Johnny Walker's Blog: My blog

It's all About Perception.
On a hill in northern Manhattan I witnessed an incredible view of Broadway running south. For miles the white lights flickered above a river of red and white car lights.  A succession of green traffic lights shined dominantly down the center of the scene, starting at thirty feet wide and ending at half-an-inch. I had to stop and stare. My natural tendency was to wait for a yellow light to break the pattern, but the  lights seemed to stay green longer than usual. I realized in a split-second that I needed to turn away, I needed to burn this image in my mind. No camera could have captured this, and I still see it this morning. 
Lesson learned: Don’t anticipate a yellow light. Green means go

ISA Third Thursdays are now in New York
Join us for our November 2017 Third Thursdays with the ISA in New York as we celebrate screenwriters. This event is sponsored by the Nickelodeon Writing Program. 
As usual for our Third Thursdays networking socials you will have a chance to mingle with your fellow ISA members, meet special industry guests, and win screenwriting career enhancing door prizes.


Register: https://www.networkisa.org/events-individual.php?id=796

Sponsored by Nickelodeon - come have a drink with other screenwriters. Get inspired @ #NetworkISA / Nov 16, 6:30 PM / American Retro Bar & Grill.
Special guest: DMW Greer, creator, writer, director, filmmaker of Burning Blue.
DMW GreerAfter leaving the Navy he wrote his first play, Burning Blue , a semi-autobiographical love story, which premiered at The King’s Head Theatre in 1995 before transferring to the Theatre Royal Haymarket where the production received Evening Standard Award nominations and two Oliviers.  Subsequent critically acclaimed productions followed in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. 
He producted and directed a low budget independent feature adaptation of Burning Blue which he co-wrote with Helene Kvale and shot entirely in New York and Washington D.C.  It was released theatrically by Lionsgate in 2014 and can be found on cable and digital world-wide.   
OUT Magazine said this about the film:  “Greer goes beyond cheap insinuation and TV-style controversy to address the human side of a military / political topic… it’s like watching an improved version of Top Gun and A Few Good Men.”
Other projects include a film adaptation of Ibsen’s Ghosts and When You’re Not Looking, a contemporary Romantic Comedy set between Dublin & New York.  He shot a teaser/pilot of Ticket to Glory a dark-comedy, television mock documentary about misfortune and fame, in 2003. 
His play, Alice Virginia , starring the late Susannah York with Amanda Boxer and Andrew Halliday premiered at London’s New End Theatre in 2004 as part of their spring cycle of ‘New Plays About Strong Women’.

ISA Launches Third Thursday in NYC

Join the International Screenwriters Association @ The Producers Club / NYCOctober 19, 7:00 PM / No Cover
with special guestS Casper Wong
RSVP Here: ISA New York Event

S. Casper Wong is an award-winning New York based filmmaker, technology lawyer, social entrepreneur, activist and Founder/CEO of OO Media. Her documentary feature debut, The LuLu Sessions, has won 10 international awards and nominations in every major category, including Audience Award, Best Feature Documentary and Best Director. Its US broadcast premiered on PBS’s World Channel as part of the America ReFramed Documentary Series. She received a Humanitarian Award from the SASS Foundation for Medical Research along with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in recognition for her film’s social impact on the emotional complexities of breast cancer. She is the Founder and Creator of the Peace Pod Project, a multi-media, multi-platform VR/AR/MR dedicated space for facilitating peace and reconciliation between 2 people.  She has directed and produced co-productions in China since 2005 and most recently, serving as the studio executive for Roger Corman's first co-productions.  
Casper’s work has been screened on the international film festival circuit.  In the US, her work has been broadcast on PBS, the Independent Film Channel, Syfy Channel and as part of Tribeca Film Institute’s curated Reframe Collection. She is a two time winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Screenwriting Grants; a New York State Council on the Arts Grantee; a Creative Capital Artist Summer Institute Fellow; Sloan Fellow at the Hampton’s International Film Festival Screenwriter’s Lab; a nominee for the Directors Guild of America’s Best Student Film; the winner of the Special Jury Award of the Golden Horse at the Taipei Film Festival; as well as a frequent panelist and moderator for film conferences ranging from science in film, diversity in film, to co-productions with China.
Prior to receiving her MFA in Film Directing from NYU, Tisch School of the Arts, Casper was Senior Attorney for IBM General Counsel in Silicon Valley, specializing in international intellectual property and antitrust law. Casper also holds a J.D. from New York Law School, and is the first woman to receive a B.S. in Bio-medical Engineering from Columbia University. She had been counsel for the IBM's corporate diversity initiative, is the Founder and Chair of Asian American Women Media Makers, and is currently on the Board of Directors at New York Women in Film and Television, leading the Innovation and Tech Initiative.

<br /><h2 style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">The Most Unsafe Parkfor Dogs in NYC</h2><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manhattan isknown for its beautiful parks and how well they’re maintained, and there’s nobetter example than Central Park, which will always receive priority from thecity because it’s a destination point for tourists.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 13.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">But there’s a park in Northern Manhattan that stretches from 190^thStreet to 200^th Street where half the park is high on a hill, andthe lower half runs along Broadway, and residents here don’t understand why thelower half is so hazardous, especially for dogs. There are fundraisers andevents held in the pristine section of the park, and by that I mean the ‘Top ofthe Hill’ where flower gardens and beautiful paths line the way to the historicallysignificant Cloisters, a tourist destination, but little is done to the ‘LowerSection’ where invasive weeds, broken glass, poison, and overgrown meadows are a staple for the taxpaying residents who live here.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 13.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years local residents have volunteered, worked alone, andwritten to Parks in an effort to gain clarity on the dangers of the lowersection of the park. The answers we receive from Parks couldn’t be morepolitically worded to evade the truth; that it’s not a priority. We’re toldthat over 10,000 plants have been planted in the lower area, though we’re not sureif grass could be considered a plant. As residents of this area, we understandthe need to keep The Cloisters looking magnificent, but there’s no reason therest of the park should be so blatantly shunned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><style>
For those of us with dogs, we have our hands full dodging the dangersof this stretch of park, and those dangers aren’t the typical assaults andthefts you might assume, but from the park itself.

<style>

<style>since Sandy hit our shores several years ago. Apolite answer, yet the gardeners here pay no mind to this plant.
Round Up: Ifwe’re lucky, we happen to see a paper sign that’s been taped to a rock wall orfence that indicates poison has been used, though we’re not sure where because onerandom sign doesn’t seem to match the areas where we witness employees spraying,meaning many areas are not marked at all. Many a dog owner has learned to recognizesickness in their dogs that coincides with the roundup, or better yet, aMonsanto pesticide that is carelessly sprayed throughout the park. Dog ownersin our area have lost their furry friends to illnesses they can’t explain, and manynotice diarrhea and illness in their dogs after eating grass that grows alongthe paths, where paper signs are not posted.

 Bicycles. Wehave hills here, and it’s a cyclist’s playground. Problem is the cyclist’s whizby at ridiculous speeds, always choosing to whip in-between crowds and peoplewith dogs on leashes. But a cyclist can’t always see a leash and we’re oftencaught off guard, and that means we’re forced to drop the leash, grab our pets,or jump away in a quick response to a speeding bicycle. To say this is lifethreatening for the dogs is a no brainer, but it’s threatening to humans aswell; humans that have been taken away in ambulances after being slammed intoby kids on bicycles. We understand Mayor de Blasio doesn’t believe childrenshould begin their life with a record, so we’re told that nothing can be done,an answer that would seem to come from the White House instead of a local park.Sadly there is one little girl who was slammed into by a young cyclist, who,last reported, has brain damage from the impact. I can’t help but wonder which life-pathMr. de Blasio chose for her.


<style>
Johnny Walker is a NYC resident and avidanimal lover.

<br /><h2 style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">The Most Unsafe Park for Dogs in NYC</h2><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manhattan is known for its beautiful parks and how well they’re maintained, and there’s no better example than Central Park, which will always receive priority from the city because it’s a destination point for tourists.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 13.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">But there’s a park in Northern Manhattan that stretches from 190^thStreet to 200^th Street where half the park is high on a hill, and the lower half runs along Broadway, and residents here don’t understand why the lower half is so hazardous, especially for dogs. There are fundraisers and events held in the pristine section of the park, and by that I mean the ‘Top of the Hill’ where flower gardens and beautiful paths line the way to the historically significant Cloisters, a tourist destination, but little is done to the ‘Lower Section’ where invasive weeds, broken glass, poison, and overgrown meadows are a staple for the tax paying residents who live here.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 4.5pt; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 13.5pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years local residents have volunteered, worked alone, and written to Parks in an effort to gain clarity on the dangers of the lower section of the park. The answers we receive from Parks couldn’t be more politically worded to evade the truth; that it’s not a priority. We’re told that over 10,000 plants have been planted in the lower area, though we’re not sure if grass could be considered a plant. As residents of this area, we understand the need to keep The Cloisters looking magnificent, but there’s no reason the rest of the park should be so blatantly shunned.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <style>
For those of us with dogs, we have our hands full dodging the dangers of this stretch of park, and those dangers aren’t the typical assaults and thefts you might assume, but from the park itself.

<style>

<style> since Sandy hit our shores several years ago. A polite answer, yet the gardeners here pay no mind to this plant.
Round Up: If we’re lucky, we happen to see a paper sign that’s been taped to a rock wall or fence that indicates poison has been used, though we’re not sure where because one random sign doesn’t seem to match the areas where we witness employees spraying, meaning many areas are not marked at all. Many a dog owner has learned to recognize sickness in their dogs that coincides with the roundup, or better yet, a Monsanto pesticide that is carelessly sprayed throughout the park. Dog owners in our area have lost their furry friends to illnesses they can’t explain, and many notice diarrhea and illness in their dogs after eating grass that grows along the paths, where paper signs are not posted.

  Bicycles. We have hills here, and it’s a cyclist’s playground. Problem is the cyclist’s whiz by at ridiculous speeds, always choosing to whip in-between crowds and people with dogs on leashes. But a cyclist can’t always see a leash and we’re often caught off guard, and that means we’re forced to drop the leash, grab our pets, or jump away in a quick response to a speeding bicycle. To say this is life threatening for the dogs is a no brainer, but it’s threatening to humans as well; humans that have been taken away in ambulances after being slammed into by kids on bicycles. We understand Mayor de Blasio doesn’t believe children should begin their life with a record, so we’re told that nothing can be done, an answer that would seem to come from the White House instead of a local park. Sadly there is one little girl who was slammed into by a young cyclist, who, last reported, has brain damage from the impact. I can’t help but wonder which life-path Mr. de Blasio chose for her.


<style>
Johnny Walker is a NYC resident and avid animal lover.

The Most Unsafe Park for Dogs in NYC

Manhattan is known for its beautiful parks and how well they’re maintained, and there’s no better example than Central Park, which will always receive priority from the city because it’s a destination point for tourists.

   But there’s a park in Northern Manhattan that stretches from 190th Street to 200thStreet where only half the park receives the same love, and residents here don’t understand why the other half is so hazardous, especially for dogs. There are fundraisers and events held in the pristine section of the park, and by that I mean the ‘Top of the Hill’ where flower gardens and beautiful paths line the way to the historically significant Cloisters, but little is done to the ‘Lower Section’ where tax paying residents live.
   Over the years local residents have volunteered, worked alone, and written to Parks in an effort to gain clarity on the dangers of the lower section of the park. The answers we receive from Parks couldn’t be more politically worded to evade the truth. We’re told that over 10,000 plants have been planted in the lower area, though we’re not sure if grass could be considered a plant. As residents of this area, we understand the need to keep The Cloisters looking magnificent, as it, too, is for tourists, but there’s no reason the rest of the park should be so blatantly shunned. <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-language:JA;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> </b>Johnny Walker is an author, screenwriter, composer, and avid animal lover.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>

April 23, 2017  El Paso County Coliseum

April 23, 2017  El Paso County Coliseum

Auto Shows, Screenplays, and Websites … Now that winter and summer happen in the same week, do we need to change our clocks? Hmm … With one of the wackiest winters in the books, it’s time to wish everyone a breathtaking spring. Literally.That said; there’s nothing better than cold weather to make someone stay home and work, and that’s just what we did. 

Let’s get to the nuts and bolts. 
Un:Nathan Juju got a little restless sitting on the sidelines so they’re branching out on their own. 

It’s like this: A man named Jacob Fourzan started a one-of-a-kind Auto Show about a decade ago, and since then he’s managed to turn it into one the biggest auto shows in the Southwest. Literally thousands of people from NM, AZ, NV, CA, CO, and TX, now attend this show, and just when you thought it couldn’t get any cooler, he donates everything, every year, to a charity or organization that has something to do with human and animal rights. You Gotta …I repeat, GOTTA love that.

How do we tie in to an auto show?

Our very own  Nathan Juju  will be a sponsor this year. (Can I get a hell yeah out there?) We’re handing out hundreds of CDs, playing some games, doin’ that Social media thang, and sailing the big ol’ Nathan Juju banner. We’re wicked excited about being involved with this auto show, and PROUD help support the cause. The auto show is  here , and if you can’t make it you can donate right  here . Bottom line: Too many children have been dealt a bad blow in this world. Investing in them is an investment in our future. Nuff said.

Hey … Mr. Tim Thompson is out that way. Maybe he’ll sing a Quitman Highway tribute at one of his gigs? What say you, Mr. Talented Tim? 

Deux:
It’s long been said, and, (ahem) known … that a Multimedia Trilogyshould have a Multimedia Website. Thank you, Mr. Winter, for giving us time to get that done. 

We’d love it if you took a peek at the new  EKKO Mysteries Multimedia Website . It’s packed with eye-catching videos, music clips, and story-telling galleries, all designed to keep words to a minimum. While you’re there, give your tired eyes a rest and listen  to our EKKO Audio Synopsis on the front page.

You know we love suggestions, so the best idea sent in about our website will receive TACOS FOR TWO. Now you’re wondering, “How the hell will they ship me some tacos?” It’s easy. We won’t.                    We’re sending the winner $25.00 to choose your own tacos. 

                                                                                           How dat? 
Trois:
I squeezed in a trip to Fiji this winter. Okay, maybe Los Angeles, but it felt like Fiji compared to New York weather. I met some amazing industry peeps and pitched The EKKO Series Pilot   Follow the Stones  to a few industry folks. While I was there I entered the Screenplay in some contests, one of which thought our Pilot was worthy of the February 2017 Critics Pick. They videotaped a live reading of the opening scene and posted it on YouTube. That was just cool. A mountain of shouts-outs to Brooks Crudup for his uber-talented collaboration on the book adaptation. 
Readings are kinda like oysters, an acquired taste, so if you happen to be a seafood fan then boogie on over to this  link .  With a revised Pilot being edited and more pitching scheduled, we’re on our way to finding the right home for the EKKO series.
And who could leave LA without being a guest on Bob Dean’s Podcast?                                Not me. That’s who. (EP 3)Fin:
As more and more people climb aboard the EKKO train, we can’t help but feel honored. 

Gracie! Domo! Merci! Dankeshen! THANK YOU … for your support.

Get your sunscreen out and stock up on allergy pills cause warm weather is on the way. As you live your life to the fullest, please let us know what you’re up to. We love hearing from you.

From all of us to each of you, we send our very best!

Johnny Walker

EKKO Mysteries  /  Nathan Juju  /  CIC Publishing  /  Talisman Productions Inc.

Auto Shows, Screenplays, and Websites … Now that winter and summer happen in the same week, do we need to change our clocks? Hmm … With one of the wackiest winters in the books, it’s time to wish everyone a breathtaking spring. Literally.That said; there’s nothing better than cold weather to make someone stay home and work, and that’s just what we did. Let’s get to the nuts and bolts. 
Un:Nathan Juju got a little restless sitting on the sidelines so they’re branching out on their own. It’s like this: A man named Jacob Fourzan started a one-of-a-kind Auto Show about a decade ago, and since then he’s managed to turn it into one the biggest auto shows in the Southwest. Literally thousands of people from NM, AZ, NV, CA, CO, and TX, now attend this show, and just when you thought it couldn’t get any cooler, he donates everything, every year, to a charity or organization that has something to do with human and animal rights. You Gotta …I repeat, GOTTA love that.How do we tie in to an auto show?
Our very own  Nathan Juju  will be a sponsor this year. (Can I get a hell yeah out there?) We’re handing out hundreds of CDs, playing some games, doin’ that Social media thang, and sailing the big ol’ Nathan Juju banner. We’re wicked excited about being involved with this auto show, and PROUD help support the cause. The auto show is  here , and if you can’t make it you can donate right  here . Bottom line: Too many children have been dealt a bad blow in this world. Investing in them is an investment in our future. Nuff said.
Hey … Mr. Tim Thompson is out that way. Maybe he’ll sing a Quitman Highway tribute at one of his gigs? What say you, Mr. Talented Tim? Deux:
It’s long been said, and, (ahem) known … that a Multimedia Trilogyshould have a Multimedia Website. Thank you, Mr. Winter, for giving us time to get that done. We’d love it if you took a peek at the new  EKKO Mysteries Multimedia Website . It’s packed with eye-catching videos, music clips, and story-telling galleries, all designed to keep words to a minimum. While you’re there, give your tired eyes a rest and listen  to our EKKO Audio Synopsis on the front page.You know we love suggestions, so the best idea sent in about our website will receive TACOS FOR TWO. Now you’re wondering, “How the hell will they ship me some tacos?” It’s easy. We won’t.                    We’re sending the winner $25.00 to choose your own tacos.                                                                                            How dat? 
Trois:
I squeezed in a trip to Fiji this winter. Okay, maybe Los Angeles, but it felt like Fiji compared to New York weather. I met some amazing industry peeps and pitched The EKKO Series Pilot   Follow the Stones  to a few industry folks. While I was there I entered the Screenplay in some contests, one of which thought our Pilot was worthy of the February 2017 Critics Pick. They videotaped a live reading of the opening scene and posted it on YouTube. That was just cool. A mountain of shouts-outs to Brooks Crudup for his uber-talented collaboration on the book adaptation. 
Readings are kinda like oysters, an acquired taste, so if you happen to be a seafood fan then boogie on over to this  link .  With a revised Pilot being edited and more pitching scheduled, we’re on our way to finding the right home for the EKKO series.
And who could leave LA without being a guest on Bob Dean’s Podcast?                                Not me. That’s who. (EP 3)Fin:
As more and more people climb aboard the EKKO train, we can’t help but feel honored. Gracie! Domo! Merci! Dankeshen! THANK YOU … for your support.Get your sunscreen out and stock up on allergy pills cause warm weather is on the way. As you live your life to the fullest, please let us know what you’re up to. We love hearing from you.
From all of us to each of you, we send our very best!Johnny Walker
EKKO Mysteries  /  Nathan Juju  /  CIC Publishing  /  Talisman Productions Inc.