Actor/screenwriter Craig J. Harris’ provocative hourlong drama, “Skin Complex,” premieres Saturday, May 28 on the PAX television network, after a run on syndication that earned Harris five regional Emmy awards.
“Skin Complex” was produced by Cincinnati’s Blind Squirrel Production Group, which arranged funding of the $500,000 budget from P&G, Coca-Cola and Chrysler.
The story is about a college professor (Wolfgang Bodison) who feels his race is limiting his success and wants to change from a black man to a white man through molecular engineering.
“Most of the story deals with the culture that pits white against black, us vs. them,” Harris said. “This is a character study of a man wrestling with a number of issues.”
Harris originally wrote the story as a theatrical feature, but cut back to the hour format due to budget.
Producer/director was Jim Friedman of Blind Squirrel, and co-director was Brad Pruitt of Milwaukee. They shot 15 days in 16mm in Chicago, at an international terminal at O’Hare, and in Cincinnati in 2003. Three of the 12 principal actors were cast in L.A. and the others from Chicago. Harris has a role as the interviewer.
“Skin Complex” was finished in Cincinnati and L.A., and music was provided by a New York composer.
Harris, who also teaches screenwriting, is a seasoned commercial voiceover actor, signed exclusively with talent agent Linda Jack. He recently played “a maniacal guard” in the indie film, “You are Going to Prison,” that shot in Joliet.
Harris can be reached at 708/799-9598; Email, craigjoeharris@yahoo.com. See www.craigharris.com.
