Big Hollywood Interview: Director/Producer Jonathan Flora on ‘Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good’

[pollyannaish]

Big Hollywood Interview: Director/Producer Jonathan Flora on ‘Lt. Dan :

by Christian Toto

Actor Gary Sinise didn’t jump at the chance to be the subject of a documentary feature. The “Forrest Gump” star works relentlessly on behalf of the troops via his rock outfit the Lt. Dan Band, but he’s much less willing to toot his own horn. Director Jonathan Flora convinced the stubborn star that a documentary could help spread the word to people and places Sinise would otherwise never get the chance to visit.

“Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good” hits streaming devices everywhere July 4th. People who want to screen the film can pay a $3.99 fee, with $1 going to The Gary Sinise Foundation which continues his work on the troops‘ behalf.

Flora had met Sinise several years ago, but he recalls the first time he saw the actor’s band on stage: “I was on pins and needles,” he recalls, echoing a common fear about actors who pick up a guitar. “You hope they don’t stink.” Flora quickly learned what soldiers, sailors, and their loved ones have over the past eight years: The Lt. Dan Band rocks. “They play songs everybody knows. [Audiences] can reflect back and remember where they were when those songs were a hit and forget where they are for a while,” Flora says.

But he didn’t want to make a straightforward rock music documentary.

“We used Gary and the band as a vehicle to introduce viewers to other people who support the military, like the first responders,” says Flora, a veteran himself.

Visit the link for the interview.

[pollyannaish]

We are very fortunate that in this day and age, we have Gary Sinse. It's not a career move, its a mission. And in today's world, that is really something to admire.

 

Can't wait to see the whole thing.

[Saltbag]

What a great American. Great to see the rare shining star out of Hollywood.