We're currently in pre-production to shoot our next Aether Paranormal documentary. Thought I'd share with you some insight on how we go about making these films happen. With my Paranormal Productions group we definitely go the unconventional route. We try to stay organized with weekly meetings and brainstorming sessions about what might make this movie engaging, and more captivating than the ones before, but there's an element or organic-ness that always prevails.
The dynamics and chemistry between our characters already exists, which is a bonus, but there's always spontaneity that occurs... which hopefully adds texture, rather than problems. Will either of the couples get in real arguments? Will any of our (little!) egos get in the way regarding creative differences? Probably not, but it's always a possibility!
There are three of us (producers) who are fundamental in making this process happen. While Beaux likes to work each scene and include every single camera angle, I can't seem to creatively expand, until I have the story's details solidified. Which works perfectly, since Beaux's an extreme visionary, wanting to know what everything "looks like" while he's hashing it out. Shad's extremely current with his information regarding paranormal events, and generally brilliant when it comes to all things creepy, so we try to film in a way that makes it feel that way for the audience as well - as if they're right there with us.
It takes so much work to pull a quality production together on a low-no-budget, and since we don't have funds to just go buy everything, we have to be EXTRA creative, and pull upon all our resources. What are we going to eat (there are at least 2 of us gals on set at all times that will get extremely grouchy, if hungry!)? Where are we going to get it? Where are we going to shoot first? Which scenes require which crew members? How long will/could it take (investigations are a little different - we can't 'plan' how long it will take to capture evidence!)? Are there any special props needed to demonstrate a scene? What can we anticipate messing up on us? What equipment will be needed? Are there any additional expenses, and if so, how do we collectively pay for them? The list goes on... and it's one of my jobs to ask the questions and figure it out BEFORE production. It's also my job, as a co-producer, to make sure everyone knows what they're supposed to know (location, research, etc.) so they can come prepared.
Even though we're making a documentary, which is factual, we still have to take into consideration entertainment. If it's not entertaining, no one will care, and no one will watch it. It might be ok if we were making home videos, but we're not - we're making them to share, with you - our (most paranormal/sci-fi/horror enthusiasts) audience!
We're scheduled to shoot our film next month. There's nothing more powerfully bonding (in my opinion) than making movie magic together, which is why it's so imperative to work with those you adore.
Happy movie-making!
Jentri
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 investigation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label investigation. Show all posts
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Aether Paranormal's Aquarena Center investigation now on DVD!
This documentary can be seen in high quality on our website Thursday, April 8, 2010. We are excited to present this investigation at the Aquarena Center in San Marcos, TX, once a resort and amusement park in the early 1900s. From intriguing old stories of a clown and mermaid performer drowning during an underwater theater show, to a more recent 2009 suicide on the premise, this investigation proves to be both captivating, and mind-blowing. Combining terrifying reenactments, Aether takes you on a crazy journey, like never before.
GET the HD DVD now for only $6.99! FREE shipping!
Thanks for watching and have a SUPERnatural day!
Here's a short fun video of our adventure to the TX Ghost Show if you missed it! :)
Jentri
Friday, February 26, 2010
Paranormal Productions: Reinventing the wheel with Aether Paranormal
So, if you read this blog you know all about my first love, Lost In Sunshine! When I'm not working on Lost In Sunshine, I'm making paranormal documentaries with my team, Aether Paranormal via our production company, Paranormal Productions in Austin, TX. I'm partners with my husband, Shad, and our best friend, Beaux, to bring you these full length documentaries to enjoy FREE via our website, year round.
The last year has been quite a journey. After Aether signing a right-to-pitch agreement with a production co. in LA for about 6 months last year, and nothing happening, we partnered with a fire cracker of a talent manager, Scottie Ward with CCM in LA, to co-create a new spin on our reality TV show idea, and pitch to new production companies via his connections. Our original slant has been VERY well received, stepping away from the predictability of an over-saturated market now filled with similar 'ghost shows'. So much so, that a top notch line producer has verbally attached himself to pitching our project to a reputable production co. in Hollywood, as soon as all our very specific ducks are in a row. Those ducks may take 6 mo. to get in a row, for all we know. So what do we do in the meantime?
We keep making f-ing documentaries & movies!! What else?
We've made a bold decision to take a new approach with our NEXT film project, to advance our agendas career-wise, and keep the momentum of our Aether Paranormal team's goals on the rise. We'll still be preforming real investigations with our team throughout. But this experimental project will start from the ground up. We'll forget all the stuff we've been told by Hollywood that we can and can't do, and just make an authentic, raw, killer flick. Because we can.
The brain storming session will begin tonight, before we finish editing our latest investigation that was filmed at the Aquarena Center in San Marcos.
I've always been a fan of the Duplass Brothers. And while I LOVE the way Lorie and I are approaching making our feature, Lost In Sunshine, Paranormal Productions thrives on being more experimental.. inventive.. a little more risky, in the grand scheme of things. We can make our films for A LOT less money, using no big stars, and without permission from anyone, especially since we're not asking for investors to fund us.
Instead of creating a business plan, having a tight script, and nearly a year of prep-work, like Lost In Sunshine's had, Paranormal Productions is choosing to make an outline, similar to the way Katie Duplass describes her experience with a 6-page outline before filming her directorial debut with, The Freebie. They had no scripted dialog, and shot it in 11 days. I believe everyone was getting paid on the back-end, too. Their picture was purchased at Sundance this year. Go, Katie!
The Duplass' Baghead was a great example of melting genres, and experimenting, too. I highly recommend any indie filmmakers, seeking an alternative, unconventional approach to doing things HW style, to check out their films! They do a super job of allowing film folks to know what can be done, if you've got the vision & time, and with little money. I've always been fans of their work, particularly because they don't make up excuses for why they can't do something.. they just do it. And they don't apologize for the imperfections, but rather use those as things to make them stand out.
With this paranormal project.. we want to create something that's never been done before. We want to step away from all the copycat versions of scary movies we know will be made.. others trying to recreate a Paranormal Activity success by emulating that style. Screw that. We have our own style and ideas.. so we've made the decision to start from the ground up... no limitations.. just high quality equipment, real people (no actors!) put in an extraordinary situation. We'll focus on story, originality, details, and entertainment value, at low cost - filming over the next year.
Next week, after some brain storming sessions, I'll have more details to share as to HOW we'll be tackling this.. but I'll blog about our journey, how we pull it off, and the fun obstacles we face.
This year, I'll have the luxury of learning how to operate under tight deadlines and regulations while making a low budget, high quality SAG feature, Lost In Sunshine with professional actors, and an experienced crew. And on the flip side, I'll be making a no budget genre film with real folks (no professional actors) using only a comprehensive outline.
Let the unknown begin- again!
You can connect with Aether here. :) Jentri
TWITTER
MYSPACE
FACEBOOK
AETHER BLOG
The last year has been quite a journey. After Aether signing a right-to-pitch agreement with a production co. in LA for about 6 months last year, and nothing happening, we partnered with a fire cracker of a talent manager, Scottie Ward with CCM in LA, to co-create a new spin on our reality TV show idea, and pitch to new production companies via his connections. Our original slant has been VERY well received, stepping away from the predictability of an over-saturated market now filled with similar 'ghost shows'. So much so, that a top notch line producer has verbally attached himself to pitching our project to a reputable production co. in Hollywood, as soon as all our very specific ducks are in a row. Those ducks may take 6 mo. to get in a row, for all we know. So what do we do in the meantime?
We keep making f-ing documentaries & movies!! What else?
We've made a bold decision to take a new approach with our NEXT film project, to advance our agendas career-wise, and keep the momentum of our Aether Paranormal team's goals on the rise. We'll still be preforming real investigations with our team throughout. But this experimental project will start from the ground up. We'll forget all the stuff we've been told by Hollywood that we can and can't do, and just make an authentic, raw, killer flick. Because we can.
The brain storming session will begin tonight, before we finish editing our latest investigation that was filmed at the Aquarena Center in San Marcos.
I've always been a fan of the Duplass Brothers. And while I LOVE the way Lorie and I are approaching making our feature, Lost In Sunshine, Paranormal Productions thrives on being more experimental.. inventive.. a little more risky, in the grand scheme of things. We can make our films for A LOT less money, using no big stars, and without permission from anyone, especially since we're not asking for investors to fund us.
Instead of creating a business plan, having a tight script, and nearly a year of prep-work, like Lost In Sunshine's had, Paranormal Productions is choosing to make an outline, similar to the way Katie Duplass describes her experience with a 6-page outline before filming her directorial debut with, The Freebie. They had no scripted dialog, and shot it in 11 days. I believe everyone was getting paid on the back-end, too. Their picture was purchased at Sundance this year. Go, Katie!
The Duplass' Baghead was a great example of melting genres, and experimenting, too. I highly recommend any indie filmmakers, seeking an alternative, unconventional approach to doing things HW style, to check out their films! They do a super job of allowing film folks to know what can be done, if you've got the vision & time, and with little money. I've always been fans of their work, particularly because they don't make up excuses for why they can't do something.. they just do it. And they don't apologize for the imperfections, but rather use those as things to make them stand out.
With this paranormal project.. we want to create something that's never been done before. We want to step away from all the copycat versions of scary movies we know will be made.. others trying to recreate a Paranormal Activity success by emulating that style. Screw that. We have our own style and ideas.. so we've made the decision to start from the ground up... no limitations.. just high quality equipment, real people (no actors!) put in an extraordinary situation. We'll focus on story, originality, details, and entertainment value, at low cost - filming over the next year.
Next week, after some brain storming sessions, I'll have more details to share as to HOW we'll be tackling this.. but I'll blog about our journey, how we pull it off, and the fun obstacles we face.
This year, I'll have the luxury of learning how to operate under tight deadlines and regulations while making a low budget, high quality SAG feature, Lost In Sunshine with professional actors, and an experienced crew. And on the flip side, I'll be making a no budget genre film with real folks (no professional actors) using only a comprehensive outline.
Let the unknown begin- again!
You can connect with Aether here. :) Jentri
MYSPACE
AETHER BLOG
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Aether Paranormal extended trailer- up now!
If anyone's feeling particularly paranormal today, or wants a mere diversion away from the mundane, repetitive news flashes every second that are convincing us we're going to die soon, check out our new extended Aether Paranormal trailer. View it at the youtube link above, or on our official site as always... and stay tuned for the complete A.G.E. investigation streaming free from our site veryyyyyyyy soon... have a SUPERnatural day!
http://www.aetherparanormal.com
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