Echo at 11 Oak Drive

2012-01-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Echo Film Family!

Last night I was up late on the phone with Dianne Ashford taking care of some Echo business. The clock struck 12 midnight and I realized the date was January 11th 2012. Now, this is a special date for many reasons. For one, my sister Janika celebrated her 33rd birthday today, its also the date of birth for our lead actor Rockmond Dunbar (Happy Birthday yall!!!)

So, when I announced to Dianne that it was midnight, January 11th 2012 she screamed and burst into laughter and so did I. Because, a year ago today, we started the online fund-raising campaign for "Echo at 11 Oak Drive" on iFundie.com!

A year ago today, we had NO funding, NO official supporters, and NO idea of how this whole thing was going to pan out. All we had was HOPE and a treatment for a screenplay that we both knew we had to bring to fruition.

A year ago today, we could not have imagined that we would raise $20,000 in 2 months with YOUR help! We could not have imagined that so many supporters (including 5 and 6 year olds) would make support videos for our film. We did not know that our decision to do this independent film would lead to shouts of joy, tears of pain, long nights, early mornings, an incredibly unexplainable journey, and the most strengthening test of our FAITH to date! We were in for the ride of our lives, and YOU joined us for the roller coaster!

Here we are a full year later, having stepped off of a major cliff, allowing the wind to catch us. Wiser, Stronger, Smarter, and more Resilient than ever! One year later and "Echo at 11 Oak Drive" is in the editing process! We will be releasing the trailer soon!

We THANK YOU in 2012 and for years to come for your involvement, support, encouraging words and prayers during this journey. We will continue to keep you posted, WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN!!

Please continue to support by "Liking" on Facebook "Retweeting" on Twitter and sharing our website with your folks! Info Below!

Cinematically Yours,

--
-Crystle Clear Roberson
Echo at 11 Oak Drive Director|Writer
www.echoat11oakdrive.com
Twitter @EchoFilmmakers
Facebook: EchoatEleven OakDrive

Our Director Crystle Clear Roberson on RollingOut.com!

2011-10-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

If you’ve seen the music video for Idris Elba’s sultry new single, “Private Garden,” you have experienced a sample of the creative eye and spirit of filmmaker Crystle “Clear” Roberson, but if you haven’t viewed any of her award-winning short films, you are in for a real visual feast.
Roberson has been writing, producing and directing her own material for five years, and she already has an impressive collection of awards and honors from the industry. In 2006, she received a film grant from Kodak, which she used to shoot the short film The Song of Time, chosen as an official selection in the TOMI Film Festival of New Orleans, and honored by Women In Film & Television’s International Showcase.
Roberson went on to write and direct two more shorts, Friend In A Can and Standing Reign. The latter was awarded Best Film of Atlanta in the 48 Hour Film Festival, Best Short in the TOMI Film Festival of New Orleans and Best Narrative Short in the International Black Film Festival of Nashville, Tenn. Standing Reign was also featured on the Best of 48 Hour Film Project 2007 DVD, which includes 16 selected films of over 2,000 entries.
In 2008, Roberson was honored by Women in Film & Television/Atlanta with the esteemed Woman to Watch Award and was chosen as one of four filmmakers, nationwide, to compete in the Chase Legacy Film Challenge, an opportunity for young filmmakers launched at the SundanceFilm Festival. She wrote and directed ”Next Door’s Next” and won the Challenge’s HBO Filmmaker Award, for which she received an additional film grant from Kodak.
Roberson also served as associate director for the award winning short film, Before I Wake, which won Best Film Grand Prize in The Doorpost Film Project. Her short film “The Black Cage” starring Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump) also earned “Top Film” status in Doorpost. Both of these films were selected as 1 of 7 Top Films for BET’s Lens On Talent 2011. Crystle was the only director to have 2 films as Finalists in this esteemed competition.
On Nov. 11, Roberson will wrap her first independent feature film, Echo at 11 Oak Drive, which tells three stories that transpire under the same roof over three eras-1951, 1973, and 2011. Although each occurrence is unique, the dialogue is identical; proving that history repeats itself in the oddest of ways. Famed film producer Will Packer (Stomp the Yard, This Christmas, Takers, Obsessed) is a supporter of the project which he says he is sure audiences will find intriguing.
Crystle “Clear” Roberson spoke with rolling out recently and gave us exclusive insight into her film career and the mission she is on as a filmmaker: Click Here to Read Crystle Clear's Interview:

2011-08-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

RSVP: Echoat11OakDrive@gmail.com

2011-08-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

ECHO CASTING BEGINS!!!

2011-08-02T12:27:00.001-07:00

Great News! We have begun the Casting process for "Echo at 11 Oak Drive" Stay Tuned for updates on Auditions and new Cast Members!

