www.issuestheseries.com

Filmmaker has "Issues" with Internet
Man's film goes straight to the Web

By SARAH WEBSTER
Asbury Park Press
January 2, 2009

Local short-film director Scott Napolitano is embarking on a new frontier with the release of his latest digital media production "Issues," a film series created specifically for the Internet.

The film was shot in high definition using professional actors, he said, and will be made available online by Jan. 7.

"Issues" is on par with the quality of conventional television, said Napolitano, 24, of Seaside Park. The series follows the misadventures of several people who work at Comic Relief, a comic book store in Hamilton, and the regulars who constantly hang around, he said.

"We're trying to really push digital media as a whole," he added. "Needless to say, we have a lot of hope invested in this show."

Expenses to create the film were paid out of pocket, Napolitano said.

"I've put primarily my life savings into this," he said, "and as a result of that it's been tough financially."

Also, all the actors in the film are being paid on a deferred pay scale, Napolitano said, meaning there are no guarantees as to when they will be paid ? if they are paid at all.

"They were only receiving a small stipend for travel and expenses during their time spent filming," he said. "This is really a labor of love."

The creators hope to make a profit through Web site advertisements and investors who might sponsor more episodes in the series, he said. Initial donations have been made by fans, local businesses and friends, he said.

"Anybody who was willing to be an angel on our shoulder ? they put money toward it," Napolitano said.

The cast and crew, who hail from Maryland, New York and New Jersey, including areas of Ocean and Monmouth counties, went into production of "Issues" in early September. The film features 11 main characters including four store workers, five "bookies," or regular comic book collectors, and two villains.

Actor Daniel Halden, 23, of New York City plays Leslie in the film.

"He always makes sure that the store is looking good and that everything is organized," Halden said of his character. "It's kind of a challenge for him, because the staff that works at the store is so colorful and also kind of laid-back."

Leslie is just trying to do his job and keep the store from burning down, Napolitano said.

Kevin Sebastian, 26, of Hazlet and Jersey City, plays Jackson, a character who is not outwardly affectionate, but is very possessive of the store.

"The store is definitely very much a home base for him," Sebastian said. "He does have a career outside of that, but his passion lies with the store and the people in it."

Inspiration for the series came from Napolitano's own experiences in retail, he said.

He recalled his first day working at a B. Dalton bookstore in Ocean County in 2000.

"I was sweeping up the store, and an 80-year-old lady asked for an adult magazine," he said, laughing. "I thought that meant she wanted Home & Garden."

Other ideas for skits came from stories told by co-workers, friends and family, he said.

Napolitano chose Comic Relief as the filming location because he worked there while attending The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

Napolitano is a native of Island Heights and a graduate of Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River.

He has interned with the state Film Commission, was a film teacher at Warren Hills middle and high schools, Washington Township, and worked for the film department at Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Napolitano also was an extra in M. Night Shyamalan's 2006 movie, "Lady in the Water."

For more information on "Issues: The Series," visit www.issuestheseries.com on the Web.