Lost in Sunshine

When I die, they won't say I didn't try.

Jentri Chancey — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:39:56 +0000

That's right - I said it. When I die, they won't say I didn't try! Can someone put that on my tombstone please?

Looking back at this epic (sometimes disappointing) adventure, one thing crosses my mind... to keep freakin' going. Why?

Well... why not?

Someone's gotta live out their dreams eventually, despite the consequences. *Big grin* Truth is, I love what I do, even if I never make a dime doing it (hope my husband doesn't read this). Wink, wink. ;) I love writing, and making movies. I love this story.

There's not much about it that I don't like, except maybe working split shifts... it's never good on my skin... but hey, I've got something for that, too. Why do you really think I got my esthetic's license?

Keep loving, living, and doing what you do, or else someone else will do it for you... and that's not as much fun. On my way to Boulder... I always thought it was so glamorous to have two residences.... like the whole HW bunch that do the east coast/west coast thing... now I can be one of them... ok, not really.

We're renting out our home in Austin.

OK... Kinda.

xo J

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Letting Go (and starting new)

Jentri Chancey — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:41:08 +0000

Letting go is a strange thing to achieve in a positive fashion. Especially when it's a film you've spent the better part of several years creating. Or a story you've spent many years fine tuning. Or a relationship you've invested ten, or twenty years (of your more youthful life) in. Letting go doesn't mean that you let go of the project, relationship, or idea all together, but that you let go of the way that's not working for you.

We've experienced this as few times over with Lost In Sunshine. But we've always remained consistent in our desire to bring this story to life, one way or the other. It's hard for some people to process the longevity of this experience without seeing a final product... especially those not connected to this story and characters the way we are. But I wholeheartedly believe that giving up or selling out is not (ever) the answer. Finding a new direction on a map with less traffic and more freeway - now let's talk. :)

When I think of 'letting go' I think of one of my first experiences with it... when my parents got divorced. I know that a lot of people view divorce as a negative, but I think the big D taught me a lot. It taught me that you can let go of something you still love and be ok with it, if it's the right thing to do. Being in the present moment is something I know I have to work on. Just because I've worked up to something doesn't mean it's going to happen the way I planned for it to when it finally becomes a reality. Accepting what's so at the present time is huge. And THEN, re-evaluating it is another ball game. Re-evaluating life means you have to answer (hard) questions and face truths. Re-evaluating means that you may not even want what you thought you wanted when you first set out to do it. If you're a dark artist, there may come a time you want to paint friendly animals. And if you're an actress, there may be a time you want to step out of the spot light. You get the picture. Change is inevitable, so we must respect its right to influence us.

Each day, I clap my hands and (try to) 'let go' of whatever might be negative or holding me back. I find that more often than not, each time I do this successfully, it opens up space where something else wonderful can come in and take its place. Cheers to you letting go of whatever's old so that you can fit in the NEW!

Love, Jentri

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The Place

Jentri Chancey — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 21:52:46 +0000

Making a film is like building a house. All of the components and building materials are out there for sale. But you have to have the money before you can start building. And you have to have the vision before you can draw it. Once you do, you put up the first wall, with the help of a few others. Sometimes you have to wait longer before you can put up the other side. But that's ok... you have a plan...you know that the entire vision is there. The architecture is breathtaking. The colors are picked out, and excitement is all over the place. But the true joy is that it houses a family.

That's how I feel about Lost In Sunshine and all our long-time supporters and magic makers. When I breathe in the first bit of fall air, I'm reminded of a feeling a felt so long ago when I began writing its first pages. The pounding out of characters on the keyboard non-stop... the turning of leaves... the reality that those visions made up... all close to my heart... all leading me to this unknown place. The place where anything is possible, and nothing is absolute.

We have not given up. We are merely still designing.

Love, Jentri

Means' new house - just the beginning - congrats!

