THE ME OF ME
Brian Patrick O’Toole was delivered unto the world on Thursday, May 2nd at 9:45 pm in Chicago. His very first memory is of his mother slamming on the car brakes, forcing him to be jettisoned to the floor as the newscaster on the radio proclaimed that President Kennedy had been shot. Brian had two ambitions in his pre-teens: to be a race car driver like Speed Racer and play in a band like The Partridge Family. He grew up watching Bewitched, Dark Shadows, The Flying Nun, Nanny and the Professor and I Dream of Jeannie thinking that magic was possible (it’s not, but he tried). In 1968, a five-year-old Brian’s parents took him to see Night of the Living Dead at the Harlem & Irving Plaza Drive-in. They left him on the roof of the station wagon with the speaker… all alone. This was the moment Brian says was the launching point for the direction of his life.
1970s
The 1970s were Brian’s most formative
decade. Alice Cooper’s Welcome to My Nightmare television
special introduced him to his favorite music: Heavy Metal. Mary
Hartman, Mary Hartman and Soap taught him that grown ups were f’d up
and that late night television was so much better than cartoons in
the afternoon. Star Wars, Space: 1999 and the
Planet of the Apes film series made his imagination soar.
The Poseidon Adventure was the film that made Brian want to
make films. Jaws and George A. Romero’s Dawn of the
Dead were the films that made Brian want to make horror movies.
Fangoria magazine was the paper that fueled that fire.
Chariots of the Gods? and Close Encounters of the Third
Kind gave him hope that there was something more out there than
what the Chicagoland suburbs had to offer. The book Crash Go The
Chariots, which debunked the UFO classic Chariots of the Gods? taught Brian that there are always two sides to every
story.
THE BLUE LIGHT WAS REALLY SPECIAL!
In 1977, Brian began his working career at
McDonalds and moved on to K-Mart where he would meet some of his life long
friends - and have occasional interactions with a local serial killer. High school came and went, nothing too memorable – except
for the rock concerts. Brian has seen some of the greatest rock acts
ever because of his friend Tony Armando's insistence that Brian leave
the house.
Midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Biograph Theater became the social event of Brian’s high school years. He learned two valuable life lessons from that film: “Stay Sane Inside Insanity” and “Don’t Dream It, Be It!” He can still be found doing the Time Warp. (Photos courtesy of Nancy D'Anza Campanella)
Midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Biograph Theater became the social event of Brian’s high school years. He learned two valuable life lessons from that film: “Stay Sane Inside Insanity” and “Don’t Dream It, Be It!” He can still be found doing the Time Warp. (Photos courtesy of Nancy D'Anza Campanella)
1980s
The 1980s were a time of great sadness
for Brian as friends and loved ones were dying from a disease that no
one seemed to care about because it was happening to those who loved
in a different way.
"My very best friend in the world, Michael Beck, was one of the many that died of HIV-AIDS in those early days of the plague. I miss him every day of my life."
After the death of seven great friends, Brian hid himself away in the world of movies, video games and creative writing. These became his greatest passions. Brian eventually decided to try some new things: He wrote songs and sang for some “garage” bands. He joined the Player’s Workshop of The Second City of Chicago where he honed his transgressive comedy stylings.
In 1986, Brian started writing screenplays. One of his screenplays, The Day Before The Night Before Christmas, captured the attention of literary agent Leslie Kallen and drew some real Hollywood heat before being passed on. Brian was encouraged enough by the attention to think he might have a career as a screenwriter.
Although the roots of his adult life would start to take hold in this decade, the specters of death and loss would cast a permanent shadow over everything he would do. The 80’s were, for the most part, a time best buried deep in the basement of one's subconscious. Then, in 1988, Brian saw the film Torch Song Trilogy. In a world slowly being eaten by darkness, the film proved to be so touching and life affirming that it gave him a new sense of hope and the courage to keep trying. As Ozzy Osbourne once sang: "Dreams that have shattered may not have mattered. Take another point of view." Brian looked westward.
