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 first look at Lost In Sunshine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label first look at Lost In Sunshine. Show all posts
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Colorado Bound!
It's official - my film projects are moving to Colorado with me next year, along with my hubby and three pugs. Most of my current projects (i.e., Born Good and What I Know For Sure: Quest for the Cosmos) will be in post, and a new screenplay awaits me... as much as I want to take advantage of all the snow(y) activities and outside adventures, I'm also looking forward to quiet time with an extra hot soy latte, a fireplay, and "forever lazy" addition. Who says adults can't wear Onesies! I can't wait to really just lose myself in a story again. Give it the full attention is needs and deserves, like I did with Lost In Sunshine. My heart gets all mushy just thinkin' about it. Until we meet again, Boulder... save some ghosts, and a good writing spot back in a corner, with hot chocolate, for me. less than three :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Born Good (Hybrid) Film Challenge: How I'm using Lost In Sunshine and Aether Paranormal filmmaking styles to breed something Good!
Hey, my sweet Sunshines!
Sorry it's been a few weeks since I've officially blogged, but I've been (*deep breath*) working a day job for $, booking makeup gigs for the fall, planning logistics for a trailer to shoot in two weeks that'll hopefully be playing in a 6-plex this summer, learning more about transmedia thru our new LIS transmedia producer, Adipat, finding time to work on my current screenplay, & read my screenwriting magazine, finishing a paranormal feature & figuring out a festival route for it, talking to people in LA about a possible reality show for our group, planning to shoot my first solo feature this fall, while learning about a 5 minute reel we aspire to shoot for LIS this summer so it can be shopped by our team in Toronto...oh, and getting ready to start esthetician classes in Aug. so I can get my license for that... ya know, the regular.
What have you been up to, Jelly Bean? Whatever it is, I hope it boosts your creative juices so that they're overflowing, and that you are inspired to hit your internal GO button! If you find yourself deflated and dehydrated by your day, perhaps it's time for a change...? :)
Today, while on a Lost In Sunshine production call with my producer, Lorie, I realized that the new feature I'm shooting this year, Born Good, has been (stylistically) inspired by previous work. Basically, my two styles of filmmaking are merging, for better or worse! :)
With LIS, we use a more traditional style of filmmaking, so to speak. We're a low-budget film, but we operate about as frequently and thoroughly as a major studio film!! Much of that comes from passion, and the incredible talent that chooses to participate in our journey and make it happen with us, despite an unpredictable timeline.
In example, we storyboard, we do extensive location scouting, we cast with a professional casting director, pay a legal attorney, marketing/distribution specialist, etc., and plan on shooting with a FULL crew when the time comes!
With Aether Paranormal, we are far less traditional. Our style's more fly-by-the-seat-of your-pants, with multiple brainstorming sessions and notes before we shoot from a detailed outline. No real script to talk about. We thrive on the unknown... after all, it's a paranormal investigation, right? Our hope is that we will capture what we don't already know!! And in some cases, we rely heavily on our chemistry and group-dynamic to pull us through!
Born Good is in some way a hybrid. My experimental concoction. I'm more concerned that I have a solid story than a script, even though screenwriting is my first love. I know that we won't have the time or budget to have a script supervisor, or money to pay for something like...oh... PA's!! So, I have enlisted the help of two very talented actors, whom naturally possess the skills my characters need, and hired crew that's used to the fly (i.e., Beaux from AP & ION Image Studio, LeVan Owens, Ia Enstera (AKA Art Goddness), and Shad Chancey from Goat45 Design).
The payoff is uncertain, as with most endeavors, but something tells me this is going to be a special shoot. There's no time for bullshit. There's no time for anything that's less than productive, so having no-nonsense crew and a positive, friendly cast is crucial. Locations have to be free, food has to be donated, producers have to think outside the girl scout cookie box, and time has to be respected.
I'm looking forward to all the love this production and its 'makers' will bring... oh, and the sweets, too... where's my sweet witch whoopies at yo!?
Don't forget to join our Born Good experience on FB, too!
