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Preparing for NX35

Here we go again...
In March 2009 I had just returned from shooting a feature length film and I was eager to get my hands on a camera and shoot pretty much anything. It just so happened that NX35 was rolling through town and I had always had an interest in filming the local music scene here in Denton. Josh Butler, of the Texas Filmmakers, and I approached the NX35 staff and asked if they would mind us shooting part of the festival. I was told they had already hired a crew and that they wouldn't mind if I shot a little here and there. So I did, 3 out of the 4 nights. As it turned out I was the only one that did, their crew fell through I think. Here is what I shot...



Following NX35 I found myself more and more drawn to this music scene. I think that after seeing Monotonix crowd surf their way out of Hailey's really did it for me. I had gone to Hailey's for years and seen a handful of bands rock that place. But to see a band play on the shoulders of their new found fans is an amazing feat in itself. I was curious and intrigued as to what more this town might offer. As the year progressed and NX35 prepared for 2010, their interests in expansion on 2009's event became very clear when they locked in Midlake and the Flaming Lips to perform. I thought it to be a rumor for quite awhile, but after many confirmations and great effort by the staff of NX35, rumor became reality.

In between North By's I spent some time delving deep into the Denton Music Scene. I got pretty involved with My Denton Music, as mentioned in previous posts, and I made many new awesome friends. It's not that difficult to get sucked into the music here, spend a weekend following a band around or a night show hopping and it'll grab you. As North By approached I knew that I had to prepare. As I've discovered over the years, shooting video, is that there are moments in which I'll find myself capturing a rare moment in which the moons align and I get an amazing shot. I could count those moments with my fingers prior to NX35 2010. My Monotonix moment was one of them, Spoonfed Tribe at Fry St Fair, and lots more that I'll bring up at a later date. The point is, I didn't want to miss that moment this year. I was going to shoot everything I possibly could.

I posted the following on my facebook profile a few days before the festival to give everyone a heads up. I was going to tear apart Denton. Now, weeks later, I think I did just that.


"The music is upon us...
NX35 is about to lay the smack down on the small city of Denton this weekend and I am more excited than ever! By the time this festival is over I believe Denton will have changed dramatically. I have on occasion been the man behind the camera at many a shows; this coming weekend will be no different. I just bought a case of Red bull this morning, cause lord knows I'm gonna need it. My goal is to shoot as many bands and interviews as possible over the next week. I've secretly been shooting a documentary about the music scene here and I feel this weekend a story will be born, if it hasn't already. Denton is a wonderful place and I dig everything that goes on here.

During NX35, I will be constantly on the move, from venue to venue and show to show. My plan of attack for all these shows is as follows:
-Arrive at a venue.
-Setup camera in the back and get a long wide shot of the band performing one song, beginning to end.
-Move to the stage get a few B-Roll shots: Close-ups, Instrument shots, Crowd shots, etc...
-Possibly get a quick interview with an audience or band member (this depends on how busy I am)
-Pack up and move out.

I'd like to stay for the whole show at each venue, but there is just way to much going on. That being said I need some help throughout the weekend. If you are a band, fan or friend and you are attending any of the shows I have listed below please feel free to send me a message through twitter @patflaherty or email me and I'll send you my phone #, and let me know when you are GOING on. I will try and make it to every show, but I am only one man and I can only be in one place at one time. There will be people helping me out, but we are going to be extremely busy.

In the next few weeks I will make all of my footage public and I will cut-up the clips and make you a youtube video if you'd like, I Promise! Also if you are listed below or if you are performing at a show and don't want to be filmed please let me know and I will plan accordingly.

Thanks. Denton you stay sexy...

-Pat



THURSDAY
1) SWEETWATER Glen Farris, JUPITER HOUSE Delmore Pilcrow, HYDRANT Roy Robertson ANDYS Drink to Victory, DANS Jacob Metcalf
2) J & JS Parata, SWEETWATER Seryn, HAILEYS Saboteur, DANS OK Sweetheart, RGRS Manned Missiles
3) DANS RTB2, HYDRANT A.M. Ramblers, SWEETWATER Polycorns, HAILEYS The Crash That Took Me
4) CIRCA 77 Andrew Tinker, TX 8 BALLThe Bizarro Kids, ANDYS New Science Projects, JUPITER HOUSE Fox & The Bird, DANS Carrie Rodriguez, SWEETWATER Doug Burr, HAILEYS This Will Destroy You
5) HYDRANT The Cut Off, BOILER ROOM Snarky Puppy

