Rex Sikes' Movie Beat

Adam Rifkin, director/writer/producer/actor, PT3, whose eclectic career ranges from broad family comedies to cult classics to dark and gritty urban dramas. As a writer, he made his mark with hit films like MOUSEHUNT, starring Nathan Lane and SMALL SOLDIERS, starring Tommy Lee Jones for Dreamworks. Recent credits include Sony’s ZOOM, starring Tim Allen and Disney's UNDERDOG, starring Jason Lee as the canine hero. Rifkin earned cult status when his film THE DARK BACKWARD, which he wrote and directed, was named one of the top ten films of its year by The New York Post. He would then be immortalized as the director responsible for New Line Cinema’s DETROIT ROCK CITY, a bona fide cult classic that introduced a whole new generation of fans to the “hottest band in the world…KISS!!!” Rifkin gained critical recognition for NIGHT AT THE GOLDEN EAGLE, a film which he not only wrote and directed, but also produced. The film was an official selection of the London Film Festival and opened to rave reviews. In 2008, Rifkin

Michael Frost Beckner, screenwriter, PT 2 launched his writing career with three record-making “spec” script sales: Texas Lead & Gold, Cutthroat Island, Hunchback of Notre Dame. He's writtern dozens of screenplays, studio rewrites, twenty pilots for commercial and cable networks, numerous episodes for network television,  His first original film Sniper spawned three sequels. His big-screen success came with Universal's Spy Games, directed by Tony Scott starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. He created, Excutive Producered and wrote the CBS series, The Agency. He began his career as director, Barry Levinson’s Writing Assistant working with the director on Good Morning, Vietnam and Rain Man.  From 1997 to 2008, he worked extensively with director, Sydney Pollack, adapting John Le Carre’s The Night Manager and writing two more films and developing two television series. Recent writing credits include: CSI: Crime Scene Investigators, Discovery's Gold Fever, and he is preparing the Spy Game prequel Muir’s Gamb

Robert Luketic, Director, made his feature film directorial debut in 2001, with the smash hit, Legally Blonde. Starring Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon as blonde sorority queen turned lawyer Elle Woods, Legally Blonde was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards  Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Subsequently, Luketic has delivered an impressive string of A-List Hollywood features. Most recently, Luketic directed the 2013 corporate thriller, Paranoia starring Oscar nominated Harrison Ford, Liam Hemsworth and Oscar nominated Gary Oldman as well as the 2010 romantic thriller, Killers with Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher. Previously, Luketic helmed the highly successful 2009 romantic comedy, The Ugly Truth starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler. In 2008, Luketic directed the action adventure drama 21, which was inspired by the true story of the very brightest young minds in the country and how they took Vegas for millions. The film

Michael Frost Beckner, screenwriter, launched his writing career with three record-making “spec” script sales: Texas Lead & Gold, Cutthroat Island, Hunchback of Notre Dame. He's writtern dozens of screenplays, studio rewrites, twenty pilots for commercial and cable networks, numerous episodes for network television,  His first original film Sniper spawned three sequels. His big-screen success came with Universal's Spy Games, directed by Tony Scott starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. He created, Excutive Producered and wrote the CBS series, The Agency. He began his career as director, Barry Levinson’s Writing Assistant working with the director on Good Morning, Vietnam and Rain Man.  From 1997 to 2008, he worked extensively with director, Sydney Pollack, adapting John Le Carre’s The Night Manager and writing two more films and developing two television series. Recent writing credits include: CSI: Crime Scene Investigators, Discovery's Gold Fever, and he is preparing the Spy Game prequel Muir’s Gambit fo

Julian Adams, PT 3 producer, actor we discuss upcoming production TV Miniseries Appomattox & Kickstarter. He produced and co-stars in Phantom starring Ed Harris, David Duchovny and William Fichtner, written and directed by Todd Robinson of Lonely Hearts, and writer and co-producer of Ridley Scott’s White Squall. The producing team includes John Watson and Pen Densham Back Draft, Blown Away, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Phantom is the first wide theatrical release for Julian and Solar Filmworks, the South Carolina based production company, founded by Julian and his father Weston Adams.  Julian and Weston wrote and produced the maiden project for Solar Filmworks, The Last Confederate: The Story of Robert Adams THINKFilm 2007. The Last Confederate won 10 Film Festivals Awards, including a Best Actor Award for Julian, and seven Producing Awards for father and son. The film is in release worldwide. Julian is currently partnered with Robinson. Robinson and Adams developed the story for Phantom, which is b

