TRANSCRIPT 🔗
Erinn: I had this awesome moment with Michael Douglas, which was so funny because
Jennifer: I had this awesome moment with Michael Douglas, which was so funny because
Erinn: I was the production assistant where you have to do all the grunt work and and it is so hard. my god. And they had moved the production, it was gonna be in LA and then they moved it to New York and I had already decided I was moving to New York. So here I am in New York.
Jennifer: I was the production assistant where you have to do all the grunt work and a hard job. It is so hard. my God. And they had moved the production. it was gonna be in LA, and then they moved it to New York, and I had already decided I was moving to New York. So here I am in New York. but all the actors and extras have to take their coat off to walk into the scene. So I'm standing there with like a million coats. Everyone's
Erinn: but all the actors and extras have to take their coat off to walk into the scene. So I'm standing there with like a million coats. Everyone's piling their coat on me. And I hear this voice, familiar voice behind me say, That's a lot of coats. And it's Michael Douglas.
Jennifer: Piling their coat on me. And I hear this voice, familiar voice behind me say, That's a lot of coats. And it's Michael Douglas.
Erinn: what's the difference between writing a true story, right, where you have to get everything right and writing a horror comedy where you get to make it all up? The difference is, I mean, obviously with a true story you want it as it has to be absolutely accurate, like no embellishment.
Jennifer: what's the difference between writing a true story, right, where you have to get everything right and writing a horror comedy where you get to make it all up? The difference is, I mean, obviously with a true story, you want it as it has to be absolutely accurate, like no embellishment.
Erinn: I'm not a fan of people just kind of winging it with history. I think that it needs to stay true to the facts and So lots of research. I got so into it if I didn't have a publisher date, I'd probably still be researching right now. it was a major high when you when you discover something new that's a major nugget that you had no idea about and it just spurs you want more.
Jennifer: I'm not a fan of people just kind of winging it with history. I think that it needs to stay true to the facts and so lots of research. I got so into it. If I didn't have a publisher date, I'd probably still be researching right now. it was a major high when you when you discover something new that's a major nugget that you had no idea about. And it just spurs you want more.
Erinn: So as I'm driving up in the snow to my little one room cabin for my writer's adventure, I was thinking about these mines and I was like, hmm, what if what if these miners, you know, like there were all these gases that were creating these explosions and and like still underground, like on I think it's under Jackson, they have like you can't go down there because the gases are still lethal.
Jennifer: So as I'm driving up in the snow to my little one room cabin for my writer's adventure, I was thinking about these mines and I was like, hmm, what if, what if these miners, you know, like there were all these gases that were creating these explosions and and like still underground, like on I think it's under Jackson, they have like you can't go down there because the gases are still lethal. And I was like,
Erinn: And I was like, what if those gases like didn't kill these miners? What if they zombified these miners and they've been lurking and just waiting for a chance to crawl out? How cool would that be? That would be really cool.
Jennifer: If those gases like didn't kill these miners? What if they zombified these miners and they've been lurking and just waiting for a chance to crawl out? How cool would that be? That would be really cool.
Erinn: Welcome back to another episode of Ovary Acting, your ecosystem for all things women, where we take you seriously, but ourselves not so much. I am your host, Dr. Jennifer Ashby, clinician acupuncturist podcast host. And I'm super excited for today. It took us a minute to get here, and I only have my reading glasses, so I'm going to be putting them on and off, on and off. But I'm so excited today because I have a friend of mine on here with us. Her name is Bridget Oates.
Jennifer: Welcome back to another episode of Ovary Acting, your ecosystem for all things women, where we take you seriously, but ourselves not so much. I am your host, Dr. Jennifer Ashby, clinician acupuncturist podcast host. And I'm super excited for today. It took us a minute to get here, and I only have my reading glasses, so I'm going to be putting them on and off, on and off. But I'm so excited today because I have a friend of mine on here with us. Her name is Bridget Oates.
Erinn: And I'm going to get into her bio in a second book first, as always, my shameless plug for my very own baby, my book, The Energy Prescription, Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science for Thriving Through Menopause, available for pre-order now on wherever your favorite online book purchasing platform is. May this book change your freaking life. All right. So back to Bridget.
Jennifer: And I'm going to get into her bio in a second book first. As always, my shameless plug for my very own baby, my book, The Energy Prescription, Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science for Thriving Through Menopause, available for pre-order now on wherever your favorite online book purchasing platform is. May this book change your freaking life. All right. So back to Bridget.
Erinn: Let me introduce dear Bridget
Jennifer: Let me introduce dear Bridget.
Erinn: Bridget Oates has built a career entirely out of words, moving fluidly between journalism, advertising copy, historical nonfiction, UX writing, and screenwriting. She's the author of Sam's Castle, a deeply researched nonfiction history of the real Pacifica California
Load full transcript
castle with a genuinely wild past. Thanks, speakeasy.
Jennifer: Bridget Oates has built a career entirely out of words, moving fluidly between journalism, advertising copy, historical nonfiction, UX writing, and screenwriting. She's the author of Sam's Castle, a deeply researched nonfiction history of the real Pacifica California castle with a genuinely wild past. Think speakeasy,
Erinn: Rum Runner Signaling Station, World War II
Jennifer: rum runner signaling station, world two.
Erinn: Coast Coast Guard Lookout with local rumors of bodies in the garden. I'll ask you about that again later. Now she's taking her writing somewhere entirely new. She's written a horror comedy short film and she's actively pushing it to festivals, which you might have a little bit of an update on that. This short film is called Brilliantly Gold Miner Mayhem, and I cannot wait to see it.
Jennifer: Coast Coast Guard lookout with local rumors of bodies in the garden. I'm gonna ask you about that again later. Now she's taking her writing somewhere entirely new. She's written a horror comedy short film and she's actively pushing it to festivals, which you might have a little bit of an update on that. This short film is called Brilliantly Gold Miner Mayhem, and I cannot wait to see it.
Erinn: So hello and welcome. And in full disclosure, Bridget and I have known each other since our early twenties. And she's one of the kindest, smartest, and most creative people I know. Welcome, welcome to Ovary Acting. Thank you, Jen. I'm so h happy to be here. She had a bit of traffic in here, the Bay Area. It was a journey. Yeah, good weather right before winter usually leads to terrible traffic.
Jennifer: So hello and welcome. And in full disclosure, Bridget and I have known each other since our early twenties. And she's one of the kindest, smartest, and most creative people I know. Welcome, welcome to Ovary Acting. Thank you, Jen. I'm so high happy to be here. She had a bit of traffic getting over here. The Bay Area. It was a journey. Yeah, good weather right before winter usually leads to terrible traffic.
Erinn: Yeah. So I've kind of broken this into sections, this interview, and we're gonna start with your writing life. If you're ready to jump into it, or is there anything you want to say to our listeners before we start? No, I think let's get going. Let's get right on get into it. Some of you know that I am two months out of brain surgery, and so wearing glasses that are through this whole process that are only meant
Jennifer: Yeah. So I've kind of broken this into sections, this interview. And we're gonna start with your writing life. If you're ready to jump into it, or is there anything you want to say to our listeners before we start? No, I think let's get going. Let's get right on get into it. Some of you know that I am two months out of brain surgery, and so wearing glasses that are through this whole process that are only meant
Erinn: For reading is gonna be a little bit of a
challenge. So bear with me as I skip along here. So you've written across UX copy, ads, journalism, screenwriting, and books. Does the word writer mean something different to you than it does to most people who called themselves writing? I mean, considering you've like crossed so many different types of writing genres and styles? Yeah. I think for me,
Jennifer: For reading is going to be a little bit of a challenge. So bear with me as I skip along here. So you've written across UX copy, ads, journalism, screenwriting, and books. Does the word writer mean something different to you than it does to most people who call themselves writing? I mean, considering you've like crossed so many different types of writing, genres, and styles? Yeah. I think for me.
Erinn: Being a writer is about exploration and adventure. And so from the start I was a journalist. I wrote for Guitar Player Magazine for many years. Yeah. Yeah. And so I just wanted to see because writing is my passion and has been since the third grade. I was like, I'm gonna be a writer, that's what I'm gonna be. You always knew. I always knew. That was it for me. Yeah. And so I just wanted to see where it was gonna take me.
Jennifer: Being a writer is about exploration and adventure. And so from the start, I was a journalist. I wrote for Guitar Player Magazine for many years. my god. Yeah. Yeah. And so I just wanted to see because writing is my passion and has been since the third grade. I was like, I'm gonna be a writer. That's what I'm gonna be. You always knew. I always knew. That was it for me. Yeah. And so I just wanted to see where it was gonna take me.
Erinn: And so I think a lot of writers when they when they become writers, they're like, I'm a novelist, I'm a poet, I'm a screenwriter, or whatever they lock themselves into or or or choose, you know, just one type of writing. I have been many different types of of writer. You have on purpose. Yeah.
Jennifer: And so I think a lot of writers when they when they become writers, they're like, I'm a novelist, I'm a poet, I'm a screenwriter, or whatever they lock themselves into or or or choose, you know, just one type of writing. I have been many different types of of writer. You have on purpose. Yeah.
Erinn: From technical to creative to screenwriting to I mean it's it's pretty impressive. Yeah. When you so were you like a lit major, were you a creative writing major? You're like, no, I was a biophysics major. Yeah. No. well I went to UC Santa Barbara and I wanted to study journalism. They didn't have a journalism major. So the the counselor said, Why don't you study history? 'Cause that's like your your reporting on names, dates, facts.
Jennifer: From technical to creative to screenwriting to I mean it's it's pretty impressive. Yeah. When you so were you like a lit major, were you a creative writing major? You're like, no, I was a biophysics major. Yeah. No. well I went to UC Santa Barbara and I wanted to study journalism. They didn't have
a journalism major. So the the counselor said, Why don't you study history? 'Cause that's like your your reporting on names, dates, facts.
Erinn: actual, you know, events that happened and that sounded great to me because that's an extension of journalism. Yeah. and I absolutely love history and which obviously led to some other fun projects. Yes. and so I was just about to graduate. I had all this time in my schedule. So I started taking film classes. And that of course led to a film studies degree. So that's why I like
Jennifer: actual, you know, events that happened and that sounded great to me because that's an extension of journalism. Yeah. and I absolutely love history and which obviously led to some other fun projects. Yes. and so I was just about to graduate. I had all this time in my schedule. So I started taking film classes. And that of course led to a film studies degree. So that's why I like
Erinn: I stayed on a little bit longer to finish that degree. That's so great. Which was super fun. What a great recommendation from your college counselor. I know. So so then eventually where we are now, like what pulled you towards screenwriting versus staying in the historical nonfiction category of Sam's Castle? Yeah, so I studied when I was in film studies at UCSB, I studied screenwriting and I really
Jennifer: I stayed on a little bit longer to finish that degree. That's so great. Which was super fun. What a great recommendation from your college counselor, too. I know. So so then, eventually where we are now, like what pulled you towards screenwriting versus staying in the historical nonfiction category of Sam's Castle? Yeah, so I studied when I was in film studies at UCSB, I studied screenwriting. And I really
Erinn: I've always wanted to be paid as a screenwriter. That's my my big dream. And everything putting it out there. I'm just putting it out there, anybody. Gold Miner's Mayhem. Yeah. Great Sam's Castle. Yeah. Yeah. If anyone wants to make the feature after seeing Gold Miner Mayhem, talk to me. but yeah, so I think I really put it on a pedestal. It's always been something where
Jennifer: I've always wanted to be paid as a screenwriter. That's my my big dream. And I'm just putting it out there. I'm just putting it out there, anybody. Gold miners mayhem. Yeah. Read Sam's Castle. Yeah. Yeah. If anyone wants to make the feature after seeing Goldminer Mayhem, talk to me. but yeah, so I think I really put it on a pedestal. It's always been something where
Erinn: I'm working towards it. I also did the UCLA professional screenwriting program. So I have a certificate in professional screenwriting from there. and I've been writing screenplays. It is the gold standard. Yeah. and I've been working on it for decades. while doing other jobs. Screenwriting. Yeah. Yeah. It's one of those things where I I put it down and it pulls me back in. It's like this, yeah, it's this thing.
Jennifer: I'm working towards it. I also did the UCLA professional screenwriting program. So I have a certificate in professional screenwriting from there. and I've been writing the gold standard standard. It is the gold standard, yeah. and I've been working on it for decades. while doing other jobs. Screenwriting. Yeah. Yeah. It's one of those things where I I put it down and it pulls me back in. It's like this, yeah, it's this thing.
Erinn: We have a relationship. I can't imagine it. I watch movies and I think about the people or even television shows or series. Like I think about people sitting down and like scripting the dialogue between different characters. Yeah. I mean, that's like yeah. I it's so far beyond my scope that I really have a deep admiration for those of you that can do it. Yeah. It's it's the only thing I've ever experienced that gives me lift off where I lose time. Like I'll be writing.
Jennifer: We have a relationship. I can't imagine it. I watch movies and I think about the people or even television shows or series. Like I think about people sitting down and like scripting the dialogue between different characters. Yeah. I mean, that's like yeah, I it's so far beyond my skill set. I really have deep admiration for those of you that can do it. Yeah. It's it's the only thing I've ever experienced that gives me lift off where I lose time. Like I'll be writing.
Erinn: And I'll be so in the story that I haven't noticed that the light has changed. And I'm sitting in the dark until I look up and I'm like, it's like two and a half hours later where I'm just like gone. So is that all writing does that for you or specifically? Screenwriting. Screenwriting does that to you. Yeah. That's so cool. Yeah. You're the first writer I've had on here. So I have lots of questions. As you know, I'm not a writer, but I wrote a book. So but I speaking of books, I want you, I want to go on to Sam's castle now. Yeah.
Jennifer: And I'll be so in the story that I haven't noticed that the light has changed, that I'm sitting in the dark until I look up and I'm like, it's like two and a half hours later where I'm just like gone. So is that all writing does that for you or specifically screenwriting. Screenwriting does that to you. Yeah. That's so cool. Yeah. You're the first writer I've had on here. So I have lots of questions. As you know, I'm not a writer, but I wrote a book. So but I speaking of books, I want you, I want to go on to Sam's Castle now. Yeah.
Erinn: and then eventually we'll get to Sam's Castle, then the pivot to film, kind of in real time in your life. So Sam's Castle is meticulous sourced nonfiction. What made you want to leap from that into something as unhinged and playful and less precise as horror comedy? That's question number one. What's the difference between writing a true story you have to get right, and writing a horror comedy where you get to make it all up? That's question two.
Jennifer: and then eventually we'll get to Sam's Castle than the pivot to film, kind of in real time in your
life. So Sam's Castle is meticulous sourced nonfiction. What made you want to leap from that into something as unhinged and playful and less precise as horror comedy? That's question number one. What's the difference between writing a true story you have to get right, and writing a horror comedy where you get to make it all up? That's question two.
Erinn: Question three, and I can repeat these if you need them. Okay. What made you want to learn lean into an over-the-top kind of tongue in cheek tone rather than playing it straight in your first screen screenwriting debut? Okay. The first one, going from I love that word, unhinged, because it is unhinged. Sounds unplayful. Yeah. Yeah, so writing Sam's Castle was about
Jennifer: Question three, and I can repeat these if you need them. Okay. What made you want to learn lean into an over-the-top kind of tongue-in-cheek tone rather than playing it straight in your first screen screenwriting debut? Okay. The first one, going from I love that word, unhinged, because it is unhinged. Sounds unplayable. Yeah. Yeah, so writing Sam's Castle was about
Erinn: researching, you know, meeting people who opened their archives to me. It became much more like about relationships and and just like opening this world that really happened, like discovering who these characters were that that own the castle, that they were like the castle for those of you who don't know, it's it's in Pacifica in the Sharp Park neighborhood. It's at the top of the hill.
Jennifer: researching, you know, meeting people who opened their archives to me. It became much more like about relationships and and just like opening this world that really happened, like discovering who these characters were that own the castle, that they were like the castle for those of you who don't know, it's it's in Pacifica in the Sharp Park neighborhood. It's at the top of the hill.
Erinn: And it's they have tours, they have music salons, it's really worth a visit. It's a treasure. Yeah it's known as a as a historical landmark. It is. Yeah. and has enough has anybody written about it like I was the only one. no. I have the one and only history. So why what brought you there? I moved to Pacifica. Yeah. And I was living below it and I was looking up
Jennifer: And it's they have tours, they have music salons, it's really worth a visit. It's a treasure. It's it's known as a as a historical landmark. It is. Yeah. and has any has anybody written about it like in I was the only one. no. I have the one and only history. So why what brought you there? So I moved to Pacifica. Yeah. And I was living below it and I was looking up
Erinn: at this beautiful castle in the middle of suburbia, like it's in a neighborhood. And I started asking people like, why is there a castle on that hill? And when was it built? It was built in 1908. So is it Victorian? No, it was before it was it was right after the San Francisco earthquake. Yeah. And it was people there was an urban myth that it was modeled after a Scottish home where Mrs. McCloskey had sent spent her summers.
Jennifer: At this beautiful castle in the middle of suburbia, like it's in a neighborhood. And I started asking people, like, why is there a castle on that hill? And when was it built? It was built in 1908. So is it Victorian? No, it was before it was it was right after the San Francisco earthquake. Yeah. And it was people there was an urban myth that it was modeled after a Scottish home where Mrs. McCloskey had set spent her summers. Mrs. McCloskey being the grandmother of Pete McCloskey, who was our congressman from 1967 to 1983 or 84. but when I met Pete, because and that's really what got me started writing this book, is I I had the pleasure of like meeting sitting down to lunch with him and and him telling me about his family. But he said his grandmother was born in San Jose, California, not Scotland. She didn't
Erinn: Mrs. McCloskey being the grandmother of Pete McCloskey, who was our congressman from 1967 to 1983 or 84. but when I met Pete, because and that's really what got me started writing this book, is I I had the pleasure of like meeting sitting down to lunch with him and and him telling me about his family. But he said his grandmother was born in San Jose, California, not Scotland. She didn't visit Scotland. So there was some kind of crazy urban. I know. I It was so funny. I know. Who knows where that story got spun up? But so that project was really going into San Francisco archives, going into people's homes, and then taking pictures off the wall that I could go photograph for the book, like hearing these amazing stories that were based on fact.
Jennifer: visit Scotland. So there was some kind of crazy urban mythology. I know. I know. So funny. I know. Who knows where that story got spun up? But so that project was really going into San Francisco archives, going into people's homes and then taking pictures off the wall that I could go photograph for the book, like hearing these amazing stories that were based on that with the with the former congressman. I mean if you can say
Erinn: I mean if you can say. Of course I can say. Yeah. So I had gone to the Historical Society, Pacifica Historical Society booth in the Fog Fest, which is coming up next weekend. Plug. and the president of the historical society was telling me, like, if you want to know about this castle, you have to meet with Pete. And I was like, Okay, like, do you have his number? And she's like, No. you could just find it online. And so I found a a
Jennifer: Of course I can say. Yeah. So I had gone to the Historical Society Pacifica Historical Society booth in the Fog Fest, which is coming up next weekend. Plug. and the president of the historical society was telling me, like, if you want to know about this castle, you have to meet with Pete. And I was like, Okay, like, do you have his number? And she's like, No. you could just find it online. And so I found a a this guy who had
worked with him, like he blogged about.
Erinn: This guy who had worked with him, like he blogged about, it
Jennifer: It was a student. He vlogged about meeting Pete. So I just wrote to the student and said, Hey, you know, I'm writing a book about his grandfather's castle. If he wants to contact me, that would be great. And literally half an hour later, he called me and was like, Yes, let's go to lunch, you know. So and we went to the Woodside Bakery where he was known in that area when he was in Congress. And I heard all these people around us whispering, like, that's Pete McClaskey. And I was like,
Erinn: was a student. He had vlogged about meeting Pete. So I just wrote to the student and said, Hey, you know, I'm writing a book about his grandfather's castle. If he wants to contact me, that would be great. And literally half an hour later, he called me and was like, Yes, let's go to lunch. You know, so and we went to the Woodside Bakery where he was known in that area when he was in Congress. And I heard all these people around us whispering, like, that's Pete McClaskey. And I was like,
Jennifer: Okay, who is this like I have to like
Erinn: Okay, who is this like I have to like know everything about this man. and we it started a a beautiful friendship. So I have a little fun d I'll I'll go over the questions again. Don't worry about that. But I have a funny story too. So I gave a spe a menopause talk and was approached afterwards. Said, you need to write a book. And I was so tired. I was so tired after a full day of work and giving this talk.
Jennifer: know everything about this man. really it started a a beautiful friendship. So I have a little fun I'll I'll go over the questions again. Don't worry about forgetting that. But I have a funny story too. So I gave a spe a menopause talk and was approached afterwards, said you need to write a book and I was so tired. I was so tired after a full day of work and giving this talk.
