Chuck Statler: Before MTV
November 2–4, 2006

Chuck Statler, arguably the godfather of the music video, is a pioneer who directed music films for upstart record labels and emerging superstars like Elvis Costello, Madness, and DEVO before MTV’s existence. Minneapolis-based but Akron-born-and-bred, Statler met fellow art students Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerry Casale—the nucleus of DEVO—at Kent State University in the early 1970s. They soon began collaborating on the music films that would become a hallmark of DEVO’s act. Soon Stiff, Blank, ZE Records, and other maverick New Wave labels commissioned Statler to produce films for their artists. Music videos (aka short band films), traced from the budding European “pop clip” business of the 1960s, were used by record labels in America and Europe to promote new talent. Already friendly with many New Wave artists and skilled in 16mm film production, Statler soon found his niche. Highlights include films of Costello, Graham Parker, Nick Lowe, Madness, Suicide Commandos, and DEVO. Post-MTV clips include music by Pere Ubu, The Moldy Peaches, and The Wipeouters.

Organized by Sally Berger, Assistant Curator, Department of Film; with film director Jeff Krulik. Special thanks to Chuck Statler and the CMJ Music Marathon.

A Conversation with the Director
Statler and Jeff Krulik (Heavy Metal Parking Lot) discuss the birth of New Wave music filmmaking. The program includes behind-the-scenes production stills; early 16mm music film clips including DEVO, In the Beginning Was the End (1977), Madness, One Step Beyond (1979), and Elvis Costello, (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding? (1978); post-MTV video music clips; and a preview of Statler’s documentary The Sound from the Ceiling. 120 min.
Thursday, November 2, 8:00. T1

Music Film Clips
A retrospective screening of Statler’s New Wave film clips, including Graham Parker, Protection (1979); City Boy, The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1979); The Time, Cool (1981); DEVO, Love Without Anger (1981); Pere Ubu, Love, Love, Love (1989); Tiny Tim, Paddle Your Own Canoe (1993); and The Wipeouters, Twist ‘n’ Launch (2001). 93 min.
Friday, November 3, 8:15; Saturday, November 4, 8:15. T2 

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