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

Larry Flaxman scheduled to appear in documentary, What I Know For Sure

Does 11:11: The Time Prompt Phenomenon ring a bell? It's one of my favorite books!! So I'm super excited that the best selling author and paranormal hunter, Larry Flaxman, will be participating in our spiritual documentary, What I Know For Sure.

WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE (working title) TRAILER

Interviewing Story Musgrave for documentary, What I Know For Sure

What I know for sure about Story is that he's completely embraced his journey here on Earth. He's followed his dreams,
realized his potential, and literally - aimed for the stars. It was an honor and privilege to spend time with him, and have
him be a part of this magical experience with me. I can honestly say, today, I learned something significant about life (as we
know it) and beyond. I can't wait to share it with you in this documentary... may he inspire you, as he has me, to go after your dreams with fire and aim for beauty... coming soon... 2011-2012. J

Shad & Story


Jentri and Story

Aether Paranormal: In pre-production & sharing our filmmaking process with you!

We're currently in pre-production to shoot our next Aether Paranormal documentary. Thought I'd share with you some insight on how we go about making these films happen. With my Paranormal Productions group we definitely go the unconventional route. We try to stay organized with weekly meetings and brainstorming sessions about what might make this movie engaging, and more captivating than the ones before, but there's an element or organic-ness that always prevails.

The dynamics and chemistry between our characters already exists, which is a bonus, but there's always spontaneity that occurs... which hopefully adds texture, rather than problems. Will either of the couples get in real arguments? Will any of our (little!) egos get in the way regarding creative differences? Probably not, but it's always a possibility!

There are three of us (producers) who are fundamental in making this process happen. While Beaux likes to work each scene and include every single camera angle, I can't seem to creatively expand, until I have the story's details solidified. Which works perfectly, since Beaux's an extreme visionary, wanting to know what everything "looks like" while he's hashing it out. Shad's extremely current with his information regarding paranormal events, and generally brilliant when it comes to all things creepy, so we try to film in a way that makes it feel that way for the audience as well - as if they're right there with us.

It takes so much work to pull a quality production together on a low-no-budget, and since we don't have funds to just go buy everything, we have to be EXTRA creative, and pull upon all our resources. What are we going to eat (there are at least 2 of us gals on set at all times that will get extremely grouchy, if hungry!)? Where are we going to get it? Where are we going to shoot first? Which scenes require which crew members? How long will/could it take (investigations are a little different - we can't 'plan' how long it will take to capture evidence!)? Are there any special props needed to demonstrate a scene? What can we anticipate messing up on us? What equipment will be needed? Are there any additional expenses, and if so, how do we collectively pay for them? The list goes on... and it's one of my jobs to ask the questions and figure it out BEFORE production. It's also my job, as a co-producer, to make sure everyone knows what they're supposed to know (location, research, etc.) so they can come prepared.

Even though we're making a documentary, which is factual, we still have to take into consideration entertainment. If it's not entertaining, no one will care, and no one will watch it. It might be ok if we were making home videos, but we're not - we're making them to share, with you - our (most paranormal/sci-fi/horror enthusiasts) audience!

We're scheduled to shoot our film next month. There's nothing more powerfully bonding (in my opinion) than making movie magic together, which is why it's so imperative to work with those you adore.

Happy movie-making!
Jentri

Did you miss The Shadow Hour show?

If you missed my interview on The Shadow Hour this past Wed., you can catch it HERE.

We talked about indie filmmaking, my new documentary, Lost In Sunshine, and Aether Paranormal!

Chris Walden was the perfect host. Thanks, Chris!

Word is, Aether Paranormal will be on Ghostology's kick ass (paranormal entertainment) show soon, too... will keep ya posted! ;)

And, thank you again to all of my indiegogo supporters for What I Know For Sure. Chris Savino, Sherry Vargas, Chris Walden and Paula D'Etcheverry - it's people like you that allow us indie artists to produce heartfelt material without the restricitions/permission of a HW studio dictating our every move. Love and respect to you ALL!

xo Jentri

Join me on The Shadow Hour tomorrow night to learn more about my new documentary, What I Know For Sure!

Hey guys, if you're around tomorrow night, Sept. 8th @ 10pm (central) join me for Chris Walden's radio show, The Shadow Hour, where I'll be talking about my upcoming documentary, What I Know For Sure. Can't promise you I'll give on the question, but I'll definitely give you more hints to ponder! And we promise you a mysteriously fun night!

