What's in it for you?

Jentri Chancey

Wed, 08/04/2010 - 03:14

Have you ever been working away on a project, then suddenly asked yourself, "What's really in this for me?"

Experience? Pleasure? Money? Credit? Exposure? Status? Fame? The Challenge? The Game? Friendships? 

There could be many variables that lead you to the thought, but ultimately, I think most filmmakers have thought this - at least once. Maybe you were on someone else's shoot, editing someone else's footage, while someone else was making all the (real) money, or accepting the awards or recognition. Maybe you were working crazy hours, trying to make everyone happy, while battling Gettysburg in your spare time...?

But deep down, we (filmmakers) all know why we do it. There's something indescribable, so completely (insane?) embedded in us, that nothing else makes much sense. To do something else would be resisting our innate ability... our calling. The harder than normal work - ah, whatever. We call it a labor of love. But when's the big paycheck come, yo? That often flickers in our minds. I'm here to tell you today, from working on Lost In Sunshine for the last few years, and a few other indie projects, the check(s) still hasn't come to my mailbox, and I haven't died yet. Or gone hungry (thank you, husband). But I'd be lying and stupid if I said it wasn't challenging, heart tugging, or emotionally exhausting on occasion.  :)

So why am I doing this? 

For starters, I'm following a dream that's precious to me. I can't imagine going thru life without giving it all I got.  This process is beautiful, insightful, and challenging (in a good way) too.  I took the leap of faith a long time ago, and it's what's kept me from taking a 9-5 job.  Every time I get stressed about bills, or a less than desirable circumstance, I think about what we've accomplished thus far. The support from my Sunshine makers has given me yet another reason to keep going strong. The friendship that Lorie (LIS' producer) and I have developed has been uplifting to my spirits, and lent me comfort when there was little.  The fact that my husband, Shad and I can collaborate on film projects, and he's supportive, is pretty wonderful, too.

All these little things add up to one big, complex, colorful rainbow. And so many of them have to do with my undying love and gratitude for LIS and the people that occupy this journey. It's far greater than a pay check (although I'm not against them!) and I know that I'm getting way more out of this experience than it's getting from me... ok... perhaps an equal reciprocation. We're even. :) 

Why do you do what you do?          Are you following your dream(s)?          

Either way, what's in it for YOU?

I'd love to hear your response, thoughts, and perspective on what makes your world move. 

With love and respect,

Jentri

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