Ending 07 with an award!

Hey all,

It’s been too long since I’ve posted here. As you might imagine, the Writers strike is hurting my efforts to get the AKIRA feature set up in Hollywood, but fret not! There have been some positive moves behind the scenes. I’m not at liberty to comment on them publicly until things are cemented, but if all works out we’ll be making the full length version of the film next year.

Since I’m a Writers Guild of America member I can’t make any deals, or have any contact whatsoever, with Guild signatories which includes every mini and major studio in town. So I’ve just got to wait it out and continue to polish the script and line up talent for the film.

I do have some good news. I learned in November that I was the recipient of the Director’s Guild of America’s Student Film Award for Best African-American director! This is a great award and I’m pleased to be only the second person from my school to walk away with a prestigious trophy. Usually USC and UCLA students sweep this event where awards are given out to women and minority filmmakers. For more information on the Award check out the DGA’s press release on their website (http://www.dga.org) or the January issue of the DGA’s official magazine.

It felt great getting the trophy and prize money from the DGA folks on November 14th. I’m eternally grateful to them and touched at the recognition. A picture of me and my Executive Producer Ralph Wilson cheesing with the trophy along with Cordele Taylor (from Epic Movie) who plays Corey in AKIRA is below.

So what does 2008 have in store? Well only God knows. The bottom line is my team and I have a finished feature script and some exciting attachments. We also have some legit sources of indie financing in place and interest from several production companies and studios.

But this is L.A. and The Biz so nothing is definite until it happens. Stay tuned and keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy Holidaze to you and yours from the Akira’s Hip Hop Shop crew!

- Joe
Legendary

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Published:: Dec 13 2007 / 1:16 am

Category:: Production Diary

Nathalie 12.13.07 / 2am

Your news just mde my day! You are definitely in m prayers. Any chance AHHS will be screened in San Francisco? I think I know the trailer by heart now… Congratulations on the award, I keep my fingers crossed for the rest of the negotiations…

joed 12.14.07 / 3am

Well Nat we’re out to the San Francisco Asian Filmfest up there. Guess we’ll know by January?

If not maybe some college group from one of the many universities could bring us up for a screening and discussion? I have a similar trip planned for the University of Michigan in the Spring of ‘08.

best,

Joe

Nathalie 12.14.07 / 10pm

Joe,

that sounds great! I will get back to you in January about the college group suggestion.

Regards,

Nat

Misty 12.16.07 / 11pm

A full-length version of AHHS! Wow, I’ll definitely be anticipating that!

Also, congratulations on your award.

joed 12.19.07 / 9pm

Thanks guys!

christina 12.22.07 / 2pm

Any chance it will be released in the Chicagoland area?

joed 12.24.07 / 3pm

Not currently out to any Chi-town fests but would love to screen there! I’ll keep an ear out.

Melissa In Philly 12.24.07 / 9pm

Sounds like a worthwhile film, especially for those of us who are tired of mass produced Hollywood crap. Is there any chance of it coming to Philadelphia?

joed 12.29.07 / 3am

Melissa,

Phily is definitely in the mix. Stay tuned in ‘08.

Nadail 12.30.07 / 3pm

I’m losing my mind here because i have such a strong urge to see this film. Special sense i am in a rare relationship, like in this film. lol I can’t wait to see it one day I’ll keep my see open for a opportunity to buy the DVD. i will pay 30 bucks to see it lol it driving me that wild to see it

P.S. Job well done and I’ll keep you in my prayers

joed 01.02.08 / 7pm

Thanks for the love Nadail. Rest assured you will get a chance to see AKIRA in ‘08! (And I don’t think it’ll cost you $30 bucks!)

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