The NALIP Experience
The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) conference 9 was an exciting event. It all began with a scenic drive; well actually about ten miles too long, as I blamed Cal-Trans for playing tricks with the freeway signs, but Angel and I eventually landed at the Laguna Cliffs resort. The fresh sea breeze and greenery made for the perfect backdrop to the conference presented by HBO and The National Latino Media Council.
Once we gathered ourselves and stepped into the conference, our first stop was at the information desk where Angel reconnected with Able Salinas, who mentioned that his first assignment as a writer was to cover the Mi Vida Loca movie. As Able and Angel reminisced about the good ol’ days, filmmakers, animators, writers and even Freddy Fender’s daughter came up to Able to say hello. This was only in the first fives minutes. During the conference we continued meeting inspiring people.
Attending the conference were such notables as Kathryn Joosten (“Desperate Housewives”), Andre Royo (“The Wire”), Frida Torresblanco (PAN’S LABYRINTH), Jesus Trevino (“Cane”), Felix Alcala (“Criminal Minds”), Roxanne Dawson (“Cold Case”), Julie Hebert (“Numb3rs”), Norberto Barba (“Law & Order”), and Carlos Cuaron (Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN), just to mention a few.
On the first day, Angel and I wanted to see who was attending the conference and we met creative people looking to attend the actors work-shops, speak to financiers, pitch television and motion picture ideas, network and generally be inspired to continue pursuing their dreams.
One of the most inspiring video interviews we’ll be posting in the café is from Alicia Villarreal. Her father, a retired engineer, told his daughter that he wanted to make a film and used his retirement money to make it happen. He’s almost seventy-years old! Another inspiring story was from Anthony Nardolillo, a first time filmmaker, who was able to get top actors to appear in his 35mm film short “Mano”, and then screened it as a red carpet event at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood (see the film teaser in our screening theater).
In the evening, a preview screening with a Q&A session of the Fox Searchlight, 2007 Sundance hit “Under The Same Moon/La Misma Luna”, directed by Patricia Riggen, written/produced by Ligiah Villalobos, who was presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award by NALIP, drew excitement and praise from the crowd.
The second day was no less exciting and full of insight. We attended a few seminars and picked up bits of valuable information from television professionals:
Jeff Valdez said the conference, “used to be a bitch session, now it’s a pitch session”.
Kathy Lo from PBS Plus, said, be accommodating to networks and know how your idea fits their audience when you pitch an idea.
Cris Abrego, from 51 Minds Ent, producer of reality shows, remarked that having money is not as important, as studios will pay for good ideas.
Raquel Yepes from Plural Ent., stressed the importance of having a production bible, which aids in knowing your idea inside and out.
I also can’t do justice to the Maya Picture case studies, on how they presented films that they found worthy to champion. The films they showcased were beautifully developed by independent filmmakers and without financial and marketing help from Maya they would not be shown in theaters. Remember these names “August Evening”, “Maldeamores” and “The Startup”; these films will amaze you.
Over the next few weeks, we will be adding more information and applying what we learned from the conference, as there is too much to report in one article. For instance, MUSIC was booming. The BMI Latin Alternative Music showcase brought the house down. Delicious FOOD! I’ve been served finger sandwiches at other conferences but here at NALIP, it was all you can eat Fajitas with fresh guacamole for dinner and a sit down chicken salad dish for lunch. LAUGHTER! In the evening, the comedy show alone was worth the price of admission.
Twelve comedians had the ballroom crowd laughing to tears. To see and hear these comedians of different Latin decent find common ground with humor was a wonderful thing. I have to mention Cory Fernandez was one of our favorites, not only because he graced us with a video interview, but also because of his connection to Angel. (See the BFC blog “Top 10 Action List” to see the connection.)
Overall, the NALIP conference left me feeling invigorated and assured that Latino entertainment is on it’s way and in good hands. The executives, filmmakers and producers on the panels were very knowledgeable, approachable and encouraging. In fact, everyone at the conference was very friendly and open, which made it easy to network, ask questions and share ideas.
Often Angel and I receive numerous questions on how to break into the entertainment business and sometimes we don’t have the answers. From now on I know our answer is going to include that if you want to break into the Latino entertainment then plan to attend next year’s NALIP conference. It will change your life!
Thank you NALIP and Lindsey Rowe for your hospitality. See you next year!
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