I met John Singleton on my first trip to NYC. I went as the Northwestern representative for Nibblebox, a new internet entertainment company that was trying to harness the creative power of college students to create funny content. I saw the Nibblebox flyer by the Norris Center cafeteria elevator. I thought 'what an awful name' but then I noticed that the company promised lots of swag, free airplane tixs, and a trip to NYC for anyone who wanted to be a campus rep. YOINK! I snatched that flyer off the wall and ran back to my dorm. A free trip to NYC to talk about internet content for a company that sounds like a cross between a porno studio and a cat supply store? NIBBLEBOX!!
I went with Ron Holsey, who I deputized as a vital associate so he could get a free plane tix too. We were put up in a hotel by the United Nations and we used the scary nyc subway to get to the conference where we spent the next few days muttering 'that's so Nibblebox" under our breath every time someone said something that was on brand with either a sexual innuendo or pet supplies. Singleton was the keynote speaker. He was warm and friendly. He seemed to be as confused by Nibblebox as we were. WTF were we doing here, we said to each other with our smizing eyes. I asked Singleton about his upcoming movie SHAFT. His tight-lipped answer suggested that he was not too thrilled with the SHAFT shoot, but he offered me kindness and grace as we were apart of the few black men in a sea of caucasity. Nibblebox!
One of the female Nibblebox execs kept making creepy passes at Ron while wandered around after my meeting with Singleton. I wish I had cornered him and asked for a job, or asked him something more poignant, but this felt like neither the time or place for a discussion about racial dynamics in the entertainment industry. I blew my chance or gave away my shoot. I was in the room where it happened but I...you get the point. Nibblebox.
All these years later, I still remembered a graceful man handling a lot of pressure, being one of the only black directors in Hollywood making it, and trying to find the time to talk to students about stupid frat videos. Some times kindness doesn't come in great acts. Some times it comes in tiny, seemingly mundane moments, in awkward silences, or just a warm knowing look that said 'brother, how the fuck did we end up in here?' NIBBLEBOX!
Thank you Mr. Singleton. I may not have conquered NYC on my first visit, but I certainly partook of your insight, charm, and grace.
Rest in Power.
I went with Ron Holsey, who I deputized as a vital associate so he could get a free plane tix too. We were put up in a hotel by the United Nations and we used the scary nyc subway to get to the conference where we spent the next few days muttering 'that's so Nibblebox" under our breath every time someone said something that was on brand with either a sexual innuendo or pet supplies. Singleton was the keynote speaker. He was warm and friendly. He seemed to be as confused by Nibblebox as we were. WTF were we doing here, we said to each other with our smizing eyes. I asked Singleton about his upcoming movie SHAFT. His tight-lipped answer suggested that he was not too thrilled with the SHAFT shoot, but he offered me kindness and grace as we were apart of the few black men in a sea of caucasity. Nibblebox!
One of the female Nibblebox execs kept making creepy passes at Ron while wandered around after my meeting with Singleton. I wish I had cornered him and asked for a job, or asked him something more poignant, but this felt like neither the time or place for a discussion about racial dynamics in the entertainment industry. I blew my chance or gave away my shoot. I was in the room where it happened but I...you get the point. Nibblebox.
All these years later, I still remembered a graceful man handling a lot of pressure, being one of the only black directors in Hollywood making it, and trying to find the time to talk to students about stupid frat videos. Some times kindness doesn't come in great acts. Some times it comes in tiny, seemingly mundane moments, in awkward silences, or just a warm knowing look that said 'brother, how the fuck did we end up in here?' NIBBLEBOX!
Thank you Mr. Singleton. I may not have conquered NYC on my first visit, but I certainly partook of your insight, charm, and grace.
Rest in Power.
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