THE MEMOIRS OF SUMMER RAY

“However, some say that Hollywood’s decline is more of a rebirth, and that it could evolve into a new golden age of storytelling. Hollywood’s ability to reinvent itself and embrace new storytelling paradigms could determine its fate. 

Hollywood’s troubles go beyond the rise of streaming. There is a growing sense of apathy among audiences toward big-budget filmmaking, often criticized for its reliance on franchises, sequels, and reboots. Many viewers are tired of the same recycled stories and are yearning for originality and diversity in storytelling. This desire is being fulfilled more effectively by independent films and international cinema, which are more accessible than ever thanks to streaming services.“

https://creativepool.com/magazine/features/is-hollywood-dead-what-the-summer-of-flops-means-for-creatives-mediamonth.31545#

I had my heart set on a theatrical release of the pilot. I was adamant about it for years. No one could change my mind until…! Our project is fiscally sponsored by From the Heart Productions. Carole Dean who is the president suggested I have my script professionally analyzed by Largo A.I. It was definitely a nail biting experience that turned into an extremely joyous occasion. https://fromtheheartproductions.com/largo-ai-artificial-intelligence-film-analysis/. But the script was deemed to be the most successful as the pilot for a series via Live Streaming. I decided then to go with Live Streaming for distribution! But the grand ages and eras of Hollywood; the Golden Ages and the eras of sound and technology that emerged over the years, has allowed unknowns like me the opportunity to be a part of this industry. I do not live in Los Angeles, or even in New York City – the movie capitals of the world. I have no intentions on moving to either of those cities. I always heard, “You have to move (especially to Los Angeles) if you want to make it in the entertainment business.” I was like, “So, how am I supposed to make it in this business?” I struggled with that for years. At times, it felt like I was writing a book that no one could read because the language I wrote it in was foreign. So, how was I supposed to make it in the entertainment business, if I didn’t move to where that business was thriving? But progress has allowed me to expand this project – the goal – is all over the world. I can go online and see someone in LA, or in Europe, or perhaps down in Texas, or Northwest in Washington state. This is precisely what Live Streaming does. Summer Ray is part of the “new golden age of storytelling. ” Those other ages, and eras will always have their place and will be forever immortalized. Soon I will be visiting The Hollywood Museum https://thehollywoodmuseum.com/. I want to pay my respects to those who have paved the way for me, to be able to take part in this astonishing business. But also to see memorabilia of the history of Hollywood. It is exciting to say the least. But through the ups and downs of Hollywood, the ending of an era started a new one. I also plan to see the famous HOLLYWOOD sign while I am there. It is iconic and in order to be seen from a distance, it has to stand tall; the letters have to be wide enough to be legible; and the paint has to be bright so the sign doesn’t fade into the landscape. In other words, it stands out.

I have always said this of Summer Ray.

But just like that Hollywood sign, over the years the project had to be renovated, renewed, and repaired. I seek ways to improve the project so we will stand out as well. Aging isn’t something any of us has any control of. We can use anti-aging creams etc. But the fact remains, the years slip by and lately, at warp speed it seems like. Eras end, ages end and then things are renewed and reborn. We are close to starting our 17th year with Summer Ray in February. I can hardly believe it. When I first started writing the series back in 2009, my reflection in the mirror has since changed to a mature woman; my body aches more; my endurance is less and some of this is because I have been dealing with chronic illnesses. But some of it is just the simple fact that I am aging. I cannot hold on to my youth, anymore than Hollywood could hold onto its Golden Age. But with the passing of time, I believe the story of Summer Ray has only grown more in depth; more compelling; more intense; more passionate; and more entertaining. I wish I could have frozen time, back to when I first climbed Big Round Top and when my kids were younger. But then I wouldn’t be a Grammy, and I could never and would never change that just to hold on to my own youth. Me missing the glory days of Hollywood, is like me missing watching my kids at a play at school. I miss those days and the nostalgia of them. But I now get to watch my grandchildren at their school or sporting events. My world expanded because of the passing of time and it fills my heart with such amazing happiness. I pray this for the rebirth of Hollywood. We can miss the old days. But we can also open our arms wide and rejoice at the extended opportunities that would not have been available in those Golden years. The pioneers of the Old Hollywood has, once again, paved the way for the Indie filmmakers and our films and TV episodes to be born; to be seen; to be heard; to be Closed Captioned for the Deaf; and mostly – to be enjoyed. I am forever grateful and it is my prayer that I can fill other hearts with happiness too. I know the above is not the best analogy. But it helps me to put things in perspective. Summer Ray is part of this new Golden age of storytelling.

I know there is a lot of “woke” issues in Hollywood and that of politics. I don’t get involved in it. I keep going forward with the project and eventually it will find its way to Hollywood. Summer Ray is a patriot. We are not politically correct, and we never will be. It is my prayer that people will see the project as a whole, to where the purpose of it is redemption, and also be entertained as you/they, grow along with the story and its characters. We do get emotionally attached to characters, especially when the story is spread out over several years. The pilot script has an emotional intensity level of an 8 out of 10. This means the viewers will become emotionally engaged in the story. I see this with the books reviews too. For an investor this is good news. For me personally, although it is also good news from a funding standpoint, it also shows me that we are able to keep the attention of the readers and viewers, and this means that we can hopefully make a difference in your life and in their lives too.