tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154221884409298622024-02-02T15:14:45.144-06:00The Twilight Zone Radio DramasCheck back every week to read Carl Amari's Twilight Zone Radio Dramas producer blog and feel free to leave your comments!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-57254249133283418752012-08-09T19:36:00.000-05:002012-08-09T19:36:07.731-05:00Hi TZ radio fans,<br /><br />Well Summer is here and I apologize for not
blogging in a few months. I've been working on several new projects,
including FANGORIA'S DREADTIME STORIES with host, Malcolm McDowell.
It's produced in conjunction with Fangoria Entertainment and a new
hour-long episode is available to be streamed for free 24/7 at
Fangoria's website. Past shows are available for $1.99. You can also
download the scripts for free via pdf. Here's the <a href="http://www.fangoria.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=259" target="_blank">FANGORIA'S DREADTIME STORIES</a>. <br /><br />We
began this series in October of 2011 so I've produced 11 FANGORIA'S
DREADTIME STORIES to date and the one currently being streamed is called
"Talking in the Dark" by TZ radio dramas' writer Dennis Etchsion. It's
the story of a lonely man who loves reading horror novels by his
favorite writer. When he happens to meet the writer, he gets more than
he bargained for. You won't want to miss this gory tale but I must warn
you: FANGORIA'S DREADTIME STORIES are NOT for the feint of heart and
we recommend that listeners 14 years and younger DO NOT TUNE IN. They
are intended for mature audiences due to some violence, mild language
and adult situations.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Producing FANGORIA'S DREADTIME
STORIES is a lot of fun and I hope you will give them a listen. Another
thing I hope you'll listen to is my nationally syndicated radio series
HOLLYWOOD 360. For the past 4 years I have been hosting an nostalgia
and entertainment program on Chicago's AM 560 WIND from 8 pm till
Midnight CST every Saturday evening. AM 560 WIND is a Salem Radio
Network radio station and earlier this year, Salem President Dave
Santrella asked me if I'd like to broadcast HOLLYWOOD 360 on their other
talk stations from coast-to-coast. Of course I jumped at the
opportunity. HOLLYWOOD 360 airs on most of Salem's talk stations from
coast-to-coast as well as many non-Salem stations. Chris Witting from
Syndication Networks is handling the syndication and we've been picking
up about 2 stations each week. The stations and times of broadcast are
available at our official website <a href="http://www.hollywood360radio.com/" target="_blank">www.hollywood360radio.com</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Each
week on HOLLYWOOD 360, I play 4 classic radio shows (i.e. The Shadow,
Jack Benny, Lights Out, Dragnet, Burns & Allen, Gunsmoke and many
others) thanks to Radio Spirits, Inc. <a href="http://www.radiospirits.com/" target="_blank">http://www.radiospirits.com/</a> <wbr></wbr> I
also interview celebrities, host trivia contests (and award prizes)
and, with the help of correspondents Lisa Wolf, Sarah Adamson and Mark
Cabaniss -- review the latest film releases and check the pulse on the
latest Hollywood news and gossip. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can
also download the AM 560 WIND app to listen to HOLLYWOOD 360 on your
Apple, Blackberry or Android phone. The app is free so get yours today.
And to check out what we're playing each week and for more information
on HOLLYWOOD 360 our website is <a href="http://www.hollywood360radio.com/" target="_blank">www.hollywood360radio.com</a><br /><br />As
far as NEW episodes of TWILIGHT ZONE, we are planning on ramping that
up later this year. We hope to have several for you by then. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Well, that's all for now. Feel free to email me with questions, suggestions, etc. at <a href="mailto:camari@falconpicturegroup.com" target="_blank">camari@falconpicturegroup.<wbr></wbr>com</a><br /><br />Thanks for tuning in!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-64855924496627014782012-02-06T21:24:00.000-06:002012-02-06T21:25:33.452-06:00Hi TZ radio fans,<br /><br />Well it's a new year and a lot is happening. I hope you enjoyed our newest TZ radio episodes, "Another Place in Time" starring Malcolm McDowell and "Rest Stop" starring Brandon Eels, both by prolific writer Steve Nubie. Up next is "Missing, Presumed Dead" staring Danny Goldring. "Missing, Presumed Dead" is an original story for the TZ radio dramas by Dennis Etchison. An Army Captain writes letters to the parents of soldiers missing in action. The letters have the Captain beginning to believe that they have power over whether the soldiers live or die. It's an eerie tale you won't want to miss and it's broadcast to stations and available for download this month.<br /><br />We continue to add radio stations to our TZ radio dramas line up of nearly 200 affiliates and we hope to add at least 50 more stations this year. You can help by contacting your local radio stations and telling them about TZ radio dramas. The series is free to commercial radio stations and they can contact me at camari@falconpicturegroup.com for more information. <br /><br />And fans of TZ radio dramas will want to know our sister show to TZ radio dramas. It's called FANGORIA'S DREADTIME STORIES with host, Malcolm McDowell. It's produced in conjunction with Fangoria Entertainment and a new hour-long episode is available to be streamed for free 24/7 at Fangoria's website. Past shows are available for $1.99. You can also download the scripts for free via pdf. Here's the FANGORIA'S DREADTIME STORIES page-link: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fangoria.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=259">http://www.fangoria.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=259</a> <br /><br />So far I've produced 5 FANGORIA'S DREADTIME STORIES and the one currently being streamed is called "Living Space" which stars Marshall Allman (True Blood / Prison Break) and his real-life wife Jamie Anne Allman (The Killing / The Notebook). Yours truly plays "Marcus" and JoBe Cerny plays a madman who owns a luxury high-rise New York apartment complex that he uses as bait for unsuspecting renters. You won't want to miss this gory tale but I must warn you: FANGORIA'S DREADTIME STORIES are NOT for the feint of heart and we recommend that listeners 14 years and younger DO NOT TUNE IN. They are intended for mature audiences due to violence, mild language and adult situations.<br /><br />Something that is for all audiences is CLASSIC RADIO and If you like classic radio shows like THE SHADOW, JACK BENNY, LIGHTS OUT, FIBBER McGEE & MOLLY, X MINUS ONE and hundreds of others, make sure you tune me in as host of HOLLYWOOD 360 on AM 560 WIND in Chicago. If you are outside the Chicago broadcast signal, you can log on to AM 560 WIND's website to hear the show <a target="_blank" href="http://www.560wind.com/">http://www.560wind.com/</a> <br /><br />HOLLYWOOD 360 airs each Saturday evening from 8 pm till Midnight (Central time). Each week on HOLLYWOOD 360, I play 4 classic radio shows thanks to Radio Spirits, Inc. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.radiospirits.com/">http://www.radiospirits.com/</a> I also interview celebrities, host trivia contests with prizes and, with the help of correspondents Lisa Wolf, Sarah Adamson and Kay Eller, review the latest film releases, cover the theatre scene and check the pulse on the latest Hollywood gossip. You can also download the AM 560 WIND app to listen to HOLLYWOOD 360 on your Apple, Blackberry or Android phone. The app is free so get yours today. And to check out what we're playing each week and for more information on HOLLYWOOD 360 our website is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hollywood360radio.com/">www.hollywood360radio.com</a><br /><br />Well, that's all for now. Feel free to email me with questions, suggestions, etc. at camari@falconpicturegroup.com<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in!<br /><br />Carl Amari<br />Producer<br />THE TWILIGHT ZONE RADIO DRAMASCarl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-74455934431844459332011-08-15T14:13:00.003-05:002011-08-15T14:21:00.118-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccp6FTHi5qjIdlZiec2Rubhoj6YbOfle0OCMH94Cvh6RUrJhC54_gKQdUXFffnA3YdTp_bnT87AAfvXMl-MwVjA7qHtTWtk0ldbNYjyeGSISMo1XyGe1H6H3Qu0AySQ6uGcKgjemJ8lw/s1600/IMG_4326+2.JPG">
<br /></a>Hi TZ radio fans,
<br />
<br />I've been busy collaborating with Tom DeFeo (CEO of Fangoria Magazine) and his terrific staff members at Fangoria for the upcoming launch of a new audio drama series, "Fangoria's Dreadtime Stories" with host Malcolm McDowell. I'm very excited to say that "Fangoria's Dreadtime Stories" will be cutting edge radio dramas that will chill you and thrill you. Warning: These radio dramas are NOT for the feint of heart and are recommended for listeners over 14. The stories will be written by top writers of today, including Dennis Etchison and Max Allan Collins and feature mystery, horror, sci-fi and dark humor themes. We will be producing one new episode each month beginning this October. The cool thing is that Fangoria wants you to be able to hear each month's new episode absolutely free by logging on to their website at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fangoria.com/">www.fangoria.com</a> and streaming the audio (each episode will be approximately 45-minutes in length). The first episode is called "The Late Shift" written by two-time World Fantasy award winner Dennis Etchison and based on his famous short story. "The Late Shift" will be available to be streamed for free beginning in two weeks but will be taken down the last day of October. Then, on November 1st, a new episode will be available for free streaming. November's episode will be "Reincarnal" by Max Allan Collins. "Reincarnal" will be available until the last day in November when it will be taken down and replaced on December 1st with "A Fungus Among Us" by Steve Nubie. Starting to get the idea? You'll have a one month window to hear the latest "Fangoria's Dreadtime Stories" and all you have to do is log on to the Fangoria website anywhere in the world anytime of the day or night. All you have to do is hit PLAY and it's totally FREE! But remember - each episode is only available to be streamed during its designated month. Then the episode is taken down and will never be streamed again so make sure you check back each month to stream the new episode.
<br />
<br />If you want to collect the current episode or any of the past episodes, they will always be available - commercial free with extended scenes - via digital download for only $1.99. You can download the 45-minute episodes to your computer, ipod, iphone, or any listening device. We'll be producing 12 new episodes each year (one each month) so be sure to collect them all. The other cool thing is we will be posting a PDF copy of each episode's radio drama script at the Fangoria website - the same scripts used by Malcolm McDowell and the actors - so that you can print you own copy and read along. Fangoria Magazine's October issue (on newsstands in September) will feature a 3-page article announcing the launch of "Fangoria's Dreadtime Stories" so be sure to pick up a copy. If you'd like to subscribe to the magazine, your can do so by logging on to their website. Note to aspiring writers: We'll be announcing a contest where one listener each year can win the chance to have their story idea turned into a "Fangoria's Dreadtime Stories" episode, hosted by Malcolm McDowell, and adapted by either Dennis Etchison or Max Allan Collins. The winner will get the chance to work with Dennis or Max and win a prize package including a cash prize of $1,000. More on that later in the year.
