Tag Archives: rexsikesmoviebeat

She’s Back: KATHY BYRNE SAG/Aftra PLUS 2 GUEST SPEAKERS at Mission 1 Billion May 13 LIVE!

Upcoming meeting information for May 13 below. BUT first a brief recap of our last meeting in April. We had a great presentation by Ezekiel Drews. He gave a detailed presentation about making his movies AND led a lively discussion Q & A afterwards. It was chock full of great tips and useful advice! He included a lot of information about piloting drones and FAA requirements too.

I’d like to thank him, those who braved the inclement weather that evening AND those who share these events and invite others to join us online in the FB group and live during our monthly event and networking meetings. Thanks everyone!

If you remember the storms that evening were fierce! BUT we all had a great time and I’m sorry if you missed it.

Active participation is wonderful and many are taking the initiative to help us grow into something incredible for ourselves, the state, and the charities we want to contribute to. It is good to get to know area filmmakers, actors, musicians and other talented creators. THANKS everyone for your support and participation!!

Any time you can help steer people to Mission 1 Billion you are helping filmmakers and us serve each other better.

OUR UPCOMING MEETING IS A SPECIAL 3 GUEST SPEAKER EVENT. on Wednesday May 13 at Schmidty’s Bar & Grill 16755 W. Lisbon Ave, Brookfield, WI 53005 at 7pm sharp!

Come early so we can begin on time. 6:30 doors ar open (enter under the white claw sign). Stay late networking and getting to know each other.

WE HAVE 3 GUEST SPEAKERS FOR WED MAY 13. It’s an interactive evening and members will be invited to participate.

OUR 1st SPEAKER IS KATHY BYRNE WHO RETURNS TO SHARE MORE. ABOUT HOW YOU CAN USE SAG ACTORS IN YOUR PROJECTS!

Many members wanted to attend her presentation last December but could not make it. SO we are bringing her back, but she will not only cover some of what she presented last time but will speak on something special. To know what that is you must attend live. It is free and open to public so invite you filmmaker and actor friends to come along union and nonunion.

Kathy Byrne has been the Director of TV/Theatrical for SAG-AFTRA Chicago since May, 2010.  In addition to running the TV/Theatrical Department, she also is the head of Agency Relations for the Chicago local.  This entails working with Franchised Agents in the Chicago market.

Kathy is a firm believer in outreach to both actors and filmmakers who are beginning their careers, or who have worked on several film projects without realizing how easy it is to work with SAG-AFTRA actors and contracts.

Kathy oversees TV/Theatrical contracts in 11 states in the Midwest (including WI).  

Prior to her position at SAG-AFTRA, Kathy was the Project Coordinator for Film and Television for the Chicago Film Office for nearly 20 years.  She also was the Program Coordinator for the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival for 3 years.  Kathy is a proud graduate of Illinois State University!

You’ll enjoy Kathy. She is a fount of knowledge and wisdom.

This is an important meeting regarding the business of making movies and content creation. One of the great benefits of working with SAG/Aftra and the other department unions is learning the business of how to spend money productively.

Show BUSINESS is first and foremost a business that creates entertainment product. The business world entrusts professionals who know how to wisely budget and spend investors’ money. Working with SAG is a fantastic way to gain that experience. You have a protocol to work and make work during your production.

Be creative and learn your skills as a filmmaker to wow your audiences and move them as you want to do with your project. AND learn the business of filmmaking so you can do it more often professionally while making money and building your reputation not only as a creative but as a savvy business filmmaker.

THIS is valuable to the filmmaker especially when so many do no or low budget projects in their spare time. Making a SAG project helps add your value to those who might hire you. It is all about experience, being a pro and knowing how to work within THE industry as well as outside of it. Some think it is too hard or they can’t do this, but remember diamonds are fashioned under pressure. The skills you gain are worth everything it takes to get there.

Kathy will speak on the benefits and opportunities we might not realize. JOIN US! Mark your calendar today and make it a point to be there Wed. Evening May 13. PLEASE BE ON TIME

BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE!!! Kathy Byrne is JUST one of our guest speakers for Wed. May 13. See Poster with Kathy on it below for details.

OUR 2nd GUEST SPEAKER is Leslie Ivarson, Actor, who has been acting since 1999 and a proud SAG-AFTRA member since 2006.  One of her goals is to bring more films to Wisconsin and inspire filmmakers to make union productions. She’s worked in television, radio, theatre and film. She’s a proud graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts LA. who splits her time between Milwaukee and LA.

