INFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: JENNIFER McSHANE

Nashville Film Festival coverage by Jason Sparks, Our Man in Nashville

INFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: JENNIFER McSHANE

The director of “Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops” on her most recent project, and on documentary in general. The documentary premieres on HBO on November 19 at 9 p.m.

How did you learn about Ernie & Joe, and what about them interested you in making a documentary about them?

My last film was about women in prison and while making that film it became painfully clear to me that many people sitting behind bars are there because of mental health challenges.  When I read an article written by a friend about the work happening in San Antonio it really resonated with me.

How do you go about introducing yourself to two people not involved in the movie business at all and persuade them to be the subjects of a film?

It really is about trust. I called and emailed at first. Then I visited and rode along without   a camera to get a sense of this was a story I needed to tell. It also gave them a sense of who I was and what I was trying to accomplish.

You rely heavily on dash-cam footage, having had to; what are some ideas you had for this film that didn‘t get used? 

Initially, I had hoped to follow one of the people Ernie and Joe through treatment but let that go after realizing the HIPPA concerns. 

In addition to E&J, you had to get the consent of the folks they interacted with. Was there anyone you got footage of who said no? 

It was a case by case situation but if I was unsure or could not find them I blurred their face and in some cases distorted their voice.

What led you to making documentaries, as opposed to narrative films? 

I honestly find real life more compelling. So much to learn from each other!

This will be screened by HBO, and on the film-festival circuit, but the odds of this movie (or any documentary) doing box-office on the order of Avengers: Endgame are pretty long. Is that something you have to make peace with?

Yes, having HBO acquire my documentary is amazing and I am thrilled but in general it can be a real slog to raise the finances to finish a film and make a living. This is why I only make films that I feel will go out and do something positive in the world. 

When you screened this at Nashville International Film Festival, I introduced myself to you, and told you my own story about police officers and my son’s mental health issues. Are you hearing similar stories at most screenings?

At literally EVERY single screening. The outpouring of emotion from audience members (some parents, some with their own mental health issues) has been quite something and is a regular reminder to me why I made the film.

A few minutes of the film take place in a church—specifically the church Ernie attends, if memory serves. Take us through the process of going to a church on a Sunday morning and filming part of a worship service.

It was an evening service and they were all very open to me being there which was great.  Ernie’s faith is a huge part of who he is and it was very important to me that I include that. 

That you know of, has your film (as opposed to other coverage of Ernie & Joe) sparked interest in MHUs being established in other cities?

In other words, has a police chief or mayor seen this film and said, “Hey, let’s try that” or words to that effect? I hope to find out by making the film available for outreach screenings. Working on outreach strategy now but yes our inbox is filled with people interested in using the film for positive change in their community. 

What makes someone or something a captivating subject for a documentary of yours?

I am attracted to stories that are unexpected, meaningful, and hopeful. In both Mothers of Bedford (my last documentary) and Ernie & Joe:Crisis Cops I was blessed with incredible subjects.  Hard to describe what “it” is but I know it when I meet it :-) 

By the same token, what topics are out there that you actively plan to make films about? 

I think I may try to do one on the future of mental health treatment.  MoB was about incarceration, E&J illustrates jail diversion and the need for human connection.  I would like the next to be about how can we tackle this mental health crisis.

Cheesy question, perhaps, but—if you have a favorite movie, documentary or otherwise, what is it?  Not cheesy at all – just too many to name!  I love old classics, comedy, documentaries! I also love live theater.