Erinn: And I was really I'm from Jersey, so I get snarky. And I'm like, yeah, yeah, yeah. I hear that sometimes.
Jennifer: And I was really I'm from Jersey so I get snarky and I'm like, yeah, yeah. I hear that sometimes.
Erinn: And the person said, you have so you have a you have a publisher. And I said, No, why you want to be my publisher? And that's how I got my book deal. But then one of my tenants in my clinic came to me and said, So the book deal ended up being with Wiley Publishing, who's the largest academic publisher in the United States. So it's worth public, but it's also
Jennifer: And the person said, you have so you have a you have a publisher. And I said, No, why you want to be my publisher? And that's how I got my book deal. But then one of my tenants in my clinic came to me and said, So the book deal ended up being with Wiley Publishing, who's the largest academic publisher in the United States. So it's more the public, but it's also
Erinn: the energy prescription is also being
Jennifer: the energy prescription
is also being
Erinn: let's see here we go we got postmenopause and brain surgery. My words just go poof. Yeah. it's being pushed, which is not the word I'm looking for, as also an academic book in women's health, women's studies, and integrative medicine things. Wow. So my tenant comes to work one day at the clinic and says,
Jennifer: See, here we go. We got postmenopaus and brain surgery. My words just go poof. Yeah. it's being pushed, which is not the word I'm looking for, as also an academic book in women's health, women's studies, and integrative medicine things. Wow. So my tenant comes to work one day at the clinic and says,
Erinn: Peter Wiley would like to meet you. No,
Jennifer: Peter Wiley would like to meet you.
Erinn: it's like, excuse me, Dirk Whitney. He said he's my neighbor and he loves acupuncture. He's my you know. And he I told him that you got a book deal with this guy. So I went and had lunch with Peter and his fabulous wife and I love that. They ended up getting in touch with my husband about some other things and they're just terrific. So I love how these Yeah history and literature and people and it all people are great.
Jennifer: And I was like, excuse me, Dirk Whitney. He He's my neighbor and he loves acupuncture. He's my, you know God. And he I told him that you got a book deal with this guy. So I went and had lunch with Peter and his fabulous wife. And I love that. They ended up getting in touch with my husband about some other things and they're just terrific. So I love how these history and literature and people and it all people are great.
Erinn: People are great. Yeah. Okay. Okay. I totally hijack that. No, that's very cool. And it's so true because I couldn't have known how much that project had would have brought to my life, like has blessed my life in so many ways. Of relationships I've had, of bringing different, you know, experiences into my life has just been amazing. I wanna I wanna know,
Jennifer: People are great. Yeah. Okay. Okay. I just totally hijacked that. No, that's very cool. And it's so true because I couldn't have known how much that project had would have brought to my life, like has blessed my life in so many ways. Of relationships I've had, of bringing different, you know, experiences into my life has just been amazing. I wanna I wanna know,
Erinn: Before we I want to know just a little bit more about Sam's Castle before we go into the other questions. So I'll ask you those. I know everything there is to know. Okay. I bet you do so it was built in nineteen eight. Yeah. After so Pacifica, for those of you not in Northern California where we are, it's south of San Francisco. it's a very beachy town. Yeah. it's a very close community. It was
Jennifer: Before we I want know just a little bit more about Sam's Castle before we go into the other questions. So I'll ask you those. I know everything there is to know. Okay, I bet you do. So so it was built in nineteen eight. Yeah. After so Pacifica, for those of you not in Northern California where we are, it's south of San Francisco. it's a very beachy town. Yeah. it's a very close community. It it was
Erinn: just far enough away to avoid commuters for decades and that has changed since Silicon Valley has kind of now kind of is part of the bay, you know? Yeah. Which is south. and and it yeah, it used to be really sleepy, but now I'm sure there's like traffic in the morning and stuff. yeah. Really intense traffic. and also there used to be with global warming it was very foggy and so it was really undesirable. Like when I wanted to move there 30 years ago
Jennifer: just far enough away to avoid commuters for decades. And that has changed since Silicon Valley has kind of now kind of is the part of the bay, you know? Yeah. Which is south. and and it yeah, it used to be really sleepy, but now I'm sure there's like traffic in the morning and stuff. yeah. Really intense traffic. and also there used to be with global warming, it was very foggy and so it was really undesirable. Like when I wanted to move there thirty years ago.
Erinn: People were like, ew, I don't know, it's so foggy. It's a bar from San Francisco. Yeah. Which is like fifteen minutes away. Right. And everyone's like, it's so foggy. It's so foggy there. And Okay, so you see this castle, you start asking questions, you end up having this lunch with this former congressman who ends up being a great guy and a forever friend. Yes. Tell me more. Yeah. What did you without giving the book away. Tell us some of the cool shit you found out. Yeah. Well,
Jennifer: People were like, ew, I don't know. It's so foggy. If you were moving from San Francisco, yeah. Which is like 15 minutes away. Right. And everyone's like, it's so fog. It's so foggy there. And okay. So you see this castle, you start asking questions, you end up having this lunch with this former congressman who ends up being a great guy and a forever friend. Yes. Tell me more. Yeah. Like what did you without giving the book away. Tell us some of the cool shit you found out. Yeah. Well,
Erinn: So I just started, I went to the San Francisco library, has an amazing archive. So I found a photo of a madam who would bring her girls down on the weekends to this house in Pacifica that is is modeled exactly the same. They've kept it historically accurate. she reportedly like, you know, had her girls there on the weekend. According to Pete,
Jennifer: So I just started, I went to the San Francisco library, has an amazing archive. So I found a photo of a madam who would bring her girls down on the weekends to this house in Pacifica that is is modeled exactly the same. They've kept it historically accurate. she reportedly like, you know, had her girls there on the weekend. According to Pete,
Erinn: He went he met a police officer who had said that that was on his beat. He would run Highway One down to Santa Cruz and back and he would stop by and have coffee with the madam and her girls. that's at
the castle. Yes. My mother always said that at the end of her life and sh she said, If I had to do it all over again, I would have been the Madama beforehand. And I believe her.
Jennifer: He went he met a police officer who had said that that was on his beat. He would run Highway One down to Santa Cruz and back and he would stop by and have coffee with the madam and her girls. that's at the castle. Yes. My mother always said that at the end of her life, sh she said, If I had to do it all over again, I would have been the madam of a whorehouse. And I believe her.
Erinn: Okay. So it's fantastic. So it's has all this crazy stuff. So in during the like prohibition, it was a speakeasy. Can you imagine? Like it was like all the San Francisco elite would go there. They were regularly r doing raids and all the people would scamper out into the night and it was supposedly a place where they could store their booze as well, 'cause the rum runners
Jennifer: Okay, so it's got all of this kind. So it's has all this crazy stuff. So in during the like prohibition, it was a speakeasy. Can you imagine? Like it was like all the San Francisco elite would go there. They were regularly r doing raids and all the people would r scamper out into the night and it was supposedly a place where they could store their booze as well, 'cause the rum runners
Erinn: were dumping off all their booze in Pacifica because it's super foggy. Yeah. So they couldn't dump it in Oakland or San Francisco. They had to dump it in Pacifica. So how big is this castle? It has 24 rooms, like but not like, you know, like each room is called a room. Like a bathroom is considered a room. So 24. It's it's three stories. It's there's a the top has like turret rooms and the whole thing. So
Jennifer: were dumping off all their booze in Pacifica because it's super foggy. Yeah. So they couldn't dump it in Oakland or San Francisco. They had to dump it in Pacifica. So how big is this castle? It has 24 rooms, like, but not like, you know, like each room is called a room. Like a bathroom is considered a room. So 24. It's it's three stories. It's there's a the top has like turret rooms and the whole thing. So
Erinn: During World War Two it was rented to the Coast Guard so they could have a lookout station and so the elite like the all the majors got to sleep up there in the in the Coast Guard. cool rooms. Yeah, yeah, the turret rooms I should say. That's very Yeah. So now the turret rooms are they're they're becoming like themed rooms and they're gonna do videos because they can't let people up there because of like the the weight restrictions and stuff, but
Jennifer: During World War Two, it was rented to the Coast Guard so they could have a lookout station. And so the elite, like the all the majors got to sleep up there in the in the Coast Guard. cool. Yeah, yeah. The turret rooms, I should say. That's very Yeah. So now the turret rooms are they're they're becoming like themed rooms and they're gonna do videos because they can't let people up there because of like the the weight restrictions and stuff, but
Erinn: they're gonna do videos because there so there's a madam room, there's a coast guard room, there's a a little boy. you could see him from the street. You could see this little b random little boy. Like a ghost? Yeah, well it's a doll for like for the scene. Yeah. and in the madam room she's pulling back the curtain and it's lit up, so you can see that from the street too. They're so playful. Yeah, they're super super playful and fun. Yeah. Very cool.
Jennifer: they're gonna do videos because there so there's a madam room, there's a Coast Guard room, there's a a little boy. you can see him from the street. You can see this little b random little boy. Like a ghost. Yeah, well, it's a doll for like in the window. For the scene. Yeah. and in the madam room, she's pulling back the curtain and it's lit up, so you can see that from the street too. They're so playful. Yeah, they're super play super playful and fun. Yeah. Right on. Very cool. I love that because I've
Erinn: I love that 'cause I've you know, I've been here since nineteen eighty one and I'd never heard about it. I know. A lot of people had never heard of it. And so when I was when I published it, people were saying, I've lived here my whole life. I don't know how to get in there. And so we started these tours. So I was I was running tours for many years. So that's and they're still going. I don't need them anymore, but but they're still going. That's so great. And yeah, d you probably had to like educate the future tour idea. Yeah. Yeah. Okay, so
Jennifer: You know, I've been here since 1981 and I never heard about it. I know. A lot of people had never heard of it. And so when I was when I published it, people were saying, I've lived here my whole life. I don't know how to get in there. And so we started these tours. So I was I was running tours for many years. But that's and they're still going. I don't need them anymore, but but they're still going. That's so great. And yeah, that you probably had to like educate the future tour ideas. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So
Erinn: Let's talk about the leap from something that like you know, that is a meticulously sourced nonfiction to this playful horror. Like what was that transition? Yeah. So I again, my passion for screenwriting, I was in two different screenwriting groups where I was hawking my ideas. You bring like you write five to ten pages and you bring him to a screenwriting group and
Jennifer: Let's talk about the leap from something that like you know, that is a meticulously sourced nonfiction to this playful horror. Like what was that transition? Yeah. So I again, my passion for screenwriting, I was in two different screenwriting groups where I was hawking my ideas. You bring like you write five to ten pages and you bring them to a screenwriting group and
Erinn: You assign different people ro roles and then they they read through
them. And, you know, that went well for however long. And then this one like really lit people on fire. Like people were really excited about this script and they all wanted to be felt great. it was amazing. Like just to watch this energy and this thing and people were talking over themselves, you know, over each other and and you know, so I was like, Huh, I think I have something here.
