‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’ STAR KICKSTARTS UNLIKELY TEEN SUPERHERO SAGA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, C.A., March 12, 2018 – Austin Basis—known among The CW Television Network (CW) fans for his long-running portrayal of the ingenious and comical J.T. Forbes on all four seasons of the sci-fi drama ‘Beauty and the Beast’— is looking to raise funds for a personal project spotlighting and empowering characters that have been traditionally sidelined in the entertainment industry’s massive, growing universe of comic book heroes. As a Type 1 Diabetic since childhood, and celebrity ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Basis’ step into the realm of sci-fi adventure is deeply rooted in a real world passion.

KICKSTARTER VIDEO LETS FANS IN
In Basis’ revealing Kickstarter video pitch for The KINETIX – an original comic book series featuring a group of four unlikely students with disabilities-turned-superheroes who protect the world from evil – he sits alongside 9-year-old Jackson, a witty young friend who also shares Type 1 Diabetes. With actual KINETIX comic books and insulin pumps in hand, the two compare athletic prowess & good looks (Jackson wins here), talk about the action-packed series, and connect on the idea that “what makes us different, makes us special.” Thus is the main theme behind this new project for the actor/producer, who has been delicately crafting the anticipated saga with creative partners at Behind the Bag! Productions, Dave Maulbeck and Josh Taub.

Intertwined with Basis’ on-camera hang, is a professionally animated look, created solely by Maulbeck, showcasing what audiences can expect from the first four issues of The KINETIX, and perhaps what a TV show or web series could look like down the road.

Viewers will also get to meet ‘The Kinetix’ superheroes:

•Joules Joyner: a gymnast born without legs, she becomes DEADLIFT, with arms more powerful then a rocket engine!
•Bobby Byers: a jock with Type 1 Diabetes, his special insulin pump electrifies his body, turning him into the evil-fighting cyborg CYABETES (modeled after Basis).
•Rosario Richter: an Instagram model unable to hear or speak, she transforms into AFTERSHOCK with a Vibration Force that lets her soar circles around the sinister!
•Daryl Dennis: as an extremely talented artist with Autism, his full potential is unleashed as BRAINSTORM, giving him the ability to project anything he can imagine into the earthly realm!

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[ ‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’ STAR KICKSTARTS UNLIKELY TEEN SUPERHERO SAGA ]

Throughout Basis’ comic book series, all four KINETIX are secretly guided by guru/professor, Dr. Jamarcus Guttles, to transform their perceived weaknesses into their greatest strengths.

HEAD TO KICKSTART – DONATE & REAP THE REWARDS:
Help Basis, Maulbeck, and Taub finally tell a story that reaches beyond conventional stereotypes. Starting at $5.00 for a single comic (or $15.00 for all four) interested parties can select from up to NINE different donation tiers that include rewards such as autographs, meet-and-greets, gala invites, and the possibility of having actual comic book characters created in their likeness!

“I could not be more excited to finally get one of my most personal passion projects off the ground,” said Basis. “The three of us have been looking for a way to uncover the true empowerment that can even come with life’s most daunting challenges. Now, through this incredible team of young superheroes, we can share our vision with the world.”

Click the link below and head straight to ‘The KINETIX’ campaign on Kickstarter.

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About The KINETIX:
‘The KINETIX’ is a comic book series that tells the story of a group of unpopular students at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High (FDR High), who each suffer from a different disability. Under the secret guidance of their mysterious teacher, Dr. Jamarcus Guttles, they come to realize they have the power to unlock special, superhuman abilities laying dormant within their own DNA. This adolescent team of do-gooders spends much of the school week fighting against the hidden forces of evil, which threaten the existence of their high school, local community, and even the human race. Their new identities as real life heroes must be kept under wraps, as they face situations in the day-to-day life of regular high school students. Bullies, mean teachers, strict parents, and inter-dimensional villains alike, should beware the hidden powers of… The KINETIX!

About Behind The Bag!:
With a nod towards America’s favorite pastime, Behind the Bag! Productions was founded by Executive Producer and Mets fan, Austin Basis, in 2009, in order to create and release a series of passion projects. In 2014, Basis brought on creative partners, Dave Maulbeck and Josh Taub to co-write and produce a number of treatments and pilots for comedy series concepts ‘People’s Republic of Improv,’ ‘Dracula Goes to Camp,’ ‘Not Your Buddy,’ ‘The Bathroom Manager,’ and ‘It’s an Uncomfortable Life.’ The trio has had past successes in TV, film, and stage, with stints at networks, such as The CW and Fuse. The three friends and producers met and began writing and performing together in their early twenties at The New York Comedy Club in Manhattan.

About AUSTIN BASIS:
After graduating The Actors Studio Drama School, Austin became a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. He spent 3 years doing theatre, film, TV, improv and sketch comedy in New York before moving to Los Angeles. Austin has made a home at The CW with shows like “Beauty and the Beast”, “Life Unexpected”, and “Supernatural.” His other TV credits include: “Casual”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “How To Get Away With Murder”, “Lucifer”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, and “LAW & ORDER: Criminal Intent” among others. He can also be seen guest starring in an upcoming episode of “Scorpion” on CBS. Select film credits include: “J. Edgar”, “The Other End of the Line”, “My Sassy Girl”, “American Zombie”, “Boxboarders!”, “Re-Cut”, and “Dorian Blues.” Austin met Dave and Josh doing improv at the N.Y. Comedy Club in 2002. They went on to create and perform in a weekly improv and sketch comedy variety show called “Mmm… Comedy.” They’ve been writing and fighting for underdogs ever since! Austin is represented by Ramos Management and BUCHWALD.
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CONTACT:
Austin Basis
(917) 699-2971
Behind the Bag! Productions

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CW Talent and Diabetes Activist, Austin Basis, Pitches ‘The KINETIX’ Comic Books

URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1775089576/the-kinetix-a-superhero-team-of-students-with-disa