![]()
![]()
![]()
A film about Adrian Borland must be about the musician, the artist and the producer. His passion and intense drive to tell the stories he wanted through music, in a way only he could tell them. In the early 80's Adrian found fame as the singer, songwriter, guitarist and frontman of ‘The Sound’. When the band split up in 1987, he embarked on a critically respected solo career.
With his music Adrian touched thousands of people who took so much comfort in his earnest lyrics and music. He was a guiding light in dark times for many devoted fans. So it came as a shock to learn that Adrian Borland committed suicide on the morning of the 26th of April 1999. The world would soon learn what the people around him had already known, that Adrian suffered from a schizoid-affective disorder.
A social worker with a guitar.
Many fans understood the struggles that inflected Adrian's moods and music. Whether it was hope or despair, the listener could always relate. His voice too was as exceptional: powerful and angry, sad and desperate but never without a trace of comforting warmth.
Songs you know by Adrian Borland and the Sound:
![]()
We aim to reach as many people as possible to tell the story of Adrian Borland and the Sound. For a lot of them this will the first time they hear the music and discover the man who touched so many through his song. For others it will be an emotional trip down memory lane.
Our plan is to make a film of approximately 80 minutes to screen at international film festivals and, later, to broadcast on television in Holland, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.
![]()
![]()
I am Jean-Paul van Mierlo, a devoted Adrian Borland fan from the start. I attended every concert performed by the Sound and Adrian solo in the Netherlands. After his death I was responsible for the “Book of (Happy) Memories” project, through which I came into contact with many of Adrian’s intimates.
When I decided to make this documentary, I teamed up with writer/director Marc Waltman and cameraman Thijn Teeuwissen. The three of us filmed and edited the trailer for our crowdfunding campaign.
Other professionals will work alongside us when the project enters its main production phase.
![]()
Much of the pre-production has already been completed. Over the past several months, we self-financed a series of pre-interviews with Adrian’s family, friends, and collaborators. This footage was used in the trailer, which was also self-financed.
Pre-production (from May-July 2014)
After the successful conclusion of our crowdfunding campaign, we will finalize the script and organize the filming of one final, marathon round of on-location interviews.
Production (June-September 2014)
We estimate 12 days of filming at different locations in the UK and Europe. Like a touring band, we plan to travel in a large car which can carry 3 persons and all the audio/video equipment.
Post-production (from August-December 2014)
The bulk of post-production will be spent in the editing room, making sure that the whole story is told effectively and efficiently. Period footage will be restored as necessary. Graphic design will be applied. Then the final cut will be color-corrected and the audio mix finalized in preparation for theatrical screening.
Distribution(December 2014)
The finished film will be distributed widely in order to maximize its audience.
![]()
Your money will go toward:
10% Pre-production
This includes the writing of the final script and preparation for on-location interviews.
40% Production
This includes 12 days on-location with director, producer, cameraman and sound engineer as well as material (film, sound and light equipment).
35% Post production
This includes editing, color-correction and audio mix as well as digital restoration of video footage from the 1980s.
10% Travel expenses
We estimate a total of 12 days on-location: 5 in the UK and 7 at different locations in Europe. Although travel expenses are kept at a minimum through strict economies, this will nevertheless require a small budget.
5% Additional cost
This includes licensing of music and television footage
Note: All time and expenses applied to research, communication and social media are paid from our own pockets.
![]()
First of all, we are very grateful for every monetary donation. These give us the opportunity to interview more people and film at locations that are important to the story.
In addition, we ask you to spread word of this film through social media. There are a lot of fans of Adrian Borland and the Sound all around the world, far too many for us to reach without your help.
You can mail us on mierlo@casema.nl
If you don't want to use PayPal you can fund also for the Perks via a Bank transfer:
Accountname:
Stichting Opposite Direction
Nootdorp/ Netherlands
Bankaccount:
IBAN: NL90 INGB 0006 4662 63
BIC: INGBNL2A
Thank you very much,
Jean-Paul van Mierlo.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
