Hello and thank you for visiting my website.
I am a director and writer with years of experience, and a cornucopia of ideas to share with the world. I have written/directed many of my own independent films, in and out of college, receiving a Master’s Degree in Film Directing from the California Institute of the Arts. I have just completed my first feature length independent film titled Romantic Weirdos and the Land of Odds, a darkly comedic fairytale set in the late 20th century, where The Wizard of Oz meets Generation X. Visit the Romantic Weirdos website here.
I have also included my resume for your perusal – click here.
I have been extremely busy these last few months, working on many film projects. Currently, I have four feature length scripts completed, each one in different stages of development. The first is an animated, family feature film, in the tradition of “fantastical comedy” called War of the Holidays. My second script, Dare to Dry, is about a man’s journey into Mexico, where his inner demons are challenged by the mythical characters that exist in many of the Mexican folktales still being told today. Dare to Dry is being produced by Sancocho Entertainment - visit the Sancocho website here.
My third screenplay, Marilyn and Elvis, is about two celebrity impersonators who try to find and keep love in modern day Hollywood. And finally, In Medias Res, my fourth screenplay which is currently in production as my second feature film, is about a philosophical quandary that develops between God and a man, where the man accidentally dies and wanders to the gate of Heaven. Click here to see some In Medias Res images.
All scripts are registered with WGA and illustrate my ability to tell stories of different genres.
If I were to liken my style of directing and writing to that of a known filmmaker, while I feel my own vision is unique and brings something new to the table, it could be described as, “Stanley Kubrick meets David Lynch.” In a test screening, my first feature film was referred to by viewers as “Clever, artful, insightful, interesting – unconventional – unusual – thought provoking.” I am also very fond of the abstract work by Federico Fellini, as well as the works of Elia Kazan, Ingmar Bergman and Francis Ford Coppola, where all of these men display the compelling ability to work well with actors, translating the written story into a visual medium. This, I feel, is also evident in my own work.
My approach offers a unique use of camera movement and framing that differs radically from standard Hollywood films. My stories characteristically feature atypical heroes and heroines, offbeat dialogue, surprising plot resolutions, highly original story lines, brave themes, and definitive performances.
As you consider my work and take note of my sources of inspirations, you may sense a 'cultist' filmmaker in the works. And I confess that I have offered myself and my work up to the moviegoer in this way.
It is my opinion, the typical Hollywood product has little potential for becoming a viewers favorite (or even being remembered) because it is perceived by everyone in basically the same way. In a short time, these kinds of films usually come and go and are forgotten forever - never to be rented again. On the other hand, cult films are born in controversy, in arguments over quality, themes, talent, and other matters. They live on and on and continue to make and bring in lots of money long after their initial release since they elicit a fiery of passion from the hardcore moviegoer.
Some examples below:
Eraserhead, 2001 Space Odyssey, Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Producers, Up in Smoke, Night of the Living Dead, Mad Max, Taxi Driver, Apocalypse Now, Dead Man, and Holy Mountain.
Thank you again for taking the time to view my work. Feel free to contact me anytime should you desire to work together on a project – one of your own or perhaps from the list of completed scripts provided.
Best Regards,
Joe Perry
Director/Writer
(818) 451-7268
cinemajoey@aol.com