Jennifer: You assign different people ro roles and then they they read through them. And you know, that went well for however long. And then this one like really lit people on fire. Like people were really excited about this script and they all wanted to be felt great. it was amazing. Like just to watch this energy and this thing, and people were talking over themselves, you know, over each other. And and you know, so I was like, huh, I think I have something here.
Erinn: That's amazing. And then I started, you know, a wider circle. And other people are like, I yeah, this one has legs. you could get this one made. And when someone said that, I thought, I should make it. I just had this feeling in my gut, like, I should, I should do this. and I was in another networking group, screenwriting networking group where everyone was like setting their goals, and I just said, like, I'm gonna make this film. And they're like,
Jennifer: That's amazing. And then I started, you know, a wider circle. And other people are like, I yeah, this one has legs. you could get this one made. And when someone said that, I thought, I should make it. I just had this feeling in my gut, like, I should, I should do this. and I was in another networking group, screenwriting networking group where everyone was like setting their goals and I just said like, I'm gonna make this film. And they're like, And like, are you really gonna make it? And I'm like, Yeah. You know, and so and I always keep my word. And so when I like said it, I was like, shit, I'm yeah, I'm making this spell. I'm like, this is happening. I'm like, okay. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. And thank God, because I probably wouldn't have in a way, because it it's hard and it's and we're gonna get it. But I'm so glad I did it. I wanna know we're gonna get into those nitty-gritties too, actually. I wanna know.
Erinn: And like, are you really gonna make it? And I'm like, Yeah. You know, and so and I always keep my word. And so when I like said it, I was like, shit, I'm I'm making this film. Like this is happening. I'm like, okay. I have no idea what I was getting myself into, but and thank God because I probably wouldn't have in a way because it it's hard and it's intense, but I'm so glad I did it. I'm we're gonna get into those nitty-gritty people. Actually, I want to know what that took. I'm so fascinated by.
Jennifer: That took. I'm so fascinated by this process. And I, you're the best person for us to learn this from. Yeah. Because it's so fresh. Yeah. And you're not tainted yet. It's I'm not tainted by and I'm gonna
write a book for first-time filmmakers so they have a guide. Cause I didn't have a guide. And there probably is like a guide, but it this would be for, you know, I don't know, for for people. How to? Like all the things to consider that I never considered.
Erinn: This process I you're the best person for us to learn this from. Yeah. Because it's so fresh. Yeah. And you're not tainted yet. It's I'm not tainted by and I'm gonna write a book for first time filmmakers so they have a guide, because I didn't have a guide. And there probably is like a guide, but this would be for you know, I don't know, for for people how to like all the things to consider that I never considered. Wiley publishing does the for dummies, but
Jennifer: Wiley Publishing does the for Demies book. so if you want it to be a for Demmi's book, you wouldn't do a book. That's very interesting. So, so what's the difference between writing a true story, right, where you have to get everything right and writing a horror comedy where you get to make it all up? Okay. The difference is, I mean, obviously with a true story, you want it as it has to be absolutely accurate, like no embellishment.
Erinn: So if you want it to be a fancy comedy. That's very interesting. So so what's the difference between writing a true story, right, where you have to get everything right and writing a horror comedy where you get to make it all up? Okay. The difference is, I mean, obviously with a true story you want it as it has to be absolutely accurate, like no embellishment. I I'm not a fan of people just kind of winging it with history. Like I think that it needs to stay true to the facts and So lots of research. so much research. In fact I got so into it if I didn't have a publisher date, I'd probably still be researching right now. Because it was a major high when you when you discover something new that's a major nugget that you had no idea about and it just spurs you want more. Right.
Jennifer: I I'm not a fan of people just kind of winging it with history. Like I think that it needs to stay true to the facts and so lots of research. so much research. In fact, I got so into it. If I didn't have a publisher date, I'd probably still be researching right now. Cause it was a major high when you when you discover something new that's a major nugget that you had no idea about. And it just spurs you want more. Right.
Erinn: but I had like shoots babies off of it too. Yes question. But then you're going down this road and that. Yes. my god, so fun. so fun for you. So fun for me. I love research. I love it too. That makes other people cringe though, I have to say, okay. So yeah, that was smart. So then when you're like so making a horror comedy film, that probably has a little bit of historical truth in there, knowing you.
Jennifer: but I had it like shoots babies off of it too. But then you're going down this road and that. Yes. my god, so fun. so fun for you. So fun for me. I love research. I love it too. And that makes other people cringe though, I have to say. Okay. So yeah, tell us more. So then when you're like so making a horror comedy film, that probably has a little bit of historical truth in there, knowing you.
Erinn: Of course it does. Of course. So I had rented a little cabin in the woods in Arnold, which for those of you who don't know, it's in smack in the in the middle of gold rush country. it's where all the gold miners were everyone when they were coming to California for the gold rush, where they were headed to Murphy's, Angels Camp, Arnold, like it was just like rich with mines, gold mines.
Jennifer: Of course it does. Of course. So I had rented a little cabin in the woods in Arnold, which for those of you who don't know, it's in smack in the in the middle of gold rush country. it's where all the gold miners were everyone when they were coming to California for the gold rush, where they were headed to Murphy's Angels Camp, Arnold, like it was just like rich with mines, gold mines.
Erinn: So as I'm driving up in the snow to my little one room cabin for my writer's adventure, I was thinking about these mines and I was like, hmm, what if what if these miners, you know, like there were all these gases that were creating these explosions and and like still underground, like on I think it's under Jackson, they have like you can't go down there because the gases are still lethal.
Jennifer: So as I'm driving up in the snow to my little one room cabin for my writer's adventure, I was thinking about these mines and I was like, hmm, what if, what if these miners, you know, like there were all these gases that were creating these explosions and and like still underground, like on I think it's under Jackson, they have like you can't go down there because the gases are still lethal. And I was like,
Erinn: And I was like, what if those gases like didn't kill these miners? What if they zombified these miners and they've been lurking and just waiting for a chance to crawl out? How cool would that be? That would be really cool. So to tie this in a little bit for those listening, we ran around with a crowd that was unconventional to say the least. Yeah.
Jennifer: If those gases like didn't kill these miners? What if they zombified these miners and they've been lurking and just waiting for a chance to crawl out? How cool would that be? That would be really cool. So so to tie this in a little bit for those listening, we ran around with a crowd that was unconventional to say the least. Yeah. That
Erinn: that was not afraid of the dark side of things. It was very into punk, pop punk, metal, rock, and all the life that came along with it. So the idea of something being edgy, culty, was probably more our norm than not. Yes. And so the first time she told me
Jennifer: Was not afraid of the dark side of things. It was very into punk, pop punk, metal, rock, and all the life that came along with it. So the idea of something being edgy, culty was probably more
our norm than not. Yes. And so when the first time she told me
Erinn: I wrote a screenplay for a movie and I'm making it and I'm like, what is it? I was so elated because it kind of made me feel that wonder of youth that you know again. And so it might seem like a really big leap going from writing this book on this castle to this. It's not really. It's almost like you're returning home. I love that. I love that. Yeah. So making stuff up. So you making stuff up. What if they became zombies? Yeah. And I was like,
Jennifer: I wrote a screenplay for a movie and I'm making it and I'm like, what is it? I was so elated because it kind of made me feel that wonder of youth that you know again. And so it might seem like a really big leap going from writing this book on this castle to this. It's not really. It's almost like you're returning home. I love that. I love that. Yeah. So making stuff up. So you're making stuff up. What if they became zombies? Yeah. And I was like
Erinn: Up there in the cabin by myself, just really falling in love with this idea of like, my god. And then I was thinking, okay, who would drive this story? And of course it would have to be a rodeo queen, you know, a down on her luck rodeo queen who needs to like rediscover her awesomeness through encountering this horde of undead, as they do. Right. my gosh, this is so great.
Jennifer: Up there in the cabin by myself, just really falling in love with this idea of like, my God. And then I was thinking, okay, who would drive this story? And of course it would have to be a rodeo queen, you know, a down on her luck rodeo queen who needs to like rediscover her awesomeness through encountering this horde of undead, as they do. Right. my gosh, this is so great.
Erinn: Yeah. So that that's like really was the the birthplace of it. But it went through many iterations and of course like avenues of exploration. It started very long. and again, if anyone out there has like, you know, undiscovered treasures that they just found and they don't know what to do with and they want to make the feature, reach out. Yeah, we're gonna talk about all of her contacts at the at the end of this. So so
Jennifer: Yeah. So that that's like really was the the birthplace of it. But it went through many iterations and of course like avenues of exploration. It started very long. and again, if anyone out there has like, you know, undiscovered treasures that they just found and they don't know what to do with and they want to make the feature, reach out. Yeah. We're gonna talk about all of her contact info, by the way, at the at the end of this. So so so
Erinn: What made you want to lean into like the tongue in cheek part? yeah, we had culty dark stuff, but the comedy tongue in cheek part of it, that part, I mean, you're funny. We always laugh. Your laugh is infectious. But but in terms of writing and like filmmaking creativity, and I'm guessing it's hard because it's one thing to get people I'm guessing.
Jennifer: What made you want to lean into like the tongue in cheek part? yeah. Like we had culty dark stuff, but the comedy tongue in cheek part of it, that part, I mean, you're funny. We always laugh. Your laugh is infectious. But but in terms of writing and like filmmaking creativity, and I'm guessing it's hard because it's one thing to get people, I'm guessing, to follow a storyline. It's another thing to write well enough that people view it as comedy.
Erinn: to follow a storyline. It's another thing to write well enough that people view it as comedy. Right. So tell me like that's brave. Yeah. Okay. It's a leap. It's a leap. I absolutely fell in love with Sean of the Dead when I first saw it. Have you seen Sean of the Dead? No. my god. Sean of the Dead. Sean of the Dead. It's Simon Pegg at his very best.
Jennifer: Right. So tell me, like brave. Yeah. Okay. It's a leap. It's a leap. I absolutely fell in love with Sean of the Dead when I first saw it. Have you seen Sean of the Dead? No. my god. Sean of Shawn of the Dead. it's Simon Pegg at his very best.
Erinn: And it's it's a very it's a horror comedy.
Jennifer: And it's it's a very it's a horror comedy.
Erinn: And so he is walking through town, looking at his phone, going to the little minimart, slipping on blood, missing like he's missing all the zombies around him. He like literally slips on the blood, he opens the freezer, you know, to get his drink, or he opens the fridge and misses the
Jennifer: And so he is walking through town, looking at his phone, going to the little mini mart, slipping on blood, missing like he's missing all the zombies around him. He like literally slips on the blood. He opens the freezer, you know, to get his drink, or he opens the fridge and misses the the bloody hand swipe. Like he's just like looking at his phone. Like, so it's like I
Erinn: The bloody hand swipe, like he's just like looking at his phone. Like so it's like I that sort of tongue in cheek hilarity, I just I was like, that is exactly what I want. But not as much slasher. Like I you and I talked about like I was like, have you watched Rob Zombie's films that are like stuff that? That's not my ingredients slasher, but they're
Jennifer: That sort of tongue-in-cheek hilarity, I just I was like, that is exactly what I want. But not as much slasher. Like I you and I talked about, like I was like, have you watched Rob Zombie's films that are like sexy medium slasher? But they're fucking hilarious because they're they're just ridiculous, right? Yeah. So fun I do enjoy his films, but but yours is mine is more like horror comedy light.
Erinn: Fucking hilarious because they're they're just ridiculous, right? Yeah. So fun I I do enjoy his films, but but yours is Mine is more like horror comedy light. You know, it's it's it's creepy. There's creepy, scary moments, and it's there's funny, campy, funny moments. I love this moments. I can't wait for you to see this. I can't wait to see this film. okay, so I need you to be
honest.
Jennifer: You know, it's it's it's creepy. There's creepy, scary moments, and it's there's funny, campy, funny moments. I love this. I can't wait for you to see I can't wait to see this film. okay, so I need you to be honest. All right. Just for a moment, like because she's been lying the entire time this week. But be really honest. did researching the castles the real castles
Erinn: Alright. Just for a moment. Like 'cause she's been lying the entire time. But be really honest. did researching the castles the real castles h researching that history, the speakeasy, the rum runners, especially the rumors of the bodies in the garden, plant the seed at all for any part of this film? It's possible. I mean there were you know, because I find the castle like
Jennifer: researching that history, the speakeasy, the rum runners, especially the rumors of the bodies in the garden, plant the seed at all for any part of this film? It's possible. I mean, there were, you know, because I find the castle like a breath of fresh air, like like it's it's sort of, you know, this success story, but it there is a dark side to it for sure. And there was a a
Erinn: A breath of fresh air, like like it's it's sort of, you know, this success story, but it there's a dark side to it for sure. And there was a a a portion of time at the castle that people were terrified that they thought that there were bodies buried in the garden. And it was even in the papers, that all the parents were telling them their kids to stay away, that they're like dark things happen there, it's a bad place. Don't go during holiday. Yes.
Jennifer: portion of time at the castle that people were terrified that they thought that there were bodies buried in the garden. And it was even in the papers, that all the parents were telling them their kids to stay away, that like dark things happen there. It's a bad place. Don't go during Halloween. Yes. There was a journalist that climbed over the wall and and they were a journalist for the Chronicle, the San Francisco Chronicle. They went there by themselves, climbed over the wall, brought a shovel
Erinn: There was a journalist that climbed over the wall and and they were a journalist for the Chronicle, the San Francisco Chronicle. They went there by themselves, climbed over the wall, brought a shovel, started
Jennifer: Started digging around because they're like, I wanna s break the story, I wanna scoop the story. And they found bones and they found women's clothing. So they like run down, they phone it in, they're like and on the literally I have the thing on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle,
Erinn: digging around because they're like, I want to s break the story, I want to scoop the story. And they found bones and they found women's clothing. So they like run down, they phone it in, they're like, and on the literally I have the thing on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Jennifer: bones found at Pacifica Castle. Whatever. Yeah, isn't that amazing? That's amazing. So
Erinn: Bones found at Pacifica Castle. Whatever. Yeah, isn't that amazing? That's amazing. So this poor person, you know, it took a long time for them to like test the bones and all the things. And there was no trash service at the time. So people were checking everything into the garden. Refuse. So somebody had rack roofs. Somebody cleaned out their closet. Uh-huh. Any clothes you'd there was no goodwill. You'd throw it in the chuck it in the garden. So yeah, it was it was
Jennifer: This poor person, you know, it took a long time for them to like test the bones and all the things. And there was no trash service at the time. So people were checking everything into the garden. Refuse. So somebody had rack or somebody cleaned out their closet. Uhhuh. Any clothes you'd there was no goodwill. You'd throw it in the chuck it in the garden. So yeah, it was it was chicken bones. That's yeah. They were probably really embarrassed. I mean the best outcome ever, but still.
Erinn: Chicken bones. That's yeah. So they were probably really embarrassed. I mean the best out ever, but still. And they've done more forensics all because it's quite a large property, quite a large garden, and they've done more there's no bones have been found at the castle. But but it's possible it set the tone for you know, and I've always been interested in the dark side. Yeah. You know. But of course with friends. Of course. Yes.
Jennifer: And they've done more forensics all because it's quite a large property, quite a large garden, and they've done more there's no bones have been found at the castle. But but it's possible it's set the tone for you know, and I've always been interested in the dark side. Yeah. You know. But of course with friends. Of course. Yes. they don't know that side of me. Yeah. Yeah. No, I love like the dark side with a with a touch of lightness as well.
Erinn: they don't know that side of me. Yeah. No, I love like the dark side with a with a touch of lightness as well. You've got to have the light. Keep the terror away. Yeah. I got you. I got you. So you have so much range as a writer. Why hasn't filmmaking kind of broken through previously in your life as part of the mix before now? Or has it and you just haven't told us yet?
Jennifer: You've got to have the light, keep the terror away. Yeah. I got you. I got you. So you have so much range as a writer. Why hasn't filmmaking kind of broken through previously in your life as part of the mix before now? Or has it, and you just haven't told us yet?
Erinn: It there's been quite a long gap between when I last was involved with production. so I went to film school
Jennifer: It there's been quite a long gap between when I last was involved with production. so I went to film school.
Erinn: and when I graduated I went right into production where I was I did my internship with Andrew Davis, who was the director of The Fugitive. and his production company is in Santa
Barbara. And so I scored a production assistant job on a perfect murder.
Jennifer: And when I graduated, I went right into production where I was I did my internship with Andrew Davis, who was the director of The Fugitive. and his production company is in Santa Barbara. And so I scored a production assistant job on a perfect murder. was Gwendeth Paultro, Michael Douglas. Yeah. and I had this awesome moment with Michael Douglas, which was so funny because
Erinn: was Gwenneth Paltrow, Michael Douglas. Yeah. and I had this awesome moment with Michael Douglas, which was so funny because I was the production assistant where you have to do all the grunt work and and it is so hard. my god. And they had moved the production, it was gonna be in LA and then they moved it to New York and I had already decided I was moving to New York. So here I am in New York. It's winter, it's freezing. I'm it's snowing literally.
Jennifer: I was the production assistant where you have to do all the grunt work and a hard job. It is so hard. my God. And they had moved the production. it was gonna be in LA, and then they moved it to New York, and I had already decided I was moving to New York. So here I am in New York. It's winter, it's freezing. I'm it's snowing literally. but all the actors and extras have to take their coat off to walk into the scene. So I'm standing there with like a million coats. Everyone's
Erinn: but all the actors and extras have to take their coat off to walk into the scene. So I'm standing there with like a million coats. Everyone's piling their coat on me. And I'm then I like have to move into the shadows with like this giant pile of coats. And I hear this voice, familiar voice behind me say, That's a lot of coats. And it's Michael Douglas.
Jennifer: Piling their coat on me. And I'm then I like have to move into the shadows with like this giant pile of coats. And I hear this voice, familiar voice behind me say, That's a lot of coats. And it's Michael Douglas.
Erinn: And it's just him and I standing in the shadows and I'm like, you're from Santa Barbara. He's Yeah, I'm like, I just moved from there. I just graduated. I was like, holding my coats. But yeah, he was really nice. Yeah. So we just had this great little moment. I had to share that. but
Jennifer: And it's just him and I standing in the shadows. And I'm you're from Santa Barbara. He's Yeah, I'm like, I just moved from there. I just graduated. Like holding my coats. But yeah, he was really nice. Yeah. So we just had this great little moment. I had to share that. but
Erinn: where was I? I just really went off on attention. You were thinking and it had been a while since Phil. yes, yes. Yeah. So I was inundated with production and production's really hard. you work really long hours and you don't make much money.
Jennifer: Where was I? You were saying it had been a while since filming part of your work. Yeah. So I was inundated with production and production's really hard. you work really long hours and you don't make much money.
Erinn: and I I realized my passion was really screenwriting. Like like I was really excited to meet the actors, but when I saw the screenwriter, I fell apart. Like I was like, there's the screenwriter.
Jennifer: and I I realized my passion was really screenwriting. Like like I was really excited to meet the actors, but when I saw the screenwriter, I fell apart. Like I was like, There's this.
Erinn: my god. You know, and like at one point we were I was I took a job at 30 Rock at NBC, but I was looking down at them filming, You've Got Mail.
Jennifer: You know, and like at one point we were I was I took a job at 30 Rock at NBC, but I was looking down at them filming You've Got Mail, you know, and I was looking at Nora Efron, just going, she not so much like I I love, you know, all her other things, but that she wrote so many great things. And so I realized my passion is writing and I need to just keep keep on that. And so I I
Erinn: You know, and I was looking at Nora Efron, just going, she not so much like I I love, you know, all her other things, but that she wrote so many great things. And so I realized my passion is writing and I need to just keep keep on that. And so I I went on out of production for a long while. But when this came about, I was like, okay, I think this is something I can do. and if I did.
Jennifer: went on out of production for a long while. But when this came about, I was like, okay, I think this is something I can do. and if I did do it again, and I do have an idea to do another one, but it would be a much smaller scale. Like I had twenty nine people on my casting career, which is crazy. Yeah. and no producer. Like I'm just like wrangling everything and everyone.
Erinn: Do it again and I do have an idea to do another one, but it would be a much smaller scale. Like I had twenty-nine people on my casting career, which is crazy. Yeah. and no producer. Like I'm just like wrangling everything and everyone. So neck my next one I I I have like four actors and that's it. Okay. Yeah. I understand. Mm-hmm. And it's being and it's gonna be in my friend's backyard.