Michael Starrbury, TV and Feature Film screenwriter discovered his love of cinema after sneaking into a movie theater as a young boy to see the classic Prince film "Purple Rain." When Apollonia purified herself in Lake Minnetonka, it was as if God, Allah, Buddha and that Hindu elephant was giving him a sign. From that moment on, he would study the craft of screenwriting. He went on to become a Blacklist writer and three-time McKnight Fellowship winner. He has developed pilots with ABC, Fox, FX andComedy Central. Also feature films with Warner Bros and New Line. His George Tillman, Jr. directed drama THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER AND PETE premiered at Sundance and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay. Michael is currently writing an animated pilot for Comedy Central. Stay tuned to Rex Sikes Movie Beat for other great archived interviews, cast and crew listings, events, festivals, premieres, and more at http://www.rexsikes.com

Robert Hoffman, Film Editor, PT 2, credits include upcoming Lionsgate release  “Grace Unplugged,” “Syrup,” from Magnolia Pictures and the indie comedy-drama “Norman,” which won him an editing award from the Woodstock Film Festival.  Other editing credits include “What Doesn’t Kill You,” Showtime's "Fathers and Sons,” “The Air I Breathe,” and Terry Zwigoff’s "Bad Santa" and "Art School Confidential.” Hoffman has frequented the Sundance film festival, most recently with the 2010 premiere of "Skateland.” He was editor on Jane Weinstock’s "Easy"  on the Daniel Barnz feature “Phoebe in Wonderland”, and on “Art School Confidential”.  USC produced an indet film and hired Robert, as one of the apprentice editors. After graduating with an MFA in Production, he worked as an assistant editor.  He divided his time between post production supervising and cutting films like the mockumentary, "Rhinoskin: The Making of a Movie Star" Hoffman and Terry Zwigoff became fast friends an

Due to unforseen circumstance today's guest was unable to appear - please listen to brief announcement concerning re-scheduling Chris and my upcoming guests. Also please visit rexsikes.com for all archived shows and to be kept up to date as to my next guest. On FB LIKE US at Rex Sikes Movie Beat Friends for up to date show announcements and other news. Follow on twitter to at @RexSikesMovieBT for the same reasosn. Thanks, sorry and come back and listen live again and join us in chat room. Listen to all the incredible guests archived at Rex Sikes Movie Beat!  Chris Mulkey (actor) is a long time Hollywood actor with a careers spanning almost 40 years. Chris started on stage with the Children Theater Company and U of  Minnesota. He then  produced two award winning indie films and moved to Hollywood. He was hired by Universal Studios "Land of 1000 Faces" to do their monster show. Chris hosted the show and Frankenstein make ups. He left there after three years and concentrated on acting. Chris' credits r

Art HIndle, Actor, Director, Host, Narrator has been involved in iconic productions in the U S and Canada. He is best remembered as the star of the Award-winning TV series E.N.G. but he has made his mark in movies with the blockbuster hit Porky’s, 3 classic movies David Cronenberg’s The Brood, Black Christmas, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and in Canada’s first million dollar movie Faceoff. He grew up in Toronto’s and didn’t catch the acting bug until he was in his 20’s whene left a successful stockbroking career to try acting. By 1971 talent and good looks landed him a lead in Faceoff. This hockey romance made Art a star and American offers poured in. Two more movies followed, one, Black Christmas became a Classic. By this time Art, a father of 4, moved to L. A, The move paid off and for the next 30 years he worked on dozens of movies, series and mini-series including Dallas and Beverly Hills 90210. He returned to Canada in the 90’s to be the lead in E.N.G for 5 years, winning Best Actor. He started directi

Joseph Pepitone, director, producer,  is a two-time New York Emmy Award winning writer. He has worked in television for the past 17 years and has written four films with his brother Billy.  The first film, “Stuck in the Middle” which Joe co-directed won three awards at the Downbeach Film Festival in Atlantic City including Best Comedy Feature. The film received a distribution deal from R-Squared Films. Joseph and Billy then segued into horror films, writing “The Meat Puppet” and “Gravedigger.” Both won several awards and are currently in negotiations with distribution companies. They returned to their comedy roots with “The Jersey Devil” which recently finished shooting and is currently in post-production. Joseph directed the film, which stars Chris Mulkey (“Captain Phillips” “Boardwalk Empire”), David Chokachi (“Baywatch”) and Jack Mulcahy (“Porky’s” Brothers McMullen”). It was filmed in Jersey City, New Jersey in City Hall and at the legendary Loews Landmark Theater. The movie reunites several actors from “

