Greetings to all passionate fans of True Noir!
I am thrilled to bring you this update from my journey to the revered San Diego Comic-Con 2024!
With immense pleasure, I recount my invaluable experience at “TRUE NOIR – The Assassination of Anton Cermak – from the Nathan Heller Casebooks,” a riveting audio drama that pays homage to the iconic radio shows of the 1940s and 1950s.
As an avid admirer of the noir genre, I was truly honored to have received approval for this Press Room on Thursday July 25, 2024 with interviews included below for your enjoyment. Noir fiction, widely regarded as a sub-genre in the realm of film, holds an exceptional place in my heart.
I am currently engrossed in crafting a screenplay that draws inspiration from its compelling essence. The round table interviews provided an unforgettable glimpse into the captivating world of True Noir, and I am eagerly looking forward to sharing more about this enriching experience with all of you.
Thanks to its innovative approach, the True Noir project is a standout in its field. Unlike conventional weekly shows, producers Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden are crafting an audio experience for their audience. What’s even more intriguing is that this project is part of a Kickstarter Campaign, allowing fans to contribute and become part of the series.
Fans can anticipate immersing themselves in a ten-episode drama adapted from the acclaimed novels of Max Allan Collins, featuring the ‘The Nathan Heller Casebooks’ series, including the highly anticipated nineteenth and twentieth installments.
The series boasts an exceptional voice cast featuring renowned character actors such as Anthony LaPaglia (Road to Perdition), Bill Smitrovich (Air Force One), Don McManus (Vice), Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica) and Louis Lombardi (The Sopranos). Despite Katee’s absence, the rest of the cast were a delight to interview, Kris Carr (Starship Troopers: Invasion) was there as well, but alas I wasn’t able to chat with her or Anthony LaPaglia. During the interviews, the actors were asked about their favorite film noir and why they chose it. Bill Smitrovich shared his admiration for ‘The Maltese Falcon‘ starring Humphrey Bogart. At the same time, Lombardi expressed his appreciation for the stylishness of ‘Sin City‘ by Frank Miller despite its departure from traditional noir. Lombardi also revealed his lifelong admiration for James Cagney, proudly displaying a poster of the acting legend from his teenage years in his home.
Don McManus emphasized the creative freedom that comes with voice-over work. According to him, voice-over allows actors to embody any character without the constraints of physical appearance or preconceived expectations. This form of acting liberates performers from the usual pressures of being in front of a camera, opening up a world of limitless possibilities. The listener has the opportunity to engage their imagination, allowing them to vividly visualize the story and immerse themselves in the characters’ lives, experiencing their adventures along the way.
I am delighted to see a resurgence in this unique form of storytelling. Before the era of television, there were captivating radio dramas, brimming with mystery and camp, akin to the narratives found in the pulp novels of yesteryear. This type of entertainment had the remarkable ability to captivate listeners, evoking empathy and feelings of antipathy towards the characters they encountered. The resurgence of this art form is a testament to its enduring appeal and appreciation for its unique storytelling techniques, which the True Noir project is set to revive.
During a conversation, Lombardi pointed out that the experience of doing voice-over work at that time was unlike usual. While you were alone in the booth, the other actors were remotely visible on a screen. This setup meant that interactions between actors differed from typical, but it also allowed for a sense of freedom. Additionally, seeing how the other actors delivered their lines benefited the overall process.
Bill Smirtovich, a brilliant character actor, shared fascinating insights into his early days on the stage with Arthur Miller, illustrating how this experience shaped his ability to bring characters to life across various mediums. What sets this series apart is the intriguing blend of fictional and real characters, with the detective Nathan Heller being the sole creation of the author. Additionally, Collins’s meticulous research brings authenticity to the characters and the real crimes that form the backdrop of his novels, showcasing his masterful storytelling. The evocative original score by Alexander Bornstein effectively transports viewers back to the noir era. The music plays an integral role in the genre, almost like a character, adding depth and emotion to the storytelling.
Louis Lombardi was a captivating speaker because of his profound appreciation for Cagney. He eloquently delved into the reasons behind Cagney’s excellence, highlighting the complexity of his characters and the valuable lessons he imparted to his fans about toughness. He expressed an optimistic sentiment, hoping that revisiting this medium would provide listeners with a focused and immersive experience, allowing them to engage with the words and characters presented thoroughly.
I hope to see an increase in the number of studios adopting this storytelling style. I also wish that studios revive noir as a prominent genre in the entertainment industry. It’s pretty challenging to come across high-quality noir books or movies. I am optimistic that this rejuvenated storytelling approach will open up new opportunities for actors to showcase their talents uniquely and compellingly. The presentation of this particular form of entertainment provides an opportunity for writers and composers to gain increased visibility. By introducing audiences to fresh content from various artists, the producers aim to create opportunities for talented writers and composers to expand their fanbase and access exciting new projects. The magic of Comic-Con lies in its ability to not only unveil the latest and most thrilling upcoming movies but also to pay homage to the timeless classics of the past. Additionally, the convention offers a platform for genres like noir, which aren’t typically highlighted at such events, introducing them to a fresh audience and potentially revitalizing interest in the genre.
Imagination Connoisseurs Unlimited (ICU) is the innovative company behind this exceptional material. ICU’s mission is to transform genre entertainment by prioritizing the involvement of fans and creators. The description of the ICU’s intentions fills me with hope that major Hollywood studios will consider developing their renditions of this type of entertainment. It would be remarkable to witness an influx of noir or science fiction narratives akin to the style of Orson Welles with The War of the Worlds (1938 radio drama).
Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the panel for the exciting new series, but fans can eagerly anticipate a 10-episode, six ½-hour serialized audio drama. I am eagerly looking forward to the release of this series in September 2024. For anyone passionate about this form of entertainment, I strongly urge you to consider contributing to the Kickstarter fund, just as I have. Presenting this series at a panel at Comic-Con has significantly boosted their pledges, and they have now surpassed one-third of their funding target.
I was privileged to attend a press event organized by Amy Prenner From The Prenner Group and Gary Miereanu was a fantastic opportunity to talk with the talented actors about their experiences working on this new project. Additionally, I extend my best wishes to the producers, hoping their hard work pays off and this project becomes a huge success, providing us with years of enjoyable entertainment.
I’m excited to share this article about an intriguing new project. Be sure to tune in and immerse yourself in the captivating world of True Noir. You won’t want to miss what’s in store for you!
Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. I will be back in the near future with more analysis for Team WHR from San Diego Comic-Con 2024!
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Until next time,
Regards,
