EPISODE 10: A Life-Changing Call, Helicopter Crash Survival, and Impact on Country Music: The Shaun Silva Story

Try That in a Small Town Podcast

What if a single phone call could change the course of your career? In this captivating episode, we sit down with the award-winning director and producer Shaun Silva, who shares his extraordinary journey from Chowchilla, California, to the heights of the Nashville music scene. Hear Shaun recount the life-changing moment when Kenny Rogers personally called him to direct the hit music video for "The Greatest," which soared to number one on CMT and reshaped his career trajectory. Shaun also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how his vision, along with the support of CMT's Chris Parr, influenced the music industry.
Our conversation doesn't stop there. Shaun opens up about his deep-rooted connections in the country music world, including working with legends like Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts. Discover how a fateful helicopter crash during the filming of "There Goes My Life" became an unforgettable experience that marked Amber Heard's acting debut. Shaun shares the creative processes behind iconic videos like "Young" and "Take Me There," and offers personal anecdotes about the spontaneous and collaborative nature of these projects. From his wife Shannon Brown's influence to humorous tales about industry friendships, this episode is rich with engaging stories and insights.
Finally, we reflect on the profound impact and storytelling power of music videos, exploring the importance of authenticity and staying true to one's vision amidst external pressures. Shaun discusses the challenges and rewards of capturing uplifting community stories, the controversy of filming locations, and his passion projects like the documentary "Planting America" and the film "Ride." These endeavors showcase his dedication to honoring farmers, cowboy culture, and the independent film industry. Prepare for an episode filled with heartfelt anecdotes, industry insights, and inspiring stories of resilience and creativity.

Chapters

1. EPISODE 10: A Life-Changing Call, Helicopter Crash Survival, and Impact on Country Music: The Shaun Silva Story (00:00:00)

2. Director's Journey From California to Nashville (00:00:02)

3. Connections in Country Music Industry (00:08:21)

4. Surviving a Helicopter Crash (00:15:09)

5. Industry Connections and Collaborations (00:24:12)

6. The Power of Music Videos (00:28:05)

7. Controversy, Positivity, and Filming Techniques (00:38:14)

8. Honoring Farmers & Cowboy Culture (00:53:23)

9. Independent Film Collaboration and Debut (00:57:32)