After I sent out the last newsletter, I received several emails from other entertainers asking if they were still in the film because they weren't mentioned by name in the newsletter. The answer is YES! It was very important to me to include as many entertainers as possible, for many reasons. First, I believe that I could have done a full documentary on any one of dozens of these talented performers, as they all have interesting and unique stories. Second, I am extremely aware of the limited opportunities these entertainers have in getting their work seen, which they so richly deserve. There are many cameos throughout the film when I was lucky enough to cross paths with such incredible performers such as Deanne Bray, Troy Kotsur, Michelle Banks, Fred Beam, Kathy Buckley, Rita Corey, John Maucere, Warren "Wawa" Snipes, Vae, SPO, Nat Wilson, Russell Harvard, Lisa Hermatz, Bernard Bragg, Adrian Blue, Ed Chevy, Steve Longo, Sheena McFeely, Megg Rose, Garrett Zuercher... the list goes on and on. I am so proud and honored to include so many people who have inspired me and influenced so many others.
Please feel free to add comments to this blog about your favorite deaf entertainer and links to their websites. I am happy to read news about upcoming performances or stories about their work. Who knows? We might even be able to feature you on the website when we come to your town with the film!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Challenges ahead
October 8, 2008
The biggest challenge the film is facing is convincing people who have never seen deaf entertainers that this film is meant for mainstream audiences. You can show your support by telling others that you want to see deaf performers featured in the media. That open captions isn't just a luxury but a necessity for almost 30 million Americans. You can help out by sending this to 10 friends and encouraging them to sign up for email newsletters on our website and getting them to come to screenings. We will need your help next year when the film comes out to show your support by packing the theaters and showing that there is a market for captioned films and a demand to see performers who happen to be deaf. That will help spread this message to even more cities and smaller, isolated communities and allow us to bring this film to every community that wishes to see it.
The biggest challenge the film is facing is convincing people who have never seen deaf entertainers that this film is meant for mainstream audiences. You can show your support by telling others that you want to see deaf performers featured in the media. That open captions isn't just a luxury but a necessity for almost 30 million Americans. You can help out by sending this to 10 friends and encouraging them to sign up for email newsletters on our website and getting them to come to screenings. We will need your help next year when the film comes out to show your support by packing the theaters and showing that there is a market for captioned films and a demand to see performers who happen to be deaf. That will help spread this message to even more cities and smaller, isolated communities and allow us to bring this film to every community that wishes to see it.
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