I remember years ago – I think it was early September, 2016 – when Drew Struzan first called me on the phone in response to a heartfelt letter I’d written him, asking if he’d participate in the documentary. “Hi Adam, this is Drew,” he said. His softspoken voice was instantly recognizable; I often compare it to that of filmmaker Werner Herzog, only without the German or the crazy. “Drew!” I exclaimed…then I froze, tongue-tied. “So is it ‘AM-zel’ or ‘am-ZELLE’?” he asked.

In late March, Robert Risko told me about an old documentary short film about Bette Midler that was posted on social media. Astonishingly, it included a short interview with Richard Amsel. The film is Bette Midler: Divine Intervention. The Amsel clip is only 30 seconds long, but I was flabbergasted when I saw it. Amsel briefly shares his experience in meeting Midler through Barry Manilow at the Continental Baths, and comments on how her stage persona was akin to the Hollywo

It was April 11, 2024, when I last saw my friends David Edward Byrd and his husband Jolino Beserra at their home in Los Angeles. They were moving to New Mexico the next day, after living in California since 1981. While I was happy to wish them off into the new chapter in their lives, the goodbye was obviously bittersweet. David, who had just celebrated his 83rd birthday, was in ailing health, and as we hugged, we both suspected it could be the last time we would ever see each

I’ve been very slow to comment here on Drew Struzan , who died October 13 th at the age of 78. I heard the news within hours of his passing, and it broke my heart. Rather than write another simple blog post, I opted to film a little video on my iphone a few weeks ago. But with work at school and other commitments, I didn’t get around to editing it until tonight. I rambled on quite a bit, and had to trim out some parts where my emotions got the better of me. My deepest sy

I’ve written in the past about 1980’s FLASH GORDON , which has grown hugely popular over the years, and whose poster remains one of...

Last Thursday, March 13th, I had the great pleasure of doing a Q&A about Richard Amsel's art for RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, following a...

I previously wrote about a current exhibit at The MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim, "Painted for the Pictures: The...

David Edward Byrd – artist, genius, advocate, and one of my dearest, most cherished friends – died yesterday. I can’t write much about it, or him, right now, as I’m still processing the loss, and absorbing the terrible feeling of being in a world that no longer has him in it. I learned the news from his husband Jolino, just a few minutes after David’s passing. I wanted to give Jolino the opportunity to announce it publicly before writing anything here. Now that I am, I’m fumb

The editing of the film is still coming along. I’m still looking to do a few more interviews in the coming months (at this point,...

I recently flew yet again to the east coast to film some interviews. Barring any surprises, this will very likely be my last major trip...

The very first interview I ever filmed for the documentary was with artist David Edward Byrd, and my first question to him was if he...

There are a number of updates this week that I wanted to share... SPRING MATCH CAMPAIGN: Own one of Richard Amsel's personal MAD MAX...

Hey guys, now that we’re approaching the end of March, I thought it’d be better to consolidate some recent updates and news... ...

Today would have been Clark Gable's 123rd birthday. Every time I think of him, several things cross my mind: his dashing Rhett Butler in...

I’ve often written about my dear friend, artist David Edward Byrd, and how integral his association with the documentary has been. He and...

With the tumultuous happenings in the entertainment industry this year, which personally affected yours truly, it's easy to want to...

For Immediate Release RICHARD AMSEL: THE ART OF ENTERTAINMENT to explore the life and work of celebrated illustrator Richard Amsel In...

I’ve often written about David Edward Byrd, and how integral his association with the documentary has been. David is a legendary...

On Saturday, September 9th, 2023, The Society of Illustrators inducted Richard Amsel posthumously into their Hall of Fame. The event...

I’ve been occasionally asked what was Richard Amsel’s last work before he died on November 13th, 1985. His last finished movie poster was...

For Immediate Release Filmmaker Adam McDaniel conducts video Q&A regarding AMSEL: ILLUSTRATOR OF THE LOST ART Documentary to Profile the...

With the release of INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY, I wanted to share a new promo featurette that has been a long, long time...

Many years of work and research have been poured into this project, long before I filmed my first interview with David Byrd in the summer...

As February comes to a close, I wanted to give you a little sneak peek of a clip from the film, focusing on Richard Amsel’s association...