Film Review: Sinners and Saints (2010)

By: Kristine Orlob-Radford 

Last week I was looking for a distraction from my current studies when I was reminded by my Facebook feed that ‘Sinners and Saints’ (2010) a film Written by William Kaufman and Jay Moses and Directed by William Kaufman was out on Blue Ray and DVD. So I headed out to my local video store with one mission…to procure this disk for a private afternoon screening at my house.

‘Sinners and Saints’ takes place in New Orleans and centers around two police detectives, Sean Riley, played by Johnny Strong, and Will Ganz, played by Kevin Phillips. These detectives come together to investigate several brutal murders, thought to be related to gang crime, but as the investigation moves forward they are led down another path leading to crimes of a more horrific nature.

The action in this film is fantastic. There are gun fights, cars, foot chases, knife fights, a little something for everyone and all of which are intense enough to keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire film. But what caught my attention was the dramatic element of the film.

William Kaufman was able to develop multiple story lines between and within the characters and capture the performances delivered by the amazing cast, which also includes: Costas Mandylor, Sean Patrick Flanery, Tom Berenger, Method Man, Kim Coates, and Bas Rutten, just to name a few. No character was too over the top nor was the action out of character for the film. It all complimented each other while moving the story forward. Not an easy job when you think about it. You may be thinking ‘why is this such a big deal?’ well it is a big deal because so many police dramas don’t get this far. The police drama sits on a precarious fence where it could get knocked off and land into two possible worlds. One being the over dramatic rent a cop movie the other a comedic super dudes flick. Only if the filmmaker can find the right balance of action and drama for their film can they land on the fence and maintain that edgy action filled realism needed to hold the audience in the police drama that ‘Sinners and Saints’ accomplishes. 

William Kaufman combines great story telling with exciting action sequences and gives us a thrilling police drama. ‘Sinners and Saints’ an original film by William Kaufman…I recommend it.

Sinners and Saints on Facebook Here

Hostage - Official Movie Trailer

The Paranormal has just become real

Synopsis:
A story about Eugene (Holt Boggs), a man dealing with a personal tragedy of his family’s death by living at the vacation cabin that they last stayed, only to discover he’s completely snowbound. During Eugene’s desperate attempts to dig himself out, he discovers he’s not alone.

Hostage
Starring: Holt Boggs, Liz McGeever, George Katt
Director: Mike Yurinko

Studio: Batpig Pictures

Fighter-Actress-Producer, Francesca Zappitelli - Interview

Fighter-Actress-Producer, Francesca Zappitelli

Francesca Zappitelli is as a fighter and actress/producer. Francesca recently directed and produced and starred in a short called “Frankie”. She started under development with WWE, then did the Indie circuit; and New Japan - which combines pro wrestling with real shoot fighting. She also starred in an all female show - The Girlie Girl Cat fight Show. Francesca has a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and she is also certified in teaching yoga. Francesca found the need to be constructively creative and started her own production company. She recently took time out of her busy schedule to chat with me about her career.

Who or what inspired you to become a fighter?

I've always been fiercely competitive and athletic. I was at a crossroad in my life where I felt really vulnerable and small. The thought of upbuilding myself with strength and skill was exactly what I needed and thus led me to pursue the training to be a pro fighter.

You have a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and extensive wrestling experience. Do you have a preference for one sport over the other? And, do you still practice BJJ? 

I love BJJ because it's a physical chess game. Figuring out how to get out of one hold and what moves to set up in order to get your checkmate. 

I also think every women should know basic Jiu Jitsu. If they're ever attacked, heaven forbid, they know how to get someone much larger off of them and run away to safety.

Presently I'm more into boxing. It's a great workout and a new skill set I'd like to sharpen.

What lead you to become an actress and producer?

I'm not the kind of person who sits around and waits to see how life unfolds. I much rather go make something happen. By becoming a producer, I've learnt the business of acting and have the power to make my acting dreams come true.

As for acting, since I was a little girl it was my favorite thing to do. I used to dress my brother up and we'd perform skits I wrote for my parents. To this day, acting is still my favorite thing to do. They say if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. That's my goal!

Do you consider yourself a fighter first and foremost or an actress/producer? Does one take precedent over the other in your life?

To live a successful life you've got to have a warrior spirit. I'll always be a fighter first because that mentality and discipline will help me win in acting, producing, and anything else I choose to do.

What do you think the public's perception is of female fighters? What would you like people to know about female fighters?

I think female fighting has come along way, yet it still has along way to go. I'd love to see equality in the pay rate between male and female fighters. In the fight game, women are still in the fifties; lucky to make a quarter of what their male equivalents make and that's just not right!

You worked on a project called “Ballerina I’m Not”. It’s the story of the journey of three women finding their way in a male dominated fight industry. Please share with us why you felt it important to make this project?

It's predominantly a boys club in the fight world. When I first started BJJ eleven years ago, I was the only girl in the Dojo, and the same thing at UPW- the University of professional wrestling. Women have to work harder to be taken seriously. I made 'Ballerina I'm Not' to show the world what it's like to walk a mile in the shoes of women who want to fight and shine a spotlight on them.

You recently directed, produced and starred in a short called “Frankie". What can you share with us about this new project? 

It's a narrative story of a girl named Frankie and her journey to find herself. There's definitely a big part of myself in the story and a character that everyone can relate to.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey thus far?

