FOURPLAY

FOURPLAY: What's it all about?

2015-10-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

New to the blog? Want to know more general info about FOURPLAY? Check-out the first blog entry. Also, this blog is now ADULTS ONLY, so if you are a kiddie under the age of 18, go bye bye now!

4PLAY: TAMPA - Sundancing PT 3 ...

2012-01-27T12:46:00.000-06:00

More news and great reviews:

Another great review of FOURPLAY: TAMPA, this time on Smells Like Screen Spirit.

A bit of a tempest-in-a-teapot re Cynthia Nixon's announcement that she "chooses" to be gay. I was asked to comment on CNN's HLN at the fest, so here's my 2 cents.

And finally, a viewer who can't see the forest through the fake penis trees. A link to our first outraged review on IMDB. If you have counter thoughts, or want to rate the film on IMDB, I humbly ask that you make your views known.

And you too can see FOURPLAY: TAMPA, for only a $10 donation to our feature Kickstarter campaign, check it out here.

We'll have perhaps one more Sundance post after the fest if more news emerges...

Kyle Henry
Director, Fourplay

4PLAY: TAMPA - Sundancing PT 2 ...

2012-01-25T11:03:00.000-06:00

The 4PLAY: TAMPA crew is heading out of Utah today after what can only be described as a glorious adventure here at Sundance this year. See links below for some choice press from the festival. Although we didn't win a jury prize, one of the jurists told me that if they could give a prize to the film with the most cum and jizz on display, we would've won. Proud, proud, proud!

Although flattered, I have to say that below all that fluid is a film that really is about so much more than shock and awe. Comedy is a subtle, subversive art that disarmingly can mask intentions, in TAMPA's case we present shame and body-image issues in the guise of an over-the-top-comedy to make people, especially gay men, confront their own secret shame and have a bit of a laugh at the absurdity of judging worth through the size of one's Johnson. Will have more press and thoughts in a final wrap-up after the fest ends. - Kyle

Review in Ted Hope's site HAMMER TO NAIL

Huffington Post's Latino Voice's overview

4PLAY: TAMPA - Sundancing PT 1 ...

2012-01-22T08:28:00.001-06:00

A quick shout from Sundance where we've now had two screenings of FOURPLAY: TAMPA. Here's a link to a great review in Ted Hope's HAMMER TO NAIL web-site by Michael Tully and below is an interview with screenwriter Carlos Trevino and I on the uber-gay site Queerty.

Also, a quick story (see photo above) about the near white-out conditions drive up and down the Sundance Institute mountain yesterday for the director's brunch. One of the buses skidded off the road and hit two cars and another had to have all the filmmakers get in the back of the bus to add more weight to the rear tires so the bus could make it up the hill. Had strange visions of newspaper headlines announcing "20 Sundance Filmmakers Killed in Tragic Bus Accident!" as we coming down the mountain and I watched the ravine below me which had pretty steep drop into it from the road. Again, as with every day, glad most of all just to be alive! - Kyle

FOURPLAY: Sex saved my life ...

2012-01-17T08:27:00.000-06:00

Sex saved my life. And I'm sure if a lot more of us were honest with ourselves we'd admit the same thing.

As a young, angst ridden and alienated young man in my late teens, I was desperate to connect with something, anything. I threw myself into political activism, theater, academics, anything that could absorb me so completely that I could blot out the yawning chasm of need that was the source of so much "activity."

I also happened to be gay and very much in the closet to not only everyone else but most especially to myself. Looking back at some of the photographs from that period, I can't imagine that anyone with half an ounce of gaydar wasn't VERY AWARE of my gayness. I remember one kind theater director once telling me in a production of Gilbert and Sullivan's IOLANTHE (does that scream gay, or what!) that if there was anything I ever wanted to talk about with him, his door was always open.

"What could I possibly have to talk to you about?" I protested.

"Um, your sexual identity," he replied.

Yikes! Hammer to the nail! I think I left almost immediately and protested to EVERYONE I knew that the director of the play I was in was trying to "recruit" me and I just wished all those "faggots" would leave me alone!

Too bad I couldn't leave myself alone cause I was with me 24 hours a day! Anyway, long story short, after trying to date a few women then making a VERY drunken and awkward pass at an out queer housemate one night (and denying that it ever took place the next day), I acknowledged the need and went hunting for someone to act on it with.

Luckily, I found my first love, a lieutenant in the Army at the time via a newspaper personal ad. Remember those? Almost immediately, after the first time we were together, I finally was released from the crushing anxiety that had haunted me from late adolescence onward. And it wasn't the act of sex itself that saved me, but the intimacy that it unleashed, the tenderness and feelings of finally belonging and being accepted, really accepted for who I was, naked and stripped of my ego.

Luckily, that partner was up for the responsibility and love that such connection can awaken. We talked, we shared, we dated, and eventually, like so many first loves, we moved on when it became clear that love alone did not make for the foundation of a lasting relationship.

Again, luckily, I've found a longer, lasting relationship with my partner Carlos Trevino, the incredibly talented writer of FOURPLAY: TAMPA, which plays a Sundance this week. Earlier sexual encounters/relationships can help one sort out what one is looking for in a relationship as a whole, and can put sex in its proper place as part of a balanced relationship. It's called experience, and if we deny someone from having these adult experiences, or develop systems that punish them for these experiences (e.g. denying the availability of contraception so sex leads to the spread of disease or the burden of conception), then we actually elevate the importance of sex in our society to a dangerous form of control.

Also, if we only tell each other stories where sex isn't given its proper due in the world at large which we represent, or is used purely as pornographic titillation, or a cudgel to inflict even more pain and fear upon our audiences (e.g the entire oeuvre of filmmaker Lars Von Trier), then we also become part of a system of control that manipulates the powerful force of sexual connection for ill gotten gain.

No, not all sexual encounters and acts are positive. I'm not naive or unaware of the horrible power dynamics involved when sex is used for intimidation, oppression and assault. Consent on the part of all ADULT (as defined by law) parties without any coercion must be given. Besides mystical/religious fervor or drug experiences, sexual union is one of the most powerful experiences one can have to connect one to one's being and existence to others on this planet. As such, it should be seriously studied and considered. And it should be one of the major subjects of our arts and entertainment. Hence my desire to make the FOURPLAY series of shorts.

Do you have any especially moving or life-saving experience that involved sexual connection? If so, I'd love to hear about it. Please consider commenting/responding to this post and I'll print if appropriate. Anonymous postings are fine.

Finally, a reminder that our Kickstarter for the FOURPLAY feature launched. For as little as $10 you can see FOURPLAY: TAMPA, the short playing at Sundance, via a Vimeo link that we'll pass onto donors after the festival.

Kyle Henry
Director - FOURPLAY

4PLAY: TAMPA - Sundance poster...

2012-01-16T11:42:00.001-06:00

Our Sundance poster for FOURPLAY: TAMPA designed by the ever talented Carlos Treviño, screenwriter and also actor in the film. - Kyle

FOURPLAY - Pre-Sundance Kickstarter!!!

2012-01-11T12:56:00.000-06:00

Get a sneak peak at FOURPLAY, the feature anthology, by checking out our final Kickstarter video below. And, check out the great perks, like seeing FOURPLAY: TAMPA, which plays at Sundance 2012, in the privacy of your own home via a password protected link or a DVD copy of the feature anthology.

Thanks again everyone for your loving support over the last four years as FOURPLAY has come together and traveled the world! - Kyle

FOURPLAY: TAMPA - Behind the scenes ...

2012-01-02T16:26:00.000-06:00

4PLAY: TAMPA - New Christeene video...

2012-01-01T13:37:00.000-06:00

Christeene Vale (aka Paul Soileau) made her "art" film debut this year in FOURPLAY: TAMPA. And, she's storming the internet again with the video to her tune "African Mayonnaise." Check it out and be awed by this smack down of all things narcissistic, pop music, vulture-culture. Happy New Year!

CHRISTEENE "African Mayonnaise" from PJ Raval on Vimeo.

4PLAY: TAMPA - Chad State's "Cruising"

2011-12-30T11:12:00.000-06:00

I want to begin again investigating intentions and meaning surrounding and embedded in FOURPLAY: TAMPA as we ramp up for the film's Sundance screenings in January. Screenwriter Carlos Treviño received as a gift from TAMPA actors Matt Hislope and Josh Meyer (the talented duo behind Austin's Rubber Rep Theater) the new photo essay book CRUISING by Chad States.

I've posted one of the photographs from the book above. For me, the wonderful feeling I had upon first reading Treviño's screenplay is also to be found in the photography and accompanying essays in States' book, where consensual, adult sexual actions, so often demonized and marginalized culturally, politically and legally, are recuperated and invested with humanity and the accompanying spirituality of "connection" almost completely missing from popular media representations.

"In Cruising, Chad States portrays not so much a parallel universe but one just down the street and only partly camouflaged. He begins to describe a social overlay where the interplays between assertion and marginalization of male sexualities are constantly in flux and while regular public sex is being expressed the forces that directly harm, discount, isolate, ghettoize, and assimilate erotic outsiders are, at least for a few moments, kept at bay," states Gordon Brent Ingram in his Cruising on the Margins accompanying essay.

I hope, in some small way, FOURPLAY is a similar work, perhaps not so much assimilating erotic outsiders as at least giving them their "due," for I feel their actions are far more prevalent and normal than the homogenizing forces of popular culture would care to admit. After all, that which we marginalize is the part of ourselves we care not to admit exists.

- Kyle

4PLAY: TAMPA - Going to dance in the Sun...

2011-12-07T09:19:00.000-06:00

OK, we can finally spill the beans ... FOURPLAY:TAMPA is screening at Sundance 2012! 32 U.S. short films were selected from 4,083 [US] submissions and over 7,675 total shorts submissions. Them is LOOOOOOOONNNNNGGGG odds, and we are ecstatic to be included in such find company. Best XMAS gift we could've received!

If you like this FOURPLAY project, please help us spread the word by suggesting to "open-minded" friends that they either follow the blog or "like" our Facebook page. In the days leading up to Sundance we'll be sharing a "making-of" short doc here on the blog (a little too raunchy for Facebook, so ONLY posted here) and more interviews from cast and crew.

- Kyle

4PLAY: NC-17 for sex but not for violence?

2011-12-03T10:53:00.000-06:00

A re-post from the world of Facebook, wondering why NC-17 is only reserved for adult sexual content in America and for not violence (prompted by this IndieWire article)?

Well, I don't really wonder about that because I think it's pretty obvious that America is a violent nation (e.g. highest murder/incarceration rate in the world!) where violence is normalized in media, games, sports, et al, ad nauseum, but adult conversations and content about sexuality is repressed and hidden ... conveniently retaining its power to help sell a lot of SHIT to us through advertising.

Anyway, see Kirby Dick's THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED to get the low-down on the MPAA and the history of X, R and NC-17. I think it is quite relevant to our little old FOURPLAY, especially when we try to figure out, especially theatrically, how this film will get out the world.

PS - Exciting news coming next week...

Kyle

4PLAY: IndieWire's Sundance '12 wish list!

2011-11-20T11:41:00.000-06:00

Thanks, Indiewire, for mentioning FOURPLAY on your Sundance 2012 wish list! It don't mean a thing till the large lady sings, but one way or another, FOURPLAY will get out there in the world and find its audience. But ... the attention is always heart warming and encouraging! Keeping fingers crossed and the prayer network on turbo overdrive.

- Kyle

4PLAY: SF wins top prize @ Brazilian festival!

2011-11-15T08:07:00.000-06:00

4PLAY: SF awarded Best Int'l Film prize by Young Critics Jury at the Janela Int'l Film Fest in Recife, Brazil! Said fest rep Emilie Lesclaux "We had very strong reactions to the film during the festival, lots of people talked about it." Thank you!

Speak Portuguese? Check out their press release here.

4PLAY SF @ Long Island G&L Fest tmrw, Sun (11/13)

2011-11-12T15:13:00.000-06:00

The last stop for SAN FRANCISCO screening all on its lonesome outside the feature FOURPLAY anthology will be tmrw, Sunday (11/13) @ 12:30PM at the Long Island Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. See link for more info if you are out near Huntington, NY on Long Island. - Kyle

4PLAY: SF in Kiel, Germany - Fri, Oct 28th @ 6PM

2011-10-22T14:56:00.000-05:00

To each his/her own ... and the Fetish Film Festival in Kiel, Germany is determined to try to "represent" for each and everyone out there in the dark! FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO is winding down its journey around the world this month, and this is one of its last stops. If in Kiel, check it out on Friday, October 28th at 6PM on the TRANS-GENDER-KURZFILMPROGRAMM. More info here at this link. - Kyle

4PLAY: SF - Compassion, dignity and generosity...

