DCAP compendium: what’s happened so far in 2012, what’s to come

I’m constantly writing – just not on danielacapistrano.com, it turns out. I’ve found that it’s faster and more effective to connect with folks and access needed resources through my various social platforms – it works for me. And right now, with everything that is going on in my life, speed and ROI (investment being my time) is critical.

Later in the year, after some of the things go down that I’m about to list in this post, I am going to turn back to my website and make some decisions:

1) What do I want to do with danielacapistrano.com in 2013 and beyond?

2) How am I going to optimally incorporate danielacapistrano.com blog posts and other content into my already active online networks elsewhere?

3) Where will danielacapistrano.com end and dcapmedia.com begin (my in-progress business site)?

While I chew on these very important-to-me questions, here’s a compendium of links that represent my endeavors this year and upcoming things I’m excited about:

DCAP LINKS COMPENDIUM

POC Zine Project
I founded the People of Color Zine Project in 2010. Since then, a rotating cast of volunteers and I have organized events, provided mentorship to POC creating zines and supplied mini grants to several POC who needed them for zine-related costs and travel. I also, through POCZP, successfully advocated for more visibility and inclusion for people of color who create their own publications, particularly those who make zines.

Things really took off this year:
– I scanned and shared the first “Race Riot” compilation as a free e-zine/download (with permission from the author).
– My organizers and I successfully planned and booked (and are really excited to begin) the Race Riot! tour through twelve cities, kicking off in NYC on Sept 24 and ending back in NYC on Oct 7.
– I successfully booked multiple paid speaking gigs on the tour route for POCZP to cover the costs of this 100% volunteer tour (big thanks in part to supporters who did email referrals).
– I partnered with Carey Fuller through POCZP to work on a zines series by and for folks living at or below the poverty line.
– I partnered with an amazing teen through POCZP to produce a zine series by and for black youth ages 15-25.
– I coordinated a partnership between Mimi Thi Nguyen, POCZP and Lisa Darms at the Fayles Library at NYU to receive a donation of zines by people of color for their collection, which will be referenced in an upcoming book through Feminist Press.
– I spoke about POC Zine Project and DIY community strategy at mediabistro’s inaugural Social Curation Summit.
– I went to Chicago in March with other POC Zine Project members to participate on a panel at Chicago Zine Fest … but I had the flu and just managed the livestream details from a friend’s guest room, snotty and barfy and miserable, then caught a plane to Cali for work.

I don’t want to give everything away right now, but next year is going to be huge for POC Zine Project. If you want to get a sense of what we’re about, you can watch the archived video of our first MEET ME AT THE RACE RIOT panel held at Barnard in November of 2011:

Ready for more! Yeah? OK, let’s do this:
(more…)

Reflections: Looking back at some of my favorite media projects

Here’s a roundup of some of my past video projects that continue to inspire me.

1. “Paris Squat: 59 Rivoli Tour” is part of a series of videos from artist AM aka Alice Mizrachi‘s artist residency in Paris in the fall of 2010. I documented her residency for 30 days, which resulted in a multimedia narrative at grrrlweinparis.tumblr.com and coverage on street art websites.

This footage will be part of a transmedia project that is in development.

Produced by: Daniela Capistrano
Edited by: Daniela Capistrano for DCAP Media LLC
Videographer: Daniela Capistrano

2. “It Takes The Hood To Save The Hood!” is a mini documentary made possible by Phipps Community Development Corporation. Students from the Phipps West Farms Teen Program participated in the production. The people in this video are real and are sharing stories of the loved ones they lost to gun violence.

Produced by: Bashira Webb & Daniela Capistrano
Edited by: Daniela Capistrano for DCAP Media LLC
Videographer: Michael Alfieri, Night Train Films

Special Thanks to Gloria Cruz for fighting everyday to bring about change in our communities.

3. “‘Afro-Punk’ Is What You Make It” is a video that was part of my coverage of the Afro-Punk community for MTV News. I made friends within the community and with the founders to ensure that the video accurately reflected the documentary and festival’s history.