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Directing my first feature film

Jentri Chancey — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:18:39 +0000

Three years ago, I thought the first feature I (wrote and) would direct would be Lost In Sunshine. But things change, and as filmmakers, our ability to adapt is crucial! :)

When I realized it could take a bit longer than anticipated to make LIS the way we want to make it, I decided I needed to carry on - keep moving forward with my career in order to build up confidence in myself, and other's confidence in my capability to execute material from script to screen.

So, we (Parnormal Productions) started working on our Aether Paranormal feature in 2010, Volando Muerte. We just finished the edit this past June! Now, we're in our audio engineering phase, where we'll fine tune our sound so that we can submit it to festivals and explore distribution routes. This is a feature I co-wrote/produced/directed with my partners, Shad Chancey and Beaux Jackson. So in a way, I could consider this my first feature. However, not to be territorial, ;) but... it's not completely my vision... working with two other innovators with strong opinions is insanely fun, creative, inspiring and exciting... but it also means that part of (y)our vision will not make the cut. This is something you accept and decide to love going in.

That's also why I'm looking forward to directing a dark comedy I wrote, Born Good, this December. Although it's partially improv, I'm still creating the story, writing the script, and directing it (solo). Sure, we have many productive and helpful brainstorming sessions among the talent, crew, and myself... but ultimately, it's my decision on what stays and what goes. Damn. That's heavy. But that's why I'm so excited to see how this vision progresses... what I learn about myself and the decisions I make when I don't have two other directors, so to speak, to lean on. It's scary, exhilarating, and liberating! What more could I ask for?

And when we finally do make LIS, I'll have that much more to bring to the table.

Wish me luck! And good luck to YOU - as you continue to DO YOU, too! ;)

Love, J

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Ordinary Magic

Jentri Chancey — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:29:24 +0000

Lately, I've begun to understand a little bit more about ordinary magic.

Ordinary magic occurs in our everyday lives. It's what we do to propel ourselves to the next level, without even realizing it. The ordinary we experience in between our filmic experience(s) is just as important as the actual filmic process. Without our loved ones to mess us up or guide us, or trips to Pink Berry, or PetCo, our stories could not be rich in authenticity or emotional truth. We need our ordinary lives to ground us, and get us still. We need our ordinary lives to show us what's important, make us laugh, cry, embarrass us, and let us fail so many times, that we have a shot at, as Sheen would say - WINNING. :)

This journey isn't about glitz and glamour. Filmmaking, despite how it make appear to look on TV, isn't like toddlers and tiaras. It can take one year to make a film, or it can take ten. Ultimately, it's about creating something bigger than ourselves. Something, regardless of how scary, dramatic, funny or strange, touches someone - somewhere. In the best case scenario, it touches many.

Without ordinary magic, we are, well... ordinary. J

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Indie filmmaking, with more intention and less goals

Jentri Chancey — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 19:20:39 +0000

Recently, I've had a slight Epiphany: To use intention, instead of specific goals, as my motivation. With goals, there's a certain expectation, which I've never viewed as a "bad thing." I've always thought it was healthy to aspire to have X, Y, or Z, and a part of me still does... HOWEVER, I've realized that for me, it's more important to focus on my intention in whatever it is I'm doing, than adhere to some sort of goal, that if doesn't come to fruition, is met with disappointment. In a way, I feel I'm maturing to take part in the world's flow without feeling as much of the crush that comes with undesirable outcomes.

From here forward, I will do whatever I can to make things happen in the way that I desire, BUT, once I've done all I can do, I will surrender.

Deciding to merge my filmmaking styles on my new feature, Born Good, with the influence of Aether Paranormal and Lost In Sunshine, is a conscious effort, but I've surrendered to the fact that despite all we do as filmmakers, we can't control the outcome - how the audience will react as a whole.

Sure... we follow formats and rules for writing in a way that will engage our viewers, but there's this X factor that's involved in great successes. We can try to be this or that "BIG film"... but in the end, we can do our own film better than anyone else, so why not just strive for that? Why not be the best version of our authentic selves or films?

