More good news! The film has been selected for screening at the Library of Congress’s Jazz Film Series in Washington DC. How cool is that?! The date is April 12th.  Here’s a link to their website listing for the series, http://www.loc.gov/rr/perform/concert/0910-jazzfilm.html.  I’ll be there for a Q&A after the film, hope to see you there!

I recently received an email from a young woman who had seen the film on a preview DVD–not a critic or filmmaker, just someone who had an opportunity to view. But her comments struck me as so gratifying that I felt I should post them here. It’s tremendously satisfying to me that she perceived the film pretty much as I’ve hoped people would and that the film can appeal to those who don’t have a prior knowledge of Raymond Scott or a particular interest in electronic or swing music, animation etc. beforehand (of course I want the film to appeal to those people too!). Here’s what she wrote:

“Just saw the documentary…..I must say it was an experience for me. I’m 25 years old and I grew up listening to your dad without even knowing! It was wonderful to know how electronic music started and it was delightful to acknowledge the genius that he was. The film is beautifully made, so personal, loved the photographs and interviews, I almost felt like I was there, behind the camera with you! He was a truly fascinating man and I left the theatre thinking “everyone has to know him, and what he’s done”. Thank you for showing me another person to really admire. All the best!!!”

From Stan:

I recently sent Leonard Maltin, one of the country’s most recognized and respected movie critics and historians, a preview DVD in hopes he would screen the film.  Very gratified to report that he has, and here’s his reaction:

”A fascinating look at a musical genius and the way he lived his life. Stan Warnow allows us to share his journey of discovery as he pieces together the story of his father. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

It’s a real thrill for me to get such positive feedback from one of the best known film critics in America!

I finally have a few minutes to report on the festival.  It was a great experience and the film was very well received at our screening–which was attended by a good mix of other filmmakers and the local audience, and a whole new group of people now knows about the music and life of Raymond Scott.  There were lots of good comments and discussion afterwards and some other filmmakers were very enthusiastic about the film.

It was also a really enjoyable to participate in other festival events as jury member, and  there were panels about music in film and the Woodstock film that were a trip back in time for me.
I’m now making some further revisions on the film but will be locking it up within the next few weeks as I now have a mix scheduled for early August.

I’ll be posting more as news develops….