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Top 5 Best Horror Films with Black Final Girls

10/20/2022

The Top 5 Best Horror Films w/ Black Final Girls

We all know the 80’s slasher film archetype, killer goes after girl and at the end of the movie although helpless she survives a fatal stabbing from pursuant killer. Named the Final Girl, back then she was usually very attractive, skinny, and blonde. In the 90’s this girl became a brunette, educated, and satire ensued the genre. While the early 2000’s made the slasher a paranormal being that you couldn’t run and hide from as easily. With some evolution of the genre over the decades, the Final Girl remains the common storyline that is played with over and over again in the horror genre. Yet, this blog post is dedicated to a different Final Girl, the Black Final Girl. The Black Final Girl in horror movies is a different type of character than the typical white, blonde or brunette vulnerable type.

The Black Final Girl character is typically the best friend that displays all the stereotypical “black girl” or “home girl” traits that in the end help her and the main final girl survive the killer. Solidifying the mostly factual aspect of horror movies which is, if you have a black best friend or stick with black people you will most likely survive.

So keep reading if you would like to check out my Top 5 Best Horror Films with a Black Final Girl.

1. Fresh- Jojo T. Gibbs
It took a year for me to come around to watch this female directed film “Fresh” staring the talented Sebastian Stan. Right from the first scene of the cringe first date I was thoroughly impressed with this cannibalistic and almost mastocytic take on the horror sub-genre. At jump, once Molli the character portrayed by actress Jojo T. Gibbs was introduced on screen, I knew she would be the shero we all want and need. The easy prey of a girl looking for love, with no close family in a big city falls short because she has a loyal black girlfriend that recognizes when somethings shady from the start. The biggest takeaway from this film, is get you a loyal black girlfriend that has your back no matter what if you want to survive a killer trying to eat you. Go watch Fresh now on Hulu.com.

   2. Little Monsters- Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita has become quite the Black Final Girl with roles in Jordan Peele films, but one Horror film that Lupita starts in that hasn’t gotten the same attention as others is in the Australia based film “Little Monsters." Somehow Lupita is able to pull off and master being both a kick-ass teacher literally and figuratively. Killing zombies and saving her students from being fed on during a field trip gone wrong. All while being sensitive, gentle, staying calm as cucumber and singing uplifting songs so her students don't get scared. More than just a zombie flick, this film is funny, endearing, and even in the end making me well up a bit. Watch Little Monsters now on Hulu.com.

    3. Antebellum - Janelle Monae
Not your typical horror film, however this film is very terrifying, especially is you are a Black Woman because it feels like something like this could actually happen. This film also completely flips the vulnerable girl narrative. Veronica Henley portrayed by singer and actress Janelle Monae is a strong and fierce writer that's not afraid to speak up against injustices. Making her the perfect target for those that completely despise someone just like Veronica. And her notoriety for this is the perfect way to take her to her worst nightmare. Watch Antebellum on Vudu.com.

  4.     Idle Hands- Vivica A. Fox
This cult classic is a guilty pleasure of mine and it dawned on me that it’s probably because Vivica A. Fox saves the day as the possessed evil hunter in this stoner high schooler horror comedy. Vivica A. Fox kills it as Debi Lacure in this precursor to her other more iconic roles like in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill.” Charming yet bad-ass Debi with guidance and training from her ancestors travels the country in her RV to stop the killings of this possessed evil. The only one with the answers and the tools to stop it all. Watch Idle Hands for free on Pluto.com.

5. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer- Brandy
The very 90’s and personal nostalgic gem was very popular at the time as slasher films made a comeback mid to late nineties. The sequel to the popular teen horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer. Although may not be the first Black Final Girl in cinema history, it was my first and favorite because, well, Brandy. A close second and another that I thought of as I writing this is the first Blade film, and the black doctor sidekick that had Blade suck her blood to save the day. In I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, Brandy’s character Carla albeit a bit problematic she brings a calm to the situation that makes you feel like they will survive in the end. Watch ISKWYDLS on Epix.com.

This was so fun to write and expound on the things that interest me so much, movies, especially at this time horror ones. As well as seeing strong black women the forefront to show our perspectives in this genre that traditional don’t include us all. Comment below what other movie related Top 5 blogs you would like to see from me.

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Best Ways to Look Natural in Front of the Camera on your Wedding Day

5/10/2022

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As a wedding videographer and women that knows what it's like to feel real self-conscious, unconfident, and just super awkward in general when having pictures and videos taken of them. Feelings of not knowing how to pose or act when the videographer is pointing their camera at you from across the room. I get it completely and that is why I wanted to give a few quick tips for brides and grooms to give a bit of ease when it comes to being the star on your special day.
Tips to Look Natural in Front of the Camera on your Wedding Day*Disclaimer this is just my opinion and how I feel as a wedding vendor professional and cannot be expected from every wedding professional, however, these could be some qualities to look for when hiring wedding professional for your special day!

Ignore Us

Seriously, it will not be rude if you simply just ignore us, especially your friendly wedding videographer (like me). In fact, I can say that I prefer it once we have met and I’ve introduced myself and my second shooter. Feel free to think of me as a fly on the wall. With the way that I shoot I like for the people to not look directly at my camera lens as it breaks the fourth wall thing, I go for. So feel free to act as if you are being featured on your favorite reality show!

2. Be In the Moment
I know that this may be better said than done with all that goes into the big day. However, I think if ever a day and time to be in the moment it would be this day with your new husband or wife, friends, and family. When your are truly in the moment, you are not worried about what is happening outside the current moment. It is also a great way to reduce stress and anxiety on the day.

3. Trust the Professionals
Hiring wedding professionals is done so for a reason, you want to know without a shadow of a doubt that who you hire knows what they are doing, are experienced, recognizes your the best angles, gives posing direction, works with different and unexpected lighting conditions, chooses the most flattering clip/pics and the list goes on. So rest assured that when hiring a professional wedding photographer or videographer that it is truly someone that is professional to cover any worries that you may have.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to be Silly
From my experience, the best and most genuine candid moments that I capture are when couples are being their authentic silly selves. Don’t worry about looking goofy or stupid, again your trust your professionals to find the gems that scream “THAT’S ME” in your element, your orb. As we capture what most may not see with the naked eye. So, make those funny faces, tell that inside joke, and whatever you want to showcase your true authentic love.

5. Happiness Looks Good on Everyone
Speaking of love, what is deemed one of the happiest days of your life. Ideally your wedding day should have you gleaming ear to ear, surrounded by best buds, close family, and everyone looking for you to have the most perfect day. And of course, finally marrying the love of your life. Such a precious day, be merry and enjoy every moment of it and if all you do is just that, you will look amazing in front of the camera.

They say that your wedding day goes by in a blink of an eye. Hire a wedding videographer so that you can relive your favorite day over and over. Book Milan Arielle Productions Today and “Rewind the Essence of Life.”

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What to Ask a Wedding Videographer Before You Book Them!

1/25/2022

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What to Ask a Wedding Videographer Before You Book Them!

I see you, in love couples planning your perfect day that encompasses who you are as a couple and what you have envisioned for so long to, realize in budget and in the timeframe needed. Planning anything, especially a wedding is so stressful and the costs add up quick! All of the decisions and little details that could make or break this special day can be more than overwhelming. I felt underwater planning a birthday weekend with my friends and there is no comparison.

The majority of couples that I have worked with book their videographer last minute compared to other vendors. I am usually booked between 5 months to 1 month before the wedding date. I get it (I don’t agree) but I get it, some couples may not be sure if they should hire a videographer, it can seem excessive, expensive, your not the type of couple to watch it back, the list goes on. As last minute worry sets in you may hear other couples regret not hiring a videographer and you realize that you want to capture your vows said out loud.

In my opinion documenting the vows you will say to your partner on your wedding day should be a bigger priority than say flowers, that will just wilt by the end of the day. So when you finally decide to come to your senses ;) You want to make sure your are hiring someone that is very capable of this task and can do so professionally as there is only one shot at getting these prescious moments in real time.

Keep reading to learn the top 3 things you should ask you Wedding Videographer before you book them for their services on your wedding day.

Internet Presence

Most of us realize that if we have never worked in a particular industry, there is a LOT that one doesn’t know about the in’s and out’s of someone's job. That can be said for most couples out there looking for the perfect wedding videographer. Not only do couples have to worry about finding a company or sole person to be available on their wedding date and within in their budget. But make sure that they can 100% trust the person/company they hire to capture this one take shots on the most important day of their life. Let’s face it there are tons of scammers lurking in the shadows of the wedding industry and it breaks my heart to see people not get what they hoped, dreamed, and paid for. So make sure a videographer that you may be interested in hiring has at least 1 but better if they have all 3 things to legitmize them as professional wedding videographer on the internet; A website, a social media presence on at least three major platforms, and verified real life examples of their work. Bonus if they have reviews on a public site. Where you can see examples to their work, style, and who they are as a person.

2. Customer Service & Communication
You’ve heard the saying, “Customer Service is Key!” This is so true for any wedding vendor, especially someone that you have never worked with before and in some cases never met in person before. To know if a potential wedding videographer is a good company or person to book is their communication. Fast and constant communication is key to booking a professional wedding videographer. If a potential wedding videographer is not fully answering your questions, not getting back to you in a timely matter or doesn’t even offer to meet or at least have a phone call with you. I would take them off your potential list. If a wedding videographer is not providing exceptional customer service while communicating as well, is a key indicator too!

3.Provides Video Agreement or Contract
This last detail before securing wedding video services for your special day is essential to assuring a worry-free experience when it comes to booking a wedding videographer. If a wedding videographer that you want to book does not offer a personalized agreement or contract on the terms of the package, pay, and expectations of the day there are so many potential risks that can occur that can ruin one of the most important memories of your life! Make sure there are important clauses, like what happens if the videographer gets sick, terms on cancellation and deposit and payment.

Looking for a professional and trustworthy wedding videographer? Look no further, I am right in front of you. Even we may not be the right fit, I can refer and suggest trusted videographers in your area. Inquire here today!

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Why I Prefer Pinterest over Instagram

10/15/2021

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As a videographer, Instagram was never really meant for my kind. Yet, as the recent news of Instagram changing the original photo only platform to a video platform to compete with the likes of Tik Tok, the widely popular short form video app. Even still, I cannot prioritize Instagram with all of the barriers that could ultimately end up without a return in the time invested, at the end of the day our profile and our photos and videos on the platform aren’t ours. The free social media community designed to keep your attention to it so advertisers can spend as much money as possible to get in front of all of our eyes.

A business is a business at the end of the day, however the way you operate speaks volume to the ethos of a company. If things begin to look shady and even malice on a platform that I could potentially spend so much of my time on, it just doesn’t sit right with me.

For me, Pinterest is a breath of fresh air compared to the in your face popularity contest that is Instagram. If social media is high school Instagram is the popular click, comprised of jocks and rich kids that project their insecurities onto others. While Pinterest is like an Art School, filled with the most creative people doing what they find interesting and don’t care if anyone likes it or not. Now, Pinterest is still a social media business at the end of the day so there are advertisements on there, but in no way in your face like on Instagram. Companies advertising on the platform have to do so while also participating in the idea mission that is Pinterest. So there may be an ad for the Pillsbury cookies brand but it is also accompanied with a fun recipe using their products. Which actually makes the company useful to their consumers on the application.

Check out more reasons why I prefer Pinterest over Instagram below.

BUSINESS PROFILE: The main reason I prefer Pinterest over Instagram is their business profile you can create. The most top notch social media business page I have experienced. It is easy and intuitive to navigate and almost the exact same look and feel as a regular profile on the site, but with dialed in, in-depth analytics for a whole team of analysts. Easy to read data on your created pins gives insight that I have never seen before. A bonus to that is that platform offers almost the same exact experience whether you're using the mobile application or the website. It is super seamless in accessing your account, profile, and data anytime and anywhere you may need it. As well the Ad center that offers what seems like every metric one could possibly need to tune into the right audience giving every ad investment a real chance to perform at the best of its ability.

VIDEOS DO WELL: Even as Instagram declares themselves a video platform, it is often the nemesis of photographers and videographers alike. With unfriendly and differing video dimensions, random upload defects, blocking of videos for copyright music, and not to mention its beef with beginning transitions in videos. I could go on a whole tangent about this and how it ruins the look of my grid. On pinterest, videos are accepted the way they are and not cropped in weird and unproportionate ways! As well, Pinterest does a great job of getting your content out to the right audience. Especially video since it is fairly brand new on the platform, yet their strategies and approach incorporate video into the flow of the platform without being too intrusive about it. Videos can really flourish on the platform without users being bombarded with the same content. Once Pinterest locks in the right audience for a video pin, that is where the real impact is seen. Even reaching a wider and more global audience to connect to.

COMMUNITY OF GOOD: A smooth transition into why I never feel guilty about scrolling on Pinterest, because it is intentional. The mission of Pinterest to bring peoples best ideas together, permeates every corner of this site. The beautifully designed home feed is a clean and curated community that isn’t trying so hard to get you to buy and make things go viral. A real tool in whichever way you decide to use the application, either for creating a mood board, planning a wedding, or showcasing your artwork. No commentary, pins just existing, shuffling into the right people that will love them and be inspired to do, make , and think for what they want to do. Users can even feed their tune based on categories and genres to make sure that what they see is exactly what they want to..

CREATORS FIRST APPROACH: Since the platform relies mostly on the users for content like all of the social media platforms do, Pinterest has adopted a creators first approach encouraging and providing reputable resources to create their best content while also building their audience for their business. With local events, online conferences, monthly creator newsletter to better hone in your creativity inside the app, as well as full blown creators festival that takes the community from the home feed to real life.

What other social platforms that really empower the creators to do good and be intentional about what your put onto the internet like the Universe you don’t want the same energy to come back around to you. Thanks for reading follow on IG,FB and Pinterest to see the latest blog posts from Milan Arielle Productions.

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Does it Have to be Called a Wedding?

6/28/2021

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I love video but I also love words and as someone that loves words, I also love the dictionary. Words defined so plainly and simply, liike the definition of a wedding; the act of a ceremony or marrying; and/ or the act of joining or blending families.

As simple as the definition is, the reality of weddings these days are anything but. Instead a full production that includes hiring staff, dealing with contracts, maxing out credit cards which has led to the phenomenon of a Bridezilla when the outcome doesn’t meet the expectation. Let’s be real, this grand expectation put into our head from the media glorifying royal and celebrity nuptials. In turn having everyday people shelling out thousands of dollars to have what is dubbed a “dream wedding.”

Before the pandemic the cost of throwing a wedding had been steadily going up, in 2019 the average cost of a wedding was around $30,000. Yet, when the pandemic hit, all of that went out the door and all the pageantry fell to the floor when venues and vendors had shut down. With couples left with no other choice but to keep it to the essentials if they wanted to get married. Forever changing the landscape of the wedding industry and has highlighted small ceremonies, unique celebrations, elopements and even Zoom weddings as ways to celebrate love. In fact it normalized it as some were forced to trade in their expensive cinderella wedding plans for a backyard wedding at their parents house. Just to discover that actually none of the flowers, and table placements mattered. Fully cementing alternative ways to marry.

The dreaded word, Wedding when said can trigger thousands of dollars to fly out of your wallet without knowing why. When a client reaches out and inquires for our videography services, I never assume that the client is having a wedding, I often refer to it as a Love Celebration. Unfortunately as soon as you get the Wed out dollar signs cha ching in peoples heads like in a cartoon. Back in time when people lived in villages, the community would come together and pool their resources to throw a couple an intimate yet raging party in an open field and barn. Now the celebration of love and union have turned into a billion dollar industry that doesn't focus on the actual real act of a wedding, of eternal love and bringing families together as one. This has in turn spawned into a billion dollar divorce industry when couples intent and focus aren’t put first at the beginning of a marriage. I am not married and am not a marriage expert but it just seems real obvious to me from my observations in both my personal and professional life.

There are many nontraditional families and love out there and to slap this all encompassing label of a wedding to your celebration doesn’t seem appropriate. Any random stranger on the street, if you ask them what a wedding looks like they would say flowers, cake, and a white dress essentially. Before the pandemic some couples who are not religious or didn’t have a supportive family that decided to marry outside the the constraints of the label “wedding” maybe questioned sometimes even controversy ensues. The fact is, a wedding of bringing two families is an extremely personal event that should be met with extreme intentionality. Take today's concept of a wedding out of your head and just keep it simple and within a comfortable budget. Things are going to cost for convenience and to provide for guests however many you decide to invite.

Indeed your special day and the day to feel the most beautiful in front of all the people that mean the most to and supported you through your life till now. So do so with the things and people that mean the most to you in your life, not because it is trending on a wedding blog. The flowers will die and dry up, you will mostly likely end up trying to sell all of you table placements and only wear your dress once. Yet, one aspect on having a love celebration that is worth the splurge of either a wedding videographer and/or wedding editor. In the end, this is a very important day, this is your World in encompassed, it is indeed special and a memory you will cherish for the rest of the life. A wedding videographer can professionally and beautifully preserve the day for generations to come. Whether you hire someone to be there for the whole day to capture the essence of the day or if you prefer to use all of the inevitable photos and videos from your mom and other relatives into a moving family heirloom you can watch each year for you anniversary and share with kids, grandkids etc...Milan Arielle Productions are available for services so please inquire if interested, however I don’t want to make this a shameless plug.

Bottom line, let love rule on your special day, don’t worry about the timeline, don’t keep up with social media weddings and expectations sour the beginning of the rest of your life with your partner. Come to center and realize the most important factors you want to bring the next phase of life. Don’t worry about what your guest may think they should be happy for you regardless. So, does it have to be called a Wedding? Sure it can or not, the difference you have to decide is are you going to go through the actions of a wedding or just having a wedding, is for you and only you to decide.

Tell me what you think, does it have to be called a wedding? Or does the label not matter to you at all. What did you refer to your love celebration as so that you weren't spending thousands of dollars? Comment below!!

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Having a Cannawedding

4/28/2021

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Right before the pandemic, Milan Arielle Productions was gearing up to attend and cover the 2020 Cannabis Wedding Expo in Las Vegas. The Cannabis Wedding Expo is a small but mighty expo hosted in Denver, Colorado, and Las Vegas, AZ that appeals to a niche of couples that prioritize a chill type vibe for their special day. This is the audience that I thought would fit the description of a Milan Arielle Production client perfectly.

Someone laid back, not sold on past traditions, and is mostly concerned with the intentionality of the day rather than decorations. So as the story goes, The Cannabis Expo has been rescheduled many times, and hoping August 2021 will be the time to align with this amazing event.

In the meantime, I want to open up a conversation and dialogue on what is a Cannawedding. There are hashtags, and even whole Instagram accounts dedicated to the concept, but really what is it? Well, below I will list the benefits of a CannaWedding, what it could look like, and why you should consider cannabis at your wedding.

