The Journal

Thomas Crone, an adjunct media professor at Webster University, and Mike Steinberg, the director of the WU film series, co-directed two documentaries that were shown at the 18th annual St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF).

The films, "The Pride of St. Louis" and "Old Dog New Tricks," follow key rock artists of local bands from the 1970s - Danny Liston of Mama's Pride and Steve Scorfina, former member of Pavlov's Dog and REO Speedwagon - whose music went on to be heard nationwide, thanks to a little help from their friends at radio station KSHE 95.

SLIFF took place from Nov. 12 to Nov. 22 and premiered more than 250 films from more than 40 countries. Films were shown in an array of theaters throughout the city - the Tivoli, the Plaza Frontenac Cinema, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Hi-Pointe Theatre and WU.

Crone and Steinberg's documentaries were shown Friday, Nov. 20, at the Tivoli Theatre located in the University City Loop.

The idea of the films spawned from several casual conversations Crone and Steinberg shared on the WU campus in the Film Series office about music. From Steinberg's vinyl record collecting to Crone's past musical coverage for the Riverfront Times, the two soon realized that it was the perfect collaboration.

Although many documentaries are made based on a filmmaker's love or interest in a specific person, or in this case, a band, Crone and Steinberg did it for the art.

"We didn't say these are our favorite bands in the world and this is why we made this," Crone said. "It was more of a character study and an interesting story that didn't necessarily come from that absolute need to tell a story about our own personal favorites."

Crone said making the documentaries based on the art and character aspect released a certain amount of pressure and allowed for a more relaxed process.

The documentary was intended as one film, revolving around bands coming out of St. Louis. But the filmmakers came to a crossroad as the collaboration began, with Crone and Steinberg realizing the film would be better as a personal look into each band rather than a combined piece.

"The stories really started working as we focused on one person or one band," Steinberg said.

While interested in the rock 'n' roll musical era of the 1970s, the power of KSHE's push for recognition of local bands during that time fascinated the two filmmakers.

"The simple fact was that there could be these local bands that were pushed by something as powerful as KSHE during that period in time and St. Louis' love for the local guys," Steinberg said. "We thought it was a good story to tell."

KSHE began in Crestwood in 1961 as a female-rock-oriented radio station. The station transitioned in 1967 to play music known as today's classic rock. KSHE didn't play the top 40 hits or incorporate the upbeat, highly paid DJs like other competitors. The station had complete control over what they played and when they played it.

"I think it's important how KSHE broke both these bands," said Jon Scorfina, an associate producer of the documentaries and son of Steve Scorfina of "Old Dog New Tricks."

"The Pride of St. Louis" follows Liston and his climb to the top with 1970s southern rock band, Mama's Pride. In the 31-minute documentary, Liston talks about sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll during the rock era and his fight against alcoholism.

"Old Dog New Tricks" follows former Pavlov's Dog and REO Speedwagon guitarist Steve Scorfina and his life as an antique collector and salesman at local flea markets. Scorfina discusses the ups and downs of the 70s rock star fantasy.

Crone and Steinberg not only directed the films but also helped produce the documentaries. They didn't, however, pay for the entire production out of their own pockets. The Commission for Access and Local Original Programming (CALOP) rewarded the filmmakers with a grant to make the films. CALOP gives grants to productions involving art, culture and programming within the U-City area.

After the showing of the documentaries, guests were able to participate in a Q-and-A session at the Tivoli Theatre with Liston and Scorfina. Fans spoke words of gratitude and thanks to the filmmakers for bringing an historical perspective of music to the film festival.

"Everybody was themselves and they were telling the truth," said Sam Schmidt, drummer for Scorfina and audience member. "There was no acting. The truth is we all love music. That's why we're here."

But the up-close and personal stuff didn't stop at a Q-and-A session. Afterwards, Liston and Scorfina's band performed next door at Blueberry Hill in a private room for classic rock lovers to enjoy and rock on.

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