BUTTERFLY RISING to screen for FREE!

When I made BUTTERFLY RISING, I told myself I would not force convention this little film about big things: I would let it tell me what it wants to be. The little Movie that Could spoke, and I listened: we will be screening BUTTERFLY RISING at select cities to those who have experienced grief; families who have experienced violent crime; churches, community/women's centers and any GROUP(S) OF PEOPLE WHO NEED THEIR FAITH RESTORED AND THEIR HOPE RENEWED. As some of you know, the film was motivated by the death of my young brother, so this is a very personal story and the last lap of a final, transformative journey--to date, the most important one of my life.

We've partnered with the great ART SANCTAURY in Philadelphia, PA for our first screening: April 17, 2013. THIS SCREENING IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! We will have similar, smaller screenings across the country (some with food, others with music!). An invite-only screening will take place the next day, just for Families of Violent Crime. Soon, we'll launch a KICKSTARTER to raise funds to get us to wherever we're needed most (details coming soon). Friends! Family! I hope you will join us! --xoxoohttp://butterflyrisingmovie.eventbrite.com/ 

Wanna help spread the word about our upcoming Kickstarter? WE NEED YOU! Please e-mail us at butterflyrisingthemovie@gmail.com.

Keep Rising,

xoxoxo

Tanya

MIND OF A CHAMPION: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE OLYMPIANS?

I’ve got to admit, I knew the 2012 London Olympics were approaching, but it was a distant thought in the back of my mind-- there’s so much going on in my brain at the moment, I didn’t really give it much thought.

Sometimes, to ease my mind, I watch television. It gives me a break from some of the intense mental focus I have to do. I don’t watch TV regularly-- there aren’t any shows I HAVE to watch (except TRUE BLOOD of course, LOL!). I tend to go for the non-fiction stuff: PBS, hour-long news shows (I can’t stand the 5 or 6 PM daily news shows with all of its gloom and doom, blood, guts and gore). At 7PM I watch Access Hollywood and E News.  Sometimes, when they’re not talking about who’s sleeping with who or what someone’s wearing, I can find out some interesting facts about projects going around town, who’s attached to what, etc.

This week, though, a lot of programming has been  re-routed to accommodate the Olympics! I found myself mildly interested then growing pretty obsessed with the outcomes of some of the Olympic sports: swimming, and the dual between Lochte and Phelps; the “fab five” women’s gymnastics team (and their desire to be called the “fierce five” instead). I have even watched some sports I didn’t know went to the Olympics (water polo??) and found myself rooting for EVERYONE to win. I marveled at the athletes’ physical strength as they fought the waves uphill and down, racing to the finish. Some were more “successful” than others but at this stage, when you’re an elite athlete, it all comes down to milliseconds--splitting hairs--timing and plain old fate. Look at Jordan Weiber.

The one thing I noticed that ALL the athletes had in common was their SHARP MENTAL FOCUS and their POSITIVE ATTITUDE.  I read a blog post written by Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglass for ESPN (http://gabrielledouglas.com/) where she uses the words “thinking,” visualizing,”  and seeing her “dreams becoming real.” I learned a lot from listening/watching the Olympians:

1.  the importance of MENTALLY SEEING what you want to achieve

2.  the power of determination

3.  sacrifice 

4.  the WILL to be a champion

5.  intense and consistent physical training

6  belief in oneself!

I’m gonna do this stuff on the stuff that I’m working on. Do it with me, too, and let’s check in with each other on our results!

Keep Rising,

XO

Tanya Wright

www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com

SOMETIMES, IT'S BEST TO HOLD YOUR BIGGEST DREAMS CLOSE...

Last week, I contacted someone (who shall remain nameless) to assist me in coordinating some logistical details about an idea I had. This woman proceeded to tell me--at almost every turn-- that I would probably not be able to achieve my goal. This is a woman, too, who works in an industry of dreams and who works daily with dreamers like me.

Now, I know it's super-easy to go all cynical when you're dealing with Hollywood: the most talented folks don't often get the brass ring. Situations everything thought was a "sure bet" often turn out to be the worst investments in the history of mankind. I get it. Believe me, I do!  

In that moment-- when I was saying to myself "I think I can," and this woman was telling me "you can't," I thought about all the times in my life that I wanted to do something--crazy, bold, out of the ordinary-- and the folks who told me the odds were stacked against me. Like when I decided I wanted to be an actress; or write/direct/star in and produce a movie, or complete a book! With each of these ideas, there were people along the way who told me it could not be done and made elaborate lists detailing why. I now have a standard response when I am encountered by naysayers; I simply smile and nod. That's it. I don't try to argue with them, debate them or even offer my point of view. I simply smile and nod, then I walk away, fired up even more about my dreams and making detailed lists of how I WILL achieve them. 

