I was delighted to find a question in my inbox this morning from a "Ghost Sniffers" fan who had purchased the first half of Season 1 on DVD and watched my interview (one of the neat bonus features on the Episode 1 disc). Mark mentioned that he loved the show and was "blown away" by how far we've come (between Episode 1 and Episode 6) and how much we've accomplished. He just had one question. "From reading your blog, I know you're writing the second half of the season now. What songs are on your new playlist?" If you've seen the interview (which really was a blast to do) you know what Mark is talking about. And since I don't intend to do another interview in the future (the interviews included on future DVDs will feature other actors we haven't talked to yet and maybe some shorts), here's the answer Mark :)
Jennifer's "On Repeat" Playlist
Episode 7 - "White Rabbit" by Emiliana Torrini
Episode 8 - "The Pearl" (entire album) by Brian Eno
Episode 9 - "Glad You Came" by The Wanted
Episode 10 - "Lights" by Ellie Goulding (Bassnectar Remix)
I don't know what I'll listen to when I write Episodes 11 and 12 yet :)
You know, the "On the Anvil" interviews were a blast for all of us DiMarcos; we tried to infuse them with a mix of humor, real information, and an honest sense of actually having a conversation with each of us. (We have supporter Rebecca Fitzgerald to thank for the awesome anvil, by the way!) By watching the interviews (there are interviews with Brianne, Cris, Faith, Maxwell and me, plus a sixth interview with the various puppets used in the show -- LOL!), I want people to see who they'll be working with when they come on set. I also wanted everyone to understand more of exactly what it takes to move a script from words on a screen to the finished episode.
In her interview, Brianne talked about designing make up and costumes, and also the video and audio editing process. Cris focused on acting and music composition as well as music direction. Faith talked quite candidly about what she likes and doesn't like about shooting the show and Maxwell explored the ideas behind playing two very different characters. I bounced between questions about being a writer, director and cinematographer (and was very verbose, I must admit). The most fun, I think, was shooting the interview with the puppets -- the Venus Fly Trap, Zombie Crow, the ghost sniffing bees, Boo, and even Kraken. The puppets have taken on personalities that we love to work with on "Ghost Sniffers" and they allow us to infuse the series with a sense of playful joy that remains at the heart of all we do.
Oh my. This blog was supposed to be just a quick answer to a question :) I suppose it became something else -- a little letter to everyone about all the hidden gems that "Ghost Sniffers" creates.
When disabilities become super abilities, young heroes prove what's real and what's ridiculous. Visit our website at tinyurl.com/ghostsniffers or join us on Facebook at tinyurl.com/ghostsniffersFB
Monday, April 9, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Choices
On this amazing day, a white-gold sunlight Easter day, I thought I'd share a story that is a little more personal than I usually share in this blog. I hope this will be okay :) It isn't a religious story (though I am a religious woman) and it isn't an "adult" story (though, some would argue, I am a grown up). It's just a personal story.
Sometimes, as parents, we have to make decisions we never thought we would. Actually, becoming a parent completely changed me as a person -- emotionally, politically, spiritually and, of course, physically :)
Yesterday's choice was one about schooling. Faith needed a specific package of curriculum that her brother hadn't needed and so we didn't own it. I sat down and looked at our bills. I sat down and looked at my desk. I stood up and walked to my jewelry box. There was a time in my life (prior to having two amazing children) that I was a young woman who had a certain affinity for diamonds. Not really a surprise, no? (Okay, of those of you who know me as the jeans-and-animal-hat-wearing rough-and-tumble mama, maybe that will be a surprise.) I took the last of these sparkling things out of my jewelry box and took a quiet moment to remember the beautiful Valentine's Day that was attached to the pendant. I realized that the memory of that day was far more important -- and far brighter -- than any diamonds.
I excused myself and drove alone to the only pawn shop I know that's open on Saturday.
An hour later I had the cash to deposit so I could order the curriculum Faith needs. She was gracious, excited, and so grateful... her face was another bright memory and I fell in love with having children all over again.
"Ghost Sniffers" does not pay us. It never has. And unless the show is picked up by a network, I assume it never will pay the crew. But... at the same time... the show DOES pay us.
I have seen an enormous change in my children since we began "Ghost Sniffers." Maxwell is more confident and proud of himself. Faith is far less embarrassed and ashamed of her pump. These are things that I've tried to help them gain their entire lives -- literally. These are things that I've seen build up and then crash down in the face of bullies or careless comments by strangers in grocery stores. Like the saying goes: So many things we give our children have price tags but, in the end, the real gifts are priceless.
Sometimes it's hard to juggle life and the show and two little ones with delicate health and three grown ups living in one house who are all trying their best, always knowing that their best, sometimes, won't be good enough. But other days, like today, I woke up to the sound of Cris making coffee and Brianne telling the kiddos the rules of the egg hunt, and suddenly, everything seemed... PERFECT.
Joyous Easter to everyone.
Jennifer
Sometimes, as parents, we have to make decisions we never thought we would. Actually, becoming a parent completely changed me as a person -- emotionally, politically, spiritually and, of course, physically :)
Yesterday's choice was one about schooling. Faith needed a specific package of curriculum that her brother hadn't needed and so we didn't own it. I sat down and looked at our bills. I sat down and looked at my desk. I stood up and walked to my jewelry box. There was a time in my life (prior to having two amazing children) that I was a young woman who had a certain affinity for diamonds. Not really a surprise, no? (Okay, of those of you who know me as the jeans-and-animal-hat-wearing rough-and-tumble mama, maybe that will be a surprise.) I took the last of these sparkling things out of my jewelry box and took a quiet moment to remember the beautiful Valentine's Day that was attached to the pendant. I realized that the memory of that day was far more important -- and far brighter -- than any diamonds.
I excused myself and drove alone to the only pawn shop I know that's open on Saturday.
An hour later I had the cash to deposit so I could order the curriculum Faith needs. She was gracious, excited, and so grateful... her face was another bright memory and I fell in love with having children all over again.
"Ghost Sniffers" does not pay us. It never has. And unless the show is picked up by a network, I assume it never will pay the crew. But... at the same time... the show DOES pay us.
I have seen an enormous change in my children since we began "Ghost Sniffers." Maxwell is more confident and proud of himself. Faith is far less embarrassed and ashamed of her pump. These are things that I've tried to help them gain their entire lives -- literally. These are things that I've seen build up and then crash down in the face of bullies or careless comments by strangers in grocery stores. Like the saying goes: So many things we give our children have price tags but, in the end, the real gifts are priceless.
Sometimes it's hard to juggle life and the show and two little ones with delicate health and three grown ups living in one house who are all trying their best, always knowing that their best, sometimes, won't be good enough. But other days, like today, I woke up to the sound of Cris making coffee and Brianne telling the kiddos the rules of the egg hunt, and suddenly, everything seemed... PERFECT.
Joyous Easter to everyone.
Jennifer
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Thank You
My cheers and thanks to Kyra "Potro and Wiz" Boatwright-Frost, Sarah "Dragon" Best, and Carol "Captain Snakes" DiMarco, who all contacted Cris and took sets of tickets to resell! You go, ladies! Kick-butt and take names! (As Forge might say.)
Friday, April 6, 2012
April 12 Screening
Let me begin by thanking Anne who purchased five tickets out right this morning. Anne bought the tickets at the reduced rate and asked me to just mark them "FREE" and post them on bulletin boards around the community. Isn't that a cool thing?! Anne, I never ask you for help. You just do it. And you never cease to impress me.
So... we need to sell thirty more tickets to be able to pay for the theater space.
We're in the final stretch, folks! I try so hard not to talk money or fund raise here in the blog but this is the time to make the screening happen. Friends at school? Acting club buddies? Neighbors? Pets?! (Okay... not pets.) You can get packs of five tickets from Cris for way less than the $12.50 retail and then you can resell them or give them away. It's so easy and it will mean we can all see each other again, the actors who couldn't make it to the premiere will have a chance to see their faces HUGE (yay!) and the vendor table will be set up in lobby for much longer (I know several of you want to come to the screening just to make purchases from the vendor table to save on shipping).
Let's all think outside the box and make this screening happen!
So... we need to sell thirty more tickets to be able to pay for the theater space.
We're in the final stretch, folks! I try so hard not to talk money or fund raise here in the blog but this is the time to make the screening happen. Friends at school? Acting club buddies? Neighbors? Pets?! (Okay... not pets.) You can get packs of five tickets from Cris for way less than the $12.50 retail and then you can resell them or give them away. It's so easy and it will mean we can all see each other again, the actors who couldn't make it to the premiere will have a chance to see their faces HUGE (yay!) and the vendor table will be set up in lobby for much longer (I know several of you want to come to the screening just to make purchases from the vendor table to save on shipping).
Let's all think outside the box and make this screening happen!
Open Casting Call
Remember the open call for the monster cafe? The totally awesome time we all had dressing up like monsters? Remember how that meant you were part of an episode you weren't normally cast in? (Which gets you a free DVD and an additional listing at IMDb -- yay!) Would anyone like to have a blast again?!
This open call is for parents, friends, family and actors. However, if you are an actor already cast (in any role) in Episode 8, you cannot appear in this group scene as you will be too recognizable. However, encourage your friends and family to support the episode and appear!
The scene is a formal night on the town. In the scene, a fancy audience has gathered to watch a fabulous dance recital of incredible dancers. All audience members must wear black and white only. Men can wear a tux or a suit but women should be in dresses or very nice blouses and slacks -- as long as everything is black and white. We're looking for about twenty audience members and we'll have snacks ;) Also, you get to watch a real dancers and really applaud at the end :)
All audience members will be credited by name in the episode credits, receive a DVD of the episode for free, and be listed as an actor in the episode at IMDb.
