Atlas Shrugged Newsletter: 10.14.17

Atlas Shrugged Newsletter: 10.14.17

"... Altruism declares that any action taken for the benefit of others is good, and any action taken for one's own benefit is evil. Thus the beneficiary of an action is the only criterion of moral value--and so long as that beneficiary is anybody other than oneself, anything goes."- Ayn Rand

This... is John Aglialoro Speaking

”I want to explain to you why you are the most important person in the Universe…. and if you don’t think so… then you’ll never really get anywhere worth going… “ - John Aglialoro Recently, Atlas Shrugged Movie Producer John Aglialoro was asked to give a speech to the Executive Forum Group of a local business. Always ready to further propagate the principles of Objectivism, he enthusiastically accepted. While those lucky enough to be in attendance got to experience John’s passionate and infectious delivery first hand, the Gulch did manage to score a copy of his spectacular speech, “The Virtue of You First… an Ethical Basis,” with all of John's personal hand written notes in tact. Click here to read John’s inspiring speech now.

Photo Gallery: Atlas Society Gala This past Tuesday, The Atlas Society held their inaugural gala to celebrate both the 60th anniversary of Atlas Shrugged and the many achievements of founder, Dr. David Kelley, at the Princeton Club in New York. In attendance was the superb Judd Weiss (the behind-the-scenes photographer for ASP3) to capture the event in all of its glory. Click here to see all of the Gala photos now.

Raise a Glass.... From Producer John Aglialoro's incredible speech to Dr. David Kelley's lifetime achievement award, we've got a lot to celebrate. What better way than by raising a glass (an Atlas Shrugged glass, that is)? Choose from over 15 Atlas Shrugged themed pint glasses! Click here to order your Atlas Shrugged pint glass now.

Atlas Shrugged Newsletter 7.21.17

Atlas Shrugged Newsletter: 07.21.17

"America's abundance was not created by public sacrifices to 'the common good,' but by the productive genius of free men who pursued their own personal interests and the making of their own private fortunes." - Ayn Rand

So... What Exactly is Happening with the Atlas Shrugged Mini-series? If you too have been wondering what the status is, and happen to be in Vegas for FreedomFest, be sure to pop into the Libertarian CEO panel featuring Atlas Shrugged Producer John Aglialoro at 3:30 PM (PT) Saturday. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it. ;) Can't make FreedomFest? Head to Galt's Gulch to learn more.

Who is John Galt? Whiskey Glass Raise a glass to the Atlas Shrugged mini-series with the Who is John Galt? whiskey glass. Order your Who is John Galt? glass now.

Atlas Shrugged Newsletter: 03.09.17

Atlas Shrugged Newsletter: 03.09.17

"The end does not justify the means. No one's rights can be secured by the violation of the rights of others." - Ayn Rand

Most Influence Libertarian? Guess Who's Nominated...

FreedomFest is conducting a survey to find out who the most influential libertarians are... and guess who made the list... Drum roll please... Producer of the Atlas Shrugged movie trilogy, John Aglialoro! Vote for John now!

Did we mention that by voting you'll save $100 on registration for FreedomFest? 2017 marks the conference's 10th anniversary, and we have a feeling it's an event you won't want to miss! Speakers include: * William Shatner * Jennifer Grossman * Matt Welch * More! Go vote for John now and save $100.

Save 20% on All Hoodies Are you ready to strike? To "go Galt?" While you wait for John Galt to show up and whisk you away to Atlantis, be sure to order a stylish Ayn Rand or capitalism themed hoodie. After all, the Gulch can be pretty chilly this time of year! Use coupon code HOODIE20 at checkout to save 20% on all hoodies. Customize and order your hoodie now.

Atlas Shrugged Newsletter: 09.01.16

Atlas Shrugged Newsletter: 09.01.16

"Atlas Shrugged is not a prophecy of our unavoidable destruction, but a manifesto of our power to avoid it, if we choose to change our course." - Ayn Rand

Celebrate Sept. 2nd with a Piece of Atlas Shrugged History "A white rectangle hung over the city, imparting the date to the men in the streets below. In the rusty light of this evening’s sunset, the rectangle said: September 2." - Atlas Shrugged

In 1957, one of the most controversial novels ever written was published. The author was a young Russian immigrant, and the book, her epic masterpiece, was Atlas Shrugged. 59 years later, the book has sold millions of copies and inspired countless individuals. In 1992, one of those so inspired shook hands on a million dollar deal that would give him the rights to make Atlas Shrugged into a movie. That individual was John Aglialoro. And, while he had no way of knowing it at the time, he had just taken on one of his greatest challenges.

Over the next 18 years, John would face many ups and downs in his attempt to bring his vision of Atlas to the silver screen. (Read about the journey in Joan Carter's The History of the Atlas Shrugged Movie Trilogy.) In June of 2010, John finally found a hero that would get the film production of Atlas Shruggedunderway, Harmon Kaslow. Four years and 3 films later, on September 12th 2014, the final part of the trilogy, Atlas Shrugged: Who is John Galt? was released in theaters. After 22 years and $50 million of his own money, John Aglialoro's dream was realized.

In celebration of September 2nd, Atlas Shrugged Day, and all the men and women who refuse to give up and back down, we're very proud to release this signed Limited Edition Atlas Shrugged Trilogy Filmcell featuring actual film reel clips and official poster artwork from each of the three films.

This product has never before been released, will never be made again, and there only 150. When they're gone, they're gone forever. Celebrate Atlas Shrugged day, and get your Trilogy Filmcell now. (While you still can.)

Win an Atlas Shrugged Storyboard Commemorate September 2nd by entering to win an authentic Atlas Shrugged: Who is John Galt? storyboard. Just tell us about the first time you read Ayn Rand's epic novel to be entered to win. Find out more and enter now in Galt's Gulch Online.

20% off All Atlas Shrugged Movie T-shirts Just in time for September 2nd, save 20% on all of the t-shirts made for the Atlas Shrugged Trilogy! Snag favorites including the: ▪ Atlas Shrugged: Now, Non-Fiction tee ▪ Who is John Galt? tee ▪ Rearden Steel tee ▪ d'Anconia Copper tee Get your Atlas Shrugged movie t-shirt now.

Coming to a College Campus near You In early 2017, 75 screenings of the Atlas Shrugged movies will be held on college campuses across the country. Read more in Galt's Gulch.

Atlas Shrugged Black Friday Sale

"[Thanksgiving] is a producers’ holiday. The lavish meal is a symbol of the fact that abundant consumption is the result and reward of production." - Ayn Rand Midas Mulligan's Black Friday Sale Starts Today! This Black Friday forget standing in long lines and fighting crowds just to save a few pennies. Shop from the comfort of your own home and save up to 60% on official Atlas Shrugged merchandise. Wednesday (11.25) ▪ 30% off Rearden Metal Bracelet ▪ $3 off short sleeve t-shirts* ▪ $4 off long sleeve t-shirts* ▪ $5 off hoodies* Thursday (11.26) ▪ 40% off Dollar Sign Necklace ▪ 40% off Atlas inspired fine art Friday (11.27) ▪ 50% off d’Anconia Dollar Sign Money Clip ▪ 40% off “Who is John Galt?” graffiti t-shirt Saturday (11.28) ▪ 60% off Taggart Transcontinental Stock Certificate ▪ 50% off Atlas Shrugged plastic pint glasses (set of 6) * Use coupon code THANKSGIVING at checkout Happy Thanksgiving! As development of the Atlas Shrugged miniseries continues to gain momentum, the Atlas Shrugged team and I thank you for your continued support and words of encouragement. From all of us to all of you, have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. John Aglialoro Producer, Atlas Shrugged

Thank you John Aglialoro

On September 6th, 2014, I stood up in front of a packed house in Las Vegas, NV, and stated, “This is not the movie that’s been playing in your head since you closed the back cover. This is however, without question, a celebration of Ayn Rand’s ideas.” 

That packed house was filled with some of the staunchest Ayn Rand advocates on Earth. It was the “Galt’s Gulch Online Producers Only Premiere” of Atlas Shrugged: Who is John Galt? and it was the first official showing of the film. 

I then proceeded to introduce the other VIP guests on hand at the event, Producer Harmon Kaslow, Consultant David Kelley, Associate Producer Joan Carter and then, as I introduced Producer John Aglialoro, the words came out of my mouth, “the man of the hour.” 

It was not a fitting introduction. 

In 1991, a Library of Congress poll revealed that Atlas Shrugged is the second most influential book ever written. 

Second only to the Bible. 

That’s a hard legacy to live up to. 

Imagine the courage required to take on the job of adapting such a book to film. 

Imagine the passion for the ideas expressed in that book that would compel you to spend millions of dollars of your own money to propagate those ideas to as many people as possible. 

Imagine the integrity of the man who would take on such an endeavor - knowing full well that he would be met with, not only resistance, but harsh criticism every step of the way. 

Imagine knowing you would never live up to the legacy of the book but that you had to try… you had to give it everything you had... because it just had to be done - the ideas just had to make their way to the masses - come hell or high water. 

Imagine. 

Most of us will never know a battle like that of Producer John Aglialoro’s 22 year battle to bring Atlas Shrugged to the silver screen - 22 years of “No.”, “It can’t be done.”, “You’ll never make your money back.” 22 years of climbing an unscalable mountain. 

I, however, have had the distinct honor of standing by this man for the past 4 years… watching him knock down barrier after barrier through sheer determination… listening to him wax poetic of his love for Ayn Rand and the importance of Atlas Shrugged… walking with him, steadfast as the walls around him collapsed - at times due to sabotage from within. All the while, never once considering stopping. 

I am proud. Proud of every step, of every word, and of every moment this man has permitted me to be a part of. It has been an awe inspiring adventure and I would trade it for nothing. 

Are the movies perfect? No. Do they live up to the legacy of the book? Of course not. But, what they do accomplish, what they do deliver on, is the ushering of Ayn Rand’s ideas to the forefront of public discourse. The sales of the book will go up this year, more people will be introduced to Ayn Rand’s ideas, and those ideas will be propagated further and wider than they ever have... just like with the release of each of the previous Atlas Shrugged films. 

Atlas Shrugged: Who is John Galt?, the final film in the trilogy, is now in theaters. If you’re in an area where the film is playing, grab a friend, head to the theater, and take part in this wonderful moment in the history of Atlas Shrugged. Buy some popcorn, introduce your friends to Ayn Rand, and say thank you to John Aglialoro - the man who made it all possible. 

Thank you John Aglialoro. Thank you. 


Scott DeSapio, Associate Producer 
Atlas Shrugged 

Atlas Shrugged Newsletter: 07.25.2013; The Hunt for Dagny; John A. at the WSOP Part 2

Atlas Shrugged Newsletter: July 25th, 2013

“Capitalism has been called a system of greed—yet it is the system that raised the standard of living of its poorest citizens to heights no collectivist system has ever begun to equal, and no tribal gang can conceive of.” - Ayn Rand

The Hunt for Dagny Dagny has crash landed somewhere in the Rockies. Follow Hank Rearden, Francisco d'Anconia, and James Taggart online as they deal with the repercussions of Dagny's disappearance. Follow Hank Follow Frisco Follow Taggart

John Aglialoro's Run at the 2013 World Series of Poker - Part II OK, where were we? That's right, Atlas Shrugged Producer John Aglialoro was at the World Series of Poker and... he was KILLING IT. Until... the Atlas Shrugged Production team showed up. Read Part II of John's Run at the 2013 WSOP.

When they're gone, they're gone This is it. The Official Atlas Shrugged Part II Cast & Crew caps willnever be manufactured again. Own a piece of Atlas Shrugged History. Act fast and get 15% off. SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED. Buy the Official Atlas Shrugged Part II Cap Now.