Some folks discourage others because they think they're "protecting you" from disappointment, hurt or pain. Others are downright indignant because, well, who the hell are you to think you can dream that big? Still others can't wrap their brains around your idea because they haven't been able to realize their own dreams. NONE of these things have anything to do with you, so keep on doing what your doing: creating. dreaming. executing.

Sometimes, it's best to hold your biggest dreams close. Let it be your delicious little secret as you quietly take the actions necessary toward making it a reality.

Keep Rising,

Tanya

www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com

When I stepped outside the zone, I found...

Yesterday, I travelled from NY to the San Francisco International Women's Film Festival for a screening of BUTTERFLY RISING (screens Saturday, April 14 at 3PM at the Roxie Theater! Come on out if you're in San Fran!:) Anyhoo, I travel a lot and so I have a pretty good routine that works for me; little things like bringing my own food from home, having moisturizer for my face (and my lips! WOW!) and listening to my iPod with my favorite tunes.

This time, instead of listening to the stuff I knew I liked, I decided to check out what Virgin Airlines had in it's built-in-box o' 'entertainment' etched in the back of the seat in front of mine.

I clicked on "listen" and discovered ADELE! Now, I am firmly aware that I am VERY late to this party (as my friend @kgmoll has chastised, LOL!!!), but, I will tell you what I told her: I am a perennial late bloomer-- always have been. I always feel like I'm the last to know about what's cool, hip, in or "in trend". I would have never discovered Adele had I not gone out of my comfort zone--doing things that were habitual. I LOVE ADELE.

I also do something I rarely do--watch TV. Yes, that's right. Instead of the local channels, though, I check out PBS--there was a fantastic documentary on Willie Mays. Now, I am NOT a sports fan AT ALL. I was only vaguely aware of the hall of famer, but I was captivated not so much by WHAT he did, but WHO he is. In one example of his extreme generosity, the PBS reporter talked about how Willie, in an effort to raise money for charity, donated THE CLOTHES OFF HIS BACK. I had never heard of anything so wonderful in all my life. THE CLOTHES OFF HIS BACK! WOW. That was something to be admired.

That said, I got an invite the participate in the NY AIDS walk on May 20. I have never gone but I just joined my team (my talent agents here in NY) and I'm gonna walk for AIDS! My mother, Debra Fraser Howze, founded a terrific organization called the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS back in the late 80's when very little was known about the disease, when people were afraid of it, and, if you had it, it was automatically a death sentence. A lot has changed about AIDS, but what hasn't changed is that it is still a disease that takes the lives of thousands of folks every year.

Please donate whatever you can. xo

http://www.kintera.org/faf/donorreg/donorpledge.asp?ievent=1000060&supId=356587088&msource=bfgetwordout

Keep Rising,

xxoo

Tanya

Life is like...Tai Chi!

LIFE IS LIKE…TAI CHI!

I've had to juggle many things--simultaneously--of late: film festival screening stops for BUTTERFLY RISING (including an upcoming national roll-out); writing/directing projects; travel/shooting schedule for TRUE BLOOD; book events; auditions and, well, my personal, day-to day life. It's like a stove with pots on each burner, but each pot is in various modes of "boil": some have to simmer, some are already a boiling rage and the others, well, I just added the water to the pot! But all the pots require my attention at different times and in different ways.

I've also been doing a lot of yoga--I find that, ironically, it's when I slow down that I get the most done. Some pots on the stove require me to be bullish-- persistent, unwavering, determined; and still others require a more fluid approach. It's a lot like knowing when to be bull or bear-ish in economic fluctuations.

When do you know when to push, back off or just stand still?

My instinct has never steered me wrong in this regard. NEVER. It's a lot like Tai Chi, the Chinese martial art, where a succession of slow, fluid movements are used in response to the direction of energy coming at you (life!). By working WITH the energy (life) instead of against it, you are able to achieve your goal.

There are many other benefits to Tai Chi training--medical studies support its effectiveness as a form of exercise and that focusing the mind solely on movements helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. Here's some info I found on Tai-Chi you might find helpful. Enjoy!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tai-chi/SA00087

Keep Rising,

Tanya

www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com

LIFE . AND TECHNOLOGY...

SO…I've been thinking.

Well, lemme back up. I've been TRAVELLING a whole lot lately, mostly for stuff (film festivals, etc.) related to my film, BUTTERFLY RISING, or Los Angeles to shoot TRUE BLOOD. While travelling, I noticed tons of folks who had iPods (or the equivalent) wired to their ears-- this, too, is especially noticeable on the NYC subway train (second only to my favorite mode of transportation--walking!).

