The Wordpress home for DAGDAFILM and DAGDAFILM 11:17...
This is the last post for the year, 2011. And what a year. But I will make this post brief. Real brief. As the November “Notes” already said pretty much all there is to say about my plans for 2012. Instead of going over my goals, my dreams and my hopes for 2012, let me just take this moment to wish you a very happy and fruitful New Year.
Create.
Yours,
Cuojoe
So here we go. Another month has past and projects keep moving forward. It’s the end of the year, and I’m starting to feel it. Everything I’ve worked on since 2010 has been leading to the projects coming up in 2012. Lots to look forward to in the upcoming year.
Currently I’m in the middle of producing a short film, a quasi-documentary that was originally supposed to be fiction. I shot the first segment a few weeks ago, edited it, and I’m now realizing the direction it’s going in now is completely different than I imagined. Simpler. And thats not a bad thing.
This short movie is a continuation of my number films counting backward from “5″, the final short being “0″. I have no time line for their completion, but have begun brainstorming ideas in earnest. In this outing, there is no set ‘plot’, the “4″ is basically a set of interviews/monologues of 4 very different people in the GLBT community. More on that once the project is complete.
Still from newest short film. Tentatively titled “4″.
Anyone who knows me well, knows I spend a lot of time mulling about, daydreaming and eventually writing out those daydreams. I lack discipline though, so sometimes those stories take a little longer than normal to pop out of the oven. Thats part of my REST OF MY LIFE resolution, to generate more output. Besides my film work I’m also writing a novel and another screenplay, planning both to be ready by 2013. (These both are projects I’m keeping on the DL for obvious reasons, they’re not anywhere near presentable or finished.)
My main projects for 2012 though will be my first feature, a comedy-drama set in the art world, and I’ll be beginning pre-production for my long in the tooth experimental drama, DEMALOGUES, which I’ve been sitting on like FOREVER. I’m finally getting moving on these and really there’s not much else to say until production starts.
Other than my monthly blog, I’m going to be trying to stay on the DL, working hard to get these projects complete.
So thats it. Anything new coming up I’ll be sure to post it here.
Thanks for reading, thanks for your support!
Brian Cuojoe Tolbert
DAGDAILM
I kinda, sorta skipped a Notes from the Void in September as there wasn’t really anything to write about.
I was planning on having a really slow 2nd half for 2011, but around the end of May that changed. The creative bug hit me, and so myself and fellow film guy decided to join forces and make a short film together, “Dirty 30″. I just finished editing the finished project last month, and now am considering going back and trimming another scene out (I came back to it with fresh eyes and found one segment, though very funny, slowed it down)
Project complete, Chris and I will be shopping it around to different film festivals, with the side benefit of having it added to our resumes on IMDB. (Which is still a big deal to me, though the reality of it is that you’re simply paying for the listing.)
Personally, I would like to pop out another short film here in November. (It can be done.) It’ll just take careful planning and a little finesse to get the job done right on such a very tight schedule. Really, all that I need is to have a core group of people down to make something, anything…and experiment…
~
In other news, Currently I’m writing my first feature film, a dark comedy set around a botched art gallery opening. The film will run about 80 to 90 minutes and will be shot in a similar style as “EATING”. That means, long uninterrupted takes, lots of improv from the actors and an overall spontaneous vibe. I like to consider the script I’m writing for it as a chaotic road-map. with main points and scenarios all fully formed, but many of the details blurred, leaving the actors to fill in the blanks.
I’m looking forward to this project big time. More info about this film coming soon!
Other minor news, if you’re curious you can check out my short films “EATING”, “5″, “KISS” and the reconstruction of my student film “drift.” on my Youtube channel. http://www.youtube.com/user/Dagdafilm?feature=mhum
And if you have a YOUTUBE membership, please feel free to friend me and/or subscribe to my channel to keep informed with anything new coming from DAGDAFILM.
Well, thats it for now. There’s a lot going on for me behind the scenes…plans bubbling and brewing. But other than the major step of writing and producing my first feature for 2012, which is a go because I’m producing it, I’m not privy to saying much else.
So until next time, keep creating!
Cuojoe
Brian Cuojoe Tolbert
DAGDAFILM
My brain is fried.
There. I said it. It’s freekin’ fried like an egg on a sizzling cast iron skillet.
I’m on a brief, self imposed ‘holiday’. Some of you would call it, a ‘vacation’. I call it a hiatus from all things stressful in my day to day life. A time to finish up some things that were started in haste. A time to simply rest. My summer hasn’t been eventful, but it’s been productive.
