Podtalk: Lead Actor Jennifer Scott of ‘Eyes Upon Waking’

Printer-friendly versionE-mail page to friendPDF version

CHICAGO – Perseverance is most likely the greatest trait, beyond talent and creation, in filmmaking. Jennifer Scott had a passion project that she co-wrote 13 years ago, and after the various stops and starts over a course of getting it off the ground, the film “Eyes Upon Waking,” went before the cameras in 2019, and is currently on the film festival circuit. Ms. Scott co-wrote and co-directed the film, in addition to being the lead actor.

The story follows Taren (Jennifer Scott, who based the character on her own journey), who is checked into a mental health facility following two attempts to end her life. While in the clinic, she alienates herself from the patients and staff, biding her time until she can be released. When circumstances force her to remain in place for one more weekend, she melts into compassion for her fellow patients, while still neglecting her own. As she confronts her own reality, her release is imminent. The film also features Edie McClurg, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Jeffrey Glover and Juan Francisco Villa.

Jennifer Scott (inset) and as Taren in ‘Eyes Upon Waking’
Photo credit: EyesUponWaking.com

Jennifer Scott, founder of Open Eyes Productions, LLC, is an Award Winning p.g.a. Producer, Actor and Writer. She has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild since 1995. She has been credited with over 40 films and television appearances, including “Eyes Upon Waking.” The film’s next stop on the film festival circuit will be at BARE BONES FEST on April 29th, 2023.

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, “Eyes Upon Waking” co-writer/co-director and lead actor Jennifer Scott talks about the journey to production …

In Part Two, on the mental health awareness goals of the film, and the future …

In a video excerpt from the interview, Jennifer Scott talks about the most difficult scene in the film to accomplish …

Click EYES UPON WAKING for the full trailer of the film.

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Critic/Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com