The time has come...I hope you enjoy. Peace LOVETiana
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
My BIOgraphy
I had to write a bio today. It was pretty frustrating at first knowing that I've never completed school or received a degree towards my dreams and aspirations of becoming a writer/director. AND also, dealing with the embarassement of being in my mid thirties & finally beginning to do what I have always dreamnt of doing...O'well fug it. God's timing never makes sense. But, I came to the conclusion in full confidence knowing that the school of life and being hands on is just as rich and rewarding then any degree I could ever receive from any establishment. I decided to share it with you. SO, here it goes...
Tiana Mandrigues was born on February 12th, 1975 in San Jose, CA. An only child, raised by a hard working single mother and help from her grandparents, uncles and aunts, Tiana grew up surrounded with love from her family.
She grew up along side her cousin Travis, whom was like her brother. Both latch key kids, raised by single mothers that had no extra money to put them through extra curricular activities. It was during their summer vacations together, they were forced to become creative and naturally entertain one another with the little they had. From hosting cooking shows to invisible audiences, performing live radio shows and lip synching concerts to being models in fashion shows with makeup and wardrobe straight from grandmas closet, these early years helped her grow into becoming the humorous, entertaining, inventive and creative artist that she is today.
In 1995, she came to a turning point in her life when she heard her father passed away from a sudden heart attack. She never knew her father but would soon come to find closure in her life when she found out that her love for poetry and the ability to express through word came from him. It was after her fathers passing she grew the desire to share her story of loss and the importance of a father through film.
In 2000 she relocated to Los Angeles, CA and took a writing class at USC. She soon lost interest and failed the class when her teacher said trying to find the love from her father was not “Hollywood” enough.
In 2003, Tiana got her first big break working in the entertainment industry through a friend from church working as a personal assistant to actor/celebrity Marlon Wayans. Working for the Wayans Bros. is where she learned professionalism in the business, how to “beast” and to be excellent at her work, even if the responsibilities seemed unimportant. Marlon always stressed to “put your best work out” because your name is attached to it. She is extremely grateful for the learning experience and the opportunity to work with one of the most influential, loving and hard working families in this entertainment industry.
With a strong belief in family and community, Tiana has been actively involved in various outreaches and sees the importance of giving back to people. She has volunteered her time at South Central YMCA, in a youth program called “Peace 4 Kids” as a volunteer to the youth in the film & arts department. She has helped raise money and brings awareness of the rare blood disease called, “Lupus” by being involved with the J Dilla Project and the ALR (Alliance for Lupus Research). Tiana is also a survivor of sexual abuse and is an advocate for children of abuse & domestic violence. She has volunteered her time to the organization, “Day of the Child” and encourages others to become a mentor to a foster child.
In her spare time, she loves learning about great leaders who came from nothing who’ve accomplished great things on earth and made major contributions to humanity. Going to museums, art galleries, reading books, painting, writing poetry and going to the beach helps bring her inspiration as an artist.
Tiana continues to follow her dreams as a writer/director and desires to make her mark in this entertainment industry by bringing a message of love, hope, laughter, healing and provoke change for the better through her work. Her desire is to share the vision in her heart through the lens of a camera so the world can see what she sees.
Being a female and a minority in this entertainment industry, Tiana strives to break all stereo types and desires to become a respectable writer/producer/director with hopes to inspire other future female film makers. She truly believes as women, "We don't have to just be the eye candy in the videos and movies, but we can also make the videos and movies. We can make history".
I don’t have much in the eyes of man, but I have an over abundance of love in my heart and spirit. And with this, I am the wealthiest woman alive. - Tiana Mandrigues
Tiana Mandrigues was born on February 12th, 1975 in San Jose, CA. An only child, raised by a hard working single mother and help from her grandparents, uncles and aunts, Tiana grew up surrounded with love from her family.
She grew up along side her cousin Travis, whom was like her brother. Both latch key kids, raised by single mothers that had no extra money to put them through extra curricular activities. It was during their summer vacations together, they were forced to become creative and naturally entertain one another with the little they had. From hosting cooking shows to invisible audiences, performing live radio shows and lip synching concerts to being models in fashion shows with makeup and wardrobe straight from grandmas closet, these early years helped her grow into becoming the humorous, entertaining, inventive and creative artist that she is today.
