On 04.03.10, In Current Events, by admin
#entrepreneur Host Gerard Spinks goes Beyond the Bling on Blog Talk Radio with BET Networks and MTV Reality TV Writer Kristen V. Carter.
On 03.31.10, In Current Events, by Gerard Spinks
The Deal is back and better than ever with exclusive interviews with your favorite artists, juicy celebrity gossip, entertainment news, and the latest in music videos. But we’re missing one thing – YOU! Wanna be a part of the movement?Your original video may be used by BET Networks for on-air programming, BET wireless outlets, and in any medium in perpetuity.
BE A PART OF ‘THE DEAL’
The Deal is back and better than ever with exclusive interviews with your favorite artists, juicy celebrity gossip, entertainment news, and the latest in music videos. But we’re missing one thing – YOU! Wanna be a part of the movement? Check out how you can be involved with the show and upload your submissions to www.bet.com/thedeal. Check us out weeknights on Black Entertainment Television!
GOOD IN YA’ HOOD
Is there a hot trend that’s bubbling around your way? Wanna big up your town/city? Upload your one minute (60 seconds) video showing and telling us what’s good in your ‘hood for a chance to be featured on The Deal.
Entry Rules:
*You must be 21 years or older to enter.
*Clearly identify that you are applying for ‘Good in Ya’ Hood.’
*Your video must be of you only, the entrant (and not include anyone else in it).
*Your video must be one minute (:60 seconds) in length.
*You may not use any music in your video.
*Your video must be clean, and not contain any curse words or sexually explicit lyrics or gestures.
*No logos or name brands can be visible anywhere in your video.
*Tip: Avoid wearing white or striped clothing.
*Tip: Videos should be shot in a well-lit area. NO Dark videos please!
Upload Format Requirements: Only upload one of the following file formats.
*QuickTime = Mov or Mp4
*Windows Media = Wmv
*Mpeg = mpg
*AVI = avi
Your original video may be used by BET Networks for on-air programming, BET wireless outlets, and in any medium in perpetuity.
WORDSMITH
Is there a slang word or phrase that’s buzzing in your area or in your circle that people have no clue about? If you wanna educate the masses on your favorite slang word, be our Wordsmith of the Day.
All you have to do is upload your one minute (60 seconds) video with the word. Define it, use it in a sentence, and if it’s hot enough, you may be featured on The Deal!
Entry Rules:
*You must be 21 years or older to enter.
*Clearly identify that you are applying for ‘Wordsmith.’
*Your video must be of you only, the entrant (and not include anyone else in it).
*Your video must be one minute (:60 seconds) in length.
*You may not use any music in your video.
*Your video must be clean, and not contain any curse words or sexually explicit lyrics or gestures.
*No logos or name brands can be visible anywhere in your video.
*Tip: Avoid wearing white or striped clothing.
*Tip: Videos should be shot in a well-lit area. NO Dark videos please!
Upload Format Requirements: Only upload one of the following file formats.
*QuickTime = Mov or Mp4
*Windows Media = Wmv
*Mpeg = mpg
*AVI = avi
Your original video may be used by BET Networks for on-air programming, BET wireless outlets, and in any medium in perpetuity.
15 SECONDS TO SHINE
Do you have a talent you want to share with the world? If so, upload a 60 second video of you doing your thing – rhyming, singing, or reciting poetry! The submission must not contain music of any kind. It may be your time to shine!
Entry Rules:
*You must be 21 years or older to enter.
*Clearly identify that you are applying for ’15 Seconds to Shine.’
*Your video must be of you only, the entrant (and not include anyone else in it).
*Your video must be one minute (:60 seconds) in length.
*You may not use any music in your video.
*Your video must be clean, and not contain any curse words or sexually explicit lyrics or gestures.
*No logos or name brands can be visible anywhere in your video.
*Tip: Avoid wearing white or striped clothing.
*Tip: Videos should be shot in a well-lit area. NO Dark videos please!
Upload Format Requirements: Only upload one of the following file formats.
*QuickTime = Mov or Mp4
*Windows Media = Wmv
*Mpeg = mpg
*AVI = avi
Your original video may be used by BET Networks for on-air programming, BET wireless outlets, and in any medium in perpetuity.
THE BAR EXAM
Do you have a hot 16? Upload a video of you spittin’ your hottest freestyle for a chance to be featured on The Deal!
Entry Rules:
*You must be 21 years or older to enter.
*Clearly identify that you are applying for ‘The Bar Exam.’
*Your video must be of you only, the entrant (and not include anyone else in it).
*Your video must be one minute (:60 seconds) in length.
*You may not use any music in your video.
*Your video must be clean, and not contain any curse words or sexually explicit lyrics or gestures.
*No logos or name brands can be visible anywhere in your video.
*Tip: Avoid wearing white or striped clothing.
*Tip: Videos should be shot in a well-lit area. NO Dark videos please!
Upload Format Requirements: Only upload one of the following file formats.
*QuickTime = Mov or Mp4
*Windows Media = Wmv
*Mpeg = mpg
*AVI = avi
Your original video may be used by BET Networks for on-air programming, BET wireless outlets, and in any medium in perpetuity.
THE CORNER
The Deal is all about hip hop culture and talking about what’s going on in the world, so we wanna hear from you! All you have to do is gather a few friends (3 or less), and discuss one of the following questions in 60 seconds or less and upload your video clip.
Choose from the following and talk about it!
• Male celebrities step outside of their relationships and typically, their status/image remains untarnished. Can a female celebrity do the same thing? Why or why not?
• Do you think hip-hop artists deserve lead roles in movies OVER trained & accomplished actors? Why or why not?
• Do you think artists need the backing of a record label to be successful or can they create a movement independently?
• How do you feel about celebrities going off on Twitter?
• When you are trying to ‘holla’ at someone, do you call, text, or Twitter with them?
Entry Rules:
*You must be 21 years or older to enter.
*Clearly identify that you are applying for ‘The Corner.’
*Your video must be of you and three people only (4 people maximum).
*Your video must be one minute (:60 seconds) in length.
*You may not use any music in your video.
*Your video must be clean, and not contain any curse words or sexually explicit lyrics or gestures.
*No logos or name brands can be visible anywhere in your video.
*Tip: Avoid wearing white or striped clothing.
*Tip: Videos should be shot in a well-lit area. NO Dark videos please!
Upload Format Requirements: Only upload one of the following file formats.
*QuickTime = Mov or Mp4
*Windows Media = Wmv
*Mpeg = mpg
*AVI = avi
Your original video may be used by BET Networks for on-air programming, BET wireless outlets, and in any medium in perpetuity.
On 03.31.10, In Current Events, by admin
This author right here, Thembisa S. Mshaka, has taught me everything I need to know about the music industry. Please read it and cop your own copy available now. For more information on the author, signings, and book details, please see www.putyourdreamsfirst.com.
This author right here, Thembisa S. Mshaka, has taught me everything I need to know about the music industry. Please read it and cop your own copy available now. For more information on the author, signings, and book details, please see www.putyourdreamsfirst.com.
On 03.29.10, In Current Events, by Gerard Spinks
For those who don’t know, I am hard at work on BET’s The Deal, a hip-hop entertainment show that airs at 3am AKA the graveyard shift. I am very proud of our show because we’re not just playing what’s hot; we are showcasing many aspects of hip-hop and shining a light on mixtape artists, producers, executives, entrepreneurs, and even some culture. Clutch the pearls.
BET Producer Kristen V. Carter
Kristen V. Carter is the owner and CEO of JazziDreamer Entertainment and producer/writer for BET Networks. Please follow her on Twitter. This is her celebrity blog post and WE absolutely love everything Kristen V. Carter does! Thanks Kris.
“Happy Spring Everyone,
Thank God for some sunshine. I don’t care how long it lasts; warmer temperatures are here for now and that’s all that matters. For those who don’t know, I am hard at work on BET’s The Deal, a hip-hop entertainment show that airs at 3am AKA the graveyard shift. I am very proud of our show because we’re not just playing what’s hot; we are showcasing many aspects of hip-hop and shining a light on mixtape artists, producers, executives, entrepreneurs, and even some culture. Clutch the pearls. (If you can, please DVR the show and spread the word.)
Last week, we hooked up with Snoop Dogg so that he could co-host the show. Prior to our tape day, I was a little nervous. I knew I’d have to prep him for his reads, etc and I’m always a little bit weary of ‘high-profile’ talent. They are usually pretty detached, moody, and they like to show off by singing and dancing all over the place while their team laughs at all of their jokes. But my producer quickly told me that Uncle Snoop is a ball of fun and will do anything that I ask of him.
Although reassured, I did get a little worried when Snoop showed up hours late and went straight into his dressing room to smoke. That dude is a straight chimney! I mean firrraaaaah. I thought maybe he’d be very mellow & kinda grumpy (I don’t know a thing about smoking or smokers), but when he came out of his room, he was awesome and so sweet. He danced around, he joked around, he even messed up and said ‘wait am I supposed to start off, baby girl’? Also, he didn’t have enough clothing to change for three shoots so we thought he was going to stay in the same outfit for the second shot of the day. When we asked him, he turned around and said, ‘I can’t look like yesterday’ and ran off to get a new jacket.
Besides getting a mean contact and smelling like weed on the way home, the experience was great and I realized why Snoop has been a mainstay for so long. He connects with everyone and makes people feel comfortable without being flashy, arrogant, or showy. And you know it’s a good shoot when my staff (who are comprised of people who are ‘unimpressed by fame’) all got up to take pics with Uncle Snoop. By this point, I was holding in coughs because of the smoke but I’ll do it for tha Doggfather.
Good times…
except for the fact that the train conductor started sniffing when he went by me to take my ticket! 
”
On 03.26.10, In Current Events, by Gerard Spinks
It’s no secret that ideas, concepts, & dialogue float through my head all day every day. We can all have these visions but without follow through, it means nothing. One of my partners always says ‘just get one thing done,’ and now I am finally beginning to understand what she means
BET Producer Kristen V. Carter
Celebrity Blog post by BET Producer and CEO of JazziDreamer Entertainment, Kristen Carter. Kristen V. Carter is a producer of BET The Deal and other reality shows on both BET and VH1 Networks.
We’ve got a lot of catching up to do. When the elders said time flies after 25, they were not lying. So with that said, I’m gonna try to bring everyone up to speed real quick. The last month seems like a big blur but honestly, there were some major accomplishments in 1st quarter ’10. After a year or so of trying to figure out what to do with our works, my writing partner and I shot the first few episodes of our scripted web programs. We decided to turn my feature film and her pilot tv series into content that you can jump to & click on while you’re bored at work. Chea! So I’ll definitely let you know when our work is up and running online just for you! We are excited for the possibilities and of course, the continued learning lessons and growth.
It’s funny to think about the ebbs & flows that my creative team has encountered and will continue to experience as creative beings. We’ve gotten things in motion, doubted, had schedule conflicts, gone back to the drawing board, had a productive meeting, cancelled shoots, started over, and then all of a sudden…something just clicked. It wasn’t overnight; but I realized what it was. We made a decision that we were going to shoot something – anything!! – in the first quarter of 2010. That decision really put things in motion because we were determined to take these characters off the page and stand them right in front of our faces!
It’s no secret that ideas, concepts, & dialogue float through my head all day every day. We can all have these visions but without follow through, it means nothing. One of my partners always says ‘just get one thing done,’ and now I am finally beginning to understand what she means. KRISTEN, GET ONE THING DONE AT A TIME. JUST DO IT! We must stack our bricks before we can stand on a sturdy wall. We must be able to handle thousands of dollars before managing a million. We must produce one project before handling a slate of productions! There are steps to this thing and no matter how badly I try to jump to some far off land where I do and get everything my heart desires, I must be able to handle what’s in my midst.
I must be in the moment, enjoying the process, the beautiful struggle of learning more of who I am & observing what it is I do and don’t want in my energy field. And quite simply, making a decision on what I want and setting the universe in motion to achieve whatever goal I have set forth to accomplish.
I watched this Will Smith video on Monday…and I was just blown away. I need to step my game up. We, as a community, need to step our games up. Here’s to new dreams and decisions. Keep pondering and using your ability to choose what you want. The strongest thing we can do, besides loving one another, is make a decision to live our best lives!
On 02.28.10, In Current Events, by Gerard Spinks
This morning I hit a milestone. I listened to Eric Roberson. Yes. For the first time in months. This time last year, I had just discovered his music and purchased all of his albums but it wasn’t long before he was torn away from me. Or I gave him away. We had to break up…well because…other things had broken up. After crying to him on more than a few occasions, I couldn’t bear to listen to any of his songs.
Kristen V. Carter is a BET segment producer, screen writer/scriptwriter and owner of Jazzi Dreamer Entertainment.
BET Producer Kristen V. Carter
I’m most honest with myself when I write, which is why I’m constantly scribbling. I generally write four Chronicles a week in my head but sit down to pen one, if any at all. My emotions have been topsy turvy within the last seven days. Thankfully, I’ve had creativity to distract me – with full-time work; independent projects stealing most of the minutes in my day, it doesn’t leave too much idle time for me to ponder about moments past. And thank the good Lord for that! However, in between takes, there’s this faint voice telling me that I need to sit down and meditate or at least write. So here goes…
This morning I hit a milestone. I listened to Eric Roberson. Yes. For the first time in months. This time last year, I had just discovered his music and purchased all of his albums but it wasn’t long before he was torn away from me. Or I gave him away. We had to break up…well because…other things had broken up. After crying to him on more than a few occasions, I couldn’t bear to listen to any of his songs.
Don’t you hate when that happens?! When great music becomes tainted by experience? You mistakenly create a soundtrack that leaves your record collection all screwed up. It’s almost like robbery; a situation goes South and then all of a sudden your favorite songs become kill joys, stained by imperfection.
All music has some sort of stamp on it. We associate people, places, periods in our lives with melody. One of my all-time favorite songs ‘Septembro’ was introduced to me sixteen years ago in dance class, and I always reflect on those times in rehearsal and how much that song touched me as a 9 year old. I remember associating Mandy Moore’s ‘I Wanna Be With You’; Beenie Man’s ‘Girls Dem Sugar’ to a high school crush. And Anthony Anderson’s ‘Charlene’ to an awful kiss in college. LOL But I digress…
Here recently, I went through another transition and found a few songs caught in the middle. Of course, I do reflect on moments…but I decided to fight back and continue singing my song. I am not letting these tunes go up in flames over one moment in my life! It’s just not gonna happen. These songs are too special to me. This is MY playlist and I’m not gonna allow anything to come between me and my music! My song selections aren’t gonna be messed up just because of a messed up situation.
I didn’t even realize I had changed my way of thinking and ‘put my headphones on’ until Eric Roberson showed up on my iPod. I paused for a second and then thought, ‘Wow, when’s the last time I heard this song?’ I chuckled because I remembered right away – there I was, sitting in my bed, a hot, bubblin mess wiping my eyes with the back of my hand like a little kid who just got pushed by the class bully. Waaa waaa…ya’ll know the growing pains…
Eric came back to me and my listening this morning was effortless. I guess it was to show me that I could literally face the music, face my past, and create a new present and future with the music I love. Although I’m telling this story for dramatic effect (lol), I really had shut his music out of my catalog and just shook my head with regret. But tonight I am currently reacquainting myself to his albums and am happy that I have him back. He won’t be walking out of the door with the next dj such and such. Whether it’s peaches & herb all day long or not, no one is taking my song. End of story.
On 02.04.10, In Current Events, black famous people, by Gerard Spinks
Recently, a friend of mine came to me about a dating question. She wanted to know if the person she was digging really likes her, based on a few scenarios presented. I don’t like commenting on people’s situations because Lawd knows I have gotten plenty of sound advice and have not taken it until going through the fire myself.
