ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
Sci-Fi, Animation
Wanting to rest and reconnect with his wife and kids, overworked lineman Dan Montgomery has taken his family on an RV road trip. But when ravenous 12-foot scorpions assault their remote desert campgrounds, Dan must rally a diverse group of fellow campers to set aside their differences to survive.
ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
Sci-Fi, Animation
0 Campaigns | California, United States
Wanting to rest and reconnect with his wife and kids, overworked lineman Dan Montgomery has taken his family on an RV road trip. But when ravenous 12-foot scorpions assault their remote desert campgrounds, Dan must rally a diverse group of fellow campers to set aside their differences to survive.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a world that often emphasizes our differences, stories of unity matter. This is a story about diverse people joining forces to face an overwhelming challenge--a reminder that our shared humanity is stronger than anything that divides us.
They’ve been asleep for millions of years. Now, they’re awake and ravenously hungry! WHO will Survive?!
Good-day! Dave Gregory here, personally writing directly to you on these pages. Just the real me.
So, let's start with the gist of...
I trust that whets your appetite.
Let's next address...
Mankind vs the Universe...
A Good Movie is More than the Sum of Its Parts...
When all of a movie’s elements come together perfectly--its writing, direction, acting, settings, visuals, cutting, and music--then that motion picture becomes more than the sum of its parts.
In fact, the successful fusion of those elements can trigger your sense of wonder so intensely that you’re virtually transported into the very world of that movie. And when that happens, you cease to be just a spectator. You become an emotional participant in the story. Good filmmaking does that.
One of the main reasons we love movies is in our sharing of that very experience with others on a giant screen--whether in a cinema or your home theater. And when you find yourself leaving in a state of exhilaration, then you know you’ve just seen a great motion picture.
I specifically developed ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS to trigger that state of mind--starting as an homage to the classic giant bug movies, but setting the story in the present day and pushing the physical horror beyond anything seen before.
Its story is about everyday people caught in a life-or-death struggle with creatures displaced in time who are, likewise, struggling to survive.
Why “Monster Movies”?
Give "Lawrence Woolsey" a quick minute to explain...
DAVID V. GREGORY
Filmmaker and VFX/Animation Supervisor
After earning my Bachelor's Degree in Film Production, I began my Hollywood career as an Optical Special Effects Cameraman. Working at effects houses like Ray Mercer's, Pacific Title, VanDerVeer's, & Title House, I contributed to many feature films & television episodes--including STAR WARS, HANGAR 18, MOONSTRUCK, and STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE...
A graduate of the Director's Training Program at CBS Studio Center's Film Industry Workshops, I've directed on-set Splinter & Blue Screen units for features and commercials--usually executing the optical composites as well...
And, in 1996, I moved into the digital realm as Supervising Colorist for the flying saucer effects in MARS ATTACKS!...
My expertise in Stereoscopic 3-D led to a published work on 3-D filmmaking and my being the on-set Stereographer for several 3-D concert BluRays. Alongside my VFX career, I've continued writing, filmmaking, and creating traditional & CG artwork--culminating, during the Covid lockdown, with the novelization of my screenplay ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS, published in Paperback & eBook in 2022. You'll find Amazon Customer Reviews of my book at the bottom of this page.
JOHN DANYLKIW
Production Manager and First Assistant Director for Performance Capture Phase
During the performance-capture phase, John Danylkiw will be our Production Manager & First Assistant Director. John has over 37 years experience as a Producer, Line Producer, Executive Producer, Production Manager, Director, 2nd Unit Director, Location Manager, & Post-Production Supervisor. To date, he’s been involved with over 350 commercials and over 70 theatrical features, television movies, & television specials. “Danny” also has direct experience in visual effects & animation and has a solid background in tightly budgeted productions.
