Tag Archives: Media
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An Artist’s Guide to Making Atlanta Home

8 Oct

Photo Credit: Pexels.com

Whether you draw, paint, sculpt, or make music, making a living from your creative pursuits can be very rewarding. That said, not every city is particularly welcoming for artists. For example, while a place like New York may be buzzing with creative energy, it has a very high cost of living, which can make it a tough place to survive if you’re an up-and-coming artist. Enter Atlanta. This southern metropolis offers many advantages for artists, including grants like the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund, and is a great place to call home.

This guide explains why Atlanta is such a great place for artists to live and offers practical pointers on settling into this vibrant city.

Recognize the benefits of Atlanta for artists

Atlanta has a burgeoning arts scene that’s gaining increasing national and even international recognition. According to ARTnews, there are many museums, educational networks, and new and old institutes feeding the artistic community. Examples include the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, which doles out millions in support for artists every year. Atlanta is also a relatively affordable city. The cost of living is two percent lower than the national average as a whole, so you can survive here even if you aren’t a star artist (yet).

Find the perfect place to live in the city

If you’ve decided to call Atlanta home, you’ve made a great choice. But you still have to decide exactly where in the city you want to live. Atlanta covers a lot of surface area, with many distinct neighborhoods. Scope out areas that are made for art lovers, like Midtown, Castleberry Hill, and Westside. Of course, you also need to consider practicalities like price when deciding where to live. You can use an online tool like this one to check prices in various neighborhoods.

Know where to get your creative supplies in the city

Once you’ve settled into your new home, it’s time to start getting creative. If you’re an artist, you probably want some supplies to set up your own home studio. This roundup of the best art and design supply stores in Atlanta can help you figure out where to get the goods you need. You might also want to set up a separate studio space in your new home where you can get creative. Make sure your studio is painted in soothing colors, has plenty of light to promote productivity, and includes some greenery to encourage concentration.

Connect with the creative community

As a creative person, you undoubtedly want to share your passion with others. Atlanta offers plenty of opportunities for artists to showcase their work and connect. This roundup of art spaces in Atlanta focuses on organizations that are boosting the city’s progressive creativity, from grassroots spots to museums. Meanwhile, Art Currents ATL has a list of event listings you can check to learn more about the city’s vibrant arts community. Going to events is also a wonderful way to explore your new city.

Prepare to network

As you venture out into the Atlanta arts scene, make sure you’re prepared. For example, when you attend events, come armed with an elevator pitch and links to your portfolio. You can have a business card with a QR code that people can scan to visit your website directly, for instance. There are many benefits to proactive networking, from meeting collaborators to finding new opportunities. Since you’re new to the city, it can also simply be a way to make new friends.

Atlanta has a lot to offer artists and is a relatively affordable urban center, making it a great place for creatives to set up camp. The above guide highlights the advantages and offers some resources to help you find your way in the Atlanta creative scene.

For more content about the Atlanta arts scene, visit the Bangs Media blog.

Sharon Red, Writer

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And in Her Reflection, Stood and Eagle’

12 Apr
“And here I am. Eighteen years old, writing my thoughts on notebook paper, only to bury it inside the bible. (You know the one- everyone’s grandma has with white Jesus on the cover). Partly because I need to gather my thoughts and more than anything, hoping God would BAIL me out, again!”


#PicklesAndPeppermintsMemoirhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YFD2GS5

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Skip the Financial Struggle: 5 Tips to Launch Your Dream Business

16 Apr

Finances might be the single most difficult part of business ownership. From startup costs to seasonal slumps to attracting new customers (and their wallets), it’s tough to keep your company in the black. Especially if you’ve already experienced financial setbacks before, success may feel far away. If your business plan is on the line and you’re not sure how to fix up your finances, try these helpful tips from Sunn Legacy Group LLC.

Check Your Niche

Finding the cash to support your dream business can sound daunting, not completely overwhelming. However, tons of financial programs offer resources to would-be business owners in all niches. The trick is tracking down the programs that will work for you.

You can start with conventional financing options like small business loans and support. Then, look into special programs for companies in your niche. For example, the National Association for the Self-Employed offers specific grants of up to $4,000 for eligible businesses.

Other organizations provide grants and loans with varying terms. See what’s out there for your intended industry and start applying as soon as possible.

Seek Social Support

There’s a reason so many startups turn to crowdfunding for money: it works! Some crowdfunded businesses with humble beginnings even became million-dollar companies thanks to their customers’ initial buy-in.

You may not reach millionaire status with crowdfunding, but a well-planned campaign could help you get a jump on your business goals. Popular crowdfunding sites that are also trustworthy, says the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, include:

  • Kickstarter
  • Indiegogo
  • GoFundMe
  • Patreon
  • Fundable

Check out each platform and its options before signing up. Consider the fees required and how transparent your campaign will be to potential buyers.

Get Legit on a Budget

A legitimate business model and structure is likely a top priority for your startup. Having a recognizable business name and branding is great, but you’ll want to check all the legal boxes before you can take off. Fortunately, you can DIY much of the business setup process for less cash than you might expect. Searching for existing business names on your state’s filing site is a good place to start. After all, you don’t want to run into any trademark or copyright issues.

Your next step is to define your organization with a solid business structure. You might go for an LLC setup for tax advantages and flexibility. By filing using a formation service web site, you can save money that you would otherwise spend on a lawyer. For an affordable cost, you can have your business documents in order before your doors (online or in-person) open.

Pick Projects That Count

You likely have a long to-do list of things you want to accomplish before starting your own small business. However, tallying up the expenses for each item may leave you wondering whether business ownership is really your jam.

The good news is that hiring help for business setup tasks might be cheaper than you think. Outsourcing freelance help project-by-project means you can get your logo designed, have your website set up, and source branded product packaging for less than you think.

Think about the essentials and pick projects that count the most. For example, your organizational branding is vital for helping customers discover you online and in print materials, so that may be a must-have service you decide to shell out for.

Prioritize your to-do list project by project and decide whether outsourcing a bit at a time is a better use of your time and energy. It may be preferable to spending hours flip-flopping on design ideas or learning new tools. There’s plenty of time for that later, as your business grows!

Take It One Step at a Time

Business growth doesn’t happen overnight, and neither will success (or your first sales). Having a cushion in your savings account to fall back on is ideal. But if you’re operating on a shoestring budget, it’s still possible to operate on very little cash flow while growing your company.

Of course, if you need help attracting audiences, think about new ways you can engage audiences with Bangs Media.

By Derek Goodman

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REP Your Act 2019

13 Mar

                                                          REP YOUR ACT

Rep Your Act is a Competition for all-age Demographics (projected to Grow Nationally) allowing Artist to Represent their Talent, whether it be song, dance, acting, performing monologues, comedy and etc. #RepYourAct2017 and #RepYourAct2018 were Huge Successes. Past winners and contenders are set to be the next generation of Talent to take TV/Film to Unseen Levels.

Approaching #RepYourAct2019, anticipation has grown! This exhibition is known to create more working relationships. Atlanta actors and Industry Professionals will have access to vetted Fresh Faces; trained by the Best acting coaches. And beginner filmmakers as well as public will have opportunity to network with Atlanta’s Who’s Who!

Take a Look: https://uspressassociation.com/news.php?extend.212

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http://www.repyouract.com/

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N. CHUCK BROWN on PAFF 2019 and Other Entertainment Gems!

4 Feb

C. Nathaniel Brown is a multi-award-winning screenwriter, filmmaker, author and publisher. He is a bestselling author of 12 books, including the Shift Happens Then You Live series. He has won numerous awards for his movies and screenplays, including Best Screenplay for Miracle’s Baby; Signs; and Tying Up Loose Ends. His feature film, Chi Nu Legacy, features popular actors Dorien Wilson and Cocoa Brown and addresses the topic of campus sexual assault. His company, Expected End Entertainment, prides itself on producing content that impacts the world under the theme Entertaining, Educating and Empowering.

 

BANGS Media: CHUCK, Congratulations on Your Major Wins and Recognition at the Notable Film Festivals; Pan African Film Festival and Charlotte Black Film Festival and Many Others I Have Left Out. Seeing as How You are a Wealth of Wisdom, I Have a Few Questions From My Readers that are Interested in Your Expertise…Care to Share?

Chuck: I like talking about this stuff so… lol….Lets Go!

BANGS Media: okay :>)

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When Did You First Discover Your Passion for Directing? (Age, Era)

I began writing poems and short stories when I was about 4 or 5 years old and told my mother I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. So, storytelling has always been a part of my DNA. But it wasn’t until much later in my professional career as a newspaper reporter that I discovered directing. When I thought back on all of the notes and ideas I scribbled on napkins, paper bags on loose leaf paper, I could hear myself saying, “One day, I’m going to put this in a movie” or “One day, I’m going to put this on television”. I knew that I wanted to tell my own stories and the stories of others.

What Notable Directors/Producers Did You Look to As a Barometer or Standard? If Any. 

Wow! My list of writers, directors and producers whose work I admire is quite extensive but I grew up loving legal and crime dramas so Steven Bochco, producer of shows like L.A. Law, Hill Street Blues, and Columbo, would be the first producer that comes to mind. Later, I began to study the works of directors Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorcese and Ridley Scott. And now, that list includes writer/director Aaron Sorkin, Ava Duvernay and Barry Jenkins.

What Advice Can You Offer to Creatives who desire to Be (Produce or Direct)? in the Film/TV Industry, but Struggle with the Decision of Leaving Their Traditional 9 to 5?

There are three nuggets of advice I would give creatives who want to write, direct and/or produce for film or television. 1. Know what it is you want to do. 2. Study what you want to do. 3. Do what you want to do. There are not many overnight success stories, so it’s probably going to take a lot of work to get to the point you desire. But if you determine to make is happen, quitting is the only thing that can stop you. Commit to the process, overcome the hurdles that will come, and continue to work toward your goals. You probably will need to start the process while you have a 9-5 until your passion becomes your 9-5 and beyond.

Do You Anticipate Directing any TV Series to Add to Your Catalog of Films and Movies? 

I am excited about the opportunities on the horizon for myself and my company, Expected End Entertainment, to write, produce and direct my projects and the projects of other creatives. I have three films currently on the 2019 film festival circuit. We are also in post production on my second feature film, Same Spot, and have two other features scheduled for production and two television series we are pitching to networks and streaming services. The future is bright and I am excited to be creating it.

BANGS Media: NOICE! (In My Bernie Mac Voice lol)…

As Much As I Would Love to Interrogate Our Dear Friend, Chuck Brown…You Will Have to See for Yourself!

Be Sure to Follow Him TODAY and Stay in the Know of His Entire Catalog, as I am certain of his Astronomical Range!

FB: https://www.facebook.com/chuckbrownphotography

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4516311/

Image 5 Nov

And Then…. THIS Happens!😀

 

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Elated to Announce That I Have
Joined The BOLD Movement in
Celebrating Industry & Community
Philanthropist on a Job Well Done!

JOIN Us @ The 4th Annual
BOLD Lifestyle AWARDS!!

December 1, 2018
10am- 1pm

SECURE Your Tickets TODAY!

BIT.LY/BOLDAWARDS2018

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BEHIND THE LENS…..Shattered Series

21 Aug

FILMMAKERS CORNER

Behind The Lens

THEY LIED TO YOU!!!!!

Your Voice is Extremely Significant to The TV/Film Movement.

Come Have a Seat at the Table of the Women’s Filmmakers Corner…….

We’ll Explain How and Why……………….Okay?!

  •      Conversation is Necessary
  •      Movies and TV is Evolving
  •      Imperative to Educate through Story Telling

FIRST Take a Look:

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LET ME BOTTOM LINE IT……No One Can Tell Your Story Like You!

Follow and Stay Tuned

#WeAintAskingPermissions

 

 

 

 

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“I’m Every Woman…Its All In Me” -Chaka Khan

20 Jun

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As Women, We are Extremely Versatile with the Hats We Wear! When Chaka Announced & Whitney Echo’d “I’m Every Woman…It’s All in Meeee….Anything You Want Done Baby…I’ll Do It Naturally”..

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We FACE Many Challenges that Would Ultimately Compell us to Put Ourselves Last {Coma}, BUT Our Trendsetters of The #WonsiiWrap Brand…Has COME THRU Swiftly with their Baton to CATER to US the Everyday Woman!
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Be Sure to Subscribe, Browse, & Purchase from Their Rich Collection!
Tell’m Sunny Sent Cha!

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DISCOUNT: SKWW10

 

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Raising the Standard to the Unsung Truth ……….Omegia Keeys

22 Feb

18238523_10211459720142330_5534644034860001756_oOmegia Meme Keeys, native of Michigan City, Indiana, is an American Writer, Director, Producer and Author who exudes much Strength and Intentionality. Above all, Omegia is a Matriarch of Truth and Change. She boldly tackles contention and uncomfortability as a challenge, but more-so to dig and create worlds that wouldn’t normally be told from a person of color’s perspective and therefore holds the Banner of a Content Creator!

Omegia’s Purpose is to Inspire others!

Reflecting back to the late 70s and early 80s’, Omegia was very animated. Before the age of 10, she would create New worlds with her Star Wars action figures and when people would visit, Omegia would hand them an entire script to Act out the roles. Although, Omegia never conceived the height of her imagination (to her, she was just having FUN); this would be the start of her Dynasty as a Filmmaker!

Omegia attributes her tireless activism for making a difference in her work and personal journey to her Mother, JoAnn Johnson. JoAnn is her biggest supporter and Inspiration. She is an Activist who lived through the Jim Crow and Civil Rights era. Omegia was fortunate to learn of her mother’s march for voting, women’s rights, and other injustices with American political leader, Fannie Lou Hamer. The wisdom Joann portrayed caused a Great combustion with Omegia! Her need to be the Voice for so many Unsung Truths grew immensely!

In addition, JoAnn is also a well known Farmer in her home town, growing healthy produce and feeding the less fortunate. JoAnn has always pushed Omegia to strive for Excellence and taught her to Never take No for an Answer. She took grave responsibility in teaching Omegia HER history as well as serving others. As Omegia would explore new ventures (even during adolescent years) she would recall her mother’s words, “a NO means work around it- Until you get a YES.”

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Truth is, Omegia didn’t have the luxury of being Mediocre. Her mother had already set an Incredible Standard! And having such a rich foundation, it was inevitable that Omegia would relentlessly pursue each goal!

By No means, aborting her (then) hobby to create world’s with her script-writing, Omegia would discover another passion, Running! With her blended natural ability to compete, her discipline, and visions that she too could one day be an Olympic runner, Omegia would go on to lead competitions throughout cities around the world. She never allowed her status of being a minority in this sport to overshadow her way of thinking. Omegia ran track from the 7th grade through college. She kept in mind affirmations her mother spoke into her, (to Never give up-even when she felt defeated) and other African American women who Dominated in track.

I met many celebrity runners, one in particular, Jackie Joyner Kersey- who I observed had asthma, but proved to be very successful. It definitely boosted my confidence because I, too, coped with asthma. In conjunction to Jackie Joyner Kersey and my Mother being an inspiration, I undoubtfully admired my sister, Teresa Brown. She was a Beast. She is 7 years older. I would go to her track meets and run along side her. I wanted to be as good as Teresa. I cried when I broke her 1st record. Periodically, I would even slow down to not surpass her time. She would go on to give her blessing for me to UNLEASH the Fire!”

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Omegia was indeed a Fire Runner! She would brave the most difficult tasks knowing she did her absolute best! Omegia exceeded her own expectations, going on to Win Awards: 9 Time Missouri Valley Conference Championship, Pan Am Games Bronze (Argentina), All American and State Championships and more.

As if her plate wasn’t plentiful, in the interim of her triumph of competing, Omegia also managed to be Extraordinary in her Academics! She graduated with honors from Indiana State University with a BS in Criminology and Minor in English Literature.

As philanthropy was rooted in her at an early age, Omegia joined Sigma Gamma Rho Fall of 1995. She would embark a new Sister hood. Driven as Omegia was with each task that was presented, she was equally dedicated to serving her community. The harmonious connection with her sorors would Only help to further her cause in actively serving and being assertive for the Unsung Truth!

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Being instrumental in the Community was just a portion of how she displayed her kindness. Omegia felt she had a greater assignment. After college, following her Father, GM Keeys‘ footsteps, she enlisted in the Military; with a total of 16 years to date. She served her 1st six years in the Air force as an Intelligence Analyst and the remainder in the Army as Human Resources/Personnel. She also worked at MEPs (Military Entrance Processes Station), as a Recruiter. 2 out of the 16 years, Omegia was IRR (Inactive Ready Reserve). She is Audacious and extremely cultured. While serving, Omegia saw and experienced many parts of the world. Unbeknownst to Omegia, her record of events would be the catalyst to the Heroic woman she is today!

The military allowed me to have unfathomable laser point focus. I can do many things in a short amount of time!”, says Omegia.

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Intentionally keeping a journal (to clear her mind and help her stay focused) while being in the Military, Omegia would eventually establish and publish her catalog: (2006) Passionate Playmates, (2007) Seduction.com, and (2008) Can You Keep a Secret. Having received raving reviews from returned and new fans, Omegia would be encouraged to continue writing novels. Omegia was/is a gifted Author who possess power and the ability to deliver conviction! The demand for Omegia, the Author, had grown astronomical! Writing was an addiction. In a short period of time she he had written over 30 books! Being well received by her peers in notable Writing Guilds as well as her fans, Omegia would win awards for Readers Favorite and Conversation Top 25, National Black Books, Best Seller in 6 Titles and many others.

