Private Project

BASTARDS OF SOUL

LOGLINE: "BASTARDS OF SOUL": In the limelight of imminent global fame, a Texas band's journey is marked by the unforeseen loss of their charismatic frontman, Chadwick Murrey. This documentary captures the raw essence of their final album sessions and the electrifying stage presence that defined them, celebrating the enduring legacy of a man who achieved his dreams against all odds.

SYNOPSIS: "BASTARDS OF SOUL" offers a deep dive into the heart of an electrifying Texas band on the cusp of international recognition. As they navigate their burgeoning success with spellbinding live performances, a global pandemic and the sudden tragic loss of their unexpected frontman, Chadwick Murrey, cast a somber shadow. Having made his mark primarily as a bass player, Chadwick's transition to lead singer was captivating, revealing a dynamism that few could have predicted.

This film provides an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the band's final recording sessions, their lives, and the electric energy they command on stage. The audience is granted an intimate fly-on-the-wall perspective, particularly during the production of their last studio album, "Give It Right Back." These raw, unfiltered moments are juxtaposed with electrifying live concert footage, showcasing a band in its prime, exuding passion and mastery of live Soul performance.

Yet, it's not just a story of loss. It's a tribute to the enduring spirit of a man who was able to cement his legacy before his unexpected passing. Bastards Of Soul, through trials and heartaches, stands as a testament to the power of music to heal, unite, and immortalize. With his infectious laugh and boundless energy, Chadwick may have left the stage, but his voice continues to resonate.

  • Paul Levatino
    Director
  • Suzy Batiz
    Executive Producer
  • Jeff "Skin" Wade
    Executive Producer
    Shithouse (2020)
  • Luke Sardello
    Executive Producer
  • Paul Levatino
    Producer
    Protecting the Amazon (2021), They Die by Dawn (2013), Erykah Badu: Window Seat (2010), Before the Music Dies (2006)
  • Michael Cain
    Producer
    Jobs (2013), TV Junkie (2006), The Starck Club (2014).
  • Max Hartman
    Producer
    Never Goin' Back (2018), Five Star Day (2010) and Little Woods (2018)
  • Zack Tzourtzouklis
    Crew
    Surviving Sex Trafficking (2021), Fire (2018)
  • Jeremy Word
    Crew
    Undetectable Wrestler (2022), The Somewhere Between Now & Then (2018)
  • Chadwick Murray
    Key Cast
  • Chris Holt
    Key Cast
  • Danny Balis
    Key Cast
  • Chad Stockslager
    Key Cast
  • Matt Trimble
    Key Cast
  • Matt Pence
    Key Cast
  • Keite Young
    Key Cast
  • N’Dambi
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 21 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 29, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    90,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Paul Levatino

With 27 years of experience in content production and creative direction, Paul Levatino has cultivated a rich storytelling expertise.

During his decade-long role as General Manager at Badu World / Control FreaQ Records, he collaborated with multiplatinum-selling, four-time GRAMMY® award-winning artist Erykah Badu's, leaving an indelible mark as a producer of projects like the acclaimed music video "Honey," recognized for Best Direction at the BET, MTV, and VH1 Video Awards, and earning a GRAMMY® Award nomination in 2008.

In 2020, Paul played a pivotal part in the launch of EarthxTV as the Senior Vice President of Creative and Production. Working with environmental heroes like Princess Marie-Esméralda of Belgium, Jane Goodall, Robert Redford, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Jane Fonda, and Captain Paul Watson, Levatino directed and produced hundreds of hours of content at EarthxTV. His contributions facilitated the platform's growth into a global TV network by delivering hundreds of hours of award-winning environmental content.

Paul Levatino serves as General Manager / Executive Producer and trusted collaborator to Suzy Batiz, a Forbes' Richest Self-Made Woman and founder of Poo~Pourri. As Executive Producer for the company, he secured one gold and two platinum Hermes Creative Awards for the ~Pourri Flip the Funk TV Campaign in 2022.

Paul is now embarking on a new journey, making his feature documentary directorial debut with "BASTARDS OF SOUL." This compelling documentary captures the explosive rise of a Texas music band, offering a poignant narrative at the crossroads of stardom and tragedy.

Paul Levatino remains at the forefront of the entertainment industry, consistently delivering innovative and captivating content across diverse media platforms.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The documentary, "BASTARDS OF SOUL," holds a profound personal significance for me, as it is a passion project born from my deep connection and collaboration with the band, particularly with the lead singer whom I was close to since our high school days.

My unique and intimate access to the recording process and the band's inner workings allowed me to capture fly-on-the-way moments and candid glimpses into their creative journey. It afforded me the privilege of helping tell the story of their artistic evolution firsthand and, ultimately, the heartbreaking loss they suffered - that we all suffered.

Without a doubt, this documentary will strike a profound chord with viewers, paying heartfelt tribute to the band's late lead singer and the invincible essence of music that binds us all together. Remarkably, you don't need any prior knowledge of this little band from Texas to be enraptured by their journey. Their story transcends boundaries, appealing to anyone who has tenaciously chased their dreams.