Ep494: Redd Kross Documentary Director & Record Collector Andrew Reich

TV writer & Record Collector Andrew Reich discusses his decade-long journey creating a documentary about Los Angeles music legends Redd Kross and the McDonald brothers' musical partnership. Topics Include: How Andrew made the leap from TV writing to filmmaking. Wife's suggestion sparked the documentary idea. Heard Steve McDonald's abduction story on a podcast. TV writing different from documentary making - can't control narrative. Documentary structure doesn't follow traditional storytelling beats. Director learned new storytelling techniques through editing. Documentary required extensive collaboration with editor Aaron Elders. Filming spanned approximately 10 years (2015-2025). Jeff McDonald's hairstyle changed dramatically throughout filming. Andrew discovered Redd Kross through "Teen Babes from Monsanto" album. Became fan at 13, requesting records for radio station. Redd Kross connects diverse bands from Black Flag to Go-Go's. Director considers Redd Kross one of Los Angeles' greatest bands. Documentary coincided with band's current renaissance and revival. Making the movie spurred new Redd Kross creative activity. Band created "Born Innocent" song specifically for the film. Initial filming was sporadic until Kickstarter provided funding. Created oral history structure from interview transcripts. Collected extensive archival material throughout production process. Film deliberately kept under 90 minutes for accessibility. Cut "Desperate Teenage Love Dolls" section despite importance. Film focuses on brothers' relationship rather than complete history. Steve's abduction possibly influenced band's fantasy/dress-up aesthetic. Andrew admires documentaries like "Anvil" and "Dig." Avoids rock critics in documentaries, preferring eyewitness accounts. Parents' interview about abduction was emotionally challenging. Wishes he had footage of certain legendary shows. New photographs emerged after film completion for eventual Blu-ray. Describes record collecting journey starting in New Jersey. Now focuses on first pressings of albums he loves. Sold unnecessary records to fund first pressing purchases. Australian bands currently producing best new punk music. Prefers seeing smaller shows over expensive arena concerts. Purchased rare Redd Kross/White Flag split single. Film rentals now available worldwide at reddkrossfilm.com/rent Rent "Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story" here. EXTENDED, Commercial free, high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8