By Evelyn Bonilla

 Heâ€s back! Yes, thatâ€s right New Jersey actor, writer and filmmaker Sam Platizky, is back on the big screen in a new feature length film entitled, “Red Scare.” Why, just the name of his new film, will have many heading for cover! So, moviegoers beware!

Many of you might remember Platizky from his last film, entitled, “Blaming George Romero”, a film that tells the story of four horror film fanatic friends, unhappy with their lives, that think that thereâ€s been a zombie apocalypse and jump at the chance to try to survive.  The film, “Blaming George Romero” was inspired by the works of George Romero a film director and screenwriter, best known for his gruesome horror films. Although, it may seem that Platizkyâ€s new film, “Red Scare” might be just another zombie movie, truth be told that this one is filled with great dialogue and comedic persona. “Red Scare is bound to attract zombie lovers everywhere! 

Platizkyâ€s “Red Scare” takes place during the 1950â€s in the midst of the cold war.  The story line is based on a Soviet plot which brings the living dead to the shores of America! Only the brave patriotic hero, Rex Steel can stop the evil soviet menace alongside a teen rebel, a reporter, and a frightened teenage girl.

 Platizky wrote, produced and acted in his film ‘Red Scare”, his character Rex Steel is a tough but very funny American soldier who battles and evil soviet menace. In his script Platizky brings to life “Red Scare” in Mel Brooks style.  He explains, “Mel Brooks has to be one of the funniest filmmakers of all time. When I wrote “Red Scare”, I wanted to bring back the zombie aspect but with a sense of humor.”

 When viewing the theatrical trailer one can sense exactly what Platizky is trying to bring to the big screen. Filmed in black and white it is a compilation of old-time slapstick with dawn of the dead zombies. It seems that with this film Platizky has managed to bring to life interesting elements such as “horror and humor.”

 The film stars Sam Platizky as Rex Steel, Christina Garced (Veronica Valencourt), Megan Bussiere (Sasha Smith), Robert Lise (Vlad Sinisterski), Dan Gregory (Tony Antonio Appleucio), Loarina Gonzalez (Becky Sue Sorano), Aaron Visco (Pieter), Mitchell Vargas( Miles McShaunnessey), Isaac Platizky (“Happy” Charlie Steel) Christopher Lucas and a whole list of additional talented actors! Directed by William Dautrick, “Red Scare” is sure to have you running and laughing!”

 “Red Scare” will hold its screening on Thursday, January 12^th at 7:00 pm at Frank Theaters (191 Lefante Way, Bayonne, NJ). Tickets are $20 each and can be acquired by going to RedScareMovie@gmail.com 

Also, a portion of tickets sales will be donated to the Simpson-Baber Foundation for the autistic.

 

Platizky would like to give a very heartfelt thanks to his parents, Joey Mosca (sound and music mixing), Tony Pineiro (lighting), Loarina Gonzalez (make-up),  his brother Isaac Platizky and Sean Feur (Director of Photography).

 

Interested in learning more about the film “Red Scare”, sign on to their IMDB page at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2034092/ or visit their Facebook page-Red Scare. For tickets email  RedScareMovie@gmail.com 

 

 

The post New Jersey Actor “Sam Platizky” is back with his New Film “Red Scare” first appeared on River View Observer.

Young Hudson County NJ Actor Brings His Screenplay to LifeBy Evelyn Bonilla

Sam Platizky’s “Blaming George Romero” is igniting online excitement and curiosity. The introduction to a feature length film about zombies, written by Platizky; has zombie followers from Facebook and Twitter wanting to know more.

The film which is presently in production, is a story of what happens when four horror film fanatic friends, unhappy with their lives, think that there’s been a zombie apocalypse and jump at the chance to try to survive.

 

The film stars Sam Platizky (actor, writer), Robert Lise (director, actor), Loarina Gonzalez (actress), Dan Gregory (actor), Isaac Platizky (actor), Ramy Shedid (actor), Adria Firestone (actress), Anderson Johnson (actor) and Christina Garced (actress). The film is produced by Sam Platizky and Brad Resnick. 

Platizky a Hudson County resident born and raised in Bayonne NJ is a young actor and writer. Heâ€s a graduate of Bayonne High School and of the New Jersey City University; where he majored in English and Theatre. A Tri-State area actor Platizky has performed in the following venues; theatre, film, commercials and voiceover work.

Acting since the young age of 13, Platizkyâ€s first exposure to acting; was in a live stage performance of “Oliver”. Although he did not play the lead role, the small part of an orphan left him wanting more.

As years went by Platizky would follow close behind his older brother Isaac, who is also an actor. Equipped with a passion to act, he began to explore the world of theatre and film and soon found himself part of several films under the direction of Stephen Spielberg and Nora Ephron. He has performed in various theatrical productions throughout New York and New Jersey which consist of the following; “The Lord of the Flies, I Hate Hamlet, Anything Goes, Next Time Iâ€ll Sing to You, The Hot L Baltimore, No Exit, The Secret Garden, A Funny Thing Happen on the Way to the Forum” and many more.
In October of 2009, Platizky decided to take a break from the world of auditions and theater and he began to write a screenplay entitled “Blaming George Romero.”A few months later the writing would stop for awhile and in the month of April, 2010 he decided to complete it. After several revisions, Platizky decided it was time to go into production. Pulling together a small cast and crew, Platizky set out on a mission to bring his finished screenplay to life. In an effort to raise funds for his project, Platizky posted his project on Indiegogo.com/Blame Romero, and since then he has received a tremendous amount of response. Donations to the project have been coming in and although it has not reached the halfway point to complete its production goal, he is grateful that his project has been accepted.
For those who are not familiar with old cult classics, George Romero is an American filmmaker and screenwriter who created a hypothetical zombie apocalypse. Heâ€s well known for his movies; Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead.
He is nicknamed he Grand-ather of the Zombie,” and still to this day has a very dedicated following.
When asked why he created this particular screenplay about zombies, Platizky explained, “I love the idea of the zombie genre. But the truth is, if you look at it from a philosophical point of view, alot of people go through their lives aimlessly like zombies, so consume, that they donâ€t live. Thatâ€s a big part of what the movie represents, not being a zombie.”
At present Platizky and crew are hard at work on production, they are filming throughout the New Jersey area and on the films blog page, blameromero0.blogspot.com, Platizky keeps the film followers up to date on production news.
In retrospect, filmmaker George Romero can be proud that Platizky and cast are carrying the zombie genre torch into the next generation.
It takes a “vision and a mission” to bring a screenplay to life and this is something. Sam Platizky is on his way.