I just finished a project today. (Quite literally, it’s still warm.) “Dirty 30″ was a collaboration with longtime partner in crime Chris Jensen-Soto of SoCon Films. (Together, we call ourselves SO.DA Films.) “Dirty 30″ is the first short film we worked on together from beginning to end. It’s been an interesting ride, speaking for myself the process has been an interesting one.
For “Dirty 30″, both Chris and I wanted to come up with a short film that we could shoot quickly. We came up with the scenario together and each wrote scenes for it, the entire script writing process taking about 3 days. We cast the film in the next few weeks, shot the film in its entirety in one day, and four months later PRESTO! We have a short film thats watchable. (And enjoyable.) Ain’t that something?
We are already mulling over the possibility of shooting another short in this style by the end of the year. It’s more than doable. I already know that I want this next short to actually be something ‘fucked up’ and considerably darker, and both of us have agreed that it’s time to branch out and gun and run our way through the streets of Los Angeles. With the exception of an experimental short I’m already planning, Cuojoe Studios, my flat that has featured in about four short films (including Dirty 30) will no longer be utilized as a ‘setting’. My apartment really isn’t THAT exciting, so there is no reason why it needs to be featured in every one of my damn films.
For myself, other than the possible 2nd SO.DA project, and the ‘experimental’ piece I’m going to be working on soon, I’m going to try and just lay low for the rest of this year, and concentrate most of 2012 on producing “DEMALOGUES”. Once I get started with that, I’m going to try to be obsessive about keeping a diary on the the process of making it. And though I say I’ll mainly be concentrating on “DEMALOGUES”, I’m already in the process of writing a feature length script which will be shot Dogme 95-”ish”. More on that later.
_
On remakes…
Fuck you.
FUCK YOU!!!!!!!!
I dont care how good they say the ‘re-boots’ of Conan The Barbarian and Fright Night are. I wont spend a dime on those fucking lazy retreads. Cant they get some people in the studios who can fucking WRITE NEW MATERIAL? How hard is it to develop something new? Jeesh. (I know its all about the money…but still)
_
On Raul Ruiz…
RIP.
A very talented filmmaker who was often chided by the film community as much as he was praised, passed away today at age 70. My favorite films by him, “Time Regained” and “Klimt”, simply for their visual style. I tried watching his newest film “Mysteries of Lisboa”, actually a made for European TV movie over 4 hours long. I only got 15 minutes into it. I’ll wait to watch it on DVD. I still love you Mr. Ruiz, you have a beautiful ‘eye’. Rest in Peace.
_
On ‘going to the movies’…
The last movie I saw in the theater was a revival screening of “Young Frankenstein”. (Ironically, the first film I ever saw in a theater, back then shown in a revival cinema as well.) Some of the magic of the cinema for me is gone now, it seems. As I sat there in the dark, I felt like I was watching a screen the size of a postage stamp, and the sound was really bad. I could’ve stayed home and had a better experience watching it from a DVD. I used to look forward to stepping out and checking out the new movies too, but more and more, the new films leave me wanting more challenge, not just special effects, quirky one liners and characters vomiting pop culture.
(Sigh)
_
Movies in my DVD pile…
I got a pile of movies on my TV that I’ve yet to watch. I cant see spending $16 on one movie in the theater when I have 6 or 7 movies just sitting around in their cases waiting to be watched. I used to run a ‘movie night’ for a library way back when, and of course I played the strangest shit I could find (“Sante Sangre’ and “Prospero’s Books” were standard fare.) This month my pile is larger than normal due to the fact I’ve spent the last few months editing my own shit. So here’s my current list of DVDs…
1. Gigante
2. Bug
3. Tetro
4. The Last Station
5. Il Divo
6. Chi-Hwa-Seon
7. Cold Souls
Thats not including films on my, umm, ‘digital queue’…
1. Sweet Movie
2. Strapped
3. The Troll Hunter
4. Cell 21
So how does one run a successful movie night? Well, for me, I cant watch a movie like this unless I have popcorn. I know its corny (pun intended) but there’s nothing like the smell of popcorn, or the taste of it drizzled with real butter to get you in the mood to watch a good flick. That, and I have to have a soda of some kind, my favorite at the moment, Sierra Mist natural or Cherry Dr. Pepper. Not really into the sweets when watching a movie, but the mainstays of whoppers, goobers or other theater like candy is always fun to have handy with friends. (And notice how much cheaper those little fuckers are when buying them from the grocery store than at the theater concession stands?)
