Anti-Matter Press Kit

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR ADVENTURES OF HIJINKS, MYSTERY, AND COMIC STORE MAYHEM!!
PRESS
KIT
A NEW WORKPLACE COMEDY ABOUT LIFE IN THE COMIC SHOP
Contact: Christina Valenta
Marketing and Publicity Director
the Chit Chat co.
[email protected]
[1]
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR ADVENTURES OF HIJINKS, MYSTERY, AND COMIC STORE MAYHEM!!
From Chris Walker, former comic book professional turned
filmmaker, comes Anti-Matter, a tongue-in-cheek look at the quirky,
geeky, and always awesome world of the comic book store. The
new Web series follows the exploits of a New York City comic
shop, the staff, and the regulars that drive them crazy.
An amusing mix of comic shop antics and geek trivia, Anti-Matter
uses the world of comic fandom to poke fun at life's attempts to
“figure it all out.”
Played out against the bright walls and colorful characters of the
store, Anti-Matter explores the quest to fit in, the bonds that are
formed between people, and the identities that define each
individual as this modern family of friends hangs out, causes
trouble, and faces adulthood in their own unique ways.
Through the adventures of the staff and regulars, Anti-Matter
delivers a hilarious look at identity, adult hood, and finding family as
the events of their lives unfold in the shop.
[2]
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR ADVENTURES OF HIJINKS, MYSTERY, AND COMIC STORE MAYHEM!!
BACKGROUND
Created by former comic
book professional and comic
fan Chris Walker, Anti-Matter
is a Web series that takes a
playful look at “the onset of
adulthood” set in the often
geeky, yet always cool
setting of the comic book
shop. continued his work as a
comic book illustrator. After
relocating from Greensboro,
North Carolina to New York
City Chris found himself
inspired by the comedic
talent around him and
decided to revisit the comic
shop comedy. casting notice for Anti-Matter
circulated among members
Originally intended to be a
sitcom pilot, Chris re-framed of the Upright Citizens
Brigade. The response was
the story to be viewed by
Transitioning from comic
Web audiences after
great and so many fantastic
professional to comedic
attending the 2009 Onfronts actors showed up that Chris
writer/director, Chris decided
actually created new
and watching a previous
to start with what he knew,
year’s acceptance speech by characters to incorporate all
comic culture. “My goal was
Felecia Day of the the Guild. of their talent.
to create a series that felt
He reworked the original
classic and new at the same
treatment to create stand
All eight episodes of Antitime. Anti-Matter is a
Matter were developed,
alone episodes. Influenced
humorous snapshot of the
by comic strips and sketch
written, produced, and
world of comics, a world very
directed by Chris Walker and
comedy, the new episodes
dear to me.” says Chris.
were much like the daily
were filmed at Jim Hanley’s
funnies. New situations were Universe, a comic book store
Knowing the subject matter
in Midtown Manhattan. created, characters were
he wanted to tackle
reworked and several new
Filming took place on nights
comedically, Chris worked
and Sundays during February
characters were introduced
with Douglas Mangum, a
to fit with this new approach. and March of 2010. The first
comic shop employee
episode premiered on
veteran of 6 years, and
Wednesday, September 29,
To cast the series, Chris
screenplay writer Matt Bird to
reached out to New York’s
2010. New episodes will
develop a basic treatment for
continue to premier every
universities, such as the
Anti-Matter. The treatment
Tisch School of Drama, and Wednesday at
sat quietly in a drawer, for
placed ads on Craigslist. He www.antimattershow.com.
several years as Chris
struck talent gold when the
[3]
CHARACTERS
with the regulars as a distraction from
their life and son. Bateman tends to
take his familial frustrations out on the
The Staff:
The Regulars:
store by acting out and causing
trouble.
MIKE
BERNARD
Bernard, a brand manager and web
MACKENZIE
Mike is a nice guy who loves old
comics. Having managed the store for architect, is an über cool nerd who has
several years, he pretends to hate it
been coming to the store since he first
and its regulars. The truth is, however, arrived in NYC for college. He’s the
they are a large part of his life and he
good natured ring leader of the
wouldn't trade them for anything.
KAITLIN
Mackenzie, is best friends and
roommates with Kayla. She is a
physical trainer, the moral support of
regulars and will do anything for his
the group, and cheers the regulars on
in whatever goals they may have. friends and the shop’s staff; his
Super hero obsessed, she is eager to
unofficial family.
learn every detail about them, and is a
walking encyclopedia of comic book
Kaitlin, the senior manager of the
store, is a bit of a control freak with a
TAYLOR
tendency to get on every one’s nerves. Taylor may be the youngest of the
Although perceived by the store’s
group, but he is a bona fide genius
regulars as a kind of disapproving
having graduated from college at just
facts. She may come off as a bit
gullible, but Mackenzie has her
parental figure, she is secretly proud
that they have made the store their
KAYLA
unofficial club house.
