The post-70’s explosion of independent music in America has many traceable roots, each with a compelling story. One of its most significant has never been told until now. Drawing on never-before-seen archival footage, in-depth-interviews with musicians and producers, and a mighty soundtrack, THE SMART STUDIOS STORY reveals the pivotal Midwest link to the global rise of 1990's Alternative Rock and the unassuming Madison, Wisconsin recording studio at its center. If you’ve ever been touched by the music of Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, L7 or their peers, you’ve been touched by the music created at Smart Studios, the legendary recording facility founded by Butch Vig and Steve Marker.

Director: Wendy Schneider

Executive Producer: Wendy Schneider, Butch Vig, Steve Marker

Producer: Wendy Schneider, Kerry Brown

Cinematographer: Wendy Schneider

Editor: Wendy Schneider

Sound Designer: Wendy Schneider

Additional Credits: Second Editors: Brian Alberth, Mark Hervey, Graphic Designer: Tom Cranley, Post-Production Supervisor: Kaitlin Fyfe, Production Assiatant: Robert Halstead, Production Assistant: Ally Carlson

Principal Cast: Dave Grohl, Billy Corgan, Shirley Manson, Butch Vig, Steve Marker, Donita Sparks, Jimmy Chamberlin, Doug "The Duke" Erikson, Chris Walla, Tom Hazelmyer

Schneider is the creative force behind a range of independent projects including an audio documentary on the Civil Rights Movement, an award-winning CD compilation protesting the Iraq War, and the short documentary, CUT: Teens and Self Injury. She began engineering at Smart Studios in '92 and subsequently opened her own recording studio.

Public Film Contact
Wendy Schneider
Coney Island Studios, LLC
wendyannschneider@gmail.com
(608) 239-5771

Publicity Contact
Matt Johnstone
mattjohnstone-pr@sbcglobal.net