F E M A S C U L I N E
Feat. Loco Ninja
An Independent Documentary
B Y V E R O
Born and raised in Spanish Harlem, New York, Loco Ninja lived a tough life but did not let a single obstacle stop him. Growing up in the mean streets of Harlem with a single mother was difficult, but he managed to over look the hurdles and reach out to the arts, where he could find comfort and shape out his love for music and performance. In the years to come, determination and curiosity lead Loco to Music and Professional dance training, which eventually earn his place on “NewNowNext.” It fired-up Ninja to hustle harder, which opened doors for his brand to expand into television programs like MTV, PBS, “Latinos of NY & NJ,” and The Tyra Banks Show.
Loco is determined to make a change with his music, while maintaining a strong work ethic as being the FIRST rapper to stir the mainstream charts by being an “Out” artist and entertainer.
For more on his BIO, and more of Loco News, visit his site with the link below!
Videos
In production means I’M WORKING ON IT!
Stay tuned for the full independent documentary, but until then, check out the trailer and sneak peeks I’ll be posting here and on my instagram!
Production Schedule
Solo Direction and Production By Vero.
Schedule notes: All notes are written By Vero.
September 15
Initial Meeting
E. Harlem, New York City
Notes: A delicate walk to a center street park, on Park Ave. Birds felt the cool air coming, and provided a dramatic soundscape over the bustling avenue to each side of Loco and me. It didn’t take long for the tension to ease to where he and I’s conversation got down to the nitty gritty. We spoke briefly about his passions, his work, his determination to grow as a musician and influencer. I saw two sides of this human, a feminine and a masculine, and thats something I want to investigate and organically reveal.
We spoke for a couple hours, it was jolly and spirited at first but it soon became dark and emotional. I decided then that this was a person I would love to document. The experiences he has been through, and the triumph that has spearheaded him to his passionate ideas on optimistic honesty.
We covered logistic at the end of this meeting, and I decided that a two day production would be best. Audio and Video recording, digital photoshoot and 35mm film shoot on both days. The date was set a couple days later for the following weekend, September 20th, and 21st.
September 20
In the home of Vero
E. Harlem New York City
Loco arrives right on time, 11:00 am. This time was considered as theme to the start of a noon sun that pierces through the right bay window in my East Harlem, back of the building, apartment. My assistant, Leah, arrives shortly after, ready to work. Her and I set up and prepare as Loco settles his mind to the honesty he is soon to contribute.
We went on, babbling back and fourth like old friends, getting a groove together that would allow a tangent styled interview. No written questions or assumptions. He cried, and so did I. What vulnerability he must have felt. I am privileged.
We ended the video portion of the day just as soon as the noon light peeks in. The aesthetic was harsh contrasts, masculine energy and a touch of androgyny. I am more than pleased with the results of the video, digital, and film footage Leah and I collected.
September 21
In the home of Vero
E. Harlem, New York City
Day two, Loco came at 11:30 am and I was scrambling around, feeling out a new setting. We ended up posting a life size mirror up against the prewar wall moulding detail, which I am lucky to have if I may say so. The mirror and its immediate surrounding were quickly dawned with multiple textures, including dried pink roses, silk multi-pattern scarves, a variety of lighting (including professional color filtered lighting and tones from Edison bulb glow. The floor where Loco sat was draped with a plethora of furs and pillows for his comfort. To finish, a hot pink Versace robe dressed the mirror, giving a touch of pink, thus bestly representing our subject. With make up on tray, and water in a pink tinted wine glass, production day two would begin.
Loco seemed to feel more comfortable. Was it because this was day two? Maybe it was because he was in his more natural element, beautifying himself. He identifies as Latinx, he blends in between genders, and today we had him set up with his go-to products. This was including an eyeshadow pallet created by this fashionable artist himself! Color names like “Femasculine” and, “No Shade,” were some of the fun name that he had chosen, suggestive to his vibrate duality and inclusive nature.
Production day two ended with a larger than life digital photoshoot, capturing endless walls and ceilings in my old school home. Embracing the details of my home, Loco was right in his element and comfortable to bask in his feminine side. He dressed in that same Versace robe and posed like a goddess. I was more than happy with the vibrant results.
September 24
Post Production
New York City
A flyer was decided on, and a website is in the works by this point. Promotional videos with well researched soundtracks will be out next week, if all goes well. At the moment, I’m studying for editing. The kinds of research I’m looking into is not only about Loco’s lifestyle, but also for my personal development at it relates to filming and editing documentaries. A couple to list is a new masterclass I have started attending, “The Art of Story Telling,” introduced by Neil Gaiman, as I believe that through storytelling’s honesty, I would have a much deeper understanding of presenting conceptually thoughtful documentary stories. A person’s history is an intimate conversation and I’d like to honor that intimacy by creating a rich presentation. On the next end, I’ve been binging ‘home-styled’ video from Nelson Sullivan. His face was always plain, seemed almost motionless if not for his lips slightly bouncing off one another, producing words and thoughts and opinions. He was honest and open, it was ethereal to listen to the past, but I am so intrigued with the vintage flare. The shakey camera, the grain masking the flare and glam, shiver… I am excited to start the post production editing.