2011-10-12T20:59:00.000-05:00

What the Iris Prize Jury said about FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO when awarding it a high commendation at the festival:

"This film shows compassion dignity and generosity. The sex worker had the most beautiful quality of being able to empower another human being."

Here's looking at you, Paul and Gary, for bringing this relationship so beautifully alive. And Carlos for writing such a powerful script. And the inimitable Chloe for letting us co-opt her life for a little while.

- Kyle

4PLAY: SF - Iris Prize Commendation!

2011-10-10T14:48:00.000-05:00

Well, we didn't win the whole enchilada, but we did get a special jury High Commendation for FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO as this year's Iris Prize Festival. Hmmmmm, I wonder what jurist Sally Griffins could possibly have been talking about regarding a jury debate whether or not it "Was the toe or the whole foot?". See FOURPLAY the feature, which will be premiering at a festival in early 2012, to find out! - Kyle

4PLAY: SF - Iris Prize Trailer...

2011-09-30T15:27:00.001-05:00

Nice trailer for the Iris Prize with a short clip from FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO buried within. Like an Easter Egg hunt, can you find the shot? - Kyle

4PLAY: SF plays at Q! Fest Indonesia ... please support!

2011-09-30T09:03:00.000-05:00

FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO plays in Indonesia @ the Q! Film Fest, the only GLBT fest in a predominantly Muslim country. Screens in Jakarta @ the Salihara, 2:30PM on Sat, Oct 1st and at the Kineforum, 2:30PM on Sat, Oct 8th.

So proud we are part of a fest fighting on the front lines of global human rights for GLBT people. I believe they are getting pretty intense harassment for this event as their site now requires you to become a member, so please, in solidarity, go to the link above and type in your email address to become a member!

- Kyle

4PLAY: SF at Iris Prize Fest - Oct 7th @ 12:30PM

2011-09-26T22:21:00.000-05:00

Have any friends in Cardiff, Wales? Then recommend the FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO screening on Fri, Oct 7th @ 12:30PM at the Chapter arts center as the film vies for the prestigious Iris Prize! See this link for ticket sales and theater info. - Kyle

4PLAY: SF's Paul Soileau wins Best Actor @ MiMi!

2011-09-21T21:22:00.000-05:00

Paul Soileau, who plays the part of Aliya in FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO, won the Best Actor prize at the MiMi LGBT Short Film Festival in Barcelona, Spain. Congrats! - Kyle

4PLAY: SF Nominated for Iris Prize 2011!

2011-08-17T09:06:00.000-05:00

FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO has been nominated one of the top international prizes for LGBT work, the Iris Prize. Check out their site for a list of quality queer short films to peruse in the future and as always, we are pleased as punch. BTW, I had the chance to see last year's winner, The Samaritan, by Norwegian director Magnus Monk, at Newfest this year. Below is a video of Iris jurists speaking about this powerful work and clips from the film. It you have the chance, seek it out and watch it today. Proves again the adage that just because you have suffered oppression does not mean that one day you will not become an oppressor yourself given the right set of circumstances. - Kyle

4PLAY: SF wins Newfest 2011!

2011-08-02T18:33:00.000-05:00

Congrats to the cast (Paul Soileau, Cyndi Williams, Gary Chason) and crew of FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO for helping the film win Best Narrative Short at Newfest - NYC's premiere LGBT film festival last weekend. Check out the links above for a trip down blog memory lane. - Kyle

4PLAY: SF in Barcelona Sat, Aug 13th!

2011-07-27T09:27:00.000-05:00

MiMi 2011 from MiMi Short Film Festival on Vimeo.

FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO continues its' world travels at the MIMI LGBT Film Festival in Barcelona, Spain on Sat, August 15th @ 6PM on a shorts program appropriately titled "Qué Overdose!!!" For more info about the screening including location and festival info click on this link. In Spanish only! Their cute trailer is posted above. - Kyle

4PLAY: SF in NYC @ Newfest!

2011-07-20T08:50:00.000-05:00

(Cyndi Williams in FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO)

Have friends in NYC? Why not recommend they see FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO either this Fri, July 22nd @ 9:30 PM at the School of Visual Arts theater OR next Tues, July @ 3PM at the Cinema Village. See this link for more info and to purchase tickets:

http://newfest.slated.com/2011/films/fourplaysanfrancisco_kylehenry_newfest2011

4PLAY: TAMPA - Jose Villarreal Int Pt 3

2011-07-15T09:55:00.000-05:00

Final part of my interview with FOURPLAY: TAMPA star Jose Villarreal. To read Pt 01 or Pt 02 just click on these links! Remember to come out to our NewFest screening in NYC of FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO on Fri, July 22nd, more info here. - Kyle

4) Was there anything you learned about your craft as an actor while making the film? As someone who is fairly new to film, what surprised you about the operation of the film set? Feel weird about all the fake dongs being bandied about?

Granted I'm still new, there was nothing really that surprised me. I had a pretty decent knowledge of what to expect from the commercial experience I've gathered. What I really enjoyed was something I had been waiting my entire career to experience, sitting with the audience and hearing their reactions. I actually loved the dongs. I thought, and I guess was surprised at this part, that there was a wrangler for them to keep clean and sign in and out for. I heard on the Harry Potter sets everyone had to sign in and out for their wands, the Star Wars sets people had to do so for their lightsabers. Big deal. We had people signing in and out for their dongs. How awesomely hilarious is that?

4PLAY: SF in NYC on Fri, July 22nd @ Newfest!

2011-07-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO makes its' NYC debut at NewFest on Fri, July 22nd at the SVA theater @ 9:30PM. Put the kiddies to sleep early and come on down to see some wild, freaky shit! I'll be there to answer for what we've done, live and in-person. If you can't make, we have another screening on Tues, July 26th @ 3PM at the SVA but I'll be bye-bye by then. - Kyle

4PLAY: TAMPA - One more chance to see in LA...

2011-07-09T10:15:00.000-05:00

Great packed screening at Outfest in LA last night! One more chance to see FOURPLAY: TAMPA at 9:30 PM on Monday, July 11th at 9:30 PM at the Laemmle Sunset 5. Click this link to purchase tickets or pass on info to LA friends! - Kyle

http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2011/filmguide/films/3419

4PLAY: TAMPA - Jose Villarreal Int PT 2

2011-07-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

A continuation of my interview with FOURPLAY: TAMPA star Jose Villarreal. Click here to read part one. - Kyle

3) What particular challenges did you face playing your role? Any fears you had to overcome?

For me, it was quite a unique sort of challenge/fear. I take comedy very seriously. I've made crude jokes and whatnot, but to be part of them physically in such a way as this is entirely different from just talking comedy. I've always been of the mind that, if done properly, nothing is off limits in the world of comedy, with exception to "too soon" jokes which people don't realize is an aspect of the timing of comedy.

Luckily for us/me, the first day of shooting included the scene of (SPOILER) me being found in the stall at the end of the short covered in "happy juice" (END SPOILER). The process of getting prepped for that, and the light atmosphere by everyone involved helped remind me that this was not a melodrama, and my fears were quickly alleviated. Had that not been shot the first day, I might have had a harder time giving Kyle what he wanted for Louis.

That being said, the only real fear I still have is that my mother will see this. I don't need her telling me I'm going to hell (for yet another of many reasons).

4PLAY: TAMPA - Jose Villarreal Int Pt 1

2011-07-04T16:16:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th of July, America! We're celebrating our freedom to be freaky by counting down the days to the North American premiere of FOURPLAY: TAMPA at Outfest in Los Angeles this Fri, July 7th @ 9:30PM, with an interview with the film's star, Jose Villarreal. Jose was game for pretty much anything thrown his way and always went 200% above and beyond what was required to break our hearts while making us hysterically laugh. What's not to love about that pouty Charlie Brown expression thrown your way in the photo above? - Kyle

1) What were your first feelings when approached to play your role in TAMPA? First thoughts after reading the script?

When my agent first sent me the script, she warned me it might be out of my comfort zone and pretty much left it at that. I started to read it and began to feel a bit awkward at the first "encounter". I honestly thought to myself that my agent had submitted me for gay porn, but out of sheer curiosity I kept reading; even before deciding to audition, I already felt connected to Louis after a few scenes. Once the farce antics began to roll, I knew this was going to be an experience I wanted to be part of. After reading the script, I couldn't wait to audition.

2) What, if anything, helped you prepare to play your role?

I've performed gay characters before, but only my interpretation of them. This was the first time I had a role that was originally written as a gay character. I could see how it would feel strange, but it wasn't just that a gay man was being turned down for gay sex, it was someone just looking for someone to accept him as a lover, that was part of how I felt so strongly connected to him. It wasn't his sexual orientation, but his quest failures and success and situations that I focused on, I guess. The audition was a little awkward at first, but I guess I was too nervous about the audition process itself than it's material. Again, like the filming, it was the fact that it was comedy that loosened me up. I ended up having a blast; it was probably one of the most fun auditions I have ever been too. I really enjoy that, to this day, I can embarrass my friends (hopefully in the middle of a family friendly restaurant) by getting up to squat and air hump and say, "I did this for about a half hour straight for the audition. My glutes got a good workout."

I guess what was most difficult after the audition was accepting (THINKING) I didn't get the part. I was telling someone at the Alamo Drafthouse fundraiser we had about that. After my singles audition with you, I was sure I didn't get the part. With each take you kept asking me to be more subtle. I thought I wasn't giving you what you wanted and you were basically repeating/rewording yourself to get subtlety out of me, it wasn't till a conversation we had after filming that you told me about how you were seeing how subtle I could get; I was subtle, but still connected and comedic.

4PLAY: TAMPA - 30 sec clip...

2011-06-24T09:12:00.000-05:00

A sneak peek just for you! Coming to LA's OUTFEST two weeks from today, Fri July 8th. - Kyle

FOURPLAY: TAMPA - 30 Sec Press Clip from Kyle Henry on Vimeo.

4PLAY: SF - Consultant Chloe muse for painter ...

2011-06-16T14:17:00.000-05:00

Chloe, the trans sex-worker who served as consultant and inspiration for FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO, has continued her journey through life as muse for another artist, this time painter Daniel Samaniego. Chloe is a knock-out and a real sweet heart in "real life," so at first I was a bit taken aback by the artists' use of her image, then I was blown-away by his technique and amazed by the way he transformed Chloe into the mythological Hydra figure! Some Jungian analysts see dreaming of a hydra (or serpents in general) as metaphors for dealing with issues of temptation, which of course would certainly make sense given Chloe's profession. Samaniego's work reminds me a lot of Chicago artist Ivan Albright's deliriously scary paintings, which I adore, in particular his "Into The World There Came A Soul Called Ida". Enjoy! - Kyle

PS - For a Chloe redux, click-here for the first in a series of fascinating interviews I did with her last year.

4PLAY: TAMPA Carlos Treviño Int Pt 4

2011-06-11T10:27:00.000-05:00

Final installment of my interview with the talented 4PLAY: TAMPA screenwriter Carlos Treviño. To read the other installments, click on part 1, part 2 or part 3.

BTW - I wish we had a more open society in the USA where our public and private masks weren't so psychotically split. I'm speaking about the latest political scandal, this time involving Anthony Weiner, where yet again, the public face of the "squeaky clean family man politician" is blown by the behind-the-scenes sexual shenanigans. I'm not a Weiner apologist, but when will a non-married candidate who is up front about their sexual behavior (e.g. "Hi, I'm Bob, I'm running for Congress and I've slept with a lot of people but I'm great at accounting and balancing the budget!") be allowed to run and win public office? I could care less what a politician does in the bedroom as long as they are not exploiting anyone NOR hypocritically mis-representing themselves. I'm not looking for role-models in politics, I just want honest and adroit bureaucrats! I do think we have a long way to go before that happens, which is one of the reasons why I wanted to make FOURPLAY, which I hope at least will start a few more conversations about sexual practice versus public persona every time it screens somewhere. - Kyle

What obstacles or limitations did you have to overcome when writing TAMPA and how did you creatively work around or within them?

I knew pretty early on that I wanted to tell the whole thing with visuals and sound effects only: no dialogue. And though there’s one character who breaks that rule for comic effect, I can say I succeeded. Not being able to rely on dialogue forced me to be extremely specific about setting up motivations, reactions, and comic beats. I think that can only help my writing in the long run.

Have you learned anything special that you'd like to communicate to screenwriters about the short film form now having written three of these FOURPLAY shorts?

Nothing special. Shorts are hard. Especially if you’re not just trying to set up a joke or sell some Dutch beer. Well, even then, I guess shorts are difficult. It’s a great honor and boon to have someone as good at producing and directing my work as I have with Kyle Henry. Getting my work produced is one of the biggest motivators in allowing that work to continue. So if I have any special advice to screenwriters, it’s: get a boyfriend as talented as mine!

