In a local music scene that can seem like it has no sense of community, Scottsdale filmmaker Chris Harris has created a documentary that pulls local musicians together into a tight-knit family.
"Dreams are Essential" is a yearlong testimony to the journey and hard work that every local band must face in order to find success. What started with filming a music video for indie pop band De Capulet quickly escalated into a full-fledged movie about four of Arizona's brightest talents in their quests for greatness.
Harris did not start piecing together his footage into a project until November. "Dreams" producer, Harris' sister Ashley Harris, helped bring the ideas to life.
"I had [ideas] in my head, and I knew where it was going, but until I got there, I really didn't know what it was," Chris Harris says.
The result chronicles four Phoenix bands - Dear and the Headlights, Goodbye Tomorrow, De Capulet and Peachcake - looking to make it big by promoting and pushing records and touring relentlessly.
Harris says he thinks each band is on the cusp of success.
"If one of these bands becomes the biggest band in the world, this is something that people will be looking back on. It will represent a time and a place. It has a timeless feel to it."
In all, over 40 local bands from all genres and popularity levels - including MTV regulars Jimmy Eat World from Mesa and Tempe-based electronica duo Alcoholiday - were interviewed for the film.
"The theme that comes about throughout the film is community," says Harris. "All the bands feel that they're apart of something bigger than a film."
Ashley Harris, a public relations junior, says she thought it was important to include bands that were driven to realize their goals.
"These are bands that we have a tremendous respect for - bands that want to make a career out of music," she says.
Over the course of his filming, Harris recognized the kinship and cooperative spirit each band displayed in his interviews. As the project came together, he decided to give back to the area that has produced so much talent.
All of the proceeds from "Dreams" will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to help pay for music education and new instruments.
With anticipation high for the film - the trailer has had more than 4,000 views on the movie's Web site - Harris figures proceeds will be significant to the community.
"I never anticipated for anyone to want to buy [the film]," Harris says. "In my head, I never felt like I wanted to make money off this. It just made sense that [the proceeds] needed to go toward something positive."
The DVD, which will come with a 17-track compilation CD of local artists, will be released March 24 at a show featuring several of the artists in the film. "Dreams" will be available at Hoodlums starting March 27.
"Even if people hate my filmmaking style and hate the film, they'll still leave with a song they liked," Harris says. "People appreciate good music when they hear it. They'll still leave humming a tune."
