I recently had the honor of speaking with Jose Diaz the director of the upcoming movie Holding The Wire. The movie is a realistic look into the world of paintball including interviews with players, refs, paintball moms, and vendors. While the movie focuses on speedball Diaz has been sure to incorporate how woodsball led to the creation of speedball, which I was personally glad to hear. I am looking forward to watching this simply because I can relate – as can most of you – to the struggles players go through.
The following is a rendition of the interview:
What made you want to start this project (where did the idea come 
from)?
I love making and watching movies. That is what truly inspired me to make Holding The Wire; it was going to the movies. I enjoy films where I can relate to the characters. I like watching those characters go through hardships and accomplish a great deal while overcoming the odds. I thought to myself, if a movie with no previous connection to the audience moves the audience to care for the characters and what they do, then why couldn’t I do the same thing with paintball?
Did one person inspire you to do this?
From the very start of the film I decided not to make my decisions based on what team they played for or at what level their game play was, but rather, whether or not their story and character could relate to an audience. Through the development of character and story I want my audience to be able to make a connection with what is going on. I believe Holding The Wire has something for everyone, whether they are experienced players or they know nothing about paintball, at its very core there are characters struggling through the same things someone else might struggle with. They are just trying to balance that with their passion for the sport.
Why did you cover the speedball aspect of paintball? What about the other side of paintball – woodsball?
The film actually covers both woodsball and speedball. Woodsball is where speedballers come from; it’s where they begin. To not include that part of their life in the film would be to tell only half of their story. However, we do focus more on tournament speedball. Paintball is so huge in scope that I didn’t want the audience to get overwhelmed by going back and forth between the types. I do not believe one is better than the other, I simply chose the one that was a little lesser known and by concentrating on that, we could focus more on story and the characters we meet.
Who are the main people/teams covered in the film?
Holding The Wire is not a highlight film of any one team, career or season. It captures moments and struggles in player’s lives while playing the sport they love.
The film follows me as I go from event to event. Along the way I meet players from different backgrounds and walks of life. There will be interviews of coaches, players, owners, industry personnel, refs, and paintball moms. However, the story does focus more on certain individuals. To name a few – Brandon from the SD pirates, KM from team critical, and Pro players Rusty Glaze, Justin Schwartz, and Chad Busiere.
Once you receive enough funds to complete the project, how long do you think it will take to release the film?
I believe it will take approximately 3 months till the premiere of the film. I am hoping for a Red carpet event in Las Vegas sometime in late October. However, that date is not set in stone. This is important to thousands of people and I want to make sure it’s done right.
Where will the profits of the film go?
All additional profits will go towards future Iacon Pictures productions. Depending on how successful the film is, I would like to sponsor a paintball team.
Due to the costs of traveling and filming Diaz and his production company (Iacon Pictures) are asking for donations from the paintball community to help them complete this movie. If you would like to help you can go to the “Get Involved†section on the films website at: http://www.holdingthewire.com/ or at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/949633770/holding-the-wire-feature-length-paintball-document?ref=card.
The official press release for the film can be found at:
http://www.holdingthewire.com/AboutFilm.html
You can also follow Diaz and the movie on the Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/pages/Holding-The-Wire/176214985732273
The production company can be found at: http://www.iaconpictures.com.
See you guys next time! Kelly “Pistol†Brennan Â
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