"ECHO" Raises Over $20,000 Towards Production on iFundie.com

2011-03-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

Since January 11th, Director Crystle Clear Roberson and Producer Dianne Ashford have been aggressively pushing a crowd funding campaign on iFundie.com to raise funds for the production of "Echo at 11 Oak Drive". The campaign ended on March 11th and they raised over $20,000 towards their budget of $80k!!

Although their iFundie campaign has ended, donations are still being accepted from supporters who were not able to donate during the last 60 days. Also, the filmmakers are still seeking investors to finish funding this project.

CLICK HERE To request information about INVESTING IN THIS FILM

Click the button below to support with a donation of any amount.

LISTEN TO THE ECHO KIDS!!

2011-03-07T09:36:00.000-08:00

Producer Will Packer (Takers, Stomp the Yard, Obsessed) Supports Echo!!

2011-03-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

2011-03-03T18:57:00.000-08:00

BeeRan the Great tells you WHY you should Support Echo

2011-02-21T07:28:00.001-08:00

Idris Elba Supports Echo!!

2011-02-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Golden Globe nominated Actor, Idris Elba very politely displayed his support for "Echo at 11 Oak Drive" today on his blog DRIIS.COM
CLICK HERE to read what Idris had to say!!

JOIN THE MOVIE'MENT!!!

2011-02-08T21:14:00.001-08:00

You can spend $20 to go SEE a movie, or you can spend $20 and help MAKE a movie and SEE your name in the credits!!

2011-02-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.ifundie.com/echofilm

Friends,

Thank you so much for your pledges so far, we are so pleased but we still have a ways to go. We know have 37 days to raise $75,000 and we've come up with a really simple plan. If we could get 3,000 people to donate $25 each, we will reach our g...oal. So we're asking you to make your pledge today and tell 2 friends. Simple, right?

Thank you in advance for anything you can do and remember the minimum is still $1 and if that's all you can do, we say "thank you" and ask that you tell a friend.

For more information about our "unique" project and to make a pledge, go to http://www.ifundie.com/echofilm

And if you have more time on your hands, you can read our blog (which includes a wonderful article on us by Cinema Atlanta Magazine) and check out more videos from our friends! You can create a video of yourself as well and upload it to youtube, we will do the rest!

http://echoat11oakdrive.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o1pgE6CjuU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr47b_opbck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtEeQxYeyps
http://cinematlmagazine.com/wp/2011/01/20/raising-80000-in-60-days-crystle-roberson/

Thanks again!!! Sincere BLESSINGS!!
--

Dianne Ashford
Producer
http://www.ifundie.com/echofilm
http://www.symmetryentertainment.com/

JOIN THE MOVIEMENT! The People Support ECHO

2011-02-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

NEW "Echo at 11 Oak Drive" Video!

2011-01-31T12:11:00.000-08:00

Watch this HILARIOUS PSA for "Echo": "YOU can help stop the Bad Filmmaking Epidemic"

2011-01-30T04:42:00.000-08:00

We asked our friends to help us by posting videos on youtube in support of our film "Echo at 11 Oak Drive". Needless to say, we have some creative friends! Watch Todd Williams and Soweto Bosia's PSA on Why you should support "Echo at 11 Oak Drive"!

And feel free to create a video of your own!

Facebook Note from Director

2011-01-25T19:48:00.000-08:00

For the past 2 weeks, I've been walking on water. I set out on a seemingly impossible journey, and honestly, I was a bit afraid before I began. However, I have faith in God and belief in the passion that has been placed in my heart to reach this goal. Now, after two weeks, I have no doubt! And, it feels great!!

Since January 11, 2011, my Producer, Dianne Ashford, and I have been fund-raising for our next film "Echo at 11 Oak Drive", which I have written and will Direct.
So far, this process has done more than just put funding towards my dreams, It has put hope and joy in my heart!! To know that people believe in our vision enough to support financially, spiritually and mentally, speaks volumes about mankind and the hearts of the people I have surrounded myself with through the years!! If you are one of the people who have already pledged, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

I have faith that we will succeed in raising the $80k needed by the March 11th deadline, and you can trust that should you decide to join us in reaching this goal, you will have no regrets because we put ACTION behind BELIEF!!

Click HERE to Read the Rest of this On Facebook

Welcome to the Official Filmmaker Blog for "Echo at 11 Oak Drive" !!!

2011-01-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

Read what IAEMagazine had to say about the Director of "Echo at 11 Oak Drive"

2011-01-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

Director, Crystle “Clear” Roberson, is a true testament to “paying your dues.” Having educated herself about the facts of life, and understanding that each experience we endure is the prerequisite to great storytelling, Crystle has planted her foot firmly in the world of motion picture
art.

IAE caught up with the talented filmmaker in between her work on Paramount Pictures film, Footloose, to discuss her film career and where she’s headed.

IAE: Where you’re from, what got you interested in the entertainment industry?
CR: I was born in Germany, but raised in the United States in Georgia. I spent many summers in south Georgia with my grandparents and was a very imaginative child. I fell in love with photography in high school, which led to my passion for motion photography. I was never interested in the entertainment industry; I was always interested in the art of filmmaking. However, I know the industry is a necessary vehicle by which to make a living doing this craft, so here I am.

