Filmmaker John Whitehead talks about his favorite Hackberry Ramblers concerts and how he got to tour Louisiana.

What made you choose The Hackberry Ramblers as the subject of your film?

I was looking for an American Roots music subject. Because of their longevity, because they rock and because they are such characters, the Ramblers seemed a good choice.

What was the best show you saw the Ramblers play, and what made it the best?

I first saw the band at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in '98. They played a lively set at noon that had a large crowd dancing. Later that night, a friend took me to a grunge/hipster club in the warehouse district. The Ramblers were headlining there as well. At midnight, twelve hours after their Fest set, they played again. There were a lot a lot of body piercings and multi-colored hair in the crowd. I didn't think it was their scene, but they won that crowd over, playing for 90 minutes without a break, covering all the bases—western swing, honky-tonk, Cajun, Rockabilly and more.

What do you hope to achieve with this film?

To have people experience a national living treasure, to give the Ramblers some of the credit they deserve for their many contributions to music and to travel to Louisiana as many times as the budget would allow (that's seven at last count).

The independent film business is a difficult one. What keeps you motivated?

Getting to tell stories that I care passionately about, immersing myself in a culture and a landscape. The satisfaction of getting something made that otherwise might never see the light of day.

Why did you choose to present your film on public television?

Because they were interested in it, and because they are the only game in town for a film like mine.

What didn’t you get done when you were making your film?

We had a shoot lined up to do a recreation of a 1938 Ford traversing dirt roads in rural Louisiana. That got cut because of time. Also the Ramblers played a great gig in Oxford, Mississippi that would have been great for the film, but I couldn't swing it.

If you weren’t a filmmaker, what kind of work do you think you’d be doing?

Theatre director or graphic designer.

What do you think is the most inspirational food for making independent film?

Five pounds of steamed crawfish with boiled potatoes and corn, with a pint of Abita Amber.

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers?

Start yesterday, keep doing it. Oh yeah, and pick something you love, ‘cause you'll be living with the subject for years.

What sparks your creativity?

Great music, charismatic people, the characteristics of light, a good night's sleep, non-fiction.