BET Producer Kristen V. Carter
Superstar Guest Post by BET Producer and Screen Writer Kristen V. Carter of JazziDreamer Entertainment. Kristen Carter is a show segment writer and producer for BET, VH1, and MTV Networks.
It’s officially ‘back to school’ time. Five-Star commercials are running like wild fire and kids are pushing passed me in the supermarket for notebooks. I don’t care what gadgets these new fangled kids are getting, us 80s babies got the best and brightest hook ups of them all. I will never forget my mother getting a swarm of Chucky Cheese pencils, only for me to give out each and every one of them before the week was out. By Friday, I was known as the Indian giver because I had to ask for them back. (Sidebar: Why is that called “Indian giver?” I don’t believe Indians gave things and then asked for them back!?! Please let me know!)
Anyway – as Jay-Z says, “You can pay for school but you can’t buy class” and he’s absolutely right. We all know that common sense is the most valuable smarts of them all, but it’s funny how we just don’t wanna pay attention.
Recently, a friend of mine came to me about a dating question. She wanted to know if the person she was digging really likes her, based on a few scenarios presented. I don’t like commenting on people’s situations because Lawd knows I have gotten plenty of sound advice and have not taken it until going through the fire myself. I carefully broke down some of the reasons why I felt the person was not all that interested, most specifically he wasn’t showing initiative. She continued to say, “But he hits me up…but he talks to me for X amount of time.” NO, NO my sister. Not the same thing. Anyone can talk, but who is backing it up!?! Look, don’t listen! PLEASE…I’m telling you…Check yourself before you wreck yourself and wind up swimming in the pool of lovelike by yo’self!!!
As I sat and reflected on my own experiences, I just thought about all the stupid moves I have made, thinking that someone would like me more if I “worked” harder for their attention. What kind of assanine thought is that?!?! That sounds so ridiculous, but that’s really how I was maneuvering. Maybe if I show up…maybe if I just talk about what I want…aww, it doesn’t hurt to reach out first…again…again…and again. It doesn’t hurt them cause they don’t care but it most certainly puts a damper on your parade if you’re hoping and wishing for something that’s not there.
But it’s ok, we all put ourselves through emotional agony. And what’s funny, we know it all along. If we listen closely to our inner voice, we’ll breathe and remain calm for a few more moments so we can catch ourselves…but usually, we’re so hung up those thoughts of tranquility don’t seep through in the least.
t’s so interesting how much thought and weight we put on things that don’t feel great. If it doesn’t feel good, if we’re not laughing, loving, and learning, just cut it off. End of story! Don’t even waste your time. Our time is too precious and too valuable to just waste on contemplation. (This is really easy to say now that I’m not crying my eyes out. LOL But I think I’ve finally gotten it. Maybe.)
Now if someone IS showing you interest and you are interested back, please just have fun with them and learn what it feels like to be appreciated. I’m not really sure how or why we got tricked into just letting our mind jump down the aisle, but let’s dial it back and just enjoy our present.
What a difference 5 years makes when it comes to life lessons and just age old personal experience. Goodness gracious great northern beans…LOL.
Ok, that’s it for me for now!! Let’s use our common sense. If it doesn’t fit, we must acquit! Size 7 shoes on Size 9 feet never fit, no matter how hard you squeeze. Try another shoe on or get crazy corns and an irritated heel. HA. Gotta get back to writing.
Love,
Kris
JazziDreamer Entertainment Film Casting Call for Sellout and Slipknot films in NYC
On 02.02.10, In Current Events, Entrepreneur, by Gerard Spinks
As she continued talking, I could see tears forming as she vented about her inability to pursue her passion and share her writing with others. I was very touched by this moment, and asked if I could interrupt her thought for a brief second. I thanked her for first of all, sharing her deepest thoughts and fears with me.
BET Producer Kristen V. Carter
Guest Post by Kristen Carter, producer at BET and screen/scriptwriter who is presently writing, producing, and directing her debut film SlipKnot in New York, New York.
