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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