Behind the scenes with Wernick and Spradlin
On June 24, Keith’s Comics sponsored a signing at the Studio Movie Grill of the much anticipated and highly acclaimed new comic book series “Bad Kids Go to Hell,” written by Dallas natives Barry “Bazza” Wernick and Matthew Spradlin. The lucky ones in attendance met the writers and received advance copies of the not-yet-released comic book published by Antarctic Press. A second event at SMG was held on July 8.
Wernick, who graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas, is a diehard Texas Longhorn and an SMU Law School graduate. He began his acting career as a child, in improv/sketch comedy and musical theater. He later studied under Uta Hagen at HB Studio in New York and joined the Screen Actors Guild in 1999. Bazza has been in numerous commercials and has played various roles on TV and in movies. He will be seen later this year, alongside co-stars Christine Elise and Lance Greene, in the starring role of Rex Wagner, the naïve Jewish cowboy, in the outrageous comedy “Shoots & Ladders,” which he produced, co-wrote and co-directed.
Spradlin graduated from Highland Park High School and moved on to study film at Chapman University. He later moved on to Hollywood, where he honed his skills at GNOMON, immersing himself in CGI, 3D animation and digital compositing. He has worked as an EFX supervisor and EFX editor for over seven years on films as big as Paramount’s “Beowulf” (with EFX giant Sony Imageworks) and as small as his own award-winning comedy “The Thunder Pussies” (2001). This past year, Spradlin sold two comic book–related film properties, one of which was the TV pilot “True Believer” (SciFi Channel; Rosario Dawson, producer).
Spradlin introduced Wernick to the exciting world of comic books when he recommended turning the screenplay and upcoming movie they wrote together, “Bad Kids Go to Hell,” into a comic book. It didn’t take long for Wernick and Spradlin to make their mark. Their first comic book franchise has already been named the STAFFpick by Diamond Comics’ monthly trade magazine Previews, and more recently received rave reviews in a full-page write-up in the definitive magazine of the horror genre, Rue Morgue.
Yoy can keep up with news and events regarding BKGtH on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @BadKidsGoToHell.
Blake Eltis joins Ben Jones Group
Blake Eltis is proud to announce his affiliation with the Ben Jones Group at Allie Beth Allman and Associates. With over seven years’ experience in the Dallas market, he is taking his expertise to a new company that commands market share in the Dallas area. By joining the Ben Jones Group, Blake has a “team 10” to back him up. Give Blake a call if you need any assistance buying or selling a home at 972-207-6060.
Temple Shalom Sisterhood garage sale begins July 19
Temple Shalom Sisterhood is bringing back the garage sale to Temple for three days starting Sunday, July 19. You might just find a special treasure at this three-day event benefiting Temple Shalom! Whether you’re searching for a bargain, furnishing or decorating your home, there is something for everyone at the garage sale. There’s just a $2 donation to shop on Sunday, July 19; FREE admission on Monday and Tuesday. Don’t miss these great deals!
Most folks know that Temple Shalom is located at 6930 Alpha Road.
Ladies, come shoot some hoops at TDSD!
Women’s drop-in basketball is held every Sunday evening at Torah Day School of Dallas, 6921 Frankford Road. You can enter off of Hillcrest and go around to the back of the building; the gym door in the back east corner of building will be propped open. (If you can’t get in, call 214-563-4539.)
It is suggested that those interested come just before 8 p.m. Open to all ladies and high school girls. Call Becky, 214-563-4539, with any questions.
Local teens star in ‘Oliver’
There’s still time to catch community members, talented teens Cam Wenrich and Ben Westfried, in the Richardson Theatre Center’s production of “Oliver,” which runs through July 12. Cam, 14, son of Marshall and Kathi Wenrich, plays the Artful Dodger and will attend Jasper High School in the fall. Ben Westfried portrays Fagin in the production directed by Rachel Lindley.
College 101 Workshops offer early preparation
Attention rising seniors! Prepare your college applications, essays and resumes early! Attend a College 101 Workshop and be in the best possible position to earn scholarships for college. Four-day, morning (9 a.m. to noon) or afternoon (2–5 p.m.) workshops will be offered on the following dates: Mon., July 20–Thurs., July 23; Mon., July 27–Thurs., July 30; Mon., Aug. 3–Thurs., Aug. 6; Mon., Aug. 10–Thurs., Aug. 13; Mon., Aug. 17–Thurs., Aug. 20. All sessions will be held in the Levy Building at Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Road, Dallas. For more information and to register, e-mail Catherine L. Marrs at catmarrs@swbell.net or visit www.yourcollegiateadvocate.com.
TAASA luncheon honors Sen. Florence Shapiro, features Rabbi Irwin Katsof as speaker
State Senator Florence Shapiro came in for well-deserved accolades when she was recently honored for her extraordinary efforts as a champion for sexual violence survivors in Texas. Keynote speaker at the TAASA exclusive fundraising luncheon at Gleneagles Country Club was Rabbi Irwin Katsof.
A dynamic leader for positive social change, Rabbi Katsof is the founder of wordscanheal.org and the executive director of The Jerusalem Fund of Aish HaTorah. He is the author of the well-received “How to Get Your Prayers Answered,” which was originally published in 2000 and republished in 2002.
The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault is the statewide organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas. A nonprofit educational and advocacy organization based in Austin, TAASA member agencies comprise a statewide network of more than 80 crisis centers that serve rural as well as metropolitan areas. Founded in 1982, the agency has a strong record of success in community education, youth outreach, law enforcement training, legislative advocacy and curricula and materials development.
Additional information about TAASA can be found at www.taasa.org.
