Director Sean Dunne and his short movie on the biggest record collection in the world
There is this guy called Paul Mawhinney. He is offering the biggest record collection in the world: “The Archive”. Director Sean Dunne shot a short movie on Paul who was running the “Record Rama”-store for years, and his massive collection of 1 Million Albums plus 1,5 Million Singles. iCrates talked to Sean about his movie, vinyl and teleportation.
PLAY THE SHORTMOVIE about PAUL MAWHINNEY by SEAN DUNNE
Sean Dunne could not imagine to know Paul without making a shortmovie about him. This is what he likes to let us know:
“My Instinct inspiring me to making movies, to telling good stories about the things I’m interested in. I read an article about Paul Mawhinney and his collection and gave him a call. He is a nice guy. He maintains the archive but also ran a very successful record store called Record Rama for years. That’s how he made his living. The record store has since closed and now his full time occupation is maintaining the archive.
The reason I made The Archive was to spread the word about a story that I thought was important. Paul’s collection is an important part of history and I wanted to give him a voice so he could reach a larger audience.
The collection is mind boggling. I tried to depict its sheer size in the film but it really needs to be seen to be believed. Paul’s commitment and passion for record collecting is unlike anything I have seen. It is what he lives for. For me it was hard to imagine that so much of someone’s identity could come from these 12 inche black discs. It’s hard for me to relate with, which is probably part of the reason that the story drew me in.”
Sean Dunne filmmaker from Brooklyn, NY, USA owns a small boat.
“Life in NY is good my friends. The beers are plentiful, the babes are beautiful and thats my favorite record.”
Collecting & Vinyl
“I wouldn’t call myself a collector by any means. Especially compared to some of the people I’ve met since we made The Archive. I have around 400 records that I love and a few hundred 45’s.
I started collecting vinyl after it was already obsolete. I think I was drawn to it because I liked the sound better and having the big artwork and the fact that I always struggled with opening CD’s. Those pesky labels never came off cleanly which ultimately sent me on a spiritual journey that led me to vinyl. I imagine there will be no need for vinyl in 2030. Instead we’ll use high tech teleporting devices to take us on magical voyages to the past where we’ll be able to experience our favorite music first hand. Ulitimately I see this technology being used for evil and sports betting, but for the purposes of enjoying your favorite oldies it should be wonderful.”
The Future
“So finally I think there will be always Vinyl collectors and users. The young teenagers seem to be embracing it which is a good sign for the future of the medium even the needs will be much different in the future. The future is my past. I just released a short film called The Bowler about a man who hustles bowling for a living. It’s my favorite project that I have done. I’m currently working on some commercial projects and trying to raise money for my next film which is about real life super heroes.
Personally I would not buy 2,5 Million Records for 3 Million Dollar. Because for the most part I hate having possessions and that thing is a massive ontaking. But I could see it being bought by a museum or a university or a library. Something where it will be taken care of and preserved for future generations and put on display for the public.”
Who will buy The Archive? Has it been sold already? – Read the interview with the owner of The Archive, Paul Mawhinney, soon here on iCrates!
BARBEE says THANK YOU SEAN&PAUL!
