Staying Inspired and Loving The Run

We started the day with a roar. Leaped into a legal meeting with our fabulous entertainment lawyer, Deena, then discussed LIS' cameo role contest details with one of our sponsors, Beaux (GM) at Tan It All, followed by a general LIS production meeting with Lorie about ways we can increase our show's chances at success. There are so many ways to get to get to an end. But that's our job - to make the best possible decision with the information and resources we have at the time.

Above everything, I've been surrounding myself with beings who continuously uplift me... funny kids, sweet animals, bright friends, and hungry voices of inspiration. If there's a person, or place that doesn't invoke the best possible emotion from me, I pretend it doesn't exist. The idea is to Be peaceful, productive, and focused. Every day counts.

Today, my Lost In Sunshine producer, Lorie and I had an intimate discussion about our direction. We made sure, once again, that we're on the same page with our expectations. I encourage you all to make sure you share the same vision for your project with your producer. I'm overjoyed at the bond we've formed over the last two years. Sometimes, it blows my mind that I have someone on board the LIS train that loves this story as much as I do. It's like our child. I imagine that's what parents occasionally look at each other and think - WOW. :)

Not to mention the bad ass crew members still on board. THANK YOU, guys!! I'm so grateful for you. And I'm sincerely loving this magical marathon.

I'm pretty excited about a wonderful actor that we have a meeting with next week, too. He is quite amazing... the moments I've watched him in movies have immensely impressed me. He's a true artist.

So much is happening, and lots of questions are unanswered at the moment, so I apologise for being a bit vague in these many departments. But thank you for taking your precious time and joining me on my journey. There's so much to look forward to. And I look forward to sharing it with you.... more... soon. Make sure you're subscribed to our LIS network (next newsletter - June 6th) and you won't miss a thing. xo
Jentri

Love the run.

How shall Lost In Sunshine stand out?

Our producer, Lorie, is always thinking of exciting new ways to get everyone involved in what we're doing, and where we're going.

Last week, she sent out an email to the Lost In Sunshine crew that was inspired by one of Ted Hope's prolific blog posts, "Ten Things to do before you submit a script."

Two of Ted's tips were:

9) Make it somehow provocative, intriguing, audacious, or thought provoking -- something that will make it stand out.

10) Make sure it is more than just a good story told well. Be truly ambitious. Take us somewhere new, or take us there in a new way.

So, Lorie asked our crew, "How shall LIS stand out?". She asked us to answer in 1-3 words (yeah, that 3 word thing didn't happen, sorry!) and then communicate how each person would like to see Lost In Sunshine be ambitious.

Among the many valuable responses, one thing that really became a topic of interesting conversation was something our art director, Ia, brought up - honesty. Or our ability to be honest. I say ability because it's a choice.

A huge part of being honest is speaking to the genuine intention of what you wish to communicate. If that's a small town, as it is with ours - then it needs to be sincere. It needs the townspeople's character, the specific landscapes, one of a kind buildings, and the moving, breathing, mysterious, space in between.

Our developer and composer, Ari, mentioned the importance of focusing on women telling a real, authentic story about WOMEN. One that men wouldn't know. :)

Our DP, Iskra, said, "Unite the cosmic with the commonplace, while indulging in a preciously stubborn, lighthearted irreverence." I couldn't have put it more beautifully myself, so I had to share her words with you.

Iskra also added, that LIS stands out because it attempts to capture: a "World in a Grain of Sand"

(her favorite William Blake quote)

I personally want to be able to dive into the authenticity of what inspired me to write about a small town to begin with. Its mystery, solidarity, and range of colors. Its ability speak to people a million different ways, and touch perfect strangers.

Lorie reminded us to be bold, and make specific choices. To remember we're small, not Hollywood, and to be as arty and unique and outside-the-box as we are inspired to be.

That inspired me. Thank you, Lorie. Thank you, Ted. Thank you, one-in-a-million crew. :)

The {inspired} Gambler

I admittedly LOVE to gamble in LA, with certain family members in particular, but that's not what this is about! I'm feeling soooo inspired right now and that's why I must write...

Yesterday, I had a positive phone meeting with a well-established country musician in Nashville, whom I had originally approached online about our story and exploring the possibilities of using her music in certain scenes....

(this blog has moved -- read the rest here!)

Create what inspires you, and don't apologize for it.

There are a lot of solid strong men & women in front of the camera. We see that every day in our favorite films. They have to give to us a part of themselves, so vulnerable, so crafted, it’s fascinating to watch. But what about the women behind the camera? 

Before I started my journey into screenwriting, I always knew I loved writing. I remember sitting in my bff’s closet when we were twelve or so and just writing folders full of poetry. It was a harmless way to release the emotions we felt. At that time, I thought I wanted to be an actress. I didn’t know anything about women behind the camera. 

When I decided to go to college, I started taking film classes, but still didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, or possess the confidence to entertain ideas about what I could do. I merely went. I learned. I loved every moment - the good and the bad. Because at that time, I had already lived a couple of lives. Corporate being one of them. And I KNEW there was no other place I’d RATHER be at that moment. :)

Since then, I’ve learned that I’d rather run down I35 naked than BE an actress and expose myself that way. I’m simply too private. I don’t think I’d want to reveal myself in the way actors must. I have great respect for actors and love them so, partly because I know this. When I write and others read, it’s bad enough. I always feel like I'm just sitting there butt naked. But smiling. 

So, here I am. I write screenplays and make indie films. Being a new director, I’m in love with strong successful women, particularly behind the camera, that are fearless enough to go for it, despite the extra challenges (if you're a woman in film, you know what I mean!). 

My role models are those (i.e. Kimberly Peirce, Adrienne Shelley, Nora Ephron, Kat Candler) who produce material that fuels their inner creative core.  It doesn't matter if it's an indie art house flick or a massive blockbuster. They make what they're inspired to make, and they don't apologize for it.  

I have way too much love and passion in my body that has to be released, shared, and this is how I choose to do it.  I love. I create. I write. I make indie films. And hopefully someone else, even for a brief moment, feels it too.