|
Author
|
Topic: PRESS RELEASE: REVENGE of the WORKER
|
Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
Member Rated:
|
posted
UPDATE AND INTERVIEW WITH BLACKOUT AND HIS NEW FILM PROJECT - REVENGE OF THE WORKER
BY
For those of you who remember, Blackout.com was a featured cover story in the South Florida New Times almost two years ago. In that article, we covered the antics of Blackout, the nickname of actor/writer/singer/director Michael Richard Bigansky who is known as Blackout on his site Blackout's Box, and on his radio show Blackout's Box LIVE! that airs via the internet every thursday night from 9pm to 12am. He is also sometimes referred to as Michael Biggins, a stage name which he has worked under as a professional stage and screen actor.
In the original story, which ran in the July 24-30th 2003 issue of New Times, we referred to him as Michael Biganski, due to confusion with all of his names and insistence by the editor that we use his actual legal name and not a pseudonym. While having the best of intentions, his last name was spelled incorrectly as Biganski, when it is in fact spelled with a y instead of an i. Bigansky being the correct spelling.
This author began the interview with a humble apology and a hope that there were no hard feelings involved at any of the typos that appeared in the original article.
"You bitch! You jinxed my life for a year with that damn misspelling!" was the first thing out of Bigansky's mouth as we sat down for a beer at one of his favorite watering holes, the Kingshead Pub in Sunrise, FL.
"Biganski actually translates to 'come and pounce on my soul oh dark ones of the underworld' in some ancient latin tounge," he continued. "I had to fight off all sorts of nasty creatures and depression thanks to YOU Hambright! I don't even know why I am sitting here. I must be sadistic in some way. Either that, or I'm a media whore. I hope it's the second. Where the hell is my Strongbow? I think you owe me one."
Bigansky, as usual, is his charismatic and gregarious self. This is a manboy who doesn't have trouble chatting. He winks at me to let me know that he is just kidding, which I could readily gather from his tone of voice, and then he goes on to talk about his various names and their meaning.
"You have no idea how much power and pattern comes from the energies that you are referred to as. Your name is very important and I am looking into and learning all that stuff now. The Kabbalah, numbers, patterns, things of that nature. I know we are here to talk about the movie that I am working on, but I want to make it clear why I have used many different names. Before I just sort of wanted a name that sounded better, and I had no idea of the meaning or energies behind names, so I chose Biggins simply because it sounded nice and compact. I like to be referred to as Michael and not Mike, and Michael Biggins seemed to roll off of the tounge a lot easier than Michael Bigansky, so I used it for a while, but now that I am studying what the vibrations of certain letters and vowels mean together, I am not so sure if I am going to stick with that name. Michael is definitely me, without a doubt, so it is staying. Michael Richard Bigansky is my actual full given birth name as appears on my birth certificate, so it has attached meaning as well. I actually found out recently that it is a very positive and creative energy name, but I have to use it in full like that all of the time if I want the benefits...and I don't know if it is a bit much, but I am trying it for now by signing everything and referring to myself as that full name, or just plain Michael. I actually prefer to be called Michael. I'm sorry if this sounds like a new age hocus pocus stuff to you but it is something that I am conscious of now. A lot of people are. Look at Madonna, she went and changed her name to Esther. Both names are very powerful, but she had conquered what she needed to as Madonna, and so she wanted to move to a different energy with the name Esther. I am not fully sure yet if I am going to stick with Michael Richard Bigansky, Michael Biggins, or Michael the Pirate Zarjigajarzab...but for now, let's stick to Michael Richard Bigansky because that's on my birth certificate and my initial studies into it are good so far. Did I say you could just call me Michael? Are you bored yet?"
Our beers arrive, and I kindly remind him that while all this mysticism talk is fascinating, we are not here to discuss the Kabbalah. He is supposed to be giving me an update on what he has been up to since the last New Times story went to print, and mainly telling me about the movie that he is working on entitled, REVENGE of the WORKER. The title obviously a play on Star Wars.
"Oh yeah of course, I got sidetracked a little because the name stuff is very important, but forget what I have been doing since that last article. I was recovering from all the damage you caused when you printed my my name wrong, and then I had to do a lot of daydreaming to get back into action. Lets get to the good stuff - the movie, it's going to rock!" he exclaims and then takes a long gulp of his cider. "It's really just going to kick ass. I don't know how else to say it. The title is the only parody of Star Wars. That and the fact that a lot of companies seem to kind of...uhhh...be going to what you might call 'the dark side' in how they are treating employees, but this is NOT a Star Wars parody movie. Some people thought that and I just want to knock that down right now."
REVENGE Of The WORKER is a major motion picture being written, produced, and directed by Michael Richard Bigansky and his independent production company: Blackout's Box Studios. In the film, which Bigansky refers to as "a combination of documentary, mockumentary, expose, hidden camera, dramatic, comedic, and prank style film making, with lots of improvisation, and also some jackass like stunts thrown in for good measure," Bigansky plays the character Blackout, a frustrated artist who one day snaps when he can't take working at crappy low paying jobs anymore to support the artistic things he really wants to do with his life. After one particular manager pushes him and several other employees to the limit, Blackout cracks and decides to give up all of his artistic pursuits, and to focus on one goal, and one goal only - REVENGE.
He becomes hellbent on being an employee avenger, and infiltrating, exposing, and exacting REVENGE on corporate chains and anal middle management monsters who have taunted and abused the good workers of the U.S. and the world while paying them next to nothing, for far too long.
To exact his revenge, Blackout takes jobs at nearly EVERY recognized national chain corporation there is, and even hits up some government jobs, all with his hidden cameras, microphones, and helpers in tow so to capture everything on film.
He begins by working as a lowly janitor at a dirty turnpike rest stop, and only when he gets fired can he move on. This is one of the more interesting and funny ideas of the movie - that he can't quit. He must be fired. These are the rules he sets for himself early in the film, and it usally happens pretty quickly. In some of the raw footage he was showing me, his shortest employment time at one company in the movie amounts to about 5 seconds.
Once he gets revenge and gets fired, he crosses that company and job off his list, and moves on to the next job on the list as he works his way up through the corporate food chain and dozens and dozens of jobs until he finally ends up in a high-end management position at one of the world's largest and most well known fortune 500 companies. At this point, the rules of the game change and he exacts his greatest revenge in a huge twist that is sure to surprise, shock, and entertain movie goers.
"This movie is real stuff," says Bigansky. "Other than myself and the small cast of helpers, hidden camera plants, and cameos by a few celebrities just for fun, what you are going to be seeing is all real, and not in any way setup, other than me setting up some crazy things for these real people to respond too. The interviews are all real, and the reactions from all the other employees, managers, and bosses at the places I work at are all real. They don't know that I am filming and they just presume that I am either stupid, crazy, a jackass, or some combination of all three. I go in for an interview playing a different character according to each job, and then I when I get hired, my entire goal is to get revenge and get fired. I cannot quit. The various people around me who I work for just don't know what to do because they've never had a worker like this before, and the results are hilarious. I'm surprised I'm not dead!"
While predominantly targeting itself as a comedy, the film is also a strong documentary, with many segments devoted to interviews with real workers from all the places Blackout takes jobs at. Many of the workers speak out at some of the pressures, frustrations, long hours, low pay, overbearing bosses, and lack of respect that they have to deal with.
"There is a squeeze that is being put on much of the middle class and all the way down the line right now that is turning human hearts into pulp," says Bigasnky. "The terrible conditions, pressures, attitudes, and complete lack of respect that so many workers are experiencing in today's economic climate is just awful. Human beings aren't emotionless machines, and they weren't made to live like this. I wanted to make a statement about that, while also getting a few punches in to let people know that they are not alone, and to make them feel better through laughter. Many companies are treating workers like they are disposable resources, making it completely clear to them by the way they treat them and the small amount of money that they pay them, that they have little value, and that they are easily replaceable. This is simply a disgusting state of affairs and it should not be like this, and...well, I say JOBS are just as easily replaceable too. This film's aim is to stick it back to the man a little bit, just as he has been sticking it to the workers. Many workers who have felt wronged or belittled want to speak out. They want to say something. They want to affect change, but they feel helpless, hopeless, and trapped because of thier financial, family, and other responsibilities. This makes many feel that they simply CAN'T say anything, for fear of retribution and how easily they will be fired and replaced by someone who behaves like a more complacent zombie. I saw and heard this sentiment repeated over and over again as I spoke to and shot interviews with workers in all types of jobs in all sorts of locations, and I decided that the character Blackout in this movie would be the personification of every worker's secret desire to just let it all out one day, and speak and do as they really would like to if they weren't under the grindstone and they had the money to be truthful and not worry about the consequnces. Imagine the song 'Take This Job and Shove It' playing in the background at the worst job you have ever had, and imagine yourself letting loose...well that's what REVENGE of the WORKER is all about!"
Beyond targeting only the employers, REVENGE of the WORKER takes a stab at nasty customers too.
"This movie also is a wake up call to customers and consumers everywhere that they need to have a little more respect for EVERYONE'S job and station in life, no matter what it is. The janitor at a tunpike rest stop, or the kid flipping your burger, is just as important as the president. If you don't think so, then stop ordering burgers from food chains and stop going to the bathroom in public restrooms. If you think those people are somehow below you and your lofty job, then stop using their services. We are all here to serve eachother equally and no one is more important."
REVENGE of the WORKER began shooting in late 2004, and according to Biagsnky, will be in production for at least another 6 months and perhaps even a year. He is looking for further investors and distribution.
"The hardest thing about this film is not the shooting of it," Bigansky adds, "that part is actually pretty easy and A LOT of fun. What is really going to be difficult is editing it. I want to cover a LOT of jobs without being repetitive in how I exact REVENGE, so I play a different character and exact some different form of REVENGE at each job. Just as soon as I thought I had covered most of the general areas I wanted to attack in the initial list of jobs I created, some more popped up, and then some more, and what I am finding is that I am going to end up having over 1000 hours of footage that I am going to have to edit down to under two hours for theatrical release, and then have an extended version release on DVD."
REVENGE of the WORKER is a mixed format film that is being shot on many different cameras, including HD, DV, and hidden spy cameras. Bigansky is also claiming that he is doing something revolutionary with the DVD release that no film has yet attempted, and that he refuses to talk about in detail until he gets his patent on the idea and technology secured.
"I'm using everything. All the latest technology that exists so far, and I'm even inventing a few new things and ways of shooting, as well as a radical and revolutionary new concept with the DVD that is going to change the future of the DVD marketplace," says Bigansky. "The studios are going to be like 'who the HELL does this guy think he is?!?! But they will adapt to the idea or find themselves left behind quickly because it's something that has just been waiting for someone to step up to the plate and do, and I am that someone. It doesn't require any change to existing DVD hardware or software, but it's something that moviegoers deperately want, and that they have wanted for a very long time, and REVENGE of the WORKER will be the first movie to provide it, and that's all I can say about that right now, so let's talk about the production values. I want to have some high production values in there for fun, like during the opening and closing sequences, and most likely somewhere between the middle to three quarters of the way in, when the tone and goal of the movie changes and that twist of lime I told you about comes into play, but when we get to the actual jobs and REVENGE sequences, those will be most likely be shot on DV (digital video) with multiple hidden cameras and mics. The documentary and interview sections of the film will be shot with a variety of different cameras and formats. The focus will always be to obtain the best images we can when we have control of such things, because we want the film to look good as well as be funny and provocative, but capturing everything that happens is more important when we don't have as much control, such as during the hidden camera sequences. I am very lucky that all sorts of wonderful compact digital imaging devices with incredible quality finally exist now, but the most important thing is content."
When asked about who this movie is targeted at, Bigansky gives a wide grin and says, "Everyone! Everyone will be able to relate to this film because almost EVERYONE has had a crappy job or a jackass manager, boss, or customer at one time or another in their lives. Well...ok...maybe I am going a little too far when I say everyone. If you are completely loaded and you have never had to deal with any of this sort of stuff, you may not enjoy this film. The Hilton twins probably won't get this film. If you aren't touched by this movie, you're most likely a rich fatcat, and you don't relate, and so while that sucks, it's understandable, but if you don't LAUGH at this movie, well...then something is wrong with you! I'm also sure that some of the executives of the companies that I target are ummm...not going to enjoy this film too much, but #!$% them!"
That brings us to one of the bigger issues and controversy that has been surrounding REVENGE of the WORKER: its legality. People and corporations who oppose the film and who have been trying to stop its continued production and release by theatening to bring lawsuits against Bigansky and Blackout's Box Studios, are saying that Bigansky has violated several laws.
"He intentionally and falsely represented himself as a person who was looking for employment, when all he was looking for was to make his movie and make my client look foolish," said Jason Feinstein, an attorney for one of the corporations (who is choosing to remain anonymous at this time) that is considering bringing charges against Bigansky and Blackout's Box Studios if he does not remove the segment of the film that relates to them. Bigansky supposedly took a job at one of the company's stores and filmed himself, other employees, and management staff, without the companies knowledge or permission.
"Let them sue me," Bigansky responded as I read him the attorney's statement. He had an even bigger smile on his face this time. "Let them all sue me, and let them see what happens. First of all, there is no real vicious intent in this movie. Even though the film uses the word REVENGE in its title. The movie is really a wake up call, and it has a good message at its heart. It's a comedy for christs sake, and if these anal companies can't take the ribbing, take the joke, and maybe make some changes for the better from the message that is given in the film, then they are monsters. If all they are going to do is try to come and sue me, well let them. All that is going to do is make them look even more evil, and they will only be provinding more publicity for the film while making themselves look a lot worse publicly. So if that is the route they want to take, let them take it. On top of that, there is no set or specific law that states that one cannot film with a hidden camera in a workplace in order to expose something or provide information that would be of service to the public or even for parody uses. Many hidden cameras have been used in places of employment for multiple news stories, commercial broadcast television shows, and feature films in the past, and most cases against the parties who used the hidden cameras have failed. I have lawyers on my side too, and I have done my research. This sort of thing could drag out in court endlessly, and it would only be one big advertising campaign for the film and prove my point even further. Also, and probably most importantly to these money hungry companies: I have no net worth, so I don't know what money they think they are going to be getting by bringing lawsuits! I would advise them to step down, chill out, take the movie for the social commentary that it is, and maybe treat their workers a little better in the future, rather than wasting all their energy and time coming after me with frivolous and bound to lose lawsuits."
