Little Sparta Productions
BILL FAY: TIME OF THE LAST PERSECUTION
THE STORY OF BILL FAY AND HIS INFLUENTIAL 1970s ALBUM
​BILL FAY: TIME OF THE LAST PERSECUTION is a documentary that traces the remarkable journey of Bill Fay’s 1970s album of the same name, which was initially overlooked and deleted by record companies. This album, filled with profound and poetic songwriting, fell into obscurity, but decades later, it was rediscovered by influential artists like Jim O'Rourke, David Tibet, and Jeff Tweedy. Their admiration for Fay’s work sparked a revival of interest, helping to introduce his music to a new generation of listeners.
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In this film, we capture the intimate reunion of Bill with Ray Russell and Alan Rushton, the original musicians who contributed to the album in 1970. Together, they discuss the creative process behind the music, shedding light on the collaborative spirit that defined their work. With exclusive access to Bill—who is known for his reluctance to give interviews—we delve into his personal reflections, providing a rare glimpse into the work and how it came about.
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BILL FAY: TIME OF THE LAST PERSECUTION is not just a retrospective of an album; it’s a deeply personal exploration of Bill Fay’s life and legacy. The film reveals how this once-forgotten work became a cult classic, inspiring countless musicians and cementing Bill Fay’s status as a profound and enduring songwriter. The documentary seeks to illuminate the mystery behind his artistry and capture the unique stories from those he influenced, making it a collaborative effort that celebrates the lasting impact of Bill's music.
THEMES
A Testament:
The album's lyrics transcends religious boundaries, emerging as a universal tapestry of soul-stirring narratives that weave together the diverse threads of the human experience. No song is explicitly religious - many of his compositions
explore existential questions, the human condition, and the search for meaning. While the music is not explicitly tied to traditional Christian gospel music, it can be considered a form of spiritual or introspective "gospel" in a broader sense. Fay’s music affects people in profound ways whether religious or not and we ask why.
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A Contemporary Pulse:
Explore how the album, decades after its release, continues to impact and inspire a new generation of musicians and listeners even crossing the Atlantic where it was discovered by Bill’s contemporary producer Joshua Henry. Fay reflects on the enduring relevance of his work and its place in the evolving landscape of contemporary music while we also have commentary from artists such as Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), David Tibet (Current 93) and Jim O’Rourke (Sonic Youth).
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Musical Storytelling:
Dive into the intricacies of Fay's unique approach to storytelling through music & lyric, examining the thematic richness of 'Time of the Last Persecution' and how each note and lyric contributes to the album's narrative and the way the musicians created this record in a day with little or no rehearsals
Alan D Boyd
DIRECTOR // PRODUCER
This film began with an introduction to Bill Fay through Ray Russell, which led to a rare interview and performance recording. Bill, a private individual who rarely grants interviews, opened up after years of trust and discussions, particularly during the COVID pandemic. Together, we embarked on this project, with Bill leading the way.
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This film seeks to unveil some of the mystery behind Bill’s work, exploring not only his own journey but also the stories of those he’s inspired, from artists like Jim O’Rourke to Jeff Tweedy. It’s a collaborative effort, with Bill and myself working closely to share his legacy, capturing the essence of an artist who continues to quietly shape the world of music.
Charlene Rule
EDITOR // PRODUCER
Charlene has edited everything from interactive museum installations, unscripted television shows, music videos and award winning feature length documentary films that have traveled the festival circuits internationally. Her work has shown on networks including: A&E, Arte, CBC, Discovery+, Max, Documentary Channel, Fox Sports1, HBO, Hulu, Logo, Sundance Channel, Showtime and VICE.
Originally from Canada, she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute and Master of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts, New York City. She is an experimental video artist and has been working in the documentary field as an editor for over twenty years.
Contact
If you are interested in this film please contact us via email or the phone number here.
UK: +44 7 808 588 689