th. Started writing on July 29th and on Wednesday, September 18th the first draft was completed. That's two months of writing. The next month generally involves making edits, sending it out to readers and a possible table read. It's a two to three-month process. That's about how long it took for the screenplay I completed last month. I have only one more screenplay to complete this year before I can set my soul free from writing for a while.


Sunday, September 15, 2019

* Dog sitting...

* CLN brainstorming...

* Taking blog photo

* Creating a BIO more focused on writing


Monday, September 16, 2019

* Writing CLN

* Slightly low spirited day


Tuesday, September 17, 2019

* Writing CLN

* Submitted to an interesting late-night hosting gig. Hmmmm


Wednesday, September 18, 2019

* Writing CLN. 1st draft completed.


Thursday, September 19, 2019

* Celebrating 9 years in LA. A new blog photo is up.

* Basketball...

* Editing CLN a little

* ISA Networking event


Friday, September 20, 2019

* Tennis...

* I'm back on Inktip, Made two screenplay submissions immediately, C&B and CLN.


Saturday, September 21, 2019

* Free Museum day. Check out the Grammy Museum.

* Went for a ride on Uber/Jump ride-share scooter

* Backyard Jam


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 469: Maybe Jimmy is Blind

Weekly Written Review 

Last month, on August 7th I went on an incredible adventure that led to meeting Jimmy Kimmel. I told him my story and he put me in touch with his people. He told me to send them my stuff and they'll send it to him to check out. I did that and they confirmed they would send it to him. A little over a week later I followed up and they didn't respond. I followed up one more time this week to confirm what I expected. They're avoiding me. His band director did tell me he wasn't interested. Oh well, the quest continues. I don't respect his representatives that avoided my emails but as for Jimmy Jimmy, he showed me respect when we met. I appreciate that. However, I can't help but wonder if he has a problem with his vision.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

* Blogging...

* Finalizing C&B


Monday, September 9, 2019

* Lunch with Phil

* Writing CLN


Tuesday, September 10, 2019

* Writing CLN


Wednesday, September 11, 2019

* Basketball...two loses one win. I'm playing today because the courts are closes tomorrow. It was cool. I'll consider playing on Wednesdays in the future.

* Last follow-ups with Jimmy Kimmel

* Got me $100.00 settlement check from CubeSmart today. Whoop Whoop.


Thursday, September 12, 2019

* Harriet screening...

* Writing...

* Post office/sending out a bday card for someone


Friday, September 13, 2019

* Tennis

* Dog sitting...


Saturday, September 14, 2019

* Dog sitting...

* Script editing

* Washing clothes at Love Laundry

* No, today was officially the last day sending an email to Jimmy...


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 468: Networking Season Revisited

Weekly Written Review 

I've been going to a lot of events lately. It's been healthy considering all the writing I've been doing. It's good to get out and free the mind. I'm also going out with the hope of connecting with a literary agent. Better yet for something magical to happen but who gets what they want when they want it in Hollywood? Certainly not me.


Sunday, September 1, 2019

* Screenplay submissions

* Joss's event...


Monday, September 2, 2019

* CLN brainstorming...adding plot points

* Labor day...


Tuesday, September 3, 2019

* Low spirited day

* Photoshoot with Ross and Joe. Got some french fries after the shoot and the cook hooked a brother up for some reason.

* CLN edits...


Wednesday, September 4, 2019

* Nintendo Direct...

* Eternal Code screening


Thursday, September 5, 2019

* Basketball. About 4 straight wins. One game, my team was tied 18/18. The opposing team had some good shooters and knew the first to make a 3 pointer would win. My team started playing terrible basketball but we got a few chances. Finally, I had to take matters into my own hand and shoot a long-range 3 pointer. That's totally uncharacteristic of me but it went in and made my team victorious. I enjoyed that moment.

* Empower Youth Back to School event. Everybody was there trying to connect with Sean. I realized I'm not impressed.


Friday, September 6, 2019

* Tennis...

* Switch Time with LuLu

* Finished watching 3Below. It was cool but it's no Trollhunters.


Saturday, September 7, 2019

* C&B edits...

* Kristen house warming invite with At...

* Started watching The Dark Crystal - Age of Resistance on Netflix. I like it. Last week I watched the 1982 original film.


