Meet Doug and Michelle, the owners of Bananas Records, the world's largest record store, as they and many others take an intimate look at the death and current resurgence of the vinyl record.

Interview with Director/Producer/Editor William Stead

Watch The Flip Side here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

One thing that has always struck me about vinyl records is the format’s ability to bring back such vivid memories for people. Being a member of the millennial generation, I missed out on the analog revolution, yet I’ve always found myself drawn to the format. I was bitten by the record bug when I was 16, subsequently discovering Bananas Records in St. Petersburg. I have so many happy memories of visiting the store when I was in high school and the scale of the place knocks me back every time I go in there.

When I set out to make this documentary, I wanted to capture the enormity of this unique place, with its many aisles that hold Bananas’ three million plus records. The Flip Side is, at its heart, a love letter to the format of vinyl from a person in 2018.

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

I think its important for anyone to acknowledge our history, and vinyl is a facet of history that remains headstrong in today's society, especially with its recent resurgence. If you are looking for information regarding records, a chance to reminisce about the old albums you used to have, or just want a fun immersion into an area of culture, then check out the film.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The Flip Side juxtaposes the old and the new, showing that there can be a life after death for a piece of culture that has been thought to be dead in the public consciousness for almost two decades now. I really wanted to tap into the way the cycle works of old things becoming new again, which has shown to be true of music, fashion, and film.

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

When I set out to make this documentary, I initially wanted it to be more dramatic, telling of the hardships of Bananas Records as they faced the 1990s and the rise of the CD. As I conducted my interviews, however, I realized that they didn't want to talk about those times, instead of focusing on the joy of the vinyl record, which I thought was fitting.

And so, the documentary became an overall celebration of the format told through the lens of Bananas Records, the largest record store in the world. The tone remains upbeat and vibrant, with only a passing mention of the hard times which are now over thanks to the current generation's appreciation for their heritage.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

All of the feedback I have received so far has been very supportive and positive. For me, the greatest reward has been seeing both the young and older members of the audience watch it and come together. I met this young musician who watched the film and decided that vinyl is what he wanted to dedicate himself to in order to become a better musician and lyricist. It really touched me to know that it has inspired someone in some way. Older audiences are able to reminisce while watching the documentary and I find memories is what I get from them. Both generations react differently but with an affinity for the format that burns bright.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback has really made me understand sentimentality a lot better than I used to. I have always put a lot of value around physical things that make me happy, however, add 40 years onto that and you get a bond that truly is unbreakable. People love their records, they remember everything about where they were when they first bought it and it is their childhood. It's so refreshing to see something that makes people happy in today's world.

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

I mainly just want more people to understand my film and what I am trying to do as a filmmaker in bringing to light important untold stories from the past.

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

I definitely think musicians would be able to amplify the film's message of old and new, especially ones that have seen the transition from analog to digital.

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

I would love this film to educate and inspire people to get into collecting and appreciating vinyl, and, in turn, our musical history. Music is one constant in the world that knows no geographical barrier. It affects us all in different ways. I also hope it highlights the hard work of Michelle and Doug, owners of Bananas Records who have built an Empire on collecting their favorite music.

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

What do you prefer, analog or digital music and why?

Would you like to add anything else?

The Flip Side was so much fun to make and I can only hope that older generations who watch this film will remember all the fun times they had with their records, and to pique the interest of younger people who may have never even heard of vinyl before. Lets all "come together."

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

WILLIAM STEAD is currently working on an LGBT World War II movie, entitled The Last Summer, about two gay boys living in pre-war Nazi Germany.

Interview: April 2019

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

The Flip Side

Meet Doug and Michelle, the owners of Bananas Records, the world's largest record store, as they and many others take an intimate look at the death and current resurgence of the vinyl record.

Length: 8:21

Director: William Stead

Producer: William Stead

Writer: William Stead

About the writer, director and producer:

WILLIAM STEAD was born in the North of England. He moved to Florida with his family when he was nine years old. Around this period, William especially took an interest in history and currently yearns to explore many untold stories that exist from the past through his films. He is a member of the LGBT community and is currently working on his first LGBT short film set during the Second World War.

Key cast: Michelle Allen, Doug Allen, Taylor Hammersla (Boy)

Facebook: William Stead

Twitter: @willstead97

Instagram: @thewalkingstead

Hashtags used: #vinyl #documentary #retro

Website: williamstead.weebly.com

Made in association with: FSU Film School

Funders: Self-funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival/ Cannes, France - May 21st