Electrelane Finds Buzz From What Goes Up

Electrelane might be on hiatus, but the British all-girl alternative rock band recently experienced a resurgance in interest as a feature performer on the What Goes Up soundtrack. Even on iTunes, songs from the soundtrack have experienced periodic surges in popularity.

Since their 2007 appearance at the Anti-Trafficking Alliance at the Barfly in London, an event the band organized, the band has maintained a low profile. Even at their final event, Electrelane choose to DJ in lieu of performing, officially making their last performance as a band December 2007 in their hometown, Brighton, England.

Today, their eclectic sound had a definite impact in setting the tone for What Goes Up. In some ways it fits, as Electrelane was sometimes thought of musical misfits. Perhaps they were just ahead of their time.

Influenced by a wide range of bands Neu!, Stereolab, Sonic Youth, and the Velvet Underground, Electrelane’s unique sound earned them international attention and set the stage for the inclusion of their music in new mediums.

For What Goes Up, the band contributed four tracks to the movie’s soundtrack: Blue Straggler, Two for Joy, Cut and Run, and You Make Me Weak at the Knees. Each of the songs are featured on other Electrelane albums, capturing their artistic progression over the years.

Blue Straggler, featured on their first album, Rock it to the Moon released in 1991, enhanced the atmospheric feel prevalent throughout What Goes Up. With the 1986 shuttle launch as a background to the film, this instrumental space-rock track inadvertently reminds the audience of the looming launch.

Axes released in 2005, the third of their albums, featured Two for Joy. With an intro that feels like you are at a funeral, and with What Goes Up it is likely that you are, Two for Joy takes the audience from the funeral like progression and escalates us through the mourning process --from fear to acceptance, with lyrics like,

I have no sorrow
If I’m glad, oh! let me show it
The upbeat melodies of Cut and Run and You Make Me Weak at the Knees, from the albums The Power Out and No Shouts, No Calls, takes the audience full circle as life’s obstacles are overcome. Here, we are reminded of the comedy and joy that life can bring.

“What Goes Up definitely benefitted from Electrelane’s musical contribution,” said James Hoke, executive producer with Three Kings Production. “Their songs, in many ways augmented the progression of the characters within the film. Director Jonathan Glatzer, who chose every track, really nailed it here.”

While there has been little heard from Electrelane since their hiatus in 2007, many die-hard fans have told us that it’s great to see them resurface again. When asked if they have any messages for their favorite band, one fan said "Yeah, we miss you!"

R.D. Robb Is No Stranger To Daring Films

It's almost hard to imagine that R.D. Robb, one of the producers of What Goes Up, began his career as the precocious Scott Schwartz who double "dog" dared his classmate to stick his tongue on a frozen flagpole (and was later dared to do the same). But he did exactly that in the 1983 holiday classic, A Christmas Story.

Since, Robb had added more than 20 credits to his career as an actor, director, and producer, before being introduced to the What Goes Up screenplay. Although he was still overseeing production at a company called ZentAmerica, he immediately fell in love with the clever characters and then the undeniable passion exhibited by writer/director Jonathan Glatzer.

"From a creative standpoint, I always look for personal stories, interesting journeys, and nuanced characters. The screenplay had all of that," says Robb. "The making of the film was trying at times, but they all are for different reasons and circumstances. Throughout though, Glatzer was really great with the actors, coming from a background of directing theater."

The effort paid off, with all of the performances in this poignant independent film receiving nods for their contributions in one review or another. Most often described as a dramedy, What Goes Up also presented a different kind of movie making as it captured the chance relationship between a reporter and a group of adolescent social misfits. As perhaps best put by Pete Hammond from Hollywood.com, it "marches to its own surprising beat."

“Life contains both funny and tragic moments. So should any good film, no matter what the genre,” Robb said. "In a film like What Goes Up, it needs to strongly address both elements, but the comedy needs to carry us to make the tragedy work and pay off. It’s challenging to find that balance in tone, especially because there is a fine line.”

