FILMFACTS
PRODUCTION
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His Life Is A Special Effect...
Production
Go behind the scenes on the 1988 Comedy movie starring Mike Jittlov, Phillip Michael Thomas, Paige Moore, Richard Kaye
Deven Chierighino, Steve Brodie, John Massari, Gary Schwartz Update Cast
We believe the following info is all legit. If it's bogus or you have additional info, please update us.
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Over four years in the making, "WIZARD" actually had its genesis many years earlier. In 1969, while a UCLA student, Jittlov created "Speed" -a filmshort that followed a green-jacketed dynamo running and flying atsuper-speed over Los Angeles streets.
Thanks to Jeff Warner
Effects shots used early on in the film are actually taken from work Jittlov produced before making 'Wizard'.Thanks to Jeff Warner
The short film "Speed" was the basis for (or renamed into) another short known as "The Wizard of Speed and Time", shown at science fiction conventions in the mid 70's before the full length version was made. He also made a collage-animated rock video (5 years before MTV existed) called "Fashion-nation" using a Petula Clark song.Rewind Archive
By doing his own camerawork, artwork, editing and sound, Jittlov had discovered subliminal techniques, which when coupled with his superspeed cinematography would evoke amazing responses from audiences. "I found out why time-lapse animation has such a magical fascination on viewers and how to use movies to boost self-healing and intellect... for a few hours, anyway."Rewind Archive
Apparetly, the studio personel were all whimsically named after cigarette brands, "because they were always burning somebody".Rewind Archive
With a small crew and two cars, they filmed as they drove up to San Francisco and Northern California, then over to Nevada and Las Vegas. "It was crazy, we had no plans and no script. We were shooting in these heavy-union towns without permits, and I'm running down the street in a green robe with a smoking torch." recalled Jittlov.Thanks to Brian / Criswell Weatherman
The suitcase on wheels in this movie was no special effect. It was an actual suitcase custom-built by Customs By Eddie Paul in El Segundo, CA. This unique stunt vehicle was totally functional with a top speed of about 40mph.Criswell Weatherman adds: When Mike Jittlov says in the film that the suitcase does not have brakes, he is telling the truth. To slow or stop it, he had to run it against a wall or intentionally slam it into something. He still has the scars to prove it.
Next Section: Deleted Scenes
Deleted Scenes
There are often scenes cut from the final version of a movie. Sometimes these will have been seen by preview audiences, or be included in Blu-ray or DVD extras etc.
Shucks.. We don't know of any cut scenes from "The Wizard of Speed and Time". Can you help? Please add one for others to enjoy. It's quick & easy
Next Section: Alternate Versions
Alternate Versions
Sometimes, there will be several versions of a movie floating about on cable, tv or video etc. Other times, a Director may release a special cut of the movie on Blu-ray or DVD.
The following versions of The Wizard of Speed and Time are apparently real. If you disagree or have additional info, please update us.Thanks to Criswell Weatherman
The video I rented from my library as a kid had a scene with the real policemen going through the fake police car they found in place of their stolen real one. The female officer complains of all the garbage left inside while the male shows her that the car has cardboard license plates. The video I have now, as well as the version I downloaded both, for some reason, do not include this scene.Criswell Weatherman adds: The version of the Wizard of Speed and Time with the garbage in the trunk scene is known as the StarMaker version. It is about 5 minutes longer, has less music, fewer special effects, and adds some toilet humor lines that Richard Kaye wanted in, but that Mike Jittlov felt the movie did not need.
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1988 Mike Jittlov
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