UPDATE - "March 1, 2013: You never know what treasures you'll find when you clean out a closet. I found a conversation between Michael Beck and I on an old answering machine message tape from around 1982. I hadn't heard his voice since before he died over 23 years ago. Who knew back then that this simple conversation would become such a treasured memory now. I miss you, Mike! And I love you more!"
"My very best friend in the world, Michael Beck, was one of the many that died of HIV-AIDS in those early days of the plague. I miss him every day of my life."
After the death of seven great friends, Brian hid himself away in the world of movies, video games and creative writing. These became his greatest passions. Brian eventually decided to try some new things: He wrote songs and sang for some “garage” bands. He joined the Player’s Workshop of The Second City of Chicago where he honed his transgressive comedy stylings.
In 1986, Brian started writing screenplays. One of his screenplays, The Day Before The Night Before Christmas, captured the attention of literary agent Leslie Kallen and drew some real Hollywood heat before being passed on. Brian was encouraged enough by the attention to think he might have a career as a screenwriter.
Although the roots of his adult life would start to take hold in this decade, the specters of death and loss would cast a permanent shadow over everything he would do. The 80’s were, for the most part, a time best buried deep in the basement of one's subconscious. Then, in 1988, Brian saw the film Torch Song Trilogy. In a world slowly being eaten by darkness, the film proved to be so touching and life affirming that it gave him a new sense of hope and the courage to keep trying. As Ozzy Osbourne once sang: "Dreams that have shattered may not have mattered. Take another point of view." Brian looked westward.
UPDATE - "March 1, 2013: You never know what treasures you'll find when you clean out a closet. I found a conversation between Michael Beck and I on an old answering machine message tape from around 1982. I hadn't heard his voice since before he died over 23 years ago. Who knew back then that this simple conversation would become such a treasured memory now. I miss you, Mike! And I love you more!"
1990s
(photo courtesy of the documentary "Starwoids")
_ At the top of the 1990s, Brian worked as a manager at Action Depot Video, which was run by Dean Menier and his lovely wife Linda. They encouraged Brian to move forward in his screenwriting career (even tho' he made them buy too many video copies of The Big Picture). They presented him with a check and a contract that stipulated that when Brian "made it" he was to invite them to his house to swim in his pool. As of this writing in 2013, Brian has yet to "make it" and lives in a Hollywood apartment that is at risk of being torn down any month now. But he's still trying...
On July 7th, 1990 Brian moved to Los Angeles. The first year was so full of turmoil and disappointment that Brian thought many times of throwing in the towel. During this time, Brian met Howard Kazanjian, producer of such films as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. The two men became fast friends and Brian credits him for every success he has ever had. During this first year, Brian began to work in the office for his agent Leslie Kallen by reading scripts and performing office work. Brian received his first writing assignment with Leslie; for a buddy comedy called Apocalypse Cow. Brian would eventually become an agent for Leslie. She was the bright spot in an otherwise very scary period in Brian’s life and is the reason he is still with us today.
After a four-year stint with The Leslie Kallen Literary Agency, Brian moved on to head the literary department at the Helen Garrett Talent Agency. During his stint there, Brian met producer Luigi Cingolani and developed a production company together called Intrazone. Brian calls Luigi “the smartest and warmest human being” he has ever known.
During Intrazone’s five-year life span, Brian co-produced a feature film, SleepStalker, and designed two computer games, Speed Racer and Radical Rick: Day of the Brain Dead for LIVE Entertainment. The future looked very bright at LIVE for Brian... until the president of LIVE and his wife were shot to death by their two sons (you may remember the wacky Melendez Brothers) and the new regime at LIVE decided there was no future in computer games and cancelled our completed projects.
While with Intrazone, Brian met an astounding animator named Gene Mattos and they became fast friends. Unfortunately, the lines of friendship became blurred and the partnership that "Resident Evil borne" soon slipped into the shadows. Lesson learned: some people don't hold the word friendship as strongly as you might - try not to take it personally. In March of 2012, Brian was reunited with his friend through InLinked. We'll see how it goes...
The loss of this friendship, however, began a downward slide for Brian. In October of 1998, Intrazone folded because of what could be best described as a loss of interest. Luckily, days later, Brian found employment as a manager at the Burbank Toys ‘R’ Us. While working there, Brian was featured in the documentary Starwoids, which featured the midnight opening for the Star Wars: Episode One toys. During his two and a half years at Toys ‘R’ Us, Brian would meet some of the friends that he still holds as his closest.
On July 7th, 1990 Brian moved to Los Angeles. The first year was so full of turmoil and disappointment that Brian thought many times of throwing in the towel. During this time, Brian met Howard Kazanjian, producer of such films as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. The two men became fast friends and Brian credits him for every success he has ever had. During this first year, Brian began to work in the office for his agent Leslie Kallen by reading scripts and performing office work. Brian received his first writing assignment with Leslie; for a buddy comedy called Apocalypse Cow. Brian would eventually become an agent for Leslie. She was the bright spot in an otherwise very scary period in Brian’s life and is the reason he is still with us today.
After a four-year stint with The Leslie Kallen Literary Agency, Brian moved on to head the literary department at the Helen Garrett Talent Agency. During his stint there, Brian met producer Luigi Cingolani and developed a production company together called Intrazone. Brian calls Luigi “the smartest and warmest human being” he has ever known.
During Intrazone’s five-year life span, Brian co-produced a feature film, SleepStalker, and designed two computer games, Speed Racer and Radical Rick: Day of the Brain Dead for LIVE Entertainment. The future looked very bright at LIVE for Brian... until the president of LIVE and his wife were shot to death by their two sons (you may remember the wacky Melendez Brothers) and the new regime at LIVE decided there was no future in computer games and cancelled our completed projects.
While with Intrazone, Brian met an astounding animator named Gene Mattos and they became fast friends. Unfortunately, the lines of friendship became blurred and the partnership that "Resident Evil borne" soon slipped into the shadows. Lesson learned: some people don't hold the word friendship as strongly as you might - try not to take it personally. In March of 2012, Brian was reunited with his friend through InLinked. We'll see how it goes...
The loss of this friendship, however, began a downward slide for Brian. In October of 1998, Intrazone folded because of what could be best described as a loss of interest. Luckily, days later, Brian found employment as a manager at the Burbank Toys ‘R’ Us. While working there, Brian was featured in the documentary Starwoids, which featured the midnight opening for the Star Wars: Episode One toys. During his two and a half years at Toys ‘R’ Us, Brian would meet some of the friends that he still holds as his closest.
Brian 2000
In April of 2000, the new millennium ushered in an
opportunity for Brian to join a new production company. This new
venture gave Brian the opportunity to co-produce the cult werewolf
actioner Dog Soldiers, for which he received a Saturn award.
With Dog Soldiers, Brian was given the opportunity to travel
to film festivals and conventions, meeting people like himself;
hardcore horror film fans. In the time following Dog Soldiers,
Brian co-produced the romantic drama Neo Ned and the suspense
drama Mojave (now called Death Valley). Brian helped
create the company’s horror division Graveyard Filmworks. Under the
Graveyard Filmworks banner, Brian co-produced the SyFy Channel film
Boo and wrote and co-produced the cult monster movie Cemetery
Gates.
While with Graveyard Filmworks, Brian had the opportunity to work with his all-time favorite director George A. Romero and his new favorite director Guillermo del Toro on Romero's latest installment of the "Living Dead" series called Dead Reckoning. Although this collaboration would end unsuccessfully (the film was later picked up at Universal Studios under the title Land of the Dead) Brian had met a benchmark in his Hollywood career - and an amazing experience that will last a lifetime.
Click on the FILM PHOTOS tab at the top of the page to see pictures from all Brian's Films, or click on Brian with the Dog Soldiers werewolf.
After leaving Graveyard Filmworks in late 2004, Brian received the opportunity of a lifetime: writing the video game review column for Fangoria magazine.
While with Graveyard Filmworks, Brian had the opportunity to work with his all-time favorite director George A. Romero and his new favorite director Guillermo del Toro on Romero's latest installment of the "Living Dead" series called Dead Reckoning. Although this collaboration would end unsuccessfully (the film was later picked up at Universal Studios under the title Land of the Dead) Brian had met a benchmark in his Hollywood career - and an amazing experience that will last a lifetime.
Click on the FILM PHOTOS tab at the top of the page to see pictures from all Brian's Films, or click on Brian with the Dog Soldiers werewolf.
After leaving Graveyard Filmworks in late 2004, Brian received the opportunity of a lifetime: writing the video game review column for Fangoria magazine.
2000s
Between Kismet and his new gig at Black Gate Entertainment, Brian worked in the customer service department of GE Money's mortgage department. His title was GE Cons Fin, consultant. The position was completely out of his realm of expertise and comfort zone but with the help of some truly wonderful people like Carolee Bricker, Patricia Kohut, Maria Ruiz, Nicole Soto, Sarah Eidson-Horton and Sonja Torres he was actually training new hires within a few weeks. At the end, Brian was sad to leave these wonderful people. The timing turned out to be lucky for Brian as GE soon shipped the mortgage call center to India and the ugly head of the mortgage crisis was in full sight.
Post Graveyard FilmWorks and GE Money, Brian met Eric Peter-Kaiser, a young actor out of Vancouver who co-starred in the Disney sports film classic Miracle. Together, Brian and Peter-Kaiser created Black Gate Entertainment, a horror division of Eric’s parent company Island Gateway Films. In their first year, the two filmmakers produced the award-winning zombie film Evilution and the award-winning slasher opus Basement Jack. These two films were part of a planned trilogy of films. The third movie, The Necropolitan, was scheduled to go before the camera in early 2010 when the company closed abruptly. See the film Attack the Block. It is the closest example of what The Necropolitan was to be.
Post Graveyard FilmWorks and GE Money, Brian met Eric Peter-Kaiser, a young actor out of Vancouver who co-starred in the Disney sports film classic Miracle. Together, Brian and Peter-Kaiser created Black Gate Entertainment, a horror division of Eric’s parent company Island Gateway Films. In their first year, the two filmmakers produced the award-winning zombie film Evilution and the award-winning slasher opus Basement Jack. These two films were part of a planned trilogy of films. The third movie, The Necropolitan, was scheduled to go before the camera in early 2010 when the company closed abruptly. See the film Attack the Block. It is the closest example of what The Necropolitan was to be.
DISASTER FOLLOWED DISASTER FOLLOWED FASTER....
Finding himself suddenly unemployed, the darkest time in Brian's life began to cast its shadow
across everything and the very real possibility that he would have to
move back home to Chicago.
At this point, it is important to point out that we are nothing without our friends and family. Brian's friends stepped up and offered their love and support. Brian used to think that friends were just enemies too lazy to kill him but after this experience he realized that friends aren't the ones that you have known the longest but are the ones that came and never left his side.
At this point, it is important to point out that we are nothing without our friends and family. Brian's friends stepped up and offered their love and support. Brian used to think that friends were just enemies too lazy to kill him but after this experience he realized that friends aren't the ones that you have known the longest but are the ones that came and never left his side.
2010 - It Was the Best of Times... blah-blah-blah
In early 2010, Brian lost two important
figures in his life. One was his rabbit Bunny, a rescue. She was with Brian for eleven years
and never failed to surprise everyone who encountered this amazing animal with her spirit and attitude. True, she was
a drinker, and a tad racist, but Brian loved her more than anything.
The second death was a great loss to the world as well. Ronnie James Dio, lead singer of Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven & Hell, passed away from stomach cancer in May. His music was (and will always be) an inspiration to Brian. R.I.P. (Return If Possible)
In May of 2010, Brian was given the opportunity of a life time: a chance to adapt Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged for the silver screen. The experience was nothing less than life-changing as Brian found himself in the realm of heroes. And the word "looters" took on a whole new meaning.
