Neon Boys

Unable to land a job after being in jail, Shawn decides to make ends meet by working as an erotic dancer. While trying to get his life back on track he spirals back into drugs and looks for another dance, Ricky, for companionship and falls in love with a man for the first time.

Based on a true story

Starring:
Vincent De Paul – Two time Emmy Winner for "The Bay”
Matthew Kinkel – "Killer Unicorn", NYC DJ and Event Producer
Jonathan Salazar – NYC Drag Queen "Sucia Queen"
Tym Moss – T.V. and Radio host, Queer activist
Kelsey Denae – Broadway National tour for “Les Misérables”
John Strand – International fashion model.

  • AJ Mattioli
    Director
    Lady Peacock, Words
  • Jonathan Salazar (Co Director)
    Director
  • Marcel Sorza
    Writer
  • AJ Mattioli
    Producer
    Killer Unicorn, A Single Evening, Words, Gay Positive
  • José D. Álvarez
    Producer
    Killer Unicorn, Tumble Dry
  • Vincent De Paul
    Key Cast
    "Mr. Ruxton"
    The Bay, When They See US
  • Tym Moss
    Key Cast
    "Big Daddy"
    Junk, The Garden Left Behind
  • Matty Glitterati Kinkel
    Key Cast
    "Shawn"
    Killer Unicorn
  • Jonathan Salazar
    Key Cast
    "Ricky"
  • Kelsey Dánae
    Key Cast
    "Rebecca"
  • John Strand
    Key Cast
    "Chase"
    Breaking Amish
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    LGBTQ, Drama, Gay, Queer, LGBT, GLBT
  • Runtime:
    30 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    September 30, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Red Epic
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - AJ Mattioli, Jonathan Salazar (Co Director)

Times Square Gossip, (AJ) “could very well be considered the voice of the LGBTQ community in the independent film world.”

AJ Mattioli is a Queens born, NYC based, Trans Producer/Director with 16+ years in the entertainment industry. After production on the acclaimed documentary "Words" (2018), a film that challenges and explores identity (available on Dekkoo and SVTV), he decided to have Mattioli Productions advocate for the LGBTQ+ community through by dedicating a portion of profits to charities.

His work has been celebrated at the Queens Museum, The United Nations, The NY Times, The Advocate, Huffington Post, Gay Star News and several others!

As the go-to Trans Producer for queer filmmaking, nightlife performance documentation, and LGBTQ+ podcasts, he’s worked with some of the hottest LGBTQ+ celebs, including Sasha Velour, Tym Moss, Bob The Drag Queen, Cory Wade, Rain Dove, Vincent DePaul, and many more.
2019 credits will include the queer slasher "Killer Unicorn"(released by Indican/Lionsgate), the suspenseful short "Role of a Lifetime" , and the short love story "Neon Boys" . 2020 will bring a #MeToo focused thriller "Guys at Parties Like It".

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a Director/Producer I am always looking for a great script to come across my desk. "Neon Boys" came across my desk and it filled me with surge of emotions, from deep love to hardening sorrow. "Neon Boys" is based on true event of lead actor, Jonathan Salazar (Ricky) and you can feel that through the performance. It is truly a tribute to gay love, gay heartache, and the human struggle for self love.
-AJ Mattioli