What is Behind the Dark Tree?

Lurking in the shadows and dusty corners of the internet are a myriad of extraordinary and unsung creators who make content for all the right reasons and yet rarely get to see the light of day. Lacking big budgets and rooms of publicist to highlight their accomplishments, they toil on, creating not for profit - but joy . . . . . and salvation.

Dark Tree Films is a small independent / amateur production company in upstate New York helmed by a raven haired dynamo named Jeannette Dapre. A full time homemaker, wife and mother of three she had long been consumed by the kitsch of the horror genre. From November 1st leading up to the main even itself, her focus was on creating the premier Halloween experience. From elaborate set pieces to music and decor, she transformed her house into a neighborhood destination for friends and family. It wasn’t so much of a stretch then to take it to the next level and actually pursue her hidden dream of creating actual suspense / horror movies.

“We have been incredibly lucky in finding amazing people to be a part of our Dark Tree Films family. Unlike other film groups we work with entire families. Our little creative community is made up of around fifty people thus far, comprised of people from all walks of life, age and gender. We have children between the ages of 2 years old and 16. We have young adults from 18 to 29, and our oldest actor is 65! We have mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and even fur babies. We have three dog actors in total so far. (Along with other critters.) We really just give everyone and everyone they know a chance to step out of their comfort zone and try their hand at acting. It brings families and friends together, and we love being a part of the community” Jeannette.

The idea of a neighborhood film company is a novel approach, but one Jeannette seems to be making work. The films are not made for profit - tho with a wry smile, she admits that wouldn’t be such a horrible thing! The pandemic has created struggles for her dream as much as everyone else’s. The money and equipment all come from the production staff’s own pockets, and the actors don’t get paid. The films are “for our own entertainment” she intones. “All our actors are amateur actors who are learning the craft of acting. Plus, I love being a good role model to my kids and showing them that any dream can come true”

For many - this is the way it starts. The love of creation is enough to sustain the learning curve of writing, acting, filming, editing and distributing a film, but for most it is also a stepping stone into a full time career. It’s a different story however when you are already halfway down the path of your life and you suddenly decide to embark on such an immersive side journey.

“It can be tough balancing being a mom to three incredible children and film making. However, both jobs are true blessings. Film making gives me the opportunity to share with my children what I do. They have all helped behind and in front the camera. Sharing this passion with them has been amazing. I find that filming horror movies has helped put my children’s fears in perspective. It has taught them the difference between what is make believe and what are real life horrors. My 10 year old son is on the spectrum. He has high functioning autism. He is expressive but needs an outlet to really help him express his emotions. I have found that the art of acting has also done the same thing for many of those I have worked with, as some have similar issues, such as PTSD and anxiety. It really helps them to express themselves through fictional characters, which were helpful ways to expel the stresses of daily life.” Jeannette.

Film has long been a catharsis for creative outlet but approaching it as an actual therapy has been eye opening, and life changing. To see the positive differences it has made in her own family’s life as well as friends and neighbors has been an incredible gift and one she had never anticipated. ( Various Universities around the country and overseas have conducted studies on the benefits of film making and the therapeutic intervention of creating through film on memory, dementia, autism and more. The findings are incredibly positive. )

From her first project in 2016, the movie “Reflections”, Jeannette has written a total of 12 scripts and has directed 11 movies. When pressed, she shyly admitted to performing a cameo in one of them. The pride of being an independent filmmaker however is nothing she shies away from, happily wearing the various crowns of writer, director, location scout and prop master. It was a long journey to this point, full of self reflection and angst, but she has pulled it off with the panache of a seasoned professional and her work speaks for itself.

When asked about the mysterious origins of the Dark Tree Films name she replied in a conspiratorial whisper. “The tree is an icon that my partner and I both share. I think it represents who we are. We are both grounded and deeply rooted people. We believe in having a solid foundation . We are both strong and yet like to branch out creatively. So the icon of a tree was quite perfect. The dark part was to represent the fear that we all harbor and our films are based on some of those fictional fears. We wanted a name that encompassed who we are and what we do.”

What they do is make films, and they make them well. Take a look for yourself by searching “Dark Tree Films” on YouTube and follow them on Facebook. Independent producers are struggling during the pandemic, every little bit of support helps! When probed for a little taste of what is to come . . . “We are planning on starting our new film project “Sorrow” after the first of the year. We also have a big film project planned for the summer of 2022. Our biggest cast to date.”

We can’t wait!

Follow Dark Tree Films on YouTube!