ROB KIRCHER Psychological suspense Thriller author

Consistently 5-Star Reviewed Novels

WHY MY BOOKS ARE UNIQUE

OLD SCHOOL TEACHINGS

In 1923, my dad, Albert, made a life-changing decision when he left Germany to immigrate to America. He brought with him not only the skills of a blacksmith but also a strong determination to create a new life in a foreign land.

After settling in America, Albert applied his blacksmith expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to pursue the American dream. He worked tirelessly, channeling his dedication into building a prosperous business that specialized in custom built truck bodies. His achievements stand as a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and vision for a better future.

Albert’s influence extended beyond his business success. He instilled in my siblings and me a strong work ethic and taught us the value of perseverance. He encouraged us to never give up on our passions and to pursue them with integrity and determination. Today, his legacy continues to inspire us in all aspects of our lives.

MY MENTORS

Remarkable Friends

Over the course of my career as a director, producer, author, biographer, marketer, and television program host, I have had the privilege of working alongside an array of exceptionally talented individuals. These collaborations have enriched my creative pursuits and contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.

Among the remarkable people I have encountered, four extraordinary friends stand out for their profound impact on my career. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals and expand my creative horizons. I am deeply grateful for the invaluable role they have played in my journey.

Ferdinand Jay Smith III

My first encounter with Ferdinand Jay Smith III, whom I affectionately call "Ferd," occurred in 1973. At the time, I was working as a local salesman at WHEC-TV in Rochester, New York. Ferd and his brother Greg had just established Jay Advertising, a new local ad agency. As our paths crossed professionally, our initial business connection soon evolved. Over time, the relationship grew stronger, and as Ferd expanded his client base, Jay Advertising became a significant account for me. Several years into our acquaintance, I was promoted to Local Sales Manager. In 1980, the ownership of WHEC-TV changed hands when Gannett Newspaper, the station's owner, decided to sell its radio and television holdings to help fund USA TODAY.

Moving forward in my career, I established Kircher & Associates, Inc., a comprehensive international marketing, advertising, and public relations firm. The company operated from Rochester, New York; Greenville, North Carolina; and Panama City in the Republic of Panama. Kircher & Associates served well-known clients across several industries, including appliances, beverages, wine, and telecommunications.

Ferd continues to serves as chairman of the leading full-service advertising agency. For 25 years he was the voice of Buick and currently is the voice of Chevy, Wegmans, and Raymour & Flanigan.

Smith is a member DGA-SAG/AFTRA-American Federation of Musicians-BMI Composer. He has scored numerous Emmy Award-winning TV specials and been honored with two Emmy nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and many other awards.

Highlights of his career include composing the theme music for two Olympics for NBC (1980 and1988) and composing the HBO main theme music, resulting in 20 versions to date, and earning Smith a BMI Award in 2009 for longest-running theme on television.

Other theme songs he has composed include HBO specials, such as Sports 25th Anniversary Special, History of Boxing, and Inside the NFL: “When It Was a Game,” earning him an Emmy nomination for Best Music; the score for Emmy-nominated “Life of Arthur Ashe”; producing HBO’s skating special theme music, which won an ACE award (cable industry’s Emmy); themes for ABC, CBS, and NBC movies of the week; Golf Channel and A&E network theme music; Cinemax theme music; theme song for “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous”; and hundreds of original compositions for various retailers across America.

Fifteen years after founding my agency, I made the decision to sell the business and join Ferd at Jay Advertising. During my time there, I was involved in both account management and the acquisition of new clients.

TONY LOVER

It was during my tenure at Jay Advertising that I had the privilege of working closely with Tony Lover at Liberty Studios, the longest-running production house in continuous operation in New York City. Since its inception, Liberty Studios has established itself as a pivotal institution within the city's creative landscape, specializing in the production of films, video content, advertising, and e-commerce projects.

Founded in 1963 by Tony Lover, Liberty Studios flourished under his visionary leadership. Tony's unwavering passion and dedication have steered the studio through decades of innovation and creative accomplishment. Liberty Studios' excellence is evident in its Emmy and Academy Award nominations. The studio has produced an impressive array of award-winning television commercials, Broadway promotions, and pro bono public service announcements. Its creative influence also extends to music videos and feature films.

One of Liberty Studios' most significant achievements is the creation and production of the iconic HBO program-opening sequence, "HBO in Space." This sequence set new standards for television branding and remains a landmark in TV history. Prior to this, Tony was the director of photography for the Oscar-nominated 1968 short film "The Dove," a clever parody of Ingmar Bergman's style.

In 2006, Tony Lover further expanded his creative pursuits by writing and directing the film My Brother. This feature starred Vanessa Williams, Tatum O'Neal, and Nashawn Kearse, showcasing Liberty Studios' ongoing commitment to storytelling and production excellence.

With a background in Fine Arts and Film from the acclaimed NYU Tisch School of the Arts at Washington Square in Manhattan's East Village, I was able to leverage this expertise in my collaborations with Tony. Our partnership fostered a strong and enduring creative connection that continues to this day.

Through Tony, I was introduced to Nick Nappi, a partner at a leading theatrical advertising agency in New York City. This agency was well-known for managing original promotional campaigns for Broadway hits like A Chorus Line, The Wiz, and other celebrated productions.

My circle widened further when Tony introduced me to Elliot Kastner, a prolific Hollywood producer whose body of work includes acclaimed films such as Where Eagles Dare, Angel Heart, and The Missouri Breaks, starring Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson. I frequently met with Elliot at his home and studio in Hollywood, as well as his offices in New York, where we discussed scriptwriting and character development in depth.

Whenever Elliot was in New York, the four of us—Elliot, Tony, Nick, and I—would gather for lunch at the Algonquin Hotel restaurant. These meetings evolved into lively forums for exchanging ideas and insights about the film industry.

NICK NAPPI

Nick Nappi began his remarkable career in theatrical advertising as a founding partner of Coyne, Serino, and Nappi in 1977. Alongside his colleagues, he established the agency after leaving the prestigious Blaine Thompson company, which was a dominant force in the industry at the time. Under their leadership, Coyne, Serino, and Nappi quickly rose to prominence, becoming a leading advertising agency on Broadway.

Art served as a vital tool in Nappi's approach to engaging with the public, both professionally and personally. As a vice president and acclaimed art director, he played a significant role in shaping the visual identity of some of Broadway's most memorable productions. His expertise in design and art direction is evident in the logos and posters he created for legendary shows such as A Chorus Line, The Wiz, Les Misérables, and Phantom of the Opera, among many other celebrated works.

After retiring from the advertising industry, Nick Nappi shifted his focus to painting, immersing himself in his passion for visual art. He has displayed his work in numerous exhibitions, where his paintings are distinguished by their atmospheric qualities and compelling narratives. Drawing from his extensive experience in visual communication, Nappi's artwork reflects the depth of his creative journey and the stories he has gathered throughout his life.

Nick remains an unflappable and enduring friend. A fond memory is the nonchalant expression he maintained whenever his wife Carla, in moments of irritation, would call him "Mr. Nappi." This anecdote highlights the calm and easygoing nature that has always defined Nick's character.

ELLIOT KASTNER

ELLIOT KASTNER (1930–2010) was a prominent American film producer celebrated for independently financing and producing over 60 films. Many of his works were notable literary adaptations that showcased major stars such as Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, and Richard Burton. Kastner played a significant role in the international film industry, often working from London's Pinewood Studios. Throughout his career, he was involved in several high-profile and commercially successful productions.

Harper (1966): One of Kastner’s early successes, this film starred Paul Newman and marked William Goldman’s first solo screenplay credit.
Where Eagles Dare (1968): A popular World War II thriller featuring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood.
The Long Goodbye (1973): A critically acclaimed and unconventional adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s novel, directed by Robert Altman and starring Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe.
The Missouri Breaks (1976): A Western starring Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson. The film became famous for Kastner’s inventive approach to casting, in which he secured both stars by telling each that the other had already agreed to participate.
Equus (1977): An adaptation of the acclaimed stage play, starring Richard Burton.
Angel Heart (1987): A neo-noir thriller directed by Alan Parker and featuring performances by Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro.

Kastner began his career in the mail room at the William Morris Agency, quickly advancing to become a literary and talent agent. He went on to serve as vice president of production at Universal Pictures for two years before choosing the path of independent producing, where he truly flourished. Kastner was renowned for his persistent yet charming negotiating style, which enabled him to assemble impressive casts and secure funding for a wide range of projects—from commercial action hits to thoughtful adaptations of works by authors such as Iris Murdoch and Vladimir Nabokov. He passed away from cancer on June 30, 2010, in London, at the age of 80.