4PLAY: TAMPA - Format Court interview

2011-06-06T15:41:00.001-05:00

A nice interview with the Belgian short film site FORMAT COURT at Director's Fornight. - Kyle

Kyle Henry : "Donnez à vos acteurs l'opportunité de contribuer à votre film" from Format Court on Vimeo.

4PLAY: TAMPA - Behind-the-scenes photo album!

2011-06-04T16:14:00.000-05:00

In honor of Queerbomb this weekend in Austin, TX, check out this link to the amazing photos taken by Otis Ike (aka Patrick Bresnan) for FOURPLAY: TAMPA. Patrick is a wonderful artist/photographer/video-grapher/and soon-to-be architect who gifted us with these treasures today after culling through his stash of photos taken on set a little over a year ago. Thank you! - Kyle

4PLAY: TAMPA Carlos Treviño Int Pt 3

2011-06-02T07:05:00.000-05:00

A continuation of my interview w/ TAMPA writer Carlos Treviño. (Clear here to read PT 1 and PT2) - Kyle

How did you make this story (TAMPA) your own?

Well, knowing this is my spin on a Tom of Finland scenario, just about anything you see in this story that’s not Tom of Finland came from me. I’m happy to say that it’s quite a bit. By the way: before my father the minister died (and presumably went to heaven…though we can never be too certain), he put his doctrinal seal of approval on the story. Agreed with the theology, he said. The last shall be first and all that.

What research (if any) did you conduct before writing TAMPA?

Hm, I guess I’d rather not say.

What excites you about writing a new screenplay? What makes you want to write?

If there’s anything consistent in my approach to new work, it might be that I’m usually looking for something different. Different from what I’ve done before, tonally or structurally; different in size and scope. Different also from what I see going on now in filmic media: stories that aren’t being told and can’t be told in any way other than how I’m going to tell them. From doing the work, I hope to discover my personal differences as well. By the end of a project, I’ll find that some aspect of my world view has been expressed—a total delight for someone as inept at political conversation as I am. Through writing, I can experience psychological and emotional states familiar and unfamiliar as a personal kind of whetting stone. With each film, I try creating and using various modes of film poetics, elements of story and genre, and, to a lesser degree, different tools of language in both script and dialogue. Some day I might look back and see that I’ve written the same script over and over, but at this point, each one seems fresh to me. So I’ll keep enjoying this aspect of it until maybe someday it stales. When that happens, though, perhaps I’ll be perfectly satisfied writing the same old thing as before.

4PLAY: TAMPA - Directors' Fortnight Interview

2011-05-30T11:51:00.000-05:00

Fourplay Tampa - Interview from Quinzaine des Réalisateurs on Vimeo.

4PLAY scrnings in early June ...

2011-05-27T12:51:00.000-05:00

FOURPLAY shorts continue to play all over the world in early June. The run down below and please recommend to friends whom you might have in each city. - Kyle

- Sat, June 4th @ 3:00PM

4PLAY: SAN FRANCISCO
Hartford, Connecticut
Connecticut GLBT Film Festival

- Sat, June 4th @ 7:30PM

4PLAY: SAN FRANCISCO
Antwerp, Belgium
Strangelove Queer FilmFest
CarWash Theater

- Sun, June 5th @ 2:30PM

4PLAY: TAMPA
Paris, France
Quinzainne des Realisateurs' Shorts
Forum des Images

4PLAY: TAMPA - A report from the premiere ...

2011-05-25T22:56:00.000-05:00

Carlos Garza, programmer for the Morelia Film Festival, had this to report about the TAMPA screening at Directors' Fortnight. Thank you Carlos for being our eyes and ears since we had to skedaddle back to the USA before the premiere! - Kyle

The auditorium was about 3/4 full with nobody on the balcony seats, and from a quick perusal before the lights went down I could tell that a good proportion of those in attendance were non-badge holders, i.e. a real audience. Up until your film the program consisted exclusively of slow-moving, contemplative work and due to the Fortnight's habit of bringing the lights up between each short with a good twenty or thirty-second gap as well as the fact that it was a relatively long program, a lot of people started to leave after the fifth film, but quite a few came back once Fourplay: Tampa came on, perhaps also because the opening music indicated they were in for something different.

The audience was absolutely complicit as soon as the film's premise became clear, and the gasps before the guffaws were quite elated rather than indignant. I think everyone was extremely grateful to get a good laugh in regardless of their openness or savviness regarding the material. It's quite an accomplishment for the film to hold a non-gay audience captive like this, and I can assure you absolutely no one walked out once the film begun (I was checking).

As far as jaded queer audiences such as myself are concerned, I felt equally engaged. I think the film struck just the right tone and I really appreciate being genuinely surprised at where the film was heading. And well, absolutely no one could have anticipated the ending! The way the film crescendos is absolutely brilliant, my sincere congratulations!

On the way out I solicited some reactions from some high school students, who in an absolutely deadpan way said it was "disgusting" and "disrespectful". A thirtysomething year-old woman next to us overheard and said: "oh don't pay attention, it's because they're young, I thought it was amazing."

Shit, so it really has come down to this: the young as humorless upholders of traditional values. I've had so many indications of this lately that it was almost enough to kill my buzz. In hindsight I should have asked the high-schoolers why they stuck around until the end if they were so offended. An older man next to the thirty-something woman grinned and said, "I always suspected Jesus would give really good head."

4PLAY: TAMPA - Cannes press round up...

2011-05-23T09:53:00.000-05:00

A few notices and articles from 4PLAY: TAMPA's Cannes screening, enjoy. - Kyle

- Directors' Fortnight video interview re why "sex is fun"

- Queer de Palme interview (in French)

- FILMMAKER blog entry about why we had to miss our Fortnight screening

- IndieWire Thompson on Hollywood blog mention.

4PLAY: SF in Mumbai + Milan this week!

2011-05-23T07:08:00.001-05:00

SAN FRANCISO plays at Kashish - Mumbia Int'l Queer Film Fest, one of the few GLBT fests in India this Thurs (5/26) at 1:30 PM at the Alliance Francaise de Bombay.

Also, on the opposite end of the planet, SAN FRANCISCO will play at the Mix Milano film festival in Milan, Italy this Fri (5/27) at 3PM at the Sala Grande (Teatro Strehler).

4PLAY: TAMPA Carlos Treviño Int Pt 2

2011-05-19T06:33:00.000-05:00

The second part of my interview with the screenwriter for 4PLAY: TAMPA, Carlos Treviño. To backtrack and read part one, click here. The film premieres at Directors' Fortnight in Cannes tomorrow, Friday, May 20th at 11:30AM in the festivals' JW Marriott theater. If you don't have any plans, why not jet over and give us the low-down? - Kyle

2) What issues or themes do you think TAMPA deals with for a straight and/or queer community regarding sexuality?

Every one of us has felt left out at some point, or to some degree. As much as the search for sex can be construed as a search for affirmation, this film is about a person searching for both in his particular place and way.

I think TAMPA addresses issues of looksism that run through the shallows of modern gay culture, and the anxiety and shame that can prickle up inside those of us who don’t fit into its templates. Queer culture should be a celebration of our differences as much as our commonalities. The plethora of body types represented in this film I think are reason alone for loving it.

(Speaking of that, I’m sad that, even searching every major city in Texas, we could not find a single African-American actor who would agree to be in this film. Even the queer ones wouldn’t come near us. Granted, the project is pretty outrageous, but still. Just to say, the script calls for more diversity than Texas was able to deliver.)

I think this film is also a visceral celebration of the baseness of sex and bodies. We don’t get enough reminders that humans are pretty much just squidge plus divine consciousness, so I’m glad to be able to provide that reminder with this script, in what I hope are completely disgusting and totally hilarious ways.

4PLAY: TAMPA - Cannes thoughts... PT01

2011-05-17T06:01:00.000-05:00

We came, we saw, we left exhausted. A few snapshots from our whirlwind trip to Cannes for the beginning of the Directors Fortnight section. For those of you who don't know, the Directors Fortnight was founded in 1968 to “defend artistic, moral, professional and economic freedom in filmmaking, and to participate in the development of new cinema structures.” See this great Scout Foundas article for more on its founding.

It today still is the bastion of the new, the unknown and the disposed of cinema while the Palais du Cinema down the street at the official festival is still the "establishment," where the big Hollywood behemoths compete with the international cinema cultural lions in the circus that is Cannes. Underground, hidden underneath the Palais is the open secret of what the official festival really is about, the Marche du Cinema, the market place of big money where films are bought and sold and entrepreneurs hawk their wares. The hierarchy of architecture though still prevails in Cannes (as in all cities) with most big sales occurring in the pent-house suites of film sales companies that most film goers wouldn't be able to ever name (e.g. Celluloid Dreams, the Wild Bunch, et al).

Is it a festival of cultural exchange or a center of hoary economic transactions? As a very little ant among the ants on the Croisette, I was happy to find that the Directors Fortnight hadn't changed since I was last there and was still a refuge for cineastes to gather away from the storm, to watch the work of young unknowns with something to say about the world in new ways, and to honor the hard work and frighteningly vulnerable position each new film and filmmaker puts themselves in when they share their films with the world. The Fortnight is not a church, or a marketplace, but a showcase and a gathering point for filmmakers and cineastes to gather, compare notes and disperse again to the far corners of the earth.

I felt privileged we could be in the presence of such a revitalizing gathering. More about the films we saw in the next post. - Kyle

4PLAY: TAMPA Carlos Treviño Int Pt 1

2011-05-11T00:14:00.000-05:00

Part one of an interview with FOURPLAY: TAMPA screenwriter Carlos Treviño who also plays the film's very hunky military recruiter! Opppss, I think I'm revealing too much of a prior lifetime's military fetish. - Kyle

-------------------

What and/or who inspired you to write TAMPA?

I needed to write something funny to counterbalance the two dramas I’d written for our FOURPLAY series. Around that time, I’d been given a compendium of Tom of Finland’s work. Tom was this gay porn illustrator who worked from the 1950s through the 90s creating erotic and fetish art that has become iconic in the gay community. So in one of these volumes of his work is this hilarious public men's' restroom scene. It starts with two guys alone in the restroom, scoping each other out at the urinals. One by one, various hyper-masculine Tom of Finland types wander in and join in the fun. It ends in this ridiculous butt-fucking conga line where everyone comes at once and leaves very happy and chummy. To adhere to the FOURPLAY theme (transgressive sex that is transcendent for one or more of the participants), I needed a character for whom this scenario could be both trial and triumph. So I started by placing someone very un-Tom of Finland into the scene; someone none of Tom’s guys would even look at: not chiseled, not masculine, not hung like an elephant. A sympathetic underdog on his quest for anonymous sex. As the writing went on, I discovered that making these other guys less Tom-like and more realistic only added to the pathos of our hero getting rejected by them over and over again.

4PLAY ... all over the world in May!

2011-05-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

OK, too much, too much! So here's where you can check out 4PLAY: TAMPA and SF in your own hoods this month ... all over the world. - Kyle

FOURPLAY: TAMPA

Cannes, France - World Premiere @ Director's Fortnight
Friday, May 20th @ 11:30 AM
Palais Stéphanie/Théatre Croisette

FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO

Seattle Erotic Arts Festival - Short Film Showcase
Friday, May 20th-22nd - Various Times (see program link below)
http://seattle-erotic.org/short-film/

Mumbai, India - Kashish Mumbai Queer Film Fest
Thursday, May 26 @ 1.30 pm
Alliance Francaise de Bombay

Milano, Italy - Mix Milano Film Fest
May 25 - 29th @ Various Times (check program link below)
Piccolo Teatro Strehler

Hartford, CT (USA) - Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Film Fest
Saturday, June 4th @ 3PM
CineStudio on Trinity College Campus

4PLAY: TAMPA - Trailer!

2011-04-25T22:55:00.000-05:00

Here it is, hot off the press! - Kyle

4PLAY: TAMPA - Ritz Fundraiser - Sat (4/30) @ 1PM!

2011-04-23T12:58:00.000-05:00

Don't cry, you can see FOURPLAY: TAMPA very soon if you live in Austin, TX! See link below for info on the AFS, aGLIFF and Alamo Drafthouse sponsored sneak peek fundraiser for TAMPA on Sat (4/30) @ 1PM! Be the first to see it ALL go down and help us finish the film! - Kyle

http://www.originalalamo.com/Show.aspx?id=8320

4PLAY: TAMPA @ Cannes!

