'On The Downlow' is Heading Home
October 30th 2004 - We meet up at Tadeo's pad to record a commentary track for a proposed DVD we are working on. When I say we I mean those who attended including Tony Sancho (Isaac), Michael Cortez (Angel), Donato Cruz (Reaper), Carmen Senko (Isaac's Mom), Tadeo Garcia & myself Roger B. We actually recorded two commentary tracks for the DVD - One that included the full cast & one with just Tadeo & yours truly. They both turned out really good, loaded with informative information on the background of the film that included it's roots, the casting, some on screen bloopers & the whole meaning & purpose of the film. Technical whiz & DVD creator Robert Leracz (Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze) recorded the session that lasted over 4 hours! A great time & a chance to reflect on the trials & tribulations of 'On The Downlow'.
Fall & Winter 2004 - On The Downlow continues it's voyage to various film festivals around the world! Check the updates at www.IconoclastFilms.com for more information.
Spring 2005 - While Tadeo & myself begin preproduction on our next feature film entitled 'Greasepaint', things are looking good for a possible distribution deal for 'On The Downlow'.
May 28th 2005 - As a distribution deal moves closer, Tadeo, myself, Jesse, Michael, Tony, Donato & Jimmy Borras Jr meet up for a photo shoot session shot by my brother Greg for the 'Downlow' DVD/Video cover art.
June 21st 2005 - As our distribution deal looms closer, we unveil our 'ON THE DOWNLOW' DVD artwork. Created by Michael Cortez with collaboration between Tadeo & yours truly, we came up with a genuine work of art!
July 2nd 2005 - We videotape an interview with Michael & Tony to be used in our 'making of' documentary of 'DOWNLOW'.
July 7th 2005 - Tadeo & I videotape ourselves for the 'DOWNLOW' documentary (We actually talk to a stick of underarm deodorant which is sitting behind the camera to give the illusion that we're talking to an interviewer). We also record a new commentary track for the film since the one done on 10/30 had some technical difficulties.
July 13th 2005 - Tadeo & I meet up at the studio & work our butts off putting together the Downlow Documentary titled 'Two Guys With A Camera Just Having Fun'. It's turning out to be a great film & learning tool for future filmmakers.
July 14th 2005 - Tadeo & I meet up again today & continue to work on the documentary.
August 6th 2005 - Tadeo & I meet up again & continue to work on the documentary. This is actually becoming our second feature film. It's slightly over 2 hours right now & we haven't even gotten to the film fest portion of the doc. Between Tadeo & my work scheduled we can only meet up on the weekends to edit. But it's coming together just fine. It's freaking fantastic if you ask me. It's one of the thorough film making documentaries I've ever seen, going into all the little aspects on how the two of us were able to put this feature together. Hopefully it will be added to the DVD. We're planning on a 2 DVD set so I'm sure it will. Oh yeah, The 'new' title of the doc is now 'The Lowdown On The Downlow: The Making of the Little 'Big' Film That Could'.
August 12th 2005 - I am informed that we have had a counter offer from another distribution company. This is just great fantastic news!!! Stay tuned!
August 27th 2005 - Looks like we are going with this new distribution company that counter-offered. Our new feature film (the Downlow Documentary) is really turning out fantastic! And as always, Jesse 'the butcher' Rodriquez has some suggestions to tighten up the documentary, but we really don't listen.
September 3rd 2005 - Everything for the DVD needs to be handed in very shortly. Time is flying! Tadeo & I meet up to put together the final touches to our Downlow documentary & to organize the other extras that should appear on the DVD. Everything is falling into place.
September 14th 2005 - Michael Cortez (Angel) has unleashed his very own (really cool) website! Everyone please check it out - www.michaelcortezsite.com
November 24th 2005 - Gobblin' up some turkey don't-cha know!
December 25th 2005 - Ho Ho Ho we actually had some snow!
