Charles In Charge

We’re very excited about a return film screening in Boston on December 23 at the legendary Regent Theater.  This is kind of a homecoming for Charles Laquidara as the evening is being presented as An Evening With Charles…

Details and ticket info here:

http://www.regenttheatre.com/details/i_am_what_i_play_documentary_feature_about_the_heyday_of_rock_radio

Director Roger King will also be in attendance.

Here’s a cool interview with Charles about the event, the movie and his Internet radio show:

http://www.examiner.com/article/charles-laquidara-the-rock-of-boston

charlestshirt

Hello Boston!

On Sunday, April 26, the film premiered to an enthusiastic crowd at The Boston Independent Film Festival.  Boston was of course the radio home to one of our 4 featured DJ’s, Charles Laquidara, for over 30 years.  Lots of Charles/WBCN fans were in attendance and it was great to finally see the film on a big screen with an audience.

There are plans to bring the film back to Boston in late May or June so stay tuned for details on that screening.

Thanks again Boston radio & film fans and IFF Boston!

 

bostonfest

Producer/Director Roger King, during Q & A, at the U.S. Premiere in Boston.

 

I Am What I Play Premieres

Well, we are happy to announce both our American and Canadian premieres.  I Am What I Play will screen at the Boston Independent Film Festival on April 26th at the historic Somerville Theater.   Here’s the film page on their website with ticket information:

http://bit.ly/1CmE2YL

 

somtheatre

And then on May 8th in Toronto, I Am What I Play will be the opening film of the film festival portion of Canadian Music Week (CMW).  This screening will take place at The Royal Cinema on College St.  Another great venue.  CMW is kind of the South x South West of Canada so we are thrilled.

Tickets available here:

http://cmw.net/film/events/i-am-what-i-play-canadian-premiere/

 

cmw-logo-2014

Much more to come on these two premiere screenings of course!

Our U.S. Distributor

Late last year, we signed a U.S. distribution deal with L.A.-based 7th Art Releasing.  They will handle all U.S. distribution for the film on all platforms: festival, theatrical, television, digital etc.  It’s great to be partnering with a boutique distributor with a 20+ year track record, specializing in documentaries.

7thArt

We are starting with festivals and aiming to build awareness and buzz about the film.

http://www.7thart.com/films/I-Am-What-I-Play

And on that note, we are happy to announce the U.S. premiere of I Am What I Play will take place at the Boston Independent Film Festival on April 26.  The festival is regarded by many as the best film festival in New England.

More details to come!

 

I Am What I Play trailer

Every film needs a trailer and we’re excited to share it with you now.   Here’s a first look at I Am What I Play.

 

http://

Be sure and follow the film:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Am-What-I-Play/297875140261718
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/radiodjmovie

Screen Shots

Over at the  I Am What I Play Facebook page, we have been posting screen shots from the film on a regular basis.   If you’re on Facebook, be sure and like the page for updates on the movie.  We will continue to update this blog but the Facebook page has more up to the minute action:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Am-What-I-Play/297875140261718

Having said that, here are a few screen shots from the film:

 

Charles Laquidara in a 1970’s TV commercial for his morning radio show, The Big Mattress.

Meg Griffin in the WNEW studios in New York City, late 1970’s.

David Marsden being inducted into the Canadian Music and Radio Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2011.

Newspaper ad for Pat O’Day’s radio show in the late 60’s.

Radio Stuff podcast

Larry Gifford is a U.S. radio guru/consultant and he hosts a podcast about radio called Radio Stuff. I joined him on the podcast recently to talk about the film.  Click on the link below to listen.  The interview starts at the 13:00 minute mark:

http://radiostuff.podomatic.com/entry/2014-06-19T15_04_35-07_00

In addition to reading this blog, the best way to keep up-to-date on the film is to join us on Facebook and like the page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Am-What-I-Play/297875140261718

Testing, Testing

In February, we completed two test screenings of the film.  Intimate locations – the screening room of a post-production facility.  About 15 people in attendance each night.  I served wine.  I know it’s rock radio so an Australian Merlot doesn’t immediately come to mind but I’m just trying to add a touch of class to the proceedings. (Editor note:  I even took a picture of the wine and glasses but my picture upload is not cooperating!).

Needless to say, it was a thrill to sit and watch the finished product with a live audience.  Now I knew almost everyone at both screenings but it was still a nice mix of a few radio/voice over types, a few old friends, a couple of people who worked on the film and even a couple of strangers who have nothing to do with radio, TV or film.  The feedback was universally positive – people really seemed to love the film.   And I do have friends and colleagues who can dish out the constructive criticism when it’s warranted.

In this case, it was mostly constructive praise.  Criticism was mainly of the “tweaking” variety.  I gave them all a questionnaire to fill out at the end.  Some comments:

You meted out the story telling with each character in such a way as to make the point on that portion and move on to the next. I thought your timing was excellent.

” Well produced!!  Very interesting subject matter, a great range of music, and visually compelling. ”

“The best film about radio I’ve ever seen.”

I was looking for any obvious holes or segments that didn’t work or make sense.  There was very little of that so here we go:  I have begun the outreach to broadcasters and distributors.  Another journey has begun.  I am trying to avoid the pounding the pavement on the film festival circuit, though Friday was the deadline for submitting to the Toronto International Film Festival and I dropped it off in person.   Updates to follow!

 

Radio Survivor piece on I Am What I Play

Matthew Lasar has a nice piece on the Radio Survivor website about the film.   Have a look:

“I Am What I Play”: Documenting the Rock DJ

 

http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2014/01/30/i-am-what-i-play-documenting-the-rock-dj/