Smoking has long been a great source of cinematic stylistic magic. During the Golden Age of Hollywood and cinema one would be hard pressed to find a movie or movie star that did not light up. This afternoon during my midday reading session, I read a wonderful little featurette in my brother Vincent's favorite magazine Robb Report. The Robb Report is luxury from a man's man's point of view and this article on "Hot Spots" has nothing to do with technology, shopping nor the female anatomy. A Robb guy is beyond such pedestrian activities.

Hot Spots are the new evolved cigar lounge trend.  The first cigar lounges appeared in the 19th century. And in spite of Queen Victoria’s disapproval of tobacco, it became a cherished bonding ritual for like-minded gentlemen to puff and unwind over cigars in a well appointed space. The tradition soared to new levels during Wall Street and technology boom in the late 1980s and 1990s. However by 2008 cigar clubs and bars were largely snuffed out due to escalating cigar prices, tobacco shortages, and the economic downturn.

Over the past two years, there has been a new take on the cigar lounge around the country. Partly, it is a development related to the cocktail trend coupled with reaction to modern-day Queen Victorias: 27 states and countless municipalities enforcing antismoking laws, thus a growing need for puff havens.

Today the cigar lounge is being rekindled by a combination of classic clubs and creative new sparks. Robb Report puffed through them, eliminating the ordinary, the smoking rooms attached to cigar shops, the lone bench in a hotel garden, to find the best spots around the country for a smoke. Each of these places offers something exceptional: exceedingly rare cigars or spirits, or the chance to have a smoke on a bluff above the Pacific, in an under-the-radar airport lounge, after a relaxing spa treatment or with a finely prepared meal. Check it out: Robb Report.

Flickeria came across this wonderful and inspired feature on Mused from Drew-Shane Daniels about supporting Black gay projects. In the piece, Daniels starts out: Declaring there is a lack of positive gay portrayal in the media would be an understatement.  Truth be told, if we were to make a list of things we’re lacking in our {Black gay} community, the list would be even longer. Our actors, directors, writers and businesses merely go unnoticed by mainstream media and often by the very community it creates for, exists to serve and lift up. The lack of funding from sponsors quickly turn into the same brands bringing us an ‘Absolut’ moment. We want to see change, but often find it hard to support even the smallest platforms where change can foster.

Economic power equates to respect. The Black gay community has much economic power. There is much wealth inside of our homes and right in our wallets; yet our dollars and economic strength goes largely unnoticed as we trickle and pour our support into businesses, films, travel, brands, services, clubs and bars that have no value or mission in advancing or even supporting our well-being. Every dollar and cent we spend is potential influence, change and power. Placing your cash into the correct coffer will help us achieve social and political justice regardless acceptance. With confidence comes empowerment and finally with empowerment comes success. It is your duty to identify businesses in your community and to support them -- just as you would the latest clothing and shoes trends. And encourage your friends, family and colleagues to support them too.

Here are some successful tips to successfully funding your indie film project from producer Jim Jermanok ("Passionada", "EM"):

1. State Film Commissioners. Sometimes city film commissioners are aware of the equity investors in their region, particularly in those areas where there are tax incentives or rebates.

2. Entertainment Lawyers. Entertainment lawyers who specialize in independent film are aware of dozens upon dozens of executive producers, investors or angels.

3. Startup Investors. Tech and entrepreneurial meet-ups and conferences gather in every major city treat your film project like the next big start-up.

4. Restaurant/Bar/Nightclub Investors. These peeps are used to risky and collaborative investments.  They also like fun or glamorous investments. Also it can be promotional for their spot.

5. Philanthropists. Every community has them, Philanthropists, who have a history of contributing to the arts.

6. IMDB. Target "Executive Producer” or “Co-Executive Producer” titles as these are usually the investors.

and I will add:

7. Kickstarter. It's the world's largest platform for creative projects funding.

8. Indie Go-Go. A global funding platform to get your project funded.

REF: http://www.indiewire.com/article/6-techniques-to-research-and-locate-film-investors

The typical screenplay is between 90 & 120 pages. The translation is one (1) page in a script roughly translates into one (1) minute of screen time. As I work diligently on my latest screenplay (working title "The Colony"), which I will be changing after reading a big star-driven Hollywood film is in pre-production with the same title "The Colony".

Isn't it ironic Hollywoodteurs (as I coin the Hollywood sect) and I, worlds apart, would create or select anything the same? As I approach the final pages of my "The Colony" script, I know exactly where the characters will be - their arc - if you will. But for the first time - in a very long time of writing - I don't want it to end. Even thou the scenario is constant. There are no "what if he does this or that?".  It is static. He (Dashen) goes back to his island bungalow forgetting about the "real" world. Later an unexpected visitor (Lancelot) appears at his door. He is completely startled yet excited.

Inspiration for themes and plots for screenplays happen at any time and any place. "The Colony" is one man's quest, desire and longing for life as we are told exists.