TIMECODE MECHANICS is releasing a preliminary DVD of their biblical apocalyptic thriller “The 4th Beast: Mask of the Antichrist” Aug. 14. The DV feature, shot by director Nathyn Masters last winter, will be available through the films web site www.the4thbeast.com for $12.95.
They plan to release a “master edition” in fall or winter and are seeking a distributor for theatrical and ancillary distribution. Jon Ross, also writer-producer of the forthcoming Christian romance “Love’s Curves,” stars in “The 4th Beast” as an Iraq War vet entrusted to protect a CD containing information about the apocalypse from agents of the Antichrist. Masters is contemplating a prequel tentatively titled “Mark of the Antichrist.” Reach Masters at 312.316.5545 or artstar@themacisp.net.
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| Brother Noompsi performs at a trailer screening of 90/94’s mock doc about the band. |
90/94 PICTURES, formerly KGB Agent 57, screen trailers for two in-progress mockumentaries and for their feature “Present Perfect” in a benefit show Saturday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western. The cable-style mock docs, complete with commercial breaks, are “Ahead of the Music: Brother Noompsi” (a VH1 send up about the actual local rockers) and “Rubber Room” (a fake reality show about mental patients on suicide watch living in an apartment together a la “The Real World”). Also screening the 90/94 shorts “Case of Illness” and “30 Pack and a Camera.” Brother Noompsi will perform. $15. See www.90-94.com.
RANDOM ACTS PRODUCTIONS is in postproduction on its micro-budget teen comedy “Untitled Bill Whirity Project,” about four friends planning an ill-fated summer road trip to Canada. Director Whirity shot in Beverly over 26 days in June of last year and this year. “Audiences are getting jaded to the recent trend of gross-out sex romps in teen comedies like ‘American Pie,'” Whirity said. “This is a different comedic style with more of an 80s feel like in John Cusack movies like ‘One Crazy Summer’ or ‘Better Off Dead.'” Editor is Mike Baltz.
Whirity and producing partners John Bosher and Brian Caunter plan a Christmas premiere at the Beverly Arts Center, where they hope to attract the attention of prospective distributors. Random Acts produced the videos for local hip-hop act Soul 360’s tracks “Wind It Up” and “Two” which started rotation on BET last spring. They’ve also produced concert videos for rockers Ghost and CKY, and are developing another teen comedy, “Mow Co” about a group of teens who start a lawnmowing company and wind up stealing a painting. Email mrshow555@yahoo.com.
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| Dick Talsky wants to reopen the Uptown Theatre as a multimedia cultural center. |
DICK TALSKY, a retired chiropractor and “human potential” advocate, has a scheme to reopen the long-shuttered Uptown Theatre as a multimedia, for-profit cultural center anchored by a weekly variety show. Talsky plans to finance the estimated $2-3 million acquisition and $20 million renovation of the 4,000-seat theater through numerous funding models. One plan includes selling naming rights for the theater and selling advance subscriptions to the variety show. He intends to launch the show at the nearby Aragon Ballroom while he raises funds and works out a deal on the Uptown. Anyone interested in collaborating can reach Talsky at 773/390-3077 or see www. thewowcenter.com.
THE TRAP DOOR THEATRE hosts a benefit to support renovations of their shuttered space, Thursday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. at Big Wig, 1551 W. Division, featuring MCs Being and Corny Bricks and DJ Megamic. Proceeds fund the Trap Door’s reopening, scheduled for Oct. 22. $10. See www.trapdoortheatre.org.
ROSIE GOLDBERG’S WHATEVERFILMS begins production Aug. 15 on her independent dramatic feature “Hopeless.” Call 312/909-1139 or email rosie@whateverfilms.com.
10-PIN BOWLING LOUNGEis seeking “animation and visually intense short films” to be projected on their 128-foot video wall. No pay. Send DVD, VHS, DV submissions to 330 N. State St., Chicago, Ill. 60610. See www.10pinchicago.com.
Email Ed M. Koziarski at edk@homesickblues.com