In 1995, she came to a turning point in her life when she heard her father passed away from a sudden heart attack. She never knew her father but would soon come to find closure in her life when she found out that her love for poetry and the ability to express through word came from him. It was after her fathers passing she grew the desire to share her story of loss and the importance of a father through film.
In 2000 she relocated to Los Angeles, CA and took a writing class at USC. She soon lost interest and failed the class when her teacher said trying to find the love from her father was not “Hollywood” enough.
In 2003, Tiana got her first big break working in the entertainment industry through a friend from church working as a personal assistant to actor/celebrity Marlon Wayans. Working for the Wayans Bros. is where she learned professionalism in the business, how to “beast” and to be excellent at her work, even if the responsibilities seemed unimportant. Marlon always stressed to “put your best work out” because your name is attached to it. She is extremely grateful for the learning experience and the opportunity to work with one of the most influential, loving and hard working families in this entertainment industry.
With a strong belief in family and community, Tiana has been actively involved in various outreaches and sees the importance of giving back to people. She has volunteered her time at South Central YMCA, in a youth program called “Peace 4 Kids” as a volunteer to the youth in the film & arts department. She has helped raise money and brings awareness of the rare blood disease called, “Lupus” by being involved with the J Dilla Project and the ALR (Alliance for Lupus Research). Tiana is also a survivor of sexual abuse and is an advocate for children of abuse & domestic violence. She has volunteered her time to the organization, “Day of the Child” and encourages others to become a mentor to a foster child.
In her spare time, she loves learning about great leaders who came from nothing who’ve accomplished great things on earth and made major contributions to humanity. Going to museums, art galleries, reading books, painting, writing poetry and going to the beach helps bring her inspiration as an artist.
Tiana continues to follow her dreams as a writer/director and desires to make her mark in this entertainment industry by bringing a message of love, hope, laughter, healing and provoke change for the better through her work. Her desire is to share the vision in her heart through the lens of a camera so the world can see what she sees.
Being a female and a minority in this entertainment industry, Tiana strives to break all stereo types and desires to become a respectable writer/producer/director with hopes to inspire other future female film makers. She truly believes as women, "We don't have to just be the eye candy in the videos and movies, but we can also make the videos and movies. We can make history".
I don’t have much in the eyes of man, but I have an over abundance of love in my heart and spirit. And with this, I am the wealthiest woman alive. - Tiana Mandrigues
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thank You
I just want to thank Frank Nitt for giving me the opportunity to direct his video to his song, LOVE. It really all started as a contest, (Where's my watch!?) lol, then I ended up just doing the actual video thanks to Mike Ross. So this blog is a HUGE thank you to Frank, Mike Ross and EVERY single person that helped and participated in making this video.
Special thanks to Ernest, Imani and Victor (3 Shape Media) in the countless hours working on this. Can you say 21 hours no sleep? Hard work but feels so good doing what you love. LOVE YOU GUYS! And to Jenny Villaruz, the cute Filipino girl, and my friend playing the lead girl, your expressions and spirit is so fresh. Michael, thanks for sacrificing your time and your amazing acting skills. You two captured the essence of what I was trying to portray in a relationship. It really looked like you guys been together forever. My friends dressing up in different fits to look like different people cause we had no $ to cast people. HA! Kashmere, the owner of 711 who let us shoot at his store. John, the owner of "The Don", the fresh caddy in the vid. Our meeting was so divine. Just so happened to meet him at 711, how funny is that? and to everyone who blessed their presence in this vid.
I'm really excited, it's finally coming out soon. It feels real good to complete something. I feel really proud of this accomplishment. Even if people hate on it, which we will ALWAYS have critics, I feel good that this will be my very first video I directed. No matter what people may say. I know my family is really proud of me too and thats what matters most. And also thank you to Marlon Wayans, my mentor and friend. Always engraining in my brain to put out my best work, because my name is on it.
I hope to inspire other females working the behind scenes in film. There are so many dope lady directors/producers/writers etc. I can't wait to see the ladies do their thing. We don't have to JUST be in the videos we can make the videos, movies and commercials, etc. etc. We can make history:)
Peace LOVETiana
This dude is for real. lol. He actually hangs out at the 711 off Pico and La Brea. I forgot his name but he's actually a really friendly guy. He definitely was amusing. I am so glad I got to meet him.
Frank Nitt "LOVE" featuring DJ Quik and Jay Black. Produced by Terrace Martin. Out on ITunes. I love this song. I am so excited for Franks new album coming soon. Follow him on Twitter Franknitt
Special thanks to Ernest, Imani and Victor (3 Shape Media) in the countless hours working on this. Can you say 21 hours no sleep? Hard work but feels so good doing what you love. LOVE YOU GUYS! And to Jenny Villaruz, the cute Filipino girl, and my friend playing the lead girl, your expressions and spirit is so fresh. Michael, thanks for sacrificing your time and your amazing acting skills. You two captured the essence of what I was trying to portray in a relationship. It really looked like you guys been together forever. My friends dressing up in different fits to look like different people cause we had no $ to cast people. HA! Kashmere, the owner of 711 who let us shoot at his store. John, the owner of "The Don", the fresh caddy in the vid. Our meeting was so divine. Just so happened to meet him at 711, how funny is that? and to everyone who blessed their presence in this vid.
I'm really excited, it's finally coming out soon. It feels real good to complete something. I feel really proud of this accomplishment. Even if people hate on it, which we will ALWAYS have critics, I feel good that this will be my very first video I directed. No matter what people may say. I know my family is really proud of me too and thats what matters most. And also thank you to Marlon Wayans, my mentor and friend. Always engraining in my brain to put out my best work, because my name is on it.
I hope to inspire other females working the behind scenes in film. There are so many dope lady directors/producers/writers etc. I can't wait to see the ladies do their thing. We don't have to JUST be in the videos we can make the videos, movies and commercials, etc. etc. We can make history:)
Peace LOVETiana
This dude is for real. lol. He actually hangs out at the 711 off Pico and La Brea. I forgot his name but he's actually a really friendly guy. He definitely was amusing. I am so glad I got to meet him.
Frank Nitt "LOVE" featuring DJ Quik and Jay Black. Produced by Terrace Martin. Out on ITunes. I love this song. I am so excited for Franks new album coming soon. Follow him on Twitter Franknitt
My gramps was so cool...RIP Gpa, miss u lots
I love jazz so much. I come from a family of musicians. My moms father was a jazz saxonphonist. My other grandpa used to be part of a Filipino jazz group and play the keys/drums in the Filmore District in San Francisco. I have many great memories listening to Blue Note Records with my gramps and going to jazz festivals growing up. It's because of him I have a love for jazz music. I have been blessed to be introduced to Bill Evans, Stan Getz, Miles Davis, Sonny Stitt and MANY other Jazz Greats because of my grandpa playing these records throughout the house when I was a little girl. I remember studying and being captivated by the cool Blue Note Vinyl covers. Here are some of my favorite songs that remind me of him. Enjoy...Peace LOVETiana
My Uncle Paul and my gramps playing the drums at a BBQ.
I'm from the Bay Area and MISS so much the cool jazz spots in San Francisco. Living out here in Los Angeles there are very few venues that play great live jazz but I happened to be introduced to an incredible place called The Vibrato Jazz and Grill in Bel Aire. If you are looking for a place to hear some great music, good food and incredible ambiance, go to Vibrato.
http://www.vibratogrilljazz.com/
My Uncle Paul and my gramps playing the drums at a BBQ.
I'm from the Bay Area and MISS so much the cool jazz spots in San Francisco. Living out here in Los Angeles there are very few venues that play great live jazz but I happened to be introduced to an incredible place called The Vibrato Jazz and Grill in Bel Aire. If you are looking for a place to hear some great music, good food and incredible ambiance, go to Vibrato.
http://www.vibratogrilljazz.com/
Saturday, June 13, 2009
I Love Selena
Selena was loved by so many. I cry EVERY time I watch this movie, lol. Her story is one of the best Underdog stories to ever come to film. Her family was like the Mexican Jackson 5. R.I.P. Selena.
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Power of Music in Film
E.T. is definitely a classic for me. This era in music and film was so magical. I remember being a little girl at the movie theaters with my grandma and balling my eyes out when E.T. was sick and dying. And then, at the same time feeling like I could fly when I seen Elliot taking off in the air with E.T. on his bike. This feeling didn't just come from the visual but the music took me there as well. As an aspiring Writer/Director I understand the power of emotion that can be provoked from film and music, the most powerful mediums. I feel they go hand in hand. Artists, continue to create work that provokes feeling. Whether you are an actor, writer, musician, photographer, stylists, or director. We are all story tellers of some sort. Stay original. Get emotional about your art. Let your work provoke feeling and tell a story.
Peace LOVETiana
John Williams, one of the most amazing genius composers of all time.
MAGIC.
Peace LOVETiana
John Williams, one of the most amazing genius composers of all time.
MAGIC.
Hate on Human "Ways" not Human "Beings"
I am tired of BIG ASS CHAINS
The letter "B" alone could have helped a community in PAIN...
I don't ever want to hate on an individual. I have love for Human "BEINGS" but there are some things I hate in Human "WAYS".
When I see things like this right here, it really disappoints me, like really. Makes me shake my head, saddens my spirit and say, "WTF?!?!" Especially, when we are in a time of recession. Even if YOU are not experiencing recession in your world, there are others that are. Don't get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong for being successful and being able to live a lifestyle which you worked so hard for. You deserve it, BUT this looks like to ME, money x ???= ????? I don't know the behind the scenes stuff, so maybe there is another side of community, philanthrophy or giving back in some way that I am not aware of, then much respect.
Even if we weren't in a recession flamboyancy and excessivenes seems wasteful, especially in the times that we are living. But that's just me. This is the great freedom we have in choice and free will. We all have the right to express ourselves. Just think though, if you passed tomorrow how will people remember you by? By what you did for them? or how you looked to them?
You know, at the end of day it's our own choice on how we want to spend our own $. To each his own.
Honestly, sometimes I think thoughts like, If Marvin Gaye was alive today to see the state of where music and times are at? What would his songs be about today? I'm wondering if he would sing a part 2 Version of "What's Going On?".
Once again, PEACE LOVETiana
The letter "B" alone could have helped a community in PAIN...
I don't ever want to hate on an individual. I have love for Human "BEINGS" but there are some things I hate in Human "WAYS".
When I see things like this right here, it really disappoints me, like really. Makes me shake my head, saddens my spirit and say, "WTF?!?!" Especially, when we are in a time of recession. Even if YOU are not experiencing recession in your world, there are others that are. Don't get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong for being successful and being able to live a lifestyle which you worked so hard for. You deserve it, BUT this looks like to ME, money x ???= ????? I don't know the behind the scenes stuff, so maybe there is another side of community, philanthrophy or giving back in some way that I am not aware of, then much respect.
Even if we weren't in a recession flamboyancy and excessivenes seems wasteful, especially in the times that we are living. But that's just me. This is the great freedom we have in choice and free will. We all have the right to express ourselves. Just think though, if you passed tomorrow how will people remember you by? By what you did for them? or how you looked to them?
You know, at the end of day it's our own choice on how we want to spend our own $. To each his own.
Honestly, sometimes I think thoughts like, If Marvin Gaye was alive today to see the state of where music and times are at? What would his songs be about today? I'm wondering if he would sing a part 2 Version of "What's Going On?".
Once again, PEACE LOVETiana
F*** this Rap Sh** I listen to Classical
I love giving my mind a break from the music of today and go back to the beauty and essence of musical instruments. I was lol to myself wondering if Bach or Chopin or other genius pianists would hate or battle one another like we see in this rap industry today, but on some keys. In my opinion, you can't get any realer than strings and keys.
Beautiful...
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Not to long ago, I had the opportunity to hear Dilla's music composed into a 40 Piece Orchestra set conducted by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Carlos Nino. The event was called, "A Suite for Ma Dukes". If you were there, then you got to experience this "magical" moment in music history. If you weren't there, here are a few pics and clips. If you ever get the chance in life, see a live orchestra or a theater play. You will truly appreciate music and the arts on a whole different level. Enjoy! Always stay true to music. Protect it. It is a gift.
On stage with some of the greatest.
Beautiful...
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Not to long ago, I had the opportunity to hear Dilla's music composed into a 40 Piece Orchestra set conducted by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Carlos Nino. The event was called, "A Suite for Ma Dukes". If you were there, then you got to experience this "magical" moment in music history. If you weren't there, here are a few pics and clips. If you ever get the chance in life, see a live orchestra or a theater play. You will truly appreciate music and the arts on a whole different level. Enjoy! Always stay true to music. Protect it. It is a gift.
On stage with some of the greatest.
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