My first ever documentary film is now available to stream on Vimeo On Demand. The film is called “The Bends. A film about The Raisins.” and it is the story of the legendary Cincinnati rock band. It has been in the works for a year. When it started I didn't really know it would be a film, I didn't know where it was going and frankly, probably didn't understand what I was getting into. But through the blind trust of the creative process it landed in a good spot. It's a story of chemistry and creativity and has the universal thread that the definition of success isn’t always how the world defines it.
Making this film was more difficult than I imagined it would be. I never totally doubted my ability to create a good story and once I started talking with the band I knew at least I had some interesting conversations to start with. But forging hours of performances and interviews into something cohesive and interesting was tedious and daunting. What story could I create here that went beyond the classic band tale we’ve all seen? I am not sure I got a clear answer to that but my hidden agenda with this film to try to expose a little bit of the heart and passion musicians have deep within. The things that fans dont ever really hear about or even understand completely. A musician interviewing other musicians perhaps became a way to relate something new.
I experienced some intense technology challenges along the way as well. To all my friends who work in the film/video industry I appalud you! I used one camera, one lens and one microphone. I had mishaps and frustrations all along the way. Next time I'd ask for more help. But that is the gift of hindsight. I had expert help from Tom White, Jim Talkington, Mike Landis, Noah Fetters, Lauren Bray and Hans Schellhas. I did almost 96 different iterations of the film on the road to the final. And those folks all lended their talents along the way. Generally I used one camera, two lenses and one microphone, Expert mixes were made by Noah Fetters.
Some key insights I learned or was reminded of during this project:
ASK: Any good project comes from either being asked to do something or asking someone if you can do something. I asked the band, they said yes.
FLOW: I had no idea what story was in this footage. I had no idea where it was going to go. But if you trust the process, work hard and constantly iterate you’ll end up in a place you never imagined, every single time.
EDIT: This one I know by heart but sometimes ignore because I am too enamored with all that I know is there. Rob Fetters pushed me to focus the narrative more and more. And the film is better for it.
UNIVERSAL: Make things universal. If color is getting in the way or being too descriptive make it black and white. If stories get too inside or too niche don’t use them. Find the things anyone can related to: fear, dissapointment, hope, regret and humor. To name a few.
HELP: This is one I wished I would have embraced. Ask for help. I had so many roadblcoks and technical issues on this that could have been avoided with a crew or a partner. Next time…
OBSESSION: A project like this is a roller coaster. And there’s no way to ride it to the finish if you aren’t hell bent on wrestling it to the ground. Be obsessive. It is the only way through to the other side.
Whether you know their music or not I think you'll find this film entertaining, maybe even moving. It can be rented and streamed on Vimeo Demand for the forseeable future.
Special thanks to The Raisins: Ricky Nye, Bam Powell, Bob Nyswonger and especially Rob Fetters who offered not only great storytelling skills but reminded me to keep the movie in-scope and in focus. And my wife Lauren Bray gave me early reviews, proofreading and reality checks that gave me both confidence and support.
Stream the documentary at:
https://thebends.vhx.tv/