This technology thing seems to be a two -edged sword: on the one hand, technology was created so that we can complete tasks quicker and more efficiently so that we can spend our time doing the things we love (spending time with our family/friends, being outdoors, playing with our animals--huh? What? No Fido in your life? Well, you get the idea…). And, if we use tech gadgets with that in mind, work would go quicker and we could have more free time, no? Instead, I see a lot of folks--myself included-- who are using technology to numb out and divorce themselves from the rest of the world. How much time do we spend on Facebook? Twitter? These are meant to engage, sure, but what's better than using them to set a time, date and location to simply sit down and share a good ole meal (or whatever else you like to do. Eating happens to be my favorite pastime and, I think, one of the great joys of life). But, then again, I also dig getting back in touch with my best friend from elementary school who I haven't seen in a gazillion years. And I've met a lot of VERY cool people on twitter:)

I guess, as with all things, the name of the game is BALANCE. And you'll know when you're out of it (balance, that is), cause you'll start to see/hear signs: ringing ears from an IPOD on blast; neck and back problems from crouching over your computer, or heaps o'time water scrolling down your homepage and looking at the barrage of FB statuses.

Steve Jobs left modern society many gifts, but his most profound one was the speech he gave some Stanford University students (and, later, the world). I listen to it often to…remember. Here it is again--I share it with you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Cheers!

Keep Rising,

Tanya

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Sir! Ma'am! Thank You! Please: HAPPY!

So. I am a native New Yawker who lived in Los Angeles for close to 15 years. I am back in my hometown, and loving it! We shot BUTTERFLY RISING in Columbus, Mississippi (not far from where THE HELP was shot) and so I got to spend a nice, long stretch of time in the South.

I've gotta admit, given Mississippi's history, I was unsure of what to expect. I found the folks there to be lovely, kind, patient and GENEROUS (they let us shoot our little movie! On their front porches! While serving us lemonade and home-baked cookies! Well, maybe not home baked cookies, but you get the point, LOL!). I found them to be super-hospitable. Not that the folks in LA and NY ain't (BTW, the stories about NY crudeness are GREATLY exaggerated), but it was different. Sweeter. And definitely slower.

While I was there, I began to pick up southern-speak-- I adopted the practice of calling folks "sir" and "ma'am." I have no idea why other than it just felt...right. And when I returned to the most easterly and westerly cities in the country, I continued to do it. I noticed the effect it had on folks: most are surprised, at first-- it's rare that folks are that formal these days. But I also noticed a slight ease in their breath after I addressed them as such. "Sir" and "ma'am" are signs of respect, too, and I noticed I used them a lot with the folks who probably got them the least: waiters/waitresses, busboys, janitors. They almost always gave me a smile. With the others, I almost always got what I wanted.

Try sprinkling a "sir" and "ma'am" in your everyday goings on and you'll see what I mean. It's a sign of humility and respect. And I can guarantee this: you'll almost ALWAYS get what you want:)

XO Tanya XO

TANYA WRIGHT plays the role of DEPUTY KENYA JONES on HBO'S TRUE BLOOD. She is the writer/director of the upcoming indie feature BUTTERFLY RISING and author of the book of the same name.

http://www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com/

http://twitter.com/tanyaTTwright

http://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Rising-Tanya-Wright/dp/1453650369/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313081795&sr=8-1

LOVE

There are millions of poems, books, songs and movies dedicated to this Thing called Love. It is oft said LOVE is "a many splendor'd thing;" love "makes the world go 'round" and, finally, "all you need is love."

I've been thinking a lot about LOVE lately, and I've got a question: are the quotes above really true, or are they romanticized versions of the love I know which is often a lot more complex but, some times, no less wonderful?

A lot of us women have grown to believe and buy into Cinderella fantasies of some handsome man coming in, sweeping us off our feet and taking care of us. I don't know about ya'll, but that ain't happened yet around these parts, LOL! After waiting for a long, long, long, long time (did I say I was waiting a long time??) I've recently decided to chuck the "Knight-in-Shining-Armor" shenanigan and get to the brass tacks of what love really is.

I have lots of things in my life that I love! I love my dog, Macarena, to absolute pieces. I love my work; I enjoy creating things and helping others mine opportunities, this is a real passion of mine. I love where I live (I LOVE NY!), I love my life and, finally and most importantly, I love myself. My grandmother's love was perhaps the most important love I have ever received in my entire life. It was limitless, boundless and without condition. Sort of, well, like the love of God--or whatever your idea (if you have one!) of God is.

Before we go loving on a man and giving all our love away, I think we woman forget to leave a little sumpin' sumpin' for ourselves. I know I've been guilty of this. But the older I get, the less this concept of giving it ALL away appeals to me. Now, I have a reserve of love for myself that is shared by no earthly being-- and I'm much, much happier this way.