Last week I spoke at two colleges about “life after graduation.” I love presenting at schools because I vividly remember being in their seats, raising my hand to ask questions and to connect with said speaker, only to reflect on their answers afterwards and understand that no one has “the answer.” And yes, I still inquire, hoping to somehow break the code and get hit upside the head every time with the same conclusion. Our answers lie within…
Many students keep in touch with me but one young lady from last week’s sessions really stood out. She approached me after the presentation, very meek and softspoken. I asked her to speak up so that I could hear what she was saying. She explained how much she loves to write but how terrified she is to show her work. As she continued talking, I could see tears forming as she vented about her inability to pursue her passion and share her writing with others. I was very touched by this moment, and asked if I could interrupt her thought for a brief second. I thanked her for first of all, sharing her deepest thoughts and fears with me. I was truly truly humbled to have been selected to hear her…and secondly, I congratulated her for making the first step of vocalizing her desires. No matter how much she shook with fear, she was still standing there and telling her story! Something triggered her to say what she had to say, no matter how softly – SHE SAID IT! I offered my own trials and tribulations briefly, and asked her to stay in touch with me, continue writing, and send along some writing whenever the Spirit moves her. I won’t comment on it, I just want her to send something. The act of presenting herself, myself, yourself is really all that matters. The belief that what we have to say means something, and that we have the power to uplift ourselves and others in the process.
Life is funny…because I saw myself in her although I was giving her advice. It’s sooo amazing how that happens. It’s like one side of yourself talking to the other side of yourself OUTSIDE of yourself. Dog on it, God is great!!! I explained briefly that in ways, I experience the same anxiety but you know who creates that anxiety – we do. And you know who creates the freedom we all seem to long for – we do. I’ve been reading alot of “Metaphysical” books lately and understanding how important it is to hone in on what we want. And even if we are not sure, instead of stating “I don’t know what I want,” flip it and say to yourself “I want to know what I want out of life, out of myself.”
So here goes a few of my long list of desires: I want to know my emotional self. I want to be able to trust. I want to know my father. I want to get over past hurts. I want to experience love in all of its forms. I want to be around people who inspire me. I want to honor my creative voice.
I have always known that what you think about you bring about, but it goes deeper than that WHEN we are ready. We’re catalysts for our own growth because when we think, speak, and act, those circumstances are drawn to us. So within a week (cause this stuff moves FAAASSST), I forced myself to apply to a number of fellowships, I have accepted my father’s daily phone calls (a new occurance, yes) and I am working toward clearing out my anger and disappointment, and I ran into a high school “friendemy” that I haven’t seen or spoken to in six years. This time last year I wasn’t ready to do any of that because my mindset was focused on all the things I could not achieve. “Well I’m over this but…oohhh, if I see her in the street…or you know, I just don’t think I’ll ever get to know my father…or what if my screenplay’s not good enough?”
Where do we learn to doubt ourselves and give negativity power in the first place? We came here with such infinite power, and then we learned to fear greatness. I’m currently reading “Conversations with God” and this passage really struck me the other night -
“Every single free choice you ever undertake arises out of one of the only two possible thoughts there are: a thought of love or a thought of fear. Fear is the energy which contracts, closes down, draws in, runs, hides, hoards, harms. Love is the energy that expands, opens up, sends out, stays, reveals, shares, heals. Fear wraps our bodies in clothing, love allows us to stand naked. Fear clings to and clutches all that we have, love gives all that we have away. Fear holds close, love holds dear. Fear grasps, love lets go. Fear rankles, love soothes, Fear attacks, love amends.”
So I have to ask myself – do I have more fear or love in my heart? Do I aspire to more love? Is my heart open enough to love? And will I stop at nothing to love?
Those are the questions, dear friends…life and love is there for us to experience when we are ready. We’re just not looking or feeling or thinking freely enough. Hmmm, everyday is an awesome adventure…
The Little Engine That Could and Will,
Kristen Victoria
