Until now. - Finding Jenn`s Voice

Homicide is the leading cause of death
during pregnancy.
But no one is talking about it.
Until now.
A DOCUMENTARY FILM
press
release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tragic Event Inspires Documentary and Opens Discussion about the
Leading Cause of Death in Pregnant Women
Documentary Film Finding Jenn’s Voice is completed
READING, PA - In 2011, Allentown, PA resident, Jennifer Snyder was murdered by her married boyfriend,
Veterinarian, David Rapoport, after he learned that she was pregnant. Dr. Rapoport was sentenced to
two life terms for his crimes. A week after Jenn’s death, Filmmaker Tracy Schott was approached by
Jennifer’s aunt to commit the story and the troubling broader social dialogue to film.
In production for more than three years, the film features the commentary of many intimate partner
violence experts including: Dr. Diana Cheng – OB/Gyn, Director of Women’s Health, Maryland Dept. of
Health and Medical Hygiene; Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell – Professor of Nursing, Johns Hopkins, Dr. David
Adams, Psychologist and author of “Why do they kill?: Men who kill their intimate partners”, and Dr.
Rae Taylor – Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Loyola University .
Through conversations with these experts and survivors of intimate partner homicide attempts, we learn
that there are many cases like Jenn’s. Finding Jenn’s Voice paints a picture of the anatomy of abusive
relationships that looks beyond the black eye. Ultimately, it is the survivors who help us to find Jenn’s
voice, and to understand the dangers overlooked by so many. Their insights and experiences allow the
film to give a voice to the voiceless, and leave the viewer with a message that is hard to forget.
The filmmakers of Finding Jenn’s Voice are currently applying to international film festivals to reach
film audiences and distributors. Eventually the film will be offered directly to colleges and educational
institutions in hopes of reaching young audiences who most need to hear the film’s message.
More information about the film can be found at www.findingjennsvoice.com.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
THE FILM
On March 16, 2011, 27-year old veterinary technician, Jennifer
Snyder of Allentown, PA was murdered by her married boyfriend
of more than two years after he learned that she was pregnant.
Veterinarian David Rapoport shot Jenn twice in the mouth and once
in the back and then dumped her body in a wooded ravine. He was
arrested six days later, eventually pleading guilty to avoid the death
penalty. He is now serving two life sentences for his crimes.
A week after her murder, Jenn’s aunt contacted the filmmaker,
Tracy Schott. She wanted to tell Jenn’s story, to give Jenn a voice. On
impulse, Tracy googled “pregnancy and homicide” and was shocked
to find several research studies that revealed:
Homicide is the leading cause of death during pregnancy.
Why isn’t the media talking about this problem? Why is every case
treated like it was just a fluke about some guy “snapping”? Is there
a pattern to this crime?
Jenn’s case seems unusual since there was no known history of
violence in the relationship. Is it possible that there were warning
signs that she missed?
After speaking with domestic violence experts and survivors from
around the country, we learn that there are many cases like Jenn’s.
Through these conversations, the film paints a picture of the
anatomy of abusive relationships that looks beyond the black eye.
Ultimately, it is the survivors of attempted homicide by their
intimate partners who help us to find Jenn’s voice and to
understand the dangers overlooked by so many. Their insights and
experiences allow the film to give a voice to the voiceless, and leave
the viewer with a message that is hard to forget.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
DIRECTOR’S
STATEMENT
Before I was a filmmaker, I was a social worker. So when I received a phone call from Jennifer Snyder’s
aunt that her pregnant niece had been murdered by her married boyfriend, I jumped into social worker
mode, offering support and suggesting that she give herself space for healing.
Trina, however, had a different reason for calling. She wanted me to tell Jenn’s story by creating a
documentary film. At first, I wasn’t sure. What was the social significance of a young pregnant woman
murdered by her married boyfriend? On impulse, I googled ‘pregnancy’ and ‘homicide’ and was shocked
to see studies that found homicide as the leading cause of death to pregnant women!
So began the journey that was to become this film. With the support of my colleague, Director of
Photography Derek Dienner, and the cooperation of Jenn’s family, we began shooting interviews to
learn more about Jenn - her life and death. Over the next three years we spoke with leading experts in
domestic violence and learned volumes about this well studied but under-reported social issue. What we
lacked, though, was a living face to help connect our audience to this problem.
