Visible Noise deals with grief

I'm so overjoyed and proud of our Visible Noise footage and talent. Although we're still in the beginning stages of editing with our editor, Hutch, our rock star DP, Greg Risley has gifted us more beautiful screen grabs to awe at in the meantime. Here's one of Olivia Applegate (AKA Story) confronting the thing that killed the love of her life for the first time.

This story is about grief and how she handles it within a 24 hour period. Our main character mourns the love of her life by taking on his bad habits.

While each of our experiences vary in story, there's a common bond we share, too. We all feel pain the same. This project is my attempt to isolate one women's process, with hopes that the final message will resonate with others.

At the end of the day, any close loss hurts like hell. Behind the complexities of our painful emotions there's a basic need to understand the why and how of things, so we explore that side of life in this short film.
J

Film-industry hyphenates: Questions to ask yourself before making your film

Hi, Film-industry hyphenates!

I've said it a thousand times. A good producer is one that asks you the right questions to move things forward. Same with a script consultant. They don't tell you WHAT to do, they ask the right thought provoking questions and allow you, the screenwriter, to improve your story. Luckily, with Lorie, I have both. Here are some questions that Lorie asked me before my pre-pro weekend with my DP, Greg Risley, working on Visible Noise. My hope is that these questions will inspire you the way they inspired me and guide you in our journey to making the important decisions that will shape and enhance the story you tell on camera.

I've edited the email below so that it will make sense when applying it to YOUR story. :)

1) Do you have a vision or through-line for a compositional, pacing, rhythm progression?

2) Is there a visual progression? What is it? Is it static, smoother shots for the earliest segment, progressing to jumpier, grainier shots by the end...? Or, static-to-moving shots...? ECUs to WSs, or WSs to ECUs...? High angles to low angles, or vice versa? Or, are there any tropes from other movies that you might want to work with?

3) What about blocking within the scenes/compositions? Do you want to/plan to play with focus and/or physical obstacles within scenes?

4) Subtextually, what do you want the difference, or dynamic, to be between the characters in the scenes? Will it start off being his or her POV? Or, will the POV always be the audience's, of the "fourth wall?"

Obviously these aren't all the questions you'll ask, but it's a good place to dive in if you're just starting the process of figuring out which visual direction you want to go... and that will be a matter of style, experience, and interpretation of script.

For me, it's important to be able to experiment with shots, angles, and colors with my DP prior to our shoot.

Here's a bit of what we came up with for Visible Noise:

"It looks like a lot of our movie will be handheld, but we will use tracks and other techniques for select shots, as well as different lenses to achieve our mood. Tone wise, we came up with Requiem for a Dream meets The Notebook.

We will also be moving in slow at times, and getting footage for jump cuts where it feels right. The contrast between the two worlds will shift back and forth between our flashbacks (aka romantic, soft, brown/green) that are shot at a slower rate and Story's "real world" that's razor sharp (when on her). Although her world is increasingly out of focus by the time we get to the last scene. We don't reach levelness and clarity again until she has the moment/dialog with Ryan. We decided that this contrast is our visible noise, along with the sounds that will be over-emphasized along the way. We also are choosing a subtle spiral movement that we'll implement into our shots, and occasional tilt shots (dutch angle) to convey a disorienting effect and Story's spiraling.

All of the noises appear louder and more annoying to Story as she spirals. Our idea was that in addition to her phone vibrating while she's lying on the couch in mourning, we'd also hear a LOUD knock at the door. We cut to a mail guy who's knocking normally with the same rhythm to show the difference in our reality's noise and HER reality."

This was also the first time I was able to video the entire film (24 hour film style, without lights/all the actors) prior to shooting to obtain similar shots we wish to get on set. The video also serves as a storyboard, as it's easy to extract still images (thank you, Greg). This prep work is all a matter of personal preference, but having never used a storyboard before, I'm excited to try it. One thing is for sure - it'll never hurt to be over prepared. But the last thing you want your crew to do is WAIT ON YOU if you're not. And my stick figures were a disgrace to stick figures. That's all we'll say about that.

With doing all of this work in pre-production comes a sense of confidence and that's priceless. I highly recommend it, if you have the option. Happy filmmaking!

xo J

Welcoming our lead actress, Olivia Applegate

We're so excited to have cast the wonderfully talented actress from Austin, Texas, Olivia Applegate, in our new short film, Visible Noise. BIG THANKS to Gordy Hoffman (from BlueCat Screenplay) who connected us!!