May 5th 2006 - Yeah, I know it's been over nine months and still no DVD release. Let me tell you folks it's been a long and frustrating time waiting for all the legalities & clearances to be completed for it's release. And as of this time I myself still don't actually know what's going to be on the DVD if & when it ever comes out. We've given the distribution company (unnamed for now) a plethora of extras along with the actual movie (a feature length documentary of the making of the film, extended scenes, trailer, a music video, the original short film 'Broken Warning' & it's making of documentary) - Enough for a 2 DVD set! Will any of it be on the released DVD? I do not know. It may be a feature only 'bare-bones' release. Too bad if it is because this voyage for Tadeo & I has been an exciting one & it would be nice to have the whole extras package included. So now we wait, as we have been, and we'll see.
May 4th 2006 - I decide to give Jesse an email asking him what the deal is with the DVD release. I also remind him that it's been almost a year & if things don't start happening soon I'm going to start selling the movie myself to raise money for our next feature. I understand that this delay isn't really Jesse's doing, but everything needs to be taken care of legally for a DVD release to happen. It's just that it's taking a way long time. Tadeo tells me all will happen eventually & he believes it will be soon.
May 11th 2006 - Frustrated with the wait, and the constant questions from friends & family asking when the movie is coming out, I decide to put together my own Downlow DVD set to give out to the actors & people associated with the production. This 'Screenwriter's Bootleg Edition' contains all of the extras and a remaster of the feature that I recently did (to fix up some of the color & audio problems). I also create a new trailer for the film, one I had envisioned from the beginning. We only made a short teaser trailer back when we we're editing the film & never had the time to create a complete one. So now we have one. After seeing it, it really gets you interested in seeing this movie. Tadeo & I think it's 'Kick Ass!' I still feel a DVD release will happen (someday), but for now this bootleg DVD set will hold us over. Sadly the newly remastered Downlow & the new trailer will not be what will be released - It's just too late in the game to get it to the distribution company.
May 16th 2006 - Word is from Tadeo that a contract from the distribution company has been sent. Funny how things seem to happen after I threaten to sell the movie ourselves. I still don't believe it. We'll see.
May 22nd 2006 - A week ago word was that a contract was sent to us but still nothing. After a call to Tadeo he tells me he's getting it today. Hmmm? I ask him to email me a copy as soon as he gets it so I can check it over.
May 25th 2006 - I decide to move along with a little promotion for the film. I put up the trailer I created for 'ON THE DOWNLOW' on YouTube.com. You can enjoy it below.
June 6th 2006 - The date is 666 and what better time to upload the music video 'Reaper' to YouTube. 'Reaper' is the tune created by LA hip-hop artist Deadlee for our film 'On The Downlow'. Tadeo directed this video during a visit to LA last year. Deadlee is joined in this video by artists Salvimex.
June 14th 2006 - Well, I receive a call from Tadeo this morning. He is pleased to announce the news that as of 10:36am he has received the final contract from the distribution company. The one I spoke of earlier was a pre-contract that needed some looking over for final disposition. But now we have the real one. Hold your breaths folks, the final grand announcement is about to be unleashed.
June 26th 2006 - Well after some checking & going over, Tadeo announces to me that the contract has now been signed, sealed & delivered to... (well I guess I can say now) to Image Entertainment Inc. for distribution. Yeeaaa!!! Now we have to wait for the release date to be announced.
July 10th 2006 - Well another update today but not to informative. Yes, Image now has everything needed to release our film but nothing is set in stone, at least until 'I myself' see a release date. Today's tidbit from Tadeo informed me that they are asking for any photos from the film so they can re-work the cover design. Our original 'Film Festival' poster that Michael Cortez designed made the film look like a raw gritty gang film, which it truly is. When it came time to do a DVD release design we all decided it would be a good idea to add a more 'emotional' feeling to the poster. Michael truly delivered us a work of art. Everyone who's seen our cover commented on how cool it was. The shots from the film represented as tattoos on Angel's chest, deep markings of his troubled life which cannot be erased. The skyline of Chicago, the religious tones of candles & a crucifix. The deep red representing both the July heat & the horror that surrounds Isaac & Angel's life. This is what the film is. That's why ours cover is unique, because it stands out from the norm on the shelves. So folks we'll just have to wait & see what Image decides. After all, they are a national distribution company, maybe they're idea will look just as good. Like I said, they have it, but it still may never be released. So until we get a release date, we'll just have to wait & see.
