Musical | Drama | Comedy | 104 mins | 2012
Logline:
In this award-winning movie musical, an aspiring Broadway songwriter jeopardizes his budding career and the relationships around him when he encounters a talented singer whose voice he believes is beyond compare.
Synopsis:
Winner of the top Jury Prize for “Film of the Festival” (Raindance UK), the Audience Award (Phoenix Film Festival) and short listed for IFP’s Gotham Audience Award, Gary King’s “How Do You Write A Joe Schermann Song” is an original musical that takes a unique look at love, artistic inspiration and relationships through a composer’s journey in writing the score to an Off-Broadway show. Critics are calling it “a crowd-pleaser” (indieWIRE) and “a hidden treasure” (Twitch). When Joe (Joe Schermann) lands an opportunity to write for an Off-Broadway show, he is forced to cast either the love of his life, Evey (Christina Rose) or his newly discovered muse, Summer (Debbie Williams). The realities of show business prove to Joe that writing is easy, living is hard. Filled with “catchy tunes and clever lyrics” (Empire Magazine), this is a cinematic experience you won’t forget.
Written and Directed by Gary King Starring Joe Schermann, Christina Rose, Mark DiConzo, Debbie Wililams, Daryl Ray Carliles and Jenn Dees. Official Selection Raindance Film Festival; Calgary International Film Festival; Napa Valley Film Festival; Waterfront Film Festival; Ft. Lauderdale Int. Film Festival; Flyway Film Festival
Short listed for IFP’s Gotham Audience Award; Winner: Film of the Festival, Raindance Film Festival; Winner: Cox Audience Award & Dan Harkins Breakthrough Filmmaker Award, Phoenix Film Festival; Winner: Best Director, Flyway Film Festival; Winner: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Soundtrack, Idyllwild Film Festival
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When struggling songwriter Joe gets to write for an off-Broadway show, he knows exactly who the leading lady should be and it isn’t his performer girlfriend, Evey (Christina Rose). Joe may want to cast his new muse Summer (Debbie Williams) as the lead but that might just come at a very high price.
Beginning life as crowdfunded project on Kickstarter, this is a beautiful, modern day musical with witty, narrative driven lyrics and a score that harkens back to the big Broadway shows. The songs are not just a vehicle to move the story but are integral to the characters’ lives, the way in which they express their hopes and fears. The monotony of the everyday becomes magical when they sing, reality blending seamlessly with cinematic stylization. The fact that the real life film’s songwriter Joe Schermann plays the character of the same name adds to this blurring of boundaries.
A sense of hope pervades the film with the idea that it takes just one person to change your life – and then the dream WILL become reality. All round strong, emotive performances in this delicious love triangle make for a sensory experience you won’t forget. – Jean Lynch (Editor, Close-Up Film)
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At the heart of this indie drama lies an old-fashioned musical about a boy who gets the break of a lifetime but may lose his gal in the process. Writing for an off-Broadway show, tunesmith Joe must decide whom to cast: his girlfriend or his new muse. - Netfilx