Jennifer: So ne my next one I I I have like four actors and that's it. Okay. Yeah. I understand. Mm-hmm. And it's being and it's gonna be in my friend's backyard. true. Instead of three locations. Right. Yeah. I got you. You've learned some stuff. I've learned a lot. It's going into the book. That's the important that's an important part of it. So were there any you told us about the moment that you
Erinn: Instead of three locations. Right. Yeah. I got to learn some stuff. I've learned a lot. It's going into the book. That's the important that's an important part of it. So were there any you told us about the moment that you realized you might have something here in your screenwriters group. Yeah. You talked about the development of of of it further as you were driving to your cabin in the woods to write. Yeah.
Jennifer: realized you
might have something here in your screenwriters group. Yeah. You talked about the development of of of it further as you were driving to your cabin in the woods to write. Yeah.
Erinn: Tell us in spite of all of that, what were the voices? I mean, you're a woman in film. You're writing, you're directing.
Jennifer: Tell us, in spite of all of that, what were the voices? I mean, you're a woman in film. You're writing. Yeah. You're directing.
Erinn: tell us what voices, if any, maybe there weren't, but if there were any voices in your head that were telling you not to do it. Where and because we are a podcast about the female experience and the woman. Yeah. Being a woman.
Jennifer: Tell us what voices, if any, maybe there weren't, but if there were any voices in your head that were telling you not to do it. Where and because we are a podcast about the female experience in the world. Yeah. Being a woman, where do you think those voices came from? If you feel comfortable telling us. Yeah, I think because I had so much support around me of these networks.
Erinn: Where do you think those voices came from, if you feel comfortable telling us? Yeah. I think because I had so much support around me of these networks that I was I was really being cheered on to do it. So I think if if I had any hesitation at all, it would be mostly about the money. Like where how am I gonna fund this thing? Right. How am I gonna do this? but like with my book, I didn't I did that.
Jennifer: That I was I was really being cheered on to do it. So I think if if I had any hesitation at all, it would be mostly about the money. Like where how am I gonna fund this thing? Right. How am I gonna do this? but like with my book, I didn't I did that without funding. So I was like, I'm just gonna see where this goes and how, you know. So I didn't really have a lot of voices telling me not to do it.
Erinn: without funding. So I was like, I'm just gonna see where this goes and how, you know. So I didn't really have a lot of voices telling me not to do it. Mm-hmm. that's great. And none in your head. No. That's wonderful. Yeah. Cause it's that weird thing about committing. Like I said I was gonna do it, so I had to do it. Yeah, because I have voices. I actually have a picture of myself. I think I'm probably 10 years old.
Jennifer: Mm-hmm. that's great. And not in your head. No. That's wonderful. Yeah. Cause it's that weird thing about committing. Like I said I was gonna do it, so I had to do it. Yeah, because I have voices. I actually have a picture of myself. I think I'm probably 10 years old. And I'm sitting in the dining room at the piano with my raggedy ass jean jacket on that's in US Army that I never took off.
Erinn: And I'm sitting in the dining room at the piano with my raggedy ass jean jacket on that's in US Army that I never took off. I was such a tomboy. And I have her on my desk so that when I'm writing it or creating anything, I look at her when all those voices come in and say, Yeah, don't push, don't go further, don't be loud, don't swear, don't do it at all. But I can look at her and I say, and this came from my dear, I call her my wifey for lifey, carries an auto. She told me to grab a picture of your child self that when you remember yourself,
Jennifer: I was such a tomboy. And I have her on my desk so that when I'm writing or creating anything, I look at her when all those voices come in and say, Yeah, don't push, don't go further, don't be loud, don't swear, don't do it at all. That I can look at her and I say, and this came from my dear, I call her my wifey for lifey, carries an auto. She told me to grab a picture of your child self that when you remember yourself,
Erinn: Becoming doubtful of yourself in the world. Grab a picture of yourself at that age. And every time you get a f a a voice inside your head that says, Don't do it, don't go further. You're who are you to teach people? Who are you to do a podcast and interview people? All of that. You grab that little picture and you kiss it and you go, sweetheart, it's okay. We've already made it. that's really You're safe, we've already made it. And that picture is on my desk now. I
Jennifer: Becoming doubtful of yourself in the world. Grab a picture of yourself at that age. And every time you get a f a a voice inside your head that says, Don't do it, don't go further. You're who are you to teach people? Who are you to do a podcast and interview people? All of that, you grab that little picture and you kiss it and you go, sweetheart, it's okay. We've already made it. that's really You're safe. We've already made it. And that picture is on my desk now. I am so impressed with you.
Erinn: So impressed with you. Knowing
Jennifer: Knowing the tiny little bit I know of your history as well, that you were able to forge ahead as a woman in film without any voices saying no. And frickin' kudos to whoever led that screenwriting group formulated that, that it was such a supportive environment. Yeah. Yeah. Brava. And I saw other women doing it too in that group. So I was like, I can do this. I can do it. So great. Yeah.
Erinn: the tiny little bit I know of your history as well, that you were able to forge ahead as a woman in film without any voices saying no. And freaking kudos to whoever led that screenwriting group formulated that, that it was such a supportive environment. Yeah. Yeah. Bravo. And I saw other women doing it too in that group. So I was like, I can do this. I can do it. So great. Yeah.
Jennifer: Were any had any of them already made a film?
Erinn: Were any had any of them already made a film? one has since come out with her film and it's doing very well. that's so it's really exciting. That's great. And was it all genres of film, like documentaries, full-length shorts, all of it? All of it. Amazing. Yeah. That's very cool. Yeah. A very dear friend of mine, whose name I will not yet mention because she will one day soon also be on this podcast. And I don't
want to give the goods away yet.
Jennifer: one has since come out with her film and it's doing very well. that's so it's really exciting. That's great. And was it all genres of film, like documentaries, full length shorts, all of it? All of it. Amazing. Yeah. That's very cool. Yeah. A very dear friend of mine, whose name I will not yet mention because she will one day soon also be on this podcast. And I don't want to give the goods away yet. just had a documentary film made about her.
Erinn: just had a documentary film made about her and I watched it for the second time last night, but also when talking to the documentary filmmaker, I love talking to him about his process of creating it's i what you all do fascinates me. I don't want to do it, but super fascinated by it. Yeah. it's so fun to talk to you. I've completely lost her hair. we here we go.
Jennifer: And I watched it for the second time last night, but also in talking to the documentary filmmaker. I love talking to him about his process of creating it's it what you all do fascinates me. I don't want to do it, but I'm super fascinated by it. Yeah. it's so fun to talk to you. I've completely lost where we are. we here we go.
Erinn: What was the steepest part of the learning curve going from script to production? Mmm.
Jennifer: What was the steepest part of the learning curve going from script to production? Mmm.
Erinn: That was a painful lesson in it's all about the contracts. I hate contracts. And where I chose to film, is a small town. So people don't really
Jennifer: That was a painful lesson in it's all about the contracts. I hate contracts. And where I chose to film is a small town. So people don't really
Erinn: respond to emails. Like you kind of have to go there and have a conversation. And and also I was meeting people
Jennifer: respond to emails. Like you kind of have to go there and have a conversation. And and also I was meeting people.
Erinn: who were friends of friends. And so and maybe this is from being a woman too, but I take people at their word like s very seriously. You know, like they said we were gonna do this and I we agreed. We shook on it with this and that. Why I didn't like like contracts felt
Jennifer: Who were friends of friends. And so, and maybe this is from being a woman too, but I take people at their word, like s very seriously. You know, like they said we were gonna do this, and I we agreed, we shook on it, this and that. Why I didn't like like contracts felt
Erinn: overly formal in that setting. It felt icky. But in hindsight, it kicked myself because it would have solved
Jennifer: overly formal in that setting. It felt icky, but in hindsight, I kicked myself because it would have solved
Erinn: a lot of heartache. And it really postponed the film. It cost me a whole lot more. And and it was there was so many misunderstandings that came out of it. So
Jennifer: a lot of heartache and it really postponed the film. It cost me a whole lot more. And and it was
there was so many misunderstandings that came out of it. So
Erinn: And I think this is a maybe a learning curve for women or maybe a learning curve for me. But it's that that serious side, business side of filmmaking. Cause you're like the
Jennifer: and I think this is a maybe a learning curve for women or maybe a learning curve for me. But it's that that serious side, business side of filmmaking. Because you're like The creative, you're having fun, then you're like meeting people. I'm really good at that. Networking, getting, you know, inviting people to the film, not giving them a contract right away, you know, like
Erinn: creative, you're having fun, then you're like meeting people. I'm really good at that, networking, getting, you know, inviting people to the film, not giving them a contract right away, you know, like
Jennifer: because it's just like it feels people get paid. Right. All of that. Yeah. yeah. yeah. That was that's a steep learning curve. Yeah. Fear enough. And I'd imagine that that is challenging, very challenging.
Erinn: 'Cause it's just like it feels sure people get paid. Right. Yeah. yeah. Yeah. That was that's a steep learning curve. Yeah. Fair enough. And I'd imagine that that is challenging, very challenging. Yeah. So anyone who's making a film get a have a contract for every single part of it. Down to the food.
Jennifer: So anyone who's making a film, get a have a contract for every single part of it. Down to the food. What was there any place where being a first-time filmmaker worked in your favor? Yes. Ooh, fair tale. For sure. there are so many generous souls, creative souls out there who understand how intense and difficult it is that they
Erinn: Wha was there any place where being a first-time filmmaker worked in your favor? Yes. fairy tale. For sure. there are so many generous souls, creative souls out there who understand how intense and difficult it is that they
Jennifer: were willing to help me, because I'm fell first time filmmaker, to from visual effects, you know, to
Erinn: were willing to help me, because I'm film first-time filmmaker, to from visual effects, you know, to Like there's were so many other parts of it where people were just really kind and generous to to help get this project made. They'd share their skills or impart some wisdom to you understand something that you might Yeah, not charge me an arm and a leg because
Jennifer: like there's were so many other parts of it where people were just really kind and generous to to help get this project made. Like share their skills or impart some wisdom or you understand something that you might Yeah, not charge me an arm and a leg because
Erinn: I, you know. And I bet off more than I can chew for sure. but yeah, and I would that is absolutely something that I would carry forward.
Jennifer: I, you know, because you're Bridget. I cause I'm me. And I bet off more that I can chew for sure. but yeah, and I would that is absolutely something that I would carry forward, you know, to help first-time filmmakers because I understand that like you just jump in because you're like, Yeah, this is happening. It's sort of like a a you know, wild west kind of energy, and you wanna, you know, you wanna see it made and you wanna help others. And I did meet some.
