Fiddlin' A Multi-Award Winning Documentary - A Film by Sisters Julie Simone and Vicki Vlasic - Fiddlin' Movie
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Fiddlin’
A Multi-Award Winning Documentary
A Film by Sisters
Julie Simone and Vicki Vlasic
fiddlinfilms@gmail.comAWARDS
BRECKENRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
VIRGINIA FILM FESTIVAL VIRGNIA COMMONWEALTH
AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM
EAST LANSING FILM FESTIVAL LAKE MICHIGAN COMPETITION
FOR BEST FEATURE FILM
WORLDFEST HOUSTON FESTIVAL PLATINUM JURY AWARD
BRECKENRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL AUDIENCE AWARD-BEST OF FEST
SAN LUIS OBISPO FILM FESTIVAL AUDIENCE AWARD
REAL TO REEL FILM FESTIVAL AUDIENCE AWARD
MACON FILM FESTIVAL AUDIENCE AWARD
KNOXFILMFEST AUDIENCE AWARD
FT. LAUDERDALE INT’L FILM FESTIVAL AUDIENCE AWARD-BEST OF FEST
HIGH FALLS WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL AUDIENCE AWARD-BEST OF FEST
HIGH FALLS WOMENS’ FILM FESTIVAL BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
MADRID INT’L FILM FESTIVAL BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
HELLS HALF MILE FILM FESTIVAL BEST SCORE
2Press Links:
https://thevoicecalifornia.com/november-1-11-ojai-film-festival-celebrates-its-19th-
year-with-academy-award-winning-films/
https://www.virginiafolklife.org/2018/11/fiddlin-wins/
http://www.nbc29.com/story/39447809/31st-annual-virginia-film-festival-draws-big-
crowds
https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/24th-annual-slo-international-film-festivals-
showcase-full-classics/80693/
http://www.wlrn.org/post/fiddlin-vicki-vlasic-lynn-levy
https://obsessiveviewer.com/2018/10/19/ov253/
http://www.chagrinvalleytoday.com/communities/chagrin_falls/article_1af1ae24-
ccb5-11e8-8ef2-2b45bbb945c8.html
https://www.stltoday.com/online/nov-fiddlin/article_3a9aedc4-35ef-558f-
bf09-29272e328085.html
http://theartsstl.com/sliff-2018-documentary-preview-11012018-11112018/
https://www.stlmag.com/culture/fairs-festivals/St-Louis-International-Film-
Festival-2018/
https://www.galaxgazette.com/content/documentary-focuses-fiddling
https://bluegrasstoday.com/fiddlin-galax-convention-documentary-film/
https://www.galaxgazette.com/content/documentary-puts-convention-
spotlight#.WbQs9RXIiWA.email
https://www.talkradioeurope.com/clients/vvlasic.mp3
https://rogovy.org.fiddlin/
Sister filmmakers, Julie Simone and Vicki Vlasic, returned to their Appalachian roots to
film at the Old Fiddler’s Convention run by the Galax Moose Lodge. They were given
permission to film for the first time in its 80 year history after Lodge members
discovered they knew the sisters’ grandpa. Their local connection also earned them the
trust of the talented musicians who opened their hearts and shared their stories.
Vicki Vlasic, Producer and Julie Simone, Director
shown with 50 year Moose Lodge member,
Oscar Hall.
3LOGLINE:
Fiddlin’ is a celebration of true Americana and artistic expression in the face of
adversity. This rollicking, inspiring film shines a light on what is best about America and
shows the uplifting power of music.
SYNOPSIS:
Fiddlin’ is an Old Time and Bluegrass music documentary that takes place at the world's
oldest Fiddler’s Convention in the Appalachian Mountains. Wayne Henderson, a world-
renowned luthier known as the “guitar god,” is both a master craftsman and master
storyteller. His friendship with 11-year old guitar prodigy Presley Barker shows just how
closely knit a community of musicians can be. The enduring relationship between
mentor and prodigy is a testament to music’s power. With multi-generations jamming
together, we are witness to some off-the-charts pickin’ and fiddlin’. And when the top ten
finalists are announced in the ultra-competitive guitar competition, we’re in for an
exciting and unexpected musical climax. With kids holding instruments instead of smart
phones, it feels like we have taken a step back in time.
FAN QUOTES
“Fiddlin’ may be the perfect antidote for the meanness that is poisoning our country…”
Jeff Kanew - Ordinary People, Revenge of the Nerds
“This film must be seen….America needs to know where its music comes from.”-
Quincy Jones
“The film was fantastic and completely swept me away.”- Ethan Coen
“This movie made me love America again!” - Gail Kittler - Film Enthusiast
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT: Fiddlin’ is a passion project and my feature Director: Julie Simone
directorial debut. My sister and I grew up in the Appalachian Mountains
surrounded by Old Time and Bluegrass music and wanted to share the beauty
of this place along with the special people and their unique stories. Our
production group and crew consisted of many talented individuals with a focus
on the inclusion of women. As a result, nine of our 13 producers are women as
well as our editor. We also selected rising female talent in this musical genre
since they are often overlooked in this male dominated industry. The resulting
cast is a diverse group of musicians by gender, age and ethnicity. When we first
approached the talent, many were apprehensive about being part of the project.