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccp6FTHi5qjIdlZiec2Rubhoj6YbOfle0OCMH94Cvh6RUrJhC54_gKQdUXFffnA3YdTp_bnT87AAfvXMl-MwVjA7qHtTWtk0ldbNYjyeGSISMo1XyGe1H6H3Qu0AySQ6uGcKgjemJ8lw/s1600/IMG_4326+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccp6FTHi5qjIdlZiec2Rubhoj6YbOfle0OCMH94Cvh6RUrJhC54_gKQdUXFffnA3YdTp_bnT87AAfvXMl-MwVjA7qHtTWtk0ldbNYjyeGSISMo1XyGe1H6H3Qu0AySQ6uGcKgjemJ8lw/s320/IMG_4326+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641163886980234450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Carl Amari, Malcolm McDowell and Carl's brother Vince Amari.</span></div><div>
<br /></div>As far as TZ radio dramas, the next new episode is "Another Place In Time" by Steve Nubie. It will star the amazing Malcolm McDowell as a physicist on a remote island in the Irish Sea who finds a link to multiple dimensions. Contemporary science refers to them as parallel universes. He and his wife find out the hard way that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. The supporting players include Sarah Wellington, Martin Aistrope, David Darlow and Meg Thalken. I think you're going to like what you hear -- and it has some fun sound design to go along with superb acting. It airs in September so try not to miss it.
<br />
<br />Well, that's all for now, thanks for tuning in and I'll see you next time for MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!
<br />
<br />
<br />Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-5296491744233965102011-06-30T14:19:00.001-05:002011-06-30T14:23:30.578-05:00<div>Hi TZ radio fans,</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope everyone enjoyed "The 25th Hour" written by Dennis Etchison and starring the always amazing Mike Nussbaum. Because we have turned all of the original TZ television stories (except "Come Wander With Me") into TZ radio dramas we have been producing brand new never-before-seen or heard stories and I'm very excited about them. FYI: I do hope to produce "Come Wander With Me" at some point soon but because the two main characters have to sing, I need actors who can sing. I'm hoping to cast someone like Jesse McCartney and Rebbecca St. James in these roles. Jesse portrayed Daniel and the young David in my Word of Promise audio Bible and he was absolutely amazing. Rebecca played a servant girl in World of Promise and she is one of my favorite actors/singers. FYI: The older David was played by the incredible actor Gary Sinise. I've had a lot of emails regarding "Come Wander With Me" and when we will be producing it. It's not for lack of wanting to, it's just that this episode needs that very special duel talent of acting and singing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next up is the TZ radio drama "Another Place In Time" by Steve Nubie. It will star the one, the only, Malcolm McDowell as a physicist on a remote island in the Irish Sea who finds a link to multiple dimensions. Contemporary science refers to them as parallel universes. He and his wife find out the hard way that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. The supporting players include Sarah Wellington, Martin Aistrope, David Darlow and Meg Thalken. I think this one will turn out to be quite special -- and it has some fun sound design to go along with superb acting. It airs in September so try not to miss it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've mentioned in past blogs that I am producing a new dramatic radio series called "Fangoria's Dread-Time Stories" in collaboration with Thomas DeFeo, the CEO of Fangoria Magazine. We just recorded episode three titled "A Fungus Among Us" about a real fungus called the "Cordyceps" fungus that affects ants. When ants are infected with this fungus they become Zombie-like and act irrationally and then their heads explode and fungus spores spew from their brains infecting other ants. YUCK! Well, in our Fangoria story, this starts happening to humans. This gory tale was penned by Steve Nubie and I can't wait for you to hear it. These will be very edgy radio dramas that will be available for download at the Fangoria website <a href="http://www.fangoria.com" target="_blank">www.fangoria.com</a> You'll also be able to PDF download the radio drama scripts there as well. I'm pumped and very excited to say that Malcolm McDowell will serve as host and narrator for this series. These audio dramas will be fully-dramatized with full casts, sound effects and original music by Fangoria editor Chris Alexander. The first episode "The Late Shift" is complete and "Reincarnal" and "A Fungus Among Us" are in the process of being mixed. We will be launching "Fangoria's Dread-Time Stories" before Halloween and then a NEW episode will premiere each and every month. The length of each episode is about 40 minutes, similar to TZ radio dramas. But as I say, these are quite edgy, not for the faint-of-heart and definitely PG-13 so be warned. My hope is that "Fangoria's Dread-Time Stories" will be today's version of what "Lights Out" was back to radio of the 1930's and 40's -- the scariest of the scary when it comes to 'theatre of the mind' radio drama. To that end, I've been in talks with Dave Oboler, Arch Oboler's son (Arch wrote and produced "Lights Out") about using some of his dad's scripts and modernizing them for this series. I'd want to use Arch Oboler scripts of "Lights Out" that have not survive on audio today. For instance, the audio for the most famous of all "Lights Out" stories "Chicken Heart" does not exist. In this story, a professor keeps a small piece of Chicken heart flesh alive in his laboratory and it inexplicably begins to double in size every hour until it blankets the city, the state and eventually the world! How fun would it be to present this and other famous Arch Oboler-penned modernized stories on "Fangoria's Dread-Time Stories"?! I'll keep you posted if this becomes a reality. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, that's all for now, thanks for tuning in and I'll see you next time for MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!</div><div><br /></div>Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-12147015757722788632011-05-21T21:55:00.001-05:002011-05-21T21:55:40.851-05:00Hi TZ radio fans,<br /><br />Again, sorry for not posting since March, I have been working on some very exciting projects that I can't wait to share with you. Let's start first with TZ radio dramas. I hope all of you enjoyed the brand new TZ radio drama "2012" written by Steve Nubie and starring the always amazing Christian Stolte with support by one of my favorite actors, Danny Goldring. Chicago actor Sarah Wellington plays the wife of Christian's character and knocks the role out of the park. You can hear Sarah playing the love-sick computer who falls for computer programmer Ed Begley, Jr. in one of my favorite TZ radio dramas "From Agnes, With Love." If you haven't heard that one yet be sure and download a copy at this site. All of the TZ radio dramas are available for download for only $1.99 each. Others in the "2012" cast include David Darlow, JoBe Cerny, Derrick Nelson, Lisa Wolf and Bree Swartz.<br /><br />Coming up next, don't miss the brand new TZ radio drama "The 25th Hour" written by Dennis Etchison and starring the incredible Mike Nussbaum. Working with Mike was a dream come true for me. I've been a huge Mike Nussbaum fan for decades. Mike is almost 90 years old but believe me you'd never know it - he has more energy than most actors half his age. The role he plays in "The 25th Hour" is a man who invents a device that can take bits of 'life' away from people and give it to him. At the beginning of the episode Mike needs to play his part as an old tired man who gains strength and vitality as the show goes along. I can't wait for everyone to hear it because Mike pulls it off in spades! Mike is supported by some of Chicago's best actors including Jefferson Award Winning actor Steve Key who is the man Mike is sapping life from. You can hear Steve as "Jonah" in my Word of Promise audio Bible. Others in the cast include: JoBe Cerny, Franette Leibow, Lisa Wolf, Frederick Williams, Jim McCance, Patrick Frances, Doug James, Meg Thalken and Jacob Goldberg who all do outstanding jobs.<br /><br />I mentioned in my last blog that the CEO of Fangoria Magazine (Tom DeFeo) and I are collaborating on a brand new audio series called "Fangoria's Dread-Time Stories." These will be very edgy radio dramas that will be available for download at the Fangoria website www.fangoria.com The first 3 scripts have been written. They are "Reincarnal" and "Wollf" by "Road to Perdition" creator Max Allan Collins and "The Late Shift" by Dennis Etchison. I'm pumped and excited to say that the one and only Malcolm McDowell will serve as host and narrator. These audio dramas will be fully-dramatized with full casts, sound effects and original music by Fangoria editor Chris Alexander. The first episode "The Late Shift" is complete and "Reincarnal" is in the process of being mixed. The actor recording session for "Wollf" will be later this month. We hope to launch "Fangoria's Dread-Time Stories" before Halloween and then a NEW episode will premiere each and every month. The length of each episode is about 40 minutes, similar to TZ radio dramas. But as I say, these are quite edgy, not for the faint-of-heart and definitely PG-13 so be warned. My hope is that "Fangoria's Dread-Time Stories" will be today's version of what "Lights Out" was back to radio of the 1930's and 40's -- the scariest of the scary when it comes to 'theatre of the mind' radio drama.<br /><br />I'm also working on a TV pilot and a 3-D movie with Tom DeFeo and producer Steve Stabler ("Dumb & Dumber") as well as some other fun film projects. Well, that's all for now. I'll see you next time for MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-10087447323154964382011-03-20T09:12:00.002-05:002011-03-20T09:16:12.345-05:00Hi everyone,<br /><br />Sorry it has been a while since I've written a blog -- I have a lot to report so let's get right to it: I hope all of you enjoyed "The Nanobots" by Steve Nubie and starring David Pasquesi which we aired back in January. Coming up this month is a brand new story called "2012" also written by Steve Nubie. This one deals with the end of the world. Two brothers argue about yet another end of the world prediction only to discover that this time it's for real - but not quite as expected. Christian Stolte stars and is supported by the great Danny Goldring and a cast of Chicago's finest actors. I think you're going to really like this episode so be sure to listen for it. <br /><br />Blackstone audio just released our newest production of "The New Adventures of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer." This one is titled "Encore For Murder" and is written by Max Allan Collins from a story by Mickey Spillane. <br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackstoneaudio.com/audiobook.cfm?id=5909"><br />http://www.blackstoneaudio.com/audiobook.cfm?id=5909</a><br /><br />It of course stars the one and only Stacy Keach as Mike Hammer. Heard in the supporting cast are David Pasquesi and Tim Kazurinski. I have one line as a would-be assassin and Max Allan Collins has a juicy role as the creepy "Ronald Meek." Stacy also serves as the Executive Producer and music composer. The geniuses at Cerny American Creative handled all the sound editing and foley work. We've released four Hammer stories now in three volumes and this one (Volume 3) I dare say is the best yet. And kudus to all involved in Volume 2 "The Little Death" as it was just nominated for an Audie Award.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackstoneaudio.com/audiobook.cfm?id=5458">http://www.blackstoneaudio.com/audiobook.cfm?id=5458</a><br /><br />I'm excited to announce that in co-venture with Thomas DeFeo, CEO of Fangoria Magazine, I will be producing a new radio series called "Fangoria's Dread-Time Stories" hosted by Malcolm McDowell. Fangoria Magazine will be soliciting short horror stories from its fans. The 12 best short stories will be chosen by Fangoria's staff to be printed each month in the magazine. Each year 6 of these short stories will be sent to Dennis Etchison and 6 to Max Allan Collins to be turned into radio drama scripts and then into audio productions by yours truly. The radio drama scripts can be downloaded for free via pdf at the Fangoria website and the audio productions will be made available for digital download. As I say, I am very excited that Malcolm McDowell has agreed to host and narrate this series. The supporting casts will be made up of the best actors here in Chicago and in NY and Hollywood. The original music for each "Fangoria Dread-Time Stories" will be composed by Fangoria's Editor-In-Chief Chris Alexander who is an accomplished music composer. The first audio production "The Late Shift" is in production as we speak. It will be available for download at the Fangoria website within a few months. Warning: These "Fangoria Dread-Time Stories" are not for children - they are intended for mature audiences (VERY SCARY STUFF). My goal for this series is for it to be "today" what LIGHTS OUT was to radio back in the 1930's and 40's. For the most part, parents didn't let their children listen to LIGHTS OUT because it was cutting edge scary. Well, this series is going to be cutting edge scare for the year 2011 and beyond -- so if you're of the faint-of-heart --- consider yourself warned. Here's Fangoria's incredible website dedicated to horror fans everywhere:<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="www.fangoria.com">www.fangoria.com</a><br /><br />Well, that's all for now, I'll see you soon with MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-85519486426688532052011-01-03T13:49:00.007-06:002011-01-03T14:02:35.501-06:00<span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Dear TZ radio fans!</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Happy New Year! If you are a fan of APPs you'll want to check this out as we now have a very cool APP for TWILIGHT ZONE radio dramas -- and you can get 3 FREE shows!:</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a href="http://appshopper.com/entertainment/the-twilight-zone-radio-dramas"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">http://appshopper.com/entertainment/the-twilight-zone-radio-dramas</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Last week we recorded a brand new TZ radio drama called "The Nanobots" written by Steve Nubie and starring the incredibly talented actor David Pasquesi. </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.davidpasquesi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">http://www.davidpasquesi.com/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">"The Nanobots" is the story of a washed up reporter who takes on nanotechnology as his new assignment. He happens across an experimental way to clean up oceanic oil spills only to find that the microscopic nanobots, which are shaped like tiny metal spiders, will eat just about anything - and everything in their wake. In the supporting cast are Chicago pros David Darlow, Christian Stolte, Doug James, JoBe Cerny, Lisa Wolf and Bree Swartz. I played a small part as did Steve Nubie and I'm looking forward to hearing the final mix. It's in the capable hands of Cerny American Creative's Bob Benson and Craig Lee - two geniuses at the mixing board - as we speak. It airs the first week of February so I hope you'll keep an ear out for it. </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">After that it's the end of the world as we know it when we produce "2012" also written by Steve Nubie. This TZ radio drama will star Christian Stolte. </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0831601/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0831601/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Christian's last film was "Law Abiding Citizen" where he played ruthless killer Clarence Darby. Christian's character has the dubious honor of being hacked up into little pieces by Gerard Butler's character Clyde Sheldon. If you haven't seen "Law Abiding Citizen" it's a thriller that you won't want to miss - it's available on DVD. Christian is awesome in the role - as he is in everything he appears in. </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I'm very excited to say that my celebrity-voiced audio New Testament "The Truth & Life Dramatized audio Bible" is a best-seller. It is a fully-dramatized word-for-word 'radio drama' from the RSV-CE translation and features Neal McDonough (Jesus), Stacy Keach (John), Michael York (Luke), Sean Astin, (Matthew), Malcolm McDowell (Caiaphas), Julia Ormond (Mary, Mother of God), Blair Underwood (Mark), Kristen Bell (Mary Magdalene), John Rhys-Davies (Narrator) and Brian Cox (The Voice of God).</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The "Truth & Life" is 22 hours on 18 CDs with movie-quality sound effects and an original music score. I'm very proud of it and of everyone involved who worked so hard during the two year production schedule - especially Jason Fiedler, Mike Gastella and William Hayes at bMedia. It was brilliantly directed by Bible scholar Brenda Noel and my fellow producer was Raymond Arroyo. Jim McClain from bMedia is the co-producer and the executive producer is Michael Stark. For video footage of the behind-the-scenes "making of" this project along with audio clips (and to purchase it on CD or via download) visit </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.truthandlifebible.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">www.truthandlifebible.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">.</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Other projects on the horizon for 2011 include a feature film project which will shoot here in Chicago; a TV pilot in association with Fangoria Magazine (written by Max Allan Collins); and a national TV series that I will be hosting called TV-TIME CAPSULE which showcases rare classic TV programming. The two-hour weekly show will feature classic TV programming from the 1940s and 1950s and will feature fan-favorites like Jack Benny, The Lone Ranger and Dick Van Dyke but it will focus on 'rare' TV episodes that you won't find - for the most part - anywhere else. Shows like Man With a Camera, Make Room For Daddy, Jim Bowie, Wyatt Earp, Dangerous Assignment, Mr. Peepers, Suspense and many other not-too-often-seen shows. I host the series and give the viewer background information and history about the 3 half-hour shows featured within each two-hour TV-TIME CAPSULE show. We've shot the pilot and as soon as we know what network it will be airing on, I'll let you know. </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Well, that's all for now. I hope you'll continue to listen to THE TWILIGHT ZONE RADIO DRAMAS and that you'll visit us often on our official website. Don't forget to tune in to "Hollywood 360" each Saturday evening from 8 pm till 1 am on WIND AM 560 in the Chicago area and online at 560 WIND anywhere via the Internet. I play 5 classic radio shows each week on "Hollywood 360" and I think you'd enjoy it. Here's the website at </span><a href="http://www.hollywood360radio.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">www.hollywood360radio.com.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Happy New Year!</span></span>Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-8544682741694339612010-12-02T12:47:00.001-06:002010-12-02T12:54:55.032-06:00Hi TZ radio fans!<br /><br />Let me first apologize for not posting a blog in more than 2 months - shame on me!!! The only excuse I have is to say I've been traveling quite a bit to promote my new celebrity-voiced audio New Testament which is called "The Truth & Life Dramatized audio Bible." It is a fully dramatized word-for-word 'radio drama' from the RSV-CE translation and features Neal McDonough (Jesus), Stacy Keach (John), Michael York (Luke), Sean Astin, (Matthew), Malcolm McDowell (Caiaphas), Julia Ormond (Mary, Mother of God), Blair Underwood (Mark), Kristen Bell (Mary Magdalene), John Rhys-Davies (Narrator) and Brian Cox (The Voice of God). <br /><br />The Truth & Life is 22 hours on 18 CDs with movie-quality sound effects and an original music score. I'm very proud of it of everyone involved who worked so hard during the two year production schedule - especially Jason Fiedler, Mike Gastella and William Hayes at bMedia. It was brilliantly directed by Bible scholar Brenda Noel and my fellow producer was Raymond Arroyo. Jim McClain from bMedia is the co-producer and the executive producer is Michael Stark. For video footage of the behind-the-scenes "making of" this project along with audio clips (and to purchase it on CD or via download) visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.truthandlifebible.com/">www.truthandlifebible.com</a> <br /><br />A few weeks ago I was on Laura Ingraham's national radio show and it shot to #1 on AMAZON and has been #1 or #2 ever since .... ahh the power of radio - thanks Laura! Stacy Keach and I were guests on Raymond Arroyo's TV show "The Word Over" on EWTN. Here's a utube of it at<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5w1UMDFBLM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5w1UMDFBLM</a> Stacy and I come on about half-way into the show. I'm hoping to produce the Old Testament next and potentially the entire Bible in Spanish.<br /><br />On the TWILIGHT ZONE radio dramas front I hope you all enjoyed "Ten Days" starring Ned Bellamy (who plays "Pontius Pilate in the Truth & Life audio New Testament). Ned did an amazing job as Pilate and as the lead in "Ten Days" which was written by the very talented Mark Valenti. Great job Mark! The next new TZ show is "Snow Angel" starring Sean Astin and written for the Twilight Zone by JoBe Cerny. It's a Christmas story that I hope you will enjoy with the whole family. Then, next year it will be new stories for the Twilight Zone called "The 25th Hour," "Another Place In Time," "The Nanobots," "Missing Presumed Dead," "Rest Stop," and "Twenty Twelve" to name a few. <br /><br />I hope you'll continue to listen to THE TWILIGHT ZONE RADIO DRAMAS and that you'll visit us often on our official website. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-45144271361809324802010-09-20T21:11:00.003-05:002010-09-22T12:57:44.843-05:00<div><br /></div><div>Hi TZ radio fans! </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I hope you enjoyed "The Time of Your Life" starring John Rhys-Davies as THE DEVIL! John is great in everything he does and he sure gave us something extra as Hal Scratchman, a traveling salesman who can turn back time with a mysterious clock. Ann Sonneville is amazing too as Susan Sternwood as is Jeff Lupetin as her husband Paul who is brought back to life after he's killed on the job as a policeman. And Kudus to M. J. Elliott for delivering an incredible script to work from -- in my opinion, it's one of our best TZ shows to date. Thanks to everyone involved!</div><div><br /></div><div>The next one to keep an 'ear' out for is "...and Cauldron Bubble" starring Virginia Williams <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1075208/" target="_blank">http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1075208/</a> who you last heard in "Eye of the Beholder." In this story, a college production of "Macbeth" is running rehearsals when a series of increasingly serious accidents involving the cast and crew has people worried about its reputation as a jinxed play. Only the school janitor seems to have a clue as to the mysterious events. Virginia is brilliant in the role of college student Diane who is playing "Lady Macbeth." She decides that the production needs a 'protection spell' cast on it so it can take the hoodoo off. Glen, the wise school janitor takes a keen interest in the happenings and impressionable college students. Glen is played by veteran actor Ron Dean <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0212939/" target="_blank">http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0212939/</a> and he and Virginia are supported by a great cast, including the always amazing David Darlow <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0201436/" target="_blank">http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0201436/</a> as theatre director Mr. Galvin. This script is by Christine Watson who has written several TZ stores for us -- this being the first we've produced so far. Christine turns in a haunting yet whimsical script that I'm sure you're going to enjoy. Way to go Christine!</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you looking forward to the TZ episode "Ten Days" starring Ned Bellamy, we post-poned the production and is scheduled for this month. It will air the first week of November so be sure to listen for it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm behind in keeping up with this blog -- very sorry. I've been immersed in producing a Catholic audio New Testament starring many wonderful celebrities. Being Catholic, I really wanted to produce an audio Bible for the Catholic faith and we just completed the New Testament portion. Now on to the Old Testament and then to the entire Bible in Spanish with Hispanic celebrities. This will take the next 3 to 4 years to produce. I'm calling this Catholic audio Bible, "The Truth & Life Dramatized audio Bible" and here's a link to watch video of the production process as well as some of the finished audio chapters: <a href="http://www.truthandlifebible.com" target="_blank">www.truthandlifebible.com</a> This audio New Testament hits stores the first week of November.