So anyhow…even though I talk shit about going to the theater, there are certain movies that i’ll go out of my way to see…(Trippy shit like ENTER THE VOID for example)
_
So anyways…nothing else to say, except I’m going to start working on this DVD pile now.
Thanks for reading, and keep creating!
Brian Cuojoe Tolbert
DAGDAFILM
I read a note on a facebook ‘tweet’ that a friend posted (a wealthy and famous/infamous friend) It said, “So. Fucking. Much. To. Do.” It got me thinking, It’s amazing how much time I spend in front of the computer, banging away at the key board. How little human interaction I actually get between my day job (which has nothing to do with my film work – learning) and this, the wait between renders.
I’m making the choice to work like this. Right now i have to. I have 3 projects to complete before I can feel comfortable starting anything else. And during that time I have to go through a type of self imposed isolation to stay focused and get it all done.
I thought on it, and it’s not a bad thing. As I said before, this is my film school, my life…and it’s an ongoing work in progress.
So that thought addressed, back to work. There’s a lot for me to do between now and then.
BCT
Hello folks. It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted any updates and so I figured it was time.
No rants. No negativity. Just a very Zen approach to my blog, and to my mood that is currently enhanced by a good rum and coke (with a twist of lime please) my girl Ceu singing “Nascente” from the speakers on my computer, and the satisfaction that comes from rubbing my manhood against my flatscreen monitor (I’ll disinfect it in the morning).
Life is beautiful. I love making movies.
All is well.
So whats been going on with me? SO.DA films…I’ve been working with Chris over at Soconfilms on our first collaboration together, “D3″ (Like writing the story together and everything) and assisting with an edit of a short (also by Chris) filmed a year or so ago called “DAYDREAMER”. Both projects are coming out well…been putting the inner workings of my PC through the wringer. (It’s allright baby girl, I’m almost done.)
My PC is pretty cool…I’ve had her forever, and I’ve edited many short films on her over the years. But it might be time to retire her soon, step up and get something more powerful. Not a MAC, because I love using Sony Vegas as its a very simple and straightforward editing program, which alas, is only available on PCs. Anyway back to my PC, whom I lovingly call “Myrtle”; She’s getting old and dusty, creaky and crusty. Whenever I mention the possibilities of MAC creating FCP for PC her little electronic eyes widen in terror like a porno star realizing she has an anal scene next but had forgotten to douche.
Indeed, “Myrtle” can do a lot, and people are often shocked when I tell them I’ve used and abused her for sooooo looooong. Well, it’s just me, practicing what I preach, and being frugal. If I had a dime for every time I bumped into a starry eyed film-making ingénue fixated on Apple’s smooth, sexy curves I’d be a man with an awful lot of dimes. What these folks seem to forget is that you can work (or rather) begin to work on making your movies with what you have on hand. Work with what you got for Pete’s sake! ‘Professionals’ may roll their eyes and poo poo what you’re doing, but in the end it’s really only the finished product that matters. The tools can GET you to the finish line, and even polish up your shite…but if your shite is shite to begin with, then no amount of Apple can help you out.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not an Apple hater, at all. (Well, except maybe my Ipod) I’m just reiterating what I’ve always advocated, that filmmakers on a budget can do themselves good by just concentrating on actually making movies instead of obsessing over which computer they currently have to edit them on.
So anyhow, back to me. I’m currently working on the two projects I mentioned before. (And almost complete with both.) I’m only editing DAYDREAMER, I’m not sure what Chris has planned for this but we’ll see. “D3″ on the other hand, should be released in the next month or two. Where will it be released? And more importantly, what the fuck is it about? Well, currently, its about 16 minutes long, it’s a dark comedy, and it’s the last movie I’m ever shooting in or around my apartment. LOL
In other news, I’m going to be cutting section “TWO” from my short film “5″ into it’s own SHORT, SHORT. (It’s the scene with actress Naama Kates and actor Ben Solenberger having a slightly twisted little afternoon rendezvous.) This scene in “5″ has always got the strongest, most positive reaction so one can imagine it’ll be well received. Look for more news on this later this year.
I had planned to shoot an experimental short in the next three months, a mostly spartan and dialogue driven piece thats currently titled “4″ in a room. Well, after the experience of shooting “D3″ I’ve decided to just concentrate on my writing for the rest of the year. That includes working on spec scripts, scripts I plan on filming myself AND a book AND a novella. Yes girlfriends, I’m a writing fool.