GINGER
Ginger is the “cooler than you”
knockout of the shop who moonlights
16. Despite his intelligence, he’s a
little awkward when it comes to social Kayla is a grad student and research
interactions. Not the smoothest guy in assistant. While she appears laid back
the shop, he often starts talking before and shy on the outside, underneath
he’s had a chance to filter all his
thoughts.
JEREMY
bartender. While she feigns apathy
towards her status as the store’s
Jeremy is your mid-twenties, comic-
shop just to flirt with her.
DENNIS
Dennis is the store’s resident artist. He dreams of becoming the next big
likely to join in on their shenanigans
than discourage them.
sweetheart at the core. Her best
friend and roommate is Mackenzie.
obsessed, unemployed, still-liveswith-his-mother comic book store rock JANE
star, and is often pulling pranks which
tend to be more funny than mean. Jane is a professional speaker and
Ever the schemer, he refuses to get a
business coach who loves to use
analogues from comics to give a super
real job, insisting one of his get-richquick ideas will come through in the
hero perspective to her business
clientele. She’s agreeable, helpful,
end.
and a bit of a goofball. On the flip-
BATEMAN / MRS. BATEMAN
side, though, she can be a bit cocky
and smug.
Marvel artist by mixing his love for
comics and Hip Hop. He’s a little too
friendly with the regulars and is more
she is incredibly passionate and
vivacious. Given to bouts of passive
aggressive sarcasm, she is a
as a writer, band member, and
resident hottie, she actually loves the
indie boy regulars who frequent the
moments of clever brilliance.
Bateman, is a crude ass who works as
a finance professional and uses the
store as an after work escape from his
tight-leashed lawyer wife. She sees
the time he spends at the store and
[4]
FACT SHEET
DESCRIPTION:
the Brooklyn
Jane - Played by Jill Butterfield whose film
Soundpainting Company. credits include Lost Track (Best Short Film- NYC
Her solo show, The
Film Festival). She is a veteran of the stage and
Number Jane, was
has performed with improv groups and in sketch
selected to be a part of
comedy shows across NYC.
Breedingground’s Spring Fever Festival.
Anti-Matter is a weekly comedic Web series
consisting of eight three to five minute episodes. Dennis (Staff) - Played by Pedro Lee, a writer
The series centers on a New York City comic
and performer who has been featured live on
FILMING:
Anti-Matter was filmed at Jim Hanley’s Universe,
book store, its staff, and the customers who
MNN and CTV cable. He has appeared on
a comic book store in Midtown Manhattan. frequent the shop. The characters must come
MTV’s FNMTV. He has also performed stand up
Filming took place at night and on Sundays
to grips with their new identities as they
in The Black Comedy Experiment Project.
during February and March of 2010.
Jeremy - Played by Davram Stiefler. He has
WEBSITE:
performed comedy all over New York City,
www.antimattershow.com
transition from young and hip to all grown-up.
RUN DATE:
The first episode premiered on September 29,
2010. New episodes premiere every
Wednesday.
including co-producing and hosting a stand-up
comedy showcase entitled Unhand Me Sir! He
regularly appears at the Upright Citizens Brigade
with his sketch comedy group, Gorilla Gorilla.
WRITTEN, PRODUCED AND
DIRECTED BY:
Bernard - Played by native New Yorker Walter
Chris Walker is a NY based writer, filmmaker and
Wagner College, Walter has also studied improv
visual artist. He produced and developed
with the Upright Citizens Brigade.
Vincent. A theater and music major from
Manga Vibe, a pop culture and lifestyle show for
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/
antimattershow
Twitter - http://twitter.com/antimattershow
YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/
antimattershow
Tumblr - http://antimattershow.tumblr.com/
Starz Media and Manga Entertainment. His
MacKenzie - Played by Christina Calph. MEDIA CONTACT:
artwork has been used in Addidas, Marvel
Christina can be seen playing the role of Sofia in
Christina Valenta- [email protected]
Comics, Virgin Records and Sony Pictures
the upcoming film, Arthur. She can also be seen
offerings. Chris has worked with many iconic
in IFC’s The Whitest Kids U Know, ESPN’s Port
characters and properties, including Wolverine,
80, Naija Boys’s African Thriller, Rescue Me and
the Transformers, Batman and Spider-Man.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
CAST:
Kayla - Played by Shannon Coffey. She began
The Store’s Idiosyncratic Staff
studying improvisation at UCB in 2006. Mike (Store Manager) - Played by Justin Tyler, a
writer and actor in New York City. Justin, along
with his comedy team SideCar, were the 2010
recipients of the NYTVF’s People Choice and
Shannon was also a regular on GamePlay HD’s
sketch comedy series Señor Nugget.
Bateman - Played by Aaron Kheifets, a
Best Comedy Awards.
comedian, writer and director. His work has
Kaitlin (Store Manager) - Played by Kirstan Perry,
many awards. Aaron also runs A-Side/B-Side at
a versatile actress who has found success
acting in theater, film, and television. She can
be seen in movies such as Smoking Laws and
Sober, as well as various MTV promos. Her
theater credits include Holiday Cocktail Lounge,
appeared on Comedy Central and garnered
the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater. His
credits include MTV, College Humor TV, The Wall
Street Journal and the cult phenomenon
Mortified.
Den of Thieves, and Lil’ Abner amongst other.
Mrs. Bateman - Played by Katie Johnson. A
Ginger (Staff) - Played by Julie Katz, an actor,
appeared on The Colbert Report, All My
writer and improviser. She is a member of the
Washinton D.C. native Katie Johnson has
Children and several independent films.
all female comedy collective, Candy Slice and
[5]
BIOGRAPHIES
getting down to the
business of
becoming an
Kirstan Perry (Kaitlin) is a versatile
actress who has found success in
theater, film, and television. She can
actress. In her free
time, this Washington native enjoys
be seen in movies such as Smoking
Laws and Sober, as well as several
reading about Japanese Manga from
the Edo period. MTV promos. Her theater credits
across NY. Her film credits include
Lost Track, which won Best Short Film
Julie Katz (Ginger) is is a member of
the all female comedy collective,
also skilled at dancing, pilates, yoga,
swimming, scuba diving, driving, and
Award at the NYC Film Festival. Jill
Candy Slice and the Brooklyn
can make a mean turkey taco.
studied drama at Middlesex University
in London, England. Born and raised
Soundpainting Company. She is an
actor, writer and improviser who
Davram Stiefler (Jeremy) is an actor/
in New Jersey and a graduate of
William Paterson University, she now
studied drama at NYU’s Tisch School
of the Arts. Her solo show, The
comedian from Grand Junction,
Colorado. He has performed comedy
calls New York City her home.
Number Jane, was selected to be a
all over New York City, including co-
Christina Calph (MacKenzie) is a
part of Breedingground’s Spring Fever
Festival.
producing and hosting the stand-up
comedy showcase Unhand Me Sir!. versatile artist who can be seen
playing the role of Sofia in the
Aaron Kheifets (Bateman) is a
Davram can be seen in the 2000 horror
movie spoof Machine Head, and the
upcoming film, Arthur. She has also
comedian, writer, and director whose
2010 film, Restless, about new
been in IFC’s The Whitest Kids U
Know, ESPN’s Port 80, Naija Boys’s
work has garnered many awards and
has gained airtime on Comedy
pharmaceuticals that eliminate
boredom. He regularly appears at the
African Thriller, Rescue Me and The
Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Central. Aaron also runs A-Side/BSide at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade
Upright Citizens Brigade with his
sketch comedy group, Gorilla Gorilla.
CAST
Jill Butterfield (Jane), a veteran of the
stage, has performed with improv
groups and in sketch comedy shows
include Holiday Cocktail Lounge, Den
of Thieves, and Lil’ Abner. Kirstan is
Theater and his credits include MTV,
Shannon Coffey (Kaitlin) was born in
New York before moving to Puerto
College Humor TV, The Wall Street
Journal, and the cult phenomenon
Justin Tyler (Mike) is a writer and
actor in New York City. Justin, along
Rico at age 5. She spent the next 13
years trying to explain what freckles
Mortified. His finest moment was
becoming a finalist for Playboy’s
with his comedy team SideCar, was
the 2010 recipient of the NYTVF’s
were. In 2003, she moved back to
Mustache of the Year.
People Choice and Best Comedy
New York, and in 2006 she began
studying improvisation at UCB. Pedro Lee (Dennis) is a writer and
Awards. Justin is also the star of The
Web Adventures of Justin and Alden,
Shannon was also a regular on
GamePlay HD’s sketch comedy series
performer from South Carolina. Pedro
has appeared on MTV’s FNMTV,
guest starring Felicia Day, Shannon
Daughter, and Illeana Douglas. Justin
Señor Nugget.
performed stand up in The Black
is well known in comic book circles as
Katie Johnson (Mrs. Bateman) has
Comedy Experiment Project, and
a host of Comic Club Live. He also
appeared live on MNN and CTV cable. regularly contributes as a video
been on The Colbert Report and All
My Children and can be seen in many
He has also been featured in the
independent films Revolverand and
interview host for the site Newsarama. indie films. She began her career as a
The Greatest Low Budget Film Ever
Walter Vincent (Bernard) studied
professional ballerina, Harvard student
and Wall Street professional before
Made.
improv with the Upright Citizens
[6]
Brigade. He is a native New Yorker
and studied theater and music at
Wagner College. Walter showed an
interest in performing at a young age,
doing Jim Carrey impersonations in his
basement and forming several
neighborhood bands.
CREW
Writer, Director, Producer:
Chris Walker is a NY based writer,
filmmaker and visual artist. He
developed and produced Manga Vibe,
a pop culture and lifestyle show for
Starz Media and Manga
Entertainment. His artwork has been
used in Addidas, Marvel Comics,
Virgin Records and Sony Pictures
offerings. Chris has worked with many
iconic characters and properties,
including Wolverine, the Transformers,
Batman and Spider-Man.
Cinematographer:
David Gelston was born in Montreal
and now works as a freelance
photographer and cinematographer in
New York. In 2008 he co-founded
Shenanimedia Inc., a multidisciplinary
media company specializing in the
production and distribution of lowbudget, hi-quality audio and video
content. He graduated from Cornell University
in 2007 and can trace his interest in
film back to middle school when he
used to film and edit sketches with his
friends.
[7]
PHOTOS
We have several photos from set. If you would like to
view more please contact Christina Valenta.
[email protected]
[8]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Comedic Webseries Explores Geekdom’s Inner Sanctum, the Comic Book Store
Former comic book colorist for Marvel and DC pulls from his days as an over-zealous customer to create a humorous look at
life in the comic shop
NEW YORK, NY, September, 29, 2010 — Chris Walker, comic book professional turned director, launched Anti-Matter today, a
workplace sitcom delving into the lives of a group of 20-something comic book store employees and the customers that drive them
crazy.
The show offers a quirky “nerds-eye view” of the world of comic fandom. Anti-Matter also digs into the the transition young adults
face, moving from “Quarter Life Crisis” to “New Grown Up,” taking a playful look at identity, coming of age, and the procrastination of
adulthood. “I wanted to make a comedy series.” says Chris. “My goal was to create a series that felt classic and new at the same
time. So I started with what I know, comics and figuring out what it means to be an adult on your own terms, not others’. ”
Each 3-5 minute episode of Anti-Matter gives viewers a tongue-in-cheek look into comic culture in a way that only an insider could
deliver. Through their own “geeky” lenses, the characters try and come to terms with hating their jobs, no longer being “cool”, and
getting over their own self-importance.
No bandwagon fan when it comes to comic books, Chris has been coloring comics professionally for over half a decade for the likes
of Marvel and DC on characters such as Batman, Superman, Spider-Man and the X-Men. When he got the itch to expand his creative
horizons and make comedies he decided to start close to home.
“If there’s one thing I know that’s funny, it’s the conversations and experiences you have hanging out at comic books stores.” says
Chris. “Anti-Matter is a humorous snapshot of that world. A place any fan or retailer will tell you is full of laughs and crazy hijinks.”
The eight episode season airs new episodes on Wednesdays, the same day new comics hit shelves. To watch the series, visit
www.antimattershow.com.
About Anti-Matter and Chris Walker:
Anti-Matter stars Upright Citizen Brigade (UCB) regulars Justin Tyler (NYTVF People’s Choice Winner, the Webventures of Justin &
Alden, Sidecar), Aaron Kheifets (Co-Host of UCB Show A-Side/B-Side), Johnathan Fernandez (Stone Cold Fox) and Davram Steifler
(Gorilla Gorilla).
For more information on Anti-Matter or to watch episodes, visit websitewww.antimattershow.com, or their Facebook Page
(facebook.com/antimattershow). Episodes may also be viewed on You Tube, Blip TV and iTunes.
Chris Walker is a NY based writer, filmmaker and visual artist. He has developed and produced Manga Vibe, a pop culture and lifestyle
show for Starz Media and Manga Entertainment. His artwork has been used in Addidas, Marvel Comics, Virgin Records and Sony
Pictures offerings. Walker has worked with many iconic characters/properties, including Wolverine, the Transformers, Batman and
Spider-Man.
###
Contact: Christina Valenta
Marketing and Publicity Director
the Chit Chat co.
[email protected]
[9]