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 467: Unfortunately or Unfortunately Not

Weekly Written Review 

This was a full week of productivity. Special events, disappointment, and hope. That's a great week in Hollywood. My escapade on September 7th with Jimmy Kimmel was revealed as a disappointment this week. I carried a bit of that energy around for a while. In addition to that, I heard bad news about Karate Mack. I expected Jimmy Kimmel not to be interested but internally I debated whether or not  I should follow up with two more of his contacts.

Since I didn't express my thoughts immediately after this week ended, my perspective has evolved.  I decided to reveal to my mom what took place on the 7th of August on Saturday, September 7th (week 468). I kept it a secret from her for various reasons. Wow. I'm now realizing that's exactly one month from the date of meeting Jimmy Kimmel. Moreover, my mom's response inspired me to follow up with my additional contacts. I'll do that in week 469. My mom was impressed by what I did, she thought it was interesting and that it will not go in vain. Her energy inspired my train of thought and how I should follow up with the situation. Thank you, MaTown. 


Sunday, August 25, 2019

* Rewrite intensive part 4

* It Chapter Two  screening


Monday, August 26, 2019

* Writing...

* Walking Zorka...

* SAG voting...

* Laundry...this ending up putting me under the weather.

* Kitten video edit


Tuesday, August 27, 2019

* Writing...

* News about Karate Mack :-(

* Entertainment lab sent out an email for an event and I inquired about literary representation.   Doesn't mean anything.

* Not 100% today


Wednesday, August 28, 2019

* Jimmy Kimmel news...

* Email sent to entertainment lab, 3 scripts logline/synopsis.

* Trader Joe's trip for my goodies

* Still under the weather. Had a rough night. Didn't think I would be able to play ball in the morning.


Thursday, August 29, 2019

* 5 Straight wins, 3 game-winners. Early that morning I didn't think I would be able to play based on how my body was feeling. I'm glad I did.

* Writing CLN...page 66.


Friday, August 30, 2019

* Tennis...

* Got invited to a theatre play


Saturday, August 31, 2019

* Table read

* West Adams Jazz festival


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 466: Lead Role Booking via Table Read

Weekly Written Review 

Last week I connected with someone from the Bumble Bizz app and he ended up asking me to read a lead role in his table read. Maybe that's a sign I'm moving up in the world of acting, lol. It was kind of fast and random. Mostly it was a good experience. It was a cold read and reading unfamiliar words in front of people has historically terrified me. Nonetheless, my read was decent. The environment wasn't fun due to being outside on a roof. Then when the sun went down we had to use our phone's flashlights to illuminate the pages. Aside from a few things like that it was great to be apart of considering the table read my writing partner and I are planning for next week. 


Sunday, August 18, 2019

* Touching up my autobiographical

* Rewrite intensive part 2


Monday, August 19, 2019

* Magic Image feature submission

* Roadmap submission

* Beyonce event. I thought it was a screening of Homecoming but it was more of a Beyonce display with free drinks.

* Sofitel Hotel run through


Tuesday, August 20, 2019

* Writing...


Wednesday, August 21, 2019

* Tennis with Hugo. He got me this time but I'll get him next time.

* Writing...


Thursday, August 22, 2019

* Just Mercy screening. Jamie Fox and Micheal B. Jordan were there for the Q&A. I also saw Stevie Wonder at the reception.

* Basketball...


Friday, August 23, 2019

* Writing...

* I read for a lead role in a table read with a guy I met from Bumble Biz.


Saturday, August 24, 2019

* Rewrite intensive part 3


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 465: Hype Evening Subsided

Weekly Written Review 

The week after the infamous "Evening" and no response yet. That means next week I'll have to follow up. I really want him to reach out to me but I have to do what I have to do. Aside from that, I'm just keeping it moving as usual. I'm making great strides on my newest script and on Saturday my writing partner and I had a fantastic rewrite intensive for C&B. We got some great feedback from two wonderful readers and we're making important changes. One was an actual film producer so we're able to receive professional notes. Less than two weeks away from our table read. Exciting times.


Sunday, August 11, 2019

* Driving and brainstorming CLN...

* Free food at India Sweets and Spices

* Hank & Arielle picnic


Monday, August 12, 2019

* Creative Beach Day. It wasn't very creative but it was nice.


Tuesday, August 13, 2019

* Meeting with Joshua. I'm not interested in online marketing but it was nice catching up with him since our G-Blok days.

