Category Archives: short films – narrative

Outlook from the Look-Out

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“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ~ Andre Gide

Being an active, productive blogger means always being on the beat. Like any writer, new experiences and change of scenery helps bring new perspective to my work and to my readers. 

Over the next few weeks, I will be meeting many new faces and visiting new places as a way of sharing my universe of independent publishing with others. I consider myself an ambassador for the independent publishing industry and I will continue fulfilling my duties, as such, by spreading the word about this exciting industry in my sojourns. 

My blog postings will be less frequent for a few weeks. I invite our readers to return time and time again to All Things Fulfilling. This site has 700 blog writings in 389 categories. On the far right side of this page, the blog postings are searchable by category. Choose from the drop down menu, and enter my universe of independent thoughts, words and views from Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC.

There is also a new on-line portal into the independent publishing industry, made available by the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. Enter On The Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry, by visiting this link: http://bit.ly/oIkV2g. 

Over the past two years I have shed, for our readers, some valuable light on the dynamic and growing industry of independent publishing which now, represents more than 50% of all publishing revenue. That’s progress, innovation and creativity from many, many individuals hard at work! And it is a beacon of hope for those who have always wanted to tell their story, but felt until now, their voice would never be heard.

That’s the outlook from my universe of www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Artist Preserves Cowboy Film History

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“A maverick hero during the wild west was… tough, independent, fearless. Characters of honor and principle.” ~ Unknown 

In 1980, artist Kerry Powell http://bit.ly/rkDr1X  helped to spearhead efforts to preserve the Western cinematic history of Lone Pine,California by organizing the Lone Pine Film Festival. The Alabama Hills and the Inyo Mountains, located only 170 miles from Hollywood, provided the scenic backdrops to some 400 western movies produced between the years 1920 to the 1970s. Some of the notables were: 

    • The Round Up (1920)
    • Gunga Din (1939)
    • High Sierra (1941)
    • Along the Great Divide (1951)
    • Thunder in the Sun (1959)
    • How the West Was Won (1962)
    • Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) 

    For many, “Westerns” congered up romantic notions of life on the American western front and independent living at its best. Artist Kerry Powell’s painted murals around the town of Lone Pine, California reflect the era of Western filmmaking. Her desire to protect this era in cinematography came from her fulfilling memories of the production crews arriving in town, movie sets being built and of the legendary actors, most of whom are now deceased, who stayed at her family’s motel. Big name Hollywood actors such as Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Gene Autry, John Wayne, Roy Rogers and Johnny Weismuller were just a few of the actors that frequented this area to produce movies.

Eleven years later, The Lone Pine Film Festival now draws audiences of 5,000 Western film enthusiasts from around the world. It is scheduled for October 7 – 9. For ticket information, please visit http://bit.ly/pK7I9h. 

The period of the cowboys and Indians is seldom captured in movies anymore, and the film production process will never be the same. Modern-day filmmaking has changed all that. So, saddle up and attend this year’s fest! The 100th birthday of Roy Rogers will be celebrated this year. It is guaranteed to be one of the best Western Film fests yet.

Independent thoughts, words and views brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Take a Fulfilling Trip

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“We are the facilitators of our own creative evolution.” ~ Bill Hicks

Last month I had the pleasure of interviewing author, screenwriter, performing artist, journalist and songwriter Mara Purl about her book “What the Heart Knows.”  Her hardcover is slated for release on September 27, 2011, about a week from now. 

For each blogger who was a part of Mara’s month-long virtual book tour, she reciprocated by blogging back about each blogger’s site and it’s focus. As a blog writer, I know the intense work that that takes! “Bringing my customers to the world. Bringing the world to my customers” is the blog site theme that Mara Purl has associated with our company blog site, All Things Fulfilling. She hit the mark – that is the aim of our company, Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC! To read the entire text, please visit http://bit.ly/okpGOL. 

I would be presumptuous if I thought that Mara’s quote applies only to a company that specializes in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers. From my perspective, the goal of every author and blog writer in the literary world is to bring your customers (your readers) to the cosmos that you, the writer, created. By effectively communicating a valuable or entertaining message through the medium of a book, film or music, you might bring your customer to a universe of women’s fiction or into a puzzling story of mystery; to the work of a non-profit through an independently published film; or perhaps to the lyrics of powerful and emotive music.

Secondarily, the objective when publishing a book or producing a film or music is to reach customers all over the world. That is now entirely possible and probable all through the power of  internet  selling and e-marketing! 

After years of evolution and revolution, the independent publishing universe is now a force to be reckoned with. Take a quick trip to the new world of publishing through this link http://bit.ly/oIkV2g. You will begin to understand what an historical time it is in the publishing world. The world of books no longer revolves around five or six giant publishing houses. It is an exciting and dynamic era in media.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Rising to the Occasion

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“Life is like a book we can either study it or let it gather dust on the shelves of the world.” — Rene Godefroy

On Wednesday, we celebrated the first year anniversary of the meet-up group WIN Steamboat (Women in Networking – Steamboat) with a beautiful palette of food prepared by chef Lulu Martin of Amuse Bouche Private Chef Service. http://bit.ly/qvtK9o.  The luncheon at the Alpine Mountain Ranch Club http://bit.ly/pQEs0v  was served on the patio, alongside the trout pond. As I took in the panorama of beautiful vistas and views, I couldn’t help but reflect on the fulfilling accomplishments of individual women throughout the year. Like the trout that were rising in the pond,  the women in the group are go-getters in their own companies or in their fields of business. The relationships we have built over the course of the year have been beneficial to each of us.