J
Sorry it's been a few weeks since I've officially blogged, but I've been (*deep breath*) working a day job for $, booking makeup gigs for the fall, planning logistics for a trailer to shoot in two weeks that'll hopefully be playing in a 6-plex this summer, learning more about transmedia thru our new LIS transmedia producer, Adipat, finding time to work on my current screenplay, & read my screenwriting magazine, finishing a paranormal feature & figuring out a festival route for it, talking to people in LA about a possible reality show for our group, planning to shoot my first solo feature this fall, while learning about a 5 minute reel we aspire to shoot for LIS this summer so it can be shopped by our team in Toronto...oh, and getting ready to start esthetician classes in Aug. so I can get my license for that... ya know, the regular.
What have you been up to, Jelly Bean? Whatever it is, I hope it boosts your creative juices so that they're overflowing, and that you are inspired to hit your internal GO button! If you find yourself deflated and dehydrated by your day, perhaps it's time for a change...? :)
Today, while on a Lost In Sunshine production call with my producer, Lorie, I realized that the new feature I'm shooting this year, Born Good, has been (stylistically) inspired by previous work. Basically, my two styles of filmmaking are merging, for better or worse! :)
With LIS, we use a more traditional style of filmmaking, so to speak. We're a low-budget film, but we operate about as frequently and thoroughly as a major studio film!! Much of that comes from passion, and the incredible talent that chooses to participate in our journey and make it happen with us, despite an unpredictable timeline.
In example, we storyboard, we do extensive location scouting, we cast with a professional casting director, pay a legal attorney, marketing/distribution specialist, etc., and plan on shooting with a FULL crew when the time comes!
With Aether Paranormal, we are far less traditional. Our style's more fly-by-the-seat-of your-pants, with multiple brainstorming sessions and notes before we shoot from a detailed outline. No real script to talk about. We thrive on the unknown... after all, it's a paranormal investigation, right? Our hope is that we will capture what we don't already know!! And in some cases, we rely heavily on our chemistry and group-dynamic to pull us through!
Born Good is in some way a hybrid. My experimental concoction. I'm more concerned that I have a solid story than a script, even though screenwriting is my first love. I know that we won't have the time or budget to have a script supervisor, or money to pay for something like...oh... PA's!! So, I have enlisted the help of two very talented actors, whom naturally possess the skills my characters need, and hired crew that's used to the fly (i.e., Beaux from AP & ION Image Studio, LeVan Owens, Ia Enstera (AKA Art Goddness), and Shad Chancey from Goat45 Design).
The payoff is uncertain, as with most endeavors, but something tells me this is going to be a special shoot. There's no time for bullshit. There's no time for anything that's less than productive, so having no-nonsense crew and a positive, friendly cast is crucial. Locations have to be free, food has to be donated, producers have to think outside the girl scout cookie box, and time has to be respected.
I'm looking forward to all the love this production and its 'makers' will bring... oh, and the sweets, too... where's my sweet witch whoopies at yo!?
Don't forget to join our Born Good experience on FB, too!
J
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Indie Artists: The Skinny on Teamwork & Being Good at Doing YOU.
OK, Honey Buns... here's the sweet skinny on those who aren't good at everything... so, if you're the best at EVERYTHING with a cherry on top, this post probably isn't for you. ;)
Our indie lives often require us to wear so many weaved hats that we can't remember which one we should put on to advance our careers.
Over the past few years, I've been blessed to learn a lot about the production business, specifically through my insanely talented partner, Lorie Marsh, working on Lost In Sunshine.
Being a co-producer on a series of (Aether) paranormal documentaries, I've learned a lot about what can be done on the fly, and in the editing room.
And, because I want to inevitably shoot a BEAUTIFUL film, capture details, and solicit talent, I pay attention to what makes pictures beautiful - is it the lens? Lighting? Acting? Textures? Colors? Rareness? Rawness? Landscape? Skyline? Depth of field? The focus pull? All of the above?
But bottom line is, I'm a writer first. I think it's easy for us indie artists to feel lost when we're being pulled so many ways to make things happen. Seems we're now expected to do EVERYTHING to cut cost. Fair enough. Perhaps we even enjoy the entire process (I know I do!).
But remember this: There's wonderful people out there that aspire to be EDITORS, CINEMATOGRAPHERS, CAMERA OPERATORS, ACTORS, SOUND EXPERTS, ETC. You are not alone. You do not have to do everything (well) yourself. If you know you're weak in an area, find someone that has a firecracker of a heart, and snatch them up! They need experience, too, and will love the opportunity to advance their agendas as well!! After all, isn't filmmaking about TEAMWORK? :) I don't know a lot of one-(wo)man shows. And those guys always think they're better at everything than they really are anyhow. ;)
Be original. Be sincere. Don't spend time worrying about what you're not good at. Anyone can practice to enhance skills. BUT, Talent comes naturally, and can't be purchased. Just focus on what YOU do best, you Courageous Beast, and keep getting better.
Bottom line, being well-rounded is necessary, and appreciated by your peers. But we should be the very best version of ourselves at all times, without apologizing for it. Be GOOD at doing YOU, Sunshine!!!
With love & an open heart,
Jentri
Our indie lives often require us to wear so many weaved hats that we can't remember which one we should put on to advance our careers.
Over the past few years, I've been blessed to learn a lot about the production business, specifically through my insanely talented partner, Lorie Marsh, working on Lost In Sunshine.
Being a co-producer on a series of (Aether) paranormal documentaries, I've learned a lot about what can be done on the fly, and in the editing room.
And, because I want to inevitably shoot a BEAUTIFUL film, capture details, and solicit talent, I pay attention to what makes pictures beautiful - is it the lens? Lighting? Acting? Textures? Colors? Rareness? Rawness? Landscape? Skyline? Depth of field? The focus pull? All of the above?
But bottom line is, I'm a writer first. I think it's easy for us indie artists to feel lost when we're being pulled so many ways to make things happen. Seems we're now expected to do EVERYTHING to cut cost. Fair enough. Perhaps we even enjoy the entire process (I know I do!).
But remember this: There's wonderful people out there that aspire to be EDITORS, CINEMATOGRAPHERS, CAMERA OPERATORS, ACTORS, SOUND EXPERTS, ETC. You are not alone. You do not have to do everything (well) yourself. If you know you're weak in an area, find someone that has a firecracker of a heart, and snatch them up! They need experience, too, and will love the opportunity to advance their agendas as well!! After all, isn't filmmaking about TEAMWORK? :) I don't know a lot of one-(wo)man shows. And those guys always think they're better at everything than they really are anyhow. ;)
Be original. Be sincere. Don't spend time worrying about what you're not good at. Anyone can practice to enhance skills. BUT, Talent comes naturally, and can't be purchased. Just focus on what YOU do best, you Courageous Beast, and keep getting better.
Bottom line, being well-rounded is necessary, and appreciated by your peers. But we should be the very best version of ourselves at all times, without apologizing for it. Be GOOD at doing YOU, Sunshine!!!
With love & an open heart,
Jentri
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Lost In Sunshine: Transmedia Talk & LIS Q&A via producer, Lorie Marsh
Hey Sunshines!
If you're interested in what transmedia is and what it means in relation to our indie film, Lost In Sunshine, you have to listen to this interview! It's FABULOUS (not just saying that because she's our producer, promise!)!
In addition, Lorie also explains how she got started in the biz & how Lost In Sunshine came to be what it is now!
Ever wonder:
How did Lorie and Jentri meet?
How did Lorie become the producer of Lost In Sunshine?
How do the transmedia components connect to a revenue model that benefits LIS?
What's LIS's target demographic and what are the challenges of reaching out to them directly?
What's the business model for LIS, and how does it differ from others?
How do you sustain the momentum of the whole process, especially since it's taking longer than initially anticipated?
What's the point/idea/intention of creating version 2 of the (LIS) website?
In terms of longevity, how else can LIS use the written (i.e., blog, prequel) material and maintain its integrity?
How does the LIS differ from other traditional movie websites? Why is it this way?
How long will you continue to create/act upon this (online prequel) narrative world?
What are your thoughts on future distributor possibilities in relation to what you're creating/producing re: advertising,
marketing, content, etc., now?
What are your thoughts for syndicating various types of content re: LIS later (i.e., amazon, kindle, etc.)?
What's LIS's connection/marketing relationship to spiritual cinema? How are you demonstrating that?
What are your thoughts on pre-sales/foreign markets for LIS?
How is LIS expanding its narrative?
What are additional rewards for LIS' audience participation on the website, beyond entertainment?
When did you discover transmedia and what projects inspired you to do this with LIS?
What is LIS doing to drive their own boat, that others aren't doing with comedy-dramas?
What are things that you've noticed on different channels (i.e., FB, twitter, blogs) that you've been able to identify
and change/tweak so that they're working more effectively for LIS as a whole?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, LISTEN HERE!
In addition, if you're an indie producer, you'll want to book mark Lorie's blog! Very helpful!
Forward Marsh is an entertainment and consulting company.
:)
When/If you listen to it, please let us know if you have any OTHER questions! We'd love to hear from you!
Thanks for caring & sharing... Happy Listening! xo Jentri
If you're interested in what transmedia is and what it means in relation to our indie film, Lost In Sunshine, you have to listen to this interview! It's FABULOUS (not just saying that because she's our producer, promise!)!
In addition, Lorie also explains how she got started in the biz & how Lost In Sunshine came to be what it is now!
Ever wonder:
How did Lorie and Jentri meet?
How did Lorie become the producer of Lost In Sunshine?
How do the transmedia components connect to a revenue model that benefits LIS?
What's LIS's target demographic and what are the challenges of reaching out to them directly?
What's the business model for LIS, and how does it differ from others?
How do you sustain the momentum of the whole process, especially since it's taking longer than initially anticipated?
What's the point/idea/intention of creating version 2 of the (LIS) website?
In terms of longevity, how else can LIS use the written (i.e., blog, prequel) material and maintain its integrity?
How does the LIS differ from other traditional movie websites? Why is it this way?
How long will you continue to create/act upon this (online prequel) narrative world?
What are your thoughts on future distributor possibilities in relation to what you're creating/producing re: advertising,
marketing, content, etc., now?
What are your thoughts for syndicating various types of content re: LIS later (i.e., amazon, kindle, etc.)?
What's LIS's connection/marketing relationship to spiritual cinema? How are you demonstrating that?
What are your thoughts on pre-sales/foreign markets for LIS?
How is LIS expanding its narrative?
What are additional rewards for LIS' audience participation on the website, beyond entertainment?
When did you discover transmedia and what projects inspired you to do this with LIS?
What is LIS doing to drive their own boat, that others aren't doing with comedy-dramas?
What are things that you've noticed on different channels (i.e., FB, twitter, blogs) that you've been able to identify
and change/tweak so that they're working more effectively for LIS as a whole?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, LISTEN HERE!
In addition, if you're an indie producer, you'll want to book mark Lorie's blog! Very helpful!
Forward Marsh is an entertainment and consulting company.
:)
When/If you listen to it, please let us know if you have any OTHER questions! We'd love to hear from you!
Thanks for caring & sharing... Happy Listening! xo Jentri
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
This week: Casting into the universe, launching new, interactive website, and IndieGoGo Campaign!
So, the tension is building inside... we're just hours away from launching our IndieGoGo campaign, which is following the launch of our (version 2) interactive website! During the week, we'll continue to release new features, content, videos, etc. on our Lost In Sunshine website, indiegogo page, twitter, and facebook.
The stressful part about it is not being able to predict the outcome, like most of life. All we can do it put it out there and hope that all of our love, devoted efforts, and continuous passion pays off. We hope that others will, more than just see how crazy hard we work, relate to our concept, characters, spiritual content/message, and theme. We hope that our audiences will want to participate (Then I'll have warm fuzzies).
As an indie filmmaker, there are no guarantees. So, what's comforted me is that the universe manifests itself the way it wants to, when it wants to, with, and sometimes without, our help. In other words, the outcome will be the same whether we worry about it or not. The point is to enjoy this magnificent journey, love the process and when we have completed something - find some satisfaction is looking at the final product and being proud, whether or not it ever makes a dime. Of all people, I know how difficult it is sometimes. But if we are in this line of work for the right reasons, it will not let us down. The universe will continue to aid us in our dreams, as we continue to hang on to hope, and put one foot in front of the other.
Now go get 'em! I'll meet ya out there. :)
J
The stressful part about it is not being able to predict the outcome, like most of life. All we can do it put it out there and hope that all of our love, devoted efforts, and continuous passion pays off. We hope that others will, more than just see how crazy hard we work, relate to our concept, characters, spiritual content/message, and theme. We hope that our audiences will want to participate (Then I'll have warm fuzzies).
