JD Mata Films

J.D. Mata co-star's in Lil Wayne's new music video, "How to Love!"

2011-09-10T01:53:00.000-07:00

Over the last few years, as an actor, I started to gravitate toward and resonate with the more edgy character driven roles! I found them infinitely interesting and FUN! Then I let my hair grow, and it sealed the deal! I am grateful to have been cast for this amazing and profound music video!

J.D. Mata as TIO LUCA on True Blood

2011-08-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Working on True Blood was an amazing experience! Genius production all the way around-grateful!..jd p.s. Tio Luca esta descansando....

J.D. Mata appearing in TRUE BLOOD as "Tio Luca!"

2011-07-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

I will appear on TRUE BLOOD, July 31, 2011, as "Tio Luca!" I'm also in this trailer! Life is JUST RIGHT! xo, jd

NEW C.D. JD in LA

2011-07-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

This "L.A. song" is the first track on the C.D. Thank you, and I LOVE MY LIFE:) xo, jd

Orson's Last Dance and my lovely encounters with, Jeff Conaway!

2011-05-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

Jeff, starring in ORSON'S LAST DANCE, would have been the encore to Mickey Rourke - a storybook comeback! Heaven ain't a bad alternative my lovely, friend.
When I first met Jeff, he no longer had the world class dance chops of Kenickie on Grease. When I first met Jeff, he was a few decades distant from the hip, cool, and slick character from the hit t.v. series, Taxi; but, what he possessed trumped all of the above, KINDNESS, SPIRITUALITY and, LIFE EXPERIENCE. This was MY experience with Jeff. His deep baby blues were in the moment, honest and REAL. He was very knowledgeable in many areas of life-religion, philosophy, and especially the craft of ACTING! He shared with me how he had been acting his whole life and how he had met and studied under legendary instructor, Stella Adler. Case and point, the above film, he starred in my first ever feature film, PAN DULCE. He plays the Angel Gabriel Levine, a role with no dialogue, which is what really intrigued him!

Everybody knew Jeff from Andy Warhol to John Travolta! And, somehow he was not phased by his incredible journey, but only interested in the moment, the next indicated thing. He was a work horse when it came to the script, as he was VERY invested in the entire process.He starred in my second film, FROM BEHIND the SUNFLOWER, this role with MUCH dialogue:) He re-wrote lines on my script, in which I was only honored to have him transform something half-baked into, HIGH ART! Every take, in terms of body movement and continuity, was the same- very professional! However, I will forever be struck with the profound honesty and sincerity in those steely gentle blue eyes! The camera does not lie. Therefore, I new in my heart of hearts, no one else in the world could play the role of Orson, a person with down's syndrome who wants to make a movie and take it to Sundance, more honestly than Jeff. Thank you my friend for believing in me, as I believed in you - I always held hope! The heavens are imitating art from here on earth, as you are NOW a REAL Angel! I am grateful to have met you and to have been blessed by your kindness and love. I will never forget you, and "love you, bro!" I love my life, jd

"Between the Bar's" an Elliott Smith tribute-promo-

2011-03-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Produced by LA filmakers Tobi Sackheim and J.D. Mata. A collaboration of Los Angeles artists offers an innovative theatrical experience to American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith's repertoire of music. This creative tribute merges live music with contemporary dance and incorporates striking visuals via multi-media. Come experience an evening of Elliott Smith told through the voices of these vibrant artists. This performance will take place at the newly opened metro arts district in Boyle Heights, where an emerging arts movement has begun. Cast Members, DANCERS: Eddie Hawks, Kat Hawks, Alice Ngo. James Keene, Tobi Sackheim, J.D. Mata, Alexandria Yalj, Jodie Mashburn, Ellen Clifford, POET: Mario Valdez Juarez ARTISTS: Holly Azami, Heather Azami MUSICIANS: Morgan Jenkins, Ivan Smirnov, and J.D. Mata

ELLIOTT SMITH tribute performance "teaser" in LA

2011-02-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

A musical dance theater production, in honor of the late Elliott Smith, an Oscar nominated singer songwriter, t-shirt wearing, tattoo displaying, sensitive soul.
April 8th/9th 2011.
The M-Bar
18461 1/2 1st. Street
Los angeles, Ca. 90033 - 8:30 PM- Tickets: $10.00-
You can purchase tickets via Brown Paper Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/163931
I love my life! xo, jd

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

So, I actually spent all of New Year's Eve, and New Year's day creating this project. I felt it would be the best approach to ushering in the new year! I transformed my studio apartment into a New Year's, BASH! However, the guy below me did not share my festive enthusiasm about my arsty way to ring in the new year. He was in bed by ten, as he is ALL THE TIME! Good thing I was lip synching to a VERY quiet track. Such is life in making magic out of mayhem:) heehee I love my life, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! xoxo, jd

I'll Be Home For Christmas by: jd mata

2010-12-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

A video Christmas card of gratitude, joy, nostalgia, and a bit of melancholy:) Directed by LA filmmaker sensation, Tobi Sackheim and performed by, Me! I Love my Life! xo

AMERICA the BEAUTIFUL new jd mata music video

2010-10-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

I love America, and as an artist, and a citizen of this great country, I chose to create this project. In this video you'll see a lovely modern dance interpretation by Nadia Guerrero, Maya Queen Rogel,Tobi Sackheim, and Debbie Silva. Choreography by Tobi Sackheim and Debbie Silva. Musical producer, Craig Sackheim. Edited, and filmed by, Tobi Sackheim and J.D. Mata. I LOVE my life! :)

My new feature film, A VAMPIRE NOVELLA, part 1 of 7

2010-03-30T04:26:00.000-07:00

Here is the first 10 minutes of my new feature, A VAMPIRE NOVELLA. It's been so long since I've last posted. So much has happened, but I've failed to share here on my blog. Bad, blogger boy, musician, filmmaker. I am making the commitment, today, to you, that I will keep you posted at least three times a week! Oh geez, I making this commitment on Holy Week. Okay, now I BETTER honor the agreement!! I LOVE MY LIFE! xo, jd

J.D. Mata actor reel one and New photo's

2010-02-05T06:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you Stephen Worth for shooting these photos!

J.D. Mata director reels part 1 and 2 Your director for the new, decade!

2010-01-28T01:54:00.000-08:00

I've made these SEVEN feature films with a VERY, VERY, low budget! I'm not complaining! As a matter of fact, I'm elated, cause I've been forced to stretch artistically! You "START, and FINISH, no mater what," is my motto! These films are evidence, that I'm the filmmaker model for this new decade! Studio films are being forced to make very low budget films. A low budget film to them, is ALL the money in the world to me! I'm just curious to see which studio will snag me first! :) I LOVE my life!! xoxo, jd

J.D.MATA actor reel 2

2010-01-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

This REEL will get me the gig, baby! I LOVE my lfe:) xo

"What's up with all these new songs?" Aren't you working on a film:)

2010-01-25T00:35:00.001-08:00

If you've followed me on facebook recently, thanks mom:) you've noticed a barrage of posts begging/pleading with you to visit my music, website! And, you may be wanting to ask me, "Dude, weren't you like a filmmaker, like fifteen minutes, ago?! Make up your mind, BRO, like you're killing my, buzz! Are you like a ROBERT RODRIGUEZ , or a BILLY JOEL, wannabe?!" heehee
I'm glad you asked! You see, before I moved to L.A., ten years ago, and took a vow of poverty, ACTING and FILMMAKING, my only artistic pursuit and first love was, MUSIC! I wrote and recorded numerous songs and of all genre's, i.e. tejano, ballads, rock, disco; okay, NOT disco, but you get my drift. So, now you're asking yourself, "..great macho man recording artist, why didn't you post all those tunes on the web, then?!.... HA! My case and point for this lovely narrative, there was NO Internet in the 90's. Well, technically, yes; but, not like today! So, if you didn't buy a C.D. at one of my shows, I DID NOT exist, musically of course, to the rest of the world. And, these past ten years, my focus has been film. Long story short, because you are so riveted with this post, thanks mom:), I have a huge backlog of unreleased music, that I literally had forgotten about. That's my story, and I'm sticking with it; AND, I LOVE my life!! xo, jd
p.s.
My music is here: http://www.reverbnation.com/jdmata :) And, I'm still editing my new feature, A VAMPIRE NOVELLA!

JEFF CONAWAY as seen in my award winning feature, "from behind the sunflower!"

2010-01-22T04:55:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVED working with Jeff! If he is able to get back into recovery, I predict he will be the next, Mickey Rourke! I love my life! xo, jd

J.D.MATA actor reel 1

2010-01-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a little bit of what I've bee up too, the last few years, as an actor:) More to come, because I love my life!! xo

"All I need are some tasty waves, ...and I'm good!" Jeff Spicoli

2010-01-20T03:24:00.001-08:00

I've totally been riding the *Filmmaking WAVE,* followed by the *Music WAVE!* And, even though I live in virtual poverty, I'M GOOD, DUDE! I love my life! Give this song a listen, and if you like it, I have like eight other tunes, in english, for you to checkout at:
http://www.reverbnation.com/jdmata

I LOVE my life!! xo, jd

Currently in post -production, A VAMPIRE NOVELLA, and MEXICAN AMERICAN PSYCHO 4 sale!!