Omegia was unmatched in her tenacity and had an unquestionable amount of belief that she could master anything she put her mind to! Shifting from full time service in the Military to now being a best selling Author, Omegia would relocate to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue her life long passion of being a Content Creator. Shortly after becoming a resident, a friend who also served in the Military took interest in Omegia’s writing style, becoming a starved fan. He would make it his mission to harass her with encouragement! He spoke candidly when holding her accountable of her irrefutable talents. He would urge her to bring her novels to TV/Film. Omegia later discovered her military friend had an ulterior motive, he was an Actor. It wasn’t a bad thing, though; Omegia heeded his words and in 2012 she wrote her novel, Domestic Seduction. After writing Domestic Seduction, it evolved into a script. The “Floodgates” would then open and be the invitation for Omegia to Reintroduce herself, as Omegia, the Filmmaker!

In 2014 Birth of ABOUT FACE MEDIA

About Face is a Military term and My life is Exactly that. I’m making an About Face into my Greatness!”

Omegia had grown a sense of admiration for other notable black filmmakers. She would be notorious for taking notes every chance she got. Omegia was self taught. Her methods for learning were sometimes unorthodox but extremely effective. Omegia became a student of the Art. She had a PHD in “Google-ology”, never shy or afraid of watching tutorials. Relative to producing films, a compilation of her mother’s early teachings and other life experiences would ultimately set the tone for Omegia- in how she would establish and build rapport with other Industry Professionals.

In 2014 Omegia launched About Face Media. It would be the central hub to house her many projects. Being authentic and true to her goals as a filmmaker, Omegia would work many Productions (behind the scenes) as a way to fund her projects as well as learn from other Directors and Producers. She had a habit of keeping “the Notebook” while working as Stand-In. Omegia is a proven team player, but when on set- she is all about getting the work done! If there was ever pause in her job- she would focus on “the Notebook”. Oddly, people would gravitate towards her. The Notebook had a life of its own, causing “Heavy Hitters” of the Entertainment Industry to take notice and become a fan! Omegia recalls having worked on set of Nashville. Actor, Director Mario Van Peebles was magnetized by her writing style. He too had his own Notebook. It was of no surprise that he would give her the “nod” of salutation. He was one of the many well-known Filmmakers who took interest.

And Then IT happened…………

I had the opportunity to work on The Originals. We were filming at a Very Creepy House. While Most Folks Sat Inside to Stay Warm, I Opted for the Light, Outside. Director, Rob Hardy walked by me a few times. My Notebook caught his eye! He grabbed it from me, Man was I Nervous! I had No idea what he would do with it. Even when I was called into set, he didn’t say a Word. At the end of the night he returned my notebook with notes. One that read, “Never Give Up and I Better Not Sell This One.” That Very moment let me know that I am really meant to do this.!

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In addition to working on the Originals for 3 consecutive seasons, Omegia served Production for The House with a Clock in its Walls, Hunger Games, Marvel’s Black Panther, Hidden Figure and countless others. While working, she also wrote and produced Donors (derived from her previous novels). Omegia is definitely well known in the Atlanta acting Circuit for creating Worlds of Opportunity for Many actors. Her recent Premiere of Domestic Seduction is rumored to have reached massive audiences! This would generate sales as well as provoke fans of Amazon to become instant supporters. Omegia has since written The Brown Girls Guide to Good Credit. She has also Written and Directed From Jim to James Crow, a Social Documentary, projected to be one of the most controversial projects she has ever Created.

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Omegia is also in Pre-production of her films, Shattered, The Lure and respectively looks forward to cultivating precision with (earlier scripts) Donor Series, and Delta Dogs, near August.

As fruitful as Omegia’s resume is, she continues to strive for excellence! Omegia plans to leave a legacy-her family would be proud of. She maintains her integrity in any manner of service she provides; whether its philanthropy, empowerment or film making. She understands the level of responsibility with the baton she carries. Her goals are to continue Creating content without permissions for African American voices to be heard (by any means necessary)! She also believes and is a reflection of “When people show you who they are, believe them.” -Oprah Winfrey. Omegia is relentless in carrying out Each task until completion!

Get Use to Seeing This Name, Omegia Keeys, Content Creator, as You Cannot Know Her Without Being exposed to a New Standard to the Unsung Truth!

 

https:://www.facebook.com/omegia.keeys 
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7145852/?ref_=nv_sr_1

 

 

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ACT LIKE A PRO Magazine (Behind the Scenes)

6 Sep


Entertainment Professionals
Tell All…………..

http://www.magcloud.com/webviewer/1343082?__r=&s=v

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