Episode 7: Start of Production

That's it. The first day of shooting is in the can... or digitalized to be more exact.

Only 3 weeks (minus one workday) of all-nighters to look forward to.

Little reminder of things to come

Start of production: less than a week

New website + remodeled blog: 6 weeks

Movie release: December 2010

DVD release: February 2011

Episode 6: Forming the team

I know i've been quite absent this recent weeks, but I have an excuse from my parents.
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Yaounde, Cameroon - July 7, 2010 - H7 Films has finalized casting on its next film, Sexually Friendly.

Tatiana Matip (Confidences by Cyrille Masso, 2005) and Jacques Ekwa will play the two major roles in a comedy that follows two single friends who decide to spend Valentine's Day together before they see their evening take an unexpected turn.

Shooting for the film written and directed by Henri Melingui begins at the end of July in Yaoundé.

The simultaneous online and theatrical release of Sexually Friendly is scheduled for the month of December 2010.

About H7 Films:
Founded by Henri Melingui in January 2010, H7 Films is a production company that will distribute her own films in African theaters but also worldwide online (streaming and downloading) through its future website.

Henri Melingui is also the editor of the movie blog Quartier Boz'art. (http://eng-henrimel.blogspot.com/)

Episode 3: Having an ear for music

A change scenery this week, since I am currently enjoying a little under a fortnight in Paris. Fortnight is such a cool word, I had to use it somehow.

I'm starting to reconsider my decision because of the low temperatures I have to deal with in comparison to the warm Los Angeles weather. And listening to my friends, the weather actually has improved since I got here. When I add that to the fact that I'm walking outside despite 3 or 4 degrees Celsius on the thermometer while I usually don't set foot outside when it's under 14 in LA, I realize that being cold is really a state of mind.

As far as positives go, I do have the opportunity to see French films that never make it across the Atlantic. I can also visit my friends, some of whom are musicians. This gives me the opportunity to think about the kind of music I want for the film, the amount of music I will use, and even the possibility of having a real soundtrack album, with over a dozen songs that would be available for sale when the film comes out.

So from now on, I'll keep an ear out for some cool stuff from unknown artists deserving some exposure.

Episode 2: Reconnecting with an ex-girlfriend

This week marked the real start of "Between Friends" (working title) as a project, since I finally went back to the script I wrote almost a year ago and hadn't read for a few months. (I've worked on 3 other screenplays since, so I wasn't just being lazy)

I must admit I was a little worried initially. You know how much you're disappointed when you meet a ex-girlfriend from high school that you thought was beautiful, intelligent, funny and you realize that she unfortunately doesn't measure up to your memories and the image of her you had in your head? That's exactly what I was afraid to feel. I was concerned the story that has danced around in my little head for the past months ends up being very different from the words on the paper (actually on Final Draft), with a lot of additional work needed in order to bridge the gap between my head and the actual script.

Fortunately, 2009 Henri did a much better job than 2010 Henri thought, and did not disappoint him at all.

There will only be minor changes to make, nothing serious. This makes the project move forward faster than expected, and 2010 Henri likes that.

On another topic, I was hoping that District 9 would bring a little something from the Oscars last night, but the competition turned out to be too strong. Too bad.

Episode 1: Start from the beginning

For those of you who don't have the internal memory of a goldfish and do make a short stop on the blog every Monday, you probably remember that I promised you some info about my next movie a few weeks ago. Well, there it is.

What I can tell you for the moment is that the story follows two recently single friends who decide to keep each other company on Valentine's Day. Then... I suppose you will have see the film to know what happens next.

The working title is Between Friends and will most likely change. But you know how it often is with working titles, they start working and you eventually keep them.

The goal is to begin filming late in the summer of 2010 (Screw westerners, I should actually say late in the rainy season). Why so far? Because if there's one thing I have learned in life, it's that you can only make a good first impression once. So it is better to allow for some time to make every little detail perfect and not go to war unprepared. Especially for a first film.

Apart from that, the blog will continue its course (with DVDs on Fridays), only now with the addition of updates regarding the film's progress.

All this just for you... can you believe that?

What's new, Henri?

From time to time I'll take a break from regular posts and let you know what's happening behind-the-scenes of the blog.

1. Very happy to see that the blog's Facebook page now has over 700 fans. 7 being my favorite number, the next goal is not 1000 but 7000 fans. And to achieve that, I need a little (lot) of help. So don't hesitate and invite all your movielover friends like you and me. Maybe, emphasis on maybe, there will be a big (translation: small) reward for those who bring in the most people.

2. I will very soon have the pleasure to give you some information about my first film. So keep your computer within arm's reach from now on...

3. At the same time, I have already started writing what will - hopefully - be my fourth film. 4 to 5 years in advance, if that's not called planning ahead ...

4. After the incessant demands of a certain "CC", one of the first fans ever, I will do my best to speak more often about French cinema. Also, if you want me to talk about a particular topic or ask me a question, please keep it to yourself. I don't have the time nor the inclination to answer.

5. I've always wondered at what point do written words stop conveying second degree humor. Haven't you?

6. I wish I could show what I can do best through videos just like some of my friends from high school or college. But something tells me that a video of me typing on a computer for several hours in the middle of the night would not produce the same effect.

7. I think audio podcasting may be a solution, with a voice-over by Morgan Freeman. Or exotic dancers, maybe? Suggestions, anyone?

The beginning of the H7 Films era

I promised you a surprise a few days ago (for the 4 people following this blog). Well here it is.

I hope this is the beginning of a long adventure and there will be a lot of people to enjoy the ride with me.

If I were you I would invite some friends. Because we will have some fun.


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Press Release:

H7 Films builds its web

The new production aims to bring African cinema to the forefront

Yaoundé - Major change in the African cinematic landscape: the creation of H7 Films by Henri Melingui.

H7 Films will be an African film production company based in Yaoundé (Cameroon). In addition to financing and producing its own projects, it will also distribute them around the world.

"Our challenge is to offer original and innovative stories that hardcore moviegoers can embrace and that a wider audience can still relate to. ", said Henri Melingui.

The company will use the Internet as the focal point of its global strategy. It will make its movies available in Video on Demand simultaneously in all territories without any restrictions.

The African public without a broadband connection will also have access to these movies on DVD. The distributor will a tour of event screenings in every major African city.

"Through my blog Quartier Boz'art , I had the opportunity to talk about the disappearance of theaters, piracy, and limited financial resources in Africa. However, I believe that the current environment is still favorable to a rebirth of cinema on the continent. The key is to remain creative and flexible in front of the obstacles that arise, "added Melingui.

H7 Films already has several projects in advanced development.

The new structure will officially start its operations during the second half of 2010.