Experiencing Interruptions?

Maestro: A Memory of Billy Ruane


In March of 1998, Jonathan LaMaster was starting SUBLINGUAL RECORDS label for avant/improv. music in Boston. The first release was a compilation called BOSTON UNDERBELLY. Roger Miller (of Alloy Orchestra & Mission of Burma) suggested that John Soares photograph Billy Ruane for the back cover. Billy wanted to conduct Branca's 6th Symphony during the shoot. He wasn't drinking alcohol at the time, but guzzled coca-cola non-stop, and, with his baton, "air-conducted."

The first set of shots showing Billy silhouetted in his classic sportcoat made it to the back of the CD. Three Billys collaged on top of each other, "Charlie's Angels" style. The last set, showing Billy in a white shirt, was never used, but capture the internal Billy; the bird/angel. Roger kept the contact sheet ever since, knowing it would have to be used for something someday.

  • John Soares
    Director
  • Jeff Mellin
    Director
  • John Soares
    Producer
  • Jeff Mellin
    Producer
  • Billy Ruane
    Key Cast
  • Jeff Mellin
    Editor
  • John Soares
    Photographer
  • J.V. McDonough
    Music
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Music Video, Short
  • Genres:
    Tribute, music
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 9, 2010
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    35mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - John Soares, Jeff Mellin

It’s not often that award-winning artists are able to collaborate without getting in each other’s way, and even more rare when those collaborations develop into a creative partnership that lasts for decades.

John Soares and Jeff Mellin met way back in the 20th century when John was shooting portraits of rockstars and Jeff was designing for record labels and art magazines. John’s distinctive photographic approach, a balance of geometry and humanity, was a perfect match for Jeff’s kinetic, story-driven art direction. Their shared love of music, retro aesthetics, kitschy humor, and respect for their subject matter, sealed the deal.

They continue to collaborate, and their collaborations continue to evolve. John brings his portraitist eye for light, color and environmental composition to his cinematography, complimenting Jeff’s musical, dreamlike narrative editing style. They both love a well planned concept and pay meticulous attention to detail, but have the good sense to let it all go and make do with the resources at hand. And they both know that, often, that’s when you get the best results. The stuff they make is fun but thoughtful, retro-inspired but experimentally aspiring, both outré and introspective.

Their works have been shown at the New York City Independent Film Festival, Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, and the Arlington International Film Festival.

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