Sun is a young man who attends a sex party, organised via a dating app, with four other men. While the others seem to be enjoying themselves enormously, Sun finds himself unaroused, despite the others’ best efforts turn him on. ‘Sodom’s Cat’ is available to stream now!
‘Child of the ’70’s’ is the story of gay Italian-American Carlo Perdente who ends up working as a personal assistant to his 1970’s TV idol, the neurotic and over-the-top KiKi Lawrence. Season 5 is available now to binge on Dekkoo!
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Coming next week: A profoundly moving drama about a young man torn between the expectations of his family and his own burgeoning desires. Coming next week:
Have you ever been paralyzed with fear? That’s exactly what the protagonist of Analysis Paralysis—Tyler O’Conner—is fighting. That is, if he can decide on a course of action. This romantic comedy follows Tyler as he navigates the treacherous road of romance as he starts to fall for the guy next door. Will his analysis paralysis prove to be too much for this budding relationship, or will true love come out on top? We sat down with the director, actor, and co-writer of Analysis Paralysis, Jason T. Gaffney, to discuss how this project was brought to life.
Tell us about yourself:
First and foremost, I’m a filmmaker who loves comedy, but I’m also an actor, director, producer, and a writer of both screenplays and romance novels. In my spare time, I co-host a weekly comedy podcast called The Bright Sidewith Kevin and Jason with my Analysis Paralysis co-star, Kevin Held. I was born in New York, grew up outside of Boston, went back to New York City for school, and lived there for a while. After filming The Perfect Wedding, I moved out to Los Angeles where I met my wonderful husband, Matt, and created My Pet Hippo Productions.
As a filmmaker, my goal is to make movies set in the inclusive and welcoming LGBTQ-friendly world that I grew up in. Although there’s still an important place for angsty coming-out dramas, I just don’t see my own reflection in those stories. So, I deliver stories where the LGBTQ characters have moved beyond any conflict surrounding their sexual orientation and get to deal with the same zany hijinks that straight, cis characters have been dealing with for decades. And I want to make people laugh along the way!
What was your main source of inspiration for this film?
My biggest source of inspiration for Analysis Paralysis was my burning desire to make people laugh. There was also a close family friend named Bill who was an expert at figuring out all possible outcomes before he made a business move or played his hand at poker. During game nights when the question “Whose turn is it?” came up, the answer was always a very loud and exasperated, “It’s Bill’s turn!”
When I was brainstorming screenplay ideas for an indie movie with my writing and producing partner, Ed Gaffney (who also happens to be my father), the idea of a main character with a severe case of Bill-itis came up, and we both really liked it. Thus, Tyler O’Connor was born. After that initial brainstorming session, I called up my psychologist sister-in-law, and as we talked more in depth about anxiety, I knew we had our story!
What was it like working on this script with your father as a co-writer?
When Analysis Paralysis did the LGBTQ film-fest circuit this past year, our most frequently asked question was, “You wrote this movie with your father?!” Yes, I did! I love working with my dad. We have very similar senses of humor.
We first started working together back when we wrote The Perfect Wedding—our first LGBTQ rom-com. After we produced that, we grew frustrated by the amount of time and money it takes to tell a story through filmmaking. So, we decided to write romance-novel versions of the movies we wished we had the budgets to make. Whether we’re writing a book or a screenplay, our process is the same. Basically, I write a first draft and send it his way. Then, he takes a pass at it, makes revisions, and punches up some of the scenes and jokes. I then go over it again and punch-up some of his jokes. Our back-and-forth process really helps us figure out which scenes need the most work as well as what’s missing from the script.
After viewing this film, Sylvia Plath’s famous quote about the fig tree from her novel, The Bell Jar, comes to mind. How does this relate to you personally as someone who has many paths vs. Tyler who can’t even seem to pick one?
When I was growing up, I was under the impression that you had to take one path in life. I was going to be a Broadway actor, but despite going to school for musical theater, I found myself getting hired as a film actor instead. Shortly after I jumped into film, I started getting involved in the production side of things. I quickly discovered that the best way to make sure a movie that I’m acting in gets made is to produce, write, and direct it myself. I’ve also learned to edit and do each film’s assembly cut, so I’m essentially my own assistant editor, too!
In the Plath quote, I’m sitting in the crotch of that tree sampling every fig I can reach—even the ones I have to go way out on a limb to grab. Because why not, Sylvia Plath? Who made the rule that you only get one fig? I’m a firm believer that you can sample all the possibilities in life and find the ones that best suit you. Life is too short not to go after the things you want.
In Analysis Paralysis, Tyler is a lot like the woman in Plath’s fig tree. Only he doesn’t want to starve to death, so he courageously takes action to combat his paralysis.
Why do you think it’s important to show someone like him on the screen?
