LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25, 2011 — While many of his contemporaries are content to talk about the past, Hollywood producer J. Herbert Klein, 90, remains focused on the present and future – with projects that include a high-concept film about Ronald Reagan and a television series he has dubbed "The World's Biggest Reality Show."
Klein shows no signs of slowing down; in fact, he has picked up the pace during the past two years – penning four books, collaborating on two screenplays, developing a television series, and producing a feature film.
"Our screenplay about Ronald Reagan shows this American icon as he's never been seen before," explains Klein, who knew Reagan personally. "We invite producers interested in collaborating on the project to contact us for more information."
Klein heads up International Film Arts, a production company based in Southern California that develops material for print and entertainment media. His books include two memoirs about his life as a Hollywood producer and a celebrated biography that focuses on Reagan's movie career. He is also the author of STARS OF TOMORROW, a fact- and photo-filled book about the past, present, and future of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks – a fraternal group Klein joined in 1951.
Klein is currently developing STARS OF TOMORROW: THE WORLD'S BIGGEST REALITY SHOW, a series that crosses GLEE with the X-FACTOR – and features talented high school students from across the country. Klein hopes to engage Elks lodges throughout the United States in the effort – matching lodges with high schools – to help the competitors gain support within their communities. Klein envisions local, statewide, and regional contests, with winners competing in a televised program judged by leading Hollywood celebrities.
Klein's experience with talent competitions goes back to 1968, when he produced the AMERICAN THEATRE AWARDS – a Hollywood gala that was the culmination of an Elks-sponsored dramatic arts contest in California colleges and universities. Winning actor Eric Server went on to enjoy a lengthy and successful career, appearing in nearly 100 episodes of top television programs.
Klein's body of work also includes producing DEATH OF A SCOUNDREL (1956) for Howard Hughes – which turned out to be the mogul's final film. Klein believes the movie demonstrated Hughes's desire to bring a positive message into the world. "Hughes responded to the script," Klein recalls, "because the scoundrel becomes a good guy in the end."
These days, Klein shows no signs of slowing down and has a full roster of activities planned for the coming year. "I've done many things in my life," Klein explains, "but I always believe the best is yet to come."
Klein's books have garnered 5-star reviews from Amazon readers and raves from Hollywood celebrities. His latest, STARS OF TOMORROW: B.P.O.E. PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE, is available at Amazon.com:
Contact Information:
Julie Johnson
International Film Arts
Email
310-607-4957
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