Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2020 – More Than A Mile (Australia's First Beer Mile Documentary)
'Four beer, four laps, for the hell of it!’
More than a Mile is a documentary following the lives of a runner and his friend on their six-month journey towards the Beer Mile World Classic.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Alex Michael, Charlie Blanch
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Two reasons. Charlie Blanch and my Media degree. I wanted evidence that both occurred and if anything they should be enjoyed by others no matter how subpar they may be at times.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
As per the logline; four beers, four laps, for the hell of it.
And if that doesn't grab you attention, I want you to think of the most genuine, most loveable person you know... the character of your group, the one everyone knows. That's Charlie. And he runs and drinks beer.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Ideas of the underdog, the Aussie battler, the coming of age tale are consistently illustrated. Searching for courage or your true self.
On a more personal level, I believe winning isn’t everything and that regardless of who you are, being a moral character with a heart of gold will get you far in this world
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
From the inception of the idea, a friend and I both thought this could be a fictional/short film production. But I was too in awe with Charlie as a character and the nature of the Beer Mile and its community to give it that short of a limelight. The logical start and endpoint were always the Beer Mile Classic. I wasn’t ready to go to San Francisco, USA, in 2015 so I missed the boat, so we started with the announcement of the 2016 relocation to London… and the rest was history.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The character of Charlie has resonated with audiences and film festivals so far. He is part Ferris Buller part Charlie Conway and this documentary captures a momentous part of his adulthood. His personal journey that I was privy to during this time is something special. I’ve also gone back and edited scenes and sequences that seemed bogged down in regards to pace and quality of production. Like the trailer states, working off a shoestring budget during a busy time in my life personally and professionally set up a production that had direction but never the manpower or support this documentary deserved.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Neither. It reaffirmed what I already knew. And with five years in the rearview mirror, I’m happy with where the documentary is today.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Awareness of the most underrated sport of all time and the superstars that the Beer Mile World Classic (aka. Every beer milers Olympics) a reality, regardless of the double standards and criticism some may have. And awareness of those that sit behind the camera, in the back of your media classroom. Can’t means won’t.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I’ve been so dizzy since COVID19 hit that I wouldn’t know who I’d welcome more. This documentary from my knowledge is the first official beer mile documentary in Australia (or maybe the world) so it deserves all the support it can get
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The audience should feel endearment for the underdogs of the world, respect for the discipline and hopefulness for those who act their principles rather than resting on their laurels.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Has the romanticising of alcohol gone too far in Australian culture? And when is the age that you need to grow up?
Would you like to add anything else?
Support your family and/or friends who want to try something new. New businesses, new paths in life. They know what they are doing and they just need your help.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
None at the moment. Until COVID19 clears they are going to socially isolate on my word doc. for now
Interview: June 2020
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, 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
More Than A Mile (Australia's First Beer Mile Documentary)
'Four beer, four laps, for the hell of it!’
More than a Mile is a documentary following the lives of a runner and his friend on their six-month journey towards the Beer Mile World Classic.
Length: 1:25:27
Director: Alex Michael
Producer: Alex Michael
Writer: Alex Michael
About the writer, director and producer:
More Than A Mile is the directorial debut of a lifelong media practitioner turned Media teacher, Alex Michael. The avid listening of Kevin Smith podcasts and watcher of 'all things sports' wants nothing more than to tell the stories of those who inspire him.
Key cast: Charlie Blanch (Lead Actor), Nick Macfalls (Narration)
Looking for: film festival directors, producers, sales agents, distributors
Facebook: More Than A Mile
Twitter: @morethanamile_
Instagram: @morethanamile_
Hashtags used: #atheletics #atheleticstrack #track #beer #mile #beermile #beermileworldclassic #doco #diydoco #documentary #beermileworldclassic #diy #australianfilm #supportlocalartists #running #drinking #athletics
Other: YouTube
Made in association with: DYNMK, Beer Mile World Classic, FloTrack
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Melbourne Documentary Film Festival - Commencing on the 30th of June, Online.