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
___________
Posts by Jentri Chancey, an indie filmmaker relentlessly dedicated to writing and directing independent films, and sharing her film-related experience(s) with you. www.lostinsunshine.com
Showing posts with label Lost In Sunshine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lost In Sunshine. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
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. :)
Monday, January 14, 2013
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:
Friday, February 3, 2012
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
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
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!!
So now that you've had time to wine, dine, cheer, kiss, relax, and be rowdy (in no particular order) to ring in the new year, what are you going to do with it? :)
My personal to-do list for 2012:
-Get my esthetics Lisense
-Shoot Born Good and begin editing process
-Move to CO, have serious fun, and see where it takes me
-Finish What I Know For Sure (documentary)
-Secure (needed) investors for Lost In Sunshine
-Shoot Aether pilot
-Write another screenplay
Wishing you all a year that you wouldn't want to trade for anything!
Love, Jentri & Izzy
My personal to-do list for 2012:
-Get my esthetics Lisense
-Shoot Born Good and begin editing process
-Move to CO, have serious fun, and see where it takes me
-Finish What I Know For Sure (documentary)
-Secure (needed) investors for Lost In Sunshine
-Shoot Aether pilot
-Write another screenplay
Wishing you all a year that you wouldn't want to trade for anything!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Indie Filmmakers, Stay on Track!
GREAT READ ON PLATFORMS, PMD’S & PERPETUATING OBSCURITY BY FILMMAKER MAGAZINE
This article rings true on so many levels for me. Us indie filmmakers have been the trial and error of our own experimentation these past few years, like rats. It may not be the first time the industry's had such a massive disruption in the way we handle distribution, watch movies, etc., but it's certainly the first one I've had to deal with (since I'm in my 30's).
The work is inescapable, and the payoffs are rarely, if ever, a guarantee. I decided a long time ago that I'd do this work even if it never paid me anything monetarily. I do it for the love of indie filmmaking. For the love of writing. For the love of art, the opportunities, passion, freedom it brings, and the thrill... don't you?
This article brought back a lot of mixed feelings for me because of what we've experienced in the last few years regarding the new world of film, with Lost In Sunshine, and Aether Paranormal, especially. If I were investing in these projects for a monetary gain, I would have bailed a long time ago!! Money is great, and when it comes I'll say, THANK YOU!!!! But until it does, I'm meditating myself back to one.
Creating great work has always been the mission. As a writer & indie filmmaker, it can get overwhelming, with all the talk out there about what we should be focusing on (i.e., social media, PMD's, transmedia, all wonderful tools & concepts, btw). It's easy to get lost or off track with the original intention of what we set out to create.
I want the audience member that I like being. One that's looking for an experience, an escape, excitement, or shift in the day.
And the only way I'll ever achieve that is to keep doing good (story/film) work and putting it out there... so on I go! :)
Happy Creating!
Love, J
This article rings true on so many levels for me. Us indie filmmakers have been the trial and error of our own experimentation these past few years, like rats. It may not be the first time the industry's had such a massive disruption in the way we handle distribution, watch movies, etc., but it's certainly the first one I've had to deal with (since I'm in my 30's).
The work is inescapable, and the payoffs are rarely, if ever, a guarantee. I decided a long time ago that I'd do this work even if it never paid me anything monetarily. I do it for the love of indie filmmaking. For the love of writing. For the love of art, the opportunities, passion, freedom it brings, and the thrill... don't you?
This article brought back a lot of mixed feelings for me because of what we've experienced in the last few years regarding the new world of film, with Lost In Sunshine, and Aether Paranormal, especially. If I were investing in these projects for a monetary gain, I would have bailed a long time ago!! Money is great, and when it comes I'll say, THANK YOU!!!! But until it does, I'm meditating myself back to one.
Creating great work has always been the mission. As a writer & indie filmmaker, it can get overwhelming, with all the talk out there about what we should be focusing on (i.e., social media, PMD's, transmedia, all wonderful tools & concepts, btw). It's easy to get lost or off track with the original intention of what we set out to create.
I want the audience member that I like being. One that's looking for an experience, an escape, excitement, or shift in the day.
And the only way I'll ever achieve that is to keep doing good (story/film) work and putting it out there... so on I go! :)
Happy Creating!
Love, J
Sunday, July 10, 2011
All The Good Ones - Director's Statement
Howdy, my screenwriting/indie filmmaking/artistic-in-so-many-ways, Junkies!
This year, I was honored to have a NYFA producer student by the name of Sabrina McClendon contact me about optioning and producing my feature script, All The Good Ones. Once the screenplay is produced at NYFA on paper, our plans are to really MAKE THIS FILM!!! I'm so excited, and pleased that someone else found the connection to these characters to be as powerful and engaging as I did. Like Lost In Sunshine, this story is from a female's perspective, only it's based on (some) true events. Hopefully we can put the story on screen for you one day soon, too! But for now, here's the director's statement! Enjoy, my Sweets! J
All The Good Ones was the first full screenplay I ever wrote in college. All I knew is that I had a story to tell, based on a personal relationship, and I wanted to tell it in the most honest, yet bold, kind of way, with respect to those (previously) involved. For the sake of good storytelling, I also knew that elements would have to be adjusted, embellished, and slightly manipulated, but the message was more important to me than the details.
ATGO deals with a (female) teenager's first experience with love, drugs, death, and independence, and how she chooses deal with it. We all carry around inside of us a deep desire to be wanted, understood, loved, and heard. In a way, ATGO is just about a young woman's journey to make sense of the world, and survive in the dysfunctional one she's helped create.
Story's struggle is that she doesn't understand, yet, that love simply isn't enough to make a relationship work. What Billy doesn't understand is that he's not invincible. Together, they believe they'll be OK, despite the abusive nature of their connection.
I think that everyone can relate to falling in love for the first time. Or loving someone so much, even when it's not good, and not being able to stop. This is a die hard love story about teenage firsts, loss, consequences, and a little bit of (everything) crazy in between.
– Jentri Chancey
Join ATGO on FB! :))
This year, I was honored to have a NYFA producer student by the name of Sabrina McClendon contact me about optioning and producing my feature script, All The Good Ones. Once the screenplay is produced at NYFA on paper, our plans are to really MAKE THIS FILM!!! I'm so excited, and pleased that someone else found the connection to these characters to be as powerful and engaging as I did. Like Lost In Sunshine, this story is from a female's perspective, only it's based on (some) true events. Hopefully we can put the story on screen for you one day soon, too! But for now, here's the director's statement! Enjoy, my Sweets! J
All The Good Ones was the first full screenplay I ever wrote in college. All I knew is that I had a story to tell, based on a personal relationship, and I wanted to tell it in the most honest, yet bold, kind of way, with respect to those (previously) involved. For the sake of good storytelling, I also knew that elements would have to be adjusted, embellished, and slightly manipulated, but the message was more important to me than the details.
ATGO deals with a (female) teenager's first experience with love, drugs, death, and independence, and how she chooses deal with it. We all carry around inside of us a deep desire to be wanted, understood, loved, and heard. In a way, ATGO is just about a young woman's journey to make sense of the world, and survive in the dysfunctional one she's helped create.
Story's struggle is that she doesn't understand, yet, that love simply isn't enough to make a relationship work. What Billy doesn't understand is that he's not invincible. Together, they believe they'll be OK, despite the abusive nature of their connection.
I think that everyone can relate to falling in love for the first time. Or loving someone so much, even when it's not good, and not being able to stop. This is a die hard love story about teenage firsts, loss, consequences, and a little bit of (everything) crazy in between.
– Jentri Chancey
Join ATGO on FB! :))
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
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
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
Friday, April 15, 2011
Born Good: Road to Liberation
Born Good is a dramatic dark comedy I wrote about knowing when to hold on… and when to let go.
This story deals with the guilt that a lot of us carry around through the years over regret. It’s about looking in the mirror and having the guts to face our own truths, or follow our own dreams, despite our diagnosis, believed fate, or what might “make sense”.
Like our Lost In Sunshine characters, these (Born Good) characters are forced to dig a little deeper. But unlike LIS, the two main characters, Katie and Steven, have "history" together, and history can often complicate things... but when it's used as a tool to determine why we've made the decisions we've made - it can clarify things, too. They just have a lot of work to do on themselves and with each other before they can figure that out!
