THE SPARKS BROTHERS
Edgar Wright pays tribute to the influential but overlooked band Sparks.
Festival Section:
Premieres
Sundance Program Description:
Sparks is your favorite band’s favorite band, and soon to be yours too. Whether or not you’re aware of it, Sparks likely had a hand in something you’re fond of. This is a band that has been in the background of almost every art form across the last 50 years. Growing up in the ’60s, Los Angeles brothers Ron and Russell got by on a heavy diet of popcorn matinees and pop music until the spotlight of school talent shows illuminated their way on a musical journey that has so far spawned 25 studio albums.
It should come as no surprise to those familiar with the mind behind such comedies as Baby Driver that Edgar Wright’s debut documentary, The Sparks Brothers, is an absolute delight. Wright’s spirited vision brings five decades of invention to life through nutty animations and interviews with a who’s who of cool, and by digging deeply into the band’s rich, career-spanning archival. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, this charming love letter to innovation, music, and two rebel artists just might make this the biggest year yet for the brothers named Sparks.
Some Background:
Director/Producer:
Edgar Wright
Founder, Complete Fiction. Wright is a BAFTA-nominated filmmaker and screenwriter, best known for BABY DRIVER, SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD, HOT FUZZ, SHAUN OF THE DEAD, and the TV series SPACED. He previously executive produced Sundance fiction feature alum SIGHTSEERS. This project marks Wright’s documentary debut.
Producers:
Nira Park
Founder, Complete Fiction. Park is a BAFTA-winning film and television producer. She has been a regular collaborator with Edgar Wright through her Big Talk shingle. Park previously produced Sundance fiction feature alumni projects SIGHTSEERS and IN FEAR.
George Hencken
First Sundance credit. Producer, Nitrate Film. Hencken has a background producing music videos, concert films, and documentaries, including work by Julien Temple. He made his directorial debut with the Spandau Ballet doc SOUL BOYS OF THE WESTERN WORLD.
Laura Richardson
First Sundance credit. Richardson previously was an assistant to Nira Park at Big Talk.
Associate Producer:
Leo Thompson
First Sundance credit. Thompson previously was an assistant to Edgar Wright. She associate produced BABY DRIVER.
More Info:
Twitter
