Coming to VOD today, Tuesday, May 13: SIGN PAINTERS
Faythe Levine and Sam Macon’s exploration of a once ubiquitous artisanal craft debuted at a special event in Washington DC’s Renwick Gallery last year. Festival screenings have included Thin Line, Leeds, Milwaukee, and Atlantic. Bond/360 partners with FilmBuff to release the doc on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, blinkbox, Google Play, PlayStation, Vudu, and Xbox.
Levine and Macon take a cross-country survey of the modern state of hand-painted design, focusing on sign painters who have persevered despite the decline in demand for their particular skills in a culture that sadly preferences cheap, computer-enabled, one-size-fits-all work. Given their approach, few individual painters really leave a huge impression, but their vibrant work certainly does – a striking contrast to the poorly designed and constructed vinyl signs that have driven many out of business since the rise of graphic design computer programs and other technology. Recognizing the recent resurgence of interest in artisanal craftsmanship, the filmmakers are able to bring in a sense of hope to the proceedings, however, with painters noting that individuals and even corporations like The Gap have started knocking on their doors, seeking the authenticity that their work conveys, while also showing viewers a quick peek at the next generation, practicing their brushstrokes in an intensive lettering class. Not surprisingly, the doc features some impressive title and credits sequences, in addition to showcasing the handiwork of the many craftsmen and women interviewed.
what (not) to doc 