Fantasy Moguls

Think you can pick which movies are going to do well in theaters? Then play Ultimate Movie Moguls with me.

FantasyMoguls.com "lets you create your own fantasy movie studio with a slate of real-life movies! As those movies perform well in the real world, so does your fantasy studio...It's like fantasy baseball or football, except for movies!"

I started a league called Christian Filmmakers so hurry up and join because the next film season begins on Friday.

Leave a comment to let me know you're playing along.

[Hat tip to Savarino.net for the picture]

Miley Cyrus in talks to star in film adaptation of Christian novel

Radio Disney is one of my favorite stations to listen to while I'm in the car. The music is fun, upbeat, and full of positive lyrics that encourage listeners to follow their dreams. Sure, it's geared towards tweens and teens but I know I'm not the only adult who enjoys singing along to the High School Musical soundtracks. What I like most about Radio Disney is that it has created a family-friendly atmosphere where young Christians like Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Aly & AJ and Corbin Bleu can share their music on a national platform and show kids that they don't have to be wild and raunchy to be successful in the entertainment industry.

That's why I was really excited to find out that one of my favorite Christian authors, Karen Kingsbury, is hoping to team up with Miley Cyrus in a film adaptation. Kingsbury's March 20th newsletter said this:

"Again, I can’t tell you many details . . . but I can say that our purpose in meeting up with Miley was to discuss her deep interest in starring in one of the upcoming movies based on my books. Miley loves Jesus very much. Please continue to pray for her and her family."

Now that you've heard the news, let's get to praying!

Movie Magic Screenwriter

I just wanted to share how happy I am with my new Movie Magic Screenwriter program!

I got it in the mail earlier this month and I'm enjoying figuring out all the little shortcuts and transferring my screenplays into proper professional format. It truly makes screenwriting easier because like they advertised, you can focus on the writing instead of the mechanics.

It's exhilarating to be one step closer to finalizing my scripts and then sending them out to agents and some select producers and actors I have in mind.

My scripts range from character-driven dramas to family films to science fiction tales. Since those are my favorite genres it makes sense that my writing would reflect that. In the future I hope to tackle some romantic comedies because I like those too but I already have a full load of scripts to transfer to Movie Magic so I'll be holding off on that for a bit.

Screenwriting is such an exciting and challenging venture. It takes lots of patience, persistence and tons of creativity. But most importantly it takes the courage to sit down and put those God-given big ideas on paper knowing that the 1st draft isn't going to be perfect and to keep refining the story draft by draft until it is finely chiseled.

Your Art Matters

Deep down inside we want to know that what we do matters. That what we create has meaning and resonates with someone on a heart-to-heart level. And when we're feeling insecure and at our lowest we want someone to be remind us to never give up because it matters to them.

This scene from One Tree Hill really stuck with me because it illustrates just that. You may or may not be a fan of the show but if you're an artist, writer, musician or any other type of creative person then these three words will touch you in a truly profound way: "Your art matters."

If you need someone to whisper those words to your soul then look no further than God because you and your art matter to Him. Keep pressing on!

Paula Patton on Essence Cover

Paula Patton isn't a household name yet but if you're someone who values emerging talent then you'll want to keep an eye on her career.

Patton made a favorable impression on me with a small part in Hitch alongside Will Smith. She was the "It Girl" at the bar and even though her lines were limited she had an amazing presence. After that I had to find out who she was because I knew some casting director was thinking the same thing I was: potential. Shortly after that she was cast as the lead in Idlewild, a musical set in the South opposite Andre Benjamin of Outkast and "Hey Ya!" fame. But what really put her on the Hollywood radar was her performance as Claire Kuchever in the sci-fi thriller Deju Vu where she shared the screen with Denzel Washington. It wasn't a major box-office hit but anything with Denzel is going to get peoples' attention. I've watched the movie about five times when I rented it because the premise was so cool.

In a brief period of time Patton has become one of my favorite actresses and it would be a dream come true if I got to work with her on a project or even better yet have her star in one of my films. When I saw Patton on the cover of Essence's March issue I had to buy it because A.) I couldn't help but be happy for her success and B.) I collect magazines. Hopefully in a few years time Patton's resume will be full of critically acclaimed roles and plenty of magazine cover shoots.

Lastly, check out Patton and her R&B singer husband Robin Thicke in his music video "Lost Without You". Don't they look cute together?

[Hat tip to Urban Hoopla for the photo]