In July 2014, I posted a request on the Facebook pages of two national domestic violence organizations
for survivors of intimate partner homicide attempts to share their stories with me. The response was
overwhelming. Over the next month, I spoke with dozens of women, and chose eleven to help me tell
Jenn’s story. We traveled around the country to film interviews with them and eventually brought all of
the survivors to Pennsylvania.
Finding Jenn’s Voice has brought me full circle in a career of listening to and telling stories. And it
has reinforced for me the power of a story shared. I hope this film touches everyone who sees it by
increasing their understanding of intimate partner violence and motivating them to speak up for
change. - Tracy Schott
CONTACT:
[email protected]
bios
Tracy Schott – Director/Producer
Tracy Schott is uniquely qualified to tell this story. She received her
MSW from the University of California – Berkeley School of Social
Welfare in 1985. She practiced child and family therapy with a
diverse group of clients, many of whom were victims of abuse. In
2000, Tracy received an MS in Telecommunications. As the owner
of Schott Productions, she directs, writes and produces broadcast
television programming, non-profit and corporate videos, live
theatrical productions, television commercials and still photography.
This is her first feature film.
Derek Dienner – Director of Photography
Derek Dienner is the founder of Lavon Films. Derek specializes
in telling life stories through visual imagery. He is the director
of photography and co-producer of Dream Weddings, a reality
TV show. Derek is known for the artistry he brings to wedding
videography, and for telling the stories of non-profit organizations
throughout the region. He has captured the lives and landscapes of
his subjects from Cape Town, South Africa to San Francisco.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
bios (cont’)
R. Bradley Bass – Editor
Brad Bass has been an editor, voiceover director and field producer
for over 15 years. He has worked with clients of every size, from
small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. Brad’s projects
have included TV commercials and other forms of advertising
and marketing, employee training, high-level internal corporate
communications, documentary film, and television programming.
Marty Mellinger – Composer
Marty Mellinger is a Grammy nominated music producer, arranger,
composer and musician. Owner of Cross Keys Productions Recording
Studio, Marty has written and produced over 450 commercials and
short film scores. Marty is a highly sought after pianist and has
performed with Simone, Rick Derringer, Mary Wilson, Ray Parker, Jr.,
Rita Coolidge and was even asked by Bruce Springsteen to be the
original keyboard player in the East Street Band.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
photos
CONTACT:
[email protected]
FAQ’s
Why did you call the film Finding Jenn’s Voice?
Jennifer Snyder was 27 years old when her married boyfriend shot her just weeks after learning she was
pregnant. Throughout the first couple of years of filming, we were really looking for answers to the
question, “why?” Why did a man with no known previous history of violence kill his girlfriend rather
than walk away? Why did Jenn stay with someone who apparently lied and deceived her? Why did she
give him another chance? We wanted to hear from her. We realized that we were looking for the voice
of a woman who could no longer speak for herself.
What is the significance of the photo of the horse and girl on the poster?
The photo was taken of Jenn’s sister Justine riding Jenn’s horse Marji. This was a very emotional
interview, as Justine had stopped riding since her sister’s murder two years earlier. I loved the way they
seem to walking into the light, as if seeking someone. We later learned that white horses have great
symbolism in many cultures with common themes of heroism, fertility, and connection to the spirit
world. It didn’t seem like a coincidence!
How is this film different from other films about domestic violence?
This film focuses on homicide and the risks of homicide to women in controlling relationships. We look
beyond the black eye to examine relationships that might not be recognized as being abusive, but are
potentially deadly.
Finding Jenn’s Voice features not only the story of Jennifer Snyder’s
murder, but also the stories of eleven other women who survived attempts
on their lives. How did you choose these survivors?
We interviewed over a dozen experts in the field of intimate partner violence and homicide. We had a
ton of compelling information, but it felt very academic. The film needed a face to whom our audience
could connect. My first step was to post a request for survivors of attempted homicide by their partners
on the Facebook pages of several national domestic violence groups. The response was overwhelming.
