Whew!

This blog could be considered a sort of "good news/bad news" report (and we all have those every now and then, don't we?) First, the bad news: I may be trying too much at one time.  

Now, the good news: I'm going to be involved in a ton of stage and screen projects in the last quarter of this year.

In addition to continuing working on bringing Indemnity to cinematic life (which is taking a lot longer than I originally anticipated, but it's my own stupid fault for wanting to do other projects, too! At this point, I'll be pleased as punch if I get all the exteriors shot before the leaves start changing colors - although, admittedly, it won't look bad if they have!) as well as doing occasional paying gigs with Mysterys Most Wanted and the Murder Mystery Players (which are always kind of scattered, anyway) here's what I'll be up to:

In August:

• Filming a cameo role in an independent feature entitled Interference (not to be confused with the short posted on the front of my page) in which I play a hitman.

• Performing in the seated reading of Joanna Lowe's A Civil Divorce at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival August 19.

• Filming a role in Mark Rapp's independent featurette Unrestful, a supernatural drama set during the American Civil War (one of my favorite periods in history, by the way) in which I play a union soldier. (This is still kind of up in the air as I write this, though).

In September:

• Filming a new version of Interfere (the same film seen on my MySpace page) reprising my role from the original.

• Performing in a new play called Couples Therapy September 20 - 23 at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival. 

In November:

• Performing in Wait Until Dark at the Kean Theatre in Gibsonia November 9-10, & 15-16.

After that, I'm taking my usual holiday break! Anyway, you can also see the dates for all my upcoming performances on my schedule! Hope to see you at the shows!!!

It's interesting how, when you first sit down to write these blogs, you have the option of categorizing the posting to conform to certain criteria. I've noticed that the majority of my postings over the past few months have tended to be about movies and TV shows, or somewhere in that same vein. And, in a way, I suppose this falls into that category as well. However, if you noticed the Category notation above, you'll find that it also fits into at least the first part of it, too. (Besides, I wanted to use something sort of different for once!)

Anyway, all of that was basically a fancy, flowery, writer-esque way for me to segue into the fact that the script for Indemnity took second place at the 2007 Indie Gathering scriptwriting competition, in the category of "horror short" screenplay. Here are a couple URLs where you can see the complete list of winners:

http://www.theindiegathering.com/07%20Winners.htm

http://www.moviebytes.com/NewsStory.cfm?StoryID=2993

If you don't know what Indemnity is all about, (and shame on you if you don't!) click over to my personal web site (the URL's listed on the front of my MySpace page) and follow the links to the "Screenplays" section.

In an era when Paris Hilton is remanded to house arrest because of "undisclosed medical conditions," politicians give themselves enormous pay raises for doing nothing, and the cost of a gallon of gasoline seems to go higher and higher everyday, it's nice to know that the vox populae still matters in some things.

Today lovers of quality television (and by that I mean the haters of the seemingly endless stream of "reality" competition series and CSI-inspired ilk) marked a small, but significant victory against a mighty multimedia conglomerate. Today, CBS television officially announced that it was reversing its previous decision to cancel its freshman series Jericho.

The one-hour drama, about the residents of a small farming community in Kansas and their struggle to survive in the aftermath of a mysterious and apparently unprovoked nuclear attack, was not slated to return to the airwaves in the fall when CBS announced its primetime schedule last month. This sparked an outcry from the series' numerous regular viewers who, in turn, fueled a grassroots campaign (primarily among those in the online community) to save the beloved show.

Of course, this is not the first time that a network television series' vocal fan base has saved it from premature cancellation. Most people—both inside and outside the industry—know very well that the original Star Trek was brought back for its third NBC season following a massive fan-driven letter writing campaign. It's not even the first time that CBS has similarly responded to the voice of its audience (they brought Cagney & Lacey back from the brink in the early 80's.) However, this may very well be the first documented instance where the internet played a significant role in such a decision.

CBS has reportedly ordered 7 new episodes of Jericho to air some time at mid-season and, if viewership for those episodes is good, the network will undoubtedly order many more.

I personally cannot begin to tell you how glad I am that Jericho will be returning. Although the series at first didn't have quite the same punch that Lost had during its debut season, it nevertheless offered viewers an intriguing premise and compelling characters that had developed into something very special by the end of the final episode. Moreover, I'm gratified to know that, as a television viewer, my voice does indeed carry some weight after all. (Also, I'm personally proud that one of the ringleaders of the fight to save Jericho turned out to be from Pittsburgh!)

