This Beat Goes On

Short Synopsis
A drummer Max Styles recounts his experiences with The Kings, a Canadian band that seemed destined for fame after creating a hit single in the 1980s. But this upward trajectory doesn’t last and as things start to fall apart, he needs to reconsider what it truly means to be successful.

Medium Synopsis
Drummer Max Styles seemed destined for fame when he joined the Canadian band The Kings. In 1980 they released their hit single “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide” in collaboration with famed music producer Bob Ezrin. But everything changed when bad studio management led to a disastrous second album. Disillusioned by the stressful environment, Max decided to leave the band in 1982. While his subsequent career never came close to the acclaim of The Kings, he has made his mark on his local community. Currently working closely with the Kingston Alzheimer’s Society, Max finds great joy in bringing emotional support through music to those diagnosed with the condition.

Long Synopsis
From a young age Max Styles knew he wanted to be a drummer. His career finally seemed to be taking off when he joined The Kings, a Canadian band producing New Wave music. In 1980 they released their hit single “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide” in collaboration with famed music producer Bob Ezrin (known for Pink Floyd’s The Wall, Kiss’ Destroyer). It spent months on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, leading to a tour across Canada and the States. But everything changed with the second album. Bad studio management led to a disastrous reception and fuelled tensions amongst the band members. Disillusioned by the stressful environment, Max decided to leave the band in 1982. In time he connected with a local musician Glenn Reid, with whom he still collaborates over 30 years later. Never coming close to the acclaim of The Kings, they’ve nevertheless made their mark on their local community. Currently working closely with the Kingston Alzheimer’s Society, Max finds great joy in bringing emotional support through music to those diagnosed with the condition.

  • Denise Peda
    Director
  • Denise Peda
    Writer
  • Elena Arsenchuk
    Producer
  • Max Styles
    Key Cast
  • Jazzer Pagdanganan
    Cinematographer
  • Laya Mendizabal
    Camera Operator
  • Hunter Ratnayake
    Editor
  • Max Presement
    Editor
  • Erik Komarnicki
    Music Composer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 24 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 6, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, HD 23.976 fps
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Humber College
Director Biography - Denise Peda

Denise Peda is an emerging filmmaker releasing her first short documentary This Beat Goes On. Based in Toronto Canada, she is currently in her second year of study in the Film and Television Production program at Humber College. In her first year she directed two short films and was awarded the 2022 NBCUniversal NextGen Diversity Scholarship for her experimental short film Wonder. She is also the writer for the upcoming short dramatic film Out of the Rain, which is being produced through Humber College. Upon graduation, she aspires to continue writing and directing films with a strong emotional core.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As the niece of Max Styles, I have long known of the story of The Kings, however it was my uncle's passion for his work with the Kingston Alzheimer's Society that sparked my interest in making this documentary. To see someone who has played in front of thousands of people find equal - if not more - fulfillment when playing in front of only two or three people, was truly inspirational. As someone who is just beginning their career in a creative field, I find hope in his journey. With this documentary I hope it will speak to others like me so that they know there is more than one way to define success.