FAVORITE THING TO DO ON YOUR DAY OFF
Watch great films with good friends.

FAVORITE SMELL
The scent that hits you when you walk into a good diner. The aromas of coffee, bacon and maple syrup melding together. Mmmm.

BAND YOU LISTEN TO THE MOST
The Beatles, of course.

FAVORITE BOOK
Crime and Punishment
I could really relate to the protagonist, though I have never, ever committed any crime.

DREAM VACATION
A grand tour of all of Europe.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
The BAY AREA! To be more specific Walnut Creek, CA.

BATH OR SHOWER?
Shower. Who has time for baths?

FAVORITE KARAOKE SONG
I have many, but the one I’ve performed the most has to be “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys.

FAVORITE TOY AS A KID
Darth Vader with removable helmet. I never thought the galaxy’s biggest villain, would end up being a chubby, green-faced old man.

HOW MUCH DOES YOUR IMAGINATION WEIGH?
First, I’d have to imagine a machine that can weigh it.

WHERE TO ON YOUR NEXT VACAY?
Probably Las Vegas, or maybe San Diego. Comic Con 2012, here I come!

FAVE SOUND
The waves rolling in and out along the shore of my favorite beach on the island of Molokai.

MOST BEAUTIFUL THING YOU’VE EVER SEEN
Besides my girlfriend, the image of an old black and white film projected on a 50-foot screen. I can see why they called it the silver screen back in the day.

MOST PRIZED POSSESSION
Toby, the most awesome cat ever!

WHO IS YOUR HERO
My mom.

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU MOVE
Within the last two years, at least five times.

ONE THING YOU LOVE ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE
The weather it’s not too hot, not too cold and low humidity.

YOUR LIFE MANTRA
The golden rule: Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

My name is Alia Lundy and I am one of the new production interns for RI. I grew up in Vallejo, CA, and I currently live in Walnut Creek, CA. I am in my last semester at the Berkeley Digital Film Institute and I also have an educational background in fine arts. I am truly excited and grateful to get to work on such an amazing film with Sandra and Stephanie!

In keeping with our “Meet the Recovering Irma Filmmakers: 18 Questions” series, here are my answers to help you get to know a little bit more about me.

~Alia

FAVORITE THING TO DO ON YOUR DAY OFF
Watch movies with my boyfriend and going out for dinner
FAVORITE SMELL
Fresh fruit
BAND YOU LISTEN TO THE MOST
It changes, but lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Beirut
FAVORITE BOOK
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
DREAM VACATION
Cabo, the Bahamas, anywhere I can relax
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Vallejo, CA
BATH OR SHOWER?
When I have time, bath
FAVORITE KARAOKE SONG
Let It Be by The Beatles
FAVORITE TOY AS A KID
My stuffed bunny I called, “Bunny”
HOW MUCH DOES YOUR IMAGINATION WEIGH?
Enough for my brain to carry
WHERE TO ON YOUR NEXT VACAY?
Hawaii maybe
FAVE SOUND
Cat purrs
MOST BEAUTIFUL THING YOU’VE EVER SEEN
When I was in Sydney, there was this art show that they had along Bondi Beach. They had all these unique sculptures, some would tie in with the environment. We would walk along these cliffs to get to the beach, the water was so blue. I’ve never seen the ocean so blue in person, only in pictures. It was a lot a fun.
MOST PRIZED POSSESSION
The time I spend with the ones I love
WHO IS YOUR HERO
My grandpa
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU MOVED
Too many times
ONE THING YOU LOVE ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE
It’s where I grew up. It’s where all my friends and family live. It doesn’t get too hot or too cold. There’s always something to do.
YOUR LIFE MANTRA
“I make a film like I cook for friends. I hope they like it, but if they don’t, I’m prepared to enjoy it all by myself.” –Melvin Van Peebles

A Georgie Girl nap.

Since our last post in September, we have been applying for grants, shooting, researching, and continuing to work on this really important film. We’ve also been working on a new Recovering Irma trailer, and we hope to have it completed soon. At the end of the month, we’ll post a new video newsletter which will include a full update!

Stay tuned for more.

Happy 2012!
Sandra

After a mini-break last month, we’re diving in head first with several fundraising houseparties, lots of meetings, and we’re even shooting new footage!

We attended a great conference on ending Partner Violence, Sandra traveled to Santa Fe to workshop our project at the Latino Producers Academy and best of all, we’ve gotten incredible feedback from all of YOU about our monthly video newsletters.  Yay!
Thanks for watching them and sharing them with your friends & family.

If there’s anything specific you’d like to know about, see us address in our videos, etc., leave a comment below this post – or talk to us on Twitter or Facebook and let us know!

Check out our latest video below!

Remember to leave us a comment below and let us know what you think – or just say hi. We really like hearing from you!  Thanks for your ongoing support!

Happy Summer!
~Sandra & Steph

video credits:
shot + edited by Jeffrey Lee
music by Johnny Hi-Fi 

If there’s anything specific you’d like to know about, leave a comment below this post – or talk to us on Twitter or Facebook and let us know!

Check out our latest video post below!

Remember to leave us a comment below and let us know what you think – or just say hi. We really like hearing from you!

As we mentioned in the video – the Summer 2011 IndieGoGo campaign ends August 1st and we really NEED your help.
If you’re able to donate, please visit our IndieGoGo page (we’ve got excellent perks for all levels of contribution).

And of course, be sure to find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and visit our website for more information about the film and to stay connected!

Thanks for your ongoing support!

Happy Summer!
~Sandra & Steph

video credits:
shot + edited by Jeffrey Lee
music by Johnny Hi-Fi 

We thought instead of doing the e-newsletter this month we’d send you a little video update to tell you what we’ve been up to the last few months.  You asked for video – so we’re delivering. Yay!!

Check out the video below – let us know what you think – ’cause if you like it, we’ll make sure to do more of them!

Is there something in particular you want us to talk about?  Any questions you have for us that you’d like us to answer in our next video?  If so, leave us a comment below and let us know.
And of course, be sure to find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and on our website for more information about the film and to stay connected!

Thanks so much for your support!

With gratitude,
~Sandra & Steph

video credits:
shot + edited by Jeffrey Lee
music by Johnny Hi-Fi 

We’re so excited to get the ball rolling and make this film.  If you haven’t seen it already, here’s the newsletter we sent out.  Please forward it on to your family and friends or direct them to our blog, Facebook page, Twitter, website, etc.  It’s so important that the people know why we’re doing this film and how they can personally help ignite change in their own lives and communities.
Change is possible.  It starts with I.

Click HERE to view our newsletter and help spread the word!

Thanks for your support and stay tuned for more updates…

Instead, here is our version of an informal, get-to-know-us session, a funny little Q&A, laid-back, no-holds-barred (well, almost).
18 essentials about us.
Enjoy!

skating the open road...

Sandra Salas
writer, director, skateboarder dude

JHF's #1 fan!

Stephanie Watanabe
producer, foodie, polaroid queen

This program was supposed to provide $16.3 million to 94 domestic violence shelters and centers throughout California. The budget was already down 20% from last year.  Now, shelters are being forced to shut down because of lack of funds.

Please lend your support and your voice to this ’cause.  It is a vital resource for our state and for the many families who rely on shelters to shield them from potentially deadly violence in their homes.

You can lend your support to SAVE Domestic Violence Shelters by visiting: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SAVE-Domestic-Violence-Shelters/112497427182?ref=ts.

Here are some photos from the press conference:

Peace,

~steph & sandy