So, be on the lookout for the returne of Jericho next season. And if you missed any or all of it this past year, it'll still be re-run on television this summer (so tape or TiVO it if you're going to be out) and be available online at CBS.com's Innertube. Not only that, but the first season is scheduled to be released on DVD September 25th!

Let's keep reminding the networks suits (and, indeed, all those supposedly "in power") that "Nuts" equals defiance and not defeat! 

Well, this is a rather interesting turn of events. I am working on not one, not two, but three film projects both in front of and behind the camera.

First up is this Sunday, June 3, when I will be behind the camera filming the latest episode (or web-isode is perhaps more accurate) of the Gothic horror soap Nocturnal. If you haven't seen this show yet (and shame on you if you haven't) it's basically in the same vein as the original Dark Shadows from the 60's. (Though I personally prefer the 90's revival, but that's just me!) Anyway, after we film it should only be a matter of days before it's posted to the web. You can check it out online at both www.bloodparty.com and www.nocturnalwebseries.com.

Next, I will be appearing on camera as "Michael" in Caroline Moore's short film A Thin Camel. This is a wonderful little comedy about life, death, and beyond, (how's that for a tag, huh?) in which I will be playing a sort of "spiritual guide" for a recently-deceased fellow. It's going to be shot in LaBelle throughout the month of June.

Finally, I've begun production on my own mystery thriller featurette Indemnity. I'm very excited about this because it's a script I first wrote as an undergrad in college and did a pretty significant re-write on last summer. It's been really challenging, though, going through the entire pre-production rigmarole, but as of last week, I actually have some footage in the can (well, all right, the iMac, actually, but you know what I mean!) I'll be shooting this periodically throughout the coming months. (And yes, this is one I'm both in front of and behind the camera on!)

I'd consider myself an avid movie buff. (I would be, wouldn't I? I mean, considering I'm both an actor and an aspiring filmmaker.)

As such, I try to watch as many films as catch my interest, whether it be in the theatres, or on TV or video. And yes, I am one of those oddballs who uses the term to mean both VHS and DVD. (I also still freely toss the word album about when I'm talking about a CD, so sue me!)

Admittedly, in the past few years, there haven't been very many movies released—either by the Hollywood dream factory or independently—that have made me jump up and shout, "Oh yeah! I've got to get out and see that one!" 

Why not, you may ask? Well, because it almost seems as if today's films don't have the same... "magic" they had back when, say, the first Star Wars movie was released back in 1977. (Of course, I imagine there are plenty of other people older than me who would say the same thing about Gone with the Wind or something...) 

That being said, there has been one series of films produced during the opening years of the 21st century that I eagerly look forward to. That would be, of course, the Spider-Man series.

Now, at this point, I should mention that even before the first film came out four or so years ago, it already had a built-in audience with me because I had been a fan of Spidey's exploits for years. I mean, I never really read the comic books or anything, but I did avidly watch the afternoon re-runs of the 1960's TV cartoon (you know, the one with that iconic theme song) growing up. I voraciously devoured all the celluloid incarnations of the web-head, including all the cartoons of the 80's and 90's, and even the short-lived live-action TV series in the late 70's.

So, naturally, when Spider-Man 3 opened last weekend (May 4, for those of you reading well after the fact) I was one of the first to see it. (Well, OK. I actually waited until Saturday night because of other personal committments, but I was still among the first batch of people to see it.) And I must say that while I enjoyed the film immensely, it reminded me of a trend I noticed that goes a long way to explain why my enjoyment of movies has dwindled in the past few years.

Actually, I first noticed this trend back when Spider-Man 2 came out a couple of years ago. Again, it was a great film and I thoroughly enjoyed it. But, while I was taking in the performances, the action, and the dazzling special effects, the switches in my head that control the literary analysis circuits in my brain were going crazy. They couldn't help thinking they had seen this whole thing somewhere before...

Then it hit me. What was bothering me was the basic underlying plot of the film: Superhero finds conflict with his dual life and forsakes his powers for the love of a woman and to live as a regular person again until some super-threat that only he has the power to stop turns him around.

I realized that, basically, I had already seen Spider-Man 2 way back in 1982. Only then it starred a different super hero in red-and-blue tights and was called Superman 2.

Now, I could have easily dismissed the similarity as pure coincidence... that is, until last Friday. Suddenly, there it was again. A similar plotline: Superhero falls victim to an alien influence that brings out the "dark side" of his personality, but overcomes it in order to defeat an even greater menace. It was Superman 3 all over again!