A new dawning came to me as we gathered for our 1st annual celebration. That was the thought of how powerful a motivating force books play in peoples lives (not just mine). They help inspire and keep us on task in our personal, career and spiritual lives. Each woman brought a “slightly used book” that had been helpful to them in finding the will to put one foot in front of the other, each and every day despite setbacks, disappointments and new beginnings. We each came away with a “new” book to help us in our journey through life. 

What book did I bring to swap with another person? An independently published book, of course! The title is “Waiting for Jack” by author Kristen Moeller. http://bit.ly/bUy3pu.  It is a book about “seizing the moment” for success in life. Although, I had mixed emotions about passing it on, it meant that I had made a promise to remember the principles set forth in the book. 

The donator of the book that I received said “she realized that I had been in business for quite sometime, as has she, but she has referred to the book, Secrets of Self Employment: Surviving and Thriving on the Ups and Downs of Being Your Own Boss, time and time again.” It will help me to continue to assess my strengths and weaknesses and it will provide fresh perspectives on taking adversities in stride. 

Each of us has had fulfilling personal and career growth over the past year. The size of the group has grown as well. Never underestimate the importance of networking in the business world. Each person brings to the group individual talents and knowledge that we can share with others. We are all richer in spirit when we pool our strengths.  We owe a big thank you to Kate Z http://www.katezphoto.com for bringing this group together last year.

Another independent word, thought and view from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Film Friday – 50 Greatest Indie Films

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“Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it’s done and done right.” —Walt Disney

Summer is quickly winding down in many parts of the country. That means more indoors time for watching movies and reading good books.

Leaders in the independent film industry are proving that big budgets and big production crews do not necessarily mean big block buster hits. There have been notable films that many people do not realize were made by the independents. A few of them are:

  • In the Company of Man
  • Lost in Translation
  • Stranger inParadise
  • The Passion of Christ 

To read the full list of the 50 Greatest Independent Films on the AMC Filmsite, please visit http://bit.ly/5PVDeu. 

Being a successful independent filmmaker (and independent publisher) means more than just a great story line. Making wise business decisions and having a budget-wise, well thought out business plan, in place, is important too. Solid strategies from concept to pre and post production, marketing and financing will result in a good final product. There are lots of helpful books on the market that can answer your questions, provide you with tips and give you some of the guidance you will need with your independent filmmaking or publishing plans. 

Not ready to start your own independent publishing or film project yet? Pick up a new book from an Indie Bound bookstore near you. Here are the top selling independently published books http://bit.ly/19ybCq. Or select an independent film from the IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base) http://imdb.to/5ETZHW. Have a great weekend, everyone! 

We will return on Monday with more independent thoughts, words and views from Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC. www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

 

Fulfill Your Need to Tell Your Story!

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“Knowledge is Power.” ~ Sir Francis Bacon 

Tomorrow, SHe Writes Steamboat will be hosting the Colorado Independent Publishers Association at the Bud Werner Library. www.steamboatlibrary.org.  What an opportunity this will be to find out more about writing your own story. Learn about the educational programs, vendor affiliations and services that are available from CIPA to help you through the process of independently publishing your story. 

We are so rich in individual narratives in this corner of Northwestern Colorado and the Elk River Valley. Retirees, career professionals, and interesting individuals who have unique stories to tell of their lives in other places seek out this part of the country so they can begin a new chapter of their lives – one that includes fulfilling dreams, passions and interests. 

If you have ever had the thought “I could write a book about that!” join us, tomorrow at 9:30 am at the Bud Werner Memorial Library in Library Hall. The morning informational session is free and open to the public. Stay for the afternoon, but do pre-register, please, through this link. (look for the September 9 Steamboat seminars) http://bit.ly/p9GbYG. 

Can’t come, but still interested? There is an 18 minute webinar now available on-line that will give you an overview of the independent publishing industry. It explains how a new generation of book publishing including e-commerce and e- marketing has evolved. The publishing universe in this new century now includes anyone willing to tell their story. That includes you!  http://bit.ly/oIkV2g. 

See you tomorrow at 9:30 am sharp!

Another day of  independent thoughts, words and a views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

I Wish Upon A Star

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Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” -Franz Peter Schubert 

Three years ago, when I moved to a new community, I met a woman my age and her husband and three boys at church. She and her husband were given the responsibility and honor of raising a special needs son. When we first met, she talked with  me about their family’s involvement with the Special Olympics and what their volunteer efforts have meant to their entire family. They have found such enjoyment in the athletic events, the camaraderie felt between Special Olympians and other families with special needs children. She visited our Kiwanis Club and described the mission of the Special Olympics, too. http://bit.ly/oDJ4n3.