Our 3rd Guest Speaker with Kathy and Leslie IS Rachel Harrison, a professional Stunt Performer, and has been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 2016. She is also a professional skydiver with almost 350 jumps.

Come on out May 13 and bring actor and filmmaker friends. Spread the word and JOIN US.

We’ll have more Mission 1 Billion (official website) project discussions, film events, speakers and class sessions coming up live and in person and will report on it here.

People connecting on projects and helping each other out is what we are all about. We endeavor to be a useful resource to you!

Also be sure to subscribe for free to Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat on spotify to listen to professional filmmakers share their expertise with you. More than 600 hours of pros telling us what to do and what not to do to be more successful. Click the link above to listen and subscribe.

Want to join Mission 1 Billion on Facebook OR SHARE IT WITH FRIENDS?

Use this QR code

OR USE THIS LINK https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18cUQaFSXL/

Request to join. BE SURE TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS if you want to be approved for membership.

PLUS YOU CAN SHARE BOTH WITH OTHERS SO THEY TOO CAN JOIN US.  Follow the sign in instructions and rules and become one of us.

It IS that simple! JOIN US!

June 10th Meeting Film Wisconsin CEO Veronica Pope Joins us and speaks on the new film office and the new Wisconsin Film Incentives. Be there to learn how this benefits all of us.

LINK TO ARTICLE from Los Angeles Tribune about Dan & Rex Heartspire & Mission 1 Billion vision, mission and action. What will we do and what can you do to help! Become a part of something wonderful and helpful to filmmakers and others.

See ya next blog!

Mission 1 Billion Speaker Meeting Live! Ezekiel Drews – Director, Writer, Actor, Producer Wed April 15 at 7pm

Ezekiel N. Drews is a filmmaker, storyteller, and relentless creative force behind Lucid Films, Ltd. Co.—a production company built on bold ideas, fast execution, and stories that hit hard and stick with you.

Drews burst onto the scene writing his first screenplay, Happy Birthday, in just 12 days—a raw, emotionally charged piece inspired in the middle of a global pandemic. That same intensity and drive now fuels a growing slate of projects that blend psychological tension, cinematic style, and real-world themes.

His work includes the gripping political thriller The Deep State, the actor-driven showcase Self-Tape, and the haunting, minimalist short Signal Noise. He is currently developing the highly anticipated short film The Visitor, continuing his push into darker, thought-provoking storytelling.

But beyond the screen, Drews represents something bigger—momentum. Vision. Execution. He’s not waiting for permission—he’s building, creating, and proving that with the right mindset, you can turn an idea into something real.

And if that wasn’t enough—he’s the founder of the Milwaukee Independent Film Awards, creating a movement that’s championing indie filmmakers and turning Milwaukee into a launchpad for the next wave of storytellers.

JOIN US WED. April 15 7pm (come early/stay late) Schmidty’s Bar & Grill 16755 W Lisbon Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005

Enter meeting through door beneath the White Claw sign. Image below

So, mark your calendar. Tell your friends and invite them to join us for this live, in-person event. Ezekiel will talk about making his movies and answer questions. Come and participate and network.

Wednesdays at Schmidty’s is pizza night. Purchase a large pizza and receive a free pitcher of beer or soda. Have fun and enjoy. Treat the wait staff well please and enjoy yourselves.

Dr Susan Kerns, Executive Director of Milwaukee Film held members captivated while discussing film festivals, distributing your movies and production at our March meeting. A wonderful evening for certain.

Use or Share QR code below to invite friends to join Mission 1 Billion! Please tell them, they MUST answer the questions to be considered for approval.

Mark Your Calendar Today! Commit to joining us! Share and invite others! See you April 15 7pm at Shcmidty’s 16755 W. Lisbon Road, Brookfield, WI 53005

Use QR code to apply for Official FB Group!  Plus here’s our website: missiononebillion.org

See ya there!

Actor, Story Teller, Media Visionary Rocky Wagonhurst Speaks at Mission 1 Billion Filmmaker Meeting October 22.

The meeting was a great success. We opened it to the public and everyone enjoyed Rocky’s talk and his suggestions on how to get a job in showbiz. We video taped it for Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat and we will make this talk available as soon as possible.