She may look a little familiar... if so, it's because she can also SING beautifully, and made it to the far rounds of America's Got Talent. She was recently "Emma" in Terrence Malick's untitled feature, too. All I can say is watch out for this one, World - I've seen audition tapes - and beauty aside, this gal can ACT.

She'll be moving to LA in January, so I caught her just in the nick of time... lucky me.

SO READY TO ROCK THIS WITH YOU, OLIVIA!

Lost In Sunshine: Then and Now

Below is an article I wrote in 2011 about Lost In Sunshine that was featured on the independent channel, Film Courage. Since it's been a couple of years, I thought I'd take the liberty of adding on to our story and updating you of our status. Reading it reminds me of why I continue this journey, and why you should, (continue yours) too.

A lot of people wonder if Lost In Sunshine was written after my life. The short answer is “no,” but it certainly was a response to it.

The idea.

My life’s been a series of ups and downs, most of which I feel have contributed to the richness of what I am able to bring to the writing table. My losses have taught me there will be light at the end of the tunnel, and to laugh when I feel like crying. I no longer feel the angst I once felt from holding on to my past. I had an epiphany that if I knew how to rewrite my story, then I could somehow do the same for Lyn in Sunshine, in a different way. I felt deeply inspired to tell the story of a woman’s journey – however imperfect, crazy, or deluded she might be. After all, I think there’s a little bit of delusion in all of us.

Two years and 15 drafts later, I contacted script consultant and (my now)
producer, Lorie Marsh, to help me wrestle the story to its essence. With her
help, the full story budded its way to fruition in 6 more drafts. I then felt ready to carry it with me on a trip to LA. I was able to get the script in front of a popular TV actress in Hollywood, who vibed with the story, and was excited at the idea of playing “Lyn.” From that point on, I came back to Austin with a new resolve – I would make this film, no matter what. Lorie, who had been consulting on the project for months, offered to come on board as its producer. We slept on the notion. And the next morning - production-magic began.

Production.

We were planning for “action” by the end of 2009, but it hasn't turned out that way.

We were fortunate to have our first investor early on, who believed in the quality of our business plan, connected to the story, and the message we were trying to tell. And, though we had a fabulous crew committed and interest from actors, too, we needed more money.

We were disappointed and frustrated when things didn’t line up, but it wasn't in the stars, yet. We've never lost hope. We look at our project as a whole, and for every “no” we just say, “no, not that way.” Forward march.
So, what did we focus on? We spent the next year implementing a website, Lostinsunshine.com, to engage our audience.

Experimenting: Social Media and Transmedia.

From the time we decided to make LIS, engaging our audience early was always a priority. By creating a blog by our chronically malcontented heroine, Lyn, from the beginning, we hoped to let our audience have a sneak peak at the girl behind small-town Sunshine, Texas.

Soon afterward, I also began writing bits and pieces of a self-help manuscript-in-progress from our hero, Bob, a desperate optimist.

The idea was to create a world around our movie-to-be that would expand upon the narrative as a whole - a transmedia approach. In addition to a Lost in Sunshine Facebook page and several Twitter streams, we wanted to experiment with online fiction and other forms of digital storytelling (videos, short stories, interactive games). Indie movie distribution and consumption paradigms are shifting, thanks to surges in digital media capacities and mobile platforms; we want to have content available wherever our audience wants to consume it.

A year after we launched Lostinsunshine.com, we debuted a redesigned site on February 1, 2011. We learned that we needed to refine our interface and site layout to make it more obvious to visitors that there is a fictional, story-world section and a real-world, behind-the-scenes section. We recognize that our audience doesn't know the term, "transmedia," nor do they really care. But, a little interactive quiz on the Home page? (Maybe) That's fun, and memorable.

We're further embracing transmedia in our crowdfunding campaign on
IndieGoGo Feb. 1 - March 4th by offering donors opportunities to add content to the online story-world as our Perks

It's all a big gamble, the focus and efforts we've put into setting ourselves apart with our website "channel" approach for Lost in Sunshine. But, it's been something we DO have control over. And, it shows prospective investors or co-production companies what we can do.

Moving Forward: 2013

This is where the article stopped a couple of years ago. With modest Indiegogo success in 2011, and a lack of audience participation, we have since learned to rewire our sound. We've had many ideas about how to expand our story, and inject it into the hearts of those who might want to experience it, but there are many factors that come into making a vision a reality. For us, our restraints have mostly been monetary. Neither of us were born rich, or with a rich uncle, but we're definitely rich in spirit. We mustn't let go, if our vision's ever going to blossom.

