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Honky Talkin'

What fans see is a show. What the players do is a job.

We see them for two hours on stage, while they live the other 22 hours of the day scratching out a living.

Honky Talkin’ is a behind-the-scenes look at professional musicians who aren’t necessarily household names (primarily in the rockabilly/country genres). The film examines the grind of the road, the rigors of hustling for gigs, songwriting, work/life balance, label vs independent status, unusual experiences and what defines success.

So much more goes into being a professional musician than the public sees. Honky Talkin’ serves as a glimpse into that world.

  • Eric Weltner
    Director
    International Incidents, The Mohawk Monopoly
  • Eric Weltner
    Writer
    International Incidents, The Mohawk Monopoly
  • Eric Weltner
    Producer
    International Incidents, The Mohawk Monopoly
  • Bobby Mackey
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Scott Hinds
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Matheus Canteri
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Nathan Place
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Jason Ringenberg
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Jerry King
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Dave Johnson
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Anthony Ray Wright
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Kenneth Kimbrell
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • AJ Hawkins
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Dylan Young
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Morrella Raleigh
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Denise Mackey
    Key Cast
    "self"
  • Matthew Davis
    Editor
    International Incidents, The Mohawk Monopoly, The Big Picture
  • Tim Dutton
    Re-reording mixer
  • Randal C Campbell
    Re-reording mixer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 8 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 22, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    45,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • World Premiere
    Newport, KY
    United States
    August 23, 2025
    Honky Talkin' World Premier Event
  • Tennessee International Indie Film Festival
    Franklin, TN
    United States
    November 8, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Appalachian Film Festival
    Huntington, WV
    United States
    March 21, 2026
    West Virginia Premiere
    Appalachian Voice Award
  • UPIKe Film and Media Arts Festvial
    Pikeville, Kentucky
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Southern Oasis Film Festival
    Sevierville, TN
    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Eric Weltner

Eric Weltner is a Writer, Producer & Director. Having worked in the advertising industry as a Copywriter and Creative Director, Eric redirected his focus to documentary filmmaking. He has written and directed three feature-length documentaries: International Incidents, The Mohawk Monopoly and Honky Talkin'.

His films have been awarded nationally and internationally at festivals on four continents.

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Director Statement

I like to explore and tell stories that would typically remain untold. Topics range from forgotten history to overlooked achievements to interesting vocations. Thus far, my films have focused on sports and the music industry.