Produced & Written by: Daniela Capistrano for MTV News
Edited by: Daniela Capistrano and Sujit Agrawal
Videographer: Daniela Capistrano
Interviews & Research: Daniela Capistrano

On My Radar: Comic Love and ‘No Straight Lines: Four Decades of Queer Comics’ coming June 2012

I’ve been waiting for No Straight Lines: Four Decades of Queer Comics since I first heard about it last summer. I just found out today that it’s not being released this month as previously announced and is coming in June. I can’t wait!

Here’s a blurb from the publisher:

Until recently, queer cartooning existed in a parallel universe to the rest of comics, appearing only in gay newspapers and gay bookstores and not in comic book stores, mainstream bookstores or newspapers. The insular nature of the world of queer cartooning, however, created a fascinating artistic scene. LGBT comics have been an uncensored, internal conversation within the queer community, and thus provide a unique window into the hopes, fears, and fantasies of queer people for the last four decades.

No Straight Lines showcases major names such as Alison Bechdel (whose book Fun Home was named Time Magazine’s 2006 Book of the Year), Howard Cruse (whose groundbreaking Stuck Rubber Baby is now back in print), and Ralf Koenig (one of Europe’s most popular cartoonists), as well as high-profile, cross-over creators who have dabbled in LGBT cartooning, like legendary NYC artist David Wojnarowicz and media darling and advice columnist Dan Savage.

No Straight Lines also spotlights many talented creators who never made it out of the queer comics ghetto, but produced amazing work that deserves wider attention.

- some of my graphic novels

It’s no secret that I love graphic novels — especially those that are informed by historical events and introduce me to new ideas. But in the beginning my inspiration was the “funnies” section of the newspaper. My father got me into collecting comic paperbacks when I was around five years old.

I would spend many a weekend at thrift stores going through their discount bins and uncovering treasures I first discovered in The Sacramento Bee like Hurray for B.C., I Love You, Broom-Hilda and other classics. I learned what social commentary was through comics, from collections like Do They Ever Grow Up? and of course MAD Magazine (I collected the paperbacks).

Inspired by my love for the TV series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” in the 90’s I started reading and purchasing comics and graphic novels again. After the show ended I admit I forgot about collecting comics and didn’t pick it up again until I started working for MTV News in 2006. It was perfect timing. There, I had the opportunity to suggest a name for the new comics blog and it was selected: Splash Page. I contributed interviews and reviews when I had the time, such as a great Q&A with The Alcoholic‘s Jonathan Ames.

After I left MTV News in 2009, I took my interest in reviewing comics and graphic novels (as well as technology-driven innovation) over to MTV Tr3s, where I created the “Comics” category on Blogamole and interviewed High Soft Lisp author Gilbert Hernandez, of Love and Rockets fame. I encouraged Tr3s’ contributing bloggers to continue pitching comics coverage after I left.

I still purchase comics and graphic novels but haven’t reviewed them on The Lair or for any of my employers in quite some time. When you work in media, it isn’t always easy to align your passion with your work commitments. I don’t have time to get as deep into comics and graphic novels as I used to, but this year I promised myself that I will review any new comic purchases I make and I will definitely be blogging about No Straight Lines: Four Decades of Queer Comics when it’s finally on my shelf!

I’m thankful for the opportunities I had through MTV News’ Splash Page and at MTV Tr3s to celebrate comic culture and the people who continue to innovate in that space. I’m not an expert whatsoever — just a fan who was at the right places at the right times to contribute to the culture. If you’re looking for experts, follow my colleague Rick Marshall. He’s an excellent person to research and contact if you’re interested in learning more about a career that involves comics coverage and all sorts of geeky pop-culture opportunities.

For those of you looking to pick up and learn more about independently-published comics (and you’re within traveling distance of NYC), check out this year’s MoCCA Festival on April 28 and 29.

DISCLOSURE: My headline was inspired by this beautiful song.