From Deep Gap to Screen: Elias Shack Explores Doc Watson’s Legacy
For Elias Shack, Doc Watson has always been more than a celebrated musician. Growing up near Deep Gap in Boone, North Carolina, Shack knew Watson was a local legend. As he got older, however, he developed a deeper appreciation for Watson’s music and the lasting influence he has had on the region.
“As I got older and learned a little bit more about Doc, he has slowly become one of my favorite artists,” Shack said. “It’s even more special because he is from where I am from.”
That connection inspired Shack’s first documentary, which explores Watson’s life, music and his legacy.
Shack, now living in Asheville, graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA) with a degree in New Media. His interest in filmmaking began much earlier, when he started making music videos and short films in middle school.
While studying at UNCA, Shack enrolled into a documentary filmmaking course during his final semester. Students were required to create a documentary focused on a North Carolina subject, making Watson a natural choice for Shack.
“I know enough people and met people through my connections in Boone, and it worked out,” Shack said.
Building the documentary
Creating the film required hours of research and exploration. Shack watched old documentaries, concert footage and videos of Watson online. He also read Eddie Huffman’s book, “Doc Watson: A Life in Music,” about Watson and searched for archival footage that could help tell the story.
At first, Shack had several points he wanted to include but was not sure how they would come together. That changed after interviewing David Holt, a musician and storyteller who had previously interviewed Watson himself.
“Once I had that interview with David, he became the backbone for the documentary,” said Shack.
Shack found other interviewees through connections within the bluegrass community, with some interviews coming together unexpectedly. One interviewee, Gerald, happened to come by the day Shack was filming and shared stories that became valuable to the project.
The editing process proved to be one of Shack’s biggest challenges. He had to weave together interviews, archival footage and concert videos to create a cohesive story while highlighting specific aspects of Watson’s personality.
Keeping the music alive
For Shack, the documentary is ultimately about encouraging people to discover Watson’s music.
“I think it would be cool for people to get into Doc as a musician,” he said.
The film also focuses on musicians who continue to perform Watson’s music and help keep his influence alive, including musician Billy Strings.
The documentary has been selected for several film festivals, including the Full Bloom Film Festival in Statesville, which will be its fourth festival. Shack said his professor recommended the festival as it would be a good opportunity for the film.
Shack’s filmmaking career is continuing beyond the documentary. He is currently interning at the Blue Ridge Parkway, creating videos for visitor centers, and working on another documentary about a blacksmith he interviewed in Virginia.
For Shack, making a film about Watson has been a way to combine his passion for filmmaking with his connection to the place where both Watson and him began.
Full Bloom Film Festival
To view the screening of Shack’s documentary, purchase tickets here through the Full Bloom Film Festival website. The screening will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 12:15 p.m. at the Center Stage Alliance in Statesville, NC.
To keep up with Shack and his future works, subscribe to his YouTube channel today.
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