How you can make this documentary with me!

Want to get in on the action? NOW YOU CAN! Work behind the scenes and get feature credit, be IN the film, or meet the stars!!!

Check out my documentary's new page - with a new look, new comments, updates, perks and more... find out who's saying what about this film, What I Know For Sure, what goodies you can get your hands on, and how you can (literally) make it happen with me!.

MORE HERE!

What I Know For Sure (*new* extended movie trailer)

To support this documentary, please visit: http://www.indiegogo.com/What-I-Know-For-Sure

Who's going to be in the documentary?

A few (familiar) names are now revealed in the documentary, What I Know For Sure!

Find out here!

Note: Just click on the title of the film and read 'the reveal' below the video blog! :)

Huge THANK YOU to FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS (so far)!
Chris Savino (visit: http://bfandg.blogspot.com)
Sherry Vargas

What I Know For Sure (documentary) and how you can support it!

Vlog: How I came up with the idea for this film.


THE DOCUMENTARY IDEA:
One hundred people are invited to answer the same question, not knowing what it will be in advance. A collection of colorful, everyday people, including a few familiar faces, (i.e. an astronaut who’s worked on the hubble!) candidly attempt to answer one of the hardest, most controversial, and profound questions of all time – in one minute. And some of them, surprisingly discover a little more about themselves along the way…

WATCH TRAILER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnmMX-GfeNs

NOTE TO CONTEMPLATOR OF SUPPORT :)

Hi there,

I’ve already asked over twenty people the same question, and to my delight, I’ve laughed a lot, almost cried a couple of times, and been seriously inspired in the process. Each person offers a genuinely heartfelt perspective, regardless of how frank, harsh, or passionate. While some answers may feel recycled, others are humorous, engaging, and enlightening. The beauty and power of this film’s message(s) comes from the honesty of those who tell it, and their diversity. Ya see, those people are just like you and I, each sharing, however different our cultures may be, a similar experience because of our location – on Earth.

What I also appreciate about this topic is that there’s no right or wrong answer – no forced messages – only raw emotion from a select number of people that are generous enough to share their thoughts with the rest of us (out there wondering).

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this project. Any donations, however big or small, are greatly valued and accepted with extreme gratitude.

Your contribution enables me to keep doing this stuff that I love so much, and most importantly, share it with you. And c’mon, don’t ya want to know the question? :)

To support this film, donate here, and receive your special perk(s)! Just click on "fund this project" on the right hand side. THANK YOU!

With love & respect,
Jentri

Let the music move you.

http://www.ionimagestudio.com/

We (artists) often share musical/lyrical thoughts as a way to describe feelings about a particular story that moves us. It allows us to describe, what at times, feels indescribable with ordinary ole words.

A while back, Ross Partridge, our verbally attached lead male in LIS, shared with me the song Home, by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. More recently, my friend Natalie said that, "The Sound of Sunshine" by Michael Franti and Spearhead made her think of LIS, too. Reiterating to me, just how important music is to everything we do, especially film.

For the last few weeks, I've been working on a (untitled) documentary that's turning out to really inspire me. When I was cutting the little trailer together, a definitive mood didn't really spill over me, until I began searching for music.

With Lost In Sunshine, music has (already!) moved me so much. Doug Burr's "In The Garden," Larissa Ness' LIS theme song, "Lost In Sunshine" and Cadenced Haven's ambient beats have given me chills, and created an even deeper enthusiasm for the time I can actually consider, with the help of my score master, Ari, and music supervisor, Laura, the perfect music for LIS.

I feel like movies are defined four times: when we write them, shoot them, edit them, and score them (which you could consider as part of editing, but scoring is a job all on its own).

Writing is such an intimate process. It's like oddly making out with yourself for a year. It's fun, (can be) provocative, adventurous, and a little weird being alone so much. But it's all about divulging what's inside!

Then there's the official shoot time, where you have to translate what's in your script/head to screen. Still intimate, but on a larger scale. I suppose you could say it's like making out with a lot of people for a couple months! ;)

Then there's the editing, a place where you must retell the story, but only with what sits in front of you on your machine. It's like having all the puzzle pieces, but knowing there's more than one way it can be pieced together. Especially because of timing and cadence. The editor must understand the pace... the rhythm... the tone.

