New Year, New Medium, New Project!

The first comic book I ever wrote and the franchise that started the entertainment giant that would become Source Point Press, is making his triumphant return in the medium that originally inspired him. The Jack of Spades returns in 2018 in his first ever old time radio show!

Jack of Spades artist, Joshua Werner, dressed up as the masked detective himself

As a kid my grandfather introduced me to the old time radio shows that he had listened to growing up. The Shadow, The Avenger, Green Hornet, and the Lone Ranger sparked my imagination and would later lead to my love of comic books.

There has been talk about bringing JoS to the airwaves (or in this day and age, iTunes) since the first issue of the comic was released in 2013 at the Motor City Comic Con. 

Finally, the noir detective returns to the medium that inspired him. The first episode will be based on the prose story that was featured in Alter Egos Volume I and the Jack of Spades trade paperback, A Wild Card. Original artist, Joshua Werner voices JoS and actress Krissi Kinney plays Allysa Desmond, a rich debutante that hires Jack to investigate the strange goings on at her mansion.

Keep an eye out for the first episode, Lonely Tower Lives, to be released the Summer of 2018 on podcast platforms (Stitcher, Soundcloud, iTunes, etc)

Showbiz by Charles Bukowski

The international film project I worked on a few months ago is edited and on tour at film festivals around the world. I am very honored to have been part of it and to represent the U.S. in this international indie film. All the teams did an amazing job filming their scenes and the man behind it all, Erik Ros, is a genius.

Our team here in the metro Detroit area was a dream to work with. Krissi Kinney organized everything and cast our extras. Stephen Florentine did very well directing and Warren Jackson proved to be a brilliant actor.

I can't wait for my next project with these talented individuals.

Showbiz Filming

At the Sunrise 45 Film Festival in Alpena, MI. I had the pleasure of meeting Erik Ros, an independent filmmaker from the Netherlands. He was very impressed with the work Warren Jackson and I did on UFO: The Otis Files as well as the amazing work Krissi Kinney and Stephen Florentine did on their film, Replicator, so he invited us to become part of a multi-national film project he was working on called Showbiz. 

The film is based on a poem by Charles Bukowski. It follows the trials and tribulations of starving actors from several nations. Our team was tasked with depicting an American actor (played by Warren Jackson) as he preps for an audition with a casting agent (played by Krissi Kinney). We filmed our scenes on September 22 and 23rd in and around Rochester Hills, Michigan. 

Filming was an amazing experience. I'm so proud to have been a part of this project with other teams from around the world and to work with an innovative filmmaker like Erik. I've seen a couple rough cuts of the film and it looks amazing! I can't wait to see the audience's response at film festivals next summer.

Sunrise 45 Film Festival

The film I wrote, UFO: The Otis Files, was shown at the Sunrise 45 Film Festival in Alpena, MI. This was my first film festival and it was a blast! I got to see some amazing independent films and got to do some great networking. Also, it was great hanging out with the film's lead actress, Krissi Kinney and director Warren Jackson. 

One of the best things about attending the film festival was getting to talk with other filmmakers. Warren, Krissi, our associate Steve, and I were offered to take part in an international indie film project that we'll be filming at the end of September. The Sunrise 45 Film Festival was an amazing experience and I can't wait to be there next year as well.

UFO: The Otis Files World Premiere

Now that I've recovered from the premiere of UFO: The Otis Files I figured I would post my thoughts on that amazing night.

First off, WOW! A lot of people showed up for the premiere. The theater was almost full which was awesome because I thought we wouldn't even have come close to filling all those seats. It was amazing to feel all the support from our family, friends, fans and Kickstarter backers. We even had to start the movie a half hour later than scheduled because there was a line to buy tickets and everyone wanted pictures with the actors. Also, I loved seeing how excited the cast and crew were to have a premiere for their movie. They are the greatest group of people I've ever had the pleasure to work with and I'm glad that we got to have such an incredible night.

The movie itself was very well received. The audience really got the humor of the film and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Later on, we had an after party at a nearby Bar & Grille. From what I remember, everyone had a lot of fun.

Here are some photos from the premiere: