Dog Daze

·

August 3, 2009

This is more of a News Update than a specific post. It may also serve to remind people I'm still here. Been kinda busy.

The developments on When You're Strange are good. I can't go into much detail because there are several scenarios being played out, all with their own positives and complexities. But, the jist of it is this: there is serious interest from US distributors for a theatrical release. In addition, several offers have come in from France; again for a theatrical release in that territory. Once one major international territory commits it should pave the way for other offers.

My understanding is that some decisions will be made this week. As soon as I know anything definite I will post it. Believe me, I'm waiting for news as anxiously as everyone else.

The film has been invited to the Deauville International Film Festival in France in early September. It looks like the whole gang is going over for the event. Deauville is right on the Normandy coast where the first waves of US infantry landed on D Day. It's a great festival, focusing primarily on American films. I have been there with 4 previous films and Living In Oblivion won Best Picture there in 1995.

It is a significant festival to premiere the film in France at. The French have developed a strong affection for The Doors and especially for Jim who is buried in Paris. With a French distributor in place (hopefully) the festival can be used to jump-start the French theatrical release.

That's it. That's what I know.

Comments

Rowan

October 20, 2009 at 5:32 pm

Hi Tom,

It’s been a while since I’ve posted my message. But just wanted to thank you for the advice!
Right now, I’m rehearsing for a play in Amsterdam. Very exciting!

Anyway, my mother wanted to say hi, too. O, and she wants me to say that she found your reply very kind! So, there you have it!

Rowan (The Cologne girl)

September 15, 2009 at 3:35 pm

Hello Nicolas,
I have forwarded your email to the French distributor, MK2. I’ve told them of your desire to help the film. Perhaps they will contact you directly and see what can be done.
Many, many thanks.
best,
Tom

Nicolas Lejeune

September 15, 2009 at 10:07 am

Hello Tom,

Congretulation for the Deauville Festival.
I have found a cinema near Paris which accepted to organize one meeting with the french fans.

If you are interrested, please contact me.

Nicolas Lejeune
President of the French Fan Flub of The Doors.

September 10, 2009 at 12:01 pm

HeyK,
My appreciation of the Doors music has quadrupled since working on the film. It has so many layers. It is full of mystery and suggestion. It is also musically rocking. None of it sounds old-fashioned. Put on a cd and just listen.
I’m not sure what the plans are for me at London. I’ll let you know though.
best,
Tom

K.

September 9, 2009 at 1:17 pm

Great new post on Deauville. Looking forward to the film! I was a big doors nut as a teenager, having devoured all the books and any other esoterica I could find. HWY was always my holy grail so am looking forward to finally seeing bits of it in your doc. Strange thing is I haven’t put on a doors disc in years, I fear you will rekindle some teenage madness when I see the film.

No fistfights thankfully, all sorts of other madness ensued but we got it and I’m happy.

Will you be Q’ing and A’ing at any of the London screenings?

K.

September 9, 2009 at 10:22 am

Hey Elaine,
Screening went very well. I’m attempting to write a post about it now. It’s been so long since I’ve posted I’ve forgotten how. Thanks for the link. I think there will be some press coming in; though most likely it will be in French.
best,
Tom

September 9, 2009 at 10:20 am

Hello K.
Good to hear from you again. Congratulations on getting the short shot. I hope you had no fistfights with your actors.

Yes, When You’re Strange will have 2 or more screenings at the London Film Festival. I believe the dates are Oct. 11 and 12. I hope you can make it.

best,
Tom

K.

September 9, 2009 at 6:30 am

Hiya Tom

You’re screening in London!?!

Can’t wait to see it.

We shot our short, many Oblivion style moments occurred.

K.

Elaine

September 7, 2009 at 4:11 pm

Hey Tom!

How’d the screening go in Deauville? All I could find during web surfing was the time schedule and one photo of you down toward the bottom of this webpage, along w/the trailer – –
http://www.festival-deauville.com/GB/html/film,1579,when-you-re-strange-a-film-about-the-doors.html

Hope the screening went well and that you’re not in the midst of jet lag 🙂

Elaine

Wayne

September 5, 2009 at 8:15 pm

Hi Tom,

I’m gonna see if i can get those dates off and see if i can get tickets for a screening and for flights over.

I’m really looking foward to it man 🙂 Sure let me know if you hear anything and i’ll book the flights and hotel.

Cheers man,

Wayne

September 5, 2009 at 8:41 am

Hey Wayne,
the London dates are around October 12-14. It does take a while for these times to get officially posted.
I think I’m going. Once I know for sure I’ll let you know.
I appreciate your support and swing it right back atcha.
best,
Tom

September 5, 2009 at 8:38 am

Hello David,
the main screening in San Sebastian is Sept. 24. I don’t know the time yet. There are two other screenings around that date as well. I hope you can make it.
best,
Tom

David

September 4, 2009 at 8:18 am

Hello Tom, when you know the dates of the screenings in San Sebastian, please let us know (by now there isn’t any informations about it in their web)…
Finally I will be near from San Sebastian on 22 sept and I’m considering going to one of the film screenings if I could.
Congratulations for France distribution!

Wayne

September 3, 2009 at 9:30 pm

Hi Tom,

Man that’s awesome news, i can’t wait for you’re new script to be realised! 🙂 I’m having one of my regular DiCillo nights soon, my friends should be pleased to hear the news of your new script too.
I was just wondering could you tell me when “When You’re Strange” is playing at the London Film Festival? If i could and work permits it, i would love to fly over to London for a day or two and catch it but i can’t find any dates on the web. If i do get to make it over and you are there too i’d love to say hello in person and buy you a pint as a thank you for making some of the best films of the last 20 years and for generally being a big hero of mine. 🙂

Cheers,

Wayne

Jeff

August 31, 2009 at 11:33 pm

France got distribution rights first? That’s unAmerican! But since it’s Jim’s final resting place I’ll let it slide.
Hope all is well, Tom. I look forward to seeing WYS again whenever it arrives.

Elaine

August 30, 2009 at 4:06 pm

Hey Tom,

Congrats on MK2 and France distribution! Just read your blip on the “News” page a few minutes ago. Hope the US distribution comes along soon, really want to see the film 🙂

Elaine

Mario

August 29, 2009 at 12:35 pm

I saw a really cool L.A, movie last night, The Soloist.

Poignant message.

Wonder how today’s L.A. would look to Morrrison?

August 23, 2009 at 11:56 am

Hey Dave Brandler,
Of course I remember you. Man, your question excites and frustrates me. There should have been a soundtrack CD for the film. No surprise that the geniuses at Gestation let that opportunity evaporate along with their stellar release.
I’m glad you like the song enough to inquire about it. I’ll do some checking and see if there is a way to make it available (legally). I’m actually kind of proud of the song. It was written solely for the film and needed to be a little catchy and a little stupid in order to satisfy the needs of K’harma’s musical talents. I think it succeded in both.
I’ll let you know when I figure something out.
best,
Tom

August 23, 2009 at 11:52 am

Hello Rowan,
How great to hear from you! You can just call me, Tom. Our meeting in Cologne was one of the highlights of my trip over there. I really enjoyed talking with you and your mother.
And you even watched Living In Oblivion! Did your mother watch it as well?
I have no plans at the moment to teach in Holland but if I do, I will let you know. For the moment I would suggest trying some acting classes in Holland and keep on watching films and theater. Sometimes you find that by watching certain actors, even actors from many years ago, you discover the kinds of acting that excite you personally. And this will help you find the kinds of acting classes that will excite you as well.
Thanks so much for taking the time to track me down. Say hello to your mother for me, and remember what I said to you: in this business you will hear a million people tell you NO. It is the easiest, and most destructive word to say. You can’t listen to it. You should just keep going, keep trying.
best,
Tom

August 23, 2009 at 11:46 am

Hey Gerald,
Very interesting comment. I think there is some truth in what you say. You should also read Densmore’s book. It too is intimate and informative. You may find, like I did, that there are many fascinating angles to view this event that was The Doors.
Clearly, Jim had a complex and at times, dependent relationship with Ray. Most music historians would support your theory that the foundation of the band started with the two of them.
And yet, the same sort of foundation existed for Morrison in relation to Robbie, and to John. I agree that Jim’s searing excursions up into the unknown were made more possible for him by knowing that Ray, John and Robbie were there waiting for him upon his return. The film attempts to show this.
I’m not sure I agree with your assessment of Jim’s poetic talent. As far as I can tell he wrote what he wanted. And he took it very seriously. Some relate to it, some don’t.
best,
Tom

August 23, 2009 at 11:38 am

Hey Salli,
Thanks. You are right, there is a touch of noir in it. I’ve realized over the years when I talk about some of the film that really excite me many of them are crime movies from the 40’s and 50’s. The Asphalt Jungle stands out in particular.
There is great character, very specific plotting with turns that are inevitable and actually make sense; and complex characters you care about.
My new script is a contemporary crime movie attempting to accomplish the same. It is not hip, or cute. But it is a little bigger than life which is great to play with.
best,
Tom