I've really become comfortable in my own skin and seeing myself grow is really rewarding. I'm living my dream; I'm one happy gal.

What other projects do you have in the works?

I'm in preproduction for a sci-fi Creature Feature, Embryo. It's X Files meets 24 in a nutshell. The alien in it is totally awesome!!!!

Francesca Zappitelli's Website: www.francescazappitelli.com

"Ballerina I'm Not" Website:  www.ballerinaimnot.com

Actor Kevin Chapman - Truly "A Person of Interest"

Actor Kevin Chapman

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Chapman's Official Facebook Page

I recently had the opportunity to chat with actor Kevin Chapman. Kevin's resume boasts diverse credits in both television and film. He was a series regular on the award-winning Showtime television series, "Brotherhood". Kevin also had recurring roles in "Lost", "Rescue Me", and "24". Among his numerous film credits are roles in "Ladder 49", "Sunshine Cleaning", and in the Academy Award-nominated films "Mystic River", "21 Grams", "The Cider House Rules" and "In The Bedroom".


Being a fan of Clint Eastwood's, I could not pass up the opportunity to ask Kevin about his experiences working on the film "Mystic River" with Mr. Eastwood. Kevin said that Clint is a professional who knows what he wants from a project and is also generous with his actors.


Kevin is currently starring in the CBS hit crime-thriller show, Person Of Interest (POI). The show is the brain child of two very talented minds, Jonathan Nolan and J.J. Abrams. POI follows the story of a presumed dead former-CIA agent who teams up with a mysterious billionaire to prevent violent crimes by suing their own brand of vigilante justice. Chapman plays Detective Lionel Fusco, a bad cop who gets a chance to make amends. 


Kevin speaks of his fellow POI cast members with professional respect and describes them as unique individuals who bring a strong and varied back ground of work experience to the show.


I asked Kevin what appealed most to him about the character of Detective Lionel Fusco, he told me he enjoyed the complexity and dual nature of the character. Kevin does not define the Fusco character as either good or bad; his true nature is left to the interpretation of each viewer.


One of the things that interests me as a viewer is to know if an actor wants to see a particular storyline or situation develop for their character. Kevin says that as an actor he prefers to enjoy the journey and not know too much in advance about what will happen to his character. 


There was no coaxing Kevin to divulge any information about the upcoming episodes of Person Of Interest. POI creator, Jonathan Nolan, had made it clear to the entire cast to keep all information strictly confidential. We will all just have to keep tuned into find out what happens next on Person Of Interest. Certainly not a difficult task as the show is engaging and faced paced enough to keep our interests going for a long time to come.


I asked Kevin if he has more fans recognize him and stop him on the street to ask questions or request an autograph. Also, did he have any unusual fan experiences. He said, thankfully no unusual fan encounters, just an amusing experience during the filming of "Ladder 49". During filming he went into a local dry-cleaners, the person behind the counter thought he was truly a firefighter. Once the person learned he was working on the film, they requested an autograph. Kevin was happy to oblige them, but they then clarified they wanted John Travolta's autograph instead. Kevin chuckled at the memory of the incident.


When asked about other projects Kevin has on the go, he replied that during filming POI there is not much time to take on new projects. However he has a movie he produced, called Lonely Street, that is now out in stores. Lonely Street stars Jay Mohr, Robert Patrick, Joe Mantegna, and is the story of a gullible private detective, who becomes the prime suspect in a tabloid reporter's murder after being hired to snoop on him by a mysterious celebrity.


We are delighted to learn that Person Of Interest was recently nominated and just won a People's Choice Award in the New TV Drama category!!


Love Person Of Interest, then sign-up at CBS' POI Ultimate Fan

Kevin Chapman's Online Outlets:

Official Website
Twitter @POIFUSCO
Official Facebook

Interview with Jamie Benning, creator of Filmumentaries; Star Wars Begins, Building Empire, Returning to Jedi, and Raiding the Lost Ark

Jamie Benning is the creator of Filmumentaries - Star Wars Begins, Building Empire, Returning to Jedi and the soon to be released Raiding the Lost Ark. Jamie recently took time to chat with me about his filmumentary projects.

You are the creator of some fantastic filmumentaries about two iconic film franchises: Star Wars, and Indiana Jones. What inspired you to create these filmumentaries? 

I always felt that DVD commentary tracks could be pushed in the visual as well as the audio arena. I felt that commentary tracks and DVD extras can sometimes be lazy and sanitized. For Star Wars I knew there was plenty of material out there to make something new and different. There was so much disparate material, which if drawn together, would make something that would at the very least be interesting.

Have you had the opportunity to meet and speak with George Lucas or Steven Spielberg? If yes, what are their thoughts on your work?

I haven't heard from the two masters. I hope they see my Filmumentaries for what they are though; love letters to their wonderful films.

Please share with us a bit about the process of making a filmumentary. 

First of all, I lay the entire film on a Final Cut Pro timeline. Then I go about collecting and collating as much material together from books, DVDs, VHS, and online resources. It is then a matter of deciding which parts to use, and which parts to omit to create a story. With this project the narrative I wanted to create is about Lucas being at the top of his game and Spielberg trying to prove the point that he can shoot a film within budget and within time. He had quite a lot to prove to the studios after the cost of Close Encounters and the time spent on 1941.

Which software programs and/or computer gadgets do you use to collate and edit your material?

