IBC to Mark 25th Anniversary of ‘Spınál Tap’

Harry Shearer
Harry Shearer, who played bassist Derek Smalls in the 1984 mock documentary "This is Spı͏̈nál Tap," will be a featured guest at an IBC session, Monday, Sept. 13 at the RAI.

The conference, which will take place from 1:30-3:00, will feature Shearer, along with producer Jim Gabour, discussing the 25-year history of the cult classic. The two will also discuss production of “unwigged and unplugged,” a new film featuring the trio who make up Spı͏̈nál Tap—Shearer, Christopher Guest and Michael McKean. Shearer is also the voice behind a number of characters on “The Simpsons.”

The new film, scheduled for DVD release Sept. 1, documents the group’s recent live tour and consists mostly of footage from their last gig in Milwaukee. Gabour used eight HD cameras—all the theater would allow—and finished the film and audio remix at Crawford Communications in Atlanta.

“Everything is a complete send-up done with a totally straight face,” Gabour said. This masterclass is a unique chance to hear from an actor as well as the producer and director on the challenges of complementing a cult classic. Given that this is likely to be a lot of fun as well as very informative, seats for this session are going to be in demand, so be there in plenty of time.”

The session will be chaired by George Jarrett.