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                                 Movies that Inspire You to Not Fall into the Economic Abyys   

    Here's five movies that you can use when times are tough and you want to get to the next level of lifestyle and not fall into the abyss.

    "When a man stares into the abyss and sees nothing but darkness, this is the time that he finds his character. And it is his character, that keeps him from falling into the abyss."

    These movies have helped to keep me out of the abyss.

    Rocky 3

    The "Eye of the Tiger" song and opening montage, will get you into the success mood. Rocky has to overcome his personal fear to get back into the ring.

    Rollerball

    In the '75 version, James Cann is the champion rollerballer of the future. This is the ultimate lone man against the establishment. The final game will have you up on your feet and ready for action.

    Staying Alive

    John Travolta trys for success on Broadway. He makes the rounds of casting agents, works odd jobs, gets a break, and then risks asking the director of the show for a chance at the lead. The director's speech when Travolta wants to quit is right on.

    The Natural

    Over the hill baseball player Robert Redford trys for a comeback. If you ever feel down and out, this will get you swinging at the ball again.

    Grand Prix

    You might see parts of yourself in each character, like I did and still do. There's lots of first class living and big business in this film. A lot about being a professional and winning. The current champion says:

    "When I was young and saw an accident I would want to pull off the track and walk away from the car. But I'm older now. When I see a very terrible accident, I put my foot down hard, because I know that everyone else is lifting his."

    At the end of the movie, you'll feel like you're the one walking triumphantly on the empty race track, knowing that you will persevere alone, and win alone, like the champion did.

    The Cincinnati Kid

    "He's been "the man" (best poker player) for a long time and he's got a lot to protect," Shooter tells the Kid (Steve McQueen).

    This is a story of image, competition, skill, financial survival, and life. Edward G. Robinson is the old champ that everyone thinks will be defeated. At times he seems tired and ready to crumble under the gambling pressure. But he is not the long reigning champ for nothing.

    "He'll use every trick in the book and some he's just made up, to beat you."

    Notice Robinson's style and manners. He's the James Bond of this group. When the champ wins an important hand by betting big on "a lousy 3 card flush", he says, "Gets down to what it's all about, doesn't it? Making the wrong move at the right time. Like life, I quess."

    There's a lot more life lessons in this movie, so keep your ears open.

    Any Given Sunday

    This is a more recent movie, so I didn't need it like the other ones, but it really motivates me to increase my productivity. There's lots of energetic camera work, sound and music in this football oddesy to give you a natural shot of energy.

    There are many scenes of big money deals to program your mind for prosperity. More importantly, it's loaded with success philosophy. Al Pacino's four minute "life is a game of inches" talk to his team is the best motivational speech you'll ever hear. Guaranteed to get anyone out of their slump.

    I'm very serious about the power of these movies. Check them out and find others that will help you persevere and give you The Eye of the Tiger.

  • 32684178_30527          Paul's Radio Interview

    Listen to 'Living the James Bond Lifestyle'.   (Host talks 4 min. then interview.)

  •                                                      Ready for Downloading

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    Casiono Caper FRONT          New Nancy

    Click to Hear Samples / Download

    My Casino Caper - 1 hr. 17  min. - $9.00

    Rock Star Rising - 3.6 hrs. - $14.97

    Live the James Bond Lifestyle - 8 hrs.  - $25.00

    McKnight's Memory - 3.7 hrs. - $14.97

                                                 

  •         Casiono Caper FRONT   My Casino Caper  Downloadable Now  Casino Caper BACK

             For $9.00 with PayPal you can download Edd's audio-memoir of being stalked for his Jackpot.  The downloading company gives a $10.00 gift coupon for first timers, so you can get it for FREE.  Hey, they'll owe YOU a dollar.

                               Check back here around April 1, 2009 - No foolin'

                              Click here for  EDD BYRNES PRESS SITE on Xanga

    You know Edd Byrnes from the John Travolta movie "Grease" where he played Vince Fontaine, the star of "National Bandstand" for the dance contest scene. Or if you were around in the 60's he became a household name playing "Kookie" on TV's "77 Sunset Strip."  His recording of "Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb", earned him a gold record. At that time Edd was getting 15,000 fan letters a week. He went on to many movies, TV roles, and stage plays.
     
    I worked with Edd on my audio-book "McKnight's Memory". Edd was great playing the part of "Floyd" the henchman to Henry Silva's gangster. Edd had prepared and exuded total confidence when he entered the recording room. He decided to use a New Jersey accent to round out the character. The main scene is a long card game played between Silva and Robert Culp with Edd dealing the cards and giving his opinion. Frank Sinatra Jr. Said of Edd's performance, "When Edd Byrnes starts explaining the rules of the game, he really set the whole thing up."
     
    After recording, me and my producer Larry Metzger walked Edd to the parking lot. We said our good-byes and when Edd walked off Larry said to me, "He's so cool."  I replied, "Of course he's cool. He's Edd Byrnes."
     
    A that time, Edd became interested in producing his own audio-book. But he didn't want to repeat any of the stories from his first book "Kookie, No More". So he decided to tell what happened when he won a three million dollar jackpot in Las Vegas, and was stalked by a criminal and ex-girlfriend for the money. 

    He hired Larry Metzger and I to produce and direct the project, as we have done four others in the past year. Edd asked his acting friends to re-create what happened 20 years ago. So Alan Young , David Hedison, and Henry Silva recorded as themselves. Edd tells the story to Alan Young, with the other actors joining in on the dramatizations in this full cast and effects production.

    The cool thing about this project is that Edd worked auto-biographical material into the story, giving listeners info on his rise to fame in Hollywood, his gold record, his TV shows, movies, and relationships with other actor friends. Alan Young makes several references to his movie "The Time Machine" (one of Edd's favorite movies), and how Edd first told his secret story to him in 1977 just before his role in "Grease".

    The part of the criminal, who stalked Edd for his jackpot, must remain anonymous and is played by Michael Callan of "Cat Ballou" and "Mysterious Island fame. Edd's two ex-girlfriends, who must also remain anonymous, are played by other actresses.

    As for me, I was on "Cloud 9" working with Edd and his actor friends. They all added their own unique contributions and memories about the incident, and how they came to his aid.  Later when Larry and I delivered the audio-book copies to Edd, I brought my dad along and we all met at a coffee shop to celebrate. I couldn't believe it. My dad and I use to watch "77 Sunset Strip" every Saturday night, and now we were talking shop with "Kookie" himself.  I should have asked him to park my car like he did in the show. Edd is so cool, he would have done it. But instead he gave me a hug for a job well done, and for being a true fan.
     

    Here's a great exerpt from this audio-book. It's even better when you hear Edd perform it:

    "When those three Mega-Buck symbols came up, I felt like I was on that 'Cloud Nine' that I sang about with Connie Stevens all those years ago. I felt like it was my first day on the set of "77 Sunset strip". "Hey, anybody want their car parked before eating at Dino's restaurant? Well, I'm your man. Zipper jacket, Bryllecreamed hair, comb and all. And maybe I'll do a flip before I take your car. Yeah, a three million dollar flip. And I'll tell you Alan, my 42 year old body could still do a no hands flip.

    I heard some guy say, 'Isn't that Kookie from the the TV show?' Then a chick yelled out 'Hey Kookie, lend me your comb?' Then another chick yelled out, 'Forget about the comb, Kookie. Lend me a million'. I smiled back,'What's with this jackpot caper baby? Why do you want to latch on to my dough?' The crowd gave me a laugh. I added, "You're the 'ginchiest', baby. You should be happy about that. The crowd gave me another laugh, even the ones that were too young to know the song."

    ***** Edd's audio-book also stars Alan Young, David Hedison, Michael Callen, and Henry Silva. It runs 77 minutes long. (No fooling. Just by chance 77 minutes.) You can soon download it for $9.00 with PayPal. Check back here around April 1, 2009.

    See Edd & Connie Stevens singing, "Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb".


    Edd Byrnes played "Kookie" n the TV show "77 Sunset Strip" and appeared in the John Travolta movie "Grease" as Vince Fontaine.

    Alan Young starred in TV's "Mr. Ed", "The Time Machine" and "Tom Thumb".

    David Hedison stared was the original "The Fly" and starred in "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" and "The Lost World".

    Henry Silva appeared in "The Manchurian Candidate" (remember that great karate fight with Frank Sinatra? That was Henry. He was in both versions of "Ocean's 11" and "Sergeants 3" with Sinatra's Rat Pack.

    Michael Callan starred in TV's "Occasional Wife", and the feature films, "Mysterious Island", "Cat Balou", and John Foreman's war movie "The Victors" (the guy that seduces Romy Schneider).

  •     71347667_18727 JBLS 'Mission Control Center' Now on Twitter  

    Need help with your Mission? Go to  www.Twitter.com/BondLife

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     Click here for:  Paul's 3 min. Photo Show of  His Productions with 21 Stars - Count 'em

  •                          Live the James Bond Lifestyle Group on Linkedin.com

    If you're on www.linkedin.com search "groups" then,  Live the James Bond Lifestyle and join. There are discussion articles already up and an oppertunity to exchange ideas one to one. All are welcome.  Linkedin.com seems to be the best site for business as well as a great sytem of comment tagings.

    I'm now on MySpace.com as well, under my name, Paul Kyriazi. My hero from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Kirk Douglas is connected to me as well as David Hedison, Barbara Leigh, and Bill Shatner.  What fun.

    Looking forward to see you in in the linkedin.com group Live the James Bond Lifestlye.

  •           

      What Do I Do After Film School? 

     
    I get this question a lot and have a serious opinion about it:
     
    The most important thing is to always keep your shingle hanging out, saying "I am a freelance director."  Never say, "Ah I gave that up."  Even if you have other jobs, never tear up your business card.
     
    Keep contact with all active filmmakers from college. Work on their films. It's a business of showing up. Show up to shoots, in any capacity. Show up enough and do a good job, and be an ambassador of good will, and you have a good chance on being invited to work on other films. And remember, be courteous and respectful to everyone. The extra or stunt man of today's shoot could be the producer of tomorrow's shoot. It happened to me. One of my swords women fighters from Weapons of Death  hired me to direct a travelogue in Phuket, Thailand.  
           The island used in "Man with a Golden Gun".
     
    And after hirering actress Barbara Leigh for a role in Rock Star Rising, she hired me to direct The King, McQueen, and the Love Machine.
     
    My life changed when I realized that I was not only in the feature film business, but in the COMUNICATION business. Just like the the USA train companys that thought they were only in the train business and didn't invest in trucks and airplanes in the 40's and '50s. They were left behind.
     
    So be a sound man, an extra, an actor, a novelist, a speaker, a film teacher, (but don't get stuck in a dead end job). Be those as a freelance. But not a stunt man. It's too dangerous.
     
    Yes, you will direct, but be in the communication business.  Also you must start to develop your own projects that you feel passionate about. You never know when someone with money will ask you if you have a project. You should be able to instantly give him or her a script and budget and location plan and schedule.
     
    Keep watching you favorite films over on DVD.  Keep reading books by directors and watching DVD bonus programs and listening to commentary tracks. This is an incredible teaching device that will help program your subconscious to keep you on the right track.
     
    If you are truely in it for the long run, then join and activly maitain social web sites such as quarterlife.com for artists. They have a great artist 'photo show' application on your main page where you can display your writing, art photos, and films. It's 100% for artists, filmmakers, and performers.

    As of this writing there's about 4,000 mostly young artists showing their films, writing, graphics, and art, as well as connecting and sharing information. Start networking with them as the ones that continue, will be coming out strong.  

    Another important web site for your future and for possible quick results is linkedin.com That site is 100% business, with many serious clubs for script writers, directors, and movie finance. Use the drop down window to search for 'groups'. Imput the words, 'movies, 'financiing', 'screenplay', and so on. It's a free site, no need to upgrade.

     
    Most important, to repeat, work on everyone's film. Yes, some will not appreciate your help, some will not pay you what they promised, but others will.
     
    You must have some kind of short film or video to show someone when you get an opportunity.
     
    I've directed six features  (and did post-production on many more) and still want to do more. That's one of the reasons (besides creative expression) why I did Rock Star Rising  RockStar as an audio-book with famous actors.  Maybe a producer who is a fan of those actors will love the story and ask for a script, which I have waiting. But more than that, I'm talking action on it, by getting it to producers via my agent.  
     
