Rick Schroder Finds New Groove In The Director's Chair

CMA Close Up: How did you become involved in this video?

Schroder: I became friends with Steve Gainer, the cinematographer who shot my movie "Black Cloud," which I wrote and directed. Steve thought I would be good at directing videos, so he hooked me up with Chandra Laplume, who [worked] for Picture Vision. Chandra sent me "Whiskey Lullaby." I cried like a baby the first time I heard the song; it was such a tragic love story. I began writing on it immediately. My wife and I collaborate together, and the whole concept just came together. The challenge was finding a happy ending to a double suicide, and that's where the little girl at the end came in. That is actually my daughter, Cambrie, at the end of video.

CMA Close Up: Did you write the video treatment?

Schroder: I did. I sent it in and heard nothing for a couple of

October 11, 2005

Rick Schroder Finds New Groove In The Director's Chair

By Mark Crawford

In the Hollywood spotlight since age 8, Rick Schroder stepped behind the camera last year to make his music video directorial debut for Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss' "Whiskey Lullaby." The result won the award for 2004 CMA Music Video of the Year.

The 35-year-old New York native started his career as a child actor in 1978's "The Champ" and 1980's sitcom "Silver Spoons." Schroder has since starred in films and television including "Crimson Tide," "Lonesome Dove," "NYPD Blue" and most recently, Lifetime's "Strong Medicine." In 2004, he wrote and directed the film "Black Cloud," an inspirational story about a Native American boxer. Tim McGraw made his acting debut in a supporting role in "Black Cloud."

Schroder and wife Andrea reside in Arizona with their sons Holden and Luke, and daughters Cambrie and Faith Anne.

CMA Close Up spoke with Schroder about the video and Country Music:

CMA Close Up: Have you had a lifelong connection to Country Music?

Schroder: I never played an instrument or was part of a band, but I love all kinds of music. When I was a teenager, my parents got me a voice coach and I recorded one song about being sweet at 16 or something like that, but it bombed. I am tone deaf, and that was obvious in my singing.

I grew to like Country Music about 10 years ago when I lived on my ranch in Colorado. Out there it was Country or nothing, so I grew to love it, and now I listen to it by choice because I love it.

months, because I think the record label wasn't even sure if they were going to do a video. I was very excited when they gave us the green light, because it was the first directing job I got that I hadn't given myself.

They held a casting call in Nashville and then forwarded me the tapes and the photos. I was involved with everything, from casting to even wardrobe decisions. I am a very hands-on guy. Picture Vision put the crew together, which was excellent. It was a crazy two-day shoot. I just did setup after setup, making sure there'd be a lot of choices in the editing room.

CMA Close Up: How is shooting a video different from making a movie?

Schroder: Making a video is different because you have to work very fast. I only had two days, where with a movie you have more than a month. Also with a video, the director has to showcase the singers. That's really important.

CMA Close Up: How did it feel winning the CMA Award for Music Video of the Year?

Schroder: Words cannot describe how it felt to win. I have been working in the business for more than 25 years, and it is not every day when you win an award. It was great to be recognized for good work. I am grateful to the fans who really responded to the video and drove its popularity. It was great to be recognized as a director, because I have wanted to direct for so many years, but was never given the chance.

CMA Close Up: How was it working with Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss?

Schroder: They were both great, very easy to work with, gracious and kind. That is another thing that I like about Country Music - the people. Everyone in Nashville was friendly, with no egos or attitudes to deal with. It always amazed me how huge stars, like Brad or Alison, can remain so humble and down to earth. I guess those Country roots are strong.

CMA Close Up: Are there more videos in the works for Rick Schroder?

Schroder: I hope so. I love Picture Vision. Don Lepore and Jon Small are great guys, and trusted me with "Whiskey Lullaby," so for that I will be forever grateful. I have written great treatments for Blaine Larsen, Andy Griggs, Big & Rich, George Canyon, Alison Krauss, and some others, but am still waiting to nail another job. There's a lot of competition out there, but I'm looking forward to directing more videos.

On the Web: www.rick-schroder.com