I am honored and proud to be featured in The Lab Magazine, Spring 2022, Volume 2. Thank you so much GMAL Fam!! Peace.
Conversations with Artists with The Phillips Collection (April 14, 2022)
Here is my artist talk as part of the Conversations with Artists series with The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC. It was moderated By Renée Littleton, Chief Communications Officer and Director of Marketing at the Phillips Collection. Thank you to Nehemiah Dixon III, Renée, and the Phillips Collection for this opportunity.
Conversations with Artists at The Phillips Collection (DC)
Adding some afrofuturistic fire to the Black Fire documentary
I was fortunate enough to create some motion graphics and animated sequences for a new documentary “Black Fire” This exciting film explores the story of the musical and afrofuturistic pioneers of the DC music scene, Black Fire Records, and is produced by The Home Rule Music and Film Preservation Foundation. The Black Fire Documentary uncovers Washington, DC’s music and its cultural heritage by highlighting the documents, images, photographs, art, video footage, music, and the people behind Black Fire Records. Through the use of primary and secondary research methods, in-person interviews, and archival and media footage and photography, the documentary shines a light on a Black-owned independent jazz record label started in Chocolate City, aka the nation’s capital in the 1970’s.
blackfireculture.com
Check out the trailer:
Can you feel THE BEAT?
Okay, so I am bad with this blog-thang! But I have been busy finishing the script for my latest feature-length film project, THE BEAT. We are getting very close and hope to move forward very soon more updates are to come soon. The goal is 2025-26 and moving into preproduction. Below are some more production design and mood board examples, to give you all a vibe. I am in the lab here at Visual Jazz and GMAL. In the meantime, check out this dope joint from DJ Mark Farina, “Shortie No Mas - You Like My Style” and be sure to support his music.
Peace
ABOUT THE BEAT! Feature sci-fi film with some dope beats of course.
So, I am usually working and collaborating with others on their film projects and it is all love. However, now the time has come to get crackin’ on my own. I am in development and moving into pre-production and fundraising for my feature sci-fi, hip-hop feature film. I will be posting more goodies soon as well as the Kickstarter or Seed & Spark soon. In the meantime think dope beats, aliens, and the sustainability of our planet. Here is my really rough mood board to spark some ideas. See y’all in the future. Peace!
Rest in beats and power to MF DOOM. One of the dopest MCs ever and shout out to Tom Misch.
The Available Wife is now on the Urban Movie Channel and just after ABFF
I am very excited that a new film that I was production designer, art director, and property master for the new film, “The Available Wife” (MegaMind Media) and featured at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) 2020. The film is now streaming on the Urban Movie Channel.
About: When money, affairs, power, and lies collide, Nicole Wright, a beautiful and successful music CEOs life is about to crumble in front of her. While leaving her husband and son, the lies that have built her music empire is threatening to tear her down. While having an affair with Kingston, the sexy artist on the rise who promises her everything, Nicole learns the hard way that looks can be deceiving and his motives are as dark as the secrets she keeps.
Featuring Roger Guenveur Smith, KJ Smith, Clifton Powell, Anwan Glover, Terayle Hill, Oscar Gary, Jr., Angel Love, Raheem Devaughn and Brave Williams. Directed by Jamal Hill and screenplay by Tressa Azarel Smallwood, Jamal Hill, Kyjuan Cleveland, and based on the novel by Carla Pennington. Produced by Megamind Media.
Special thanks to my entire Art Department team: Belaynesh Melchishua, Jannie Johnston, Erica Waddy, Kelisha Perry, Bunmi Akinyosoye, Didas Akognon, Kaylyn Luces, Nayeli Rochel, Angelina Mushala, Marcus Houston and Beyjhana Jackson.
Take a cinematic journey with me with "AS ABOVE" directed by Sewra Kidane
AS ABOVE
"AS ABOVE" directed by my cinematic sister and comrade Sewra Kidane is an official selection in the Croatia Fashion Film Festival taking place Aug 27-28th! Most recently it was also screened in the LA Fashion Film Festival. I contributed motion graphics and animation to this dope film.
