"Deconstructing the Beatles" Contest Winner!

By Devin Wachs, Public Relations Manager, BMFI

Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry to our Deconstructing the Beatles Contest! We asked our readers to submit an idea for a screenplay inspired by one of the songs that presenter Scott Freiman will discuss tonight at tonight's event (“Strawberry Fields Forever”, “Penny Lane”, or “A Day in the Life”).

The winner is Katie Pfieffer. Here's her idea:

Strawberry Fields Forever
Set in a farmer's market, Anna helps her family sell their farm produce. She meets Tom, a lonely mushroom farmer, and they set out on a life-changing trip across the U.S. circa 1974.

Congratulations, Katie, you've won two free tickets to tonight's event.

Check out the other entries in the comments here. There are some fun ones!

Thanks to everyone who contributed. Next time you come to BMFI, you'll enjoy a free small popcorn and drink on us! We'll leave the popcorn and drink passes for you at the Box Office.

For more information about A Trip Through Strawberry Fields: Deconstructing the Beatles and to buy tickets, click here.

Music Fans: Win Free Tickets to "Deconstructing the Beatles"

Win free tickets to Scott Freiman's fascinating lecture, A Trip Through Strawberry Fields: Deconstructing the Beatles! This in-depth exploration of the making and meaning of three of The Beatles' most beloved songs comes to Bryn Mawr Film Institute on Tuesday, January 31 at 7:30 pm. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

Contest: Pretend you’re writing a screenplay inspired by a favorite Beatles tune. Choose a song that Scott will discuss (“Strawberry Fields Forever”, “Penny Lane”, or “A Day in the Life”) and tell us your movie idea based on it in 30 words or less. Jazz it up and have fun!

Post your entries (including your name) in the comments below. The first fifteen people to submit a pitch will win a pass for free popcorn and soda at the event. The entry that we find most compelling will win two free tickets! Submissions must be made by Monday, January 30 at 6:00 pm.

*Please Note: When posting your comment, you will be asked to select a log-in from a list. If you do not have a Google account, etc., please select either 1) "Name/URL", which requires that you have a valid website address of your own, or 2) "Anonymous". If you select the latter, please be sure to sign your name in the post.

Take "A Trip Through Strawberry Fields" with Scott Freiman

By Daniel Santelli, Jr., BMFI Programming Intern

Think you know everything about the Fab Four? Think again!

On Tuesday, January 31 at 7:30pm, BMFI will host Scott Freiman’s interactive lecture A Trip Through Strawberry Fields: Deconstructing The Beatles. Mr. Freiman, a composer and Beatles expert, will examine three iconic songs (“Strawberry Fields Forever”, “Penny Lane”, and “A Day in the Life”), revealing hidden messages and layered subtext as he uses archival footage and anecdotes to illuminate the Beatles’ creative process. He has performed the lectures across the country in packed theaters, sharing his valuable insights on the tide-turning band.

Click here to win free tickets and more!

Mr. Freiman was kind enough to answer a few questions in a brief email interview:

What about The Beatles do you see as most important? Why deconstruct their work?
The Beatles are incredibly important in popular music--and in music overall. They helped evolve rock and roll and influenced countless artists. They were instrumental in having rock music be taken seriously by music critics. They influences clothing, video, and popular culture. Their music still resonates with people more than fifty years since they first formed.

How does deconstructing the music and lyrics further our understanding of these classics?
My presentations attract audiences from age 8 to 88.  There's no other musicians or musical group where people with such a wide range of age and experience can enjoy the same music.

What do you hope audiences who attend the lectures take away from them?
I have always found that understanding more about how a piece of art is constructed (what were the circumstances behind its creation, what creative decisions were made as it was created) helps lead to a greater appreciation of the art. The one comment I consistently get after my presentations is that "I will never listen to music the same way again."

What is your favorite Beatles’ tune?
I'm not great with picking favorites, but "Strawberry Fields Forever" is certainly up there for me.  It is fascinating to listen to the song evolve from a simple demo to the sonic masterpiece that landed on vinyl. I plan to share that journey with the audience at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute. "A Day In The Life" is another amazing piece of music.  The orchestral climax still gives me chills.  I'll also be talking about that song on Tuesday night.

We hope to see you on Tuesday! You can get tickets online here.