* Writing CLN...

* Switch time with Lu and At... Mario Tennis Aces.


Wednesday, August 14, 2019

* Writing CLN...

* Screening: Brittany Runs a Marathon


Thursday, August 15, 2019

* Basketball...My body knows I missed last week. I was the dominant scorer on my team for the first two games yet that wasn't enough. We played hard but I needed a few points from others. Some people on my team couldn't score. Went home with 3 loses.

* Writers meeting with Michael


Friday, August 16, 2019

* (No tennis)

* Writing CLN...

* Kitten footage


Saturday, August 17, 2019

* CLN rewriting intensive


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 464: An Evening with Jimmy Kimmel

Weekly Written Review 

On Tuesday, July 23rd, I received an email from the SAG-AFTRA Foundation about an upcoming TV show screening entitled, "Why Women Kill". The email also advertised an afterparty. I was sold. An afterparty in Beverly Hills will probably also have free food. Let's go! I was really looking forward to it. Fast forward to this week Monday. I got an email about an event entitled, An Evening with Jimmy Kimmel. It was further described as a Q&A with Jimmy Kimmel. This was a no brainer. I canceled the first event to attend Jimmy's event last night at the Roosevelt Hotel.

Coincidentally, last week I had a meeting with someone that works at Netflix and Jimmy Kimmel's name came up. Less than a week later, an opportunity to connect with him was brought to life. I started to align a game plan in my head. I had very little details about the event but that didn't stop me from developing a plot. All I knew is that there was going to be a Q&A with Jimmy and I anticipated the audience would get a chance to ask him questions. Immediately after confirming my attendance I started imagining my approach.

Wednesday arrived with a level of uneasiness. I wasn't nervous. I don't get nervous. I describe it as uneasy. I wanted to get some writing in for my screenplay but I figured in my best interest to relax and plan to leave early. Before I left, I played some Bob Marley and added his song Soul Rebel to my reggae worship playlist. My meditation strategy was in full effect. Just before departing, I recited, "Lord give me strength, Lord Give me Courage," multiple times from different angles rotating and pivoting.

On my way to the bus, I pulled out my note pad and started writing down my questions for Jimmy. I didn't want to directly solicit him so I developed a question in the form of asking for advice. It's a 3 part system.

Part 1: Thank the panel and thank Jimmy for being a voice for the people and his great work in late-night over the years.

Part 2: Brace my question as a request for advice.

Part 3: Then tell Jimmy how equally passionate I am about late-night. Mention my screenplay and ask how does a person like myself get the opportunity to share my story with him. I was even ready to provide an elevator pitch if necessary.

I arrived at the event 39mins early and there was already a line outside the Roosevelt.  Finally, we got in and the set up was legit. Red carpet and media on one side and the event room on the other. Marla Gibbs and Tommy Davidson were present. The event started and Anthony Anderson was introduced as the host. Shortly afterward he introduced Jimmy Kimmel and interviewed him. The first half was all about Jimmy and the history of the show. Jimmy Kimmel Live is also celebrating it's 28 Emmy nomination and 17 years on television. Plus he just signed on for 3 more years. The second half of the event was celebrating Norman Lear's Live In Front of a Studio Audience (All In the Family and The Jefferson's) Norman was introduced and the 3 of them continued chatting.

The event passed and there was no audience Q&A. That was disappointing but I kept my eyes glued on Jimmy. While most people started making their way for free food, security began escorting Jimmy and a few VIP's somewhere else. I was near his line. As he passed me, I stepped right behind him and walked along with them. I thought someone was going to stop me but nobody did. We just kept on walking. It seemed like we walked forever until we ended up in a private VIP room. 

Now I'm in an exclusive area, a few feet away from Jimmy Kimmel. This is 100 times better than I imagined. I patiently waited for the opportunity to talk to him. I wasn't sure how at first. I really wanted someone to introduce me. I thought about asking Guillermo because we worked together last year but he looked like he was having too much fun. Anthony Anderson was in the room and I approached him. Unfortunately, he rubbed me off. He didn't provide me any contact info. He took my flier and tried to school me about not having a card with my email address on it. I told him my email address and he said, one of his peoples are going to contact me but I highly doubt that.

Getting introduced to Jimmy would've been cool, I was kind of leaning towards that. Quickly I shook that thought off. I'm in the room with the main source and so I got to make it happen. There's no excuse to miss out on a once in a lifetime opportunity like this. After Jimmy finished eating, he stood up and I approached. I waved my hand he said, "Hi." First I congratulated him and told him I was one of his students. He immediately turned to the person on his right and said, "Finally someone is one of my students."  I told him that I worked with Guillermo on a shoot last year and showed him the photo of us. He looked at the photo and mentioned how much of a great time it looked like we were having.  I saw this as an opportunity to go deeper. Next, I stepped in closer and said, "I know you're no here to listen to anyone's pitch but I have a very unique personal story I would like to share with you." I told him I have a screenplay that's essentially a love story to late-night television and he's the missing link. Energetically he responded, "I'm the missing link? Who else?" I mentioned Conan and Oprah, then I told him more about my story in Tampa. That reminded him of his radio days in that city, so he started sharing a Tampa story to me and a guy next to him. In my mind, I was hoping he wasn't telling me this story to rub me. When he was done, he asked how did I work with Guillermo. I told him through his casting director. He responded, "Send your stuff to the casting director, she'll get it to me and I'll take a look at it."

I emailed that casting director after my shoot last May and she never got a response back. I couldn't just rely on that person. I asked him, "Just in case I can't get a hold her the casting director, is there someone else I can contact." He immediately said yes and told his publicist right next to him to take my info. She actually gave me her phone and I put my email in. I wasn't sure what she was going to do with it. When I gave her back the phone she kept getting distracted by others. I made sure to check with her. She fiddled with her phone then got distracted again. I reminded her again, then she explained that she didn't understand why the email isn't going through. She was trying to send me a quick email but it needed a subject first. I told her and I got the email safely. 

I was riding high at this point but I wasn't satisfied. I wanted to connect with more of Jimmy's people just in case they fell through. My eyes were peeled open for more possibilities. Rewind back to when the event ended, I crossed paths with his band director, Cleto. I congratulated him and his team. He said, "Thank you." I crossed paths with him again in VIP room and decided to initiate a friendly conversation with him. I asked if does any producing. He said no, but he's considering looking into producing when he's done with Jimmy's show. He walked away with a plate full of food and I looked on. A few mins later, I decided to go for it. I approached him very apologetically and said some of the same things I told Jimmy. The only difference is, I asked him to look at my project to possibly pass on to Jimmy if he likes it. Cleto was very open and welcoming to everything I said. He gave me his email address and told me, "No problem. You never know."  He believed in looking out for each other.

Now, I have 3 email address but I still wanted more. Later I started paying attention to the people with Jimmy Kimmel Live badges around their necks.  I approached his young man and we talked for a while. Turns out he's also on Jimmy Kimme's publicist team. I took his email just in case.

I ended up departing with the last group of people in that room. They told it was time to go. Only in my last two conversations is when I was asked, "Who invited you?" I told them the truth and they said, "Sometimes that'ss what you got to do."

Over a week later and I'm still really shocked and impressed with what I did. I shared the story with only a select few. Yet, this story is still incomplete. The upcoming weeks will truly determine the greatness of this Hollywood story. 

Sunday, August 4, 2019

* Driving Elbert around...

* Watching 3Below and Pose...


Monday, August 5, 2019

* Attempted to watch a screening of Fleabag but we were late. We people-watched instead and sent to Lowe's

* Watching more 3Below

* Writing CLN...


Tuesday, August 6, 2019

* Recycling...

* Writing CLN...


Wednesday,  August 7, 2019

* Writing CNL

* Reading my writing partner's script

* An Evening With Jimmy Kimmel


Thursday, August 8, 2019

* Audition...

* Kitten footage

* Blogging about Wednesday...


Friday, August 9, 2019

* Tennis...

* Writing CLN...

* Switch Time...Mario Tennis Aces


Saturday, August 10, 2019

* Soul of a Nation at The Board

* Coffee Bean...

* Playing Mario Tennis

* CLN brainstorming meeting

* Watching Kubo and the Two Strings


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 463: A Director's State of Mind

Weekly Written Review 

When you have a good product you just know it. My writing partner and I completed a really good script and this week we placed a director and producers hat on our heads. We don't know what we're doing but we're going to figure something out. We don't know many people but reaching out to the few that we know and I'm taking advantage of my recourses that are available to me. So far so good with Bumble Bizz. Where there's a will there's a-way. We can do this.


