Below are the 14 most recent journal entries recorded in greensodafilms' LiveJournal:

Monday, January 1st, 2007
10:53 pm	Austin Unbound Fundraising-Second Grant Awarded from Equity Foundation Dear Friends, Happy Holidays from Greensoda Productions! In the last year, I have worked diligently on the Austin Unbound project and made significant steps I want to tell you about. I couldn't have made this progress without your help! To date, we have raised $3,295 from individuals like you, which helped pay for our film and editing equipment costs, for example. In the past six months, I focused on post-production and recruited a team of talented people who will help finish the film so we can begin to submit to festivals across the country. Some of our milestones include: • Creation of a beautifully edited, two and a half minute trailer - now online at www.austinunbound.org , as well as YouTube.com and Myspace.com • Lining up an experienced and talented editor, Will Brown • Recognition and monetary support from the Polk Family Charitable Foundation, the Equity Foundation and the Pride Foundation • Submitting grant proposals to The Frameline Foundation, The Equity Foundation, and The Regional Arts and Culture Commision. • Gaining CONTINUED SUPPORT from the Equity Foundation, who yesterday announced a $2250 grant to the project, (our biggest grant yet, and more than 4x the amount awarded to us during their previous cycle). In 2006, I traveled to cities across the country attending a dozen workshops, conferences and screenings of the work-in-progress, Austin Unbound. These events included the Lavender Languages Conference in Washington, D.C., the Oberlin College GLBTQI (Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Trans/Queer /Intersex) Film Series in Oberlin, OH, the Society for Disability Studies Conference, the Persistent Visions Conference of the International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and the "What is Queer Art" event at The Q Center, here in Portland, OR. Our priority right now, so close to the finish line, is to raise $4,350 from individuals as well as additional grant monies to guarantee that we can complete this project by summer 2007. Austin Unbound has been met with a positive response by all who have seen it in its early stages. We are confident that a professionally edited, final version will have a significant impact on viewers everywhere. Thank you in advance for your contribution to the Austin Unbound project this holiday season. Your $100 contribution will help pay for one day of the 50 hours of editing needed, $50 will cover two hours of studio time for the soundtrack. If you are able to make a gift of $100 or more, you will be listed in the credits of the completed film! Gifts are tax deductible through our non-profit fiscal partnership with Film Action Oregon. Donate now at: www.austinunbound.org. Please enjoy the attached copy of a newsletter about the project. If you would like a hard copy and/or a DVD of the trailer, please let me know. If you have any questions about Austin Unbound, Greensoda Productions, or Film Action Oregon, please contact me directly at (503) 523-4298. Best, Eliza Greenwood news@greensodaproductions.com www.greensodaproductions.com 503-523-4298 PO Box 5693 Portland, OR 97228 ---- About Austin Unbound: From the age of three, Austin knew that his female anatomy did not fit him. In middle school, he changed his name and began to dress as a boy. Today, Austin identifies as a straight man and a member of the Portland queer ASL community. Austin Unbound documents this Deaf man's choice to get a double mastectomy. He and his best friend, James, travel from Portland to San Francisco for the surgery. This social issue film also follows Austin's life in his supportive, local queer ASL community and includes time with his girlfriend, his mother, grandmother and sisters. ---------- Austin Newsletter page 1 Austin Newsletter page 2 Austin Newsletter page 3 Austin Newsletter page 4 (Comment on this)
Friday, December 15th, 2006
7:27 pm	*Higher Resolution* Austin Unbound Trailer (Comment on this)
Wednesday, November 29th, 2006
1:53 pm	11/29/06 Post-Turkey Whew! What a Fall season it has been. It really took some turns there. Lots of job turmoil, ever since July/August. I'm going to start a (second) new job in a couple days doing in-house patent work. I am excited about the opportunity to be challenged while using skills I already have, too. This will also mean a different balance of available time to work on the film. Less time=more cashflow, I guess. Heh. I want to focus on actually finishing the film which means less screenings and conferences- I think the project has gotten out there enough, as far as ensuring an audience is concerned. Becky has been diligently working with me on creating a working voice-over track for the editor's use and Allison has been helping put together all sorts of good materials. We are waiting on a few grants and will launch a fundraising campaign within a week, here. Lookout for that donation request- it aint no joke! PS- Here's a pic of me in the crowd at a showing of the trailer at the Portland Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Fun to see it on the big screen:) (Comment on this)
Tuesday, September 19th, 2006
5:51 pm	Updated 9/19/06 Where has the year gone? What a fantastic time! Change is in the air. I've been lining up crew for this final phase of completion. Allison is going to help out with PR & fundraising- she is devising a fantastic plan- insert evil laughter here. Becky is going to help out with PA type work for the editor, working with logs/script, shape of story, and help with the ASL/English. As for the editor, we've got something we're working on. We'll see. On a personal note, I'm changing jobs. I'll start a new one in October. It is going to be interesting to see how moving to full time work from 3/4 time will eat into my filmmaking hours. The extra structure might make me more productive and it might make me crazy. We'll see. I'm looking at taking up interpreting for the Deaf, but I'm also looking at opportunities at 2 law firms- one that does business law and the other that does patent law. Wee! Excited to be moving on to bright new things, we'll see what I end up going with. Eliza (Comment on this)
Monday, July 17th, 2006
1:21 am	Press News, created 7/13/06 Hello folks, We got a fantastic write-up in our current Willamette Week about the Austin Unbound project. Get your copy before Wednesday, while they're still on the stands. The article is pasted below and it can be accessed from our news page at http://www.greensodaproductions.com/news.html Keep your eyes out for the new one-minute trailer and photo galleries to be posted soon! Eliza ------------------- This Sunday, the Independent Film Channel airs Fabulous! The Story of Queer Cinema, which covers a unique celluloid genre that over the past 30 years has altered filmmaking. Toward the end of the documentary, though, something weird happens. The more forward-thinking directors declare Queer Cinema dead—absorbed into the mainstream like every other gay phenomenon. In the future, these directors believe, a new, New Queer Cinema will replace the old one, and they say it will come from the other end of the GLBT acronym, from our tranny friends. Which brings us to Portland. Eliza Greenwood is a 26-year-old Portland producer-director who, along with co-director Selena Staley, is $5,000 shy of completing Austin Unbound. I had a chance to see just 13 minutes of this unique documentary-in-progress and, I have to tell you, it was like prying into someone's secret diary. Austin Unbound is an intimate, intense peek into the life of a 33-year-old deaf, transgendered local boy as he goes through the process of transitioning from "she" to "he." It's a complex profile—think Murderball meets Transamerica—of not just one but two worlds Greenwood believes she can equally, and accurately, present. "My sister is deaf, and I'm non-hetero-normative," said Greenwood during lunch in Northwest Portland. That's why she considers herself part of both the "queer" and "deaf" communities, even though she has a boyfriend and hears just fine. As odd as that gobbledygook may sound, it makes more sense when applied to a project like Austin Unbound. That's because labels like male/female, gay/straight, deaf/hearing don't apply for folks like Austin or Greenwood. They are members of a "queer" generation who look at their sexuality and gender as fluid. They represent a true break from the Queer Cinema of the past. Armed with a video camera, these transgressors are physically reshaping their futures, ready to tell their stories and refusing to be bound by what Greenwood calls an "outdated binary belief system. In the nonbinary system, everything is one thing or another or another. (Yep, I'm confused, too.) Born female, Austin has detached from "all that" and now identifies as a straight man. Ever since he was a little girl, Austin knew he was a little boy, and, one of eight female-to-male deaf guys in Portland (who knew?), he was first to come out with his story. Greenwood's challenge is technical. "I set out to tell this story from Austin's perspective, and sound is the biggest issue facing this film," she said. "I have to make sure I don't lose his voice." As for the future of Queer Cinema, with projects like Austin Unbound, it looks like we'll have new voices to listen to. Fabulous! The Story of Queer Cinema,10 pm Sunday, July 16, on IFC. Find out more about Austin Unbound at www.greensodaproductions.com. ------------------- -- Eliza Greenwood www.greensodaproductions.com 503-280-5271 (Comment on this)
Friday, July 14th, 2006