I’m also considering getting into music. But I’m err, awfully shy in person about that. So we’ll see.
I’m determined to make “DEMALOGUES” my focus for 2012. This is a short, experimental work I’ve been stewing on for many years. More on this as I get closer to actual pre production, probably January of 2012. 
So yes, even though most of my local friends never hear from me or see me, it’s not because I’m out partying my ass off, or anything. (Geesh, I wish it were.) I’m actually holed up in my cell taking care of business. Also, I’ve had a new day job, and this becomes an issue when trying to catch up with friends during the week, because i’m pooped after work yo! I am going to try to make it a point to break out every now and then though, checking out the smaller, mellower Pride events coming up, and getting back out there and supporting my many musician friends with my patronage (I LOVE YOU KILLSONIC!!!) But doing everything I’m doing means much of my spare time will be in isolation. During the writing phase AT LEAST.
Again, hmmm, we’ll see.
Have a good one my friends, and until we speak again, keep creating!
Brian Cuojoe Tolbert
DAGDAFILM
And just as a side note, I’m very happy about the marriage ruling in New York. Hopefully soon, California courts will get off their asses, be brave and rule for equality.
Goodnight.
BCT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
April 22, 2011
Tomorrow my co-hort Chris Jensen-Soto (SoCon Films) and I are holding a small audition at the Space Station in Hollywood for a spot in out next short movie, “D3″. I realize this is extremely last minute, but please read on and if you’re interested hit me up. (A nd please feel free to forward to anyone you know who might be interested and is close to Hollywood!)
“D3″ audtion
2 to 4pm
Space Station Casting Studios
1258 N. Highland Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90038-1207
Corner of Highland Ave and Fountain Basic
Synopsis for movie: Three childhood buddies hang out to celebrate a birthday, only to find that things don’t go quite as planned. About the production: “D3″ is to be shot in a barebones, Dogme 95 style. A darker comedy with biting dialogue and lots of improvisation. In the main cast of characters there are three friends, but the fourth character who we still need to cast is an exotic dancer named “KANDI” who was hired to dance for the birthday boy.
Description of Kandi: Physically attractive, spirited, smart, curvy and voluptuous…a 20 to mid 30 something young woman who exotic dances on the side as she completes her degree in Nuclear Physics. She plays dumb to get the Benjamins but is quick to put guys in their place when they get out of line. All in all though, very mellow, laid back and open minded. This role is short on actual dialogue but the scenes in which she appears are some of the funniest in the movie and will make a lasting impression for audience members. There is no nudity for this role.
The story has a light tone and has no violence or nudity. We are looking for someone preferably with ad-lib or improvisational experience as a few of the scenes will be spontaneous shots of the four characters dancing, hanging out, etc. Completed running time of this short will be about 30 minutes.
Once cast this will be a one day shoot, SAG approved, deferred payment but with a $30 stipend for gas and will be filmed in Glendale. Once final cut is complete we will forward copy of film for reels. Shooting date will be sometime in May, most likely a Sunday. Exact date pending once we find “Kandi”. Again, I know this is very last minute…but, If you’re interested in the role hit me up.
We’re auditioning tomorrow at the space and time listed above, so if you want to drop by please feel free!
And contact me here on Facebook or my email at dagdafilm.us@gmail.com!
Thanks! Brian Cuojoe Tolbert DAGDAFILM
About to take the first step into the great unknown, by beginning the process of writing my first book.
Those of you who write know how unpredictable and emotionally harrowing the first step can be.
Anyway, here’s to the future, and thanks for your support!
Cuojoe
DAGDAFILM
ENJOY!
Yo…
Good evening peeps.
I am going to try and keep this short, unlike my looooooooong VLOG I posted days ago. First of all the last month was good for me, all things considered. Looking at my day to day woes i find i really have nothing right now o lasting importance to complain about. Life is good. Bad things happen, sure. But the good, outweighs the infamous. (I find I feel better about myself if i stay away from the evening news, LOL) I felt really proud of myself, perhaps it’s silly and even a little naive, especially to the cynics out there, but I donated to the American Red Cross. First bit of charity I’ve done. I feel doubly good because my current employer matches my contribution (is doubly a word?). There’s a lot of shit going on in the world, whether it be on our own doorstep or accross the ocean…give if you can, to the world or to your own community. (Smiles)
So ends the public service announcement of my blog.