Erinn: You know, to help first time filmmakers 'cause I understand that like you just jump in 'cause you're like, Yeah, this is happening. It's sort of like a a you know, wild west kind of energy and you wanna, you know, you wanna see it made and you wanna help others. And I did meet some some filmmakers that abandoned their projects 'cause it got really expensive and they ran out of time and it just broke my heart 'cause I just think like
Jennifer: Some filmmakers that abandoned their projects because it got really expensive and they ran out of time and it just broke my heart because I just think like,
Erinn: my god, that's your dream, your vision. Yeah. You know, I never resources wanted that to happen. Yeah. And so I was I felt so blessed that these people came into my life and and helped me meet And here we are
Jennifer: my God, that's your dream, your vision. Yeah. You know, I never resources wanted that to happen. Yeah. And so I was, I felt so blessed that these people came into my life and and helped me. Me too. Today it's done. It's almost done. So excited. So I want to also know a little bit more about like the festival process, like submitting your film to it. Like tell us a little bit about the process, where it is for you, where the film is now.
Erinn: today. It's done. It's almost done. So excited. So I I wanna also know a little bit more about like the festival process, like submitting your film to it. Like tell us a little bit about the process, where it is for you, where the film is now. What's like the submission? I'm sure there's a submission grind. Yep. What's it like from the inside? Because we just think about all these beautiful pundance, cans, you know, all these wonderful like y'all had to
Jennifer: What's like the submission? I'm sure there's a submission grind. Yep. What's it like from the inside? Because we just think about all these beautiful cans, you know, all these wonderful. But like y'all had to.
Erinn: scratch and claw. Well, if they make it really easy for you through this website called Film Freeway. And I would say probably 98% of the festivals.
Jennifer: Scratch and clot. Well, they make it really easy for you through this website called Film Freeway. And I would say probably ninety-eight percent of the festivals
Erinn: are through Film Freeway. And so you become a member and then you get a discount on on all the submissions and it's really easy to because it costs money to submit to it's like college applications. yes. And it's tricky seems unfair.
Jennifer: are through Film Freeway. And so you become a member and then you get a discount on on all the submissions and it's really easy to 'cause it costs money to
submit to it's like college applications. yes. And it's tricky. It seems unfair.
Erinn: I know, right? Yes. And they and they trick you. well it's not they don't trick you, but they they make it easy to shop for accolades. So you're like, ooh
Jennifer: I know, right? Yes. And they and they trick you. Well, it's not they don't trick you, but they they make it easy to shop for accolades. So you're like, ooh, I could potentially get first-time filmmaker check. That's $34. first horror comedy. yeah, that's one check. So suddenly it's like $200, you know, where you're just like check, check, check, checking all the possible boxes of.
Erinn: I could potentially get first time filmmaker check. That's thirty-four dollars. I first horror comedy. yeah, that's one. Check. So suddenly it's like two hundred dollars, you know, where you're like check, check, check, checking all the possible boxes of accolades, and you're not even sure if you're gonna get into the festival kind of thing. but it adds up really quick. So I've I but the the
Jennifer: accolades and you're not even sure if you're gonna get into the festival kind of thing. but it adds up really quick. So I've I but the though to back up a little bit you can submit before it's a hundred percent done thank God so my film is still being color graded which is just making sure all the color is cohesive across the board. and because I filmed at different places it was definitely needed to to match up and look cohesive.
Erinn: To back up a little bit, you can submit before it's 100% done. Thank God. So my film is still being color graded, which is just making sure all the color is cohesive across the board. and because I filmed at different places, it was definitely needed to match up and look cohesive. and then sound mixing is another thing. So you can absolutely submit to festivals before that's done.
Jennifer: and then sound mixing is another thing. So you can absolutely submit to festivals before that's done. So that's what I've done. And I've submitted to 20 festivals so far. I'm still waiting to hear from a bunch of them. And some I won't even hear till next February. you like it's have you gotten into any? I've gotten into two. So I was selected for the Austin Short Film Festivals. fabulous, I was so excited. And the
Erinn: So that's what I've done. And I've submitted to twenty festivals so far. I'm still waiting to hear from a bunch of them. And some I won't even hear till next February. you like it's have you gotten into one? I've gotten into two. So I was selected for the Austin Short Film Festival. Yes. So excited. And the Calaveras where I shot, they have Calascaras. so which is stop it.
Jennifer: Calaveras, where I shot. They have caluscaras. so which is a horror festival. And so we got in I just found out two days ago we got into caluscaras. Muzzle tough. That's great. Congratulations. I just noticed that my mic flipped into cozy against my boob. So if there is a volume disparity in there for
part of this, I deeply apologize. But it's less important that you hear me and more important that you hear her.
Erinn: horror festival. And so we got in I just found out two days ago we got into calascaris. Muzzle tough. That's great because I just noticed that my mic flipped into cozy against my boob. So if there is a volume disparity in there for part of this, I deeply apologize. But it's less important that you hear me and more important that you hear her. congratulations on two festivals. That's just absolutely
Jennifer: Well congratulations on two festivals. That's just absolutely
Erinn: Amazing. I'm thrilled. If I don't hear from any others, I mean at least I got these two. Great. And and Scream Fest is coming up. That's a huge horror festival. So fingers crossed for that. Fingers are super crossed. Where is Scream Fest? LA. fabulous. That'd be so amazing. Okay. so if there's a woman l
Jennifer: amazing. I'm thrilled. If I don't hear from any others, I mean at least I got these two are great. and Scream Fest is coming up. That's a huge horror festival. So fingers crossed for that. Fingers are super crossed. Where is Scream Fest? LA. fabulous. That'd be so amazing. Okay. so if there's a woman listening that has a book or film or career shift or what like wants to dance for the first time or do art for the first I mean, et cetera, whatever.
Erinn: listening that has a book or film or career shift or what like wants to dance for the first time or do art for the first I mean, etc. whatever.
Jennifer: And she thinks it's too weird or not in her she's it's not in her lane, not in her wheelhouse. What would you tell her? I would say please, please, please do it. Do it, do it. I was telling my friend, you know, if
Erinn: And she thinks it's too weird or not in her she's it's not in her lane, not in her wheelhouse. What would you tell her? I would say please, please, please do it. Do it, do it. I was telling my friend, you know, if if I inspire one person out of this podcast, that's my job is done. Like I just want to inspire someone to to go for it, to just jump in, do the thing you didn't think you can do.
Jennifer: If I inspire one person out of this podcast, that's my job is done. Like I just want to inspire someone to to go for it, to just jump in, do the thing you didn't think you can do. even there'll be times where it's like hard and you're out of your comfort zone, but it's so worth it. So could someone that's not a writer like you go and do the cer the screenwriting certificate at UCLA, join a screenwriting group and then
Erinn: even there'll be times where it's like hard and you're out of your comfort zone, but it's so worth it. So could someone that's not a writer like you go and do the cer the screenwriting certificate at UCLA, join a screenwriting group and then basically have a somewhat similar experience to trying to develop an idea. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Right on. Right on. Yeah, you know, I almost did that thing with where did I
put my glass?
Jennifer: basically have a somewhat similar experience to trying to develop an idea. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. Right on. On. Right on. You know, I almost did that thing with where did I put my glasses?
Erinn: They were on top of my head for those of you who are not on YouTube. okay. Do you feel this whole experience being a writer and filmmaker would have been different if you were a man? And if so, how
Jennifer: They were on top of my head for those of you who are not on YouTube. okay. Do you feel this whole experience being a writer and filmmaker would have been different if you were a man? And if so, how How so positively and how so negatively. Interesting. I think I I'd be curious to know if the the contracts contracts
Erinn: so positively and how so negative? Interesting. I think I I'd be curious to know if the the contracts contracts. aspect of it would be easier for a man. Like maybe they wouldn't even think twice about like presenting it in the presenting a contract. interesting. Yeah. Right. Where and I think there are a lot of women who would kind of hesitate because it seems
Jennifer: aspect of it would be easier for a man. Like maybe they wouldn't even think twice about like presenting it in the presenting a contract. interesting, yeah. Right? Where and I think there are a lot of women who would kind of hesitate because it seems
Erinn: unfriendly or un Yes. It seems obnoxious or or I don't know what. They don't want to make other people uncomfortable. Exactly.
Jennifer: Unfriendly or un Yes. It seems obnoxious or or I don't know what. We don't want to make other people uncomfortable. Exactly.
Erinn: Exactly. Absolutely. Fuck that. Fuck that. No. I'm gonna be like here's my contract, bitch. Yeah. Especially our generation and those even older than us. Yeah. Okay, so the contract part for sure. I do wonder if if that's something that they wouldn't even think twice about. Like
Jennifer: Exactly. Ourselves in discomfort before making others uncomfortable. Absolutely. Fuck that. Fuck that. No. I'm gonna be like here's my contract, bitch. Yeah. Especially our generation and those even older than us. Yeah. Okay, so the contract part for sure. I do wonder if if that's something that they wouldn't even think twice about. Like that's just like, yeah. And you are in the Bay Area, so you know, sexism is not as rampant as it is in other
Erinn: that's just like, yeah. And you are in the Bay Area, so you know, sexism is not as rampant as it is in other
Jennifer: parts of our nation. Right. Right. But still, there are things anything else that you Yeah. There were a few scenarios, I would say, where I got taken advantage of, where they took advantage of the fact that I was a first-time filmmaker and a woman, and they definitely pushed that. And
Erinn: Parts of our nature. Right. Right. Right. But still, there are things, anything else that you Yeah. There were a few scenarios, I would say, where I got taken advantage of, where they took advantage of the fact that I was a first-time filmmaker and a woman, and they definitely pushed that and like didn't tell me in advance. And then we're like, you owe for this. You know, it's like not wouldn't pull it. Would not have.
Jennifer: Like didn't tell me in advance and then we're like, you owe for this. You know, it's like not wouldn't have pulled that with a dude. Would not have
Erinn: fold that with a dude. Yeah. So that was really unfortunate. That's going in the book. So I'm gonna I'm gonna like spill the tea and let all the people know like how to cover themselves for scenarios like that where I got kind of like backed into a corner. Yeah. You know, the tricks, you know, some of the things that you can't foresee. But but
Jennifer: pulled that with a dude. Yeah. So that was really unfortunate. That's going in the book. So I'm gonna I'm gonna like spill the tea and let all the people know like how to cover themselves for scenarios like that where I got kind of like backed into a corner. Yeah. You know, the tricks, you know, some of the things that you can't foresee, but But now that I've learned, I want to have wisdom. I have wisdom and not. I'm so glad to share it.
Erinn: now that I've learned, I wanna have I wanna wisdom I have wisdom and knowledge and I'm going to share it. Okay, anything else? No, I think that's that's also the two. Okay. This is we're going away from writing and filmmaking. Okay. What's the worst advice anyone's ever given to you as a woman? well, back to the writing advice.
Jennifer: Okay. Anything else? No, I think that's awesome too. Okay. This is we're going away from writing and filmmaking. Okay. What's the worst advice anyone's ever given to you as a woman? well, back to the writing advice.
Erinn: I was writing my book, the Castle Book, and I was I was racking up some debt because I was
Jennifer: I was writing my book, the Castle Book, and I was I was racking up some debt because I was funding it myself. I thought, okay, the first one is on me. You know, I'll do this on my own dollar. And I was kind of kvetching to a friend and being like, Should I do this? And she's like, No, I don't think you should. I think it's I think you should just stop now. And that's the worst advice. Cause I was like,
Erinn: Funding it myself. I thought, okay, the first one is on me. You know, I'll do this on my own dollar. And I was kind of kvetching to a friend and be like, should I do this? And she's like, No, I don't think you should. I think it's I think you should just stop now. And that's the worst advice. Cause I was like, I wasn't going to, but I was like, that's not what I wanted to hear. Yeah. Exactly. So what's the best thing that came out of writing Sam's Castle for you?
Jennifer: I wasn't going to, but I was like, that's not what I wanted to hear. Yeah. Exactly. So what's the best thing that came out of writing Sam's Castle for you?
Erinn: my god, just really incredible intersections of with great musicians, great
people. we do like I love the paranormal, as you know. we do like paranormal hunts there. I've had crazy ghostly experiences there. I'm sure
Jennifer: my God. Just really incredible intersections of with great musicians, great people. we do like I love the paranormal, as you know. we do a like paranormal hunts there. I've had crazy, ghostly experiences there. I'm sure.
Erinn: castle specifically haunted. yeah, and just like it's just open my life in it.
Jennifer: Hassle Pacifica. yeah. And just like it's just opened my life in a
Erinn: huge way that I think how sad if I was just like, yeah, another hundred dollars, yeah, I but I should just stop. Yeah. So so interesting that it's not really about the book itself. It was about the process of writing the book that created interpersonal connections with human beings and Yeah. Yeah,
Jennifer: huge way that I think, how sad if I was just like, yeah, another hundred dollars. Yeah, I bought I should just stop. Yeah. So, so interesting that it's not really about the book itself. It was about the process of writing the book that created interpersonal connections with human beings and yeah.
Erinn: because like as you mentioned earlier, Pacifica is a very small insular town.
Jennifer: Yeah, because like as you mentioned earlier, Pacifica is a very small insular town
Erinn: And everything works on how they know each other. And so when I had I had just moved there. I'd only lived there a couple months. And so they were like, yeah, go knock on so and so's door. And I was like, Really? Kind of like, are they gonna be okay with just some random person? And but that's how I met people in town was through writing this book. That's wonderful. Yeah. Is there
Jennifer: and everything works on how they know each other. And so when I had I had just moved there. I'd only lived there a couple months. And so they were like, yeah, go knock on so and so's door. And I was like, Really? Kind of like, are they gonna be okay with just some random person? And but that's how I met people in town was through writing this book. That's wonderful. Yeah. Is there
Erinn: Is there a best piece of advice that you've been giving given that you think is directly related to you being female? I think it's really that like when I think about strong females in my life and and even just like public, you know, figures, it's just that you can do, you can do anything, you know.
Jennifer: Is there a best piece of advice that you've been giving given that you think is directly related to you being female? I think it's really that like when I think about strong females in my life and and even just like public, you know, figures, it's just that you can do, you can do anything, you know?
Erinn: You really can. And you've been encouraged to do that by your angel. That's so great. Yeah. Okay. what question do you wish I'd asked you today, if anything? well, I kind of touched on it, but I was gonna say like what's next. but I think it is the this other short film that I want to film in my friend's backyard. I there's an actor that was in my first film in the in the
Jennifer: You really can. And you've been encouraged to do that by other women in your in your life. That's so great. Yeah. Okay. what question do you wish I'd asked you today, if anything? well, I kind of touched on it, but I was gonna say, like, what's next? but I think it is the this other short film that I wanna film in my friend's backyard. I there's an actor that was in my first film in the in the
Erinn: Gold miner Mayhem, who was so fantastic. He was in Reservoir Dogs. Like he's just amazing. and I wrote I sent him a text and I was like, Would you be interested in playing like an alcoholic mess of man who thinks he may or may not have murdered or or have witnessed a murder next door? And he's like, he just wrote back, I'm in. so I have my lead actor.
Jennifer: Gold miner Mayhem, who was so fantastic. He was in Reservoir Dogs. Like he's just amazing. and I wrote I sent him a text and I was like, Would you be interested in playing like a alcoholic mess of man who thinks he may or may not have murdered or or have witnessed a murder next door? And he's like, he just wrote back, I'm in. so I have my lead actor. That's
Erinn: That's so great.
Jennifer: so great.
Erinn: Yeah. He has like it'll hell have like icky teeth and greasy hair and he'll just be a wreck. So it'll be that unstable protagonist where we're not sure whether he's off his rocker or if he really did see something in the neighbor's backyard. So it's that kind of little thriller. Yeah.
Jennifer: Yeah. He has like for you. He'll he'll have like icky teeth and greasy hair and he'll just be a wreck. So it'll be that unstable protagonist where we're not sure whether he's off his rocker or if he really did see something in the neighbor's backyard. So it's that kind of little thriller. Fun. Yeah. You have a genre. Yeah. okay, so we we got to the house. What's next part? So
Erinn: okay, so we we got to the house what's next part. So, how can this fabulous group of listeners support you and your film? Well, we'll start there. How can this one how can these folks support your film, whether they're listening or watching? so it it hasn't well, I'm not sure when it'll be showing. It'll be showing. And none of these places take votes or anything to like No.
Jennifer: How can this fabulous group of listeners support you and your film? Well, we'll start there. How can this one how can these folks support your film whether they're listening or watching? so it it hasn't well I'm not sure when it'll be showing. It'll be showing. And none of these places take votes or anything to like no vote. But like if they're if it is playing in a
Erinn: But like if there if it is playing in a in a festival, like look for gold miner mayhem to be in a film festival near you and please come. because I'll likely be there and I'd love to meet you. also let's see, post-production costs are exorbitant. So
if you feel like throwing anything our way, please do. Venmo.
Jennifer: in a festival, like look for gold miner mayhem to be in a film festival near you and please come. because I'll likely be there and I'd love to meet you. also let's see post production costs are exorbitant. So if you feel like throwing anything our way, please do. Venmo
Erinn: Venmo. It's a good option me yet.
Jennifer: Venmo. Is a good option. Do you know GoFundMe yet?
Erinn: I I think I am gonna do a GoFundMe. Yeah. And what is a what's the other one where you can you you that people actually give for film and they either get swag or they yeah, Indiegogo. I did an Indiegogo earlier. Seed and Spark is another one. I am thinking of doing something where you get a poster. Nice. If you contribute a certain amount, a signed poster.
Jennifer: I I think I am gonna do a GoFundMe. Yeah. And what is a what's the other one where you can you you that people actually give for film and they either get swag or they get yeah, Indiegogo. I did an Indiegogo earlier. Seed and Spark is another one. I am thinking of doing something where you get a poster. Nice. If you contribute a certain amount, a signed poster. Great. and my poster is really cool.
Erinn: and my poster is really cool. I got a great artist to do that. that's so great. I'm sure it'll be we're designing our swag for ovary acting now. I'm s it's the funnest. It's so much fun. Yeah, I'm starting with beanies just because they're so cool. So a poster though, that's a poster would be really cool. Right on. Right on. And let me see. how can they buy your book? it's on Amazon.
Jennifer: I got a great artist to do that. that's so great. I'm sure it'll be we're designing our swag for ovary acting now. I'm s it's the funnest. It's so much fun. I think I'm starting with beanies just because they're so cool. So a poster though, that's a poster would be really cool. Right on. Right on. And let me see. how can they buy your book? it's on Amazon. Okay. Sam's Castle. Mm-hmm and
Erinn: Okay. Sam's Castle. And if you have if you're in the US, you can also order it from Flory's books. In Pacific, I always like to stamp people to Aaron. It's f L O R E Y Apostrophe S. And it's run by Aaron. Flory was his grandmother who had the shop forever. So he's running his grandmother's shop and he could use all the support. So
Jennifer: If you have, if you're in the US, you can also order it from Flores Books. In Pacific, I always like to steer people to Aaron. It's F-L-O-R-E-Y apostrophe S. And it's run by Aaron. Flory was his grandmother who had the shop forever. So he's running his grandmother's shop and he could use all the support. So please do buy it from Aaron. Sam's Castle from Flores Books. Florey's Books.
Erinn: Please do buy it from Aaron. Sam's Castle from Florrie's Books. Flories Books and Rebecca. Okay. And how do they contact you? what do you recommend? Well, everybody has different things. They can either the email is good. What's your email? It's Bridget Oates at Gmail. Will you spell it for them? Yes. B-R-I-D-G-E-T O A T E S at Gmail.com.
Jennifer: Okay, and how do they contact you? what do you recommend? Well, everybody has different things. They can either the email is good. What's your email? It's Bridget Oates at Gmail. Will you spell it for them? Yes. B-R-I-D-G-E-T O-A-T-E-S at gmail.com.
Erinn: Fabulous. This was as much fun as I thought it was gonna be. Yeah.
Jennifer: Fabulous. This was as much fun as I thought it was gonna be. Yeah. I'm so glad you're here with us today. Me too. And as always, thank you for joining us for another episode of Ovary Acting Your Ecosystem for All Things Women. I am your host, Dr. Jennifer Ashby. And if any of you again are are anywhere on the menopausal spectrum, don't forget to pre-order the energy prescription book, Wiley Publishing from anybody you want online.
Erinn: I'm so glad you're here with us today. Thank you too. And as always, thank you for joining us for another episode of Ovary Acting Your Ecosystem for All Things Women. I am your host, Dr. Jennifer Ashby. And if any of you again are are anywhere on the Menopausal Spectrum, don't forget to pre-order the energy prescription book while the publishing from anybody you want online. That
Jennifer: That is it. It's a wrap for another episode. Thanks again and we'll see you next week.
Erinn: is it. It's a wrap for another episode. Thanks again, and we'll see you next week.