The IndieNet And Beyond: The Beginning

I have a new column on ScifiPulse. Enjoy!

Welcome to the first installment of “The IndieNet and Beyond,” where I talk about the growing way we are getting our entertainment fix. Whether it is on your desktop computer, laptop, iphone, ipad, or whatever gadget you use, we are getting more and more of our entertainment from the Internet. For many years now, I have believed that it is not only the inevitable replacement of many traditional forms of media outlets, but it is also the future for independent creators to distribute their content.

And that is truly what this new column is about: the future of independent creators. Primarily indie filmmaking, since I have the most experience in that area, but really anything creative and uploaded to the web is open to discussion—web series, webcomics, and more. I’ll find it and tell you about it and I’ll also interview the creators so we get into the minds of those who are pioneering unexplored ideas on the Internet... more

SILENCE OF THE BELLE at ArtBeat

I am happy to announce that SILENCE OF THE BELLE has been selected by the Mid America Filmmakers to show twice during ArtBeat, Saturday, August 28th at the Century Center’s Recital Hall in downtown South Bend.

Silence of the Belle - Auditions

From the makers of "Batman | Metaphors" and "victimEYES" comes the dramedy "Silence of the Belle."

Below is all the information you need to know if you are interested in auditioning.

Short Synopsis: Belle struggles over leaving her current boyfriend, who cheated on her, or going back to a 'bad boy' ex. After a shocking accident at work, she awakens in an odd hospital and finds her herself in a bizarre silent film world where she thinks she has found her dream man, but instead finds danger.

The film is a unique mishmash of modern day dramedy with classic silent film horror and even a touch of old school Kung Fu movie mixed in...

Area of Media: HD short film for festival release

Director/Producer: Marx Pyle (Batman Metaphors, Winter's Sleep, The Break)
Director of Photography: Neil Kellen (Batman Metaphors, Forever)
Casting: Julie Pyle (Bloomington)

Audition Locations and Times:

Saturday October 24th (11:00am-4:00pm Central)
Holiday Inn Conference Center
4101 US Hwy 41 North
Evansville, IN 47711
*Walk-ins welcome, but you may also make an Appointment

Sunday October 25th (2:00pm-4:00pm Central)
Henderson County Public Library
101 S Main St
Henderson, KY
*Appointment Only - please email to set up appointment

Shooting Locations: Evansville, IN and Henderson, KY area
Shoot Dates: Filming will be on weekends (avoiding holiday weekends) in
November and December.
Script Availability: Pick-up or E-mail (.pdf file)

Contact Information
Email: silenceofthebelle@gmail.com
Phone: 812.306.6085

Submission Instructions: Open to all demographics, unless otherwise specified. Please submit by e-mail or phone (e-mail preferred). Resumes and headshots are appreciated. Walk-ins are welcome on October 24th, but appointments only on October 25th. If you cannot make it to the audition, you may request a video audition. Call backs will have to be in person. Thank you.

Character Descriptions

[BELLE] [GENDER: FEMALE] [AGE: 20-30]

Belle is an intelligent, optimistic and charming woman. She works in tech support at her company. Belle has a highly active imagination, which leads to some well... odd behavior at times. She also has the uncanny ability to pick terrible men to date. She sort of knows this, since her friend Louise constantly reminds her, but it still hasn’t really sunk in. Oh, and she can fix a PC like nobody’s business, but tends to be a little accidental.

[LOUISE] [GENDER: FEMALE] [AGE: 25-40]

Louise works with Belle. She is sort of a big sister to her and is always giving her advice, but finds it doesn’t always stick. Louise is a strong woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.

[DON / HANDSOME DOCTOR] [GENDER: MALE] [AGE: 20-35]

Don is a successful businessman who can’t keep his pants on. He says all of the right things and has looks that can melt any woman’s heart… and he knows it. The Handsome Doctor is played by the same actor as Don. He nurses a recovering Belle and wouldn’t mind playing doctor with her after she feels better.

[MARK / MYSTERIOUS MAN] [GENDER: MALE] [AGE: 20-35]

Mark is a ‘bad boy’ ex who is a talented musician. He is adventurous and mysterious, but unfortunately he likes to party to the extreme, by way of illegal pharmaceuticals.

The Mysterious Man is played by the same actor as Mark. He is a seductive and mysterious flute player who hides in the shadows of a closed wing inside the hospital. But the dark side of his personality shows through with his disfigured face. He is quick to anger and is happy to replace his loving flute with his lethal
blade.

[THE SEDUCTRESS] [GENDER: FEMALE] [AGE: 20-35]

A beautiful woman that tries to tempt Belle's man away. Few can resist her charms and even fewer would want to try.

[ANDREW / MALE NURSE] [GENDER: MALE] [AGE: 20-50]

Andrew works in the same office as Belle and Louise. He is constantly annoyed that no one at work ever seems to remember his name.

[CORDELIA / FEMALE NURSE][GENDER: FEMALE] [AGE: 20-50]

Cordelia works in the same office as Belle and Louise. She would rather be anywhere than at this dull office job. She often hangs out with her co-worker... what's his name.

New Film

I'm working on a new film.

I'll be announcing the details soon... very soon.

Batman | Metaphors

I just finished working on a fan film called "Batman | Metaphors." You can find more information about that film at: http://batmanmetaphors.com

I'm Back!!!

Hello world. I've launched a new website called (surprise) MarxPyle.com and I'm going to start posting again to this blog. I doubt I'll post very often, but we'll see.

Casting Call For ‘Bloomington’

This upcoming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Feb. 20-22 in Evansville, IN) there will be auditions for the HD feature length film called “Bloomington.” Four of the leads are being cast in LA, but the rest of the leads and supporting characters are going to be cast in Indiana.

Below is all the info you need to know if you are interested in auditioning.

Short Synopsis: “Bloomington” is a coming-of-age drama that examines the trials an ex-child star goes through as she attempts to figure out the second act in her life. JACKIE KIRK, a former child actress, moves away from California and attends college in search of independence and personal growth. She then becomes romantically involved with a professor. Their relationship thrives until an opportunity to return to acting forces her to make life-altering decisions.

Union: SAG Ultra Low Budget Agreement (SAG or non-SAG actors welcome)
Area of Media: HD feature length film for theatrical release
Production Company: Frontier Studios
Director: Fernanda Cardoso

Audition Locations:

Evansville - Evansville Civic Theatre Annex
Indianapolis - location to be announced soon

Shooting Locations: Indianapolis & Bloomington
Script Availability: Pick-up or E-mail (.pdf file)

Contact Information:

Civic Theatre Annex at Washington Square Mall
1138 Washington Sq
Evansville, IN 47715
Phone: 812.774.2611
E-mail: bloomingtonfilmcasting@gmail.com

Casting in Evansville:

Friday, February 20, 2009 (11am-4:30pm)
Saturday, February 21, 2009 (11am-7:30pm)
Sunday, February 22, 2009 (11am-4:30pm)

Casting in Indianapolis area: TBA

Submission Instructions: Open to all demographics, unless otherwise specified. Please submit by e-mail or phone (e-mail preferred). Resumes and headshots are appreciated. Walk-ins are welcome in Evansville on February 20 and 21, but appointments only on February 22. Thank you.

[RACHEL] [GENDER: Female] [AGE: 18-22]

Friendly and always upbeat, she is a college freshman, a classmate of Jackie’s, also part of the same study team. Sweet, sensitive, the peacemaker in the group, she wants to make sure that Jackie doesn’t feel uncomfortable…LEAD

[SANDY] [GENDER: Female] [AGE: 18-22]

Outgoing and bohemian looking, she is also a college freshman, a friend of Rachel, and part of the study team that includes Jackie. Contentious without meaning to, she feels that Jackie has an edge over the others since she really doesn’t have to go to college and get a job like she and her friends. Later, a catty Sandy makes fun of Jackie’s relationship with Catherine…LEAD

[ZACH] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 18-22]

Almost a “class clown,” he is a college freshman, part of Jackie, Rachel and Sandy’s study team. Phil obviously likes Jackie and asks if she would accompany him to a good old-fashioned college party, where there will be lots of drinking. The two later wind up at his dorm…LEAD

[PHIL] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 18-22]

A college freshman, a little too inquisitive and somewhat annoying and confrontational, he is part of Jackie, Rachel, Sandy and Zach’s study team.

[PROF. HECHT] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 55-65]

Male, in his late 50s, he is a dean with the College of Arts and Sciences at the university. Head of his department, he looks very tired; there is a certain weariness about his demeanor.

[PROFESSOR NEWBERRY] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 35-45]

He is a psychology professor at the university whom the students do not afford much respect.

[TEACHING ASSISTANT] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 22-30]

He is Catherine’s teaching assistant, a smiling, overly polite young man who feels uncomfortable and somewhat pitying when he learns that Catherine has no real plans for the Christmas break.

[BILL WHITTEN] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 30-40]

He is a slick film producer. He effusively welcomes Jackie to his apartment where he’s throwing a party.

[LAURA] [GENDER: Female] [AGE: 25-35]

She is the overly outgoing hostess at a film producer’s apartment. She tries, in vain, to make small talk with Catherine.

[TOMMY] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 20-25]

This good looking, and star-struck young actor auditions with Jackie.

[STEPFATHER] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 40-50]

He is Lillian’s husband, Jackie’s well-meaning stepfather.

[PETE] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 4-7]

This lively kid, seen at a family get-together, tries to engage Jackie in conversation.

[UNCLE KEITH] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 38-50]

Jackie’s uncle, he is a jovial, but none too bright fellow, who thinks Jackie’s hit TV series is still on the air.

[OLD AUNT] [GENDER: Female] [AGE: 45-55]

She is one of Jackie’s relatives, seen at a family dinner.

[FEMALE RELATIVE & MALE RELATIVE] [GENDER: Female & Male] [AGE: 30-50]

These two relatives of Jackie’s, seen at a family dinner, inquire about Jackie’s plans.

[OLDER FEMALE RELATIVE] [GENDER: Female] [AGE: 40-55]

This older female relative remembers fondly when Jackie was just a youngster.

[R.A.] [GENDER: Female or Male] [AGE: 20-25]

This university Resident Assistant leads Jackie to her dorm room, surprised that Jackie got a single room. Slightly confrontational attitude.

[T.J.] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 18-22]

A college frat-guy, he is a friendly sort, a friend of Zach.

[MALE STUDENT] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 18-24]

He is an organized, eager-to-impress male student.

[MAN] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 28-35]

Dressed-up but a little drunk, he has accompanied Catherine home for the evening.

[LIBRARY ATTENDANT] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 25-35]

He is a sleepy library attendant who does a double take after recognizing Jackie as a TV star.

[REPORTER] [GENDER: Male] [AGE: 25-35]

He is a hip-looking male reporter who interviews Jackie about her return to Hollywood.

[FEMALE REPORTER] [GENDER: Female] [AGE: 26-35]

She is a good-looking Katie Couric type who interviews Jackie about her new movie.

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' - The Queen

Oops, I forgot to post this link until now. Here you go.

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' - The Queen

The Atlantis team arranges a meeting with everyone's favorite Wraith … Todd the Wraith (Christopher Heyerdahl).

The team proposes a plan to help both the Wraith, who are fighting over food, and the humans, who don't want to be said food. Dr. Keller (Jewel Staite) has made a breakthrough after studying Michael's research. Gene therapy that will allow Wraith to gain sustenance from 'normal' food; in essence negating the need to feed on humans. Todd is skeptical, but agrees to the plan...[more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' – Whispers

It's time for another Stagate Atlantis review. Enjoy!

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' – Whispers

"All we need is the prom queen and the kid in the wheelchair." -– John Sheppard

Things take a scary twist this week on "Stargate: Atlantis."

Dr. 'Clone' Beckett (Paul McGillion) is visiting Atlantis and drafted to join Sheppard on a mission to help out an all-female team that has discovered one of Michael's discarded 'mad scientist' labs...[more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' - The Shrine

Hello everyone!

I have new Stargate Atlantis review up at SyFy Portal.

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' - The Shrine

After being stuck on top of a Stargate in a flooded valley, McKay falls ill. He is stricken with the Pegasus version of Alzheimer's called "Second Childhood" and is quickly losing his memories.

McKay's sister, Jeannie, is brought to Atlantis to say her final goodbyes to her dying brother.

But Ronon has a risky plan. His people know of a shrine located on the planet Talus that would allow McKay to return to normal for one day before he dies... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Review: Firbreather #2

Hello world!

Here is a new comic book review from me. Enjoy!

Firebreather #2

Being the child of a divorced family is tough. Especially when your dad happens to be a giant fire-breathing dragon.

Issue #2 picks up soon after the last issue with Duncan's mom embarrassing him by forcing him to bring cupcakes, on his sixteenth birthday, to high school. As if that wasn't bad enough, his mom finds the gold that he "hoarded" from his dad's stash of treasure... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Stargate Atlantis Gets Canceled!

Why? Oh TV gods...why?

'Stargate: Atlantis' Canceled, Will Gate Into Movies

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' - Ghost In The Machine

Hello world!

Here is another review from me on Stargate Atlantis.

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' - Ghost In The Machine

The SGA team is flying away from a planet apparently filled with flying monkeys when the puddlejumper goes berserk. For a few moments, things look pretty bad for the team, but they manage to mysteriously regain control.

However, things take a stranger turn when the same bizarre malfunctions infect the entire city of Atlantis. The malfunctions turn out to be a ghost in the machine going by the name of Elizabeth Weir. [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

R Slashed To PG-13 For 'Punisher: War Zone'?

Hi everyone!

Here is another news story for SyFy Portal. Sounds like they are having some trouble behind the scenes or are these just rumors gone out of control???

R Slashed To PG-13 For 'Punisher: War Zone'?

The upcoming "Punisher: War Zone" movie is taking a beating and may turn into as ugly of a mess as disfigured archenemy Jigsaw's face by the time the movie hits the big screen.

SyFy Portal had previously reported that Punisher was going to get more adult with the influence of Garth Ennis' very dark take on the Punisher, but boy have things changed since then.

It started when Thomas Jane, who played Frank Castle/Punisher in the previous Punisher film, opted to leave "War Zone" and was replaced by Ray Stevenson ("Rome").

Then, Lionsgate allegedly removed director Lexi Alexander from post-production. Her Web site seemed to confirm the news with a cryptic message on her blog showing a picture of three monkeys in “See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil” pose. [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Is Carter A 'Baddie' In 'Terminator Salvation'?

Hello everyone!

I have a story up at SyFy Portal.

Is Carter A 'Baddie' In 'Terminator Salvation'?

Helena Bonham Carter ("Sweeney Todd") recently joined the cast of McG's "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins" prequel. She wouldn't tell SciFi Wire much about her character, except that she is not a nice person.

"I kind of play a baddie, definitely a baddie," Bonham Carter said in an interview. "I don't know how much I'm allowed to say, but I'm a very bad person."

At the last minute, Carter replaced Tilda Swinton in the film. When she was offered the role, she felt like she couldn't say no because her longtime partner Tim Burton "would have killed me if I hadn't done it because he's such a 'Terminator' fan." [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' - The Daedalus Variations

Hello world!

I have a new Stargate Atlantis review up at SyFy Portal.

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' - The Daedalus Variations

An abandoned duplicate of the Daedalus appears in orbit. The team goes up to the ship to explore, only to be transported to an alternate reality.

The episode quickly turns into a race against time, as McKay has to figure out how to get them back before they get stranded in a random parallel universe.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team has to fight to keep the team alive as they jump (and back again) through four different realities: one reality that has no Atlantis, one that has Atlantis being attacked by a mysterious and deadly alien ship, one that has Atlantis swallowed up by a giant red sun and one where the planet has been turned into nothing but an asteroid field.

The fact that they find a dead duplicate Atlantis team doesn't exactly help them feel better about their odds.... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Hosting SyFy Radio!

Hi everyone!

I have a some cool news. Julie and I will be hosting SyFy Radio tomorrow! So, please feel free to check out the show. It is Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on BlogTalkRadio.

You can find it at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/syfyradio

The show airs live and then is archived on the site and over on iTunes.

Also, I always have the newest show over on the right side of this blog.

Please give it a listen. If you are listening to it live, then please feel free to give us a call.

Until next time... Marx out.

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' – Broken Ties

Hello world!

I have a new review for Stargate Atlantis up at SyFy Portal.

Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' – Broken Ties

Ronon faces the ultimate betrayal, and Teyla must decide her future with the team.

When I first heard the preview this episode, "The unthinkable happens, when Ronon is captured," I couldn't help but roll my eyes. You mean like in "Sateda"? Now that episode rocked, but the preview made it seem like it was retreading over an old storyline. So, I didn't have high hopes for this episode. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

'Pushing Daisies' Gets Around In Second Season

Hello everyone! I have a new story up at SyFy Portal.

'Pushing Daisies' Gets Around In Second Season

The second season of ABC's fantasy series "Pushing Daisies" is quickly approaching, and it will be taking us to some truly offbeat locations.

"The setting for the first one is in, like, a Burt's Bees massive factory of bee products," Lee Pace (Ned the Piemaker) told Scifi Wire. "The killer is killing people with a swarm of bees. The second episode takes place in the circus. The third episode is at the nunnery."

Co-star Anna Friel (Chuck), who by the way was nominated for a SyFy Genre Award for Best TV Actress, said that the loving couple will be all decked out in beekeeper suits from the very first scene of the first episode... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

All 'Heroes' Have A Villain Inside Them

Hello everyone! I have a "Heroes" news story up on the web.

All 'Heroes' Have A Villain Inside Them

Enough with these silly heroes, it's time for the villains to shine. At least that's what the writers of "Heroes" seem to be thinking in regards to the upcoming third season.

Masi Oka (Hiro Nakamura) told SciFi Wire that the third season's subtitle of "Villains" isn't just referring to the bad guys, but also to the little villain inside us all.... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.