Announcing Atlas Shrugged Part 2 on Ayn Rand’s Birthday!

[Ed Hudgins]

Announcing Atlas Shrugged Part 2 on Ayn Rand’s Birthday!

John Aglialoro, the producer of Atlas Shrugged Part 1, has announced that the cameras will soon roll on Part 2 of the planned movie trilogy of Ayn Rand’s great novel. The film will be in theaters this fall!

And, as with the first movie, The Atlas Society will be heavily involved both in promoting the movie and spreading the Objectivist philosophy developed by Rand.

The announcement came on February 2, 2012, which would have been Rand’s 107th birthday! Harmon Kaslow, who produced Part 1 with Aglialoro, tells us the timing was no coincidence: “We have high aspirations for Part 2. We’ve looked carefully at Part 1 and taken time to analyze and reexamine everything from the script to the casting. John and I are committed to making a great Part 2 and excited about what lies ahead.”

Aglialoro made public that:

• The film is now fully financed;

• Principal photography will begin April 2012 in Los Angeles, Colorado, and New York;

• Emmy Award winner Duncan Scott, who worked with Rand to produce the English-subtitled version of the Italian film of her novel We the Living, will act as a screenplay consultant, joining The Atlas Society’s David Kelley in that task;

• Veteran TV producer Jeff Freilich will be coming on with Aglialoro and Kaslow to produce the picture;

• The theatrical release of the film will be October 2012;

• AtlasShruggedMovie.com website has been launched with “portals” to the Part 1 and Part 2 websites.

Part 2 will cover the second section of Rand’s still-bestselling 1957 novel, entitled “Either-Or.” Part 2 dramatizes the collapse of industrial America; its chilling parallels with the state of America today account in part for the novel’s continuing popularity.

Atlas Society Capital Movie Campaign

The Atlas Society actively promoted Part 1 by setting up preview screenings and premieres, dedicating a special section of its Web site to the film and book, offering video commentaries and webinars on the film and text commentaries on Rand’s prescience, running a “Myths About Ayn Rand” series, providing educational materials on Objectivism, and producing a special edition DVD that contains Atlas Society materials.

For Part 2 The Atlas Society intends to take promotion to a new level by raising $1 million to make certain that the impact of Atlas Shrugged cannot be missed in our culture and politics today.

Atlas Shrugged Themed Summer Seminar

As part of The Atlas Society’s promotion efforts, the theme of its annual Summer Seminar conference will be “Either-Or: Atlas Shrugged and the Future of Individualism.” It will focus on the philosophy and insights of the novel. This celebration of open Objectivism over three full days June 29-July 1, 2012 will take place in the elegant setting of the Renaissance Hotel, Washington, D.C.

The Summer Seminar brings together the community of scholars, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and artists who have made open Objectivism a central part of their life and thought.

This year producers John Aglialoro and Harmon Kaslow will offer a special update on Part 2. “We are eager to provide Seminar participants a battlefield report on the film,” says Aglialoro, a trustee of the Society.

[Reidy]

I hope they find a new Francisco. He was the worst thing about Part 1.

[GALTGULCH8]

I liked the casting for Francisco. I agree with many here the the characters of Owen Kellog and Hugh Ackston were hard to bear and were not recognizable to the men in Atlas Shrugged.

I am hoping for much more dialog!

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

Great news, Ed.

Thank you for posting that.

Michael

[Ed Hudgins]

Video teaser:

[Reidy]

Looks like they are marketing it as a political statement rather than as a story. That is not going to bring audiences in. Switching casts precludes the possibility of putting the trilogy on as a marathon or of recutting it into a single movie. It's their money.

[Selene]

Interview: ‘Atlas Shrugged’ producer/businessman John Aglialoro

Philadelphia Business Journal by Peter Key, Reporter

Date: Friday, February 10, 2012, 2:48pm EST

Peter Key Reporter - Philadelphia Business Journal

I wasn’t able to talk to John Aglialoro in time for my first article about ‘Atlas Shrugged Part 2’ this week, but did catch up with him later, so I thought I’d write up what he had to say.

The Haddonfield, N.J., businessman put up all of the money for ‘Atlas Shrugged Part 1’, which was about $12 million.

For Part 2, he’s putting up $5 million and raising another $20 million. Not all that money will go to the production of the second of the three films

Aglialoro plans to make out of Ayn Rand’s best-known novel. About $5 million will go for p-and-a, a movie-biz term that Aglialoro told me stands for print and advertising, and means marketing.

Aglialoro said he’s raising funds for the movie by selling debt rather than equity because equity sales are more restricted. His aim is to pay the lenders back 200 percent of their investment in the following manner: The revenue generated by the film will go to them until they get back 120 percent of their money; after that, half the revenue will go to them until they get the remaining 80 percent.

