By DON STINE
Hollywood came to Krenkel’s food and convenience store in Neptune Thurs., May 15 when well-known comedian Mike Marino filmed part of a pilot television series there.
The half-hour pilot, called “Reconstruction New Jersey,” will be presented to various networks in hopes that it will get picked up.
And as far as filming at Krenkel’s, Marino said it was a natural choice.
“George is a good friend of mine and I get breakfast here a lot,” said Marino, who hails from Scotch Plains but also has a house in Belmar.
As a matter of fact, Marino loves the pork roll, egg and cheese sandwich at Krenkels’s so much that it bears his name: The Mike Marino Sandwich, priced at $2.99
The series, if it gets the green light, will focus on the routine life of a construction business owner in New Jersey. The plot is not only about Marino’s life but also includes Marino Paving, which is actually owned by his brother.
“The series will be the story of an Italian family trying to make ends meet and how they construct their lives,” he said.
Krenkel’s owner, George Krenkel, said he believes a lot of good talent many times gets bypassed and that he is happy for Marino’s success.
“We have been friends a long time and any promotion for the store is wonderful, plus I am doing something for my friend. He shakes my hand and I shake his,” he said.
Krenkle, who is celebrating his 30th year in business at the intersection of Route 35 and Sixth Avenue, said he may be “in and out” of some scenes if the series is picked up.
Producer Sue Katz, with Building #2 Productions based in Beverly Hills, California, said the pilot is a comedy loosely based on Marino’s family.
She said that if the pilot is picked up and filming begins, she expects the series to be aired sometime in 2015.
Marino, also known to fans as New Jersey’s Bad Boy, has performed in every major comedy club from New York to Los Angeles including: The MGM Grand, Catch a Rising Star, The Comic Strip, Stand Up NY, The Improv, Rascals and The Icehouse.
Born in Jersey City, Marino entered theatre at an early age and is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He has appeared in over 200 national television commercials and has received a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination.
He has acted in many prime time soaps and television shows including: As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Pizza with Bullets, Hangin’ in Hedo and Steven King’s Lucky
The pilot also co-stars Sylk Cozart (White Men Can’t Jump); Michael Parisi (Adam and Steve); and Ronnie Marmo (Rollers).
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