Friday, May 20, 2005

College Students

People old and young interested in continuing your studies, below are some links that might be helpful in your college related search. Good luck!! A lil' bit of edu-ma-cation never hurt : )

http://www.ecampustours.com
Virtual tours of hundreds of colleges

http://www.studyusa.com
American college information for international students

http://www.kiersey.com
Personality tests that help you determine what career is best for you

http://www.umanitoba.ca/counseling
Info on various career fields

http://www.MyCollegeOptions.com
Learn about colleges that offer programs that fit your interests

http://www.collegedata.com
Calculate your admission chances at a particular school

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/colfaq.htm
FAQ pertaining to college

http://www.ACT.org
Info on the famous ACT test, pratice tests

http://www.yahoo.com/News_and_Media/College_and_University/newpapers
Learn about student life and issues

http://www.adventuresineducations.org
Financial aid central

http://www.collegeboard.com
Info on the SAT's

http://www.review.com
Practice SAT tests, college/career planning, & other tools

http://www.kaplan.com
The answer to all your college and financial aid application questions

http://www.newsdirectory.com/college
State by state college listings

http://www.PrincetonReview.com/roadmap
Schedule for NYC's college seminar

New York Post, Wednesday, May 18, 2005 http://www.nypost.com

~dj

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Freya "Asks Dominique" about writing

Q: I'm a high school student and would like to know what courses I should begin take or books I can read that would help me pursue a career in writing or screenwriting. From what I understand the field is very competitive. Thank you.

A: Hi Freya! First I amazed that a lady at your age is already preparing for your future after college. I think that if everyone was as focused and ambitious as you, we would save ourself from wasting so much time. Anyway back to your question. There are many things you can do to prepare yourself as a writer and just get your creative juices flowing in general. Of course taking writing/english/journalism/theatre courses as well as creative writing courses in school will definitely help you get the practice necessary. You can also try being involved in your school newpaper and theater or plays. Taking a part in the school newspaper will give you valuable practice and experiences as well as clips (your published articles) to have for your portfolio. Being involved in the theatre will not only expose you to the actual written work but give you an idea of how it translates on stage and how to make the two harmonize.

In your time outside of school you can get involved in other community events that are related to mass media such as your local; theatre, cinemas, film festivals, libraries, college journalism/film programs, radio, tv, and news. Although subjects such as radio, news and tv are not screen/film writing directly it will give you good writing experience, practice, exposure because as you may know many times "art mirrors life' or the other way around.

I would also suggest maybe finding a mentor in the area of your interest who can help give you. Mentors are fabulous because they can introduce you to other individuals, programs, schools and great opportunities that you might be interested in. As long as you are out and about being seen and involved you will run into people who are interested in your the subjects and will introduce you to other opportunities. Make sure to stay in contact with the people you meet and actively work to keep the friendship going by sending little thank you/update notes and phone calls.

Keep track and hold on to everything that you do because as you start to build your resume and portfolio every little job matters and will add tremendously to your whole presentation to people. As you said and have probably heard, the industry is VERY competitive BUT you can totally make it!!! I will just take hardwork, persistence and preparation. I was once told that getting your big break is just luck. Luck is "preparation + being at the right place at the right time". Many times you get your break randomly by being at the right place at the right time and knowing the right people. But in the meantime you prepare, prepare, prepare for THAT moment.

Below I am including a link to a site that has books, advice and programs for writers. Visit that site as well as just "google" the subject "screenwriting" "teen writing" and other variations and see what you can find. Go to the library, get the books suggested and always have a book on your for those boring moments on the bus or at lunch or on a sunny Sunday. Read, take notes, learn, review and just constantly keep your mind stimulated. Make sure to keep a notebook with you at ALL times and start to write down and develop your ideas. Maybe even take it a step further and put them into action by producing your own little plays or short movies.

I am also including a link for a program called INROADS http://www.inroads.org/ that provides paid corporate jobs to highschool students. Good luck girlfriend and keep me updated!!

http://www.nbc.com/NBC_Career_Opportunities/How_to_be_a_TV_Writer.html

~dj

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

True Life............ SuChin Pak of MTV

Recently SuChin Pak, veejay and reporter for MTV News shared her story with us. SuChin a first generation Korean American shared the pressures of being both Korean and American.

Having to fulfill the desires of your "traditional" parents while trying to succeed in the American culture seems to be quite a challenge for many American teenagers. Being that our nation is made up mostly of immigrants from all over the world, these teenagers make up a huge percentage of the population and are the future of this nation.

It is very hard to explain to a father who only desires that his daughter learn to care for her family that she actually wants to go to college. The show True Life explores questions like this while showing us how the first-generation Americans handle these issues. In some cases there is not clean answer and sometimes the young adults must go their own way (like in the case of SuChin).

SuChin's advice for us was to recognize the increasing diversity of our nation and be sensitive to the many issues that face others. Enough said!




http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mylifetranslated/

~dj

he's just not that into you

Ladies........where are my ladies at???

Although this book - which has been featured on Oprah, USA Today, ABC News - is a New York Times best sellers list mainstay and very popular among the ladies I believe it is for men too! Many of the principles laid out in the easy to follow self-help book are common knowledge that both men and women should use as a guide to dating.

If someone is making excuses of why they cannot call, see or love you THEN...."They're just not THAT into you".

Somewhere along the way we as people neglected to use our good judgement and realize that when someone is not treating us well then they are NOT for us. We as people being more interested in protecting ourselves and love ones from pain and reality, instead make up excuses for why our "love interests" treat us like crap. Now, I am not saying that this is the bible of dating and that they have everything crystal clear but as Liz Tuccillo said when she visited us at 1515 Broadway (NYC) "It's really pretty simple".

There will always be exceptions to the case as well as people who disagree but most of the principles are elementary. NO, I do NOT agree that the man should always ask the woman out or pay for everything. I DO believe things should always be balanced in any relationship, business or romantic.

Liz - one of the co-authors the other is Greg Behrendt - is a ball of energy who most of the cases are based around, sadly. Her introduction and story were very amusing to me and a room full of ladies (can't forget the two guys too!). She answered our questions over pizza as we all worshipped her like the man above. Then we got into a heated discussion over the whole dating game and how misleading it can be. The major gripe from the guys was that they don't want to pretend to be some else to get women, and they don't women to pretend to be someone else to get them. It was agreed that if everyone just "keeps it real" than it would save us all from the time/money wasted, pain, lies, and deception. Another woman suggested that if you don't LOOK for love but just do what makes you happy, then love will find YOU.

In this book Liz tries to guide women through relationships where they were not being valued. By using the book you can recognize whether your man is "the one" or not. BUT she had no answer to life after the man. She said that that could possibly be the next step in the evolution of this phenomenon. But until then she is just as lost as the rest of us!




http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/068987474X/104-7408963-8401565?v=glance

~dj

2005 NFL Draft

NFL's prom night went off without a hitch this year. Despite being displaced to The Javits Center instead of the historic Madison Square Garden, the draft was once again filled with crazy fanatics, protective agents, giddy relatives, nervious general managers, and of course the _____ players (you can fill in your own blank, lol).

Being physically present at the draft is actaully quite different than seeing it on TV. Granted it was fun seeing the commissioner walk out and introduce who had the next pick, later who the pick was, and then the famous handshake. It was also nice to see the newly drafted players give their first radio and TV interviews to the public with their new jerseys and team hats on. And you can't forget ESPN's live telecast with the guys giving their moment by moment input.

BUT.. and a BIG BUT, it sucked seeing how fake everything else was. I work in TV so I should already know this but it was soooo disappointing : ( Seeing the set up close made it look like a....... set, not the cool thing that you see on TV. Walking around on the ground level where all the press and NFL teams were you realized that although they look like "busy bees" working to make this huge decision, they were really just guys sitting in business suits (to look professional) with tennis shoes on underneath. It is amazing how easy it is to get access to all areas of the draft, backstage, and the press room, it took all the fun out of it. So after filling my belly with sandwiches, salad, cheese, fruit, pasta and gatorade, I picked up my free grab bag, t-shirt and radio (I LOVE my portable ESPN radio : ), and bounced off to my next adventure. The Tribeca Film Festival.




http://www.nfl.com

~dj

Snoop Dogg at The Apollo Theatre NYC

Snoop D-O-double G ........Oooooweee!!!

From the minute I stepped into the famed Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York City, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Okay, let me back track. On a rainy (typical of NYC, do we sense a theme?) Monday I rushed home from work eager to slip off my pumps and get to loungin' with my favorite book. As soon as I laid down, my cell phone rang. My dear dear dear dear (did I mention dear?) friend told me to get up because he would be in my hood (Harlem, baby) soon and we were going to the Snoop concert. Lucky for me I was in semi-decent shape, I blew out my afro a little, threw on some creme cords a cheetah print shirt (purrrr), and we hit the Apollo. (Mind you all along I was getting clowned by my boy because I was "too dressy" for the Apollo).

The scene at The Apollo was calm considering how the crowds sometimes get at hip hop concerts. I was actually surprised but figured the less people the better. We sat down at our seats and waited a good minute before the lights dimmed and a short movie came on. The movie written and starring Mr.Calvin Broadus, featured the smooth sounds of the 70's, a huge creative influence on Snoop. We were then treated to a scenic tour of Los Angeles, the mood was definitely set.

A low-rider slowly rolled up in front of a huge Californian highrise with smoked up windows. As the door opens a lanky character emerges engulfed in smoke. Inside the apartment building a skantily clad woman (to say the least), leads Snoop into a bedroom where another cocoa goddess is waiting. Massages, naked bodies and oil proceeded with the end result of Snoop being knocked out in the bed. BAD MOVE Snoop as your lady scandously picks up her phone and notifies someone on the other end that you are sleep and they can come. (fellas don't make this same mistake). The snipers move in and a gun scene follows. With a big BANG the lights come on in the Apollo Theatre and there he is.......... Snoop D-O-double G!!!

Standing in the middle of the stage by himself with his tall lankiness flanked in a blue-rag jumpsuit the live band begins KILLING IT.... I honestly can't even remember what song he even started with because I was so shocked at everything that had just went down (with the movie and then him standing there). Whatever the purpose of all that was, it totally worked on me, someone who considers themself pretty media savvy. I almost forgot I was at a concert NOT a movie. I DO know that he started with one of his many classics from the 90's that made everyone jump out of their seats so fast (including me) and proceed to dance.

Dance was mostly what I did as Snoop went through all his classics (he has sooooo many, let's remember he has been around since the early 90's) and also his most recent hits. The appearance of The Dogg Pound - Kurupt & Daz - was another great surprise. Hearing the lyrical authority of Kurupt on Dr.Dre's Explosive reminded me how tight he was and IS and made me wish that more of these new artists would bring the same level of talent. Ice-T also made a cameo to give his OG stamp of approval.

Leaving The Apollo Theatre I was tired, worked OUT, and smiling coyly as I began to come down from my high. All covered up in my creme scarf and vintage coat I began my journey back home. At that moment a white police officer walked up to me and asked if I was the woman in the cheetah shirt. "Yes" I replied hoping I didn't do anything wrong (NO I was NOT one of the many smokers in there, so why me of all people?). "I Just want to tell you, you made my night watching you dance" he said. *Snaps* I guess I was in the 1st row meaning that everyone behind me would've seen my creme booty shaking all night long. I won't take credit for that though, I have to give all credit to Uncle Snoop cause HE was the cause, my dancing was just the effect!




http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1501176/05032005/snoop_dogg.jhtml

~dj

2005 Tribeca Film Festival

Originally created to bring businesses and people back to lower Manhattan after 9/11, the Tribeca Film Festival has helped tremendously with the economic revitilization of the Tribeca area.

Founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff, the creators also believed that NYC deserved a festival like Cannes, given the contributions New York City has made to the Film industry.

On a mostly rainy weekend at the AMC Battery Park movie buffs, actors and volunteers alike gathered to worship FILM. Seeing the likes of Jeff Goldblum, Hank Azaria, Eric LaSalle, and Elizabeth Berkley stumbling through the theater hallways in the same cinematic euphoria as the general public was beautiful. You only see that same kind of love and peace at a Bar after a bottle of bubbly.



http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org

~dj

The 32nd Annual Emmy Awards

As we all know - if you know me well - I have an itching need to constantly be active and busy. Like many of my industry peers we are always on the prowl searching for our next gig, event, party or whatever. When I was offered to work at the Emmy's I quickly accepted. Although I am mostly involved with the basura of pop culture and cable, I knew the Emmy's was a great opportunity to rub elbows with highly intelligent and creative people making MOVES (you know i'm all about moves, lol).

At the modest Marriott Marquee in Times Square, the brains behind all our favorite shows duked it out for daytime TV's top honor, an Emmy. Being in the midst of these creative genuises I gained a new respect for the many people who write, direct, host, and compose for our favorite shows. Day in day out, many little intricate pieces are tied together to present to us a shiny product BUT many times we don't recognize all the work it takes. Well the Emmy Awards do just that, they recognize the best of the best on daytime TV at the moment.

The Emmy itself modeled after the wife of the first sculptor is quite heavy BUT the feeling you get when holding one....whew..... (I wasn't even a winner) is pure bliss!



~dj

IN STORES 5.17.05

IN STORES... 5.17.05



Special Thanks to Ron Hammond of Def Jam Records

Memphis Bleek - 534

What can I say about a man who dropped his first album in 1999 - Coming of Age - and six years later is still in the game. Noted he has never shipped massive amounts of albums as some of his more popular peers (Game) but nevertheless he has weathered many beefs, battles, trends, and changes in the industry - most recently the changes at his record label Roc-a-fella - and still managed to come out as a seasoned Rapper. His latest album 543 - named after his building in the Marcy Housing Projects in Brooklyn, NYC - is a return to the beginning. Working with his ROC Familia; Young Guru, Just Blaze, MOP, and The President Carter, he reminds us why he's here, to make music!

http://www.rocafella.com

~dj

Artist Alert

Rich London is a Canadian Rap Artist who is signed to Soul Clap/Universal Records Canada. He began his career as a B-boy and DJ (DJ Juice) rocking crowds all over Canada. Recently he dropped his single and video SIDE TO SIDE, which has been getting play on Canada's Much Music and MTV2. You can find out more about him and see this new video on his website at http://www.RichLondon.net



~dj

Special Thanks to Farai Alleyne

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Entertainment Job Links

Hey Family:

Ok, I know I said I would add some "Modeling" links to the blog so that aspiring models/talent can do some research on their own BUT I just came across a massive amount of "Entertainment" job links. The links were actually sent to me in the same form that I am posting them in the blog - special thanks to Mr.Lyons - so I am passing them on to you. As I said on my first post I am really new to this so PLEASE be patient with me.

I am happy to report I am getting into the swing of things - my creative juices are flowing - so maybe I will be able to make posts more often and OF COURSE continue to bless you all with the POSITIVE information. Make sure to let me know if there is anything you would like to see more of, etc. and I will try, as always, to comply. Love ya........ Nique

P.S. Modeling links to come!!!!

Entertainment Job Links

Journalism Jobs
http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/
http://eb.journ.latech.edu/jobs.html
http://www.journalismjobs.com/
http://www.iwantmedia.com/jobs/index.html
http://www.ire.org/jobs/
http://about.bloomberg.com/careers/opportunities.html


Advertising and PR Jobs
http://www.usatoday.com/marketing/jobs.htm


Broadcast Jobs
For General listings: http://www.nab.org/bcc/
For NBC jobs: http://www.nbcjobs.com/Job_Opportunities.html
For Jobs at Turner: http://www.turner.com/jobs/college.html
For Jobs with NPR: http://www.npr.org/about/jobs/index.html
Jobs at MTV: www.mtvncareers.com


Magazine Jobs
http://www.ed2010.com/jobs.html
http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/


Newspaper Jobs
Gannett Newspapers:
http://www.gannett.com/job/jobs/news.htm
Knight Ridder Newspapers:
http://careers-kri.com/kri/jobboard/ListJobs.asp
Copy Editor Jobs:
http://www.copyeditor.com/default.asp?id=3
Tribune Company Jobs:
http://www.tribune.com/employment/index.html
Dow Jones Company:
http://webdb.dowjones.com/default.sph/er.exd
New York Times Company:
http://www.nytco.com/career.html
E.W. Scripps Co. Jobs:
http://cfapps.scripps.com/jobposting/jobopp.asp
The McClatchy Company:
http://www.mcclatchy.com/employment/
Cox Enterprises/Newspapers:
http://www.coxenterprises.com/coxcareer/
Freedom Communications Inc./Newspapers:
http://www.freedom.com/jobs.asp
Belo Corp./Newspapers:
http://www.belo.com/careers/
Media General Inc.:
http://www.media-general.com/jobs/
The Washington Post Co.:
http://washpost.com/employment/
Thomson Newspapers Inc.:
http://www.thomsoncareers.com/
Community Newspaper Holdings Inc.:
http://www.cnhi.com/jobs.php
News Design:
http://www.snd.org/jobs/jobs.lasso


Minority Organizations
The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA )
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ )
The National Association of Lesbian and Gay Journalists (NLGJA )
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ )
The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA )
The South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA )
UNITY : Journalists of Color, Inc.
http://www.journalismnext.com/

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Jacqueline from MA "Asks Dominique" about modeling

Q: I am a professional model trying to get more exposure and wanted to know if you had any tips.

A: Hi Jacqueline, It sounds like you are already on a positive track getting your education, especially in Theatre Arts. Your theater background will not only give you valuable experience but also give you an edge on your competition. For exposure on a underground level you can begin by just being involved and "seen" out and about. If you aren't working with an agency you can get gigs by being out and about and letting people know that modeling is what you do, showing interest in what they are doing, expressing your interest in working with them, following up with your contacts & being willing to work for free. It also helps to have pictures, business cards or other materials to give out.

It is a good idea to be in the company of people who are like minded or involved/interested in the same area as yourself. Going to parties, networking events, seminars, and conventions can give you good exposure and help you meet other people who are involved in the same area as you. You not only want to meet the decision-makers but also the people who might know about these gigs like friends/associates or other models.

Also combing the internet for agencies that you can submit to for possible representation or castings can be helpful. The gigs you find on the internet might not always be the quality of work that you seek and you have to use your discretion but sometimes you can find decent work and work leads to other work.

You really have to look at yourself as providing something, a service or good. Seek out the people/companies that are in need of your service and offer your work. This can include so many things from internet, private businesses, print, TV, Film, and all of the little branches underneath these major industries.

(Okay I thought I was done but more ideas just popped up) You seem very ambitious so I am sure that you will find your way. Having faith in yourself will give you determination and continue to give you hope especially when things are difficult.

By studying other model's road to "stardom" the companies they have worked with, etc you can get an idea of what they did. Reaching out to other models and asking advice can also give you good insight.

This is actually kind of a difficult question because there isn't 1 perfect answer to "getting more exposure" as a model. More thoughts will probably come to my mind later so check back for updates on modeling. I will also add some links to help you find out about casting and agencies. Good luck girl........... get 'em!!!!!

Sincerely, Nique : )