August 23, 2009 at 11:28 am

Hey Wayne,
All is good. September is looking busy with festival screenings of When You’re Strange in Deauville, San Sebastian and the London Film Festival. Maybe you can shoot down for that.
I think a lot of us are living vicariously through you and your new job. Your enthusiasm and joy are infectious. Good for you.
Got a new script–an odd crime film which I’m excited about. Now I just need to find some cash.
best,
Tom

Dave Brandler

August 23, 2009 at 8:51 am

Tom- Can’t wait for “When You’re Strange.” Sure it will be great.

We met at the Tribeca film festival this year at the screening of Handsome Harry (doubt you remember). Anyway I forgot to ask you- is there any way to download or purchase an audio copy or mp3 file of Alison Lohman’s version of “Take your love and shove it?”.

Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,
Dave Brandler

Rowan

August 22, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Dear mister Dicillo,

Finally found you!
My mom and I have met you this past June in our hotel in Cologne (remember?).
Since then I have been looking for ways to contact you. And now I finally did!
I would really like to find out if you give acting classses in Holland too.
It would be such an amazing experience to receive acting lessons from you!
Hopefully you’ll keep me posted about your where abouts in Holland. Or even Germany, haha!

So funny that I’ve finally found you! And keep on doing the good work (finally watched one of your movies! “living in oblivion”)

Greetings from The Netherlands!

Rowan

Gerald Allen

August 21, 2009 at 11:48 am

I’m a few years younger than Robby Krieger and recently read Ray Manzarek’s autobiography. In reading Manzarek I’m struck by the tremulous line between worlwide adulation and probable obscurity embodied in the Jim Morrison story.

Manzarek, Krieger and Densmore all had marketable talents that were in demand in 1960’s L.A. and I suspect there is a good chance all of them would have found a place for themselves in the music business w/o the Doors at that time, especially Manzarek and Krieger. But for Morrison it is a real question how his talent would have manifested in the absence of Manzarek’s vision and nurturing indulgence.

He’s characterized as a beat poet, but they were mostly passe and yesterday’s news by the time Morrison came along. The audience for their material existed in very small clusters mostly in NY and SF and was never mainstream. Without the Doors a poet such as Morrison believed himself to be might have had some small number of outlier adherents and by now would have been long forgotten. Who and how many under the age of 50 have heard of Ginsberg?

Poet seems inadequate to capture the essence of the role JM played but performer provocateur better captures his essence. He’s alternately been called a poseur a clown and a genius, but the most striking feature of his life’s trajectory and work is that instead of individual destiny the forces of serendipity and a destiny shared with Manzazrek played out on the world stage.

Given the past level of curiosity in his every scribble, utterance and action the strange case of the Emperor’s New Clothes seems to apply to his writings. How much of it stands on its own, or is it interesting only becasue of the character and persona of the writer? Some of his songs do have power and lyricism, but Krieger’s talent as music man and lyricist are clearly in the same or higher league but how many people under 50 know who Krieger is? Krieger is neither the provocateur nor the sex object.

As for poetry do you need to know who wrote “The New Colossus” to feel its power or know what it means?

I look forward to the release of your movie about the Doors.

Salli

August 20, 2009 at 11:54 pm

Tom, congratulations on finishing the first draft. The script concept sounds like there may be just a touch of noir in it, unless I’m way off base, which I could very well be. I’m definitely intrigued. Take care and happy writing!

Wayne

August 19, 2009 at 8:19 pm

Hi Tom,

It’s been a couple of weeks since i’ve been on here, I’m really excited to hear that you have a new script that you are working on. So not only have we When You’re Strange to look foward to but also another film too! It sounds intriguing, anybody in mind for you’re neurotic hero?

Anyway, just dropping by to see how things are going and as always wishing you the best. I’m real busy watching and reviewing movies these days, it’s a blast and a dream! Looking foward to the day i can wax lyrical about the new DiCillo movie in the paper and on the website 🙂

Hope all is good,

Wayne

Mario

August 19, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Tropic corridor
Tropic treasure
What got us this far
To this mild equator

We need someone or something new
Something else to get us through

Calling on the dogs
Calling in the dogs
Calling all the dogs
Calling on the gods
Meet me at the crossroads
Meet me at the edge of town
Outskirts of the city
Just you and I
And the evening sky

Elaine

August 18, 2009 at 8:32 am

Hey Tom,

Yep, I started with “Pierre et Jean” since you’d recommended it. Powerful, insightful, a descriptive look into the relationship of 2 brothers. It felt like an Indie movie in a way, because it held up a magnifying glass to this complex arena of humanity, for just a snippet of time. Some Indie films do that, letting us see something with a new perspective for just a spell, so that it affects how we think.

thx,
Elaine

August 17, 2009 at 8:44 pm

Hello David,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m sorry you will not be able to get to San Sebastian. If you change your plans let me know. I still don’t know the date of the screenings yet.