Tyler has managed his high levels of anxiety for most of his life, including a handful of relationships although none of them were really serious. After his first book is published, it hits all kinds of bestseller lists. With huge success like that, it’s easy for a writer to get blocked. Because of the pressures of his career, he’s really struggling. As he’s working to overcome that, he realizes that maybe he’s never had something serious romantically because he’s never been able to be honest about his anxiety.
I loved both writing and playing Tyler. I think it’s important that people who struggle with anxiety get to see their reflection in him as he wins his happily ever after. I think Shane says it best: “You’re the bravest person I know. Every day, you face a world that is scarier than anything that I can imagine.” He’s not just talking to Tyler there. He’s talking to everyone watching who see themselves in Tyler. It’s a message of support and hope, and I really love all the feedback I’ve gotten on the character. A lot of people really relate to him.
When writing the script, were you actively writing a rom-com?
Oh, absolutely! I’m a huge fan of romantic comedies. It’s my go-to choice to watch, read, and work on. I’ve always loved stories where love wins and I laugh out loud the whole time.
As real-world stress has risen over the years, I find myself needing to laugh more to keep from dissolving in a puddle of panic. We all need laughter to bring balance to the current awfulness. Making others laugh is high on my to-do list.
How did you approach acting through the many scenarios that constantly run through Tyler’s mind?
I was excited to get to play out all the different wacky scenarios that Tyler imagined. In fact, one of the biggest challenges was keeping a straight face while Kevin—the actor who plays Shane—let loose. There was a lot of laughter on set throughout filming!
What was the difference in your approach to this film in your roles as director, writer, and actor?
Each role has differences and similarities. As the writer, I want to create the best story I can, but it’s hard to write without wearing my producer hat, too. The director spends a lot of time on pre-production and making sure that the set feels like the real world. I do most of my own art as well as spending time getting permission to use logos or brands. For example, all of the underwear in Analysis Paralysis was generously provided by Andrew Christian. At the end of the day, every hat I wear has the same goal: make a movie that is as engaging and entertaining as possible.
What would you like audiences to take away after watching this film?
Everyone has anxiety to some degree, and we all deserve love and happiness.
What advice would you give to people struggling to break free from their own forms of analysis paralysis?
Even if the worst case scenario happens, your life isn’t over. Life can be scary, but once I figured out that I was going to keep on going no matter what, it became easier to make those scary leaps into the unknown. And more often than not, those leaps have led me to achieving many of my goals and dreams. So, take that leap and go for it!
How does it feel to have Analysis Paralysis featured on Dekkoo?
It’s great! We’re so happy to be here! We hope the Dekkoo subscribers will fall in love with Analysis Paralysis and want to see more from us! If you loved the movie, tell your friends!
Do you have any new creative projects on the horizon?
Right now, I’m in post production for a movie called Out of Body that also co-stars Kevin Held. It’s a paranormal rom-com that takes place during Halloween. It’s not horror though. Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer in terms of paranormal activity, but it’s heavier on the romance end of the rom-com spectrum than Analysis Paralysis.
I co-wrote it with Suzanne Brockmann who happens to be my mother and a New York Times bestselling author. She’s also written a romance novelization of Out of Body that was a finalist for a RITA award. The book is available in ebook, print, and audio. Actually, Kevin and I recently recorded the audiobook edition published by Blackstone Audio!
As far as the film of Out of Body goes, we’re approaching the test-audience phase of editing. In fact, our ongoing IndieGoGo crowd-funding campaign for the project includes a “watch an early cut of the film” perk that supporters can select.
Aside from Out of Body, I’m currently in pre-production for several more films as well as a comedy series.
Where can we find you online?
I’m everywhere! Come say hi! You can learn more about me and my many projects at www.JasonTGaffney.com or sign up for My Pet Hippo Productions’s newsletters here to stay up to date. I’m also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, IMDb, and Amazon. Check out our Kickstarter and IndieGoGo to get some cool perks while supporting future projects (including Out of Body)!
You can watch Analysis Paralysis right now, available for streaming on Dekkoo!
After a recent breakup with “a man who shall not be named,” young bachelor Rafael (Rafael de Bona) finds his romantic life spinning out of control. With a change of scenery in order, he sets out on journey of self-discovery – an adventure that will take him from Brazil to England, Portugal and Argentina.
Along the way, he seeks the counsel of his nearest and dearest friends. There’s Julia (Julia Corrêa), an amorous single actress trying to land her breakthrough role; Fabio (Fábio Lucindo), Rafael’s straight-boy buddy, who is trying to maintain a long-distance relationship; and Mayara (Mayara Constantino), a dear friend who gave up a promising career in favor of marriage.
Over the course of his 45-day trip, Rafael grows closer to the people in his life who really matter and learns that all it takes to mend a broken heart is time… and the support of a few good friends.
