Saturday, August 23, 2014

Larry the Cable Guy




Daniel Lawrence Whitney grew up on a farm in Nebraska. 

In college, he had roommates from southern states, and that is where his simulated thick, southern accent originated.

He dropped out of college to pursue comedy, utilizing "Larry" from his middle name.

Pawnee City, Nebraska named a street after him, and he has generously donated money to the high school there for theatrical equipment.

"Larry" and his wife live on a large farm near Lincoln, Nebraska. 

He has never worked for a cable television company in any capacity.

Photograph © 2009 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Blake Robbins - Actor, Writer, Director

After graduating with a college degree, Blake Robbins followed his heart and attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

His extensive theater background includes Broadway, Odyssey Theater, Atlantic Theater Company, Black Dahlia Theater and more. For his performance in Placement, he was awarded the LA Weekly Award for "Best Solo Performance" of the year. 

You have seen Blake in dozens of prime-time and cable television shows including The Office, Private Practice, Medium, 24, The O.C., Oz, Firefly, and Cold Case. Plus, his movie credits are constantly growing.

Most recently, he wrote and directed The Sublime and Beautiful, which has garnered numerous awards, and is in high-demand at film festivals. 

Blake, James Burgess Cox and Baruch B. Kaufman are presently in pre-production for a new movie, Ctrl Alt DeleteProduction is scheduled to begin January 2015.

If you would like to financially support, "Ctrl Alt Delete", I did, you may do so here: KickStarter.

Photograph © 2014 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Casey Twenter: Co-Writer, "Rudderless"

The world premiere of the movie, "Rudderless", was at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. It stars Billy Crudup, Anton Welchin, Felicity Huffman, Selena Gomez, and Laurence Fishburne.

This is the directorial debut of William H. Macy, and was written by Casey Twenter, Jeff Robison and William H. Macy.

Here is the trailer. And, go here for one of the sound tracks (scroll down to the red "play" button).

Here is a scene with Selena Gomez.

Look for Rudderless in theaters October 17th.

Pictured is Co-Writer, Casey Twenter.

Photograph © 2014 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Michael Brandt - "Chicago Fire", "Chicago PD"



While studying at Baylor University, Michael Brandt met Derek Haas, and they began collaborating on screenplays.


Their first production, 2 Fast 2 Furious with Universal Pictures, made over $236 million. 

They went on to write the re-make of 3:10 To Yuma starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, and the movie opened #1 at the box office in 2007.

Michael and Derek's adaptation of Wanted, starring James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie, grossed over $400 million.

In 2011, Michael directed his and Derek’s screenplay of The Double starring Richard Gere, Topher Grace and Martin Sheen.

More recently, Michael and Derek are Creators, Writers, and Executive Producers of NBC's prime-time drama Chicago Fire, and now Chicago PD.

Update: Sadly, Molly Glynn, who had a recurring role on Chicago Fire, passed away in Chicago. My condolences.

Photograph © 2014 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.