While the fine line of presenting a fishbowl glimpse of life seemed too daunting for some, What Goes Up has since captured a growing cult-like following of fans who appreciate the steady pace of the film. In fact, many of these fans say they are surprised at how the movie has a stronger and stronger impact with each new viewing. Robb attributes the repeat allure to the actors.

“It was great to work with so many talented actors in What Goes Up,” Robb said. “They were all so smart, talented and intriguing in their own right. Personally, I really related to Campbell’s character with all of his struggles, fears, and dilemmas.”

Part of reason, Robb recalls, is because he vividly remembers the events that led up to the shuttle tragedy in 1986. They were not watching the television because his English teacher chalked it up as just as another shuttle launch and there was work to be done. That all changed when a second teacher entered and handed her a note.

"The look on her face was sheer horror," Robb said. "She then told us there had been a tragic accident and pulled out the television. It was on every channel, and we all watched in shock. English didn't seem all that important any more."

The parallel, minus the hometown build up as seen in the film, is striking in that writer/director Glatzer and writer Robert Lawson never dwell on the shuttle tragedy. While the pending disaster might loom in the background, they offer an anti-climax that is much more true to life. While not every critic imagined it, people are often caught up in individual struggles that seem larger than life. And then, something suddenly and unexpectedly happens that overshadows all of it and forces us to grow.

The same could be said for Robb's work on this film. As a Hollywood veteran who has worn so many hats in the film industry, he says every new project strengthens his resolve and passion for film. Every project, he says, has encouraged his growth as an artist and a businessperson. And, What Goes Up is just one more brilliant stop in his film career.

In truth, "stop" is not the right word. Robb's newest project, Triple Dog, is already in post production. He is also working on a sports film about the triumph over tragedy for one high school football team in Pennsylvania; a dark comic noir film called Killer Joe, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts; and looking forward to working on a horror/thriller from the creators of Boogeyman, which is expected to be produced by James Hoke and Tony Miranda.

"Hey," Robb muses over the prospect of working with Miranda and Hoke on a film set in Las Vegas. "There are only two executive producers in Vegas for me, baby.”

Along with the executive producers of What Goes Up, Robb has long list of people he wants to work with in the future. They include: Daniel Day Lewis, Carey Mulligan, Sean Penn, Kate Winslet, Stephen Fears, Chris Young, Paul Greengrass, Michael Mann, and Anthony Mandler. And while this "short list" might cause some to wonder if any of them have been influential on his career, Robb says that honor will always belong to someone else.

"Oh, that would be my mother," smiles Robb. "She's encouraged me and supported me every step of the way." All the way, up.

Richard Vission Remixes "Any Other Day"

Grammy-nominated remixer/producer Richard Vission has been rocking dance floors around the world with his prolific remixes of Weezer, RadioHead, Timbaland, Prince, Lady Gaga, and Static Revenger. Most recently, he produced a radio remix of "Any Other Day" by Hilary Duff.

"Any Other Day" is an original single by Hilary Duff, which Robert Lawson wrote with her and Jonathan Glatzer. You can learn more about creation of the song here.

"Any Other Day" - Richard Vission Radio Remix Teaser

Although the remix is not currently available as part of the What Goes Up Movie Soundtrack, the original version is continuing to perform well in a growing number of markets in the United States. Amherst Records is expected to announce its intentions for an international release in the days ahead.

Any Other Day Continues To Earn Airplay

Hilary Duff’s single, Any Other Day, from the What Goes Up soundtrack continues to expand its airplay on stations across the country. Since being released in April, dozens of fans have promoted it on YouTube and supported the song with purchases on iTunes and Amazon.

The seductive meaningful song, which lends some final thoughts to the indy, What Goes Up, adds a mix of faith and uneasiness as it relates to tragedy. Like the film, the song asks we consider the events in life that shape us — the obstacles we must overcome in order to grow — and what they might mean. Or maybe, it asks if it means anything at all as we move toward a ‘higher place,’ as alluded to in Duff’s spellbinding vocals. Here's a rundown of new stations currently playing the single:

Any Other Day - New Airplay

KQID  Alexandria LA
WWKZ  Tupelo MS
KISR  Fort Smith AR
KCRS  Odessa TX
KIXY  San Angelo TX
WJMX  Florence SC
KUJ   Tri Cities WA
MusicChoice Satellite
WSTW Wilmington DE (test spin)

In addition to "Any Other Day,” the soundtrack presents a eclectic blend of artists. Included in the mix are never released songs by Innocent Bystanders, including "Kidz (Who Never Grew Up)," " Never Comin Back," and "Teenage Moments."

The soundtrack also includes the UK's all-girl band Electrelane with four tracks -- "You Make Me Weak At The Knees," "Cut And Run," "Two For Joy," and "Blue Straggler." Rounding out the mix is a 1999 digitally remastered version of David Bowie's hit "Heroes."

Other artists include Roddy Bottum, Al Sgro & The Brendan Hines, Jeremy Wall, and Anthony "Tony" Miranda. Miranda is also one of the three executive producers associated with Three Kings, which produced the film.

Bottum's contributions to the score have been cited by critics as deepening the emotion throughout the film. Bottum has said it's his finest score for any film. We hope you agree.

What Goes Up Released On DVD

What Goes Up, the poignant dramedy about a reporter and his encounter with a group of adolescent social-misfits struggling to understand life, love, and all the chaos in between, is available now on DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Hilary Duff leads an all-star cast in a film that follows Campbell Babbit (Steve Coogan) on assignment to a small New Hampshire town. After Babbit attempts to contact an old friend, he discovers his friend has died and abandoned an eccentric group of teens, including Josh Peck, Olivia Thirlby, and Max Hoffman. Molly Shannon also stars in this unforgettable indy.

What Goes Up has a run time of approximately 115 minutes, which is 11 minutes longer than the version released in theaters on May 28.

Find the DVD online and in stores today.

Amazon
iTunes
Sony
Target
WalMart
Borders
Barnes & Noble
“The film provides much to think about in terms of people who come into our lives, especially teachers, and leave such a lasting impact, or those whom we secretly fall in love with from afar. Finding it hard to say goodbye and dealing with raw teenage emotions... Hilary Duff provides a strong and surprising performance as Lucy who seemed to have the closest relationship with the late teacher.” — Scott Birmingham, Reel Fans

What Goes Up Ends Initial Theatrical Run

What Goes Up, a film about a morally challenged New York reporter (Steve Coogan) who learns life lessons from a group of dysfunctional students (Hilary Duff, Josh Peck, Olivia Thirlby), has completed its initial theatrical run in theaters, which was capped off at the Breckenridge Festival of Film last Friday. The film played to a very receptive full house.

"We're not ready to close out the possibilities of a second theatrical run or pursuing more film festivals in the United States even with the DVD being released on June 16," said James Hoke, executive producer. "We're also weighing our options to show the film outside of the United States, where fans have been extremely supportive. Some of these decisions will depend on the initial DVD sales, but we really want to expand the release and we still have another contest promise to fulfill."

Fans of many primary cast members have played an important role since the movie was first shown at 3rd Annual Buffalo Niagara Film Festival. At the theatrical premiere on May 28, fan art from two film promotions greeted guests at the event.

The VIP Premiere Loop from the Pacific Design Center

In addition to fan support, Olivia Thirlby has taken some media interviews to help the film. The most recent was published at Alloy.com. In the interview, which includes photos, Thirlby also speaks very highly of Hilary Duff.

"Working with Hilary was wonderful. I can't speak highly enough of her," Thirlby told Alloy.com "She's a very cool, very kind and incredibly genuine person in every respect."

On June 16, What Goes Up will be available on DVDs everywhere. Check back for updates and links on Tuesday.

