#crowdfunding - Scars Unseen
Scars Unseen is a documentary series about the triumph of the human spirit, following 6 men and women who have overcome domestic abuse.
Interview with Directors/Producers Meredith Yinger and Natalie Perez
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Too many of our family and friends have been affected by domestic violence and often times they don't share their story because they don't think anyone will care, but WE DO. We care. We want people to know that they are not alone.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Domestic violence affects everyone. It is clear with the recent movements that our society is craving change. Scars Unseen’s vision is to serve as a platform for people to unite in telling their stories, open a dialogue about domestic violence, and de-stigmatize victimhood. Instead of focusing on the negative or gruesome details of domestic abuse, Scars Unseen aims to highlight the moments of personal realization, triumph, courage, bravery, and healing that evolved out of the interviewees' situations.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Now is the perfect time for us to tell the stories of these 6 individuals. The Violence Against Women Act has just expired as of December 2018. This Act expiring is nothing short of newsworthy. This issue of domestic violence is pressing and each day something else pops up in the news and brings this issue back to the forefront. Our society is craving change and the media is gradually adapting, but we need more. We are beginning to see the media integrating new voices and diverse stories into the narrative of our country. This narrative strongly aligns with numerous societal movements such as #MeToo, Time’s Up, #IBelieveHer, and women’s rights marches.
Our documentary explores the complexities involved in domestic abuse and searches for a solution to end the cycle of violence. Abuse affects all people regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic backgrounds. Including people from various backgrounds allowing us to show the depth and reach of this issue. If we can bring this issue to home and educate people that this is not a far off, overseas issue, but in our own backyards and homes, we will as a society be better off for it. Sometimes it takes seeing to believe and now is the perfect time to showcase this issue to the world.
As female filmmakers and co-Founders of She TV Media, Meredith Yinger (Director, Producer) and Natalie Perez (Co-Director, Cinematographer, Producer) are passionate about sharing Trish and the other interviewees’ stories because they believe their voices deserve to be heard. Meredith and Natalie created their production company in order to tell untold and inspiring stories about empowered women. This documentary series ultimately aims to inspire anyone affected by violence to speak up and share their story.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
We began this project thinking it would be in the form of a feature-length documentary highlighting one person’s story and experiences, but have since developed this into a series where we can tell a number of different stories making it more impactful as a group.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We have received really encouraging feedback so far. We have been approached by multiple organizations looking to support and spread the word. Also, our twitter has blown up with support and individuals coming forward sharing their stories.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
We are extremely grateful for this feedback and support that we have received thus far.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We’re hoping that the increased visibility from We Are Moving Stories will spread awareness not only about our project and crowdfunding campaign, but also on the issue of domestic violence its effects, treatment, and preventative measures.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We’re looking for co-producers, distributors, journalists, and film festival directors to join us in increasing this project’s reach as far as possible.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
After watching our documentary, we hope that people will learn more about the effects of domestic violence and get involved in changing the narrative. We are optimistic that people will continue the conversation of domestic abuse outside of the film and in their communities so that we, as a society, can help to end the cycle of abuse together. Finally, Meredith and Natalie hope that in creating this film, people will come forward to share their stories, heal from their past traumas, and be supported by their community. Ultimately, this documentary series serves as a catalyst for people to become aware of the different and valuable healing processes for trauma and abuse.
What Meredith and Natalie are doing is more than just a series. With their production company, She TV Media, they are changing the media by including more diverse voices in the filmmaking process. They create inspiring and game-changing content.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What does triumph of the human spirit mean to you? What legal actions/protections are available for those who have been affected by domestic violence? What are the causes, treatments, and preventative measure we all can take to break the cycle of abuse?
Would you like to add anything else?
Ways to get involved: donate to our crowdfunding campaign www.scarsunseen.com, like, follow, and share our campaign link and social media posts to your friends or family, and join the conversation by talking about domestic violence with those you love.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We are currently producing The Walkers – a mini series about the beginning of a beautiful sisterhood with demons, and warlocks, and spells, oh my. We are also in post-production on another short documentary series entitled Story In Her Eyes about 6 women's untold stories of love, hope, and overcoming abuse.
Interview: February 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Scars Unseen
Scars Unseen is a documentary series about the triumph of the human spirit, following 6 men and women who have overcome domestic abuse.
Director: Meredith Yinger & Natalie Perez
Producer: Meredith Yinger & Natalie Perez
About the writer, director and producer:
MEREDITH YINGER is an independent filmmaker, host and entrepreneur. She loves to bring stories to life through the magic of film. Whether it be short documentaries, interviewing subject experts, or how to make the most bomb guacamole, Meredith has your back. Meredith's short film, Avo-Wiedersehen, is a Moving Pictures Festival nominee. Her other works include: Hurry Up and Wait, a social justice web series she wrote, produced and performed in and many more. She is currently in post production, along with Natalie, on a female empowerment documentary called “Story in Her Eyes”, following seven inspiring women's stories of love, hope, and overcoming abuse.
NATALIE PEREZ is an LA-based cinematographer and filmmaker. Her work includes narrative and documentary films, shorts, and web series— from quirky comedies to dark thrillers, dynamic musicals to stark dramas. Natalie's passion stems from genuine and honest stories that capture human emotion and connection. She strives to create visual pieces of art in every frame.
Key cast: Trish Steele, Maha Bodhi, remaining subjects TBD
Looking for: film festival directors, journalists, distributors, sales agents
Facebook: Scars Unseen
Twitter: @ScarsUnseenDoc
Instagram: @shetvmedia
Website: www.scarsunseen.com
Funders: Seed and Spark