'All right guys. We promised ourselves that we're going to try new things this year. This...is new.'
Some of you may remember that 'Alien Abduction' was a theme that I explored last Halloween on the site. (HERE:) I was inspired after seeing the short Crashlands from Dario Studios. I also featured hot visuals of the talented Carlos Suarez, the films writer and director taken by equally gifted TR Pics. (who also took the solo shots of Carlos featured in this piece.) As with most creators, stories are always whirling around in their heads. Asone project is released, work has already begun on the next.
While I was putting together the piece on Crashlands, I noticed Carlos' Dario Studios, already had casting notices out for their next film. Unlike Crashlands, which was a Sci-Fi horror film, Carlo's next film was a comedy with a very catchy title. Naked Pool Party follows three gay friends as they step out of their comfort zones to attend their first naked pool party.
Now almost of us have been to a pool party, but I'm guessing few have attended a naked one. I don't mean a pool party where that one drunk guy strips and jumps into the pool, but a party where every guest is required to drop those trunks upon arrival. Naked Pool Party was inspired those pool parties we all attended, and the ones we wish we had. It's about summer fun, Pride season, drinks and most importantly, friendship.
Carlos, along with co-writers Jorge Jimenez and Blake Pichon, weave together these themes in a raunchy comedy with a dash of heartbreak and the power of self-discovery. I have seen the film and really loved the balance and blend of story, character and of course, some naked pool party fun.
The film opens with the introduction of the three friends, Frankie, (Trevor VanArsdale) Oscar, (Anthony Ortega) and Chris. (Jorge Oldez) With a feature length film, there's usually time to slowly introduce your story and characters. With a short film, that must be done quickly and succinctly. The writers are definitely up to the task, as they and the three lead actors, skillfully present each of the three friends, all with distinct personalities, and each, urged on my Frankie, with a goal to hook up.
(l-r) Ortega, Oldez and VanArsdale
Although their objectives might be similar, their past experiences lead to each having different motives and methods in reaching their objective. I identified with aspects of each of their journeys, especially some of the challenges faced by Oscar and Chris. With the story and tone quickly set, The writing, along with Carlos' direction, follows each of the characters as they navigate their way through the party and the sometimes surprising obstacles in their way. You can check out the trailer on Youtube HERE:
Is there sex, yes, is there nudity, yes lots of it, but don't let the title fool you. The naked is just one element of this pool party and the character driven story Carlos and the cast tell. I asked Carlos about the movie, the casting, and of course the naked to help give viewers a little more insight with how the film was conceived, the story and casting and what they can expect to see and experience if they get a chance to watch, and virtually attend the splash bash.
What initially inspired the 'story' for 'Naked Pool Party'
What initially inspired the story was quite simple actually. My husband and I attend pool parties during the summer and some of the events that unfold at these gatherings inspired me and really thought, "This needs to be in a movie"
What was the process to get backing and support to start filming
My husband, Jorge Jimenez and I fully funded the film and we got very lucky with our filming location. Our good friend, David Moore, allowed us to shoot the entire movie at his beautiful home in three days at no cost. We are truly grateful he share his home with us, as you may know, finding a great location is also crucial for the project.
I saw casting notices last summer, how long did it take to cast your 3 main characters?
The roles of Frankie and Chris were cast before the casting call was posted. The real challenge was finding our Oscar. Once we posted the casting call and began going through video auditions, it took about 2 weeks to cast the final essential role in the trio. Anthony Ortega knock it out of the park in his audition and I knew he was our Oscar.
Since most of the extras were 'naked' for the entire shoot, was this difficult or easier by attracting nudists/exhibitionists?
We got very lucky and had all types of submissions. From first-time extras to nudist just wanting to be a part of the project. We had to go through and carefully select the background actors. I wanted to keep a safe and professional set for everyone and I believe we achieved that.
Did the required nudity make it more challenging?
I don't think so. I feel by the time of shooting, the cast was very comfortable with each other.
Was there a particular role that was the most difficult or challenging to cast?
No role in particular was hard to cast, but we did have an actor backed out of the project hours before shooting. Luckily, background actor Frank Lacherre stepped up to the challenge and perfectly portrayed the role of the bartender Fernando.
The writers skillfully and quickly established three distinct characters in the three friends, was that a priority to set the tone with their introduction?
Yes absolutely! I knew time was limited to introduced three main characters so we had to establish them within the first few minutes, before even entering the party. I think adding quick flashbacks at the beginning really helped people understand who these guys are. Plus the great performances from Trevor, Anthony and Jorge bringing these roles to life it's the cherry on top.
Did you have a favorite story out of the three that resonated more than the others?
I think in one way or another I resonate with all three, but if I had to pick I'd pick Oscar, the shy kid stepping out of his comfort zone.
Naked Pool Party is an attention getting title. Did you worry people might be looking for a porn flick?
I knew people might think it's a porn flick but I liked the tittle so much I was willing to take the risk.
How much time and attention was given to the degree of nudity, and number of penises shown?
I knew I didn't want to hold back but I also knew I didn't want to overdo it. If it made sense in the story for someone to be nude in the scene, we would do it, but if it didn't then we wouldn't.
Was there an intimacy coordinator?
Yes, we wanted everyone to feel comfortable with each other on set.
You did a great job making the nudity feel natural, it was more part of the scenery than the focus.
Thank you so much. The movie is called Naked Pool Party so I wanted to deliver that, but ultimately this is a story about three gay friends and their experiences at the party. The nudity is like a nice bonus.
As a director, how do approach an actor about a nude 'moment'.
I was very clear with all of the actors from the very first table read. I wanted to gain their trust, since we were just about to shoot a movie called Naked Pool Party and we barely knew each other at that point. The script stayed the same for the most part, so there was never a scene we had not talked about or rehearsed prior to shooting.
You also created a handful of memorable supporting characters. Given the film is a short, were there scenes filmed, or that you wanted to, that you had to leave out?
There was no scenes cut, we filmed exactly what we wrote to stay in budget. But I do have an idea for a full-feature version of the film, in which we explore more about the main and supporting characters. And also based on the great response we have received on this first one, I'm also working on a sequel.
Currently Naked Pool Party is showing in the film festival circuit with several screenings coming up. If you're in California or Texas, can see the film at the festival venues listed here;
�� 9-19-26 | Fresno Reel Pride Film Festival 2026
�� 9-25-26 | Cinema Diverse Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2026
�� 9-27-26 | The Round-Up Saloon, Dallas
Dario Studios
Dario Studios on Instagram / Youtube
No comments:
Post a Comment