from April 20, 2010

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Director David J. Miller’s “for mature audiences” webisode series, “Assisted Living,” has reached a major milestone with the Tuesday airing of the show’s 40th episode and a Season 6 renewal by show sponsor KoldCast.tv.

“We’ve got something accomplished and we’re really proud. Even the really popular shows rarely ever reach that achievement,” Miller says.

“The content is on the racy side,” he adds, so it ranks just behind KoldCast,tv leaders “Blue Movies” and “Midwest Teen Sex Show,” making it “perfect for the internet and the male demographic that has embraced the show.

The 6-minute weekly show stars real-life stand-up comic Dustin White as an aspiring comedian whose befuddled life left him on his sister’s doorstep and in the company of a homeless man.

Since the September, 2008 premiere, White has experienced the highs and lows of getting back on his feet, becoming blacklisted from the stage and facing the challenges of his varied dating escapades.

In its sixth season, White breaks into acting and deals with some of the challenges that face professional comedians.

Dustin White stars in the racy webisode series

The 40th episode showcases White performing his stand-up on stage and meeting some sexy groupies. Just when they are about to go out and party after the show, White’s senior citizen girlfriend Marge shows up and puts a wrench in his plans.

To keep the storyline current and evolving, Miller writes 90% of the script for the performer rather than finding the perfect actor to fit the role.

Miller’s Mindlight Films and ViralFilmVideo.com produce the show. “Assisted Living” has featured more than 40 actors and comedians to date and is currently casting for Season 6.

“We really hope to continue to showcase what Chicago has to offer in terms of talent, both on camera and behind the scenes,” said Miller, who started off as a feature film writer, moving to the creative side.

Already included in the new line-up are White, Julia Copeland (“Wanted”), Jennifer Alexander, Amber Spontak, and stand-up comedians Robert Hines and Anthony Sarfino.

All Miller says about the budget is that it’s “undisclosed. I write for where we can afford to shoot” -- places like Mindlight’s 3,500-sq. ft. South Loop Studio, Red Bar Comedy Club at Ontourage, Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn.

DP Michael Forsythe shoots in HD this season and Lynette Schwanger edits.

The show has also been released on TiVo and Boxee. Early episodes will be eventually released on YouTube.

ViralFilmVideo is located 329 W. 18th St., phone is 773/562-3731. See www.ViralFilmvideo.com. Email dave@mindlight.com. —Chris Shogren-Thompson

Chris Shogren-Thompson is also a contributing writer for watchboom.com. Phone is 847/727-2680; Email Chris Shogren-Thompson

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