In case you hadn’t checked it out yet, I’ve added a new page to the website called MM FILMS. 

It’s not a permanent name but it should give you a clue of where Mahogani Media is headed in the coming year.

Though I’ve been a fan of film my entire life, I was really enamored with the medium until I saw a little film called Malcolm X, directed by my creative idol – Spike Lee.  

Sitting on the floor, in the front of an AMC Theater, I saw this masterfully directed biopic and I knew I wanted to make films that touched me the way this film did.

Even after becoming a student journalist in high school and working for the TV station (learning to shoot and edit), then going to college majoring in Mass Communication and minoring in film (during which I also took production and writing courses), I didn’t fully take on the role I truly desired.  I directed some things, but mostly took a back seat and served as the supporting staff on various TV and film sets.  

After graduating college, then working in TV News, the fire to direct wasn’t rekindled until I worked on the film set of Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins under the direction of Spike's cousin Malcolm D. Lee. 

Watching how a film is made, how directors and actors interact, how a script comes to life – all of it reignited my passion to get behind a camera.

Though I ended up in still photography, that fire has been burning inside me for over five years.  And after starting my MFA program (finally) this year, I can no longer contain it.  I must fulfill this life-long aspiration. 

Enter: #OperationMakeAMovie

For years I’ve watched others enter a fairly new festival that takes place in my hometown called the Louisiana Film Prize.  It’s a short film festival with a prize of $50,000 and only one rule – it has to be shot in that city. 

The first year I didn’t feel I could compete.  I’m more of a documentary person, not a narrative feature person when it comes to writing and directing.  But as the years have gone by, and now with this MFA program underway, I have a new found confidence that even if it sucks, I at least want to make it happen. 

So in 2015, I plan to MAKE A MOVIE. I feel more ready than ever before.  It will be a short film idea I’ve been brewing over for months now.  I have my cast in mind, my Director of Photography on board, plus a host of other supportive friends who will help me make this happen. 

Now all I need is the FUNDS. 

Film-making definitely takes money – even indie film.  Crew rates, equipment rentals, permits, location fees, travel, editing/post-production, promotional materials, etc.  According to festival rules I have to raise the funds independently and that’s why I need the help of my friends and supporters to make this movie happen!

I will be posting GoFundMe and Kickstarter links in the coming days but for now, you can use the PayPal button below to make a DONATION that will go towards production costs. 

Whether you donate $5 or $500, I will credit you in the film as well as on all social media and fundraising pages.  There will also be incentives/prizes for certain donation levels (TBA soon). 

I am really excited about this journey and I hope to have your support.  Updates will be coming soon via this site and the MM Facebook Page so stay tuned.

#OperationMakeAMovie

is in full effect.

Go HERE to Donate today!

Thanks in advance for your support!

[Watch the video to learn more about me & the project!]