Smart Studios Story
Roy Elkins Broadjam
 |
Smart Studios - Madison, WI
Corner of Baldwin and E.Wash |
I just saw the premier of
The Smart Studios Story at SXSW in Austin, Texas. This is a film,
directed by Wendy Schneider, that chronicles the history of Smart Studios in
Madison, WI. Smart was the home to producers
Butch Vig and Steve Marker who have a long musical history together, and who have
played in many bands including Grammy-nominated Garbage. But arguably more important is their
contribution to the global punk, grunge and rock music scenes from a small
studio on the corner of East Washington and Baldwin Street. The film’s
narrative unfolds through interviews with Vig, Marker, Duke Erickson, Shirley
Manson, Dave Grohl, Billy Corgan and many others. It is clear that each
participant was eager to share great experiences and memories – the film
captures a lot of passion for Smart radiating through voices and images.
 |
| Steve Marker & Butch Vig |
Like so many in the Madison community who know Butch, Steve and Wendy personally, I have been a cheerleader for this 6-year venture. I saw first-hand the passion that Schneider put into making this film.
She was an engineer in the studio before it closed and ran her own studio,
Coney Island, for many years. Once Smart closed, she immediately realized how
important it was to document its history. But it goes further than that. In
addition to being a story about great music, the film also reflects the
struggles of the business side of Smart. Butch Vig says in the film, “Steve and I are terrible businessmen.” The
film reveals how their sheer love of making music kept Smart going. In one of
the scenes, Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins remarks how Vig made him sing
the phrase, “she knows” for 8 hours. That
dedication to excellence has been echoed in the making of the film – Schneider
spent hours and hours on each brief section of the film, creating a masterpiece
of storytelling in part through brilliant editing.
In writing about a film like this, it’s tempting to reflect on
all the great stories being told. There
are many, and they’re all interesting and compelling – describing them wouldn’t
do them justice – the way they come together through images and interviews is
magical. The film simply has to be seen.
Perhaps if someone else had come in and directed The Smart
Studios Story, it might have turned out okay. But Schneider’s experience and
passion about Smart coupled with her experience as a documentary filmmaker has
resulted in a very special and artful film. Vig and Marker, class acts that
they are, give the credit to Schneider for the creation of the film, but at the
same time the amazing work they did at Smart shines through everything. Kudos
to all three for such a stellar project.
Compiled by Roy Elkins
In writing about a film like this, it’s tempting to reflect on
all the great stories being told. There
are many, and they’re all interesting and compelling – describing them wouldn’t
do them justice – the way they come together through images and interviews is
magical. The film simply has to be seen. 
