JET Progress

01/19/2026

"WHAT DANCE AM I?" WINS TRIPLE BIG!

NOT one but three international film festival awards were received for the JET Progress/Draqual Media production of the historically-based dance art film, WHAT DANCE AM I? yesterday: (1) BEST SHORT FILM DEBUT from Berlin Indie Awards; (2) BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE from Denver Movie Awards; and (3) BEST [POTENTIAL] WEB SERIES from the Dubai Indie Film Festival. Say what? A potential web series? Why not?! Screenplay written by that inimitable author and screenwriter, William Maltese.

With over 50 international film festival awards and and increasing, WHAT DANCE AM I? starring Daniel S. Janik, Sakura Kai and Pam Hoffman is revitalizing interest in keen amateur ballroom and Latin partner dance. Yes, you heard right: keen AMATEUR partner dance. There's been many excellent films about professional dancers, but few about the majority of dancers in the world: amateur dancers. WHAT DANCE AM I? explores some impacts of keen amateur partner dancing on, well, interested amateurs. And what a surprise to learn that multi-award-winning actor Daniel S. Janik and multi-award-winning actress Sakura Kai are, in fact, a 20+ years keen amateur dance couple participating in social, performance and competitive International-style ballroom and Latin dance.

The work was filmed as if the leads were true keen amateurs not only in dance but filmmaking, also, making the BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM an apt, common award. The dance sequences, recorded at different events, were under the supervision and coaching of world famous dancer, coach and adjudicator, Mr. Albert Franz. The film is still in screening and available to view internationally for FREE at:

https://youtu.be/Jh_zQGk02yI

? .Janik

JET Progress | Draqual Media's dramatic dance art film, WHAT DANCE AM I? - Starring multi-award-winning actor Daniel S. Janik as Trent Farow, and multii-awar...

01/12/2026

“WHAT DANCE AM I?” WINS FOUR MORE HONORABLE MENTIONS FROM BLUE BIRD FILM FESTIVAL!

IT’S clearly been an honorable weekend, what with JET Progress/Draqual Media’s newest released film, WHAT DANCE AM I? winning four more Honorable Mentions at the Blue Bird Film Festival to add to the eight Indian Movie Awards from yesterday, making it a whopping 12 awards: That covers BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT; BEST DRAMA SHORT; BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM; BEST INSPIRATIONAL FILM; BEST EDUCATIONAL FILM; BEST HISTORICAL FILM; BEST WEB AND NEW MEDIA as well as BEST SHORT SCRIPT. As of this moment, WHAT DANCE AM I? has won 52 awards at 17 international film festivals.

WHAT DANCE AM I? stars Daniel S. Janik and Sakura Kai with Pam Hoffman as narrator. Based loosely on the actual keen amateur partner-dance life of the lead actor and actress, WHAT DANCE AM I? is a reflective short film that follows two restless individuals searching for identity through movement. As they drift through contrasting environments and styles of dance, each reveals a different answer to who they might be—confident, vulnerable, defiant, lost or satisfied. By the end, the film suggests that identity isn’t found in any single dance, but in embracing the fluidity of becoming. William Maltese, screenwriter. Albert Franz, choreographer and dance director. Zachary M. Oliver, musical director.

An experimental film in several ways, WHAT DANCE AM I? is best considered an art film that proves that experimentation in style and presentation are still appreciated in filmmaking. https://youtu.be/Jh_zQGk02yI.

? .Janik .Oliver

JET Progress | Draqual Media's dramatic dance art film, WHAT DANCE AM I? - Starring multi-award-winning actor Daniel S. Janik as Trent Farow, and multii-awar...

01/10/2026

“WHAT DANCE AM I?” WINS 8 HONORABLE MENTIONS FROM INDIAN FILM AWARDS

TO begin with, WHAT DANCE AM I? is probably the most unusual of the JET Progress Productions films so far. Created by mult-award-winning screenwriter William Maltese to celebrate keen amateur partner dance rather than professional dance, the short was envisioned as a historically-based drama based on the dancer-lives of actor Daniel S. Janik and actress Sakura Kai [appearing together in STATIC (2021); WINNOWING; OTOSOTU (On The Other Side Of The Universe); AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE; MOCOS the Miniseries; WHAT DANCE AM I?]. Both are, in fact, amateur ballroom and Latin dancers who have competed successfully internationally. What is most unusual about the film is that it is filmed as if it were being self-filmed by the dancers – “amateur-amateur” so to speak – with intervening clips from some of their actual amateur performances and competitions.

“It was a unique filming challenge, so subtile as to come across as being amateur, that not every viewer caught it,” says director Daniel S. Janik. Some, however, like Kollywood International Film Festival, Tamizhagam International Film Festival, South Cinematographic Academy Film & Arts, Gully International Film Festival, London Women’s Film Festival, Sittannavasal Film Festival, Nawada International Film Festival, Austin International Art Festival, MEI International Film Festival, Indian Diversity International FilmFare Awards, Hong Kong Indie Film Festival, Cleveland Arthouse Film Awards, Brooklyn International Short Awards, Cinema World Fest Awards and now Indian Movie Awards “got it,” the Indian Movie Awards specifically tapping it for BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM (HM); BEST INSPIRATIONAL FILM (HM); BEST DRAMA SHORT (HM); BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM (HM); BEST HISTORICAL FILM (HM); BEST WEB AND NEW MEDIA (HM); BEST EDUCATIONAL FILM (HM) and BEST SHORT SCRIPT (HM). Sp

“Special thanks to Supporting Voice Actress Pam Hoffman, Dance Consultant and Director Albert Franz and Musical Director Zachary M. Oliver. Our next film, MEDIUM OF DEATH, currently in filming, is written by screenwriter Richard Rose, who is also the associate producer, and stars Daniel S. Janik, Sakura Kai, Nickoma Ing and Shane Chisum. Anticipated release mid-2026.

? .Janik

01/06/2026

JET PROGRESS PRODUCTIONS HAS NEW LOGO

JET Progress Productions, one of five divisions of JET Progress LLC, now has a new logo distinguishing it as the central division, the others being JET Progress Store, JET Cinema, JET Publications and JET Distribution. JET Progress Productions produces award-winning short, featurette and feature films. The JET Progress Store offers DVDs and BluRays of JET Progress productions as well as collectable, giftable props. JET Cinema is the place to stream JET Progress productions in your home anywhere in the world. JET Publications produces JET Progress and other noteworthy “ScreenPlay Novels” in written, digital and in some cases audio formats for interested readers. JET Distribution wholesales our products to distributors and retailers worldwide.

.Janik LLC Progress

01/04/2026

EVIL ABOUNDS IN MEDIUM OF DEATH

As the director and actor Daniel S. Janik, I’m pleased to announce the completion of the second fourth of the Hawaii-based JET Progress film MEDIUM OF DEATH, the medium Oniko Oslow (played by Nickoma Ing) and her servant Sandor Reeves (played by Daniel S. Janik) sequence of scenes – https://youtu.be/qnnVHucbd-Y. Directed and filmed by Setsuko Tsuchiya (aka celebrated actress Sakura Kai), the sequence from the screenplay of the same name by renown screenwriter Richard Rose, focuses on the occult and it’s many veiled faces. Is this a drama, suspense or mystery about a medium, Oniko Oslow, or is there lurking beneath her premonitions retribution, revenge or evil? Does anyone know for sure? Does Oniko herself know?

Actress Nickoma Ing is known for her roles in films like FINDING KATE HAWAII; PLANKENSTEIN; BATTLESHIP; SOUL SURFER; RIP GIRL; BEAST MASTER and the theater (Wizard of Oz; He Said She Said; Princess Bride; Dickie; One Act Play) and is a popular Polynesian dancer. “Her wide acting range made her the perfect actress for the role of Oniko, easily the most complex character in the film,” says Janik. “Acting with her in FINDING KATE HAWAII and MEDIUM OF DEATH has proven to be one of the highlights of my acting career.”

Actor Daniel S. Janik plays both Dr. John Landa, innocent, even naive victim of Oniko’s evil, and Sandor Reeves, longstanding chauffeur and servant of Oniko. Janik has appeared in films like STATIC 2021; THE MALTESE COLLECTION; FINDING KATE HAWAII; WINNOWING; OTOSOTU (On The Other Side Of The Universe); AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE; MOCOS the Miniseries and WHAT DANCE AM I and is a recipient of 13 International Best Actor Awards.

.Janik

12/30/2025

WELCOME ACTRESS NICKOMA ING!

AS filming on the JET Progress Production of MEDIUM OF DEATH proceeds, it is my pleasure as director to welcome actress Nickoma Ing to the cast in the starring role of Oniko Oslow, an insidious medium with diabolical power, seeking revenge for the murder of her husband. At least, that’s what it seems. But only Oniko knows the whole truth, and she’s ready to act on it.

