ABOUT

STORYLINE

Follow alternative stringed instrument maker Jonathan Wilson on his GUITARVIOL’s path from a small garage to the big screen, a story told by Hollywood’s top film composers (Tyler Bates, Jeff Cardoni, Charlie Clouser, Nathan Matthew David, Fil Eisler, John Frizzell, Kevin Kiner, Gary Lionelli, Heitor Pereira, Brandon Roberts, and Loga Ramin Torkian), who’ve used the “TogaMan” (Wilson)’s bowable guitar/cello-like instrument as a “secret weapon” (in films ranging from 300, John Wick, and later SAW films, to Despicable Me, Puss in Boots, and Guardians of the Galaxy) for over two decades. Includes special appearance by renowned cellist Tina Guo. Culminates with the inimitable instrument maker/artist’s discovery of a “super wood.” (From GUITARVIOL: The Film Composer’s Secret Weapon on IMDB.com)

NO "A.I. MUSIC PROMPTS" HERE!

In an era where “A.I.” is currently threatening to neuter all unique qualities of musical creation, this “hands-on” showcase of composer instrumentalists–all filmed in the privacy of their own home studios–will surely inspire!

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

Throughout his decades-long career, alternative stringed instrument maker Jonathan Wilson never “dumbed down” his GUITARVIOL to achieve “mass appeal.” This film follows that same tack. Rather than cast a wide net, GUITARVIOL: The Film Composer’s Secret Weapon is a SUPER DEEP DIVE, made for a VERY NARROW NICHE of music creators/fans, specifically:

  • The 430+ GuitarViol players on Earth
  • Hardcore fans of the 11 film composers featured
  • Media composers (who are also instrumentalists)
  • Eclectic guitarists
  • Instrument builders
  • Followers of uncommon instruments (in general)

That said, we hope our film’s Entertaining, Educational, Inspirational ride–a story of FILM MUSIC and RELENTLESS INSTRUMENT INNOVATION–resonates with anyone who encounters it.

DIRECTOR'S BIO

Dale Turner brings over two decades of “interviewer” experience (100s of rockstars–from Jeff Beck and Buckethead, to Chris Cornell and Brian Wilson) for top guitar magazines like Guitar One, Guitar World, and Guitar. His “documentarian” structure/storytelling approach stems from authoring dozens of 100+-page “biographical” music instruction books (Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eric Clapton, etc.), and a life of film fandom, working on several film projects [a highlight being WEEDS, the first animated short from Disney Feature Animation‘s Filmmakers Co-op, and one of three “commended” (extra) films included in the theatrical release of 2018’s five Academy Award nominated animated shorts: Dear Basketball, Garden Party, Lou, Negative Space, and Revolting Rhymes.] Along with being a GuitarViolist and media composer (currently scoring the video game KENSHI 2), Turner’s decade-long relationship with GuitarViol creator Jonathan Wilson was key in crafting this deeply personal, educational, entertaining, inspirational film, which marks Turner’s directorial debut.

FILM HIGHLIGHTS

MUSIC

  • MIND-BOGGLING, LIVE, on-camera GuitarViol playing, in the privacy of the composers’ home studios. (AGAIN: No “A.I. music prompts” here!)
  • How is the GuitarViol different from a cello? (Electric? Acoustic? Apples? Oranges?)
  • Jonathan’s hilariously-inspiring LESSON in PLAYING his instrument. (Tips/techniques unique to this film!)
  • The GuitarViol LEARNING CURVE (how composers overcame–and/or embraced–technical hurdles in playing the instrument).
  • Over-the-shoulder D.A.W. SESSION breakdowns w/composers (see/hear the GuitarViol isolated in film and TV cues)!
  • Composers recount FILM DIRECTORS’ INTERACTION/INPUT w/GuitarViol. (Legendary filmmakers praising the instrument–and, at times, almost “coaching” composers’ performances!)
  • Using the GuitarViol alongside REAL and/or SAMPLED orchestra (as a “sweetener” or “focal point,” in a variety of scenarios).
  • GuitarViol as KONTAKT instrument (in the “horror” genre); GuitarViol manipulated “live”–on camera–w/MODULAR synth…

BUSINESS

  • HOW the GUITARVIOL first became KNOWN to film composers. (Spoiler Alert: 300, tied to fluke circumstances w/cellist superstar Martin Tillman and guitar legend Joe Satriani?!)
  • HISTORY of the instrument’s development (and “TOGAMAN” company name explained).
  • JONATHAN’s goal as an ARTIST (playing an instrument he created) takes the back seat, due to the GuitarViol’s exploding popularity.
  • Can the GuitarViol be MASS-PRODUCED?
  • REALITY CHECK: Tough times for TogaMan in 2020 (and beyond).

INSTRUMENT BUILDING

  • PARTS and (on camera) ASSEMBLY of a NEW INSTRUMENT (and various “SHOP” happenings); past build materials and headstocks also discussed.
  • GuitarViol FINGERBOARD History (a 20-year evolution).
  • TogaMan PROTÉGÉS reveal “creative solutions” gleaned from the “dirty-bearded luthier.”

FUN

  • SPOT the GuitarViol!
  • HEMP!
  • Historic PHOTOS and onscreen EDUCATIONAL elements!
  • “We DESTROY the EVIDENCE!” (GuitarViol Slice/Dice? Smash? Burn?)
  • NO SNAILBOXES (and other “silent” film shorts)!
  • “Stay INSPIRED!”
  • GuitarViol SOCIAL!

PS: Stay past the credits!