In 2012, the talented and funny actress, Nadine Velazquez re-entered our circle and became verbally attached to LIS (again). My heart is really happy about that.

Our most current project, Fucked Up People, is a web series set to be filmed in 2014 on a much more affordable budget. It's inspired by the main characters of LIS, Lyn and Bob. Both are beset by troubles of their own making. Lyn is profane, unfiltered, and unhappily married and employed. Bob is warm, chatty, and a married father and gambling addict. The series will present “fucked up people” that Lyn and Bob must deal with in their respective lives, while uncovering how each of them are messed up, themselves.

We're in the final stages of solidifying the first season's script, and then we'll hit "GO" with our production efforts. In addition, we're working on turning LIS into an e-novel and making it available online. The idea is to give people a choice as to how they'd like to view our story world.

With this web series and e-novel, we hope to build, (re)connect and engage with our audience, and give them (more of) a reason to support our feature film.

Sometimes the efforts seem daunting, but if you've ever thought of giving up don't worry, you're just human. What makes you super human is your ability to hang on, even when it feels hopeless.

Hopefully yours,

Jentri


___________

Location Scouting for Fucked Up People

Well, we're several drafts into the first 12 episodes of Fucked Up People (series based on Lost In Sunshine's characters) for our main character, Lyn, and soon to be working on Bob. Now it's multi-tasking time! Yesterday, we did a little location scouting in Boulder. It's the first of many motels I'll be scouting for our main location in the series. That is, if we shoot in Colorado! There's still a chance we'll be shooting in TX or CA, based on cast, crew and logistics. But first - I must nail down script material, as my wonderful producer, Lorie Marsh, likes to remind me. :)

Why "Lost In Sunshine?"

Hi guys!! Well, the impossible has happened again! Lorie just submitted our proposal for a new media grant today, while moving into her new home in MN. Applause is definitely in order. *Pugs and I are clapping now, Lorie*

If you've been hanging around with us at all since 2008, you've probably heard us mention our feature-to-be, Lost In Sunshine, a couple times. ;) Although partially funded, we still lack the big $$$$ we need to turn our screenplay into a movie. But that's OK (for now), it's always been more than a movie - a show.

After lots of careful consideration, we decided that in order to engage our audience (character blogs, FB, newsletters and tweets were not sticky enough) and make our feature, we need to first create audio-visual content for people to click onto and share. That's where our new web series, Fucked Up People, comes in. 

The web series focuses on the two main characters of LIS, Bob and Lyn, and their troubled worlds - before their lives collide in Sunshine.

The grant we're applying for has to be in two (media) parts, so we've decided to take the approach of both streaming media per our web series, and turning our feature into a novel (for all those who love to read!). Basically, you get to know the characters and their dysfunctional worlds before you meet them in our feature or novel. 

Lorie writes, "The episodes will introduce the characters of Lyn and Bob who are two sides of a coin. Lyn views the glass as half empty; Bob, as half full. Both are beset by troubles of their own making. Lyn is profane, unfiltered, and unhappily married and employed. Bob is warm, chatty, and a married father and gambling addict. The series will present “fucked up people” that Lyn and Bob deal with in their respective lives, while also laying out the longer thread of how each of them are messed up, themselves."

Why “Lost in Sunshine?”

In the multiplatform IP world, I’ve seen great projects that tell stories about conspiracies, superheroes, viruses, mysteries and scavenger hunts, robots, social issues and calls-to-action, twenty-something singles, and GLBT teen romance. As Creative Producer of “Lost in Sunshine” (LIS), I want to present something I haven’t seen, yet: a fictional comedy-drama storyworld showing true-to-life foibles of grownups blind to their own complicity in their problems. In other words, “regular fucked up people.”

Our tagline for LIS is, “Is this where you thought you’d be?” Have your choices brought you happiness or pain? Do you feel a victim of your life, or the driver? How many times have you made the same bad choice(s) over and over again, before you realized you weren’t magically going to experience a changed outcome? Did you make a new choice then?

Description of IP

The genesis of the LIS storyworld is a feature screenplay, written by Jentri Chancey. It presents a story about a woman convinced that her mother’s death was a suicide, and that she’s fated for the same path. It shows characters running away from themselves in self-destructive ways: adultery, addiction, theft, overwork, closeted homosexuality, and denial.

In 2009, Lorie Marsh came on board the project and proposed it be executed as a transmedia property – ‘it’s not just a movie, it’s a show.’ Lorie and Jentri’s highest hope is that their fans might come away from the LIS storyworld inspired to look within and see the power they have to make choices in their lives.