FRIDAY
1) DANS (Odyssey)This Old House, JUPITER HOUSE Monastery, HYDRANT Handbrake, BANTER Lane & Paul, TX 8 BALLThe Phuss
2) TX 8 BALL Bridges and Blinking Lights, ANDYS Spooky Folk, BOILER ROOM PVC Street Gang, SWEETWATER Le Not So Hot Klub De Denton
3) HAILEYS Ferguson & Geronimo, SWEETWATER Pinebox Serenade, BOILER ROOM Record Hop, ANDYS Mount Righteous, J & JS Hope Trust
4) DANS Sarah Jaffe, BOILER ROOM Health, SWEETWATER Boxcar Bandits
5) RGRS Indian Jewelry, SWEETWATER Whiskey Folk Ramblers, ANDYS Sleep Whale

SATURDAY
-FAIR GROUNDS Midlake & Flaming Lips
-Changing Nature of Music Journalism
1) BOILER ROOM Trebuchet, DANS Robert Gomez, RGRS Eaton Lake Tonics
2) BOILER ROOM Oso Closo, SWEETWATER Dan Montgomery, ANDYS Sarah Reddington, HYDRANT Sarah Renfro
3) TX 8 BALL Dust Congress, BANTER Warren Jackson Hearne and the Merrie Murdre of Gloomadeers, HAILEYS Matthew and The Arrogant Sea, BOILER ROOM 420 Blues, DANS Slobberbone
4) RGRS Telegraph Canyon, J & JS The Heelers, BANTER The Naptime Shake, TX 8 BALL Shiny Around The Edges
5) HAILEYS The Black Angels
6) TX 8 BALL I Heart Lung

SUNDAY
-Music in the basement of Recycled Books
-40 Bands / 80 Minutes
-8 Track Museum
-Many Songs Told
1) BOILER ROOM Fish Boy, TX 8 BALL The Clouds Are Ghost
2) SWEETWATER The Slow Burners, HAILEYS Pomegranates, DANS The Middle East, RGRS Ishi
3) RGRS French Horn Rebellion, DANS Kissaway Trail, SWEETWATER Western Giants, JUPITER HOUSE Thunder Power, CIRCA 77 The Hand Combine
4) CIRCA 77 Baruch The Scribe, ANDYS Yeah Def, HAILEYS Walkmen
5) J & JS Unwed Sailor, HYDRANT The Fieros, ANDYS Dem Southerfolkz, BOILER ROOM Giggle Party, RGRS Neon Indian
6) BOILER ROOM Smile Smile, ANDYS Damaged Good$
7) ANDYS DJ MomJeans

The numbers indicate which band number they are at each venue; performance times are a tough thing to judge by, band order I've found to be easier. I listed them this way so I can smoothly move from venue to venue with minimal walking. Come Monday I'm sure my feet probably are going to fall off, any rides along the way would be much appreciated. The 25 pound camera I'm going to be carrying will be the end of me, for sure."

4 Days and over 60 bands. I did a web-stream from Boiler Room every night of the conference as well as shooting over 30 hours of video. I probably walked 20 miles over the length of 4 days and saw things that no one else saw in the small town of Denton. Was it worth it?

Wayne Coyne Under My Parachute from patrick flaherty on Vimeo.

Yes!

I'm making a feature-length documentary about the music of Denton.

...I set out on Thursday to find a story, only to realize that the story was there all along...

Thin Line Complete

Thin Line was a success!
With three times the attendance since last years festival and almost double the revenue, Thin Line Film Fest was a success in many respects. I was assigned the task of shuttling the filmmakers to and from the airport; although this may sound like a simple task, I was in fact always on the move. As soon as I'd drop someone off I'd have to turn around and head back to the airport to pick someone up, I rather enjoyed it to be honest. I was given a nice sports car to drive for 5 days and I enjoy driving thru the airport, travel interests me on many levels.
Before each of the films my graphical intro played for all to see. It's cool to edit something on a computer, but to see it projected on a giant screen in HD is hands down the coolest!

Of the many filmmakers that I met during the festival, one of the coolest and most interesting was Joshua Spencer (the director of Fight For Water). Thin Line Film Fest was the films international premiere and his first film festival. We hung out quite a bit and I learned a great deal from him...

During the festival Bobette Buster came and gave a lecture on the principles of making a documentary film. This was a very interesting event and I learned a great deal. Almost all of the filmmakers that attended the festival were here and they provided great insight into what it takes to make a successful documentary film.

I was so excited to meet Nick, of On a Carousel of Sound We Go Round. His film was on my list of not to miss during the festival, and my favorite for the entire weekend. His style of editing and capturing the bands performance really struck a chord with me and inspired me in many ways. I left that film that evening completely floored and excited about music.

