Last night, the premiere of Widespread Panic’s new documentary, “The Earth Will Swallow You,” hit Starkville. The film, known as “TEWSY,” was the first independent film shown on the State Theatre and International Bistro’s new 22-by-18 foot screen. Produced by brothers Chris and Geoff Hanson, “TEWSY” is a 90-minute film highlighting Widespread’s Summer 2000 Tour, from their June 23 concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colo., to their closing concert at Keystone, Colo.
After over two years of work and almost 500 hours worth of film footage, the documentary was released for the big screen on April 12 and has been showing around the country in various music venues for the last few months.
“TEWSY” isn’t your typical documentary, however. With interviews, concert footage, lots of behind-the-scenes time with the band on the bus and in the studio, plus appearances by other musicians who have influenced the men of Widespread, “TEWSY” can’t be compared to other band documentaries.
The film features several collaborations with artists who have made an impact on the band’s life and career, such as Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane and Taj Mahal. Even the marketing is original.
“It’s not conventional,” said Scott Simoneaux of Infectious Publicity, “but it works.”
Because it plays in music venues nationwide, “TEWSY” has been able to attract more hard-core music fans than it would otherwise be able to. The film is featured and booked like a band, and usually has a music act to follow; many times the band playing is also one that was highlighted in the film.
The response to premiering a band documentary this way has been exceptional.
“Those who have already seen it can’t wait to see it again, and those who haven’t are dying to,” Simoneaux said. “Some people even travel if it’s not coming to their town.”
And even though its not a fictional piece, it seems to have people just as hooked on it as any chart-topper out these days.
“Some have seen it so many times that they’re learning the lines and are yelling them out at the screen,” Simoneaux said. “I mean, not like the Rocky Horror Picture Show or anything, but it’s still cool. People love it.”
For those who didn’t make it to “The Earth Will Swallow You” Thursday night, the film will still be on tour for the next few weeks. It will also be available soon for retail. The film can be ordered on-line at www.wpmovie.com. The video and DVD will be released on Oct. 9, at Hollywood video and it will be released elsewhwere during the first week of November.