Elon student’s ‘Idol’ documentary
premieres Wednesday
'The Idol and the Band’ focuses on American Idol
contestant Chris Daughtry’s band, Absent Element Ryan Howard/ Reporter
In a dark editing bay in the basement of McEwen
Communications building last week, Elon alumna Lauren
Gadd’s face was
illuminated by a computer screen.
She was working on the final print of her documentary
“The Idol and the Band,” a film that follows the
lives of members of local band Absent Element as their lead
singer, Chris Daughtry, rises to fame on “American
Idol.”
Daughtry, a native of nearby McLeansville, N.C., was the
fourth runner-up on American Idol last season, and has
recently signed a
contract with RCA Records.
“The Idol and the Band” premieres at 8 p.m. on
Wednesday, Sept. 27 under the oaks in front of West Residence
Hall.
The band will tape a question and answer session
specifically for the screening, since they will not be able
to attend.
For Gadd, this project started eight months ago in a
documentary class with Brooke Barnett, associate professor of
communications. Students were asked to come up with a dream
documentary, and since Gadd was friends with members of
Absent Element, she chose their story.
Barnett and Jason McMerty, Elon Television senior video
producer, offered Gadd a position as filmmaker-in-residence,
and she began filming last spring.
“The ElonDocs committee chose Lauren because of her
talent and initiative,” Barnett said.“This is a
fabulous film; it is even more impressive when you realize
that this is her first.”
After graduation, she remained at Elon to complete the film
over the summer. Gadd even traveled to Los Angeles with the
band and spent time with Daughtry between “American
Idol” rehearsals and shows.
The documentary, however, is more focused on the band than
Daughtry.
“This whole experience has been a whirlwind of
emotions. For the last year we have played the waiting
game,” guitarist Mark Perry said. “And believe
me, it’s been a long year.”
Although the future of the band remains uncertain, Gadd had
to complete her documentary.
“It’s a big relief,” Gadd said, finally
pulling her eyes from the screen as the credits began to
roll. However, she adds that every filmmaker must ask
themselves, “Is it ever really done?”
“You just have to step back and say ‘I’ve
done what I could’,” she said.
Gadd will travel to Los Angeles in early October to pursue a
career in the film industry.
Contact Ryan Howward at pendulum@elon.edu or
278-7247. | 
