L.A. Punk Novel ‘What We Do Is Secret’ Acquired for Film Adaptation by Rubber Ring Films, Director Matthew Mishory (EXCLUSIVE)

As a passionate admirer of both literature and punk culture, I cannot help but be thrilled by this exciting announcement! The acquisition of the rights to Thorn Kief Hillsberry’s novel “What We Do Is Secret” for film adaptation is truly a cause for celebration.

Matthew Mishory, the film director, and Bradford L. Schlei, the producer and financier, have obtained the rights to the Los Angeles-based punk novel “What We Do Is Secret” by Thorn Kief Hillsberry for adaptation into a movie.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be reviewing the upcoming film adaptation of a yet-to-be-disclosed novel. Mishory, the talented director behind “Mosolv’s Suitcase” and “Fioretta,” will helm this project, and collaborate with Schlei for production under their Rubber Ring Films banner. Schlei boasts an impressive resume, having produced movies like “Swingers,” “Spun,” and “Some Folks Call It a Slingblade.” Tony O’Neil, the gifted author and screenwriter, will bring the book to life on the big screen. So, get ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey!

The movie version of the story may go by a distinct title other than the original book’s name, as a 2007 film titled “What We Do Is Secret,” featuring Shane West portraying Darby Crash from the Germs, already exists.

As a movie buff and an avid fan of punk music, I can’t help but be drawn to the heart-wrenching tale of The Germs, a renowned punk band whose lead singer, Crash, tragically lost his life to an overdose back in 1980. This poignant story continues to inspire me as I embark on my latest project, tentatively titled “Under the Big Black Sun.” It’s essential to clarify that this title should not be confused with the X album of the same name.

In 1981 Los Angeles, following Crash’s demise, an unconnected character named Rockets Redglare finds acceptance among the outcasts gravitating towards the Masque, a basement club that ignited L.A.’s burgeoning punk scene. Over the span of 24 hours, Rockets and his band of Hollywood dropouts engage in pimping, drug acquisition, and hatch an ill-fated plan to swindle tourists – all accompanied by the raw energy of L.A.’s initial punk movement.

Mishory expresses, “Upon reading Kief’s captivating, raw, beautiful novel, I felt compelled to turn it into a movie. This story perfectly encapsulates an era and punk culture I missed out on being part of, but I longed to be a part of it with my friends – wishing I had the records to show for it. It’s a privilege to adapt Kief’s vivid and compassionate perspective onto the big screen.”

Schlei, the head of Stone Canyon Entertainment, expresses his enthusiasm: “I’m looking forward to going back to my filmmaking foundation with a project inspired by a classic novel and delving into the gritty side of my deep-rooted connection to 1980s Los Angeles.”

“What We Do Is Secret” was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award in fiction.

Hillsberry is known for penning down “War Boy” and “Empire Made,” and contributes articles to magazines focusing on youth trends, skateboarding, surfing, and rock climbing. He was an integral part of the early punk rock movement in Los Angeles.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d put it this way: The trio behind Rubber Ring Productions are Mishory, Schlei, and Rob Levine. They made quite an impression in the industry. When it came to representing Rubber Ring Films, Patrick Alach from Longo & Alach LLP took the lead. On the other hand, Hillsbery was ably represented by Matthew Snyder of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and Janet Oshiro at The Robbins Office.

2024-07-22 20:16

L.A. Punk Novel ‘What We Do Is Secret’ Acquired for Film Adaptation by Rubber Ring Films, Director Matthew Mishory (EXCLUSIVE)

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