Description

Talking Guitars is an intimate portrait of master guitar craftsman, Flip Scipio. This behind-the-scenes music documentary illustrates the fascinating juxtaposition of the quiet artist and the world of musicians who seek his expertise. His clients include Jackson Browne, David Lindley, Ben Taylor, Paul Simon, David Tronzo, Leni Stern and Carly Simon. It is claimed that Flip can "make the worst piece of sh*t sing." For himself music is like Esperanto; a universal language.

The film is a musical journey with Scipio between his workshop in New York - sitting face to face with his famous clients - and back at his parent's house in the small town of Heiloo in the Netherlands. What lies behind the passion and motivation of one of the world's greatest guitar maker?

According to his parents, Flip's career started when he accidentally broke his grandfather's mandolin. He refined his craftsmanship in New York. The camera reveals the story of his fascination with the material, his obsessive workmanship and his love for the instrument. He caresses the strings, taps the sound box and takes in the scent of the wood.

His customers praise the magical sound of his guitars. Paul Simon, for example, fell in love with an unfinished electrical Scipio-guitar. We hear him say: "Stop! It's just perfect in its sound." In an effort to describe the magic of Flip's craftsmanship Jackson Browne remarks: "He is an obsessive person." And Leni Stern asserts that: "He talks to the wood." Scipio himself is thoroughly down-to-earth about his work: "I feel that I'm just a tool rather than being someone who creates things." Listening to Across the Borderline by Ry Cooder, Scipio talks about the immigrant blues: "You follow a promise that is never fulfilled." "Flip's guitars are easy to play," says Leni Stern and every musician knows this. Watching him at work is as interesting as hearing the musicians play. The film draws you into his world, and makes you want to hear what he hears.

Cast

with:

Flip Scipio the guitarmaker

The musicians:
Ben Taylor Band: Ben Taylor
Larry Ciancia
David Saw
Jackson Browne
David Lindley
Jan Obbeek
Leni Stern
David Tronzo
Carly Simon
Paul Simon

Festivals

IDFA, Amsterdam
Hot Docs, Toronto
Nashville IFF
Maine IFF
JIMFF, Korea
Vancouver IFF

Production Credits & Notes

Director Claire Pijman
Cinematographer Claire Pijman
Editor Danniel Danniel
Katharina Wartena
Sound Ludo Keeris
Mike Primmer
Rik Meier
Soundmix Hugo Dijkstal
Production Claire Pijman
Creative producer Suzanne van Voorst
Producer Stichting Docu Shot