Documentary Films
Paintings by Frank...for Frank (2024)
My 19 minute documentary spotlighting the inspired painting career of artist, Frank Rivera.
From a young age, Frank had a passion for drawing and painting. This film examines his development as an artist in his own words. From his Ohio childhood to his art school education and a pilgrimage to Paris, he eventually landed in New York City where he crafted his unique style of painting.
For more information, or to view collection by appointment in NYC studio, contact: frivera0828@yahoo.com
Bill Crow - Jazz Journeyman (2023)
My documentary on the life and music of legendary bassist / published author / tubist / Local 802 musician’s union activist / brilliant storyteller and all-around amazing human being, who just turned 95 years young, Bill Crow!
I began working on this project in 2020 during lockdown. It helped me to stay focused and positive during such uncertain and upsetting times. Now almost three years later, it has finally come to fruition, with the help of Bill, many friends and fellow musicians.
I sincerely hope that you enjoy the show... Bill Crow is a force!
Through the Eyes of a Drummer/The Life & Photos of Jimmy Wormworth (2015)
When Jimmy Wormworth was in his early twenties he was the drummer for the hot, new vocal group, Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. He was on tour with them from 1959 to 1961, sharing concert bills with all the top jazz groups of the day. Backstage Jimmy was not only rubbing elbows with the giants of jazz, he was also snapping photographs with his Brownie camera, capturing these legends in a very candid light.
This documentary spotlights Jimmy’s life as a jazz drummer, a father of five, as well as his unique and personal photography.
Dennis’ Bass (2011)
This film documents the journey of one day in the life of Dennis' bass, dedicated to the great jazz bassist, Dennis Irwin (1951 - 2008).
In November 2011, I had my own instrument shipped to the Midwest for an upcoming gig. I needed a bass for my steady Tuesday engagement with legendary jazz vocalist, Annie Ross, at New York City's Metropolitan Room. I was fortunate enough to borrow Dennis' bass, which hadn't been played in almost four years. Fellow bassists and Dennis fans came to witness the performance, and offered their reminiscences.
NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR
All my documentaries are labors of love. I am not formally trained in filmmaking, and every new venture is a learning experience. As a self-taught videographer, I simply enjoy presenting the great story of my subjects. I hope they will fascinate you as much as they have me.
I complete every aspect of my documentaries myself, from filming and recording to editing and narrating. My lovely wife Clea Rivera is my Assistant Editor. She has a great eye, sense of wording and timing.
People sometimes ask why I don’t enter my documentaries into film festivals. I've chosen to make them for educational and historical purposes only. My main objective is to release them to a wider audience for free via YouTube. This is far more important to me than monetizing, since my hope is that anyone in the world can then enjoy and learn from them.
- Neal Miner