Greydon Clark, director, producer, writer, author, actor. During four decades, Greydon Clark worked in front of and behind the camera, bringing some of the most memorable movies to life. From the sexy pep squad of Satan's Cheerleaders to the dirty dancing of The Forbidden Dance, Clark excelled at exploitation and helmed twenty diverse films such as Without Warning, Joysticks, Wacko and Black Shampoo. "On the Cheap" is a valuable tool for anyone interested in films or becoming a filmmaker. Greydon tells the story of his days on the fringes of Hollywood, struggling to make films in one of the most cut-throat businesses around. Reading his autobiography is like sitting down with a face-to-face discussion of the low budget film industry. His movies boast Oscar winners - Martin Landau, George Kennedy, Jack Palance and stars who were at the beginning of their careers - Andrew Dice Clay, David Caruso, Julia Duffy, Laura Harring, etc. Greydon breaks down each of his films into easily understood categories -

Paul Caplan-Bennett, Talent Manager, started his career at The Roundabout Theatre in NYC. In L A  he co-founded the highly acclaimed New Artef Players. He then became Chief Financial Officer for Dupree Dance Academy. In Florida he served as Producing/Managing Director of The Hippodrome State Theatre. NY called and he went back to open East Coast Arts, performing arts center in New Rochelle. He's acted, directed and produced. He returned to L A to use his talents in film & TV. He became Director of Promotions/Corporate Relations for Comic Relief. During his 6 ½ years there he created corporate promotions and produced special events raising millions of dollars for Healthcare for the Homeless. He worked with, discovered and developed up-and-coming comics to be part of Comic Relief. In 1995 he formed his own talent management/production company; PB Management. His clients have appeared in numerous TV shows and films. He has a first look deal with HBO Original Programming and a consulting agreement STARZ. He i

Robert Hoffman, Film Editor, credits include upcoming Lionsgate release  “Grace Unplugged,” “Syrup,” from Magnolia Pictures and the indie comedy-drama “Norman,” which won him an editing award from the Woodstock Film Festival.  Other editing credits include “What Doesn’t Kill You,” Showtime's "Fathers and Sons,” “The Air I Breathe,” and Terry Zwigoff’s "Bad Santa" and "Art School Confidential.” Hoffman has frequented the Sundance film festival, most recently with the 2010 premiere of "Skateland.” He was editor on Jane Weinstock’s "Easy"  on the Daniel Barnz feature “Phoebe in Wonderland”, and on “Art School Confidential”.  USC produced an indet film and hired Robert, as one of the apprentice editors. After graduating with an MFA in Production, he worked as an assistant editor.  He divided his time between post production supervising and cutting films like the mockumentary, "Rhinoskin: The Making of a Movie Star" Hoffman and Terry Zwigoff became fast friends and edit

Peter Marshall, Pt 27 The Director's Series - The nuts & bolts of directing film and television with Peter Marshall. Peter has had a 35-year career and has worked as a PA, dolly grip, electrician, assistant cameraman, commercial production manager, first assistant director, TV series creative consultant, television producer and director. He has worked on industrial films, documentaries; television commercials, music videos; Emmy Award nominated TV series and features. Peter has directed over 30 TV episodes and written, directed or produced over 50 hours of documentary educational programs. His works have won, or been nominated for 14 International awards. He's worked for directors such as Zack Snyder, John Woo, Ed Wick, Phillip Noyce, John Balham, Roger Adam, Anne Wheeler, Bobby Roth & Kim Manners. He has worked with actors including Michelle Pfeiffer, Kevin Spacey, Morgan Freeman, John Travolta, Mel Gibson, Kathy Bates, Adam Sandler and Peter O'Toole. Other credits inclurde scores of television serie

Tom Malloy, critically acclaimed actor, wowed Hollywood with his turn in the indie-cult favorite Gravesend in 1998, produced by Oliver Stone. Disenchanted with the process of waiting around until someone hires you for a role, Tom became a successful triple-hyphenate Actor/Writer/Producers and made it his business to learn as much about the filmmaking industry as possible. Though he no longer produces in order to focus on his acting career, over the years, Tom has raised more than $25 million in private equity from independent financiers and has written, produced and starred or co-starred in nearly all the films that his company Trick Candle Productions has made (save two documentaries). Some of these films include Ashley, directed by Dean Ronalds  in 2013, Love N’ Dancing  directed by Rob Iscove (She’s All That), and stars Amy Smart, Malloy, Billy Zane, Rachel Dratch, and Betty White; The Alphabet Killer, directed by Rob Schmidt (Wrong Turn, Crime & Punishment in Suburbia) stars Eliza Dushku, Cary Elwes,

