Yes, it’s that time of year again where most people will make their New Year’s resolutions. Sadly, most people don’t reach them because they give up quickly and revert to their old ways.
The good news is that if you are actively setting goals, that’s a great start. Studies show that only 80% of the population even set one. The top performers are consistently setting, achieving, and re-setting new goals. This is an important habit for all successful people.
This is the year to become more focused and committed to achieving your aspirations. You must have 2020 vision in this area to have success.
Your goals should encourage you to work hard, learn new skills, and make you step outside of your comfort zone so you can achieve them. Your focus should be on challenging yourself.
In 2020, let me encourage you to make a commitment to not only set goals but also achieve them. In order to do this, you have to have a plan in place. Here are some steps that will help you achieve your goals and dreams.
1) Write Out Detailed Goals
Writing out your goals is necessary and will help you make them come to life. While you are writing out these objectives, make sure they are very specific.
I know that we are in the electronic age and everyone likes to use the computer. Let’s go old-school and write out each goal on a piece of paper. You will find that it is very empowering to see your ambitions written down in your hand writing. While you are writing, instead of starting out each sentence with “I want to,” change that to “I will.” Making a commitment is the difference between having a dream or having a goal.
2) Develop a Success Plan
Rather than focusing on the outcome, get more focused on the process. The process is what creates the outcome.
Goals are important but it’s even more important to make a plan to achieve them. By doing this, you have a clear strategy to make your goals come to fruition.
3) Have a Clear Vision
This is where the 2020 vision comes in. It’s important that you have a vision board. You need images that will show your goal as complete. By continually seeing your goals completed, this will remind you of the importance of achieving them.
Visualize yourself as a champion, visualize yourself as a winner. Look at your vision board regularly. This keeps you focused and it gives you 2020 vision which makes you committed to achieving your goals.
4) Go for It
This is your year, it’s your time. If you really want your goals to be achieved, it is important that you have all the steps but understand that this is going to take a full commitment. There will be days when you struggle and there will be obstacles. There will be challenges. Keep in mind, you have 2020 vision. You are focused, you are committed 100% to achieving your goals and you are not looking back. Make the commitment and no matter what, never ever give up!
Hey there, indie filmmaker, is AFM for you? It can be.
First, film markets are not film festivals. Festivals and Markets are very different and it’s important to know the differences.
Film Festivals are about glitz, fluff, and awards with the hope of being discovered or getting that killer distribution deal. Ah, “Hope springs eternal.” But, yes it does happen for a chosen few.
Film Festivals are expensive, social functions and parties with screenings, cocktails, speeches, awards, and networking. They’re a part of the film art world.
Whereas, Film Markets are all about BUSINESS—Money, Pre-Selling, Financing, Profiting and Industry Networking.
Second, the American Film Market is mostly an insider, working professionals market. It works best for industry professionals who know each other or have definitive credentials and then they get the preferred meetings. But, there is room for the indie guy who does his homework.
Here is the advice of the Managing Director of The American Film Market (AFM), Jonathan Wolf.
How to Work the AFM …
Here are the steps to successfully work the market: STEP 1: Homework: Create a List of Target Companies STEP 2: More Homework: Create a List of Target Executives STEP 3: Start Scheduling Meetings STEP 4: Prioritize Your Target List STEP 5: Work on Your Pitch STEP 6: Make More Appointments STEP 7: Prepare Materials STEP 8: Work The Show Before You Go STEP 9: It’s Showtime!
Now, let’s not get too excited. The big dogs; Sony, Lionsgate and others may be there, but they aren’t there to see you. That’s why it’s so important to investigate who is going to be there and email them ahead of time letting them know what you have. Have them self-select before you get there. Then you can spend your valuable time with potential buyers, sales agents, co-producers, or executive producers.
There’s a list of all of the attendees on the AFM site. Once you’ve signed up you can get their contact information before the festival and start your search.
On the 5th night of AFM 2019, I took advantage of Legacy’s 6th Annual Film Market Party at Senator Jones bar on Wilshire Blvd. If you’ve got a market badge you can get in free. Without the badge it was $20 to $250 to get in depending on your business there. Speaking of business, last year 6 films were picked up by international distributors at that event. The hors d’oeuvres were tasty and plentiful and there were filmmakers from around the world, but mostly from LA.
Part of the party was the premiere of seven film trailers of recently completed or almost completed films. I ran into one of the executive producers of a locally made low budget comedy. I asked him if he was trying to sell his film at AFM. He said, “I’d like to but I don’t have $5,000 left over to get in.” I said, “Dude! Whatcha talking about? It’s $295 for a day pass. ($249 if he’d have caught the early bird special) You should spend Monday researching what buyers and sales agents are going to be there, buy your ticket, and spend the day there Tuesday. You can hit all of the booths that have buyers or reps that deal with your kind of film.” He was blown away that you can approach AFM so cheaply.
Of course, that is the cheapest way. You could get an Industry Badge, four days with various special accesses for $495 (early bird = $445). The Industry Plus Badge for $695 (early bird $645) gets you many more privileges in those same four days. More time to make more connections with buyers and the various film industry movers and shakers.
If you want to attend the entire market there’s the Executive Badge, the Executive Plus Badge, and the Platinum Badge at $945, $1,145, and $1,545 respectively—All with early bird specials. As the price grows so do the privileges.
If you’ve spent a lot of money on your indie masterpiece and you’ve got something left in the kitty, you may want to consider exhibiting your film. Now we’re talking thousands, but there’s a range. It costs $3,500 for the exhibition fee, and between $10,000 – $100,000 to secure floor space at the market.
Of course, $100,000 is a bit much for most indie filmmakers … but $3,500 for the exhibition fee and $10,000 for some booth space—If your film has potential and you haven’t 2nd mortgaged the house yet, that’s doable!
If you do go and you go for more than one day and can find some spare time, there are other things to do.
There are screenings for buyers but most are open to all attendees.
There are multiple conferences on many important aspects of the industry led by industry experts and decision makers.
Representatives from film commission, facilities, and government agencies from around the world were there. AFM has open roundtable discussions that explore industry topics with thought leaders and working experts.
There are writers’ workshops where writers go over a multitude of insider writing concepts that will help them create compelling screenplays that will catch the eye of studios, investors, and global audiences.
If you are a filmmaker looking for work and networking opportunities it is a gold mine of active industry contacts and potential. And of course, as I mentioned before, there’s real business with real players of the industry there to help you get to your next step for your project. They come from all walks of the industry and you will be able to make serious contacts that could be invaluable. You can have more bites of the apple than most anywhere else.
Some people try festivals to get their films noticed and distributed and that has potential, but it isn’t that cheap either if you get in. And quite frankly, your chances of getting picked up or funding is much greater at AFM.
I talked with many people who sealed the deal or who were “in talks.” I know of one producer who signed a deal with a sales agent to represent four of his films in development. The producer was in the process of getting attention and funding for his slate. The sales agent signed a deal with him to market and distribute all of the films and to be an executive producer. The agent is going to help look for 1st in funding. He already had access to 2nd in matching funds.
The rubber really meets the road with finished films looking for distribution. I saw a lot of struggling and ecstatic filmmakers looking and making deals.
They say, in just eight days, more than US $1 billion in deals were sealed — on both completed films and those in every stage of development and production.
Why not you?
Remember, do your homework and you’ll at least have a viable shot.
Of the thirty or forty books by Elmore Leonard that I know about, I have only read three: “Fifty-two Pickup”, “Rum Punch”, and “Hombre”. Of those three, “Hombre” is easily my favorite. In fact, among Westerns generally, it is the best thing I have ever read.
On the surface, “Hombre” (which was published in 1961) doesn’t look like much. It is little more than a novella in terms of length; and when you get started reading, the first-person narration seems a bit bland. But before long the unassuming style begins to work. You realize that the author is completely at home in this world from America’s past (1884, to be precise; in Arizona). I was never conscious of the research he must have had to do to make it all work; the smallest details are present in the story in so incidental a fashion that they are barely noticed.
The plot concerns a man named John Russell. He is a non-Native American who was raised as an Apache; and if you want an example of stoicism or “grace under pressure”, here it is. He is on board a stagecoach, traveling with a number of people who despise him. But when these people are robbed and left stranded in the middle of nowhere, John Russell becomes their only hope for survival.
Again, this might not sound like anything special or original; but all the characters, the good and the bad, come to life in an utterly realistic fashion. Here is a description of one of the bad ones, an outlaw named Frank Braden:
‘He was tall by the time he reached the counter, with that thin, stringy look of a rider and the ching-ching sound of spurs. Even the dust and horse-smell seemed to be still with him, and he reminded you of Lamarr Dean and Early [other outlaws] and almost every one of them you ever saw: all made of the same leather and hardly every smiling unless they were with their own look-alike brothers. Then they were always loud, loud talking and loud laughing.’
Ordinary people are pitted against such men, and the confrontations are sometimes painful to read; especially in the episode where an ex-soldier is forced to surrender his stagecoach ticket to Braden. And yet this gritty realism comes through without today’s obligatory and tiresome expletives.
A movie version was made in 1967, starring Paul Newman. It is a fine movie, but it could have been better. Somewhere behind the production a decision was made to remove one of the best characters in the novel: ‘the McLaren girl’, who was abducted by the Apaches and had good reason to feel resentment toward John Russell’s adoptive people. But a mutual respect develops between her and Russell that is believable and touching. It is almost unforgivable that this relationship is missing from the film.
In short, “Hombre” the movie is worthwhile; but “Hombre” the book is superb.
The Bellagio Conservatory team transforms this 14,000-square-foot floral wonderland into a showcase of the four seasons, along with Chinese New Year.
When the seasons change, the group starts all over again, turning flowers and plants into buildings, animals, people, and musical creations. Since 2010, 120 staff from the Botanical Gardens have changed the total landscape of the indoor Bellagio exhibition numerous times. With water, lights, sounds, and atmosphere, the fragrant flowers mesmerize the audiences that come to gaze 24 hours a day.
Located in the back lobby, there is no charge to attend this beautiful attraction. Plan to spend an hour taking photos and wandering, then stop in at one of the many exciting restaurants the Bellagio has to offer. There is also a very high-end shopping mall inside the Bellagio. Just one of a number of free exhibits to visit in Las Vegas.
For everyone coming to Las Vegas for New Year’s, you are coming to party. We hope your Xmas was great and are happy to welcome you to Las Vegas for a few days of shows, restaurants, lights, and fun. Hotels are full, the rates are much higher for that festive week and all the shows are ready to give you a marvelous time, with many still doing their Xmas versions.
There are many new places to see this year, including the new Cirque show “Run” at the Luxor, The Raiders stadium going up along with The Sphere, a 17,000-person venue behind the Sands that will be opening in a year. Always plenty of shows at the V and Saxe theaters in Planet Hollywood as they have currently 12 different ones. Hans Klok, the world’s fastest magician is now at the Excalibur at 7 p.m. and the Australian Bee Gees share the showroom at 5:00 PM, you should all catch both shows.
Human Nature at the Venetian is always a great choice with four singing wonders from Australia. The always-scrumptious Italian food at Canaletto’s, with a beautiful view of St. Mark’s square and the gondolas, and Sugarcane are also both in the Venetian. The new Majordomo is in the Palazzo. Another great Venetian choice is Mercada della Pescheria, always wonderful authentic food and decor.
Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris is a great outdoor dining option with a view of the Bellagio Fountains. Terraza by Cafe America in Caesars is a new lovely outdoor and indoor dining option, right next to the tent for Absinthe! the show. Carmine’s in the Forum shops, well-known in New York, and Virgil’s Barbeque in The Linq–the walking area directly across from Caesars are both delicious choices. The new Minus 5 Bar, the fifth in the city, just opened two weeks ago in The Linq. American is also in The Linq, Rockhouse and PRB Rock Bar, which are always rocking out.
The Front Porch has opened at the ever local happy spot Ellis Island, three blocks off the strip with plenty of dining options and TV’s; the old Hooters is now the OYO, one block from the strip and has transformed all of its restaurants this last year. Chef Rick Giffen who came over from The Stratosphere has created great new menus and vibe here, free parking also.
Want to get off the strip for a few hours. Try Kitchen Table, social eatery, The Stove in Henderson, Double Helix Wine and Whiskey Bar in Town Square or Cinnamons for a Hawaiian themed breakfast.
The Hunger Games is open at MGM Grand, which gives all ages something to do. If you are looking for action, Acropalypse Vegas is a full 2-hour submersion dive into fighting Zombies. It’s the most exciting thing to try in Las Vegas and is owned by all former military men with Travis Krauss heading it up. I’ve tried it four times. Or if you are a foodie lover, look up Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, with guides to take you to the finish dining places, both on the strip and downtown. Well worth the money. Maybe book a Las Vegas ATV & UTV tour, for a couple of hours out in the sand dunes. Don’t forget favorites from across the country such as Buca de Beppo’s in the MGM, Excalibur, and free-standing on E. Flamingo; Gordon Biersch, or Tommy Bahamas in Town Square just down the strip from Mandalay Bay—plenty of great shopping there.
If you are downtown, try out the refurbished Ferguson’s, The Mothership coffee shop, Hatsumi’s and La Monja restaurants; and plenty of shops, including photos, painting, flowers, and beauty. Spend a couple of hours here and mosey on down to all of the old downtown on Fremont Street. Other venues to see are the Lion Habitat with over 56 lions and Nostalgia Street Rods close to the Orleans hotel—really a great place to visit. If by chance you are coming with a group and would like a unique twist, Showgirls Arrivals can greet you or your clients at the airport! A marvelous new company.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority estimates an economic impact of over $187 million for our city, thanks to everyone from around the globe.
Fireworks for 2020 are all set from seven different casinos.
Midnight will kick off at the following places and will be synced and choreographed on top of:
Aria, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Treasure Island, The Venetian, The Stratosphere
The city estimates that over 335,000 people will be here for America’s Party in Vegas to Ring in 2020.
Road closures are many. The Nevada Department of Transportation will start closing access to the Strip at 5:00 p.m. on December 31.
I-15 off-ramps will be closed at Flamingo, Spring Mountain, and Tropicana. The only ramps open for on and off travel will be Sahara and Russell.
At 6:00 p.m., all streets, roads, and alleys leading onto Las Vegas Boulevard between Sahara Avenue and Mandalay Bay Road will be closed with all barricades up. By 6:45 p.m., Las Vegas Boulevard along with all inbound roads leading onto Las Vegas Boulevard are fully closed to vehicle traffic. Only pedestrians will be allowed on the Strip from 7:00 p.m. through the fireworks. So plan on which side of the strip you prefer to be as after midnight it usually takes up to two hours for roads to even begin to start moving.
Downtown also welcomes party goers. The party on Fremont Street starts at 6:00 p.m. and continues until 3 a.m. There will be fireworks at The Plaza.
Fremont will completely close at 5:00 p.m. for a Security Sweep and then reopen at 6:00 for guests with a New Year’s Eve wrist band. Tickets are on sale for $45.00 and you will receive a wristband for admittance. All stages will have music and roaming performers. There will be a grand opening spectacular of the new Viva Vision Canopy at Midnight. The mayor of Las Vegas, Carolyn Goodman and her husband Oscar will be the official Hosts.
Wishing everyone a grand celebration and hope that you will all return to Las Vegas during the year.
One of my all-time favorite restaurants in Las Vegas is CANALETTO in the Venetian Resort, located right on the canal in the 2nd floor shopping mall. This huge restaurant is two stories with plenty of indoor and outdoor, as we shall say, dining in the Italian piazza area. The Venetian resort is theme-oriented and this lovely dining area is recreated with bridges and waterways to be a replica of St. Mark’s Square in Venice.
The founders of Il Fornaio restaurants feature wonderful house-made pastas, salads and soups, wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, game and poultry, along with pizzas and plenty of pasta dishes.