I’m a big question asker. If it doesn’t make sense, I normally don’t want to do it – UNLESS, it’s a matter of the heart. I think we all make decisions based on passion, and daily human emotions, too. Especially women. This topic piques my interest -- raises my curiosity, and it’s one I wanted to explore with the lead female character, Katie, while writing this story.
Born Good is a dramatic dark comedy about a twenty-eight year old hot southern mess, and aspiring country music star, Katie, who returns to her tiny hometown in Texas to tend to some unfinished business, before traveling to Nashville to become the next big thing.
Born, raised, and still living in her hometown is, Steven, who secretly wishes he could be a comedian, while running his family's B&B and Hollaback Funeral Home business, but he doesn't have much hope for his dreams or future.
After Katie learns of her potentially life-threatening illness, she decides to visit Steven, and reveal a secret so big that it will change their lives forever.
I've also been working on What I Know For Sure, a spiritual documentary that asks one of the biggest questions of all time (as we know it). And with my paranormal group, Aether Paranormal, questions are essential. But we all know that asking questions, often, only leads to more questions.
Which lead me to this one: Are we all born good?
This is a tricky question that I want both of my main characters, Katie and Steven, to undertake, consume, and breathe in Born Good. I want this film to let all the ghosts hang out. I want the skeletons to not just come out of the closet — but to walk, and be free from their self-inflicted coffins.
We all have reasons for hanging on to what we shouldn’t. And we all have reasons for letting go of what we hope comes back. It can be tough. Blinding. And hurt. A lot. But when we find that balance… when we do it right, it can be really liberating, too.
It's less about how we're born, and more about the choices we make. Choose wisely. :)
Jentri
ROAD TO LIBERATION
This story deals with the guilt that a lot of us carry around through the years over regret. It’s about looking in the mirror and having the guts to face our own truths, or follow our own dreams, despite our diagnosis, believed fate, or what might “make sense”.
Like our Lost In Sunshine characters, these (Born Good) characters are forced to dig a little deeper. But unlike LIS, the two main characters, Katie and Steven, have "history" together, and history can often complicate things... but when it's used as a tool to determine why we've made the decisions we've made - it can clarify things, too. They just have a lot of work to do on themselves and with each other before they can figure that out!
I’m a big question asker. If it doesn’t make sense, I normally don’t want to do it – UNLESS, it’s a matter of the heart. I think we all make decisions based on passion, and daily human emotions, too. Especially women. This topic piques my interest -- raises my curiosity, and it’s one I wanted to explore with the lead female character, Katie, while writing this story.
Born Good is a dramatic dark comedy about a twenty-eight year old hot southern mess, and aspiring country music star, Katie, who returns to her tiny hometown in Texas to tend to some unfinished business, before traveling to Nashville to become the next big thing.
Born, raised, and still living in her hometown is, Steven, who secretly wishes he could be a comedian, while running his family's B&B and Hollaback Funeral Home business, but he doesn't have much hope for his dreams or future.
After Katie learns of her potentially life-threatening illness, she decides to visit Steven, and reveal a secret so big that it will change their lives forever.
I've also been working on What I Know For Sure, a spiritual documentary that asks one of the biggest questions of all time (as we know it). And with my paranormal group, Aether Paranormal, questions are essential. But we all know that asking questions, often, only leads to more questions.
Which lead me to this one: Are we all born good?
This is a tricky question that I want both of my main characters, Katie and Steven, to undertake, consume, and breathe in Born Good. I want this film to let all the ghosts hang out. I want the skeletons to not just come out of the closet — but to walk, and be free from their self-inflicted coffins.
We all have reasons for hanging on to what we shouldn’t. And we all have reasons for letting go of what we hope comes back. It can be tough. Blinding. And hurt. A lot. But when we find that balance… when we do it right, it can be really liberating, too.
It's less about how we're born, and more about the choices we make. Choose wisely. :)
Jentri
ROAD TO LIBERATION
Thursday, April 7, 2011
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! ;)
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! ;)
Monday, March 14, 2011
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?
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?
Friday, March 11, 2011
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?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Secret to Finding Investors for our Indie Film(s)!
Hello, Sunshines!
Do you want to know the BIG secret to financing your indie project? Me, too!! So, come on you Crazy Hearts, as we figure this out together. Your perception of what you're doing is about to expand (if it doesn't, at least that sounded cool) 'cause I'm about to share with you a WEALTH of knowledge that'll hopefully take ALL of us indie filmmaking lovers there!