2011-04-19T06:30:00.001-05:00

OMG!!! I got the call yesterday that FOURPLAY: TAMPA will have it's international premiere at the Directors Fortnight at Cannes this year! I nearly fell out of my chair... then quickly got on the phone to congratulate writer Carlos Treviño, star Jose Villarreal, and producer Jason Wehling. It's going to be a crazy few weeks getting everything ready from now till May 9th when the print is due in France. Light a candle for us. Mon Dieu! - Kyle

4PLAY:SF BUTT int Pt 6 ... the last bit of wood

2011-03-29T20:51:00.000-05:00

The last and final 4PLAY: SF blog entry and the final installment of the interview that art critic Andy Campbell did w/ Paul Soileau (Aliya in SF) and Chloe (SF sex-worker consultant) that was censored/aborted/rejected by BUTT magazine ... losers ... I love them! Anyway, big thanks to all you lovelies out there in the dark that take on the shame of others and transform it into healing connection, in whatever form it might take! - Kyle

Andy: Oh! I almost forgot to ask about you guys’ grandmas. Paul: Our grandmas? I told you it’d come up again. You thought I forgot.

Chloe: What do you want to know about our grandmas?

Well, do you have a special grandma name? Some people say Meemaw, some people say Nana, or Babooshka.

Paul: I have Mam-maw.

Chloe: It’s just Grandma with me.

Paul: Really, just Grandma?

Chloe: Boring, huh?

Paul: Mam-Maw works for me. It’s so country. We have the weirdest names. Like my godparents, I call them Nanny and Paw-ran. Nanny is my godmother and my godfather is Paw-ran. It’s Cajun French, I don’t even know what the hell it means. In Louisiana, that’s how we roll. It’s so messed up. I could go on and on.

Well, ladies, thank you so much. I hope it was fun for you.

Paul: Thank you. It was.

Chloe: It was so good for me. I’m gonna have a cigarette now, and I don’t even smoke.

Paul: I think I will too!

I am not going to have a cigarette, ‘cause that shit is disgusting. You smoke, Paul? Oh, yeah, I’ve seen you smoke. But you don’t smoke, right, Chloe?

Chloe: I do occasionally. I’m a social smoker, you know. The problem is that Chloe smokes. Scott doesn’t smoke, but Chloe does.

What does she smoke?

Chloe: It’s one of those perfect props – Export A’s, the gold ones. Export A Lights, from Canada. They’re short, sweet, to the point.

Paul: Very classy… Not Nat Sherman Fantasias?
Chloe: No.

That’s what Christeene smokes when she can get them, I guess.

Paul: I love those!

Chloe: She smokes OP’s, honey…Other People’s.

Whatever people give to her. She doesn’t have a brand.

Paul: That’s true…

Good night!

4PLAY: TAMPA ... just another day ...

2011-03-24T20:49:00.001-05:00

... at the office. A few more stills from the set of 4PLAY: TAMPA. We did a sneak peak rough cut screening at SXSW last week and "rocked the box". DP PJ Raval confirmed after the screening that we are all now officially going to hell so I think my work on the film is almost done. Photos taken by the lovely OtisIke. - Kyle

4PLAY: AUSTIN Atticus/Kai PT 03

2011-03-23T09:01:00.000-05:00

Final installment of Atticus Rowe's (Kai in AUSTIN) interview. - Kyle 5) Finally, anything extra you'd like to share about the process and experience of making this film?

One of the most striking things to me about this film and script is how we all think we're special and OUR problems are different or more intense than others, but really they're not. I didn't know Carlos or Kyle before this film and yet, Carlos could write something that I felt so comfortable in.

All relationships face issues and problems and ultimately, they all come from being human. If you strip down what makes us different, there's something at the core that's the same and I hope that makes people able to relate to this film.

And, of course, I would like to share how wonderful everyone was on this project. The blend of professionalism and fun on set was a joy and I look forward to working with any of the cast and crew again. I remember sitting in an alley, in the heat, with our crew of about 6 people and looking up the alley about two blocks and seeing MACHETE (Robert Rodrigues' film) being shot and hundreds of people and trucks. Looking around at our little group and my busted bike and thinking, "we've got it made!"

4PLAY: Thought for the day...

2011-01-31T10:25:00.000-06:00

Perusing readings for a class I'm putting together, stumbled upon this quote from Andrei Tarkovsky is his wonderful book SCULPTING IN TIME that I think pretty much sums up how about feel about the miniaturist "realism" movement still taking up too much space on the national film festival circuit. Life is MUCH bigger that these very small, unambitious, navel-gazing films. - Kyle

I think in fact that unless there is an organic link between the subjective impressions of the author and his objective representation of reality, he will not achieve even superficial credibility, let alone authenticity and inner truth.

You can play a scene with documentary precision, dress the characters correctly to the point of naturalism, have all the details exactly like real life, and the picture emerges in consequence will still be nowhere near reality, it will seem utterly artificial, that is, not faithful to life, even though artificiality was precisely what the author was trying to avoid.

Curiously enough the label "artificial" is applied in art to what unquestionably belongs to our ordinary, everyday perception of reality. The explanation is that the pattern of life is far more poetic than it is sometimes represented by the determined advocates of naturalism.

Andrei Tarkovsky

4PLAY: AUSTIN Atticus/Kai PT2

2011-01-18T19:44:00.000-06:00

PT 2 of my interview w/ Atticus Rowe, who plays Kai in AUSTIN. - Kyle

3) What particular challenges did you face playing your role? Any fears you had to overcome?

As I mentioned, allowing myself to truly deal with issues so close to my own was scary, but ultimately it was a gift.

4) During the process of making the film, was there anything you learned about the world or yourself that you feel like sharing?

HA!!! I learned that I have a porn threshold!!! I remember when we first went into the "news shop", everyone was sort of giggling and cracking jokes about the title of a movie or toy etc. Then we started working and everyone was very professional and that settled down and we moved on to trying to get what Kyle was looking for. But at some point, it was if I had been looking at the Sun too long or one of those 3D pictures. It was floor to ceiling porn, everywhere. The only place there was not porn was the floor or the ceiling and I found myself staring at both. And I am by NO MEANS a prude. It was sort of like working on a green screen for a long time and your eyes start to "die." It was like I went from intrigue, to desensitized, to overloaded. I remember Kyle asking me to do something specific with my eyes and it was everything I could do to do it and ultimately, I don't think I could do it.

4PLAY: AUSTIN Atticus/Kai PT1

2011-01-09T13:52:00.000-06:00

A new year ... time to move on to the next FOURPLAY short, AUSTIN, which will be making it's way in the world soon. Simply put, it's the story of young couple, Kai and Lily, who debate independence vs conceiving over the course of an evening and arrive at a startling compromise. Below is part one of my interview with Atticus Rowe who plays Kai.

1) What were your first feelings about being approached to play your role in AUSTIN? First thoughts after reading the script?

My first feelings about playing Kai were apprehension and fear. Not because I was worried about being able to play the part or understand the character, but more because of the parallels that I felt with Kai's life and his relationship with Lily and the precipice at which they stood. It's quite a bit scarier to explore things that are true and meaningful, rather than playing at something you need to create.

2) What, if anything, helped you prepare to play your role?

I was recently married when we started production and I would say that the experience of having recently taken a big step and discovering what that step meant helped me significantly. It's funny how you may think, "Oh, I took this step. Now, I am here." and you think you'll stay there for awhile, but before you know it, you're either thinking about, talking about or taking that next step. There always seems to be a next step and if you are in a relationship and you respect each other, one tends to be waiting for the other to be "ready" and then when they are, the other may have backed off!

4PLAY: Chasing the big "R"

2010-11-10T00:20:00.000-06:00

Thoughts for the day, and in general, how I feel about what we are trying to accomplish with FOURPLAY that perhaps is out of step with the times, but hopefully speaks to some eternal truths that remain constant. The last of the short films that make up the series has wrapped, so now just in post-production land for 2011. Happy Holidaze! - Kyle

Romanticism is precisely situated neither
in choice of subject nor exact truth,
but in the way of feeling.

- CHARLES BAUDELAIRE

The moment of desire ! the moment of desire ! the
virgin
That pines for man shall awaken her womb to
enormous joys
In the secret shadows of her chamber : the youth
shut up from
The lustful joy shall forget to generate and create an
amorous image
In the shadows of his curtains and in the folds of his
silent pillow.
Are not these the places of religion, the rewards of
continence,
The self-enjoyings of self-denial ? Why dost thou
seek religion ?
Is it because acts are not lovely that thou seekest
solitude,
Where the horrible darkness is impressed with
reflections of desire?

- WILLIAM BLAKE

4PLAY: SF - BUTT Interview PT 5

2010-11-07T22:41:00.000-06:00

Part five of art critic/educator Andy Campbell's (bold) interview with Paul Soileau, Aliya in 4PLAY: SF, and Chloe, consultant and inspiration for Aliya. Photo above from Paul's performance as "Christeene" in Los Angeles this summer during OUTFEST at the "Bears In Space" party. I love the mash up of high-and-low with the McDonald's signage in the background... although I don't know which is high or which is low? - Kyle

When you were at Folsom, Paul, you did something really genius, that I wish I had been there for. Your drag performance persona Christeene Vale does this balloon dance and for this particular performance you attached the balloons to a butt plug, right? And you inserted the butt plug and then let it fly after dancing with it. Did it actually fly? Was there enough helium in it to lift the butt plug?

Paul: Yeah, one of my dancers, T. Gravel, he was involved in a situation where he had to lift his dick with balloons for a performance and it took twelve large balloons to lift it. So we figured…

And does that mean he has a big dick?

Paul: A big ol’ dick. Oh, I don’t know. It was flaccid when he had to lift it, and he just said it took twelve for him. And his partner, who was doing it too, took a couple more. So they were always fighting about that.

"I’m two balloons more than you!"

Paul: Men! Men! But we knew we were going to need twelve, but we wound up with fifteen helium balloons, and we just tied them to this red jelly butt plug and I did my dance. And then at the end – it was outdoors – and I pulled it out at the end of the little intro dance and let go, and it flew right over a church and it disappeared.

Did you feel the pull of the balloons while you were dancing?

Paul: No, actually it kept…I needed some lubrication, and my friend, all he had was this fancy French lotion, which was so damn silky, and that thing kept wanting to fly out of my butt the whole time. Damn French lotion, it was angel silky.

Paul: Another thing on this trip to Folsom was that it was the first time I had ever met Chloe. And I was dressed up as skanky Christeene, who is just trash, and then the most elegant woman in the world, Chloe, came out.

Scott: Well, when I first saw Christeene, I had to go downstairs and let her in my building. So I had to descend the stairs, and there’s Christeene at the bottom of the stairs –

- where she belongs –

Scott: - where she belongs. I had to convince myself to open the door. And I looked at her, and I was like, okay wait, I do know this person. And I open the door and all of a sudden I realized I spent two-and-a-half hours getting dressed and this bitch is wearing a pillowcase. I’m not shitting you. And looked gorgeous, I have to say. I wasn’t quite sure what was make-up and what wasn’t. It was lots of brown stains everywhere, and I was a little bit scared to give her a hug, but I was so happy to see lovely Christeene.

Paul: It really was like sushi going out with chicken fried steak. It was just tragic.

Scott: But the best part was being in public with you at a bar and people looking at us, trying to figure out, how the fuck do those two know each other? Where did they meet?

It was Folsom, so were those bears all over you?

Scott: The bears were all over us. Paul: The bears loved us. It was amazing.

Scott: The bears loved Christeene… A lot of them were really familiar with Christeene's music and videos. A lot of them were major fans. They knew all the words to her songs. It was this wonderful experience of, I think, people being fascinated and repulsed at the same time, which is a fun place to be, if you think about it.

4PLAY: SF - BUTT Interview PT 4

2010-10-24T12:34:00.001-05:00

Part 4 of art critic/theorist Andy Campbell's interview w/ Paul Soileau (aka Aliya) and Chloe, cross-dressing sex-worker script consultant, regarding their work together on FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO. - Kyle

Have you ever faked a kink, Paul?

Paul: Have I ever what? What do you mean a kink?

It can be anything – like being into micro-penises, I don’t know.

Paul: Not in my personal life. No, no, I don’t think so. Unh-unh.

Would you like to?

Scott: You’re not a faker, Paul!
Paul: No, it’s not like work for me. If I were doing what Scott does, I’d fake the kinks for sure, but personally, no.

That’s so selfish.

Scott: Does it always have to be your way, Paul?

I think the answer is yes, a big yes.

Scott: What a selfish kind of lover you are!
Paul: I know. I am. I’ll try any kink, though, but I won’t act like I enjoy it if I don’t. But I’ll sure as hell try them out.
Scott: You’ll try anything once!
Paul: My sex-life is like a Piccadilly buffet.

I want you to go into that more.

Paul: Well, my favorite is chicken fried steak.

Does everything have to be fried, Paul?

Paul: No, no…I’ll eat some broiled chicken… But you won’t like it.
Scott: And he’ll let you know.

He’ll let you know. He’ll tell you.

