Current Projects

LOGLINE:

Struggling New York stand-up comic and new Christian convert, MIKE MCKENNA, is fresh out of rehab and slated to start his big break gig in L.A. His dream comes to a screeching halt when he and his family are stranded in a foreign land... Deep East Texas.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

OPEN MIKE’s theme will be complemented by a well- known Christian (or clean) comedian appearing in each episode as an open mic guest, delivering 30-45 seconds of a comedy set.

Additionally, each show opens with Mike introducing the episode, occasionally breaking the fourth wall throughout, and a wrap up at the end.

Actors selected for the table read will be given first consideration (but not guaranteed) for roles in the actual production, filming in 2022! Casting for production will likely be done early next year, after the table read.

In a culture-clash sitcom, Mike Mckenna is a New Yorker at heart. After years struggling with substance abuse, Mike finds his recovery... in his relationship with God.

Years ago, Mike visited a friend from the block, ANTONY “ANT” BERTOLLI, a “guest” of witness protection in Texas. There Mike met future wife, PEGGY SUE, who supported him through addiction while he tried to make it as a stand-up comic in New York City.

Now clean and sober, Mike - with his family in tow – is on his way to Los Angeles, where his dream gig as M.C. at a comedy club awaits.

While stopped in Travis, Texas, where Ant died in an arm-wrestling incident, the dream gig in L.A. evaporates. Mike and his family are now stranded and surrounded by Deep East Texans, suspicious of this New Yorker.

This show hilariously explores how these two cultures co-exist in a rural town. Mike inherits Ant’s Chinese-TexMex Restaurant, and decides to add a family friendly open mic Comedy Club stage.

Weekly themes highlight Mike’s struggles as a recovering addict, husband, father, comedian and new business owner. Insecure, Mike fears he won’t live up to his self-imposed expectations. Success or failure hang in the balance each week.

The world of Travis, Texas, is that of working people. People who drive to the “big city” of Tyler to eat at an IHOP, and the local diner only takes cash.

Everything in the area is owned by the humorless mayor, IDA RENFRO, including the building which houses Mike’s newly inherited restaurant. Hippies aren’t welcome, taxidermy is respected, and the barbershop has 1950’s style haircut posters on his walls.

• Job: TV Series

Just Hitched is a short film set in Florida that deals with a very prevalent issue facing Florida now a days, that of human trafficking. 

Chase and Victoria are newlyweds who are on their honeymoon in FLorida, they met in a PTSD group. Chase was a member of the Green berets, he was on a mission a couple years ago in Germany that ended with two of his team members being killed and tortured tied to a hitch of a truck they were trying to stop this German group that had teamed up with the columbian cartel from trafficking girls.  Back to the present day Chase is now a member of anFBI task force who tracks human traffickers.  In Florida Juan and Hans, two young members of the german/ cartel group have started their business up again. They disguise it by running a dinner cruise boat and hiring the girls to be entertainment on the ship. Chase, Victoria, Juan and Klaus all end up at the same resort, eventually they recognize each other, Victoria is kidnapped and a fight ensues. Juan and Hans meanwhile in the story abduct two of their new "employees".

• Job: Feature

Casting an original sci-fi, love story and spiritually-themed feature film, with an epic scope, and political undertones.  This is a long-format, feature film project that is artistic, with excellent writing, cinema camera, Zeiss lenses, great filming location, small film crew, and a creative environment that will make this an excellent film in the end. It will require hard work to make it as good as possible. Director/writer/actor is also a music producer, songwriter and session musician, who is an aspiring filmmaker. This is a script with interesting characters and an unusual story.

Seeking a conservative actress, who is Christian, spiritual or open-minded, and courageous. This will be a challenging role that requires emotional depth, maturity, intelligence, self-awareness, historic literacy and serious acting chops. It calls out the censorship, political corruption, race baiting, corrupt media and rise of Communism in America, by telling an edgy, original story through the relationship of two interesting protagonists with an epic thriller storyline. It is not for the faint at heart.

“In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” George Orwell.

• Job: Feature

We are a group of Christians from various backgrounds united to bring light and joy and laughter to a world in need of it...all to help point audiences to the Cross. 

We perform clean, family-friendly improv and sketch comedy. Are performances are not Biblical comedy, but it's comedy designed to honor and glorify God through our talents. 

• Job: Other

This musical features a group of teens dealing with personal issues and how they found peace and acceptance in the midst of it with the help of the most unlikely people. 

PLEASE NOTE : I am in New York and will only be accepting actors from New York. Also, this project is expected to be ready by next spring to early summer, therefore, I will need at least a year long commitment. If you live out of state and still want to be apart of this, travel, housing accommodations and other financial arrangements are on you. Thanks for showing an interest in my project. Stay blessed, stay safe.

 This is a live stage show 

show date:  spring or early summer 2022

Rehearsal: summer 2021

location: Queens, NY

During rehearsals: local transportation allowance and meals provided

Showtime: minimum hourly rate, local transportation allowance and meals

• Job: Other

Christian feature film about a woman who has serious difficulty forgiving people.  All roles are unpaid.  No travel or accommodations.  This is a ministry, not a commercial venture.

• Job: Film