One in the Oven, One on the Stove
We’re officially in the home stretch — just a few months out from the premiere of Song of Sunset on October 8, and it’s starting to feel very real.
Right now, we’ve got a steady brand awareness campaign running quietly in the background. These short weekly ads are helping us fine-tune how we position the premiere and the songwriter circle that will follow. It’s been energizing to see people in the Bend area responding with curiosity and encouragement. Local momentum is building, and that’s exactly what we were hoping for.
On the tech side, I’m prepping Episode 1 for official distribution. This means making sure everything meets the professional specifications required for streaming platforms: high-res video, strong audio mixes, accurate captions, and all the metadata bells and whistles. Once we pick up a bit more media coverage and (hopefully) a few festival selections, I’ll be ready to submit it for release. IMDb listings are underway as well — it’s all part of positioning the project for the larger world.
Behind the scenes, Episode 1 is also out in the world being evaluated by film grant reviewers and arts critics. It’s a nerve-wracking but necessary part of the journey. I’m aiming for inclusion in regional festivals across the Pacific Northwest, and more importantly, I’m trying to raise the bar (and budget) for Episode 2.
Speaking of Episode 2 — it’s a big one. We’ll be diving into the origin story of one of Bend’s most beloved summer music traditions: Munch & Music. This cultural cornerstone started in the 1990s, and I’ve been spending hours scrolling through microfiche archives, unearthing old press stories and forgotten moments. It’s fascinating — a kind of local music archaeology. I’ve got a few compelling interview subjects lined up who were there in the early days, ready to share how it all came to be.
And just to keep things interesting — this fall I’ll be kicking off a second film project while Episode 2 begins development. It’s a short doc about pedal steel guitars, set in Arizona. The story is a little different in tone, but just as meaningful to me. It’s about history, craftsmanship, and family legacy — and it complements the spirit of Song of Sunset in unexpected ways.
So yes — one project in the oven, one on the stove.
Thanks for sticking with me on this journey. Whether you’re a performer, supporter, or just curious about the heart of the Bend music scene, I can’t wait to share what’s coming next.
🎟️ Tickets for the October 8 premiere at Volcanic Theatre Pub are going fast. Be sure to reserve your spot soon, and stay tuned for some big announcements about our Indiegogo campaign launching the same night.
More soon,
Brian Craig Hinderberger
Director, Song of Sunset