Harry, a young Chinese man, travels to America in an attempt to reunite with his first lover, Sam, in hopes to relive the love and intimacy they once shared. Watch ‘Goodbye, My Big Cat’ on Dekkoo!
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Coming next week: A bullied loner finds solace in another boy’s arms when they meet at a haunted swimming pool.
It is not often a gay independent film comes along that combines fast-paced action, sly humor, a bevy of sexy studs, a witty script and top notch acting and direction, but Hot Guys with Guns, stylishly directed by Doug Spearman is just that. Fans of Mickey Spillaine, Sam Spade, Donald Stratchey, Chinatown and The Thin Man series should find a lot to love in this intoxicating modern film noir with pronounced LGBTQ characters.
Part-time actor and full-time waiter Danny (Marc Anthony Samuel), still in love with his ex boyfriend, rich party boy Pip (Brian McArdle), attends a private eye class in preparation for a cop role for which he is auditioning. But when Pip becomes a robbery victim to the “gay sex party bandits,” the two men – despite their unresolved sexual tension – team up as amateur sleuths to solve the crime.
As our boys delve into Hollywood’s gay power world, guns are shot, bodies drop and the two find themselves in one hot gay mess – but remain determined to uncover the culprits.
Hot Guys with Guns has a script that pops with wit and cultural references (“Cops? I am a black man in east L.A. with a dead Mexican on the floor with no head, we can’t call the cops!”) as well as a memorable cast of supporting actors (Joan Ryan as Pip’s needy and boozy mom, Trey McCurley as Pip’s red headed boy toy, Alan Blumefield as Jimmy, the hard-nosed P.I. instructor, and Darryl Stephens as a friend with a dark secret).
A fresh, honest and laugh-out-loud-hilarious exploration of modern gay relationships, friendships and the blurry line between the two, I’m Fine is a positively charming original “pocket series” from Dekkoo. We’re thrilled to let you know that all episodes of Season 3, the official Final Season, are now available!
Created by Brandon Kirby, an up-and-coming filmmaker with strong ties to the world of gay-themed cinema and television, the first season on I’m Fine centers around the recent demise of a gay relationship – finding both humor and poignancy within the related pathos.
The beginning of the series finds Nate (Perry Powell), an attractive 20-something, still hopelessly obsessed with his aloof ex-boyfriend Joey (Shaughn Buchholz). He also ends up blurring the lines between friendship and romance with his best friend Jeff (Lee Doud).
Season Two picked up a few weeks after Season One – with Nate is continuing to move on from his breakup with Joey while simultaneously dealing with the fallout of sleeping with Jeff. There’s also a surplus of lovable supporting characters with their own romantic trials and tribulations – namely Richard Stokes and Ulysses Morazan as the coupled Andy and Brian.
In the third and final season of the Dekkoo-original series, Nate has at last put Joey behind him and moves forward in his career and friendships. That is, until an opportunity presents itself that makes him question everything he knows about L.A. All the while Jeff, Andy, Nicole and Mick navigate what it is they want and need in order to finally feel… fine.
Featuring crisp writing and direction and terrific performances from a culturally diverse cast, the series has garnered near countless clicks from subscribers and earned stellar reviews from Dekkoo users. It’s the gay rom-com gift that keeps on giving.
Tyler (co-writer/director Jason T. Gaffney) seems like the perfect catch. He’s smart, funny and adorably hunky, but he suffers from an unusual anxiety disorder – analysis paralysis, which makes him incapable of taking action without imagining the multiple ways that each possible choice could go wrong.
At the behest of his therapist, Tyler fights the disorder by asking out his dreamy neighbor Shane (Kevin Held). Despite the odds (visualized with a multitude of hilarious fantasies), the romance flourishes until Tyler’s affliction comes up against a stumbling block that might finally be too much for the couple: Shane’s rigidly stern parents. You won’t have to fight your resistance to this delightful romantic comedy.
The movie is Analysis Paralysis, a romantic comedy produced by New York Times bestselling author and recent Romance Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Suzanne Brockmann. It was written by the son/father writing team of Jason T. Gaffney and Ed Gaffney, who also pen the California Comedy series of m/m romance novellas. (They are Brockmann’s son and husband. Analysis Paralysis is a family production that includes Gaffney’s husband Matt Gorlick in the on-set creative team.)
Gaffney hoped to create “a joyfully funny ‘boy meets boy’ movie with two out gay leads set in the LGBTQ-inclusive world” in which he grew up. So he wrote Analysis Paralysis, where YA writer Tyler pursues his cute neighbor Shane, but every step is preceded by a flurry of imagined, hilarious disasters. Through laugh-out-loud romantic misadventures, the film explores the intersection of imagination and anxiety, and the courage it takes to reach for love.