</div><div><br /></div><div>We just finished Volume 3 of "The New Adventures of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer" titled "Encore For Murder" written by Max Allan Collins. Max does double-duty on this one as writer and actor : ) He plays a creepy character named Ronald Meese and I can't wait for you to hear him in the role. Stacy Keach does triple-duty on this episode, starring as Hammer, writing and composing all of the music and serving as Executive Producer! Stacy is always amazing as Mike Hammer and he doesn't disappoint in this latest installment in the series. And thanks to everyone in the cast which includes David Pasquesi, Tim Kazurinsky, Franette Leibow, Ric Peeples and Norm Woodel to name a few. I KNOW you are going to love this nearly 3-hour production, being released by Blackstone audio in November. I dare say it's the best one we've produced yet. Please look for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just a reminder:</div><div><br /></div><div>I've decided to create a 20-CD boxed set of the best TWILIGHT ZONE radio dramas produced to date, which will be released to retail outlets this Fall. I'm tentatively calling it THE VERY BEST OF THE TWILIGHT ZONE RADIO DRAMAS and I'm asking YOU the fans to vote on the 20 best episodes. Here's how it works: Simply email me your 20 favorite episodes (all of the episodes are listed and available for download on this official website). My email address is <a href="mailto:camari@falconpicturegroup.com" target="_blank">camari@falconpicturegroup.com</a> We will catalog all of the votes and the 20 episodes that receive the most votes will be included in the boxed set. I will post the 20 episodes that were voted the best on our website in October. The person or persons who's email vote includes the most from this list of 20 will win a $300 cash prize and 3 sets of the 20-CD box set. Rules: (1) All entries must be emailed to me on or before October 1st, 2010. (2) Duplicate prizes will be awarded if there are ties. (3) Only one vote per email address. (4) Carl Amari, Falcon Picture Group and our affiliates and partners are not responsible for emails that are not delivered into my email inbox. </div><br />There are about 170 TWILIGHT ZONE RADIO DRAMAS available to date. Choose your 20 favorite, email it to me at <a href="mailto:camari@falconpicturegroup.com" target="_blank">camari@falconpicturegroup.com</a> and you'll have a chance to win!<br /><br />Well, that's all for this time -- thanks and we'll see you next month for more NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-43969561666222537192010-07-31T13:03:00.001-05:002010-07-31T13:05:35.194-05:00<div>Hi TZ radio fans! </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you enjoyed "Mrs. Pierce is Praying For Me" starring Tim Kazurinsky, which is a brand-new episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE never before seen or heard. This month you're in for another treat: It's another brand-new episode (never seen or heard) called "The Time of Your Life" starring the amazing actor John Rhys-Davies. John plays Hal Scratchman, a traveling salesman with only one item to sell - a mysterious horrifying-looking clock, all black, with a red dial. The person he wants to sell it to is a young woman, still mourning the death of her husband, with the promise to bring him back if she agrees to his 'terms.' The supporting cast features Ann Sonneville as Susan Sternwood, Jeff Lupetin as her husband Paul, David Darlow as Susan's phycologist and JoBe Cerny as Oscar Kenner, Susan's nerdy, self-pitying neighbor. Written by prolific radio writer M.J. Elliott I think this one will knock your socks off. I think it is one of the best scripts ever written for THE TWILIGHT ZONE. It is scary, yet funny, and has a twist ending that I challenge anyone to see coming. Had this episode been written for Rod Serling and his TV series - I'm certain Rod would have happily produced it. So BRAVO to M.J. for this incredible script and to the actors who brought it to life - -with special thanks to John Rhys-Davies who turns in a tour de force performance as Hal. I can't wait for everyone to hear it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The next brand new story you'll hear is "Ten Days" written by Mark Valenti. This is Mark's first story for THE TWILIGHT ZONE but don't let that fool you. He's written many Film and TV screenplays and "Ten Days" does not disappoint. It's the story of Michael Franklin, a driven, workaholic who focuses on business at the expense of genuine human contact. When Michael finds out he has only 10 days to live - he realizes that he's been living his life all wrong - but is it too late to do anything about it? Ned Bellamy stars as Michael Franklin and he delivers a powerful performance that I'm sure will keep you glued to your seat. To learn more about Ned Bellamy, here's his imdb: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0068709/" target="_blank">http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0068709/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just a reminder:</div><div><br /></div><div>I've decided to create a 20-CD boxed set of the best TWILIGHT ZONE radio dramas produced to date, which will be released to retail outlets this Fall. I'm tentatively calling it THE VERY BEST OF THE TWILIGHT ZONE RADIO DRAMAS and I'm asking YOU the fans to vote on the 20 best episodes. Here's how it works: Simply email me your 20 favorite episodes (all of the episodes are listed and available for download on this official website). My email address is <a href="mailto:camari@falconpicturegroup.com" target="_blank">camari@falconpicturegroup.com</a> We will catalog all of the votes and the 20 episodes that receive the most votes will be included in the boxed set. I will post the 20 episodes that were voted the best on our website in October. The person or persons who's email vote includes the most from this list of 20 will win a $300 cash prize and 3 sets of the 20-CD box set. Rules: (1) All entries must be emailed to me on or before October 1st, 2010. (2) Duplicate prizes will be awarded if there are ties. (3) Only one vote per email address. (4) Carl Amari, Falcon Picture Group and our affiliates and partners are not responsible for emails that are not delivered into my email inbox. </div><br />There are about 160 TWILIGHT ZONE RADIO DRAMAS available to date. Choose your 20 favorite, email it to me at <a href="mailto:camari@falconpicturegroup.com" target="_blank">camari@falconpicturegroup.com</a> and you'll have a chance to win!<br /><br />Well, that's all for this time -- thanks and we'll see you next month for more NEWS FROM THE ZONE!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <div style="word-wrap: break-word;"><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></div><br /><br /> </div>Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-17131035500530914132010-07-06T13:54:00.002-05:002010-07-06T13:57:57.388-05:00Hi TZ radio fans!<br /><br />Well, another month has passed and here at Falcon Picture Group we've been hard at work producing more TWILIGHT ZONE radio dramas! This month, Tim Kazurinsky stars in "Mrs. Pierce is Praying for Me" a brand-new story of THE TWILIGHT ZONE by brilliant writer and TZ script supervisor, Dennis Etchison. Next month, I'm psyched for all of you to hear "The Time of Your Life" starring John Rhys-Davies as Hal Scrachman - a traveling salesman who is such a little Devil! In this original story by prolific writer M.J. Elliott, a young woman, still mourning the death of her husband, is visited by a traveling salesman who sells her a clock that can bring her dead husband back -- for a price. Internationally renowned actor John Rhys-Davies is right at home as the mischievous clock salesman and the supporting cast is a who's who of Chicago's finest actors. <br /><br />I've decided to create a 20-CD boxed set of the best TWILIGHT ZONE radio dramas produced to date, which will be released to retail outlets this Fall. I'm tentatively calling it THE VERY BEST OF THE TWILIGHT ZONE RADIO DRAMAS and I'm asking YOU the fans to vote on the 20 best episodes. Here's how it works: Simply email me your 20 favorite episodes (all of the episodes are listed and available for download on our official website). My email address is camari@falconpicturegroup.com. We will catalog all of the votes and the 20 episodes that receive the most votes will be included in the boxed set. I will post the 20 episodes that were voted the best on our website in October. The person or persons who's email vote includes the most from this list of 20 will win a $300 cash prize and 3 sets of the 20-CD box set. <br /><br />Rules:<br />(1) All entries must be emailed to me on or before October 1st, 2010.<br />(2) Duplicate prizes will be awarded if there are ties. <br />(3) Only one vote per email address. <br />(4) Carl Amari, Falcon Picture Group and our affiliates and partners are not responsible for emails that are not delivered into my email inbox. <br /><br />There are about 160 TWILIGHT ZONE RADIO DRAMAS available to date. Choose your 20 favorite, email it to me at camari@falconpicturegroup.com and you'll have a chance to win! <br /><br />Thanks and we'll see you next time for more NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-12731517598391008462010-06-01T17:08:00.005-05:002010-06-01T17:18:48.897-05:00Hi TZ radio fans!<br /><br />Well this month be sure to tune in to the TZRD "Eye of the Beholder" starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1075208/">Virginia Williams</a>. Virginia is an amazing actress who you've seen on TV in "The Mentalist," "How I Met Your Mother," "Two and a Half Men," "Monarch Cove, "As the World Turns" and many other popular shows. She will soon be seen as a regular on "Facing Kate" a new series currently filming. Virginia, who played "Rachel" in my Word of Promise audio Bible absolutely nails the starring role of "Janet Tyler" a woman who is born with a particular handicap - ugliness. This is one of the most famous episodes from the classic TZ TV series and I think you'll really like this radio adaptation, which was written by Barry Richert.<br /><br />Next month it's a brand new TZRD story by Dennis Etchison called "Mrs. Pierce is Praying for Me" starring Tim Kazurinsky. This one is about Wally Beecher, a small-time hustler who's down on his luck and running from the mob. When they put the squeeze on him by beating and nearly killing his brother, Wally learns a lesson about what really matters. His brother always got him out of jams when they were kids, but this time it's his brother who needs help. But how? And was his brother really the one who helped him years ago? Seems there was an old woman, Mrs. Pierce, who lived down the hall in the building where they grew up who just might have had a hand in helping the boys out.<br /><br />This memorial day weekend, Stacy Keach flew into town to record Volume 3 of THE NEW ADVENTURES OF MICKEY SPILLANE'S MIKE HAMMER titled "Encore For Murder." This story, along with Volumes 1 and 2, are brand new audio adventures of the world's toughest Private Eye. Volume 1 was written by M.J. Elliott and Volume 2 and 3 were written by Max Allan Collins. Max was hand-picked by Mickey Spillane to continue writing MIKE HAMMER stories after his passing. When mixed, "Encore For Murder" will be a 3-hour full-cast audio drama, complete with sound effects and original music (the music is written and performed by Stacy Keach). There are 21 actors in this one, including David Pasquesi and Tim Kazurinsky. Stacy Keach stars as MIKE HAMMER, a role he played to perfection on TV. These audio adventures are available at retail and at my <a href="http://falconpicturegroup.com">Falcon Picture Group</a> site and through Blackstone audio's site. They are produced by yours truly for Falcon Picture Group and Blackstone audio under license from Mickey Spillane's estate. I can't wait until this one is ready as I know listeners are going to love it. Max Allan Collins came out for the recording session and helped me with the massive task of directing (THANKS MAX!).<br /><br />Here's a cast photo from the Sunday May 30th MIKE HAMMER recording session:<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuxcv58bg48K382wEs7DkPsWr5hRW4KYHpjd_2uBmCpm4CxsSF2lIt7mJuSWKHqlzwyH0T0QQc5wvjmqT70xAUa5ZdrQdewFKC9PyXRLwmgs9dYvXgC4gaG7uDluWFd5pC2kJ1LE6HQw/s1600/MikeHammer1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 456px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuxcv58bg48K382wEs7DkPsWr5hRW4KYHpjd_2uBmCpm4CxsSF2lIt7mJuSWKHqlzwyH0T0QQc5wvjmqT70xAUa5ZdrQdewFKC9PyXRLwmgs9dYvXgC4gaG7uDluWFd5pC2kJ1LE6HQw/s400/MikeHammer1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477932259268749058" border="0" /></a><br />Well, that's all for now. Join me next time for more NEWS FROM THE ZONE!<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-60345204926457018042010-04-22T08:32:00.002-05:002010-04-22T08:36:27.049-05:00Hi TZ radio fans!<br /><br />Well this week, don't miss the brand new TZ radio play "Beewinjapeedee" written by JoBe Cerny. It stars the always amazing Sean Astin as a documentary filmmaker who travels to the Everglades in search of his brother's killer. While there. he meets a legendary Indian Princess with a ravenous appetite. In the studio we're working on the TZ radio episode "Eye of the Beholder" which stars Virginia Williams as Janet Tyler, a woman who is born with a particular handicap - ugliness.<br /><br />The following description of the TV episode is from the website: <a href="http://spacedoutinc.org/DU-11/TwilightZone.html">http://spacedoutinc.org/DU-11/TwilightZone.html</a><br /><br />In the TV version Janet is shown in a hospital on her eleventh visit to seek medical assistance for her deformity. The medical staff shows great compassion and sympathy for her despite their country’s political determination to ruthlessly eliminate non-conformity. “Some people want to live, no matter what,” says one nurse confidentially to another, showing their personal sympathy for Janet despite her severe social handicap. Director Douglas Heyes employs a particularly striking method of captivating our attention - he keeps all the characters faceless for most of the episode, as though to add to the bleakness and oppression all around. Poor Janet Tyler is wrapped in bandages, and the doctors and nurses who care for her also have their faces hidden by shadows, as though their compassion for Janet places them in some twilight zone between their political duties and their humanity - they are faceless minions of an oppressive society.<br /><br />Naturally, being Twilight Zone, the episode features a twist at the end to demonstrate the adage that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.<br /><br />Because this episode is so visual it created certain challenges when adapting it to radio. Once again I called upon Barry Richert, who faced similar challenges when adapting "The Invaders." Barry did an awesome job with the script and so far I am delighted with what I've heard in the mix stage. A mix for a typical TZ radio episodes takes about a week, so I'll keep you updated and be sure to listen for it in June.<br /><br />Max Allen Collins just turned in his first draft to Stacy Keach and me on Volume 3 of "The New Adventures of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer." Working from the plot for an unwritten novel found in the files of the late Mickey Spillane, Max Allan Collins ("Road to Perdition") has fashioned a compelling noir thriller that is vintage Mike Hammer all the way titled "Encore For Murder." This 3-hour radio novel will be fully dramatized and star Stacy Keach as Mike Hammer, the toughest P.I. of them all. Look for it to be released by Blackstone Audio in the Fall.<br /><br />In other news my "Word of Promise audio Bible" was recently nominated for 4 audio awards and for "Audiobook of the Year" please see:<br /><br /><a href="http://news.thomasnelson.com/2010/04/14/the-word-of-promise-audio-bible-named-an-audiobook-of-the-year-finalist/">http://news.thomasnelson.com/2010/04/14/the-word-of-promise-audio-bible-named-an-audiobook-of-the-year-finalist/</a><br /><br />Well that's all for now, check back in a month for more NEWS FROM THE <br />ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-19261532967620506022010-03-16T15:27:00.002-05:002010-03-16T15:31:07.307-05:00Hi there TZ radio fans,<br /><br />Last week we recorded a brand new TZ story called “Beewinjapeedee” written by JoBe Cerny, who often directs the TZ episodes. It stars Sean Astin as a documentary filmmaker who travels to the Everglades in search of his brother’s killer and encounters a legendary Indian Princess and shape-shifter with a ravenous appetite. Incredible actress Elizabeth Ledo plays the Indian Princess while Christopher Sullivan, Tyron Patton, Oksana Fedunyszyn and Roger Mueller round out the cast. This episode airs next month so be sure not to miss it.<br /><br />The next TZ to be produced after "Beewinjapeedee" is "I Sing the Body Electric" which is the only TZ episode to be written by Ray Bradbury. Ray was not happy with the televised version of his script so our own Dennis Etchison crafted a brilliant radio play based partly on the TV episode and partly on Ray's original notes and script. Here's the plot: When the mother of three young children dies, the father brings home a robot Grandmother to help raise them. The amazing Dee Wallace stars as the robot Grandmother and David Pasquesi plays the scientist who creates her. My 11-year old son, C.J. Amari, who can be heard in several TZs (including the boy talking via a toy telephone to his dead Grandmother in "Long Distance Call") plays Tommy. You can see C.J. in the film "Letters To God" opening nationwide April 9th, 2010. Here's the movie's official website:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.letterstogodthemovie.com/">http://www.letterstogodthemovie.com/</a><br /><br />C.J. is the voice of the animated boy in the soon-to-be-seen animated Pop Tarts TV commercials -- Well, I sound like I'm bragging so I'll stop : )<br /><br />On other Falcon Picture Group projects, Max Allan Collins is writing another "Mike Hammer" radio play, which we're slated to record and produce the first week of April. It's called "Encore For Murder" and it will serve as Volume 3 in "The New Adventures of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer" audio series.<br /><br />Mike Hammer, the toughest P.I. of all, draws a seemingly routine assignment – playing bodyguard to diva Rita Vance on the eve of her big Broadway comeback. But Rita is an old flame of Hammer’s, and when their romance is rekindled, the detective finds the actress facing death threats and himself the target of one hit man after another. When the actress disappears, the show must go on, which with Mike Hammer means swift, violent retaliation. While the cops and feds go down a false trail, Hammer seeks to make a rescue before Rita’s curtain comes down. But first he must make sense of a mystery that takes him from a Soho art gallery to a mountain lodge, from Little Italy to a waterfront confrontation that is way, way off Broadway.<br /><br />Working from the plot for an unwritten novel found in the files of the late Mickey Spillane, Max Allan Collins ("Road to Perdition") has fashioned a compelling noir thriller that is vintage Mike Hammer all the way. As were the other two Volumes, Volume 3 will be released by Blackstone Audio. The release date is scheduled for September of this year.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now, I hope you'll join me next time for MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-62175036769785232302010-02-09T10:10:00.005-06:002010-02-09T10:21:37.794-06:00Hi there TZ radio fans,<br /><br />Well, this week you'll hear a radio adaptation of the classic story "Once Upon a Time" which was originally seen December 15th, 1961. The TV episode was written by the great Richard Matheson and featured silent film star Buster Keaton as Woodrow Mulligan, a grumpy janitor in 1890, dissatisfied with his time and place. He works for Professor Gilbert, who has just invented a time helmet. Seizing the opportunity, Mulligan uses the helmet to transport himself to the future of 1960, which of course turns out to not be what he was hoping for.<br /><br />"Once Upon a Time" was one of the Twilight Zone's comedy episodes. The portions of the episode set in the 1890s have no sound and include silent film intertitle cards (except for Rod Serling) with music provided by a saloon piano.<br /><br />In our radio version of "Once Upon a Time" adapted by Matthew Elliott, the brilliant actor John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings / Raiders of the Lost Ark) stars as Woodrow Mulligan with Mike Starr as Rollo. John completely nails the role of Mulligan and of course Mike Starr hits the ball out of the park as always.<br /><br />I received the rough mix on this show last week and, other than the acting, I was pretty disappointed with it. I'm a big believer that anything you can do on TV can be done on radio - and in most cases, even better because the theatre of the imagination sets a bigger stage. However, I think comedy (in general) is better represented in a visual medium. For example -- Abbott & Costello, Martin & Lewis, Red Skelton, Milton Berle and many others had more success in visual arenas. "Once Upon a Time" in my humble opinion was only an okay show on TV so there is really only so much you can do with it. And because it's a comedy episode it just doesn't translate as well to radio. After hearing the first draft I made extensive notes for the Cerny team and they went to work on bettering it. Yesterday I received the final mix and although I think it's much better now, it still has some problems. The TV episode and the radio episode have so many scene changes and jump-cuts to different character's points of view, listeners may have a tougher time following the perspective on this one than they would in the video version. All that said, I think it's still a fun radio show and I hope listeners will enjoy it. Every one of these shows is like a newborn baby to me - this baby just isn't as 'cute' as most of my others ; )<br /><br />The next new TZ story will be broadcast the week of March 22nd and is already produced. It's called "Now You Hear It, Now You Don't" and stars marvelous actress Dee Wallace as Rose Lynbrook, powerful CEO of Lady Lynbrook Cosmetics. Rose is in her mid 50's and is still quite beautiful, though her best years are behind her, she is too vain to wear a hearing aid despite a degenerative hearing loss. After she's almost killed by a bus because she didn't hear it approaching, she reluctantly is fitted for a hearing aid that is a prototype for a new cutting-edge model. Recently remarried to a younger man, Rose begins suspecting he is cheating on her with her young assistant and that the two are plotting to murder her in order to take over the business. These suspicions are fuelled by the conversations she's able to overhear thanks to the powerful hearing aid.<br /><br />I decided to take a stab at writing a TZ episode and this is my first. The inspiration to write this story came from my 81 year old mom Rose Amari who has had substantial hearing loss over the last few years. She never wanted to wear a hearing aid but I'm happy to say she's just gotten one and it's been a real blessing (hi mom!). I know my writing limitations so I called on Dennis Etchison to take my story and adapted it into a TZ radio script. As always, he didn't disappoint. Dee Wallace is brilliant in her portrayal of Rose Lynbrook. Norm Woodel portrays her younger, power-hungry husband Wayne Benson and Rob Riley is Rose's friend and confidant Dr. Wrightson. Jennifer Joy, who plays "Eve" in my "Word of Promise" audio Bible plays Sally, Rose's assistant and Wayne's mistress. I'm really happy with the final mix and I can't wait for you to hear it. When I think of "The Twilight Zone" this is the kind of story that comes to mind - murder, mystery, intrigue, plot twists and an element of the supernatural. I hope you will enjoy it.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now, I hope you'll join me next time for MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-86005124226671972792010-01-19T09:40:00.003-06:002010-02-02T09:35:36.729-06:00Hi there TZ radio fans,<br /><br />Well, this week is "The Walk-Abouts" a brand new story by writer Steve Nubie. As you may know, we've been producing this series since 2002 and we started with radio adaptations of the original 156 TV episodes. Because we've nearly adapted all of the 156 originals, CBS Enterprises (the owners of the Twilight Zone) is allowing us to write and produce brand new stories never seen or heard before. "The Walk-Abouts" is one of them. It's the story of a writer of conspiracy books who claims to have concrete evidence that UFO’s and Aliens really do exist. His goal is to write a best seller blowing the lid off the topic – but in doing so, he may make an enemy or two. I think you're going to love this episode -- it has some great twists and turns. My pal Mike Starr plays the lead and the supporting cast includes David Pasquesi (recently seen co-starring with Tom Hanks in "Angels & Demons"), JoBe Cerny, Richard Henzel, Linda Kimbrough and Tim Dadabo.<br /><br />The first week of February you'll hear "The Invaders" starring Kathy Garver in the role of an elderly woman fending for herself against alien invaders while living in shack in the middle of nowhere. The role was played by the great Agnes Moorehead in the original TV version and she had no dialog at all. Producing a radio version of a story with no dialog for the lead posed challenges so we gave her a blind husband, played by Chicago actor Tony Mockus. Because he can't see, she describes what is happening to him and thus the listener can follow along. I think you're going to really like what we did with this classic story by the great Richard Matheson. Once again we called on Barry Richert to adapted it for radio.<br /><br />Then the week of February 22nd, you're in for another treat. We'll be presenting a radio adaptation of the classic story "Once Upon a Time" which was originally seen December 15th, 1961. The TV episode was written by Richard Matheson and featured silent film star Buster Keaton as Woodrow Mulligan, a grumpy janitor in 1890, dissatisfied with his time and place: A backwater town called "Harmony" with seventeen-cent cuts of meat, two-dollar hats, livestock freely roaming the streets, and penny-farthing bicycles that frequently knock him down while going the speed limit. He works for Professor Gilbert, who has just invented a time helmet. Seizing the opportunity, Mulligan uses the helmet to transport himself to the future of 1960, which of course turns out to be a surprise with even higher prices and more noise and chaos. He meets Rollo, a scientist and authority on the 1890s, who helps him to repair the broken helmet in the hopes of returning to the past. But Rollo double crosses Mulligan and tries to go back alone, but Mulligan will have none of it and jumps on Rollo and they are transported back together. The 1890s turn out to be not entirely what Rollo expected and he's very unhappy. Mulligan, however, is relieved, and when he hears Rollo griping, Mulligan sets the helmet for 1960, puts it on Rollo's head, sending him back to his own time.<br /><br />"Once Upon a Time" was one of the Twilight Zone's comedy episodes. The portions of the episode set in the 1890s have no sound and include silent film intertitle cards (except, of course, for Rod Serling) with music provided by a saloon piano. Much is made of the fact that Mulligan shows up in the 1960s with no pants due to his getting run over by a "high speed" bicycle. A running gag involves a frustrated Mulligan being chased by a policeman in both the past and the present.<br /><br />Buster Keaton was one of the biggest stars of the silent era, starring in and devising elaborate stunts and gags for such classic comedies as "The General" and "Steamboat Bill, Jr." His career unfortunately hit the skids with the advent of sound films, and he spent decades struggling in Hollywood. A big fan of Keaton, Serling intended this episode to be an homage to Keaton's early work.<br /><br />In our radio version of "Once Upon a Time" adapted by Matthew Elliott, the brilliant actor John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings / Raiders of the Lost Ark) stars as Woodrow Mulligan with Mike Starr as Rollo. John completely nails the role of Mulligan and I can't wait for you to hear it. John is a great friend -- he portrayed "Saul" to perfection in my Word of Promise audio Bible. He will also be heard starring in "The Time of Your Life" a brand new TZ radio drama also written by Matthew Elliott. That one is scheduled for August 2010 so don't miss it!<br /><br />Well, that's all for now, I hope you'll join me next time for MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-67542894867014437502009-12-13T18:41:00.004-06:002009-12-13T18:48:10.867-06:00Hi there,<br /><br />Well, this coming week I'm excited for all of you to hear "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce and adapted for radio by Matthew Elliott. In my last blog, I talked about it at length and in just a few days you'll be able to hear what I think is one of the best TZ radio dramas we've ever produced. Whatever you do, don't miss it!<br /><br />As you may know, we produce 12 to 14 new shows each year with the other shows being repeats. But since we've produced more than 160 shows since the series premiered in 2002, repeats are always more than a year apart. So, after "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge" the next 'new' or never-before-heard show will air the week of January 4th, 2010. It's an original story by Steve Nubie called "The Walk-Abouts" starring Mike Starr and the amazing supporting cast of David Pasquesi, JoBe Cerny, Lia Mortensen, Richard Henzel, Linda Kimbrough and Tim Dadabo.<br /><br />"The Walk-Abouts" is the story of a writer of conspiracy books who claims to have concrete evidence that UFO¹s and Aliens really do exist. His goal is to write a best seller blowing the lid off the topic but in doing so, he may make an enemy or two. I think you're going to love this episode -- it has twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mike Starr knocks it out of the park as always, as does this fine supporting cast. JoBe Cerny handled the directing chores and did a stellar job.<br /><br />I just today heard a rough draft of "The Invaders" starring Kathy Garver, and WOW is she ever fantastic in it. Kathy is best-known for her starring role as "Cissy" the eldest sibling in the long-running CBS international television series "Family Affair." Kathy has garnered critical acclaim in movies, radio, voice-over animation, audio book narration and on stage. Hollywood legendary producer/director Cecil B. DeMille was one of the first to recognize Kathy's talents casting her alongside Charlton Heston in "The Ten Commandments" at the ripe old age of 10! To learn more about Kathy and a new "Family Affair" cook book she just wrote, please visit her official website at:<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.kathygarver.com/">http://www.kathygarver.com/</a><br /><br />Kathy has been in a few TZ radio dramas including starring opposite Stacy Keach in "The Fever" which airs this coming week so be sure to listen for it.<br /><br />I've gotten many emails from TZ radio fans over the years asking if we're ever going to produce "The Invaders" since the teleplay had almost no dialog. If you're a TZ fan you'll remember that Agnes Moorehead starred in the famous TV episode. Moorehead played an old woman living alone in a shack far off into the woods who is attacked by invaders from another planet. Because the original TV episode was so visual and had almost no dialog at all, it posed challenges for us to bring to radio. There are similar challenges with "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge" and "Eye of the Beholder" but I assure you, you will hear them on the TZ radio dramas.<br /><br />In other news, Blackstone Audio has just released Volume 2 of THE NEW ADVENTURES OF MICKEY SPILLANE'S MIKE HAMMER "The Little Death" a 2 hour and 13 minute audio novel by Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins that I produced starring Stacy Keach. Last year I produced Volume 1, which included two short stories written by Matthew Elliott and JoBe Cerny. In Volume 2, we decided to do one long story, written by Max Allan Collins from material written by the late, great Mickey Spillane. Here is Max's blog talking all about it:<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.maxallancollins.com/blog/tag/the-little-death/">http://www.maxallancollins.com/blog/tag/the-little-death/</a><br /><br />Like Volume 1, "The Little Death" is fully-dramatized with an incredible supporting cast and stars Stacy Keach as the hard-boiled detective he immortalized on television. Both Volume 1 and Volume 2 are available at Blackstone Audio's website or wherever audio books are sold. Here's Blackstone's website:<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackstoneaudio.com/">http://www.blackstoneaudio.com/</a><br /><br />I am really proud of this MIKE HAMMER series and if you don't own them and are a fan of radio drama, I highly recommend you add them to your collection -- you won't be disappointed. Like TZ radio dramas, we went 'all-out' to bring you 'a dramatic radio theatre experience' you won't soon forget.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now, I hope you'll join me next time for MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-90969132427426655252009-11-19T09:30:00.004-06:002009-11-19T10:50:56.735-06:00Hi everyone,<br /><br />Well, this week we're airing "There Goes the Neighborhood" with my pal Tim Kazurinsky as star. It's a brand new story written especially for The Twilight Zone Radio Dramas by terrific writer Barry Richert. Tim plays a timid scientist who builds a device that transports a grotesque beast from another dimension. The scientist quickly learns though that the unsightly visitor has a kind, gentle nature and he must thwart his greedy wife’s efforts to exploit the creature. One of my favorite "Zoners" Meg Thalken plays Tim's nasty wife - you just love to hate her in this!<br /><br />The next "new" TZ show that we've produced is one you'll be hearing the week of December 14th. It's one of the most intriguing short-stories in all of literature, "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce. It's the story of a Confederate spy who is inexplicably spared death when the rope meant to hang him miraculously breaks. In 1962, the story was produced as a French short-film by Marcel Ichal and Paul de Robaix called "Incident at Owl Creek" and it won first prize for short subjects at the Cannes Film Festival that year. In 1963 it won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. That same year Rod Serling attended a private screening of the French film and he liked it so much he agreed to have it shown on his Twilight Zone TV series, with the French dialog dubbed in English so that American audiences could experience it. The February 28, 1964 telecast offered this introduction by Serling: "Tonight on the Twilight Zone, a special event. A program made outside of the United States that seems to us to be so different, so effective, and so meaningful that we offer it to you now. A haunting study of the incredible from the past master of the incredible - Ambrose Bierce. What you will now see is the French production of ... "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge."<br /><br />Because the short film had very little dialog, it posed a great challenge in being adapted for our radio series. Fortunately for us, British writer M.J. Elliott was up for the challenge. M.J. is a brilliant writer, who specializes in radio drama style writing. He has written a few "new" TZ stories that you will be hearing next year and recently adapted Richard Matheson's TZ story "Once Upon a Time." The televised version of that story starred silent film icon Buster Keaton. Our radio version stars the amazing John Rhys-Davies and you'll hear it the broadcast week of February 22nd, 2010.<br /><br />With a brilliant radio adaptation of the Bierce classic by M.J. Elliott, I decided to leave the directing chores up to JoBe Cerny. JoBe directed my Word of Promise audio Bible - see <a href="http://www.wordofpromisebible.com/">www.wordofpromisebible.com</a> - In the lead role of "Peyton Farquhar" I chose actor Christian Stolte, who can currently be seen co-starring with Gerard Butler and Jamie Fox in "Law Abiding Citizen." In that film Christian plays "Clarence Darby" a crazed killer that murders Butler's character's wife and young daughter. Don't worry, Butler makes him pay mightily for the crimes. Christian can also be seen as "Charles Makley" one of John Dillinger's gang in the Johnny Depp film "Public Enemies" and as "Jesse's father" in the soon-to-be-released "A Nightmare on Elm Street." In the supporting cast of "Owl Creek Bridge" we have: William Dick, Danny Goldring, Rob Riley, Gonzo Schexnayder, Susan Hart and John Hooganakker.<br /><br />The incredible mix to this hallucinatory story fell to the amazing sound designer Craig Lee at Cerny American Creative. Craig never ceases to amaze me with his vivid design style (he headed up the sound design for Word of Promise) and it's evident in this story - so kudos Craig!<br /><br />With all this build up you probably wouldn't be surprised if I say that this radio version of "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge" is one of my favorite Twilight Zone Radio Dramas to date - and you wouldn't be wrong. I think it ranks right up there along with "Five Characters In Search of an Exit," "Long Distance Call," "Four O'clock," "The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank" and "Long Live Walter Jameson" which are my faves.