Scott (imitating Paul): No, I’ll try it, but I didn’t like that.
Paul: You have to try it, dammit!

What did you eat today, Scott?

Scott: I had a beautiful smoothie. It made me very happy. Oh, and sushi, I had sushi for lunch.

Is that it? You need to eat more!

Scott: It’s only 7:30 here, honey.

Oh, that’s right. That was the Jewish mom coming out in me…

Scott: And I had two clients this afternoon, and trust me, I ain’t gonna eat no fucking chicken fried steak before I have to work.

No shit.

Scott: Literally, no shit. Literally, it doesn’t happen. We keep it nice and light.
Paul: Yeah, Scott’s very elegant with everything he does.

And you are not, obviously.

Paul: No, I try, but I’m a poser. I try to be all elegant, but once you get into it, you’ll be able to find out.

4PLAY: SF - Info re Montreal + Stanford scrnings - Oct 29th

2010-10-19T08:38:00.000-05:00

Vous parlez Français? Oui? Then here's a link for tickets to FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO at Montreal's Image+Nation Festival on Fri, Oct 29th, 9 PM at Theater Hall Concordia (see link for directions to theater).

And more info on a new FREE screening in San Francisco's bay area at Stanford in Palo Alto on Fri, Oct 29th from 6-9:30PM. I'll be participating in the Q&A via Skype and possibly Chloe might be in attendance.

4PLAY: SF - BUTT Interview PT 3

2010-10-13T09:29:00.000-05:00

Pt 3 of Andy Campbell's interview w/ Paul Soileau (Aliya) and Chloe, 4PLAY:SF's project consultant. Click here to see Pt 1 or Pt 2. - Kyle

Now I want to know about this film that you two collaborated on, FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO. In it, Paul, you play a fictionalized version of Scott's sex-worker tranny persona Chloe and, well, you toe-fuck a quadriplegic. What was it like seeing Paul play you?

Scott: Surreal, a bit surreal, and incredibly flattering in one sense, and bit nerve-racking. We actually did some of the filming in my actual apartment here, which is where the character – instead of calling her Chloe, she’s named Aliya in the film –lived. And we did some of the filming in San Francisco, but the actual scene of the session between Aliya and the quadriplegic gentlemen was actually filmed in Austin, Texas and I wasn’t there for that. But it was remarkable how accurate it was and how incredible Paul was. The subtleties and the sensitivities, you know, he really got it. And that has to do with all different levels, starting on working on the script with the screenwriter and director to make sure the sensitivity level was there.

I’ve read some of your writings about your work and one of the things I’m really interested in is this idea of empathy that you talk about, and this idea of coming to your work from a place of non-judgment. And I’m actually wondering if in that process of empathy and non-judgment you feel like there’s a way that you can connect to those that you’re working with.

Scott: Absolutely. I mean, I feel like in any kind of therapeutic situation – and that is how I view it – that there is going to be transference and counter-transference. What that means is that, if the client comes in and he typically is a depressed or lonely person, and he’s trying to sort of scab that situation over with sex, I feel that. I feel that sadness. I see people who are really, really lonely and desperate for that touch of human skin and to have their own skin touched. And that’s sort of a sad situation, and I definitely feel that. I think anyone who is sort of present in that situation and goes through it multiple times after a course of years is going to feel that.

And do you feel like it works the other way, too?

Scott: Absolutely. I feel like I have the power… well, typically, if I’m not in the best of moods, I don’t work. I try to make sure that I’m in the right frame of mind to give people what they’re really coming for, to be open to that. And if I’m having a bad day or something like that, or I’m tired, I would just rather not work, ‘cause that’s just not fair to them. It’s one of the ways that I safeguard against that kind of counter-transference to them, by not working when my head isn’t in the right place.

I was wondering if their kinks become your kinks?

Scott: Oh, interesting. Yeah, um, Paul – I think this is where you and I might connect, ‘cause there’s a lot of acting that goes on. Even if I’m not particularly into a certain situation – if I’m not into rimming, if I’m not into fisting, if I’m not into S&M spanking or whatever – I can pretend like I am. I feel like that’s part of the job. That’s what they’re paying for. I’m not saying I lie to the client, necessarily, but I feel like I can throw myself into the role. As soon as I get in the role of Chloe, I’m ready to be that sexual dynamo and the fantasy that the client has when they arrive at my apartment.

Paul: You really want to make that person feel amazing, right? Verbally, you don’t have to go there, you don’t have to shove your fist up their ass, but you sure as hell can make them think you would, because they’ve brought it up and you’re turned on by it.

Scott: Exactly. You’re absolutely right, Paul. And interestingly enough, the dynamic in most of my sessions is that they’ve come to please me, actually. You know, the whole tranny/chick with a dick thing is about all these men being able to be submissive. So it really puts me into this perfect kind of place to really control the situation. Oftentimes, it’s not really about what turns them on. Occasionally it is, but usually it’s about me sort of guiding a situation and having them sort of figure out what turns me on. Or me telling them, “Let’s do this. This really gets me hot. That’s good.” Because they’re there to please me.

4PLAY: SF - BUTT interview PT 2

2010-09-28T21:32:00.000-05:00

Part two of the BUTT interview btwn Chloe and Paul Soileau and Andy Campbell. See part one to get up to speed. - Kyle

Do you put pictures of yourself on the interwebs, Paul?

Paul: On the interwebs? Yes, there's a lot of Christeene floating around on the interwebs. A lot of video of her, because she's a musician.

In what sense is she a musician?

Paul: Well I see her as this poor little piece of shit who has found one little gold nugget in her life. So she's going all the way with it. She's like Mike Tyson: an animal on stage and a baby when you talk to her.

So I hear you're an art collector, Chloe…

Chloe: Yes, I am.

Is that it? Is that all I get?

Chloe: (Laughs) Yes, the answer is yes. I collect lots of things: shoes, clothing from specific periods like space-age pop, vintage movie posters, and also art. I collect the posters because very shortly the cinema will die, and we won't actually go to the theater anymore. It's already happened to the porn theaters I used to love in this country. So I started collecting vintage porn movie posters. I have quite a collection.

Do you collect anything, Paul?

Paul: I was gonna ask Chloe real quick – where do you keep your posters? ‘Cause they’re not up at your house.

Chloe: No, they’re not. I want to have them framed. So I have them in tubes in one of my closets.

In tubes! In the closet! Where they belong! Are you a collector, Paul?

Paul: No. I like shit art. I just love, I get really inspired, by art I find on streets, in garbage cans, or by friends of mine who are trying hard.

Too hard?

Paul: Too hard. Oh, much too hard. ‘Cause if it’s hanging on my wall, they know that it’s there for a reason. That I like to giggle at it, you know. I just like innocent, innocent, crappy art that makes me giggle a lot and taps into that rascal baby in me, you know. Chloe: Maybe you should collect those little Precious Moments figurines.

Paul: Oh, my Mam-maw does that she has a lot of those. She had the magnets. She had the figurines, but her refrigerator was like the Mecca of Precious Moments.

What kind of things would they say again? I know I’ve seen them, but I can’t remember what they would say. Like “Today Is the Pits”? Or what would they say?

Chloe: I’m sure they were more positive than that…

Paul: No, they weren’t tongue-in-cheek…

I guess that’s what I want them to say.

Chloe: That’s what they should say!

Paul: They were really strange. They were like these creepy, naked doll babies holding hands and it would read “Love is a gift…Don’t Waste It.”

And those just make you uncomfortable.

Paul: Yeah, those just make me like…I don’t wanna go over to someone’s house and have Precious Moments lying around. You know, or I’m out the door. Only Mam-maw gets to have the Precious Moments. But I am painting. I have this dream of having a room in my home that’s covered in paintings of my most favorite women in the world. I mean, I’m sure a couple of men will slip in there… But, I don’t just pick on shitty art – I make it myself.

You’re a practitioner?

Paul: Yes, I practice the art of crap.

4PLAY: SF - BUTT interview PT 1

2010-09-24T07:43:00.000-05:00

To keep us warm on the festival circuit this fall, posting a series of interviews that Andy Campbell, queer art historian and writer for the Austin Chronicle, did with Paul Soileau (star of 4PLAY: SF) and Chloe, the film's inspiration. Originally intended for publication in BUTT... but the pink-paged fools turned it down because they were "confused" (FYI - I love BUTT magazine, seriously!). Maybe something was lost in translation? Who knows, I think it's pretty funny and as always, informative. - Kyle

Paul Soileau a Louisiana-born performance artist living in Austin, Texas who is best known these days for his performances as Christeene Vale, was recently hired to play the part of a tranny sex-worker who works over a quadriplegic gentleman caller in the first of an omnibus of shorts about deviant sex called FOURPLAY. The film, which premiered at this year’s Outfest Film Festival, is based on the real-life experiences of a cross-dressing sex worker in the Bay Area who goes by the name of Chloe during the working evening hours. Getting Paul and Chloe together is a study in opposites played out through personae: The classy Chloe and the equally trashy Christeene. A teleconference was clearly in order…

Andy: You guys are settling in for the night?

Chloe: Right!

Paul: I’m laying in my bed.

Let’s have some pillow talk. How would you two describe “The Ladies” in your life?

Chloe: The ladies, as in our ladies?

Yeah.

Chloe: Ok I thought you meant my grandmother…

I’ll ask about her later. So prepare.

Chloe: Oh no… uh oh…

Paul: Well, I'm a little horse today because of my ladies. I have two ladies: Rebecca Havemeyer, a burnt out 1930s starlet, and Christeene, the number one cum-dump of Austin, Texas. They're polar opposites.

Well what would they have to say about you, Paul?

Paul: Rebecca would probably think I was real sweet - a nice young man. And Christeene would probably just want to fuck me. A lot. Can I say that?

No, please self censor.

Paul: Are you serious?

No! Don't censor. Give it all. What about Chloe?

Chloe: Chloe's my main lady - she's my only lady, in fact. It's interesting… I'm a little jealous of drag queens because they get to change their looks, but because my lady is a working lady who has actual pictures out there online to seduce potential clients I have to be the same lady over and over.

But you change your looks a little bit - I've seen the photos.

Chloe: Sure! The persona has to be pretty consistent, though. I also feel that whatever look I have up on the ad has to be consistent with what they see when they open the door. You never know what people fetishize. There have been situations where I've had my ad up featuring pictures of Chloe with long hair, and then I decide because it's hot outside to slap a short wig on my head, and so when the client opens the door I get "Oh, I thought you had long hair."

And so do you run home and get a different wig?

Chloe: No, no, no, no, no, not at all. No, I say "Oh, I got it cut! Ha ha!" and just play it off. I mean, these guys, not always the sharpest tools in the shed. They don't even know it's a wig half the time.

Paul: Yeah, because it's real!

Bless them!

Chloe: Right?! Bless them!

4PLAY: SF - Fall 2010 screenings...

2010-09-14T20:13:00.001-05:00

Here's the fall festival line up for FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO screenings, click through for more info on fest websites:

10/6 - Atlanta, GA - Out on Film Fest - 5:30 PM - Landmark Theater (931 Monroe Dr.)

10/18 - Seattle, WA - Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Fest - 9:45 PM - NW Film Forum (1515 12th Ave)

11/20-12/1 - Hong Kong, China - Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

4PLAY SF @ AGLIFF!

2010-09-04T14:47:00.000-05:00

SAN FRANCISCO will play at the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (AGLIFF) next Saturday, Sept 11th at 7PM at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. The film was chosen as the festival's centerpiece short, so it will play in front of Rob Epstein's new feature HOWL, about poet Allen Ginsberg.

Also, AGLIFF nominated SAN FRANCISCO for the prestigious Iris Prize, the most coveted and lucrative international prize for queer short films, with cash prize of £30,000! Thank you AGLIFF! - Kyle

For Tickets: http://www.originalalamo.com/Show.aspx?id=7707

4PLAY: SF - Playing soon in Seattle and Austin!

2010-08-11T07:53:00.001-05:00

I'll post more info later, but just a quick shout that 4PLAY: SAN FRANCISCO will screen at both Austin and Seattle's GLBT film festivals this fall! Austin's aGLIFF runs Sept 7-12th and Seattle's Lesbian and Gay Film Festival runs Oct 15-24th. Have exciting news about aGLIFF, but it's a secret ... for now. - Kyle

4PLAY: SF - Nice Austin press!

2010-07-23T14:34:00.000-05:00

A round up of local Austin press for FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO this week. - Kyle

AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN: "Austin Filmmaker Kyle Henry heading to Chicago"

AUSTIN CHRONICLE: "Engaging Fourplay"

KUT - Austin NPR affiliate's "Moody on the Mecca" show interview with Kyle

4PLAY: SF @ OUTFEST... World of Wonder

2010-07-16T15:56:00.000-05:00

Andy said "15 minutes of fame" and we hope that's cumulative! Another short blip on the red-carpet radar with WORLD OF WONDER's Damiana around 8:50. Blink and you'll miss us! - Kyle

4PLAY: SF - Advocate Online 20 secs...