11:50 pm	Letter to DCATS after a show, written 7/1/06 "Hi Thomas, How goes? Yes, a fantastic time at the disability conference and Frameline, as well. I'm just starting to decompress and process it all. Thanks so much for the suggestions. Yes, next time I will certainly make a point to talk more about my personal involvement and inspirations... I completely agree and actually you're not the only person who gave me that feedback from Mother Tongue. What a great audience. I'm so appreciative that you and Kelly put that together, and again, wish I would have said more to that when I had my time at the mic. I did, however, just add you guys to my links page and make mention of it in the news section. (I'll also quote this email on my livejournal account, if you don't mind, for those people who read it, they can know that I think DCATS rocks!) So, for the record, I think you probably know from my website that I have a Deaf sister, and that is how I got involved with the Deaf. I've placed myself in the community and quite simply, it is part of me. I would ultimatley like to contribute to the resources for young children with siblings who have disabilities that might make make their experience a little easier than mine was. But for now I'm focusing on another interest. My motivation in trans awareness began with an anonymous guy I dated for some time, and also from my observations how society suffers from sexual shame and guilt. I know sexuality and gender are different topics, but I think in a lot of ways, they are very related. My own experience as a feminist who doesn't conform to heternormative and binary gender standards is very personal, so I'm still finding ways to talk about this. I guess its all become so familiar to me that I sometimes forget that even if it seems obvious in my mind, and I assume everyone knows it, its quite important to articulate this to folks who are unfamiliar. So thanks for calling that one out. And I appreciate your comments on the sound design issues. We're going to need to try some different approaches in order to decide how to solve them... Anyway, thanks so much again and I'll be in touch next time I make it to dc. Best, Eliza" (Comment on this)
Sunday, May 21st, 2006
1:43 am	New Update! - posted 5/21/06 Hello friends. It is late on a Tuesday night (5/16, to be exact). We're going to go ahead and complete a trailer - 2-3 minutes, max. Carrie is helping with that, and another person, one who has lots of experience has shown interest in helping with this portion, too. We'll post it soon, for all to enjoy. A bit of new footage added that isn't in the short... Working these days on the mentioned trailer and other housecleaning, researching grants, making contact with folks, actively listening to music, remembering to eat, sleep, and excercize. Local screenings- really enjoyed talking to the folks at TIRC the other night, SMYRC is always quite the zone to step into, as well. And more in the realm of filmmaking, Gerard is chipping away at the musical elements, it is such a relief to have that being worked on. Finally we'll be able to get some sound down, not merely this blank canvas of rythm-filled, yet noiseless material... Carrie is also making a script, did I mention before? This will be essential in our final editing phases. Tonight, while headed out my way out to the Tina Kotek primary election victory party (she stands for equality in marriage rights, woohoo!), I learned something "nift" (as zeo might say- I think it means "nifty") these "Austin Unbound" wristbands make great hairties for my newest 'do- the ponytail. Stylin'! Order yours at the website. (Comment on this)
Thursday, April 27th, 2006
9:48 pm	taxes and grants, created 4/10/06 I will have been working on this Austin Unbound project for 2 years, come July. Its interesting how pace begins to take form after plugging away at something over a period of time. Priorities, scheduling, goals, etc. Of late, I've been racing with taxes, which involves considerable catch-up accounting. A lot of little papers are finding their ways into the appropriate envelopes. Yay for Quicken and the older sister who is experienced with this kind of thing. Even with my little nephews and neice pulling at her skirts, she's a whiz, and an admirable one. Other than that, grant applications and interviews- I feel very positive about the progress and prospects. We did get a grant from the Equity Foundation at the beginning of the year, and a couple others are pending. Crossing fingers. Next on the schedule is getting the trailer of Austin Unbound up on the site. Wouldn't that be lovely. Meanwhile, would be aweseme if someone comes along and point us in the direction of how to deal with the bandwidth and technicalities of posting a 13minute short. More later! Eliza (Comment on this)
Wednesday, April 12th, 2006
1:55 pm	New Update! - written 3/30/06 Hello hello. Spring is finally here in Oregon. I'm loving it. Looking over my schedule, it looks like I'll be hopping in and out of town doing family stuff and film stuff from now through the summer. Nice. There are a couple exciting invitations that I'm looking forward to: Local screening at the Q Center on 4/20 Local screening at SMRYC in June or July- TBA Panel on young queer filmmakers at the FRAMELINE conference in SF in June!!!! Poster session at the Society for Disability Studies conference in DC in June! Oberlin went smashingly well. I stayed at this fantastic B&B with a guy who goes by "L.D." he made a yummy breakfast for me- on day two he put it in a paper bag as I was racing out the door to catch my plane. Sweet. My host, Andrea, was gracious and fun to argue with. Everyone was really nice and seemed to enjoy the project. I managed to talk about my experience as an ally- it felt like I was opening a can of worms with that. Its complicated. With a Feve Burger, I bet I could go over it in depth. Another time, when its not so late... (Comment on this)
