From Behind The Mic To In Front Of The Camera

We spent a moment with Carolyn McDonald, an award-winning writer, producer and director who recently made the move from Hollywood to Nashville.  Carolyn came to Nashville with an amazing list of credits under her belt, including a ten-year stint as Danny Glover’s partner at Carrie Productions where she was responsible for numerous Glover vehicles, including FREEDOM SONG, BUFFALO SOLDIERS and AMERICA’S DREAM.

She connected with Nashville when she debuted her short film, P.N.O.K.  at the Nashville Film Festival.  The film, about two soldiers on Casualty Notification Detail, was well received in Nashville, and Carolyn saw potential in “Music City.” 

“Nashville artists have so much to offer, and not just with their music,” she contends.  In fact, one of her first projects in town was executive producing a humanitarian documentary called “Bearing Light” for Big Kenny of the country supergroup, Big & Rich.  The film aired on the National Geographic Channel.

“I have been wowed by the talent in Nashville.  The artists here have so much to offer.  I also believe some of these musicians could be great in front of the cameras.  I’d love to explore that.”

Her next project could take advantage of some of that talent.  “LIVE FROM BNA is an ensemble dramedy about a group of musicians pursuing their dreams despite personal crises,” she explains.  “The story will explore the working class musician, not those you see in the pop/country spotlight or in the TV series.  There are far more interesting stories to tell.“

Carolyn is acutely aware of how much the right music can add to a project. She worked very

Jason Luckett

closely with composer Jason Luckett, to assure that the music in P.N.O.K. would be just right for the film. “I loved working with Jason!  He had a vision that related to mine and was able to create amazing sounds that worked perfectly with the visuals.  The subject matter was so poignant - the longest day in the lives of two soldiers who happened to be messengers of death - and Jason was able to reflect that emotion, from their initial detachment and isolation, to a chaotic, climatic crescendo that just could not have been presented through words or visuals.”

She’ll be looking for that same level of musical reinforcement as she gathers the music for LIVE FROM BNA, both on the soundtrack and on the screen.  “I’m looking for strong musical performers with true screen presence, who could carry a film project.  And I’ve seen a lot of local artists that would be perfect for this film!”

I can’t wait to see this one!