-from grant submission, written by Lorie Marsh:

Fucked Up People, a new web series by Jentri Chancey and Lorie Marsh

Our new web series, (2014) Fucked Up People, focuses on a less than sophisticated world of stagnated characters in a small-town that are all searching for meaning, entertainment, or fulfillment in their lives, despite their ignorance and insanity.

As the writer, I get the pleasure of imagining the craziest and most miserable real-life scenarios possible and sticking these depleting souls in them. But the better challenge is trying to pull them out of their darkness.

My personal goal has always been to hang onto hope, even when it feels hopeless, because life's not always fair or pretty, and ya gotta get by anyway. I believe that we (and these characters) can always take the unfairness of the sour lemon and squeeze out a semi- sweet tonic that will do a body good. But it takes awareness (and sometimes a little honey). Something these characters have not found, yet.

These characters are not about trying to be perfect, and I'm not about trying to put a cherry on top of a flat lime soda. But to me, there's a romantic quality in writing about people that have a certain hopelessness about them...

Despite the (possibly offensive) title, FUP is really just about people, like you and me, at one time or another. 

More details TBA soon!

xo Jentri

Expectations and making Born Good

Our dramatic comedy, Lost in Sunshine , is momentarily taking a little back seat while I work on building my directing reel with micro-budget feature, Born Good, along side partnering producers, Sabrina McClendon and Lorie Marsh, with associate producer, Jeff Jones. Wow! This sounds like a full on production, y'all!

As Lorie put it, "it's a small, character [driven] piece with a 50-page script and outline combo to stoke improvisation among actors." Thank you, Lorie.

After shooting Volando Muerte, with Aether Paranormal in 2011, and excitedly planning for our next paranormal adventure to take place in 2012-2013, I've been eager to sink my teeth into more narratively structured material, too.

In walks Born Good with one eye half closed like Jack Elam...

During a script consulting session, Lorie asked me where the inspiration (for BG) came from. The theme was clearly, "expectations." Embarrassingly, I hesitated... I didn't have a specific answer, like I did with LIS. After thinking more... I realized it might have been slightly inpsired by watching one of my (unadvertised guilty pleasure) shows, Teen Mom.

There's just something intriguing about the different circumstances in which we're born into. We don't ask for it, and for better or worse, we don't have a choice. What are the expectations placed on us as we come into the world, and how do they effect our own expecations as we grow older? Do we have the ability to change this reality at anytime?

I'd like to think so.

It's funny how inspiration reaches out and grabs us at the most unassuming times. Hell, just go with it... from that (Teen Mom) thought to pre-production... that's how life happens. Unexpected. When the universe's emptiness winks at us, and gives us a blank canvas, just say thank you. :)

Happy Creating! Heehaw (that was Boom Boom, the donkey)! J

My first feature to direct solo, Born Good

So I thought my first feature to direct would be Lost In Sunshine. I was wrong.

Since my first endeavor to produce LIS with Lorie Marsh in 2008, a lot has changed. All but our willingness and dedication to see LIS through to fruition.

Since then, we've both gone on to work on and produce other successful film projects, which we feel will be a greater asset to LIS, when it's ready to hatch.

Last year, I co-produced Volando Muerte, a horror docudrama with Aether Paranormal, which will be for sale at this year's Transworld in March! *Can I get a hand in the air!* Shad will be accompanying Matt Valentine in support of Matt's team, and Global Fear Enterprises. Look for 'em if you're there! Can someone say, I mean, scream #FaceOff!?

As cool as this is for us indie folks, I crave the excitement of directing a feature film solo. Perhaps it's because one of my new year's resolutions (which I don't believe in) is to fear less, and adventure more! Whatever the case, I feel I need to prove to myself and to other (future) investors that I can make this happen. And with balls on! Nothing funny.

So here we go, and off to a crazy start as expected with any indie film! So far, we have changed the shoot date (at least 3 times!), only gotten thru the first draft of my script, and lost our lead male actor (due to family matters).

I have one producer, Sabrina, in NY, one associate (satelite) producer in ATX with me, Jeff, and I'm looking for another right hand (wo)man to help me move things along. I thought we'd have 5-8 people on set, but it'll probably be more like 10 (who's counting) and we'll probably have to pull some bank out of our arses. But hey, Jentri, what'd you expect? Luxurious smelling pink roses sprinkled on you while drinking hot chocolate in a bubble bath?

Maybe. Don't judge.

Hey, at least love don't cost a thang. Thanks for nothing, JLo! You never worked on an indie project in your life.

And I never shoulda written scenes with 70-year-olds who have to act dead in a coffin. Ouch.

