Over the course of the past 18 months, the idea of making films has made the transition from unrequited artistic desire to reality. As modest as they may be, I currently have two short films to my name which I have produced and directed, one of which I also wrote, and a lead acting role in another short film to boot. I’m also preparing to complete the final semester required to receive my film degree this coming spring, so I definitely haven’t been fucking around as an artist during this period, even if it appeared otherwise.
As it stands right now, it’s time for me to elevate my game to the next level with my next directorial effort: Discothèque. Although there is most definitely a fully realized plot, I also wrote this short film for the purpose of showcasing my handling of artistic territories I want to explore via the cinematic medium. The screenplay contains stylish and (sometimes) surreal elements of suspense, drama, and action. As for my directing influences, Michael Mann perhaps casts the largest shadow here, as I envision both a glossy look for the film, and the prominent use of pop music for dramatic effect. There are also elements of Paul Verhoeven and Brian De Palma to be found as well, although the objective is to conceive and execute a style which is 100% El Stefano.
Along with being the director and writer of Discothèque, I will also be serving as producer, performing in a supporting role, and, with Mode Nouveauxx, providing an original score and songs. Given the ambitiousness of this project, I will definitely have to raise financing from outside sources, so that will take some time. At this time, I would venture this film may be shot during late summer/early autumn 2012, although that is all very much up in the air at this time. While it’s a 99% given that Discothèque will be shot in Arkansas, I have no intention of entering the finished product into any film festival in this state; I simply believe this film will be better received just about anywhere but here.
Tags: acting, arkansas, directing, discothèque, film, filmmaking, mode nouveauxx, producing, screenwriting, short film