Over the last couple weeks I feel like I've had a string of SIGNS about the direction of our project, Lost In Sunshine, and connecting with like-minded folks in general. And that's what I want to share with you today, Sweets (I can never get away from these things, damn it).
With all the online stuff — social media (Facebook, twitter, etc), transmedia (not to be confused with transfat) and other networks I can't keep track of, I think it's important to explore IF/HOW we're really connected and what that means. So, if you're in it to win it, like Charlie Sheen, this post is FOR YOU! OK... bad example.
FIRST SIGN: EMAIL FROM MARKETING SPECIALIST LANDS IN INBOX
Recently, we were privileged to have a reputable marketing/distribution strategist comment on some of our LIS work. Ouch. That hurt. *Wipes dirt off pants.* One of the comments that stuck out to me was that Facebook was NOT a community. Could I have been wrong all this time? Were those interactive beings merely aliens disguised as humanoids responding to me? Where's my Aether Paranormal team when I need them? Joking aside, however, could this person be right? After all, that's what they do for a living. Could all these seemingly invested hours of what I thought was "connecting" with people, over our movie's message, just be meaningless in the grand scheme of making this film-dream a reality?
If online platfoms like Facebook are not considered an online "community" in the eyes of a specialist, then what is?
I felt frozen with confusion and frustration. But at least it gave me something to think about as I defrosted my dirty pants.
NEXT SIGN: PHONE CALL FROM AN ENTHUSED FRIEND CLAIMING TO HAVE THE SECRET
A good (film) friend called me out of the blue. He'd had a conversation with someone who's very successful in the film industry, who'd shared with him the secret to community building (and inevitably — financing a project) — get out there and network with the like-minded people who will vibe with what we're doing, support it (really support it!) by sharing our projects with others in their network(s). OK, you're pulling my leg... I thought we were doing that. But then again... I'm not even sure of what planet I'm on anymore! :)
THIRD SIGN: AN UNSOLICITED OPINION FROM ONE OF OUR VALUABLE LIS TEAM MEMBERS
A very good friend of ours, who's also a member of our LIS team gave us his unsolicited opinion, which really put everything into perspective (for me, at least). He believes that it's not a big time movie guy who'll invest in our project at all... but that it'll be a WOMAN, who connects with us personally, and believes in our talent, brains, story, team, and over-all message. Because quite frankly, I especially, don't have a proven track record, YET. I get that. I like that. I LOVE the idea.
So, I now had received one detailed email, one phone call, and one unsolicited opinion with basically the SAME message. Could it be a sign?
From these messages, it doesn't appear that financing our film(s) will happen from any online social hook up (although we never say NEVER!). Sure, the online networking part is great, useful, and at times — seems really wonderful & relevent, but if we're looking to finance our films (outside crowd-funding) then we need to be making real (hand shaking) contact, and not just from outter space (however, if an alien finances your film, I WANT TO KNOW!).
Here's a great, inspiring article by Donald Flaherty on filmcourage.com that I feel best describes the intense longevity of the process we must endure if we wish to finance our passion projects.
If you live in Austin, Texas, here are a few women-oriented (sorry, guys!) networking sources to check out, thanks to my enthusiastic friend, whom I sooooo appreciate for this!
http://www.womenschambertexas.com/mm-austin.php
https://austinwomenintech.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=34
http://www.txconferenceforwomen.org/
The secret to financing your film is that there is no darn secret! Follow these simple steps, and keep rockin' the frack on to your favorite tune (AKA your story/project/brain child).
1) Get your ingredients together, hot cakes! Unborn babies have to eat, too! Make sure your story is solid, and that you have a tight business plan with talent (on board) to boot! Do you have your script/info ready to hand out at all time on a USB flash drive (I'm getting mine ready this week!)? ;)
2) Love your (heart) song. Believe in what you're doing, because there are plenty of people out there who'll tell you the myriad of ways it can't be done.
3) Turn off your computers occasionally, and turn on your game (AKA social skills)! It's about continuously getting out there and connecting with folks who share your enthusiasm, passion (for life), and interests. Ask yourself, who's actually going to be watching this movie I'm making? Then go out there in the universe and find a way to find them!
Turns out, that may be what we've been missing. When's the last time you left your computer to socialize with a group of people your movie would intimately connect with?
