First all, I would like to thank you all for the wonderful messages of support I received. For those who do not know, the last two months have been a emotional roller coaster for myself, friends and family. Losing not one but four friends in such a short amount of time can really devastate a person emotionally. In the beginning, I tried to deal with the losses while continuing on with the business side of life but it was not meant to be. I have now taken the time away to let myself start the grieving process and to let the healing begin.
In the process of getting Dogwood produced, I would like to send a message out to every gay/lesbian/bi/transgendered/questioning youth and adult out there. If you are being mistreated, bullied, teased, harassed, physically and or verbally assaulted, 'It Can Get Better!' I have been through this myself, more than once. I know what it is like to be at the very bottom of that barrel. To think that you are alone, that no one loves you for being who you are and not having the support from your own family.
As Dogwood is taking the steps to be produced, you can also take the positive steps in your own life by knowing, 'It Can Get Better'.
1) Don't think this is only happening to you. It happens to many people just like yourself, all the time.
2) Do not do anything rash or contemplate ending your own life.
3) Do talk about what you are going through. By talking to even just one person can give you new strengths of courage to continue onward.
4) If you feel like there is no one to talk to that is close to you, or you feel alienated, there are so many organizations now that are out there for you, so 'It Can Get Better'.
5) Twitter...yes, twitter! If you have questions, concerns or are in need of support, tweet me @studiocity21. I have over 15 years of peer counselling the gay/lesbian youth.
Make it happen for yourself!!! Make it happen so will know, 'It Can Get Better'.
Much love,
Drew.
Friday 10 June 2011
Friday 15 April 2011
First production meeting on Friday
Hello...it's Friday! It has been a very busy week here. We now have our 'comment' feature up and operating. Before the production notes, I want to thank my friends and family who have supported me from the very beginning when I started writing this screenplay for Dogwood. I am a firm believer that you give 'thanks', to where thanks is due. My friends over on twitter, who have been more than loyal to me... @MikeBonomo @teeco71 @joanblair @jeffrago @gossipboyonline @hollywoody @Fox_Mulder to name a few.
My team production members. Javier, I cannot thank you enough of all your support, wisdom and knowledge. You are such an important part of this journey! Kathy, my editing writer and Chris, who has more patience than a saint. You are my rock!
Dogwood's first meeting is later on today and I already have 8 pages...make that 10 pages of notes to go through. Website new features will be discussed. I want to make sure that this website is not only dedicated to the fans of Dogwood but to all of the gay/lesbian/bi/transgendered communities out there. Also, a 'synopsis' for Dogwood will be in the next post, so you will be able to connect and get to know the characters of the future series. Communication is so important, so please feel free to comment (moderated)and 'follow' Dogwood...it's the feature on the right hand side. You can also follow me through twitter: @studiocity21
Have a great start to your weekend! xo
My team production members. Javier, I cannot thank you enough of all your support, wisdom and knowledge. You are such an important part of this journey! Kathy, my editing writer and Chris, who has more patience than a saint. You are my rock!
Dogwood's first meeting is later on today and I already have 8 pages...make that 10 pages of notes to go through. Website new features will be discussed. I want to make sure that this website is not only dedicated to the fans of Dogwood but to all of the gay/lesbian/bi/transgendered communities out there. Also, a 'synopsis' for Dogwood will be in the next post, so you will be able to connect and get to know the characters of the future series. Communication is so important, so please feel free to comment (moderated)and 'follow' Dogwood...it's the feature on the right hand side. You can also follow me through twitter: @studiocity21
Have a great start to your weekend! xo
Sunday 10 April 2011
Dogwood...The journey from script to television.
It's been a long road...and many with many pages written and re-written, 'Dogwood' the series, is here! This is the next step of getting Dogwood's conception from script to a producer and then onto Television.
Dogwood's conception started in 1993, when my best friend, Tim, lost his life to AIDS. He was smart, intelligent, caring, funny and he loved life. He was only 29.
The devastation and heartache which this disease has caused and is still causing today is unforgivable at best. Now in 2011, AIDS is still contributing to the highest percentage of death rates in the world. And if that is not enough, our youth now are being attacked. They are being bullied, harassed, beaten and viciously murdered for being gay. This cannot continue. We need to educate our society. We need to get to the parents, the schools, the friends and so importantly...to reach out to our children who are now committing suicide because they think they have no where else to turn, except to death.
This is why Dogwood has been written. When people fear something or are ignorant, they turn to hate simply because they do not understand. When you educate, you remove the fear...and acceptance begins. Knowledge is power. To understand something completely, we need to go back to the source. Just like learning to play guitar, you need to learn the history of music before you can play rock. This is where Dogwood begins. In the beginning of the 1980's. Just as the AIDS epidemic is about to make it's appearance.
So welcome to Dogwood's website debut! This is it's first day and we have a lot to put up, so please be patient and grow with us as we will take the journey of reaching our goal of getting Dogwood into production! Many other features are on their way as we are so excited to bring them to you. Thank you for taking an interest in Dogwood and keep checking back for updates. There will be many of them to come!
Drew.
Dogwood's conception started in 1993, when my best friend, Tim, lost his life to AIDS. He was smart, intelligent, caring, funny and he loved life. He was only 29.
The devastation and heartache which this disease has caused and is still causing today is unforgivable at best. Now in 2011, AIDS is still contributing to the highest percentage of death rates in the world. And if that is not enough, our youth now are being attacked. They are being bullied, harassed, beaten and viciously murdered for being gay. This cannot continue. We need to educate our society. We need to get to the parents, the schools, the friends and so importantly...to reach out to our children who are now committing suicide because they think they have no where else to turn, except to death.
This is why Dogwood has been written. When people fear something or are ignorant, they turn to hate simply because they do not understand. When you educate, you remove the fear...and acceptance begins. Knowledge is power. To understand something completely, we need to go back to the source. Just like learning to play guitar, you need to learn the history of music before you can play rock. This is where Dogwood begins. In the beginning of the 1980's. Just as the AIDS epidemic is about to make it's appearance.
So welcome to Dogwood's website debut! This is it's first day and we have a lot to put up, so please be patient and grow with us as we will take the journey of reaching our goal of getting Dogwood into production! Many other features are on their way as we are so excited to bring them to you. Thank you for taking an interest in Dogwood and keep checking back for updates. There will be many of them to come!
Drew.
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