John Aglialoro's Run at the 2013 World Series of Poker - Part II

Continued from: John Aglialoro's Run at the 2013 World Series of Poker - Part I
- - - -
OK, where were we? That's right, Atlas Shrugged Producer John Aglialoro was at the World Series of Poker and... he was KILLING IT.

Until... the Atlas Shrugged Production team showed up.
- - - -

On my way out, I decided to text John and reaffirm my earlier sentiment. I'm pretty sure he got it...

We met for breakfast the next morning. John had a bounce in his step that suggested he was in a particularly good mood.

"I doubled up."

"Incredible! That's fantastic!"

"I'm not going."

"Right. We'll record the reading."

"I mean... I'm not going back to the tournament."

The night before, right after I left, John managed to hit a big hand and double-up. Considering John's mid-stacked position, this was a BIG deal.

Today, tournament play was to resume at 12:00 PM. The script reading however, was to begin at 11:00 AM.

"I'm not missing the reading. Maybe later you can go down and get a few pics of my chip stack as it quickly dwindles down. I'm sure the fans will get a real kick out of that."

"Sure John."

On the way to the elevator John continued to explain that moments like this don't come around too often, that we have a responsibility to Ayn Rand, that we have a message to get out, and that there would be other tournaments.

We all knew this was the end of the tournament for John. Even if the reading only took a few hours, there would be no way for his stack to hold up against the antes and blinds. 

John's success as a businessman is no secret. He's responsible for building, growing and nurturing the success of many companies and currently runs Cybex, one of the largest exercise equipment manufacturers in the world.

What most don't know however is that one of John's biggest passions in life is poker. Making three WSOP final tables and cashing out a total of 16 times suggests that poker may even be what John is most passionate about.

Unless of course... we're talking about the Atlas Shrugged Movies.

And, John was not going to miss the Atlas Shrugged Part 3 script reading for anything.

11:00 AM arrived and so did the Atlas Productions crew - Screenwriters Duncan Scott and Brian O'Toole, Associate Producers Joan Carter and Scott DeSapio (Me), Consultants David Kelley and Barbara Brandon, six very enthusiastic actors, and Producers Harmon Kaslow and... John Aglialoro.

 
The actors were fantastic and the reading inspired. From Dagny in the Gulch to "This is John Galt speaking..." to the demise of the Harmonizer, five hours seemed to come and go in an instant. The Atlas Shrugged Part III script reading was over.

Applause filled the room and smiles abound.

John stood up. 

"Thank you all. That was great. You were fantastic. We have a really great movie here. Ayn would be proud." 

John glanced proudly about the room.

"This is the one."

The room's chatter volume began to rise.

"Now... you'll have to excuse me."

John was gone.

And, so was his stack.

By the time John got to the Rio, his stack had taken a serious beating. The situation was bleak. John sat and gave the table a smile.

"What'd you guys do with all my chips?"

With a quick read of the table, John picked his target and masterfully went to work. John waited patiently for all the right moments, setting up his mark for the kill - all the while appearing to trade jabs. And then...

Pocket Kings.

Kings are STRONG. How strong? Against non pocket pairs, kings are around an 80% favorite on average.

John was on the Button with his mark on the Big Blind. The table folded into John. John raised. The Small Blind got out of the way. The mark, having recently lost a hand to John, was tilting and thought John was making a move - exactly what John wanted him to think.

John raised. The mark re-raised. John went all-in. The mark called.

Ace-nothing. John had him.

Until...  the Atlas Shrugged Part 3 Production team showed up for a script reading.

The flop came and the mark hit.

At breakfast the next morning, John was all smiles. Mission accomplished. We had a great script reading and we were on track to make our production schedule.

As well as being a great businessman, John is one of the greatest poker players in the world. He is also one of the greatest advocates in the world of Ayn Rand's ideas, of reason, of Capitalism, and, of honor and integrity. To which his heart and mind truly belong, only John knows. One thing is for certain however, everything John does, he does with extreme passion and intensity.

Ayn Rand wrote about heroes. Heroes that some suggest are bigger than life and couldn't possibly exist.

I, disagree.

- - -

This post originally appeared at Galt's Gulch Online.