Billy Ray, screenwriter, director. Billy Ray is the screenwriter of “Captain Phillips.” He also wrote and directed the films “Shattered Glass” and  “Breach”, and co-wrote the screenplay for “The Hunger Games”.  Billy began writing for movies and television at the age of 19. He sold his first script, an episode of “The Jetsons” in 1984. He has written numerous feature films and was one of the creators and writers of the science fiction show "Earth 2".  Since 2009, he’s been a member of the Writers’ Guild of America’s Board of Directors. He was nominated by the Chicago Film Critics Association for Most Promising Filmmaker and he also was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay for his work on "Shattered Glass" his story about a reporter who invented his stories.  Stay tuned to Rex Sikes Movie Beat for other great archived interviews, cast and crew listings, events, festivals, premieres, and more at rexsikes.com

Bill Dever is founder of POLYSCOPE MEDIA GROUP LLC. Bill served as President of Spark Interactive Corporation, the first company in North America to deliver fully interactive video on dark fiber. His partners in these ventures included AT&T, Sun Microsystems, General Electric and Pace.  He also served as President of Stimulus Net Inc., Executive Vice President of Wilderness Films Inc a service company for retail DVD services. His work in DVD helped establish the retail sell-through DVD market working with companies such as ESX, United American Video, Madacy and Front Row Entertainment. He also currently works as a consultant to 35 large venture capital firms on the subject of interactive TV strategies. Bill has also produced and co-wrote the film “Personal Exemptions” starring Nanette Fabray , “Monster Cruise” and “Resurrection”.  He produced and directed the films “China Frost” and “Mountain Fury”.  Bill served as a Producer for the SYFY Channel Original Movies, “Fire From Below” and “Camel Spiders. He c

Rick Vaicius is director and founder of Flyway Film Festival, Wisconsin's bluff premier destination for independent film as noted by Emmy award-winning blogger Scott W. Smith “ … a festival that should be on your radar” . Founded in 2008 Vaicius has created a standout, intimate and high-quality annual festival. Over the past four years, Flyway has brought over 80 filmmakers into the local community. In addition to screening remarkable films, it has become a unique venue for filmmakers to network and discuss projects and the "state of the industry" in the film world. Vaicius has already persuaded some top film industry talent to appear. The 6 Annual Flyway Film Festival in Pepin and Stockholm, Wisconsin promises to be its most exciting to-date. Emily Best, founder of Seed&Spark, will deliver the keynote at the 2013 Flyway Gala, Best, Jeanne Bowerman (ScriptMag.com) and Michael Starrbury (screenwriter, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete,  are amongst other industry professionals on crowdfund

Jim McKairnes is 23-year veteran of the TV industry, 15 at CBS is currently, a producer and television consultant, and an adjunct college-instructor/guest-lecturer and author. He moved to  L.A. in 1989 to work in the TV-business as a programmer. There, Norman Lear led Jim to CBS President Jeff Sagansky who hired for the Scheduling department. McKairnes was part of the team that took the network from worst in the 90s to first in the 2000s under CBS President Leslie Moonves. He created and produced the prime-time series “CBS Moments,” he was instrumental in the development of several made-for-TV movies and network specials; and contributed to various promotional campaigns each season of his tenure. After 13 years as a Sr Vice-President at CBS, he was recruited by Discovery Communications in 2006 to head up that Maryland-based company’s 11 networks as its Executive VP of Scheduling. Later, he returned in L.A. to return to CBS, to serve as Senior VP in charge of developing new comedies for its cable division from

Julian Adams,  PT 2 produced and co-stars in Phantom starring Ed Harris, David Duchovny and William Fichtner, written and directed by Todd Robinson of Lonely Hearts, and writer and co-producer of Ridley Scott’s White Squall. The producing team includes John Watson and Pen Densham Back Draft, Blown Away, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Phantom is the first wide theatrical release for Julian and Solar Filmworks, the South Carolina based production company, founded by Julian and his father Weston Adams.  Julian and Weston wrote and produced the maiden project for Solar Filmworks, The Last Confederate: The Story of Robert Adams THINKFilm 2007. The Last Confederate won 10 Film Festivals Awards, including a Best Actor Award for Julian, and seven Producing Awards for father and son. The film is in release worldwide. Julian is currently partnered with Robinson. Robinson and Adams developed the story for Phantom, which is based on true events during the Cold War. Ed Harris plays the haunted Captain of a Soviet subm