NEW JERSEY…HOLLYWOOD EAST
by eddie on Nov.19, 2009, under E
A few nights ago I ran into my actor friend, Joe Tornatore, who is here in Bayonne scouting out locations for his latest production “Spaghetti Park.” Joe’s main occupation these days is that of actor, director and producer, but in his long film career he has probably filled every position imaginable. Well…maybe with the exception of actress!
Tornatore is one of those faces you recognize, but can’t always put a name to. A short list of his tv work includes: Mission Impossible, The Bill Cosby Show, Mod Squad, Cannon, The Rockford Files, MASH and T. J. Hooker. Highlights of his film work are: Cleopatra Jones, The Sting, Planet of the Apes, The Champ and Marciano. As a director/producer his efforts include: Zebra Force, Grotesque, Demon Keeper, Curse of the Crystal Eye, Game Room, and most recently Immortally Yours. “Spaghetti Park” is scheduled to begin shooting in January of 2010 and is the latest in a long list of films that have been made here in New Jersey.
Most folks forget that the film industry began here in 1893. The first production studio, The Black Mariah, was constructed on the grounds of Thomas Edison’s laboratories in West Orange. Early silent film thrillers like “The Perils of Pauline” were shot on the palisades in Weehawken. Many of the large mansions that still exist on Boulevard East in Weehawken were once owned by the early stars of silent film. Bayonne has been the location for many tv shows and scores of works for the big screen. If you’re taking notes…let’s not forget the 2005 Tom Cruise blockbuster “War of the Worlds.” So all the best to my friend Joe Tornatore…you’ve come to the right place and you’re in good company!
November 23rd, 2009 on 1:06 am
Wow, I recognized Joe’s name but did not know all his past experience. Very talented man and can’t wait for Spaghetti Park to come out.