Ya win some, ya lose some.

The crazy thing about all the crazy, is that it doesn't matter that much. It's part of the excitement... fun.. adventure.. zest!

I've secured '36 Colors' to be our go-to place for vintage clothing, a kick ass makeup artist (actually 2), a dance instructor and studio, a church (for our funeral home), extra house to shoot at, food donations, an additional assoc producer, a caterer, sound person, ridiculously great music (can someone say #DougBurr), and script consultant, all in about a week. Oh, and I met with a possible lead male actor. Things can move really fast when you're focused on your intention(s).

Just give me some money for post and I'll be golden!!! Or give me another week. ;)

Lots of Love from above, J

Me and my lead princess, Katie!

Born Good: Road to Liberation Update!

Helloooo, my GOOD friends!

Is it just me, or is everyone busier/crazier these days than normal? I was blaming it on Mercury in Retrograde for a while, but now I have no excuse!

My (paying) job and family business has left me far less time than I'd prefer to work on my film babies, but that's life - right, my sweet Banana Whoopies? We gotta pay them bills if we want to play with expensive equipment & everyone's valuable time! ;)

So here's what I've been doing, and the (Born Good) film progress I've made in the last few weeks, in addition to being crazy for no damn good reason!

1st mission: Location Scouting

Last week, I traveled to Burton/Brenham and viewed the funeral home and rest home I hope we can cheat for a hospital. My mom knows the folks around there, so she's trying to help out in that dept. (Love you, mom!) I've also been keeping my eye out for other possible locations to shoot in Kyle, TX as our "small town."

2nd: Script Consulting

Met with a good friend, filmmaker, and UT professor, Kat Candler, (jumping off bridges) last week and had my first script consultation - woo hoo! Bad part is there's lots of work to be done to ensure us a tight ass story. Good news is - I have a clue what to do, and it'll be FUN! :)

3rd: Script Homework

Part of my homework is to watch Steven's favorite comedians (our main character in BG)... it's a hard life, right?

4th: Editing

My good friend, Aether team member, & talented editor of our Aether movies, Beaux, will most likely edit this film. We're still ironing out details, but ck him out! ;) http://www.ionimagestudio.com and http://www.getparanormal.com

5th: Producing

There's a group of awesome NYFA producer (students) who are working on another one of my scripts this year, All The Good Ones. Sabrina McClendon is the ring leader, who's also coming on board to help produce Born Good remotely from NY. And can I just say - she's a kick ass producer already! Talk about forward thinking!

6th: Advising

In addition, Lorie Marsh (my LIS producer) has kindly agreed to be an advisor on this project, so if I need to run anything by her expertise - she's there! :))

7th: Lupus Organization of America

A huge part of this story was written to raise awareness of Lupus. One of my best friends, Karen, was diagnosed with this after a long, grueling battle of being 'mis diagnosed' several years back. Her symptoms have been so severe at times that she's lost all of her hair, and experienced debilitating pains. The trouble with Lupus is it's hard to determine/diagnose, because it's so different for every person who experiences it. So, I've contacted the Lupus Organization, and will be doing whatever I can to make this a benefit package!!!

8th: FOOD donations (and arguably most important!) ;)

I'm so grateful for all the emails I received back from a note I sent out about food donations for our project!! We'll be a fat and happy set! Yay!

We're on our way... Love, J

Stop dreaming it, and just do it!

This year, my plate is full and that's good, 'cause I'm Hungry! How about you?

With an Aether Paranormal (mixed genre piece) in post, a spiritual documentary in the mix, a new script underway (2, actually - new indie drama/apocalyptic sci-fi) and Lorie and I reinventing the wheel a bit with Lost In Sunshine, things are moving right on down the track with love and we ain't lookin' back, my brothas & sistas!

You've heard me blog and sing about "expanding yourself" this year. And for good reason - who else is going to do it, Sunshine? :)

Right now, I'm working with Paranormal Productions in post on a feature. While doing our last set of edits, and having it scored by the beautifully talented Larissa Ness of Austin, we are examining the ending in particular - making sure that it doesn't leave the audience unsatisfied at all. It's surprising - fun - inventive... but could there be more? Don't let ego get in the way of you producing your best work!!

With expansion in mind, I've been writing like crazy (thank you, Mercury in Retrograde!). I'm writing one indie drama I'm planning to shoot sometime this year (around LIS) and the other is an apocalyptic sci-fi that I'm super excited to start 'officially' writing. Just started an outline, but the idea is to keeping writing, improving, and creating things that I'm excited about! Have you tried it? It works well as an anti-depressant, too!