And should My Knight finally come, I'll know how to love him because I know how to love myself.

XO Tanya XO

TANYA WRIGHT plays the role of DEPUTY KENYA JONES on HBO'S TRUE BLOOD. She is the writer/director of the upcoming indie feature BUTTERFLY RISING and author of the book of the same name.

http://www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com/

http://twitter.com/tanyaTTwright

The Business of the Artist

This past Saturday, I had the great good pleasure of sweating it out (ah! the HEAT!) with book-loving folks at the yearly Harlem Book Fair on 135th Street in Harlem, NY. I had a booth set up for my debut novel, BUTTERFLY RISING. Thanks to all the folks who stopped by, said hi and bought a book. I LOVE to hear back from people after they've had a read, so make sure to drop me a line at butterflyrisingthemovie@gmail.com!

I also taught a free class for folks who were interested in starting a business using their art and wanted a little bit of direction and advise. My Business of the Art class is a combination of short writing, physical exercises-- and LOTS of questions!--designed to help you unlock what's holding you back from achieving your creative goals.

I left the class feeling exhilarated! We were filled to capacity--standing room only-- and I could see countless folks having these mini-break throughs! I felt like I was really helping them achieve their dreams, which seems to be a recurring theme in my life...

For those of you who weren't there this weekend, here's a quick re-cap. Think of how these might be useful to your own creative business and apply them!

1. Think about how you can create VALUE for your creative idea. Why does the the world NEED what you have?

2. Complete this sentence:

Success is _____________________.

The answers here will vary for a great many people. In American culture, success is largely defined by cold, hard cash. Be honest with yourself and what you really want. And about who it might help.

3. Brainstorm educational institutions, cultural organizations, corporations--are you in a fraternity? sorority?-- who will help you get the word out and ultimately BUY what YOU have to SELL?

The truth is, small business is the ONLY way this country's gonna get out of its economic jam. Help the country by HELPING YOURSELF! Unemployed? This may be a perfect opportunity for you to do the thing you always wanted to to do. Invest in YOU. Now, starting a business is not without endless hours of hard work, dedication and commitment. The word SACRIFICE will become your friend, LOL! Keep your eyes glued to what motivates you, the thing that's gonna keep you going when you're tired, broke, or hell, you just don't feel like it! That's what's gonna get you through the rough spots.

Lastly, many creative folks divorce "business" from "art"; all artists MUST be in control of their business in order to succeed. Use the same creativity you use in your art to create your art and apply it to the business side of things! After a while, business--and all things money-- won't be so intimidating.

XO Tanya XO

TANYA WRIGHT plays the role of DEPUTY KENYA JONES on HBO'S TRUE BLOOD. She is the writer/director of the upcoming indie feature BUTTERFLY RISING and author of the book of the same name.

http://www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com/

http://twitter.com/tanyaTTwright

FAITH, LOVE AND GRATITUDE : what I learned about the horrific death of 8 year old Leiby Kletzky

Like most New Yorkers, I was shocked and deeply saddened by the extreme death of 8 year old Leiby Kletzky. As he was walking to meet his mother, he lost his way and asked the wrong person for directions—Levi Aron allegedly killed and dismembered the boy, storing his remains in his refrigerator and disposing the rest in a nearby dumpster. Folks say it's “every parents nightmare,” but you don't have to be a parent (I'm not) to feel the impact of the brutal slaying of this innocent young boy.

This made me think: do we EVER know what's really going on with people? In the depths of their hearts, minds and souls? Their fears? The thoughts they think, the things they do in the quiet hours of the dark? Chilling.

The thing that really, really moved me, however, was the statement given by the Leiby's parents:

...we are forever grateful and thankful to Hashem (G-d). We would also like to express to each and every individual -- to our friends and neighbors and our fellow New Yorkers and to all the volunteers and to all the agencies from the local, city, state, and federal, who assisted us above and beyond physically, emotionally, and spiritually -- and to all from around the world, who had us in their thoughts and prayers.

From the depths of our mourning hearts, THANK YOU!

The fact that Nachman and Esther Kletzky would express GRATITUDE to God, friends, neighbors at such a time in their lives is a true testament of their FAITH. When I read the statement, I was stunned. It was like their hearts burst so wide open they turned inside out and the result was---gratitude. And love.

WOW.

My 83 year old grandmother died the week before little Leiby-- she was, indeed, the great love of my life! I have learned so much from Nachman and Esther and I am grateful to them for teaching me, in their simple message, the true meaning of Faith. It is perhaps the hardest thing to cultivate—the most extreme of life's human lessons—but if we can dig a little deeper past the pain and grief...

