Rungs in a Ladder: Jacob Bannon of Converge Documentary (Official)

Directed & Edited by Ian McFarland
"Rungs in a Ladder" is the latest short-form documentary by production team McFarland Films. A meditation on life, art, and purpose, the film centers around Jacob Bannon, an accomplished visual artist and frontman for hardcore band Converge, a group that has been carving its own iconoclastic path through the extreme music landscape for over twenty years. Bannon reflects on the formative events in his life as well as his continuing commitment to creation rather than destruction. A commitment that, he explains, is informed as much by anger as it is by survival. The documentary is a single continuous thought that sprawls in multiple directions but ultimately culminates in a sobering and uplifting statement of purpose.
Directed by Ian McFarland, "Rungs in the Ladder" is the latest in an ongoing series of documentaries by McFarland and Pecci profiling people carving a meaningful existence for themselves on the fringes of society. Celebrated filmmakers, the McFarland and Pecci team has been making incisive, thought-provoking content for years. "Rungs in the Ladder" continues their own steadfast commitment to the will fill act of creation.
Follow Director Ian McFarland on Twitter and Instagram: ‪
@Ian_McFarland
Rungs in a Ladder Credits:
Director & Editor: Ian McFarland
Producer: Ian McFarland
Production Company: McFarland Films
DP: Heather McGrath
Composer: Dean Baltulonis
Colorist: Tony Fernandez
Titles & Graphics: Toil
Check out another Mini Doc Directed by Ian McFarland : • The Outlaw: Dan Hardy ...

[@KamikazeDreamer]

Bannon has had a major influence on me and my life. I've had some severe psychological struggles in my time and over the past few years it's been nearly unbearable.The better half of the past decade has been an ongoing battle with depression and at my lowest point a battle against suicidal ideation and general self hatred. I was a man filled with insecurity, anger, sadness, and an inability to deal with a life and a world that was changing constantly around me. It was a seemingly losing battle against my own inner demons, my own vices, between myself as a whole. It wasn't until I watched that that things began to change for me for the better. The idea that someone who dealt with similar struggles was able to turn it all into beauty and his own definition of art without needing approval from anyone but themselves was very inspiring. For the first time in my life, despite love and support from friends and family, it wasn't until this that I felt that someone really understood what I was going through. Thank you Jacob Bannon for dragging me out of a dark place and inspiring me to keep going, to create some beauty of my own, and to leave my positive mark on the world and thank you to all involved in the production of this documentary. You all may have saved my life whether you realize it or not. I'm off to make my mark on this world

[@Kurtzwar]

+JeRkEy952 This post just made my year. Seriously. I am so glad that my film had made such an impression on you.

[@KamikazeDreamer]

I'm honestly really glad that you made it! Keep up the fantastic work man!

[@skadude113]

You're comment is heavy dude so i'll try to respond to is as best I can...everyone has their battles...I'm still young but if i've learned anything it's that you need to respect those battles... everyone is entitled to that. that's what not only music, but this band has taught me to be as open as can be and that these songs stand for so many emotions; anger, happiness, aggression, hate...but that it helps (at least myself) turn it into a positive feeling. I hope you're doing well dude, this band stands for so much more than simply music.

[@willpowerbroken]

This is seriously beautiful, so proud of you. The whole Jacob Bannon persona is an emerald gift to us in a way. I've been struggling with clinical depression myself and even if I can't promise myself right now that it's going to be alright, that I've become a better person, that it won't get worse in a matter of time, the music of Converge still makes me feel this spiritual unity that goes beyond the distance between all of us. It's something about those lyrics of Jacob's that make so much sense and calm you. Some of us will never rest and no matter how other people see this struggle, I will always know that as long Jacob and those who became one with Converge are alive, we will keep our teeth clenched to move forward in this life.

[@Therealbackslabbath]

KamikazeDreamer All these comments just make me feel so glad to have never had to go through depression myself. I’ve been around it a lot, my Mum and some of my close friends struggle with it severely. This film for me served as a reminder of how fortunate I am and how I will always try my best to lift up the people near to me who can’t do it themselves. You guys are truly fighting and I hope you KEEP fighting hard to get to a positive place.

[@briandonahue3663]

I used to Tattoo Jacob when he was 18.i still have the Converge cassette tapes he gave me! And if I'm not wrong.my band Afterbirth from Lawrence mass was Jacob's first show! Glad to see he strived in his art! This kid/guy to me was a Real go getter!

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

Thats wild! Thanks for checking out the doc. If you are interested in parting with those tapes let me know.

[@jaredburke7461]

Interesting and very cool to hear: To me, being just a bit younger(42 soon) I always wondered what drove Jake to tattoos at such a young age, and in a time where it wasn’t as widely seen or accepted. Even in the hardcore scene. Really just saw it around hardcore punk, bikers and some folks I had met out of prison. Especially having sleeves or things below the elbow. I really admired it and at the same time there was some danger and fear in it. My parents just beat it into my that they didn’t understand tattoos or my friends that had them so I didn’t follow suit. Even though I wanted to so bad. I wish I had just rejected the stigmas back then and did it. But I remember him being one of the first people I saw in the 90’s really covered and just knew I’d never look back at this scene and music. I have always wanted to ask him about his early tattoos. Wouldn’t even touch the converge questions he’s been asked 4000 times. Thanks for positing!

[@theunaphotobomber]

I've always thought Jacob is a handsome man. It was very interesting hearing his public, self-reflection. I truly do hope he finds his peace in life while still maintaining his artistic and emotional outlets. What a genuinely raw human. It takes a lot of courage to pour yourself out like this.

[@mavisevelyn618]

Jacob, you don’t realize how inspiring you are. You HAVE left a positive impact on this world, through the amazing music and art that you make. You’ve inspired many people like me to follow their dreams

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

thanks a lot for taking the time to watch it. It makes me feel good that it was so very well received!

[@joeyclemenza7339]

This band is my mantra, and this man is my hero.... believe it or not, their music helps me achieve peace by cathartically purging everything toxic in my life. I wouldn't be alive today without this man.

[@spiderjerusalem100]

This is so well made and beautifully scored. Thank you.

[@Sgananzium]

This video makes me cry every time i watch it

[@pielcee7546]

What an example of a man, humble, kind, a badass. Much respect.

[@uniquelyserved666]

jacob bannon has been a huge musical influence i n my life and this documentary was the most rawest i've ever seen and i've seen this man scream his heart out live countless times.amazing, thnak you.

[@tomjohnson9025]

This was awesome. Jacob is a good dude. Inspired me to make the career choice that I did. Seeing this, and hearing what he said, was amazing. It helps to know you're not the only one.. Thanks for this.

[@markjoness]

damn stoner's.

[@tomjohnson9025]

Yeah...and their stupid last names.

[@markjoness]

Matthew Stoner what

[@frederikdemoor2018]

Thank you Jacob for being in my life

[@Blinkoneeightyluke]

Beautifully shot and scored, a nice little insight into the life of one of the pioneers of modern hardcore. Jacob seems like a really genuine and humble sort of a guy.

[@aznezane8992]

Amazing...highly inspiring. Such a complicated human being, such a great musician. I love Converge... and here, I get a gift from Jacob's words: "...and I'm still motivated, I'm still angry. And I'm still trying to shape myself."

[@JMoose]

Azne Zane I'm pretty sure it's "And I'm still trying to shake things up."

[@marcin2x4]

A true piece of opening one self to broad audience. Jackob indeed is a bright individual who is fully aware of what is happening in his inner-life and at which point he is now. Great to hear that feeling of constant movement is the cure for him in overcoming and understanding one self as a human, person, musician and being.Truly inspiring to become stronger in every-day strugles of our own.

[@sagerdood]

I met Jacob when they were just starting out and watched the bands whole local start , went to every show i could make it too, great guy and the best vocalist in hardcore.

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

Thanks for watching my film Sincerely, Ian McFarland Follow me on twitter and Instagram @ian_mcfarland

[@numbersin]

This reflects so many points of view and so many troubles in many people lives. This is a fantastic inspiration for people involved in music.

[@konradfraczek6482]

No words how I adore this man. He's so talented. You're great, Jake!

[@theepfilmscom]

This is one of a hell great portrait of Jacob! And from a filmmaking angle, this is a masterpiece. Really inspiring!

[@AtZero138]

We Miss you Guys ... CONVERGE is everything.. Never knew he trained, No I've never looked up stuff about the band I've loved for almost 20 years, he and the others have always been kind to me a shows even discounting shirts etc for me, saying what's up while passing Jake in a crowd , I also trained Muay Thai, My Old drummer is my Teacher and more like a Brother.. the band has always inspired me, thanks for your great work and Beautiful Film.. @Ø

[@Branchofsin]

So inspiring and HEAVILY relatable.

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

Thank you for watching

[@jackdelamare]

That was fantastic, great work all round!

[@hike189]

This was the best thing I´ve seen on KZbin for ages! Thank you, filmmaker, for uploading this fresh breath of air! And Jacob Bannon, if you ever read this: You ARE beautiful, and talented in what you do.

[@BSGcustoms]

wow, very nicely done by all involved.

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

thank you so much. Sincerely Ian McFarland www.ianmcfarlandfilms.com

[@charliebrowm7670]

McFarland Pecci hey loved this film , what was it filmed on ? Please

[@lucan369]

Thank you

[@breathingreflection]

Hmm...he says he's looking for more out of life from a creative end but not from a personal end. To me, those are basically the same thing. Which is why I'd love to have a sit-down with Jacob and understand what happened to him (being a psychologist by nature and a social worker).

[@gabrielgovendo6089]

I hear what you're saying, though, as I heard it I felt he was making a distinction between being motivated by the power of creation vs. being motivated by ego, and his interest is in stepping out of the way and channeling through his own unique channel creative energy.

[@gabchik]

Thank you for the inspiration.

[@CarlHH777]

"I wanna leave a positive mark in this world". I'd consider that done, Jacob.

[@katrinabresse6241]

If there was a kickstarter or something similar, I would definitely back a feature. Such a moving, beautifully crafted piece of art. Thank you!

[@TimothyMcVay]

I'd do anything to meet Jacob. This was fucking amazing

[@gettinguponthe1]

this was really great... also, i wish there was more of converge recording- hours of it.

[@HalfdanMCMX]

Still makes me cry.

[@marclawson6144]

What a genuine likable human being

[@HellHolocaust]

Brilliant! You couldn't have picked a better individual & have i mentioned that your work, sir, is brilliant?

[@SignaILost]

thank you

[@svanurmg]

love you....love your music, and art, and all about you...regards from Iceland

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

Thanks so much. The DP is hands down one of my favorite photographers and I am so happy we finally got to work together. Ian McFarland Producer / Director McFarland & Pecci Twitter- @Ian_McFarland

[@Deathdestroy]

Really powerful, beautifully shot - overall a great insight into the mind of a very influential artist. Thanks for putting this out Ian. Looking forward to watching more of these mini documentaries.

[@Penguinssss]

Jacob, you are amazing. I'm sorry for asking you about Wesley Eisold's ailment in an AOL Instant Messenger conversation around 2001. You got extremely mad at me but all I was doing was trying to learn. Thank you for your music and your message.

[@johnyuth6263]

I know I'm late on this, but what was the reason he got mad? And I wanna know about Wesley Eisold's ailment, this is the first time I'm hearing about it

[@kingjoseph5901]

What did he say?

[@BenedettoM]

Such a beautiful short film, thank you for making it and sharing it on youtube.

[@lestempschange]

So awesome.

[@angelocatapang6054]

what a dude he was.him and his bandmates 'converge'.long live fucking converge!.

[@spartanfan10]

This seems pretty self-indulgent to the creators. Pretty clear even centered around someone as awesome as Jacob.

[@nokz80]

"i don't want to creat anymore damage in this world, you know? The world is already suicidal." yo. I felt that in my soul.

[@smallwheelsbigfeels]

Love this. I wish it were longer.

[@emptyshellaxiom]

Beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for that great job.

[@carlitox10000]

Your music is an inspiration dude. I will never forget DARKHORSE. Love your watercolor style.

[@DillonDBD]

Absolutely stunning

[@thebushchechen]

i needed this..

[@raylugo8433]

this was just great to watch.

[@decadepasts]

Five out of Five Stars!

[@charlesjmudd]

That was amazing ..

[@AFCNband]

Damn good documentary. There should be more stuff like this. You can always read from Metal Hammer how heavy strap-ons all these different bands are using - it's quite much heard already. This stuff is honest and should give some motivation to the young headbangers. Be yourself and do your own shit. It works.

[@seniorzolo3433]

As a man who has CPTSD and wants to be held....I love you.

[@mor3frame]

Dude best thing I've seen in years, converge enough said

[@zroyalsteadyxo9279]

Half of you guys won't believe me but, My moms sisters' daughter, is married to Jacob, so I am related to Jacob Bannon :3

[@JonathanFraserMusic]

I really want to believe you man.

[@jacobbeitel248]

so your cousin? haha ;)

[@zroyalsteadyxo9279]

yeah. most people wont believe me though :/ my family went to his wifes like bachelor party and me and my dad dropped by Jacob and his wife's store which has clothes and CD's and cool things. :^)

[@Snowwarrior]

keep him in your life. Amazing artist

[@greaterJAY]

***** ha ha ha I was thinking the same thing! I add that my Z mechanic shops for fruit at the same farmer's market frequented by one of the Behemoth touring guitarists aunt's personal trainer...