Thursday, March 9th, 2006
11:27 pm	Update - written 3/2/06 Hello folks, what an interesting turn this year is taking, already. I'm preparing for the presentation I've been asked to give in two short weeks at Oberlin College in Ohio. They've asked me to show the short of "Austin Unbound" and give a similar presentation as the one I gave at American last month- talking about the film and the issues it presents- but this time to really rate my experience as an ally. While reviewing my own perspective about this, I find myself realizing how I've been a bit shy about sharing my own personal moments in various places, like my website, for example. At some point I grew an aversion to this kind of spotlight, but here goes. A bit more about me: I'm 25 years old. I've lived in Portland for exactly two years now. I remember day-to-day details and facts quite well. I have family all over the West and in the East, too. I'm not too fond of going to sleep, I find long hikes soothing, and I yearn for a puppy- among the other fine things in life. I have this vision that one day within the next 12 months, I'll finish up my film and wander both with and without it. It has consumed most of my spare time for 20 months now, which my friends and loved ones are fairly patient about. I founded Greensoda Productions and I see it serving many people. I'd particularly like to serve children who have sibilngs who are Deaf and/or disabled, like myself. (Comment on this)
Tuesday, February 28th, 2006
3:47 am	Interested in getting involved? Austin Unbound depends upon a dedicated group of volunteers for all aspects of production. Our core group of volunteers enabled filming. Post-production requires a group with different skills and we have several positions available. If any of these positions appeal to you, please contact us and become involved. Assistant Editor. Austin Unbound needs a talented, motivated Assistant Editor who will create a script from our current rough version of the full subtitled film, edit and expand our footage logs and categorize footage in preparation for the final editing stage. This job is perfect for an upcoming editor who is looking for more experience, or for anyone with a sharp eye and great attention to detail. Production Assistant. A Production Assistant is crucial to the success of Austin Unbound, as this person will work closely with the producer between all other facets of the film. This position provides an opportunity to be involved with public relations, event planning, fundraising, editing, workshops and festivals. If you're good with organization and interested in all aspects of production, consider this position. Public Relations Manager. The Greensoda PR manager helps promote through press releases, advertising materials and web marketing. Event Coordinator. Do you know how to throw a party? Events are a crucial source of funding and awareness for Austin Unbound and skillful event planning is an important part of the process. This position involves scouting and arranging locations, finding donations to fuel these events and working with the Public Relations Manager to optimize event attendance. Fundraising Coordinator. Fundraisers help keep Austin Unbound on its feet. The fundraising coordinator meets with individuals interested in contributing to the film and has up-to-date knowledge about the film's status. This person also coordinates with the Event Coordinator to facilitate fundraising events and mailings. Grantwriter. As a non-profit sponsored project of the Film Action Oregon, Austin Unbound relies upon grants for funding. We need an individual with strong writiting skills to add to and enhance our previously compiled grant materials. This also involves researching grants applicable to the film. Workshop Coordinator. To help increase awareness about the issues Austin Unbound addresses, Greensoda needs an intelligent individual who can develop and present workshops. The Workshop Coordinator will need a strong understanding of minority politics as well as a strong affiliation with either the Deaf or GLBTQ communities. This position involves planning, coordinating and assisting with the workshops in the Portland metro area and possibly locations nationwide. There is some opportunity for pay in this position. (Comment on this)
