THE STEPS is a one-of-a-kind modern day noir thriller about Charlie Madison, a Hollywood P.I. who used to bug the houses of the stars before getting into hot water with the law and setting out to live under an assumed identity in small town, USA. Shot on location in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the web series depicts a tortured, recovering alcoholic who is desperately hoping that his dark past will stay behind him where he left it. But Charlie’s troubles have followed him to his new home, and they’re not going anywhere.
Winner!
2010 Indie Intertube Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama.
Winner!
2011 iThentic Golden Play Contest for July, Best Director.
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WHAT THEY’RE SAYING…
“It was only a matter of time before someone realized you don’t need anyone’s permission to make a good series. The Steps is the future.”
-Christopher McQuarrie, screenwriter (The Usual Suspects, Valkyrie)
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“… warrants equal praise for both its ambition and its execution. Slightly reminiscent (at least in tone) to The Big Lebowski on one end and A Simple Plan on the other … But what really got my attention was something very rare in a web series these days (especially those outside the comedy realm): the show itself didn’t suck … The acting ranges from capable to top-notch … And the writing (the voiceover and dialogue, in particular) is the show’s true star.”
-Todd Denis, jawbone.tv
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“Kussman has a face like a mean pit bull, and the character he plays in the series is just about as likeable on the surface. However, the accompanying vlog entries do a lot to make Charlie seem more sympathetic, such as a heartfelt musing at the end of the first vlog that he really does miss LA — making this an excellent reason to create auxiliary content for your web series. With only two full episodes and two vlog entries out so far, it’s hard to have a clear handle on where, exactly, The Steps is going. But a few intriguing twists have been dropped and the production values are definitely strong.”
-Liz Shannon Miller, NewTeeVee.com
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“The Steps is tight, compelling and mysterious. Dylan Kussman’s acting, writing and direction are electric. This show proves, once again, that the brightest artists are finding their way to the Web. Do not miss this one.”
-David Hayter, screenwriter (X-Men, Watchmen)
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“The setup is great, and the production of the opening installment, shot on location in Chattanooga, has a cool feel. I already like the world of The Steps, and I want to see more of Charlie. You can’t ask for more than that.”
-Brett Love, cliqueclack.com
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“Dylan Kussman’s The Steps promises to be a new entry into American neo-realist film, as well as film noir … The cast did very well. I was particularly impressed by Robert Bass, Whit Davies and Kim Jackson. Remember also that Dylan’s character, Charlie Madison (aka Ron Harlin), is not what he seems. However, the tone that Dylan has presented, dark and twisted, with black humor accents, remains the real thing.”
-Michael Crumb, The Pulse (Chattanooga free weekly)
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“Tonight The Steps will debut to a sold-out audience at what they are calling a “Device Party.” Guests are encouraged to bring out their laptops, smartphones and other internet devices to watch and share the show with peers. Sounds like a big virtual street team rally. The event will also live-stream on UStream tonight starting at 9:00 PM EST (6p PT). The marketing and promotion of the event is one of the most ambitious we’ve seen for an independent web series, using a number of traditional entertainment media buys and outlets to make a splash this week. Radio interviews, local TV crews, pre-roll on Hulu videos, even local bus wrap ads are in the mix. Can you name another web series that launched with bus ads?”
-Mark Hustvedt, tubefilter.tv
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“Shot on location in Chattanooga, Charlie’s world is immersive and kinetic from the opening frame without ever feeling like a blur. Kussman’s always aware that he’s got about 6 minutes an episode to get the viewers where they need to be and never wastes a second of it. He does a wonderful job of constantly roping viewers in through tension-filled camera shots and some voice over from the show’s main character … A voice over should always feel how it feels in The Steps: A completely optional treat that walks with the story without ever putting it in a head lock and suffocating it … And then there are the characters. Kussman’s performance as Charlie is a sneaky one. He’s never not likeable…but without much warning, he goes from becoming a guy with a lot of major problems to becoming a guy with a lot of major problems that starts feeling like he could use a hug. The other standout star happens to be Maria Sager who beautifully and gracefully gives life to Doris, another fellow (and much prettier) AAer that Charlie is more than a little fascinated with. Her acting style is breezy yet powerful and from the moment she hits the screen, she feels like the person you need to cheer and get behind–something that could easily come back to kick the viewer in the head with the next awaiting plot twist. Bottom line: This show is for people who still love and appreciate the tight writing, engaging characters, and solid storytelling that can come out of a very non-Hollywood budget.”
-Amanda Mack, backroominterviews.net
Jan 26, 2010
THE STEPS on Timesfreepress.com
THE STEPS on Chattanoogapulse.com (and scroll down)
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