2010-07-14T16:20:00.000-05:00

Literally, 20 seconds of fame for Paul Soileau (Aliya in FOURPLAY:SAN FRANCISCO), sandwiched in between Rob Epstein, director of this year's HOWL, and the director of GREASE. - Kyle

FOURPLAY SF belle of IndieWire's Outfest ball!

2010-07-14T12:19:00.000-05:00

Dispatch from Outfest: 'FourPlay' and Jane Lynch Lead Jampacked Start - indieWIRE

SAN FRANCISCO @ OUTFEST!

2010-07-10T21:49:00.000-05:00

Amazing first screening at Outfest last night! A sold out crowd laughed in all the right places and several new fans came up and thanked us afterward for treating with sensitive grace the coupling of Tom, a quadriplegic, and Aliya without belittling them or turning them into "advocacy" role models. We had a great interview w/ Steve Pride of IMRU show on KPFK who told us the same thing and how during his recovery from a recent stroke he gained new insight into the world of the disabled and continual desire we all have that the film honors. I teared up on several occasions yesterday. It's what Carlos and I see in the work, it's what we hope audiences will see, just the wonderful comedy, drama and romance of two individuals finding each other in the dark. THANK YOU OUTFEST FOR GIVING US OUR AUDIENCE!

Above are some pics from the opening night red carpet. Star struck by Jane Lynch, new Emmy Award nominee and someone I've loved as a performer ever since I saw "Best In Show". And the crazed Paul Soileau performing at Mario Diaz' BIG FAT DICK party. I have no idea what those West Hollywood guys were thinking, but Christeene laid an Austin drag terrorist bomb on the place. A third were amazed, a third were amused and I think a third were appalled.

We had a grand time!

- Kyle

4PLAY: SF in LA ... Bears in Space @ Akbar on Sunday!!!

2010-07-07T00:13:00.000-05:00

Another party for your social calendar during OUTFEST: Paul Soileau aka Aliya in 4PLAY: SF will be performing as Christeene at the BEARS IN SPACE one year anniversary party. Rumor has it that one of his boys will be appearing with him, and I'm a BIG fan of C-Baby!!! - Kyle

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=130357410329447&ref=mf

4PLAY: SF Outfest parties!!!

2010-07-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

After the gala opening night of OUTFEST, hustle it over to an unofficial after party hosted by Paul Soileau, star of FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO, as he terrorizes and entertains the crowd as his alter ego, Christeene. We'll be there for all the action, so please come join us to celebrate FOURPLAY's launch and don't forget to tell your Los Angeles friends about our screenings (see ticket link below). - Kyle

Thurs, July 8th - 11PM: Mario Diaz's Big Fat Dick party

Fourplay: San Francisco Outfest Tickets!

4PLAY: SF to premiere at LA's OUTFEST - July 9th!

2010-06-11T18:24:00.000-05:00

Exciting news: FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO will premiere as part of LA's OUTFEST film festival on July 9th at 7pm at the Directors Guild of America theater on the "Flesh 4 Fantasy" program. We're the last short in the line-up which will be followed by a reception for all ticket holders in the DGA atrium at 9PM.

Below is a link to the film's OUTFEST page if you'd like to purchase an advance ticket or if you want to forward this announcement onto a friend in Los Angeles.

Also, click the Facebook badge on this page to become a fan and get further announcements as the launch approaches (e.g. info on a special party event on Monday, July 11th will be announced there)!

- Kyle

http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2010/xslguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=3005

4PLAY: TAMPA ... a few stills PT01

2010-05-29T11:32:00.000-05:00

Crazy, crazy, crazy! And yes, all the penises (in these pictures) are fake. Photography courtesy of Otis Ike! - Kyle

4PLAY: TAMPA in progress...

2010-05-19T06:29:00.000-05:00

4PLAY: TAMPA - Multihyphenate Heyd ... pt2 of 2

2010-05-17T06:36:00.001-05:00

Pictured above are stills from the in-progress set for 4PLAY: TAMPA, designed and constructed by Heyd Fontenot. Intrepid and versatile producer Jason Wehling, also multi-hyphenated, picture above working as a construction assistant! Below is the second installment of my interview w/ Heyd concerning sex and its filmic representation. In the first installment, I asked Heyd how he thought 4PLAY: TAMPA differs from both "mainstream" cinema and pornography's representation of the "act". For me, bathroom sex (aka known as "tea rooms" in the queer community) has been going on since the dawn of time, especially in repressive communities where queers have to find furtive, anonymous places to act out their desire. I wonder if the repression were eliminated, if queers were integrated fully into the body politic, would tea rooms still exist? - Kyle

4) You've worked for many years now on films in various art department positions, what advice would you give to anyone interested in a career doing that kind of work? Any tips on how to creatively around budgetary limitations on low budget films?

Filmmaking exists on so many different scales. Everyone has budgetary limits, even James Cameron. Of course, having the proper funding makes things so much easier to produce. But if you have a challenging budget, you really have to communicate with your production team. You have to answer as honestly as you can, what can you achieve within your given budget? And eventually, it does have to add up. You have to deliver. Suggest alternative ways of doing something, if you don't have the budget to spend freely. I think these negotiations can save you a lot of heartache and wasted resources. It's difficult sometimes, because you're put in a position to either pull something out of your ass or to say "No, you can't have that." And if you're a designer, that's really a difficult thing to tell a director - and they generally don't want to hear it. You're supposed to perform miracles - that's your job. But I think a really important part of your job too, is to reflect the reality of accomplishing a request. Generally, you're in store for a lot of stress and hand-wringing and trying to figure it out.Consider your assets. If they are insufficient, ask yourself "What can I trade, what can I borrow, what can I get for free?" The idea of creativity and what it means to "be creative" is sometimes confused with drawing skills or singing ability. Creativity is problem-solving and navigating around obstacles.

5) Any question you'd like to answer that I haven't asked?

I wear a size 11, and I need arch-support.

4PLAY: TAMPA - Multihyphenate Heyd ... pt1 of 2

2010-05-14T11:20:00.000-05:00

When trying to decide who could possibly get the right tone of our gang-bang Florida mall bathroom set for TAMPA, Heyd Fontenot (filmmaker, painter, artist, performer, provocateur, et al) was the one and only choice to do the job. Check out the video of his studio walkthrough (I love his laugh!) and will post photos of his amazing set with the next interview installment. - Kyle

1) How did you first become involved with FOURPLAY? (e.g. your experience acting in AUSTIN)

The director, Kyle Henry approached me about a couple of other projects before this one. I was excited to work with Kyle, because he's so smart and I feel like we may share an enthusiasm about particular things, or at least we have some common reactions to art and social politics. Kyle had referenced Ken Russell's film, The Boyfriend, when we were discussing an earlier project - and that's one of my favorite films and directors. When this project came closer to production, and my schedule coincided with the production's - I took it an an sign that Jesus wanted me to work with Kyle.

2) What personal connection, if you any, do you have with the FOURPLAY shorts?

In my own work as a filmmaker and artist, I wrestle with similar subjects of sexuality. I was raised Catholic, in a somewhat sexually-repressed environment, but a VERY sexually-repressed environment if you happen to be gay, which I was/am. I feel a personal responsibility as an artist to work on projects that promote an enlightened and progressive view of sexuality. The chances that Carlos takes with his script are daring, and I appreciate that. I get really pissed off about "movies" that don't try very hard to be original or honest or to elevate the art form. And this film is making an attempt to break some boundaries.

3) You're a respected artist who has worked in many media, what thoughts do you have about the typical representations we see of human sexuality and sexual expression? Anything you'd like to see more of?

I think we've got a lot of main-stream porn and advertising (and that's really and truly interchangable - porn and advertising) that dictate standards of beauty to the public. So much so that many people don't even try to develop their own tastes, they just adopt notions of "what is attractive." Personally, I like the idea of individuals who are less "processed", more natural. Less airbrush. More personality. Maybe I'm missing the entire point of porn, BUT I think it's become this product that could have developed in so many other ways. I'm not satisfied to just let "the Man" control the entirety of Erotica. I'm still hoping for a revolution.

So, I'd like to see much more variation in body types and erotic acts. That's something fantastic about Xtube - of course porn producers have their product on, but there's this huge contingent of home-made porn. And it's fascinating, though not always stimulating, to get a glimpse of what people are into. And as long as no one is being hurt, then I say - "Let that freak flag fly!"

4PLAY: TAMPA Kickstarted!!!!

2010-05-07T19:47:00.000-05:00

Pre-production is underway on 4PLAY: TAMPA, thanks to generous donations to our Kickstarter drive. I can't recommend Kickstarter enough, especially if you have only a relatively low amount of money (under $5K) you need for a specific project and broad enough base of supporters to aggregate with the drive. Also, if you're working with a community of artists, as we are on 4PLAY, having the whole community involved with the drive certainly helps too! Thanks to screenwriter Carlos Treviño, producer Jason Wehling, and cinematographer PJ Raval's extended family of friends, as well as generous donations on the part of artists Ivan Lozano and Heyd Fontenot, who also designed the 4PLAY: TAMPA set, we made our goal and are busily building the set as I type this entry! - Kyle

PS - And thank you Rebecca Havemeyer, wherever you are!

FOURPLAY: Flaming creatures...

2010-04-30T20:55:00.000-05:00

Is it wrong to say that even though I've never seen one of his films, I'm inspired by the legend of Jack Smith? I have seen many a Guy Maddin film, and Maddin has made a lovely homage to both Smith and Kenneth Anger's films (THE LITTLE WHITE CLOUD THAT CRIED), available via one of my favorite art commentary web-sites, GLASSTIRE, founded by the shrewd connoisseur Rainey Knudson. Although what we are up to w/ FOURPLAY is quite different, I think it is some sort of second-cousin to Maddin's works, which are highly subversive yet playful with their representation of gender roles and sexual expression, disguised as they are in a veil of camp. Anyway, just a toss off thought (and video) for the day. - Kyle

The Little White Cloud That Cried (Guy Maddin, KINOTE) from jeanne dielman on Vimeo.

FOURPLAY: Jason is productive... (pt 2 of 2)

2010-04-26T16:35:00.000-05:00

Second part of my interview w/ FOURPLAY producer Jason Wehling (pictured above on the set of AUSTIN). Forgot to mention last week that we are both Rice University graduates. There aren't that many of us in the entertainment biz! - Kyle

3) Having now worked as a producer/director on many low-budget shorts, commercials and several features (e.g. AUGUST EVENING), what advice/tips would you give to budding producers who are producing their first films?

I think something that’s really helped me grow is keeping a humble spirit, and I’d push this on anyone who’s interested in working in this world. Ego is important - making a low budget film is a huge undertaking, and it you don’t believe in the project and in yourself, you’ll never stick with it long enough to finish. That said, the same ego that gives you that drive can be the thing that keeps the project from succeeding. Don’t just go forward believing that you know how to make the perfect film by yourself, because you most likely do not. But if you surround yourself with talented people and stay humble enough to really listen to their advice on your script, your schedule, your edit, etc..., you’ll be amazed at how much better your film will turn out.

4) A particular story or moment you'd like to share from the production of AUSTIN last summer?

I think one of the key elements in AUSTIN is the scene that takes place in a porn store, and one of the most difficult parts of the project was finding the right store. We figured this could be problematic, especially given the nature of our story, so I took a broad approach and called or walked into almost every single store in Austin. I’ll say now that I hadn’t been into many of these places, so I was quite curious. Obviously, some were quite tame and more oriented towards sexing things up for couples, but we were looking for something that could conceivably have video booths in the back, and the only places in town that really have booths wanted nothing to do with us. In my search though, I found myself in a AAA News shop, and it had a terrific look – like a clean, well-lit drug store full to the brim with aisles and aisles of porn videos. I knew it was perfect, and when I showed my stealthily gathered location photos to Kyle, he agreed. Unfortunately, getting permission wasn’t easy, so we came really close to faking the location with our own weak substitute. I wouldn’t give up though, and must have made at least 20 calls and talked with 10 different employees before I finally got through to the owner - when I did, he was amazingly generous, and his trust in us helped make the film!

Also, I got to stick my finger in a fleshlight - wow!

5) Any question you'd like to answer that I haven't asked?

Not really...I do want to say that I’m super excited about TAMPA. A lot of my friends shake their heads when I describe Carlo’s story about a lonely man seeking companionship in a public restroom, but I think it’s completely touching, and totally hilarious, and I can’t wait to show it to everyone of those head-shakers!

FOURPLAY: Jason is productive (pt 1 of 2)

2010-04-20T07:33:00.000-05:00

Directing/producing for Arts + Labor, a production co-operative in North Austin, as well as writing/directing his second feature film, the animated Jesus zombie flick THE THIRD DAY, Jason Wehling is known as the producer of such films as Indie Spirit Award winner AUGUST EVENING and associate producer on the 2010 SXSW hit THE HAPPY POET. He's pictured above on a VERY hot set (as in over 100 degrees) for AUSTIN last summer waiting to hold up a bounce board while dripping in sweat. That's the kind of producer he is, ready to pitch in where needed at a moment's notice.

1) Why did you become involved in FOURPLAY as a producer?

I’ve been a fan of Kyle’s for a long time. We both went to the same small university (though Kyle graduated just before I started), and he was an example I wanted to follow – both his early docs (AMERICAN COWBOY and UNIVERISTY, INC.) were quite inspiring in both their technique and their ambition. I finally met Kyle 10 years later, after spending time working in commercial production in LA and for PBS in DC, when I moved back to Austin in 2005 to produce AUGUST EVENING. I made it a point to look him up, and after getting together a few times to talk about both indie film and corporate video, he asked me to get work with him on FOURPLAY.

I have to admit, when I read the script for the first short, SAN FRANCISCO, I was a little surprised by my own enthusiasm. Obviously, I wanted the chance to work with and learn from Kyle (and Carlos, PJ, Caroline and the rest of amazing crew), but the material itself was what sunk the hook. Part of the reason I fell in love with film is that it gives me a chance to do wildly different things, and this material presented exactly the sort of challenge that intrigues me.

2) What personal connection, if any, do you have with the shorts?

I’ve found myself connecting with each of the projects more intensely as we’ve worked on them. Except for AUSTIN, they’re each way outside my normal realm (sexually speaking), but all of the shorts are guided by a clear emotional journey that I can really relate to. The characters in FOURPLAY, like most of us, I think, struggle with issues of belonging and acceptance, and while I may not seek out the exact same situations as them, I identify completely.

I mentioned AUSTIN before, because I do have a very personal connection there. Lily, the main character in AUSTIN, is unhappy with her life’s lack of direction, and she deals with her insecurities by making a giant decision that could really set her on a track (getting pregnant). I’m not saying I’ve had the same process as Lily, but when you work in indie film, it’s tough to have a lot of stability. My wife and I dated for 9 years before we finally got married, I think it’s partially because we both were putting career building ahead of family building. At some point, that got a bit ridiculous, and we both decided to make family a goal too. We’ve since gotten married and just had our first child (last week!), and what we’ve found is that it hasn’t hurt our careers at all...Instead, I think it’s focused us and given even more reason to do important things with the time we have.

4PLAY: TAMPA sneak peak!

2010-04-14T08:08:00.000-05:00

Check out the FOURPLAY: TAMPA Kickstarter page for a sneak peak of our gang-bang bathroom sex farce! Great cast, great script, pushing the boundaries forward one more time... to break your heart. - Kyle

http://kck.st/a3IKA9

4PLAY: SF Kisses on the way...

2010-04-08T21:58:00.000-05:00

Kickstarter rewards on the way: kisses, photos, graphic novels and especially lots of love. Thank you! - Kyle

FOURPLAY: SAN FRANCISCO trailer!

2010-03-30T20:07:00.001-05:00

O.K., we made our Kickstarter goal, so we can finish SAN FRANCISCO. Yaaaaaa! Celebrating by posting the trailer to the blog, please enjoy. - Kyle

FOURPLAY: Caroline designs ... (PT 2 of 2)

2010-03-21T13:40:00.001-05:00

A workshopping of the third FOURPLAY short, TAMPA, our gang-bang bathroom farce, has left me a little busted. Caroline was left a little raw too, but what a trooper and pro, coming in for the last workshop day with the left overs of the SXSW croup and still keeping it together enough to tell me, "Kyle, we really need to have some sort of flowchart of all the strap on penises we are going to be using in TAMPA, and we have to separate the ones actors are going to be sucking versus the ones I'd like to doctor up with make-up, cause they can't be sucking on make-up, that's just gross." I'm paraphrasing, but that tells ya a lot about how Caroline keeps her head together even under the most ridiculous of circumstances. She's also having to come up w/ bucket loads of fake sperm for the over-the-top climax, turning her kitchen into a chemistry set and sending me shots of various concoctions via iPhone snap shots. TAMPA is going to be messy! - Kyle

3) How do you approach your work when you are asked to do A LOT on a VERY LOW budget? What tips could you pass along to budding dp's or production designers?

Don't be afraid to ask for anything. The best thing I've found about working cheaply (especially in Austin) has been that people genuinely want to help you out, and are often happy to be included in the movie-making process, even if it's something as simple as giving you a free can of paint or loaning you a plastic lawn ornament.

4) Any interesting/memorable moments you'd like to tell us about from the SAN FRANCISCO or AUSTIN shoots?

My favorite moment so far happened while we were shooting SAN FRANCISCO.

We were shooting in a rented house in a remote part of Wimberly, far away from a shopping center or mall. I realized I'd forgotten a neck tie that was essential to the character's wardrobe and we were hours away from Austin. I asked the producer to just get in his car and DRIVE. We passed a few houses on this country road, and suddenly I just told him to stop. I jumped out, knocked on the door, and an old couple answered. I asked if I could borrow a tie. The husband said "of course" without asking why, and came back a minute later with a few dozen to choose from. I explained we were shooting a movie up the road and needed it for the next scene. They laughed and said they were "used to show business people" because they own the Bazaar, a make-up and costume house in Austin, where I had bought all the special effects make-up the day before.

4PLAY: Not our Chloe...

2010-03-15T12:33:00.000-05:00

O.K., a link below to a what looks like the type of dumb-ass Hollywood fear-mongering claptrap involving sexuality that I've railed about before on this blog ... and why the world needs FOURPLAY. Yet again, another killer sex-worker psycho-maniac on the loose. Oh lord, how Atom Egoyan has fallen from the days of SPEAKING PARTS and CALENDAR. Then again, the trailer could all be a ruse ... but I don't think so. Apologies to our Chloe, whose not out to blackmail or threaten anyone. - Kyle

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3782411289/

4PLAY: SAN FRANCISCO trailer on Kickstarter!

2010-03-08T08:07:00.000-06:00

Want to see the trailer for SAN FRANCISCO, the first FOURPLAY short? Then check out our Kickstarter page.

http://kck.st/aepF8d

Kickstarter is the equivalent of a PBS fund drive for individual art projects. We're looking to raise the final $2.5K (for sound mix, color correction and music rights) in as little as $10 increments by March 29th. Have some fun rewards available for your donation including signed copies of Shirtlifter, nude etchings by Louis Russomano, signed photos of Chloe, and lip-stick "Thank You" card kisses from Aliya!

Brother, can you spare a dime for transformational art!?

- Kyle

FOURPLAY: Caroline designs ... (PT 1 of 2)

2010-03-06T23:12:00.000-06:00

Caroline Karlen is a consummate professional production designer, even when having to prep a sweaty actor decked out in a thong, wig, spiked heels and a continually malfunctioning garter belt. Inventive with limited resources, the picture of grace under fire, she recently debuted her first feature at Sundance, Bryan Poyser's LOVERS OF HATE. First of a two part interview below. - Kyle

1) You've worked on a lot of films, commercials, music-videos, et al. What makes working on these FOURPLAY shorts unique for you?

The most unique part of working on 4-PLAY has been the communal aspect of pre-production. Kyle has a very inclusive style, and involved the principle crew as much as possible in choosing locations, color scheme, lighting, even down to things like whether or not clothing would work in a specific scene. It's a great way to work when you are on a low budget because you get a global picture of the project and can better communicate your choices and concerns when everyone's working with the same information.

2) Do you have any personal connection to the material in the scripts? How did any of the material in AUSTIN or SAN FRANCISCO speak to you?

Honestly, I didn't have a personal connection to AUSTIN or SAN FRANCISCO in the literal sense: neither of the stories reflected choices I've made or conflicts I've had in my personal life. However, from a design standpoint, I was excited to dress those characters and create the environments they lived in. Kyle and Carlos' ability to flesh out their visions of the characters during story meetings made the finished product really satisfying, and I feel like I've known a lot of people who resemble these characters throughout my life.

AUSTIN: Danielle Rene is Lily (Pt 2)

2010-02-20T08:35:00.000-06:00

One thing I have to say is that Danielle and I have had an open line of communication since she was initially considered for the role of Lily. Because the film deals with an explicit act of sex, I think every actress has the obligation, to herself and to a film, to consider how they will be portrayed and to what purpose (other than cheap thrills) their image will be put.

The history of cinema, unfortunately, is the also the history of exploitation of women and their bodies by men with ogling cameras. On one hand, they are worshiped and put on pedestals for their physical beauty, normally also stripped bare of all of their other personal characteristics (e.g. wit, intelligence, humor, et al), or on the other hand they are punished for their beauty by covetous "geek" boy directors taking their sexual frustration out on all women-kind (e.g. all those horrible "torture" porn movies like WOLF CREEK, or SAW, where we are invited to laugh at a woman's subjugation and murder, dehumanizing us and them in the process). Danielle has had many questions from the beginning about Carlos and I's intentions, and I believe the film is stronger because of her probing mind.

Film is a collaborative process, and when you have someone like Danielle on board, you better have done your homework as a director. Her participation has changed the film and its meanings. How the final sex-scene is imaged, how I wanted to make sure that the camera did not violate her (or Atticus) and become part of that long history of abuse (e.g. no close ups of heaving breast, et al), and how their final act of sex stands in stark contrast to that most exploitative all imaging, pornography (which is present in the arcade booth itself where they embrace), is a testament to how each member of a film team keeps each other honest and focused. Directors are not gods, and a film is not a transmission from heaven to the faithful, it is a negotiated process of co-creation. It's also the responsibility of a director to their intentions over and over again, so no whining please from inarticulate directors about how people "just don't understand me"! It's your job to make them understand, and if they don't, listen to what they are saying and be willing to change what you are doing so your intentions are more clear!

The "meaning" of Lily and Kai's journey is the final stage of co-creation between the film and its audience, and from what we have gleaned from test screenings, there will be a wide spectrum of readings from audience members about why Lily and Kai do what they do in the end. That for me is the most I can hope for from a film, a highly charged open text, like a dream that startles you awake at 3AM and forces you to come to terms with its many meanings.

-----------------------------

4) During the process of making the film, was there anything you learned about the world or yourself that you feel like sharing?

D: For me, although I am not in the same place as Lily I really connected with her desire for that ultimate act of love and commitment. We have all had moments where we have daydreamed what our future would look like.

5) Finally, anything extra you'd like to share about the process and experience of making this film?

D: Kyle and Atticus are both talented and gifted artist that challenged and pushed me in such a positive way. Everyone involved in this film made it such a safe environment to work and create in. I'm really grateful to have worked with each one of them.

AUSTIN: Danielle Rene is Lily (Pt 1)

2010-02-03T06:51:00.000-06:00

We've always referred to AUSTIN as our "heterosexual" short, but as with the other films, I think putting it into this kind of box limits the connections we all will have, gay or straight or trans or whatever, to the universal struggles it unearths.

For one, AUSTIN presents the challenges every human being faces as they get older to find a meaningful place for sex in their lives. For heterosexual couples, procreating can become a prime way that meaning is created for sex. And at the same time, there is the struggle in all long term relationships to still honor the animal and unknowable that nine times out of ten drew the couple together in the first place. It's a rare couple that gets together because they want to make great babies together!

Danielle Rene, one of the stars of AUSTIN, is one of those rare kinds of actors who can embody these contradictions with seeming ease, transforming from a vulnerable and all-too-human puddle of emotions into a powerful and confident sex-goddess over the course of the film. She has the range and depth of someone well beyond her years and, as many of the people have confessed after recent rough cut screenings, you literally can't take your eyes off her.

Today begins a two part interview with her on her 4PLAY experience. - Kyle

1) What were your first feelings about being approached to play your role in AUSTIN? First thoughts after reading the script?

D: I was intrigued with the characters and the relationship between them. I myself have, as many of us have experienced the joys and the frustrations in a partnership. How sometimes the way we grow as people can cause a bit of a struggle to be on the same page. I felt it would be challenging and rewarding.

2) What, if anything, helped you prepare to play your role?

D: I use relaxation and active imagination exercises to really get plugged in when preparing to step into a character, but I must say that I felt a kinship and real understanding of Lili from the beginning. She felt very familiar.

3) What particular challenges did you face playing your role? Any fears you had to overcome?

D: I think if anything so often love and sex are not shown in such a real and raw way. I think each one of us on this project wanted it to be portrayed and received in the way it was intended.

FOURPLAY: Paul Soileau gets gigantic!