I use an Apple Macbook and iMac running FCP7. I also use MPEG Streamclip, Compressor, Photoshop and After Effects.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenge in making a filmumentary? 

The challenge is to use material that is already available, to make something new and interesting, not only for the casual viewer but also for the avid fan. I have been accused of just ripping off other peoples work and putting it in a different order. But quite often that is how a documentary is made. The wonderful film Senna is an example of how a person can make an emotional and interesting piece by using only archive footage along with contemporary interviews. Obviously my Filmumentaries are in a different format. But I hope that with the combination of old and new material, some of which I will have created myself, that I can create a new way of looking at and enjoying a film. I also think the format can add life to films that have been parodied, copied and for want of a better phrase, done to death.

What are the most valuable things you have learned from undertaking your filmumentary-making journey?

I am pleased to say that whilst I really made the Star Wars one's for a small online forum and myself, I was so humbled to get such a huge amount of positive feedback from so many people. Since February 2011, not a single day has passed that I haven't had a kind email from somebody who has enjoyed my Filmumentaries.

Watch Jamie's Filmumentaries, read interviews, and more at: http://filmumentaries.com/

Sean Patrick Flanery: The Man Who Transforms On Screen

By Lynn Tackitt
People who follow television shows or the movies almost always have their favorite actors or actresses that they enjoy watching and they follow their careers to see what they are doing next. Some of us follow what they do and where they go more closely by following them on Twitter or Facebook or go to see them at Comic Cons if they are doing an appearance. Is there anything wrong with that? I would say, no, if it is done respectfully and not to the point of needing a restraining order.

I have watched movies, with some of my favorite actors/actresses in them, just because they are in them. Sometimes I might be disappointed but I support them by going anyway. A lot of times I see that actor/actress playing that part, although believable in the role I don’t often see them “become” the role. I have also sat through movies with some actors/actresses I don’t care for, that the movies went on to be classic. To be truthful, those actors/actresses weren’t the reason they were a good film. The script carried it; the lines that were written could have carried a trained chimp.

Every now and then you will see a movie and realize that you have seen that actor before but it might take you a minute to remember where you have seen them and then a few more minutes to remember their name. Is it because of their acting? Is their acting so bad they weren’t memorable? I don’t think so. I think it’s because these are the few actors/actresses that actually become the role. You don’t see an actor in the role; you see the character that was written, in the film.

Sean Patrick Flanery is one of these actors. From the beginning small roles in “The Grass Harp” and “Frank & Jesse”, he’s not just an actor with a small role, he is the character in these films that you see briefly. When Mr. Flanery was in “The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones” I never saw Sean as Indiana Jones, I saw a young inexperienced, passionate young man becoming the man, Henry “Indiana” Jones, Jr. I have watched him become “Powder” and wrap himself so much in that character that you can forget you are watching a film with an actor and feel what the character is going through and who that character is.

He can become a tormented person who has lost his love “Zack & Reba”, to a no nonsense business man who opens himself up to love in “Simply Irresistible” and a hopeless romantic in “A Crush On You” to a very bad man in “Citizen Jane” and “Sinners & Saints” and a corrupt politician in the series “The Dead Zone” and his most recognizable role as an Irish brother who seeks justice with his brother in “The Boondock Saints”.

Sean becomes these people in these films, where you believe the characters and believe in the characters.

Out of a career, which spans over 20 years, there have only been a few films that didn’t leave me wanting to see it over and over again but it was scripting not the acting. He puts himself into each and every role and you can see the work. Often, at the end of the film you will once again realize, that Sean, the actor, was in the film, because once the story begins it is no longer Sean on the screen, but the character that he brings to life.

I look forward to all his upcoming work to get the chance to see what characters and storylines adventures he will take me on, because to watch Mr. Flanery on screen is always a wonderful journey.

Old School New School - Documentary Film Review

Poster courtesy Blue Dog Productions, Inc.

And Where A Great And Unique Man Speaks Small Men Should Keep Silence - Franz Xaver Kappus

Old School New School, by writer-producer Steven Fischer, is an educational short documentary which explores ‘an artist’s journey’.  The documentary is comprised of three homologous themes: Finding your Own Voice, Security versus Risk, and Defining Success in the Arts.

Steven Fisher conducts engaging interviews with ten accomplished artists in order to chronicle each of their experiences and opinions in regards to each of the three stated themes.  

The interviewees include Emmy®-winning actor Brian Cox (King Lear, X-Men, Manhunter), Tony Award-winning producer Emanuel Azenberg (Rent, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Lost in Yonkers), Oscar®-nominated cinematographer William Fraker ASC, BSC (Bullitt, Rosemary’s Baby, WarGames, Tombstone), Grammy-winning jazz pianist McCoy Tyner (My Favorite Things, Sahara, Illuminations), Accomplished actor Tomas Arana (CSI, 24, Law & Order, Tombstone, Gladiator), Renowned cinematographer John Bailey, ASC (The Big Chill, American Gigolo, The Accidental Tourist), Actor-turned-Congressman Ben Jones (Dukes of Hazzard), Acclaimed theater actor and professor Sam McCready, Distinguished poet James Ragan (Too Long a Solitude, In the Talking Hours), Award-winning improvisational dancer Kirstie Simson.

Some of the key points I distilled from watching the documentary are:

• Be honest with yourself
• Be willing to make sacrifices and take (smart) risks 
• There is not just one path to success 
• You are the person who defines your own success. 