Don't get stagnant. Don't wait on that one special project to thrust you out into the atmosphere! This business isn't particularly patient, either. Like Christmas, it doesn't wait for those who are late.

I'm in the middle of revising Lyn's character to strengthen her intentions/responses as a whole for Lost In Sunshine. One thing I've recently learned is that if you have the time to improve upon your script in any way - you should DO IT. After I made several initial revisions to improve LIS, Lorie and I felt confident that it was at a solid place to "move forward." With unexpected time to do more with our project, I'm finding even more opportunities to improve upon. And I dig some scenes SO MUCH BETTER now. Remember, without a stand-out story or material, you have... well, nothing much I can think of!

Instead of just dreaming it - write it! Instead of being scared of failure, put on your kickass boots (or flip-flops, if you're in TX) and just do it!

Besides, failure means we had to have tried, right? That's worth something, Tiger! In some cases, it's worth everything.
xo J

ps. here's the link to my new docuemntary's blog, What I Know For Sure, if ya wanna follow its progress! ;)

Expand You.

To make a successful movie, do you have to first be a successful artist?

Is success really in the eyes of the beholder(s)? Subjective? Or is it across the board?

Have you been feeling frustrated, like we have with LIS, trying to reach your audience and make them care about what you've got going on? You're not alone, cutzies!

In order for us to make successful films, we need to continue marketing, not only the project, but OURSELVES by continuously creating our best art. What have you been working on lately that's going to advance your agenda? What have you been working on lately that's going to get you noticed eventually, therefore, propelling others to want to learn about what you've got going on? What can people watch NOW that will make them want MORE?

I know this has been a big realization for Lorie and I this year with Lost In Sunshine. But the first step to becoming better is acknowledging what's worked, (check) and what's not worked, (check, check) so you can stop the insanity, Sweets. Stepping out into the great unknown with our passion project has taught, and continues to teach, us valuable lessons. And that's what I'm hear to share with you today.

No one cares about characters they have no relationship with. In example: If we care about Heros, perhaps we'll go online and make ourselves one via some game, to see who wins. But that's Heros, not your low-budget movie, or Lost In Sunshine... a little indie ditty that hasn't been sung yet! We mistakenly thought they'd (you would) care about the characters if they (you) only "got to know them." But hot cakes, we're living proof that this is not always the case. Before you throw your pancakes on the griddle, you've got to have the right recipe. And that recipe's you. The characters come later, with the maple syrup. Ya feel me? ;)

This year, I've decided to expand my writing-directing portfolio with a spiritual/inspirational documentary that's in-the-making, What I Know For Sure, an additional (untitled) narrative, which I hope to shoot before LIS, and a mixed genera flick with Aether Paranormal (Paranormal Productions) currently in post. In addition, I'm writing more than last year. Lorie and I are talking about expanding our story with a LIS novel (aka online fiction) that will serve as a novelistic prequel vs. the current character blogs we have from Sunshine's characters, Lyn and Bob, right now on the website.

What are you currently working on that expands you?

If it's gonna take a while to make the film, make sure you have fun doing it!

Lorie's in town this week to attend SXSW interactive and network for Lost In Sunshine. We're looking forward to meeting up with some of our fab LIS crew, too! I'd say we're having a little fun, wouldn't you?

Last Chance to participate in Lost In Sunshine's online world & help create a short film!

Hello Sunshines!

While raising the BIG $ it'll take to shoot the movie, Lost In Sunshine, we decided to feature blogs from our main characters, Lyn and Bob, on a website first - Lostinsunshine.com. Our hope is to attract early fans to our expanded online story world.

We're happy and blessed that we've touched those we have, so far! It's been fun to interact with all of you, and to exchange and share information and ideas! And most of all, to be lifted and inspired by your energy - daily!

We've steadily added behind-the-scenes and character content over the last two years, so this (IndieGoGo) campaign is a continuation of the process to keep 'the whole' rising! It's to raise the awareness of Lostinsunshine.com and to raise funds so that we can keep adding new story content to it.

We now have ONE MORE DAY LEFT for you to participate & be a part of something inventive, special, & exciting, like never before!!

What you need to know:
We've changed the campaign a bit! In lieue of 3 of the online games we'd planned, we want to instead shoot a short film, based on the movie.

Please check out this LINK for the simplified campaign!

You can donate any amount or simply share our link, and we'll be GRATEFUL!

Our goal is to now raise at least $1,000 by Friday (but we couldn't change it from the original amt).

Thanks for continuing to be with us though this wonderful, windy, exciting, insanely fun process!

With Crazy Love, Jentri

Indie Artists: The Skinny on Teamwork & Being Good at Doing YOU.

OK, Honey Buns... here's the sweet skinny on those who aren't good at everything... so, if you're the best at EVERYTHING with a cherry on top, this post probably isn't for you. ;)

Our indie lives often require us to wear so many weaved hats that we can't remember which one we should put on to advance our careers.

Over the past few years, I've been blessed to learn a lot about the production business, specifically through my insanely talented partner, Lorie Marsh, working on Lost In Sunshine.

Being a co-producer on a series of (Aether) paranormal documentaries, I've learned a lot about what can be done on the fly, and in the editing room.

And, because I want to inevitably shoot a BEAUTIFUL film, capture details, and solicit talent, I pay attention to what makes pictures beautiful - is it the lens? Lighting? Acting? Textures? Colors? Rareness? Rawness? Landscape? Skyline? Depth of field? The focus pull? All of the above?

But bottom line is, I'm a writer first. I think it's easy for us indie artists to feel lost when we're being pulled so many ways to make things happen. Seems we're now expected to do EVERYTHING to cut cost. Fair enough. Perhaps we even enjoy the entire process (I know I do!).

But remember this: There's wonderful people out there that aspire to be EDITORS, CINEMATOGRAPHERS, CAMERA OPERATORS, ACTORS, SOUND EXPERTS, ETC. You are not alone. You do not have to do everything (well) yourself. If you know you're weak in an area, find someone that has a firecracker of a heart, and snatch them up! They need experience, too, and will love the opportunity to advance their agendas as well!! After all, isn't filmmaking about TEAMWORK? :) I don't know a lot of one-(wo)man shows. And those guys always think they're better at everything than they really are anyhow. ;)

Be original. Be sincere. Don't spend time worrying about what you're not good at. Anyone can practice to enhance skills. BUT, Talent comes naturally, and can't be purchased. Just focus on what YOU do best, you Courageous Beast, and keep getting better.

Bottom line, being well-rounded is necessary, and appreciated by your peers. But we should be the very best version of ourselves at all times, without apologizing for it. Be GOOD at doing YOU, Sunshine!!!

With love & an open heart,
Jentri

Official Press Release for Independent film, Lost In Sunshine, via filmmakers, Jentri Chancey & Lorie Marsh with executive producer, Cynthia Litman

As you all know, we've been working our butts off the last two years to make Lost In Sunshine happen. With all that we're doing, and all that we've done, I feel a sense of peace, wave of excitement, and openness to how and when the universe wants us to fully manifest it.

This past year, it seems that our direction has been towards building an online community. It's been a labor of LOVE, and real eye-opener for me personally, as I never imagined all that could be accomplished so joyfully when you've got the right people on your side (thank you, Lorie, hubby, & loyal teammates!)

So, with gratitude and love, we enter the next phase of our film's journey.

Here's a PRESS RELEASE I'd like to share with you, my devoted friends and supporters.

Cheers to 2011! I think it's going to be a GOOD one for all of us... so let's first suspend any disbelief we have that it will not be everything we want, and imagine that whatever we want, feel, desire, and dream - we can accomplish. Even if it takes years to get there, we will always have a head start if we can just begin. Embrace the vulnerability, open your heart, and live NOW.

With love and hope! Jentri

READ PRESS RELEASE HERE
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/01/prweb4961974.htm

Never. Give. Up.

Lost In Sunshine

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."
~ Unknown

Make a donation to Lost In Sunshine - get a tax write-off!

In other exciting Lost In Sunshine fundraising news, we're happy to share that we're being fiscally sponsored by the non-profit film/media advocacy organization, IFP Minnesota! This means that anyone who'd like to make a donation can count it as a tax deduction!

IF YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION before year-end 2010 to support our efforts to build and maintain a groundbreaking, independent, spirit-centered entertainment website and community, please email lorie@lostinsunshine.com.

As always, thanks for your continued support with our movie project. We appreciate you sticking around to watch our film's progress.

Love,
Jentri & Lorie

Quality Matters

Yesterday, Lorie and I had a production meeting about Lost In Sunshine, which always leaks over into a life-talk as well. I suppose that's because LIS has consumed so much of our lives. In fact, I always remind us, as if I have to, that we've invested chunks of our souls into this project. We mustn't ever give up on our goal to bring this beauty to fruition.

But it's hard. It's not a fluffy, light-hearted matter. Our everyday consists of working our asses off on something that hasn't produced a dime for our particular pockets. It's hard to explain to someone else why we do what we do. A partner or friend in this situation might say, "Why have you spent so much time on something that hasn't produced money?" And that's completely fair to ask!

My answer today, if not only to keep our sanity in check, is that - Quality Matters.

Last night, I was watching Jerry Seinfeld on Larry King Live. Because of the hardships this project (or some might say the economy!) has placed on our pocketbooks, and sometimes family-life, I really needed some kind of sign to tell me (or us) it would all be OK...

and then there it was... like a sign from God or the Universe, but in the shape of Jerry Seinfeld's head!

They were talking about how the first four years of Seinfeld had LOW ratings. Can you believe it? But somehow, it not only sustained, but persevered through the unsteady waters and became one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. Now, to be clear, I'm not comparing LIS to Seinfeld!!! But I am comparing our 'situation.'

Jerry's response to the low ratings? QUALITY. He said, and I'm paraphrasing, "quality always lasts..."

It hit me like a ton of bricks. That's why I don't give up. I believe in LIS as much as I believe in anything else that matters. I believe in the quality of the story, the richness of the characters, the extremely talented (verbally attached) cast, the kick ass crew, my producer, executive producer, our web team, our show, my vision, and our potential to execute QUALITY. And that's why I can't give up. That's why I'll never give up.

I also feel this way about a couple of other on-going projects (i.e. Aether Paranormal). Why do we make these full-length crazy productions, when no one else is doing it independently (to this degree), or distributing our documentaries to a network (YET)? Because we believe in the quality of our team and the work we do.

Thank you, Jerry! Somehow I feel this strange connection to you now. ;)

We all go through phases of doubt. Wondering if all the sweat we put into our heart-projects counts. And I'm here today to tell you - YES! Yes, it does.

Keep rocking out your work. As long as it's quality, it will find its way and an audience - eventually.

If you don't believe me, watch CNN's Larry King Live with Seinfeld.

And if you haven't had a chance to watch our new episode of Sunny Side Up (part of our LIS show, each episode asks questions related to our film's theme!) featuring our producer, Lorie Marsh, you can catch it below.

With love & hope,
Jentri

ps. a lot of hope and faith helps, too!!

Welcoming LIS' Executive Producer, Cynthia Litman!

My heart is over-joyed to welcome the lovely, Cynthia Litman, to our Lost In Sunshine team as an executive producer!

Cynthia Litman is a Co-founder of the Spiritual Cinema Circle, blogger at www.MommasPearls.com and an entertainment lawyer with a niche in spiritual entertainment and social enterprises. You can hear a great interview with her here. :)

Lorie and I both felt a strong connection to Cynthia, after hearing her kind, insightful, enthusiastic response to our script and passion regarding spiritual cinema.

Real quick (for my filmmakers): I think it's important for me to emphasize how key it is for expectations to be communicated honestly and frankly during any negotiations. If you don't know what it means for someone to come on board and take on the responsibility for a certain role - then ask. That way, both parties understand what's expected and can deliver results without disappointment. Most of us understand that there are no guarantees in this biz full of risks and fickle audiences, but it's important to understand each other's intentions, and motivations. That way, we can support each other through any obstacles, adversities, hardships, or less than desirable circumstances (you get my drift - we need each other!). Then, we can jump up and down with each other and scream our heads off like maniacs when something great has happened that we've worked our butts off for, and collectively accomplished! :)

Being an executive producer can mean different things to different people/productions, so here's what Cynthia will be doing for/with us as an executive producer. I'd like to say that one more time - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER. Who am I? :)

Cynthia will look at our landscape, and be involved as much as possible (i.e. creativity-wise, reaching out to prospective investors, distribution, (secondary) legal council when necessary, and website strategies. She will focus on organizations that speak our language, and help create awareness of our project's needs as we move along. She will aid us in focusing in on and reaching out to our direct audience, which she has specific experience with.

The role will shift and shape into different forms once we get rolling, of course, but this is what's important today. We still need (more) money to get this movie made. And we're ALL working hard (exploring different avenues) to get it. :)

We understand our exchange, incentives, and growth expectancies (without certainty). But one thing is for certain - we always dream big.

Huge thanks to my wonderful producer, Lorie, for making this invaluable connection, that I think will blossom into a beautiful friendship as well. We are blessed, and most appreciative to have Cynthia join us on this truly unpredictable, fascinating, and enlightening journey.

As our male lead (Bob), Ross Partridge, said to me last week - it takes a village!!

Dare to dream (BIG!!).

Love, Jentri