By NATALIA JONES
Timber Creek Productions’ “Rockabilly Baby” will make its big premiere tonight at 10 p.m. during the third annual Trail Dance Film Festival (TDFF) at the Simmons Center Theatre, 800 Chisholm Trail Parkway, in Duncan, Okla.
Directed by Ken Farmer and produced by Jim Roberson, “Rockabilly Baby” was filmed in Gainesville last December.
According to a synopsis written by Farmer, the film is about Baby Boy Watkins, played by Denton Blane Everett, who “almost destroys his rise to Rock and Roll fame before he comes to terms with the impact his success has on those closest to him. This roller coaster drama emotionally intertwines the lives of three people during the Rockabilly era.”
Originating in Tennessee, Rockabilly took the world by surprise as musicians like Jerry Lee Lewis “with his boogie-style piano playing” and Elvis Presley “created a phenomenon known as the rock concert,” added Farmer.
The film was created from an original stage play written by Leslie Jordan, the 2006 Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Guest Actor in a comedy series for his portrayal of Beverley Leslie on “Will and Grace.”
Presented by Executive Producer Buck Stienke and Timber Creek Productions, “Rockabilly Baby” has been named as the TDFF ‘09 Official Selection and will be shown alongside over 80 other films from around the world.
An all weekend event, attendees will not only get a chance to view a wide variety of independent films, but can also participate in seminars, the Golden Drover Awards Show and will have an opportunity to mingle with the actors during an awards show reception.
“Rockabilly Baby,” a film comprised entirely of local talent, is nominated for five awards including Best Drama, Best Actor-Denton Blane Everett, Audience Choice, Best Poster and Director’s Choice.
“All the actors are from my acting class who I have coached for over 9 years,” said Farmer. “There was no one brought in from outside. As a director, you cast people that you know what they can do and as actors, who are my students, they knew what I expected so it makes for a very, very smooth shoot.”
When he was notified for the film’s Best Drama nomination, Farmer said he felt justified.
“I don’t want to sound cocky, but these kids earned it,” said Farmer. “They did something that very few actors can do.”
“Rockabilly Baby’s” star, Denton Blane Everett said he was flattered when discovered he was nominated for Best Actor.
“That’s my first, so it was very flattering and exciting and it means I’m doing something right,” said Everett.
Originally from Ada, Okla. Everett said he has been acting for the past 10 years. A graduate from East Central University in Ada, Okla., Everett earned a B.S. in Psychology and minored in Criminal Justice. However, Everett said his true passion was basketball.
He actually went to school for basketball, but when he failed to receive any offers from the NBA after graduation, Everett said he knew he had to find a new love.
After he moved to Texas, Everett said a buddy of his introduced him to Farmer and the rest is history.
“Ken’s a treat,” said Everett. “He’s a fantastic person once you get to know him. He’s tough, like my coach at East Central, but he really gave a damn. He helped me realize that this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life.”
As far as his nomination goes, Everett said he has no shame admitting he wants to win.
“I think everybody wants to win,” said Everett. “I know everyone says, ‘It’s just an honor to be nominated,’ but they’re full of crap. Of course they want to win. Winning doesn’t solidify me as an actor, but I think it would help people who want to hire me, so a part of me definitely cares.”
While the nomination is on his mind, Everett said he is more concerned about tonight’s screening and meeting new people during the festival.
“Rockabilly Baby’s” other stars include Todd Farr as “Dirty” and Brandi Price as “Jollene.”
To learn more about the film and to watch it’s official trailer, please visit www.rockabillybabymovie.com or www.myspace.com/rockabillybabymovie.
Tickets for TDFF range from $5-$50 and can be purchased at the event. To view the official event schedule, to learn about the films and ticket information, please visit www.traildancefilmfestival.com.