Shout out to the entire production team and I so hope we can screen this here in the DMV and elsewhere soon and so happy to have been a part of this. Check out the trailer: https://vimeo.com/339373103
#AsAbove #GeeSpotCine #FashionFilm #FashionFilms #Afrofuturism #DopeIsh #MotionGraphics #CinematicDiscotheque #SoulCinematic #VisualJazz
GIMME MY PROPS: Production design for "The Available Wife"
Just wrapped with production design and props for THE AVAILABLE WIFE based on the book by Carla Pennington and screenplay by Tressa Azarel Smallwood and directed by Jamal Hill. So happy to be apart of this dope project.
This is filmmaking in the DMV! Couldn’t have done it without a dope team @worterbabe @ruviesinat @hellobunmi @rochelesmeralda @akeydrug @angelinamushala
A special thanks to co producer @authorkendallb (thank you my sister you are indeed the glue) and many others (Jannie, students from @vcdma @bowiestateuniversity and more and also featuring selections of the wonderful artwork of @keionaclarkart @dmvleagueart
Thank you all! I have to thank my 👑 Empress, Queen, Rock and family for putting up with my madness and holding me down for the past few weeks! Stay tuned to @megamind_media for more!
🎬🎥🎞🙌🏿
#theavailablewifemovie #setlife #megamindmedia #productiondesign #props #artdepartment #film #dc #pgcounty #wemakemovies #ahtdepahtment #gimmemyprops
DCMTA 2018 Staff Favorites: Outstanding Overall Productions in Professional Theater - A NEW NATION
Great news for a show I designed projections for and brilliantly produced by Convergence Theatre Guerilla Theater Works: A New Nation. This dope show was performed at the Anacostia Arts Center and was recognized as 2018 Outstanding Staff Favs!
Salute to the entire crew and Congrats to all. As we move forward let' s all stand up, speak out and fight for immigrant rights and the humanity of all and continue to chant and smash down Babylon system.
#newnation #dopestuff #immigrantstory #humanity #standupspeakout #guerillatheater #convergencetheatre #chantdownbabylon
Adele Robey (Daisy Werthan) and James Foster Jr. (Hoke Colburn) in Driving Miss Daisy, now playing at Anacostia Playhouse. Photo by Jabari Jefferson.
Review of DRIVING MISS DAISY
Proud to have to pretty good reviews for “DRIVING MISS DAISY” at the Anacostia Playhouse. Congrats to the entire production.
DC METRO THEATRE ARTS
https://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2018/12/16/review-driving-miss-daisy-at-anacostia-playhouse/?fbclid=IwAR0wGc-iE-GfAjyBPZXyLPWV15qVt4hv0bVLdYA4zjOCh_FxgXfph43jLBQ
DRIVING MISS DAISY | Projection and sound design
Just wrapped sound and projection design for a wonderful production of “Driving Miss Daisy” by Alfred Uhry and directed by Ella Davis. Now playing at the Anacostia Playhouse and here in DC until 12/23. A great show for the entire family and very timely given our current struggles in regards to race, religion, hate and tolerance in this country. Come thru and support great theater in DC.
#anacostiaplayhouse #DC #drivingMsDaisy #dctheater #projectiondesign #sounddesign #visualjazz #tolerance #diversity #peace #love #unity
The Future of the Funk: Afrofuturism, Science Fiction and Film
Just recently served as moderator/presenter along with guest filmmaker/producer Chad Eric Smith (Rumination, Dark Thearpy) for panel, The Future of the Funk: Afrofuturism, Science Fiction and Film panel at the 2018 Future of Film & Media conference (Bowie, MD). A great discussion on cinema, music, culture and history of Black images in science fiction, fantasy, horror and speculative fiction. WE GOT FUNKY Y’ALL!! SEE YOU IN THE FUTURE.
Afrofuturism Festival 2018: Black Sci-fi, Fantasy, Horror and Spiritual | Urban Media Makers Film Festival
My short “video music” (yes I flipped it!) "Butterfly Girl" has been selected to be apart of the Afrofuturism Festival 2018: Black Sci-fi, Fantasy, Horror and Spiritual, under the Urban Media Makers Film Festival in Atlanta, GA. Oct. 13-14, 2018. For info and tix: umff.com
Black Panther Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter honored at Bowie State
Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts/Fashion Design program, Department of Fine and Performing Arts/College of Arts and Sciences and the Entrepreneurship Academy at Bowie State University in association with RixStar Studios presents
Ruth E. Carter
In recognition of 35 years in Costume Design and her 30th Anniversary in Hollywood of bringing Black Culture and Couture to Cinema
Ruth will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Bowie State President, Dr. Aminta H. Breaux followed by a discussion and film highlights of her illustrious career, moderated by Prof. Maggy François (VCDMA, Fashion Design) and Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger, Jennifer Jean-Pierre.
Thursday, September 27, 6:30p - 8:00p
Doors open at 6pm
Main Stage Theatre
Fine and Performing Arts Center
Bowie State University
Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, MD
FREE but ticket required:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-panther-costume-designer-ruth-e-carter-honored-at-bowie-state-tickets-49796082423?aff=es2
ATTENTION: This event may get overbooked. Be advised to get there at least one hour ahead of time. No one will be admitted once attendance reaches the Fire Marshal Occupancy limit – even if you are have a ticket.
WE TRULY NEED A NEW NATION
I am very excited to have come off a very successful run with projection I designed for a recent performance of Guerrilla Theater Works 3: A New Nation’ by Convergence Theatre and we were also HELEN HAYES RECOMMENDED.
About: A New Nation is the latest performance piece generated through Convergence Theatre’s Guerrilla Theatre Works model, a synthesis of performance art, poetry, interviews and physical theatre. A New Nation probes responses to the immigration crisis in the US and current perceptions of the stranger, amplifying diverse voices to challenge fear and strengthen our sense of home. The journey of an unaccompanied minor, a deportation notice and everyday life in a new land are glimpses of the narratives that move beyond the boundaries of the theatre itself.
Performances are framed by Converging Minds, our community engagement event focused transforming art into action. Some Converging Minds events feature local leaders who offer simple yet effective ways to be an advocate or just more inclusive citizen. Other performances feature an “Open Spaces” engagement providing the opportunity for audience members to connect to other community members to discover ways to become more engaged neighbors and foster dialogue with one another. Combined with the show, Converging Minds becomes the heart of your theatre-going experience.
Production photos for A New Nation by Ethan Malamud.
We also received some pretty good press:
DC Metro Theater Alliance
OPEN STUDIO TOUR 2018 - COME THRU!
IT IS OUR FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!
Well my people. The GATEWAY OPEN STUDIO TOUR 2018 is back and in conjunction with Mount Rainier Day, Saturday May 18, 2018 12-5 PM. Please come through and see some of the dope artists, businesses and the best that Prince George's County has to offer in the arts, all in the beautiful and vibrant Gateway Arts District.
Yours truly Visual Jazz and others in the Gateway Media Arts Lab will open our doors to meet and greet visitors and share what we do here in the LAB. I look forward to meeting you to discuss future film productions and projection projects as well as learn from you how we can bring your ideas into motion. We are located again at 3311 Rhode Island Avenue Mount Rainier, MD 21212.
SEE YOU IN THE FUTURE! PEACE!
Teo
BLACK LOVE EXPERIENCE 2018 (DC)
Black Love Experience panel: L-R: DJ Jahsonic, Ytasha Womack, L Penelope, Risikat Okedeyi and not pictured (photo credit) Jennifer White-Johnson
BLACK LOVE, COME AND GET SOME
I was blessed again to participate in the BLACK LOVE EXPERIENCE in DC. I was part of the panel BLACK TO THE FUTURE: INSIDE SHURI'S LAB PANEL
The Black Love Experience (BLE): Using an Afrofuturistic lens, this panel will look at literature, film, music, and graphic design that centers Black people and cultural themes. Panelists included yours truly Tewodross Melchishua Williams, Jennifer White-Johnson, DJ and music connoiseur Jamil Hamilton (DJ Jahsonic), paranormal fantasy writer L. Penelope and moderated by Risikat Okedeyi of Lil SoSo.