Despite the terms he gave them, Aglialoro said the investors didn’t fund the picture because they wanted a big financial return.

“These people love the fact that Atlas Shrugged is one of the largest epic novels that has never been made into a movie,” he said.

Aglialoro is the chairman and co-founder of UM Holdings, a private company that he owns with his wife, Joan Carter. He said it owns 51 percent of Cybex International , the publicly traded fitness-equipment manufacturer, up from the 49 percent figure listed on UM’s website. UM also has stakes in private companies and other public companies, but its other stakes in public companies are investing, not controlling stakes. Aglialoro said he didn’t think any of UM’s other public-company holdings were above the 5 percent level at which it would have to report them.

Although Aglialoro is the chairman and CEO of Cybex and it’s based in Medway, Mass., he said he spends most of his time in Haddonfield, where UM is based.

‘Atlas Shrugged Part 2’ will be shooting primarily in and around Los Angeles, with second units — I love using movie-industry terms — in Colorado and Manhattan.

Elia Cmiral, who composed the music for Part 1, will reprise that role for part two. Aglialoro said he was told by the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that Atlas Shrugged Part 1 was one of 75 movies on the eligibility list from which the five nominees for Best Original Score were selected.

“Even to get on that list shows that it was a respected movie,” he said.

Most of the respect came from Ayn Rand enthusiasts.

Members of IMDB.com, which is open to anyone, gave it an average score of 5.5 on a one-to-10 scale. On Rotten Tomatoes, film reviewers gave it an average score of 3.5 on the same scale, while Rotten Tomatoes users gave it a 3.8 on a one-to-five scale.

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/blog/peter-key/2012/02/interview-atlas-shrugged.html?page=all

[Dennis Hardin]

According to IMDB, Duke Sandefur (whose TV credits include Walker, Texas Ranger and Mortal Combat) will replace Brian Patrick O’Toole as the primary script writer for Atlas Shrugged Part 2. Television actor and director John Putch (Cougar Town, Ugly Betty) was previously named director, replacing Paul Johansson.

Based on his prior association with Sandefur, industry insiders speculate that martial arts star Chuck Norris will take over the role of John Galt. In a key scene that was not in the novel, Galt will wipe out an outlaw bureaucrat biker gang led by Wesley Mouch.

Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Kate Upton is not expected to play the role of Dagny Taggart (or any other role, for that matter).

[Dennis Hardin]

Atlas Shrugged Part 2 finally has its first cast member: Mel Fair, who plays Luke Stone.

So, you ask, who the blazes is Luke Stone? Search me. The only Luke in the novel is a Comet fireman, Luke Beal, “the sole survivor” of the Taggart Tunnel catastrophe in Colorado. (p. 621) So I guess that’s one clue that the new screenwriter, Duke Sandefur, is doing some significant reworking of the story line.

Probably not a good sign, but I will keep an open mind. I liked Part One, so I’m willing to cut the producers some slack..

Hopefully more information will be available soon. We still have no clue as to who will be playing Dagny or Rearden or Galt, and filming was supposed to start in April.

[syrakusos]

They are hiring.

WE'RE HIRING

The Atlas Shrugged Part II Marketing team has two immediate openings to fill. Come to work in the Gulch.

Check job openings

INSPIRED BY

Were you inspired by Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged? We're coming for you. Send your personal artwork, inspired by Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged, to inspiredby@atlasshruggedmovie.com for possible inclusion in the new Facebook "Inspired By" album.

Visit the new "Inspired By" Facebook album

ATLAS SHRUGGED PART 2

Pre-production for Part 2 is well underway with principal photography to begin in just a couple of weeks. We'll have some very exciting news to announce shortly. Stay tuned.

[Dennis Hardin]

The cast of Atlas Shrugged, Part Two, is finally beginning to take shape. Here are some of the latest cast members and their roles:

Lillian Rearden—Kim Rhodes.

Eddie Willers—Richard T. Jones

Kip Chalmers—Rex Linn

Wesley Mouch—Paul McCrane

James Taggart—Patrick Fabian

Dr. Floyd Ferris—John Rubinstein

Rhodes is an interesting (and much sexier) choice for Lillian Rearden.

If part deux features the affair between Lillian and James Taggart, it will be a challenge for the director to make the sex scenes come across as vapid as Rand depicted them in her novel.

Still no word on the casting for Galt, Rearden, Francisco or Dagny.

[Brant Gaede]

The cast of Atlas Shrugged, Part Two, is finally beginning to take shape. Here are some of the latest cast members and their roles:

Lillian Rearden—Kim Rhodes.

Eddie Willers—Richard T. Jones

Kip Chalmers—Rex Linn

Wesley Mouch—Paul McCrane

James Taggart—Patrick Fabian

Dr. Floyd Ferris—John Rubinstein

Rhodes is an interesting (and much sexier) choice for Lillian Rearden.

