Neon Boys Film Spotlight

Today’s film spotlight focuses on the short film Neon Boys directed by AJ Mattioli.

What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?

“Neon Boys” is set in a gay nightclub and the characters are gogo boys. Often the lighting in these clubs are saturated “neon”. We felt Neon Boys encapsulated the dancers there.

Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.

 The movie is actually based off the co Director, Jonathan Salazar, life experience. His first year living in New York City, he was a student and needed to make more money. He was going to school full time and didn’t have that
many free days off. He fell into the world of stripping at a private club on Long Island. It was something of a hidden gem in Massapequa. He started stripping and dancing over there, but it was a little bit more than that. There were ways of escorting yourself. He then became friends with one of the performers there. A “friendship/relationship” type of chemistry was built. There was a little romance built there– and it did end tragically for his friend. He had some demons.

Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?

For me it was sex workers and gay boys that inspired this film. Although I always look to other films for inspiration but for this one it really was its own story.

What is the goal of the film for you?

This film is luckily available on multiple outlets. My goal is always to resonate with the community at large so having it available to viewers is fantastic. It is always hard to get films to be seen, and this one really needs to be. Obviously, making our money back in order to make more films is also a priority. We really just want to continue making quality films for the community.

One thing you learned from this project?

All films are challenging, especially ones with limited funding. We pulled a lot of favors. We couldn’t have done it without friends. Most notably our location, Macri Park, in Brooklyn, NY.

How can folks find you and your film online?

 You can watch on amazon or many other outlets. Full list here: https://www.mattioliproductions.com/neonboys

Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?

Keep pushing. tell your stories. art will save the world.

For more reviews and content stick with To Tony Productions and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date!