JONATHAN S. ABRAMS
Performance-Capture Reference Cinematography
Jonathan graduated in 1987 with a Bachelors in Theatre & Television. From 1987 to 2002, he lived in South Florida, working as a cameraman for television & commercials. In 2002, Jon moved to Los Angeles and has steadily worked as a Camera Operator & Director of Photography. Thus far, he’s shot over 13 commercials and 17 other projects--including shorts, features, & television episodics. Particularly relevant to SCORPIONS, Jon was a “performance reference” cameraman on James Cameron’s AVATAR. And he deserves a huge thank you for filming me in the windy Mojave for our Pitch Video.
GARY W. ADKINS
Co-Producer and Story Editor
Gary is an editor, writer, & journalist with experience as a legislative correspondent, government researcher, & magazine editor--including 35+ years in the educational field. He's authored several books, including I Got Music, Space Travel Activity Book For Kids, and Riddle Me These, Kids!, and he's the creator-director of the story-focused website "Captivated Chat". In the early 1970s, Gary was my 1st assistant in lighting for live theater and was Co-Producer on my first short films: INCREDIBLE INVASION, PREHISTORIC MISH-MASH, and SOUP (dist by Canyon Cinema and New Line).
KEILA GARRIDO
Co-Producer and Social Media Marketing Manager
Keila is a military veteran, artist, and a core member of our production team--supporting production operations, crowdfunding strategy, & digital audience growth. With a strong background in project management & systems optimization, she brings structure & discipline to independent film production--helping bridge creative vision with organized delivery. She focuses on streamlining workflows, supporting campaign efforts, & building audience engagement through social platforms.
A Detailed List of the Characters in this movie, including their early production designs and back-stories, may be accessed in the front-end of my novel, ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS.
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But, as far as “Who’s in the Cast?”, final casting will not commence until after our crowdfunding campaign has wrapped.
At this point, it would be silly to tease you with photos of known actors pulled from a fantasized wish-list when you know this epic is being made on a micro-budget! But rest assured that we already have the biggest star in Hollywood attached to this picture: He’s twelve feet long, has eight legs, two pinchers, & a helluva stinger!
Hollywood is populated with excellent actors. And I already have considerable experience with auditioning and casting. As I've made made many good connections over the years, yes, there will be some recognizable faces on our mo-cap stage. But, for right now, I'm not allowed to say whom.
Why back us?
If you love classic giant-bug movies like THEM and TARANTULA, you know what modern monster flicks often miss: sincerity, relatable characters, believably-structured suspense, and a genuine sense of wonder!
What made the classic films succeed was not massive budgets. In fact, those films were mostly made by independents or by house producers within a major's B-division. They succeeded by presenting engaging story-lines about people we could identify with, by using cost-effective production techniques, and by creating unforgettable creatures.
Respecting the genre's roots, ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS will focus on ordinary people facing extraordinary danger--but, this time, with a diverse cast of characters who join together to survive. Utilizing modern cost-effective technology, stronger effects, and contemporary horror intensity, we'll recapture the spirit of the classics but thrust it into the 21st Century.
Together, let's create a modern and immersive creature-feature that delivers the action, thrills, and creature carnage today's audiences demand!
Here’s how expenditures will be divided once we’ve met our initial goal and stretch goals.
Please note, however, that categories beginning with “Addtl” refer to items that will be added to what Mr Gregory has previously purchased and is loaning to the production at no cost. Many props are already in storage.
.jpg)
Amazon customer reviews of my novel, ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS.
During the Covid lockdown, I novelized my screenplay to keep from going stir-crazy. So to give you a sense of the fan reactions to this story, here are some of my book's Customer Reviews...
Even a negative review can tell you how terrifying it is...
Anyone browsing this site already knows the usual challenges of independent filmmaking, so I won’t waste your time rehashing them here.
I’ve worked continuously in the Los Angeles industry since 1974, and I know what it takes to get a project across the finish line. Since I'm basically a boutique operation with a small team, this film won’t be made overnight -- but it will be made!
The rule is simple...
We have Quality and, because of our micro-budget, we have to have Cheap. So, Fast depends largely on funding. The more we raise, the more help I can bring aboard and the faster production will move. Realistically, though, expect the finished picture in one to three years.
Either way, I guarantee you that my determination--and sheer bull-headed cussedness--will see this picture through to completion!
Whether it’s $10 or $5000, your donation is sincerely appreciated, and we thank you in advance for giving.
But even if you’re unable to back us financially, we will be forever grateful if you’d re-post, update, re-tweet, email, and SHARE this campaign with as many people as you can – especially with those you know are into this type of picture!
And finally, I hereby award a virtual Silver Medal to anyone who read this campaign content all the way through and a virtual Gold Medal to anyone who also watched every second of the videos!
Many thanks from the bottom of our hearts. ☺
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
CAST
Costs $4,000
The talented folks who are going to turn my character avatars into REAL people.
CREW
Costs $3,200
So I won't have a stoke performing every job behind all the cameras & computers. ;-)
WAREHOUSE STAGE
Costs $1,800
A quiet, cheap, clean space that's large enough for us to stage our action and record our dialog in.
ADDITIONAL PROPS & INVISI-PROPS
Costs $1,000
While I already have many needed props in storage, some items--like seats--will be made from Plexiglass for our mo-cap cameras to see thru.
ADDITIONAL P-CAP HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
Costs $2,000
I've already an investment in this but need to expand to record as many as 6 actors at once. We prefer to avoid doing any Frankencapture.
CATERING
Costs $800
Remind V'ger that "Carbon Units" require fuel to function.
ADDITIONAL SMALL COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS
Costs $2,000
You'd be surprised by how our powerful software can run on mostly modest machines. And I always get the best prices from my great supplier
ADR & FOLEY
Costs $1,000
While I can handle ADR & Sound Editing just fine in-house, the Foley work is best done at a small garage facility a friend of mine owns.
RENDER FARM
Costs $2,200
We already have a good number-crunching capacity in-house, but more will be necessary to move rendering along.
MUSIC
Costs $1,000
So I won't have to make-up a score while humming into a comb and tissue paper.
INSURANCE
Costs $600
Generally a good thing to have. However, mainly needed for the performance capture stage, especially when safely "staging" physical stunts.
FULFILLMENT
Costs $400
You eventually want to receive your incentives, right?
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
This section is identical, in content, to "The Filmmakers" and "The Cast of Characters" sections under the "Story" tab.
DAVID V. GREGORY
Filmmaker and VFX/Animation Supervisor
After earning my Bachelor's Degree in Film Production, I began my Hollywood career as an Optical Special Effects Cameraman. Working at effects houses like Ray Mercer's, Pacific Title, VanDerVeer's, & Title House, I contributed to many feature films & television episodes--including STAR WARS, HANGAR 18, MOONSTRUCK, and STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE...
A graduate of the Director's Training Program at CBS Studio Center's Film Industry Workshops, I've directed on-set Splinter & Blue Screen units for features and commercials--usually executing the optical composites as well...
And, in 1996, I moved into the digital realm as Supervising Colorist for the flying saucer effects in MARS ATTACKS!...
My expertise in Stereoscopic 3-D led to a published work on 3-D filmmaking and my being the on-set Stereographer for several 3-D concert BluRays. Alongside my VFX career, I've continued writing, filmmaking, and creating traditional & CG artwork--culminating, during the Covid lockdown, with the novelization of my screenplay ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS, published in Paperback & eBook in 2022.
JOHN DANYLKIW
Production Manager and First Assistant Director for Performance Capture Phase
During the performance-capture phase, John Danylkiw will be our Production Manager & First Assistant Director. John has over 37 years experience as a Producer, Line Producer, Executive Producer, Production Manager, Director, 2nd Unit Director, Location Manager, & Post-Production Supervisor. To date, he’s been involved with over 350 commercials and over 70 theatrical features, television movies, & television specials. “Danny” also has direct experience in visual effects & animation and has a solid background in tightly budgeted productions.
