OPEN CASTING CALL FOR FILM/Stage Play: MIRROR,MIRROR, ON THE WALL
SO YOU WANNA BE A STAR?
We are now casting for our stage play/movie
This is a non-union shoot.
Genre: Drama
Synopsis: Film chronicles the life of a couple who unfortunately is caught in a web of abuse, jealously and anger. The film also illustrates how domestic violence even affects the silent victims. " CHILDREN". But luckily throughout the film this mirror will reflect who the family is and who they will become.
Looking for a Hispanic male 27-35 years of age, who is fluent in English as well as Spanish (Lead Role)
Looking for a African American female 25-35 years of age (Lead Role)
Looking for a African American minor child 8-11 years of age(Lead Child Role)
Looking for 10 Caucasian children ages 8-10, 10 African American children ages 8-10, and 10
Hispanic children ages 8-10(Students in class)
Looking for 3 African American children ages 12-14 (Friends to Lead Child )
2 African American female ages 30-35(friends to Lead Role Female)
1 African female ages 55-70 (Grandmother to Lead )
2 Hispanic females-bilingual(co-workers) ages 25-50
1 Hispanic male-bi-lingual (Christian co-worker) ages 25-45
2 Caucasian Males (co-workers) ages 25-45
2 African American males (co-workers) ages 25-50
5 Caucasian females ages 30-50 various roles: teacher, counselor, and extras
5 African females ages 30-50 various roles
1 African American male 25-35 years of age(long-time friend to Lead female)
1 African American Male 30-45(young father to Lead)
1 African American Female 30-45 (young mother to Lead)
1 Hispanic Male-bilingual 45-55 years of age(father to lead)
PLEASE COMPLETE AUDITION FORM BELOW and GOOD LUCK Should questions arise please send them to e-mail: mirrormirrorfilm@yahoo.com and they will be replied to within 48 hours.
We are now casting for our stage play/movie
This is a non-union shoot.
Genre: Drama
Synopsis: Film chronicles the life of a couple who unfortunately is caught in a web of abuse, jealously and anger. The film also illustrates how domestic violence even affects the silent victims. " CHILDREN". But luckily throughout the film this mirror will reflect who the family is and who they will become.
Looking for a Hispanic male 27-35 years of age, who is fluent in English as well as Spanish (Lead Role)
Looking for a African American female 25-35 years of age (Lead Role)
Looking for a African American minor child 8-11 years of age(Lead Child Role)
Looking for 10 Caucasian children ages 8-10, 10 African American children ages 8-10, and 10
Hispanic children ages 8-10(Students in class)
Looking for 3 African American children ages 12-14 (Friends to Lead Child )
2 African American female ages 30-35(friends to Lead Role Female)
1 African female ages 55-70 (Grandmother to Lead )
2 Hispanic females-bilingual(co-workers) ages 25-50
1 Hispanic male-bi-lingual (Christian co-worker) ages 25-45
2 Caucasian Males (co-workers) ages 25-45
2 African American males (co-workers) ages 25-50
5 Caucasian females ages 30-50 various roles: teacher, counselor, and extras
5 African females ages 30-50 various roles
1 African American male 25-35 years of age(long-time friend to Lead female)
1 African American Male 30-45(young father to Lead)
1 African American Female 30-45 (young mother to Lead)
1 Hispanic Male-bilingual 45-55 years of age(father to lead)
PLEASE COMPLETE AUDITION FORM BELOW and GOOD LUCK Should questions arise please send them to e-mail: mirrormirrorfilm@yahoo.com and they will be replied to within 48 hours.
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 PoorChild Films and Starving Actors Films presents their latest short film "Kissed by the Devil", an emotionally-charged, riveting drama filled with extraordinary actors/actresses. Written & Directed by M. Legend Brown (PoorChild Films). Produced by Sharice Henry Chasi (Starving Actors Films), William Brown, Eric King, and Judith Ciancio. "Kissed by the Devil" was shot in only five days, but has a storyline that will stick with you for a lifetime.
Above: On Friday, May 20, 2011, Empowered's Editor in Chief, Mrs. Lisa Baldwin, interviews the Director/Writer, Mr. M. Legend Brown, one of the producers, and a few cast members of the film.
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Film Synopsis:"Kissed by the Devil" is an emotional and riveting drama that tears at your heart-strings. Although Oakland Hill is a well known, late night radio personality, her life is far from storybook. She spends most of her time caring for her mentally ill brother Michael, who witnessed their father commit an unimaginable act.
Oakland searches for answers to what really happened. She turns to her brother, who dismisses her in fear of the truth. Unable to find the understanding she's looking for, Oakland decides to take matters in her own hands. She visits her father days before he is to be executed and what she learns will change her life forever. |
Empowered Interviews
ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Empowered Magazine: What inspires you to write?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I love telling stories. That in and of itself, serves as my inspiration. Because this is something I would do for free (thank, God I don't have to), that internal desire is always there.
Empowered Magazine: What sparked your interest in writing?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I have loved writing for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I used to make up stories all the time. My mother called it lying, but it was just my imagination at work.
Empowered Magazine: For Empowered Magazine readers who are interested in becoming authors, what would be your most valuable piece of advice?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: Every minute you spend talking about why you don't have time to write, could be spent writing. And a writer writes. Write every day. Whether its five words or five chapters. Each of those words puts you one step closer to your finished product. '
Empowered Magazine: You are a best-selling author who have been featured in Washington Post, USA today, Ebony Magazine and the list goes on.....The list is very impressive, to what or to whom do you attribute your success?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: Of course, first and foremost, God for blessing me with the talents to do what I do....but also the fact that I don't let anyone but me and God determine my destiny. There are people who didn't believe in my dream of becoming a published author, but I believed enough for everyone who didn't.
Empowered Magazine: Can you tell our readers about your book, that is being made into a movie?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: In 2007, Evangelist Juanita Bynum discovered my book I Know Ive Been Changed in an airport bookstore. She loved the book and contacted me for permission to take it to Hollywood. After offering to drive her myself, she secured a six-book movie deal with Code Black Entertainment. They opted to do my most successful book, Let the Church Say Amen as a movie first. Eventually, actress Regina King, who was set to direct the movie, took over the production as well. It's a slow process, but she so believes in the story and we're moving forward with production.
Empowered Magazine: To date how many books have you penned and in what genre or category?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I have written 23 books, nine adult novels, eight teen novels, one non-fiction book, four anthologies and one book of poetry.
Empowered Magazine: The literary vine says that you are soon to venture into acting, tell us a
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I actually made my acting debut in the national touring stage-play Marriage Material in November. It was not based on my books. The director just contacted me to see if I would be interested in starring in the play along with Jill Marie Jones, Allen Payne, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Tank, Michael Colyar, and others. It was a phenomenal experience. We just wrapped up our spring tour and are set to go back out in the fall.
Empowered Magazine: How do you balance your long list of accomplishments and aspirations?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I just do it. I know that sounds like a cliche', but it's true. I dont lament how I don't have time to get things done. I just do it. It helps that I have a passion for what I do.
Empowered Magazine: What is your method in completing your books?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I make sure I write every day. I do dictate into a tape recorder to help expedite the process. It usually takes me about three months to write a book.
Empowered Magazine: Are you currently pursuing an interest in a literary talk show, and if so, can you tell our readers a little bit about the project as well as program content?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I am the co-host of the literary radio show, From Cover to Cover. It's a literary news magazine type show that airs on Houston's 92.1 FM, and online 24-7 at www.fromcovertocovershow.com
Empowered Magazine: Mrs. Tate in order to wear the many hats that you wear, you must be a guru of multi-tasking. What key points would you offer our readers that will empower t
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I would love to say I'm this super-organized individual, but I'd be making up stories again:-). I just utilize every spare moment. You won't find me just sitting around idly. Anyone that knows me will tell you that I'm always working. That's how I'm able to get everything done.
Empowered Magazine: Tell us about your book, Help!! I've turned into my Mother, and how can our readers get an autographed copy?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I loved writing that book. Its a humorous look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of turning into your mother. Readers can get autographed copies by contacting me at reshondat@aol.com
Empowered Magazine: Being a former Oklahoman what opportunities would you recommend for writers to engage in to cultivate and market their skill in this state?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: Think big. It doesn't matter where you are, all that matters is where you're going. Try to attend local writers conferences, and if possible, branch out and attend them all over the country. I wrote my first seven books while I was living in Oklahoma.
Empowered Magazine: One final question, with your extensive literary and journalism experience what advice would you give Empowered Magazine in its literary pursuit to inform, enlighten and inspire all who make that click?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I think your magazine is well on its way to doing just that. I would just encourage you to continue offering topical, thought-provoking articles that help us to think outside the box.
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I love telling stories. That in and of itself, serves as my inspiration. Because this is something I would do for free (thank, God I don't have to), that internal desire is always there.
Empowered Magazine: What sparked your interest in writing?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I have loved writing for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I used to make up stories all the time. My mother called it lying, but it was just my imagination at work.
Empowered Magazine: For Empowered Magazine readers who are interested in becoming authors, what would be your most valuable piece of advice?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: Every minute you spend talking about why you don't have time to write, could be spent writing. And a writer writes. Write every day. Whether its five words or five chapters. Each of those words puts you one step closer to your finished product. '
Empowered Magazine: You are a best-selling author who have been featured in Washington Post, USA today, Ebony Magazine and the list goes on.....The list is very impressive, to what or to whom do you attribute your success?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: Of course, first and foremost, God for blessing me with the talents to do what I do....but also the fact that I don't let anyone but me and God determine my destiny. There are people who didn't believe in my dream of becoming a published author, but I believed enough for everyone who didn't.
Empowered Magazine: Can you tell our readers about your book, that is being made into a movie?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: In 2007, Evangelist Juanita Bynum discovered my book I Know Ive Been Changed in an airport bookstore. She loved the book and contacted me for permission to take it to Hollywood. After offering to drive her myself, she secured a six-book movie deal with Code Black Entertainment. They opted to do my most successful book, Let the Church Say Amen as a movie first. Eventually, actress Regina King, who was set to direct the movie, took over the production as well. It's a slow process, but she so believes in the story and we're moving forward with production.
Empowered Magazine: To date how many books have you penned and in what genre or category?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I have written 23 books, nine adult novels, eight teen novels, one non-fiction book, four anthologies and one book of poetry.
Empowered Magazine: The literary vine says that you are soon to venture into acting, tell us a
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I actually made my acting debut in the national touring stage-play Marriage Material in November. It was not based on my books. The director just contacted me to see if I would be interested in starring in the play along with Jill Marie Jones, Allen Payne, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Tank, Michael Colyar, and others. It was a phenomenal experience. We just wrapped up our spring tour and are set to go back out in the fall.
Empowered Magazine: How do you balance your long list of accomplishments and aspirations?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I just do it. I know that sounds like a cliche', but it's true. I dont lament how I don't have time to get things done. I just do it. It helps that I have a passion for what I do.
Empowered Magazine: What is your method in completing your books?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I make sure I write every day. I do dictate into a tape recorder to help expedite the process. It usually takes me about three months to write a book.
Empowered Magazine: Are you currently pursuing an interest in a literary talk show, and if so, can you tell our readers a little bit about the project as well as program content?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I am the co-host of the literary radio show, From Cover to Cover. It's a literary news magazine type show that airs on Houston's 92.1 FM, and online 24-7 at www.fromcovertocovershow.com
Empowered Magazine: Mrs. Tate in order to wear the many hats that you wear, you must be a guru of multi-tasking. What key points would you offer our readers that will empower t
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I would love to say I'm this super-organized individual, but I'd be making up stories again:-). I just utilize every spare moment. You won't find me just sitting around idly. Anyone that knows me will tell you that I'm always working. That's how I'm able to get everything done.
Empowered Magazine: Tell us about your book, Help!! I've turned into my Mother, and how can our readers get an autographed copy?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I loved writing that book. Its a humorous look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of turning into your mother. Readers can get autographed copies by contacting me at reshondat@aol.com
Empowered Magazine: Being a former Oklahoman what opportunities would you recommend for writers to engage in to cultivate and market their skill in this state?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: Think big. It doesn't matter where you are, all that matters is where you're going. Try to attend local writers conferences, and if possible, branch out and attend them all over the country. I wrote my first seven books while I was living in Oklahoma.
Empowered Magazine: One final question, with your extensive literary and journalism experience what advice would you give Empowered Magazine in its literary pursuit to inform, enlighten and inspire all who make that click?
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I think your magazine is well on its way to doing just that. I would just encourage you to continue offering topical, thought-provoking articles that help us to think outside the box.
Foster Care Awareness Month
Each May, National Foster Care Month provides an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of the more than 400,000 children and youth in the foster care system. In Oklahoma there are 8,046 children in the Foster Care system. Our Children NEED YOU!!!!!!
Below are wonderful resources and opportunities for you to make one of the biggest contribution to mankind: That is to foster a CHILD! Sunbeam Family Services: www.sunbeamfamilyservices.org Citizens Caring For Children: www.citizenscaringforchildren.org The Fostering Hope Project:: www.fosteringhopeproject.org |
Author: Pediatrician Deb Shropshire
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Presidential Proclamation: National Foster Care Month
Progress in America can be measured by the opportunities we pass on to our children. For nearly half a million youth in foster care across our country, the best path to success we can give them is the chance to experience a loving home where they can feel secure and thrive. During National Foster Care Month, we renew our commitment to ensuring a brighter future for foster youth, and we celebrate the selfless individuals who make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Young people in foster care are in the system through no fault of their own, and each of our Nation’s children deserves a stable home and a devoted family. Strong support structures provide children with the environment needed to learn, grow, and reach their greatest potential. Permanence is critical to the future success of foster youth and must be a key component of foster care initiatives.
My Administration is committed to achieving security for every child and supporting adolescents in foster care as they transition to adulthood. The Permanency Innovations Initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Health and Human Services, is providing support to public-private partnerships focused on decreasing the number of children in long-term foster care. Over the next 5 years, this program will invest $100 million in new intervention strategies to help foster youth move into permanent homes, test new approaches to reducing time spent in foster care placements, and remove the most serious barriers to finding lasting, loving environments. Over 110,000 children in foster care today are waiting to be adopted. Across America, there are families who need these children as much as these children need families. I encourage those interested in adopting a child in need of a home to explore the life-changing resources available at www.AdoptUSKids.org.
We are also investing in the health and well-being of our young people in foster care. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we have significantly increased funding for the Title IV-E adoption and foster care assistance program to provide safe and stable out-of-home care for children. As a result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act I signed into law last year, all children enrolled in foster care automatically qualify for free meals in all Department of Agriculture child nutrition programs. Additionally, beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will require States to extend Medicaid coverage up to age 26 for all youth who have aged out of the foster care system.
As a Nation, we all have a responsibility to remain persistent in the charge to provide the best care possible for children when they cannot remain in their own homes. During National Foster Care Month, we recognize the efforts of foster families, social workers, faith-based and community organizations, and others that are improving the lives of young people in foster care across our country, and I encourage all Americans to partake in efforts to serve these children in the year ahead.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2011 as National Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by taking an active role in activities across our country that recognize not only these cherished children and youth, but also the commitment of so many that touch their lives at a most challenging time.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
Young people in foster care are in the system through no fault of their own, and each of our Nation’s children deserves a stable home and a devoted family. Strong support structures provide children with the environment needed to learn, grow, and reach their greatest potential. Permanence is critical to the future success of foster youth and must be a key component of foster care initiatives.
My Administration is committed to achieving security for every child and supporting adolescents in foster care as they transition to adulthood. The Permanency Innovations Initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Health and Human Services, is providing support to public-private partnerships focused on decreasing the number of children in long-term foster care. Over the next 5 years, this program will invest $100 million in new intervention strategies to help foster youth move into permanent homes, test new approaches to reducing time spent in foster care placements, and remove the most serious barriers to finding lasting, loving environments. Over 110,000 children in foster care today are waiting to be adopted. Across America, there are families who need these children as much as these children need families. I encourage those interested in adopting a child in need of a home to explore the life-changing resources available at www.AdoptUSKids.org.
We are also investing in the health and well-being of our young people in foster care. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we have significantly increased funding for the Title IV-E adoption and foster care assistance program to provide safe and stable out-of-home care for children. As a result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act I signed into law last year, all children enrolled in foster care automatically qualify for free meals in all Department of Agriculture child nutrition programs. Additionally, beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will require States to extend Medicaid coverage up to age 26 for all youth who have aged out of the foster care system.
As a Nation, we all have a responsibility to remain persistent in the charge to provide the best care possible for children when they cannot remain in their own homes. During National Foster Care Month, we recognize the efforts of foster families, social workers, faith-based and community organizations, and others that are improving the lives of young people in foster care across our country, and I encourage all Americans to partake in efforts to serve these children in the year ahead.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2011 as National Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by taking an active role in activities across our country that recognize not only these cherished children and youth, but also the commitment of so many that touch their lives at a most challenging time.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
Oklahoma Ranks #1 in Incarceration of Women
written by: Editor-in-Chief, Lisa Baldwin
Did you know that for the past 14 years Oklahoma has ranked tops among other states for incarceration of women! Are the laws in Oklahoma more stringent on women than men? Are Oklahoma laws unequally enforced as it applies to gender? Oklahoma statistics on this issue suggest that women are more criminally capable than men, but common sense tells us that this is a laughable conclusion. However, because of the numbers these questions have merited immediate action.
You know, I love our state song, “Oklahoma”, but if Oklahomans don’t address this growing problem then the winds that come sweeping down the plains will become the winds that sweep our women away in chains. The waving wheat will become the waving hands of children left without the care of a mother. We’re NOT doing fine, Oklahoma. Oklahoma, we are not okay.
We as Oklahoma citizens can do our part by supporting programs and agencies that provide or assist with job placement and training after prison, provide self-esteem and mentoring programs for children, etc. During the 2010 Oklahoma Women’s Summit, the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women took action by developing an action plan (click here) that outlines strategies to lower the incarceration rate of women in Oklahoma to under the national average by 2020. Empowered Magazine is doing its part by partnering with programs that not only recognize the problem, but are active in the fight to make a difference. We recently established a relationship with an organization that strives to empower underprivileged teenage girls whose mothers are incarcerated. Please check out our exclusive coverage of Project M.E.
You know, I love our state song, “Oklahoma”, but if Oklahomans don’t address this growing problem then the winds that come sweeping down the plains will become the winds that sweep our women away in chains. The waving wheat will become the waving hands of children left without the care of a mother. We’re NOT doing fine, Oklahoma. Oklahoma, we are not okay.
We as Oklahoma citizens can do our part by supporting programs and agencies that provide or assist with job placement and training after prison, provide self-esteem and mentoring programs for children, etc. During the 2010 Oklahoma Women’s Summit, the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women took action by developing an action plan (click here) that outlines strategies to lower the incarceration rate of women in Oklahoma to under the national average by 2020. Empowered Magazine is doing its part by partnering with programs that not only recognize the problem, but are active in the fight to make a difference. We recently established a relationship with an organization that strives to empower underprivileged teenage girls whose mothers are incarcerated. Please check out our exclusive coverage of Project M.E.
Interview with Hollywood Playwright, John RuffinEmpowered Magazine: What inspired you to write?
Mr. Ruffin: Being able to tell a story to move people and one that would encourage people to hold on a little while longer. Empowered Magazine: What would you tell other inspiring playwrights were your biggest mistakes, and your best decisions? Mr. Ruffin: Don’t ever allow your gift to exceed your time. Don’t make quick decisions!!! My best decisions were made when I waited on God to open doors. Empowered Magazine: How did your playwriting materialize (how did you get your foot in the door? Mr. Ruffin: I kept writing until people noticed me and asked me to bring my plays to their city. Subsequently, promoters noticed and the rest is history. Empowered Magazine: How did you finance your vision? Mr. Ruffin: I took my employment earnings and sometimes my entire paycheck to finance my dream. Ultimately others saw my potential and then began to finance my projects. Empowered Magazine: Other than God who inspired you in the industry? Mr. Ruffin: Michael Matthews ( godfather of stage plays) I can recall when I was 16 and watched his Wicked Ways play, and that day I decided. This is what I MUST do. Empowered Magazine: How can any of our readers audition for your plays and the criteria of doing so? Mr. Ruffin: Visit www.johnruffin.com to view the current casting roles and current location of auditions . I am on a constant journey to locate POTENTIAL attached with drive, passion, and talent. I have hired many amateurs and now they are appearing with movie star headliners. Empowered Magazine: Are you working on something that our readers need to be looking out for? Mr. Ruffin: Always!! Currently I'm working on a stage play entitled, "All the Single Ladies" coming out later this year. Empowered Magazine: Please tell our readers about the Ideal Husband and how this script came about. Mr. Ruffin: GMC television called me and wanted a script and I obliged. The Ideal Husband is about a young couple Tracy & Devon who after 8 years of marriage is plagued by someone out of their past. Will their marriage last beyond the pain and agony? Or will forgiveness reign? Please look out for the Ideal Husband coming out in stores this July. Empowered Magazine: Please inform our readers of your next play and when will it be available to purchase? Mr. Ruffin: Love Me, Leave Me. Comes out April 19, 2011. This play is about a young lady who abandons her children and returns after 20 years of separation. She attempts to rekindle the relationship and SPARKS fly!! All of the major stores will also carry this play. Always look out for my stage plays, because soon thereafter the television version is premiered. Empowered Magazine: I have enjoyed our time together, and would like to ask a final question. What single piece of advice would you give to Empowered Magazine? Mr. Ruffin: Hope until you see it!!! Fulfill your dream!!! |
 John Ruffin |