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Tyler's Third Act
How much would you pay to experience something truly disturbing?
Tyler Sparrow isn't too happy about recent changes in the movie and television industry. The continuing emphasis on unscripted reality entertainment is putting writers like himself out of work. As his career enters its "Third Act" (industry jargon for the final section of a film script), Tyler decides to take matters into his own hands: he'll create and star in his own web-based program, something sensational and disturbing that will grab the short-attention-span of today's fickle audiences.
Trouble is, if the program is successful, then audiences will be hungry for more... and it will become increasingly difficult to satisfy their appetites.
What happens when you mix the knowledge of a media-industry insider with a horror writer's eye for the bizarre? You get Tyler's Third Act, Mick Garris' satire on the twisted world of reality programs.
Tyler Sparrow isn't too happy about recent changes in the movie and television industry. The continuing emphasis on unscripted reality entertainment is putting writers like himself out of work. As his career enters its "Third Act" (industry jargon for the final section of a film script), Tyler decides to take matters into his own hands: he'll create and star in his own web-based program, something sensational and disturbing that will grab the short-attention-span of today's fickle audiences.
Trouble is, if the program is successful, then audiences will be hungry for more... and it will become increasingly difficult to satisfy their appetites.
What happens when you mix the knowledge of a media-industry insider with a horror writer's eye for the bizarre? You get Tyler's Third Act, Mick Garris' satire on the twisted world of reality programs.
- GenresHorror
79 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2013
About the author
Mick Garris
44 books58 followersMick Garris is a producer, director, screenwriter and novelist specializing in the horror genre. He has had his hand in dozens of films and television shows, published several works of fiction, and is perhaps best known for his long and fruitful association with author Stephen King.
Garris was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He began making home movies at the age of 12 and started working as a freelance film and music journalist while still in his teens. An avid musician, he was the lead singer of the band Horsefeathers until its demise in 1977.
Garris’ first job in the film industry was doing publicity for Avco-Embassy Pictures, where he produced “behind the scenes” documentaries for numerous genre films. This led to a stint as the host of THE FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL, a TV talk show airing on L.A.’s legendary Z Channel, in which Garris interviewed many high-profile actors and filmmakers.
His big break came when he was hired by Steven Spielberg to serve as a writer and story editor on AMAZING STORIES (1985). Spielberg asked Mick to direct an episode based on one of this stories, and he has been writing, producing, and directing ever since. This led to more work as a director on FREDDY’S NIGHTMARES (1988) and TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1989), and as the co-creator of SHE-WOLF OF LONDON (1990-91). During this period, Garris also co-wrote the screenplays for *BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED (1987), THE FLY II (1989) and HOCUS POCUS (1993).
His first feature film as a director was CRITTERS 2 (1988), followed by PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING (1990). In 1992, Garris began his association with Stephen King when he was selected to direct the author’s original screenplay for SLEEPWALKERS. Pleased with the results, King chose Garris to helm the epic mini-series based his novel, THE STAND (1994), which went on to become one of history’s most highly-rated television shows.
Garris and King followed up with a three-part TV adaptation of THE SHINING in 1997. Garris went on to direct QUICKSILVER HIGHWAY (1997), based on two stories by King and Clive Barker, VIRTUAL OBSESSION (1998), THE JUDGE (2001) and LOST IN OZ (2002). He and Stephen King reunited for RIDING THE BULLET (2004) and DESPERATION (2006).
In 2005, Garris created the Showtime anthology series MASTERS OF HORROR (2005-06), which featured contributions by him and other leading filmmakers specializing in the horror genre, including John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Landis. A spinoff anthology series followed: FEAR ITSELF (2008-09).
In 2011, Garris published his first novel: Development Hell. This was preceded by the short story collection, A Life in Cinema (2002), and followed by the novellas Snow Shadows (2013) and Tyler’s Third Act (2013). His new novel, Salome, and another novella, Ugly, will be released in 2014.
Garris returned to his roots as the Creator and Host of POST MORTEM (2010-11), a genre-themed talk show airing on FearNetHD. Recently, he produced and directed another mini-series adaptation of a Stephen King novel, BAG OF BONES (2011), and served as Executive Producer of the feature film UNBROKEN (2014), directed by Angelina Jolie.
He has directed episodes of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and its spinoff, RAVENSWOOD, and WITCHES OF EAST END, and currently has several series and features in development.
www.facebook.com/mick.garris
Garris was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He began making home movies at the age of 12 and started working as a freelance film and music journalist while still in his teens. An avid musician, he was the lead singer of the band Horsefeathers until its demise in 1977.
Garris’ first job in the film industry was doing publicity for Avco-Embassy Pictures, where he produced “behind the scenes” documentaries for numerous genre films. This led to a stint as the host of THE FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL, a TV talk show airing on L.A.’s legendary Z Channel, in which Garris interviewed many high-profile actors and filmmakers.
His big break came when he was hired by Steven Spielberg to serve as a writer and story editor on AMAZING STORIES (1985). Spielberg asked Mick to direct an episode based on one of this stories, and he has been writing, producing, and directing ever since. This led to more work as a director on FREDDY’S NIGHTMARES (1988) and TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1989), and as the co-creator of SHE-WOLF OF LONDON (1990-91). During this period, Garris also co-wrote the screenplays for *BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED (1987), THE FLY II (1989) and HOCUS POCUS (1993).
His first feature film as a director was CRITTERS 2 (1988), followed by PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING (1990). In 1992, Garris began his association with Stephen King when he was selected to direct the author’s original screenplay for SLEEPWALKERS. Pleased with the results, King chose Garris to helm the epic mini-series based his novel, THE STAND (1994), which went on to become one of history’s most highly-rated television shows.
Garris and King followed up with a three-part TV adaptation of THE SHINING in 1997. Garris went on to direct QUICKSILVER HIGHWAY (1997), based on two stories by King and Clive Barker, VIRTUAL OBSESSION (1998), THE JUDGE (2001) and LOST IN OZ (2002). He and Stephen King reunited for RIDING THE BULLET (2004) and DESPERATION (2006).
In 2005, Garris created the Showtime anthology series MASTERS OF HORROR (2005-06), which featured contributions by him and other leading filmmakers specializing in the horror genre, including John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Landis. A spinoff anthology series followed: FEAR ITSELF (2008-09).
In 2011, Garris published his first novel: Development Hell. This was preceded by the short story collection, A Life in Cinema (2002), and followed by the novellas Snow Shadows (2013) and Tyler’s Third Act (2013). His new novel, Salome, and another novella, Ugly, will be released in 2014.
Garris returned to his roots as the Creator and Host of POST MORTEM (2010-11), a genre-themed talk show airing on FearNetHD. Recently, he produced and directed another mini-series adaptation of a Stephen King novel, BAG OF BONES (2011), and served as Executive Producer of the feature film UNBROKEN (2014), directed by Angelina Jolie.
He has directed episodes of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and its spinoff, RAVENSWOOD, and WITCHES OF EAST END, and currently has several series and features in development.
www.facebook.com/mick.garris
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 30, 2014
3.5 stars, rounded up for last half.
This was a great satirical look at the changes in media and what the consumers are watching now. Even though the storyline was spelled out in advance, the end half or so really had me sitting up and paying more attention. Fascinating, and disturbing all at the same time--this is a novella that takes "reality television" into a new light.
(The ending is worth waiting for) ;)
This was a great satirical look at the changes in media and what the consumers are watching now. Even though the storyline was spelled out in advance, the end half or so really had me sitting up and paying more attention. Fascinating, and disturbing all at the same time--this is a novella that takes "reality television" into a new light.
(The ending is worth waiting for) ;)
Want to Read
August 4, 2015This is number 28 of 550 signed numbered copies, signed by Mick Garris.
May 16, 2013
Great little story. Mick Garris knows how to blend satire and horror really well.This book reminded me of Development Hell. The whole Hollywood crazy crap. Well written and William Stout's illustrations are awesome. Highly recommended.
July 26, 2014
I have to say, I quite enjoyed this book. I wasn't impressed by the last book I read from Garris, so I was a bit leery about this one, but decided I had to read it since it was a short read. I didn't care much for the beginning, but the last half of the book was great. The beginning of this gets around 2 - 2.5 stars, but the last half gets 4, so the book as a whole gets 3 stars from me. Not the greatest book, but definitely worth the read.
May 26, 2013
...and so it begins .... the realization that what was can now not be... as Tyler Sparrow devises a plan to become part of the limelight ... a pioneer in the new brave connected world ... where stardom is but a click away...
This story drips horror, sarcasm, bile at the world we are all part of and Mick Garris dissects it in a formidable fashion ... limb by limb until the bitter end.
This story drips horror, sarcasm, bile at the world we are all part of and Mick Garris dissects it in a formidable fashion ... limb by limb until the bitter end.
April 3, 2025
You ever wake up at 3 am and can’t fall back asleep so you go to your bookshelf and grab a short story you recently purchased on eBay and plow through it? Just me? Well I’m glad I did and hope you do the same. Mick Garris is twisted* and that shows in this short story about a man who’s down on his luck and finds a way to go out with a bang while making sure to take care of those he loves. A twisted conclusion really ends this on the absolute best possible note.
*I mean that in the best possible way, Mick is a national treasure
*I mean that in the best possible way, Mick is a national treasure
January 9, 2016
Don't know who Mick Garris is? Boy are you missing out. Let me throw some titles out for you - "*batteries not included", "Hocus Pocus", "Masters of Horror", "Fear Itself", or "Amazing Stories". Oh, you've heard of those? Well, that is the genius that is Mick Garris.
So, now you've heard of him.
Not only is he a brilliant director and producer, but he is an extremely talented author. Both screenplays and stories.
While this isn't my first foray into the writings of Mick, it is certainly now one of my favorites. One of the things that I enjoy is his sardonic outlook on things - especially his own industry! His sarcasm and dark humor is, at times, so subtle that you don't realize it until after the fact. But when you do, you immediately have to go back to read it again, just to enjoy it in a completely different light.
Tyler's Third Act tells a tale of a screenwriter who is tired of everyone in the industry wanting a piece of his hard work and not reaping the rewards. He decides that if he is going to lose a bit of himself to the art, it will be on his terms - starting with removing his pinky on a live webcast for money.
Tyler's show becomes an instant sensation and he, in the absolutely perfect words of Mick - "was immediately engulfed by a ravenous cadre of cameras and slick, sexless, Barbie and Ken news monkeys, each shoving their phallic microphones into my face for a multi-network blowjob."
Little does he know that they aren't the only ones who want a (proverbial) piece of him.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable and quick read. My only regret is that I read the ebook version which apparently didn't have any of the illustrations the paper version has. I'll be seeking out the physical book shortly.
So, now you've heard of him.
Not only is he a brilliant director and producer, but he is an extremely talented author. Both screenplays and stories.
While this isn't my first foray into the writings of Mick, it is certainly now one of my favorites. One of the things that I enjoy is his sardonic outlook on things - especially his own industry! His sarcasm and dark humor is, at times, so subtle that you don't realize it until after the fact. But when you do, you immediately have to go back to read it again, just to enjoy it in a completely different light.
Tyler's Third Act tells a tale of a screenwriter who is tired of everyone in the industry wanting a piece of his hard work and not reaping the rewards. He decides that if he is going to lose a bit of himself to the art, it will be on his terms - starting with removing his pinky on a live webcast for money.
Tyler's show becomes an instant sensation and he, in the absolutely perfect words of Mick - "was immediately engulfed by a ravenous cadre of cameras and slick, sexless, Barbie and Ken news monkeys, each shoving their phallic microphones into my face for a multi-network blowjob."
Little does he know that they aren't the only ones who want a (proverbial) piece of him.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable and quick read. My only regret is that I read the ebook version which apparently didn't have any of the illustrations the paper version has. I'll be seeking out the physical book shortly.
February 9, 2013
Tyler Sparrow is a Hollywood screenwriter who has seen his career pass him by. As he hits economic hard times he is also facing expense related to his mothers care. He devises a plan to make money on the internet and in the process also finds a kindred spirit. This is a very dark story. I love when I am unable to determine where the writer is going with the tale he is telling and this book does not disappoint. This is another book in the Cemetery Dance Signature Series line. The Signature Series are Novella that include art throughout the story. This one also includes a 'Notes from the illustrator' at the back. He explains his process in illustrating this story as well as personnel remarks about his friendship with the author. I found this addition very cool and would like this to be a regular feature in this series.
October 2, 2012
A gut-check examination of today's shallow, media-driven culture and the entertainment industry, "Tyler's Third Act" is often hard to read (as it should be), as Garris provides an excellent, satirical allegory of a man willing to give EVERYTHING of himself to enthrall an ever-increasingly fickle audience. After reading this disturbing commentary on our ever-more reality-obsessed entertainment culture, it will be hard to look at 'reality television' the same way again.
July 7, 2013
A short story about the rise of violence, and the desparation of a writer that do not manage to be going anywhere. It is also clearly criticizing the media industry.
Short, violent... but a good read!
Short, violent... but a good read!
July 18, 2013
Self mutilation for fun and profit (sounds like a Jeff Strand title). Quirky, but interesting. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews