Long time no talk! 2010 was a transitional year for me as a writer, director and producer. I worked on several new amazing projects, wrote a screenplay and directed and shot my first webseries, the Brown betties Guide!





One of the highlights was directing and producing a music talk show hosted by Wendy Williams for BET International! I had an awesome crew and my right-hand at BET Int'l Lilian Bossman really helped me pull it all together!

And guess what! Just recently found out that my show has been nominated for a NAMIC Award!!! That's the word on the street! How YOU doin?!!



I also had the chance to work on a wonderful series for moms for the internet television network DECA TV. The series was called HerStory, and I found some wonderful and inspiring stories. Recently, the series was picked up by Nickelodeon's Parent's Connect, where it's getting phenomenal feedback! Check out the two episodes I did! In fact, checkout the whole series!!!


http://www.parentsconnect.com/videos/her-story/herstory-adoption

http://www.parentsconnect.com/videos/her-story/herstory-my-son-has-tourettes

I also got the chance to work with some of my favorite women on the talk show series My Black Is Beautiful. Hosted by the hilarious and wonderful Kim Coles, and the vivacious Vanessa Williams! I helped produced 6 episodes of this series, now in Season 3, which was a branded entertainment show sponsored by Procter & Gamble.


Another amazing experience was working on TV One's primetime talk show "Way Black When"! We took it waaaay back by celebrating black history month in this innovative way. Looking at the culture of music, politics and film during the1970s, 1980s and 1990s. As a producer for the 1990s, I worked with host Christopher "Kid" Reid of Kid N Play fame. Our guests included Mario Van Peebles, Malik Yoba, Lynn Whitfield, Robert Townsend, Bell Biv Devoe, and Yo-Yo! It was a blast! And my favorite band of all time, Mint Condition was the house band for the series!


In 2011, I promise to keep you much better up to date on the happenings of Black Pearl Filmworks--we have some great things coming up!


~Black Pearl

TYLER PERRY DONATES A MILLION BUCKS TO THE NAACP!

Wow! Check out this article below that I received from the Hollywood bureau of the NAACP. I'm honestly surprised that this is the largest donation by an artist in their history. That's fantastic!
I'm sorry to say I have not yet seen "Precious" but it's still in my plans. I really didn't want to see it alone, but it seems that may be what I have to do. Hope I can handle it! In other news, I'm closing out the year on a high note and continuing to write, create and produce. At the top of 2010 I'll be shooting the web series for Reality Check. But more on that later--right now, it's all about Tyler!

THE NAACP HOLLYWOOD BUREAU APPLAUDS FILMMAKER TYLER PERRY FOR HIS DONATION OF ONE MILLION DOLLARS TO NAACP
Gift is the Largest Received from an Individual Artist in the NAACP's History

Los Angeles, CA - The NAACP, the country's oldest and largest civil rights organization, announced yesterday that acclaimed filmmaker Tyler Perry has donated one million dollars, marking the largest gift ever given by an individual artist. This donation continues an ongoing relationship between Tyler Perry and the NAACP - from the NAACP Hollywood Bureau assisting in the negotiations between the Tyler Perry Studios and the Writers Guild of America, West agreement, to Perry co-hosting last year's 40th NAACP Image Awards, as part of the 100th Anniversary celebration of the NAACP.

"We are honored that Tyler Perry chose to support the NAACP," said Julian Bond, Chairman of the NAACP. "Tyler is a courageous pioneer in bringing positive images of African American culture and struggles to the screen. His remarkable journey from poverty and childhood abuse to become one of the world's most successful filmmakers and entrepreneurs is an inspiration to us all," Bond said.

"Tyler Perry exemplifies an unyielding commitment to uplifting and bringing hope to the disenfranchised and those less fortunate," stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP, "Both in his films and in his life, he reflects an impressive ethos of caring and conscientiousness. We are deeply grateful for his support."

"I feel so honored and blessed to be in a position where I can give to the NAACP." Perry said. "Had it not been for the perseverance and vision of the thousands who came before me in the 100 years of this legendary organization, I would not be in the position I am in today. I continue to be thankful for the tireless work of the NAACP, and I am proud to be able to help in their mission to fight for the equality of all people, and to work towards the elimination of discrimination against race."

"This is a paradigm shifting moment in black philanthropy. Here is a civil rights organization that is receiving a donation that is usually targeted only at education or cultural institutions. Tyler Perry is setting a high standard for others to follow," said Maxim Thorne, Senior Vice President of the NAACP.

"The generous gift by Tyler Perry will be used to support our Second Century Society advocacy programs on economic equality, education, health care and criminal justice" stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP.

FOX NETWORKS, KEEPIN IT REAL?!!!

Tonight, Fox’s new sitcom “Brothers” premieres and I’m looking forward to it.

I saw a sneak peak of some scenes and it was pretty funny. Plus, the cast is stellar—I’ve always been a fan of Darryl “Chill” Mitchell and commend his determination to keep his life and career on track after an accident left him wheelchair bound. And of course the talented Carl Weathers and CCH Pounder. That on top of what sounds like an interesting premise should be enough to carry newcomer/star Michael Strahan if his acting isn’t quite up to par. But let’s be real, many a rap artist and athlete has transitioned successfully to acting and this shouldn’t be any different.

But there are some other interesting things going on which makes tonight’s premiere especially exciting. The number of sitcoms is dwindling each season, and family-based ones are truly suffering. This season, "Brothers" is the ONLY sitcom on broadcast network television featuring an African-American family. Period. Amazing. But here’s a twist. There’s one other show featuring a black family on network television, but it’s animated! “The Cleveland Show” a spin off of “Family Guy” features soft-spoken Cleveland Brown, who’s now moved to Virginia after his wife cheated on him with Quagmire to start a new life with his first love. Can’t wait for that either. But really, who would have thought that Fox would be the only channel to keep black folks in the mix on network television? This is such a big deal that the NAACP Hollywood Bureau sent out a release giving Fox kudos. (http://naacp.org/news/press/2009-09-23/index.htm)

What does this mean to you? Well it’s just like in the movies where box office numbers determine success. Except in this case it’s ratings. So if you want to see more shows about people of color, you have to support. That means at least watch the first episode and see if you like it. If you don’t, keep it moving. If you do, don’t just watch it—let the networks know you love it!

I recently went to an entertainment summit where an executive from The CW explained this in no uncertain terms. Having just seen the demise of Girlfriends and The Game, she explained that if you want a show to stay on the air, ratings is great but it’s not enough. You’ve got to chime in and let studio execs know that you love a show while it’s on. Write them letters, leave posts on the show website, Twitter about it and really stand behind the show. She said this did not happen with The Game, but it did and is happening with “House of Payne” Tyler Perry’s hit sitcom that airs on cable station TBS.

I’m not an advocate of supporting a wack show just because it’s black. If you hate a show, you’ve got to do the same thing—send letters, posts etc and let them know what it is you are looking to support.

One thing’s for sure, this new television season is exciting for many reasons. I love premiere time! Hit me back on the blog and let me know what you think of the shows. I'll have a review also.

Brothers premieres Tonight, 9/25 on Fox at 8/7c
The Cleveland Show premieres Sunday, 9/27 on Fox at 8:30/7:30c

Laughs, Hugs & Blessings!

Bitch is the New Black

Wait. It's not what you think! Just interesting breaking news!

Bitch is the New Black is the title of the book and upcoming film written and produced by Shonda Rhimes, creator and Executive Producer of Grey's Anatomy and The Practice. The book, repped by Gail Ross Literary Agency and the film which will be produced by Miramax Films and Shondaland revolves around a new generation of young, successful black women in Washington DC! The film/screenplay will be adapted from her memoir which is set to be published by Harper Collins next year.

Me likes! Did I mention that Reality Check takes place in DC also? And Oil & Blood? If Bitch is the new black, DC is the new.....fill in the blank!

The Good, the Better, and the Crappy

First off--Be prepared for a less animated entry--I'm typing with remnants of the flu. Energy is low. But the week was pretty damn good!

I kicked it off going to a networking event in West Hollywood called "Launch Mondays." It was created by my friend Tony P. in an effort to connect folks in the media, PR and entertainment.

A friend of mine was in town--the fabulous TOY (singer, voiceover diva: http://www.teeohwhy.com/) and so we went together. I had a blast--thanks to the wine, the great atmosphere and old friends. And can you imagine--I actually networked instead of staying in my comfort zone.

I'd recently begun subscribing to this newsletter on screenwriting and success in the industry called The Business of Show Institute and have been following the advice of Marvin Acuna. (http://www.thebusinessofshowinstitute.com/) He's says networking is essential, but not in the "in-sincere, what can you do for me" type of way. Just in the "getting to know you and perhaps I can do something for YOU" type of way. Most may not know this, but I'm a bit of a shy girl if I don't know people. I mean really. It has kept me from going out. Sometimes I just can't fake it. But I felt pretty secure this Monday night and had been practicing just starting small talk with people (strangers) over the past few weeks, so I was prepared. And like I said, I was surrounded by good people, and wine.

I met a few new people in the production business that I am hoping to give leads on jobs (as if I don't need a lead myself!) And I linked up with a guy I met a few weeks back who has special knowledge of the new media, webisode/sponsorship world. And he's helping me out!

THEN, I met this guy who is in money management. He, I and Toy had great convo and I was pumping up Toy as a great singer and the casually sassy voice of Michelle the Old Navy Modelquinn. It never occurred to me that maybe he could help me. Then Toy mentioned to him that I was looking for funding/investors for my film and maybe he could help me out. And wouldn't you know we have a meeting today at 1 pm to discuss? YAAAAY!!!!

So I'm getting my mind right for our lunch meeting. Wish me luck!

Well that was just Monday. On Tuesday I did family home stuff--the dog was washed and my son's room was finally decorated and organized into a baby room though he's at the ripe age of 1 year 3 months!

Wednesday night, I got all jazzed up in a cute little black short set that looked like a dress and some killer red heels and pranced my way over to The Improv on Melrose--where my friend Kimrie would be performing for the first time! Let me just say--she was amazing. Especially considering the fact that all the other performers that night have been doing comedy forever--one was a finalist on Last Comic Standing, the other is a comedy writer/producer for Ellen. And then there's Kimrie, who's also the star of my film "Reality Check," who decided to take an improv class to continue growing as an actress, and was so damn good they invited her to perform with these comedic professionals. Wowee. Amazing. She did great, was hilarious and didn't make me anxious or uncomfortable when she was on stage. (You know how someone is just not that good and you just are sitting there wincing inside wishing for it to be over--yeah, that didn't happen...Thank goodness!) Check her out http://www.kimrie.com/

OK, one crappy thing did happen this week. I had applied for a Producer's Lab with Film Independent. This program helps director/producer pull their project together, meet the right people and learn the tricks of the trade necessary to get your film off the ground. You can imagine how badly I wanted to be down. I put so much effort into the application, paid the app fee, submitted my script, business plan everything. Only to get an email Thursday evening saying "Thanks so much for submitting, unfortunately you have not been selected." I wanted to throw my blackberry out the window.
Do you know how tired I am of being rejected? Do you?? And still no word from the writer that's supposed to be my mentor but doesn't know it yet. But big shout-out to my friend Elon who's response to my rejection was: "F**k those film programs who don't see the light. They are insane. It is a great film." Ahhh---friends!!

I start a day job on Monday for the next two months. Which is great because I got bills to pay. But is definitely going to take time away from my film hustle. I'm gonna have to figure out how to balance.
Regardless, I'm praying for an even better upcoming week, and that my meeting with the finance man leads to FANTASTIC things!

Feel free to pray on my behalf as well!
Have a great one--

Laughs, Hugs & Blessings!
Morenike

WE ALL NEED A REALITY CHECK SOMETIMES

Mornin'!

To top off the work week I wanted to share with you some details on the film I'm working on. It's called, "Reality Check." Here's a picture of the movie poster:It's about Marisa, an attractive and seemingly average 28-year-old with a serious addiction. She's a reality TV dating show junkie, and her love jones is messing up her love life. She expects her dates to follow the reality TV dating rules--or they're quickly eliminated.

So I'd love to hear your comments! What do you think about the poster, the concept? Would you go see this film?

Ok--I've got some work to do. I have 10 webisodes (a series of short episodes that will "air" on the web) that I'm writing as a prequel to this film. I've decided that I'm going to shoot the first one. So I need to tweak the script, find locations, secure some actors, and pull together a crew and GET IT DONE--hopefully by the end of this month so I can post it for all of you to view. And you will be hooked on the series! MUUAAHHH--HAAAA-HAAAA!!! (mastermind laugh). So I'll be back later!

Laughs, hugs & blessings!
Morenike

FREE MONEY!!!!!!

I belong to a few film investors groups on LinkedIn. The hope for all of us members is to find someone--angel investors, private investors--who want to finance our film. The fact is most of the postings on there are from directors and producers like me, looking for money. Rarely is there a request for material for someone looking to invest. So when a certain individual put up a post saying his company was looking to invest in films in my price range I jumped at the opportunity! The initial emails seemed normal enough, he asked me to send him a synopsis of the project. I did that along with my bio and a poster art of the film. This is when things got a little strange. The response letter-- was a hot mess. First it was obviously a cut and pasted letter with several repeated paragraphs. It was full of typos. It never explained who or what the company was...and it requested I send 15 of my favorite DVDs to a dropbox address in Israel all the while explaining that it's not illegal or a copyright issue. Strange right? Here's an excerpt:

We realize our methodology is very unusual and unorthodox but then so is Chinese Medicine to most mainstream uses of pharmaceutical and surgery based medicine ( yet over 2 billionChinese prefer it to mainstream medicine Humor our analysts and we will not subject you again to this type of evaluation.

Anyway, all this to say that once I suspected something, I googled his ass and he is fraudulent for sure! Then I alerted my group members--some already knew--some were grateful.

Meanwhile I'm telling myself to slow down. Because I know better. Due diligence. I always do a "background" check of any person that I'm considering doing business with, or even "friending" online. But this time I didn't. My heart started beating fast, I became desperate believing--finally, this might be it!

Well, lesson learned, and thankfully, learned early. I'm gonna keep it moving. I've got a second script to revamp. My catch 22 is growing exponentially: Need money to direct film, need to have directed film to get money. need agent to get money, need to have directed film to get agent. need to direct first feature to get another, so have to create my own project first.


So this is what I'm doing. And I'm not giving up. I'm NOT! I'm itching to get on a set and be directing again. And it will happen in due time. In the meantime--due diligence--in my craft and in the people that I bring into my circle.

Have a great one!

WHAT A YEAR! IS IT SEPTEMBER ALREADY?

Wow! It's almost been a year since my last post.

If you didn't know me, you might think that I'd been slackin, not doing a damn thing, chillin. And you'd be wrong. Since my last post I've been adjusting to life as a working mommy, trying to figure out how to balance the day job, with the mommy job, with the wifely duties with the filmmaking and creative pursuits. I have to say--it's been difficult. But I'm getting there!

So since we last spoke, I've completely re-written my business plan for Black Pearl Filmworks, LLC and have re-built my website! I've also submmitted my screenplay REALITY CHECK to several fellowships including the Film Independent Producer's Lab which I'm waiting to see if I was accepted. Let's see, what else? Well, seeing as it's Labor Day weekend, I have to make a quick statement. It's really only fitting that I'm blogging today. I really love the Fall season and always look at Labor day weekend, which ushers in the soon to come Fall season, as a new beginning. And I'm moving into a new phase as a writer and director. I'm being more diligent than ever before, making sure I write everyday, making sure I pursue new opportunities, stay creative and stay connected. It's like I'm in grad school the way I'm studying this industry. It's really crazy how much has changed and it's hard to keep up. It's a full time job really. So I've utilized the downtime I've had between day jobs to really immerse myself in the business side of the movie industry. I'm learning a lot and am going to be sharing what I learn, the progress I make, the setbacks I have, and all that in this blog!
My day job starts back on September 21st so I have two full weeks to wrap up loose ends and figure out a workable schedule.

Let me give you a quick and brief synopsis of what I'm working on now:
1--I've decided to create a series of 10 webisodes that are a prequel to my film Reality Check. I plan to direct them in the next month and post them here and on my website so keep your eyes open. HURDLES: Need either a skeleton crew that's willing to work free, or sponsorhip money of up to $10K so I can do this right!

2--I'm working on the outline of my script OIL & BLOOD which needs to totally be re-written. Why? Because so much has changed since I first wrote it. And because it was the first script I ever wrote and is really not in the best shape. HURDLES: I'm stuck on the intricacies of the second act. This is a drama/suspense in the vain of State of Play, Conspiracy Theory & The Pelican Brief. I don't want it to be predictable or too convuluted.

3--I'm waiting to hear back from a prominent screenwriter who I pitched my project Reality Check to 2 weeks ago. He liked the concept. My pitch needed a little work, but he was a great teacher and requested my full script. But alas, I have gotten no response from him. When I say prominent, I mean, many successful feature films, working with Oprah, prominent. Ugh. He asked me if I was a good writer during my pitch session. I said yes, rambled on about my background and couldn't look the man in the eye I was so nervous. What I wanted to say was-- "I think I have great ideas and a lot of potential, but I want to be the best I can be. It's a daily struggle." Ok, so that's off my chest, if only I had thought on my feet! HURDLES: I really am in need of a mentor and have realized that for a while. This guy seems like he would be ideal for that if willing. But what am I to do if he never hits me back? I think you know me--I'm going into determination mode. He may have to cuss me out to get rid of me. I just have a feeling about him--a lot of "coincidences" happened the week leading up to us meeting. I can't discuss now as I don't want to reveal his name just yet. But it's good ish!


4--I've connected with some old friends that are helping me try to find funding for RC. Sometimes this feels like a pipedream....(HURDLE)

which brings me to my new outlook on this whole process:

I'm no longer calling this a "dream" I'm pursuing and trying to fulfill. But rather, a GOAL that I will achieve. That makes it more tangible to me. That makes me understand that it is actually possible, and not some crazy, futile fantasy. I need to keep putting in the time, no matter what.

What an update hunh? Well check in daily. I'll be adding updates on my quest to blend all aspects of my life and hope to have great news soon about how my film will begin production.

YEAH!!!
Hugs, Laughs & Blessings! (my new sign-off, it's so me!)

Morenike

Miracle at St. Anna: A Review

I'm going to have to insist that you go see Spike Lee's new film, "The Miracle at St. Anna" this weekend. Considering there are 4 fine black men in it, it shouldn't be a difficult decision. But that's actually only the icing on the cake. St. Anna is truly the best film Spike Lee has ever directed, and this is coming from a sister who has studied, dissected, celebrated and even hated on his entire body of work.

I had the honor of seeing a special L.A. screening of the film this Tuesday at an event sponsored by the NAACP and let me tell you, it was a momentous event. Mr. Spike Lee came out and spoke to us, which was a magical miracle in itself, and after the screening, the four fine brothers--Derek Luke, Laz Alonso, Michael Ealy and Omar Benson Miller sat and talked with the audience.

"Miracle at St. Anna" is the story of 4 black soldiers of the 92nd Infantry who were deployed to Italy to fight Hitler's army during World War II. It's about the patriotism of these "buffalo soldiers" who fought for their country despite being in a segregated army and still dealing with violent racism at home in America. The film unravels the mystery of why one of the men, a purple heart survivor of the war now living in NY, literally goes "postal" and shoots one of his customers to death at a NY Post Office.

The performances by these all of these actors are stellar, and the film is beautiful cinematically. Spike does a great job of weaving the story together in a suspenseful, lyrical fashion. You will be moved to tears, you will laugh your ass off, your heart will melt and it will definitely break. This is more than a war story, it's a love story, its' a story about the comraderie and cultural differences between Italians and Black Americans and...it's a story of betrayal.

Spike Lee shot this historically based film on location in Italy, and had difficulty getting financing for the project and eventually turned toward Italy for most of the financing, with Walt Disney Studios financing it domestically.
Spike felt the story, based on the book of the same name written by James McBride, was an important one to tell because he said, most films he grew up watching made it seem like blacks never fought in the World Wars or any wars for our country. "We've always fought for our country. We've always been patriots. The first man to die during the American Revolution was a black man, Crispus Attucks, most people don't know that, but it's documented."

Another unknown fact, the love that many Italians have for these black American men. I spoke with Derek Luke after the film and asked him how it felt for him emotionally to play such a role. He said he was just amazed at how appreciated and honored black men were in Italy.
"There would be monuments with great Italian heroes throughout the towns and right next to them would be a monument for one of the black soldiers," Luke said.

My only complaint about the film is a complaint I regularly have with Spike's work. He positions the women primarily as sexual entities, and the woman's story or contribution ito "the cause" is rarely examined. But in the full scheme of things that can be overlooked. That's my job as a director to represent for the ladies!


The Miracle of St. Anna opens in theaters this Friday, September 26th and features cameos by some Spike Lee favorites, John Turturro and John Leguizamo, plus Kerry Washington makes a pivotal appearance.

You know the routine--get out there and see it during the first weekend. This film is not one to be missed. The buzz is ridiculous and the talks of Oscar are well-deserved.



Morenike "Black Pearl" Evans
Filmmaker and Writer

THE OSCARS AND MISS USA!!!

It's been waaaay too long since I've updated this! But I've been super busy!
I started the year out producing Oscar coverage for E! It was superfantastic!
Here's a pic of me up on the roof of Ripley's Believe it or not building on Oscar day. I did live hits here with hosts Jason Kennedy, Ben Lyons and cool as Julian Barberie!

I have to give myself props for being 4 months pregnant and making it up the scaffolding onto that roof! But hey--I'm a PROFESSIONALLLEEE!!!

This job was fantastic--as a lover of all things film, it was great to dissect the contenders in the packages I did. Looking forward to it next year.

After a brief break, I was hired to produce the 2008 MISS USA Pageant which was live in Las Vegas this year. I had a blast! I worked with the Gurin Company, NBC and the Miss Universe Organization. We were in Vegas for three weeks and it was definitely a challenge crisscrossing the Vegas strip with all the contestants (and now 6/7 months pregnant!)
The show came out fantastically. Here's a pic of me with the winner (I had a feeling from the beginning--she just had "IT"!!!)

What's next for me? Well after a respite while I welcome a new member into our family, I'm moving full steam ahead in shooting Reality Check--my first feature!!!!
I'm also re-embracing my love for writing--working on another screenplay and a book or two! yeah!!!!

Director's Reel

A lot of you have been asking to see some of my work! Well here it is!
Click on the link below to take a look at my most recent directors reel--which consists of music videos and other pieces I've directed. Enjoy!

Black Pearl Filmworks Directors Reel

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Self-Reflection

It is a lazy Saturday afternoon. The first "lazy" day I can recall in over two years! A lot has happened in the past 2 years that has changed my life and I now that I'm on the other side of it, I finally feel myself exhaling.

But now there's so much more I want to do. As I continue to get my first feature off the ground, I find myself excited about and inspired by so many more things. Turns out I want to write more--and not only scripts but articles, narratives and stories of inspiration, hilarity and introspection. If only I can find the time. A little over a year ago I almost lost my life when an unexpected allergic reaction and a dispassionate health care system rendered me weak, unable to breathe, swollen, and on death's doorsteps. I think it might be time to write about that experience--it's almost unbelievable--but if I went through that horror in a hospital (no TWO hospitals) I can only imagine that others have gone through the same. Through lessons learned, maybe I can prevent others from the same experience.

I'm also blessed to have just gotten through my first year of marraige! It feels wonderful, but it's been very difficult. We did things the old fashioned way--we never lived together before we got married--in fact we were in a long distance relationship up until and even a month after we got married! So it was traditional in one sense, and non-traditional in the another. We packed up and moved to Cali on faith--no jobs were locked down for us, we didn't have an apartment, but we had good friends. Both of us are far from our families--so you can only imagine the stresses that would result. I'm so proud we made it to our anniversary and have achieved a lot in the little amount of time we've been here. But there's even more we want to do--again--so little time!

I've recently begun to develop a great network of like-minded friends and don't feel like such an "alien" in Cali!!!! I also recently met somewhat a hero of mine--a woman who has been created two top sitcoms primarily about black woman. When Imeet someone like that--who is also so down to earth, encouraging and gracious--it not only inspires me, it makes me realize that my "dream" is not a dream at all, it is not an unattainable fantasy, it is a tangible, viable life option and it is up to me to make it happen. I no longer apologize or second guess. I'm an extremely talented writer, director and producer--point.blank.period.

As I reach my birthday (June 29th) and my 1st year anniversary as a Los Angeles resident--it's important to me that I regroup and lay out plans for year number two!

That being said, this is what you can expect from Morenike & Black Pearl Filmworks:

1. My first feature will officially get financed an go into production. The only thing holding me back was me--but now I'm ready!!! So here comes REALITY CHECK!!!


2. I'm going to embrace my other creative passions more--dancing, playing the flute, photography and writing whatever I want.


3. I will have a new blog/enterprise that will be a tool for all to use so that they can learn from other's experiences. It will include the best and worst vendors, stores, and techniques for getting things done without a lot of hassle!! Perhaps it will be called "If I Knew Back Then," or "Hindsight" It's coming soon y'all!!!


4. A housewarming party by this time next year in our new home!


5. My film company will get a prosperous and exciting production deal!

You have been warned!

(My mom always says I do too much at once--but I can't help it! There is too much work to be done!)

Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend

Film "The Water Story" airing NATIONWIDE!!

"The Water Story"is airing nationwide beginning this Saturday, April 28th!!!! The film was selected to be a part of a series: "Badami TV presents African-American Short Films" It originally aired last year in the first quarter but will be repeating again this year due to it's popularity.

The Water Story is an "urban folktale" about that combines spirituality with the gritty reality of the streets. Damu Dawkins is a single parent living on the edge of poverty and struggling to raise his 4-year-old daughter. He is forced to re-examine his "by any means necessary" approach to survival when a strange encounter with a mysterious older woman compels him to make choices that could put his life and his daughter's in jeopardy.

The story was created by Elnathan Starnes and script was co-written by him and director Morenike Efuntade (Evans). It was shot on film in location in Washington DC and described by Tribeca Film All Access panelists as a beautiful story. The Water Story has also been featured on Black Starz! , in Washington DC's film fest--DC DANCE and received write ups in the Washington Times & Washington City Paper.

Here are co-stars Michael Davis and David Smith, with director Morenike Efuntade Evans at the premiere screening in Washington DC.

Below are airdates for a selection of cities:

New York
WCBS CBS
MAY 12TH, 3 PM

Chicago
WLS ABC
MAY 5TH ,1:30PM

Chicago
WPWR FOX
MAY 20TH, 12 NOON

Washington, DC (Hagrstwn)
WJAL IND
MAY 14TH, 8PM

Philadelphia
WPVI ABC
JUNE 2ND, 2:30PM

Los Angeles
KCAL IND
APRIL 28TH, 3PM

Detroit
WMYD MYTV
JUNE 9TH, 6:30PM

Raleigh-Durham (Fayetvlle)
WRDC MYTV
JUNE 3RD, 1PM

Norfolk-Portsmth-Newpt Nws
WSKY IND
JUNE 10TH, 7PM

New Orleans
WDSU NBC
MAY 13TH, 11:30AM

Charlotte
WBTV CBS
JUNE 1ST, 2:37 AM

San Francisco-Oak-San Jose
KBWB CW
JUNE 3RD, 3:00 PM

Orlando-Daytona Bch-Melbrn
WRDQ IND
MAY 20TH, 6 PM

Jackson, MS
WAPT ABC
MAY 5TH, 2:30 PM

Greensboro-H.Point-.Salem
WMYV MYTV
JUNE 3RD, 3:00 pm

Nashville
WZTV FOX
May 27th, 2:30 PM

Sacramnto-Stkton-Modesto
KXTV ABC 6/2 4:30P
June 2nd, 4:30PM

Charleston, SC
WMMP MYTV
JUNE 10, 12 NOON

Savannah
WSAV NBC

MAY 26TH, 2:00 PM

Macon
WMGT NBC
MAY 26TH, 1:30PM

Roanoke-Lynchburg
WDRL IND
MAY 8TH, 9:00 PM

San Diego
KUSI IND
MAY 26TH, 4:00 AM

Albany, GA
WFXL FOX

MAY 27TH, 12 NOON

Beaumont-Port Arthur
KFDM CBS
APRIL 28TH, 12 NOON

Director Morenike Featured as Brown Bettie!

Director Morenike Efuntade Evans has been featured as a Brown Bettie in the lastest issue of the Brown Bettie Gazette! A complement to the caberet/play "Harlem Brown Betties" created and developed by actress/singer Peppur Chambers

( www.myspace.com/harlemsnight), the gazette highlight brown women doing lady and unlady-like things!

Check it out! http://www.brownbettiesgazette.blogspot.com

Black Pearl Filmworks in Pre-Pro on TV Pilots & Feature Film!!

Welcome back!
Just a note to update you on our progress as we move into February 07. Black Pearl Filmworks, LLC has recently partnered with Martini Pink Productions (www.martinipink.com). We are currently in pre-production on 3 television pilots with the aim of going into production by Spring! More details to come soon!

Black Pearl Filmworks, LLC is also in pre-production of the romantic comedy, "Reality Check!" As promised, we're moving full steam ahead!! Thanks for your continued support!!!!

2007 A PRODUCTIVE YEAR!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This year promises to be phenomenal for Black Pearl Filmworks! We are in talks with several studios about 2 of our film projects--Reality Check and Oil & Blood. The plan is to shoot the trailer in February and go into production in the summer.
But wait--there's more! The documentary "Fatherland" about Morenike's trip to Nigeria to meet her father and family for the first time is currently in post-production!



Let's kick 2007 off by checking out the show I produced for E! Networks called "Love Ride". It was a great experience--I met great people and got to see how it's done on the West Coast. Turns out, as expected, I kicked ass! LA is definitely a hard town, but this job reminded me of just how much I have to offer as a producer! The only obstacle has been resources and opportunity. But Black Pearl is creating that for herself!!!


Don't miss Morenike's episode of Love Ride: Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick airing on Sunday, January 21 at 10pm on E!

BETJ Cool...Like That!

Producing at BETJ was a very rewarding experience! I worked there for 3 years including during it's transition from BET Jazz to BETJ, gaining 23 million viewers when they were added to DirecTV in March 2006. They are currently about to celebrate their One Year anniversary and I'm glad to have been a part of that history.
At BETJ, I traveled throughout the Caribbean producing one hour travel specials to promote network sponsored jazz and music festivals in Bermuda, Barbados, St. Lucia and Turks & Caicos. I directed talent including Kim Fields, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Freddie Jackson, Bebe Winans, Jeffrey Osbourne, and Leon. We had adventure upon adventure exploring the islands, enjoying the food and learning about the culture and of course, enjoying the music! I won a Telly Award in 2003 for the special I produced with Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Karen White in Barbados!
It was also at BETJ that I created my first television series, entitled "Influences." This half hour series is part intimate interview, part live performance! Over the years, I've discovered that quite a few contemporary R&B artists have strong musical influences in Jazz and Soul ( or in Ben Harpers case, folk music too!) .

This show was a way to "bridge the gap" between the new and older generations. I directed personal interviews with artists such as Meshell Ndgeocello, Dwele (Virgin Records), Floetry (Geffen Records), Ben Harper (Virgin Records), Raheem Devaughn (Jive Records), Anthony Hamilton (Jive Records), and Lalah Hathaway about their musical and personal influences. The artists also revealed how life events have shaped their musical journey. I also filmed the artists performing their performing their music live and intercut these elements together. This created a compelling half-hour of television that still airs today and became one of the most successful shows on the network!

MTV NEWS

I worked at MTV News for over a year--and came at quite an exciting time! I started a few weeks before the VMAs and had a blast producing the Red Carpet Pre-show at Radio City Music Hall! I started there a few days before Sway did, so we both relied on each other to navigate our new MTV World! A new show called DFX (Direct Effect) was launching, and Sway would be doing the live news breaks in the same way they were already done on TRL. My responsiblities at MTV News were vast. As the Coordinating Producer there, each day I had to determine what was newsworthy and relevant for the audiences of DFX and TRL. I had to approve the scripts leading into the story and approve the packages being produced--making sure they were accurate and visually appealing. Then each day at 3:00 I would prep our talent for the live TRL news. Either John Norris, Sway, Suchin Pak, Gideon or Iann Robinson would deliver the news around a group of screaming kids while I produced in the control room! There was also a fight for time between the TRL staff and News...It was quite a battle! But we never had a battle on DFX where the hip hop news was one of the favorites of the show! Sway would get out there and hype the crowd! The team usually consisted of myself as producer, Elon Johnson as writer and Sway as host. We always had tons of stories, from the beef between DMX and Ja Rule, the controversy surrounding an Outkast lyric, to the hottest new mixtapes news.But nothing compared to the frenzy created when Puffy and Shyne were put on trial for MURDER!!!! This spawned from an incident that took place at a NY nightclub when Puffy was dating J.Lo and trying to promote his new protege, Shyne and an altercation broke out.From day one, we covered that trial and updated audiences on daily testimonies in the courthouse. We went to the courts and did live feeds when the case went to jury deliberations, and were there when Shyne was convicted and Puffy was acquitted on all charges! In fact, it was Sway and myself who got the first exclusive interview with Puffy when he officially changed his name to the man we all know and love, P.Diddy! Talk about a comeback!!!At MTV, I also teamed up with Sway and Iann Robinson to produce a show called, "The Assignment: Keepin it Gangsta." This show examined the downside of glorifying the gangsta life in hip hop. From being harassed by cops--having your lyrics being used as evidence against you in legal cases to the effect this imagery has on the community. The Assignment was highly rated on the network, and included candid, sometimes humorous interviews with Snoop, Cam'Ron, and sometimes dangerous interviews with Birdman (his gun fell out of his pocket during the interview, but he was cool as hell), Snoop (I won't go into it) Damon Dash and other high profile rappers.

RAP CITY

My first gig at BET was for what remains as the longest running hip hop show on television--Rap City!! I was hired as an AP and got to work with legendary dancer Big Lez and crazy Joe Clair! I met and produced several shows with hip hop favorites like LL Cool J, Redman, Keith Murray, and EPMD...
But my most memorable episode was the first ever interview that Lil Kim had with BET! Her first album was coming out and I produced this show with her and Joe Clair hosting at a spa. She said some very interesting and telling things about how her self esteem had been marred in her child hood and she always felt ugly which was why she created her supersexy persona!I also produced a very interesting show for BET called Rap City Nihon which was hosted by this black dude named Alton who spoke Japanese!!! He interviewed folks like Busta Rhymes and Will Smith in Japanese for the show which aired in Japan and I had to not only produce it, but help in making sure everything was translated! Was sooo much fun!!!

Morenike Efuntade Evans --Director's Bio

MORENIKE EFUNTADE EVANS
Director/Writer/Producer


Morenike, has worked extensively as a filmmaker and television producer for networks including MTV, BET and BET Jazz in addition to working on several Hollywood and independent film projects for almost a decade. After graduating from Prairie View A&M University’s Benjamin Banneker Honors College with a BA in Mass Communications, she was on track to be a promising journalist, reporting for both The Sacramento Bee and The Washington Post. But she soon turned her focus to film, and enrolled in The American University’s Film School.
“Working as a journalist became too constricting for me and my creativity. Filmmaking, and the ability to tell stories from my perspective has been the most fulfilling decision I’ve ever made. It gives me the opportunity to portray the African-American experience as I and many other people know it.”—Morenike

After completing her MA in Film, she established herself as an up-and-coming filmmaker by producing, directing and co-writing “The Water Story,” a short film she classifies as an “urban folktale.” That film has been featured on BET Movies/ Starz! cable network, the SEPIA Reel Shades Film series and the DC Dance Film Festival. The film was selected in June 2005 to air in syndication nationwide as a part of the African American Shorts film series produced by Badami Productions in LA.

In Spring 2005 her screenplay, “Reality Check” advanced as a finalist in the Tribeca All Access Program (TAA). It was also a semi-finalist in the 2005 Scriptapalooza screenwriting competition. In 2004, her script “Oil & Blood” was also a finalist in TAA and in the 2004 African-American Women in Cinema screenplay contest. Recently, she was selected as an IFP/New York: Project Involve Fellow in Fall 2003. Morenike also received a 2003 Telly Award for a one-hour show she directed, wrote and produced for the BET Jazz Channel featuring Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

She recently directed a music video for American Idol finalist George Huff and has worked with many high-profile people in the entertainment business including Outkast, Boyz II Men, Will Smith, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Clipse, Janet Jackson, Bebe Winans, Kim Fields, and Usher.

She is currently in pre-production for "Reality Check" a feature which she will direct in 2007.