The second death was a great loss to the world as well. Ronnie James Dio, lead singer of Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven & Hell, passed away from stomach cancer in May. His music was (and will always be) an inspiration to Brian. R.I.P. (Return If Possible)
In May of 2010, Brian was given the opportunity of a life time: a chance to adapt Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged for the silver screen. The experience was nothing less than life-changing as Brian found himself in the realm of heroes. And the word "looters" took on a whole new meaning.
2011 - Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain
Atlas Shrugged Part One was released in 299 theaters on April 15, 2011. By mid-May, Atlas Shrugged Part One would find itself the 49th highest grossing film of the 174 films released so far in 2011.
"The most wondrous thing during my whole Atlas Shrugged experience was the audiences. I had the opportunity to view the film seven times during its theatrical run and every single time the audiences applauded at the end - something unheard of in Hollywood-jaded Los Angeles. I recorded one experience and you can hear the audience applauds for a very long time. In fact, I shut the recorder off before the applauding ended. No critic can take those moments away from me or from the hundreds of people that came together to make the film."
The film came to home video on November 8, 2011 from 20th Century-Fox, debuting on the video sales charts at #16 in its first week of release and selling over 90,500 units by the end of its second week on the charts. In March, 2012 the film is scheduled to be available for streaming on Netflix.
Brian has written, with John Aglialoro, the second part of this proposed trilogy. They are currently awaiting financing to move ahead with the "Empire Strikes Back" of the Atlas Shrugged trilogy.
"The most wondrous thing during my whole Atlas Shrugged experience was the audiences. I had the opportunity to view the film seven times during its theatrical run and every single time the audiences applauded at the end - something unheard of in Hollywood-jaded Los Angeles. I recorded one experience and you can hear the audience applauds for a very long time. In fact, I shut the recorder off before the applauding ended. No critic can take those moments away from me or from the hundreds of people that came together to make the film."
The film came to home video on November 8, 2011 from 20th Century-Fox, debuting on the video sales charts at #16 in its first week of release and selling over 90,500 units by the end of its second week on the charts. In March, 2012 the film is scheduled to be available for streaming on Netflix.
Brian has written, with John Aglialoro, the second part of this proposed trilogy. They are currently awaiting financing to move ahead with the "Empire Strikes Back" of the Atlas Shrugged trilogy.
2012 - The Year of the Honey Badger (He Doesn't Care)
Just The Highlights, Please:
1. Finding out my apartment is marked for demolition.
2. Finding a new place to live. Living month-to-month.
3. The sequel to Atlas Shrugged - Part I
4. Entering the WGA.
5. Meeting Randall from the Honey Badger You Tube video.
6. Getting mugged and finding out who are your real friends.
7. The emergence of byte size television.
8. From the Book of Brianism - The Revelation According to Brian: "After years of chasing an anti-friend's promises, Brian realized that the reason this devil had a grip on him was that he allowed this spongy spirit to set the precedence of how people could treat Brian. So Brian took that power away. This devil continues to move the goal post to make his point but forgets that a half truth is still a whole lie. Brian continues his fight to make people understand that when no one knows the truth, it's easy to get away with lying."
9. From the Book of Brianism - The Visions of Brian: Brian came to Brian in a reflection and showed him the answer to the troublesome. Etched in stone above a chamber door glowed the words: "I thought you invaded my world and I was fighting to protect it. But I realized that I had entered your world. And I have the power to leave it. In truth, you can only loot my world. You can never create it." (It was a big door.).
10. Brian is reunited with three long lost friends this year: Wayne Young, Gene Mattos and Pedro DelCampo, who, until now, was declared "missing, presumed dead" by the Florida State Police. Sadly, the reunions were short-lived but at least there was closure.
