MARK FARNER DOCUMENTARY TO CHRONICLE ROCK ICON’S RISE TO FAME, LEGACY, HEART-RENDING CHALLENGES AND NEW FOUND SUCCESS
A Compelling, Personal Portrait of an American Rock Legend; His Persistent Commitment to His Artistry and His Unyielding Belief That His Child Will Overcome Tragedy
Flagday Productions has announced that production has begun on a documentary that will chronicle the life, successes and struggles of seminal rock & roll icon Mark Farner; an undeniable American rock star and founding member of the legendary band Grand Funk Railroad. Farner, who wrote the majority of the music and performed some of the most-ubiquitous radio hits of the past four decades, continues to perform worldwide.
The film project, dubbed “I’m Your Captain – The Mark Farner Story”, is inspired by the life of a man who ascended the highest pinnacle of stardom in his early 20s, dominated the international music scene for 10 years, became a passionate advocate for Native American issues, military veterans, and the rights of American workers, and along the way became a husband (married 34 years), inventor and devoted father.Breaking the Beatles record, in 1971, for the fastest ticket sell-out at NY’s historic Shea Stadium (72 hours) , Mark Farner and Grand Funk Railroad sold millions of albums, releasing 13 albums between 1969 and 1983, and recording huge hits like “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)”, “The Loco-Motion”, “Some Kind of Wonderful”, “Bad Time”, “Heartbreaker” “Foot Stompin’ Music” and “We’re an American Band.”
In 2010, Farner’s youngest son, Jesse, became quadriplegic in a tragic summer accident. That instant refocused Farner’s boundless passion and energy to ignite his music career, and along with wife Lesia, has launched a crusade to care and provide for his son. This touching and ironic twist in the life of a man who’s had almost everything gives dramatic perspective and depth to the film and transforms what could have been just another Rock & Roll retrospective into a rich exploration of circumstances that any of us may encounter in life.
Award-winning film maker and director, Vincent Straggas, will weave Farner’s story using archival and new performance footage, interviews with Farner, his family, friends, former band mates and others, along with cinema verite footage of the Farner’s as they manage their day-to-day lives both at home and on the road.
“This is a rich story - this is not your typical rockumentary”, Straggas stresses, “I didn’t want to produce that kind of movie. This is a story about a man that has many layers. Once I heard Mark’s story I knew I had to make this film. It’s about his family, and his fans and the people he touches all over the world. I think a lot of people aregoing to be surprised and inspired by this film. Mark proves that passion is ageless, the director wagers, put any kid up against him and my money’s on Mark.”
Release details will be forthcoming, but a September 2013 date has been tentatively set to commemorate Farner’s 65th birthday and over 40 years as a professional musician. “I’m Your Captain – The Mark Farner Story” will be a feature length film and released theatrically, showing at film festivals worldwide prior to airing on PBS nationwide.
Flagday Productions is welcoming individuals who would like to invest in the production of this film. Contributors may provide funding through a variety of pledge levels in exchange for “perks”, including signed memorabilia, concert tickets, rock n’ roll gear, personal visits with the star, and other unique swag made here in the USA. Investors are welcome and may request special terms. Those interested should contact Executive Producer Joanne Codi, of Stellar Entertainment Group, at 781.526.4252, or email: info@markfarnermovie.com, or alternatively visit the film’s indiegogo fundraising website established for that purpose.
For further information contact Director Vincent Straggas, at Flagday Productions, (781) 760-2468, vstraggas@rcn.com, or visit the film’s website: www.markfarnermovie.com
For more information on Mark Farner visit: www.markfarner.com
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