And, now that I've had time to think it over, it seems to me that the entire Spider-Man film series has, at its core, been nothing more than an elaborate re-telling of the Superman series. (The first films in both series served as the "origin" stories for both franchises.)

That doesn't mean that either series is totally worthless and not enjoyable. Both series have plenty of elements that help set them apart. But the nearly identical plotlines of both series are indicative of why modern movies have lost their "magic" to me. To sum it up in a single word: originality.

Am I the only filmgoer out there who's noticed this? I'd be interested in your comments. Please feel free to leave them below!

Here's another missive I submitted to my local newspaper which, again, they were not interested in publishing. I think a lot of you out there can relate to this story of "the man" picking your pocket. This complaint takes the form of a letter to Pittsburgh's mayor.

Dear Mayor Ravenstahl:

First of all, permit me—a humble Pittsburgher—the opportunity to offer you my sincere (if somewhat belated) congratulations on becoming mayor of this fair city. I know the circumstances through which you assumed the position were not altogether the most ideal or desirable. Nonetheless, the job is yours and I wish you nothing but the best as you now carry out your numerous duties and responsibilities.

That being said, I would like to share with you a story—a parable, if you will—about one humble Pittsburgher's experience with the city government of which you are now the head. Through this tale, I hope that you will begin to see the character of this entity the way this Pittsburgher must now see it.

As you are no doubt aware, a couple of years ago those individuals responsible for making the decisions for the City of Pittsburgh concluded that in order for it to remain fiscally viable it was necessary to raise the so-called "Occupation Tax" a whopping 500% from its original rate of $10 per diem per annum. This decision was met by a fair amount of consternation on the part of the working populace of the city who soon realized that their first pay check of the year would leave them $42 poorer than in previous years. (Translation: $42 added to the original $10 equaling a grand total of $52 per diem per annum.)

Why  did so much money have to be deducted at one time? the populace puzzled. Why could not the withdrawal be spread out more evenly and gradually throughout the year? Those who Made the Decisions heard the grumblings of the populace and offered them a remedy for their ills: a full refund of said occupation tax. Of course, this miraculous panacea did not come without stipulations.

According to the form published by the City of Pittsburgh's Treasurer, one of the ways to qualify for said refund was proof of an annual income below a certain figure (which could be validated through the requisite federal tax forms) and a copy of the pay stub indicating that tax was paid.

One particular citizen of this fair metropolis met both of these requirements and around the time of the annual federal/state/municipal tax collection, completed the necessary paperwork and mailed it in. Months passed. This Pittsburgher checked his mail box each afternoon expecting to one day find an envelope with his prized refund check enclosed. None ever came.

Then one day, he took it upon himself to contact the City Treasurer's office to determine what fate had befallen his refund. He was informed that the Treasurer's office had never received his paperwork and that he would have to send it in once more. The Pittsburgher pondered the validity of this statement, but ultimately decided that perhaps the Treasurer's office deserved the benefit of the doubt. After all, people are people, mistakes happen, and luggage in the airport, socks in the dryer, and letters in the post often get lost.

So, the Pittsburgh mailed his paperwork once again. Within a week, the long-sought envelope appeared in his mailbox. Normally, one might consider this the end of the story but, like much like a feature film by M. Night Shymalan, this story has a shocking twist at the end! When the Pittsburgher opened his envelope, he found two things enclosed in it: the refund check and a letter signed by Acting City Controller Anthony J. Pokora.

To the Pittsburgher's horror, the enclosed check was for $42–significantly less than the full refund promised by the Treasurer's form. The Pittsburgher sought an explanation for this turn of events. He found it in Pokora's letter. It read thusly, "…according to the City Code, anyone not covered by the new tax rate is still required to pay the occupation tax at the old rate of $10.00."

What did this mean? Where did this information appear on the City Treasurer's refund form? Or anywhere for that matter? How could the Pittsburgher have known that if he did exactly as he was told and followed, to the letter, the rules laid out by Those who Made the Decisions that this would have been the result? Is there a moral to be found in this parable? The Pittsburgher does not have that answer.

He hopes beyond hope that his newly appointed mayor might.

Sincerely,

The Pittsburgher (aka David W. Dietz, III)

I tried submitting the following missive to my local newspaper's opinion section, they weren't interested. So, rather than let it go completely to waste, I thought I'd put it up here for all to check out.