    Beware, age 26. That's when all my movie friends gave up. Four years after college. Their wives, girlfriends, or even parents said, "Well, you gave it a shot, now you have to get a real job."  But mostly it's because of a joke sign I saw that read, "I feel so good now that I've given up all hope".  Yes, you will feel good for a time because you've buffered yourself against the constant disappointment that comes up. But after awhile you'll regret giving up your dreams. I've seen filmmakers and actors return to it because of that. I've seen people grow negative because of that.  I've seen actors, martial artists, and filmmakers grow and expand in ways that they never knew would come, and get together every so often at an event and celebrate it.
     
    Yes, get freelance jobs. I always worked, and at night I screened my first feature to buyers and future investors. Always work, but work freelance to be available for other film jobs.
     
    Most of all , repeating, stay in touch with every active filmmaker, and make a contribution, whether it's passing on your used dvds, helping to write a project, or whatever. You have to ask, ask the right people, have something to give, and keep asking other people. That kind of advice and more can be found on my "How to Live the James Bond Lifestyle" Newsletter. or on my James Bond Lifestyle site.
     
    If your interested in directing for the creative expression and lifestyle, or to do that one great story you have in your heart, you'll stay in it. If you only have the dream of fame, fortune and money, it's hard to stay motivated and you will seek other paths for that.
     
    And the best part is that you can't even imagine the surprises that come when you follow your dreams.  I have too many personal examples to list here, but it's amazing what comes and how it comes. And when you start earning all your living by doing what you love to do, you'll know for sure that the perserverence was all worth it.                                                  
     
     
     
    Twitter James Bond Lifestyle Mission Control Center Tokyo

  •      BLPfront2008sm    Barbara Leigh's Audio-Book Released    small back

     Click here to listen to a great two minute sample performed by Barbara, Joe Esposito, and Paul Casey as 'the king'.

    The Audio-Book that I directed for Barbara Leigh, The King, McQueen, and the Love Machine about the world class model's adventures in Hollywood, is now available. It's narrated and performed by Barbara, with performances by Joe Esposito, as himself.
     
     David Hedison, David as MGM head James Aubrey.
     
    Elvis tribute artist Paul Casey, PaulCaseyheadshot1  as The King.
     
    and Tim Thomerson imagesgg as McQueen.
     
     It's 2 hrs. 45 minutes on 3 CDs.
     
    I started this project because Barbara's autobiography is in my top four favorite memoirs, including Kirk Douglas', Dezi Arness', and Bob Dylan's.
     
    Produced by Larry Metzger, this is the first dramatized autobiography in the history of audio-books. If you're a fan of Elvis or Steve McQueen, you'll love it. You'll see the more sensitive and human side of both these stars, as well as a wild rollercoaster ride through Hollywood of the 70's, as Barbara juggles the attentions of these three men. 

  •       psycho      Treasure of sierra madre       20000leagues 

                                         The Best "Making of..........."

    If you want to be inspired as a writer, director, or producer, even a writer of books, watch these three documentaries:
     
    "The Making of Psycho"
     
    "The Making of TheTreasure of Sierra Madre"
     
    "The Making of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea"
     
    Also the John Frankenheimer commentaries on:
     
    The Manchurian Candidate
    The Train
    Seconds
    Seven Days in May
     
    The documentaries and commentaries will show you the real challenges of producing a project (film or book) and inspire you by showing the joy of completing something that is personal to you.
     
    Example: When making the classic "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" the famous fight with the giant squid was first filmed on a calm sunset sea, with a bad rubber squid. After if was filmed and edited together Disney and director Richard Fleisher could see that it was too fake to put into the movie.
     
             sunset squid dark      squid sunset BW
     
    So Disney ordered a new squid to be built and to film the fight on a story night sea with lightning. This cost twice as much as the first squid fight and they had to junk that first fight. Disney risked his studio and the opening of Disneyland on this (at that time) the most expensive movie ever produced.  The squid fight became the highlight of the movie.
     
                                   final squid
     
    Recently, I had to take a lesson from Disney and pay to make new graphics and title for my audio-book. Now it looks like this:
     
    RockStar
     
    More work, more money, more risk. But worth it because the rest of the project is so perfect it needs a perfect "squid fight". 
     
    This was the movie that made me want to a director in the first place, now this movie pushed me on to do the best that I can do.  Richard Fliesher said, "That movie is the best that I can do. I wouldn't know how to make it better."
     
    Sometimes art, creativity, and dreams take risk and money. Or is it 'often' or 'always'?