Page 37 - Zone Magazine Issue 013

film release interview
How do you relate as an artist to DJ Evan GO?
Jimmie Gonzalez:
The character of Evan was actually a correlation of myself and artist/actor Dan Diamond. It’s no secret Dan had some Bad Habits and some of his stories of excess and debauchery as a touring MC and DJ would never seize to amaze me. As a DJ myself, I was the guy that would usually skip the after party to stay up all night watching movies in my hotel. I was fascinated with the stories but not enough to experience it for myself. Obviously those stories were filtered through my crazy brain resulting in a fictional screenplay ultimately meant to entertain as well as make people think.
John Acquaviva:
I relate from both sides. I have seen this potential outcome in myself as well as in many of the people in our scene. Some have aged and survived better than others. It’s very much a Jekyll or Hyde outcome and in this case Evan Go was worse for it all. We all struggle with every decision we need to make in our career coming up and then often analyse and ruminate our choices after making them and often on a valley or downside of the career. If you over think it ...it can make you crazy for sure.
What Inspired you to move from DJ’ing to being a Filmmaker? Jimmie Gonzalez:
As a Chicago native and DJ since 1985, I was fortunate to come up through some of the best times as a DJ and producer. It was in the early 2000’s that I found myself fighting to keep the integrity of the underground scene relevant. Much like the film, rather than conforming to the demands of the emerging commercial scene, I chose to look deeper into myself. What I found was the visual artist that was always there but perhaps too far behind to step up after devoting over 20 years to music. With technology and access to the tools to create video and film I was rejuvenated like a kid in a candy store immersing myself into the world of film again finding joy while expressing myself. I started by creating a series of video Mix DVD’s in 2004 entitled "Cinema Therapy" which merged the deepest and darkest of electronic music with the deepest and darkest of cult cinema. This taught me the basics of editing and structure but mainly opened the door to pursue my own narrative project.
John Acquaviva:
Really having stayed in touch and being friends with Jimmie over all these years. When he finished his script, i was drawn in deeper and here we are with our
story and film. This was a totally new area for me, and just like when we started with Techno music back in the days following our hearts and gut, we found a way to make it work! That said this is simply an extension of all i have done and loved about making and being involved in almost all aspects of independent music.
It is invigorating to be part of any creative process and Film making is clearly a visual focus which is so much more broader than music. so its a little bit intoxicating as well.
What’s the significance to you of winning best Screenplay in the Macabre Faire Film Festival? Jimmie Gonzalez:
I was especially honoured to receive this award other then it just being my first full length screenplay. I took it too heart even more than explained during my acceptance speech as my wife can attest too. This script was written during anything less than ideal times. We had just had our triplet boys and my DJ career was at its lowest point as the non passion for it was starting to show resulting in completely turning my back on the scene. I think it’s pretty obvious this film is the purging of my soul during some of my life’s most dark and emotional times.
Was there a particular event or time that you recognised that filmmaking was not just a hobby, but that it would be your life and your living? Jimmie Gonzalez:
I’m still not quite sure I’m there. Although I have several ideas and film projects in the works I also finally feel at peace with the scene and DJ'ing. Over the summer I took on several gigs reigniting that flame only to realise the underground is once again emerging. Although time is my only enemy, I have a passion for both more than ever. This time I plan on just having fun with it and truly playing what really turns me on.
What do you love about directing?
Jimmie Gonzalez:
There were moments on set where I would sit back and just watch everybody working there asses off on the littlest of details I wrote in my script. There’s nothing better than seeing everybody
wasn’t working. I asked everyone to clear the room and Dan and I just talked. I said dude, look where we are at. Remember we use to run around town without permits and lie to location owners to make our no budget videos? Now look at us, were doing it! Thinking about it now, that would only intimidate any other actor, but after that Dan came out and gave his best performance of the film. You can see it in their interaction between Evan and Eve in his apartment bedroom scene.
What do you love about writing?
Jimmie Gonzalez:
To be honest my favorite part about writing is finishing. It's a real tough process but there's nothing better than the feeling of completing it.
Do you ever experience writer's block?
Jimmie Gonzalez:
I really can't comment as I haven't quite experienced what some full time writers have claimed to be pure internal hell. If anything I've had the opposite effect in which I write too much only to realise later is utter nonsense.
Any thoughts on your next project?
Jimmie Gonzalez:
I’m currently working on two projects one I can't talk much about other then I would be solely producing. The other is a feature I'm co-writing with Las Vegas artist/writer Wonkknow. All I can say about this one is that I have been fascinated with the Mexican Dia Day Los Muertos aka Day of The Dead culture and looking to intertwine a story within that beautiful and colourful world. Devoting years of your life into a film requires a lot of passion and you must have it to get through it genuinely. I like to start a project by immersing myself into research which is what I've been doing this year.
John Acquaviva:
Although not something I planned, The Red Man has opened up a whole new world for me and us. There is a thriving world of independent film makers and i am meeting more and more people in this industry. Some incredibly compelling characters and now we are friends i am starting to explore more oportunites in this industry. I intend to go to Sundance and try to bring some things into focus for next year however not able to drop any names or projects as of yet.
Connect:
http://www.theredmanfilm.com/
Words By Andrew Lazar
come together to share a vision, and lead that vision is a great feeling I’m looking forward to doing again.
What is the best thing that ever happened to you while shooting? Jimmie Gonzalez:
to
I’ll never forget the second day of shooting The Red Man when Lindsey Naves who plays Eve came on set. It was the first time Dan he had to interact with another actor. It was the first time I saw Dan nervous. After several takes It just
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