Sunday, July 28, 2019

* Bonham-Clyde shoot day 2 


Monday, July 29, 2019

* 1st day of writing CLN (Working on the intro)

* Rocketman screening


Tuesday, July 30, 2019

* VO dubb audition

* Treated myself to Street Fighter 30th Anniversary edition from Best Buy

* Writing a little. Just touching up the intro scene

* Meeting with Amanda from Netflix. It went better than I thought.


Wednesday, July 31, 2019

* Listened to a screenplay webinar

* Updating my script for my new contact. I figured out how to get rid of the leftover grammatical issues.

* Kitten footage


Thursday, August 1, 2019

* Basketball...not a fun day. No wins and bad energy players.

* Copy editing CB...

* UPMC  Health plan audition. They asked what was last on my playlist and I talked about Bob Marley for a moment then left. That was it.


Friday, August 2, 2019

* Tennis

* Pacman Museum treat


Saturday, August 3, 2019

* WGA registering CB

* Blogging

* Making Contacts...

* Rewatching Trollhunters with At...


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 462: It Doesn't Mean Anything Confirmed - Bumble Bizzing

Weekly Written Review 

I got to work as an actor this week. It's the first time I did some real acting since I was in Colorado last May. While I was waiting, there was a moment in which I asked myself, "Why am I here?" I immediately answered (in my mind) for the exposure. Granted, exposure is good and needed. Following that moment, I physically and spiritually confirmed that acting is borning. I've documented that acting isn't exciting in the past, it's especially dull when my head is flowing with an abundance of ideas that I need to type out.

In other news, "It doesn't mean anything has been confirmed." Meaning, I found out my autobiographical screenplay won't be advancing past the semi-finals. Less than a week, this was my response to the competition:

-------------------------------

ScreenCraft,

Particularly, I don't believe in the competition circuits. I've had my share of disappointments over the years and I've concluded a long time ago that I'll more than likely never achieve any success in a competition. I entered my screenplay in this competition mostly for the heck of it. At the very least, I thought I would gain some momentum and send a message to the universe. To my surprise, my screenplay made it to the semi-finals. As shocking as that was, I wasn't convinced that it meant anything. This email isn't intended to be perceived as bitter or negative. I'm actually quite appreciative and thankful for the experience. I just never believed in it. 

I'm 100% confident that I will find a way to get my screenplay made. It's just a matter of time. 

Even though it was for a short period of time, I appreciate ScreenCraft for considering my story. 

Continued success. 

Peace and many blessings. 

Motown

--------------------------------------

In today's last set of news, I took the advice from someone I played tennis with recently and established my Bumble Bizz account. I must say it has been beneficial to the quest. I also sent my mom belated bday gifts with some treats from Amazon this week.

The end.


Sunday, July 21, 2019

* Driving...

* Brainstorming new screenplay

* Shaved close for the first time in a long time

* Audition video sent


Monday, July 22, 2019

* Dhar Mann shoot

* I gave myself a close shave for the first time this year. I think...


Tuesday, July 23, 2019

* Started reading my writing partner's script

* Post office was closed...systems were down. Found a nearby mailman. Sent for a donation and fulfilled a promise since January.

* Watched the Love, Antosha documentary screening


Wednesday, July 24, 2019

* Starting writing the treatment for CLN

* Didn't advance any further to the ScreenCraft comedy contest. I made it to the semi-finals much further than I expected.


Thursday, July 25, 2019

* Basketball. Wasn't able to play full court today because kids were using the other half. Didn't win any games until my last game. 

* 6 Month mark until the reunion

* Dinner with Dhar Mann


Friday, July 26, 2019

* Tennis...

* Cat food run at Food 4 Less

* Got a little development writing in, not much.

* Night run for hangers with At...then Ihop


Saturday, July 27, 2019

* 1st reunion email sent out

* Blogging...

* Bonham-Clyde shoot


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 461: 1st Draft Completed

Weekly Written Review 

This week I shifted my writing abilities to BEAST mode. Last week I was 43-pages into my latest script. This week I got to 80-pages. Hence the first draft was complete. It's a strong first draft. My writing partner loves it and we've begun planning the next stages. Starting a screenplay is such a daunting task but the journey is so rewarding. I don't want to prematurely jump to conclusion and say I like the writing process but, I'll say it's growing on me.

