In 1985, the Music Video Revolution was Televised… On Channel 66.

In the early 1980s, Massachusetts radio personality John Garabedian came up with a plan to launch a TV channel to function as music television for the Boston-based college crowd. His goal was to take the Music Video TV concept and make it live (real time) and local (catering to Boston’s interests). On February 12, 1985, V66 (on WVJV-TV channel 66) went live on the air and created an immediate sensation. This is the story of Life on the V.

V66 was in the right place at the right time to showcase Boston’s superstar acts of this era including Aerosmith, The Cars, and The J. Geils Band as well as the new rising stars from Boston’s music scene (‘Til Tuesday, Extreme, and The Del Fuegos). They played a wide variety of music genres and often times they played local unsigned bands in between international superstars. In July 1985, V66 was the only non-cable TV channel besides ABC to broadcast the historic Live Aid concert in Boston. V66 also broadcast live concerts and events all over the Boston area. The fans on the street, dancing at the clubs and calling in to win contests became as much a part of the channel as the music being played.

In the summer of 1986, V66 was sold to the Home Shopping Network. On September 21, 1986, V66 signed off the channel 66 airwaves.

Life On The V captures that moment in time, by combining archival footage with newly shot interviews told by the people who lived it. Featured interviews include former V66 employees (John Garabedian, Arnie Ginsburg, David Beadle, Roxy Myzal, Bob Rivers, David O’Leary, Ian O’Malley, and Bill Stephens), musicians (including members of The Cars, The J. Geils Band, New Edition, ‘Til Tuesday, Extreme, The Del Fuegos, Puddle of Mudd, Letters to Cleo, The Lemonheads, Dropkick Murphys and Morphine) and fans (Mike Dreese, Ernie Boch Jr.).

Life on the V has garnered great festival exposure and awards including:

  • Winner Best Picture: 5th Annual New England Underground Film Festival
  • Winner Best Director: 5th Annual New England Underground Film Festival
  • Winner Best Documentary: 5th Annual New England Underground Film Festival
  • Winner: Best Rock Doc at Somewhat North Of Boston Film Festival
  • Winner: Best Documentary at Independent Television and Film Festival
  • Official Selection: Allentown ArtsFest
  • Official Selection: Maryland International Film Festival Hagerstown
  • Official Selection: Philly Video Music Festival
  • Official Selection: Asbury Park Music In Film Festival
  • Official Selection: Noise Pop Film Series
  • Official Selection: Independent Film Festival Boston
  • Official Selection: The Director’s Chair Film Festival

The film is also within the permanent and prestigious collections at both The Paley Center for Media and The Museum of Broadcast Communications.

“It [the film] offers a fascinating tribute to an unusual blip in 80s pop culture history. — Phil Hall, Film Threat

“Brings the decade back to life with a fizzy mix of music, clips and interviews, deftly rewinding us back to a simpler time before internet killed the video star.” – Rockerzine

“A Once-in-a-lifetime movie-going experience.” – Double Toasted

2014 / 96 Minutes / Color / English / A film by Eric Green

HOW TO ORDER:

Public Performance and Digital Site Licenses are available through Soundview Media Partners. To inquire or to place an order, write to info@soundviewmediapartners.com or simply choose from the options below:


 

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Watch the trailer