New Video Release for THE STAND: The Final Flight of Lt. Frank Luke, Jr.

[globalmedia]

AVIATION NEWS
for immediate release
Contact: Kellie Nowacki
globalmedia@sopwithmotorsports.com

November 3, 2008

New Video Release for
THE STAND: The Final Flight of Lt. Frank Luke, Jr.
Featuring Artist Russell Smith

The latest promotional video for the upcoming book, THE STAND: The Final Flight of Lt. Frank Luke, Jr., has been released on the book's official web site at THE STAND: The Final Flight of Lt. Frank Luke, Jr.. Simply visit the web site, see the main menu, and click on the page titled "The Documentary" to view the new video.

THE STAND is a new biography on the life of World War I Medal of Honor flying ace Lt. Frank Luke, Jr., based on more than fifteen years of original research and on-site archeology in France. World War I aviation expert and author Greg Van Wyngarden calls THE STAND "the last word on the subject... gripping biography, precise military history, and fascinating detective story." The book will forever alter the way history looks at the life and death of Air Force hero Frank Luke, Jr.

The newly released video features an extended interview with award-winning World War I aviation artist Russell Smith, who painted the cover art for the book. Russell discusses the reasons why he accepted the task of creating the cover for THE STAND, how he researched his work and why it is now recognized as the most accurate portrayal ever put on canvas of Luke's final moments.

Stephen Skinner, author of THE STAND, said of the artwork, "We wanted people to have more than just a book... we wanted them to have original, full color cover art that really brought something new to the table. We took a series of photos in France so that Russ would have an accurate representation of the ground on which Luke died. We did extensive research on the clothing that Luke was wearing on his last flight. We even researched what type of crops were growing the fields there in 1918 and whether they would have been harvested, and the types of weeds that would have taken their place. Russ was working with information that no other artist has ever had, and of course, he's an amazing artist. The result is a book cover that really adds value to the overall product and we're really proud of that."

Smith's magnificent artwork has also been released as an autographed print and an autographed canvas giclee, appropriately titled THE STAND. Both versions of the print are available to order on the official web site of THE STAND (THE STAND: The Final Flight of Lt. Frank Luke, Jr.). The interview is also soon to be featured in banner advertisements on The Aerodrome - Aces and Aircraft of World War I and The League of WWI Aviation Historians.

In other news related to THE STAND, Schiffer Publishing has recently confirmed an early December release date for the long-awaited biography of the Arizona Balloon Buster. The book, DVD documentary, the Russell Smith print and all over products associated with THE STAND will be available for Christmas and may now be pre-ordered at THE STAND: The Final Flight of Lt. Frank Luke, Jr..

Singer/songwriter Olivia Kay has now completed her studio recording of the original composition, "Back in Time," which will serve as the theme song for the upcoming documentary on Frank Luke titled "The Search for THE STAND." The song is now in post production and will be released along with the DVD documentary on the day the book becomes available.

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[Russell Smith]

Stephen - great job all around to you guys! You actually managed to make me not look like a dork!

Russ

[retread]

.... that Frank Luke sort of looked like a young Kirk Douglas.
I look forward to this book- the quality of "gravitas" in evidence. Not to mention a carnival for WW1 aviation enthusiasts.

[stephen]

Just around the corner, now, Retread. And you'll get your first ever profile look at Frank, too. His features looked radically different from the side, and this never came out in most photos since they were taken with the subject facing the camera.

Schiffer's latest estimate is 2-3 weeks, and we're home free. Woo hoo!

[Barrett]

Well, now I know what else I'm gonna be doing on Inauguration Day!
Besides going to the range, that is...

[45_Auto]

I'm waiting for mine too!

(Good idea Barrett.........just might join you in both.)

[jc]

Order has been placed too, looking forward to reading it on my trips.