All in all Thin Line Film Fest was a learning experience for me. I saw dozens of movies, met tons of filmmakers and spent the weeks following the festival thinking alot about making a documentary feature myself. There's alot that one has to go through to get it right. Next year I hope to have something in the festival, whether its something small or large. All I can say at this point is my presence will be known...

Thin Line Film Fest

Denton goes Hollywood?!
When I'm not editing a musical performance or working on a blog I'm involved with the Texas Filmmakers in Denton, Texas. I've been a member since its inception and have supported them since Day 1. Lately I've been busy helping the men and women of Thin Line Film Fest get things together for their 3rd International Film Festival. I'm very excited to be part of such an amazing event in our little town of Denton, Texas. Over the past few months Josh Butler and his small team have been receiving films from all over the world at the Texas Filmmakers studio in Denton, and I have had the chance to catch a quick glance at a few of the films. Gasland has been made for a many a discussion among filmmakers in the TF offices and most recently last night at its premiere at the Fine Arts theater. It's shocking how most of the country just does not know how harmful this method of drilling is. The film was frightening and really fun to watch. Here is a preview:



Another film that has me very excited is On A Carousel of Sound, We Go Round. Which is a film about a band on the road and their struggles for success. The film also discusses music in the media and how they work hand in hand. I really am excited about seeing this film and meeting the filmmaker.



My main job over the next few days with the festival is shuttling the filmmakers from the airport to Denton, which is a blast. I've learned so much already from the filmmakers and their films. Making a film is a difficult task and I'm learning from the best on how they were able to get it done.

I've been working on some graphics and video promotional videos for the Thin Line Film Fest for a few weeks now. Here are some examples of what I was able to put together...

My Denton Music Advertisement

Sorry for the delay in posting...
I have been extremely busy behind scenes revamping this blog and creating 4 more that coincide with what is going on here. I don't really want to get into it just yet, but lets just say that I am developing some really neat things. Alot of it is internet driven media which includes pod-casts, a streaming radio and television network and a number of other things. I'll discuss them further when I feel that I am more prepared to make things available. I'm thinking mid-February for a launch...

Besides this I've been extremely busy with a number of other projects, most musical in nature. My Denton Music and I have teamed up in the recent months with local businesses to create a few advertisements. Our first business was a long time supporter of My Denton Music and local musicians...

2nd Street Promo from patrick flaherty on Vimeo.

After a fun filled evening of Halloween celebrations it was time to get down to business to shoot this commercial. We dragged some semi-hung over friends out to the business, setup some dolly track, did a little shopping and generally had a good time. The Boiler Room was our next client and they wanted a more rock feel for their commercial...

Boiler Room Promo from patrick flaherty on Vimeo.

Well they didn't specifically say that, but just based on its name and my frequent visits I knew a commercial set to the tune of Trebuchet's Blackbeard would fit the venue just right. For this commercial I made a visit to the Boiler Room every night in a weeks time and really had some fun getting some drinks and getting some shots...

Look forward to many more advertisements with My Denton Music and supporting local Denton businesses...

The Sarah Crisman Show: Doug Benson!?

Doug Benson, Sarah Crisman and I sit down for a movie or at least to be in one.
For weeks now Sarah has been telling everyone I know of our newest guest on The Crisman show, Doug Benson. At first I was like 'Doug Benson, Doug Benson, that name sounds so familiar.' And then I had an A-ha moment and it hit me when I realized the star of Super High Me wanted to be on our show!? And he had watched our Pentagrass episode!? Someone plugged into the Hollywood scene was taking notice of The Sarah Crisman Show and my hard work to make it possible!? I felt honored more than anything to be able to be part of this episode and meet the man behind a counter movement in the reformation of drug laws in America.
Sarah had arranged for us to meet Doug at the Angelika in Dallas at Mockingbird Station to film our next episode. Early that morning I rushed to grab my gear, gassed up the van and made my journey from little D to Big D. Amidst the pouring rain and bumper to bumper traffic I was able to make it just in time to barely set up my shot and hang a Crisman Show sign before the man himself was in our presence. I've heard people say that Sarah's interview in this episode was alot like watching a couple on their first date. It was a bit awkward for both of them at first, but after a few rounds of Q & A the butterflies faded and they really got down to business.

The Sarah Crisman Show: Doug Benson from patrick flaherty on Vimeo.

I wish I could of put more clips into this episode, they talked for a good half hour about a wide range of topics; including Sarah's outlook on the 4 most famous people that have come out of Dallas, which included...