2010-01-28T06:58:00.000-06:00

Paul Soileau, star of SAN FRANCISCO, blows up like Godzilla on uranium into "The Three Faces of Paul" on the cover of this week's Austin Chronicle. Check out the article and the hilarious interviews with his alter egos Christeene and Rebecca Havermeyer, too!

4PLAY: DP PJ Raval... (PT 02)

2010-01-26T09:53:00.000-06:00

The second part of my interview w/ DP PJ Raval. He and Paul (star of SF) have a big week ahead of them w/ the launch of Christeene's EP at Elysium on Friday (1/29). If you are in Austin, check it out, it's gonna be something else... entirely. - Kyle

3) How do you approach your work when you are asked to do A LOT on a VERY LOW budget? What tips could you pass along to budding dp's?

I think it's important to recognize high budget doesn't make a good film. Good ideas, good use of resources, good storytelling makes a good film. So for low budget work one always has to keep that in mind first. Be resourceful, be creative, use everything and anything that can help you accomplish this. With that said be flexible and spontaneous. On a practical level it's helpful to have lots of conversations w/ the director of course about the visual approach. Maybe you can't do sweeping crane shots but maybe that same concept can be told with the tools you do have available. Also have lots of conversations w/ the production designer especially since their color pallette and choice of set pieces really influences what you can do (i.e. lamps for lighting, colors for contrast, etc) and definitely use the location itself as the inspiration for blocking and shots. Maybe you can't remove a wall for a shot but maybe you can hopefully find a space and location that naturally allows for your visual approach. also when in doubt simply refer back to the original ideas and concepts of the film - do the visuals fit? if not come up w/ another option right then and there - nothing is ever set in stone...

4) Any interesting/memorable moments you'd like to tell us about from the SAN FRANCISCO or AUSTIN shoots?

A memorable moment for me shooting SAN FRANCISCO was definitely the bedroom scene. Enough said there. Also the AUSTIN porn arcade portion was a challenge - I mean lighting an ALL BLACK space that needs to be dark? Thank god for red lights and semi satin paint!

4PLAY: Enter the writer... (pt 2)

2010-01-25T08:10:00.000-06:00

Part two of a three part interview w/ SAN FRANCISCO writer Carlos Treviño:

Q. How did you make this story your own?

A. I changed the mother-and-son dynamic to wife-and-husband to intensify the relationship a bit more: to twang the triangle. There's more at stake for all three characters when two of them are married, and seemingly somewhat happily. The story can then act as a window into the couple's relationship. The wife is the primary caretaker and calls Aliya on behalf of her husband. I didn't make too much of this in the script, and you played it off with even less exposition in the cut. Though Aliya is the main character, questions about the couple are still around: What is their marriage like? How did they get to this point? I also wanted to create the feeling that this was the first time the husband had ever asked for this. If the wife had been somewhat blasé about the whole thing, the story would be about something else entirely. Though willing, the wife is clearly nervous about the situation.

Q. What are your views on marriage?

A. Are you proposing?

Q. We live in Texas, sweetie. I don't think it would do us much good.

A. Presents!

Q. Presents!!!!

A. Right, marriage. Like anything, it can be great in the right hands. Intimacy, trust, and love may be more important than any idea of security or sanctity that marriage usually connotes. I think it makes sense if you're bringing up children, but then, successful, loving families can exist outside the institution of marriage, so... Each couple has to make its own meaning. When the participants stop making meaning, they endanger the marriage.

Q. Is our sex worker a marital aid?

A. Maybe. Presumably, the husband's paraplegic condition changed the marriage a lot already; we hint that it was caused by some accident. Maybe the wife was tired of being nursemaid and sex toy; like--what, I have to wipe your ass AND kiss your feet? Fuck this, let's hire a tranny!

4PLAY: DP PJ Raval... (PT 01)

2010-01-21T10:28:00.000-06:00

The first of a two part interview w/ DP PJ Raval, who recently shot the Academy Award nominated doc TROUBLE THE WATER and my first feature, ROOM. He's an accomplished director in his own right and his feature doc TRINIDAD can be seen in regular rotation on SHOWTIME. - KH

1) You've worked on a lot of films, commercials, music-videos, et al. What makes working on these FOURPLAY shorts unique for you?

FOURPLAY is a unique experience for me in that the individual stories really push the boundaries of current independent cinema. Rarely do you see films today that explore the territory of sexual intimacy in an emotional non-sensationalized way. Films in the 60's and 70's were brave in certain ways that only arthouse films continue to explore - so shooting a film like FOURPLAY can be a rare opportunity for a cinematographer such as myself. With sexual and sometimes graphic content it can be a challenge to keep the images EMOTIONALLY GROUNDED and play against the sexual sensationalized images currently seen in more mainstream media. I always think good cinematography creates AND captures images that push the story and concept forward so it's good to be aware of what those elements are. Sexual intimacy doesn't have to be visually explicit or pornographic.

2) Do you have any personal connection to the material in the scripts? How did any of the material in AUSTIN or SAN FRANCISCO speak to you?

Didn't I tell you I used to be a transvestite sex-worker? Kkay no really, what's most interesting to me is the characters of AUSTIN and SAN FRANCISCO are metaphorically people I know. Characters close to my age, characters similar to people I know and emotions and events they experience. I think everyone including myself has an ongoing personal investment and exploration of sexual intimacy. Being a queer/gay man I've spent a lot of my life exploring my relationship to sex and how it shapes my identity and relationships with others. My life might not be as similar to most stories seen in mainstream filmmaking right now but we all experience the same emotions of desire, despair, longing, discovery... I'm also attracted to stories that explore gender and role-playing so both stories definitely resonate w/ me.

4PLAY: Enter the writer... (pt 1)

2010-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Carlos Treviño is the best screenwriter in Austin, TX. I would hire him at the drop of a hat to write anything that takes honesty, courage, emotional depth, piercing insight, wit, and love. I'm also lucky enough to live with him and to have been his boyfriend for almost 12 years. Am I biased? Maybe!

Austinites may know Carlos as writer, director, and actor who worked for over a decade with Physical Plant Theater. His biggest writing/directing hit with the company, co-written with Steve Moore, was NOT CLOWN, which enjoyed a sold-out run at NYC's Soho Repertory and was published last year by Yale's prestigious "Theater Magazine." He co-directed the lauded US premiere of Wallace Shawn's A THOUGHT IN THREE PARTS and performed in the wildly inventive Rockefeller MAP-funded CASKET OF PASSING FANCY, both produced by Rubber Repertory.

I interviewed Carlos by email, two rooms away.
-------------------
Q. You ready?

A. Yep. I guess our DSL is working today.

Q. What or who inspired SAN FRANCISCO?

A. Hm. The framework of FOURPLAY came first: a collection of short stories, based on sexual experiences of people we know. The idea would be that in each short, a transgressive sexual act becomes personally transcendent—even transforming—for at least one of the participants.

The project had a potential confessional quality that appealed to me. I LOVE discovering secrets. Writing FOURPLAY gave me the chance of looking at myself and my friends in a different way. As for the SF section, you had spent some time with our friend who's a transvestite sex worker (Chloe, featured on the blog) who had told you a version of the story that inspired the SF plot.

Q. He hadn't told you the story before?

A. No, you told me the story first. In fact, I found out only later that you had combined two of her stories into one story, so she cleared the record.

Q. What's his version?

A. *Her* version!! Early in Chloe's career, a woman called on behalf of her young adult son. He had lost use of his physical faculties in a motorcycle accident only 2 years earlier. His mother was his primary caretaker. She recognized that even though her son wasn't sexually functioning, he nonetheless had feelings that needed an outlet. She had called other girls to help; but they inevitably declined after learning that the kid was paraplegic. Chloe was up for it. She made sure the mother realized she was talking to a TV and not a girl-girl; the mom understood; the kid was straight, she said, but this was what he wanted; she said her son was open to someone open to being with him. So they set up an appointment.

It would turn out to be one of Chloe's most emotional sessions. She could see in the kid's eyes that he felt trapped in his body: a sensation much like transexuals describe when talking about their pre-op lives. For Chloe, the usual challenge of embodying a fantasy was intensified by working with someone who was unable to move or talk. The young man was obviously in need, but how to discern it? How to supply what he needed?

Chloe was struck by the painstaking love with which the mother sought out this gift. Handing her son over, even for a few hours, to an unknown person. The kind of faith and goodwill that would take seemed immense.

SAN FRANCISCO: Chloe signing off...

2009-12-29T09:58:00.000-06:00

Today's entry ends the Chloe dialogues. Thank you, Chloe, for regaling us with your stories! - Kyle

Any final thoughts on being involved in the film making process? Has it been a positive experience so far? Any negatives? What do you hope audiences will "take away" with them from viewing the final film?

As a lifelong fan of film and self-taught cinephile, having a movie made about Chloe's exploits, is an absolute dream come true. I've always been a hit at dinner parties, regaling often-shocked guests with stories about clients and their particular peccadilloes, but to see myself and my experiences onscreen gives them a validity that I didn't even know that I craved until I saw it.

Carlos, the screenwriter worked so diligently with me to create the tenderness I knew this particular client's story needed. He is an amazing talent. Paul, the actor who plays me, is the true star of the movie. The subtle nuances with his voice, the softness of his gestures, and his fearless ability to find the humanity in his paralyzed client had me in tears more than once. In fact, it was a bit creepy he was so dead-on with his interpretation of me and the scene. We'll be seeing more of him, no doubt.

And I can't even begin to imagine this story in anyone else's hands but yours. You are one of the most sensitive people I know. In fact, you'd make a great manwhore. If the film thing doesn't work out, please give me a call... Seriously, I hope that people who see one of Chloe's (er, my) sessions will begin to question what sex is and how they define it for themselves. I want to broaden people's notions of what's attractive and what's not. To open people up to the beauty in everyone. And, finally, to see that the essence of true bliss lies in non-judgement.

Chloe

FOURPLAY: Austin sneak peek...

2009-12-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

We are running into the home stretch on the edit for AUSTIN, the second installment of FOURPLAY, with a rough cut screening last week going very well. So, thought I'd post a few photos from the shoot before the year winds down. Happy Holidaze! - Kyle

SAN FRANCISCO: Chloe on sex work pt 3

2009-12-15T22:33:00.000-06:00

Were you involved in the recent campaign to decriminalize sex-work in San Francisco? Were you disappointed in the out-come of that vote?

I wasn't directly involved with Proposition K on last November's ballot, but I definitely did my own song and dance on it's behalf with my inner circle, including friends, family, and clients. It lost 43% to 51%, but it was interesting to see how close it actually was and how people felt about the issue.

Sadly, sex-work is often conflated with human trafficking in order to scare typically-liberal people into thinking that they're personally contributing to the sexual slavery of Third World women by greedy traffickers if they approve of letting people do with their bodies what they choose in the comfort of their own homes.

But the irony of the situation is that with cultural acceptance of a once-thought "sin" is that it loses it's sensual, "dirty" electricity once it becomes more mainstream; thereby bringing down my prices to remain competitive and subsequently killing my business. Just like I know many pot growers here in California who rue the day when pot becomes legal because they're going to lose A LOT of money.

FOURPLAY: Art house porn?

2009-12-09T22:43:00.000-06:00

A great article from the recent issue (Spring 2009) of JUMP CUT:

"Real Sex: the aesthetics and economics of art-house porn" by Jon Lewis

I think it does an amazing job laying out the history of films that investigate sexuality and their marginalization by "mainstream" media. Also, reveals yet again the hypocrisy of the MPAA ratings board that lets "anything go" w/ torture porn movies like the psychotic SAW franchise, but is scared shitless of frank, adult films that deal with the very social, and frankly "normal", contours of our lives as sexual human beings.

This is what we are up against, folks. If you make a film dealing with a variety of dramatic/comedic situations that just happen to pivot around sex, will it only be relegated to the "art" ghetto (and the bottom of that ghetto)? Or is there a place, perhaps on-line, where these shorts can find a wider, broader audience that partakes in massive amounts of pornography every day, but sees very little "art" that deals w/ the interior, emotional lives of those engaging in sex acts? Also, since most "art-house porn" strives for hyper-realism (see, they are really doing it!), what will viewers make of our very Romantic, surreal, comedic dramas that strive to break your heart, not bust your nutt (or bust your balls as is the case w/Euro-nihilists like Lars von Trier)? We'll see.

- Kyle

FOURPLAY: High art meets low trash...

2009-12-09T14:16:00.000-06:00

Chloe sent me these photos of himself w/ Paul Soileau (Aliya in SAN FRANCISCO) as his performance art alter-ego Christeene. I told Chloe it was "High Art meets Low Trash" to which he retorted "Yes, Christeene is a stunning work of art and I am definitely a piece of low, low trash..." - Kyle