I asked the filmmaker about his choice of title for the documentary, not that I found the title to be incongruous, but I wanted a better understanding of how he thought it related to the content of his film. This was Mr. Fischer’s response to my query: “I felt it incorporated each aspect of the movie's overall idea of the younger generation going to the older generation for knowledge: younger, older, and schooling.”

Each interviewee speaks candidly and shares anecdotes that are easily relatable. Although the knowledge they share is not entirely new information to this reviewer; the sage advice is significant and beneficial to hear (whether it’s for the first time or the upteenth time).

Old School New School’s agenda is a well defined at the beginning of the documentary and is cleanly executed. It’s well worth the 33 minutes it takes to watch Old School New School, you will gain a positive insight into the journey of artists.

About The Writer-Producer:

Steven Fischer is a multi-award winning writer/producer noted for artistic and socially conscious storytelling. His credits include Freedom Dance (2007), featuring Mariska Hargitay, as well as documentaries and scripted stories commissioned by: Maryland Public Television/PBS, Nextel, National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, TimeWarner Cable, and AmeriCorps

To learn more about Old School New School, go to: http://www.stevenfischer.net

PATS CATS ETC Founder Chats About Her Upcoming Book About Celebrities And Their Pets

As a person who holds the welfare of animals dear to my heart; I was pleased to chat with the founder of PATS CATS ETC ELDERLY ANIMAL RESCUE. PATS CATS ETC is an animal sanctuary based in Carmarthenshire, West Wales. The sanctuary is dedicated to the care and well being of all types of animals, with particular reference to elderly animals who may otherwise be difficult to home.

When did you first become involved with rescuing animals? 1986

How did Pats Cats Etc become to be, and what is the sanctuary’s directive? 

I started with cat rescue founding a Cats Protection League group in Oxfordshire to help ferals and strays in that area but after six years wanted to expand to help any animal in need so went independently working from a small paddock at home.  Eventually I needed much more room so sold up and moved to a 12 acre small holding in Wales.  The main aim is to help old, sick or terminally ill animals since these are the ones who are always difficult to find placement for.  If a new, forever home comes up then, following stringent home checks, neutering and micro chipping they can be adopted but, failing that, they have a safe home here for life.  However, any animal in trouble is welcome if it is at all possible to find space.  Being entirely voluntary there is no outside funding and it is essential to ensure there is sufficient backing for accommodation, food and veterinary care.  I would like to stress here that any animal coming to Pats Cats Etc who is likely to remain for the rest of its life is given as near to a family environment as possible, not just permanently placed in a kennel or cattery.

How great is the need for animal sanctuaries such as Pats Cats Etc? Has there been an increase in the number of animals in need of a good home since you’ve started your rescue mission? 

Absolutely.  Animals needing help have increased and there is a massive need for sanctuaries.  Far too many animals are put to sleep daily.  As the economic situation and cost of living have expanded then so, too, very noticeably, has the dumping of animals.  

Actor Richard Briers CBE (Doctor Who, Much Ado About Nothing) serves as patron to Pats Cats Etc. How did Mr. Briers become affiliated with the sanctuary? 

Please check these productions, Richard is best known for the series The Good Life.  We first met when I interviewed him to write a profile for Oxon Magazine many years ago.  He had a wonderful rescued dog called Fred at the time.  We kept in touch and this last year he agreed to become our patron.  He has also helped by writing the foreword for my previous two books, A Cat in Every Corner and Sticky Dewi.

Funding for animal rescue and animal care comes from donations and the sale of books you have available on your website. You are currently working on a new book; what details can you share with our readers about this new book? 

This new book is to focus on celebrities who have adopted rescued animals.  The idea is to encourage people to do the same rather than buying from shops, breeders or puppy farms.  There are far too many animals, particularly dogs, who are unwanted and so many put to sleep for lack of a loving home.  The general public are often unaware of this and do not always realize the benefits to themselves as well as the animals, of helping to rescue.  A rescued animal has so much love to give and what you see is what you get by way of behavior.

You already have some celebrity contributors lined up for the book, correct? Would there be any particular celebrity you would love to have contribute to the book?  

Delving into this I have discovered an amazing and pleasing number of well known celebrities who do more than just adopting an animal but who actively support sanctuaries and animal welfare groups.  It is quite difficult to single out one in particular.  People do have their own favorites and like to emulate certain aspects of their life styles and that is what I am hoping the book will encourage more to do.  I am delighted with the response received so far but need many more.  I can only add that anyone, famous or not, who adopts a rescued animal is wonderful in my view. 

If a celebrity wished to contribute to the book, what is the best way for them to connect with you/your sanctuary?  

I do try to keep a low profile with regards to the specific location of the sanctuary to protect the animals in care and to avoid animals being simply dumped on the doorstep in the night, which has happened many times to myself and other rescues.  Visitors are welcome but only by appointment.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           However, if any celebrity would be willing to help by contributing to this book then there is the web site: patscatsetc.org.uk, Face book (click on the green logo), email; dixiesmum@btinternet.com or by telephone (appreciating that not everyone is computerized) 01558 669070. The time involved is kept to a minimum, appreciating how busy celebrities are, but I do hope more will come forward. Revenue from the book will go towards expanding Pats Cats Etc to enable more animals to be saved.