However, once they discovered we were locals, attitudes completely changed.
My mission as a director was to reassure our talent that the film would be a
positive and uplifting story that was respectful of the area's culture and
traditions. It was also important to reveal that stereotypes are just that and that
these people are not only talented, but intelligent, humble and incredibly
generous. Having gained their trust, I believe we succeeded in achieving that
goal. Unlike many documentaries, Fiddlin’ focuses on what is good and on what
this community is doing right. I believe focusing on the positive in a
documentary is a refreshing change.
4“Authentic, inspiring and
humbling” - Jodie Fisher,
Fiddlin’s #1 Fan
5BIOS:
Director, Julie Simone, grew up on a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
While living between Los Angeles and New York, Julie was part of a film production
group where she wrote, directed and acted in multiple short films. After motherhood
and divorce, Julie re-embarked on roles behind the camera as well as in front of it. On
a trip to Cannes, Julie directed, filmed, and appeared as herself in Cannes Without a
Plan, a comedic Reality/TV pilot dealing with divorce and being a single mom. Fiddlin'
is Julie’s feature directorial debut. Going 'back home' to film the talented fiddlers and
pickers in these magnificent mountains gave Julie a new appreciation for her mountain
roots. Julie is also developing and writing projects with GASP Studios and Calamity J
Productions in Los Angeles where she resides.
Producer, Vicki Vlasic, sister to Julie and first-time filmmaker brings her skills in
communications, marketing, strategic planning, creative fundraising and organization
to the team. Vicki’s previous experience has been primarily in the non-profit world. She
has created numerous events, non-profit organizations and fundraisers in her 25-year
career, utilizing team building strategies, social media platforms and creative thinking.
Additionally, she shares her sister’s passion for both the medium of film and the subject
of Fiddlin’. Vicki is a University of Virginia graduate and lives in Michigan.
Producer, Jill Mazursky has produced several documentaries including Keep On
Keepin’ On which she executive produced with Quincy Jones. This film won numerous
awards and made the Oscar short list. Jill is also a screenwriter and was the long time
writing partner of JJ Abrams. Jill recently produced a Showtime documentary titled
Love Means Zero about the infamous tennis coach, Bollettieri and is currently working
on a documentary about David Crosby. She lives in LA with her two kids and three
dogs. Jill is a tremendous asset to the Fiddlin’ team.
Editor, Janice Hampton, an Academy member, has a long history of editing credits
including "Hairspray", "Rocky II", the documentary "41", and most recently, the
documentary "For the Love of Spock" about the life of Leonard Nimoy. Janice has
enjoyed a long career working with off beat directors. A close collaboration with cult
filmmaker John Waters (Hairspray, Crybaby, Serial Mom, Pecker) has been a highlight.
With extensive experience in all genres including drama, comedy, action, musicals,
horror and documentaries, Janice’s goal is to clearly bring the director’s vision to the
screen. She is dedicated to reaching the highest expectations for those involved while
6delivering a finished property for which everyone can be proud. Janice has a passion
for bluegrass music and brings tremendous creative vision to Fiddlin'.
Composer, Nicholas Pike is an Emmy Award winning British composer. His original
score for Fiddlin' adds another musical component to this bluegrass documentary. His
work ranges from conducting the London Symphony Orchestra's recording of his suite
based on Athol Fugard's play, Master Harold and the Boys, to scoring Michael
Jackson's epic videos Ghost and You Rock My World. His work in film spans from
Disney's Blank Check, Captain Ron and the animated The Prince and the Pauper, to
the darker world of Warner Brothers' Fear Dot Com. As a film composer, Nicholas is
known for his innovative use of instruments and sounds to create music - as in
Stephen King's mini-series thriller The Shining. In the doc world he has scored HBO's
Baghdad ER and In Tahrir Square - for which he won the 2013 Outstanding Music and
Sound Emmy. Other docs include last year's For The Love Of Spock and the Native
American epic, 100 Years, for which he also composed and produced the Academy
short listed song On Ghost Ridge, performed by Yuna. Nicholas Pike has become one
of Hollywood's most sought-after composers.
Director of Photography-Joshua Ausley is an award-winning cinematographer
making films around the globe. He started out in front of the camera as talent while
living in Japan, achieving fluency in the Japanese language. Now as a Director of
Photography, Josh produces television commercials, documentaries, films, music
videos, and branded content videos. He has worked with Vanity Fair, Instagram, ESPN,
American Airlines, the NBA, Porsche, National Geographic, Discovery, Food Network,
Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, Ashley Furniture and many more. He has traveled to over
25 countries and shot in Europe, Japan, India, Nepal, Canada and the Caribbean.
Editor-Janice Hampton, Producer-Jill Mazursky, Composer-
Nicholas Pike, Director-Julie Simone and Producer-Vicki Vlasic
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