Over the last fourteen years, Plan-it X Records helped foster a huge cultural revolution -- uniting geographically divided DIY punk communities under one umbrella. With a united ethic and common goals, this scene has grown to a critical mass while some bands flirted with mainstream success and others choose to remain firmly rooted in the basement punk scene. This original documentary climaxes in the 2006 Festival where punks from all over the world met up in Bloomington, IN for a week of music and skillsharing. Original footage of This Bike is a Pipe Bomb, Japanther, Defiance, Ohio, Ghost Mice, One Reason, Operation: Cliff Clavin, Soophie Nun Squad, and more!
An in-depth account of one of the most important cultural epicenters in Portland's history, "X-Ray Visions" tells the story of the X-Ray Cafe, an ABC NO RIO/924 Gilman-esque "Nightclub" that hosted bands like Green Day, Crash Worship, Nation of Ulysses, Neurosis, Everclear, Smegma, Poison Idea, and virtually every touring act from '89-'94. Did you ever wonder how Portland appeared on the map as THE epicenter for weird, alternative arts and culture? It was because of the X-Ray - an entirely unique all-ages venue with a true "anything goes" aesthetic--a punk band, a circus act, toddlers banging on things, language classes, 25 cent advice, and a spanking evangelist might all appear on a single bill - and its presence put Portland on the map as a radical, rock and roll kind of town. Comes with a bonus CD soundtrack of former X-Ray regular acts, including Hazel, Dead Moon, Big Daddy Meat Straw, New Bad Things, Unwound, Crackerbash, Frances Farmer Gals, and more! Tightened up editing with a new cover by Sean Tejeratchi (Craphound!)
"Martinis in the Bike Lane" (11 min) is a documentary short about the history of the decorated and unique bike lane markings in Portland, OR. Why does that one have a golf club or a book? Without giving too much away, it's an exciting issue that has been pondered by many and explained by few. See a fun and adventurous marking that Joe got to design. "Best Documentary Short" in the Mid-Valley Film Festival!
“Last Train out of North America” (19 min) discusses the lack of priority and funding towards passenger rail service in North America. Interviews with passengers, employees, and train obsessives tell the story of the rails being sold to cargo train companies, why the government fired David Gunn, & how each year appears to the be the last.
“Central Kansas - Canvas Central” (11 min) is a mockumentary about the obsessive nature of people with patches as a kind of media. For years we’ve tabled at bookfairs and sold primarily patches to young, excited individuals who ignored our reading material. I set out to get the inside story from this interesting set.
“Of Dice and Men” (39 min) chronicles players of the board game RISK and their obsessive behaviors. The game affects their personalities, turning anarchists and relaxed folks into conniving, manipulative, and calculated imperialists. Parallels to the patterns and habits of the US are drawn, showing how these situations, in the real world or a game, reveal human nature.
"Cowboy Hat & A Cane" (11 min) is a documentary short about America's most loved dog - Coda Bowles and her relationship with her people. Move over Lassie, this dumpster diver grew up on the mean streets of Portland after probably spending some time on a puppy farm, and was found roaming a dangerous intersection! The video focuses on Coda's history as much as it can be traced and then moves onto her daily habits and behaviors now. A fun movie for dog owners and lovers everywhere!
