I often mention the wonderful creative beings in my life, and the way that being around them in Sydney has really enriched my experience here and my own creative endeavours.
Whilst I have no intention of my blog being blatant promotions of my friends and their current projects, I do like that I have this outlet to share what they're up to, should anyone be interested.
My friend, Yolanda, is one of these people. We met briefly working on Big Brother in 2008 and became real friends during late night shifts on a show called I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here a few years later. I remember being shocked and impressed when she asked me to read one of her screenplays within a few days when I had never been confident enough to share my writing with anyone!
In the four short weeks that we initially worked together, she also offered me her couch for my big move to Sydney, spent hours DVD hunting in JB Hi-Fi with me, and she too considered brownies an acceptable late night snack. I quickly realised that she was a friend I was going to be lucky to have.
Anyway, I digress! Yolanda was awarded a grant for one of her screenplays earlier this year – a great achievement in itself and an excellent opportunity for her as a writer and actor. Yol will act in the lead role of the supernatural drama/thriller that she wrote and, although I haven't read it since much earlier drafts, it's going to be a good one (you can check out the synopsis here).
Unfortunately, films cost a lot to make (even shorts) and the funding Yol and her team received isn't quite enough to complete the film. They have launched a project on funding site, Pozible, and although they don't really need my help (they have already almost reached their target), a few extra bucks would be a great help to them if you should feel so inclined (but no pressure!)
Yol has been a great support to me since the moment we bonded over JIm Carey outtake videos on YouTube and I would not be surprised if the overwhelming support the project has received in the first 24 hours is because I am not the only person who feels this way. Sometimes it's great to know that you have a friend who will help you out, but sometimes it's better to be able to help them out too!
