It Don't Rain on Sunny Days

It Don't Rain on Sunny Days is actually a tune I wrote some 15 years ago to entertain my teenagers. I would sing the song, practically through my nose, to get that gritty Leon Redbone sound. In 2007, I saw the movie "Ray" and there was a line in the film when Jamie Fox says I like country... because the songs tell stories. That line inspired me to make my song into a movie.

Months later, I ran into comedy writer Lee Fleming at the Tacoma Film Festival. He was premiering his film called Following Chip. That evening I gave him a rough outline of the story and I sensed we could make this thing work. We began writing the script in December, ten months later it was ready to film.

Prior to writing the screenplay, I approached Joe Rosati about jumping on board as the lead and to co-produce the film. Joe starred in a movie called Limbo and he and I had co-produced a film called Sarah Jane Road. I knew he'd be perfect for the role and would be a big plus in getting this movie done. Trying to find the right director on the other hand took a little time. After interviewing several others I decided to go with Justin Peterson, who had directed a movie called All About Haggarty. What impressed me the most about Justin, was not only his commitment and resources, but his keen sense to convey the story into a film.

The movie co-stars Teddy Haggarty who is often Alec Baldwin's stand-in for major motion pictures. Blythe Oliver stars in the female lead role. She's done several films and plays over the years and does modeling. The movie also features three Pacific Northwest stand up comedians: Seattle's Rod Long (see press clip Funny Bucket), writer Lee Fleming and up and raising comic Colin Dillon.

The music in the film is an original score and has several versions of the song It Don't Rain on Sunny Days in it. David McKibbin, the movie's music director, wrote all the instrumentals. Junkyard Jane's Leanne Trevalyan wrote and sang the movie's feature song "Sunny Days."

With a shoe string budget of $2500 filming began in September 2008 and wrapped up in July of 2009. Scheduling and weather delayed the film from being completed sooner, but it turned out for the better (see press clip Forecast: Sunny Days).

I wanted to give out a couple taps to post production crew that aren't listed in the credits. First to Steve Collins of Collin Systems, he did an excellent job in mastering the sound. Secondly, I want to thank Ed Shoemaker of Three Moon Bay for his help in taking a beat up mov.file and making it look awesome. He fixed the inner-lacing problem and created more sharpness and added vivid color. The performance is impressive.

Randy Sparks
Assistant Director - Producer - Writer
2009