The idea of taking a break after completing a screenplay sounds pleasant but I got work to get done. I'll take a break during Christmas or much later than that. I got ideas to write. I took a break from 2017 to 2018. Two years without an intensive creative drive. I still got stuff done during that time period but nothing compared to the creative the development I'm pursuing now. So by saying that, I can comfortably say, I'm loving my new process. I didn't say that earlier because it's going to take time before I ever confess my love for writing. On the other hand, I've always loved the creative process which of course have always included writing. I know. I'm conflicted :-) 


Sunday, July 14, 2019

* Apocolypse Town screening

* Trader Joes

* Writing...CB

* Conversation with a nephew for the first time. I had to tell him he's the better person despite his...

* Started watching season 3 of Stranger Things and Snowfall this week


Monday, July 15, 2019

* Writing...CB

* MaTown Bday...


Tuesday, July 16, 2019

* Writing...CB

* Kitten footage


Wednesday, July 17, 2019

* Writing...CB

* Writing...CB...first draft completed. A few days ago, I was on page 43, and today I completed my screenplay with 80 pages.


Thursday, July 18, 2019

* Basketball...

* Kitten footage


Friday, July 19, 2019

* Basketball...

* On way to get some ice cream with At...we came up with a brilliant movie title. The next day we confirmed the development.

* Tennis...the courts were closed for construction. Me and two new guys played at a court nearby. The courts weren't the best but we made the most of it.


Saturday, July 20, 2019

* New script, confirmation

* Reunion work

* Watching on Cat and Dogs

* Surprise money from the government

* Haircut


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 460: A breath of Fresh Air

Weekly Written Review

2019 started off with no clear path after my screenplay's rewrites. Fast forward to Week 443, I played tennis with an industry friend and she suggested that I submit the first 30 pages to the We Make Movies Writers Workshop. I wasn't immediately sold but I eventually came to. Engaging in the process sparked a surge of momentum needed to fuel my screenplay. Soon after I submitted to 8 screenplay contests, followed by two consecutive advancements from one of them. Last week, I got the good news about the We Make Movies Writers Workshop. The workshop is essentially a table ready with a group of actors and an audience. I had my first table ready back in April 2015, that was great. It was basically my first draft. The workshop took place on Wednesday and it was an incredible experience. I've worked on my screenplay a lot since the first table read and it was a delight to hear it read out loud again. The words I wrote sounded so good. Plus, I didn't notice many grammatical errors.

There was laughter throughout the entire session. When the read was over I came to the stage for feedback and I was showered with compliments. I heard things like, "It was really funny." I loved the absurdity and ridiculous comedy." "It was a breath of fresh air." "I can see it happening. I want to see your show." The same person that told me that my work was a breath of fresh air also compared me to Tyler Perry. I'm certainly not trying to create work like Tyler Perry but I understand the magnitude of the comparison. After the feedback, I shared my screenplay updates and left the stage. The praise continued on the sidewalk probably for another 30mins.

Now that's all over, it's going to take some time to get used to receiving compliments about my writing. It seems so foreign for a person that didn't really do good in grade school. It makes sense when I consider all the skits and projects I've been writing over the years consistently but I digress, I'll shut up and take in the good vibes. I'm grateful and thankful.


Sunday, July 7, 2019

* Writing edits...

* Brainstorming new screenplay ideas on the way to the concert

* Damian Marley Reggae concert at the Hollywood Bowl with At


Monday, July 8, 2019

* Writing...C&B


Tuesday, July 9, 2019

* Basketball...

* Writing...


Wednesday, July 10, 2019

* We Make Movies Writers Workshop


Thursday, July 11, 2019

* Writers meeting with Michael


Friday, July 12, 2019

* Tennis

* Switch time with LuLu


Saturday, July 13, 2019

* Post Office

* Blogging

* Watching, A Quiet Place.

* Visit from Andre...quick stop at Smart & Final

* Watching an Amination Webinar...


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 459: Pregnant with Twins

Weekly Written Review

Coming off of a stressful last week, I started this week with a very important admission. I told someone close to me about the state of my current condition. I had to tell her the truth so that she can understand me better. I told her that I'm pregnant. She immediately said, "You're not pregnant." I said, "Yes, I am. I know it sounds crazy but I really am. I'm pregnant with twins." I further indicated that my twins are the two screenplays I'm currently writing. Then I expounded about my duty to protect the twins. As I spoke, she began comprehending. All of this happened because of a series of previous incidents. I can't allow nonsense to affect the birthing process. Rest assured, I won't allow it. Aside from that, I began writing on a different sequence of days this week and it worked it fine.