Recently I had Rocky as a guest on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat and the discussion we had is available on youtube and on spotify. Here are the links: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NHjuMiXWXw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zoiOvG8US1aiu5efAxNv6

PLUS Rocky and I appeared recently on Pete Schwaba’s wonderful show Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba. https://www.youtube.com/live/lhiiaLZldcQ

Rocky’s biographical material and promo for our recent event follows.

Rocky Wagonhurst’s five-decade journey through the world of media is nothing short of extraordinary. He began in the 1970s as a Universal Studios tour guide and went on to appear on The Young and the Restless, star in national commercials, and play Laertes in a five-hour production of Hamlet.

He was also directed by Steven Spielberg in Minority Report alongside Tom Cruise and once soared 10,000 feet above Lake Tahoe in a glider with actor Cliff Robertson. His career has spanned radio, stage, and screen, ultimately leading him behind the camera as a seasoned television executive.

Currently, Rocky serves as Vice President and General Manager of The CW and My24 stations in Milwaukee, bringing his lifelong passion for storytelling and media innovation to local broadcasting.

Rocky will be talking on many topics; film, acting, television, AI, a career in the business and he will answer your questions!

WHEN AND WHERE???

Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 7pm sharp. Schmidty’s Bar & Grill 16755 W. Lisbon Road, Brookfield, WI 53005at our monthly Mission 1 Billion: Official Creator Network meeting.

Enter the door under the White Claw sign

Come early and stay late so we could begin on time.. Share with your filmmaker and actor friends. Wednesday night Schmidty’s has a special on large pizzas. Get one for 20 bucks and get a free pitcher of soda or beer.

This meeting is open to the public and free. Share with your friends. Please be early so we can begin on time.

To learn about out vision and mission visit our website: Missiononebillion.org

We have an exclusive private facebook group Mission 1 Billion: Official Creator Network which is by invite only. Find us on FB and send Dan Brezgel of Rex Sikes a DM if you’d like to join the others in our group.

We’re setting calendar for the upcoming months Nov through June of 26. We have other speakers and projects and a lot going on so you do want to be a group member and stay in touch. We will announce within that group as soon as possible.

We also have Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat recordings coming soon of both Director Michael O Sajbel and Rocky Wagonhurst. Look for that too. You can subscribe to Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat blog right here to stay updated and to the Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Podcast on Spotify where there is over 600 hours of professional filmmakers sharing their expertise with you. Subscribe today!

You can find lots of inspirational videos and filmmaker content on Create Your Best Life With Rex on youtube. Subcribe, like, comment and share. https://www.youtube.com/@createyourbestlifewithRex too.

AGAIN, Come early so we can start on time. Stay Late. Order a pizza and get a free pitcher of soda or beer. JOIN US.

Spread the word to your talented filmmaker and actor friends.

Use this QR code to apply to join our FaceBook Group Mission 1 Billion: Official Creator Network

Help Each Other While Helping Others

As you may have read, we’ve been busy helping people help people.

If you read about the foundation we’ve created to help change lives then you know we are working to make a real difference in the everyday lives of everyday people.

Here’s s bit from the recent article I shared with you

“In a world flooded with content, what if every view, like, or share could actually change a life?

That’s the radical vision behind Heartspire Foundation and its global storytelling movement, Mission: 1 Billion—a movement turning cameras into compassion, and creative media into a financial engine for families navigating the hardest chapters of their lives.

But this isn’t just a campaign for awareness. It’s a fundraising force. And at the center of its launch is one of the most trusted names in child advocacy: Make-A-Wish.”

If you haven’t read the article you can read it here.

You can join us live online during the event Aug 16 by clicking the link in that article. So set the date on your calendar.

I invite you to go now and visit our website if you’d like to learn more about this important mission and how you can be involved.

MissionOneBillion.org

The world seems a turbulent place for so many and we’d like to help in ways we know we can and reach more and more people each day.

You’re invited to watch us OR to join us in this mission.

I’m excited by the difference we’re already making

AND how much more we can accomplish when good people act in unison and collaborate to do good and make things better for all.

We started with a big ambition and a small local event. We have more coming up and an important Make-A-Wish event August 16. 

It’s all growing. And the people joining us are excited and eager to be involved. Why? Because we are helping each other, collaborating together for each other WHILE helping others too.

So, read the article, visit our official website and decide how you will be a part of this global movement for positive change.