Detroit area Sci Fi Writer Oscar "Oz" Wilson Jr of Dark Rhino Productions LLC Spills to Detroit Tradecraft

Detroit Tradecraft got a chance to “facebook chat” with Oscar “Oz Wilson Jr, contributing  group-member and a published author and movie script writer.  We wanted the time to understand about his  company, Dark Rhino Productions LLC,  and pick his brain on what he felt  about the Detroit comic scene and Detroit Tradecraft.

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DTC:  How long have you been working as a published author of books, and how long have you been pitching scripts to producers? 

Oz:  I've been working for over ten years as an author. Over the last few years I've been honing my skill as a screenwriter

DTC:  It is apparent that you have been the creative arm and spokesman for your company Dark Rhino Productions LLC.  When did it first come into being? 

Oz: The Dark Rhino came charging into my consciousness almost as soon I started writing. The Black Rhino is a very rare and powerful creature, unfortunately it's almost extinct. My Black Rhino is a cybernetic creation that honors elements of the past and embraces the future as well.  It's sort of the approach I use when creating literal energy.

DTC: Let’s revisit pitching stories to Hollywood and the like. That sounds like big-kid territory!  What’s that like?

Oz:  I been going back and forth to Hollywood and Georgia to pitch scripts for about ten years as well. You know how they say you have to be on the coast to make connections, well they are right!

My first taste of success was while as I was waiting in line to pitch to a couple of scripts to producers at a “pitchfest” in LA. I met the future producer of  "Fury" which was based on my story, "The Cromwell: A Hip-Hop Haunting."

DTC: COOL!! okay that was fun.  What convinced you to want to join Detroit Tradecraft? 

Oz:  I was coerced into joining the secret society of Detroit Tradecraft by a shadowy figure known to a few as "Militant" Mark Dudley.  It was at my Comic Book home Warp 9 Comics in Clawson.  I was still just breaking local ground and it was great opportunity to meet like minded individuals and let our mutual creative energies grow and thrive!

DTC:  Has dealing with the group been a positive to you or a negative?

Oz:  My introduction into such distinguished company has been a highly positive event. It's supplied me with a treasure trove of artistic and literal talent to learn from and offer my meager thoughts to, as well.

DTC:  How would you describe Oscar "Oz" Wilson Jr in your best short prose?  

Oz:  "The Motor City version of Stan Lee!"

DTC: What is your greatest desire for your work? Do you feel like doing a one shot super universe like Star Wars, or do you like multiple project approaches and multiple idea generation as we see in “TV-land”?

Oz: I like to think that I can do both. Most of my favorites in the world of entertainment are writers who are well versed in multiple aspects of the medium.  

One example that comes to mind is J. Michael Straczynski, creator of "Babylon 5" "Murder She wrote" and other great shows.  He's also one of the most sought after comic book authors and creator of Top Cow's "Rising Stars" epic mini series.  

I work in four major genres of fiction,Science Fiction, Fantasy , Comic books and Horror.    I love each equally as much but I'm most happy when I can successfully blend all four together like my flagship character "The Shadow Walker."   

This story combines all four tenets mentioned  above in equal doses and promises to be a  "white knuckle" thrill ride for the reader!

DTC:  Well you go boyee!!...As far as dealing with Detroit Tradecraft, what is your critique on the group- and what direction do you feel it should go?

Oz: I think Detroit Tradecraft is going to be the next Milestone Comics! We have the talent , skill and passion for the comic book industry to bring all of our projects together and supply a great alternative to what's currently out there.  

It's also a great opportunity to introduce a little different color palette to the comic book universe.  Money is green and we've definitely spend enough on characters that didn't represent images of us. 

Now it's time to supply characters that look like us when you look at them. In greater numbers with our P.O.V. as well.  I think people will be greatly surprised at the similar yet still unique aspects of our characters as well as finally having some "fresh blood" in the mix!  Anyone that likes comic books would love our projects no matter what the race or species!

DTC:  It is apparent you like to talk up the creative community- are there any seminars you are giving in the near future at conventions? What conventions do you wish to attend in 2014?

Oz: I plan on speaking at Detcon, The North American Science Fiction Convention that's  coming to Detroit!  Legendary black Sci-fi author and screenwriter Steven Barnes will also be there.  The sci-fi convention is  at the Ren-Cen,  July 17-20 2014.  There will be future speaking engagements for Detroit Tradecraft as well. 

I don’t want to forget.  I'll be appearing at  "The Motor City Black Age of Comics" Sept 28, 2014 at Youthville in Detroit!

DTC:  Where can people find your work ? I see you have the movie "Fury" on Netflix- any future movie ideas coming soon from Dark Rhino Productions LLC?

Oz: I plan on a grand re-launch of "The Shadow Walker Chronicles," on Amazon.com.  I'll be heading out to the West coast in the Fall  to pitch a new sitcom and "The Shadow Walker Chronicles."  

As far as future projects from D.R. P. , how about a new sci-fi space opera, "The Celestial"  also "Hybrid-121" book and  film script . Think summer tentpole action block buster!    Also "A Date with Lillith,"  the new standard of horror films.   By the way, that's just the proverbial "tip" of the iceberg or in the case of Dark Rhino Productions, Ice Age!!

DTC: Wow, your a man of a thousand ideas... Okay here is my last question. If it gets too personal say " I tap out"- Getting to know you through Detroit Tradecraft has been a treat, but I only have met your better half briefly at conventions. She appears to be the grounded one.  Can you explain if your beautiful wife has helped or hindered your path?

Oz: Let me check with her to see what my reply should be!   LOL!   She is my muse, critic , most staunch supporter and "Doctor girlfriend" in every sense of the word. 

She totally believes in the dream and demands that I never give up  on it! I don't think anyone could ask for a better wife!

DTC: the the survey says 100!!

Oz: I hope you liked my replies and thanks again for the opportunity!

DTC: In the words of the immortal Stan Lee, "Nuff Said!"

Image provided by C. Patrick Jackson- text by Oscar Oz Wilson Jr and and C. Patrick Jackson

Interview with Mark Dudley of Imaginos workshop

I have come to the conclusion that Detroit Tradecraft as an organization, needs to publicize  and support the efforts of our members  and their individual companies and collaborations.   So I will restart our blog with different interview sessions with our members.  One of our primary members is Mark Dudley and I wanted to interview him since many in Detroit Tradecraft still don’t know his company, Imaginos Workshop, well.

I had planned on doing an interview with Mark Dudley, one of the Principles of Imaginos Workshop prior to the group’s celebration of their successful Kickstarter campaign, for their comic sampler project- Imaginos Plus.  This campaign is actually the middle of a desire Mark Dudley has been pursuing for years.  In the 90’s Mark was a key member with another group of artists, known as Drunkenstyle.  Like many of of the groups and collaborations who pursued comics in the 90’s and 2000’s, they eventually closed house as a company.  However, Mark has never stopped working or collaborating with individuals and groups.  Mark was always just looking for the right mix. 

So given Mark Dudley’s refreshed excitement for his new group- I decided to talk to him and find out  more:

DTC:  How do you describe Mark Dudley?

MD: hmmm

thats a good one

I like to think of myself as a guy who is in the moment.

I like what I am seeing out here these days and like to stay a part of things.

I would like to be  a direct line from the past to the future

DTC: So, do you consider yourself a renaissance man or a driven individual?

MD: I think I am bit of both. I like to know my craft, but  don't like to lose. I’m a good sport, don't get me wrong.  But, like Star Trek’s ,Jim Kirk,  I don't believe in the “No-Win” scenario.

DTC: How long have you been associated with this comic/graphic arts game?

MD: Professionally,  I have been in the game about 20 years

I have been drawing all my life, though.

DTC: Do you think there is still room for veterans  in comics and entertainment; or is this a young mans game?

MD:If you talk about ideas; to me it seems like these young guys are loosing a step.  They have all flash, no substance. So, we Vets, are actually holding up the Cathedral right now...

DTC:  What is Imaginos Workshop?

MD: Imaginos Workshop, and we call it a workshop for this reason, is a think tank.

It’s a creative idea generator that works in Comics, Films and Television.

We package pitches.  We doing everything; from interpreting and building story to finishing concept art.   We want to work hand-in hand with a client, such that he or she is fully armed during any pitch meeting.  We are working on a video game with a client right now.

DTC: Is Imaginos  a main focus of your time, as a creator, or will Drunkenstyle come back?

MD:  Drunkenstyle never really left; we just stopped working as an official business.

It grew beyond that to become an idea, a mantra:

“Each man, one way; 

each horse, one stance; 

each church, one Buddha; 

each master to his own technique.”

We still all work on projects together; but Imaginos Workshop is my principle part of the “Drunkenstyle Equation” these days

DTC: What are you ultimate goals for your crew at Imaginos Workshop and yourself?

MD: To create cool stuff and push the boundaries of what it means to connect our ideas with the audience.

DTC: Do you ever think you will be satisfied?

MD: Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa??!!!  That’s a good one!

DTC: I though you would think so.

MD: No, I don’t think so.  As long as I can challenge myself, no.

DTC: That’s all I have  for this interview.  

We will be watching to see the progress of Imaginos Workshop and Mark Dudley in the future.  We at Detroit Tradecraft will always be in their corner....

Story and image by C . P. Jackson/ President Detroit Tradecraft