Betty Blowtorch & Her Amazing True Life Adventures

Interview with the film's director Anthony Scarpa.

By: Lynda
Sugarbuzz Correspondent; Atlanta, GA

    It's hard to believe that my friend Abbey and I were sitting in Hollywood Forever hanging out with (Bianca), Mia X, and Casper almost 3 years ago. It actually seems like 7 years ago, but that's only because so much has happened over the years. Anyway, Abbey and I had flown to Los Angeles for the premiere of the film Betty Blowtorch and Her Amazing True Life Adventures. By that point, we had already been running BettyBlowtorch.net for over 2 years. To those of us who are infinitely unfulfilled in the sector of our soul over which Betty Blowtorch reigns (and anyone who has been touched by BB relates), this movie is a gift from heaven- making the film's director Anthony Scarpa a sort of angel in his own right. Any avid fan of any person, place, thing, etc. could only be so blessed to have their fixation's history documented as dynamically as is Betty Blowtorch's in this film.

    At first, the film had been shown in select theaters across the world-gracing only hundreds of Betty Blowtorch's thousands upon thousands of fans. Now, Betty Blowtorch and Her Amazing True Life Adventures is coming to DVD for all to enjoy. Scarpa takes a few minutes out of his uber busy schedule to answer some key questions about the film, the DVD release event, and "Motley Crue but with balls".

Not that we aren't gracious, but why has it taken almost 3 years for the movie to go from theaters to DVD? 

AS:
When Bianca died suddenly during the making of the film it was very hard for me to even make the decision to continue, and it obviously changed the entire focus of the piece. Bianca's death made a permanent split between the remaining band members, and it took me quite a long time to work through many of the issues each had with the others. In order to get all sides to the story it was necessary to get everyone's cooperation and that took time. Couple that with the already excruciatingly long time it takes to get independent film out to the public and you've got yourself a long wait. 

Will the DVD be available at all major music retail locations? Will it be available worldwide? 

AS: The DVD will be available in North America wherever DVD's are sold. If your local store doesn't have it, ask them to get it and stock it. 

On the DVD, can we expect to see a longer version of the movie, or will we see the same edit that was shown in select theaters, but with a lot of bonus features? 

AS: The DVD contains an all new, extended cut of the film, which includes many new interviews and information that was not available to me before the original cut. There are also tons of extras including deleted scenes, "where are they now" interviews with everyone involved, commentary tracks with me and the girls, and music videos which you can download straight to your iPod if you choose. 

Have you ever documented any other bands? Why Betty Blowtorch? What prompted you to pull out the footage, make it into a full documentary, and then share it with everyone? 

AS: On the DVD there is also a full-length interview/conversation with yours truly which explains the genesis of the film and it's long road. Back when Betty Blowtorch signed with Foodchain Records, Kelly Spencer (the band's A&R person) contacted me about directing a music video. After having dinner with Bianca and Kelly, I pitched the idea of a short film which would better represent the band rather than a typical music video. The short film eventually grew into a feature when the events I was filming took shape into what is now a 3-act drama that unfortunately presented itself with a tragic ending. I had and have directed many music videos, as well as feature dramatic films. This is my first documentary. 

Anthony Scarpa at the world premier in   2003 Have you come across anyone who has seen the film that wasn't a Betty Blowtorch fan? What did they say about it? 

AS: Many, many people have contacted me saying they had never heard of the band but after seeing the film are now huge fans. I feel the story is one that carries itself and will interest people regardless of them being music fans or not. 

What ONE thing do you regret that DIDN'T make it into the documentary or the bonus features? 

AS: Well, now with the DVD out there you will find many, many things that didn't make the film itself. Some of these "extras" will not be readily apparent to you but if you do some digging and experimenting with the DVD menus you will find many hidden surprises. There was a list of things I loved that didn't make the film. All of these things have made there way onto the DVD in one form or another. 

Take a moment to thank everyone you would like that has helped with this film and DVD

AS: First and foremost I would like to thank my wife for putting up with what has become 5 years of madness surrounding this film. It will nice to finally give birth to it and release it into the world forever. Obviously the band for taking me into the family and letting me ask them such incredibly painful and prying questions. Scott Milano, president of Foodchain Records, for keeping this thing afloat for all this time and having the patience to see it through with me. Jade Robledo for doing all the little things I needed done that I just couldn't deal with on my own-her help was invaluable. Last but certainly not least my virtual partner in crime in all of this madness Kelly Spencer (everyone luvs Kelly-Lynda) who to this day is still staying up nights doing anything and everything for me and the band. 

Describe Betty Blowtorch in five words or less. 
 
AS: Five words huh? 
Motley Crue but with balls. 

What are your other works that you would like for the SugarBuzz readers to know about? 

AS: My dramatic feature "Grace" is currently on the film festival circuit and I am working on two other feature film scripts now that I hope to direct in 2006. I have an ever-growing catalogue of music videos but for the most part the music video medium bores me and I will not do one unless there is an element not typical to the genre. 


Give us all of the details of the DVD release event: 

Date: 
Saturday April 22nd 


Time: 
Festivities beginning at dusk and the screening is at 8pm 

Place: 
Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Bianca's final resting place. Outdoors on a massive screen. 

Cover charge: 
$10.00 donation to the MusicCares MAP Fund; a resource to address addiction recovery and sober living needs of musicians 

What can we expect to go on?: 
The festivities will include a massive outdoor screen, stilt walkers, fire-breathers and circus acts with rare classic rock and punk videos preceding the premiere of the new cut of the movie. 

What product will be for sale at the event?: 
The DVD will be available for purchase (3 days before they are in stores) and I believe there will be copies of all the Betty Blowtorch cd's for sale as well. 

How much will the DVD be at the event, and how much in stores (rough idea, at least)?: 
I have no control over retail prices of the DVD but I assume they will be between 15 and 20 bucks. You can be sure they will be cheaper at the event and through www.bettyblowtorchmovie.com as well. 



Go home: