But no movie thus far is as close to our heart as 72 Musicians, an incredible film shot in Kansas City and asking the question “why the hell do we chase this music dream, anyway?”, made and released by our very own VP of Product Design Bob Moczydlowsky (released from his kitchen table in Laurel Canyon last evening, to be specific). Not only is Bob one of the smartest, most compassionate and sincere humans you’re going to meet in your life but the film, which he started work on long before most of us had even heard of Topspin, is a commiseration of sorts for all of us who are inexplicably drawn to the world of music. If you’re one such person, you’ll no doubt love this movie. If you’re not, you’ll get a sense of what *really* motivates those who are. 
Bob has released the movie in a variety of formats, from an $8 iPhone version to HD downloads and DVDs with T-shirts and posters, to 50 DVDs in bulk, all the way to a $400 version which comes on a hard drive with ALL the assets, Creative Commons-licensed for you to edit and release your own version. Bob is also using 72 Musicians as the beta test of a very cool WordPress plugin we’re developing with our pal Greg Ipp.
Bob has been spending his nights and weekends on this movie for a few years, but the past year has been beyond non-stop as he’s been finishing edits, promoting, and screening. All the while putting in double-time at Topspin guiding the platform to improvement and cooking up incredible campaigns for the artists we work with (I know I’m not the only one who’s opened the SF office in the morning to the sight of Bob “napping” on the couch). Oh and somewhere in the middle he and his wife had their first baby boy, Van. Not only that, Topspin was the SECOND time, IN A ROW, Bob took a pay cut to work with this team in hopes of impacting the landscape for artists for the better. I challenge you to find anyone more dedicated to the cause.
All of this is why, when I opened my inbox this morning, saw the announcement of Bob’s movie and subsequently watched the trailer (again), I got a little chill and felt tears well up a little bit (just bein’ honest). Bob, I think I speak for everyone at Topspin (and many many beyond) when I say: We’re incredibly proud of and happy for you. It’s an honor to be able to work with you. We love you, Bob Moz.
Now go buy Bob’s movie (I bought the $50 version) and tell a friend!
As a former touring musician, I can tell from watching the trailer how real this movie is. I will definitely buy Bob’s movie and tell a friend. Several friends, actually.
Congrats Bobmoz! proud of you señor.
“…one of the smartest, most compassionate and sincere humans you’re going to meet in your life.” Truer words have never been spoken. You rock and your film rocks Bob! Well done.
I gotta pile on the love fest here and say that Ian is 100% right about Bob and this film. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Bob since college. He’s never been short on passion for music, especially the stuff from Kansas. I got to see the first public viewing of the film in his living room before it was the final version available on the 72 Musicians site and it blew me away. Honest, raw and beautiful are all words I would use to describe the film. Bob, I’m proud to be a friend and honored to work with you. This is what it’s all about.
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