as some will recall, Joni signed a 3-film contract with Eagle Rock
Entertainment, PLC. back in 1997 ('96?). the first film produced
was "PAINTING WITH WORDS And MUSIC".
originally a 'Pay Per View' broadcast in the U.S. PWWAM was
subsequently broadcast by CBC-TV (Canadian Broadcasting Company),
on commercial television in an edited form and also released on
VideoTape, LaserDisc and DVD.
Jim Johanson recently posted some information regarding a 3rd Film
to <http://www.JoniMitchell.com> [THE WORD: (3/6/02)]. more about
that below.
right now? JONI MITCHELL "BOTH SIDES NOW, And THEN"
the 2nd film, tentatively scheduled for U.S. broadcast in
November 2002 by PBS as part of their truly exceptional series
"AMERICAN MASTERS" will have its initial broadcast, in Canada,
on CBC-TV as part of their "LIFE And TIMES" series in *2 WEEKS*
Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00 pm - Joni Mitchell - Part 1
Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00 pm - Joni Mitchell - Part 2
"Joni Mitchell has been called the most influential
recording artist of the late 20th century. A rare,
intimate look at a multi-award winning musician who
is as private and reflective as the lyrics for which
she is celebrated."
here's some information from the CBC-TV WebSite.
"The sweep and drama of Canadian lives take pride of place
in Life & Times. These biographies introduce us to the
struggles, the triumphs and trials of real people and their
true stories - each one a thread in the fabric of a nation,
and the times in which we live. The series shows how
individuals make history, not always through circumstances
of their own choosing. We see that we are not the first
generation to struggle with great moral issues. These are
the stories that Canadians can contribute to the great
library: the memory of the world."
<http://www.tv.cbc.ca/lifeandtimes/index.htm>
<http://www.tv.cbc.ca/lifeandtimes/general/com.htm>
here's a little more information about the "Life And Times"
series for the benefit of our non-Canadian members.
ABOUT THE SHOW
The triumphs, trials and true stories of dynamic Canadians
are the focus of Life & Times, Canada's premier biography
series hosted by award-winning novelist, playwright and actor
Ann-Marie MacDonald.
Life & Times is back for a sixth exciting season. Our line-up
includes musical stars Bruce Cockburn, JONI MITCHELL and the
Barenaked Ladies, the story of the Bata shoe empire, activist
Maude Barlow, golf legend Moe Norman and the dean of Canadian
TV journalism, our own Knowlton Nash.
In honour of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Life & Times is
profiling several distingushed Olympic athletes, including
hockey's hottest player Mario Lemieux, the inspiring story
of curler Sandra Schmirler and figure skaters Toller Cranston
and Elizabeth Manley.
Join us Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on CBC TV for the compelling
stories of these and other Canadians who have made an impact.
Over the years, Life & Times has presented over 100 compelling
profiles of such extraordinary Canadians as Tommy Douglas,
Jim Carrey, Don Cherry, Mordecai Richler, Glenn Gould, the
Dionne quintuplets, Mary Walsh and Margaret Trudeau-Kemper.
Life & Times programmes have garnered numerous awards including
four Geminis and multiple Hot Docs awards.
Join host Ann-Marie MacDonald for intimate, hour-long
biographies which reflect the true stories of Canadians.
Each week a different story - one more thread in our country's
fabric. Together a definitive family portrait.
the two 1-hour programs will Not be the Final word/version of
this new documentary. keep in mind that a 1-hour program on
'Commercial' television usually contains 42-to-44 minutes of
actual programming (per hour).
on the other hand, the PBS/AMERICAN MASTERS version will time-out
somewhere between 52-to-55 minutes (per hour). it's not yet clear
whether the DVD Release will contain extra material (or not).
as of this moment the 'Final' edit (for CBC-TV) is not yet complete,
although a copy of the 1st hour was sent to Joni last week for her
viewing pleasure (and approval). she'll probably get a preview of
the 2nd hour later this week. time is tight and the work continues.
all things considered -- the March 26th broadcast deadline for the
CBC-TV broadcast was somewhat unrealistic, but will be met. the
producers' work will continue at a somewhat more relaxed pace
preparing the final PBS/DVD edition.
as for the film itself, the story is being told by the participants,
primarily by Joni herself, using a variety of Interviews recorded
at various times during her career. there is no narrator.
the producers have interviewed a number of indiviauals including
Elliott Roberts, David Geffen, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Neil Young
as well as Joni's parents and JONI herself.
(I think) they also spoke with Mr. Kratzman and i seem to recall
being told that they'd even located Ray, an old high-school friend
of Joni's.
y'all remember Ray? don't ya?, his dad owned a Cadillac.
the most recent interview (2 wks. ago) was with Joel Bernstein.
Joels' participation has been crucial. he's been there as
photographer, and friend, guitar tech, witness and participant,
from the beginning. his knowledge and perception of Joni's music
and her place within the overall context of the musical and
cultural events of the times gives him a unique perspective not
shared by many. and since he viewed the other interviews first,
he was able to fill in some of the areas not addressed by others.
it's surprising how late in the process (12-20-01) it was before
the producers hooked up with him. nonetheless, they'd done their
homework and research very well, obtaining a variety of films,
videos, photographs (especially Joels') articles and other
memoribilia. a variety of items photographed or filmed were from
my own collection, including the "Spirit Of The Forest Video", a
rare little item that even Joel hadn't seen.
i'm sure you'll all find it interesting. every effort is being
made to see to it that this is the definitive Video Documentary.
and now for ...
THE WORD ~ (3/6/02) <http://www.jonimitchell.com>
Entertainment Weekly published a short article this week
with a few new bits of information on Allison Anders'
videotaping of the recent recording sessions for Joni's
next CD, tentatively titled The Circle Game.
In addition to musicians such as Herbie Hancock and Wayne
Shorter, who contributed to her last orchestral outing
Both Sides Now, we can also expect to hear Ry Cooder,
Billy Preston and possibly Neil Young, according to the
EW article.
"Some of it is material she did as a young girl, with a
soprano voice and an acoustic guitar, now with an orchestra
and an alto," says filmmaker Anders. "It's so interesting
to hear these same songs with wisdom," she enthuses. "Not
that she wasn't wise before, but it's like 'I thought I
was on to something before, and now I know I am.'"
Alas, one piece of important information nobody has
mentioned yet is a release date. I'll let you know as
soon as I hear anything.
First reported in the LA Times late last year (scroll down
this page to the newsblurb from 12/4/01 for information on
that report), the CD will feature Joni performing with 77
members of the London Symphony Orchestra -- although the EW
article sports a nostalgic picture of Joni holding an
acoustic guitar.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ARTICLE ON ALISON ANDERS' DOCUMENTARY
<http://www.ew.com/ew/report/0,6115,214129~4~0~,00.html>
BTW: i don't know if, when or how -- BUT; i do know that some
of the recording sessions for the BOTH SIDES NOW album
were also filmed.
more later.
for now ~ take care,
-------
simon
-------
PS: there may? be a 4th.
