THE MEMOIRS OF SUMMER RAY

The Academy Awards – March 10, 2024! Every filmmaker whether Indie or otherwise, MUST dream of winning an Oscar. But to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t one of those people….until last night. Our Fiscal Sponsor Carole Dean of From the Heart Productions www.fromtheheartproductions.com and an amazing lady on staff, talked about how we need to envision our films winning awards. When all the sudden, I could see it. My thoughts were of a lack of self-confidence, like for real. Those ladies on the red carpet – absolutely stunning. I spend a lot of my time on the fields of Gettysburg, in the mud or up to my ears with ticks. But also in the snow that makes everything so immensely beautiful.

But I am still not in an expensive evening gown. This is me below in the snow filming.

I didn’t see myself as the evening gown type. I see my film as an absolute winner of many awards! But I didn’t see myself able to fit in with the Academy crowd. This was due to my wrong thinking. True, it is a whole new world. But it is a world that I can learn about and become familiar with, just like learning anything new. It takes dedication and time. I need to see myself on the red carpet, long before it happens. I need to immerse myself in the ambiance of being in the presence of so many wonderful and talented artists. Why? Because if I do not feel like I or my film belongs there, no one else will either. I know there is a lot of political stuff that goes on that in my opinion, should not happen. It should only be about celebrating the hard work of filmmakers, writers, cast, crew, musicians and everyone else who is nominated and wins. It should not be about politics!

I can learn about fashion. I can learn about make-up etc. I can learn to be the best me possible. So that when I do walk that red carpet, I am confident. I said, “confident” not “conceited.” I can take a class on poise – on how to carry myself properly. We learn how to pitch investors and the way we carry ourselves there, is just as important as it is on the red carpet. Why? Because the world it watching. How we present ourselves is everything. Truly, it can make or break us. I feel like the tin man who needs to be oiled, and like the lion who needs a make over and some courage. I do have a brain and I need to use it wisely. I cannot be “conceited,” thinking I do not need instruction. This project is far too important for me not to take this seriously! It is serious. This film has the potential to win Oscars! Plural!!! This is the goal. Now, for the roadmap to follow to get us there, is what we need. Right now, I am ordering a key chain with an Oscar on it. I will see it everyday as a reminder of where my focus needs to be. Many people who work on the film, has a chance to be nominated and win. It’s exciting and I have to give it my all. I am also ordering a book: “THE ACADEMY AND THE AWARD.”https://academymuseumstore.org/products/the-academy-and-the-award-the-coming-of-age-of-oscar. If I am going to be a part of that crowd, I need to learn about what it is all about. I cannot be blindsided by the politics in Hollywood as that is not my focus. My focus is to see this film as the winner of Academy Awards! I am on it!

Till next time,

Thank you for being a part of our Summer Ray world!