ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan chats it up with Alberta filmmaker Michael Maxxis about his latest documentary, Gail. This film is a wild ride following a hardcore Our Lady Peace fan as she braves the winter chill across Canada for the band's 30th Anniversary Tour. Michael spills the beans on Gail's quirky character, her die-hard love for music, and the rollercoaster of challenges and victories she faces along the way.
Get ready for some behind-the-scenes magic as Michael opens up about how the film idea sprouted from the band itself and why capturing Gail's genuine experience as a superfan was key. He dives into the tightrope walk between observation and exploitation in documentary filmmaking, and how trusting Gail's story made for a way richer narrative. With over 300 hours of footage in the mix, Michael reflects on the editing saga and the golden nuggets of wisdom he picked up while teaming up with the legendary Jason Reitman.
Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective on the wild world of fandom, the chase for passion, and the universal vibes of devotion that echo throughout Gail. So, grab your headphones and join us for an inspiring chat that’ll have you ready to dive into your own passions with gusto!
Find out more about Gail:
https://www.gailthefilm.com
Follow Michael Maxxis:
@michaelmaxis
Follow Chris Corvan:
@chrisofthevoid
Music by GRIDLAZER:
https://www.instagram.com/___f4ilur3/
(00:00) Chris Corbin welcomes filmmaker Michael Maxis to Dripping Creativity podcast
(01:12) Gale is about a New York woman devoted to supporting her favorite band
(02:43) The documentary was actually the band's idea
(05:23) How did you decide where observation ended and exploitation began on this film
(10:48) It would have been easy for the band itself to swallow the entire film
(12:37) You have an original score by Leslie Barber for this film
(14:49) Did any of that change how you thought of fandoms
(16:34) It's insanely, absurdly hard to get a film into any festival
(20:16) Michael Maxis: Gale has its world premiere at the Toronto International film festival
(23:14) This is the Dripping Creativity podcast
