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A Friend Lost - Andrew J. Drwiega, 38, Passes Away
I just got the stunning news that Andrew J. Drwiega, 38, passed away. He was a good friend and we shared many crazy times together growing up. He was in my early movie 'Crushing' when I was in High School and he was featured in the opening segment of 'Visions of Violence.' My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I'll always remember you buddy.
'Lost' Hollywood Review Found Again
This review for 'Hollywood' was reviewed by Kent Manthie for Reviewermag.com. The link comes and goes so here's what the review had to say (and yes, this is the review where my name became Michael).In eleven minutes you don’t usually think that one can put together a film that really goes anywhere or at least tells a complete story. Well Michael Golon put together Hollywood -it’s a sort of film school project of sorts – the ground rules were that he had to make a film with no dialogue, save voice-overs.
The movie starts out with the voice over of this private investigator who mulls over the fact that, yeah, he’s living in Hollywood and he’s married and they just had a kid – his wife said that LA is no place to raise a child and he agreed (what? Are you kidding? I would’ve killed to grow up in LA you idiots!). Anyway, as he mulls that proposition over he also realizes that his job is as a P.I. and well, right now he’s out looking for this missing girl – her step mom came to him with her picture and asked him to scour Hollywood for her. It seems that the young girl had left Kansas for Hollywood to follow her dreams and be a star. But, as is usually the case, most girls that flock to the city of Angels don’t find fame and fortune but end up in a netherworld of vice and drugs.
It’s not long before our hero, the private eye is scouring all over the dregs of Hollywood, looking all over for this hapless young Kansas-girl. But his searching and searching comes to no avail. He even roughs up some dude – just some passerby in a fleabag hotel – the dude seems surprised but just stands there and takes it – doesn’t punch him in the nose or anything. Then you see our PI showing the girl’s picture all over the strip with no luck.
What he doesn’t know is that she has found something – she is now doing porn and turning tricks to make ends meet. But before he can find her she ends up in a state that so many young wanna-be starlets end up in – dead of a drug overdose. After it’s too late our hero, the private eye finds her dead body and is all broken up and is even sadder at having to break the news to her step mom.
Well, for an eleven minute film Golon certainly packs a lot into his film and it may be short but it does have a beginning, a middle and an end, so it is a honest to goodness story brought to life, via video. -KM
New Still from 'Walk of Fame'
Jake Taylor, played by Nathan Yoder, sleeps on Hollywood Boulevard in 'Walk of Fame.'Interesting
My info appears here: http://wibika.com/person.php?engine=&mid=3335659
'Knock' & 'Visions'
'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid' as it went through numerous rewrites, also had its title changed numerous times. At certain points it was called: 'In the End' and 'Once Upon A Summer in Connecticut.' And clearly 'Visions of Violence' did help 'Knock' as time went on in the writing process. Featured in the photo: a fight about to go down in 'Visions of Violence' (left); a drug deal goes down in 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid.'
The 'Walk of Fame' Story
The tagline or logline, whatever you wish to call it, is really all that is required when trying to figure out what 'Walk of Fame' is about. Some have questioned why there isn't a longer synopsis on the film's page but just like David Lynch's 'Inland Empire' is about 'a woman in trouble' - 'Walk of Fame' is what it is: 'a dark look at Hollywood's sunny side.'
Onwards after the Trilogy
'Hollywood' - then 'Cahuenga Pass' - and finally 'Walk of Fame.' This photo shows the 'Hollywood' trilogy from left to right: the ominous opening scene from 'Hollywood'; Rachel Frank strikes a pose as Ashley Sweet in 'Cahuenga Pass'; and down and out at the Chinese theatre in Hollywood sits Jake Taylor, played by Nathan Yoder, in 'Walk of Fame.'
The Same Coin
'Visions of Violence' (2007) and 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid' (2009) are two sides of the same coin. They have similar themes but the tone in each movie is different overall.
Getting to 'Hollywood'
John Ford's 'The Searchers' (1956), which is considered one of the best, if not the best, westerns of all time inspired Paul Schrader's 'Hardcore' (1979). Both films inspired my student film 'Hollywood' (2007). Here's a photo that shows from left to right: Kevin Michael Turner confronts Samuel Morris in 'Hollywood'; George C. Scott scours LA in 'Hardcore'; and John Wayne battles the elements in 'The Searchers.''Teenage Kicks' Update
'Teenage Kicks' is being looked at by both producers and talent...as usual and as I've said before, the beat goes on for attaching talent and finding the ever elusive funding.
'Walk of Fame' Still
Jake Taylor, played by Nathan Yoder, stares out over the city of Los Angeles in 'Walk of Fame.'
Another 'Walk of Fame' Poster Concept
'Walk of Fame' - this poster concept shows West Hollywood against an orange, evening sky.
Original 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid' Storyboards
This image shows some of my original storyboards for 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid.' These boards are from the opening scene which features Bret, Will, Jim, and Teddy.
'Walk of Fame' Poster Concept
This was a poster image not used for the promotion of 'Walk of Fame.''Teenage Kicks' Marches Onward...
I'm currently working on a marketing one-sheet for 'Teenage KIcks' and the search goes on for financing...the script continues to get good reviews but the one hurdle - financing.
'Visions' Rare Pictures
Some rare stills from the bizarre 'Visions of Violence.'
Remembering 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid'
Remembering 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid' and the accolades it received.All of the Trailers in one Spot!
My trailers are all in order on vidgrid: http://vidgrids.com/u/cgolon
Original Notes for 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid'
When I was first writing the original first draft for what would become 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid' - I wrote down ideas and scenes of what I would like to include. I recently found some of those notes and took a pic.'Cahuenga Pass' Featured
'Cahuenga Pass' is featured here: http://www.dead4movie.com/2012/05/cahuenga-pass-2010-movie-trailer/The New 'Cahuenga Pass' Trailer is on IndyTrailers!
The new trailer for 'Cahuenga Pass' is appearing here as well: http://indytrailers.com/watch_video.php?v=54fd081c114ee7e
New 'Cahuenga Pass' Trailer
The Movies Appear on a new Site
My info/movies appear here: http://www.tracktvlinks.com/directors/Christopher_L._Golon
Rare Behind-the-Scenes still from 'Knock'
In this scene from the set of 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid' - Director Christopher L. Golon directs a scene with Torey Marks.
From the Vault: 'Hollywood' - Page 2 of the Script
Here's page 2 of the script for 'Hollywood.' There is some writing on it that I used for notes.
'Hollywood' Script Page
This script page is page 1 from the original screenplay for 'Hollywood.' It even has some of my script notes - this is from my archive collection.
New Interview Promoting the upcoming 'Walk of Fame'
Here's the link to my new interview which helps promote the upcoming 'Walk of Fame.'
Rare 'KEDK' Still
A rare behind-the-scenes picture taken during the shooting of 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid.' Chris (center) directs Dirk (L) and Chad.
'Walk of Fame' Still
Here's a still from the forthcoming short film 'Walk of Fame.' Nathan Yoder portrays Jake Taylor, a filmmaker who's made some wrong choices in his life until he finally hits rock bottom. For a while it looked like this wouldn't be seen but it appears that this spring it will see the light of day.
Another Behind-the-Scenes still from the set of 'KEDK'
This behind-the-scenes still on the set of 'Knock 'Em Dead, Kid,' shows Chris going over the script with Dirk Julian (who played Bret) and cinematographer Shane Greavette.- 1/5
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