We're (indie) survivors!

Jentri Chancey

Sat, 04/03/2010 - 05:16

OK, so we're not out in a scary forest eating unknown objects for supper with a dramatic jungle setting. Or being eaten by a giant somethin' or another in front of a green screen on one of J.J. Abram's films.  But we are indie filmmakers. And that's often scary enough. I suppose this post is a little venting, a little dishing, and a lot of hoping. 

There are a lot of people who like to tell you how to do things in the film business. And I'm always up for listening and learning from seasoned or practicing professionals that have done their time, or are doing it respectfully.  I even enjoy the zest of new filmmakers, like myself, who thrive on the excitement of sharing information. But unless you've walked the walk of raising financing (hundreds of thousands of dollars), emotionally dodged sharp objects being thrown at your chest, and managed a school of crazed artists (myself included in this one) swimming in all sorts of directions, then I don't have time to hear it. It's that simple.

Walk the walk, and then we'll talk. 

Raising hundreds of thousands of dollars is no small task (ask any producer)! In fact, in this economy, it can be painful. But us indie survivors can't look at this as a threat. We have to look for the holes (sometimes small)  where we can fit in. And if we can't find a hole, we have to start digging and make one.  Like my younger brother likes to say, "You gotta get in where you fit in." I'm not sure, but I think that applies here...

If someone tells us, "no" we can't just quit, or there would never be an indie film made.  We must translate that into "no, not that way" and keep going. That's where having a positive attitude, reciting affirmations, and having hope comes into play. :)

I welcome abundance.

At this stage of the game, I like to remind myself that this isn't a high school play; it's a feature film. Things (will) change, and we have to be willing to adapt.

But the wonderful part about that is we are resilient, and absolutely can. WE'RE INDIE SURVIVORS! We can do whatever we're willing to do. 

Thanks for dropping in. Stay strong, even when it frackin' sucks, and there'll be a better day! Happy filmmaking, friends! Jentri 

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