2010-01-11T02:52:00.000-08:00

The trailer for my Vampire feature film, A VAMPIRE NOVELLA is above, and it will be released and available for purchase here, on Valentine's Day 2010!

*Mexican American Psycho* my feature film is on sale, again. Leave your e-mail address, and I will contact you when the D.V.D.'s will be ready for distribution, HERE!

MEXICAN AMERICAN PSYCHO, feature for sale here!

2010-01-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase this film, or any of my other six feature films, simply leave your e-mail address in the comments section, and I will contact you once the pay pal account is set up for this film. Your e-mail will not be viewable or published on this site. Thank you so much for your patronage! ...jd

My fedora hat, my hipee hair, and CHRISTMAS in Texas, 2009 part 1

2009-12-28T00:28:00.000-08:00

I have a "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree in my studio apartment in L.A.! Actually, I leave it up all year long, and there is a poster next to it that reads, "Everyday is Christmas!" I've had this tree up, in all it's plastic glory, for over seven years! So, Christmas, per- se, in McAllen is just another day; however, the precious golden moments spent with family and friends, here in Texas, are a treasure chest that I cherish, relish, and I hold dear to my heart. I've been in town since the 23rd of December, and here is a very brief re-cap.
My parent's, who hadn't seen me in a year, said I looked taller. I think it was the hat:) Furthermore, my mom, bless her heart, said I still looked handsome, yay! She loved my fedora, my dad, not so much. He said I looked like a cholo! Oh, my mom did mention to me, she had an appointment with the optomotrist the next day, argg!

I've played two gigs so far, SIMON SEZ, and MOONBEAMS! Both have been fun and fantastic! People at these gigs have given me two thumbs up on my fedora hat, my hipee hair, and my music, too!!

In terms of people I've seen, NOT in a musical setting, i.e. Bar's, Class reunion, dining out,...they've said I look, "homeless!" Haha
I LOVE my life!! xoxo, jd

p.s.
part 2 coming soon:) Pic is at Denny's in Mcallen on Nolana at 3:20 a.m.:)

MELLOWTONES and 3:00 p.m. Spanish Mass, choirs!

2009-12-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

People here in L.A. always ask me how I'm able to make my films full time, and survive!

Well, here's one approach. I'm a Choir Director for two choirs!

The Spanish Mass at 3:00 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo in North Hollywood

And, the world famous MELLOWTONES based out of Burbank Ca.

A VAMPIRE NOVELLA, another sneak peak!

2009-12-11T05:43:00.000-08:00

I believe this will be my final "sneak peak" before it's projected release date, Feb 14, 2010! Oh man, I LOVE my life! xo

My latest trailer for my new feature, A VAMPIRE NOVELLA!

2009-12-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

Here is another "sneek-peek" into my new feature flick, A VAMPIRE NOVELLA. This is a SILENT FILM and in BLACK and WHITE, yay! I plan to play the music LIVE when I screen this movie in L.A. on Feb. 14, 2010! I will keep you guys, posted!! I LOVE my LIFE!!! xo, jd

A venture into making a commercial, DORITOS!

2009-11-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

another sneek peek into my new feature film, A VAMPIRE NOVELLA!

2009-11-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

"Crooning" at Vitello's in Studio City Ca...a mini documentary

2009-10-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Director, Tobi Sackheim, shot this mini-documentary of a one of my gigs here in L.A. I think it's pretty cool, although I'm very uncomfortable with my vocals.. It is what it is, and it was what it was:) I'm thinking, there will be more mini-documentaries in terms of all my other artisitic pursuits here in L.A. I LOVE my life! xo, jd

A Cold Day in L.A.

2009-10-13T16:12:00.001-07:00

You can hear my original song A COLD DAY in L.A. here: http://www.myspace.com/jdmatamusic

photographed by, tobi sackheim

new feature film trailer #3, A VAMPIRE NOVELLA!

2009-10-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

I hope to wrap this labor of love by, Halloween 2009!!

A Vampire Novella, 2nd trailer

2009-10-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

This is the second trailer for my next feature presentation, A Vampire Novella, to be released this fall 2009! This is a traditional vampire story with no dialouge, black and white, romantic, sexy, and SCARY. This stars, in her feature film debut, Noelle Briana Dubois, Cammy Kinney, Kelly Sprick, Mario Valdez-Juarez, and J.D. Mata.

L.A. state of mind :(

2009-09-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

and the rain drops never hit the ground-
and all I hear is muffled sound-
the canvas never dries-
The statue miraculously cries-

I walk with no shoes-
to out my inner blues-
birds frozen in mid air-
they don't seem to care-

the art is far-
where is my star-
in a distant barren land-
anxiety shakes my hand-

I have no voice-
muted rejoice-
I am sad-
I am sad-

"The valley of dreams morphs into purgatory... " a poetic expression of life in session

2009-09-09T00:12:00.000-07:00

All I am trying to do is follow my dreams, my passions, and my fate. But, metaphorical winter storms have unexpectedly frozen my safe and comforting warmth. Frost bite has clasped itself deep into my heart, soul, and spirit. And, I just want to drink, drink, drink!!! I want to take a drink! I want the drink to take a drink then I need for the drink to drink me!!! Why? Because it hurts, and the more I think, the more I sink. I need a safe harbor, a place to smile, a place to be free; but instead, I'm navigating in a danger zone wearing a straight jacket with tight laces of angst and unforgiving bondage. I don't have the power to break free. I am powerless, and I must soon break free, or indeed it will break me. ......Already, as I continue this poetic purge, the fog is clearing. I pray that my prayer lift me, soothe me, and blanket me in warmth and truth.....And, this is my prayer..... the winter of my discontent can only evolve into a content and comfortable spring by looking in the mirror and promptly admitting to my inner most self, what did I do to sabotage my inner most serenity. What is my part? That is growth, and that is what adults do, and that, and only that, can wrap me in warmth. Get off the cross, J.D., we ned the wood:) My prayer is answered, I forgive myself, and right NOW is the first NOW of the rest of my life! The anchor is not me, or you, but HE:) I LOVE my LIFE!! xo, jd

new feature film trailer, A VAMPIRE NOVELLA!

2009-08-14T02:30:00.000-07:00

I really don't know how I all of sudden stumbled into making this my next feature film. ORSON'S LAST DANCE was next, but I had a major writer's block finishing the script that I decided to shoot another webisode series as film making push ups, if you will! "A Vampire novella's" first two days of shooting were for a web series. I decided to make it a traditional vampire story, black and white, and NO dialogue! Upon driving home from the second day of shooting, I had a brain fart:) I started visualizing all these different scenes to shoot then I had an epiphany. Because there is no dialogue, and this movie is entirely visual, anybody in the world could see it, and not need translation! That might be an incentive for a distribution company, I pondered! So, at that very moment it became a feature film instead of a webisode. Feature films is what I do, so it made total sense, even though everyone else thinks I've gone "batty!" But, I have! Watch the trailer, and you'll see:) I'll be shooting Saturday and Sunday which is the 15 and the 16, so stay tuned, and I;ll bring you up to speed! By the way, this film stars, in her film debut, Noelle Briana Dubois, Mario Valdez-Juarez, and me, yay! Believe it or not, I'm still casting! ha, that' s fugue film making, baby!! I love my life!! xoxo, jd

Wisdom and ALL HIS WISDOM ...episode: Love Daddy of the Grateful dead!

2009-07-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

I shot this one and the last episode in one night on July 1, 2009! I think it was about 12 pages in all, and we shot the two episodes in about 10 hours. It was just me and the amazing Jeremy Martinez who served as my 1st Assistant Director! Also, much kuddos and love to Craig and Tobi Sackheim, the phenomenal brother and sister team that has founded www.theirmusic.com They are the Angels that let us use their recording studio at all hours of the night! Here is brief description of this episode. In this episode Love Daddy, (Bill Best) founder of the Grateful Dead invites Wisdom, (Rick Rosner) to play with the "Dead" on their summer tour! However, the Grateful Dead's lifestyles and regiment have dramatically changed by Love Daddy since Jerry Garcia's passing. Tune in to this comedic fictitious adventure and find out. Also starring in this episode is the Wisdom's long time top dog agent and producer, Lorenzo Levine, (Jay D. Schwartz), sound engineer, Uncle Craigy, (Mario Ramirez), and Wisdom's new girlfriend, Lola, the stunning (Alison Jane). I love my life!! xo, jd

A new web episode, Susan Boyle's "brother" stars in "WISDOM, and all his WISDOM!"

2009-07-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

In this episode of "Wisdom, and all his Wisdom," Harry Boyle pays our living legend, Wisdom, a visit in the recording studio! He wishes Wisdom to sing a duet with his sister, Susan! You don't want to miss it, as the plot in this fictitious webisode "Boyle's," over! Guest stars,Thomas Baker, (harry boyle) and Stephanie Jane Markham (zoe) deliver an absolutely stellar performance! Stars, Rick Rosner (wisdom) Jay D. Schwartz (lorenzo) and Mario Ramirez (uncle craigy), as always, will knock your knicker's off!

Why give a pathetic boring speech on filmmaking, when you can MAKE a short film, instead:)

2009-07-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

I was invited to give a presentation on filmmaking at Mission High School in San Gabriel Ca. I chose to bring my equipment and make a short film from beginning to end, and that would be the presentation! And, above is the making of the film, and below is the film! I LOVE my life! xo, jd

J.D. dances with modern dance co. EARTHWALK, July 10,11, 2009, yay!

2009-06-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

"POISONED" is a full length modern dance work reflecting the ongoing issues of what has been called the worst Nuclear Accident in US History.The Santa Susana Field Lab and Sodium Reactor Experiement suffered a partial nuclear meltodown on July 13, 1959

Performance dates:7/10 & 11 8pm Studio A Dance. 2306 Hyperion Silver Lake.
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/69533

Master Choreographer, Tobi Sackheim and I in rehearsal.

J.D. MATA's new music video, "a simple song."

2009-06-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

I chose to name this piece, "a simple song," even though those words, per se, are not in the song; because, it's a tune that came together quite simply in one late night piano playing session, recently. I did start with the objective to write a song, and it just came to me. If I recall correctly, I started the session around 1:30 a.m. and the song was complete and recorded by 3:30 a.m., or so. In terms of the music video, I chose to collaborate with the up and coming, amazingly talented, Tobi Sackheim! Her grandfather, IRVING BRISKIN, is one of the founders of Colombia Pictures. Trust me, she's got his gene pool! I love my life!! xoxo, jd

CUATRO VELAS / FOUR CANDLES.....the fourth and last candle has been lit:)

2009-06-18T04:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the finale to my latest web novella. To truly appreciate the last episode, you may want to visit one, two, and three. Just scroll down from this post. This final episode is the shortest, but I really think it gives closure this short series. This entire novella was truly a labor of love, and I wish to thank all the actors and crew, who without them, this project would not have been possible! Jeremy Martinez - Asst. Director, Tobi Sackhiem- producer The cast: Ana Paola Villalobos, Katelynn Tilley, Louie Olivos, jr. Mario Valdez-Juarez, Preston Jude Lesure, Annette Lesure, and Mario Ramirez! I love my life!! xoxo, jd

CUATRO VELAS / FOUR CANDLES.....the third candle has been lit:)

2009-06-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

It's been fun composing all the music for, CUATRO VELAS/ THREE CANDLES, my latest web novella. Episode 3 posed a unique challenge, in terms of music composition. As I was editing this episode late really late one night, I got hungry and decided to make a sandwich. Well, with knife in hand, I was attempting to slice some cheese, the knife slipped and poked the tip of my left middle finger! (Karma, maybe! haha...) In any event, It was not a terrible wound, but enough to bleed profusely, and HURT! What hurt MORE was that it was my guitar playing hand, and I had yet to compose music for this episode. After contemplating my predicament, I saw this as an opportunity and a challenge. I proceeded to play, compose, and invent guitar riffs and chords with my three good fingers! And, the music you here in this episode is the result! I LOVE my life!!! xoxo, jd

CUATRO VELAS / FOUR CANDLES.....the second candle has been lit:)

2009-05-26T02:12:00.000-07:00

I edited and posted, swiftly, this second episode, because I was so exhilarated with the performance of the actors, Ana Paola Villalobos, Katelynn Tilley, and Louie Olivos, Jr. on episode 1. Now, I wonder if I should have let the first episode gain more steam. Oh well, you can't "un-ring the bell!" All I know is that I'm very excited with this project, and in life, there are no mistakes:)

More pics from "On the set!" Also in this pic is the very talented Assistant Director, JEREMY MARTINEZ, who was brilliant on set. Jeremy has an eye for detail, thus making this film as strong as it was! Thanks, JER!
I LOVE my life! xoxo, jd

CUATRO VELAS / FOUR CANDLES.....the first candle has been lit:)

2009-05-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

CUATRO VELAS / FOUR CANDLES is my latest film project, which I have chosen to post on YouTube as novella web series. I refuse to sit around and wait for something to happen, which does. I have chosen to be aggressively pro-active in my approach to the arts, filmmaking and acting. This project stems from that belief system, Yay! I LOVE my life!!

Here are some pics from the two day shoot, which took place May 14,15, 2009 I was blessed to have worked with some amazing actors, ANA PAOLA VILLALOBOS, KATELYNN TILLEY, LOUIE OLIVOS, and MARIO VALDEZ JUAREZ!

WISDOM and ALL HIS WISDOM ...episode: elliott in/out

2009-05-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

These scenes were originally from my first web series, FOR NO ONE. I had so much fun working with this concept of Wisdom, that I decided to create a spinoff, WISDOM and ALL HIS WISDOM. For intensive purposes, this is the pilot:) I LOVE my lfe! xoxo, jd

WISDOM and ALL HIS WISDOM...episode: "mexican" friends

2009-04-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

This is the second episode of five I intend to shoot for this webisode series. Depending on how it does on YouTube, I'll decide whether to shoot anymore. This episode stars the amazing, Jay D. Schwartz, the brilliant, Rick Rosner, the beautifully talented, Toni Adair, and the excellent actor, Chad collins! I shot the first two, episodes, about 14 pages of script, two weeks ago in about eight hours. And, the goal was to crank them out in two weeks, which I did! I am Warner Brother's, baby!! haha..I LOVE my life!! ...even though I am a bit sleep deprived at the moment:)...xo, jd
p.s.
F.Y.I I edit on Final Cut Pro!.

New webisode series, WISDOM and ALL HIS WISDOM...episode: midwest melissa

2009-04-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

Man, I haven't slept a wink in the last 24 hours as I've been working on the edit to this my new cinematic endeavor, Wisdom and all his Wisdom, Yay! I have four more episodes to, go! I really wanted to post this today, because I shot this last week, so that means I had a one week turn around. Not to shabby:) I hope you like this episode staring Jay D.Schwartz, Rick Rosner, Erin Affourtit, Kikey Castillo, and barry Mosley! Great cast and an amazing director and writer! Ooops, that's me! heehee. Hey, if I don't shamelessly promote myself, who will? Haha I LOVE my Life!! xoxo, jd

TRUCHA .... new short artsy music video

2009-04-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

TRUCHA is chicano slang for "Lookout," and *Beware!* I felt like this little piece had that edge to it; and, I like the way it sounds.

I was helping director, Tobi Sackheim, with her music video and at the end of the shoot, she was sweet enough to let me shoot a couple of takes playing this tune on her set. The scenes with the beautiful actor and model, Jennifer Marks, were taken as we were waiting for a location to become available in Studio City while shooting the webisode series, FOR NO ONE. I loved the statue and had fun filming Jennifer all sexy next to it! I hope you like the video; and, by the way, I LOVE my LIFE!! xoxo, jd

FOR NO ONE episode 5 of my new Novela/Webisode series.

2009-03-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

"For No One," a webisode novella, was just a concept I had been brewing in my head for quite a while. Filmmaking is action oriented! Intent without action is just fantasy, so I acted upon my intent and created this novella. This was created more of an exercise to prep for my next feature film; instead, I stumbled upon a very creative way not only to flex movie making muscle, but a very viable approach to sharing your craft with the world. It is an approach I intend to continue, until I can't continue any more:) I LOVE my life!! xoxo, jd

Mata Movies available for purchase:)

2009-03-15T22:33:00.000-07:00

Just scroll down and to the left, you will find the paypal buttons for 3 of my 6 films that are available to buy, today. The other 3 are on their way very, soon! ....I LOVE my Life.... J.D.
PAN DULCE.....90 minutes

FROM BEHIND the SUNFLOWER......80 minutes

THE DIVORCE CEREMONY......81 minutes

SELF PORTRAIT....artistic choice, or just vanity!.... satire, or serious!

2009-03-13T04:28:00.000-07:00

I'm a filmmaker with a passion and desire to photograph. There are a few problems with that pursuit. First, I don't own a camera. Ironically, I own a motion picture camera, but not one for stills. Secondly, like the artist who fancies self portraits, FRIEDA, I enjoy self portraits in terms of photography. Is this artistic choice or vanity. Oh, the pic below is of me just returning from a run. I know, it looks like I'm wearing a night gown or something. heehee NO! It's a sweater covering my "daisy duke," running shorts! Maybe, I should lose this photo....

I offer this brief theory, and I will let you decide. Because, I don't own a camera, I use "Photo Booth" on my mac book. The built in camera eye piece looks right at you, winks at you then invites, entices, and dares you to take a photo of yourself, really! Then it's off to the iphoto application and all it's wonder to customize your photo!

Another plausible theory is that I am very spontaneous when it comes to my creative ambitions and I love facial expressions and the contours of the human physique. Who is gonna want to come to a photo shoot where the camera is a laptop! I know of only one person available 24/7, ME!

That's all I got folks, Yay! So, you make the call. However, one thing is for sure, I LOVE my life! xoxo, jd

FOR NO ONE episode 4 of my new Novela/Webisode series.

2009-03-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

My approach toward filmaking has always been to create feature films. The process, although not rocket science, is brutally laborious and a test of ones stamina and ability to start and finish a marathon of a task. Therefore, short films have never been an option, until recently. I'm not saying there is no merit in making a short film. On the contrary, a short film is probably just as, or more difficult to make because you have such limited time to tell your story. Therefore, on that basis, I choose to shoot features primarily, until I came up with this project.

The approach was two fold. First, These novellas for the web, for all intensive purposes, are a series of short films. I chose this approach to simulate being an actual production company cranking out a t.v. series. "I am Mata Brothers!" haha Secondly, I will be shooting another feature film this spring, and I thought this would be an innovative way to workout the metaphorical filmaking muscles!

I hope you enjoy ep.4 I really this my best episode to date. This version is my second cut. I chose to re-cut the first scene by dramatically cutting it at least 2 minutes shorter. This was suggested to me by up and coming filmmaker Tobi Sackheim. After seeing the the first version, she told me this was my best episode yet, but it could really be outstanding if I stretched a little bit more creatively on the first scene, and that is what I did. Always stay teachable, always stay teachable!! I LOVE my life! xoxo, jd

Betrayal, a perspective....... by j.d. mata

2009-03-08T01:05:00.000-08:00

Betrayal is like a sledgehammer crushing the very core of your soul.

It comes unexpected with a fury that takes you down to the depths of the dark hallows.

And, the dreaded angst that follows is only relieved by short episodes of sleep.

Then you know there is a Heaven and a Hell.

The truth is if I may be so bold, that the more it hurts,

the more you are guilty of launching this metaphorical grenade of fatal blood puncturing steel.

That is the way of the universe, and there is no other way.

An oxymoron of joyful penance now trumps perpetual torment in the eternal unrest.

FOR NO ONE episode 3 my new Novela/Webisode series.

2009-03-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

This is what appears on the YouTube page describing my novellas.

ART HOUSE style web novella written and directed by J.D. MATA...... TWO married couples FOUR different lifestyles. There is no right or wrong, but there are consequences. Lust, fear, heartbreak, and nirvana metaphorically visit our four friends in this episode. This series stars, ALLA GREENE, JENNIFER MARKS, GEORGE CASTELLS, and J.D. MATA.

Creating this webisode "Novella" has brought me extreme joy, anxiety, satisfaction, pain, love, hate, energy, fatigue, and that's just the tip of the iceberg:) I've always said filmaking is not rocket science, but it is a craft that kidnaps your life. So, if you love making films, in which I do, I'm being held hostage and not against my will! I believe this is known as the Stockholm syndrome, and this context, it is good! I LOVE my life! xoxo, jd

P.S.
My next feature film, my seventh, ORSON'S LAST DANCE, is officially in pre-production!

FOR NO ONE episode 2 my new Novela/Webisode series.

2009-02-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

Here is Episode 2 in a series of 10! I use the term novela before webisode cause it sounds sexier, and because it's got all the pzazz of a Mexican soap, in my humble opinion! I LOVE my life! xoxo, jd

Commercial shoot with SIGOURNEY WEAVER, Yay!

2009-01-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

I was cast for a commercial where the other lead was Sigourney Weaver! I LOVE her!! I always have:) Let me back up a bit, I auditioned for this commercial back in early December then I had a call back mid December. The role was that of a band leader, kinda like a latin Paul Schaffer from the David Letterman show.

Early January, I get the call from my agent that I booked the gig. It was for the European telecommunication's company, ORANGE. So, long story short, I arrived on set oblivious as to who the other actors were then I walk onto the sound stage and there was Sigourney! She was very nice to me, and loved my wardrobe. Unfortunately, there was never really a good opportunity to get a photo with her; but, I have a feeling there will be more chances in the future! I'm in the major leagues, baby!! I LOVE my life!! xoxo, jd

FOR NO ONE my new Novela/Webisode series.

2009-01-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

Hola,
In an effort to get my filmmaking and acting chops ready for my next film, I decided to embark upon a series for the web! This is it, which is episode 1 of 10. The series revolves around two married couples, in which the guys are business partners. They are filmmakers, which is drama in itself! haha. The guys are played by an amazing actor and musician, GEORGE CASTELLS. I met George through his real wife, who is a dancer and performed in my program Dulce December Night. I cast George the night before the shoot, and he gladly accepted! As you see, I made an amazing choice!! I play the other guy, a very questionable choice, indeed!!! haha

The wives are played by ALLA GREENE, who I met at an audition for a Pepsi commercial. She got a callback, I didn't!! She was just sitting there, and I couldn't take my eyes off of her, and at that point, I knew she was the girl, JULIE, for my series! The other wife is JENNIFER MARKS, who I met at Jennifer's Coffee House and plays the role of, GRETCHEN. No, she is not the owner of the coffee house. With my first gaze into her stunning eyes, I knew I would cast her for a project, and this was it!!!

I will be shooting episode 2- 5 next week then I'll edit and post! So, I will keep YOU posted!! I LOVE MY LIFE!! xoxo, jd

THREE of my SIX films for sale....

2008-12-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

As I still create music for my last three films, VIRGIN MARY APPEARS in LOS ANGELES, MEXICAN AMERICAN PSYCHO, and THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE, my first three films, PAN DULCE, FROM BEHIND the SUNFLOWER, and THE DIVORCE CEREMONY are ready for purchase, yay!
p.s. Creating music for film is FUN, but TIME CONSUMING:)

My latest Theatre production, A DULCE DECEMBER NIGHT!

2008-12-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

This last production, which took place Dec 1, 2008, in conjunction with my spanish choir at St. Charles Borromeo in North Hollywood, consisted of an evening SEASONAL SINGING, LITURGICAL DANCING, and a MUSICAL THEATRICAL PRODUCTION of St. Juan Diego and miraculous apparitions of OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE!

There were well over 200 people in attendance, and we received a standing ovation at the end of production.

One of our featured soloist was World famous Voice Teacher, and proud mother of Salma Hayek, DIANA JIMENEZ! Diana is a member of the choir as well. Also featured was one Mexico's most famous contemporary Sopranos OLIVIA GORRA!

The list of professional actors that starred in the play were as follows and the rest of that cast that made A DULCE DECEMBER NIGHT, a sweet December night to remember!

OUR LADY of GUADALUPE - Paola Villalobos

JUAN DIEGO - Salvador Benavides

EL OBISPO - Mario Valdez-Juarez

EL FRAILE - Mario Ramirez

LA CRIADA - Marilyn Ghigliotti

JUAN BERNADINO - Joe Andrade

DANCERS

Angeles Cantando Estan - choreographed and danced by: Tobi Sackheim
Dichosa Tierra Proclamad - choreographed by: Alice ngo, dancers: Jen Horan, Amy Iannaccone, Rebecca Masseth, Alice Ngo
Noche de Paz - choreographed and danced by: Yoriko Huffman
Buenos Dias Paloma Blanco - choreographed by James Keene, dancers: Amy Iannaccone, James Keene, Alice Ngo, Tobi Sackheim
Aztec Dancers -Freddy Chavez, Patricia Marlene, Imelda Wagner, Tere Olea,

Dancers in the Play - choreographed by: Sam Donlavy, dancers: Sam Donlavy, Champaigne Macier, Rebecca Masseth, Chuck Psalto, Stephanie Sheh, Marissa Sison

Our Lady of Guadalupe Angels - choreographed by: Tobi Sackheim dancers: Amy Iannacconne, Tobi Sackheim, Kerry Stevenson

Tata Dios - choreographed and danced by : Natalia Duncan

Behind the scenes:
Set Design - Salvador Benavides

The amazing crew: Jeniffer Marks, Michelle LeVar, Lynn Grant, Jazzy Guevara-Grant

Program Director - J.D. Mata

Special Thanks to:
Monsignor Bob Gallagher
St. Charlres Borromeo School
Tobi Sackheim
Diana Jimenez
Salvador Benavides
Craig Sackheim @ therirmusic.com
La Casa Mexicana/set props
Ricardo and Alen/ Cactus plants

J.D. Mata for CELEBRITY 2008Hollywood needs Change!!

2008-10-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

3 Talking Points for the much needed CHANGE of the Hollywood Celebrity!

First of all, I live in Los Angeles, BUT not in Hollywood. I live in Studio City of the San Fernando Valley. So, physically, not even metaphorically, I'm an outsider!

Secondly, I've written, directed, edited, and starred in SIX very entertaining feature films with a budget of less than 10,000. on each. This has humbled me, because I have devoted every ounce of my soul and spirit to starting and finishing these films! Furthermore, financially I've made...Well, lets just say, I'm struggling to make this month's rent, AND it's already the middle of the month. HOWEVER, I'm not bitter, sad, or quitting; because, I'm a MILLIONAIRE, in my HEART, because I LOVE what I do!

Thirdly, as your NEW, humble Celebrity I promise to:

a. NOT, get on my POLITICAL SOAP BOX, ever!

b.NOT, demand a salary that could feed a starving nation!

c.NOT, diss autograph seekers! THEY WATCH your movies, STUPID! AND, I will be grateful!

d.ALL charitable contributions will remain anonymous so as to NOT bring attention to myself!

e.I Will LOVE T.M.Z., INSIDE EDITION, PEREZ HILTON, etc. They only become Paparazzi when you RUN! I will EMBRACE the FREE PRESS! It's totally the American way! Geez, I wish a whole band of paparazzi would have been staked out in front of my apartment complex last week then my favorite form of transportation, MY BIKE, would NOT have been stolen!

HOW CAN YOU HELP TO CREATE CHANGE AND MAKE ME YOUR NEW HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITY? Buy one of my films THEN paste, copy, send, OR any creative way to distribute these talking points throughout the World Wide Web!

My fellow Americans, I won't let you down!

p.s.
I promise to never trash a hotel room, either. That really sucks for the hard working housekeepers!

I WANT YOU! 2 come c me play!!

2008-10-09T12:09:00.001-07:00

I've let my hair down:) SO, I WANT YOU to come see play some tunes on my guitar and piano this Sat. Oct 11, starting at 9:00p.m. at the OYSTER HOUSE, 12446 Moorpark, Studio City California! I LOVE my LIFE! xoxo, jd

A.B.C. Interview from my film PAN DULCE

2008-10-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Got a call from A.B.C. news as they want to do a follow up to this story, Yay! I LOVE my life...xoxo, jd

Autumn Special, BUY 1 film get 1 FREE!!!

2008-09-27T01:15:00.000-07:00

Scroll down, and to the side of the page, there are the links to the trailers. Select a film trailer to view, in which they all have paypal buttons to purchase a film. Pick one, and e-mail me at, jdmata@mac.com, your free choice! I LOVE my life!!!...jd
P.S. all D.V.D.'s are autographed!

same SONG and DANCE!!!

2008-09-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's me DANCING! Tobi Sackheim from the Earthwalk Dance Co. here in L.A. invited me to be her dance partner recently at a performance at STUDIO ONE studios in SANTA MONICA Ca. My three left feet were temporarily reduced to one. They're back, though! haha

I returned the favor by asking TOBI SACKHEIM to direct my latest music video, **GOODBYE.** Tobi is not only an amazing choreographer and dancer, but an up and coming filmmaker here in L.A.!!

I also made a music video, **LOVE** specifically for the internet, SHORT and SWEET!!
I LOVE my LIFE!!!! xoxo, jd

VIRGIN MARY appears in LOS ANGELES (the 11th Station)

2008-07-16T03:48:00.000-07:00

VIRGIN MARY appears in LOS ANGELES the 11th Station 80 minutes /DRAMA/
This is clearly J.D. Mata's most controversial film to date. It's's trailer has attracted over 50,000 hits on YouTube from all over the world; and, many passionate Catholics, Christians, and non-Christians are fiercely debating the content and making of this narrative! Is this mocking Our Lady, "Clearly not!" J.D. Mata vehemently states! "This is an inspirational film about Prayer, Peace, Penance, Fasting, and Conversion!" Watch this impressionistic unique approach to the Apparitions and Messages of Our Lady Queen of the Angels! Original music is still being created for this film. projected release MAY/2009
Starring: Jessie Garcia, Nectar Rose, Lorena York, and J.D. Mata

MEXICAN AMERICAN PSYCHO!

2008-07-16T03:26:00.000-07:00

Horror/Comedy/Thriller 81 minutes
DANTE allows his victims a chance to LIVE, ONLY if they can answer one simple question:"Can you name me ONE Mexican American Accordion player?" If you can't my friends then you best RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! However, he has a soft spot for the gorgeous CHLOE whom he seduces at a coffee shop. Crank up your accordion music and sharpen your blades for this unique art house Mexican American narrative. P.S....... B.Y.O.W.M. Bring your own wrestler's mask!
Starring: Mica Ray, J.D. Mata
Original music still being created for this film. Projected release date May/2009

THE DIVORCE CEREMONY starring Apollonia Kotero

2008-07-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

The Divorce Ceremony 80 minutes Drama/Comedy $12.50 shipping included

JUDE and SOPHIA, on their WEDDING NIGHT, make a DEAL. If, after one year of being married, they feel the marriage isn't working, they'll get a DIVORCE! And, they'll have a CEREMONY to celebrate it! Why be miserable the rest of your life, TAKE ACTION!

FROM BEHIND the SUNFLOWER los girasoles starring JEFF CONAWAY!

2008-07-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

FROM BEHIND the SUNFLOWER 80 minutes Drama/Comedy $12.50 shipping included

Buy the D.V.D. From Behind the Sunflower! This is one of Jeff Conaway's most inspiring performances!
Julian falls in LOVE with his third grade school teacher, Mrs. Sarah Morgan! CUT to TWENTY years LATER!!! They MEET, at a bar. She is contemplating a DIVORCE, he is getting MARRIED! Join them in their one erotic, tempestuous night together! Starring JEFF CONAWAY, MADELEINE FALK, J.D. MATA

PAN DULCE

2008-07-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

PAN DULCE D.V.D. 90 minutes Drama/Comedy $12.50 includes shipping!

Jose Angel inherits his dad's guitar. His dad has lost his hand, so now he is his dad's musical hands! Not only does he inherit the gift of MUSIC, but the SINS of the father as well! Starring, JEFF CONAWAY, NONI PRICE, NECTAR ROSE, J.D. MATA

THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE

2008-07-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

The Teacher's Lounge D.V.D. 83 minutes Comedy
Take a journey into what REALLY happens in the teacher's lounge! This full length comedy stars J.D. Mata, Jayne Clements, and a whole ensemble of professional actors from Los Angeles waiting in the wings to BREAK OUT! If you didn't have a chance, as a kid, to go into the Teacher's Lounge, here is your chance! Original music still being created for this film. Projected release date, May/ 2009

The Teacher's Lounge is complete!

2008-06-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

Marina, Barbara, Joyce....Three fab MOMS!

2008-06-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

I was having this amazing run, when out of nowhere, I started visualizing my Mom, MARINA, putting on makeup and fixing her hair. I was just a child in this vision that was running through my consciousness as I ran on Lankershim in North Hollywood. I was just gazing at mom and she looked beautiful. I know why I received this unexpected thought/gift. My best friend Steve Worth's mom, BARBARA WORTH, recently passed on, and I had the honor of helping him collect some items from his mom's former residence. I saw the hat, and without any reservation, I asked Steve if I could have it. Without any hesitation, he said,"Yes, of course, it was my mom's favorite hat, and it's been all over the world!" This is the lovely Barbara Worth wearing her favorite hat:)

Next is me wearing the hat, and I'm ready to carry on the tradition of such an extraordinary gift; which, in my view, is the gift of recollecting life's treasured moments. Thank you, Barbara, and thank you, Steve! I love my life, love, jd

p.s.
I still don't have my truck, as the girl who slammed into it has no insurance. There are no mistakes; because, today's run, which sparked my "Hat" memory, was also an errand to the bank. If I had gone to make this deposit in my truck, I would not have received my treasured memory.
p.s.s.
I've two weeks away from finishing the edit on my latest feature film, THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE! Yay!
p.s.s.s
Last year, I went to Lake Tahoe with my soulmate Tobi. She is originally from there and we stayed at her house. Her mom, JOYCE, was so warm to me, and made me feel so welcome! I just wanted to pay tribute to her beautiful soul as well!

It happened, AGAIN!

2008-05-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, I was taking a break from editing my masterpiece, THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE:) when I heard a CRASH! For a split second, I thought the virtual IMPOSSIBILITY that my truck, parked INNOCENTLY outside my apartment, had been hit, AGAIN! I quickly dismissed that ludicrous delusion and assumed it was trash cans being put back in the garage area then proceeded to, peacefully, close my eyes and resume my lovely siesta and dream about the wonderful experience of making my latest film, The Teacher's Lounge! Just as I was venturing into the outer rings of R.E.M., I received a knock on my door, "Dude, someone just hit your truck!" "AGAIN," was my dazed and confused response to this news which validated, AGAIN, that two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time! My beloved work truck, which has made cameos in all my films, and had just returned from the auto body shop, after being smashed by a loopy drunk guy, had been plummeted, AGAIN! This time it was a giddy, loopy, drunk girl. My friends, and foe alike, I am the first to proclaim, as I always have as a Fugue filmmaker, ANYTHING is possible in the City of Angels! Perhaps, my guardian Angel felt it necessary to relieve me of my truck for another few weeks. Why, I don't know; but, there are no mistakes, and I'm grateful giddy drunk girl wasn't injured, and that I wasn't in my vehicle at the time of the Physics phenomenon! I LOVE my LIFE! love, jd

STILL, editing THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE! AND, forgive me cyber space, for I have sinned! My last blog was....geez, I can't even remember:)

2008-04-14T04:08:00.000-07:00

The LIFE of making FUGUE FILMS is and should be your whole LIFE! It is our chosen vocation, job, hobby, vacation, it is EVERYTHING! That's what it takes. Spirituality and Service; however, should never be compromised! Making films is NOT that BIG of a deal! But, it is a life choice that requires all your energy and resources which will eventually deplete; and, the only way to replenish is through a spiritual contact with someone or something greater than any person or film. Furthermore, being of service, and NOT telling anyone is a requirement for starting and completing a feature film. AMEN!

Okay I'm done preaching..heehee. Maybe, I should have been a Roman Catholic Priest! Hey, stop that, I can totally hear your boisterous LAUGH! In any event, again, forgive me cyber space for I have sinned! My last blog was a LONG time ago.

In terms of the film, I carry on in the EDITING stage, as I will be posting a trailer up really soon! This movie has taken it's toll on me, but I move forward, as I am six weeks away from COMPLETION!