What Goes Up Heads To Breckenridge

What Goes Up makes a last minute invitation to the Breckenridge Festival of Film. Originally established in 1981, the Breckenridge Festival of Film is one of the oldest in the country.

This year’s event features 62 independent dramas, short dramas, comedies, short comedies and documentaries films. In the spirit of filmmaking, the Breckenridge Festival of Film is a showcase for young student talent for four days, June 11-14.

"What Goes Up was invited by WNBC-TV Film Critic and “Reel Talk” co-host Jeffrey Lyons, along with his son Ben Lyons, the E! Network Daily Top 10’s film critic," said James Hoke."Lyons has been an outspoken and appreciated supporter of the film."

What Goes Up will be shown at 9 p.m. in the Skyline Theatre, Dillon on Friday, June 12. Breckenridge is located about 80 miles west of Denver, Colorado. For more information about the town and lodging, visit the Breckenridge site.

"There is no Festival like Breckenridge. A large indie presence, Colorado Premiers of Feature Films, up-close and personal with the stars but with a warmth and intimacy all its own... even if it snows in June!!!" says Jeffry Lyons. "We've been doing this for 27 years. We're Good At It."

What Goes Up ends its initial theatrical run in the United States on June 11, with the last day of screenings in Brooklyn, Buffalo, Boston, Las Vegas, and Moorpark, Calif. However, the theatrical run is far from over as the producers have setting their sights on several more options.

What Goes Up will also be available on DVD everywhere next Tuesday, June 16 in the United States and Canada. You can find it in stores and on shopping sites like Amazon and iTunes.

Ain't It Cool News Interviews Olivia Thirlby

Mr. Beaks from Ain't It Cool News, a film website run by Harry Knowles, caught up with Olivia Thirlby, age 22, for a brief phone interview about 'What Goes Up' and other projects. In the article, Beaks reminds readers that although at least one magazine has already called Thirlby a "next generation star" that she is far too talented and way too young for this to be her make-or-break moment. We agree.

In 'What Goes Up,' a movie Beaks calls crammed with incident, Thirlby still manages to set herself apart as the character Tess. According to Beaks, what makes Tess so interesting is that she attempts to be disaffected, yet represses just as much pain as anyone else in the film. The article is the first primary cast interview to be published. Here is an excerpt as it relates to what Beaks calls a "lovely performance" by Thirlby.

On The Phone With Olivia Thirlby

Beaks: Your character, Tess, is an outsider within a group of outcasts.
Thirlby: She is. She definitely is the least liked, I think. I don't think she has any real bond with any of her classmates. She probably manifests that in herself; I think she's a bit surly and unpleasant to be around, sort of a buzzkill. I think also she's keeping such dark secrets inside her, and that probably forms a sort of schism between her and other people. People can't even ask where she is or where she's coming from, so to save herself the pain, she probably just puts a divide between herself and everyone around her. She's an incredibly upset person. (laughs)

Beaks: Probably the least happiest person you've ever played.
Thirlby: She is definitely the singularly most unhappy, miserable, depressed and dark character that I've ever played.

Beaks: Those are fun to play once in a while.
Thirlby: Yeah, I wouldn't say "fun". Maybe "necessary". You learn something, I think. I learned plenty about my own recovery process because Tess weighed me down a little bit; it actually took me a few months before I felt normal again. That was my first experience with anything like that.

Beaks: When it came to relating to your fellow cast members, did you get kind of method with it and try to keep your distance from them on set? How into it did you get?
Thirlby: (laughs) I wish I could say I was that method, but I was working with a group of people who were too wonderful to ignore. I can't say that when I was on location I ignored the people I was working with. As far as for when I was on set, I didn't do much socializing. I would usually hole up in my trailer and draw these really awful, dark sketches about abortions and dead teachers and stuff like that. Because Tess is an artist, I had a sketchpad and I tried to draw stuff a lot. So I would spend hours in my trailer making these really dark, horrific drawings and writing poetry that was really bleak. (laughs)

Beaks: (Laughing) That sounds pretty method to me!
Thirlby: Yeah, but at the end of the day when I took off eyeliner... I mean, it's really fun to be working in a really large crew of young people who are all so wonderful. Josh Peck, of course, is my old buddy. We actually found out that THE WACKNESS got into Sundance while we were working on [WHAT GOES UP]. And Max Hoffman... there are a whole slew of amazing Canadian actors, and we all spent quite a lot of time together.