PATS CATS ETC ELDERLY ANIMAL RESCUE Website:  www.patscatsetc.org.uk

PATS CATS ETC ELDERLY ANIMAL RESCUE on Facebook

THE BOONDOCK SAINTS’ GRAPHIC NOVEL TO LAUNCH ON NOV. 21ST WITH A SIGNING AT LOS ANGELES BARNES & NOBLE

LOS ANGELES, California---November 8, 2011 

TROY DUFFY and J.B. LOVE - the writers behind The BOONDOCK SAINTS' initial foray into comics will be signing the collected GRAPHIC NOVEL edition at BARNES & NOBLE in LOS ANGELES and they’re bringing DAVID DELLA ROCCO as well! 

TROY DUFFY’s original BOONDOCK SAINTS film is one of the most successful independent movies of all time, with a fiercely devoted fan base - with nearly 5 million online followers of the franchise.  With the hit comic series "IN NOMINE PATRIS", creator/writer/director TROY DUFFY launched the first "Saints" story to take place outside the iconic films.  Written by Duffy and comic scribe J.B. LOVE, the comic series is the perfect companion to the films. 

The story masterfully interweaves the events of the BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY with brand new material to reveal the secret history of the original saint, NOAH MACMANUS (IL DUCE) as he wages a bloody war against 1960's New York's Underground Crime world.  The storyline is intercut with brand new adventures of the BROTHERS MACMANUS  (The Boondock Saints) doing what they do best; doling out their special brand of justice to those that deserve it.  "In Nomine Patris" brings a new chapter of the Saints saga to life while revealing the family legacy that created this trio of "Shepherds".  

Featuring a forward by Connor MacManus himself - actor, SEAN PATRICK FLANERY - Join Troy Duffy and his comics team in this thrilling new Saints Adventure by pre-ordering the collected edition. This special trade paperback collects all six comic issues, never before seen art, a cover gallery, behind the scenes sketches and more.  This is the collection the fans have been waiting for! 

BARNES & NOBLE will HOST the first signing of the Graphic Novel before it’s available in stores!  The FIRST 200 Guests will Receive a FREE COPY of the Exclusive Comic, “THE LOST GIG” starring fan favorite, ROCCO.  The FIRST 100 GUESTS will also receive a FREE BOONDOCK SAINTS POSTER. 

The Signing is November 21^st at 7pm at the BARNES & NOBLE at THE GROVE at Farmers Market (189 Grove Drive Suite K 30, Los Angeles, CA 90036.  The Store Phone Number is 323-525-0270.)  For Additional Event Information please visit http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/74348 
 

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About BOONDOCK SAINTS

Boondock Saints, LLC is the official marketing, promotion and communication arm for all things “Boondock.”  The company creates and produces special events for the growing community of Boondock Saints fans worldwide, manages media inquiries and requests for personal appearances and operates two websites: www.boondocksaints.com and www.boondockstore.com to provide the public with a dynamic interactive forum for discussion and user-generated content along with instant access to updated information about the films (The Boondock Saints and The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day,) related music, merchandise and a variety of other creative developments in progress.   Follow the Boondock Saints on Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/boondocksaintsfans  

About INNFUSION

INNFUSION is a creative ideas company.  Founded by Eben Matthews in 1997, the company creates, develops and produces a wide variety of content across multiple platforms and delivery systems. The companies current focus is largely in the entertainment industry the production of The Boondock Saints comic series, pioneering the Motion Comics arena (as half owner of production company, M2) and developing and producing original entertainment properties designed for exploitation across multiple mediums.  Additionally INNFUSION’s creative services division designs and creates branding, advertising and interactive media for companies such as Nike, Met Life, Konami, Disney, THQ, Target and many others.  For more information please visit www.INNFUSION.com or email Hello@INNFUSION.com  

About the Publisher

12-Gauge Comics was founded by Keven Gardner in 2004 and currently publishes some of the most successful and critically acclaimed independent comic books in the marketplace today.  12-Gauge members Jason Pearson, Brian Stelfreeze, Cully Hamner, and Doug Wagner are creating new and innovative multi-media concepts for the company, including Pearson’s run-away hit BODY BAGS and THE RIDE, which was the top-selling black and white debut comic of the year in 2004.  12-Gauge solidified its position as a force to be reckoned with by packaging THE O.C.T. (Occult Crimes Taskforce), an original comic book concept co-created and starring actress ROSARIO DAWSON. THE O.C.T. has been featured on “The Today Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “Access Hollywood,” and in many other media outlets.  In 2009 12-Gauge began publishing under its own banner (prior titles were through Image Comics), starting with the company's first licensed property, THE BOONDOCK SAINTS: The Comic Series -- which made a major splash. The all-new stories by series creator/director TROY DUFFY exposed the 12-Gauge brand to an all-new audience. 12-Gauge then moved into the untapped market of country music with superstar recording artist TRACE ADKINS. In LUKE MC BAIN, Adkins lends his likeness to a hard-as-nails character in an adventure story of revenge and redemption. Trace went on a wide publicity tour for the comics; highlights being a guest appearance on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and a feature story in “USA Today”. Recently, 12-Gauge launched the high-concept series MAGUS, R.P.M. (from NYT #1 Bestselling author MICK FOLEY), the border drama ICE, and the critically acclaimed southern-crime-romance, LOOSE ENDS. For more information, please visit www.12gaugecomics.com or email info@12gaugecomics.com 

Interview with the cast of “Off The Boulevard”

Interview by Lynn Tackitt

Recently I watched a film called “Off The Boulevard” written and directed by Jeff Santo. Mr. Santo has done other films like “This Old Cub” and “Jake’s Corner” and he has a unique perspective to the films he does.

