There will be a first ever feature documentary on Rick Springfield in 2012. The Grammy© Award-winning musician has been on the entertainment scene for over 30 years as an actor, musician and songwriter. Last year he released his autobiography, “Late, Late at Night”, which immediately became a New York Times best seller. The documentary, titled “An Affair of the Heart” offers a look at Springfield and his devoted fans. The documentary is executive produced by Melanie Lentz-Janney and directed and produced by Sylvia Caminer.
Lentz-Janney has been a fan of Springfield since 1981. She owns all his recordings, has a memorabilia collection and has attended numerous concerts over the years. She wanted to tell the story about fans of Rick who have travelled the world to see him, their friendships, and how he has been an important part of the lives of many people over the years. Having a background in public relations and marketing, she felt she could tell the story. She teamed up with Sylvia Caminer, who knew of Springfield, but was not a diehard fan. Caminer is an Emmy© Award-winning director/producer, with extensive credits in film and television. Caminer decided the fit would be perfect given both their backgrounds.
The two formed Yellow Rick Road Productions and began traveling to concerts to film several fans selected to be profiled in their project. Caminer noted that she initially contacted Rick's management about their idea as for Lentz-Janney to contact them "she may have come across as a over-zealous fan". After a number of calls and a meeting with Springfield for his seal of approval, they began making the film, which took 18 months to complete. They traveled throughout the US and as far away as Europe where they attended the Swedish Rock Festival as well as shows in Norway and Germany.
Lentz-Janney states that she wanted to show Rick as a true musician and let people know that "he was not a one hit wonder, but had numerous of Top 40 hit records, a Grammy award and a loyal fan base in which he shares a unique connection.” She also added that she wanted to show fandom in a positive, meaningful light. The film focuses on what makes his fans so dedicated and how his music has affected their lives over the years. But, it’s certainly not intended to just appeal to Rick Springfield fans.
Caminer feels that this type of documentary does not fit into any other mold. In preparing, she watched numerous documentaries and could not find anything similar to what they had in mind. They go in great depth profiling a few fans and what non-fans think of this whole 30 year phenomenon.
The first private screening was held as a benefit in late September of last year. Plans are now in motion for the documentary to hit the film festival circuit in 2012.
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