This feature documentary explores The Orb's unique creative process and delves into the story behind the music, revealing the history of The Orb's origins and the foundation of the friendships that have anchored the mothership.

Interview with Director/Producer Patrick Buchanan

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thanks, I made this film to see if I could to be honest, I was unsatisfied with the type of television work I was doing at the time and decided I wanted to work on something that was inspiring to me… music. This was my first attempt at directing/producing my own projects, I’m an editor - which is a good place to learn how to structure a story

The Orb are a big favourite of mine, their music takes me elsewhere…its very visual in my mind, I’m not a clubber I like to listen to music at home with good headphones and be taken on a journey… a sonic journey, this is my attempt to take an audience on a aural/visual journey. It was fun.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Good question, well if the audience has any interest in the arts and music in general and wants an interesting story of a group that was a seminal game changing act that didn’t follow any rules they should watch this film, it’s an examination on the creative process at times, a history lesson at others, perhaps the audience hasn’t heard of The Orb, that’s okay. It’s not essential to follow this film, it’s a portrait of basically two men, both in their late 50s who continue to live their dreams and make the music they want to make. The Orb is an unconventional group, their success is unconventional and this film is a bit unconventional but it’s basically a testament to following one’s artistic passions and dreaming big, with a punk DIY attitude which is definitely in line with how we made this film, completely 100% independent.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The film has evolved every day since I conceived of this idea, I think that’s how a documentary film works best, continually evolving. There was a treatment - it was pretty cliched now that I think about it; and that changed once I met with Alex of The Orb, the film almost became a concept piece about an album, the idea changed over the course of the shooting process as well, each shoot brought new ideas forward - getting better and better.

It became a bit more personal as The Orb opened up with more and more trust, we were given an amazing opportunity to spend time with them in the studio which gave us a better framework other than just an historical or tour perspective, we had to really focus in the edit and with that clarity came new developments, the final result doesn’t really resemble anything I conceived at the start

What type of feedback have you received so far?

My favourite feedback response was from a gentleman whom came to see the film in Toronto not knowing anything about The Orb, he got really inspired with its story and the story of the group and their music. He owns a hat store and started playing their music to his customers: that’s great! I think I owe him a visit soon, I need a new hat.

Of course it’s also very rewarding when the people featured support the project, that’s been very rewarding for me. I think it says a lot when The Orb invited me to screen the film at Royal Festive Hall in London a few months ago for their fans before their gig there. I was very honoured to be apart of that night. And it might have been our biggest turnout, there were no seats left - people were standing. Alex & Thomas both took questions following the screening along with Youth (a music icon really) which again was an honour for this project!

The Orb live Fall 2013 during their 25th Anniversary Tour Vancouver BC.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Be great to get a good turnout at MDFF

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Sure we need a distributor!

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Good question, well it’s been a good ride for sure, I’d like the film to be released eventually, be really cool if it turns some more people on to the music that inspired me to make it, long term I hope the film can serve as a testament to The Orb and the music and scenes where they emerged, that would be great actually; if in ten years the film has an audience somewhere, whether online or in a theatre if it becomes part of the group's legacy in some small way,

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

I suppose I hope it opens people's minds to the possibilities of electronic music, and that it helps legitimize not only The Orb as the legends that they are but the whole music genre as well, for too long has music history (and music documentaries) been filled with stories of guitars, bass and drums. DJs and electronic composers are musicians as well and rightly deserve respect.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Well The Orb have a new album in the works - I’ve been told its coming soon… myself I’ve got a few ideas and dreams, I’m sure something more will emerge in the next year or so…making a film like this independently is more work than I originally imagined (and my wife lol) it’s hard as a young parent as well, I didn’t sleep well for several years, it honestly took a toll on my health - sometimes working well into the early morning during the editing stage and then having to go to my editing job in the morning… my daughter was born a month after shooting finished and that was a challenge as well - I honestly don’t know how I pulled it off when I think about it.

I’d love to re-team with the great group of key creatives that helped me produce Lunar Orbit, Gina Binetti was my mentor on this as co-producer, I couldn’t have done this without her support and kindness, Darryl Augustine my DP is a friend of mine since we met in 8th grade, he was also much more than a Cinematographer, he was a cheerleader from the start and brought so many great visuals to the project- and his camera (Red); he was a great travel partner and key to all the technical decisions, the film looks great! JK mixed the sound and came right at the end when I needed him, we were introduced during a tour of the post facility where the film came together (REDLAB Digital) and it was a match made in heaven - literally - at the end of a long process he brought new ideas, strengthened old ones and filled me with optimism for the film.

Interview: June 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Lunar Orbit

Length: 70 mins

Director: Patrick Buchanan

Producer: Patrick Buchanan, Gina Binetti

About the writer, director and producer:

Patrick Buchanan is an independent filmmaker in the truest sense. An editor by day, he has produced, directed and edited his first feature documentary Lunar Orbit in between television projects and late into his evenings. He lives in Toronto with his wife and three children.

Gina Binetti is a documentary producer, editor, and educator based in Toronto. Passionate about filmmaking, Gina’s most important role on Lunar Orbit was that of a mentor and guide to the first time filmmaker.

Key cast: Alex Paterson, Thomas Fehlmann

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): yes please

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lunarorbitfilm/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrickloudboy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunar_orbit_film/

Other: https://www.lunarorbitfilm.com/

Funders: Patrick Buchanan

Made in association with: 100% independent

Where can I see it in the next month? Extreme Chill in Reykjavik on July 7th & Melbourne Documentary Film Festival on July 9th