1. Finding out my apartment is marked for demolition.
2. Finding a new place to live. Living month-to-month.
3. The sequel to Atlas Shrugged - Part I
4. Entering the WGA.
5. Meeting Randall from the Honey Badger You Tube video.
6. Getting mugged and finding out who are your real friends.
7. The emergence of byte size television.
8. From the Book of Brianism - The Revelation According to Brian: "After years of chasing an anti-friend's promises, Brian realized that the reason this devil had a grip on him was that he allowed this spongy spirit to set the precedence of how people could treat Brian. So Brian took that power away. This devil continues to move the goal post to make his point but forgets that a half truth is still a whole lie. Brian continues his fight to make people understand that when no one knows the truth, it's easy to get away with lying."
9. From the Book of Brianism - The Visions of Brian: Brian came to Brian in a reflection and showed him the answer to the troublesome. Etched in stone above a chamber door glowed the words: "I thought you invaded my world and I was fighting to protect it. But I realized that I had entered your world. And I have the power to leave it. In truth, you can only loot my world. You can never create it." (It was a big door.).
10. Brian is reunited with three long lost friends this year: Wayne Young, Gene Mattos and Pedro DelCampo, who, until now, was declared "missing, presumed dead" by the Florida State Police. Sadly, the reunions were short-lived but at least there was closure.
2013 - "Get Your Tips" because your luck has to change for the better this year!
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EVEN MORE ABOUT BRIAN
Since Brian will never have a write-up about himself in Tiger Beat magazine, even tho' he originated the Justin Bieber haircut, we thought we'd do the next best thing and give you more information about the BOT.
BRIAN'S FAVORITE THINGS
Favorite Fiction Books: I Am Legend by Richard Matheson & Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle
Favorite Non-Fiction Book: The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan
Favorite Authors: Edgar Allan Poe and Dr. Suess
Favorite Manga: Fake by Sanami Matoh
Favorite Movie: Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Favorite Rock Bands: Black Sabbath, Dio, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, King Diamond, Judas Priest
Favorite Song: Rainbow in the Dark by Dio
Favorite Christmas Song: Do You Hear What I Hear?
Favorite Old TV Show: Dark Shadows
Favorite New TV Show: The Walking Dead (Hey, revolving show runners - Less Yakking, More Hacking!)
Favorite TV Show that signals the apocalypse: Here Comes Honey Boo Boo!
Favorite Video Games: Resident Evil & Castlevania series
Favorite Concerts: DIO “Sacred Heart” Tour 1985 & Roger Waters' THE WALL tour 2011
Favorite Celebrities Brian Would Like to Meet: Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett and Lily Tomlin (Sadly, Phyllis Diller passed away in 2012)
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Scents: Pine & Night Jasmine
Favorite Food: Chicago Style Pepperoni Pizza
Favorite Cheese: Dubliner Irish Cheese
Favorite Cereal: Cap’n Crunch
Favorite Candy: Australian Black Licorice
Favorite Snack: Doritos Nacho Cheese
Favorite Drink: Coca-Cola
Favorite Restaurant: Shakey’s
Favorite Season: Autumn
Favorite Holiday: Halloween
Favorite YouTube Videos: Honey Badger - Narrated by Randall and Disclosure by Wrong Direction
Opening Credits of the Anime Based on the Manga Series "FAKE" (Everybody! Shake it, Buddy!)
Brian's Ten Favorite Films
- Dawn of the Dead (1978)
- The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
- Jaws (1975)
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977/1980)
- Phantasm (1979)
- Arthur (1981)
- The Omen/Damien:Omen II (1976/1978)
- Planet of the Apes series (1968-74)
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
- History of the World – Part I (1981)
Top Ten Other Movies to See to Be Brian’s
Friend
(besides the above)
- The Car (1977)
- The Exorcist (1973)
- Mommie Dearest (1981)
- Shock Waves (1977)
- Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
- Friday the 13th/Halloween
series (1978-1995)
- How To Train Your Dragon (2010)
- Alien/Aliens (1979/1985)
- Pink Floyd – The Wall (1980)
- Cardcaptor Sakura anime series