JONATHAN S. ABRAMS
Performance-Capture Reference Cinematography
Jonathan graduated in 1987 with a Bachelors in Theatre & Television. From 1987 to 2002, he lived in South Florida, working as a cameraman for television & commercials. In 2002, Jon moved to Los Angeles and has steadily worked as a Camera Operator & Director of Photography. Thus far, he’s shot over 13 commercials and 17 other projects--including shorts, features, & television episodics. Particularly relevant to SCORPIONS, Jon was a “performance reference” cameraman on James Cameron’s AVATAR. And he deserves a huge thank you for filming me in the windy Mojave for our Pitch Video.
GARY W. ADKINS
Co-Producer and Story Editor
Gary is an editor, writer, & journalist with experience as a legislative correspondent, government researcher, & magazine editor--including 35+ years in the educational field. He's authored several books, including I Got Music, Space Travel Activity Book For Kids, and Riddle Me These, Kids!, and he's the creator-director of the story-focused website "Captivated Chat". In the early 1970s, Gary was my 1st assistant in lighting for live theater and was Co-Producer on my first short films: INCREDIBLE INVASION, PREHISTORIC MISH-MASH, and SOUP (dist by Canyon Cinema and New Line).
KEILA GARRIDO
Co-Producer and Social Media Marketing Manager
Keila is a military veteran, artist, and a core member of our production team--supporting production operations, crowdfunding strategy, & digital audience growth. With a strong background in project management & systems optimization, she brings structure & discipline to independent film production--helping bridge creative vision with organized delivery. She focuses on streamlining workflows, supporting campaign efforts, & building audience engagement through social platforms.
A Detailed List of the Characters in this movie, including their early production designs and back-stories, may be accessed in the front-end of my novel, ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS.
But, as far as “Who’s in the Cast?”, final casting will not commence until after our crowdfunding campaign has wrapped.
At this point, it would be silly to tease you with photos of known actors pulled from a fantasized wish-list when you know this epic is being made on a micro-budget! But rest assured that we already have the biggest star in Hollywood attached to this picture: He’s twelve feet long, has eight legs, two pinchers, & a helluva stinger!
Hollywood is populated with excellent actors. And I already have considerable experience with auditioning and casting. As I've made made many good connections over the years, yes, there will be some recognizable faces on our mo-cap stage. But, for right now, I'm not allowed to say whom.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a world that often emphasizes our differences, stories of unity matter. This is a story about diverse people joining forces to face an overwhelming challenge--a reminder that our shared humanity is stronger than anything that divides us.
They’ve been asleep for millions of years. Now, they’re awake and ravenously hungry! WHO will Survive?!
Good-day! Dave Gregory here, personally writing directly to you on these pages. Just the real me.
So, let's start with the gist of...
I trust that whets your appetite.
Let's next address...
Mankind vs the Universe...
A Good Movie is More than the Sum of Its Parts...
When all of a movie’s elements come together perfectly--its writing, direction, acting, settings, visuals, cutting, and music--then that motion picture becomes more than the sum of its parts.
In fact, the successful fusion of those elements can trigger your sense of wonder so intensely that you’re virtually transported into the very world of that movie. And when that happens, you cease to be just a spectator. You become an emotional participant in the story. Good filmmaking does that.
One of the main reasons we love movies is in our sharing of that very experience with others on a giant screen--whether in a cinema or your home theater. And when you find yourself leaving in a state of exhilaration, then you know you’ve just seen a great motion picture.
I specifically developed ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS to trigger that state of mind--starting as an homage to the classic giant bug movies, but setting the story in the present day and pushing the physical horror beyond anything seen before.
Its story is about everyday people caught in a life-or-death struggle with creatures displaced in time who are, likewise, struggling to survive.
Why “Monster Movies”?
Give "Lawrence Woolsey" a quick minute to explain...
DAVID V. GREGORY
Filmmaker and VFX/Animation Supervisor
After earning my Bachelor's Degree in Film Production, I began my Hollywood career as an Optical Special Effects Cameraman. Working at effects houses like Ray Mercer's, Pacific Title, VanDerVeer's, & Title House, I contributed to many feature films & television episodes--including STAR WARS, HANGAR 18, MOONSTRUCK, and STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE...
