VENICE BOULEVARD
Joey was inspired to make this short film after reading Robert Rodriguez’s book ‘Rebel Without a Crew.’ The crux: never wait to make your film. No excuses, just go do it!
Wanting to fully immerse himself in every part of the film making process, from writing to editing, Joey also seized the opportunity to make his directorial debut. Venice Boulevard is a homage to the great fictional detectives who graced the screens of the film noir genre, while also welcoming a new detective to the streets of Los Angeles, Renard Ranta.
If you build it, they will come. This was the mentality of this project. Take the next step and expect miracles to happen. With trust and intuition leading the way, all the amazing pieces of this puzzle came together in an extraordinary fashion.
A classic ‘53 Lincoln Capri, Anegnoux lenses, brand new Sony camera gear and sound equipment were all donated to the cause. Miracles do happen.
This project was a family affair. The director of photography, Harris Khan, Joey’s brother-in-law, was able to use his brand new camera package and luckily had some time to shoot in between his jet setting work on 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way.
Joey’s fiancé, Sophia Khan, joined in the project to play the femme fatal, Rose, making this our first family film together! This made the experience all the more special.
The writing and story boarding portion of the project was one of the most fulfilling for Joey. The process of taking imagined ideas from the mind to page, bringing them one step closer to actuality, really was one of the most amazing and transformative steps, one that this film maker can’t wait to participate in again.
Magic happens. One never quite knows exactly what will happen when “ACTION!” is called. In one instance, that magic occurred when the lead actor was upstaged by a wandering black cat crossing the street. Although the exact interpretation of this omen is up for debate, it certainly added to the texture of the film, one that money (or cat nip) can rarely buy and one that most likely won’t be captured again on the next take.
The score of Venice Boulevard was created by Silvio Buchmeier, with a saxophone as the heart of the piece. Silvio’s work elevates the amazing cinematography and allows VB to sing…and sting.
Joey continues to be so grateful for all the people that helped support this project through their donations. Passion in film making goes a long way. Often, filmmakers create from their sheer unbridled desire to tell a story, to create a world and to play. VB was no exception.
Every step on the journey of creation counts. Every step marks a significant moment in the process of becoming, of growth, of learning and of perspective. Surprises appear from the shadows, challenges must be overcome, lesson will be learned and in the end and with enough passion, dedication and determination, a new world is created for all time.