I’m glad you are enjoying the writing on the blog. I am working hard on my new script at the moment and so have put the blog aside for a little while. When some time opens up I will continue to write about filmmaking for you.

best,
Tom

August 17, 2009 at 8:42 pm

Hey Elaine,
I’m glad you’re enjoying the Maupassant. I think I mentioned to you this short novel he wrote called Pierre et Jean, about two brothers. It is very powerful. I think you would enjoy it.
best,
Tom

August 17, 2009 at 8:33 pm

Hey Salli,
The new script is coming well. I’ve officially finished a first draft and have already started tweaking it. But, for me–the shape and structure are solid. This is the film I would want to make. The question is of course, who will give me the money to make it.

It’s a contemporary crime film, based more on human interaction than special effects. It’s also a love story between two damaged people. It’s a throwback to some of the great films of the 40’s and 50’s where a man becomes infatuated with a woman because of her neuroses. My twist is that he’s got a neuroses of his own.

We shall see.
best,
Tom

David

August 13, 2009 at 2:56 pm

Great news! Finaly, When Your Strange and you, will come to Spain!
San Sebastian is the biggest film festival in Spain and one of the most important in Europe. So I hope it helps the film to get some theatrical release here, in Spain, and all around Europe.
Is WYS going to take part in the competition or only like a “special guest” screening?

I wish to be there but I am far away from Donostia 🙁
Congratilations Tom, I hope you get the same succes that you got years ago with Delirious.

Go on with your great blog, I follow it every day, I like very much your feedback with the readers and your stories. Those latests posts about your film experiences were very interesting and enriching. I wait for more!. You could put all toghether in some kind of survival manual for film workers 😉

Have a nice eating, drinking and surfing days in Spain!
Best,
David

Elaine

August 12, 2009 at 10:24 pm

Congrats on San Sebastian too, Tom! Just read the latest info on your “News” page. Know that festival was a great place and time for Delirious. Happy for you that you get to return there with “When You’re Strange.”

Enjoy and keep us posted –

Elaine

PS – I’ve enjoyed the Maupassant writings. You’re right–he has a very keen sense of observation for humanity/relationships that he puts into his writing.

Mr. Verde

August 11, 2009 at 2:24 am

Tom-

Love your work. How does one go about getting an interview with you? Thanks for your dedicated work, and any additional information. Best of luck with everything you touch.

Senior Green

Salli

August 11, 2009 at 1:09 am

Speaking of “others,” may I ask how the new script is doing or don’t-ing?

August 10, 2009 at 6:25 pm

Hey Elaine,
I’m only past the fingernail stage on this film. I know it will return on others.
Mmmm….cold beer.
best,
T

August 10, 2009 at 6:23 pm

Hello Sam,
No, I did not see T P & A. But, I think B of M was made a few years earlier. And I wrote the script several years before I finally got the money.

So, I can’t really say there is a connection there. But, I’m glad you liked both films. Moonlight was inspired more by my childhood, and by my desire to make a film outside an urban environment.

Previously, all my films had been set in NYC or some form of it. I spent a lot of time as a kid moving around from one small town to another throughout the US. I also went through a very constructive juvenile delinquency stage (I would recommend it to everyone). Add to this an extremely domineering father and well, goddammit, that sounds like the whole script right there.

Good to hear from you.
Tom

sally stevens

August 10, 2009 at 12:12 pm

Gee, Tom. How unlike the movie business! LOL!

Sam

August 10, 2009 at 4:17 am

Hey Tom!

I saw the wonderful John Hughes film Trains, plains & automobiles last night (for like the 9th time) and it struck me that Box of moonlight (which I have seen probably even more times) has a similar odd couple-male bonding in the middle of nowhere-need to get back to my wife who is anxiously waiting back at home-type storyline. Were you at all influenced by the John Hughes film? I am thinking particularly of the sympathies that Al develops for the lonely kid after initially being annoyed?