The Sarah Crisman Show: Doug Benson Bonus Episode from patrick flaherty on Vimeo.

Following the interview we spoke with Doug about shooting part of his performance at Hyena's, around the corner, later that night. He agreed, but asked that we only shoot the first 5 minutes of his performance. So we shook his hand, I packed up the gear and I made my way back to little D to finish packing for a trip I was going on that weekend. Around 6 or so I threw some things in the van and again made the trek back to Mockingbird Station, but this time I was pretty excited because I was getting to see live stand-up comedy (for the first time, ya I know I live under a rock). The comedians were hilarious and Doug's set had me rolling on the floor. I was only able to put the very beginning of his set on the Crisman Show, here is the what I left out.


After the show we had our photos taken with Doug and we met the other comedians. We hung around for awhile, laughing and telling stories which was cool. As we did this I attempted to tear a piece of my pant leg off that was bugging me, but was having no success. I mentioned this to drunk Crisman (she had been drinking champagne since 3) who quickly volunteered to assist me in my time of need. She bent down and proceeded to rip my pants all the way up to the back of my knee. I tell you this cause at the time it was pretty funny and at the same time rather uncomfortable for yours truly.

We had a blast hanging out with Doug, but Sarah and I had to depart, rather quickly in fact. Our next stop was Lafayette, Louisiana and we were going to drive through the night to get there in time. Our journey there and the events that transpired is in itself a completely different amazing story. We said our farewells and told Doug to give us a holler next time he was in town, which I hope he does. It would be awesome to show him a good time in DFW...

Rockin with Rhett: The Battle of New Orleans

Rockin' with Rhett's newest music video is way over due.
This is one of the only bands I can honestly say I've watched grow. When I first met these guys they were a failing punk band, titled Nuns on Tha Run. They were, at one time, really popular and really killing it on stage in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but all good things come to an end. When the band broke up Rhett and Nathan were left carrying the torch. They did a few acts as a punk duet still garnishing the Nuns on Tha Run title. As a duo Rhett and Nathan wrote some really fun songs. Alot of Rhett’s songs at this time had to do alot with our current state of partying. Whether it is dating a goat with a 3 to 6 inch horn or buying an economy sized box of tampons at the store, this period of music with Rhett and Nathan was very enjoyable.

In time the novelty of these songs began to wear thin and Rhett’s interest in super stardom pushed his music in a completely different direction. I think we were all surprised when Rhett told us he was working on a kids CD. Over the next few months his classic melodies transformed into children rock overtures. The pirate, Walrus, Turkey and Lunchbox song each got a complete make over for Rhett’s new album Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. After awhile of getting used to the new rock styling’s of Rhett Hulcy and Nathan Cash it was clear that they were ready to conquer this market once their first CD was completed. It wasn't long before Rhett and I began discussing the making of the pirate music video. Since then there has also been lots of talk as to the creation of a kids TV show, featuring each of Rhett’s songs. Although nothing really has developed, it is obvious one day Rhett, Nathan and I may still test our skills at completing a TV show. Their performance live is a show in itself, with giant hammers, oversized cell phones, attacking penguins, puppet shows and the occasional joke or 2. I can't wait to take this to the next level.

A few months ago I was looking through old videos we had shot back in our hay dayz when I stumbled upon a performance of Rhett and Nathan in their practice room in Anna. They were trying their hands at a cover of the Battle of New Orleans for their kids CD. It might have been the third of forth time to play the thing, but it still is awesome. Rhett doesn't know the words (note the paper taped to the mic stand) and Nathan is unsteady on his beat. This is Rockin with Rhett in its youth...

...Today it is something completely different. I approached Rhett about shooting a video similar to Weezer's 'Say it Aint So' for their song 'Battle of New Orleans' in their practice room. The day before my birthday we found time to shoot the thing. After grabbing every lamp in the house, setting up the drum kit, plugging in the amps and hanging the Rockin with Rhett banner we decided we needed to move the couch out of the room. We probably spent more time moving that thing that we did shooting the entire video. After 12 different angles and listening to the song on repeat a few dozen times, we tried something out I've always wanted to give a try and that was to tape my camera to the guitar. We did it and it looked phenomenal. The video turned out great in the end. I really feel that I caught Rhett and Nathan in their raw rock element during this music video. I look forward to shooting many more and hopefully dawning some robot attire for one of Rhett’s new songs. Check it out; let us know what you think...

Rockin' with Rhett: Battle of New Orleans from patrick flaherty on Vimeo.