Now, to the rant…
FUCK CHARLIE SHEEN. I mean seriously, FUCK HIM. He’s a douschbag whose moderatly entertaining when he’s sober. Why is he so damn popular for being a raging twit? I guess he must be doing something right. He’s wealthy and I’m nearly penniless.
Ok, end rant…(Think good thoughts, think good thoughts…)
~
Ok, a little entertainment news. Now I normally dont do movie reviews of any kind, but I thought I’d give it a go, if anything just to bring a little film to your attention that might end of floating under your radar. (And please excuse me if I gush, as I’m a sucker for a film with long takes and sphincter tightening suspense) The movie in question that I’ll talk briefly of, is the Uruguain horror thriller, “LA CASA MUDA”, aka THE SILENT HOUSE.
The premise of the film is simple, father and daughter hike to an old family house in the rural Uruguay countryside to fix it up. Going inside to rest for the evening, it becomes clear that someone or something else is in the house with them. What ensues is a tense game of cat and mouse between the daughter and whatever evil lurks upstairs.
I’m a cheerleader for this film for a number of reasons, first and foremost it was shot on an extremely low budget (About $6000) but it looks and sounds incredible. The unknown lead does an incredible job, for most of the film all we do is follow her around the house in the dark. The flick is also notable in that it was shot like “ROPE”, with the illusion of a single take heightening many scenes of suspense, especially a harrowing chase scene toward the middle of it’s slim 78 minute run time. Also notable, the film was shot on the Canon Mark V DSLR camera…certainly not the first, but certainly the most interesting to be shot in a truly cinematic way.
Is the movie perfect? Nope. Far from it. In fact there are a few moments that really sucked ass. My recommendation though leans more toward the desire of sharing a mostly successful gem of a horror film to a public that will most likely only hear of the American remake that is already making its rounds to film festivals nationwide. (And I hear that one has the younger sister of THE OLSON TWINS as the lead.) Anyway, if you can find it, watch it. It’s one of those films that hasnt been released in the US and might not be for a long time.
~
Currently local filmmaker Christian Calson is filming a new feature film called “FERAL”.
http://www.facebook.com/feralmovie
I’m keeping my eye on this as his previous work (and work to be) has a very underground, radical queer bent which is I find very inspiring. (In a Todd Haynes, POISON type of way.) Good stuff.
~
Another local filmmaker/activist/entrepeneur has a cool project going down that has been in the work for a few years now. Jonathan Menendez Benavides is making a documentary about Latino queer life in L.A., specifically following the lives of 3 young latino men as they deal with issues of family, culture, religion…it’s some very potent stuff.
http://evolutionaryproductions.com/
Check it out. And a special shout out to Jonathan for sending out the Facebook invite to the outstanding play BONDED, shown at the Los Angeles Theater Center in Downtown LA. Extended until April 17th, I cant recommend this surprisingly visceral and passionate play enough. Written by local writer Donald Jolly, BONDED was a potent live theater experience. One i would be so down to see again…
http://thelatc.org/2011/shows/bonded/
~
Coming soon, SO.DA. Chris Jensen Soto over at Socon films and I are collaborating on a short film over the next few months. Shot in the same vein as my last short, “EATING”, in a simple, Dogme 95 inspired way, the new film will be a dark comedy about three friends hanging out to celebrate a birthday, only to find that the night doesnt quite go as planned. I’m really excited about this one, as we were able to write a quality script quickly and get most everything we need together. More details for this project will posted at a later date.
http://www.facebook.com/SOCONFILMS?ref=ts
I’m also putting the finishing touches on a GLBT themed short, working title, “THE LOLLYGAGGERS”. The script is complete, but the sparse one room set is not. Again, more details on this as the time comes.
In the next few months I’ll be concentrating on writing…working mainly on the 2nd revision of my story “DEMALOGUES”. (Which I’ve been stewing on for years.) I’m also laying the foundations for other strictly written work, and my first feature film script, another dark comedy. (So much for the experimental films huh? LOL) I do have a completed script, a short horror film called “CARNE” complete. That I’m pushing back to 2012 to film to save up funds and experiment with different cameras and stuff. It will also take some time to translate “CARNE” into Spanish…so it’ll be a very involved project indeed.
So yeah, I’m very busy right now. As I expected I’d be by April. Which is a good thing.
Ok my friends, thats it for now. Thanks for taking the time to reading my blog! Have a goodnight, and keep creating!
Brian Cuojoe Tolbert
DAGDAFILM