That's what we're doing (more of) this year, and with all our friends for SXSW this week! Make any time the right time to get your in-person connection(s) on! Besides, there's no substitute for a real hug or hand shake.
Happy shaking! J
Do you want to know the BIG secret to financing your indie project? Me, too!! So, come on you Crazy Hearts, as we figure this out together. Your perception of what you're doing is about to expand (if it doesn't, at least that sounded cool) 'cause I'm about to share with you a WEALTH of knowledge that'll hopefully take ALL of us indie filmmaking lovers there!
Over the last couple weeks I feel like I've had a string of SIGNS about the direction of our project, Lost In Sunshine, and connecting with like-minded folks in general. And that's what I want to share with you today, Sweets (I can never get away from these things, damn it).
With all the online stuff — social media (Facebook, twitter, etc), transmedia (not to be confused with transfat) and other networks I can't keep track of, I think it's important to explore IF/HOW we're really connected and what that means. So, if you're in it to win it, like Charlie Sheen, this post is FOR YOU! OK... bad example.
FIRST SIGN: EMAIL FROM MARKETING SPECIALIST LANDS IN INBOX
Recently, we were privileged to have a reputable marketing/distribution strategist comment on some of our LIS work. Ouch. That hurt. *Wipes dirt off pants.* One of the comments that stuck out to me was that Facebook was NOT a community. Could I have been wrong all this time? Were those interactive beings merely aliens disguised as humanoids responding to me? Where's my Aether Paranormal team when I need them? Joking aside, however, could this person be right? After all, that's what they do for a living. Could all these seemingly invested hours of what I thought was "connecting" with people, over our movie's message, just be meaningless in the grand scheme of making this film-dream a reality?
If online platfoms like Facebook are not considered an online "community" in the eyes of a specialist, then what is?
I felt frozen with confusion and frustration. But at least it gave me something to think about as I defrosted my dirty pants.
NEXT SIGN: PHONE CALL FROM AN ENTHUSED FRIEND CLAIMING TO HAVE THE SECRET
A good (film) friend called me out of the blue. He'd had a conversation with someone who's very successful in the film industry, who'd shared with him the secret to community building (and inevitably — financing a project) — get out there and network with the like-minded people who will vibe with what we're doing, support it (really support it!) by sharing our projects with others in their network(s). OK, you're pulling my leg... I thought we were doing that. But then again... I'm not even sure of what planet I'm on anymore! :)
THIRD SIGN: AN UNSOLICITED OPINION FROM ONE OF OUR VALUABLE LIS TEAM MEMBERS
A very good friend of ours, who's also a member of our LIS team gave us his unsolicited opinion, which really put everything into perspective (for me, at least). He believes that it's not a big time movie guy who'll invest in our project at all... but that it'll be a WOMAN, who connects with us personally, and believes in our talent, brains, story, team, and over-all message. Because quite frankly, I especially, don't have a proven track record, YET. I get that. I like that. I LOVE the idea.
So, I now had received one detailed email, one phone call, and one unsolicited opinion with basically the SAME message. Could it be a sign?
From these messages, it doesn't appear that financing our film(s) will happen from any online social hook up (although we never say NEVER!). Sure, the online networking part is great, useful, and at times — seems really wonderful & relevent, but if we're looking to finance our films (outside crowd-funding) then we need to be making real (hand shaking) contact, and not just from outter space (however, if an alien finances your film, I WANT TO KNOW!).
Here's a great, inspiring article by Donald Flaherty on filmcourage.com that I feel best describes the intense longevity of the process we must endure if we wish to finance our passion projects.
If you live in Austin, Texas, here are a few women-oriented (sorry, guys!) networking sources to check out, thanks to my enthusiastic friend, whom I sooooo appreciate for this!
http://www.womenschambertexas.com/mm-austin.php
https://austinwomenintech.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=34
http://www.txconferenceforwomen.org/
The secret to financing your film is that there is no darn secret! Follow these simple steps, and keep rockin' the frack on to your favorite tune (AKA your story/project/brain child).
1) Get your ingredients together, hot cakes! Unborn babies have to eat, too! Make sure your story is solid, and that you have a tight business plan with talent (on board) to boot! Do you have your script/info ready to hand out at all time on a USB flash drive (I'm getting mine ready this week!)? ;)
2) Love your (heart) song. Believe in what you're doing, because there are plenty of people out there who'll tell you the myriad of ways it can't be done.