Interested in learning more about the making of “Blaming George Romero” sign on to the films website at Indiegogo.com/Blame Romero. If you would like to make a donation to help fund this great film you can do so through Indiegogo.com/Blame Romero.
Also visit their blog page for updates on production news at blameromero0.blogspot.com. If you would like to learn more about actor and writer Sam Platizky log on to www.samplatizky.com

The post Sam Platizky in “Blaming George Romero” first appeared on River View Observer.

When I heard that Dennis Hopper had died, my first thought was, “We won’t see his likes again.”

 Much has been written about Dennis (meet him for five minutes and he insists on first names), but what hasn’t been said is how genuine and kind he was.

 It was early 2004 and we had met, unexpectedly, at Ago, the trendy restaurant on L.A.’s Melrose Avenue.  The restaurant was crowded, noisy, and vibrating with energy of the celebrities, who were at home in the place owned by a consortium which included Robert DeNiro.

 Suddenly, I recognized a familiar voice. I turned and there was Dennis Hopper at the next table, close enough to touch. “Hey Dennis,” I said. “How’s it going?” I had spoken to him at many Hollywood events and he always greeted me as if he remembered every time.

Photo of Mr. Hopper by: Alice O’Neill

 “Great,” he said. “How about you?”

“Same here,” I said and reminded him that I was still Alice O’Neill, and still writing the syndicated column, Hollywood Behind-The-Scenes. 

 Dennis smiled, saying, “I know. I’ve read it. You’re good!”

  I was with a man and his wife, who’d bought the Hollywood trip I annually donated as a fundraiser for Chicago institutions, DePaul University’s Theatre School and The Joffrey Ballet. We ordered drinks and toasted an exciting day in Hollywood. We talked about the Joffrey, the couple’s work in supporting the Chicago dance company, and my work interviewing and writing about the stars. I had married a Chicago businessman and moved from L.A. to live in Winnetka, IL. The marriage meant I had to do a good bit of traveling to keep up with happenings in the movie industry.

 I introduced the couple, explaining their “angels in the industry” status, a designation of people who pay money to support the arts.

 Dennis’ eyes lit up as he stood and shook hands and introduced his adult daughter Marin (a full-figured woman with an American accent), and his wife, Victoria (very fine-boned and slender, despite being seven months pregnant). Victoria, who had a distinct British accent, seemed too young      to be the mother of Marin. I made a note but never got around to asking who was Marin’s mother. I later learned it was Brooke Hayward, Dennis’ first wife.

 I ordered a round of drinks and Dennis led an animated discussion about the Joffrey, internationally known for its excellent dancers, superb choreography, and innovative programs. “I love Chicago,” Dennis said. “What a city, and what great people.” He spread his arms to indicate the couple as if they were royalty. They beamed. You could tell that they were in a moment they’d keep as a special memory all their lives.

 And it didn’t stop there. Dennis and Victoria both thanked me for also supporting the arts. “So, you donated a Hollywood trip?” Dennis said, appreciation evident as his eyes twinkled and he stroked his white goatee.  “You’re good, Alice!”

 “What are you working on?” I asked, remembering that actors need publicity to get out information to fans, to sell movie tickets, and to give columnists new material.

 “Well, The Last Ride is ready for release in a few months,” he said, adding that it wasn’t very good but that he enjoyed some parts of it.  “I play an ex-con who recruits his grandson to help get revenge on the cop who sent him off to prison.”

 “Sounds interesting,” I said.

 “Yeah,” he agreed. “I figured that would be interesting to explore. It was, but not enough to save the picture.” His shrug said he couldn’t win ’em all.

 “Hey,” he added, “I’m working on another film that promises to be better, Land of the Dead, written and directed by George Romero. “It’s a horror flick, science fiction, probably be out next year (2005),” he explained, adding that costars were John Leguizamo and Simon Baker.

 “Why do you think it’s good?” I asked, thinking it sounded like a war movie.

 “It’s a really good zombie movie, about the living dead taking over the world,” he said.

 At my raised brow he quickly added, “No, no. Really. It’s got a lot of heavy psychology entwined with the action.” His trademark smirky smile gave no hint of whether he was serious or not.  I scribbled a note, nonetheless.

 Well, as it turned out, he was not exaggerating. The film has since gained cult status as one of the best horror/sci-fi films of all time. His Easy Rider with Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson stands as the dominant film that defines a generation. And his brilliant portrayal of a drugged-out photographer in Appocalypse Now stands as a defining character in a film that is part of Hollywood history. His work in those films as well as his early work opposite James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause and Giant solidify his place in the story of Hollywood filmmaking at its best.

Rest in peace, Dennis Hopper. Your total honesty, kind heart and prodigious talent make you unforgettable.

The post Dennis Hopper Remembered – Alice O’Neill first appeared on River View Observer.