Nickoma Ing hails from films (FINDING KATE HAWAII, PLANKENSTEIN; BATTLESHIP; SOUL SURFER; RIP GIRL; BEAST MASTER) and theater (Wizard of Oz; He Said She Said; Princess Bride; Dickie; One Act Play) and is a popular Polynesian dancer.

MEDIUM OF DEATH is JET Progress Productions’ largest and most complex film so far. A collaboration between screenwriter/associate producer Richard Rose and JET Progress, it stars Nickoma Ing as medium Oniko Oslow, Shane Chisum as ex-con Arthur Stroud, Daniel S. Janik in a three-part role as Dr. John Landa, butler Sandor Reeves and voice of murdered Victor Oslow, and Sakura Kai as Kaya Landa, Japanese spiritualist and husband of Dr. Landa.

Please welcome Nickoma Ing along with the entire cast and crew of MEDIUM OF DEATH at JET Progress Productions.

.Janik

12/24/2025

WELCOME ACTRESS NICKOMA ING!

AS filming on the JET Progress Production of MEDIUM OF DEATH proceeds, it is my pleasure as director to welcome actress Nickoma Ing to the cast in the starring role of Oniko Oslow, an insidious medium with diabolical power, seeking revenge for the murder of her husband. At least, that’s what it seems. But only Oniko knows the whole truth, and she’s ready to act on it.

Nickoma Ing hails from films (FINDING KATE HAWAII, PLANKENSTEIN; BATTLESHIP; SOUL SURFER; RIP GIRL; BEAST MASTER) and theater (Wizard of Oz; He Said She Said; Princess Bride; Dickie; One Act Play) and is a popular Polynesian dancer.

MEDIUM OF DEATH is JET Progress Productions’ largest and most complex film so far. A collaboration between screenwriter/associate producer Richard Rose and JET Progress, it stars Nickoma Ing as medium Oniko Oslow, Shane Chisum as ex-con Arthur Stroud, Daniel S. Janik in a three-part role as Dr. John Landa, butler Sandor Reeves and voice of murdered Victor Oslow, and Sakura Kai as Kaya Landa, Japanese spiritualist and husband of Dr. Landa.

Please welcome Nickoma Ing along with the entire cast and crew of MEDIUM OF DEATH at JET Progress Productions.

, .Janik

12/18/2025

WELCOME WANDA JULIAN, JET PROGRESS DISTRIBUTION REP

RECENTLY, JET Progress took on a Publicist. Now the small, independent, Hawaii-based, multi-media production company, home of the mult-award-winning films WINNOWING, OTOSOTU (On The Other Side Of The Universe), AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE and WHAT DANCE AM I? has added a product distribution representative, completing the “magic circle” from concept through distribution.

Currently JET Progress Productions is seeking a film sponsor, product placements and secondary sponsors for MEDIUM OF DEATH, a dramatic occult mystery film based on an original screenplay by Richard Rose, and AKIRA MENDEZ, a dramatic western film based on an original screenplay by William Maltese. At the same time, our distribution representative is actively seeking non-exclusive USA film distribution contracts for all or any of the above. Contact [email protected].

MEDIUM OF DEATH is currently in production (filming) with an anticipated release in mid-2026. AKIRA MENDEZ is currently in pre-production with an anticipated release in late-2026 to early-2027.

https://i.postimg.cc/sXKDZVKL/JETProgress-MLogo.png

?

11/30/2025

FIRST SEGMENT OF “MEDIUM OF DEATH” FILMED

I have to say that our current JET Progress film in production, MEDIUM OF DEATH, is more complex and challenging than any of our previous films, mainly due to lots of scene settings and props [where’s the “scripty” or “continuity person” when you need one? – see Sakura Kai’s Actress Life YouTube Channel ( #22 “Scripty, Please!” – https://youtu.be/eQMFWUdZ85w]. So, currently, filming is divided into four parts: (1) Inside the home of ex-con Arthur Stroud, played by the incomparable Shane Chisum – STATIC (2021); FINDING KATE HAWAII; PLANKENSTEIN]. (2) Inside the home of occult medium Oniko Oslow to be played by the equally incomparable Nickoma Ing – FINDING KATE HAWAII and her dark servant Sandor Reeves played by Daniel S. Janik. (3) a variety of off-studio scenes involving multi-award-winning John and Kaya Landa (played by Daniel S. Janik and Sakura Kai, collectively STATIC (2021); THE MALTESE COLLECTION; THE PERFECT ILLUSION; WINNOWING; OTOSOTU (On The Other Side Of The Universe); MOCOS the Miniseries; AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE; WHAT DANCE AM I?. (4) the Introduction, Conclusion and credit.

Having just finished filming the first of four parts, rehearsals for the second part are scheduled to begin within the next 14 days. Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Shane. A Behind-The-Scenes (BTS) vignette of the filming is now available at

https://youtu.be/fyJ19P5sJ4k?si=XEPVZPtxjBdFP1SU

With filming of the second part only weeks away, JET Progress Publicist Wanda Julian is actively signing up brands to introduce the film, have a product placement, and have supporting Brand Logos appear in credits. Enjoy following the filming of MEDIUM OF DEATH at https://www.danielsjanik.com/medium-of-death.php.

.Janik

11/26/2025

JET PROGRESS HAS A PUBLICIST

TODAY is a day of celebration for JET Progress LLC (divisions include JET Progress Productions, JET Progress Publications, JET Progress Store and JET Progress Cinema) with outstanding freelance publicist Wanda Julian, officially joining the JET Progress family. Ms. Julian will be providing publicity, marketing and distribution starting…today!

Wanda Julian – https://www.facebook.com/Wanda4131 and “Countessa’s Court Magazine” (https://issuu.com/contessas-court) - will be featuring the films of JET Progress Productions, including inside information on the studio’s award-winning lead actor Daniel S. Janik, lead actress Sakura Kai, supporting actor William Maltese, supporting actress Pam Hoffman, additional stars and actor/actresses, as well as principal screenwriters William Maltese and Richard Rose and production crew. Included will be links to behind-the-scenes vignettes about the making of various JET Progress Productions.

Ms. Julian will be the point-of-contact for product placements for multi-award-winning existing and upcoming JET Progress films like CLEAN WATER, COMMON GROUND; WINNOWING; OTOSOTU (On The Other Side Of The Universe); AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE; WHAT DANCE AM I?; MEDIUM OF DEATH; and AKURA MENDEZ.

https://issuu.com/contessas-court/docs/women_in_business_may_2023

.Janik ?

Happy Mother's Day!

11/19/2025

TOUCHING IMMORTALITY

I’M often asked, “Why movies?” The answer is both forward simple and behind most complex.

Regarding the former, we all die, the sense of impending demise increasing at the same time age desires most fervently the opportunity for more life experiences. Movies are one of several pathways to a kind of multi-dimensional immortality. Normal photography and painting both offer a two-dimensional afterlife. Shadowboxing, sculpture, stereography and holography posit a three-dimensional eternity. But most like our current physical life and most compatible with four+ dimensional Superstring Theory, is an art form whose fourth dimension is time. In graphic terms, movement, in visual art terms, videography, film or movies. This 4+ dimensional form often called the 7th art form, whether “real” or “abstract” offers perpetuity in perhaps the most accurate form currently possible.

But as mentioned above, the answer is also quite complex, depending as it does on technology. In 2-D photography, it depends on evolution of the photo camera. The same for 3, 4 and 4+ art forms, namely involving materials and camera evolution. And yet, there is a last element, what I like to call “illusion.” Life is more than biological science or the humanities. I includes intangibles like reaching out spiritually, and the ability to invoke empathy. Still, in answer to the question, “Why movies?” I would offer this concise answer, “To live forever.”

#2-D #3-D #4-D .Janik JETProgress

11/13/2025

CHEAT! CHEAT!

IF you’re a cinophile, you know that means JET Progress Productions is about to start filming our newest film, MEDIUM OF DEATH, which means we’re deep into cheating, namely using all our resources where necessary to make something appear or sound more authentic than we can do in the studio or onsite. The “Big Cheat” in film is the “screen kiss:” using camera angles to make a “no lips touching ‘kiss'” look like a passionate “real one” (see https://youtu.be/0LhwOHy4zi8 and https://youtu.be/_WXXVF1CXjo).

But in all honesty, cheating is ever present and ongoing throughout filming. Making it look like that green screen studio shot is actually in outer space; making the stationary studio half-car is being driven on an icy road in Alaska; making a brightly lit studio shot look like it’s midnight; making a prop “gun” appear as if its muzzle is flashing and the gunshots banging; making it rain where it isn’t; making two actors appear to be are talking to each other when they’re each being filmed in different locations across the world. You name it, it’s all called “cheating” and as Daniel S. Janik, Director of MEDIUM OF DEATH, I’ve already got my safety pins, duck tape, flashlight and other appurtenances tucked away in my director’s vest, ready to use as needed.

https://i.postimg.cc/dt3S4n96/AWAVKiss-Med.png

.Janik