For the rest of the interview, please visit Ain't It Cool News. The interview includes Thirlby's thoughts on the independent films, a chance run in with Judah Friedlander, and her next appearance in a film with Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham, which is due out later this month.

What Goes Up Adds Boston And Brooklyn

Shortly after respected critic Jeffrey Lyons (WNBC) backed What Goes Up on Lyons & Biles Reel Talk and said he liked the film, the executive producers of What Goes Up made the decision to announce the opening of two more screens on June 5.

The new cities, Boston and Brooklyn will be introduced as several screens in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York close on June 4.


Brooklyn, New York — Playing June 5 - June 11
Cobble Hill Cinemas
265 Court St
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-596-9113
Cobble Hill Theatre

Boston, Massachusetts — Playing June 5 - June 11
Somerville Theatre June 5 thru June 11
55 Davis Square
Somerville, MA 02144
617- 625-5700
Somerville Theatre
For a complete listing of times and locations for What Goes Up, please visit the current schedule.

Hilaryfan.com Contest Winners Announced

As a thank you to the members of Hilaryfan.com for their early support, we hosted an exclusive contest for their members to win signed What Goes Up movie DVDs, soundtrack CDs, and posters. The contest asked members to make something connected to the film, fan forum, and otherwise demonstrate they were the ultimate Hilary Duff fans. Many of the entries captured their passion and creativity as ultimate fans.

HIlaryfan.com/What Goes Up Contest Winners
First — "Hilary Fan Video" by Nick

"We asked members of Hilaryfan.com to make something or do something that demonstrates they are the ultimate fan and this entry clearly did that," said James Hoke, executive producer. "We thought it was amazing that his entire bedroom shows his love for her and he was willing to share it."

Second — "What Goes Up Calendar" by Marte T.



The producers felt that the full calendar demonstrated some exceptional design skills, and wove in the entire cast beautifully. To view the complete calendar, please visit the link here.

Third — "What Goes Up Online Magazine" by Ric


Hilary Duff Online has always been a graphically compelling site for Hilary Duff fans, but the What Goes Up online magazine (and lead-in to his Web site) is a remarkable summary of the film, including a statement from fans. Appreciated!

Fourth — "What Goes Up Fan Blog" by Rodolfo Gual Gurrola (Torreon, Mexico)


Rodolfo created a What Goes Up fan blog and showcased his collection of Hilary Duff memorabilia. You can read the blog here.

Fifth — "What Goes Up Banner" by Caroline K.


Artfully designed with an original look, Caroline presented a unique treatment for the movie poster. You can see it posted here and a larger version here.

Honorable Mentions

"Movie Poster" by Logan from Newark, Ohio


"Screen Saver/Power Point" by Josh


"Supporting Hilary" by Silvia C. (Mexcio)


"What Goes Up" poem by Angela M. (Toronto, Canada)

What makes a great movie?
Hilarious jokes that make up a comedy? Hilaryfan.com members with their ongoing support that spread the news?
An excellent portrayal by an actor?
Those are just three things

Great movies aren't easy to come across
Oh my gosh, have I ever found an excellent one
Even though I love anything and everything Hilary Duff...
Something about this movie makes it all the more 'awesome'

Unless you're crazy...
Party up - What Goes Up rocks!

"Hilary Exclusively" by 28symptoms


These submissions will be permanently featured here and included along with art from other fans and promotions as a part of a production notebook being compiled by The Insider Team. A special thanks to the Hilaryfan.com for allowing the contest and your continued support of the film that Pete Hammon of Hollywood.com calls "darkly funny" and a "2009 sleeper."