Local filmmaking event CAPTURE is back this weekend—time to get screened.
As frustrating as Chattanooga can still be for artists, there are people continuing to push the bar forward when it comes to encouraging the arts. The ability for artists to support themselves fully on just their art is very difficult anywhere in the U.S.—American culture values certain professionals over others and always has.
Money is the driving factor in this country, and only the lucky, the rich or the well-connected can make a solid living pursuing only their art. This has been true for all of our history. Nathaniel Hawthorne worked at a custom house in New York, Charles Ives sold life insurance, Harrison Ford was a carpenter.
But because art enriches our lives, there are those out there that will continue to work to bring it to the forefront. Between Sept.19-21, the folks at “CAPTURE: A Community Filmmaking Project” will do it again.
CAPTURE is unique in its design. It’s meant for anyone with access to a camera to engage with filmmaking professionals and start the process of making their own films. Anyone with an idea and an HD camera (if you have a smartphone, you qualify) can shoot their footage and have it edited, mixed and scored by the particpating Chattanooga filmmakers.
This is a truly collaborative event: CAPTURE seeks to reach out to the budding and not-quite-there-yet filmmakers of Chattanooga and help them realize a goal. Sometimes all it takes is that first film, that first short story, that first painting, to open the doors to a lifetime of artistic pursuit. CAPTURE might be a jumping-off point for any number of Chattanooga filmmakers.
The CAPTURE filmmaking weekend will begin with a theme, and the filmmakers will be challenged to create a film that best represents it. During last year’s event, the editing teams created several powerful, dramatic films, and this year will be no different.
Entrants may submit up to five films, each 30 seconds in length. The editing teams will then create their versions of each film. The selected music teams will create scores. At the end of the weekend, the films will premiere at the Majestic and three winners will be chosen.
This is the type of arts event that Chattanooga needs—it gives a voice and a platform to many, many artists who may work day jobs but still want to create something meaningful.
Kicking off CAPTURE is a screening of “The Wrecking Crew” by Danny Tedesco. “The Wrecking Crew” tells the story of the backup band working in every genre, from television themes songs to commercial jingles to mainstream pops. This group of session musicians worked with artists like Nancy Sinatra, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, The Mamas and The Papas, and John Denver, as well as famed producer Phil Spector.
Films like “Muscle Shoals” and “Standing in the Shadows of Motown” covered smaller groups of session musicians, but “The Wrecking Crew” shows the lives of its more than 50 members, some of which are stars in their own right, like Glenn Campbell and Dr. John.
Tedesco, son of Wrecking Crew guitarist Tommy Tedesco, has been working on his film since 2008. It has not been released on DVD or in theaters, largely due to the financial difficulties of retaining the rights to so many pop songs and hits. The film is an emotional journey for the director, who is writing about his father as much as the Wrecking Crew itself.
There is not another film like “The Wrecking Crew” being shown in town, and it is not to be missed. Tedesco will be on hand to answer questions and will also serve a guest judge for the CAPTURE showcase.
There are very real arguments for better compensation and treatment of artists in Chattanooga. It’s a problem that exists everywhere, from New York City to Nashville to L.A. But Chattanooga continues to move forward in becoming an “arts city”.
Events like CAPTURE make the city attractive, even if compensation and consistency are challenges not yet overcome. Support events like this one and give artists a chance to show themselves. And as always, support local film!
For more information and submission guidelines, visit capturechatt.org