3:45 am	Production Update. Production Update. The Austin Unbound project began filming in July of 2004. Eliza spent much of the following summer promoting the film with the 13 minute short of the film in the Baltimore/Washington, DC area. She and local trans Deaf man, Alex Leffers, presented a workshop at the Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf Biennial Conference and screenings were held at festivals, conferences, and other events. The project has operated on a grassroots budget since it began. The company is raising crucial funds to hire professionals to edit and mix the final touches which will bring what is now the rough cut (1.5 hours) of the story into a smooth version complete with a sound track. The possibility of implementing voice-overs is also being considered for accessibility reasons. PLEASE make your tax-deductible donation now to help bring the project through this final phase. (Comment on this)
Wednesday, December 7th, 2005
6:15 pm	Updates! stuff to know! 1. Our most recent event in Portland went really well. We've also shown the newly subtitled precut in other places including Washington, DC, NYC, Tampa FL, Eugene, OR. check out www.greensodaproductions.com 1. This grassroots project has operated on a minimum budget since it began in July of 2004. Filmmaker, Eliza Greenwood, spent much of the summer promoting the film with the 13 minute work in progress in the Baltimore/Washington, DC area. We presented a workshop at the Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf Biennial Conference and held screenings at festivals, conferences, and other events. We are starting to book out the Spring, as well. We are now raising funds to hire professionals to edit and mix the final touches which will bring what is now the rough cut (1.5 hours) of the story into a smooth version complete with a sound track to complement the strong visual elements. Submission to film festivals and distribution methods will then be explored for completion in 2006, much to the excitement of the audiences who have already shown an intense interest in Austin's Story. Please make your tax-deductible donation now to help bring the project through this final phase. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Event: December 8, 2005, 7pm Free Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi, Portland, OR 97227 Join us on "Second Thursday" at Mississippi Studios for a FREE concert with Sneakin' Out! As the band takes a break, there will be a chance to view the short work in progress of the film. Austin Unbound silicone wristbands will be available for sale, too. For info, contact news@greensodaproductions.com 503-280-5271 Event: December 28, 2005- 7pm, Sliding scale $6-$10 Mississippi Pizza Pub, 3553 North Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227 Join us at Mississippi Pizza Pub for an “Austin Unbound” benefit concert featuring the musical stylings of Sneakin' Out. Enjoy the laid back lounge at the Mississippi Pizza Pub and the concert while supporting the non-profit independent film project: "Austin Unbound". The Austin Unbound work in progresswill be shown, with voice interpretation by the director Eliza Greenwood. Allproceeds go to the film, and Austin Unbound silicone wristbands will be on sale! For info, contact news@greensodaproductions.com 503-280-5271 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Wristbands! Show your support for the Austin Unbound project with a silicone wristband! Available exclusively in Greensoda Green and embossed with "AUSTIN UNBOUND",these wristbands are a great way to support the film. Buy yours at the next Austin Unbound event or contact us to order by mail. $4 each or 3 for $10. - Be first on your block to get one, while supplies last! For info, contact news@greensodaproductions.com 503-280-5271 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Info about the film "Austin Unbound: Precut Short" is a work in progress documentary about the rite of passage of guy who is both transsexual and Deaf in Portland, Oregon. It was shot during the time leading up to a pivotal top-surgery that transforms his life. Austin identifies as a straight man and as a member of the Portland queer ASL community. The decision to get the surgery was not a hard one to make, but will the result be what he had hoped for? It is silent, and contains subtitles. The project is being completed and is set to be released in 2006. The film is being produced by Greensoda Productions. www.greensodaproductions.com "Austin Unbound" is a Sponsored Project of the Oregon Film and Video Foundation. news@greensodaproductions.com (Comment on this)
Tuesday, December 6th, 2005
1:46 am	Late on Monday night My dear intern, Dani helped set up this account. Its all new to me so I'm eternally grateful. 3 Cheers for Dani! Hip hip, hooray! He's working diligently to get this account, friendster, and myspace all up to snuff. Then everyone can see pictures and get updates and info about the Greensoda Productions film project "Austin Unbound." Just to give you the basic details, it is a documentary about a guy here in Portland Oregon who is both transsexual and Deaf. What a journey the production of this project has become! More info can be gleaned at our website www.greensodaproductions.com as well. My name is Eliza, and I'm the filmmaker of this project. Dani rocks, though. There's a lot going on for him this year, including graduation, and despite his busy schedule he has offered his honest help. What a rockstar Dani is. Woo hoo! (Comment on this)