Fans of the Tahoe Joe series are in for a treat as FOUND TV announces the exclusive release of Tahoe Joe: The Ultimate Cut set for Tuesday, February 28th. This special director’s cut, crafted by filmmakers Dillon Brown and Michael Rock, combines both Tahoe Joe and Tahoe Joe 2 into a single film.
To give fans an inside look at what makes this release so special, filmmaker Dillon Brown shared his thoughts on The Ultimate Cut and the journey behind the beloved Tahoe Joe series.
Q: What new elements or changes can fans expect in this special director’s cut?
Dillon: “We have taken both films, shortened each a tad, and cut them together to tell one long story. Because the sequel has a twist that reframes how you watch the first film, it’s a much more fun experience to see both films back to back. Now you can witness the story in one ultimate cut.”
Q: Were there any scenes or moments that you originally had to cut that you were able to include in this version?
Dillon: “Actually, the opposite happened. Because I wanted to package both films together, we trimmed some of the longer scenes from both films to make a smooth flowing story.”
Q: Does the ultimate cut give a different (even if slightly) story? Or is it the same retelling of the story fans have loved?
Dillon: “It really feels like watching both films this way is the definitive way to enjoy the story. It answers a lot of those looming questions from the first film and tells a more complete story this way.”
Q: What was the most challenging part of filming Tahoe Joe? Did those challenges differ between the first and second films?
Dillon: “Anytime you’re filming out in the woods, it’s a challenge. Especially when you’re filming outside and in complete darkness. Dodging tree branches and trying not to fall down a mountain at about 6,000 feet of elevation was definitely a challenge. And then part two, because we are gluttons for punishment, we did it all over again but this time in the dead of winter and feet of snow!”
Q: Were there any particular actors or crew members who played a pivotal role in bringing this story to life?
Dillon: “None of this would have been possible without Michael Rock, who was pivotal in helping me create the first film. I wouldn’t have been motivated to want to make a sequel without his dedication either. And then John Potash, who not only acted in the film but also found us a real wolf to work with, was an instrumental member of the team.”
Q: If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice before starting Tahoe Joe, what would it be?
Dillon: “Don’t be afraid to shoot more footage of your monster, even if it looks silly! I needed more of it eventually and had to do a lot of pickup shots that weren’t in the same exact setting as when we filmed, and it took some serious editing to make it all work. And most of all—stay out of the damn snow! Shooting in those elements was much more of a hassle than it was worth, to be honest.”
Q: The Tahoe Joe series has a passionate fan base. How have they influenced your work or your decision to create this director’s cut?
Dillon: “If it wasn’t for the fans, we wouldn’t have made the sequel, so it’s all for them! We got a lot of comments about the cliffhanger ending of part one and everyone wanted to see what happened next, so we felt a duty to keep telling the story and give some answers.”
Q: Are there any plans for more Tahoe Joe stories in the future, or is this ultimate cut the definitive conclusion?
Dillon: “We are actively in development on Tahoe Joe 3 right now! It’s titled Tahoe Joe 3: Concrete Wilderness, and this time, we are having fun with a The Lost World situation and bringing Joe into the suburbs. I’m very excited to finish out the trilogy and give it a proper ending.”
Q: How has your experience with Tahoe Joe shaped your perspective on filmmaking?
Dillon: “That less can certainly be more. Tahoe Joe and Tahoe Joe 2 have the smallest budgets we have had so far, but those films have yielded the biggest reactions from fans and are the most successful by far. It all comes down to story and characters. I think the true life friendship between Mike and I is really evident on screen and helps to make for a more enjoyable experience for the audience.”
Watch the Premiere on FOUND TV
Don’t miss the exclusive premiere of Tahoe Joe: The Ultimate Cut on FOUND TV Tuesday, February 28th.
Watch free (with-ads), https://foundtv.com