Rex Sikes' Movie Beat

Nick Mancuso Pt 2 and I will continue our discussion on creativity, movies, acting and art and who knows what else will come up in this conversation. The legendary critic Walter Kerr of the New York Times called Mancuso’s performance in Merchant of Venice at Stratford Ontario one of the best interpretations of the role of Bassanio in 250 years. In the late 80’s the Los Angeles Times referred to Mancuso as "A Renaissance Man" and Kevin Thomas called his performance in "Ticket To Heaven" one of the best performances of the decade. He has garnered acting awards in Canada, the U.S.A. and in Europe. He has worked in over 10 countries and in three languages having starred opposite legendary performers such as Sophia Loren, Catherine De Neuve and Charlton Heston. In Hollywood he has been called "an actors actor" and "one of the best" by icon producer Robert Evans, producer of "Chinatown" and "Love Story". In 1983 he was invited to become an associate of the Actors Studio by co-chairman, actor, Martin Landau. During

Tim Moshansky Celebrating his 20th year in the film industry, Tim Moshansky knows a little about how a film or TV show is put together. In 1989 Tim worked on (at that time) the biggest show ever shot in North America, the 16th Century Japanese Samurai epic "Heaven and Earth" (Ten To Chi To). Tim was a "Squad Sergeant" in charge of 40 extras on a film that featured over 2000 foot-soldiers and 500 horses with riders, all in Samurai costumes. Since 1995, Tim has worked as a location scout for dozens of films, commercials and TV series. From the highest rooftops to underground tunnels, and from the grungiest alleyways to the snazziest penthouse apartments and mansions, Tim has scouted it all. In the midst of all this, Tim found the time to write and publish the A to Z Guide to Film Terms, a pocket-sized guide to over 750 terms and phrases used by directors, producers, and film crews. Now in its 4th edition, the book is required reading at many film schools and training centers across Canada and the United S

Reed Martin Pt 1 interviewed for his book are independent film icons Kim Peirce, Terry Zwigoff, Werner Herzog, Doug Liman, Harmony Korine, Atom Egoyan, documentary flimmakers Barbara Kopple, Ken Burns, Ric Burns, and 'Pulp Fiction' producer Lawrence Bender, 'Juno' producer Lianne Halfon, and 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' producer Anthony Bregman, among others. Among the directors that talked with Martin were recent Oscar winner Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire"), Kenneth Lonergan ("You Can Count on Me"), Seth Gordon ("The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters") and Harmony Korine ("Kids"). Since 2001, Reed Martin has taught "Film Marketing, Distribution, and Exhibition," a course he created at Columbia Business School and later developed at NYU's Stern School of Business. The course seeks to teach students how to apply effective film industry marketing and brand-building techniques to the launching and brand-building of traditional consumer products. Reed started work on "The Reel Truth" in 2001 afte

Denis Faye is a screenwriter and journalist who lives in Redondo Beach. He has written for The New York Times, Outside, Wired, Mens Journal, LA Times, Surfer, Los Angeles Magazine, Communication Arts, Written By and the WGA Web site. His script High Midnight is currently optioned to Treasure Entertainment and in production with Mary Lambert directing. A dual citizen of France and the United States, he received a Bachelors Degree in Film Studies from UCSB. Denis Faye returned to the United States after spending five years working as a journalist in Australia and one year backpacking through Europe. He focuses on screenwriting, television writing, and comic book writing while also working as a freelance journalist. Other successes soon followed as producers discovered his knack for generating high concept ideas and his ability to execute those ideas with professionalism. He has developed projects with a diversity of companies and producers, ranging from former Warner Bros.-based producer Clifford Wer

Nick Mancuso Pt 1 In 1982 he won the Genie for his performance in the cult classic "Ticket To Heaven" Three of his films have been inducted into the National Film Review in Washington D.C. as one of the Ten Best Pictures of the Year. The legendary critic Walter Kerr of the New York Times called Mancuso’s performance in Merchant of Venice at Stratford Ontario one of the best interpretations of the role of Bassanio in 250 years. In the late 80’s the Los Angeles Times referred to Mancuso as "A Renaissance Man" and Kevin Thomas called his performance in "Ticket To Heaven" one of the best performances of the decade. He has garnered acting awards in Canada, the U.S.A. and in Europe. He has worked in over 10 countries and in three languages having starred opposite legendary performers such as Sophia Loren, Catherine De Neuve and Charlton Heston. In Hollywood he has been called "an actors actor" and "one of the best" by icon producer Robert Evans, producer of "Chinatown" and "Love Story". In 1983 he was invited to b

