Branson is a documentary that could be called the real Waiting for Guffman. Many people don’t realize that Branson, Missouri is a mecca for live theater and that the small city of 6,050 welcomes 7 million tourists a year. And these tourists need to be entertained! Actors, magicians, and singers from around the country head for Branson, hoping to attain that elusive goal: a regular performing gig that pays the bills. This documentary follows a handful of actors, singers and producers as they struggle to live the dream.
By Carolyn Cohagan
What was your background before this film?
I graduated from the film studies program at UCSB and immediately began working on my first feature doc, “The End of the Road.” I worked as a DP on several feature films and documentaries before stumbling onto Branson by accident.
How many stories/people did you follow initially and how many did you end up using?
I interviewed over 50 people, including dozens of performers of all levels, Branson VIPs and locals before ending up with a final cast of 3 main characters (along with their families, friends and employers).
How many hours of footage did you shoot?
We shot over 400 hours of footage and gathered over 100 more in home video shot by the characters.
How long a period does the film cover?
The film covers a bit over 3 years: from Fall ‘05 to Spring ‘08
Why Branson?
Branson was an accident – I was abandoned by the cast of a reality TV pilot in Branson and decided to utilize my crew by shooting behind the scenes footage of “#1 Hits of the 60’s”. I followed them for a year before meeting the other 2 characters right there in the Branson Mall where the 60’s show performed.
Did you ever find it difficult not to get personally involved with the subjects, such as when you saw Jackson Cash falling off the wagon?
It was impossible not to become personally involved after spending three years with my subjects. I am still quite involved with them. With Jackson, it was interesting because he tried to keep the dark parts of his life separate from me and my camera until the very end. If I hadn’t formed a personal relationship with him I doubt I would have gotten access to that part of his life.
How is Jackson Cash doing now?
Despite a few bumps in the road, Jackson Cash continues to play at the Caravelle Theater in Branson.
And how is the “#1 Hits of the 60’s”?
“#1 Hits of the 60’s” has ended up at the Caravelle Theater as well. They continue to struggle to get people in the seats but are proud to have survived another season, hopeful that success is just around the next turn…
Branson can be seen as part of the LA Film Festival, Sun, Jun 21st, 7:00pm at The Regent and Tue, Jun 23rd, 4:30pm at The Regent