I think they are two completely different movies, both masterpieces, I am in no way hinting towards a rip off of any kind, I am just interested to know if there is a connection between two of the greatest movies I have ever seen in my life?

Great minds must think alike.

Best,
Sam the Swede

Elaine

August 9, 2009 at 10:33 am

Hey Tom,

Well, at least your fingernails won’t be ragged if you’ve moved past the nail-biting point 🙂

Sending you good thoughts of chilled beers in summer while watching fireflies at sunset…

Hope things come together. Know you’ve put your artistic heart and soul into this project.

Thx,
Elaine

August 8, 2009 at 9:11 pm

Hey Sally,
Great to hear from you, as always. I’ve kind of given up on the nail biting at this point. The PTB (powers that be) have so much power they can do whatever they want with the film. They don’t really listen to me. I’ve come to realize the fate of the film is in their hands. I have fought the battle to keep the film as close as possible to what my soul told me it should be. At this point the distribution decisions are out of my control.

This is not to say the PTB don’t want the best for the film. I’m just saying my ability to affect their decisions is pretty nil.

I thought there would be news this week. There is none.

Never heard anything more from the LA Film Festival. Let’s see what next week brings.
best,
Tom

Simone Giuseppin

August 5, 2009 at 1:10 pm

Hi Tom!
thanks for you reply
i’ll ask to a friend of mine if she have contacts with the venice festival, she works for a very important teathre in venice, maybe she know someone and i’ll let you know

the website for the venice film festival is:
http://www.labiennale.org/en/Home.html

godd producers in italy could be
Rhv: http://www.rhv.it/
they released in italy the joe strummer documentary: the future is unwritten

or
Eagle Vision
they released in italy The Doors’ Classic album dvd

i’ll do more research…
hope this could help you

all the best
simone

August 5, 2009 at 12:13 pm

Hey Nico,
At the moment it looks like Sunday, Sept 6. It could change though.
T

Nicolas Lejeune

August 5, 2009 at 9:56 am

Hello Tom !

Can you tell me when your movie will be show during the Deauville festival, the day ?

best,

Nico

sally stevens

August 4, 2009 at 8:59 pm

Hey Tom – hope you aren’t gnawing your nails to the knuckles with all the suspense!

Btw, did you ever get the results of the audience poll at the LA Film Festival?

It’s possible that some of the UK fans might be able to hop the pond for Deauville as well.

August 4, 2009 at 4:35 pm

ciao Simone,
I think the same thing I wrote to Tony above applies to the Venice Film Festival. It would have to be a special screening. We have already premiered the film in Europe at the Berlin Film Festival.
But, if you have any connections with Venice, or any other ideas on how to help get interest for a sale to Italy please let me know.
best,
Tom

August 4, 2009 at 4:32 pm

Hey Tony,
It is possible but perhaps not likely that the film would come to Toronto. It would have to be a special screening. Having already premiered in North America at Sundance lessens the interest from other festivals.
Everyone wants to be the first, ya know?
best,
T

Simone Giuseppin

August 4, 2009 at 11:03 am

Hello Tom!
it will be great to see When You’re Strange also in Italy.
In September there’s the Venice Film Festival but i think
they have the complete program.
If you needs some helps let me know
many thanks for all
all the best
simone

Tony

August 4, 2009 at 8:57 am

Hi Tom,

Any chance for a screening at the Toronto Film festival this year?

Regards,

August 4, 2009 at 8:28 am

Hello Nico,
I would like very much to “think to the French Fan Club” for the Deauville Film Festival.
Can you be a little more specfific as to how I can do this? I would like to make the event there as productive as possible.
Thanks,
Tom

Nicolas Lejeune

August 4, 2009 at 8:19 am

Hello Tom,

I hope that you will think to the French Fan Club for the Deauville Festival !!!

Thx Tom

Nico

Elaine

August 3, 2009 at 7:19 pm

Brief update is better than no update at all, so thanks for posting the latest info! The French festival sounds like it’ll be a great opportunity and time for things to fall into place.

*SO* hoping for a US release eventually!!! Am practicing my vocal pipes for announcing it from Southern rooftops!! (Ha ha, you think I’m kidding. I’ve even secured a pair of decent shoes in order to ‘shout’ its arrival from the rooftops as opposed to ‘falling’ from aforementioned rooftops! LOL…)

Thx Tom 🙂
Elaine

Leave a replyReply toCancel reply

Instagram
Facebook

TOM DICILLO

Independent Filmmaker & Musician

SoundCloud
YouTube
Spotify

Website Design:
Almonte Creative