Brent Huff is an award-winning actor, writer, and director. He has produced and directed several films which include Chasing Beauty and Behind the Orange Curtain. His latest film It’s a Rockabilly World! takes viewers to a whole new world – the rockabilly world. Brent discussed how and why he decided to document this unique subject.
1. When did you begin your filmmaking career?
I started my career as an actor. I was a theater major at the University of Missouri before moving to New York. In 1994, I wrote and directed my first feature film, We the People. It was a very rewarding experience and changed the direction and focus of my career.
2. What inspired you to film this particular subject?
Producer Patrick Stack took me to my first Rockabilly Event 3 years ago in Ventura, California and it really opened my eyes. It was like a big costume party. I loved the music but it was the people who were entrenched in this subculture and lived life as they did in the 1950’s that really got my attention.
3. Where there any particular new things you learned about the rockabilly scene while you were filming?
Rockabillies are both serious and protective of the scene. They know and respect the pioneers like Eddie Cochran, Wanda Jackson and Carl Perkins. Elvis is still the king.
4. What was your favorite scene to film?
That’s hard to say because I have so many favorite scenes. We delve into many aspects of the Rockabilly World. The music, the cars, the tattoo’s, psychobilly , the hair, etc. But the section that focuses on the Pin Up girls is probably my favorite. Girls of all ages, ethnicities, shapes and sizes can rock this scene. I think Rockabilly empowers a lot of women. They are very supportive of each other.
5. Do you have any other exciting projects coming up?
Yes, I am directing a bio documentary titled Double Exposure. It is the story of Hoyt Richards, a man who grew up privileged on the East Coast, played football and graduated from Princeton, became the first male supermodel and…. was entrenched in a cult in New York City for 20 years.
Watch It’s a Rockabilly World! today.