I received nearly a 1000 “likes” on the film’s page in a 24-hour period. Eventually, I conducted phone
interviews with 35 women from around the world. I chose eleven of these women to participate in the
film based on how their experiences helped me tell Jenn’s story.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
FAQ’s (cont’)
This is a very emotional film, what was the most heartbreaking moment
for you in the production?
After interviewing all the survivors in their homes around the country, we brought them to Pennsylvania
to film as a group. Before they went home, we created a Peace Mandala to facilitate healing and
closure. I was behind the camera, and I looked up to see four of the survivors surrounding Kisha, who
is a quadriplegic as a result of her assault. They were silently taking turns gathering grains and helping
Kisha participate in the Mandala. It moved me to tears to see how they spontaneously and wordlessly
came together to include her. It spoke to the devastation and loss they all shared as a result of their
abuse.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in completing this
film?
Budget or lack thereof! We shot for 2 years with no funding at all. Through fundraisers, small grants
and crowdfunding we raised about a third of our total budget. Just enough to help us get through edit.
We’ve learned that intimate partner abuse is a very unpopular subject. Victim blaming and denial is
pervasive in our society. I think it would have been much easier to raise money to do a film on carnival
food! But we were passionate about completing this film, and frankly, I’m very stubborn. I simply
refused to give up on this story.
You had incredible access to many of the leading experts of domestic
violence in the U.S., what was the most alarming thing that you learned?
The most dangerous relationships aren’t necessarily the most violent. And leaving them can be deadly.
Finding Jenn’s Voice takes some creative risks in telling Jennifer Snyder’s
story. Could you discuss these?
Early on we wanted to hear Jenn’s voice in this film to help the audience understand her perspective.
But who would speak for her? We considered bringing in an actress, but that seemed inauthentic. After
meeting the survivors, it became clear that they had all shared experiences with Jenn, and that they
should speak for her. Throughout the film, each of the survivors speaks a few scripted lines for Jenn. We
don’t explain it. We just do it. It kind of blurs the boundaries between documentary and narrative. But,
we think it works!
CONTACT:
[email protected]
FAQ’s (cont’)
You take the media to task for their reporting of domestic homicide, how
have they responded to the film?
It wasn’t easy getting the media to participate in this film. Journalists by nature are wary of having their
own work examined, and to be fair, we were pretty up front about our slant on the problems associated
with media reporting. Those who have screened portions of the film have been surprised by the facts
that we present.
You were a social worker for many years before turning to film production.
How has that impacted this film?
I’ve always said that being a social worker is not about what you do, but who you are. I was drawn to
this story because of my roots as a social worker, researcher and therapist. My background undoubtedly
guided my approach to this film. It was important for me to understand the psychological and social
context of intimate partner homicide from both the victim’s and the perpetrator’s perspectives. Because
of my background, I gained access to academic, clinical and policy makers in the field. And I’m a trained
listener. My conversations with Jenn’s family and the survivors in this film were very intimate.
How do you envision Finding Jenn’s Voice changing the conversation about
intimate partner violence?
Intimate partner violence has been in the national consciousness for about forty years, but the message
has changed very little. I hope that this film takes the conversation to the next level, giving the viewer a
deeper understanding of the complexity of abusive relationships.
What’s next for you?
I keep telling people that my next film is going to be about dance or food or wine. Something fun! But
the social worker in me wants to see Finding Jenn’s Voice do more. I envision an interactive website that
uses the film as a jumping off point into a deeper conversation about intimate partner abuse. I see us
using more of the 100 hours of footage we have, giving participants the option of seeing more of the
interviews.
The women who participated in Finding Jenn’s Voice will all tell you that sharing their stories through
film was a life changing experience. They have created a powerful support group and are all taking on
advocacy work in their own communities. I’d like to give other survivors an opportunity to take back
their lives through sharing their stories in this forum.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
Contact
For More Information:
Publicist
Sue Lange
[email protected]
Filmmaker
Tracy Schott
[email protected]
Website
www.FindingJennsVoice.com
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FindingJennsVoice
Twitter
@findjennsvoice
To Learn More about intimate partner violence:
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
www.NCADV.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.TheHotline.org
National Network to End Domestic Violence
www.nnedv.org
NO MORE
www.nomore.org
CONTACT:
[email protected]