This philosophy has now crossed over into my everyday... I can do me better than anyone else. You can do you better, too. ;)

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Someone New in Our Playground

Lorie Marsh — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:40:38 +0000

We have a new team member! Adipat Virdi is coming on board as Transmedia Producer - yay! What's a transmedia producer, you ask? Remember that whole - it's not just a movie, it's a show - thing we've been talking about? Adipat gets it. He does that stuff. The stuff with the expanded-narrative-across-different-platforms. The building-community stuff we've been working on. The Whole Sharing Things WIth You As We Go Along stuff!

Oh boy, oh boy, Great Stuff, huh?

If you're subscribed to our monthly e-newsletter, you know that Jentri has been busting her buns building up her directing experience with three other projects. Go, Jentri! On my end, I've been meeting via email and Skype, discussing LIS, and then scheming and conspiring with Adipat for LIS' transmedia future. :)

We've been a little quieter here on the blog lately, but we're still moving things along. PATIENTLY, ha ha. Stay tuned. XO

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Jentri & Lorie Discuss LIS Origins

Lorie Marsh — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:08:31 +0000

I thought I'd point you all to this video blog where Jentri and I talk about what inspired Lost in Sunshine and what we hoped folks might get from watching it when it's finished!

What Inspired LIS?

Don't just stand there, do something!

Jentri Chancey — Thu, 05 May 2011 15:26:24 +0000

Hi Ho! Hi Ho! You know the rest... that's what I've been doing these days. What about you, Sweets?? Are you still after your golden ticket? :))

To kick off the year, Lorie and I honored the in-your-face realization that if we're going to make LIS, we have to keep working on expanding OURSELVES as artists, and not just this project. This project will happen in time - when it wants. We've done everything possible to put the pieces in place, and we continue knocking on doors we feel can aid us in the process of making this dream a reality. When it happens, will you still be hangin' with us? I hope so!!

So here's what (else) I've got going on this year:

a spiritual/inspirational documentary, What I Know For Sure,
a mixed-genre feature with Aether Paranormal (Paranormal Productions) currently in post production,
and a micro-budget feature narrative, Born Good, which I'll shoot this Fall.

What I've learned recently is that meditation/prayer (however you tune in spiritually) should not be underestimated. And that dreams manifest themselves in ways you never thought possible. In other words, sometimes you won't realize you even had a particular dream until it comes to you.

All you can do until that happens, is keep putting one foot in front of the other in the direction you wish to be engaged... keep knocking on doors - until one opens, and they hand you a golden ticket. Even if you're the one who's unwrapped all the chocolate bars, sweets - who cares! You're (finally) goin' to Wonkaland! YOU didn't give up, Charlie!

People are meant to work together. They're meant to collaborate and cooperate. If you find beings that let their egos or negativity get in the way of being a team player - let them go - they'll find out eventually how it works. Even if they blow up and turn violet first!

The universe has taught me that focus is key, too. If I could advise anyone on anything worth while in this business it would be to keep focused on what you want to accomplish... give it your ALL... and you'll get there... in time... I promise.

Wishing you all peace, love, cooperation, focus, and many golden tickets!!

Jentri

Time is a precious thing. Never waste it. - Willy Wonka

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An Epiphany about Patience

Lorie Marsh — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:37:25 +0000

"You're here to learn patience." I heard these words in my head as I sat on an ancient stone altar in the ruins of Machu Picchu on top of the Andes in Peru. "Patience?" I thought. "I've come all the way to Peru for my out-of-body experience, and I get 'patience'?" Okaaaay.

Our featured Guest Writer in April's e-newsletter is actress, filmmaker, and author, Elise Ballard, whose terrific new book, "Epiphany!" I've been happily consuming the last three days. On Monday, we'll announce a drawing winner from our subscribers who will receive a free copy of the book, too! I had the extreme pleasure to talk with Elise a bit last week, and I recalled my experience in Peru.

I was there with my boyfriend, Ken. Six weeks prior to the trip, Ken and I had talked seriously about breaking up. We'd been dating just over a year, and we had our fears about aspects of each other and our relationship as a whole. Talking about our fears had made us realize that we really loved what our relationship brought out in each of us, and that we wanted to stay together.

So, there we were, both sitting on this huge granite ritual stone in what had been a temple in the citadel (yep, we were bad tourists and climbed over the rope). It was late in the day, and the grounds were nearly empty. We didn't speak.

Intihuatana StoneI stared ahead, glancing upon a spiky sotol plant growing out of a wall about 15 feet in front of me and thought, "I'm ready. Whatcha' got?" It was so quiet, and peaceful.

Nothing. Nada. Zip. Sigh.

I couldn't help staring at the sotol. The light was getting dimmer, but the sharpness of the plant seemed to stand out at me. Like an old Pepto Bismol commercial, the space between me and the plant seemed to close in while the surroundings blurred. Then I heard the message about patience.

"Well, shoot, I know I need to work on patience." I thought, impatiently. But, okay, I got it. Anything else?

It was still. I was back from Pepto Bismol blurry world. I felt the breeze on my face. I felt Ken sitting to my right. And, I got an overwhelming reassuring feeling that Ken and I were okay. We were good together. Our choice to stay together was healthy, and there was no need to fret over our decision. I reached out to put my hand on his knee and felt a warm, tingly current go up my arm. We agreed we were ready to leave the grounds for the evening.

Early the next morning, Ken and I climbed up Huayna Picchu, the peak that towers over Machu Picchu, and he asked me to marry him.

Machu Picchu

I nearly fell off the mountain in surprise.

I felt a rush of fear.

What about X? And, we hadn't resolved Y...?

I remembered the day before. The current up my arm.

I knew we were good together.

I took the leap, and said, YES.

It felt like I floated back down the mountain.

Later, that evening at dinner, I asked Ken when he decided to ask me to marry him. He said, "Yesterday, when we were sitting on that rock."

An epiphany is defined as "an illuminating discovery, realization, disclosure, or insight." In her book, Elise Ballard defines it as "a moment of sudden or great realization about life that usually changes you in some way."

I feel I had two epiphanies at Machu Picchu: one more immediate than the other - I married Ken 14 years ago, a year after our Peru trip. Yay! And, to my chagrin and consternation, I continue having learning experiences about patience. Case in point, our journey with bringing Lost in Sunshine to life. We've aspired and worked hard to make it manifest within defined time lines. The idea being, if we envision it and form intention around it, the Universe will bring the resources. But, milestones have passed without the fruition we've hoped for. Jentri and I both trust that there are good reasons for that, but it's really crushing sometimes.

Sharing the Peru story with Elise has been a blessing and perhaps a mini- or re-epiphany for me, because I've been reminded about the Patience Message. The voice said, "You're here to learn patience." and the implication to me was that my lifetime would be in service to that lesson. I've been reminded that there is no stop watch I'm racing, and I can't "fail the test." I want to work on really feeling that. Living it. To quell the insistent internal voice that says, 'there's not enough time,' and 'you have to DO, DO, DO everything NOW to be given the "keys to the kingdom," to be worthy of your desired outcomes.'

There is no race, except for the thrill of running. If I want or need to walk, or stand still on the course, that's okay.

Thanks Elise. For the book, and the chat last week.

Thanks for reading.

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Reporting from Sunshine!

Lyn Blue — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:21:30 +0000

You'll never believe this shit... yesterday someone was shot at our motel... this scrappy guy, clearly cracked out, tried to still our 70's bedding. I saw him carry some sheets out, and said I'd call the cops if he didn't stop... well, the cops were actually at the video store next door, so Johnny told 'em what was going on...

I told the guy that he should stop because our cops wouldn't be chasing him. He took that as a sign to run, I suppose. So, he's literally running from the cops when he sees them, with two pillows on both sides of him, and suddenly, there's feathers everyone. Old, brown feathers, I might add. And bloody ones at this point. Anyhow, it was so dramatic and stupid. I kinda felt sorry for him for a moment - cause he reminded me of one of my rescue dogs at home. All mangy and poor lookin'.

So the guy's then rushed to the hospital, which means 20 minutes later rushed to the hospital, 'cause the closest hospital is in the city. Meanwhile, the mangy bastard is mad at me! Me??? I said, "I told you they wouldn't chase you. What'd you expect? They had just eaten, and were going for dessert at the video store. Last thing they wanted to do was run." DUR.

And that's the big news from Sunshine! Aren't you jealous of me?

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Destiny, take 2

Bob Brown — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:04:50 +0000

feels like I've been in this place before... the bell of insanity is ringing... you know what they say...
doing the same stuff over again and expecting different results is well... yeah, probably has "Bob" written next to it..

'cause history keeps repeating itself but it isn't my dream - YET... but I have hope...

Bob's take:
If the dream keeps knocking you in the face, perhaps you should wake up and smack it back.

wow... ouch. that might be kinda harsh...

When the idea can't escape you, it's time to respect YOU...
hmmmmm I like better...

keep thinking.

third times a charm?
B

Lost In Sunshine Update!

Jentri Chancey — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:00:05 +0000

Hang on to your saddle, Sunshines, here comes LIS' status & we're still galloping! :)

We raised $1,300 (after associated fees) with our donation campaign on IndieGoGo, and that money has enabled us to pay off all but $900 of our website redesign/launch expenses. Every little bit helps! Thank you to ALL of you who made our campaign rock so hard, and those who continue to support us!

The campaign was also helpful for us to clarify who is responding to what about Lost in Sunshine. We recognized that we need to sharpen the heroine, Lyn, more, and we've begun another polish of the script that will better lay out the past that Lyn wants so desperately to forget.

In addtion, Lorie's research/feedback has determined that our female target audience is more mid-30s to mid-40s than younger, as originally theorized.

Lorie was in Austin for SXSW and had a good meeting with an executive from a reputable Production co. out of NYC (who I LOVE - sorry, no names!). They'd be a dream Executive Producer for LIS, and he's said he thinks we are "smart" about our project scope/budget. YIPPEE! He offered to be an email sounding-board for us as we progress, which is wonderful! We also met with another stong Austin (woman) producer, through one of our talented Crew Leads, who offered to put LIS in front of an actress and wife of a (very!) wealthy Texan.

Go, Texas film lovers! If we can all work together we can make magic!

AND, I'm so happy to report that Lorie's made it into the second and final round of the Sundance Institute's Producers Lab (*singing hell yeah* - from Jentri!!) and will learn by mid-June if she's been selected - WOO HOO! It'd just be another helpful rung on our ladder of getting LIS made! :)

We appreciate your faith in us! THIS IS OUR YEAR, HONEY BUNS! Keep rockin' out what you do, too, until you find something sweet 'n sticky enough to endulge in... and don't forget to tell us about it!

With Love, Hope, and Plenty of Sweets to keep us going,

Jentri & Lorie

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Lorie & Jentri Together in Austin

Lorie Marsh — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:27:07 +0000

I'm so delighted to be in Austin now! I've come to town for the South By Southwest film and interactive conferences and to spend time with my partner-in-Sunshine-crime, Jentri. It feels so luxurious to be able to put our heads together in person and flesh out ideas we've been batting about for sharpening Lyn's character and blog entries. More to come later on that front.

In the meantime, here's a link to a great interview we had with Donna Stewart and Sharon Kincaid of PSI FI Radio about Lost in Sunshine.

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When you know better, you do better.

Bob Brown — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 03:06:12 +0000

listening to Maya today... the words keep floating around in my head...

BOB... BE STILL!

being still isn't the same as doing nothing though... sometimes it's hard to figure out
the difference...

if i knew better, I'd do better... but I don't know what that "better" is right now...

seems there's nothing out there that's concrete enough... no job, no home, no money...

but it will come

- with each day we try a little harder
- we get a little stronger
- love a little longer

holy moly, I think this could be the beginning to a great country song... BUT WAIT.. CONCENTRATE!

manuscript. manuscript. manuscript. manuscript. manuscript. need inspiration.

where is that Caramel Pecan Fudge ice cream I used to love anyhow... ?
Friday:
*LOOK FOR BLUE BELL

"When you know better you do better." — Maya Angelou