John Stiles

Director John Scott crafts this look at the curious life of his longtime friend John Stiles — an aspiring writer and former telephone marketer whose midlife meltdown worked wonders for his career. Stiles was down on his luck working as a telemarketer in Toronto when, one day, he threw out his pre-written script and began speaking to customers in curious character voices inspired by his upbringing in Nova Scotia. That month, Stiles made the most sales of any employee and earned a free DVD player for his efforts. In the following years, Stiles threw caution to the wind, venturing out to local open mic nights — where he developed a substantial cult following — and later publishing a pair of books with Insomniac press.

The Smalls...er Whatever charts the highs and lows of Alberta rock cowboys The Smalls as they cross Canada and tour France and Belgium for the first time. Features European riot footage, backstage antics, studio recording footage from 1998's My Dear Little Angle, van breakdowns and band fights in France.