"I hope rockers keep fighting the good fight, and that they don't let the corporations, conservatives, or other forms of repression ruin the planet (shakes fist in the air)."

Merle Becker: Keep an open mind 

Merle Becker is a television producer/director, and the founder of the independent film company Freakfilms, Inc.

Becker was involved in MTV Animation's late-1990s programming, including Beavis and Butthead, Daria, and Cartoon Sushi. She left MTV in early 2000 to start Freakfilms and worked on Comedy Central's Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. She has also worked on the 59th Annual Tony Awards, as well as various other shows for Fuse, VH1 and MTV. In 2004, Becker produced and directed the political documentary "Saving Newburgh" (2005) as well as the award-wining documentary about rock poster artists, "American Artifact: The Rise of American Rock Poster Art" (2009).

American Artifact chronicles the rise of American rock poster art since its birth in the '60s.Director Merle Becker crosses the country interviewing rock poster artists from the different eras to discover that America is currently in the midst of a 21st century "rock poster art movement", where thousands of artists around the country are doing silk screened rock poster art inspired by their local scene, the music of our time, and the spirit of our era.

The film explores the history / rise of the current rock poster movement in America, and features a cast of quirky / interesting, and extremely talented rock poster artists, talking about their work, and telling the story of their underground art movement.

Interview by Michael Limnios

What experiences in your life have triggered your ideas most frequently?

Death of loved ones (mom, sister), listening to great music, and being around other artists, entertainers, and people who inspire me.

When was your first desire to become involved in the art? How did Freakfilms, Inc. start?

I've always been obsessed with documenting things - my favorite toy as a kid was my tape recorder. I started Freakfilms Inc. after I got tired of working at MTV and I wanted to produce work under my own company name. I wanted to steer away from wedding videos and corporate videos, so I chose the name "Freakfilms" thinking that no bride in her right mind would hire a company called "Freakfilms Inc," to film her wedding.

How would you characterize the philosophy of Merle Becker’s work and progress?

I try to keep an open mind and find something positive about the people in my work, even if I don't care for the show I'm working on.

"I wasn't around in the '60s, but I "miss" the cultural awareness / activism that younger people in America had during that era. Today, it seems like it's harder to get people involved in causes any more than "liking" a Facebook page." 

Photo by Jason Kaczorowski

How important was music in your life? How does music affect your mood and inspiration?

Music is everything! I have the (internet) radio on all day. It's my caffeine, my distraction, my reality check, and an excuse to disco dance with my daughter.

How did the idea of "American Artifact" come about?

I came across the book "The Art of Modern Rock" in a bookstore, and ended up looking through it for hours. It was all downhill from there.

What do you miss most nowadays from psychedelic era?

I wasn't around in the '60s, but I "miss" the cultural awareness / activism that younger people in America had during that era. Today, it seems like it's harder to get people involved in causes any more than "liking" a Facebook page.

What has been the relationship between music and visual art?

There has always been a close connection - both inspire each other. I have always been a HUGE fan of music videos, which I think many people write off, or don't have the patience for. But I think they're one of the purest examples of visual expression of music, and in many cases, more interesting and exciting than other forms of art.

What are the lines that connect the legacy of Acid era with Punk and continue to Resurgence and beyond?

The common thread between 60s posters, punk flyers, and a lot if today's posters is rebellion against the status quo, just like the rock music does in many cases.

Why did you think that 60s posters continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think the imagery is so closely connected to that era, and for many, posters serve as sort of souvenirs - reminders of great shows and experiences. For others who weren't alive then, they might appreciate the beautiful art, and connect to some of the political and social themes in the work.

"I think they're one of the purest examples of visual expression of music, and in many cases, more interesting and exciting than other forms of art."

Poster by Dennis Loren

You have come to know great artists. Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you?

I so closely connected to the rebellious, DIY philosophy that most (all?) of the poster artists have, that overall, I consider the whole experience of making American Artifact a blessing. The artists I met 7 years ago while making the film and traveling with it are still very much a part of my life today.

Are there any memories from Victor Moscoso, Stanley Mouse, Dennis Loren and Randy Tuten?

Anyone who has met Victor Moscoso has probably come away with some sort of story. For me, it was that he played hard to get on the phone weeks before our interview. He kept saying "no" to being in the film. I would send him emails, samples of my work, etc., until finally, the night before I hoped to interview him in San Francisco (while I was there shooting other interviews), I got a call at 11pm, and it was Victor. In his thick NY accent he goes; "Heya Merle, I decided to join ya paaarty". It was pretty funny.

Which memory from Gary Grimshaw, Jim Sherraden, and David Singer makes you smile?

Gary Grimshaw is such a kind, conscientious person; just his name makes me smile... And his wife Laura, as well. I think about them often, and their political protest experiences in Detroit, and it always makes me smile.

What are your hopes and fears for the future of music and rock n’ roll culture?

I hope rockers keep fighting the good fight, and that they don't let the corporations, conservatives, or other forms of repression ruin the planet (shakes fist in the air).

"I try to keep an open mind and find something positive about the people in my work, even if I don't care for the show I'm working on." 

Photo by Grace Miller

What from your memories and things (books, records, photos etc.) would you put in a "time capsule"?

If I was filling a time capsule with some of the items that shaped my life, it would have to include the following albums: The Smiths "Louder Than Bombs", De La Soul "3 Feet High and Rising", and Billy Joel "Cold Spring Harbor". I'd stick some key toys from childhood like my Etch-A-Sketch and my tape recorder in there, and there would be a few pics of my mom, my husband Chris, and my daughter Hendrix.

How you would spend a day with Beavis and Butthead and what would you like to ask Elvis?

I would take Beavis and Butt-Head to a Tea Party rally (and film their reactions), and I'd like to ask Elvis about his relationship with his mother and father.

Freakfilms, Inc - Official website