About BLE Originating from the masterminds behind Nubian Hueman, The Black Love Experience is a conglomerate of artistry and inventiveness geared towards creatives, revolutionaries, kindred souls, and fearless visionaries celebrating ourselves under the canopy of all things Black. This event connects the vibrant creative community of the Washington DC Metro Area and beyond, through expressions of music, art, wellness, and creative commerce, but most of all it's good vibes and togetherness. To contain it under the guise of a party, pop-up, concert, or gathering of any kind would be an understatement. A portion of our proceeds go towards organizations and schools in our local community.
AFROTECTOPIA
WE ARE THE VIBRANIUM...
WE ARE THE VIBRANIUM
I am still in awe of the amazing talent, creativity, intelligent, beauty, integrity that I saw from these wonderful brothers and sisters @ Afrotectopia that took place at the dope ITP - NYU. This all took place March 10-11th in NYC.
Thank you to Ari Melenciano for putting together a wonderful event that I hope will be an annual experience and that certainly needs to grow.
We will do our best at Visual Jazz as well as working with all of the other artists, filmmakers and HBCUs to continue to push the intersection and integration of the film, arts, technology (STEAM) and media. Can’t wait for the next one and will of course sharing with our students, colleagues and other creatives here in the DMV area.
Peace!
#afrotectopia #itp #afrotech #visualculture #nyu #blerds #blackpanther #wrinkleintime #wearethevibranium
#yallarethevibranium #wakanda #afrofuturism #VR #AR #AI #nyutisch #interactive #film #hiphop #animation #music #theatre #bowiestate #vcdma #visualjazz #dopeness #blackgenius #wearethefuture
Welcome to Wakanda (We Come From the Stars) and we are going to see Black Panther and party!
Welcome to Wakanda - Celebrating the World of Black Panther in the Gateway Media Arts Lab Black Panther Screening and Afrofuturism Party! 2/17/18.
My people, y’all already know how this one is going down! Visual Jazz needs your support. This is also leading up to a forthcoming sci-fi featuring length film we are already developing and visual arts exhibition and book so stay tuned. I am personally extending a a Wakandan welcome to all of you.
Now, a few things that you should already know...
1. You know you're trying to go see Black Panther...
2. You know dem tix for the opening are already sold out. If you don't have tix already, forget about it!
3. You know we do have tix for Saturday screening...
4. You know you need to get away from those kids and enjoy yourself... (and the craziness of opening night and them youngins in the movie theatre)...
5. You know we are also planning a dope afrofuturism afterparty at the Gateway Media Arts Lab Enterprises...
6. You know you can dress up as your favorite superhero, comic superhero, sci-fi or afrofuturistic fantasy (or not, not mandatory and totally up to you...but we are!)
7. You know you we will have the dopest DJ, visual art, music, food, drinkity-drank and vibes...
8. You know that with the release of this film it will be a holiday weekend and this is indeed a movement...
In the words of the Notorious B.I.G. "and if you don't know, now you know...." - come hang with us! Tix are going fast and space is limited!!! Get your now and we so appreciate your support! Peace!
// UPDATE!! The event was a great success and we even have a write up in PG Suite Magazine, check it out! THE PARTY OF ONENESS BY RAOUL DENNIS.
Join Visual Jazz @ The Future of Film 2017 Conference
THE FUTURE OF FILM 2017 CONFERENCE
Please join yours truly Visual Jazz and a great panel of other presenters for a dope weekend here in PG County for The Future of Film (FOF) 2017 Conference. FOF 2017 Conference is our annual platform to exchange ideas, re-think community and promote innovation in the film and digital media industry in Prince George's County and the DMV region. This is the 4th year of this event and this year’s theme is
“We are the New Makers: Turning the Lens on the Creative Economy”
See you and to get tickets visit: fof.media