THANK YOU.

XO Tanya XO

www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com

TANYA WRIGHT plays the role of DEPUTY KENYA JONES on HBO'S TRUE BLOOD. She is the writer/director of the upcoming indie feature BUTTERFLY RISING and author of the book of the same name. Follow her on twitter @tanyaTTwright!

RECESSION? WHAT recession? One thing an artist can rely on is that their jobs WILL come to an end

I was just thinking how this recession is impacting artists-- if at all. In times like these, you might seem tempted to chuck those lofty dreams of changing the world through your song or your dance and do something more-- I dare say practical. Stable. Reliable?

The truth is, we need art now more than ever. Artists are—and have always been—on the front lines of society. The ones who are questioning The Establishment on How Things Are Done. The ones who are creating alternative means to-- well, just about anything! Traditional modes of distribution for the artists—via publishing, music and movies-- are crumbling all around us. There's more opportunity now for an artist to connect with their audience than there ever has been!

All this got me to thinking: how is the recession affecting YOU? I mean, the truth is, EVERY job that an artist has is finite. Every one. All the time. Whether you're an actor on a TV series or a feature film, a designer for a book or a musician on a gig, there is always a beginning and—you can be sure-- an end to your job. Finite endings are built into the profession of the artist! It ain't for most folks but, for some of us, there's just nothing else we can do but our art and so we endure those indefinite periods of “unemployment”--whether it be a few days, months or years.

What do YOU do in your “down” time? And how is this recession affecting you and your life?

TANYA WRIGHT plays the role of DEPUTY KENYA JONES on HBO'S TRUE BLOOD. She is the writer/director of the upcoming indie feature BUTTERFLY RISING and author of the book of the same name. Follow her on twitter @tanyaTTwright!

Empty Pockets, Full Belly: My early days in LA as an actress...

When I came out to Los Angeles from New York to pursue a career in acting, I was dirt poor. I mean, so poor that when the earthquake of 1994 hit, I couldn't buy a gallon of water. I'd been drinking it out the tap (don't look at me like that. That's how we do it in NYC!) until somebody told me that LA water was the worse there was. And LA water after an earthquake is nothing short of poison. I couldn't scrape together enough money from the couch to even buy a no-frills distilled brand of H2O, so I resigned myself to boiling a pot-full of agua on my rickety fire- hazard- of -a hot -plate, 'cause the room I was shackin' in didn't come with a kitchen. Or a closet. Or a bathtub, for that matter. But no matter. As long as I had some heat, I could burn. And burn I did. I fried chicken, stewed lentils (a bag cost a whopping .79 cents and it could feed you for a week!) Anything that required the use of an oven was not an option (I don't like what microwaves do to food). Nothing would stop me from making good food. Most meals centered around the old college staple: Ramen Noodles. Did you know that you can put almost anything in Ramen Noodles? Cut up some onions, a can of tuna and a dash of salt and pepper and you got something resembling a tuna casserole. Veggies are cheap enough (and healthy too!) and, with a few lesser cuts from the chicken (backs are cheapest), you've got just enough protein to make a full-fledged meal. When I had a little left over from paying the rent on my $314.50 apartment, I splurged and took myself out to a meal. But I couldn't go far, 'cause I didn't own a car. No sweat in any other urban metropolis, but in Los Angeles, it's virtually impossible to get from one end of town to the other without a car and not spending the whole light of day doing it. But I let nothing get in my way of my pursuit of Good Food. It's true then. It is true now. It will be true always.

ACTING IS LIKE BASEBALL

Hey, all!

Please forgive my extended absence-- I was down for the count with a bout of bronchitis, but...I'm back! Right before I found myself in the emergency room, I shot my scenes for the upcoming movie, PREDISPOSED, with Jesse Eisenberg, Melissa Leo and Tracey Morgan. SO FUN! PREDISPOSED is the story of a musical prodigy (Jesse) whose having, uh, a very bad-good day. Won't say much more than that. You'll have to just go and see the movie!

:)

While I was flat on my back, I had a lot of time to think: about acting, specifically. The truth is, I love what I do and I marvel everyday about the fact that I'm able to make a living doing what I love. This fact is not lost on me-- not even for a second-- and I am so grateful for the opportunities that come my way. What I have noticed, though, is that work begets work and acting-- well, acting is a bit like baseball...

