Production News

February 26, 2008

I know you're wondering what's going on with the amazing Lady Trojans documentary... so here's a update that will answer your questions.

IT'S ALMOST DONE!!! I've been working hard with editor Erica Milsom and we are nearing the completion of a fine cut!! I've also secured a talented San Francisco-based composer, Margrit Eichler, to create an original score, and the top colorist, Gary Coates, to help make the footage even more stunning. I'm also working with the independent film consultant, Gail Silva, on distribution avenues. It's very exciting to be getting to these final stages of the project!

We had our first test screenings over the last month and have been getting great feedback. Thanks to everyone who was involved for your time and constructive criticism.

The next few months will be very exciting as we finalize the cut and start to think about screening and distribution venues. I will definitely be making more frequent production notes and getting MySpace and Facebook pages up, so check back soon!


- Elizabeth Hesik

March 26, 2007

I know everyone is curious about the editing of Lady Trojans, so here is a brief update on the progress of the film.

A talented San Francisco based filmmaker, Erica Milsom, has taken on the editing of the film. In addition to her work as an editor, Erica has made a commitment to teaching film and video to under served youth and has also served as a Board Member with Bay Area Women in Film and Television. She's very committed to the project and we had no problem seeing eye to eye on major themes and narrative arcs.

I've also secured a great lawyer who is helping to ensure the film will be ready for distribution, which includes securing all clearances, book rights, and obtaining Errors and Omissions insurance. He is also based in the Bay area and was one of the founders of Film Arts Foundation, a large nonprofit serving the independent film community.

I'm continuing to raise funds for post-production costs and have recently submitted grant proposals to Women in Film, Los Angeles, and Creative Capital, New York.

Many thanks to everyone for your help and hard work in making this project happen!!!!
- Elizabeth Hesik

July 18, 2006

- Elizabeth Hesik

- Elizabeth Hesik

- Elizabeth Hesik

Everyone who was involved in the Tucson shoot last May said the same thing - "the shoot was FUN!" The cast and crew, who came from both Los Angeles and Tucson, all got along great. I'm posting a few stills from the shoot to give you an idea of the "look" of the Lady Trojans narrative.

Annameekee's speech at Wingspan in Tucson last April was a knockout. Funny and touching, we laughed and cried... Thanks again to David for putting everything together and giving LGBT teens an outlet to share their stories.

We're now starting the editing process. I am so excited to have everything shot (unless, of course, any more of the Lady Trojans want to participate and do an interview, which I strongly encourage) and to begin putting it all together. The story just keeps getting more interesting!
- Elizabeth Hesik

March 17, 2006

There are so many wonderful things to report about Lady Trojans, I don't know where to begin!

First, I'm thrilled to announce that Anna will be speaking at a WINGSPAN Public Forum about her experience as a lesbian teen in the pre-Gay Student Alliance/LGBT Student Union world (a mere 12 years ago). This will take place in Tucson on Wednesday April 26th at 5:00pm (check wingspan.org for updates). This will be a great event, and a few Lady Trojans besides Anna will even be attending, so please bring your friends!

Secondly, OutoftheCloset.TV will be featuring the Lady Trojans trailer on their website. OutoftheCloset.TV reaches hundreds of media outlets and millions of people around the world, so this is an amazing opportunity for the word to get out about Lady Trojans. They've told us that the trailer will be posted in April, so check it out!

In addition to all this, the planning for the shoot is going extremely well! Everyone is excited about the Reunion, of course, and we're finding great actors and crew to shoot the reenactments in Tucson.

Other good news to report is that Anna's super hip New York agent is hard at work finding a publisher for her amazing novel The Hot Dog on a Stick Chick: My First Year at Gila High.

And this isn't exactly related to Lady Trojans, but it's too exciting not to write about here - my film The Ojai Valley (2000) will be screened at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City this summer! I'm thrilled!!!

Looking forward to posting just as much great news next time.
- Elizabeth Hesik

January 3, 2006

Happy New Year!!