John Mendoza acts in movies, on TV, he writes, and performs comedy. He has produced television shows and he tours regularly with other funny man Howie Mandel. In his own words: "Recently, I was told I needed a bio. I never understood the reason for it but I sat down and started to reflect on the last 40 years. There have been so many great moments. There have been moments in the last few years of traveling with Howie Mandel that have been fun, not just on stage and in concert halls but also with him as a friend. I don’t remember which made me more excited the phone call form Jim McCally or the frightening moment on the last week of the Johnny Carson show when my hands had a mind of their own. I remember the time when NBC offered me my own TV show (The Second Half). This is what I have worked so hard for and it was a lot of fun until the day it got cancelled. That stung.I remember getting a SHOWTIME Special and combing the southern California area looking for a location. It was so cool! In 1986 I was lucky to

Michael O'Keefe, as an actor, has garnered both Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. He's appeared in the films Michael Clayton, Frozen River, The Pledge, Ironweed, The Great Santini and Caddyshack. Television audiences will remember him as "Fred" on Roseanne. Other TV appearances also include The West Wing, Law and Order, House M.D., The Closer and Brothers and Sisters. He's appeared on Broadway in Reckless, Side Man, The Fifth of July and Mass Appeal, for which he received a Theater World Award. As a writer his lyrics were in the Grammy winning song, “Longing in their Hearts”, which was composed and sung by Bonnie Raitt. He's also written with Irish singer songwriter Paul Brady and numerous other composers. His writing has appeared in BOMB, Lake Affect and Chaparral. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Bennington College. Currently, Michael has authored a book of poetry “Swimming From Under My Father” of which the American Poet and editor Ed Ochester says “Michael O'Keefe's poems a

Kevin Sorbo Pt 2 shoots straight from the hip, he pulls no punches, one could say Kevin Sorbo tells it like it is. He was so popular for his candid comments Movie Beat is fortunate to have him return to converse some more. You know him as Hercules in the show that surpassed “Baywatch” as the most watched show in the world “Hercules, the Legendary Journeys” and as Captain Dylan Hunt in Gene Rodenberry’s “Andromeda” The series, based upon writings from the late “Star Trek” creator’s archives, debuted as the number one hour show in first run syndication and held that spot throughout it’s five year run from 2000-2005.? Electronics Media Magazine named Sorbo TV’s third most bankable star behind Oprah and Regis. In 1997, Sorbo made his feature film debut in “Kull, the Conqueror”, a prequel to “Conan, the Barbarian”. Other films include, “Walking Tall, the Payback”, “Walking Tall, Lone Justice, “The Last Chance Café”, “Something Beneath”, “Clipping Adam”, and most recently, “The Avenging Angel” which aired on Hal

Scott Rosenfelt Pt 4 We will discuss post production, distribution and Scott's comment that the "movie is made in editing". So tune in and listen to Scott Rosenfelt one of Hollywood’s most successful independent producers. On the strength of such films as Smoke Signals, Home Alone, Mystic Pizza, Teen Wolf and Extremities, Scott has garnered international acclaim and recognition. Home Alone is one of the highest grossing films of all time, and has generated over $1 billion worldwide. Smoke Signals was the winner of the Audience Award and the Filmmakers Trophy at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, Mystic Pizza launched the career of Julia Roberts and went on to critical and commercial success, while Teen Wolf, starring Michael J. Fox, was the highest grossing independent film of 1985. Extremities garnered international critical and commercial acclaim as well. Mr. Rosenfelt is in post-production on Coming & Going, an independently financed film starring Rhys Darby, Sasha Alexander and Fionnula Flannagan, writt

Peter Marshall Pt 5 We are into the nuts & bolts of the 3 stages of creating a film schedule. We pick up on preparing production boards and designing the shooting schedule Pas we continue our conversation on duties and responsibilities of 1st Assistant director in preproduction. Peter has had a 35-year career & has worked as a PA, dolly grip, electrician, assistant cameraman, commercial production manager, first assistant director, TV series creative consultant, television producer & director. He has worked on industrial films, documentaries; television commercials, music videos; Emmy Award nominated TV series & features. Peter has directed over 30 TV episodes& written, directed or produced over 50 hours of documentary/educational programs. His works have won, or been nominated for 14 International awards. He's worked for directors such as Zack Snyder, John Woo, Ed Wick, Phillip Noyce, John Balham, Roger Adam, Anne Wheeler, Bobby Roth & Kim Manners. He has worked with actors including

Peter Marshall Pt 4 We are into the nuts & bolts of the 3 stages of creating a film schedule. We pick up on preparing production boards and designing the shooting schedule Pas we continue our conversation on duties and responsibilities of 1st Assistant director in preproduction. Peter has had a 35-year career & has worked as a PA, dolly grip, electrician, assistant cameraman, commercial production manager, first assistant director, TV series creative consultant, television producer & director. He has worked on industrial films, documentaries; television commercials, music videos; Emmy Award nominated TV series & features. Peter has directed over 30 TV episodes& written, directed or produced over 50 hours of documentary/educational programs. His works have won, or been nominated for 14 International awards. He's worked for directors such as Zack Snyder, John Woo, Ed Wick, Phillip Noyce, John Balham, Roger Adam, Anne Wheeler, Bobby Roth & Kim Manners. He has worked with actors including

Casting Director Jackie Burch says about casting “It is a career i cherish & love doing to this day. Every movie I start with the same attitude as if it is my first job.” Her over 60 film credits include “The Breakfast Club” “Mask” “Weird Science” “Commando” “Three Amigos” “Predator” “Coming to America” “Dick Tracy” “Road House” “Die Hard” “Die Hard 2” “Predator 2” “Hudson Hawk” “Beverly Hills Cop 2”“Vegas Vacation” “I Still Know What You DId Last Summer” “End of Days” “The Santa Claus” & many more. After teaching for awhile in another profession (teaching sign language) a friend asked her to come work for him while his assistant was gone. That person was Michael Chinich who was head of casting at Universal & Jackie agreed to do the work. She states she “literally fell into this career but once i was around it I was hooked. I had no typing skills & had to be trained by someone in the big tower over the phone but i loved it. I soon wrote a little book to teach the next person because at the t

Jon Keeyes Pt 4 We continue with: What is the difference between directing your own versus someone else's screenplay? And a whole lot more. With six feature films, Jon Keeyes is one of the hardest working directors in the southwest. Jon made his writing/directorial debut in 2001 with “American Nightmare.” This critically-acclaimed horror film followed serial killer Jane Toppan on Halloween night as she brings to life the fears of a group of friends. “American Nightmare” was released to North America by Monarch Home Video/Ingram Entertainment. Internationally, Horizon Motion Pictures has sold “American Nightmare” to nearly all major countries around the world. Following the success of “American Nightmare,” Jon was hired by producer Michael Raso to write and direct “Suburban Nightmare.” A satire on the disintegration of marriage, “Suburban Nightmare” spends the night with The Rosenblads as their relationship crumbles around them with violent and tragic consequences. “Suburban Nightmare” was released in June of

Trilby Jeeves acting coach. I am excited to be able to speak acting with Trilby who is an actor, instructor, and writer from Vancouver, Canada Born in Vancouver, Canada, spent her childhood in Banff, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island, Trilby Jeeves was the first English student to be theatrically trained in her second language for 3 years at “Le Conservatoire d'Art Dramatique” in Quebec City, where she discovered “Le Bouffon”. She went on to perform and direct in both languages across Canada, eventually coming back to Vancouver. As well as performing over 40 plays, she also worked for 20 years in the theatre & film industry as a set costumer working on T.V. series such as “Highlander”, Spielburg’s “Taken”, Paramount’s “Higher Ground”; feature films such as Disney’s “Angels In The EndZone”, and “The Lizzie McGuire Movie”,” Universal’s “Snow Falling On Cedars” and many more. Trilby has taught classes in improvisation throughout the school system in British Columbia, and is currently teaching her own pop

Scott Rosenfelt Pt 3is one of Hollywood’s most successful independent producers. On the strength of such films as Smoke Signals, Home Alone, Mystic Pizza, Teen Wolf and Extremities, Scott has garnered international acclaim and recognition. Home Alone is one of the highest grossing films of all time, and has generated over $1 billion worldwide. Smoke Signals was the winner of the Audience Award and the Filmmakers Trophy at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, Mystic Pizza launched the career of Julia Roberts and went on to critical and commercial success, while Teen Wolf, starring Michael J. Fox, was the highest grossing independent film of 1985. Extremities garnered international critical and commercial acclaim as well. Mr. Rosenfelt is in post-production on Coming & Going, an independently financed film starring Rhys Darby, Sasha Alexander and Fionnula Flannagan, written and directed by Edoardo Ponti. He is also in production on the documentary, The Evil Tongue. With his production company, PicturePlay Films

Peter Marshall Pt 3 and I continue our discussion on script breakdown and scheduling and the duties and responsibilities of 1st Assistant director in preproduction and on the set. We'll discuss creating the oneliners, blocking, and much more. Peter takes us on a nuts and bolts look into movie making from someone critical to the production. Peter has had a 35-year career & has worked as a PA, dolly grip, electrician, assistant cameraman, commercial production manager, first assistant director, TV series creative consultant, television producer & director. He has worked on industrial films, documentaries; television commercials, music videos; Emmy Award nominated TV series & features. Peter has directed over 30 TV episodes& written, directed or produced over 50 hours of documentary/educational programs. His works have won, or been nominated for 14 International awards. He's worked for directors such as Zack Snyder, John Woo, Ed Wick, Phillip Noyce, John Balham, Roger Adam, Anne Wheeler, Bo

Jon Keeyes Pt 3 We continue with: What is the difference between directing your own versus someone else's screenplay? And a whole lot more. With six feature films, Jon Keeyes is one of the hardest working directors in the southwest. Jon made his writing/directorial debut in 2001 with “American Nightmare.” This critically-acclaimed horror film followed serial killer Jane Toppan on Halloween night as she brings to life the fears of a group of friends. “American Nightmare” was released to North America by Monarch Home Video/Ingram Entertainment. Internationally, Horizon Motion Pictures has sold “American Nightmare” to nearly all major countries around the world. Following the success of “American Nightmare,” Jon was hired by producer Michael Raso to write and direct “Suburban Nightmare.” A satire on the disintegration of marriage, “Suburban Nightmare” spends the night with The Rosenblads as their relationship crumbles around them with violent and tragic consequences. “Suburban Nightmare” was released in June of

Ken Ober In Part 2 we continue our fascinating conversation with Ken Ober Writer, TV Host, Actor and Producer. We will chat more about making it in show business and Ken's career. Ken spent the early part of his career as a stand up comic. He began as a TV Host on MTV’s game show “Remote Control” for 5 seasons. He was a series regular on the NBC series “Parenthood” and you have seen him in numerous commercials. Among other writing credits has written for radio, Television, award shows, ESPN and Comedy Central. He was a wrtiter for “Best Damn Sports Show Period” on Fox and was the writer and show host of the USA channel game show “Smush” For Comedy Central he served as the head writer for “Tough Crowd” and as producer for “Mind of Mencia”. He was a consulting producer on CBS’s comedy series “The New Adventures of Old Christine”. He has written for the MTV Music Award show and for the “Guy’s Choice Awards” on Spike TV. Currently, he is working on numerous writing projects.

Donal Logue has scores of film and television credits to his name. Recently he played Captain Tidwell on NBC's LIFE series. As a busy working full time professional actor Donal will discuss working on film and tv projects, what it is like - the difference between the two and working as an actor. Some of the series Donal has been a part of are "Public Morales" he played Ken Shuler for a dozen episodes, 5 episodes on "The Practice" as Richard "Dickie" Flood, 11 episodes on "ER" as Chuck Martin. He played Sean FInnerty for 91 episodes on "Grounded for Life", and Eugene Gerkin for the 13 episodes of "Knights of Prosperity" the 21 episodes of "LIFE" plus guest stars on other shows and numerous film roles. He is NO stranger to the acting profession.

Ken Ober Writer, TV Host and Producer spent the early part of his career as a stand up comic. He began as a TV Host on MTV’s game show “Remote Control” for 5 seasons. He was a series regular on the NBC series “Parenthood” and you have seen him in numerous commercials. Among other writing credits has written for radio, Television, award shows, ESPN and Comedy Central. He was a wrtiter for “Best Damn Sports Show Period” on Fox and was the writer and show host of the USA channel game show “Smush” For Comedy Central he served as the head writer for “Tough Crowd” and as producer for “Mind of Mencia”. He was a consulting producer on CBS’s comedy series “The New Adventures of Old Christine”. He has written for the MTV Music Award show and for the “Guy’s Choice Awards” on Spike TV. Currently, he is working on numerous writing projects.