First, like most sports, it takes an inordinate amount of practice (in the form of acting lessons, rehearsals) to perfect your craft. Just like a baseball player (or anyone in sports for that matter), lotsa TIME is put in WELL BEFORE you see the player get up to bat. And then there's the waiting. Lotsa waiting in baseball and even more, sometimes, in the acting profession! How long do you have to wait to get your "turn"? How about when you get to bat? How many auditions (in the case of baseball, how many times do you have to swing) before your ball actually connects with the bat and you get a base hit! And you get the job! Sometimes your "hit" will land you to first base, maybe second. And sometimes-- ah, sometimes-- you hit a HOMERUN! Then it's time to run, run, run as fast as you can-- the door is open--and the opportunity for you to win (and bring all your friends who have been hanging on second and third base) to come on home, too! WOW! What a feeling!

But so much of it is waiting. Even when you book a job, you're waiting! Waiting on set. For your hair to get done. For your make-up to be applied. And, ah, yes, there are THE LIGHTS! Those little lights have to be angled just so by your friendly cinematographer so that the director can be sure to capture your performance...

Like baseball, PATIENCE is the name of the game in entertainment. But while you're waiting, make sure you're doing everything you can (practice!) so that when your time comes to hit a HOMERUN, you'll be sure to knock it out the park:)

XO Tanya :)

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

Today is my birthday! And what a great one it is. In exactly 5 days I will premiere the movie I worked so hard to get into the world: BUTTERFLY RISING.

I have received countless well wishes from folks I know and --wonderfully-- quite a few from folks I don't. I have had a number of people in Seattle reach out to me online and ask if I needed a hand. BUTTERFLY RISING is a VERY INDIE movie (LOL!) so there's little or no money for conventional marketing/advertising. I have been struck, though, by the number of people whom I'VE NEVER MET who have offered to spread the word and lend a hand in getting the word out about the movie.

Tomorrow, I will get on a plan and leave for Seattle. I'll spend some time at Seattle Central, visit the folks at Amazon.com and even stop at The Butterfly House at the Pacific Science Center! I have promised myself one thing: to keep my eyes WIDE OPEN and take everything in-- the smells, the colors, the people, the...everything.

THANK YOU, Seattle, for hosting me and for reaching out. I deeply appreciate it:)

XO T:)

WRIGHTING REVOLUTION: R U a WRITER who wants to make a MOVIE?

HERE's a post I wrote for SHEWRITES.COM! I wanted to be sure to share it with you guys, too. Hope you find it useful!

_____________________________________________________________________

Next month, I will share with the world my directorial debut, BUTTERFLY RISING! It is a hugely important moment in my life, a culmination of 7 long, hard and –at times-- excruciatingly joyful years. I made the movie BEFORE I wrote the book --a little backwards, I know, LOL-- and...

Well, lemme back-track a bit.

My name is Tanya Wright. I currently play the role of Deputy Kenya Jones on HBO's TRUE BLOOD. I have always been an actor but, what most folks don't know, I have always been a writer, too. Truth be told, I was a writer BEFORE I was an actor! I scribbled in journals on movie sets, in my dressing room, in the make-up chair-- every time I could get a chance. Slowly but surely, I amassed a stockpile of material-- screenplays, plays and all the rest. One was a semi-finalist in the Nicholl's Screenwriting Competition (AMPAS-- the folks that do the Academy Awards!) and a play was work shopped at the Mark Taper, Los Angeles' answer to Broadway. These encouraging notices in a tough, tough town gave me the confidence to go on and reassured me that I was, perhaps, not a TOTAL hack!

I wrote a screenplay based on my Nicholl's semi-script, then made the movie. Then, I waited. Something was...well, incomplete. Why wasn't I ready to throw my film out to the sea of other indie films? I couldn't put my finger on it. Then, it came to me: the creative process wasn't complete yet. Oh, no. I still had more to do. I had to write. A book.

A BOOK???? AH!!!

Alright. Truth is, I always had envisioned writing books (is that plural????) but I always thought it would be much later on in my life. Say, at age 70 when I had seceded from the Union that is Hollywood (LOL!), wearing straw hats and walking to my local farmer's market in Italy (Tuscany, specifically) trailed by dogs and butterflies. A movie AND a book! Never thought it would happen to a gal like me. It's crazy but it's true.

Someone told me how rare it was for an author to also write and direct the screenplay to the book she wrote. I can't tell you how incredibly GRATEFUL I AM for this extraordinary opportunity, and so, I thought I'd share with you writers/authors a few things I learned about turning your words into pictures!

1. Which brings me to TIP #1: WRITERS usually THINK in terms of WORDS. But SCREENWRITERS/DIRETORS need to FEEL in terms of PICTURES. Get it? The most important distinction to make is that a film is a succession of PICTURES and a novel is a succession of WORDS. Also, writers of novels and the like can really get into detail about a character's internal life whereas, in screenwriting, the internal life of the character is best left to the ACTOR to create while you want to focus on what it LOOKS LIKE. The RESULT of what the actor creates. You feel me?

