Josh Brolin Produces Documentary on Punk Past

The actor is working with filmmaker Amy Berg to chronicle his time in the teenage punk band Cito Vice Squad.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Documentary

Josh Brolin Produces Documentary on Punk Past

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Actor Josh Brolin is developing a documentary film centered on his teenage years in the punk band Cito Vice Squad. He is collaborating with director Amy Berg to capture the history of the Los Angeles punk scene.

Why it matters

The project documents the origins and development of early hardcore punk groups like Rich Kids On LSD, a band formed by former Cito Vice Squad members. It serves as a historical account of the regional scene from which many influential artists emerged.

The documentary explores the legacy of Rich Kids On LSD, which released a debut EP in 1984 and a first full-length album in 1985. The band experienced significant history, breaking up in 1989 before eventually reforming in 1992.

The players

Josh Brolin

He is an American actor known for his roles in major motion pictures and is producing this documentary project.

Amy Berg

She is an acclaimed filmmaker and director who is collaborating with Brolin on the production.

Jason Sears

He was a founding member of Cito Vice Squad and a member of the hardcore punk band Rich Kids On LSD.

Richard Manzullo

He was a member of the hardcore punk band Rich Kids On LSD who passed away in 2005.

The details

Josh Brolin formed Cito Vice Squad alongside Jason Sears while growing up in Santa Barbara. The upcoming film features interviews exploring the broader Los Angeles punk culture that fueled the rise of groups like Rich Kids On LSD.

Timeline

  1. 1984: Rich Kids On LSD released their debut EP.

  2. 1985: The band released their first full-length album.

  3. 1989: The band broke up.

  4. 1992: A version of the band reformed.

  5. 2005: Members Richard Manzullo and Jason Sears died.

Industry Dynamics

This project follows a growing trend of cinematic retrospectives focused on the 1980s Los Angeles hardcore punk scene. It highlights a shift in industry interest toward personal archival narratives that bridge the gap between Hollywood acting careers and underground music history.

Fans of 1980s punk will gain insight into the scene through Brolin's personal archives and interviews. The project aims to bring obscure band histories to a wider audience through a professional documentary format.

The takeaway

This film provides a unique bridge between mainstream film culture and the influential underground punk movement of the 1980s. Aspiring music historians may look forward to the project as a primary source of information regarding the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles music scenes.

Further reading

Learn more about the genre in our Documentary section.

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