Kickstarter

We are six ambitious filmmakers who will work around the clock to make a film all of our friends, family and supporters are proud to be a part of, watch, own and show their friends.  

My name is Jerry Artukovich and I am going to be directing the film, “Close Shave”, a western written by my brother Alex. Alex Artukovich has written novels, screenplays and short stories experiencing much success as a published writer. A recent short story he wrote takes place in the Wild West and was particularly well received for its engaging narrative and cinematic qualities. I brought the story to Frank Ippolito, a friend and producer of short films, he loved it and enlisted the help of Jake Borowski and Jim Eustermann to find a way to bring this story to the screen.

Why Kickstarter? We are making a western, considered a “period film”, which requires the use of historic costumes and equipment that help define that particular time period for the viewing audience. In order to achieve the level of production value we expect, we need to spend more money than we personally have. We have contributed what we can to cover the basics and get us started, but we still need your help. Beyond the typical expenses of making a film, we’ll need to make sure our set looks like the ancient old west by renting several period props, set dressings, six shooters, costumes and horses!

Why would we choose to do a western film with all these extra costs? Because we love westerns! My brother Alex and I were raised on films like “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”, “High Noon”, and “Unforgiven” which have inspired us to make this film. We have a well-written script, a perfect location, and an amazingly talented cast and crew any studio would envy. For those of you who have always wanted to be a part of making a movie, be a producer, a writer or director, this is a great opportunity for us to share in the adventure together and be a part of Hollywood’s legacy.

Thank you,

Jerry Artukovich – Director

Cast & Crew:

Jerry Artukovich (Director) - Jerry was born and raised in Southern California. He graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in TV & Film. Jerry's love for movies comes directly from his parents, who are not only huge movie fans, but also owned a video store for several years. Jerry works now as a Casting Producer but would eventually like to be a Full Time Filmmaker.

Alex Artukovich (Writer) – Alex received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film from Chapman University in California. He resides and writes in Los Angeles. One of his short stories, “The Little Ones,” has appeared in Writers Weekly and another, “Dear Future Self,” has appeared in Midwest Literary Magazine.

Frank Ippolito (Producer) - Frank Ippolito is a producer/director born in Mayfield, Ohio and now lives in Burbank, California. He first became interested in filmmaking during high school, has been directing and producing for the past six years, and has worked as a Makeup artist for the past eleven
years. Some of his makeup work can be seen in films like Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3. Most recently, Frank did the makeup effects for Danny DeVito's horror film "St. Sebastian". Click here to view IMDB page.

Jake Borowski (Producer) - I am a producer fortunate enough to have been born in Apple Valley, California, where I began my career by making short films with a MiniDV camera and iMovie in high school.  During college, and after graduating from UC Riverside, I had a bunch of different jobs on a lot of TV shows and movies in order to understand everything that it takes to be skilled and knowledgeable enough to run a production.  The most important lesson I've learned though, is that making good movies ultimately requires a well-functioning team of people with their own unique talents, which is what "Close Shave" has.  Click here to view my IMDB page.

Jim Eustermann (Producer) – Jim Graduated from USC with a broadcast management degree designed to put him on the path to producing.  He went immediately into film and television production.  While he helped produce several small projects shortly after graduating, including a comedy pilot for HBO, he has worked primarily in film production, focusing in Special effects and makeup effects.  Four years ago, he helped to found a theater company here in Los Angeles.  In recent years, Jim has been more aggressive about producing film projects and has been working with Ghostworks Productions, working with actors such as Neil Patrick Harris, Penn Gillette and Adam Savage, he has helped to create several projects of which he is very proud. Click here to view his IMDB page.

Scott Hamm (Actor)  - My name is Scott Hamm and I am very excited to be a part of this project, primarily because I believe in the film itself and the wonderful people behind it. Secondly, as an executive producer on the film I can’t wait to see what challenges and excitement that will bring throughout the process. As far as acting in the film that has been a passion of mine for the past 14 years. I have done small parts in TV shows such as Star Trek DS9 and Clueless; along with a bit part in the film First Daughter. I have also been lucky enough to star in the film Backyard Dogs as well as guest star in such great TV shows like NYPD blue, Jag, Arliss, Walker Texas Ranger, and had a reoccurring character on General Hospital. However, Close Shave will be much closer to my heart because not only will I get to act and star in a wonderful film but I get to do it alongside dear and lifetime friends. I hope you will believe in us, as well as in the film, and find it in your hearts to help with whatever you can to bring Close Shave to life while taking this journey with us. Click here to view my IMDB page, and here to see my acting reel.

James Hurley (Actor) – James attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York before coming to California.  He has performed in over 10 feature films, including his starring role as Detective Gordon Mullen in the cult classic "The Boneyard" with Phyllis Diller and Norman Fell. His other acting credits include Disney's Spaced Invaders/Martians, Cast a Deadly Spell, Ultraman, and General Hospital.   He most recently appeared in the horror-comedy zombie film, Night of the Little Dead, with Penn Gellette (Penn& Teller) and Adam Savage (Myth Busters). Click here to view his IMDB page.

Brian Peck (Actor) - Brian Peck celebrates his 31st year of getting paid to act professionally in 2012. He has acted for longer than that, but previously it was mostly just a cry for attention rather than a job. Brian made his feature film debut in 1981 with a starring role as "Victor" in the teen comedy classic "The Last American Virgin". His follow up film was the well regarded cult zombie film "The Return of the Living Dead" where Peck sported a mohawk as punk rocker "Scuz" and meets his demise at the hands of a brains eating living dead corpse. Other film appearances include, "Man on the Moon", "Good Burger", "Holes", "Outlaw Trail" "Public Enemies", and "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier". On Television he has had recurring appearances on "Growing Pains", "Boy Meets World" and "All That". Recently Brian starred as "Artie" in a SyFy Network pilot titled "Z.E.R.O.S." (Zombie Extermination and Removal Operations"). Click here to view IMDB page.

Ghostworks, LLC (Production Company) - Ghost Works creates films to rot your mind. Incorporated in 2007, Ghost Works produces unique film projects all written and directed by the in-house team comprised of writer/director Ezekiel Zabrowski and director/producer/special fx artist Frank Ippolito. With several friends in the industry and a self-imposed goal of creating movies and having fun, Ghost Works has partnered with some amazing celebrities such as Bill Moseley, Adam Savage, Dean Cameron, Neil Patrick Harris, Martin Klebba and Penn&Teller.  Click here to visit the company website.