2. Writing is (or can be) SOLITARY and INTERNAL; filmmakking, on the other hand, is an external art that is, like it or not, TERRIBLY, TERRIBLY COLLABORATIVE! You'll have one person for sound, another for costumes, still another who takes the pretty pictures-- it can be daunting and, when you're in the midst of it, you'll long for the quiet, solitary space you know as a writer. WHO ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE with all these opinions and ideas? If you're smart, you'll listen to every one of them. Take what you need to make a good picture great, and leave the rest. But not before telling the folks who gave you their advice a hearty and sincere THANK YOU:)
   
   

3. If you're a writer who wants to direct what they've written, that's great! I am a firm believer in that more writers should direct their own work. Who better knows what that pillow you agonized for the words to describe than you? Also, if the movie comes out like s*(^, you've got nobody to blame but yourself. After all, you're the director--it's your vision-- and at the end of the day, you call the shots (or does your financier? Well! That's another story...). Here's the thing, though: writing and directing require VERY DIFFERENT SKILL SETS! Writing requires you to spend bouts of time alone, observing others and, well, the less talking you do, the better. I don't want to generalize, but in my experience, I find most writers to be introverts. They see the world in their own, special way and comment on it through that lens. Directing, on the other hand, requires that you not only be collaborative, but that you are expert at communicating your ideas to many different people! For example, you might need to use a different vocab for your DP (Director of Photography) than you do your actors. Are you an EXCELLENT MULTITASKER? This is essential, I think, to competent directing. While you're shooting, there are so many things going on at once it can make your head spin! Are you level-headed under pressure? If not, learn to be-- quick, fast and in a hurry-- 'cause it's YOU who'll set the tone for the entire shoot. Yes, my dear. YOU. People—well, everyone, will be looking to YOU for DIRECTION. Can you handle that?

These are the three most important tips I can give to an author/writer who has visions of seeing their words—uh, pictures! --on the big screen! Wanna know what I have in my bag o'tricks on screenwriting/making movies? Here's some “stuff” that's been helpful to me:

The Hero's Journey, by Joseph Campbell: Essential. Simply a must.

The Foundations of Screenwriting, Syd Field: Simplistic, but the title says it all: a FOUNDATION.

Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting—by Robert McKee: I haven't read this one, but it's pretty much a well-regarded staple.

The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny even if you're Not! by John Vorhaus: I tell everyone who wants to write ANYTHING funny, including my corporate- executive- brother-in-law turned-stand-up-comic:)

From Real to Deal: Everything you Need to Create a Successful Independent Film by Dov S-Simens you won't need this one if your aim is to make it with a big Hollywood studio. If you're doing it the down-and-dirty-indie way, you must have this book. MUST!

Final Draft: a 'visual writer's' must-have software. Easy to install, there's a version for a MAC and one for a PC. You can write screenplays, plays, soaps, TV series, etc. Automatically comes out in the correct format! YEAH!

Here's to writing in pictures!

XO Tanya :)

Tanya Wright will premiere her movie, BUTTERFLY RISING, at the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival on Sunday, May 8 at 6PM. It's the PERFECT movie to take your mother to on her special day. ALL ARE WELCOME! For tickets and info about BUTTERFLY RISING, go to www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com

WRIGHTING REVOLUTION: GUILTY PLEASURES

So, I was at an event a week or so ago, and someone asked me what my "guilty pleasure" was. I knew what she meant but, I gotta admit, I really thought about it later. Why should I feel guilty about something that pleases me? I think what she meant, too, was what is the thing I do that I wouldn't necessarily want anyone else to know that I do?? Well, there are several, I don't feel guilty about none of them, LOL! Here are a few, in no particular order...

1. PEOPLE MAGAZINE: Yes! I just wrote a very literary book (BUTTERFLY RISING), made a movie and all that jazz. But, the truth is, I often read PEOPLE MAGAZINE just to relax my mind! Yes, I do! I even have a button where it comes up quick, fast and in a hurry on my Blackberry. Now, there's been a fair amount of coverage on Butterfly Rising book/movie, but my all-time favorite article appeared in peoplepets. com. Take a look:

http://www.peoplepets.com/news/celebrities/true-blood-s-tanya-wright-turned-personal-tragedy-around-with-help-from-her-dog/1

That's right. It was the article about my dog that warmed my heart the most. Look at my little Macarena! She's looking square into the camera (unlike me. What was I thinking, LOL!), ready for her close-up. Woof!