A graduate of the Director's Training Program at CBS Studio Center's Film Industry Workshops, I've directed on-set Splinter & Blue Screen units for features and commercials--usually executing the optical composites as well...
And, in 1996, I moved into the digital realm as Supervising Colorist for the flying saucer effects in MARS ATTACKS!...
My expertise in Stereoscopic 3-D led to a published work on 3-D filmmaking and my being the on-set Stereographer for several 3-D concert BluRays. Alongside my VFX career, I've continued writing, filmmaking, and creating traditional & CG artwork--culminating, during the Covid lockdown, with the novelization of my screenplay ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS, published in Paperback & eBook in 2022. You'll find Amazon Customer Reviews of my book at the bottom of this page.
JOHN DANYLKIW
Production Manager and First Assistant Director for Performance Capture Phase
During the performance-capture phase, John Danylkiw will be our Production Manager & First Assistant Director. John has over 37 years experience as a Producer, Line Producer, Executive Producer, Production Manager, Director, 2nd Unit Director, Location Manager, & Post-Production Supervisor. To date, he’s been involved with over 350 commercials and over 70 theatrical features, television movies, & television specials. “Danny” also has direct experience in visual effects & animation and has a solid background in tightly budgeted productions.
JONATHAN S. ABRAMS
Performance-Capture Reference Cinematography
Jonathan graduated in 1987 with a Bachelors in Theatre & Television. From 1987 to 2002, he lived in South Florida, working as a cameraman for television & commercials. In 2002, Jon moved to Los Angeles and has steadily worked as a Camera Operator & Director of Photography. Thus far, he’s shot over 13 commercials and 17 other projects--including shorts, features, & television episodics. Particularly relevant to SCORPIONS, Jon was a “performance reference” cameraman on James Cameron’s AVATAR. And he deserves a huge thank you for filming me in the windy Mojave for our Pitch Video.
GARY W. ADKINS
Co-Producer and Story Editor
Gary is an editor, writer, & journalist with experience as a legislative correspondent, government researcher, & magazine editor--including 35+ years in the educational field. He's authored several books, including I Got Music, Space Travel Activity Book For Kids, and Riddle Me These, Kids!, and he's the creator-director of the story-focused website "Captivated Chat". In the early 1970s, Gary was my 1st assistant in lighting for live theater and was Co-Producer on my first short films: INCREDIBLE INVASION, PREHISTORIC MISH-MASH, and SOUP (dist by Canyon Cinema and New Line).
KEILA GARRIDO
Co-Producer and Social Media Marketing Manager
Keila is a military veteran, artist, and a core member of our production team--supporting production operations, crowdfunding strategy, & digital audience growth. With a strong background in project management & systems optimization, she brings structure & discipline to independent film production--helping bridge creative vision with organized delivery. She focuses on streamlining workflows, supporting campaign efforts, & building audience engagement through social platforms.
A Detailed List of the Characters in this movie, including their early production designs and back-stories, may be accessed in the front-end of my novel, ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS.
But, as far as “Who’s in the Cast?”, final casting will not commence until after our crowdfunding campaign has wrapped.
At this point, it would be silly to tease you with photos of known actors pulled from a fantasized wish-list when you know this epic is being made on a micro-budget! But rest assured that we already have the biggest star in Hollywood attached to this picture: He’s twelve feet long, has eight legs, two pinchers, & a helluva stinger!
Hollywood is populated with excellent actors. And I already have considerable experience with auditioning and casting. As I've made made many good connections over the years, yes, there will be some recognizable faces on our mo-cap stage. But, for right now, I'm not allowed to say whom.
Why back us?
If you love classic giant-bug movies like THEM and TARANTULA, you know what modern monster flicks often miss: sincerity, relatable characters, believably-structured suspense, and a genuine sense of wonder!
What made the classic films succeed was not massive budgets. In fact, those films were mostly made by independents or by house producers within a major's B-division. They succeeded by presenting engaging story-lines about people we could identify with, by using cost-effective production techniques, and by creating unforgettable creatures.
Respecting the genre's roots, ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS will focus on ordinary people facing extraordinary danger--but, this time, with a diverse cast of characters who join together to survive. Utilizing modern cost-effective technology, stronger effects, and contemporary horror intensity, we'll recapture the spirit of the classics but thrust it into the 21st Century.
Together, let's create a modern and immersive creature-feature that delivers the action, thrills, and creature carnage today's audiences demand!
Here’s how expenditures will be divided once we’ve met our initial goal and stretch goals.
Please note, however, that categories beginning with “Addtl” refer to items that will be added to what Mr Gregory has previously purchased and is loaning to the production at no cost. Many props are already in storage.
Amazon customer reviews of my novel, ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS.
During the Covid lockdown, I novelized my screenplay to keep from going stir-crazy. So to give you a sense of the fan reactions to this story, here are some of my book's Customer Reviews...
Even a negative review can tell you how terrifying it is...
Anyone browsing this site already knows the usual challenges of independent filmmaking, so I won’t waste your time rehashing them here.
I’ve worked continuously in the Los Angeles industry since 1974, and I know what it takes to get a project across the finish line. Since I'm basically a boutique operation with a small team, this film won’t be made overnight -- but it will be made!
The rule is simple...
We have Quality and, because of our micro-budget, we have to have Cheap. So, Fast depends largely on funding. The more we raise, the more help I can bring aboard and the faster production will move. Realistically, though, expect the finished picture in one to three years.
Either way, I guarantee you that my determination--and sheer bull-headed cussedness--will see this picture through to completion!
Whether it’s $10 or $5000, your donation is sincerely appreciated, and we thank you in advance for giving.
But even if you’re unable to back us financially, we will be forever grateful if you’d re-post, update, re-tweet, email, and SHARE this campaign with as many people as you can – especially with those you know are into this type of picture!
And finally, I hereby award a virtual Silver Medal to anyone who read this campaign content all the way through and a virtual Gold Medal to anyone who also watched every second of the videos!
Many thanks from the bottom of our hearts. ☺
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
CAST
Costs $4,000
The talented folks who are going to turn my character avatars into REAL people.
CREW
Costs $3,200
So I won't have a stoke performing every job behind all the cameras & computers. ;-)
WAREHOUSE STAGE
Costs $1,800
A quiet, cheap, clean space that's large enough for us to stage our action and record our dialog in.
ADDITIONAL PROPS & INVISI-PROPS
Costs $1,000
While I already have many needed props in storage, some items--like seats--will be made from Plexiglass for our mo-cap cameras to see thru.
ADDITIONAL P-CAP HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
Costs $2,000
I've already an investment in this but need to expand to record as many as 6 actors at once. We prefer to avoid doing any Frankencapture.
CATERING
Costs $800
Remind V'ger that "Carbon Units" require fuel to function.
ADDITIONAL SMALL COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS
Costs $2,000
You'd be surprised by how our powerful software can run on mostly modest machines. And I always get the best prices from my great supplier
ADR & FOLEY
Costs $1,000
While I can handle ADR & Sound Editing just fine in-house, the Foley work is best done at a small garage facility a friend of mine owns.
RENDER FARM
Costs $2,200
We already have a good number-crunching capacity in-house, but more will be necessary to move rendering along.
MUSIC
Costs $1,000
So I won't have to make-up a score while humming into a comb and tissue paper.
INSURANCE
Costs $600
Generally a good thing to have. However, mainly needed for the performance capture stage, especially when safely "staging" physical stunts.
FULFILLMENT
Costs $400
You eventually want to receive your incentives, right?
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
This section is identical, in content, to "The Filmmakers" and "The Cast of Characters" sections under the "Story" tab.
DAVID V. GREGORY
Filmmaker and VFX/Animation Supervisor
After earning my Bachelor's Degree in Film Production, I began my Hollywood career as an Optical Special Effects Cameraman. Working at effects houses like Ray Mercer's, Pacific Title, VanDerVeer's, & Title House, I contributed to many feature films & television episodes--including STAR WARS, HANGAR 18, MOONSTRUCK, and STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE...
A graduate of the Director's Training Program at CBS Studio Center's Film Industry Workshops, I've directed on-set Splinter & Blue Screen units for features and commercials--usually executing the optical composites as well...
And, in 1996, I moved into the digital realm as Supervising Colorist for the flying saucer effects in MARS ATTACKS!...
My expertise in Stereoscopic 3-D led to a published work on 3-D filmmaking and my being the on-set Stereographer for several 3-D concert BluRays. Alongside my VFX career, I've continued writing, filmmaking, and creating traditional & CG artwork--culminating, during the Covid lockdown, with the novelization of my screenplay ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS, published in Paperback & eBook in 2022.
JOHN DANYLKIW
Production Manager and First Assistant Director for Performance Capture Phase
During the performance-capture phase, John Danylkiw will be our Production Manager & First Assistant Director. John has over 37 years experience as a Producer, Line Producer, Executive Producer, Production Manager, Director, 2nd Unit Director, Location Manager, & Post-Production Supervisor. To date, he’s been involved with over 350 commercials and over 70 theatrical features, television movies, & television specials. “Danny” also has direct experience in visual effects & animation and has a solid background in tightly budgeted productions.
JONATHAN S. ABRAMS
Performance-Capture Reference Cinematography
Jonathan graduated in 1987 with a Bachelors in Theatre & Television. From 1987 to 2002, he lived in South Florida, working as a cameraman for television & commercials. In 2002, Jon moved to Los Angeles and has steadily worked as a Camera Operator & Director of Photography. Thus far, he’s shot over 13 commercials and 17 other projects--including shorts, features, & television episodics. Particularly relevant to SCORPIONS, Jon was a “performance reference” cameraman on James Cameron’s AVATAR. And he deserves a huge thank you for filming me in the windy Mojave for our Pitch Video.
GARY W. ADKINS
Co-Producer and Story Editor
Gary is an editor, writer, & journalist with experience as a legislative correspondent, government researcher, & magazine editor--including 35+ years in the educational field. He's authored several books, including I Got Music, Space Travel Activity Book For Kids, and Riddle Me These, Kids!, and he's the creator-director of the story-focused website "Captivated Chat". In the early 1970s, Gary was my 1st assistant in lighting for live theater and was Co-Producer on my first short films: INCREDIBLE INVASION, PREHISTORIC MISH-MASH, and SOUP (dist by Canyon Cinema and New Line).
KEILA GARRIDO
Co-Producer and Social Media Marketing Manager
Keila is a military veteran, artist, and a core member of our production team--supporting production operations, crowdfunding strategy, & digital audience growth. With a strong background in project management & systems optimization, she brings structure & discipline to independent film production--helping bridge creative vision with organized delivery. She focuses on streamlining workflows, supporting campaign efforts, & building audience engagement through social platforms.
A Detailed List of the Characters in this movie, including their early production designs and back-stories, may be accessed in the front-end of my novel, ATTACK OF THE BLACK SCORPIONS.
But, as far as “Who’s in the Cast?”, final casting will not commence until after our crowdfunding campaign has wrapped.
At this point, it would be silly to tease you with photos of known actors pulled from a fantasized wish-list when you know this epic is being made on a micro-budget! But rest assured that we already have the biggest star in Hollywood attached to this picture: He’s twelve feet long, has eight legs, two pinchers, & a helluva stinger!
Hollywood is populated with excellent actors. And I already have considerable experience with auditioning and casting. As I've made made many good connections over the years, yes, there will be some recognizable faces on our mo-cap stage. But, for right now, I'm not allowed to say whom.