As time has gone by our friendship has grown closer. We have had meaningful talks about her special son, and how God has endowed him with the ability to communicate with others about faith in very unique and profound ways. 

The other day, I began to think what an opportune time it is for parents, families and individuals to share stories of special needs children who are making their distinctive mark on the world. The dynamic and growing world of independent publishing provides a fulfilling platform for teaching other families about the lessons and gifts their special needs children contribute to their family’s life. 

I wish upon a star that more families everywhere will find the means and a voice to tell their stories so others will better understand the joys and challenges of raising special needs children. 

 For more information on how ordinary people are telling extraordinary stories by educating, inspiring and informing others through non-traditional books and films, there is a new 18 minute on-line webinar published by the Colorado Independent Publishers Association that discusses the basics of independent publishing. Please visit http://bit.ly/oIkV2g.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Brewing Up Customers Digitally

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“Life is Change. Growth is optional. Choose Wisely.” ~ Unknown 

Today, we will take look at the demographics of the American population as it relates to embracing this new era of e-promotion, e-marketing and e-advertising in the 21st Century, specifically through blogging. Did you know? 

  • Bloggers are split close to 50/50 male and female
  • Only 7% of business-owners aged 51 and older are utilizing blogging
  • California, New York, Colorado and Texas are bullish on blogging
  • 53%  of all bloggers are in the 21-35 age group 

To read the full study on blogging, please visit http://bit.ly/9B83iO. 

More books are sold on the internet than any other product. http://bbc.in/p9aHJU. As independent publishing has grown in popularity, on-line selling and marketing has become the preferred method. E-commerce is fulfilling the needs of independent publishers who wish to sell outside of brick and mortar stores. 

Blogging helps to reach potential book buyers. It is one of the best ways to drive traffic to your site and become more visible on the internet. In fact, studies reveal that businesses that have corporate blogs have an increase in traffic of 55% on their websites. It’s true! http://bit.ly/omr5IK. You can brew up new customers instantly! 

 If you are an independent publisher who is not sure whether you are using blogging effectively or not, help is available. Consult with a company that specializes in e-marketing for independent publishers.  

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Fulfilling the Need for More

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“All stories interest me, and some haunt me until I end up writing them. Certain themes keep coming up …” ~ Isabelle Allende 

When Art Strikes was a blog about a photographic print that I had been struck by and finally purchased after a long wait. In reality, it was not just one print that attracted me to the artist’s work. It was the entire displayed collection. 

Once we find an artist whose work we like, we often cry out for more, whether it comes in the form of visual arts, books, films or music. Fans of Stephen King or Tony Hillerman  and many others wait with bated breathe for their next release. For fourteen years, the Harry Potter series of films have entertained children. Many kids grew-up right along with the main character, from childhood to now young adult. Fans of Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox have returned to the cinema for each new film of the Back to the Future series. Music lovers tend to buy more than one cd title of their favorite artist, too. True and avid fans don’t quickly disappear like a passing thought. 

Are you an independent publisher who has had a successful first book? Have you found your circle of loyal readers? If so, consider a sequel or a series. Begin to think of yourself not as the author of a single book but as an author brand. By having more than one publication, you can better create a real market for your self as an author and for your books. If you have a first book that is a “hot title,” it’s selling life can be extended if you are fulfilling the needs of the readers by giving more of what they want.

Obviously some books and films are meant to be “stand alone” titles, and are not suitable for a series or sequel. When writing a book, it can pay-off to keep in mind branding as a possibility. Not only are follow-up books exciting from the point of view of the reader, from a marketing or merchandising point of view, it can add great value to the independent publishers worth too.

Remember, independent publishers, it’s not just about the manuscript. This article will give you insight into what else it’s all about. http://bit.ly/aPEx0B.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Film Buzz on Film Friday

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Yesterday’s blog about creating buzz before the official launch of books, film or music has brought to mind a film that is doing just that – and doing a fine job of it, too!  

ALPFD A Cold War spy thriller, and independent film, directed and produced by Justin Eugene Evans, is expected to hit cinemas after January 1, 2012. Part 1 of the film is available and has already been downloaded more than 780,000 times through VODO http://vodo.net/alpfd. 

A Lonely Place for Dying just won 4 more awards at the VanWert Film Festival, one of the 40 film festivals where it has been screened. Awards have come for everything from best screenplay to visual effects awards to best acting to best song track. It is fulfilling news, for a $200,000 budget film. To read more about A Lonely Place for Dying, please visit http://on.fb.me/jjsOLX. It is hitting foreign film screens too! 

Looking for More Information on the Summer Film Scene? Here are a few films that are about to come to theatres, and they are adaptations from blockbuster books. 

Sarah’s Key – Limited Release July 22

The Help – In Theatres August 12th

 One Day – In Theatres August 19th

 Have a good weekend everyone. For those who are suffering from the heat wave, take in a movie this weekend in the cool comfort of a movie theatre!