In closing, Bigansky had this to say:
"Why do you keep calling me Bigansky? My first name is Michael and I really prefer being called Michael...but anyway, right, my closing statement...ummm...come see the movie when it comes out, it's going to be great, really, I promise you. This movie truly is for all the little guys and the underdogs in all of life's high pressure but low respect and low pay jobs, and then I even hit the higher end jobs that do pay well but have their own ridiculous ass biting office politics problems.. There's something in this movie for everyone to relate to. It's every frustrated workers complete fantasy brought to life with vigor and righteousness. This is our REVENGE!"
REVENGE of the WORKER(tm) is (c)2004-2005 by Michael Richard Bigansky and Blackout's Box Studios Inc. All rights reserved.
For more information and updates, as well as the upcoming REVENGE of the WORKER trailer, be sure to regularly visit:
http://REVENGEoftheWORKER.com
[ 04-02-2006, 08:07 PM: Message edited by: Blackout ]
--------------------
You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
| 
|
|
FireCat
Destroyer of Worlds & Moderator of The Box Office movie forum
Member # 1033
Member Rated:
|
posted
whats the link to see it on new times page?
--------------------
FireCat
-------------------
Come to Mystic Dreaming, For all Your WebHosting needs. http://www.mysticdreaming.net
Posts: 396 | From: Shelbyville, TN | Registered: Jan 2005
|
|
|
Shostie
Blackout's Box Illuminati and Dreaderator: Vinlar the Dreadful Only available to those with over 3000 posts
Member # 112
Member Rated:
|
posted
quote:
REVENGE of the WORKER. The title obviously a play on RETURN of the JEDI, the last Star Wars episode from the original series.
Or maybe, just maybe, it might be a play on the most recent Star Wars movie, Revenge of the Sith...
--------------------
Maestra is indeed a sexy geek.
"Primitive humans make tools; computer-designed, high-tech hand tools." -program description from The History Channel's Modern Marvels
"I wish God were alive to see this." -Homer Simpson
"And my stage directions make no sense. How is it possible for me to wear clown make up AND be sober all at once?" -Davan MacIntire
Posts: 3653 | From: Houston, TX | Registered: Jul 2002
|
|
|
Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
Member Rated:
|
posted
Nah.. Revenge of the Sith is too sucky, I would never base my movie on that title. I was basing it on Jedi.
Return of the Jedi was originally supposed to be titled REVENGE of the JEDI.
but then Lucas was like "oh shit... Jedi's aren't supposed to want things like Revenge... fuck... pull all the posters and change it to... umm... ehhh... shit..... RETURN.. yeah.. that's it, that's the ticket."
22 years later and Blackout works on:
My font is a little off and too cartoony. Does anyone have the EXACT and real JEDI font?
--------------------
You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
|
|
|
Herbert
Ghostly lover of hats and elephants & Official Blackout's Box Archivist
Member # 628
Member Rated:
|
posted
I found this star wars font, but it more matches the main "Star Wars" title than what you have there... I'll keep looking
http://www.1001fonts.com/font_details.html?font_id=174
EDIT: Going through some of my fonts, it looks like Times New Roman, only it's slightly stretched and enlarged. Try it, it'll fit perfectly over the text in the movie poster.
--------------------
http://HerbertFilby.com
Posts: 1516 | From: PA | Registered: Sep 2003
|
|
|
Tan
Semi-Genius Member
Member # 119
Member Rated:
|
posted
Sith on It Potsy!
Posts: 250 | From: St. Petersburg, FL | Registered: Jan 2002
|
|
|
onepairofpant
BLACKOUT.COM SPAM stopper uni pant NINJA!
Member # 835
Member Rated:
|
posted
blackout this video is the same as the light sphere, is this how hte movie is going to be? I dont get it
Posts: 345 | From: Queens, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
|
|
|
Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
Member Rated:
|
posted
No no that is just a place holder it will be changed....
--------------------
You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
|
|
|
ogfizzle
Box Newbie
Member # 1368
Rate Member
|
posted
Greetings,
What is the status of the movie production?
Posts: 1 | Registered: Jun 2006
|
|
|
|
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic
