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
___________
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 transmedia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transmedia. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
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
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Last Chance to participate in Lost In Sunshine's online world & help create a short film!
Hello Sunshines!
While raising the BIG $ it'll take to shoot the movie, Lost In Sunshine, we decided to feature blogs from our main characters, Lyn and Bob, on a website first - Lostinsunshine.com. Our hope is to attract early fans to our expanded online story world.
We're happy and blessed that we've touched those we have, so far! It's been fun to interact with all of you, and to exchange and share information and ideas! And most of all, to be lifted and inspired by your energy - daily!
We've steadily added behind-the-scenes and character content over the last two years, so this (IndieGoGo) campaign is a continuation of the process to keep 'the whole' rising! It's to raise the awareness of Lostinsunshine.com and to raise funds so that we can keep adding new story content to it.
We now have ONE MORE DAY LEFT for you to participate & be a part of something inventive, special, & exciting, like never before!!
What you need to know:
We've changed the campaign a bit! In lieue of 3 of the online games we'd planned, we want to instead shoot a short film, based on the movie.
Please check out this LINK for the simplified campaign!
You can donate any amount or simply share our link, and we'll be GRATEFUL!
Our goal is to now raise at least $1,000 by Friday (but we couldn't change it from the original amt).
Thanks for continuing to be with us though this wonderful, windy, exciting, insanely fun process!
With Crazy Love, Jentri
While raising the BIG $ it'll take to shoot the movie, Lost In Sunshine, we decided to feature blogs from our main characters, Lyn and Bob, on a website first - Lostinsunshine.com. Our hope is to attract early fans to our expanded online story world.
We're happy and blessed that we've touched those we have, so far! It's been fun to interact with all of you, and to exchange and share information and ideas! And most of all, to be lifted and inspired by your energy - daily!
We've steadily added behind-the-scenes and character content over the last two years, so this (IndieGoGo) campaign is a continuation of the process to keep 'the whole' rising! It's to raise the awareness of Lostinsunshine.com and to raise funds so that we can keep adding new story content to it.
We now have ONE MORE DAY LEFT for you to participate & be a part of something inventive, special, & exciting, like never before!!
What you need to know:
We've changed the campaign a bit! In lieue of 3 of the online games we'd planned, we want to instead shoot a short film, based on the movie.
Please check out this LINK for the simplified campaign!
You can donate any amount or simply share our link, and we'll be GRATEFUL!
Our goal is to now raise at least $1,000 by Friday (but we couldn't change it from the original amt).
Thanks for continuing to be with us though this wonderful, windy, exciting, insanely fun process!
With Crazy Love, Jentri
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Crowdfunding Lessons & how to unleash your inner indie rock star!
OK, so we (@ Lost In Sunshine) took a chance at putting out a direct-approach video for our latest IndieGoGo campaign, which we're afraid has appeared earnest.:) So, no time to buy tissues, we're working on changing that! If we're too late, we'll take what we learned with us, so the experience won't be wasted.
Lesson 1) Inspire people to donate to your campaign with your message, don't bore them to death with your knowledge/hopes/dreams, cuties! ;)
Our demographic has always been specific. But the real question appears to be whether or not our (your) target audience will know what the hell transmedia or social media is, and if they'll contribute/get involved. In addition, if we have a chance at our target audience contributing, assuming we have the wherewithal to reach them, they'll have to understand it.
Are you seeing question marks on your forehead in the mirror?
GREAT NEWS! You're not from Mars...:)
Lesson 2) Whip out your silver spoon, Sunshines, it's time to feed greens to those cats who are hard core chocolate lovers! When not sure your audience will understand what to do, don't insult them or go postal! Just be clever ole you, throw on your creative beanie, and figure out another delivery method!
This reminds me of the show don't tell rule in screenwriting. How will your audience know what to do, if it hasn't been done before?
Lesson 3) Show your audience by example, whether it be via video or instructional. But remember, don't be a BORING wizard! Be a playful pup!
Why should someone care about (y)our project/story anyhow?
Good question.
Sometimes people don't know they should care until you let them know why they should. As an indie artist, I personally back/support/produce material that inspires me. Fills me up. I'm not looking for the most original idea I've ever heard (1800's miner comes back to life and performs satanic rituals to rid the small town of its disease - although that could be good...) or the greatest indie project on earth (c'mon, I'm just a mid-aged white girl from TX, who wrote a dramatic comedy about a small town girl!!... although, my great grandmother was 50% Charokee... hmmmm), but I do look for things that speak to me, ask questions, have an enthusiastic spirit and partners that believe in the message.
What inspires you??
Lesson 4) Respect constructive criticism the same way you respect yourself. :)
Remember that little thing we talked about continuously getting better...?
Well, YEAH! It's part of the process that only you can fight, or work to get right!
Love, Love, Love, LEARN, LEARN, LEARN, and unleash your inner indie rock star, baby!
<3 Jentri
Lesson 1) Inspire people to donate to your campaign with your message, don't bore them to death with your knowledge/hopes/dreams, cuties! ;)
Our demographic has always been specific. But the real question appears to be whether or not our (your) target audience will know what the hell transmedia or social media is, and if they'll contribute/get involved. In addition, if we have a chance at our target audience contributing, assuming we have the wherewithal to reach them, they'll have to understand it.
Are you seeing question marks on your forehead in the mirror?
GREAT NEWS! You're not from Mars...:)
Lesson 2) Whip out your silver spoon, Sunshines, it's time to feed greens to those cats who are hard core chocolate lovers! When not sure your audience will understand what to do, don't insult them or go postal! Just be clever ole you, throw on your creative beanie, and figure out another delivery method!
This reminds me of the show don't tell rule in screenwriting. How will your audience know what to do, if it hasn't been done before?
Lesson 3) Show your audience by example, whether it be via video or instructional. But remember, don't be a BORING wizard! Be a playful pup!
Why should someone care about (y)our project/story anyhow?
Good question.
Sometimes people don't know they should care until you let them know why they should. As an indie artist, I personally back/support/produce material that inspires me. Fills me up. I'm not looking for the most original idea I've ever heard (1800's miner comes back to life and performs satanic rituals to rid the small town of its disease - although that could be good...) or the greatest indie project on earth (c'mon, I'm just a mid-aged white girl from TX, who wrote a dramatic comedy about a small town girl!!... although, my great grandmother was 50% Charokee... hmmmm), but I do look for things that speak to me, ask questions, have an enthusiastic spirit and partners that believe in the message.
What inspires you??
Lesson 4) Respect constructive criticism the same way you respect yourself. :)
Remember that little thing we talked about continuously getting better...?
Well, YEAH! It's part of the process that only you can fight, or work to get right!
Love, Love, Love, LEARN, LEARN, LEARN, and unleash your inner indie rock star, baby!
<3 Jentri
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Lost In Sunshine's explosive transmedia campaign on IndieGoGo!
Hello, Sunshines!
Do you like watching dramatic comedies with unpredictable characters, yet familiar enough you can relate to?
Do you enjoy watching (indie) movies that are unique, with unexpected twists and turns to keep you on your toes?
Do you like movies that are, especially in the end, spiritually uplifting and hopeful?
Wouldn't you like to get to know the characters IN the movie, before you watch it?
Do you like watching movies from your streaming netflix/internet/phone/TV/theater?
Would you like to have the opportunity to be a part of an experimental, multi-medial indie filmmaking explosion before the movie's actually even made (and put before you in all of these optional ways)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you'd vibe with Lost In Sunshine. At least that's what we hope.
So this is what's up, Beautiful People:
I understand it could be odd to invest in a transmedia campaign, when frankly, most people don't even know what that word means.
That's why we're explaining it here in this video. We could've chosen to be cute/funny/unconventional in our approach, but we'd rather you see US for who we are, and know exactly what we're doing with your funds.
My hope for all of you is that you find something about our project that moves you to action. It's not everyday we get to make a movie, and I can respect that you want to be able to see the rewards of your contribution. That's why we created this elaborate campaign to show you exactly what we're doing with it. Additionally, we've created an interactive campaign that you can creatively & actively be a part of, too.
Thank you, from the bottom of my mushy, big, hopeful heart!
Love, Jentri
Do you like watching dramatic comedies with unpredictable characters, yet familiar enough you can relate to?
Do you enjoy watching (indie) movies that are unique, with unexpected twists and turns to keep you on your toes?
Do you like movies that are, especially in the end, spiritually uplifting and hopeful?
Wouldn't you like to get to know the characters IN the movie, before you watch it?
Do you like watching movies from your streaming netflix/internet/phone/TV/theater?
Would you like to have the opportunity to be a part of an experimental, multi-medial indie filmmaking explosion before the movie's actually even made (and put before you in all of these optional ways)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you'd vibe with Lost In Sunshine. At least that's what we hope.
So this is what's up, Beautiful People:
I understand it could be odd to invest in a transmedia campaign, when frankly, most people don't even know what that word means.
That's why we're explaining it here in this video. We could've chosen to be cute/funny/unconventional in our approach, but we'd rather you see US for who we are, and know exactly what we're doing with your funds.
My hope for all of you is that you find something about our project that moves you to action. It's not everyday we get to make a movie, and I can respect that you want to be able to see the rewards of your contribution. That's why we created this elaborate campaign to show you exactly what we're doing with it. Additionally, we've created an interactive campaign that you can creatively & actively be a part of, too.
Thank you, from the bottom of my mushy, big, hopeful heart!
Love, Jentri
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
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