I started with a lovely Mojito. First up was the Insalata Di Rape: Roasted organic yellow and purple beets, wild arugula, asiago cheese, toasted walnuts, red wine and lemon vinaigrettes, Grigliata Di Pesce Con Polenta.
For the main course I had a mixed grill of salmon, sole, prawn, scallop, and calamari topped with lemon olive oil; served with grilled polenta and sautéed seasonal vegetables, along with the Asparagi Alla Griglia, fresh asparagus grilled with extra-virgin olive oil. There is such an extended menu to choose from and I try to eat here at least every couple of months. The entertainment makes a regular night into an exceptional night.
The upstairs area can host small and large groups all overlooking St. Mark’s. The service is always excellent and you will find yourself immersed in Italy, as most everyone speaks Italian. Our waiter Gilberto Soto was exceptional with his service. Open 11:30-11 nightly.
The courtyard features strolling Italian musicians, acrobatic acts, and all kinds of entertainment which can be enjoyed from your table. Canaletto is the Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2007. The one photo is of my dining companion and one of the lovely ladies from group sales, Natasha. I, of course, was taking the photo! Reach out to Kelly Mendez for any group you might have. 702-733-0070
Recently, I have been reminded how fragile life is. That is why it’s important that we don’t take anything for granted and that we appreciate every second we have here on earth.
Unfortunately, many allow the little things in life to affect them in a negative way. There is no doubt that we will go through stresses in life but when we really reflect on most of these challenges, in the big scheme of things, they are really not a big deal. Let me encourage you going forward to not allow the small things to bring you down. You are way more valuable than that.
Sadly, I see many people and family members that will hold grudges against someone for so long that they actually forget why they are holding that grudge in the first place. Do you have someone that you need to forgive? Have you been holding something against someone for so long that it’s affecting your mental state? Today is the day to let that go. I’ve heard that holding a grudge or not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and hoping the other person gets sick.
On the other hand, do you need to reach out to someone that you may have wronged to ask for forgiveness? Now is the time to put the pride aside and reach out to that person and ask them to forgive you. You will find that this is just as much for your benefit as it is for the other person.
I also think about our journey of success. Time goes by fast and if you don’t take action, you will end up just being a spectator rather than a participant. How about your success journey… Are you giving it all you’ve got? Are you reaching your full potential? You are designed for success and you’re created to have a life of abundance. It’s not just going to come to you, you have to go out there and make it happen. If you haven’t been doing that, today is a great day to start. Make the rest of your life the best of your life.
People often talk about making sacrifices to become successful. There is no doubt about it that you have to work hard. It’s going to require a lot of discipline, consistency, and persistence. No matter what happens, you must never give up. I also want to stress to you the importance of enjoying your journey. Celebrate your success and enjoy the ride, it’s incredible.
The time we have here on earth is extremely short and every day is a gift; make sure you are doing your best to make a difference. Be a blessing to others and make a commitment to be a giver.
The happiest people on earth are the ones who help and give to others. Remember, life is a gift. Enjoy every second.
Grammy-nominated band THE JETSis launching a powerhouse stage production with top hits and nostalgic tunes of the 80s & 90s performed LIVE by original members: LeRoy, Haini, Rudy, and their band!
THE JETS 80’s & 90’s Experience will be singing their own hits such as “Crush On You,” “You Got It All,” and “Make It Real” as well as many other tributes to other artists.
THE JETS played a major role in the “Minneapolis Sound” alongside artists such as Prince and Janet Jackson. They had three platinum albums and recorded eight Top Ten hits; their hit “Rocket 2 U” was nominated for a Grammy in 1988.
The show will run 7pm Tuesday – Saturday (dark Sunday and Monday) at V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. 866.932.1818 for tickets or go to VTheater.com.
V theater has numerous shows, including, “V” the variety show, twice nightly, “All Shook UP”, “Marc Savard Comedy Hyponosis”, “Popovich Comedy Pet Theater”, “The Mentalist”, Live Comedy and “Stripper 101”. With four showrooms, there is plenty of action.
Its sister showroom, just down the mall, has “Vegas! The Show” two times nightly and “Nathan Burton Magic”. Both venues are available for buyouts and both feature bars. They opened in 2004 and have been producing some of the greatest acts in Las Vegas, all reasonably priced.
SUGARCANE RAW BAR GRILL is a brasserie-style restaurant and raw bar serving sushi, fire-grilled fare, and small plates by award-winning Chef Partner Timon Balloo. Opening in Miami in 2010 the raw bar grill has become a favorite at its Brooklyn and Las Vegas locations.
The restaurant has received numerous awards including “Best New Restaurant” semi-finalist by the James Beard Foundation; “Best Restaurant” by Johnson & Wales; “Restaurant of the Year” by Eater; “Best New Restaurant” by Miami New Times; and two three-star reviews from the Miami Herald. Assistant General Manager William Badillo outdid himself with great food picks and marvelous service for our table. We started with bacon-wrapped dates, goat cheese croquettes, and braised cauliflower for appetizers; there was also a salmon, cream cheese and onion tortilla in the mix.
The main course was a full roasted chicken with purple potatoes and half lemon wedges covered with rosemary. It was brought to the table whole to view, and then taken back to the kitchen to carve up for eating. Grilled asparagus and sweet corn with spicy mayo, cotija cheese, lime, and salt was another side dish. Dessert was dulce de leche soaked French toast with maple caramelized apples and cinnamon ice cream.
The regular menu includes Blue Fin Tuna, salmon poke, ceviche, oysters, avocado toast, and Oxtail Benedict. The hash is fantastic along with the Duck and Waffle. Try the Cuban sandwiches or the smoked fish dip or the Australian Grilled lamb chops.
When opportunity comes around, I have learned that there are three types of people: People who make things happen, those who watch things happen and unfortunately, there are people who wonder what happened.
At the age of 18, I was offered an opportunity in direct sales with PF Collier Inc. This was a position that was considered true sales. I had to learn how to sell encyclopedias door to door all based on commission. When I got the position, I was extremely excited because I knew the opportunity was going to be an amazing one for me if I worked hard at it. When I went home and told family and friends about it, I got a completely different response; most of them were negative and discouraging. I had to make a decision that either I was going to listen to them or I was going to show them. Thankfully, I chose the latter and made the decision that I was going to be successful—I enjoyed great success for almost 20 years in that industry.
None of us are immune from obstacles and challenges in life. I came into the Merchant Service industry after a very difficult time and was basically starting over again. That did not discourage me at all, I understand that in life everyone will have difficulties. We can allow them to defeat us or we can allow the hard times to mold us and make us better and stronger people.
For me, this industry was a second chance in life and I was extremely grateful for it. I understood that success doesn’t come easy. It takes a lot of hard work, consistency, and persistence. I have found where people make a mistake is that when they receive an opportunity, their philosophy is that they are going to give it a try. Let me make this crystal clear. When someone has the attitude that they are going to give it a try, they are doomed for failure. When it comes to success, you have to make a 100% commitment and you have to make the decision that you are never looking back and you are never giving up no matter what.
Twenty years later, I can say that I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Some people may say that I am lucky. For me, I have found that the harder I work, the luckier I become.
One of my favorite quotes from Zig Ziglar is “You can have everything you want in life if you help other people get what they want in life.” I have an extreme passion to help people succeed, to help people achieve their dreams and to teach them the necessary skills, especially in our industry, to become a top performer. There is no secret to success. It takes setting goals and working your tail off to achieve them.
You have an amazing opportunity staring you right in the face, and you can accomplish some remarkable things. The opportunity is incredible and the opportunity is unlimited. Wherever you are right now in life, today is the beginning of your new adventure. The question is “What are you going to do with the opportunity that is right in front of you?” Let me encourage you to take complete advantage of it starting today. Don’t sell yourself short. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Never settle for less, you are designed for greatness. There is a reason you have this opportunity. This is my statement for you…. Go for it!
Fashion has always been more than fabric stitched into garments; it is a story, an identity, and innovation woven together. Few designers embody this...
Di Rape: Roasted organic yellow and purple beets, wild arugula, asiago cheese, toasted walnuts, red wine and lemon vinaigrettes, Grigliata Di Pesce Con Polenta.
