Oscar Jarnicki is a Cincinnati businessman who has run nursing homes, rehab centers, hotels and hospitals. Now he's about to add "executive producer" to his resume with the expected premiere later this year of "Flying By," a movie based on a story he developed about a middle-aged businessman risking everything he’s earned to pursue his dream of being in a rock band.
The story has some autobiographical elements: Jarnicki, a University of Cincinnati graduate, is a member of the The Four Hubcaps, a band that has been playing oldies in the Cincinnati area for years. He molded some of his thoughts and ideas into a 10-page treatment that he shared with Jim Amatulli, a Cincinnatian who made his feature film debut in 2003 when he directed and produced a film called "Artworks." Amatulli turned Jarnicki's 10-page treatment into a 120-page script, named Jarnicki executive producer and then two headed to Hollywood to pitch the idea. They were able to pitch Billy Ray Cyrus, of "Achy Breaky Heart" fame, who liked the idea and has been cast in the leading role along with Heather Locklear, whose TV credits include "Spin City" and "Melrose Place."
"Fear can paralyze you and leave you in the dust," Jarnicki says. "But if you have an idea and believe in it, you can overcome that. You need vision and self-confidence." "Flying By" is currently in post-production and is due for release next year.
Writer: David Holthaus
Source: Carey Hoffman, University of Cincinnati
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