Treatment for the motion picture The Mentor (C) 2001 All Rights Reserved

There are three things in life that are real: God, Human Nature and Laughter, the first two are beyond comprehension...some people must do what they can with the third! Our fact-based story begins with proof that dreams can come true despite the odds. In black and white, our opening scene begins with a blast from the past that divulges a tidbit of what will lie ahead in the life and career of Ken Peters (a.k.a. “Peter DeLorenzo”), as an aspiring comedian and Sydney Fitzberg (Mr. Joe Franklin as “The Mentor”) the man who inspires and assists him in achieving it.

Clifton, N.J. (1971) - Some thirteen odd years later, Kenny is encountering countless obstacles in his climb to stardom as a professional stand-up comic, working at a two bit job, attending college, and dealing with mishaps and meander, Kenny confronts Sydney (a stocky old hard nosed heckler) in his audience one evening, who uses his seat as his present stage.

Sydney becomes a re-occurring nightmare in Kenny's life by attending all his gigs and stalking him until a major clash results between the two.  A hysterical yet touching love/hate relationship develops, molding Kenny into the performer that Sydney never attained.

Kenny's career begins to prosper with the tutoring of Sydney and is interrupted by Kenny's psycho-bitch girlfriend, Maria ("Kimberly Hopkins"), that results in a rocky marriage. She does everything possible to throw animosity between her husband and Sydney.  The friction intensifies and through her jealousy and anxiety, Kenny and Sydney go their separate ways.  As time prevails, Kenny's life and career are drastically affected, resulting in heartbreak and devastation. He then divorces Maria and goes it alone, attempting to carry on his established career without Sydney.

In Sidney's absence, Kenny realizes the heart felt encouragement and wisdom that was imparted to him, and in Sydney’s absence he feels the emptiness in the years that follow.  Even though his career continues to flourish, he remains unfulfilled without Sydney.

Out of nowhere a dramatic change occurs when a new and beautiful woman enters into Kenny's life. She is warm and sincere and supportive.  A romantic and loving relationship develops between he and Jenny (“Miss Lisa Landino– Leading Lady”).  As Kenny's career soars to new horizons, he later conveys his memories and warm feelings of Sydney to Jenny.  One evening after making passionate love to her, Jenny is so moved that she encourages Kenny to look Sydney up and mend the past. Kenny is embarrassed to face him. Out of her love for Ken, she takes it upon herself to locate Sydney.

In a tear jerking scene Sydney empties all his inner feelings of hurt and anger to Jenny. However the meeting ends up in vain. Later that evening, Jenny tells Kenny of her meeting with Sydney. This results in a big blow out argument between them and Jenny departs into the rainy night in tears. Realizing he was wrong in his actions toward her, he is compelled to seek out Jenny's forgiveness. These two soul mates make up and Ken promises Jenny that he will meet with Sydney.

As he manages enough courage to come face to face with Sydney, he discovers that Sydney had seemed to disappear from the circuit. Rumor had it, that Sydney had suddenly become ill. Kenny then begins an intensive search for Sydney and eventually finds him living in an old run down apartment. Upon entering, Ken discovers that Sydney is not home and begins poking about only to find facts, clues and articles of Sydney's mysterious, tragic, but triumphant past. He is interrupted by the sounds of Sydney's return. Kenny emotionally exits out the fire escape without ever confronting Sydney. Lastly, the story line builds into a wonderfully dramatic and emotional climax.

This film is a delightful, romantic comedy-drama and love story all in one that will entertain as well as enlighten the viewer to a true insight and greater respect for the entertainment industry. It is informative as well as illuminating and conveys the behind the scenes, highs and lows, and sacrifices which an artist encounters in the world of show-biz and the life of an aspiring comic. It has a profound message; it is a film with substance and depth.

"The Mentor" Pronounces a way of Throwing Down a Gauntlet, A Movie at it's Best; A Bolt of Lightning Meant to Shake the Viewer out of there Habits and Complacency, Reminding them not only how Priceless the Arts ought to be... but life and love as well.

*Based on a true story of love, hope and determination

Any potential investors interested in the project please contact our office in order to set up a business meeting. In light of that we are all ready in full-blown Pre-Production and are planning a target date for production and shooting soon to be announced.