Patti : A Film by Haley Webb

After spending so much time in front of the camera, I decided to challenge myself by stepping behind it. I've always wanted to direct, and editing is also a passion of mine. When I was looking for a project to do, my father + I discussed how awesome it would be to work together and came up with the concept for this film.

We have always loved Patti Smith, and this performance in particular, and decided it would be a great tribute to her to recreate it. I am also fascinated with "moments before", i.e. what happened before huge moments in either pop or world history ... what are the innocuous goings on before a huge breakthrough moment for a performer.

Our budget was small, to say the least, as it was entirely self-funded. We rubbed our pennies together and pulled it off for just under a grand. I put in countless night + weekend hours teaching myself Final Cut to cut it together, which not only saved money for an editor, but also gave me the ultimate control in the final product. Being able to pay my brother + his crazy talented friends in beer came in handy as well.

Most important to me was that I capture the essence of "who is" Patti Smith. I wasn't concerned about me looking exactly like her (although I did attempt to purchase a fake nose which would have been nearly double the budget), nor was I concerned that the rest of my cast look exactly like the original. I was concerned with the quality of my own performance in the scene, that we be faithful to her words and outlook, and that the quality of the song + performances be just as faithful + full of energy.

This, you could say, was a passion project and something of which I am extremely proud. I'm constantly impressed by my Dad's writing + my brother's unbelievable musical talent and wanted to exploit their skills. We did a rock n roll style shoot for a rock n roll style film + I'm incredibly proud + humbled to share it with all of you.

Focus Thine Anarchy.

- Haley Webb, 2012



Starring: Haley Webb as Patti Smith
Directed by: Haley Webb
Produced by: Haley Webb + Bryant Webb
Based upon the Art, Words + Writings of Patti Smith
Adapted by: Bryant Webb
Cinematography by: Alexander Drecun
Edited by: Haley Webb

Also Starring:
Sean Erickson as Jay Dee Daugherty
Max Fitelson as Lenny Kaye
Grady Lohr Bell as Richard Sohl
Ian Webb as Ivan Kral
Bryant Webb as Tupelo Jones
Bobby Campo as Interviewer

Lead Vocals: Haley Webb
Lead Guitar + Background Vocals: Ian Webb
Rhythm Guitar + Background Vocals: Max Fitelson
Keyboard: Grady Lohr Bell
Drums: Sean Erickson

Patti : A Film by Haley Webb (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2251716/ + http://www.facebook.com/thehaleywebb)

• Category

  Film & Animation

[CrazyworldFab]

Did Patti saw this absofuckinlutely wonderful tribute ? ^^

[Haley Webb]

Addendum: I handed it to her personally in San Diego last month. Here's hopin'.

[Carribou101980]

I have loved Patti Smith ever since I can remember. This is an amazing tribute and performance! The original SNL is one of my favorite musical performances ever. This performance does it justice and nails it. I love this. Long live Patti Smith!!

[scytherius90210]

I just gotta say it ... WOW.

[Gabriel Deutsch]

This was SO good! Thank you!

[davidchancordeiro]

Congrats Haley! Looking good as always xx

[Chris Cipollini]

I put this on a Patti FB fan group and all the people did was bitch. idiots. i know Patti would appreciate this girl doing her own thing.

[Terrellas Field]

Dear Ms. Haley Webb:

My name is Terrella's Field, and I am quite possibly the world's most enthusiastic Patti Smith fan.

That is, until I met you.

Unfortunately, I only have two arms. Wish I could grow more.

Sadly, even if I grew a thousand I am not sure they would be enough to hug you with.

What you did brought tears to my eyes.

Someone out there in Hollywood needs to turn this into a full-length feature. Starring you, of course.

You nailed it. And you my dear... ROCK.

Thank you.

[MsVOICES1]

make a a story of your Life,... I'll bet it would Be Awesome!!! Try it instead,...

[Lucia Lamborghini]

Questa è la cosa più bella che io abbia mai visto. La ragazza è bella. Io sono innamorato di questo! Meraviglioso!

[Chris Cipollini]

you fuckin kidding me?

[mslerman98]

Boring