By liza (212.229.219.191 - 212.229.219.191) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 03:36 pm:

Hi there Soul Fans. I am co-writing a screenplay based around Soul music - Its set in the 60s and the 70's and is based around the idea of some UK based northeern Soul fans who come to the US insearch of their hero.

Myself and my co-writer/director are coming to the states to do some research. We'll be meeting lots of key players down south in Memphis and Muscle Shoals etc but we also want to visit Detriot to get a feel for the place (I know its very different now! David's diary shows that. ) and if possible meet some of the musicians, producers, writers, engineers who may be still there!

I am amazed at the detailed knowledge of all you guys on the forum! As I am not a collector, but a mere appreciator of the music and a storyteller, there is no way I could ever know as much as you. Anyone out there who would be willing to share their memories with us - that would be great.

We're a couple of independent filmmakers - not Hollywood big time - but we have substantial interest in the script idea and a good track record of directing shorts and TV documentaries here in UK and are very confident we'll raise the budget and get this exciting project off the ground. Later down the line there'll be opportunities for some tunes to be lisensed. We are also looking to record some original music in a northern style , working with original "northern" musicians/ singers.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 04:01 pm:

Hi Liza

Love the idea! Art mirrors life - or what? I spent 17 years in the TV industry, and it definitely fired my imagination ;o)

From a production point of view, would it not be more practical to set the main body of the action in the present day, showing the fans trying to track down someone last heard of more than three decades ago? This would necessarily avoid the expensive and difficult problem of recreating a period atmosphere - with costumes/cars/buildings having to be true to an earlier time. Also, any "real" people (musicians etc) who were willing to take part could appear as they are today. Just a suggestion....

By Liza (212.229.219.191 - 212.229.219.191) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 04:58 pm:

Thanks for the suggestion Yep, we've thought about it long and hard and this has been a consideration (I am a producer too and period is definitely hard to do) However, we do have our reasons including most fans are nearing 50 years old - and we need our protagonist to be young I am afraid!

We'll probably do a documentary aswell which we would hope to get onto TV before the film-release and generally raise the profile of Northern Soul.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 05:27 pm:

Liza..

I guess you've only seen the FIRST generation "Northern" fans like us then?

By Liza (212.229.219.191 - 212.229.219.191) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 05:30 pm:

Ritchie

No - not really - I know there are some new ones!

But there is another reason, which I'll have to keep under my belt for now!

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 05:37 pm:

Aha...

I guess you already have someone in mind for the lead role. OK, I won't press the point!

By Vickie (64.236.243.243 - 64.236.243.243) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 06:05 pm:

Liza,
The folks on this forum are most helpful, they are kind, knowledgable and speak the truth..They have helped me in many ways with my Project
Good luck with your Project.

Vickie

By LIza (212.229.219.191 - 212.229.219.191) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 10:06 am:

Vickie,

You are doing the Tammi project aren't you. How's it going? Thanks for your words of encouragement about all the good people on this forum. I have to say I havent done this before - Its all new! But yes, already I am finding it very helpful and are glad to be part of this community.

And Ritchie yes we do have a few ideas for the leads! Lowell suggested that David and Harry play them....! As one of them might be a girl that could be a problem!!!!???

By john lester (213.122.197.172 - 213.122.197.172) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 10:59 am:

Liza

Many of the artists who were THERE at the time..are in the country either NOW or very soon....

You do really need to talk these people

By Liza (212.229.219.191 - 212.229.219.191) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 02:31 pm:

John,

When you say the Country do you mean UK? Yes we are going to talk to as many of the people who were there as possible. I am honoured that Dennis Coffey says he'll meet us - and its via this site that he hooked up with me. We are also meeting Edwin Starr (as you know he lives here)! and obviously there's Freda Payne and Martha Reeves doing their tour with him. Did you have anyone else in mind regarding those who are going to be in the country!?

feel free to email me direct on liza@greenwichfilms.demon.co.uk

By John Lester (213.1.137.22 - 213.1.137.22) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 02:46 pm:

Yes I do...and anyone who knows me will know who I am talking about

Bub Bub Sookie Do Wah.......

Just over a month left before they arrive!!

By john lester (213.1.137.22 - 213.1.137.22) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 02:49 pm:

Cant you have a real artist performing in the film...a bit like those music films we used to have in the 60's.......

I have someone in mind (arf arf!!)....

....I was walking down the (CAL!!) STREET (doo waddy waddy) when this boy started following me....(just a flirt)

Hee hee

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 03:07 pm:

John

Looks like Liza has a job on her hands tracking these folks down - rather like looking for a Needle In A Haystack... though I'm sure she could get some help from the Boy From Crosstown ;o)

By Liza (212.229.219.191 - 212.229.219.191) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 04:50 pm:

John and Ritchie

you boys are REALLY SAYING SOMETHING! I think I know what it is!

By Eli (170.115.179.117 - 170.115.179.117) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 06:17 pm:

Hi Liza, Bobby Eli here!!

I would be delighted to talk to you regarding my many years as a producer, arranger, songwriter and guitarist with MFSB, the backing band on all of the hits to come out of Philly from the late sixties and on through the seventies and eighties.

My e-mail address is phillysoulman@aol.com

By john lester (213.122.197.27 - 213.122.197.27) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 07:59 pm:

Liza

They don't come much better than our Bobby!!!

By Millie (207.148.197.36 - 207.148.197.36) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 08:57 pm:

Hey John!

"I was walking down the street, when this boy starting following me"...Velvelettes!!! Also loved "Needle in a Haystack". Boy, we really had some great music way back in the 60's, didn't we? Not that there's anything wrong with Eminem's Slim Shady!

Millie

By music_loveing_matt (213.105.242.198 - 213.105.242.198) on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 05:33 pm:

Hi im matt brooks and im 14 years old and am doing a project on behind the music about backing artists who didnt get recognised for my music project.please can some one give me help orif you are someone like that please send me info . thanks

By Eli (170.115.179.117 - 170.115.179.117) on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 05:58 pm:

John,
Thanks for the kudos,mate!! It made my day. I can't wait for the in- person forum!!

By john lester (213.122.199.98 - 213.122.199.98) on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 09:02 pm:

Bobby.......no problem......credit where it is deserved.

Millie......I showed Cal Street the forum and she loves it....BUT THEN DON'T WE ALL..