Hi, Film-industry hyphenates!
I've said it a thousand times. A good producer is one that asks you the right questions to move things forward. Same with a script consultant. They don't tell you WHAT to do, they ask the right thought provoking questions and allow you, the screenwriter, to improve your story. Luckily, with Lorie, I have both. Here are some questions that Lorie asked me before my pre-pro weekend with my DP, Greg Risley, working on Visible Noise. My hope is that these questions will inspire you the way they inspired me and guide you in our journey to making the important decisions that will shape and enhance the story you tell on camera.
I've edited the email below so that it will make sense when applying it to YOUR story. :)
1) Do you have a vision or through-line for a compositional, pacing, rhythm progression?
2) Is there a visual progression? What is it? Is it static, smoother shots for the earliest segment, progressing to jumpier, grainier shots by the end...? Or, static-to-moving shots...? ECUs to WSs, or WSs to ECUs...? High angles to low angles, or vice versa? Or, are there any tropes from other movies that you might want to work with?
3) What about blocking within the scenes/compositions? Do you want to/plan to play with focus and/or physical obstacles within scenes?
4) Subtextually, what do you want the difference, or dynamic, to be between the characters in the scenes? Will it start off being his or her POV? Or, will the POV always be the audience's, of the "fourth wall?"
Obviously these aren't all the questions you'll ask, but it's a good place to dive in if you're just starting the process of figuring out which visual direction you want to go... and that will be a matter of style, experience, and interpretation of script.
For me, it's important to be able to experiment with shots, angles, and colors with my DP prior to our shoot.
Here's a bit of what we came up with for Visible Noise:
"It looks like a lot of our movie will be handheld, but we will use tracks and other techniques for select shots, as well as different lenses to achieve our mood. Tone wise, we came up with Requiem for a Dream meets The Notebook.
We will also be moving in slow at times, and getting footage for jump cuts where it feels right. The contrast between the two worlds will shift back and forth between our flashbacks (aka romantic, soft, brown/green) that are shot at a slower rate and Story's "real world" that's razor sharp (when on her). Although her world is increasingly out of focus by the time we get to the last scene. We don't reach levelness and clarity again until she has the moment/dialog with Ryan. We decided that this contrast is our visible noise, along with the sounds that will be over-emphasized along the way. We also are choosing a subtle spiral movement that we'll implement into our shots, and occasional tilt shots (dutch angle) to convey a disorienting effect and Story's spiraling.
All of the noises appear louder and more annoying to Story as she spirals. Our idea was that in addition to her phone vibrating while she's lying on the couch in mourning, we'd also hear a LOUD knock at the door. We cut to a mail guy who's knocking normally with the same rhythm to show the difference in our reality's noise and HER reality."
This was also the first time I was able to video the entire film (24 hour film style, without lights/all the actors) prior to shooting to obtain similar shots we wish to get on set. The video also serves as a storyboard, as it's easy to extract still images (thank you, Greg). This prep work is all a matter of personal preference, but having never used a storyboard before, I'm excited to try it. One thing is for sure - it'll never hurt to be over prepared. But the last thing you want your crew to do is WAIT ON YOU if you're not. And my stick figures were a disgrace to stick figures. That's all we'll say about that.
With doing all of this work in pre-production comes a sense of confidence and that's priceless. I highly recommend it, if you have the option. Happy filmmaking!
xo J
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 independent filmmaking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label independent filmmaking. Show all posts
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Lost In Sunshine: Then and Now
Below is an article I wrote in 2011 about Lost In Sunshine that was featured on the independent channel, Film Courage. Since it's been a couple of years, I thought I'd take the liberty of adding on to our story and updating you of our status. Reading it reminds me of why I continue this journey, and why you should, (continue yours) too.
A lot of people wonder if Lost In Sunshine was written after my life. The short answer is “no,” but it certainly was a response to it.
The idea.
My life’s been a series of ups and downs, most of which I feel have contributed to the richness of what I am able to bring to the writing table. My losses have taught me there will be light at the end of the tunnel, and to laugh when I feel like crying. I no longer feel the angst I once felt from holding on to my past. I had an epiphany that if I knew how to rewrite my story, then I could somehow do the same for Lyn in Sunshine, in a different way. I felt deeply inspired to tell the story of a woman’s journey – however imperfect, crazy, or deluded she might be. After all, I think there’s a little bit of delusion in all of us.
Two years and 15 drafts later, I contacted script consultant and (my now)
producer, Lorie Marsh, to help me wrestle the story to its essence. With her
help, the full story budded its way to fruition in 6 more drafts. I then felt ready to carry it with me on a trip to LA. I was able to get the script in front of a popular TV actress in Hollywood, who vibed with the story, and was excited at the idea of playing “Lyn.” From that point on, I came back to Austin with a new resolve – I would make this film, no matter what. Lorie, who had been consulting on the project for months, offered to come on board as its producer. We slept on the notion. And the next morning - production-magic began.
Production.
We were planning for “action” by the end of 2009, but it hasn't turned out that way.
We were fortunate to have our first investor early on, who believed in the quality of our business plan, connected to the story, and the message we were trying to tell. And, though we had a fabulous crew committed and interest from actors, too, we needed more money.
We were disappointed and frustrated when things didn’t line up, but it wasn't in the stars, yet. We've never lost hope. We look at our project as a whole, and for every “no” we just say, “no, not that way.” Forward march.
So, what did we focus on? We spent the next year implementing a website, Lostinsunshine.com, to engage our audience.
Experimenting: Social Media and Transmedia.
From the time we decided to make LIS, engaging our audience early was always a priority. By creating a blog by our chronically malcontented heroine, Lyn, from the beginning, we hoped to let our audience have a sneak peak at the girl behind small-town Sunshine, Texas.
Soon afterward, I also began writing bits and pieces of a self-help manuscript-in-progress from our hero, Bob, a desperate optimist.
The idea was to create a world around our movie-to-be that would expand upon the narrative as a whole - a transmedia approach. In addition to a Lost in Sunshine Facebook page and several Twitter streams, we wanted to experiment with online fiction and other forms of digital storytelling (videos, short stories, interactive games). Indie movie distribution and consumption paradigms are shifting, thanks to surges in digital media capacities and mobile platforms; we want to have content available wherever our audience wants to consume it.
A year after we launched Lostinsunshine.com, we debuted a redesigned site on February 1, 2011. We learned that we needed to refine our interface and site layout to make it more obvious to visitors that there is a fictional, story-world section and a real-world, behind-the-scenes section. We recognize that our audience doesn't know the term, "transmedia," nor do they really care. But, a little interactive quiz on the Home page? (Maybe) That's fun, and memorable.
We're further embracing transmedia in our crowdfunding campaign on
IndieGoGo Feb. 1 - March 4th by offering donors opportunities to add content to the online story-world as our Perks
It's all a big gamble, the focus and efforts we've put into setting ourselves apart with our website "channel" approach for Lost in Sunshine. But, it's been something we DO have control over. And, it shows prospective investors or co-production companies what we can do.
Moving Forward: 2013
This is where the article stopped a couple of years ago. With modest Indiegogo success in 2011, and a lack of audience participation, we have since learned to rewire our sound. We've had many ideas about how to expand our story, and inject it into the hearts of those who might want to experience it, but there are many factors that come into making a vision a reality. For us, our restraints have mostly been monetary. Neither of us were born rich, or with a rich uncle, but we're definitely rich in spirit. We mustn't let go, if our vision's ever going to blossom.
In 2012, the talented and funny actress, Nadine Velazquez re-entered our circle and became verbally attached to LIS (again). My heart is really happy about that.
Our most current project, Fucked Up People, is a web series set to be filmed in 2014 on a much more affordable budget. It's inspired by the main characters of LIS, Lyn and Bob. Both are beset by troubles of their own making. Lyn is profane, unfiltered, and unhappily married and employed. Bob is warm, chatty, and a married father and gambling addict. The series will present “fucked up people” that Lyn and Bob must deal with in their respective lives, while uncovering how each of them are messed up, themselves.
We're in the final stages of solidifying the first season's script, and then we'll hit "GO" with our production efforts. In addition, we're working on turning LIS into an e-novel and making it available online. The idea is to give people a choice as to how they'd like to view our story world.
With this web series and e-novel, we hope to build, (re)connect and engage with our audience, and give them (more of) a reason to support our feature film.
Sometimes the efforts seem daunting, but if you've ever thought of giving up don't worry, you're just human. What makes you super human is your ability to hang on, even when it feels hopeless.
Hopefully yours,
Jentri
___________
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
___________
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Filmmaking Lesson of the Day: Adapt
As I sat here working on my Born Good script, my mind started to stray... and for good reasons. I'm about to move to Boulder with my husband for an undetermined adventure. With all the packing, cleaning, scattered boxes, financial details, garage sales, donating, thinking about how to comfortably transport three puggies, saying goodbye (temporarily) to friends, getting film projects tight for transition, and applying online to other (paying) jobs... yeah, it happens.
Overwhelmed, I started to wonder if the people who are attached to this film will hang in there with me, through the move, and into even into next year, if needed. Then there was a shift. I began envisioning half of it being filmed in Texas and the other half in CO or NM.... Sure, things might turn out differently than originally planned, but they might be better, too!
Lesson of the day for us indie filmmakers - learn to adapt to whatever circumstances are thrown your way. Chances are, our filmmaking experiences will only be perfect in their imperfection. Chances are - they will be more imperfect than anything else. Hopefully, through these experiences we grow as artists, get a little stronger, and learn to adapt easily.
Adapting has been particularly huge in my filmmaking life. Sometimes working for, and other times working against me. It's a good practice to be often exposed to different, sometimes challenging, situations as if we're conditioning ourselves via "exposure therapy".
I've found that my ability to adapt and detach from most things is great - keeps me from being materialistic and a hoarder. :) But there's a line from which we have to make sure we do not stray too far... and that's the line where detachment meets vulnerability and connectedness. That's another thing I'm working on.
Vulnerability keeps us open and relatable as artists, writers in particular. I hope that I'm able to use my (sometimes) loneliness and reflective periods as building blocks in my stories. I believe that it's those kind of emotions that create believability and connection. It's those kind of stories that touch people, provoke thought, and move them to action.
Without an ability to adapt, we are confined to our "normalcy," or what we think is normal, possibly hindering our abilities to grow as human beings and artists.
Happy adapting!
Behind the scenes of What I Know For Sure documentary.
Overwhelmed, I started to wonder if the people who are attached to this film will hang in there with me, through the move, and into even into next year, if needed. Then there was a shift. I began envisioning half of it being filmed in Texas and the other half in CO or NM.... Sure, things might turn out differently than originally planned, but they might be better, too!
Lesson of the day for us indie filmmakers - learn to adapt to whatever circumstances are thrown your way. Chances are, our filmmaking experiences will only be perfect in their imperfection. Chances are - they will be more imperfect than anything else. Hopefully, through these experiences we grow as artists, get a little stronger, and learn to adapt easily.
Adapting has been particularly huge in my filmmaking life. Sometimes working for, and other times working against me. It's a good practice to be often exposed to different, sometimes challenging, situations as if we're conditioning ourselves via "exposure therapy".
I've found that my ability to adapt and detach from most things is great - keeps me from being materialistic and a hoarder. :) But there's a line from which we have to make sure we do not stray too far... and that's the line where detachment meets vulnerability and connectedness. That's another thing I'm working on.
Vulnerability keeps us open and relatable as artists, writers in particular. I hope that I'm able to use my (sometimes) loneliness and reflective periods as building blocks in my stories. I believe that it's those kind of emotions that create believability and connection. It's those kind of stories that touch people, provoke thought, and move them to action.
Without an ability to adapt, we are confined to our "normalcy," or what we think is normal, possibly hindering our abilities to grow as human beings and artists.
Happy adapting!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Now Casting: What I Know For Sure (Quest for the Cosmos)
Are you someone with specific beliefs about the universe, your purpose, and afterlife?
4020 Productions is now casting real folks to answer "the question of all time"!
Taking our documentary to CO this summer! Know anyone in the area that would like to be (or should be) in this documentary? Send them our way & tell us why! email: project4020@yahoo.com ♥
Photography by Goat45 Design
4020 Productions is now casting real folks to answer "the question of all time"!
Taking our documentary to CO this summer! Know anyone in the area that would like to be (or should be) in this documentary? Send them our way & tell us why! email: project4020@yahoo.com ♥
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Volando Muerte Production Stills
Well, it's that time... Volando Muerte's on IMDB, (yay!!) and we're beginning our festival submissions. Crossing fingers & toes! J
Photos by Shad Chancey with Goat45 Design
Photos by Shad Chancey with Goat45 Design
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
Thursday, January 19, 2012
My first feature to direct solo, Born Good
So I thought my first feature to direct would be Lost In Sunshine. I was wrong.
Since my first endeavor to produce LIS with Lorie Marsh in 2008, a lot has changed. All but our willingness and dedication to see LIS through to fruition.
Since then, we've both gone on to work on and produce other successful film projects, which we feel will be a greater asset to LIS, when it's ready to hatch.
Last year, I co-produced Volando Muerte, a horror docudrama with Aether Paranormal, which will be for sale at this year's Transworld in March! *Can I get a hand in the air!* Shad will be accompanying Matt Valentine in support of Matt's team, and Global Fear Enterprises. Look for 'em if you're there! Can someone say, I mean, scream #FaceOff!?
As cool as this is for us indie folks, I crave the excitement of directing a feature film solo. Perhaps it's because one of my new year's resolutions (which I don't believe in) is to fear less, and adventure more! Whatever the case, I feel I need to prove to myself and to other (future) investors that I can make this happen. And with balls on! Nothing funny.
So here we go, and off to a crazy start as expected with any indie film! So far, we have changed the shoot date (at least 3 times!), only gotten thru the first draft of my script, and lost our lead male actor (due to family matters).
I have one producer, Sabrina, in NY, one associate (satelite) producer in ATX with me, Jeff, and I'm looking for another right hand (wo)man to help me move things along. I thought we'd have 5-8 people on set, but it'll probably be more like 10 (who's counting) and we'll probably have to pull some bank out of our arses. But hey, Jentri, what'd you expect? Luxurious smelling pink roses sprinkled on you while drinking hot chocolate in a bubble bath?
Maybe. Don't judge.
Hey, at least love don't cost a thang. Thanks for nothing, JLo! You never worked on an indie project in your life.
And I never shoulda written scenes with 70-year-olds who have to act dead in a coffin. Ouch.
Ya win some, ya lose some.
The crazy thing about all the crazy, is that it doesn't matter that much. It's part of the excitement... fun.. adventure.. zest!
I've secured '36 Colors' to be our go-to place for vintage clothing, a kick ass makeup artist (actually 2), a dance instructor and studio, a church (for our funeral home), extra house to shoot at, food donations, an additional assoc producer, a caterer, sound person, ridiculously great music (can someone say #DougBurr), and script consultant, all in about a week. Oh, and I met with a possible lead male actor. Things can move really fast when you're focused on your intention(s).
Just give me some money for post and I'll be golden!!! Or give me another week. ;)
Lots of Love from above, J
Me and my lead princess, Katie!
Since my first endeavor to produce LIS with Lorie Marsh in 2008, a lot has changed. All but our willingness and dedication to see LIS through to fruition.
Since then, we've both gone on to work on and produce other successful film projects, which we feel will be a greater asset to LIS, when it's ready to hatch.
Last year, I co-produced Volando Muerte, a horror docudrama with Aether Paranormal, which will be for sale at this year's Transworld in March! *Can I get a hand in the air!* Shad will be accompanying Matt Valentine in support of Matt's team, and Global Fear Enterprises. Look for 'em if you're there! Can someone say, I mean, scream #FaceOff!?
As cool as this is for us indie folks, I crave the excitement of directing a feature film solo. Perhaps it's because one of my new year's resolutions (which I don't believe in) is to fear less, and adventure more! Whatever the case, I feel I need to prove to myself and to other (future) investors that I can make this happen. And with balls on! Nothing funny.
So here we go, and off to a crazy start as expected with any indie film! So far, we have changed the shoot date (at least 3 times!), only gotten thru the first draft of my script, and lost our lead male actor (due to family matters).
I have one producer, Sabrina, in NY, one associate (satelite) producer in ATX with me, Jeff, and I'm looking for another right hand (wo)man to help me move things along. I thought we'd have 5-8 people on set, but it'll probably be more like 10 (who's counting) and we'll probably have to pull some bank out of our arses. But hey, Jentri, what'd you expect? Luxurious smelling pink roses sprinkled on you while drinking hot chocolate in a bubble bath?
Maybe. Don't judge.
Hey, at least love don't cost a thang. Thanks for nothing, JLo! You never worked on an indie project in your life.
And I never shoulda written scenes with 70-year-olds who have to act dead in a coffin. Ouch.
Ya win some, ya lose some.
The crazy thing about all the crazy, is that it doesn't matter that much. It's part of the excitement... fun.. adventure.. zest!
I've secured '36 Colors' to be our go-to place for vintage clothing, a kick ass makeup artist (actually 2), a dance instructor and studio, a church (for our funeral home), extra house to shoot at, food donations, an additional assoc producer, a caterer, sound person, ridiculously great music (can someone say #DougBurr), and script consultant, all in about a week. Oh, and I met with a possible lead male actor. Things can move really fast when you're focused on your intention(s).
Just give me some money for post and I'll be golden!!! Or give me another week. ;)
Lots of Love from above, J
Me and my lead princess, Katie!
Welcome makeup artist, Micah, to our Born Good team!
I'd like to take a moment to welcome the beautiful & talented makeup goddess, Micah Elizabeth, to our Born Good team. She's worked with me at weddings, we attend the Aveda Institute together, and now she's offered her valuable time to us on the set of Born Good! She's gonna rock this! J
www.borngoodfilm.com
www.borngoodfilm.com
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!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Born Good: "Wow, this REALLY is an indie film"
I got these words texted to me in ATX from my NY producer over the weekend. I actually laughed out loud, because of the honesty (I love you, Sabrina!). I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that she's already gotten our trailer into a 6-plex movie theater in Virginia Beach, with a standing poster, and she hasn't read the script, yet. Or something to do with the fact that the shooting date is still TBD, because of our crazy schedules. Or the fact that we are having to recast our leading male at the last minute, in the middle of pre-production, because he's no longer available. Sigh.
The joy of indie filmmaking is that you get to be the creator of your invention. You get to be the one who decides what kind of icing goes on the cake. But you're also the baker. You have to go get all the ingredients, and decide whether paying for organic is important or not.
In other words, it's A LOT of work for few people to endure. Whereas, on a large set, there's someone assigned to every job. But that's why we do it, right? We do it for the challenge, the art, and the gratification at the end... the moment when we finally sit back and say, "I had something significant to do with creating that."
But for now, it's time to put on the apron and get dirty. Because this really is an indie film. ;)
Thank God for technological advances and people who still believe in working for more than money.
Love, J
WATCH BORN GOOD TRAILER HERE
The joy of indie filmmaking is that you get to be the creator of your invention. You get to be the one who decides what kind of icing goes on the cake. But you're also the baker. You have to go get all the ingredients, and decide whether paying for organic is important or not.
In other words, it's A LOT of work for few people to endure. Whereas, on a large set, there's someone assigned to every job. But that's why we do it, right? We do it for the challenge, the art, and the gratification at the end... the moment when we finally sit back and say, "I had something significant to do with creating that."
But for now, it's time to put on the apron and get dirty. Because this really is an indie film. ;)
Thank God for technological advances and people who still believe in working for more than money.
Love, J
WATCH BORN GOOD TRAILER HERE
Friday, December 2, 2011
Born Good Update: Casting lead male
Hey Sweets! I just found out that our Born Good (Lead male) star is unfortunately no longer available to shoot our movie this winter.
So casting has now begun! Send me your headshot and any relevant info about yourself, if interested in the project.
**Our trailer is currently playing in Virginia Beach at (Kemps River) Cafe Cinema and we feel confident it'll have a theatrical release**
We are shooting 4-5 days consecutively this winter (Feb. or March) in Austin, Texas. Improv & Comedic chops will be required for this position. Shooting (mostly) on 7D, if you're into technical stuff. I wrote and will direct the film. :)
Position is non-paid, but you'll receive home cooked meals, feature credit, be treated like a king on set, and have the ability to collaborate with us on the many colors your character can bring!
We will also be casting a few additional spots in January, so stay tuned for more on that!
Born Good is about loving without agenda or conditions. It's about accepting people the way they are, despite expectations. And discovering how scary and great life can be when we step out of our comfort zone(s), and begin to take chances.
If this sounds like a story you'd like to be a part of, our crew is in place - we're just waiting on YOU! :)
See promotional trailer and poster below.
Thank you! xo Jentri
email: project4020@yahoo.com
So casting has now begun! Send me your headshot and any relevant info about yourself, if interested in the project.
**Our trailer is currently playing in Virginia Beach at (Kemps River) Cafe Cinema and we feel confident it'll have a theatrical release**
We are shooting 4-5 days consecutively this winter (Feb. or March) in Austin, Texas. Improv & Comedic chops will be required for this position. Shooting (mostly) on 7D, if you're into technical stuff. I wrote and will direct the film. :)
Position is non-paid, but you'll receive home cooked meals, feature credit, be treated like a king on set, and have the ability to collaborate with us on the many colors your character can bring!
We will also be casting a few additional spots in January, so stay tuned for more on that!
Born Good is about loving without agenda or conditions. It's about accepting people the way they are, despite expectations. And discovering how scary and great life can be when we step out of our comfort zone(s), and begin to take chances.
If this sounds like a story you'd like to be a part of, our crew is in place - we're just waiting on YOU! :)
See promotional trailer and poster below.
Thank you! xo Jentri
email: project4020@yahoo.com
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, August 14, 2011
Born Good movie still
Born Good
Katie Page and Steven Goff in Born Good
photo courtesy of Shad Chancey with Goat45 Design
www.goat45.com
photo courtesy of Shad Chancey with Goat45 Design
www.goat45.com
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, July 5, 2011
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
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Born Good: New Logline!
Steven works at his family's small town B&B and Hollerbach funeral home in Borne, Texas, where he secretly practices his comedic routines while preparing cadavers. When Steven's high school sweetheart, Katie, learns of her potentially life-threatening illness, she decides to give Steven an unexpected visit, inadvertently shaking up his safe, predictable world.
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
Seems there's not enough hours in the day, or days for that matter, to work on the script! But I'm trying... inching my way towards something we can all be proud of. And in the meantime, I'm so stinkin' excited to have a go-getter team working to make things happen on the outside. Go, Born!!!
Love, J
Seems there's not enough hours in the day, or days for that matter, to work on the script! But I'm trying... inching my way towards something we can all be proud of. And in the meantime, I'm so stinkin' excited to have a go-getter team working to make things happen on the outside. Go, Born!!!
Love, J
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
Monday, April 25, 2011
What I Know For Sure (behind the scenes)
Hey my lollipop kids, yesterday we shot some sweet pics for our documentary, What I Know For Sure!
If you want to spirituality-stalk us, you can do it on its OWN PAGE!
We shot these "bookends" in Mustang Ridge in SE Texas, and in my ole neck of the woods, South Austin.
Beautiful (still) imagery was captured by Shad Chancey (Goat45.com) and Gabri Means (photosbyGabri.com) in addition to the moving images, captured by LeVan Owens, and I couldn't be more high if I consumed ten thousand sugar cookies!
BIG THANKS to my fab model/actress, Venus Monique, too. Can it get any more gorgeous, daring? I think not.
Talk about 3 peas in a pod! Exchanging lenses, drooling over focus and brilliant manipulation... It was all an F stop blur to me, but I think we came out clearly OK! ;)
Love, J
More pics to follow SOON... in the meantime, join us on FB too!
If you want to spirituality-stalk us, you can do it on its OWN PAGE!
We shot these "bookends" in Mustang Ridge in SE Texas, and in my ole neck of the woods, South Austin.
Beautiful (still) imagery was captured by Shad Chancey (Goat45.com) and Gabri Means (photosbyGabri.com) in addition to the moving images, captured by LeVan Owens, and I couldn't be more high if I consumed ten thousand sugar cookies!
BIG THANKS to my fab model/actress, Venus Monique, too. Can it get any more gorgeous, daring? I think not.
Talk about 3 peas in a pod! Exchanging lenses, drooling over focus and brilliant manipulation... It was all an F stop blur to me, but I think we came out clearly OK! ;)
Love, J
More pics to follow SOON... in the meantime, join us on FB too!
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)