Happiness Is

Next Broadcast on the Independent Film Channel: Sunday, Feb. 3 at 12:00 PM EST

Andrew's first film was the successful and critically acclaimed IFC Film, Before the Music Dies which was narrated by Forrest Whitaker and featured Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, Les Paul, Erykah Badu, Dave Matthews, and Hubert Sumlin, to name just a few. B4MD premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin in March of 2006 and has since been touring the country with over 300 grassroots screenings prior to becoming an IFC film in 2008.

B4MD Synopsis 

Never have so few companies controlled so much of the music played on the radio and for sale at retail stores. At the same time, there are more bands and more ways to discover their music than ever. Music seems to have split in two - the homogenous corporate product that is spoonfed to consumers and the diverse independent music that finds devoted fans online and at clubs across the country.

Before the Music Dies tells the story of American music at this precarious moment. Filmmaker Andrew Shapter traveled the country, hoping to understand why mainstream music seems so packaged and repetitive, and whether corporations really had the power to silence musical innovation. The answers he found on this journey–ultimately, the promise that the future holds–are what makes Before the Music Dies both riveting and exhilarating.

At the heart of Before the Music Dies are interviews with musicians, industry insiders, music critics, and fans that reveal how music has reached this moment of truth. Featured performances from a truly diverse group of artists, ranging from The Dave Matthews Band and Erykah Badu to Seattle street performers and Mississippi gospel singers show us that great music is always out there… as long as you know where to look. Before the Music Dies will renew your passion for great music, and inspire you to play an active part in its future.

To view the trailer, buy the DVD or get a digital download, click here. 

To visit the MySpace B4MD profile, click here.

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Insightful and inspiring websites that you may enjoy checking out.

To visit the The Happiness Project website, click here.

To visit Matthew Dowd's Political News blog, click here. 

To visit the Mobile Loaves and Fishes website, click here. 

If you'd like to suggest a website we should check out for potential inclusion on this list, just post a comment here or send us an e-mail at info@happinessisthemovie.com.

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Director/Writer, Andrew Shapter

When 12 year old Andrew got his first camera, his creative life truly began to unfold. 15 years as a fashion and music photographer honed his creative eye and led him ultimately to expand his vision into motion pictures. His first film was the critically acclaimed fan favorite, Before The Music Dies, which is an unsettling and inspiring look at the American music industry. For his second film, Andrew turned his unique reality-based narrative style to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Uplifting cinematography and an insightful narrative have been the foundation of Andrew's work and, happily, will continue to light up the screen for years to come. 

Producer, Tracy Marino 

A native New Yorker, Tracy found her way from Manhattan to Austin, TX in 2000. For many years, Tracy’s livelihood focused mostly on marketing, advertising and building strategic alliances both nationally and internationally. Yet Tracy has always had a passion for helping artists bring inspiring stories to life. And so working with Andrew on Happiness Is became the perfect way to launch her future as a Producer. Tracy's focus now is to help bring Andrew's unique vision to life through the filmmaker brand voice they craft together and the hard work of a strong team. She also authors the MySpace blogs which provide a valued connection with the audience.

Executive Producer, Michael Lehrter

Executive Producer, Jim Bruno

Writer, director, and producer of the independent film, "beyond words!" (2001), Jim merges his love of filmmaking, storytelling, songwriting, and interactive media into one vocation. Jim recently completed a new screenplay, lyrics and music for a 15-song musical film, "Maria!", based on the 1867 Colombian novel of the same name.

Editor, Sjon Ueckert

Associate Producer, Christina Fernandez

At home both in front of and behind the camera, Christina honed her industry chops in both Austin and L.A. She holds a Master of Arts in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin in Production, Screenwriting, and Critical Studies. She worked for two years in television production at Paramount Pictures for Fauci Productions, and did script consulting at Writers Boot Camp in Santa Monica. She co-produced the short film "Mockingbird" and was Production Coordinator for the short film "On the Couch". As an actress she’s appeared as the lead role in the television pilot “Poodle Dog Lounge” and the indie biopic “Last Call for Tacos”.

Animators, Collection Agency Films 

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Happy, Texas

(photo credit: Andrew Shapter) 

Andrew interviewing Willie on the bus.

(photo credit: Tracy Marino) 

We can learn a lot from kids about happiness. Near the Mississippi River, Arkansas.

(photo credit: Andrew Shapter) 

Route 66, the coolest road in America

(photo credit: Victoria Cain) 

 Pillars of Character. Roswell, New Mexico

(photo credit: Victoria Cain) 

Coney Island. Brooklyn, New York.

(photo credit: Andrew Shapter) 

Yosemite National Park

(photo credit: Victoria Cain) 

A moment in time on a San Francisco street.

(photo credit: Victoria Cain) 

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Now that's one happy man! (one of many cool pictures posted in our MySpace)

To check out Happiness Is in MySpace, click here.

We are fortunate to have over 10,000 friends in MySpace who have provided encouragement and faith in our project since film production began in 2006. The blogs especially have been a forum for insight and community discussion that have given us another resource to learn about life and happiness as we go. The contributions of our virtual neighbors is a key part of our Happiness Is journey!

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