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.

Classes, Comics, and Television Shows Oh, My!

Hello Folks,
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile but some amazing opportunities have came about for me.

#Prof Tric
I have been teaching the Ancient Roman and Greek History course at the University of the People every term since I was hired at the beginning of the year. My experience working at the University and the interactions I've had with students has been amazing! I'm really looking forward to continuing my teaching at UoPeople far into the future.

University of the People

#IMakeHistorians
Secondly, I have been contracted at Study.com to write history lessons for them. I am so grateful for the opportunity to develop history courses for others. This is part of the realization of my teaching philosophy, "I make historians," because I will be creating the content that teaches and inspires future historians.

Study.com

History Television Programming
Throughout the summer I have been filming and writing a documentary television series for Amazing Productions that features some of the greatest icons from the American West. This series has been a lot of fun. It's given me the ability to again work with Warren Jackson, the outstanding director of UFO: The Otis Files. We finished the last day of filming for this series so during our wrap party/dinner today we discussed working on a children's television show that would teach kids about (what else) history. We will begin filming that later this month through Warren's production company, Muted Madness Films.

Muted Madness Films

UFO: The Otis Files

History Comics
One of the greatest things to happen recently was that I combined my love for comics with my love of history. As many of you may know, I'm a firm believer in using comics to teach a multitude of subjects especially History so I have written some scripts for American Legend Comics that feature historical figures which should be available for purchase early next year (if not earlier). Also, I was approached about writing a graphic novel set in World War II. I'll keep you informed about this project as it unfolds.


#HistoryHappyHour
I'm proud to announce that I will be presenting a lecture on the History of the Lone Ranger for the Whaley Historic House in Flint, Michigan as part of their History Happy Hour. I have been hoping to become a part of this History lecture series for years so I'm proud to be presenting next month on September 7th at Tenacity Brewing.

Whaley Historic House

Tenacity Brewing

More Writing
I have been writing some articles for a website called Indie Volt that features indie comic book creators. This website has been beneficial in spotlighting some great comics from independent creators that would otherwise go unnoticed by the big media outlets. The staff there have been amazing to work with and welcomed me into the fold with open arms.

IndieVolt.com

Another website that I have been asked to write an article for is Groovy Historian. This has long been my favorite history website for years and it is truly an honor to finally be working with them. My article about the Second Punic War should be on the website by the end of the month.

Groovy Historian

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: