Like father, like son…. The team of Paul Russo Sr. and Jr. help create history with the new ‘Wages of Spin’, a 90-minute shockumentary due to hit the big screen at this year’s Wildwood By The Sea Film Fest.
Executive Producer, Paul Russo Sr., Director Shawn Swords, Producer and Editor Conrad Zimmer, and Animator/ Editor Paul Jr. joined efforts to create this tribute film to the Philly Music Scene.
The film covers the historic rise of music's King of Spin, Dick Clark and the story of Bandstand as told by the idols that lived it. From Bob Horn's Bandstand to the musical empire of Dick Clark, it’s a Rock and Roll ride with an accurate portrayal of life in the spin lane, Russo Sr. said.
Working with my idols Fabian, Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Charlie Gracie, Len Barry, Connie Francis, Danny and the Juniors and many more was a dream come true. The other really cool part of this project was working with my son Paul, an honor student at Rowan University majoring in Radio, Television and Film.
Paul Jr. loves the moviemaking business and is good at it, according to his proud papa.
Russo’s relationship with 1950’s artists who frequent his ice cream store, Cool Scoops, helped him obtain rare film footage and interviews never before seen in a documentary.
The Russos and the Character Driven Production Company have been gathering information since the completion of the documentary ‘Fabulous’, the life story of Charlie Gracie. “That’s where it all really began,” said Russo.
“Shawn and I met and talked for hours regarding a new project and three years later, ready or not, here it is,” Russo said. “This film is a trip down memory lane with a twist. The viewer will get a shocking history lesson regarding the music industry, payola and The King of Spin.”

*This film will be screened at the Original Bandstand building at 46th and Market streets in Philadelphia sometime in October.

Russo is the Director of the Wildwood By The Sea Film Fest and owner of Cool Scoops Ice Cream Parlor in North Wildwood.