Hi to all,
I'm sorry I haven't updated in awhile but that's because we are working day and night to
finish the documentary on the life of Steve White. We still have a few more interviews in the next few weeks but meanwhile have been editing together interviews and footage from all over the world. His brother Ralph has generously agreed to be the narrator of this film and is flying in from Virginia in early October.
Telling the life of Steve is a daunting challenge as he was so much more than just a musician and painter. As a one-man-band, Steve created and played music unlike anyone else. And one aspect of this documentary will explore how he did that as told not just by artists like Tommy Emmanuel, Jack Tempchin, Candye Kane and Lee Oskar to name a few, but by Steve himself. And it explores not only his guitar technique but he talks about the intricacies of his songwriting and lefty his "footboard" and "Mr. Tootsweet" his wailing and wonderful harmonica.
I've also secured the rights to a key interview with Steve at the House of Blues Las Vegas among other interviews.
Were in the process of weaving this story in the most compelling way possible. The film traces his journey from a youth spent in Southeast Asia, to the evolution of his one-man-band sound in America and all the way to the concert halls and salons of Europe.
You will see Steve in candid moments like when he talks with his friend about receiving his first royalty check. And what that meant to him and how it changed his life. This is also a film about the modern day musician who isn't driven by fame and fortune but the love of the music and art. And it even touches on the business of making music and why Steve had such a popularity in Europe.
We talked with music manufacturers like Martin Guitar, Taylor Guitar and AER about how Steve innovatively worked with them in order to develop a special baritone guitar which was a standard guitar size. Steve needed to travel light and his guitar innovation allowed that.
And the great part of this documentary is that Steve's music is the soundtrack to his life as told here. And there is a lot of music as we show concert footage from Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, and the U.S. It's also about the love of one woman, Alda, who travels with him on his journey, tirelessly and lovingly helping him along the way as they explored new lands together.
This is also a film about Steve's indomitable spirit as he faces loss, struggle to survive and the triumph of his spirit as he continues creating music and art despite the losing of his vocal chords. If given a chance to play music, Steve was there and never stopped playing until he couldn't any more.
As a long time friend of Steve's recently told me, "Steve was one of the great singer-songwriters you never knew." By the end of this film I hope you will not only know him but you will love him. And he gifted the world a treasure trove of music and art that will live on...
This film was pre-accepted at a major film festival in November but if its not finished the way it needs to be then there are always other festivals. I'm not going to rush this but I assure you we are nearing completion. And hopefully in another month or so it will be done. I've taken a hiatus from my business to devote all my time for this incredible opportunity.
We sent out most of the rewards for your kind and generous donations in July. If you havent received yours yet please let me know as some did not give me an address to send to.
Thank you. Now back to the editing.
Clint