All in all, storytelling is an art form that has been with us since the beginning of time. Everything from culture and spirituality, to myths and fairytales, has been passed down through every generation by the telling of stories. Film and Television is undeniably powerful and thrives even during times of recession. Entertainment has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Which is why I approach my role with all due respect and seriousness.

Read full article here...

Producers of "Echo at 11 Oak Drive" Honored at 2010 Bronze Lens Film Festival

2011-01-25T14:30:00.000-08:00

The BronzeLens Film Festival (BLFF) will host a signature Women Superstars Luncheon to honor some the nation’s most successful women of color in film and television. Producers of the festival hope the event will inspire women from all walks of life and provide a platform to network with leaders in the film and television production industry. “The BronzeLens Women Superstars Luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of women who serve as driving forces both behind and in front of the lens,” said Sheryl Gripper, Executive Director of the BronzeLens Film Festival.
The BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia, is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. Its mission is two-fold: to promote Atlanta as the new film mecca for people of color and to showcase films and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers. Over the course of 4 days (November 11th – 14th), film lovers, actors, and film makers will gather in culture-and-heritage-rich Atlanta, Georgia, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, to share a creative platform of education, entertainment and empowerment discussions related to film, as well as television, and the production of both.
Read Full Article Here...

Director of "Echo at 11 Oak Drive" is a praised Alumni of VSU

2011-01-25T14:26:00.000-08:00

Passionate Reflections

By voice | November 23rd, 2010 | Category: Bookends, Winter 2010 | No Comments » For Crystle Roberson, ’05, film is a reflection of life.
The independent movie director crafts everyday experiences into compelling stories that inspire.
Roberson, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, has worked on feature films such as “Stomp The Yard,” “Why Did I Get Married?” and “Zombieland.” The 26-year-old has also worked on the sets of commercials, documentaries, music videos, and more than 50 episodes of “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”

Roberson looking over edits during film production.

Her experience behind the scenes has equipped her with the know-how to fuel her true passion — directing and producing independent films.
“I love the process of filmmaking. I think about it all the time and use every possible opportunity to better myself,” said Roberson, who goes by “Crystle Clear” professionally. “I think the making of the actual film is just as much of an art as the finished product. Overall, my favorite part of filmmaking is that it lives on forever.”
Full Article Here....

Find out about the Director of this film: Crystle Clear Roberson

2011-01-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

“I VIEW LIFE AS A MOVIE, FILM IS A REFLECTION OF LIFE...

Crystle “Clear” Roberson

Those words were spoken by a phenomenal woman with a true passion for the art of film directing, photography and writing. The award-winning director and writer appeared to be exhausted one Saturday afternoon at a Barnes and Nobles bookstore, but after a sip or two of coffee and being questioned about her first love, Roberson lit up with excitement like a kid in a candy store.

“Writing and photography have always been a part of me..,” said Crystle. “In high school I fell in love with photography, I worked at a camera shop, then in college I didn’t think majoring in something [in this field would work],” she said.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE...

Check out this video featuring our Producing Company SYMMETRY ENTERTAINMENT!!

2011-01-25T13:46:00.000-08:00

Read what CinemATL Magazine had to say about us!

2011-01-23T21:39:00.000-08:00

Raising $80,000 in 60 Days, Crystle Roberson’s New Project

Written by Charles Judson on 20 January 2011

If you hang around the Atlanta filmmaking community long enough, you’ll eventually hear the name Crystle ‘Clear’ Roberson come up at some point. Since being awarded Women in Film & Television’s Woman to Watch award back in 2008, Roberson’s been busy building up a healthy resume including working on some of Georgia’s most high profile productions including Zombieland, Vampire Diaries, Footloose and of course several Tyler Perry projects.
She’s currently working on her next project, Echo at 11 Oak Drive, and along with her producer they’ve set the crazy, insane goal of raising $80,000 via iFundie in the next 51 days.
The project itself, three stories set in 1951, 1973 and 2010, in the same house, and all sharing the same dialogue, sounds intriguing and also a bit dangerous, but in a good way. It’s taking what has been done in movies such as HBO’s If These Walls Could Talk and its followup If These Walls Could Talk 2, a few steps further....
Click Here to Read the Full Article

How to Become a Movie Producer

2011-01-18T16:16:00.001-08:00

We are currently raising our production budget via iFundie.com!! We are trying to reach an $80,000 goal by March 11th. Sounds crazy right? Follow this blog to see our daily progress!

2011-01-13T22:50:00.000-08:00

Echo at 11 Oak Drive is a film that tells three stories that transpire under the same roof over three eras of time. 1951, 1973, and 2010. Although each occurrence is unique, the dialogue is identical; proving that history repeats itself in the oddest of ways.

2011-01-13T22:42:00.000-08:00