It is Legal- In the November 2020 election 5 states passed recreational cannabis laws. In 2021 alone 2 states have passed recreational cannabis legislation. Marking the slow end of prohibition of this healing herb. Celebrate this time in history just like was done in the early 1900’s with alcohol.

Alcohol vs. Marijuana- Not everyone is a drinker, in fact a lot of people that may be attending your wedding may be in recovery for alcoholism and drugs. Just the attendance of your wedding with a tempting open bar can be too much for those in recovery. Supplying a healing and natural alternative that has been used in some substance recovery processes, will allow for all your guests to want to attend the full event, and loosen up. I personally am not much of a drinker, I like to enjoy one or two beverages but more than three and I am guaranteed to get sick! I prefer to ingest marijuana when I am out to enjoy the night.

High Vibrations- Marijuana is a high vibrational herb that help transcends hearts and minds. Invite cannabis to your wedding to help celebrate this historical day in our life, with the love of your life and all the people you care about the most in your life on high vibrations. Float into the next chapter of your life on an elevated cloud that so many envision on their special day. Typical weddings that I have shot and attended end being messy between spilt drinks on bridesmaid dresses, wet dance floors, and my favorite missing in action groomsman. Opt instead for h i g h v i b e s.

A couple that smokes together- Can be chill together. Typically having a wedding is a high stress event. You have your family, friends, each others expectations, and societal norms to appease. This is suppose to be about you and your love, so be yourself, don’t worry if Grandma doesn't approve. It is about making memories, don’t look back and think about how something went wrong instead remember the joy you felt because you were able to truly be in the moment and not sweating the small stuff.

Budtenders-You guessed it, like a bartender, a budtender is another service that will not only serve your guests some of the best strains out there on the market. But, budtenders will suggest the best strains based on desired mood, effect, type of consumption, and whatever other questions or preferences one may have. It will be a great edition to the donut board when your guest gets the munchies.

Infused Meals and Party Favors- Another way to include cannabis into your wedding and alternate way to consume the plant, is through cannabis infusion in foods and drinks. Plant infusion has come a long way since the special brownie days. Cannabis chefs can control the way you want your guests to feel with exact measurements and dosage for each meal with the advancement of technology and cannabis testing. From infused drizzles of olive oil on a steak or artisanal chocolate party favors with just CBD. There are many ways to incorporate the marijuana on your special day

The culture is changing here in the United States where cannabis is becoming rightfully normalized with each generation that comes along. As the paradigm shift continues to unfold don't be afraid to be a changemaker, throw a Cannawedding or other Cannaevent and hire Milan Arielle Productions to capture the vibe!

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Having an Eco-Friendly Wedding

2/12/2021

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Having a Eco-Friendly Wedding

With the popularity of elopements, backyard weddings, and overall “microweddings" in the the wedding industry. A trend thwarted forward due to the pandemic. Yet, let’s not forget before all of this, there was the less popular but similar trend in style and value; The Eco Friendly Wedding.

There have been books, blog posts, whole manuals and how-to guides on having an eco-friendly wedding. It maybe got half a year of trend traction before the idea fell flat to cupcake cakes at the time.

For someone like me, a sustainability nut, the idea has always stuck with me. I thought this alternative way of planning and throwing an event is something I could see growing in the future. Well, in 2019 if you would of asked me about eco-friendly weddings I would say the industry has been going in the opposite direction.Then 2020 came along and now everything has changed.

Whether you too are intrigued with having your wedding be less or non-impactful to the earth and environment or just curious on what makes a Wedding “eco-friendly.” Keep reading to discover some eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional ways.

FOOD- I can’t tell you how many times I have seen full plates discarded, family style dishes piled with chicken taken back to the dish tank at large banquet weddings. Each time, my heart slowly breaking for the excess in waste because of normal event dining standards. Some eco-friendly wedding alternatives are outdoor food trucks, BBQ pits, even scout out eco-friendly catering. Have a fire pit where you encourage guests to discard their paper waste in the fire and food waste in a compost bucket.

TRAVEL- Airplanes are the number air polluter yet, are an essential mode of transportation these days. One traditional wedding could generate an excessive amount of the flights with out of town guests. As well as if you decide to have a destination wedding and planning an elaborate honeymoon or bachelor/bachelorette parties. Technology these days allows for knowledgeable videographers like Milan Arielle Productions to provide live streaming services for guests that live far and wide. As for the honeymoon, consider a Road trip which will quickly solidify if you can really be married for forever.

LIBATIONS- The best part about a wedding is the open bar, fancy cocktails, and lots of champagne to toast the night away with. But let’s talk about those dumb little straws and piles of of wet cocktail napkins. Instead, opt for drinks that can be served in easy to recycle cans and bottles. Even encourage your guests to bring their own reusable drink container or straws if they want. Also, reusable cups and straws make a great wedding favor too!

GIFTS- Whichever wedding tradition you decide to uphold on and surrounding your big day, do it because you truly want to do it, not because you feel expected to do so. In a wedding, it has become expected from the bride and groom to give gifts to bridesmaids/groomsman, parents, guests, and of course each other. Rather, provide meaningful experiences. Even if it is just a fun game night, a themed sleepover, tickets to a show, or gift card to a restaurant!This will way more impactful to the receiver and less on the planet.

DRESS- There have been over 7 decades of wedding dress ware out there in the World. Why buy a new ridiculous expensive one, for one night. If guys usually rent their tuxedos or suits why isn’t there a viable alternative for women? Personally I dream of finding a vintage designer gown, hand made of high quality material that I will get tailored to hug my curves perfectly.

Thanks for checking out this blog post, if you are planning a eco-friendly wedding or are a eco-friendly wedding planner please let me know if you have any other tips and tricks for having an eco-friendly wedding! Stay tuned for more blog posts about weddings, zero waste living, and empowering women in video production.

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Top 5 Wedding Movies

10/2/2020

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If you've been following Milan Arielle Productions Blog since it’s inception in 2018, you may be able to tell that I am a bit of a film buff. The inspiration that catapulted me in the career I have today as a Female Filmmaker. With weddings starting to get back up and running, love is in the air and I wanted to celebrate, from my couch with a blog post. My Top 5 Wedding Movies, that not only revolve around a Wedding but also has some sort of perspective from the wedding photographer/videographer or other vendor. As well as having a good storyline that is realistic and not just based around hooking up and partying. Without any further delay please check out the list of my Top 5 Wedding Movies.

The Wedding Planner

Now, this may be an obvious one, and with it recently popping up on all the streaming channels (along with 90’s favorite “My Best Friend’s Wedding). Regardless, “The Wedding Planner” is an absolute classic. I grew up watching this moving on TBS or TNT on the weekends. The charming characters of the lonely, perfectionist wedding planner and the laid back child doctor coming together in a timeless love story. Re-watching the movie now as someone that works in the wedding industry, I was impressed at the scale (that I am clearly not at yet) of the weddings, scope of planning, and outfit and accessories J-Lo was rocking as Mary. And still, after almost 20 years, I am just as inspired by this movie now as I was then. Watch The Wedding Planner right now on Netflix and Hulu.

2.  Guess Who
This movie may not be seen or known as a “wedding movie” but it does revolve around a wedding, though a vow renewal, it is still the same. What I love about this movie after really watching it again since it first came out, is I realized I became the character of Theresa Jones. A photographer living in a city, and in a interracial relationship. Rather, this movie gave me permission to see representation of a life that is possible for me to pursue. However, what I really love most about this movie besides the message of blind love and doing the right thing. Is the end of the movie, setup like a wedding video DVD menu as if the characters in the movie are watching the wedding video. As they scene select different parts of the day the characters comment over it. It is so realistic and just displays the many reasons why a wedding video is so important. Catch Guess Who on Hulu.

    3. Breakup at a Wedding
One of the best depictions of what is like to be a wedding videographer, of course from the stereotypical perspective of a wedding videographer. A super odd, kinda nerdy white male in a black suit. The twist in this movie that I like is that the story is being told from the perspective of the wedding videographer and the footage he is secretly filming in his own separate documentary. About how crazy a couple can get right before and after they get married and have a big ol' wedding. The ring light on the camera was a great find for me and it is also a lesson in making sure the couples you book are sane enough for the video to even be captured how it is expected. It’s a great Indie movie that you can watch on Hulu.

     4. Wedding Bro’s
As far as movies that accurately depict the life of a wedding vendor, especially a wedding videographer, Wedding Bro’s takes the cake. Though this movie is a bit dated and again portrays the stereotypical ideas of the industry, than how it is now. What I like most about this low budget indie film is the way in which the “Wedding Bros” stumbled into the business. Not happy with their pre-destiny of working at their father’s flooring business, begin training under the best wedding videographer in Long Island. Until they branch out on their own as the “Wedding Bro’s” through their wild antics and ability to think quick on their to feet to solve wedding day problems. Check out Wedding Bro’s on Tubi.

     5. Monogamy
This one had me really thinking afterwards, what it meant and how it translates to real life. Especially now as I see a lot of my fellow colleagues getting engaged and married. Monogamy is based on an engaged photographer who is bored of the wedding work and ventures into a separate creative project where he documents others in public from far away. Things get complicated for the photographer when a subject he begins to photograph from a far plays out a sexual fantasy. He becomes so intrigued by this subject, it ruins his engagement and he is left with just pictures to obsess over. The movie is a bit morbid and tugs at the inner doubts of monogamy for every couple taking their relationship to the next step with marriage. Watch Monogamy on Tubi and watch for yourself to determine what it all means.

For free movies and t.v. shows check at the channel Tubi on any streaming device. If you love this blog and can’t wait for more, please comment what you would like to read or watch in the next one.