And then there's music. Music can mend, bend, ruin, manipulate, or magically enhance anything! Music can tell the audience how to feel, if there's an uncertainty in what's being delivered on screen. It can be ironic, literal, or just work to discreetly carry the picture, like subtext.

Don't ever underestimate the importance of a good track, and appreciate your musicians and fellow artists. There are a lot of artists that would value the cross promotion!

Bottom line, when I choose music it has to move me. It has to make me feel something I didn't feel before I hit "play."

My (Untitled) Documentary in Production

So, here's the idea. I'm asking at least one hundred people the exact same question, and stitching together the raw responses. I'm not telling anyone the question before we record, because I want the answers to be honest and organic (something we don't see a lot of these days!). There are no stages, there are no scripts. There are no right or wrong answers.

But there may be a couple of faces in the mix you recognize! I'm extremely excited about a (former) astronaut participating! And no, he doesn't know the question either. ;)

My thought is that the title must remain 'untitled' for a while... I don't want to take a chance at it giving away the question.

However, I'll continue to give you little trailer hints until the movie's done in 2011, so you can get a feel for the nature of it. But one thing must remain a mystery until you see the movie - the question.


This is a 'sneak peek' glimpse at real people, answering honestly, one of the heaviest, most controversial and profound questions of all time. And some of them, surprisingly discovering themselves along the way...
a film by Jentri Chancey

Got Paranormal? A true guerilla adventure..

So, if you've been reading this blog you know that it's predominately about me making my first feature, Lost In Sunshine, and any helpful advice/links/names I can provide YOU with to save you time, money and sanity (every bit counts in the indie world!). But I must mention another collaborative project I'm working on with the Aether Paranormal team. We just released our new documentary online, Ghosts of Goliad, which we filmed at the Presidio La Bahia in Goliad, TX. Wow. What an interesting place....

The team consists of myself, Shad Chancey (my husband), Carly Bell, Beaux Jackson and Matt Williamson. Our newest (and last) addition is Chad (AKA: Doug) Richardson, whom we'll introduce before our next film. We're an artful group of young professionals with one common goal here - to catch proof that paranormal life exists. That means something different to all of us.

You can view our entire documentary online FREE at our website (click on link above). The link is: http://www.aetherparanormal.com or you can YOUTUBE it and watch the TRAILER. So far, we've had an overwhelmingly supportive audience. Thank you!!

And to let you beautiful film people know what can be done: we used three different types of cameras on this shoot: canon XL1, HD panasonic SD1, and a cheaper night vision camera. We filmed over the course of a weekend, and did everything pretty much guerrilla style, with the exception of some very slightly premeditated introduction scenes. We didn't have the luxury of going there before we shot, so what you see - is what we had time to get! Thankfully, we stayed on top of our game, never veered from our goal, and got some pretty cool footage to work with (remember, it has to be cohesive... oh, yeah, right). :) We purchased a package of equipment to aid us in our investigation, and scheduled a meeting with a local historian and paranormal investigator, Bill Corey, before arriving to the fortress.

Although the next adventure will be more organized, and better planned, our improvisational, visual approach created a solid documentary with a more cinematic feel, unlike anything else out there. Tracie Austin from Let's Talk Paranormal (radio/TV show) called it, "raw and archaic." I say, think Blair Witch meets Ghost Hunters. :) The rest is organic, movie making history!

Let's talk paranormal: http://www.letstalkparanormal.com

Right now, we're in the midst of starting up our next investigation at a supposedly haunted hot spot right here in Austin, which we hope to film on FRIDAY, FEB. 13th (scary!!). Keep en eye out at our website for our next round table discussion about it.

If you're interested in our PARANORMAL BLOG go here: http://www.aetherparanormal.blogspot.com

Just like a feature, you have to work your butt off to make these things happen. And that requires a good, solid team you trust and a few lucky stars. For me, movie magic happens when a collaborative group of professionals all throw their speciality skills in one pot, leave whatever egos at the door, and focus on one common goal. All of my projects are interconnected to what I adore in some way, shape or form, or there would be no motivation for me to do them.

For me, Aether Paranormal is fun, exciting, and adventurous. It's also an opportunity to share the adventure with YOU. We hope you enjoy the experience!