As an indie filmmaker, there are no guarantees. So, what's comforted me is that the universe manifests itself the way it wants to, when it wants to, with, and sometimes without, our help. In other words, the outcome will be the same whether we worry about it or not. The point is to enjoy this magnificent journey, love the process and when we have completed something - find some satisfaction is looking at the final product and being proud, whether or not it ever makes a dime. Of all people, I know how difficult it is sometimes. But if we are in this line of work for the right reasons, it will not let us down. The universe will continue to aid us in our dreams, as we continue to hang on to hope, and put one foot in front of the other.
Now go get 'em! I'll meet ya out there. :)
J
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Official Press Release for Independent film, Lost In Sunshine, via filmmakers, Jentri Chancey & Lorie Marsh with executive producer, Cynthia Litman
As you all know, we've been working our butts off the last two years to make Lost In Sunshine happen. With all that we're doing, and all that we've done, I feel a sense of peace, wave of excitement, and openness to how and when the universe wants us to fully manifest it.
This past year, it seems that our direction has been towards building an online community. It's been a labor of LOVE, and real eye-opener for me personally, as I never imagined all that could be accomplished so joyfully when you've got the right people on your side (thank you, Lorie, hubby, & loyal teammates!)
So, with gratitude and love, we enter the next phase of our film's journey.
Here's a PRESS RELEASE I'd like to share with you, my devoted friends and supporters.
Cheers to 2011! I think it's going to be a GOOD one for all of us... so let's first suspend any disbelief we have that it will not be everything we want, and imagine that whatever we want, feel, desire, and dream - we can accomplish. Even if it takes years to get there, we will always have a head start if we can just begin. Embrace the vulnerability, open your heart, and live NOW.
With love and hope! Jentri
READ PRESS RELEASE HERE
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/01/prweb4961974.htm
This past year, it seems that our direction has been towards building an online community. It's been a labor of LOVE, and real eye-opener for me personally, as I never imagined all that could be accomplished so joyfully when you've got the right people on your side (thank you, Lorie, hubby, & loyal teammates!)
So, with gratitude and love, we enter the next phase of our film's journey.
Here's a PRESS RELEASE I'd like to share with you, my devoted friends and supporters.
Cheers to 2011! I think it's going to be a GOOD one for all of us... so let's first suspend any disbelief we have that it will not be everything we want, and imagine that whatever we want, feel, desire, and dream - we can accomplish. Even if it takes years to get there, we will always have a head start if we can just begin. Embrace the vulnerability, open your heart, and live NOW.
With love and hope! Jentri
READ PRESS RELEASE HERE
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/01/prweb4961974.htm
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Making Movies just got more fun! Lost In Sunshine Happy Dance!
As part of our plan to keep our independent film's energy up, alive, and to manifest a 2011 shoot, we've requested pics and video of our supporters doing happy dances! We know, in order to live it, we have to feel it first. So our plan is to FEEL GOOD, as much as possible! And we also know that love/happiness/positive energy in large masses is more effective! So, please feel free to donate some love to our LIS prequel, on-going show, movie-to-be, too!
I just posted mine on LIS.com, and here's the first LIS HAPPY DANCE pic, just in! Thanks, Izzy and Westin. Aunt Jentri LOVES YOU! Watch KIDDOS HAPPY DANCE VIDEO HERE.
Join in on the fun by sending your pic or video to Jentri@lostinsunshine.com and I'll feature you in one of our upcoming blogs. :)
I just posted mine on LIS.com, and here's the first LIS HAPPY DANCE pic, just in! Thanks, Izzy and Westin. Aunt Jentri LOVES YOU! Watch KIDDOS HAPPY DANCE VIDEO HERE.
Join in on the fun by sending your pic or video to Jentri@lostinsunshine.com and I'll feature you in one of our upcoming blogs. :)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Jentri answers (Lost In Sunshine) storyboarding question from Chris Savino
More questions? Email me: jentri@lostinsunshine.com
or post them on our LIS blog. :)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Are You Austin's Next (LIS) Star?
Hey friends,
Join Heather Rivera and Mix 94.7 at Tan It All, Wednesday from 5p.m.-7p.m. at Mopac and William Cannon, next to Gold’s Gym! Enter for a chance to win a 3 month tanning membership, a 3 month Gold's Gym membership and enter to win a cameo role in the upcoming indie film, Lost In Sunshine...
I'll be there to personally tell you a little about our new LIS contest coming up!
See you there!
Jentri
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