DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING IS NOT FOR WIMPS
“This is a story about 20th century bohemia rising into the mainstream; it damned well better be gritty.”
Outstanding young documentary filmmaker Brendan Toller earned his spurs writing, producing and directing I Need That Record. Toller joins NYFA to discuss his latest work and fiscally sponsored project, Danny Says. In case you missed the Danny Says premiere at SXSW this spring, be sure to check out the Sound and Vision Festival, sponsored by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, for an upcoming screening!
WHAT: Danny Says Screening and Q & A with director Brendan Toller and producer Pamela Lubell
WHEN: July 29, 2015 at 6:30 PM
WHERE: Sound and Vision Festival, Walter Reade Theatre, 165 West 65th Street, New York, NY
NYFA: Congratulations on your premiere of Danny Says at SXSW 2015! The experience sounds like an exhilarating culmination to your five-year project. How are you enjoying the ride?
Brendan Toller: It’s a relief to know that the blood, sweat, and dark-night-of-the-soul-spells have paid off and audiences are getting introduced to a truly brilliant subject through Danny Says. Documentary filmmaking is not for wimps and it’s nice to know that admiration and accolades are coming our way from audiences and critics. We’re still calculating the impact of the bands Danny Fields brought forth: The Doors, Stooges, Ramones, Nico et al. This music was extremely influential and ahead of its time. It’s nice to know that the reception of Danny Says seems to be right ON time!
NYFA: Both your first feature-length film I Need That Record! and now Danny Says investigate the music industry. In Danny Says you move from macro to micro and delve into the life of Danny Fields, a behind-the-scenes player in music since the 1960’s. By utilizing his personal archive and hours of interviews with Danny, you treat the audience to an intimate portrayal of this pivotal character. What learning experiences did you bring from your first film to Danny Says? How did your creative process change as a result of these lessons?
BT: There are a lot of stylistic similarities between I Need That Record! and Danny Says. Danny’s vivid stories opened up the visual tableau of the film and allowed us to go further down the animation rabbit hole with fabulous results. Animator Matt Newman returns from I Need That Record! with cut-out animations, Emily Hubley and Max Rosenthal provide more abstract and ethereal sequences and Johnny Woods and Sage Schmett have a signature, detailed and funny approach.
I conducted the Danny Says interviews the same way as I did for I Need That Record!– just me, a camera, a tripod, some microphones and natural lighting. I think the minimalist but essential production route puts subjects at ease for more intimate answers. This is a story about 20th century bohemia rising into the mainstream; it damned well better be gritty.
NYFA: I read that you think documentary filmmaking is “writing for the twenty-first century” and I am curious how this vision of narrative influences your creative process. What do you want your audience to take away from your investigations?
BT: The narratives of my films are constructed from a loose script of transcribed interviews. It’s easier for me to make writing edits than it is visual and I think the end result is rich, economical storytelling that moves.
In terms of what I’d like the audiences to get out of Danny Says? Maybe a few laughs or some inspiration. I think it’s inspiring to see Danny being guided by his brilliance; not by his peers, ivy institutions, or record moguls – he went with his gut. Danny also used his intellect to create context for the outré. If we somehow persuaded smart young ivies, app developers, or hedge fund managers to use their energy and brainpower for the creative good; that would be icing on the cake.
NYFA: What challenges do you face as a young filmmaker? Based on your experience, what tips can you give to other young directors?
BT: The same challenges scores of other filmmakers face: financing, understanding, time, energy. Tenacity is the only reason Danny Says exists. I was just too stubborn to give in and we’re extremely fortunate that the pendulum is swinging our way. I’m still learning on every end whether it’s directing, producing or filming. The old DIY cliché– you don’t know until you try.
NYFA: How has your relationship with NYFA helped to catalyze your career?
BT: NYFA was the first organization to have support for Danny Says and it’s been unwavering ever since. NYFA positioned us for key grants and fantastic opportunities to connect with other enthusiastic arts-minded people. What more could we ask for?
Are you captivated by Brendan’s can-do spirit? Check out his website to learn more about other projects and follow this link to contribute a tax deductible donation to Danny Says.
Interested in NYFA fiscal sponsorship for your creative endeavor? Click here to learn more!
– Interview conducted by Madeleine Cutrona, Program Assistant, Fiscal Sponsorship
Images, from top: Danny Says Poster, design by Ellie Steever; Brendan Toller, Director of Danny Says, photo credit Lisa Amodeo and Nicki Chavoya; Danny Fields, Captain America Portrait, photo credit Patti Kane
