Robert Kidney has been a musical force since the 1970s. 'Big Paradise' introduces film audiences to Kidney for the first time, revealing a powerful and complex person who lives and works in the shadow of the Midwestern decay.

Interview with Editor/Director Kristen Nutile

Main image: credit Lance Karkruff

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you very much! Big Paradise features Ohio-based musician, songwriter and visual artist Robert Kidney, founder and lead singer of The Numbers Band, who has been captivating local audiences for decades with his legendary live performances. JP and I made Big Paradise because we love Robert’s music and wanted to share it with an audience.

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

Big Paradise is the first film to document a day in the life of Kidney, a powerful, intense, and at times, deeply vulnerable artist who continues to inspire young and old alike with his signature sound and style.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

We tried to make a film that we felt reflectlive of Robert’s music. His music is also very personal, but definitely speaks to universal themes of what it was like to grow up working class in the mid-West.

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

We had a general idea of what we wanted to film, and of course, it’s always a surprise. We were very fortunate to work with our very talented DP, Brian Zahm. JP wrote the script from an interview with Robert and then the film evolved throughout the editing stages. It was a great collaboration.

Big Paradise - Robert Kidney Performance: credit Brian Zahm

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film is on the experimental side. It doesn’t speak to everyone, but we’ve been thrilled with the feedback.

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

We’re very excited to have Big Paradise featured on www.wearmovingstories.com. We hope to reach more people!

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

This film has been a labor of love that is currently screening in festivals. We’d love enthusiastic audiences!

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

We hope that people come away inspired and with their eyes opened.

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

What is success?

Would you like to add anything else?

Please check out Robert Kidney’s website http://www.robertkidney.com as well as The Numbers Band http://www.numbersband.com/

Big Paradise - Mall Parking: credit Alessandro Olsen

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

We are developing more short films. Robert Kidney and The Numbers Band have upcoming performances.

Interview: March 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. 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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Big Paradise

Length: 10 minutes

Director: JP Olsen and Kristen Nutile

Producer: JP Olsen

Writer: JP Olsen

Editor: Kristen Nutile

DP: Brian Zahm

About the writer, director and producer:

JP Olsen is a documentary filmmaker, writer and composer based out of Brooklyn, New York.

Kristen Nutile is a documentary filmmaker and editor based in Brooklyn, New York.

Key cast: Robert Kidney, Terry Hunde, Jack Kidney, Bill Watson, Clint Alguire

Other: Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? AmDocs, Thin Line Film Festival, Sene Film, Music & Arts Festival, Kansas City Film Festival