2. Here's the thing: I don't know what it is, but I. LOVE. INFOMERCIALS!! Yes! The folks that host them are usually so COMMITTED and so relentlessly enthusiastic about the products they're hawking, I usually peel myself away from the TV just long enough to ask myself how could I live another day without this product??? I will admit though, I have NEVER purchased anything advertised in an infomercial (I really DO want to try out that juicer and the WEN haircare system. I know a person who purchased the FLOWBEE--the hair device where you cut your hair using your vacuum cleaner?-- and it works! It really works!!) Go figure!!!

3. WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW: I LOVE this woman! Everything about her is BIG and FUN!!! She always looks like she's smiling on the inside, which is a rare and wonderful thing. I love her outfits, I love her hair. And the thing is, although she's always dishing on celebs, there isn't anything mean-spirited about her. She usually asks the things people REALLY want to know. Also, in her ASK WENDY segment, she always gives sound, sturdy, common sense advice, not at all what you'd expect form someone whose personality is so...big! Anyway, love you Wendy, and I hope to sit down on the couch and chat wit'cha one day soon:)

These are just a few of my pleasures. And I don't feel guilty about none of 'em.

XO T :)

WRIGHTING REVOLUTION

WRIGHTING REVOLUTION #3

Okay. So. You can tell A LOT about a person through their FACEBOOK activity. YOWZA!!! I'm just saying...

WRIGHTING REVOLUTION #2

I've been running on pure adrenaline the past week. I am SO EXCITED THAT the MOVIE IS FINALLY COMPLETE! I mean, of course I could nit-pick to death, but for all intents and purposes BUTTERFLY RISING THE MOVIE IS DONE! It has exceeded my expectations in every way. I realized A LOT about myself during this process-- I really feel like folks who make a movie are truly 'getting made' in the process-- there's lots you're working out externally (as it relates to the movie) but you're also working a lot out inside yourself, too. Can you find the opportunity in the 'setback'? What happens when things don't go the way you'd like-- will you keep a door open to the idea that, sometimes, what you've been presented is actually a BETTER option? I was always the slow and plodding type (definitely a late bloomer, LOL!) and I never thought I'd be the girl who wrote, directed and starred in a movie, who wrote a book and all. NEVER. Not saying that I had low expectations of myself, just that, as I kid, I mostly struggled with my confidence and my place in the world. And then, something happened—I buoyed my confidence and became less concerned with trying to be like other people and just started, well, being myself. It was lonely and scary at first, but I felt happier and lighter that way, so I did it more and more and more and then...ah. I feel good. No, GREAT!

I can't wait to share this movie with the world. Now, I'll warn you, it is a provocative film in many ways and will DEFINETELY inspire dialogue about men/women/love/loss/faith and dreams. All of the people you'll meet (Rose, Lilah, Esther, Henry, Daniel) are deeply flawed but really...perfect (there's that dual nature stuff again, LOL!). I hope you love them as much as I love sharing them with you.

XO T:)
WRIGHTING REVOLUTION

WRIGHTING REVOLUTION #1

So...wus up, ya'll! (yes, I'm a New Yawker, but I have an affinity for All Things Southern:)

This is my first blog post ever in the history of the universe! Welcome and thanks for coming to check me out. I recently had a contest on our FB page to name my blog: we had a slew of TERRFIC suggestions come in, and the winner was... Jennifer Murillo! She suggested WRIGHTING REVOLUTION!! Get it? Wright/Wright! Don't you love it???

I loved the second word, too-- 'revolution'. During this whole book and movie process ( a seven year journey!) I've been aware of the fact that I've made some pretty unorthodox decisions: self-publishing my book, producing my movie independently. I hope to be part of a movement of artists who encourages other artists to create their own destinies and take matters into their own hands as opposed to waiting for someone to validate their dream. Say yes to YOU while you're learning, working and honing all there is to do and be as it relates to your craft. Be GREAT.

Anyhoo, folks have been suggesting I write a blog for a while now but, I gotta admit, I was a bit reticent about doing it. I'm terribly private and blogs just seem so...well, public! I was a pretty shy kid who became an actress (go figure!) but always had my writing to help process my 'introverted' self. It is a bit of a dual nature—actor (extrovert, external, need people) and writer (introvert, internal, needs paper and pen only), but for me, it works. Folks ask me all the time which one I like best, the acting or the writing. It's a difficult question: how do you pick your favorite child? I love acting AND writing, they both feed the dual sides of my nature and, interestingly enough, one helps the other.

I'll talk about all kinds of stuff in WRIGHTING REVOLUTION, including my journey of making the book/film, musings about life, what's going in my acting world (hey TRUBIES!! You guys are THE BEST!!), etc. I've met some pretty cool people online and realize we're all much more similar than we are different: we all have hopes, fears, hurdles, countless sublime and unexpected moments plus everything in between.

I hope you'll come back and hang with me.

XO T:)
WRIGHTING REVOLUTION