July 15th 2006 - A Downlow reunion of sorts takes place this evening. Tadeo & I meet up with Tony, Michael & ol' Officer Dorvak (Perry Flores) at our local Pepe's Restaurant. During our conversations of past, present & future, Tadeo informs us that the film will be released in September! Still no actual release date & nothing up on the Image website (or Amazon) but this is what we've got so far. September huh? Wow, could this really be happening?
July 18th 2006 - Just was notified by Tadeo that Image actually approved our cover design after all. Leave it to me for jumping to conclusions. They do want to alter some of the titling around & lighten up the redness, but all in all the basic design will not be touched. This is awesome news, especially since most of the flyers we've been handing out is of that same design. Things are moving along great now. Ahhh, I breath a sigh of relief.
July 26th 2006 - Rumor has it - This is just a rumor now, nothings in definite stone yet. Release date is January 9th 2007. All the extras will be included.
September 4th 2006 - Yessssssssss!!!!!!! Image Entertainment has just placed ON THE DOWNLOW onto their website. Release date - JANUARY 9TH 2007. Whoo Hoo!!! There it is folks! Now it is definite. You can click here to go directly to they're website. Shortly I'm sure Amazon & other online sites will have the film available for early purchases. Yes, it has happened - We did it! Stay tuned!
September 10th 2006 - Received a preview copy photo of the DVD box art for final corrections. This is the first time I actually see it. It's pretty awesome!!. It also finalized in my mind that all the extras will be included on the DVD. Below is a snip from the back cover. Yessssssss!!!!!
September 27th 2006 - Received word from Tadeo that we have to loose some of the extras due to room on the DVD. Although not everything will be on this DVD, only the Extended Scenes & "Making of" Broken Warning will be dropped. Once the DVD is released I will be posting those extras here (via YouTube) for your enjoyment.
October 30th 2006 - We're up online everywhere now! Starting today you can PRE-Order the DVD of 'On The Downlow' wherever DVDs are sold - Amazon, TLA, Movies Unlimited, Deep Discount, etc. - Get your copy today!
November 9th 2006 - Now you can see the making-of documentary we made for our short film 'Broken Warning'. This was to be an extra on the 'On The Downlow' DVD, but sadly there wasn't enough room for it. Click here to go to that page.
December 13th 2006 - A DVD Release Party is set to take place at the Circuit Nightclub on December 29th. There we will be screening Downlow as well as a poster & DVD giveaway. Hope to see everyone there!
December 20th 2006 - The new movie posters for 'On The Downlow' have arrived! They look fantastic & everything feels like the 4th of July!!
December 9th 2006 - Director Tadeo Garcia and actor Tony Sancho share an interview with the Chicago Journal. You can read it by clicking here!
December 28th 2006 - They're here! They're here! They're really here!!! We receive 30 copies of the 'On The Downlow' DVD early. These are to be sent out to the press for review. They are awesome!!! The menus kicks ass!! The chapter names are cool!! The entire DVD package is wonderful!!
THANK YOU IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT & THANK YOU JESSE RODRIQUEZ!!!!!!!
December 29th 2006 - The DVD release party was on! Tadeo Garcia, Michael Cortez, Tony Sancho, Donato Cruz and yours truly screened Downlow to an anxious crowd. Then, after a brief Q&A we partied the night away - It was the last celebration for 'On The Downlow' as we kick our creation out of the nest and into your homes. It was one hell of a ride folks. Can't wait for the next one! View some highlights of the evening below!
December 30th 2006 - The DVD of 'On The Downlow' contains over 2 hours of Extra Features, but sadly one bit was unable to be added to the DVD. Fortunately you can view it now here. Below are the Extended Scenes to 'Downlow'. These scenes we're cut down to bring up the pacing of the film. Here they are in they're entirety. Enjoy!
January 9th 2007 - Our little movie ON THE DOWNLOW is released on DVD!!! Whoo Hooo!!!!!
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'On The Downlow' - The Public Speaks
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Copyright ©2007 Roger B. Domian