To give you a little background on the impetus for this posting, last week Pittsburgh-based radio station 93.7 WRKZ (which is owned by CBS Viacom, the same company recently canned Don Imus for his incendiary remarks) switched over to an all-talk format (WZTN, aka "The Zone") and, in the process, dropped one of the funniest, most entertaining radio shows since Howard Stern left terrestrial radio! What follows are my thoughts on the issue...

While it's commendable that WRKZ-FM 93.7 is establishing an outlet for local talk talent like Scott Paulsen and John McIntire, it's a pity that K-Rock, out of the numerous syndicated shows it's also going to air, could find no prominent slot on its schedule for another Pennsylvania-based talker: Philadelphia's "Kidd Chris" Foley.

For the uninitiated, Foley first came to the public's attention as a contributor to Howard Stern's late lamented terrestrial morning show, where his numerous prank phone calls to celebrities (George Takei, most notably) became the stuff of legend. He then kicked around local radio for a few years on stations in his native Syracuse, New York; Sacramento, California; and Austin, Texas; before ultimately coming to Philly-based FreeFM 94.1, where his show airs from 3:00 to 7:00pm.
 
K-Rock began simulcasting The Kidd Chris Show late last year, and in that time it has slowly but steadily developed a loyal following among Pittsburgh's afternoon drive listeners. One only need look at the number of postings from Pittsburghers to the show's MySpace* page to see this. Not only that, but a handful of local residents have become regular members of the show's "underbelly" (the Kidd Chris equivalent of Stern's "wack pack").
 
Since the "King of All Media's" ascension to the final frontier of satellite radio, it seems like terrestrial stations have been falling all over themselves to find just the right personality to assume his mantel. They thought David Lee Roth might be their savior, but his morning snoozefest was mercifully put to death after a scant three months. And while Opie and Anthony are now doing a yeoman's job filling the morning slot, it always seemed as if lightning could not strike twice in the afternoon.
 
That is, until Kidd Chris came along. His show is the perfect companion to a morning show like O&A, carrying a like-minded sense of humor that helps make the drive home from work as enjoyable-perhaps even more enjoyable-as O&A makes the drive in to work. Speaking personally, I have never laughed along to a radio program as loudly or as frequently as I have to the Kidd Chris Show. Not even to Stern, Opie & Anthony, or even Pittsburgh's own once-beloved Paulsen & Krenn!
 
I sincerely hope that WRKZ will consider reversing its decision and put The Kidd Chris Show back on the air, live. Failing that, perhaps some other local station in need of an infusion of new blood (WXDX, perhaps?) could find a place for Kidd Chris, Thomas, Brad Maybe, and all the other unique personalities that have helped make the show a hit in both the Steel City and the City of Brotherly Love.     

* - I have a link to the Kidd Chris Show's MySpace page in my "Friends" list. You can also check them out online at www.kiddshow.com.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here's a suggestion:

Come on out to see Greg Caridi, Michelle LeWay, Kristen Scannell, Chris Zuemie, and... oh, yeah: ME!!! at the fantastic Kean Theatre in Gibsonia, PA, in...  

Wow. Today, I've officially been on this planet 37 years.

Sometimes I have trouble believing I'm really that old because, in all honesty, I don't feel as though I've aged past 15. (Well, OK. That might be stretching it a bit. Maybe 25.) Of course, as I was saying to my lady love the other day, "Age, like time, is a relative concept." For instance, the Mercurian year (the time it takes the planet Mercury to orbit the sun) is approximately 4 times that of Earth's. So, if I were going by the Mercurian calendar, today I'd be somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 years old! (And just in my prime, to boot!) So, the heck with it! You're only as young/old as you feel.

The preceding message was brought to you by... me — who will be appearing as "Victor Prynne" in Noel Coward's Private Lives April 13-14, & 20-21 at the Kean Theatre located on the Campus of Saint Barnabas in Monaca, PA. Ticket information will be posted closer to the performance.

You also may have noticed the new default image which is me appearing as a homeless man named "Mr. Lenny" in Angel on My Shoulder a new short film by local director Lakeeba Coleman. There will be more info on this exciting project in the coming months. Also, be on the lookout for a new version of Interfere, the short film you can see right here on my MySpace page!

Thanks for reading!!! Hope to See you all (or hear from you) soon!!!

Check it out. Well, I mean, you've probably seen it as the default picture on my page, but if you're interested in an explanation, this is a print job I did recently for Kline Tools. If you, or someone you know, works in an industry that uses electrical cable tools and the like you'll soon see this ad in various trade publications. If not, well, you can see it right here on my MySpace page!