<br /><br />I hope after you listen to this episode you'll blog or email me at camari@falconpicturegroup.com with your thoughts and comments. Well, that's all for now, I hope you'll join me next time for MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-32546015043197775082009-10-29T15:24:00.009-05:002009-11-17T16:20:38.471-06:00Hi everyone,<br /><br />Wow, I'm really sorry for missing all of September with my TZ blog! Where does the time go? The main reason for my being so crazy-busy is that I just completed a 4-year project of producing THE WORD OF PROMISE Full Audio Bible for Thomas Nelson, Inc. Here’s the resource site for it which features video and audio clips and detailed information:<br /><br /><a href="http://wordofpromise.thomasnelson.com/">http://wordofpromise.thomasnelson.com/</a><br /><br />A few weeks ago I went to LA to tape a special on it for Trinity Broadcasting Network along with Michael York and Ernie Hudson. It’s 30 minutes if you have a chance to watch it. Here’s a link. Look for the one with (Michael York, Ernie Hudson and Carl Amari).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tbn.org/watch-us/podcast?view_all">http://www.tbn.org/watch-us/podcast?view_all</a><br /><br />I've never been more proud of a project than THE WORD OF PROMISE. Single reader Full audio Bibles run about 40 hours. This is a 98 hour audio Bible with more than 600 actors including Jim Caviezel, Jon Voight, Richard Dreyfuss, Malcolm McDowell, Gary Sinise, Marisa Tomei, Joan Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Jesse McCartney, Marcia Gay Harden, Stacy Keach, Sean Astin, Lou Gossett, Jr., and many other award-winning actors. It is narrated by the incredible Michael York. There is not one word of dialog being 'read' in this audio Bible, it is all 'performed' like a film with the actors interacting with each other, set to amazing music and sound effects. It's presented in 'dramatic audio theatre' style (word-for-word from the NKJ) and I promise you it will lift the words off the page. You've never experienced anything like this audio Bible.<br /><br />JoBe Cerny directed it (he directed an incredible 175,000 takes). His amazing team of sound designers, headed by Craig Lee, at Cerny American Creative handed the Foley and mix. Maestro Stefano Mainetti and his 150 piece orchestra provides the original music score that was written for each scene in the Bible - no canned music here!<br /><br />My friend Jim McClain and I are in the process of creating a 2-minute TV commercial for it which I'm hoping will be on national television in a few weeks. The Full audio Bible (from Genesis to Revelation) is 98 hours on 79 CDs, plus a Bonus DVD of the 'behind the scenes' making of this project, housed in a beautiful case with a travel tin. The retail is $124.99 but our special, money-back guarantee TV offer includes 5 additional CDs of The Christmas Story, The Easter Story and the epic Stefano Mainetti music score (the music score is not available anywhere else). This is a retail value of $150.00. On our TV, those that order will get the $150.00 value for two payments of $39.99. Our website will be up in a few weeks with this offer and will be at <a href="http://www.wordofpromisebible.com">www.wordofpromisebible.com</a><br /><br />If you want to order this for yourself or for a Christmas gift feel free to go to our website when it's up or email me anytime at camari@falconpicturegroup.com and I'll arrange to get it to you.<br /><br />On the TZ front, since I last blogged you've hopefully heard new episodes of:<br /><br />"Who Am I?" starring Sean Astin. Plot: A young businessman wakes up one morning and has a completely different face – but only “he” thinks it’s different from before.<br /><br />"Nothing In the Dark" starring Marshall Allman. Plot: An old woman consumed with the fact that she will die one day soon, barricades herself in her cold, dark tenement apartment so that “Mr. Death” can not visit her.<br /><br />"Steel" starring Lou Gossett, Jr. Plot: In the near future boxing has been outlawed and is performed by mechanical robots. The manager of a robot desperately in need of repair does the unthinkable to win a bout.<br /><br />"The Amazing Dr. Kyle Powers" starring Sean Astin. Plot: A cold, unsympathetic physician is given the opportunity to change his ways when an extraordinary visitor gives him the ability to experience his patients’ symptoms. But will the good doctor change for the better?<br /><br />Next up is "There Goes the Neighborhood" a brand-new original radio play written especially for The Twilight Zone by Barry Richert and stars Tim Kazurinsky. When a timid scientist builds a device that transports a grotesque beast from another dimension, he quickly learns the unsightly visitor has a kind, gentle nature. The scientist must thwart his greedy wife’s efforts to exploit the creature. I dare say it's one of the best shows we've ever produced, so I hope you enjoy it very much.<br /><br />We just recorded "The Invaders" starring Kathy Garver ("Cissy" from the great TV series "Family Affair") and will be mixing it soon. I know you will be thrilled with how we pulled off a radio adaptation of the famous TV episode starring Agnes Moorehead that had NO DIALOG!<br /><br />That's all for now, catch me next time with more ... NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-56318723383766697152009-08-25T10:06:00.003-05:002009-11-07T11:57:44.185-06:00Hi everyone,<br /><br />I hope that you enjoyed "Passage on the Lady Anne" starring the amazing husband-wife acting duo Martin Jarvis and Rosalyn Ayres. Quite frankly I think it's one of the best shows we've ever produced. I hope you also enjoyed "Who Am I?" starring the brilliant actor Sean Astin. I will confess that the sound design for "Who Am I?" was not at the level that I wanted it to be. Unfortunately, we were faced with airing it as is or running a repeat so I let it air sub-par. That said, Cerny is hard at work remixing and making improvements/tweaks. The "Who Am I?" episode that we will sell for download and the show we air the next time around will be far better - I apologize for this.<br /><br />Next up is "Nothing in the Dark" by George Clayton Johnson and adapted for radio by M.J. Elliott. This story is one of my favorites. The original 1962 TV version starred Gladys Cooper as Wanda Dunn and Robert Redford as Harold Beldon. A lonely old woman, Wanda Dunn, will not leave her dark basement apartment (in a soon to be demolished complex) because she's afraid "Mr. Death" is waiting for her outside. There is a commotion outside; Wanda peeks out fearfully. A young Police officer is lying on the ground just outside her door and he has been shot. After much convincing, Wanda finally opens the door and brings him in. While she does her best to nurse him, he talks to her about her fear, and she tells him she has seen Death before in the form of a man who took away the life of a woman on a bus just by touching her. Wanda has been afraid of death ever since and is convinced "Mr. Death" can change his appearance to mask his arrival. When there is a knock at the door, a man breaks into her apartment, and Wanda faints, thinking it's "Mr. Death." When she comes to, the man apologizes and explains he is a building contractor their to demolish the building the very next day. Soon after she meets "Mr. Death" head on and the twist ending is quite remarkable.<br /><br />Our radio version stars Marshall Allman (Prison Break) as Police officer Beldon. I can't wait to hear the mixed version. In other news, my Word of Promise Old Testament and Full audio Bible will be released to the public by mid September. I just received finished goods of them both a few days ago and I must say the amazing packaging is only surpassed by the quality of the audio itself. My hope is that this audio Bible will become a helpful tool to spread the word of God in homes all over the world. To visit the resource center to learn more about this audio Bible and hear and watch audio and video on it, please visit:<br /><br /><a href="http://wordofpromise.thomasnelson.com/">http://wordofpromise.thomasnelson.com/</a><br /><br />All of these Bible products are available wherever Bibles are sold.<br /><br />Thanks everyone and I'll see you next time for more NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-13172378583256126432009-07-22T13:08:00.002-05:002009-07-22T13:11:19.842-05:00Hi everyone,<br /><br />I hope you enjoyed "Bewitchin' Pool" starring Karen Black. It's a tough story to do on radio because it's so visual, with the kids splashing around in the water and the Norman Rockwell-esque country home of Aunt T. Even with these challenges I'm very happy with the way it came out and I hope you are too.<br /><br />I hope that you also enjoyed "The Hunt" starring the incomparable Shelley Berman as "Hyder" with Karen Black as his wife "Rachel." I just love this story and what Shelley and Karen did with it. If you haven't heard this one, don't miss it, it's a heartfelt story and one you won't soon forget -- especially if you're a dog-lover.<br /><br />Coming your way soon is "Passage on the Lady Anne" starring British actors Martin Jarvis and Rosalyn Ayres, who are real life husband and wife. They play "Mr. & Mrs. McKenzie" elderly travelers on the ancient British ocean liner "The Lady Anne." In this story, an unhappy American couple named "Alan & Eileen Ransome" (played by David Pasquesi and Ann Sonneville) take a 14-day cruise to England in the hopes that the trip will rekindle their marriage. They meet the McKenzies and other passengers who are ALL elderly and make it very clear that they do not want them aboard. This one is mysterious, moody and ultimately quite touching.<br /><br />Martin Jarvis played "The Voice of God" in my Word of Promise audio Bible. Please see:<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Word-Promise-Testament-Audio-Bible/dp/0718024249">http://www.amazon.com/Word-Promise-Testament-Audio-Bible/dp/0718024249</a><br /><br />He is a tremendous actor with incredible abilities. His lovely and talented wife Rosalyn has been in many films and TV programs -- you might remember her as The Bride of Frankenstein in the film "Gods and Monsters."<br /><br />This Saturday (July 25th) on HOLLYWOOD 360 my guest is Radio Hall of Famer and Old-Time Radio Guru Chuck Schaden. I'll also have a recorded interview with Margot Stevenson the actress who played "The Lovely Margot Lane" opposite Orson Welles on "The Shadow." OTR shows include: The Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show, The Shadow, X-Minus-One and Casey, Crime Photographer. On August 8th, Shelley Berman will be my guest.<br /><br />HOLLYWOOD 360 airs on Chicago radio station WIND AM 560 from 7 pm to Midnight every Saturday night followed by two episodes of THE TWILIGHT ZONE radio dramas beginning at Midnight. If you are out of the area, tune in via the internet at:<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://560wind.townhall.com/">http://560wind.townhall.com/</a><br /><br />Well, that's all for now, check back for more NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-41816599506696196822009-05-29T13:33:00.004-05:002009-11-07T11:58:55.433-06:00Hi everyone,<br /><br />I hope you enjoyed the TZ radio production of "Execution" starring Don Johnson as a tough cowboy from the old West that is brought to modern times by a scientist. I think it came out great and Don was marvelous as the mean cowboy killer.<br /><br />Next up is "Bewitchin' Pool" by Earl Hamner and adapted for radio by the amazing Dennis Etchison. As Dennis explains it: Of all the Hamner episodes, this one may have the most heart. This one was cut and somewhat short-changed on TV. But Dennis's adaptation is based on Hamner's full script. The TV version aired June 19th, 1964. It was program 156 in the series and was the last TZ television episode ever broadcast, which was cancelled abruptly. It contrasts a bitter, edgy present with a return to an idyllic rural fantasy past. Two kids are miserable because of their parents' bitter, unhappy marriage. They dive into the family swimming pool to escape and surface in another time and place, straight out of Tom Sawyer. A wonderful older woman named Aunt T runs her rural house as a kind of orphans' home. The kids eventually return to the present, only to learn that their parents are divorcing. So they swim back to Aunt T's to live happily ever after.<br /><br />There is a dark, unspoken undercurrent to this story, almost as if the kids commit suicide to escape their unhappiness. Realistically, from the parents' point of view, that is probably what happens. Whether the children's bodies are actually found we never know. But we don't dwell on that possibility. Hamner's story is about salvation by escaping to a better place, and that is what most of the audience will hear: a happy ending. But the darker, sadder story is there for those who care to think about it.<br /><br />In the TV version Georgia Simmons played Aunt T. In our radio version the incredible Karen Black owns the role. I directed Karen and she's just the sweetest person ever! Jeff Lupetin, an amazing voice over artist and director handled the supporting directing chores on this one and the soon-to-be-released "The Hunt" starring Shelley Berman and Karen Black. I can't wait to hear the first draft of "Bewitchin' Pool' which will be early next week.<br /><br />This Saturday on HOLLYWOOD 360 I have the great Stan Freberg as my guest along with the producers and director of CHICAGO OVERCOAT an independent film shot here in Chicago starring Frank Vincent, Armand Assante, Stacy Keach and Mike Starr. Next Saturday I have the always hilarious Tim Kazurinsky and on the 13th, the brilliant Stephnie Weir of Mad TV fame. HOLLYWOOD 360 airs on Chicago station WIND AM 560 from 7 pm to Midnight every Saturday night followed by THE TWILIGHT ZONE radio dramas at Midnight. If you are out of the area, tune in via the internet at: <a href="http://560wind.townhall.com/">http://560wind.townhall.com/</a><br /><br />That's all for now, check back for more NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-81995608045678424202009-05-04T11:10:00.003-05:002009-11-07T12:00:08.659-06:00Hi everyone,<br /><br />I hope everyone enjoyed "Two" starring Don Johnson and Oksana Fedenuschen. I've gotten some very nice emails about it and it's always great to get your feedback. Next up is another show starring Don Johnson, it's called "Execution." The original story was written by Rod Serling and based on a short story by my good friend George Clayton Johnson. Dennis Etchsion adapted it for our radio play. A tough cowboy in the Old West is sentenced to death for shooting another man in the back. But just as he is hanged, he disappears from the noose. He wakes up in a lab in present-day-New York - the first successful time traveler. The scientist learns that the cowboy was about to be executed for murder and decides to send him back to face his punishment. The cowboy kills the scientist and flees. Unfortunately, the big city doesn't agree with him; it's too noisy and busy. He shoots up a bar, wreaks havoc and barely makes it back to the lab -- where he gets the surprise of his life -- or death. In the original TV episode, Albert Salmi played the unsavory cowboy and Russell Johnson (The Professor from Gilligan's Island) played the scientist. In its radio counterpart, Don Johnson plays the cowboy and JoBe Cerny portrays the scientist. This one, and "Two" were not mixed at Cerny, and the sound designer has told me this one is really rich with effects. I'm excited to hear a first draft of it this week, so I'll keep you posted. After "Execution" it's "Bewitchin' Pool" starring Karen Black.<br /><br />I have a very special announcement: THE TWILIGHT ZONE RADIO DRAMAS will no longer be heard on WGN AM 720. So for those of you in the Chicagoland area that regularly tune in to TZ on WGN please tune your dial to WIND AM 560 at the same time, Saturday nights at Midnight (technically Sunday mornings). Please spread the word. And if you want to hear me as host of HOLLYWOOD 360, tune in to WIND AM 560 five hours earlier starting at 7 pm and going all the way till Midnight when TZ will be heard. As I said in my last blog, HOLLYWOOD 360 spans everything Hollywood, from today's most current showbiz headlines to radio, TV and Film Nostalgia. I present, movie, DVD and theatre reviews, celebrity and industry expert interviews, trivia contests, take calls and a whole lot more. For fans of old-time radio, I play four old-time radio shows each week, thanks to Radio Spirits so please support them at <a href="www.radiospirits.com">www.radiospirits.com</a> I play one Comedy, one Detective, one Sci-Fi or Western and one Mystery/Horror show. Last Saturday I interviewed the great Michael York and Hugh O'Brian (Wyatt Earp of classic TV). This coming week May 9th I'll interview Thomas Lennon (Lt. Dangle from Reno 911). Tom is co-starring in two films right now "17-Again" and "I Love You Man." I will also be interviewing another celebrity (haven't confirmed him/her as yet) and playing four old-time radio shows, THE LIFE OF RILEY, BOX 13, HAVE GUN-WILL TRAVEL and THE WHISTLER.<br /><br />We continue to improve the MYSTERY THEATER site and show at <a href="www.mysterytheater.com">www.mysterytheater.com</a> so I hope you're enjoying it! Well, that's all for now. Thanks for all your support and I'll see you next time for MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-54135820713846348182009-04-10T19:00:00.003-05:002009-04-10T19:08:22.605-05:00Hi everyone,<br /><br />Well, the TZ episode "Two" was recently mixed and I believe it airs very soon on the network. This episode, written by Montgomery Pittman and adapted for radio by Dennis Etchison stars Don Johnson as a weary soldier, sometime after WWII with Chicago actress Oksana Fedenuschen as a soldier from the opposite side.<br /><br />This two-character drama starred Charles Bronson and Elizabeth Montgomery in the TV version. The TV version had very little dialog, in fact the continuity script (transcript of the soundtrack) from CBS archives is barely two pages long. Dennis had to do a lot of creative writing for this one to work.<br /><br />Another challenge was that the man was the only one who spoke English, and the woman said a total of three or four words - in a foreign language. To do it this way for radio would mean that she almost disappears completely from the play, and merely adding more lines for him would make it an endless monologue for the man. The point to the story is that they are two soldiers from opposite sides who can't communicate. So Dennis created a sound transition at the beginning, wherein her words in a foreign language fade through to English. Thereafter we are able to hear her thoughts in English, though her spoken words to him remain in a foreign tongue. It's a remarkable story with that I hope you won't miss.<br /><br />I've always been a big fan of Don Johnson, so getting to work with him on TZ was a thrill for me. Usually when I record a star, they do two shows. Don starred in this episode and in "Execution" which airs in a few months. He was simply brilliant and I could tell he was having a fun time with it. He loves radio drama and kept dropping his pages once he didn't need them (just like the radio stars from the 40s used to do : ) Don nailed both shows and I can't wait for you to hear them.<br /><br />On the MYSTERY THEATER front, we've been making progress on the site, which is at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysterytheater.com/">www.mysterytheater.com</a><br /><br />You now can hear the show streaming at 9 pm Monday through Friday and you can download episodes of the Mystery Theater shows for only 99 cents each if you order it the week after it airs. If you wait more than a week though, the price is $2.99 each, so make sure to order them when they are at 99 cents each. Christopher Lee is awesome as your guide to the best in mystery, detective and science-fiction that radio has to offer. Episodes of the Old-Time Radio shows should be available soon, so keep checking back. We got word that KFWB in LA will be airing Mystery Theater weeknights very soon. I'll make an announcement when that happens.<br /><br />I am now hosting my own radio show. It's called HOLLYWOOD 360, heard every Saturday night LIVE from 7 pm till Midnight at Chicago powerhouse station WIND AM 560. If you are within earshot of the station, I hope you'll tune in. For those outside the Chicagoland area, you can hear it streamed on the web at <a target="_blank" href="http://560wind.townhall.com/">http://560wind.townhall.com/</a><br /><br />HOLLYWOOD 360 spans everything Hollywood, from today's most current showbiz headlines to radio, TV and Film Nostalgia. I present, movie, DVD and theatre reviews, celebrity and industry expert interviews, trivia contests and a whole lot more. For fans of old-time radio, I play 4 old-time radio shows each week, thanks to Radio Spirits so please support them at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.radiospirits.com/">www.radiospirits.com</a>. I play one comedy, one Detective, one Sci-Fi or Western and one Mystery/Horror show.<br /><br />Last week on HOLLYWOOD 360 I interviewed Annette O'Toole. This week I'm interviewing Mike Starr and Chicago casting guru Claire Simon. Guests in upcoming weeks will include Malcolm McDowell, Stacy Keach, Sean Astin, Michael York and many others.<br /><br />Well, I'm off for now. I hope you'll tune in all the radio shows we offer! See you next time for more NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215422188440929862.post-31021478027626818572009-03-19T20:53:00.004-05:002009-11-07T12:01:30.050-06:00Hi everyone,<br /><br />Let's start this blog with an apology -- I'm very sorry that the MYSTERY THEATER website is not fully-functional to date. I've had many emails expressing disappointment in the site still being 'under construction' in sections. There are many reasons why this is so, but there is really no need to pass the buck, I take full responsibility for its present condition. We're all working very hard to get it up and running to full capacity as soon as possible. I hope you'll visit it often and if you do, you'll see the progress we're making.<br /><br />Once again, the site is <a href="www.mysterytheater.com">www.mysterytheater.com</a><br /><br />MYSTERY THEATER with host Christopher Lee is airing on 35 stations to date and we're growing the station list each week. At the site is a 'Radio Locator' section to help you find a station in your area. If there is not one, soon you'll be able to hear the show streamed each night at 9 pm. I'm told this will be 9 pm in all US time zones - - Eastern, Central and Pacific. At MYSTERY THEATER we present great mystery, science-fiction and detective programming from the golden age of radio and beyond, so I hope you'll check out the site.<br /><br />On the TZ front, I have a special announcement:<br /><br />We have released a total of 13 volumes of TZ on Compact Disc (10 shows per volume). They are all available at our website. We've decided to NOT manufacture any more CDs of TZ. We've decided that TZ will be a download ONLY show as soon as the CD product that we have in our warehouse is sold. We will not be releasing a volume 14 on CD. Volume 14 and subsequent volumes will be available at our website but via download only. The 13 volumes that we do have on CD have been specially marked: Buy 1, get 1 Free. You can buy as many volumes as you like and get an equal number of volumes for free while supplies last so -- get em' while they're hot!<br /><br />We're reeling in all the third-party companies that sell and download our TZ product and very soon, the only place TZ will be available is at our official TZ website. We want to be better at managing the distribution of the series and if it is available at our website and our website only, we believe we can better serve fans and collectors.<br /><br />I recently received in the TZ episode "Probe 7, Over and Out" starring Academy-Award Winner Lou Gossett Jr. Mr. Gossett is simply amazing in the role of Colonel A.L. Cook, an astronaut who crash-lands on an uncharted planet. While there he learns that much of his own world has been destroyed. He has no one to rescue him, no way to repair his ship and nothing to go back to if he could. He's a space-age Robinson Crusoe and he's on his own -- until he meets a female astronaut who also crashed there. But she's not from his planet and she speaks a language he can't understand.<br /><br />In the original teleplay starring Richard Basehart, the female astronaut (played by the beautiful Antionette Bower) barely speaks at all. Much of the story was visual, as he explored the planet and tried to communicate with her. All of that worked great on television, but this is RADIO. Our brilliant writer Dennis Etchison had to work magic with his radio adaptation of the TV script, including adding lines in an unknown language for her to speak, so we can hear their interaction. This one needed Herculean efforts for writing, acting and sound design. I'm pleased to report that all three hit the mark. I think it's one of the best we've ever done. Kudos to Mr. Gossett and Chicago actress Oksana Fedenuschen who are the only voices in the play other than Stacy Keach as host and Doug James as the announcer. "Probe 7, Over and Out" will be airing on the TZ network soon so tune in for it.<br /><br />Next up is "Two" starring Don Johnson and I'm looking forward to hearing a draft mix of it. Well, that's all for now. See you next time for MORE NEWS FROM THE ZONE!Carl Amarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191059271486332570noreply@blogger.com3