3) Turn off your computers occasionally, and turn on your game (AKA social skills)! It's about continuously getting out there and connecting with folks who share your enthusiasm, passion (for life), and interests. Ask yourself, who's actually going to be watching this movie I'm making? Then go out there in the universe and find a way to find them!
Turns out, that may be what we've been missing. When's the last time you left your computer to socialize with a group of people your movie would intimately connect with?
That's what we're doing (more of) this year, and with all our friends for SXSW this week! Make any time the right time to get your in-person connection(s) on! Besides, there's no substitute for a real hug or hand shake.
Happy shaking! J
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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
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
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Sidney comments on Lost In Sunshine's IndieGoGo campaign, while showing us some dance moves!
This sweet little bundle of joy is sure to make anyone smile (or dance)!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Lost In Sunshine's explosive transmedia campaign on IndieGoGo!
Hello, Sunshines!
Do you like watching dramatic comedies with unpredictable characters, yet familiar enough you can relate to?
Do you enjoy watching (indie) movies that are unique, with unexpected twists and turns to keep you on your toes?
Do you like movies that are, especially in the end, spiritually uplifting and hopeful?
Wouldn't you like to get to know the characters IN the movie, before you watch it?
Do you like watching movies from your streaming netflix/internet/phone/TV/theater?
Would you like to have the opportunity to be a part of an experimental, multi-medial indie filmmaking explosion before the movie's actually even made (and put before you in all of these optional ways)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you'd vibe with Lost In Sunshine. At least that's what we hope.
So this is what's up, Beautiful People:
I understand it could be odd to invest in a transmedia campaign, when frankly, most people don't even know what that word means.
That's why we're explaining it here in this video. We could've chosen to be cute/funny/unconventional in our approach, but we'd rather you see US for who we are, and know exactly what we're doing with your funds.
My hope for all of you is that you find something about our project that moves you to action. It's not everyday we get to make a movie, and I can respect that you want to be able to see the rewards of your contribution. That's why we created this elaborate campaign to show you exactly what we're doing with it. Additionally, we've created an interactive campaign that you can creatively & actively be a part of, too.
Thank you, from the bottom of my mushy, big, hopeful heart!
Love, Jentri
Do you like watching dramatic comedies with unpredictable characters, yet familiar enough you can relate to?
Do you enjoy watching (indie) movies that are unique, with unexpected twists and turns to keep you on your toes?
Do you like movies that are, especially in the end, spiritually uplifting and hopeful?
Wouldn't you like to get to know the characters IN the movie, before you watch it?
Do you like watching movies from your streaming netflix/internet/phone/TV/theater?
Would you like to have the opportunity to be a part of an experimental, multi-medial indie filmmaking explosion before the movie's actually even made (and put before you in all of these optional ways)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you'd vibe with Lost In Sunshine. At least that's what we hope.
So this is what's up, Beautiful People:
I understand it could be odd to invest in a transmedia campaign, when frankly, most people don't even know what that word means.
That's why we're explaining it here in this video. We could've chosen to be cute/funny/unconventional in our approach, but we'd rather you see US for who we are, and know exactly what we're doing with your funds.
My hope for all of you is that you find something about our project that moves you to action. It's not everyday we get to make a movie, and I can respect that you want to be able to see the rewards of your contribution. That's why we created this elaborate campaign to show you exactly what we're doing with it. Additionally, we've created an interactive campaign that you can creatively & actively be a part of, too.
Thank you, from the bottom of my mushy, big, hopeful heart!
Love, Jentri
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Lost Without YOU IndieGoGo campaign!
How are you doing today, my Radiant Friends?
Wherever you are in the world, I hope you're bundling up, if you're experiencing this blast the way we are in TX! We're so not built for this weather - we forgot to drip the pipes!
But there's another (indie film) blast under way!
We're finally giving our indie hearts a GO with a Lost Without YOU, Lost In Sunshine campaign!
Our interactive (version 2) LIS website was launched Monday, so be sure to check it out if you haven't already... it's different, fun, and COOL to play with!