As I started watching, I immediately liked the film and throughout the entire film I felt like I knew exactly what they were going through, although in truth, I had never been through any of it. I got ticked off when they weren’t given their due and happy when it looked like it started to go their way and was impressed with all they went through but still stayed the course of their dream.

Five of the cast members were nice enough to find time in their busy schedules to answer a few questions for us and give you a little insight to their world.

Entertainment Corner: What first started you on the path, in the industry, that you are on?

Keith Jackson: When I was very young, I was surrounded by music. Most of my family either played an instrument or sang. Long before MTV or Cable television there was radio and radio was magical to me. I would spend hours, late at night, with my little transistor radio, listening to the AM stations in the mid 70’s. A steady stream of wonderful songs from the Beach Boys to Thin Lizzy! This was before there was a ‘set’ pop programming structure so any one station would play just about everything. It was my true source of communication to the world outside of my bedroom.

Bob Rubin: When I was in grade school, I’d always try to make my classmates laugh. When they did, the teacher would always say, “Go stand in the hallway”. When I was in 5th and 6th grade and standing out in the hall, my old first grade teacher, Miss Minor, would come out and take me into her classroom to tell stories to the first graders and help them learn to read. The hallway in this little red brick schoolhouse was my first Green Room.

Sanel Budimlic: Jeff asked me to play a part in ‘Jake’s Corner’. Other than that, I knew I had a passion for movies and never thought I’d be a part of it.

Nick Nicholson: My father was a drummer in a few rock bands which stirred the interest… and I never stopped wanting to be a rock star.

Troy Duffy: I needed an outlet, a release valve of sorts, for my crappy life at the time. Writing was it.

EC: What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Keith Jackson: Having to make a living and also continue to create! Don’t get me wrong, I made a lot of money and sold a lot of records into the 80’s with various bands like Shock Therapy, The Beat Angels and many others, but, the days of landing the ‘elusive’ record contract are long gone. There’s so much more now. It’s not just about the music craft so much as it is marketing and the bottom line on the corporate machine and media blitz that now controls popular music. It has become cookie cutters and soulless digital instrumentation. Pre-fabricated if you will. The younger audiences are fed a steady stream of shit. They no longer make up their own minds about what they want to listen to or buy. They are barraged with what the industry wants them to absorb and seem to mindlessly follow fashion ad music trends set in motion by huge multimedia gargantuan companies. I run into kids who get it and they are seeking out music in the underground and making those choices for themselves. It’s refreshing to see.

Bob Rubin: If you’re speaking strictly about the industry, the biggest challenge is not letting it get to you. They will beat you down and beat you away time and time again, but, so what. You always have to remember that you have a real and complete life to live, your own life. Remember your family and friends and the fun you have. As for the rest of it, you have to stay in love with what you do and never quit.

Sanel: Going to all those auditions.

Nick: Obviously, the business, trying to wade through the bullshit of liars and thieves and still continue to stay true to what you love and believe in, because if you can do that it separates you from the industry bottom feeders, eventually, I’m told! Hahaha

Troy: Dealing with the politics of this business.

EC: Is there someone in the industry that you would like to work with and why?

Keith: I’ve worked with many of my teenage heroes and I’ve been lucky that way, but I’d have to say Bruce Springsteen! The reasoning is simple, he has continued to crank out good music, not all of it, but his longevity in never changing himself or the sounds he creates. Staying true to his influences and his beliefs musically. He never bent in the wind of pop cultures fickle breeze.

Bob: I’m not really sure. Being a person who is not in a position to pick and choose right now, I just want to work, period. But to answer your question, I’d say Steve Martin and Bill Murray. They were both heavy influences on me since I was a teenager, and they’ve always made me laugh really hard. Oh, and I’d also like to do a short film, or an animated show the The Pope.

Sanel: Clint Eastwod, Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott or Michael Mann because they make great films.

Nick: I would have to say Toby Keith because he’s a true rebel in the Country Music side of things plus he showed up to one of my shows New Years Eve 2010/11 and asked if he could sit in. Of course I said, “Hell, yeah” Besides that, he didn’t treat me as a nobody in the industry because of not having a record deal. He has stayed true to what he believes in and doesn’t care what anyone on the upper management scene says, It’s ALL about the people who Love Music!

Troy: Clint Eastwood. I don’t know how this would happen since we’re both directors. Eastwood uses the same crew every time. I would love to see that and pick his brain. Maybe just follow him around on a set for a couple of days.

EC: What is your next project that you are lining up?

Keith: Trying to release the new ‘Glass Heroes’ CD, produced by legendary punk pioneer Rat Scabies of ‘The Damned’.

Bob: I’m shooting a stand-up performance DVD in Phoenix, Arizona that will be produced and directed by the great Jeff Santo, who did ‘Off The Boulevard’. I’m also working on producing a trailer for a children’s show I wrote called, ‘Adventures In Vervetown’.

Sanel: Jeff and I finished writing ‘Made In Bosna’ and now we are trying to get it made. I started a website with the same name, www.madeinbosna.com , so people can go and see what it is all about and get a little of my culture.

Nick: Shoot, I’m just trying to get through this one.

Troy: “The Blood Spoon council” It’s a story about a vigilante group that hunts down serial killers.

EC: What is the most memorable thing that has happened to you?

Keith: Which of the thousands would you like to hear? Lol Becoming acquainted with my personal and late icon Joe Strummer of ‘The Clash’.

Bob: Professionally speaking, it was doing a stand-up in front of 40,000 people at an out door comedy show in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, back in the 80’s. When I walked out on stage, they all started chanting, “RUUUBE!” It was a trip. Personally speaking, it was meeting my girlfriend. I met her in Toronto when I was there filming Boondock Saints II. That’s also when I met Jeff Santo, but Jeff and I didn’t hit it off romantically, we’re good friend though.

Sanel: Being alive to answer these questions and having a family.

Nick: Has got to be Toby Keith sitting in with me. I sang one of his mega hits ‘Whiskey Girl’ with him playing guitar on the same stage. I don’t think I will be forgetting that anytime soon. Haha!

Troy: A seagull crapped in my eye once.

EC: Would you like to add anything else gentlemen?

Keith: I’d like to quote something Joey Ramone once said to me back stage in Detroit.” Just keep doing what you do, eventually you’ll get there”. Cheers to that!

Bob: Yes, of course. Please buy a copy of ‘Off The Boulevard’. If you’re wondering when your dream will come true and your faith is wavering a bit, watch this movie and you’ll be inspired to stay the course and you’ll be reminded that there’s no room to doubt yourself. Oh, and about your dream, it will probably come true tomorrow. Keep the Faith.

Sanel: Once again, please go to www.MadeInBosna.com, check it out.

Nick: I have a kickass music video that was shot by Santo Films!!!! Woohoo!

Troy: Bacon. It makes everything a little better.

If you would like to get to know more about the cast of ‘Off The Boulevard’, you can order a copy at www.santofilms.com. Check it out and you might want to check out some of the other wonderful films done by Jeff Santo, and start following along with some extremely talented men.

Interview with Jeff Santo “Off The Boulevard”

Interview by Lynn Tackitt

For those of us who follow movies and like to know more about the actors and actresses and the background stories, often the most hidden of jewels in the movie industry is not the major blockbuster, big time movie exploits and commercials shoved down our throats, but the ideas and visions of the independent film makers. Often on a small budget, but that is just where their hard work begins. They have to delve deep down inside them to get that vision across to the moviegoer in creative but effective ways. The independent filmmaker does not have the luxury or a huge budget and you know what? That’s what makes their films even better, the fact that you focus on the storyline and the ride they take you on while you get to sit back and be taken along on their journey.

A little while ago, I watched a documentary called “Off The Boulevard” a Jeff Santo documentary. I’m not usually one for documentaries as they tend to drone on and I never really “get” the feel of the film. So I was not only shocked but also pleasantly surprised that this film not only got my attention and kept it but I felt like I was right there with these gentlemen on their personal journeys.

Mr. Santo tells the life stories and struggles of seven men (including himself) on their dreams, visions, struggles and obstacles that they have had to overcome and what they have to deal with in order to live their dream. It’s edited in a way that I never got bored and I was anxious to see what that person was going to say next. He had a story to tell, but it’s not just about the trials and tribulations of just these men, but of people like them and trying to get themselves heard. The independent filmmakers of the world, like Jeff Santo, are interesting, talented and have dreams and stories to tell that we should not miss out on.

He took time out of his schedule to answer some questions for us so we could get to know him and his projects a little better.

ENTERTAINMENT CORNER: How did you first get involved in the film business?

JEFF: Back in 1987 I helped train John Cusack for the baseball film, Eight Men Out. He got me a small part in the film where I hit into a double play for the St. Louis Browns. It was great to be on the set and watch John Sayles direct. I took it all in. everything. I said to myself, "I'm going to do this one day". So after that experience I went to the library and got as many books as I could on filmmaking and screenwriting... and studied the craft for the next several years. Film schools weren't available like they are today, so I had to learn or at least try to learn the craft on my own. My first real experience was a stage play I wrote, produced, and directed in 1992. It was hard to make films back then so I decided to write a play just to see how an audience would react to my writing and directing. It was a sobering experience to say the least but it definitely got me hooked... then I moved to Los Angeles in 1994 and directed my first film in 1997.

EC: Has your career gone the way you expected?

JEFF: I have written a lot of screenplays over the years and the ones I've been fortunate to make into films never go the way you expected. Most writers map out their careers as if they're writing a screenplay about it... I'll make this film, then this film, and then shoot the next one on some exotic Island. Good luck! So the answer is "no", it hasn't gone the way I expected. But I have become a better writer, better director, and better person by learning how to deal with things in this business when they don't go the way you expected. Filmmaking is an art form that requires many experienced artists to participate, in sync, to create a quality film. The road to that experience does not have signs pointing to a destination of expectations.

EC: What filmmakers have inspired you?

JEFF: I grew up in a Major League Baseball Clubhouse, my dad played for the Chicago Cubs. My brother and I always hung out with him during the summer so my childhood was like a great kid's movie, hanging out with all these famous cool athletes. So I guess I was always fascinated by directors who dealt with interesting and powerful men. Like Martin Scorsese, Michael Mann, Barry Levinson. Scorsese dealt with the tortured man. Mann dealt with the lone, isolated man. Levinson dealt with the group of man, friends. All these kind of men were in that baseball clubhouse I hung out in when I was a kid. So I guess I could relate to their characters, they seemed familiar to me. They all had different filmmaking styles, and I after studied their films all their different styles made sense to me. Your main characters are everything when it comes to making a film. Your tone and style of the film is really determined by the presence and evolution of your main character(s). These great filmmakers inspired me to move forward in finding my main character.

