Synopsis & Film Details
Filmworks presents one of the greatest underdog stories in documentary history: the tale of “The Wrecking Crew,” the group of unsung musicians behind the most popular songs of a generation. In the 1960s and early ’70s, the Grammy for “Record of the Year” went to recordings made by The Wrecking Crew for six years in a row. They worked as the studio players behind living legends such as Nat “King” Cole, Frank Sinatra, The Mamas & The Papas, The Monkees, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, and many more icons of American pop music. What the Funk Brothers did for Motown, The Wrecking Crew did for the “West Coast Sound,” which became a dominant cultural force around the world. A labor of love a decade in the making, the movie is produced and directed by first-time filmmaker Denny Tedesco, son of The Wrecking Crew’s legendary late guitarist Tommy Tedesco, one of the featured musicians who provided the backbeat, the bottom, and the melody that drove dozens of number-one hits. Includes interviews with Brian Wilson, Cher, Nancy Sinatra, Herb Alpert, Glen Campbell, Gary Lewis, and Crew members themselves.
Director: Denny Tedesco
USA • 101 minutes • Rated PG
Discussion Circle
After the 5:30 show, join visiting filmmaker Denny Tedesco to talk about the film. Based in Los Angeles, Tedesco has worked as a set designer, lighting technician, and location producer. He has also produced commercials, promotional videos, and music videos. “The Wrecking Crew” is his directorial debut. Discussion moderated by Filmworks board member Mary Husain.
Screening Sponsors
90.7 KFSR
90.7 KFSR is “Fresno’s Music Alternative”, dedicated to providing an alternative source of music and public affairs to its listeners. KFSR is also a dynamic, educational resource, providing Fresno State students with valuable, real world experience in radio/media operations.
Filmworks thanks Jewel FM 99.3, The Fresno Bee, Vida en el Valle, and Stella Artois for their ongoing support.