In the meantime, I have been editing music videos for theirmusic.com, editing a birthday party I filmed, and playing music!

That's all for now as I LOVE MY LIFE! love, jd

What the bleep! !!!!! !!

2008-04-02T02:14:00.000-07:00

I finished filming THE TEACHER"S LOUNGE! YAY!!! Now, I am editing! YAY!!! Although, I am not editing from home as I have done so in prior films! Before I can tell you why, I am compelled to BRIEFLY share with you what has happened in my life recently. As I posted previously, someone crashed into my truck then my laptop crashed. The truck was fixed, which looks great, but the A.C. doesn't work! So, I'm taking it back to be fixed. The laptop still has not been able to be fixed, because other matters came to the SURFACE! No pun intended, but a bump under my arm SURFACED! I had a procedure done to remove the absess! All I really have to say is that I'm glad that is gone, cause it hurt and scared the SH*$ out of me. That physical issue made my current issue, which is that my EDITING COMPUTER has now CRASHED TOO, not such a huge deal! The last couple of days, I shot a documentary for a production company, and in return, they are letting me use there editing system! This is where I am at now, YAY! I must admit that all these things that have occurred as I battle to complete this film has had a toll on me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Making a full length film is physical, emotional, and spiritual, but in the end, it is just a film. I still stand by my FUGUE FILM mantra, "Finish your film no matter what," however don't forget to say a little prayer for those Angels who help you NO MATTER WHAT! Thank you STEVE, MARIO, TOBI, LETY, CONNIE, PEZ, Dr. HO, and all the cast of THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE! I LOVE my LIFE!!! love, jd

25 cents a minute

2008-03-13T01:42:00.000-07:00

Shooting a feature film on a fugue film budget has it's unseen obstacles, EXOGENOUS VARIABLES! These are variables that you don't anticipate during the shoot and are inevitable, and you most overcome them to finish your film. Then there are EXOGENOUS MLIF VARIABLES! These are personal, outside the film realm, variables that you must get through in order to finish your film! For example, two Sundays ago, some drunk guy smashed into my parked truck at 4:00 a.m.!Then my cell phone malfunctioned then just yesterday my laptop crashed; hence, I sit here at KINKO'S at 1:55 a.m. being charged 25 cents a minutes to make this post and check my e-mails! I can't remember a time I blogged so fast;) The truck is being fixed as the guy had insurance, and I got a new cell phone with a better plan! The film, in terms of principal photography is almost finished, and I've already started editing! Moreover, I'm on hold after several auditions for a Coors Light commercial! Jump those hurdles, potholes, other stumbling devices during filmming and in life; and, if you fall, get back up and carry on fellow fugue filmmakers! At the end of the day, stand proud as you will have a feature film completed!!!Although, there is price to pay, 25 cents a minute! I love my life, and KINKO'S! love, jd
p.s. 143 cricket!

Filming my scenes, tonight! YAY! And, music video for theirmusic.com "Unplugged Sessions!"

2008-03-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the second shooting day for the scenes that I'M in. YAY! You may ask, "What? You're an actor in this movie, too!" Oh, YA, is my response! I suggest to all Fugue filmmakers to cast themselves in their own movie. This will give you an oppurtunity to really OWN the process! I cast my self in all my films because I LOVE to ACT! And, the only way to be a better actor is to ACT! So, here is a golden oppurtunity! Tonight, TOBI SACKHEIM, the very gifted grand-daughter of IRVING BRISKIN, Co-Founder of COLUMBIA PICTURES, will be the Director of Photography! I am grateful to work with TOBI, an up and coming filmmaker here in Los Angeles! In terms of the shoot overall, I've just about completed Principal Photography. I've completed a total of ten shooting days. The schedule has not gone quite as planned, but it mostly never does when you are shooting Fugue Films:) What is paramount, oops sorry Irvin, to Fugue Filmmaking is to START and FINISH your film no matter what. Moreover, POST in your BLOG, NO MATTER WHAT as well! I LOVE my LIFE!! love, jd

P.S.
The music video is a live recording of an original song for the Internet radio show, www.theirmusic.com

4 shooting days left in The Teacher's Lounge

2008-02-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

Why do I do this? I write then I take a blogging hiatus, and leave my one loyal blogger, ME :), hanging! Just to recap, I've shot a total of nine days. Six days were shot at an actual faculty lounge in San Gabriel then we cheated the Principal's office at an office building in Van Nuys, MOVIE MAGIC! Four more days next week back at San Gabriel. I got sick with flu, so shooting was temporarily suspended. Just a note in terms of our locations. These locations were on loan to us, for free, by Angels here in this city who were in a position to do so. The lesson for me is that anytime I'm in a position to reciprocate, in any form, I must do so. For example, If someone flips me off, I smile: If there is someone at the coffee shop that looks lonely, say hello: Pay my taxes, make my bed, call my parents and tell them I love them. Roll the grocery cart to it's designated area; and, roll another one that is blocking a parking space. Lastly, DON'T TELL ANYONE about your good deeds. This is how a filmmaker, whose true calling is to be a filmmaker, is able to finish his films. It's a long process with many hurdles, but the key is to be comfortable in one own's skin:) You maybe asking, "WHAT?" Exactly, making movies is about STARTING and FINISHING, and everything in between just does not make sense! I LOVE MY LIFE!!!! love, jd

P.S.
Pics from the set.

Nine days of Nirvana filming....not quite, or maybe:)

2008-02-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

This film has the following Interior locations: Teacher's Lounge, School Hallway, Principal's Office, Classroom - Exterior Locations: Flagpole, parking lot

I have so far completed filming in terms of locations, the Teacher's Lounge, and Principal's Office. In terms of the Lounge, we used an actual faculty lounge at a school which required us to shoot late into the night. That was also the case, in terms of the Principal's office, in which we used a business office to cheat as the office.

The Pro's to shooting these locations were that people out of the kindness of their heart and love film allowed us to shoot for free. The Con's were that it was a challenge for the actors because of the late nights.

Personally, as an actor, if I have the lead in a film, or even if it's a small part, I will shoot till the cows come home. Or, if you call me and ask me, "Can you shoot in an hour," I will BE THERE, with BELLS ON!

On the fifth day of shooting, there was a last minute cancellation by an actor, and I went on the LA Casting network and scanned the photos and saw JEFFREY LIPPOLD! He accepted the gig and that night he was on SET and stold the SHOW!!! He was an amazing actor and very professional. So much so, I wrote another scene for him! He came on set for that scene, and also hit a homerun!

I also want to acknowledge JAYNE CLEMENT, The Principal, and MARIO-VALDEZ JUAREZ, the Janitor, who have done an oustanding job on this shoot as well!!!! I love my life!!! Love, jd

Meet the CAST to THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE!!!

2008-02-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

Last night on the set of the "LOUNGE" scenes. I'm currently shooting the "Principal's office" scenes. I'm shooting day 10 tonight! I LOVE my LIFE, love, jd

7 days filmed in THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE!!!!

2008-02-09T17:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a journey that has me convinced, more than ever, that my job as a filmmaker is to START and FINISH my film no matter what! I define the type of filmmaking I'm embarking in at the present time as FUGUE FILMMAKING. As I've written in past blogs, one must be in a Fugue state of mind in order to make films with a very limited budget. In other words, I must be oblivious to all the rescources that are available to big budget films and not to my project. For example, script supervisor, location scout, wardrobe, etc. I wear all these hats and do the best I can. In the end, it's all relative if you believe and have passion in your project!

This is not an indie project, as indie projects are actually MILLION dollar films these days. Hence, the FUGUE FILM label.

So far, in this film, I have worked seven days with over fifteen actors, and it's been fugue heaven. With the exception of a few rough spots in terms of scheduling, it has been anything short of a miracle. I cast a group of absolute professionals, as they waited patiently for their scenes to be filmed and worked from the hours of 7:00p.m. - 2:00a.m. We have shot over 48 pages of dialouge in 7 days which is really fast. That is a little less than 8 pages a day. In a studio film, the average is about 3. Lean and mean is the way to go. I love my Life,and much more to come with pics from the set. love, jd

Day 3 & REAL LIFE off camera drama in THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE!

2008-02-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

If you weren't a night owl, and you were cast in one of my films, you will become one. "Whoo, Whoo,....., YOU!" :) My shoots have been starting at 6:30 and ending around 2:30 a.m. WE can only shoot nights, because we are using an actual faculty lounge, and for obvious reasons, we can only shoot at night.
The third night of shooting started off splendidly then an off the set mini drama unfolded. We have fallen behind schedule, thus forcing us to shoot another day. As I was making this announcement, two of the cast members objected to the extra days. One guy had another movie to shoot, and another guy said he had to work. Because, I really like theses actors, personally and professionally, I tried to make it work! After much debate, in VAIN, I tried to create a shooting date that would work for everybody! Instead, CHAOS instead of CREATIVITY reared it's ugly head! I made a tough choice, and I wrapped the two actors, and told them I would play one of the parts, and the other I would cast the next day. One guy made a mad dash to his cell phone to speak with the director from the other film, as he was given grace and able to shoot the extra day in my film. The other actor and I finally worked it out in a heart to heart private conversation! I love my life! Love, jd

2 days on the SET of Filming THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE

2008-01-31T14:56:00.000-08:00

The Teacher's Lounge is into it's 3rd day of shooting! First of all, here are the amazing cast members and their roles!
Cast List THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE Director: J.D. Mata Character Miss Riley Jayne Clement Character , Santos Mario Valdez-JuarezCharacter, Mrs. Potter Audrey Fiorini Character, Mrs. Neal Diane KirklandCharacter, Mr. Partida Mario Ramirez Character, Mr. Ebbie Paul Riley Character, MIss Valadez Erin BanksCharacter, Coach Mueller Jonathan E. ShultzCharacter, Mr. Rodriguez Marcus ProctorCharacter, Mrs. Chute Sandi SteinbergCharacter, Mrs. Cossey Mica Ray, Character. Mrs. Zeiglar Donna KozakCharacter, Mr. Mireles J.D. MataCharacter, Mrs. Tarankow Suzie JohnsonCharacter Actor Notes Miss. Cuevas Marci MarxCharacter, Mr. Gaston Brandon Scott

The first two days have been exhausting, exhilirating, and euphoric. For example, last night there was a scene where the Teachers are in the lounge for recess. It was the last setup of the night for me, and it involved setting up numerous lights. As I was setting up, the cast were doing a read through in the green room. Once I had lit the set, we blocked the scene and tryng to figure out where everyone goes was a bit hectic. **EXHAUSTING** We rehearsed then shot the scene. **EXHILIRATING** After the final take, the cast spontaneuosly broke intothe song, "A doe, a deer, a female deer....." Everyone danced, laughed, and frolicked!!! **EUPHORIA!** More to come from inside THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE! I LOVE MY LIFE!!! love, me, J.D.

The Teacher's Lounge EVE! action 2morrow night at 7:00 p.m.

2008-01-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

I shoot tomorrow as Fugue filmmaking is alive and well! I wrote this script at least two years ago, and my baby is finally off to school, if you will! :) Since my last post, so much has happened. I've had actors drop like bar flys; however, I put up a casting call through L.A. Casting and I had several hundred responses! Now, I pride myself on casting people from the coffee shop, my office. If I see someone that fits the charcter, I will go right up and ask them to be in my movie. I stayed true to that for some of the characters, but this movie is a cast of thousands, and I decided to pull out a call. It worked like a charm, as I saw some amazing talent, and I actually cast my School Principle form that call! Jayne Clement landed the role. She is this amazing beautiful actor with SILVER SCREEN STAR quality. I feel nervous, nauseated, and nutty! I am a FUGUE FILMMAKER! Tomorrow is a Fugue Filmmakers CHRISTMAS. Welcome to the Warm Winter of my content. I love my Life, and I love film!!! Love, jd

ThE TEACHER'S LOUNGE it's official CALL SHEET day 1

2008-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the call sheet for day ONE, which shoots Monday Jan 28, 2008!!! YlKES! I still haven't cast all the parts, yet! Fugue Filmmaking is about NOT stressing or panicking! It's about ENJOYing the process! Hey baby, this L.A., there are thousands of actors to choose from, and I'm just waiting to be caught by the right ones! I love my life! love, jd

Commercial I'm in for the Internet ;) WHAT is BIDO?

2008-01-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

I got cast in this commercial for the internet recently. It's pretty cool. See if you can guess which one I am! I love my LIFE! love jd

THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE Location locked in! teacher's not quite

2008-01-18T05:28:00.000-08:00

Hi, Hola, fellow fugue filmmakers and followers of this journey down the path of the making of THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE! The location of the LOUNGE is a school in San Gabriel!!!! Yay! However, there is a scheduling conflict with one of the lead actors. I'm in a situation where do I re-cast, or do I shuffle parts and scheduling to make it work! There is no right or wrong. Just make it work no matter what! I'm reading the script over and over and still tweaking, as I will continue to do until the film is completely filmmed! That's just the reality. In real life, changes occur daily, fugue films follow that principle. I'm working on the the shooting schedule, props, craft service, Lights, tape stock, tripod, gels, gaffer tape, flags, and on and on!!!!! I love FUGUE FILMMAKING and my life!!!!! love, jd

If you don't SEE it, IT didn't happen! Also, promo pic from Mex Amer Psycho!

2008-01-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

I am paraphrasing one of Pope John Paul's famous quotes. He was a firm believer and advocate of publicity and media in terms of spreading the Gospel. Consequently, all his travels throughout the world, in his quest for LOVE and PEACE, were well documented, and thus he was able to impact the world like no other Spiritual leader in the history of mankind! So, you're wondering, "Where is J.D. going with this?" "Has he decided to quit filmmaking and become a Roman Catholic Priest!" ;) NO, although, when I was in the ninth grade, I proclaimed to my family, friends, and teacher's, that I did want to be a Catholic Priest! Ha, can you imagine Father J.D. Mata! Comment on your perceptions of me as a Priest! heehee! Anyway, meanwhile back at the blog-ranch, I write this post; because, today I had a meeting with an amazing Publicist Company. Not to go into to much detail, but I feel that the body of work I've produced needs to be put out there into the universe! If the world doesn't see it, it never happened! As you know, I start shooting my next film next week, and PUBLICITY is of the essence at so many levels. This post is brief in terms of the nuances, but I will clarify more as this really amazing approach begins to flourish! I love my LIFE! love, jd

P.S.
This pic was shot as promotion for MEXICAN AMRICAN PSYCHO!! heehee

Fugue films presents THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE

2008-01-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

Today, I find myself auditioning actors for the film. THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE is a feature length film I wrote, in which everything is discussed in the lounge except the education of the kids. This film could easily be called THE SNAKE PIT! Heehee. Most of the parts have been cast, but a few key roles still remain available. I'm stilll without a LOCATION to shoot this film, and Principal Photography is set to shoot on January 14, 2008. YES, less tha a week away!!!! I LOVE my LIFE!!!!! love, j.d.

Back to Home away from Home...L.A.

2008-01-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

I sit here at the airport in Harlingen Texas reflecting on my trip home for the holidays. I must say in terms of the connection with the family, it was fantastic. At this time, the first flight of peeps are boarding the flight, which for me is an excuse to make this post short-kinda like my trip:) A month ago my dad was lighting up the house, as he does every year for the holidays, and he fell off the roof. Miraculously, he survived with a cracked vertebrae, a lot of bumps and bruises, and a vision as to how fast life can come and GO! This sums up my trip. It was come and GO! Back to Los Angeles in blink. He says he was standing on the roof, and in a blink of the eye, he was on the ground half conscience. New Years eve was spent with my siblings which was YIKES..... gotta board now, Back to making movies in L.A...... more later!! I LOVE MY LIFE....love, jd

A very merry McAllen Christmas!

2007-12-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

I've been in my hometown the South Texas border city, McAllen, for the holidays! It's been wonderful hanging out with parental units and the siblings, my older brother and a sister. I arrived on the 24th attended midnight mass, went to the I Hop, slept then hung out with the familia throughout Christmas day! You may ask, what does I Hop have to do with this cyber conversation? I love their pancakes, YAY. And, it's a cheezy attempt of trying to be clever! Which of coarse, didn't work! IN ANY EVENT, tonight I'm playing at this really cool restaurant and bar, ESPANA. I've received e-mails from all the homies that say they will be at tonights gig. More tomorrow on my holiday in McAllen, as I LOVE my LIFE!!! love, jd

Jeff Conaway, Entertainment Tonight, and J.D. Mata

2007-12-21T01:45:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you've heard, but early next year Jeff Conaway, star of the motion cult film GREASE, and star of the famous sitcom, TAXI, will be on a reality show with other celebrities where the premise is GETTING SOBER. There seems to be a buzz that this show is really heartfelt and amazing. In the last several years, Jeff, has starred in two of my feature films, PAN DULCE and FROM BEHIND the SUNFLOWER; consequently, the entertainment show E.T. gave me a call, and I may be interviewed on their show to talk about directing JEFF CONAWAY! In my opinion, I think Jeff is a modern day Marlon Brando. If you look at the clip that I posted from my film, Sober or not Sober, Jeff is a genius actor! This what I told the producers of the show. I have nothing but praise for Jeff! I told them that if Jeff was to get Sober, I would cast him in every film I ever make! I've got my fingers crossed I get on the show! I LOVE my LIFE!!! Love, jd

P.S.
Again, the clip is from my second film, FROM BEHIND the SUNFLOWER! starring Jeff Conaway, Madeleine Falk, and J.D. Mata xoxoxoxo

Blogged down! AGAIN! However, Wedding Video Trailer, YAY!

2007-12-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

Geez, Louise! I think I may have broken a record in terms of not posting! Oh well, no use crying over unspilled verbage;)
I'll start with the video post. This is a Greek Wedding I shot here in L.A. on October13. There were three locations, the bride's house in Glendale, the Greek Cathedral in Los Angeles, and the Castaway ballroom in Burbank! WHEW! A total of ten hours was filmed and I submitted to the bride an edited TWO hour video. This POST is seven minutes from the FINAL CUT. Seven minutes from ten hours of footage!!! Earlier today, I auditioned for a commercial to air in Japan. Yesterday, it was a Comcast commercial, and last week, I nearly booked a Mastercard commercial! SO, CLOSE. What is very close, the filming of my next feature flick, THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE which shoots in January. The shooting dates are 01-07-08 to 01-25-08.... It will be a a fourteen day BRUTAL shoot. More manana, as I LOVE my LIFE!!!! love, jd

Blogged down!

2007-12-04T12:03:00.000-08:00

Geez, I haven't written lately! Not muy bueno. In any event, here's what's happening. Last Friday, I played at St. Charles Church at Christmas Party for like SIXTY Roman Catholic Priest's! Talk about a BLESSING! As usual, I performed over the weekend at Ernies, my regular Sat.and Sunday gig; furthermore, after Ernie's I played Sunday night at Universal Bar Grill for a fund raiser. I was invited as a guest artist for the Theatre Company, FROM THE GROUND UP, who was staging their annual fundraiser. Yesterday morning, I worked as an actor on a short film A LONG WAY DOWN, where I played a musician wanting to jump off a building. When I reach the rooftop, three other people are there as well! In terms of my next original feature film THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE, we start shooting Dec. 17, 2007! I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!! love, jd
P.S. I refuse to be BLOGGED DOWN anymore ;) more tomorrow!

"Can I play your piano?"

2007-11-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

It was December 1986, and I was a student at Pan American University in Edinburg Texas and a member of the University choir. We had just had our Christmas concert, and a group of us went to this cool little bar, JT's, that had just opened in McAllen. We were at the bar drinking away like typical college students, when I noticed the GRAND PIANO at the corner of the room. I asked the manager If I could tickle the ivories a bit, and he seemed pleased, and said, "go right ahead!" I played a few tunes and got the bar singing and dancing! The manager came to me with the SHEET MUSIC to "New,York New,York" and requested that I play it! I said, "Sure!" and busted out playing the song as everyone at the bar got off their seats and danced. I turned to the LAST page of the music, and to my freakin' surprise, the MUSIC had been WHITED OUT! However, I kinda new the song anyway, and faked it pretty good. The manager, not knowing of my prior familiararity to the tune, was astonished as to how well I survived his little practical joke! He immediately approached me, and hired me as his HAPPY HOUR piano player. Thus began my SOLO career! I played at JT's for seven years. I would periodically bring in other musicians when I played on weekends. This pic features me playing the saxophone, which I would break out when I had a backing band. I bet you didn't know I played the sax as well, YAY! Actually, it's been years since I've played my sexyphone:) Also in this pic is MIke Gomez on Bass, Tony Martinez on drums, and The Manager who hired me, John Simon, playing his kazoo!! Thank you to Elvia Rios, from my home town McAllen, who sent me this pics and brought back some wonderful memories. I love my life! Love, jd

p.s. comment if you think I should go back to the 80's MULLET! :)

All you need is LIFE!!! da, da, da, da, da!

2007-11-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

This photo is of my favorite Singer/Songwriter ELLIOTT SMITH!!! I implore you to check out his music!! On second thought, if you're gonna continue to be a J.D. Mata blog disciple, "heehee," Elliott Smith listening is a requirement!!! Here is what's going on! Life in Los Angeles is in session, baby! Since my last post, I've been to a McDonald's commercial audition, a Compass bank audition, and several film auditions as well. I've been playing music at Ernies, Cafe Amsterdam, and at Monty's steak House. I've been editing the Wedding Video I filmed, and I'm set to, 'Director of Photography,' a short film this weekend that I was hired to shoot! Oh, this Wednesday, I'm recoding original acoustic music and an interview for an online radio station, www.THEIRMUSIC.com- I'll keep you posted when that airs. Also, in the BACK, middle, and FRONT of mind, I'm trying to figure out the shooting days of my next feature film THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE!!!!!! Here is the deal, I HAVE TO START this film at least before the year ends. FUGUE FILMMAKERS are required to shoot at least ONE film per year for the rest of their lives!!!! At least to START one!!!! Is this to much to ask? NO!!!!!! I LOVE my LIFE!!! & I love you, too!!!! Love, jd

HA! I Love Hollywood and it LOVES me...NOT!...oh,YES!!!!

2007-11-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

In my last post, "Raise high the roof beams, carpenters," cause my head was in the CLOUDS, having just a booked a Doritos Commercial! National Exposure on T.V., Baby-RIGHT ON!!!. I was to play a musician in a band. "Memeber, joo memeber what I WrOtes!"
Well guess what, at the 11th hour, I got down graded, demoted, etc... to an extra. They told me something to the effect that they were reducing the number of band memebers, and I got the axe! So, I sit here on the SET of the actual commercial with a bunch of other "Stars in their Eyes" hopeful extras. We wait to be called to the sound stage as our role is to cheer, scream, and idolize the mock band on stage in which I once basked in that GLORY!..They've just called us. This is a legend in the making, BABY! heehee...I love my life and HOLLYWOOD! love, jd

A LONG WAY DOWN.... short film i'm in :)

2007-11-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

I've just been cast in a short film as, J.J., a musician who has decided to commit suicide because his music career has gone nowhere! His method is to jump from a tower, and when he gets to there, three other people are there to jump as well. This screenplay is based on the novel A LONG WAY DOWN by Nick Hornby! We shoot next week. I LOVE my LIFE!! love, jd
P.S. I know what you guys are thinking, J.D. doesn't even have to ACT to play J.J. haha...

PHOTO SHOOT, I was hired 4, SCARY!!!!!

2007-10-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of HALLOWEEN, here are some photos I just received, in which I was hired as an actor. There is a short film, MY WALLET, in which I'm one of lead actors.FILM is posted below. In any event, It was showing at a film festival in North Hollywood, when a photographer in the audience like my worked. The director, Richard Gonzales, of the short, was at the festival, and Beth Dubber, the photographer, got my number through him. She called me, and booked me for the shoot! That's HOLLYWOOD, baby!!! I LOVE MY LIFE! love, jd

prelude to a KISS...part 4 in a series of 4

2007-10-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

The reception is back in Burbank at the CASTAWAY'S restaurant which rests near the top of a mountain. It's a great view of the San Fernando Valley, by the way. I arrive at the location, and there is a line of cars. As I get out of my truck to see what's up, it's the bride getting out of the Limo! Well, I missed that shot! It was dark, so I probably couldn't have got it anyway. I brought three of my lights with me just in case, and good thing I did, cause I used them all night! Again, it's night by this point, and I first used them to light a very creative entrance outside the reception room. Here is a series of what I filmed at the reception: The "toast" by the Best Man and Maid of Honor- The Blessing by the Priest- The Father of the bride speaks- The Bride and Groom speak- The wedding party dining-The cutting of the cake- The Bride and groom dance with their parents then their FIRST DANCE as husband and wife!- Interviews of guests wishing them well!-Lots and lots of dancing! By the end of the night, I had shot eight hours of footage. I'm editing that now, and I will post highlights very soon. I LOVE my LIFE! love, jd
P.S. The last shot of the night I managed to shoot was just as the bride and groom left the reception room, he gave her a KISS!

prelude to a KISS...part 3 in a series of 4

2007-10-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

3:00 p.m. and the Ceremony starts at 5:00 It was a race to the ceremony all the way across the other side of L.A. The goal was to get there before the bride in order to film her getting out of the Limo. It wasn't gonna happen, because I had left the boom to the microphone back at my apartment. I had just enough time to retrieve the boom, and get back with plenty of time to prepare for the ceremony. At this point, I introduce my assistant in this venture, Richard. The ceremony and reception will be a two camera shoot. I call Richard, and he too is running a bit late. In any event, I get the boom, arrive at the ceremony, and Richard is there already and has shot interiors of the church to serve as CUTAWAYS during the edit. Cutaways are great transitions when editing. There was a platform set up at the front of the Alter to the side, which is where I was allowed to shoot from, and my other camera was allowed to use the Choir loft, and roam so long as we did not get to close to the ALTER. The filming of the ceremony started off just fine UNTIL the a groomsman stuck his head in front of the Bride and groom. An indiscreet, "SSSSST!" solved that problem! Also, I hid the microphone underneath the alter rail, and naturally, a groomsman kept bumpin' it! An indiscreet, "SSSSST!" solved that problem. The rest of the ceremony went off with out a hitch as my assistant and I captured, on film, what is to some women the most important moment of their life! It was off to the RECEPTION!!! more to come......I Love my LIFE! ...love, jd

Prelude to a KISS...part 2 in a series of 4

2007-10-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

THE HOME
I arrived at the home of the bride, with camera in hand, at approximately 1:30. The bride wasn't dressed yet, which was good, so I my first shot was a "Pan" from top to bottom of her wedding dress laying on a bed. Being no afficionado on wedding dresses, this dressed looked VERY expensive! By looking at the distress on the father of the bride's face, I'm sure it was:) I then proceeded to shoot candid shots of the family getting ready for one of the most important events of the bride's life! Eventually, the bridesmaids arrived giddy, and gorgeous. They drank champagne, chatted, and loosened up for what would be a prelude to a kiss!! I captured these treasured moments all on film! 3:00 p.m., It's off to the CEREMONY!!! More to come..I LOVE MY LIFE!!!! love, jd