In this episode of Documentary First, filmmaker Josh Roush opens up about his deeply personal journey creating the documentary Long Lonesome Highway, a heartfelt tribute to legendary actor Michael Parks. Josh reflects on his friendship with Parks, the creative decisions behind the film, and the challenges of navigating distribution, budgeting, and fair use of archival footage.
The conversation dives into Parks’ multifaceted talent, his artistic integrity, and the lessons learned from a career defined by both triumph and adversity. Together, we explore how passion fuels storytelling, the power of documentaries to preserve legacies, and the importance of resilience in the face of obstacles.
This episode is not just about one film—it’s about what it takes to make art that matters.
Links:
Josh Roush Narrative Film - IMDB Link: Wrong Reasons (2022) - Reference view - IMDb
DocuView Déjà Vu Recommendation:
Burden of Dreams by Werner Herzog, 1982, 95 mins, Watch on Amazon Prime, IMDB Link: Burden of Dreams (1982) - Reference view - IMDb
Timecodes:
00:00 Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors
09:25 Navigating Challenges in Filmmaking
10:20 The Influence of Michael Parks
11:31 Building a Unique Relationship
13:47 The Value of Listening to Elders
14:26 Uncovering Stories from the Past
16:40 The Genesis of a Documentary Idea
18:02 Family Dynamics in Storytelling
18:54 The Kevin Smith Connection
20:58 The Role of Fair Use in Documentary Filmmaking
25:46 The Use of Music and Soundtrack
28:02 Budgeting and Financial Realities of Filmmaking
29:29 Personal Reflections on Filmmaking
34:45 Lessons from Michael Parks' Life
41:02 Legacy and Impact of Michael
42:12 Documentary Recommendations and Insights
43:33 Teaser Video
44:18 Documentary First promo
Sponsor: Virgil Films http://www.virgilfilms.com/
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