In 2006, five-piece rock and roll band I Like Trains were the toast of the music industry. They were signed to a distinguished label and playing sold out tours around the world. They had money, momentum and were fulfilling their dreams. The film A Divorce Before Marriage picks up the story five years later, where, due to the decline of the music industry and a change in their fortune, the band are now in a very different position.

Filmmakers Matt Hopkins and Ben Lankester chat to me about how this project started, their hopes to shine a light on many bands in a similar position and their Crowdfunding campaign for A Divorce Before Marriage. bit.do/iliketrainsfilm

Beth Wood: Matt and Ben, you've been working with each other since University. Could you explain a little bit about yourselves and what makes a good partnership?

Matt Hopkins and Ben Lankester: We actually took separate paths immediately after leaving Bournemouth. Matt lived out of a suitcase for three years, filming and photographing for Tourist Boards while Ben cut his teeth making music videos.  We joined forces in 2010 to start The Progress Film Company (www.progressfilm.co.uk) and have maintained a tight business and creative partnership ever since.  We have the same goals but work in different ways to get there and think that is very important for a good partnership.

RR: Do you have a particular formula in your creative approach to filmmaking and how would you define your style?

MH and BL: Our approach is to be very hands on.  We've always had to rely on just ourselves to make films we want to make, so you naturally take control of every detail.  Our creative approach is to always push what can be achieved and to try new things.  This reasoning was at the heart of our decision to undertake 'A Divorce Before Marriage' which has been a constant learning curve.

Ultimately the film’s style is born out of a bold observational approach gleaned from both our inspirations as filmmakers as well as the natural form that this type of documentary demands. The feature is a creative and stylistic culmination of all the work we have done so far.

RR: You have been filming with I Like Trains for five years now. You are currently in the process of making a film about the band. Could you give us an overview of this project and explain how this relationship started? 

MH and BL: The I Like Trains relationship started with our music video for Sea of Regrets: https://vimeo.com/30070247

This was the band's first self-released single following the loss of their record deal so it was a big deal for everyone involved.  The track is incredible so we threw everything into the video, shooting all over Paris and then Calais before returning to London for the final scene. Despite car break-ins, sea sickness and run-ins with Calais immigration police, the project was a success, gaining Vimeo's coveted Staff Pick on release.

It was also around this time we worked with the band on their 'Skin Full of Bones' EP, filming 4 acoustic tracks from He Who Saw The Deep for an EP.  We have got to know the band personally and began to see similarities in how the band sustained their musical careers, and how we ourselves combined creative endeavor with earning a living.  Of particular interest to us was the band’s ability to continue recording and releasing music after losing their record deal. So, we decided to start documenting their lives.  Three years later, we've been on an incredible journey and are starting to pull the story together.

RR: What has your journey been like following the band over such a length of time? And how has your relationship with the band changed?

MH and BL: It's been extremely gratifying following the band over three years. On a day-to-day basis, there has been very little in terms of drama, but over three years, we've seen each band member’s life change so much and take on new meaning.  I think anyone of us would perceive their own life to be very different three years on and it was always the idea to capture that feeling of change.  There are many films out there which depict young and carefree rock stars but we wanted to document a period of life that many creative people struggle with - the time where you have to consider the route your taking, when financial elements become important and compromise becomes commonplace.

Our relationship has certainly changed.  We've always been very aware of not getting too close to the band so we can be objective, but you obviously become tighter after spending so much time together.

RR: Were there any difficult moments or elated moments which you witnessed being so close to the band’s individual journeys? 

MH and BL: There were highs and lows, but these are much easier to spot in hindsight.  Our process was to really observe the band when shooting them on tour and in the studio, rather than ask too many questions at the time.  This meant that it wasn't always necessarily obvious how the band were feeling while we were shooting, but when editing the footage, you really get an enhanced sense of mood. 

RR: The film highlights some of the key issues that the music industry is currently facing. How do you feel the film will address some of these issues?

MH and BL: We don't expect the film to change the mechanics of the music industry in any way.  We do however hope that it will shine a light on the plight of so many bands in similar positions to I Like Trains and make fans more aware of the endeavor that goes into existing as a band. The DIY revolution has been great in many ways for musicians, giving them control of their musical careers.  It does however mean that they have to work a hell of a lot harder to get things done.  I Like Trains have existed for over ten years now, but still haven't made any livable money out of the band.  The fact they are still going is testament to their determination and passion for what they do, which certainly deserves respect. This is one of the bands working away in the middle, like so many are.

RR: You are Crowdfunding at present for the making of this film and have already achieved 60% of your goal target with 38 days to go. Can you tell me why you decided to look at Crowdfunding and how this is helping to support the work?

MH and BL: We decided to crowdfund as the pot was empty.  We'd invested around £15k of our own money over the three years to this point and we were faced with a decision to finish it cheaply, or do the story and footage justice by raising the same amount to shoot our final scenes, edit and deliver the film.  We decided the latter and haven't looked back. As well as donations, we've received offers of professional support for the film from post- production houses as well as many individuals. It’s clear that a lot of the issues discussed in the trailer have really struck a chord with many filmmakers who recognise similar struggles, so we've had a lot of support from the independent film fraternity, which has been amazing.

RR:  What are the key reasons why people should support this project?

MH and BL: There are many reasons.  If you are a fan of independent music, you should certainly support this project - it's a real eye opening account of what it means to be an independent working musician in Britain today.  Moreover, our hope is that this extends to any creative individual who is struggling to earn a decent living while maintaining their creative integrity.

Hopefully supporting this project will also be a statement that independent films such as ours are wanted and needed.

RR: As well as this film you have a successful production company, what drives you and what other ambitions have you got in the pipeline?

MH and BL: The most important thing to us is that we are making films and trying new things.  This makes us happy.  The future is very exciting - we're already looking forward to follow up features, both drama and documentary, but let's get this one finished first!

I Like Trains Trailer: https://vimeo.com/104184190

You can help support Matt and Ben via their Crowdfunding page: bit.do/iliketrainsfilm