A new documentary film exploring the global community of Beatles fans is set to be released this autumn. Titled 'Here, There and Everywhere,' the film will feature a special screening in Liverpool, offering a unique look at the band's lasting impact through the eyes of their dedicated followers.
Produced by Fan Film Ltd and distributed by Liverpool West Productions, the documentary was created in collaboration with iconic Liverpool institutions, including the Cavern Club and the Casbah Coffee Club. It chronicles the band's journey from their early days as The Quarrymen to becoming worldwide phenomenons, using personal stories and rare footage to illustrate their enduring appeal.
Key Takeaways
- A new documentary, 'Here, There and Everywhere,' will be released this autumn, focusing on the global Beatles fanbase.
- The film includes interviews with John Lennon's sister Julia Baird, original drummer Pete Best, and Wings guitarist Laurence Juber.
- A special free screening will be held at the Liverpool Beatles Museum on Saturday, November 15, followed by a Q&A with the director.
- The film's artwork is a hand-painted tribute to the original 1960s gig posters created by Liverpool signwriter Tony Booth.
- Release dates are set for October 7 on DVD and select streaming platforms, with a wider streaming release on November 11.
A Celebration of Global Fandom
The documentary aims to be a heartfelt testament to the universal love for The Beatles. It explores how their music continues to unite people across generations and geographical boundaries. The project brings together a wide range of voices to tell this story, highlighting the profound meaning fans find in the band's work.
To achieve this, the filmmakers collaborated with several key organizations from Liverpool's music scene. Partners include International Beatle Week, The Hard Days Night Hotel, and numerous local musicians who contribute to the city's ongoing musical legacy. This deep connection to Liverpool provides an authentic foundation for the film's narrative.
Interviews with Key Figures
Viewers will hear directly from individuals who were part of The Beatles' story. The film features insightful interviews with John Lennon's sister, Julia Baird, who offers a unique family perspective on the band's rise to fame. Original Beatles drummer Pete Best also shares his memories from the band's formative years in Liverpool and Hamburg.
Other notable contributors include Bob Harris OBE, the celebrated presenter of 'The Old Grey Whistle Test,' and Laurence Juber, who played guitar with Paul McCartney's band, Wings, from 1978 to 1981. Their perspectives add layers of historical context to the enduring phenomenon of Beatlemania.
Musical Performances
The documentary is filled with music, featuring performances from a diverse lineup of tribute and contemporary bands. These include renowned acts like The Bootleg Beatles and The Fab Four, as well as The Pete Best Band, Dea Matrona, Blac Rabbit, and the MonaLisa Twins.
A Visual Tribute to Beatles History
A significant detail of the film is its unique promotional artwork. The poster was commissioned to be hand-painted, specifically in the style of the original Beatles gig posters from the early 1960s. Those iconic posters were created by Liverpool signwriter Tony Booth, who was hired by manager Brian Epstein to promote the band's early shows.
This artistic choice connects the new film directly to the band's origins and visual history. It serves as a nostalgic nod to the era when The Beatles were first making their mark on the local music scene before achieving global stardom.
The Artist Behind the Poster
The artist tasked with this tribute was Emily Salinas, a Liverpool-based signpainter and graphic designer. Salinas has a personal connection to the original artist, Tony Booth, which made the project particularly meaningful for her.
“I actually had my own connection to Tony since I met him back in 2016, through being at the same art studio with his son, Lee, and it was meeting him that gave me the impetus to pick up a brush and paint my first poster - which was actually a tribute poster to Tony done in his distinctive style,” Salinas explained.
She added, “So this job for the film has been a little full circle for me as I'm back, nine years later, doing another poster tribute to Tony Booth - though hopefully a little better this time.” Her work ensures the film's visual identity is as authentic as its historical content.
The Legacy of Tony Booth
Tony Booth was a key figure in shaping the visual culture of the Merseybeat scene. As a signwriter, his distinctive, hand-painted posters were a common sight outside venues like the Cavern Club in the early 1960s. His work helped create the initial buzz around The Beatles in their hometown, making him an important, if often overlooked, part of their story.
How to Watch the Film
The documentary will be accessible through multiple formats, ensuring fans worldwide can view it. It will be available on streaming services, DVD, and through special screenings in select cities. So far, screenings are confirmed for Liverpool and London, with the possibility of other locations to be announced later.
The release schedule is planned in two phases to maximize its reach:
- October 7: The film becomes available on DVD and for purchase or rent on streaming platforms Fandango and Prime Video.
- November 11: A wider release on additional streaming services, which are yet to be announced.
Special Liverpool Screening Details
For local fans, a special screening event is planned in the heart of the city that started it all. This provides a unique opportunity to see the film in a location steeped in Beatles history.
- Event: Liverpool Screening of 'Here, There and Everywhere'
- Location: Liverpool Beatles Museum
- Date: Saturday, November 15
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Special Feature: A Question & Answer (Q&A) session with the director will follow the screening.
Tickets for the Liverpool event are free of charge, but due to expected high demand, they must be reserved in advance. Reservations can be made through a dedicated online link. This event offers a chance for the local community to celebrate the global impact of their city's most famous musical export.