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How to Attract the Right Client as Female Videographer

8/20/2020

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How to Attract the Right Clients as a Female Videographer

As an up and coming female wedding and branding videographer, it is very important for me to make sure that I am attracting the right clientele. Being a professional providing a service that can appeal to a variety of people and industries, I am very careful who I decide to do business with. It is not in my best interest to work with just any anonymous being from the internet. Yet, when referrals begin to dry up and you exhaust your friends list that is engaged, I definitely rely on social media to supplement my client list. In order protect time or being a victim of a potential scam. I have put together a list of the 5 best and organic approaches to attracting the right client as a female videographer.

Like my Work & Style

For me, the most important thing to first attract people and businesses to me is first, if they like my work and style. This is definitely the number 1 thing in finding and attracting the right client. They have to like your style and creative way about you as the first thing that will intrigue them as a potential client. Make sure you are clear and authentic on your creative style and work, so whatever you create for a new client they will love the way it came out because it matches the overall motif of your work.

2. Aligned w/ my Identity & Values

Right after loving your work and style, nowadays, more than ever it is so important to work with others that are closely aligned to your identity and values, especially as a female videographer. In order to protect our essence and our abilities to perform the job duties at the highest level of service, it is important to surround yourself with people and places that will allow this. So in social media posts, blogs, interviews, or whatever you may utilize to continue to extend your brand as a creative professional. To do so authentically as possibly when best served. Especially if it is an area of identity and value. Do so, without fear of the people that may not book you for who you are or what you say. You will attract the people that will book you because you are fearless for the things that you believe in. In so, I promise not only a better working relationship but better content too! It all matters.

3. Love, Laid Back Energy & Low Stress

Workstyle, how you interact with others, and your composure on the job is another huge factor in attracting the right client. Depending on the client, the project, and whatever all could be involved. Some personalities thrive and others struggle or even clash which can lead to a bad experience for all parties. Being upfront about your work style and what kind of vibe you bring to the day of the shoot as a female videographer helps attract the right clients.

4. Appreciate my Passion
As a creative professional providing a service, I find it valuable when a client recognizes and appreciates the passion you have your craft. The years of unpaid internships and other experiences you’ve gained to get where you are now feel like they really paid off. In turn this gives the videographer confidence to bring that same passion to each project that they are hired to work on.

5. Making a New Friend
For me, when I find the perfect client match, it's not hard nore forced, I feel satisfied that the client trusts my vision. Harboring all the requirements above, enjoying the process, loving the outcome and results, possibly getting hired again, and during this organic cycle, gain a great friend in all of it. Basically, the way to attract a great partner or friend is the same way you would attract the perfect client. So the secret is out, though such an obvious method, it helps make sure that you can provide the most exceptional content to client as you can.

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What I've Been Watching During Quarantine

6/1/2020

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Among the shuffling between Netflix, Hulu, and recently HBO (just until June), and if I update my Roku player Disney+. As a lot of us have had the opportunity to catch on all those movies and T.V Shows that we have been meaning to watch over the years, due the stay at home orders around the country. Though the timing is a little off in showbiz season terms. When the country began to lockdown in mid-March, it was the middle to end of the spring TV season and the beginning of the summer blockbuster season. Yet as the state of movie theatre's is very up in the air at the moment and the lines of paid streaming, VOD, and other online access to top tier entertainment on the internet begin to blur. It can be hard to discern what is worth your precious binge time. I haven’t seen it all and I have barely ticked off the list of movies and T.V. Shows that I do have on my list that I have gathered through the years, but I have seen some pretty inspiring and thought-provoking work during this great pause that I would like to share. For someone with similar taste, that includes woman lead, indie comedy, weird, slightly nostalgic, and informational visual entertainment.

These are shows and movies that I watched and finished completely during quarantine that has made me think, left me connecting the theme to the characters, have made me laugh on multiple levels and if you’re into it I encourage you to check out and experience it for yourself.

HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER

I started watching this show shortly after it premiered on ABC in the 2014 fall T.V. season. As a never Shonda Rimer, meaning that I have never seen any of her shows that include Grey Anatomy and the coveted Scandal. I figured though I should support this Black Woman writer who is doing exactly what I aspire to. Though Shonda is an Executive Producer and not a writer on the show the storytelling is just as superior. The HTGWM season finally ended this May of 2020 with six seasons and a full circle ending that I’d say appeases the fans. Including me, the show and the characters have evolved from there worst faults through the difficult decisions made to survive. Main character, Annalise Keating played by the great Viola Davis went through the biggest change of all, challenging her whole identity just live honestly and do so while still leaving a lasting legacy. If you have some time and love a good lawyer show you can binge-watch How to Get Away with Murder on Netflix and find the most recent season on Hulu.

INSECURE

Though most network shows have ended the big T.V. spring season, HBO and other streaming platforms don’t really abide by those confides. In mid-April, the 4th season of Insecure started with high fervor by the fans. As one of them, so far this season doesn’t disappoint as dots begin to connect from previous seasons that have been laying pipe for this very moment in each relationship of Issa’s life. HBO keeping the art of anticipation alive while I analyze and nit pick Issa and Molly’s friendship throughout the week until there is a new episode on Sunday. Catch previous seasons on HBO and new ones every Sunday at 10 pm.

BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW

Another HBO show (shoutout HBO) that I totally forgot existed until I recently got the HBO NOW app. An almost no-name band of black women sketch comedy actresses, so intriguing and when I selected the show I honestly did not know what to expect nor did I have any expectation. Yet with the backing of Issa Rae’s production company and HBO, I knew it would be worth my time and so it was! I binged the first season in basically a day. Completely enamored by the casts display of an array of the black woman and the range of characters played and abilities in acting and comedic performance. With special guests that include icons like Angela Bassett and Kelly Rowland, its slightly dark undertone, and true to culture comedy is just so good and refreshing. This show is like a dream come true and so happy to hear that it has been renewed for a second season!

LOVEBIRDS

Okay, now I know it may seem that I am just Issa Rae biased but in the Netflix show LoveBirds I was actually loving Kumail’s performance the most! As well as them together, kicking back at each other with such ease and being hilarious doing it. I love everything about this romantic comedy duo the combines to different audiences that can still love this movie. Anyone can, it has action, comedy, and infiltration of a secret society of orgies. Check out the movie on Netflix.

DAVE

This is by far my favorite show of 2020 so far,( Black Lady Sketch Show is just right behind) featuring real-life rapper Lil Dickey and telling his story in a way that I have never seen before. I knew of Lil Dickey before but Dave exposes the human mastermind behind Lil Dickey and all the little quarks and characters that make this come up story bloom into a beautiful and special show. Also, not to spoil it but there is a scene that looks like actual shit coming out of ass action and it's hilarious!

BIG LITTLE LIES

Like many, I rode the Big Little Lies train and almost didn’t make it to the end of the series. Probably never would have if it wasn’t for the stay at home orders. I couldn’t see what further the show has to explore and offer but boy was I wrong. The second season of Big Little Lies which you can watch on both Hulu and HBO, reveals each woman's obstacle that they have pushed away and ignored for so long, which have led to where they are now in order to ultimately heal and be better people for their family. What I loved most was the further exploration of Zoe Kravitz’s character which I was dying for in the first season. Unveiling a deep-rooted wound between her mother and the exact situation she is in after the push. I really loved the last couple of episodes of the second season and the addition of the amazing Meryl Streep. The show has great writing and storytelling, it is definitely a must-see!

FUCK THAT’S DELICIOUS

This is my idea of a good time. FTD is an institute in our household. As foodies and hip hop lovers, this show just gives us all the right vibes. Especially in a time where patrons have become weary of dining at their favorite or new dining establishments. It is funny, cultural, and makes you hungry to try all the cuisine that is out there in the World, giving us an authentic plate of love. The new season of FTD premiered this May and will continue with new episodes every Monday on the Vice app.

LA ORIGINALS

Exploding with so much culture, LA Originals is a beautiful story of cultural artist's from L.A. whose art and perspective spilled over into the Hip-Hop and Pop music industry in the early to mid-2000's. The story of two friends that rode the most creative and artistic ride through Hollywood and the real streets of Los Angeles. If you are looking for an inspiring and decade-defining story on how true creatives can come out and be successful while injecting pure soul and talent to the ones that have the platform to spread it.

WAITING TO EXHALE

I hadn’t seen this probably since I was a kid, in a packed movie theatre with my parents and my mom shielding my eyes with her scarf on all the “sex” scenes in the movie. Before the stay at orders started I was aware that Hulu had just added the movie to their roster. I felt drawn to watch it again for really the first time since then, now the same age as characters were in the movie. Without even knowing it, realized in the first scene it was set in Phoenix, AZ (hello, I just moved to Phoenix)! This Black classic takes a look at the expectation and actualization of love for a black woman in today's World. A full circle moment for me, was in episode 5 of Insecure, Issa is sporting a vintage Waiting to Exhale movie poster t-shirt that I now HAVE to have. Some real serendipity going on!

UNCUT GEMS

I’ve been wanting to watch this Indie underdog since it was in theatre's in December of 2019. When I saw that Uncut Gems was on Netflix, I literally jumped to the moment to watch this film featuring real-life characters Kevin Garnet and The Weeknd. This movie was not what I thought it was, an interesting idiosyncratic look at fate, luck, desire, and risk. It is worth a watch and the best performance I have seen thus far of Adam Sandler, he really took his persona and throw it out the window and for that, I applaud him and this work.

If you are looking for more movie suggestions or have your own comment below. I can literally talk about movies all day! Check back for more blog posts and updates from Milan Arielle Productions.

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