EC: What inspires you to do your next projects?

JEFF: Usually my previous project somehow and in someway inspires me to my next project. "This Old Cub" led me to make "Jake's Corner". There was this guy in Arizona who was inspired by watching This Old Cub and decided to walk from Prescott Arizona to Wrigley Field in honor of my father and This Old Cub to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a foundation my dad has raised over 60 million for the past thirty years. I wound up meeting this person in the town of "Jake's Corner", one of his stops along his journey that was in the Arizona mountains. I fell in love with this little town and wrote a story about it. That became my next film. I made Off The Boulevard because I had such a difficult time in dealing with our distributor on Jake's Corner that it lead me to finally telling the story I had brewing in my mind for years. I had some very interesting random footage over the past ten years on myself and friends of mine in the entertainment business that I started to take a real close look on how I can make this into something. So I forced myself out of pure frustration into a small room, with my girlfriend Christie Collins, for almost two years editing this random footage. Most couples in a room that small for two years would definitely split. We got married. That shows you how much Off The Boulevard means to us. It's like we birthed our own child and her name is Off The Boulevard. Yes, it's a girl.

EC: As your career has advanced, what have been the most difficult obstacles you have had to overcome?

JEFF: Distribution. It's a mess right now for any talented indie filmmaker or musician. My mission is to hopefully spread the word that we need something new for those who have the experience and talent to produce quality film and music. We need to all band together so that we can control the selling of our work. We have all the creative control in making our art but when it comes to selling it, we have none and that's sad and deadly. If you don't get picked up by a studio or major label, which today is becoming harder and harder... they are locking their gates to what they think the public wants. Also, it doesn't help when so many people today think they can be a filmmaker or musician because technology and the Internet gives them access to a public forum. I'm not against that access because there's always a great talent out there that will rise from all this. But unfortunately more inexperienced people will just get in the way, polluting the waters for nothing new and good to be discovered. So we need to find a balance that will give those who have the talent and the experience to have an opportunity to succeed. This is a need that needs to happen. With a new honest distribution system in place to protect the artist, more and more undiscovered talent will have a chance to be found and to flourish. As Slash said on a radio interview, "I don't think Led Zeppelin would make it today".

EC: On your new film,’ Off The Boulevard' why did you choose this group of men? Were you friends before the movie or because good friends during the filming?

JEFF: They were friends of mine. Some I've known for over ten years like Troy, Rocco and Sanel. Some not as long but long enough to know they will always have a special place in my heart as a true friend and true artist. We all fit, it just seemed right. That's why I chose who I chose.

EC: Is there one story or event in your life that you remember above all your experiences?

JEFF: My wedding. I never thought I'd get married and it just happened. That's what's so cool about life... I didn't write that script, someone else did and it turned out to be pretty amazing. Christie and I got married on 10/10/10. That was my father's number, which is retired now and hanging on the left field foul poll in Wrigley Field. My dad was at our wedding just before he passed away and he got a chance to see the rough cut of Off The Boulevard and really liked it. It was even more special when he got a chance to meet all the guys in person at the wedding; it was like he already knew them from what I showed him. He told me to keep making documentaries, that I was good at them.

EC: You had to have admired your father a great deal for you to make such a great film about him. Was your father surprised that you made a film all about him?

JEFF: At first my father was reluctant for me to do a documentary about his life. He was a very humbled man, so it took me about a day to convince him. He was just about to have his second leg amputated so he could be healthy with two prosthetic legs to announce the first Spring Training game. I told him that this film, if you let me tell your story, would inspire millions of diabetics or anyone dealing with a disability. I really believed that because I was so inspired just witnessing everything he was going through. So he said, "let's give it try, but if I don't like what's going on we'll end this in a couple of weeks". It was like he was being a studio head warning me if he sees that I don't know what I'm doing, I'm fired... that was funny. After two weeks he didn't say a thing. I remember when I first showed him the film, he was very quiet, totally focused on everything... sometimes he would let out a smile or a small laugh. He did ask me how I got in his bedroom to shoot him putting on his legs. I was with him so much just helping him out with everything that when it came to filming him he forgot I had a camera in my hands. I think that made the film very natural and realistic. At the end, we were both very proud of the film. This Old Cub changed my life! My dad is my hero, forever!!!

EC: When everyone sees your new film "Off The Boulevard" and reads the articles they are going to see just how busy you are. How many projects do you keep in the hopper at once?

JEFF: If I'm working on a film that's the only project I'm working on until it is finished and into the market place. Being an independent filmmaker, you don't have the luxury to do multiple projects. The ones that say they're working on a number of things means they are working on nothing. I do have projects I plan to do in the future but that future changes all the time. I just hope I have the opportunity to keep making films that move people in some type of way.

EC: Is there anything else you would like to add?

JEFF: Please spread the word to support the independent artists. Without the support from the public, we have no support.

Thank you Jeff, for taking time out of your schedule to let us get to know you a little better. I know I look forward to your next project.

If you would like to order your copy of “Off The Boulevard” go to santofilms.com where if you would like to check out “This Old Cub” and “Jake’s Corner” has recently been added to their site, you won’t be disappointed.