If part deux features the affair between Lillian and James Taggart, it will be a challenge for the director to make the sex scenes come across as vapid as Rand depicted them in her novel.

Still no word on the casting for Galt, Rearden, Francisco or Dagny.

By the time I--Hank--show her the door, she'll be a high mileage vehicle.

--Brant

theatrical improvisation

method acting

whatever

[Dennis Hardin]

Still no word on the casting for Galt, Rearden, Francisco or Dagny.

By the time I--Hank--show her the door, she'll be a high mileage vehicle.

--Brant

theatrical improvisation

method acting

whatever

Correction: The role of Hank Rearden will be played by Brant Gaede.

He wasn't the producers' first choice, but when he said he would do the part pro bono, it was an offer they couldn't refuse.

[caroljane]

Still no word on the casting for Galt, Rearden, Francisco or Dagny.

By the time I--Hank--show her the door, she'll be a high mileage vehicle.

--Brant

theatrical improvisation

method acting

whatever

Correction: The role of Hank Rearden will be played by Brant Gaede.

He wasn't the producers' first choice, but when he said he would do the part pro bono, it was an offer they couldn't refuse.

And there is only one rational choice for his leading lady, Angela X, whose acting experience is limited but is outweighed by her deep individualistic interpretation of the Dagny character. Also, she could probably get along with her leading man Brant which not everybody could do.

[caroljane]

Also, I nominate William Scherk for Francisco. OK he is a little old for the role, but the playboy lifestyle ages a man and rational viewers will get the symbolism. And he has acting experience and will work for free! And he makes up great.

Carol & assoc.

Agency

15% it's only right!

[caroljane]

But for Galt - the moral touchstone - who knows The Answer- who slinks around in a trench coate - who could possibly be found for such a role?

[Dennis Hardin]

Still no word on the casting for Galt, Rearden, Francisco or Dagny.

By the time I--Hank--show her the door, she'll be a high mileage vehicle.

--Brant

theatrical improvisation

method acting

whatever

Correction: The role of Hank Rearden will be played by Brant Gaede.

He wasn't the producers' first choice, but when he said he would do the part pro bono, it was an offer they couldn't refuse.

And there is only one rational choice for his leading lady, Angela X, whose acting experience is limited but is outweighed by her deep individualistic interpretation of the Dagny character. Also, she could probably get along with her leading man Brant which not everybody could do.

I'm not sure Dagny and Hank will be getting along all that well when she finds out how much time he's spending in Lillian's trailer.

[Brant Gaede]

Still no word on the casting for Galt, Rearden, Francisco or Dagny.

By the time I--Hank--show her the door, she'll be a high mileage vehicle.

--Brant

theatrical improvisation

method acting

whatever

Correction: The role of Hank Rearden will be played by Brant Gaede.

He wasn't the producers' first choice, but when he said he would do the part pro bono, it was an offer they couldn't refuse.

And there is only one rational choice for his leading lady, Angela X, whose acting experience is limited but is outweighed by her deep individualistic interpretation of the Dagny character. Also, she could probably get along with her leading man Brant which not everybody could do.

I'm not sure Dagny and Hank will be getting along all that well when she finds out how much time he's spending in Lillian's trailer.

"If the Trailer Is Rockin' Don't Come Knockin."

Seriously, I read the novel so I already know Dagny will dump me (and Frisco) for John. What would you do?

--Brant

Peter, never ask someone what would you do. How can you stand not to know?

first-hander, first

[caroljane]

Still no word on the casting for Galt, Rearden, Francisco or Dagny.

By the time I--Hank--show her the door, she'll be a high mileage vehicle.

--Brant

theatrical improvisation

method acting

whatever

Correction: The role of Hank Rearden will be played by Brant Gaede.

He wasn't the producers' first choice, but when he said he would do the part pro bono, it was an offer they couldn't refuse.

And there is only one rational choice for his leading lady, Angela X, whose acting experience is limited but is outweighed by her deep individualistic interpretation of the Dagny character. Also, she could probably get along with her leading man Brant which not everybody could do.

I'm not sure Dagny and Hank will be getting along all that well when she finds out how much time he's spending in Lillian's trailer.

Exactly, Doctor.

If that corporate trollop thinks she can get my husband away from Me, she had better stop thinking outside the box.

Lilian Rearden (Mrs.)

[Dennis Hardin]

I'm not sure Dagny and Hank will be getting along all that well when she finds out how much time he's spending in Lillian's trailer.

Exactly, Doctor.

If that corporate trollop thinks she can get my husband away from Me, she had better stop thinking outside the box.

Lilian Rearden (Mrs.)

Lillian, my dear, "thinking outside the box" was what got you and hubby in trouble in the first place.

Scene: The Rearden bedroom

Hank (passionately, looking down at Lillian): "OMIGOD! OMIGOD! Lil! You are so freakin' gorgeous! I can't hold back any longer!"

Lillian: "Pink! I think I want to redo the ceiling in pink."

[caroljane]

I'm not sure Dagny and Hank will be getting along all that well when she finds out how much time he's spending in Lillian's trailer.

Exactly, Doctor.

If that corporate trollop thinks she can get my husband away from Me, she had better stop thinking outside the box.

Lilian Rearden (Mrs.)

Lillian, my dear, "thinking outside the box" was what got you and hubby in trouble in the first place.

Scene: The Rearden bedroom

Hank (passionately, looking down at Lillian): "OMIGOD! OMIGOD! Lil! You are so freakin' gorgeous! I can't hold back any longer!"

Lillian: "Pink! I think I want to redo the ceiling in pink."

Oooh... you think I should have gone for that ugly metallic grey? Well, marriage is compromise... I really feel I am making progress here....

Gratefully, Lili

[Selene]

I'm not sure Dagny and Hank will be getting along all that well when she finds out how much time he's spending in Lillian's trailer.

Exactly, Doctor.

If that corporate trollop thinks she can get my husband away from Me, she had better stop thinking outside the box.

Lilian Rearden (Mrs.)

Lillian, my dear, "thinking outside the box" was what got you and hubby in trouble in the first place.

Scene: The Rearden bedroom

Hank (passionately, looking down at Lillian): "OMIGOD! OMIGOD! Lil! You are so freakin' gorgeous! I can't hold back any longer!"

Lillian: "Pink! I think I want to redo the ceiling in pink."

Oooh... you think I should have gone for that ugly metallic grey? Well, marriage is compromise... I really feel I am making progress here....

Gratefully, Lili

"Lillian, my little slut...I have a gift for you from the first pour of Rearden Metal!"

"Oh Hank darling, I love when you behave like the animal all you despicable money grubbing men are all so alike!" "Is it a diamond bracelet that I can clamp around my supple wrists?"

Well, sort of, let me surprise you...put this blindfold on, dearest..."

"Whatever you say you dirty pig..."

"OUCH WTF!!!!"

[caroljane]

I'm not sure Dagny and Hank will be getting along all that well when she finds out how much time he's spending in Lillian's trailer.

Exactly, Doctor.

If that corporate trollop thinks she can get my husband away from Me, she had better stop thinking outside the box.

Lilian Rearden (Mrs.)

Lillian, my dear, "thinking outside the box" was what got you and hubby in trouble in the first place.

Scene: The Rearden bedroom

Hank (passionately, looking down at Lillian): "OMIGOD! OMIGOD! Lil! You are so freakin' gorgeous! I can't hold back any longer!"

Lillian: "Pink! I think I want to redo the ceiling in pink."

Oooh... you think I should have gone for that ugly metallic grey? Well, marriage is compromise... I really feel I am making progress here....

Gratefully, Lili

"Lillian, my little slut...I have a gift for you from the first pour of Rearden Metal!"

"Oh Hank darling, I love when you behave like the animal all you despicable money grubbing men are all so alike!" "Is it a diamond bracelet that I can clamp around my supple wrists?"

Well, sort of, let me surprise you...put this blindfold on, dearest..."

"Whatever you say you dirty pig..."

"OUCH WTF!!!!"

Later...

Doctor? It's Lilian... about the session yesterday...well, if that is Cognitive Therapy I can only say, I can only say... same time next week?

[Dennis Hardin]

Lillian, my dear, "thinking outside the box" was what got you and hubby in trouble in the first place.

Scene: The Rearden bedroom

Hank (passionately, looking down at Lillian): "OMIGOD! OMIGOD! Lil! You are so freakin' gorgeous! I can't hold back any longer!"

Lillian: "Pink! I think I want to redo the ceiling in pink."

Oooh... you think I should have gone for that ugly metallic grey? Well, marriage is compromise... I really feel I am making progress here....

Gratefully, Lili

Mmmmmm. . . “compromise.”

Let's see. I pay for the house, the maid, the cook, your Mercedes and your Jaguar, your Pekinese, your caviar, your diamond jewelry, your bi-monthly trips to Paris with your hairdresser, your sequined dresses, your elaborate parties, your spa membership, your interior designer, your exterior designer, your masseur and your coiffeur.

In return, you lay still while I boink you once a month. And you promise not to call me Henry on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Sounds like true love to me, sweetie.

[Dennis Hardin]

Introducing the new Hank Rearden, Jason Beghe.

And Brian Patrick O'Toole is now officially back on board as a script writer.

IMDB