It’s time to take a trip back to Winters, Texas! Sordid Lives, the cult classic “black comedy about white trash” has a sequel available now on Dekkoo! Life has moved into the present for our favorite gaggle of crazies. Let’s catch up, shall we?
Sissy (Dale Dickey) is reading the Bible, cover to cover, trying to make some kind of sense out of what it really says about gay people. Her niece Latrelle (Bonnie Bedelia) has divorced her husband, who has taken up with a hot young gold digger.
Latrelle’s out-and-proud gay son Ty (Kirk Geiger) is on his way back to town with “his black man” (T. Ashanti Mozelle) and news of their own. Her sister LaVonda (Ann Walker) is still cussin’ and drankin’ and is being blackmailed to sit with the sick and afflicted.
LaVonda’s best friend Noleta (Caroline Rhea) meets a hot younger man (Aleks Paunovic) while visiting her awful mama (Carole Cook) in the hospital. G.W. (David Steen), sporting new fiberglass legs after Noleta burned his old ones, is still feeling guilty and mourning Peggy.
Nearly incoherent barfly Juanita (Sarah Hunley) has moved on from her obsession with Vacation Bible School roosters to the royal family while Wardell (Newell Alexander) and Odell (David Cowgill) still bicker at the bar.
Tammy Wynette-champion Brother Boy (Leslie Jordan) hasn’t been back to Winters since Peggy’s funeral, and he’s working at a tragic little gay bar, having added Loretta and Dolly to his new medley act “We Three Queens of Oper-y Are” till a chance meeting with a dangerous criminal (Emerson Collins) forces him out on the run. Again.
As the sordid saga continues, an anniversary memorial service is being planned in honor of Peggy at Bubba’s Bar while the Southside Baptist Church is planning an “Anti-Equality Rally” to protest the advancement of same-sex marriage, spearheaded by Vera (Lorna Scott) and Mrs. Barnes (Sharon Garrison). Both events are to take place on the same night, so the cast of colorful characters are all on a collision course for shenanigans and fireworks! Along the way a host of new faces arrive in Winters – including a bisexual serial killer – all swept into the adventure on the way to the surprise wedding.
As the original film dealt with coming out in a conservative southern world, A Very Sordid Wedding explores the questions, bigotry and the fallout of what happens when gay marriage comes to communities and families that are not quite ready to accept it. Bigotry, marriage equality and cultural acceptance are all explored with Del Shores’ trademark dark humor. His much-beloved Sordid Lives characters deal with these important issues and the very real process of accepting your family for who they are… instead of who you want them to be.
Watch the trailer for A Very Sordid Wedding below and then catch up on all the shenanigans. The film is now available on Dekkoo.
When Tyler O’Conner, a young gay author, visits a therapist, he realizes that his intense fear of negative consequences is keeping him from living his life to the fullest. Determined to change his behavior, he decides to bite the bullet and ask his cute neighbor, Shane, out for coffee. But will his deep-seated neurosis threaten their burgeoning romance? ‘Analysis Paralysis’ is a available to stream now on Dekkoo!
Leonardo is a blind teenager searching for independence. His everyday life, the relationship with his best friend, Giovana, and the way he sees the world change completely with the arrival of Gabriel. Watch ‘The Way He Looks’ now on Dekkoo!
‘A Last Farewell’ is both a calm and upsetting portrait of an aging author’s sorrow over the death of his long-term partner.
A fresh, honest and laugh-out-loud-hilarious exploration of modern gay relationships, friendships and the blurry line between the two, I’m Fine is a positively charming original “pocket series” from Dekkoo. We’re proud to announce that all episodes of Season 3, the official Final Season, are coming to Dekkoo on July 25th!
Created by Brandon Kirby, an up-and-coming filmmaker with strong ties to the world of gay-themed cinema and television, the first season on I’m Fine centers around the recent demise of a gay relationship – finding both humor and poignancy within the related pathos.
The beginning of the series finds Nate (Perry Powell), an attractive 20-something, still hopelessly obsessed with his aloof ex-boyfriend Joey (Shaughn Buchholz). He also ends up blurring the lines between friendship and romance with his best friend Jeff (Lee Doud).
Season Two picked up a few weeks after Season One – with Nate is continuing to move on from his breakup with Joey while simultaneously dealing with the fallout of sleeping with Jeff. There’s also a surplus of lovable supporting characters with their own romantic trials and tribulations – namely Richard Stokes and Ulysses Morazan as the coupled Andy and Brian.
Featuring crisp writing and direction and terrific performances from a culturally diverse cast, the series has garnered near countless clicks from subscribers and earned stellar reviews from Dekkoo users. It’s the gay rom-com gift that keeps on giving.
Check out the trailer for I’m Fine: The Final Season below. Also make sure to watch (or re-watch) the first two seasons before the new one comes along later this month. Both are available now on Dekkoo!
Discover great gay stories. 