Thanks to a few very generous donors, we are now moving into the final stages of production of Lady Trojans!!! It's so exciting to start planning the Lady Trojans reunion, which will take place in late April/early May - the exact date is still TBD. Annameekee and I are contacting everyone and want to pick a date that works for everyone. We're planning on hosting a dinner event at a Tucson restaurant - if you have any suggestions for locations, please let me know.

We're also planning to shoot the reenactment scenes in Tucson around the same time. I'm currently talking to actors and crew for the shoot. If you know anyone who would be interested in participating in the project, please pass this info on. I think both shoots will be a ton of fun!!
- Elizabeth Hesik

October 18, 2005

Hello! If you haven't already, please check out the new trailer and the short reenactment from Annameekee's novel. Editor Jen Bradwell did an amazing job on these videos. Our graphic designer Stuart Smith also designed a logo and postcard (and great letterhead) that we're giving out to help get the word out about the project. If you would like a postcard sent to you, please enter your contact info on the contact page and you'll have one to post on your fridge for everyone to see.
- Elizabeth Hesik

May 19, 2005

Yes, we are now officially fundraising! You may have noticed that this site is now set up to take PayPal donations, so get your credit cards ready (you can read more about this on the Donate page). I’m excited about getting the word out and giving people the chance to help make an amazing film. So generous of me, I know. Funds raised at this point in production will go toward the Lady Trojans Reunion to be held in Tucson.

A great editor named Jen Bradwell is now working on a ten minute work-in-progress piece for fundraising purposes. She’s in the process of looking at all the footage – about 20 hours – and helping me get a new perspective on it. We should have a cut done by the end of June and will post a shorter version (two to three minutes) on the site. I’m also feeling lucky to have Stuart Smith, a super professional and talented graphic designer, working on printed material for the film.

The most amazing thing that’s happened in the last month is that Annameekee has finished the first draft of her young adult novel based on her experience as a Lady Trojan. This is a totally amazing book even in its first draft and I can’t wait to incorporate it into the film! It will help shape the narrative portions of the film, which will be the last leg of production.

More news soon,
- Elizabeth Hesik | feedback (0)

February 21, 2005

Lady Trojans producer, Stephanie Sapienza, and I are hard at work casting for the narrative sequences of Lady Trojans. Our plan is to use a mix of actors and real basketball players. We had a casting call in Chinatown a couple weeks ago and met some super actresses, and will be meeting a few more next week.

Last week we went to a Los Angeles Valley City College women’s basketball game to scope out the players. We saw some great players with excellent moves and attitude and will be contacting them through the coaches. We had a celebrity sighting at the game!! Wanda Sykes!!! Stephanie and I both regret not pitching Lady Trojans to her on the spot, but will definitely send her info and a DVD.

We hope to have the casting done by the end of March. Anna’s working on dialogue for the narrative scenes and some of it is coming from the young adult novel she’s working. It’s going to be great!

Bye for now, Liz
- Elizabeth Hesik

January 6, 2005

Anna and I had a great interview in the Bay Area. Heard some funnny stories about the "cows." Very cute!

We're continuing to track down players. I found Cirra Woods on the internet and found out that's she living in Nevada and definitely interested in doing an interview and coming to the reunion planned for later this year in Tucson.

I'm excited to start interviewing actors for dramatic reenactments of the team’s story. I'm looking for actors in their late teens/early twenties who physically resemble the players while in high school. If you know of anyone who would be great, please let me know. My plan is to use the video Anna shot in high school as a blueprint for sets, costumes, and shooting style (home video hand held). Shooting will happen in April/March of 2005.

- Elizabeth Hesik

December 7, 2004

Welcome to the Lady Trojan’s website! The site is brand new, so please take a look around and let me know if you come across any bugs, typos, or anything that doesn’t seem quite right.

Annameekee and I are glad you’re here! We’re both excited about the interviews I’ve conducted to date (see Player Roster) and want to thank everyone who has participated. It’s been so great to meet everyone and to hear their memories of the team.

Annameekee and I will be in the Bay area this weekend conducting an interview, and I will post an update when we return.

Thanks for visiting!

- Elizabeth Hesik