Sunday,  June 30, 2019

* Reunion work

* Watching, A Question of Faith

* Script organizing/writers meeting

* Email acceptance for We Make Movies Writers Workshop


Monday, July 1, 2019

* Writing C&B...7 pages


Tuesday, July 2, 2019

* Met with this guy to give him industry advice. He was really green. No more comment.

* Fight for my EBT

* RAD writing

* Writers talk...C&B


Wednesday, July 3, 2019

* Writing about 10 pages today...C&B


Thursday, July 4, 2019

* Errands...Food 4 Less, 99 cent store

* At's...gaming...


Friday, July 5, 2019

* Tennis...


Saturday, July 6, 2019

* Reunion work...phone calls

* Gaming...

* Walking...

* Watching...War Room, writers meeting


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 458: Out of Rhythm

Weekly Written Review 

This week was rough. For the life of me, I couldn't write. I was completely out of rhythm and stressed. It was so bad I spent a lot of time rubbing my forehead's temples. For a creative person that's currently in a writing groove, it was an unbearable experience. It started last Friday, week (457) and it was caused by a person I was spending time with. I've elevated to a place in my journey where I can't tolerate nonsense/fruitless fussing in my space. Mere exposure to such a thing thumps my ability to be productive. Less than one week later, a few conversations and explanations, all is good now. Although my writing system was out of sync for a few days this week, I played catch up over the weekend and hurled over a tough transition in one of my scripts. Perhaps my mind needed a few days off to gather new perspectives.  Now, that I'm back I have to fight with all my power to keep the rhythm.

Sunday, June 23, 2019

* Driver day part 3...unnecessary fuss part 2...Drop off to go to church...

* Food 4 Less

* Fish dinner

* Haircut

* At's photo shoot

* Writers meeting

* Computer work...


Monday, June 24, 2019

* Marshmello music video shoot in Palmdale...car borrowed.

* No writing...


Tuesday, June 25, 2019

* Slow day...No writing...

* Suprise Bday party for Nat's sister at her place

*QTwR waste of...

* No writing...


Wednesday, June 26, 2019

* Joyce's Bday...Sizzle

* Blogging...

* Semifinalist notification. Say what. I honestly thought the worse when I got the email. The reason for that is because when I became the quarterfinalist they sent me a direct email first to inform me followed by a mass email. This time I noticed the mass email first. I figured I wasn't on the list. I took a deep breath and started scrolling. I was in for a book surprise when I saw my name.

* Gaming time...

* No writing...


Thursday, June 27, 2019

* Basketball...

* No writing...


Friday, June 28, 2019

* Tennis

* Mario Maker 2 pick up

* Finally some writing. Mostly some edits. Writing meeting/chat...

* Reunion work...

* Today I brained stormed the next screenplay I want to write


Saturday, June 29, 2019

* Writing...

* Reunion work...

* Gaming...


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 457: Co-writing at its finest

Weekly Written Review 

Overall having writing partners has been a positive experience. Less stress on the mind when two of them combine. It's a relationship and there will be challenges. I currently have two writing partners. I do all the typing with one script and the writing is shared with the other. We assigned ourselves to a few pages last week and shared our work to each other this week. I must admit, upon first read I had some concerns but we talk things out very well. There's no doubt we'll see things differently from time to time but its good to know common ground won't be hard to find.


Sunday, June 16, 2019

* Reunion planning...

* Gaming...Fornite...Smash...


Monday, June 17, 2019

* Writing...meeting...

* Reunion planning...


Tuesday, June 18, 2019

* Writing/Double dipping


Wednesday, June 19, 2019

* Writing/Double dipping


Thursday, June 20, 2019

* Writers meeting phone call with Michael

* Basketball...


Friday, June 21, 2019

* Tennis...

* Driving favor...car pick up

* Walking Zorka

* Driving favor pickup from work...

* Unnecessary fuss...hello couch...


Saturday, June 22, 2019

* Driving day...

* Booking notice...

* Elbert pickup...Ralphs...gaming...


As the quest continues...

The future of Late Night

Motown Maurice