[@AllThingsAfterlife]

Great piece, thank you

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

Thank you too! Glad you liked it!

[@mittengirl642]

beautiful.

[@dfguitarman01]

Yet...it's beautifully made.

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

thanks so much. Ian McFarland Producer / Director McFarland & Pecci Twitter- @Ian_McFarland

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

Wes is a very good friend of mine and we actually grew up together. He is someone that I have spoke about doing this with as well

[@minilogo37]

Great vid.

[@vadimo]

very good film, never heard him speak before like this

[@lifeloser100]

touching

[@PeaceLovePunks]

I love him.

[@brandonvance8133]

What camera was used to film this. It's picture and colors are so amazing.

[@bradbaker4679]

Wish I could give you a hug bro….we have a lot in common. Look forward to seeing you in Nashville in May!

[@ClaudioLaraGallardo]

Awesome documentary, a true legend!

[@taneaaaaaaaaa]

i watch this when i want to feel inspired

[@jaime667]

thanx...grAcias...bitteschoen....

[@mlrdmn]

That was cool!

[@rubenxmedina8990]

💜 This was cool

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

No thank you for taking the time to watch it! Producer / Director McFarland & Pecci follow me on twitter: @Ian_McFarland

[@shanewiggins4504]

In fucking sane! Thank you for this, I seriously didn't want it to end.

[@DL-ty4cu]

welp....now i have to go listen to a buncha converge. Excellent piece, it's really interesting to have a glimpse into what has brought certain people to the places they are now, especially when they've found a way to be happy. It makes sense Bannon never wanted outright to be a frontman, thinking back on the obscured liner notes from Jane Doe. That was back when i didn't give a fuck about lyrics, so I've always respected that choice.

[@CallMetheMusicMan]

Wow.

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Ian McFarland Producer / Director McFarland & Pecci Twitter- @Ian_McFarland

[@idontwanttosay_productions9188]

I met Jacob Bannon and all of converge one time

[@johnathonvixx8279]

i want that jane doe painting at 10:45. red and black version like that.

[@brandonbeimert8404]

Very few if any performers scared me the way he did growing up in the late 90's/early 2000's punk,hardcore, metal scene going to shows.

[@Jimmy4240]

jacob bannon inspires me to be a better person

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

thanks. Ian McFarland Producer / Director of "Rungs in a Ladder" McFarland & Pecci follow me on twitter: @Ian_McFarland

[@lahar22]

"I am still trying to shake things up".

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

Thanks for watching......lol Producer / Director "Rungs in a Ladder" McFarland & Pecci follow me on twitter: @Ian_McFarland

[@imcool1469]

I wouldn't be able to stare at the camera for that long without laughing. Haha.

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

thank you! Producer / Director McFarland & Pecci follow me on twitter: @Ian_McFarland

[@ErickEstrada613]

Name of the (background music) please!!!

[@filo5930]

Wisdom

[@illdim623]

respect from Russia, Moscow.

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

WOW...thanks so much. Check out other films that I directed on our channel. Or follow me on twitter; @Ian_McFarland

[@ramario6195]

I saw these badass cats in Columbus Ohio with Mastadon and Deathklok. Great damn show.

[@meadfromheaven]

Can I know the song of this soundtrack from jacob bannon doc. ?

[@brendenbenson8882]

March 2021.

[@mo0se3]

You should do one with Brendon Murphy from Counterparts or Josh Scogin from The Chariot

[@stmski2209]

Oh god, as he's describing his knee breaking, the dog is chewing on a bone, trying to get the stuff in the middle.

[@manwithacane]

Don't get why people are just mentioning Jacob in this video. He's an amazing artist and vocalist but there are 3 other people in the band that are just as talented.

[@CarlHH777]

They're all talented but let's be honest, Converge is essentially Jacob Bannon and Kurt Ballou.

[@manveerflora4019]

CarlHH777 I don't know man, those drums on axe to fall were pretty fucking intense.

[@tangodelta7809]

manwithacane it literally says “Jacob Bannon of converge documentary” it’s about him. There are plenty of things about the other members elsewhere

[@lucathehunter08music63]

It's crazy to think that his brother is my uncle

[@IanMcFarlandFilms]

You are welcome to remake it.

[@zegunmaster]

i think people that are actually conscious of every of these little things around them, every of those details, every of those feelings inside of them and everyone else, people that actually take time to ask themselves those questions, and that are never fully satisfied with what they accomplish and always want to do more, just never find this peace... at least that's what i feel. my opinion. dont know if you actually get me haha my english is not 100% fluid