Las Vegas Gangster Chronicles

I was recruited some months back to consult on an IHeartradio podcast called The Gangster Chronicles. Eventually, I was asked to write a reality-based script and help edit other scripts.

I'm happy to report that I heard clips from the rough cut of the initial script reading. It is really something to hear multiple actors from The Sopranos voice the words in the scripts. It makes it all very real. Those guys are fabulous voice actors. Just fabulous.

I'm still scheduled to give one of the primary writers a Las Vegas tour in July, assuming he can free up the time, as he is editing several films and has a movie scheduled for fall/winter that he needs to be available for at any time. That movie is The Art Thief, based on the book. He was second director and had a cameo. That movie takes precedence over everything else, so I'm not certain he can make it in July, but we are scheduling as if he can.

I'll be reporting on the IHeart project as it unfolds. Initially, I thought we needed a dozen shows in the can before IHeart would give it all a go. But it looks as if they decided that once four shows are in the can, they'll trot it out, so probably winter at the latest.

 

Sounds like an interesting project.

What is the premise focus?

I assume it is how the crooks developed and ran sin city pre-corporate ownership?

 

No, Las Vegas is only tangential, not a main theme. The shows can include all gangsters, including the Irish and so on. The opening episodes cover some famous ground, however, and they focus on notorious events. There's no regional limit on where the stories take place. Philadelphia is a high-profile hotbed, so some will undoubtedly take place in and around Philadelphia. KewlJ should appreciate them.

I'm assuming the episode I primarily wrote will not be part of the opening four to be broadcast, as mine is kind of a niche, change-of-pace not nearly as serious as most of the other episodes. Mine would be considered more educational.

 

There is a great book, a fantastic book, about the mob and gambling in Atlantic City; "The Boardwalk Jungle" by investigative reporter Ovid Demaris, the guy who wrote a similar expose about sin city called "The Green Felt Jungle."

Gobs and gobs of juicy mafia bits in the book; lord, was EVERYBODY on the take in the Garden State?

Lots of info on how the Philly mob and AC; that Nicky Scarfo was quite the crook.

 

It sounds like The Gangster Chronicles is shaping up to be a really exciting project. I'm glad that you're involved and that you're enjoying the work.

I'm also excited to hear that multiple actors from The Sopranos are voicing the scripts. That's going to add a whole new level of authenticity to the show. I can't wait to hear it!

I'm sure the Las Vegas tour will be a lot of fun. I'm sure the primary writer will be able to find the time, even with his busy schedule. The Art Thief sounds like a great project and I'm sure he's excited to be involved.

I'm looking forward to hearing more about The Gangster Chronicles as it unfolds. I'm sure it's going to be a great success!