If you're looking for an introduction to the side of local rock music more likely sponsored by 93X than 89.3 The Current, then check out the recently released documentary film, "Find Your Own Way."
The film appeals to "seen them, worship them" fans, to those who've never attended a show at the Rock Night Club. It features bands such as Gingerjake, Day Zero and 3 Pill Morning, to other recognizable industry figures like Patrick of 93X, drummer Michael Bland and his drum tech, James Rhines.
"Find Your Own Way," directed by Tyler Marcus and Jason Brox, of Marcus Brox Ideas, flows between footage of the 2004 Battle of the Bands competition at the Rock, to interviews with selected bands and industry figures, both of whom tackle the difficulties of being in a band and attitudes toward the music industry. It also asks the questions: Why do some bands make it and others break up? How much of problem is drug use? Is new technology hurting or helping bands? Does having a label even matter anymore?
From Rhines' advice, to emo bands, to Karma Cheema of American Head Charge on the death of their guitarist Brian Ottoson, "Find Your Own Way" provides viewers with a sincere, hold-nothing-back insight on the local rock way of life.
Marcus and Brox were originally approached by Rock promoter Bill Berry in fall 2004 to make a movie about a local band and to film the Battle of the Bands competition. The duo felt they wanted to make something more than just a Battle showcase.
"We wanted to introduce people to the scene," Marcus said. He found himself attached to the scene after Marcus Brox Ideas started working with Black Flood Diesel and Gingerjake in January 2004.
"Find Your Own Way" took 1,500 hours to make, using an eight-person crew. Most of the time was spent editing as they had more than 70 hours of footage to review, which was eventually cut to 91 minutes. Joe Sal, one of the film's producers, said they had planned on a release date of February 2005, but ending up pushing the date to March 2006. They were satisfied with the film's release party selling out at the Varsity Theater, but wished the date had been later to allow more time for marketing and advertising.
Is there a "Find Your Own Way II" in the future? Not likely.
"'Killing babies' is how Marcus described his feelings towards editing the clips again and again," Sal said.
Sal found himself completely burned out on the subject as well.
The two are turning their attention toward a possible documentary on First Avenue and developing capital for the band movie script originally put on hold. "It's a love story, part coming of age story, with lots of bands," Sal said.
In the meantime, Marcus Brox Ideas is spending the next two months finishing a zombie movie called, "The Craving," a project they signed on with Chazz DeMoss of Dead Dog Entertainment.
"It's a B budget," Marcus said.
"B plus," Sal corrected.
www.marcusbroxideas.com
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