“Filmmaker” Jonathan M. Parisen (800, The Atomic Space Bug) continues to work on his World Trade Center disaster movie entitled “Stairwell: Trapped In The World Trade Center.” In a recent press release, Parisen claims the screenplay is complete and ready to roll. “The film has also been completely cast and is set to go into production as of early January 2002,” says Parisen. “A few casting changes have been made since the film was originally announced back in October 2001. Due to scheduling conflicts, actors Scott LoBaido and Conrad Brooks will be unable to appear in ‘Stairwell.’ They have been replaced by stage actors Charles McLaughlin and Anthony Mondella.”
Parisen is being somewhat underhanded in casting other parts for the shot-on-digital film. Parisen has plans to use footage he shot, “…of Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen at the New York City Fire Academy on September 8th, 2001 and of New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani which was shot on November 1st, 2001 at the New York City probationary firemen graduation.”
It’s safe to assume that Thomas Von Essen and Rudolph Giuliani did not give permission for them to be used in Parisen’s film.
It also appears as if the film will actually see a minor release. In a press statement sent to Film Threat, Parisen claims, “The film will premiere at Anthology Film Archives in New York City, New York on Wednesday, May 1st 2002. After it’s premiere, ‘Stairwell’ will be distributed nationwide by a newly formed distribution company which is buying the film from Parisen.” We’ll believe it when we see it.
Almost two years ago, in a rage apparently sparked by Film Threat’s negative reviews of his films, Parisen sent a series of shocking letters to the our offices. He later responded with an apology which we ran called A FILMMAKER REPENTS. Parisen’s plans to produce a disaster movie based on the events of 9/11 met with outrage by readers of Film Threat and residents of New York City in a story entitled TRADE CENTER DISASTER MOVIE IN THE WORKS.
For more information, feel free to email Jonathan M. Parisen
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