Hey folks! No need to wait any longer, our new blog is here! I’m Fran, let’s get into it. Over on my side with the Intern Department, we’ve been up to some very fun things! Before I start, I have an exciting treat for you! Naomi Snieckus (Founder of Firecracker Department,) has some words she’d like to share with you at the end of this entry, so don’t skim over this.

As I was saying, you may know from that little sneak peek screenshot at the bottom of the last blog post, Firecracker Department is now officially on TikTok. Let me give you some insight on how that went. Saba and I Toked the Tik with Naomi, and it was great! Naomi is a fast learner, so it was a fun process. It started out with Saba and I going over the basics: downloading the app, logging in, giving a tour of what the ‘For You’ and Following tabs are- you know, that sort of thing. Oh my gosh, it was hysterical making that the first video! The amount of takes we did while Naomi was still trying to navigate the lip syncing was so funny. Naomi was on a roll, I could sense the TikTok addiction starting, so we made two videos that day. Ever since that day, Naomi has been updating the account pretty regularly.

I'm even trying my best to convince more core members to get on it. It hasn’t been difficult to get more members on board, the one thing people seem to worry about is how to use the app. I was hesitant too with TikTok, but that’s because I was a Vine kid in high school. Vine wasn’t too different, the videos were just way shorter (only 6 seconds,) so you had to be really funny to go viral. To me, nothing could replace it, but TikTok did quickly. The content is better (effect wise, plot/story wise) and it’s just a different vibe. There’s a lot more to do in the app with sounds and greenscreen effects and voice overs! It’s a very fun place if you follow the right people and know how to use it in the most basic sense.

Our TikTok Tutorial video is out now as well! Watch it to see the making of FD’s FIRST TikTok, while also learning how to use the app. I had the pleasure of editing it with the help of core member AJ Edmonds, her patience and guidance are very much appreciated. That video is a bit of a “How to” when it comes to TikTok, so if you’re thinking of joining the app, our video can help break it down for you; don’t forget to PRESS THAT BELL ICON TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS when you’re checking the video out on YouTube! Like and subscribe while you’re there too!

We sent out the Winter 2021 newsletter with the first blog post and I couldn’t be happier! It was an experience learning Mailchimp, but with the guidance of all those who helped me put it together it was a breeze! I thought it would be daunting, but it was pretty exciting. Now, pressing send was the anxious part. No matter how many times I went over it or had other eyes go over it, I was terrified to put it out there! I think that’s something we’ve all experienced at least a few dozen times in our life. Fellow writers, I know you feel this on a deeper level.

Speaking of writing! The Firecracker Writing Department is going to be hosting a brand new Short Story Challenge this May! If anyone reading this is interested, or would like to pass it on to others that would be interested please visit our website to learn more about it. Exciting times ahead, and just in time for spring and sunshine.

We’re adding a player to the FD Blog roster, so hold onto your hats because this is going to be great! Sedina Fiati (socials include: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram) is going to joining the Blog team as a Guest Blogger. Sedina Fiati (Super Zee, Tokens, Maternal) is a performer, producer, creator and activist for stage and screen (also auntie, friend, and partner). Born and raised in Toronto, she is proudly Black, queer and femme. They’ll be taking over the next blog to kick off our blog’s Social Justice Series where they’ll talk about relevant issues regarding race, practical application for Social Justice work in film and tv, how to create a process that’s people centred in the industry, and being able to identify what is and isn’t working with what’s in place now. I’m very excited to hear what Sedina has to share, so stay tuned and make sure to be subscribed to our newsletter to stay in the loop.

It’s been fun catching up! I’ll talk to you in May, but before that, here’s a quick note from Naomi Snieckus.

Fran 💥

A note from Naomi Snieckus:

Hi Firecrackers!

It’s Naomi! I’m an actor, comedian and the founder of the Firecracker Dept! I wanted to pop in and celebrate the launch of this new blog that Fran started. It really represents so much of what Firecracker Dept stands for. Fran came to the core team through an internship with Centennial College (Thank you Karen Shopsowitz). She immediately jumped in with both feet supporting, engaging and offering new suggestions that would make this community better. One of them being this Blog. As we develop the Sparking Social Justice Dept one of the ideas was to have the head of the dept, Sedina Fiati, be a guest Blogger. Fran, in her infinite wisdom, yes-and-ness and want to be inclusive jumped in and said YES!

I’m excited to watch as this Blog grows under Frans leadership. The guest she will welcome and the conversations that will be launched.

Firecracker Dept started as a podcast (go have a listen!) to provide another platform for women and non-binary voices and stories. I had grown tired and pretty “rage-y” about the lack of equality there was in the world. When Trump got elected it made me realize we had not advanced as far as I thought we had. When I found myself tweeting and posting this frustration, I thought to myself. “I can either become that person that rages in the social media - or I can take action and build Firecracker Dept into such a bright, powerful light - that it outshines all the other crap in the world” - so that’s where we are.

If you don’t know, we are now a strong community of fierce firecrackers with a core group of over 20 that lead the way with taking action in their own projects but also supporting others to jump in and take steps towards their dreams.

2021 is going to be a kick ass year - full of Firecracker events that you are welcome to join. Our Sunday brunches, our weekly writing Burst Workouts, our Script Reading our Mentorship Events, Artist Way Group and more!! There’s something for everyone to get inspired to kick start their own creative journey or carry on with what you are working on knowing you’ve got your “people”, the support of Firecracker siblings behind you!

Thank you FRAN for jumping in to lead the way with your Firecracker Blog - I can’t wait to watch you ignite this project with your talent and heart!

Tik Tok, Tik Tok, Tik Tok...