Broke*

Last updated
Broke*
Directed byWill Gray
Written byWill Gray
Produced byWill Gray
StarringWill Gray
Narrated byWill Gray
CinematographyStacey Schroeder
Edited byStacey Schroeder
Music byWill Gray
Ben Kesler
Release date
CountryUnited States

Broke* is a feature-length documentary film written and directed by Will Gray. The film is an autobiographical account of Gray's attempt to break into the music business. Broke* features appearances by Kelly Clarkson, Seth Godin, John Legend, Buddy Miller, Isaac Slade of The Fray, and Don Was.

Contents

Synopsis

Broke* begins two years in the past, at the beginnings of Gray’s independent journey, recording demos in the basement of his friend's home. The demos come to the attention of producer T Bone Burnett who asks to meet and listen to more of Gray’s music.

Despite these auspicious beginnings, frustrating meetings with a New York record executive fail to produce an acceptable deal, so Gray decides to set out on his own as an independent artist. The film follows his struggles to establish a fanbase, manage bookings and cancellations, and all of the other exhilarations and frustrations of independent music making. Broke* features interviews with recording industry insiders about new paradigms for the music business.

Cast

Remainder of cast listed in alphabetical order

Reception

Newsday called Broke* "a pretty accurate, sometimes wrenching, portrayal of what up-and-coming artists go through to advance their career." [1] It was selected for presentation at the PhilFM (Philadelphia Film and Music) Festival, [2] and at the Nashville Film Festival, where it was awarded the "Special Jury Prize for Most Original Vision" in the Gibson Music Films/Music City Competition. [3]

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References

  1. Gamboa, Glenn (20 October 2011). "CMJ recap: 'Broke*' documentary, DOM". Newsday .
  2. "Broke*". PhilFM. Archived from the original on 27 December 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  3. "2011 Festival Award Winners". Nashville Film Festival. Archived from the original on 2012-02-07.