We understand that not everyone can help out financially, so I only ask that you please help us SPREAD THE WORD! That would make my heart all warm and snuggie inside. ;)
I'll be doing another VBLOG this week, so send us some love, and I'll send you some right back.
Now go get snug as a pug in a rug somewhere, and check us out with a warm cup of cocoa or apple cider.
We are calling the campaign our Lost Without YOU campaign, because that's the way we truly feel.
Thanks for sticking around over the last couple years with your sweet, loyal support. We sure do appreciate YOU!
Pugs and kisses, (what I'm getting right now!)
Jentri
SUPPORT US HERE
Wherever you are in the world, I hope you're bundling up, if you're experiencing this blast the way we are in TX! We're so not built for this weather - we forgot to drip the pipes!
But there's another (indie film) blast under way!
We're finally giving our indie hearts a GO with a Lost Without YOU, Lost In Sunshine campaign!
Our interactive (version 2) LIS website was launched Monday, so be sure to check it out if you haven't already... it's different, fun, and COOL to play with!
We understand that not everyone can help out financially, so I only ask that you please help us SPREAD THE WORD! That would make my heart all warm and snuggie inside. ;)
I'll be doing another VBLOG this week, so send us some love, and I'll send you some right back.
Now go get snug as a pug in a rug somewhere, and check us out with a warm cup of cocoa or apple cider.
We are calling the campaign our Lost Without YOU campaign, because that's the way we truly feel.
Thanks for sticking around over the last couple years with your sweet, loyal support. We sure do appreciate YOU!
Pugs and kisses, (what I'm getting right now!)
Jentri
SUPPORT US HERE
Friday, January 14, 2011
Getting personal: My independent film, Lost In Sunshine, and indie documentary, What I Know For Sure
With eight hundred dollars in hand, I once took off alone to NY at the age of 19. Growing up in a small town (no, no, really small - population 300!) I somehow left with this fearless attitude that I could do anything I wanted. Call it naivety, call it good parenting. I had the will to shoot for my dreams, and I was off!!
It was two whole weeks before I returned back to Texas. :)
What I learned from that experience is what I didn't want to do. Very important. And that I wasn't so fearless. NY scared the shit out of me. I didn't know how to get around, talked the nice person at the closest convenience store into cashing my MO's when I needed them, and ate a lot of muffins for dinner. :)
By the time I was 21, I had lost a lot of what had once made me feel whole as a child - a real home to go home to, a long-term relationship, and a cohesive family that was stable and healthy.
In addition, I had shamefully dropped out of school, worked endless minimum wage jobs, and found my friends in less than desirable places. Yes, I was playing out a role that was full of insecurities, heartache, drugs, dishonest people, and a little hope... just barely hanging on to a valuable existence. There was even a time when I lived out of my car. I wasn't sleeping in it, which would've been very different, but I didn't have a home address. I stayed with friends, and worked as much as I had to - just to pay my car payment and for pizza.
Working on my current documentary, What I Know For Sure, and giving the audience an honest portrayal of me and my beliefs has been more challenging than I'd hoped. Consequently, it's forcing me to look into my past, and face what should've perhaps been faced long ago. Could this be the best therapy?
As I write, I realize this has become a bit of a dumping ground, too. But perhaps that's where my doubt, questions, and quest for the cosmos first arose - though those challenges.
Writing has always been an imperative tool for my sanity, too. I can't imagine my life without it, just as you wouldn't imagine living without air. And filmmaking is what brings everything and everyone together. Once it's created, it's like an imprint of your soul - waiting to be relived by others who are intrigued by the journey (or trailer!) enough to watch it.
As I move forward in my 30's, I find all of my hardships, past and present, to be highly beneficial! Mostly, because hard times are accompanied by something we can at least look back on and laugh about. Especially in writing Lost In Sunshine, my sweet disheartened baby, who also hangs on to hope... even when it feels hopeless.
And just look where we are now. :)
Thank you, Lyn and Bob, for making my life seem so flawless.
:)
Jentri
"What I Know For Sure is Nothing."
-Story Musgrave
It was two whole weeks before I returned back to Texas. :)
What I learned from that experience is what I didn't want to do. Very important. And that I wasn't so fearless. NY scared the shit out of me. I didn't know how to get around, talked the nice person at the closest convenience store into cashing my MO's when I needed them, and ate a lot of muffins for dinner. :)
By the time I was 21, I had lost a lot of what had once made me feel whole as a child - a real home to go home to, a long-term relationship, and a cohesive family that was stable and healthy.
In addition, I had shamefully dropped out of school, worked endless minimum wage jobs, and found my friends in less than desirable places. Yes, I was playing out a role that was full of insecurities, heartache, drugs, dishonest people, and a little hope... just barely hanging on to a valuable existence. There was even a time when I lived out of my car. I wasn't sleeping in it, which would've been very different, but I didn't have a home address. I stayed with friends, and worked as much as I had to - just to pay my car payment and for pizza.
Working on my current documentary, What I Know For Sure, and giving the audience an honest portrayal of me and my beliefs has been more challenging than I'd hoped. Consequently, it's forcing me to look into my past, and face what should've perhaps been faced long ago. Could this be the best therapy?
As I write, I realize this has become a bit of a dumping ground, too. But perhaps that's where my doubt, questions, and quest for the cosmos first arose - though those challenges.
Writing has always been an imperative tool for my sanity, too. I can't imagine my life without it, just as you wouldn't imagine living without air. And filmmaking is what brings everything and everyone together. Once it's created, it's like an imprint of your soul - waiting to be relived by others who are intrigued by the journey (or trailer!) enough to watch it.
As I move forward in my 30's, I find all of my hardships, past and present, to be highly beneficial! Mostly, because hard times are accompanied by something we can at least look back on and laugh about. Especially in writing Lost In Sunshine, my sweet disheartened baby, who also hangs on to hope... even when it feels hopeless.
And just look where we are now. :)
Thank you, Lyn and Bob, for making my life seem so flawless.
:)
Jentri
"What I Know For Sure is Nothing."
-Story Musgrave
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Digital Storytelling: Bob and Lyn are smarter than they think they are. You are, too.
Sometimes people ask if Lost In Sunshine is about me. Meaning, did I do the things Lyn Blue will do, and that's why I wrote it, or perhaps the things her co-pilot, Bob, will do. On both accounts, the answer would be NO. However, I think there's a little bit of Lyn AND Bob in me... maybe in you, too.
It wasn't written haphazardly, but instead, from a place I know lots about - dreaming, (current) reality, and (dealing with) death. From a young age, I was encouraged to live out my dreams, despite our tiny town's address. Growing up, I experienced a series of emotional hardships, losing a home, animals, my first love, and confidence in my ability to be fearless (haven't we all at some point?).
But at the end of the day, I found a friend in the form of a pencil and piece of paper. My friend was always around, and never let me down. And after I visited my friend, I always felt a tiny bit better.
At age 13, it was poetry and creative writing, and by age 30 it had expanded into screenwriting. And now at 34- digital storytelling and online fiction. :)
Material doesn't fabricate itself from the non-existent. It fabricates itself from the imaginative mind's collectiveness. So, through those less than desirable circumstances have grown a highly capable, extremely driven and motivated woman who won't take no for an answer.
Best dad advice ever, "You're smarter than you think you are."
Thanks, dad. You're right.
WE ALL ARE.
Love, Jentri
It wasn't written haphazardly, but instead, from a place I know lots about - dreaming, (current) reality, and (dealing with) death. From a young age, I was encouraged to live out my dreams, despite our tiny town's address. Growing up, I experienced a series of emotional hardships, losing a home, animals, my first love, and confidence in my ability to be fearless (haven't we all at some point?).
But at the end of the day, I found a friend in the form of a pencil and piece of paper. My friend was always around, and never let me down. And after I visited my friend, I always felt a tiny bit better.
At age 13, it was poetry and creative writing, and by age 30 it had expanded into screenwriting. And now at 34- digital storytelling and online fiction. :)
Material doesn't fabricate itself from the non-existent. It fabricates itself from the imaginative mind's collectiveness. So, through those less than desirable circumstances have grown a highly capable, extremely driven and motivated woman who won't take no for an answer.
Best dad advice ever, "You're smarter than you think you are."
Thanks, dad. You're right.
WE ALL ARE.
Love, Jentri
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Jentri's interview with Macha on herfuture.com
(Indie) Love is in the air during this one-on-one interview with myself and Macha for herfuture.com. :)
READ MORE & LISTEN HERE
AUDIO ONLY
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