Take 5 with "Basically Frightened: The Musical Madness of Col. Bruce Hampton"

Michael Koepenick with Lincoln

As we gear up for the 10th anniversary Oxford Film Festival, we wanted to introduce you to the filmmakers and their films you will experience on Feb. 21-24, 2013. Meet Michael Koepenick, director/producer/editor of "Basically Frightened: The Musical Madness of Col. Bruce Hampton."

#1: In 140 characters or less, describe your movie and why someone should see it.
Find out why Billy Bob Thornton, Dave Matthews, and members of Phish, Widespread Panic, and the Dead are big fans of Colonel Bruce Hampton.

#2: Biggest lesson learned in getting the film made? Best part in getting the film made?
The biggest lesson learned is that you really can have too much of a good thing when you are trying to make a documentary under 90 minutes long.

The best part in getting this film made is to have it finished and seen by audiences after over a decade of too many trials and tribulations.


#3: Tell us about you. What is your movie making background?
This is my first feature length documentary as a filmmaker. I have been an editor since 1987 and have done countless short form TV spots, promos, interstitials, and a few long form television shows and indie features as well. I formed Guillotine Post in 1996 and have been operating it ever since and we recently started Guillotine Pictures to pursue musical documentaries and other creative projects.


#4: What's your dream distribution plan for the film?
We are just finishing our first DVD duplication run and are pursuing independent distribution through iTunes and on-line orders in our first phase. Later we hope to attract someone who can really get it out to the world and market it appropriately.


#5: What does the future hold in store for your film and for you?
Who knows what the future may hold for Basically Frightened: The Musical Madness of Colonel Bruce Hampton?
I'm currently pursuing a documentary on the life and times of Otis Redding and another on the Indigo Girls and their late '90's theatrical production of Jesus Christ Superstar: A Resurrection.
I also regularly edit spots and promos for broadcast television and for corporate clients.