The scene will shoot the second week of May (the day is not set in stone yet). Want to be included?Email or call Cris today to secure your place! 360-550-2071 or ghostsniffers@gmail.com
This open call is for parents, friends, family and actors. However, if you are an actor already cast (in any role) in Episode 8, you cannot appear in this group scene as you will be too recognizable. However, encourage your friends and family to support the episode and appear!
The scene is a formal night on the town. In the scene, a fancy audience has gathered to watch a fabulous dance recital of incredible dancers. All audience members must wear black and white only. Men can wear a tux or a suit but women should be in dresses or very nice blouses and slacks -- as long as everything is black and white. We're looking for about twenty audience members and we'll have snacks ;) Also, you get to watch a real dancers and really applaud at the end :)
All audience members will be credited by name in the episode credits, receive a DVD of the episode for free, and be listed as an actor in the episode at IMDb.
The scene will shoot the second week of May (the day is not set in stone yet). Want to be included?Email or call Cris today to secure your place! 360-550-2071 or ghostsniffers@gmail.com
Episode 8... Written!
One day early... and the best script yet :) Some favorite characters return and some amazing new characters are introduced. And the special effects? They blow Episode 6 out of the water! I'm talking about creatures crawling on the ceiling, scary tests, and kraken disco!
Can't wait to tackle the music tomorrow.
But for now... a pickle sandwich on rice bread then some sleep!
Can't wait to tackle the music tomorrow.
But for now... a pickle sandwich on rice bread then some sleep!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Funding and IMDb Update
Our supporters, Jackie, Anne, and Bridget, just made it possible for us to order more limited edition trading cards, add that awesome series image to IMDb that I mentioned a few days ago, and to lower the funding goals for EP7, EP8 and our quest for nonprofit status! Thank you, ladies!
And speaking of IMDb (that exciting website that believes in our little tv-show-that-could), here's the exciting message I received from Brianne who is handling the "Ghost Sniffers" presence on IMDb:
Hi Jennifer -
Just wanted to send you a quick email and let you know that the "Ghost Sniffers" IMDb page has updated!
It now shows our Season 1 poster as the main image, has Episodes 1-6 (and also 7 and 10, which have begun filming), and shows the cast for all of those episodes!
Some specific information to pass on to the actors, is:
You'll see on the main page that IMDb shows a "series" cast -- any actor/actress who has appeared in more than one episode. IMDb divides the cast this way, not us. This is one of their special formats.
If you've just been in one episode, your name still shows up on that episode's page. From the main "Ghost Sniffers" IMDb page, click 'Full Cast and Crew.' On the lefthand side there is a section titled 'Overview.' Under that heading, click 'Episode List.' This will show all of the episodes that are either completed or in production (which, for us, means, started filming). Click the episode that you are in, and you'll find your name.
If you appear in a second episode, your name will automatically be placed on the series cast list by IMDb. And it doesn't have to be speaking role. For instance, monsters in the monster cafe scene are all still credited by name.
It would be fantastic if everyone could check out the IMDb page, and make sure there are no mistakes with their name -- whether it's misspelled or missing altogether. Send in your changes to ghostsniffers@gmail.com, and I'll input the changes into IMDb immediately. It looks like it takes them about a week to approve changes, so the sooner you get them in to me, the sooner you'll see them on IMDb!
Brianne
And speaking of IMDb (that exciting website that believes in our little tv-show-that-could), here's the exciting message I received from Brianne who is handling the "Ghost Sniffers" presence on IMDb:
Hi Jennifer -
Just wanted to send you a quick email and let you know that the "Ghost Sniffers" IMDb page has updated!
It now shows our Season 1 poster as the main image, has Episodes 1-6 (and also 7 and 10, which have begun filming), and shows the cast for all of those episodes!
Some specific information to pass on to the actors, is:
You'll see on the main page that IMDb shows a "series" cast -- any actor/actress who has appeared in more than one episode. IMDb divides the cast this way, not us. This is one of their special formats.
If you've just been in one episode, your name still shows up on that episode's page. From the main "Ghost Sniffers" IMDb page, click 'Full Cast and Crew.' On the lefthand side there is a section titled 'Overview.' Under that heading, click 'Episode List.' This will show all of the episodes that are either completed or in production (which, for us, means, started filming). Click the episode that you are in, and you'll find your name.
If you appear in a second episode, your name will automatically be placed on the series cast list by IMDb. And it doesn't have to be speaking role. For instance, monsters in the monster cafe scene are all still credited by name.
It would be fantastic if everyone could check out the IMDb page, and make sure there are no mistakes with their name -- whether it's misspelled or missing altogether. Send in your changes to ghostsniffers@gmail.com, and I'll input the changes into IMDb immediately. It looks like it takes them about a week to approve changes, so the sooner you get them in to me, the sooner you'll see them on IMDb!
Brianne
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