It All Begins with a Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter

  • 80'
  • USA
  • 2018

Everyone knows Elvis Presley’s In the Ghetto and A Little Less Conversation. But who wrote those songs? That was Mac Davis, and almost no one has heard of him. He shares this fate with dozens of other songwriters who have been responsible for massive hits. Coincidentally, many of them live in Nashville, Tennessee – though this documentary reveals that isn’t quite as accidental as it seems.

Nashville became a musical city (there are even concerts in the banks sometimes) and full of songwriters over a period of time. The competition is intense, but it is the best place to learn the trade from the masters, who prove willing to help beginners out. Among other things, the film deals with how songs develop and shows two songwriters collaboratively composing a new one. 

After the screening, stick around for a Q&A with and performance by Arjan Spies (The Kik). 

Scopitone Café, free admission

  • 80'
  • USA
  • 2018
Director
Chusy
Premiere
International premiere
Country of production
USA
Year
2018
Festival Edition
IFFR 2019
Length
80'
Medium
DCP
Language
English
Producers
Kathryn Large, Deana Ivey, Kelli Shannon, Andy O’Neil, Butch Spyridon
Production Company
Plan A Films
Sales
Plan A Films
Screenplay
Chusy
Cinematography
Tim Cofield, Andy O'Neil
Editor
John Godsey, Andy O'Neil, Chusy, Butch Spyridon
Sound Design
John Billings, Cary Daniels
Director
Chusy
Premiere
International premiere
Country of production
USA
Year
2018
Festival Edition
IFFR 2019
Length
80'
Medium
DCP
Language
English
Producers
Kathryn Large, Deana Ivey, Kelli Shannon, Andy O’Neil, Butch Spyridon
Production Company
Plan A Films
Sales
Plan A Films
Screenplay
Chusy
Cinematography
Tim Cofield, Andy O'Neil
Editor
John Godsey, Andy O'Neil, Chusy, Butch Spyridon
Sound Design
John Billings, Cary Daniels