Category: business

Daughters of Solanas Selected for Two Additional Film Festivals

by Briana M. Andrews, posted in events

Daughters of Solanas continues to take off!  The dramedy short was recently accepted into two additional film festivals.  What great news to kick off Women’s History Month!?!?  It is an official selection of the 2020 Uptown Women’s Festival of New York which runs May 14-17th 2020 at New Stage Theater.  The film was also recently selected for the 2020 Women’s Comedy Film Festival in Atlanta.

  • 2020 Uptown Women's Film Festival of New York Official Selection
  • Women's Comedy Film Festival - Atlanta
  • Team Banks, Cast and Crew of Female Filmmakers for Daughters of Solanas – Women’s Weekend Film Challenge. Photo by Briana M. Andrews April 6, 2019.

Directed by Angele Cooper of Alpha Female Films, this dramedy short was created as part of the New York iteration of the Women’s Weekend Film Challenge.  It premiered in April 2019 at the Museum of Moving Image in New York.  I had the pleasure of working this entire female cast and crew as a BTS / Unit Photographer.  I also managed socials and established digital presence for the film.  Read more about the film by clicking here => #DaughtersofSolanas or visiting the IMDB page.

Freelance Spotlight: Introducing G-Pilot, Hip-Hop Artist [Shooter, Producer, Editor]

by Briana M. Andrews, posted in New Media Production, Shoots

Be on the lookout for Introducing G-Pilot. Briana M. Andrews served as the Shreditor (shooter, producer, editor) on this project which includes an interview, in-studio performance and music video featuring up-and-coming hip-hop recording artist G-Pilot. G-Pilot is currently promoting his new smash single “W.I.N.” A natural in front of the camera, G-Pilot discusses his entrepreneurial endeavors, connection to rapper Common, inspirations and why he opts to create positive rap content.

  • G-Pilot Rapper - Introduction - Interview - In Studio Hip-Hop Performance B-Roll
  • G-Pilot - Rap Recording Artist Music Video for song WIN W.I.N - Interview Stills - BibbyFame Digital - Shot by Briana M. Andrews
  • G-Pilot Hip-Hop Recording Artist Exclusive Interview by Briana M. Andrews - BibbyFame Digital

Visit G-Pilot on Instagram and click here to listen to his music on Soundcloud.

Collaboration Corner: Break Point (Actress) and Final Beat (First AC)

by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Shoots

Over the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to work on several exciting film projects.  In addition to my personal ventures, I was on the crew for a few others, including student projects for fellow MFA candidates.  There are two projects I’d like to share details on.  First, because I am super proud of the outcome, and secondly, since both films were directed by women.  In recent weeks, there was quite the uproar about the industry’s lack of gender parity and female filmmakers being snubbed by the Oscars and Golden Globes.  Here are two projects from upcoming women in film to be on the lookout for:

The first project, Final Beat was directed by Elon Riley.  I was the first assistant camera (1st AC / focus puller) for this film.

  • Final Beat Short Film - Actress Ayrricka Street - Student Film - Howard University MFA Film Program
  • Final Beat Short Movie - Actress Ayrricka Street - Student Film - Howard University MFA Film Program
  • Final Beat Short Movie - Actress Ayrricka Street - Student Film - Howard University MFA Film Program

The second project Break Point was written and directed by Melissa Witherspoon.  I was cast as the actress in this film; I’m usually behind the camera but I was able to flex some acting chops here.

  • Briana M. Andrews - Actress - Breaking Point Short Film - Action - Spilled Coffee
  • Briana M. Andrews - Actress - Breaking Point Short Film - Action - Looking Under Bed for Shoes
  • Briana M. Andrews - Actress - Breaking Point Short Film - Action - Worst Day - Rushing out of Home

I’ll share more details about release as information becomes available.

Freelance Spotlight: BTS from Eclectic New Yorker Project [Camera Assistant & Lighting Crew]

by Briana M. Andrews, posted in Shoots

Summer 2019 has been remarkably busy (in a good way).  While the blog posts have certainly been more sporadic, I promise it’s for good reason.  I’d like to share some details on a recently completed freelance project in Astoria, NY.  In late July, I had the pleasure of working with photographer Regan Wood.  She is working on a super exciting project about eclectic New Yorkers and fascinating spaces.   I assisted on-set with several functions including lighting.  This connection was made by Jill Lotenberg, another lady of the lens that I had the pleasure of working with.  I’ll be sure to share more details about the project as it comes into fruition. Here are a couple behind the scenes snaps from the space:

  • BTS from Photographer Regan Wood's Eclectic Spaces Project
    BTS from Photographer Regan Wood’s Eclectic Spaces Project
  • BTS from Photographer Regan Wood's Eclectic New Yorker Project
    BTS from Photographer Regan Wood’s Eclectic New Yorker Project

“To Each, Her Throne” – Web Docuseries Official Trailer [VIEW]

by Briana M. Andrews, posted in New Media Production, Shoots

Check out the official trailer for “To Each, Her Throne.” 

To Each, Her Throne is a five-episode web docuseries bringing together women from different ages, backgrounds, sexualities, religions, races and ethnic groups.  This is a female-centric project boasting an all-female cast and crew.  Thus far, support for the project has been overwhelmingly positive, partially securing funding through a successful IndieGogo campaign with over 40 backers.  Under the artistic direction of Danielle Privat, the cast came together for judgement-free discourse on the female experience, with the goal of breaking societal mandates.

Be on the lookout for the dates of our upcoming screening in NYC and project release. 

To Each Her Throne - Official Trailer - Web Episode Graphic

Crew:

  • Danielle Privat, Director / Production Designer
  • Alicia Allen, 1st Assistant Director / Director of Photography
  • Briana Andrews, Producer
  • Giovanni Jackson, Director of Photography
  • Veronica Lewis, Gaffer
  • Morgan Jones, Sound Mixer

Cast:

Read more about the TEHT project, cast and crew => #ToEachHerThrone

Freelance Spotlight: BTS from Film Premiere – Heroic Episodes & The Shades [Desktop Publishing, Behind-the-Scenes Photo / Video]

by Briana M. Andrews, posted in New Media Production, Shoots

June 2019 was an action-packed month!  One of the most memorable events I had the pleasure of being involved with this month was the screening of Heroic Episodes and The Shades.  These short films were both directed by Lisa Regina, the founder of A Write to Heal, a 501(c)(3) organization.  The cast consisted of military veterans, and the screening took place the weekend after Memorial Day. 

Below are some photos I took at the event: 

  • Broadway Theater Pitman New Jersey
  • Actress Denise D'Ascenzo at Heroic Episodes Premiere
  • Retired Army Captain Leslie Nicole Smith
  • Cast from The Shades and Heroic Episodes at Broadway Theater.
  • Acting Coach Lisa Regina with Cast from Heroic Episodes
  • South New Jersey Based Acting Coach Lisa Regina
  • Jaden Michael and Lisa Regina of Heroic Episodes at Broadway Theater

In the month leading up to the event I assisted with grassroots marketing efforts and used both Canva and desktop publishing software to design a 16-page program / theater booklet with cast bios, sponsors, advertisers and more. I also handled BTS / event photography and edited a photo-story and video collage for socials. The premiere took place on June 4, 2019 at the historic Broadway Theater in Pitman, NJ.

I received a referral for this opportunity from Professor Rachael Shapiro, a Writing Arts, Research and Technology professor at Rowan University who taught my New Media Practicum / senior seminar course. Lisa Regina is a professional actress and coach by-trade.  Her partnership with Bridging the Gap helps soldiers with communication skills and confidence building for reintegration into society after deployment.  To learn more about Lisa Regina, these film projects, or her acting classes visit her website.

Freelance Spotlight: BTS from Alliance Latino Youth Leadership Conference at Fairleigh Dickinson University – Inspimind Project, Dir of Photography

by Briana M. Andrews, posted in events, Shoots
Briana M. Andrews with Inspimind staff at the Alliance Latino Youth Leadership Conference May 16, 2019

In recent weeks, I worked as the Director of Photography (DP) for the Fifth Annual Alliance Latino Youth Leadership Conference.  I supervised the interns, camera and light crew for the one-day, multi-cam shoot (currently in post).   This event was co-sponsored by Inspimind and took place at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey.  This year’s theme was “Rompiendo Barreras” (breaking through).  The conference was open to high school students of Latino heritage and consisted of workshops about success, overcoming life hurdles, financing college and getting scholarships.

Group photograph at Alliance Latino Youth Leadership Conference at FDU Madison

Last year, I worked at Inspimind as an intern in Film Production and Multimedia.  In that capacity, I assisted with pre-production, onsite production, and post-production (editing and debrief meetings).  Other responsibilities included recording and editing footage, photography, assisting with the planning & scheduling of production shoots, and collaborating with the Content Development team.  I connected with Inspimind, not only as an employee, but on a personal level because I value their mission and witnessed firsthand all the amazing work they do in the community as an educational services non-profit.  I started out as an intern, but when I received the call to come back this year for a paid freelance opportunity supervising their new 2019 interns at the Alliance Latino Youth Leadership Conference, I jumped at the chance.  It was an amazing event!  Learn more about Inspimind.

Memorial Day 2019 – Upcoming Event, Veteran Short Film and TV Series – Photo, Video & Design Project

by Briana M. Andrews, posted in events, Shoots

In honor of Memorial Day, I would like to thank all those who gave their lives so that we can live in a country where democracy is the shelter of freedom and peace.

Heroic Episodes – Logo for Short Film by Lisa Regina premiering at Broadway Theater.

I am pleased to introduce you to The Shades and Heroic Episodes, two short films made with our veterans, community members, advocates and survivors. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been extremely busy working in lockstep with the Director of this project, Lisa Regina.  I proudly support our veterans!  Thus far, working on this project commissioned by Regina’s non-profit organization, A Write to Heal 501(c)(3) has been an amazing experience where I learned about the personal stories of heroes who served in our armed forces.

From our pre-production meetings and grassroots marketing to location scouting, shot-list development and working to secure quotes from vendors, this was a multifaceted project that pulled from various skillsets.  I handled graphic design on the 16-page theater program which is finally off to print and I’ll be handling multi-cam videography and event photography at the premiere on June 2, 2019 at Broadway Theatre in Pitman, NJ.  Click here to learn more about the event and buy tickets on Eventbrite. 

The Shades & Heroic Episodes – Veterans short film and television series by Lisa Regina.

THANK YOU – College of Communication & Creative Arts Showcase [BTS Photos] – REMINDER: Upcoming NMP Showcase

by Briana M. Andrews, posted in events, New Media Production, Personal

I’d like to provide a special thank you to everyone who visited my workstation May 4th at the CCCA Awards and Showcase.  The event served as awesome primer for the New Media Practicum showcase that will be taking place at Chamberlain Student Center from 10-1 PM on Tuesday May 7th, 2019.  I encourage you to attend; admission is free and open to the general public.  You will have the opportunity to see the Women in TV and Film new media project and mini-documentary showcasing my activities over the course of the semester. 

Here are a few images shared on social media during the event:

  • Briana M. Andrews poses with production book and artifacts from the Women in TV and Film project at the Rowan University CCCA Awards and Showcase
  • Instructor for New Media Practicum, Professor Rachael Shapiro and Dr. Sanford Tweedie, Dean of Rowan University’s College of Communications and Creative Arts discussing Optik Topic on May 4, 2019

This subject is near and dear to my heart and the project demonstrates micro-level steps we can take as a community to ensure there is more diversity, inclusivity and representation in storytelling.  The feedback was overwhelming positive and the energy was lively during the event. The CCCA Showcase was particularly memorable for me since it was one of the few times during my undergraduate career where I experienced all majors from CCCA (biomedical art, public relations and advertising, journalism, communication studies etc.) under the same roof displaying their body of work.  If you missed it, you missed out – however, I’d love to see you on Tuesday at NMP.

Tomorrow, I will post an article on WomeninTVandFilm.com outlining things that filmmakers, businesses and consumers / viewers can do to support women in this profession. Stay tuned.

Boomerang Social Media Post, Originally Posted on Instagram During CCCA Event

What Were the BIGGEST CHALLENGES during the creation of Women in TV and Film? Project Completion [Reflection]

by Briana M. Andrews, posted in business, New Media Production, Women In TV & Film

Funding limitations were one of the greatest challenges I experienced throughout the creation of the Women in TV and Film project.  One of the aspects that contributed to the success of the project was BEING THERE.  Enough footage exists on the market that I could have slapped together project from content curation alone, but I wanted to SEE, FEEL, TOUCH and make this experience REAL for myself and for anyone who views the project.  The need for female voices in television and film is heavily documented with articles and videos that address everything from gatekeepers and green-lighters to budgetary constraints and limited access.  However, Women in TV and Film is unique since it isn’t a perspective from the outside looking in.  Again, it was about BEING THERE.

Official Poster – Women in TV and Film – New Media Project and Mini Documentary. Designed by Briana M. Andrews.

If I had to summarize the challenges, it would come down to time and money.  I didn’t have all the time in the world to work on this project.  I submitted and defended my project proposal on February 14, 2019 and had roughly two months to take this from concept to completion with a tangible showcase-worthy project.  There were schedule and timeline tweaks and adjustments when reality set in with how much can realistically be accomplished within the allowed timeframe.  

Some of the investments made included gas, tolls (ugh, tolls), back-up batteries for my SLR, additional SD cards and the usual suspects, like my Adobe CC subscription.  I also had to combat loss of income, since I couldn’t actively freelance while simultaneously putting in long hours toward the Women in TV and Film project, and my directorial debut, Thug Motivation.  Leading up to April 2019, I resigned from my position as a Studio Photographer with Picture People since they needed someone with weekend availability, especially with the Easter holiday approaching.  I knew in advance I would have to spend each weekend in March and April either shooting, editing, designing graphics, or attending events and production meetings.