Loco is definitely decisive. He thinks I’m a genius but he isn’t afraid to send his feedback about my hard work, Ha! Change the photo, change the font, change the song… That’s ok with me, I get it. I’m a director for crying out loud! With my assistant, I often feel like I’m barking orders but I have too, and I stay pleasant about it. Like this time last month when Leah opened the back of my Canon film camera before winding the film. All those shots are lost - but we press on. She now knows to ask beforehand. Teheh… As for Loco and his critiques, yes challenge me!! It’s all going to come together and shine when its all said and done. It’ll be worth it to see our collaborations come to life. I am so thankful.
s, I have full faith that this will all turn out amazing.
September 30
Post Production
New York City
Well, my iMac decided to overheat, and now I’ve been doing my best to stay sane. Funds are low, patience is soon to follow. I know all I have to do is ask, but I am determined to do this alone until it comes to that point.
The goal is to get this computer up and awesome so I may finish this documentary, and my other endeavors. Until then, filming b roll footage and researching Loco’s following. Who are is influencers and who does he influence?
October 3
Post Production
New York City
iMac is clean and ready to go. The first trailer is out and on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and here: the mighty production site.
I have found a few youtube videos from 2012, including Loco’s appearance on the Tyra Banks Show. The search, however, continues. I’m looking for raw, for real, and for something that shows that he’s been doing this and inspiring people for a while now. I’ve come to see some resistance though, from the LGBTQ community. A little snap turtle here and there, but thats nothing surprising. In a world of keyboards and opinions, its easy to come across some petty banter, or unnecessary inputs. I would never want to invalidate someone’s experience just because its “not as bad” as another’s. Who are we to sit and grade the level of trauma one faces on relative severity? I aim to stay on track, stay open minded, and stay unfiltered by bias.
Note: Loco taught me something about “algorithms” today. Sure, thats a term I am well aware of, but it is more that I have learned that for an instagram influencer, who has deals, that algorithms are something that dictates not only likes and views, but also becomes a wary schedule that must be catered too. The extras of being a social media face, huh? Heheh.
October 15
Post Production
New York City
This is a crazy road. I already feel the “process,” start to weigh me down. Maybe there are some thing that I’ve been internalizing and haven’t yet released. I do feel empty, and I feel my relationship are becoming a bit tense. I just feel so emotional, and I can’t seem to find the right reaction. Either I’m miserable and crying, or temperamental. Alls I know is that it is safe to say that I am in a rut, creatively. I feel less passionate about what once had be getting my rocks off. For this is the reason why I haven’t updated my production notes in the last two weeks, and I haven’t been working on the editing as much as I should. Now, this isn’t for a lack of trying. I do! I sit calmly at my desktop, mouse in hand, and Premiere Pro CC loaded… The thing is, I just cannot seem to stay focus. I have the pills… they make me fall asleep.
By the weekend, I will HAVE TO start taking this seriously again. I would love to get more opportunities under my belt, and I’d hate to be overwhelmed by taking on too many projects. I have been offered another documentary direction, but also a scripted film, featuring music that inspired the piece. It sounds like a great experience, and I’d be more than ready if I can just get some minutes completed. Every second counts towards that goal. I will make it happen.
October 20
Post Production
New York City
Well my life is going downhill, but thats not important here. I am trucking along! I am doing it. I am making moves, but at the same time I have taken on another project, and with that comes another blog site and constant Photoshop, premiere, etc. Its nice to be busy again!
As for Loco, I’ve asked a few times if he could allow me to tag along for a day with his friends to show a softer side, a friendlier side of Loco. He must be so busy that he forgets to reach out! It’s not that big of a deal, but I really want this film to be perfect.
By the end of the week, I must push another promo video for Loco, then the week prior it’ll be a promo video for the other project. No matter what, I will stay diligent in this work. This is what I want to do.
October 27
Post Production
New York City
Missed that goal, my relationship is breaking apart and awkward, but hey… documentaries need to be pushed out!
I’ve asked another time for Loco to have be swing by for more footage capturing, but I’m never reached out too. Alright! I’m going to have to be creative. I cant ask again… haha.
I also took on another project, and thats just going to have to be it till the holidays. I’ve also stopped painting commissioning until I push out this documentary.
I have decided to change the name of the title this week, to add. A very chilling and eerie realization that I heard (stumbled upon) while listening through the footage from the interviews. “Through Hell and Back.”
October 29
Post Production
New York City
BOOM BOOM BOOM! I’ve been on a rollll recently! Pushed out another Loco teaser, all while working on many other tremendous projects and collaborations! I’ve only posted the not so tragic clips and teasers. I don’t know… I don’t feel right having a teaser be the exposer. I’m going to have to do this right, classically and with sensitivity. It’ll come together, I just know it, and it will be thoughtful.
I’m trucking through, and I really want to give this documentary a good number of post production hours and investments. I’ve been back to the research side of post, looking for any recent or older footage that I can use of Loco. I also want to make sure I move the story along. I’ve got about 7 good minutes completed, all happy-go-lucky and upbeat. I’m going to be driving down the mood very soon. Stay tuned.
Lastly… I haven’t made a new flyer yet, and I’m really waiting to see Loco again so I can take some more photos of him, but more in HIS element. Amongst friends and such… its just super difficult to find the time and get him and I on the same schedule. No worrie
“I feel like there’re somethings that people don’t know about me, and it’s time to speak about it. There’s a lot of Latinos, Latinas, and Latinx… who need to speak up.
So if it has to be me telling my story, then I’ll do it.”
Loco Ninja, (2020)
