INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956)
BLU-RAY/DVD
Returning to his hometown of Santa Mira, Dr. Miles Bennell finds himself caught up in the middle of a hidden alien invasion. The population of this tranquil town is quickly being replaced with un-emotional duplicates born from alien seed pods. Scared and on the run from the pod people with his former true love Becky Driscoll in tow, Miles must find a way to escape Santa Mira and alert the authorities, all while staying awake lest he join the ranks as a cold human doppelganger.
This is the Blu-ray release I've been waiting 12 long years for. Way back in 2006 I completed the special features for a 50th Anniversary Special Edition DVD. But due to multiple factors, the project was indefinitely shelved. I honestly thought this project would never see the light of day. But thanks to the hard work from Olive Films (and producer Elijah Drenner) and also Paramount Home Entertainment, this tribute to one of the all-time classic science fiction films has finally hit the shelves.
I'm incredibly proud of this project as I did extensive research and found a treasure trove of never-before-seen materials tucked away in the donated archives of producer Walter Wanger. From hundreds of photos, to call sheets, studio correspondence (and even the budget topsheet) I was able to discover the definitive answer to questions that had surrounded this film for over half of a century.
Want to know the answers? Then check out the Blu-ray.
The featurettes also include the final interviews about the film given by the film's stars: Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter. I feel truly lucky to have been part of this special project and I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I did working on it.
This is the Blu-ray release I've been waiting 12 long years for. Way back in 2006 I completed the special features for a 50th Anniversary Special Edition DVD. But due to multiple factors, the project was indefinitely shelved. I honestly thought this project would never see the light of day. But thanks to the hard work from Olive Films (and producer Elijah Drenner) and also Paramount Home Entertainment, this tribute to one of the all-time classic science fiction films has finally hit the shelves.
I'm incredibly proud of this project as I did extensive research and found a treasure trove of never-before-seen materials tucked away in the donated archives of producer Walter Wanger. From hundreds of photos, to call sheets, studio correspondence (and even the budget topsheet) I was able to discover the definitive answer to questions that had surrounded this film for over half of a century.
- Was Orson Welles actually hired to record on-camera bookends for the film?
- What was Sam Peckinpah's role on the film and did it extend beyond being an actor?
- What was Invasion of the Body Snatcher's original title (and what did it have to do with frogs)?
- Were the producers really more scared of the subject of divorce than alien invaders?
- Was the film a commentary on the subject of communism or McCarthyism?
- And just how did those alien pods work?
Want to know the answers? Then check out the Blu-ray.
The featurettes also include the final interviews about the film given by the film's stars: Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter. I feel truly lucky to have been part of this special project and I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I did working on it.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Sleep No More: Invasion of the Body Snatchers Revisited
The Fear and the Fiction: The Body Snatchers Phenomenon
Return to Santa Mira (Location Featurettes)
"What's in a Name" Featurette
Audio Commentary with Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter and Joe Dante
Sleep No More: Invasion of the Body Snatchers Revisited
The Fear and the Fiction: The Body Snatchers Phenomenon
Return to Santa Mira (Location Featurettes)
"What's in a Name" Featurette
Audio Commentary with Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter and Joe Dante
OZARK: Season 2
ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT (EPK)
Financial planner Marty Byrde and his family are forced to flee the Chicago suburbs for the Missouri Ozarks in a desperate attempt to pay off a vengeful Mexican drug lord. Once in the seemingly idyllic setting of the Ozarks, things only get more complicated for Marty as he gets entangled with local criminals and must lie, cheat, steal and do whatever else is necessary if he hopes to break free and save the lives of him and his family. Season 2 of the high-powered drama, starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, premieres on Netflix on August 31st.
I've got a serious soft spot for OZARK as one of the show's primary locations, The Blue Cat Lodge, is only about 3 miles from my house and I drive past it daily. And on top of that, Ozark is just a great show filled with engaging characters trying not to buckle under the immense pressure they face. For Season 2, I was brought in to sit down and chat with the energetic Julia Garner ("Ruth Langmore") on the Lickety Splitz strip club set .
I've got a serious soft spot for OZARK as one of the show's primary locations, The Blue Cat Lodge, is only about 3 miles from my house and I drive past it daily. And on top of that, Ozark is just a great show filled with engaging characters trying not to buckle under the immense pressure they face. For Season 2, I was brought in to sit down and chat with the energetic Julia Garner ("Ruth Langmore") on the Lickety Splitz strip club set .
LEAVE NO TRACE
ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT (EPK)
Inspired by true events, LEAVE NO TRACE follows the story of a father (Ben Foster) and daughter (Thomasin McKenzie) who lived off the grid for three years in a forest park outside of Portland, Oregon. After being discovered and placed in a halfway house by social services, the pair leave and attempt to find a new home in the wilderness.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Apelian, a survival skills expert, who served as a consultant on the film. Nicole worked with the director and crew, making certain the off the grid scenes were authentic and also trained actors Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie on the skills necessary to live in the wild. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, Nicole is definitely someone you'd want to have in your group.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Apelian, a survival skills expert, who served as a consultant on the film. Nicole worked with the director and crew, making certain the off the grid scenes were authentic and also trained actors Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie on the skills necessary to live in the wild. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, Nicole is definitely someone you'd want to have in your group.
TAG
ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT (EPK) & BLU-RAY/DVD
Remember playing Tag during your childhood, running amuck with your best buddies and doing everything to avoid being "it." Well, what if you were still playing the same game 30 years later?
That's the wild premise (and it's inspired by a true story) behind the New Line/WB film TAG. The crazy comedy sports a fantastic and funny-as-hell ensemble cast, including: Ed Helms, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Jake Johnson, Hannibal Buress, Isla Fisher, Rashida Jones, Leslie Bibb and Annabelle Wallis.
I got to spend several days chronicling the antics of the "Real Tag Brothers" as a six-pack of the high school buddies visited the Atlanta set and witnessed the film being shot firsthand. It was a real treat to interview and hang with these regular guys as you couldn't miss the camaraderie, endless good-natured ribbing and lifelong friendship they share.
That's the wild premise (and it's inspired by a true story) behind the New Line/WB film TAG. The crazy comedy sports a fantastic and funny-as-hell ensemble cast, including: Ed Helms, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Jake Johnson, Hannibal Buress, Isla Fisher, Rashida Jones, Leslie Bibb and Annabelle Wallis.
I got to spend several days chronicling the antics of the "Real Tag Brothers" as a six-pack of the high school buddies visited the Atlanta set and witnessed the film being shot firsthand. It was a real treat to interview and hang with these regular guys as you couldn't miss the camaraderie, endless good-natured ribbing and lifelong friendship they share.
And here's a new AMC exclusive featurette featuring more of our interview footage with the Real Tag Brothers. Enjoy!
GEOSTORM
BLU-RAY/DVD
In the near future, a satellite system tasked with preventing weather-based disasters has gone haywire and is causing a deadly cascade of global events. But is this the result of a technical malfunction or is someone deliberately manipulating the system in order to create a catastrophic worldwide "geostorm"? Gerard Butler, Jim Sturgess, Abbie Cornish, Ed Harris and Andy Garcia star in this action-packed science fiction "what if" film from veteran producer Dean Devlin.
I worked with a longtime friend and associate on the project, writing the scripts for the Blu-ray/DVD special features showcasing the film's story, production, and earth-shattering (figuratively and literally) special effects.
I worked with a longtime friend and associate on the project, writing the scripts for the Blu-ray/DVD special features showcasing the film's story, production, and earth-shattering (figuratively and literally) special effects.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Search for Answers
An International Event
Wreaking Havoc
Search for Answers
An International Event
Wreaking Havoc
12 Strong
ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT (EPK)
Based on Doug Stanton's powerful book "Horse Soldiers," 12 STRONG tells the declassified true story of a group of elite American soldiers sent into Afghanistan just weeks after the events of 9/11. Outmanned, outgunned and tasked with contacting and recruiting the country's warlords, these soldiers of the Army's Fifth Special Forces Group were amongst the first Americans to engage the Taliban and Al-Qaeda on their own soil.
For the EPK, I had interviewed Elsa Pataky (THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS), who not only plays Chris Hemsworth's wife in the film, but is also his wife in real life. Turns out she's the real "horse soldier" of the family and even gave Chris some riding tips for use in the film.
For the EPK, I had interviewed Elsa Pataky (THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS), who not only plays Chris Hemsworth's wife in the film, but is also his wife in real life. Turns out she's the real "horse soldier" of the family and even gave Chris some riding tips for use in the film.
LADY BIRD
ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT (EPK)
Writer/director Greta Gerwig's compassionate and comical coming-of-age tale follows the socially awkward Christine aka "Lady Bird" (Saoirse Ronan) as she navigates high school, romance, her complicated relationship with her mother and growing up in Sacramento during 2002. Winner of the Golden Globe for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy) and Lead Actress, the critically-acclaimed film is also nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
A24 brought me onboard the EPK to interview past Academy Award nominee Lucas Hedges (MANCHESTER BY THE SEA) to discuss his role as Lady Bird's conflicted high school friend and potential suitor.
A24 brought me onboard the EPK to interview past Academy Award nominee Lucas Hedges (MANCHESTER BY THE SEA) to discuss his role as Lady Bird's conflicted high school friend and potential suitor.
BRIGHT
ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT (EPK)
Picture an alternate world where creatures of fantasy (elves, orcs and the like) live and work side by side in harmony with humans. Well, sort of. Because it seems in every reality, we all have trouble getting along. Daryl Ward (Will Smith) is a veteran human cop partnered up with Nick Jakoby (Joel Edgerton), the first orc police officer in LAPD history. And then things get really crazy. Action director David Ayer (SUICIDE SQUAD) helmed the wild script written by Max Landis (CHRONICLE) for Neflix's first big-budget blockbuster film, released worldwide this past December. And a sequel was recently green-lit.
I was brought in on the EPK to handle the interview with Joel Edgerton (sans orc make-up) and learn what it takes to ride shotgun with Will Smith in a world where mythical creatures and mayhem are the norm.
I was brought in on the EPK to handle the interview with Joel Edgerton (sans orc make-up) and learn what it takes to ride shotgun with Will Smith in a world where mythical creatures and mayhem are the norm.
THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD
BLU-RAY/DVD
When international hitman Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) reluctantly agrees to testify against a genocidal maniac, the only man capable of getting him to the Hague alive is former AAA-rated executive protection agent Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds). Except Bryce and Kincaid hate each other... a lot. Bullets and bombs (both real and F-Bombs) fly as the dysfunctional duo must evade and outwit an onslaught of assassins throughout Europe and keep from killing each other just long enough to get Kincaid on the witness stand in one piece.
I had a great time working on the Blu-ray/DVD special features for this fast-paced and funny film, writing the scripts for a trio of the behind the scenes featurettes.
I had a great time working on the Blu-ray/DVD special features for this fast-paced and funny film, writing the scripts for a trio of the behind the scenes featurettes.
SPECIAL FEATURES
THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD: A Love Story
Big Action in a Big World
Dangerous Women
THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD: A Love Story
Big Action in a Big World
Dangerous Women
STARSHIP TROOPERS: TRAITOR OF MARS
BLU-RAY/DVD
Legendary bug killer and roughneck soldier Johnny Rico jumps back into battle for the latest chapter in the STARSHIP TROOPERS saga. But rather storming the frontline with the rest of the mobile infantry, Rico has been tasked with an even more challenging mission: training raw recruits at a base on Mars. But when the bugs target the red planet as their next target, its up to Rico and his rookies to repel the invasion and keep the bugs from turning the tide in the war. "Kill 'em all"!
For the Blu-ray/DVD, Johnny Rico himself (Casper Van Dien) and original STARSHIP TROOPERS screenwriter Ed Neumeier sat down to discuss the new animated feature film, as well as the series' cinematic impact and legacy. I wrote the scripts for a trio of the featurettes appearing on the home entertainment release. It was a lot of fun to work again on a project involving Casper, who starred as the lead in my first feature film SHARK ATTACK.
For the Blu-ray/DVD, Johnny Rico himself (Casper Van Dien) and original STARSHIP TROOPERS screenwriter Ed Neumeier sat down to discuss the new animated feature film, as well as the series' cinematic impact and legacy. I wrote the scripts for a trio of the featurettes appearing on the home entertainment release. It was a lot of fun to work again on a project involving Casper, who starred as the lead in my first feature film SHARK ATTACK.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Expanding the Universe: 20 Years and Counting
Expanding the Universe: Continuing the Universe
Expanding the Universe: Traitor of Mars
Expanding the Universe: 20 Years and Counting
Expanding the Universe: Continuing the Universe
Expanding the Universe: Traitor of Mars
THE LEGEND OF TARZAN
BLU-RAY/DVD
The Lord of the Apes swings back onto the silver screen with Warner Bros. THE LEGEND OF TARZAN. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, and helmed by veteran director David Yates, the adventure film offered thrilling action sequences and stunning visual effects.
I helped produce the special features for the Blu-ray/DVD release of the film. Working alongside a skilled team, we created a series of featurettes chronicling the making of Tarzan's latest cinematic adventure.
I helped produce the special features for the Blu-ray/DVD release of the film. Working alongside a skilled team, we created a series of featurettes chronicling the making of Tarzan's latest cinematic adventure.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Tarzan Reborn
Tarzan and Jane's Unfailing Love
Creating The Virtual Jungle
Battles and Bare-Knuckle Brawls:
Train Ambush
Tarzan vs. Akut
Boma Stampede
Tarzan Reborn
Tarzan and Jane's Unfailing Love
Creating The Virtual Jungle
Battles and Bare-Knuckle Brawls:
Train Ambush
Tarzan vs. Akut
Boma Stampede
AMERICAN CRIME STORY:
THE PEOPLE VS. O.J. SIMPSON
BLU-RAY/DVD
FX Network released this groundbreaking 10-part series retelling the trial of the century and taking a closer look at the fall of an American icon. Featuring an all-star cast and produced by Ryan Murphy, the series received huge critical acclaim and won 9 Emmy awards, including "Outstanding Limited Series."
I helped produce the "behind the scenes" documentary "Past Imperfect: The Trial of the Century" for the Blu-ray/DVD release. We not only explored the meticulous planning that went into recreating the famous trial and filming the series, but we also spoke to several of the real journalists who witnessed and reported on the actual events twenty years ago.
I helped produce the "behind the scenes" documentary "Past Imperfect: The Trial of the Century" for the Blu-ray/DVD release. We not only explored the meticulous planning that went into recreating the famous trial and filming the series, but we also spoke to several of the real journalists who witnessed and reported on the actual events twenty years ago.