Four Questions with ‘Contemporary Color’ Directors Bill Ross and Turner Ross

    We are excited to bring Contemporary Colorthe newest film by innovative filmmakers Bill and Turner Ross, to the Triangle! The Ross Brothers, whose films provide creative looks at different aspects of American life, have shown their acclaimed works 45365 and Western at past Full Frames. Bill and Turner answered a few questions about Contemporary Color in advance of its Road Show screenings on August 19 in Durham and August 24 in Chapel Hill. Visit our Year Round Events page for upcoming free Road Show dates around the Triangle. 

     

    What inspired you to make Contemporary Color?

    David Byrne came to us with this idea that had so many moving parts and we saw a film that could be much more than just a standard concert film. It could be about a community trying to put on a show at the last second. We saw it as The Muppet Show – onstage, backstage, sidestage, in the bleachers. The interconnectivity of all of that excited us.  

    What was your favorite part of making Contemporary Color?

    The community that made the film. The color guarders, the musicians, the crew, and our squad. All of us together trying to pull off something wild. It felt much like we’d imagined the circus to be or a summer camp. It was such a high. When it was all over, the comedown was pretty intense.

    What would you like audiences to take away after watching Contemporary Color?

    Certainly whatever they like. There’s a lot in there and we hope it’s a very positive experience. 

    Who or what are some of your filmmaking influences?  

    For Contemporary Color, specifically, we were pulling from 1980s wrestling events, The Muppet Show, 1970s NYC public access TV, Fantasia, Robert Altman, and 1960’s basketball broadcasts.

    David Byrne Photo - Turner Rossblog

    Experience Contemporary Color for yourself at our free August screenings: Friday, August 19, at the Full Frame Theater at the American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham, and Wednesday, August 24, at Silverspot Cinema in University Place in Chapel Hill. Both screenings are free and open to the public, but interested attendees must reserve a ticket in advance to guarantee admittance to the film. Both screenings will also have a Last Minute Line to fill any cancellations or no-shows. For more information on the screenings and ticket reservations, visit our Year Round Events page.