Wise Up Productions

09/25/2025

Martial Arts in Montgomery. Master Richard Yu, 1975

In the 1970s, Master Richard Yu emerged as a prominent martial arts instructor in Montgomery, Alabama. A dedicated practitioner and teacher, Master Yu introduced traditional Martial Arts to the local community, fostering discipline, confidence, and respect among his students.

His facility was established on Fairview Avenue at Court Street, directly across from the old Sears building (now long since demolished) This location became a cornerstone for martial arts instruction in the Montgomery area.

Master Yu relocated to a larger facility at 3641 Debby Drive in the LeCroy Shopping Center. This location served as a training establishment, which brought techniques of traditional martial arts to generations of students in Montgomery.

Master Yu’s legacy remains an important chapter in Montgomery's martial arts history.

09/24/2025

09/22/2025

Tim Truman is an acclaimed composer whose music shaped the sonic landscape of Miami Vice's final season, taking over scoring duties from Jan Hammer in Season 5. Truman didn’t just score the background, he left his mark with original songs that became anthems of the series.

His track “Everything Inside of Me” (from the episode Redemption in Blood), which he also performed, was originally a stand-in for a John Mellencamp song that couldn't be licensed. However, its powerful reception led to Truman being invited to create two additional full-length songs: “No Way Out”, and “Help Me Through the Night”

Following Miami Vice, Truman became a sought-after composer in television, contributing evocative scores to numerous TV films and serving as lead composer on popular series including Melrose Place, Providence, Jeremiah, and Charmed.

From gritty crime drama to emotional storytelling, Tim Truman’s music continues to elevate and define the television experience.

09/22/2025

A TAMPA LEGEND, FOREVER ENTOMB-ED IN OUR HEARTS! 🖤⚰️

Saturday afternoons in Tampa were something special! A little spooky, funny, and completely unforgettable, thanks to one man: Dick Bennick, the genius behind the ghoulishly great Dr. Paul Bearer.

Premiering in 1973 on Channel 44, Dr. Paul Bearer quickly became a beloved fixture of Tampa television. With his glass eye, lopsided grin, and hilariously halting voice, he turned horror hosting into an art form. Who could forget those groan-worthy puns, delivered with coffin-lid charisma? Like the time he held up a hammer and a pack of Wrigley’s Spearmint and quipped, “I’m just sitting here, beating my gums.” Classic.
Dressed in his tattered tuxedo and driving a black Cadillac hearse down Gandy Boulevard, Dr. Bearer was more than a TV host, he was part of the “ neighborhood”. Fans who spotted him cruising by would get a wave or a wicked wink, and maybe even hear his spine-chilling signoff:
“I’ll be lurking for you…”

Dick Bennick’s journey to local stardom started early. At age 5, a magic act sparked his lifelong love for performance. By 18, he was touring the country with an illusion show. In the mid-1960s, while working as a North Carolina disc jockey, he first conjured up the character that would become a Tampa Bay icon.
He made countless appearances around the Bay area, always thrilling fans with his unique blend of spooky and silly. Even after the cameras stopped rolling, Bennick remained a pillar of the local broadcast scene, spending 25 years in Florida radio sales before his passing in 1995.

Dr. Paul Bearer’s legacy still lives on in the laughs, the chills, and the cherished memories of everyone who tuned in.
There will never be a horror host like him. But for those of us who grew up in his eerie embrace, he’ll always be lurking… right here in our hearts. 🕯️📺🦇

Rest in pieces, Dr. Paul Bearer. You’ll always be a TV icon.
Dr Paul Bearer Tampa Bay 28 - WFTS

09/20/2025

WOW!! Honored!! My Tampa Fam Will Understand how Epic this is! Dr Paul Bearer

09/20/2025

Hanging out with the legendary John Diehl, aka Detective Larry Zito from Miami Vice, at the stunning Moxy Hotel in Miami Beach! 🌴✨ Total fan moment. Somebody please pinch me! 🙌🎬💫

Almost born in Alabama. John told me that his parents lived in Florence, Alabama for a time while his father was working there. Just before his birth, however, the family relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio.
John and his wife, the incredibly talented singer/songwriter Julie Christensen, are not only immensely kind and down-to-earth, but also an absolute joy to spend time with.

Miami Vice Miami Vice Miami Vice TV Miami History Miami New Times

09/09/2025

Billy Barty signing autographs in Montgomery, Alabama, 1982 (Downtowner Motor Inn, 120 Madison Avenue) Left: Billy Barty as High Aldwin in Willow, 1988.