I'm an open minded prosthetist
with an interest in filmmaking and photography, and for many years now have
wanted to write a candid thesis on my experiences in the prosthetics industry.
Amputees In Hollywood
is a group of talented individuals with a limb loss who are
available for film roles when the part calls for someone who is an amputee. Many of my top friends here are part of Amputees In Hollywood.
Our mission is the realistic portrayal of the amputee in the media, and
amputees in amputee roles in movies and on television.
Secondly the authentic representation of prostheses, and the professionals who
provide prosthetic services.
If you have modeling or
acting experience or a strong desire and commitment to becoming a model or
actor please consider applying for free membership in our Group.
In
addition to my work as a board certified prosthetist and love of aviation (pilot) I have been a semi-professional photographer and filmmaker. My
work and flying has provided me with opportunities to shoot
thousands of photos, and produce numerous videos.
As a prosthetist I have been an advocate for the realistic portrayal of
amputees in the movies, and have been called upon to help in casting of
amputees for roles in independent films and television series.
In May of 2003 I was profiled by a prosthetics
industry publication (O&P Almanac) for my involvement in film projects:
Amputees In Hollywood helped in
casting amputees for the film
"In the Valley of Elah"
(DVD) with Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron & Susan Sarandon,
and in a Tom Hanks,
Julia Roberts film
"Charlie Wilson's War",
and asked to find an amputee body double for a Lindsay Lohan film "I Know Who Killed Me".
The appearance of the real Cherry Darling at Comic-con 2007.
Cherry Darling is the one of the main characters in the movie Planet Terror - on DVD - in which Rose McGowan plays a one-legged dancer with a
machine gun-leg prosthesis. With this project we have shown we can fill a special niche in the Cosplay
world.
My
work in filmmaking has included designing and managing a three level video/photography
studio at Otto Bock Orthopedic USA where I was the producer and director for numerous
educational videos, and advertising photos for print and publication.
I enjoy the art of filmmaking, editing, directing, producing, and would like to get involved in independent film/video productions here in
Minnesota, and would like to shoot spoofs relating to my work in prosthetics
(artificial limbs) - Anyone interested? - My e-mail address is:
AlPikeCP@aol.com
During the work week I am the lead prosthetist at one of four Department of Veterans Affairs Polytrauma
Centers for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and honored to be serving my fellow
veterans (USAF) and active duty military.
This follows 20 years with Otto Bock Orthopedic, my own private practice, and
President of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (1988-89). In 1998 I
was honored to receive the first Professional Achievement Award given by the
Amputee Coalition of America.
The NATFPS Project, an above the knee
prosthesis simulator being developed further with prosthetist Sarah Mahowald, CP.
Our design is different from simulators used in the past as it allows interchangeability of many of the knee/foot components available on the market today, and we hope to see our design used in physical therapy schools and
schools for prosthetists to give students a better understanding of prostheses for amputees. Similar devices were used by physical therapists during a conference on amputation rehabilitation for VA Polytrauma Centers and DOD MTFs.
In my videos section there are short examples of other videos I have produced.
I
welcome any questions you have, and please checkout my videos, pics, and blogs.
Who I'd like to meet:
I would like to meet filmmakers,
writers, directors, producers, and anyone in the entertainment industry.
Amputees, Prosthetists, Cosplayers, and people I would want to be my friends. I would like to meet all kinds of interesting people...... How about meeting
you?
Thank you for being our friend, supporting our wounded, veterans and for supporting our men and women still serving. Everyone is welcome to add us as a friend.
