RUniverse

Who I'd like to meet:

WHO I'D LIKE TO MEET: Depends on the period, I've met some of them, they are why I stay inspired...in general, any man, woman or child who has/is making the "love of humanity, the whole of morality" their social-economic agenda! It really is demanded of us once we accept that our purpose, our convictions are greater than us on levels and degrees far beyond our imaginations...lest we forget the "miracle on 1600 Pennsylvania Ave"...

Some of these video uploads consist of independent concepts, prototypes, shorts and trailers not necessarily intended for mainstream media...quote me, the future of qualitative programming lies in public broadcasting networks...

A HISTORICAL DIMENSION IN CREATIVE LEARNING...is an EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENTARY based on the life and creative-arts teaching accomplishments of retired Educator, Historian, Librarian, Media Specialist EULA L. BRANHAM--1st African American Librarian at Atlanta's Margaret Mitchell elementary school (named after Pulitzer Prize Author of the Book/Film classic, "Gone With The Wind"). Why is Ms. Branham's story so significant not just to Georgia folks, but to teachers, librarians, educators the world over? Hopefully, featured on-camera guests/students will help address this question for you. Currently in its post-production stages, the 90-minute (rough cut) was selected in the 2002 National Black Arts Festival's "Family Film Series" in Atlanta, Georgia...looks like education and educational resource tools are back in the forefront under our new 21st century leadership, maybe now is the time for one of those "Ken Burns" foundation grants to cover the post-production completion costs...keeping hope alive...gotta' get it done right, no short-changing, Ms. Branham's story is much too powerful, I tag it as the antidote for no child AND no teacher left behind...

THE HUMAN PRODUCT FACTORY is a COMEDY/VARIETY TV PROTOTYPE developed partially in response to Georgia's Film/TV industry's blatant mistreatment of minority Film/TV/Stage professionals. You were either casted as extras, featured extras, or hired as PAs when the studio boys came to shoot their big budget film, stage, TV and video productions. "Above-the-line" positions were considered taboo for those of us with legitimate skills. Charles Mills, Afemo Omilami, Jen Harper, Jomandi, Anrea Frye, Charles Lawlor, Crystal Fox, Xernona Clayton, and of course, Spike and Monty, are just a few visionary pioneers I've met who broke that divisive, good old-boy-mold for many artists working in television, stage and film today...I often wonder these day during this 21st century media progression, have we really progressed?

T.H.P.F. was launched, January 15, 1990, under the appropriate opening theme, "Why We Can't Wait: A Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." (prologued by the Honorable Congressman John Lewis). The 4-year-run cable TV series became a hub for media/creative artists to hone their talents with other media professionals. The premise was similar to "The Colour Museum"...the original series was supported through (3) programming grants (City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs); commended by then Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young; supported in part by Fulton County Arts Council; nominated for an ABBY Award (Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce/Atlanta Business Council); selected, HBO/MediaOne's A 1st Look: Showcase for Ethnic Programming in Television (Clark Atlanta University); aired 1-Hour commercial Comedy Special following "The Gallagher & Jonathan Winters Prime-Time Specials" (Atlanta's UPN TV-69). Though some clips are dated, posted mostly for cast/crew archives, I'll always have deep admiration for these artists I've met. They, too, understood the demands on non-conformists working in a "lights-camera-action industry" that easily strips one's integrity and soul. As eloquently noted by the socially-conscious orators, Public Enemy, "how do you sell soul to a soulless people who sold their souls?"...critics say, you don't!

On, July 24, 1994, with the help of my friends, I closed out the series at Atlanta's 14th Street Playhouse Theater under the benevolent theme, "1994 Humanitarian Awards Program"--a simple appreciation presented in a musical/stage production lauding my Cast/Crew, Creative/Technical Artists, Civic/Community Leaders/Arts & Business Supporters who supported my efforts...could have actually push it over the top with a "In Living Color" Hollywood production budget...its really ironic how the socially-challenging issues we addressed "back then" through THPF's satirical format mirror similar and prevalent issues today...lest we forget...the following media clips are for entertainment purposes only!