Biography

Stephen Pytak is an independent publisher known for writing a series of thriller novels following the adventures of a low-rent mercenary known as "The .40 Caliber Mouse." He's also a filmmaker, a song lyricist and independent music producer and an artist who designs the artwork he commissions for his projects. Born Aug. 6, 1970 in Lost Creek, West Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Shenandoah Valley Jr./Sr. High School in 1988. He earned a degree in print journalism from Point Park College in Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1992. While in college, he took a screen writing class at the Pittsburgh Filmmakers in Oakland, Pa. His teacher was Lorraine Heidekat, who was also a native of Schuylkill County, Pa. Her class gave him strong insights into writing fiction, the tools to write the novels and the screenplays he would later in life. After college, Stephen returned to Schuylkill County, Pa. and found work as a full-time reporter for local newspapers. During the 1990s, he wrote a series of screenplays, but became frustrated with that art form when he couldn't find an agent to represent him. In 2000, his wife, Becki White, encouraged him to try writing novels. His books include "The .40 Caliber Mouse," "The .40 Caliber Mousehunt," "The Wild Damned" and "Katerina Blues." All of his books contain stand-alone illustrations of characters and scenes. The most well-known artist he commissioned was Norm Breyfogle, who worked for DC Comics on various "Batman" titles. Breyfogle did the art on "Mousehunt" and "The Wild Damned." The front covers of Stephen's novels showcase either artwork or photos of actresses who look like characters from the series. For example, Stephen photographed model Victoria Vaughn of Fairfax, Va. as the main character of his series. That's "Corinn," the hacker who is secretly "The .40 Caliber Mouse." Since he was working with a few actresses and models in 2010, 2011 and 2012, Stephen decided to bring them together to make short films. These included "With Love (2011) and "Dancing Shadows (2012)." Stephen also wrote the lyrics to a few songs, hired musicians to perform them and produced soundtracks for those films. One of his personal favorites, "Shooting Stars," the theme to his fourth novel, "Katerina Blues."
- IMDb mini biography by: Stephen Pytak

Black-colored clothing, including jackets, button-up collared shirts, jeans and leather boots.

Stephen's first major film project since his days as a film major at Point Park College in Pittsburgh,Pa. in fall 1988, was "C," a 9-minute video he filmed on a Canon HV40 in May and June 2010.

While Stephen enrolled at Point Park College in Pittsburgh, Pa. as a film major in fall 1988, he changed his major to print journalism after one semester. He made the change after working at the camera equipment office at the Pittsburgh Filmmakers in Oakland, Pa. The experience gave him the opportunity to meet other students and graduates of the program. By his observations, he wasn't sure he would be able to make much of a living with a bachelor's degree in film. So he embarked on a career in journalism and photography. However, he did not toss away his childhood dream. He believed if he had the financing and the opportunity, he'd return to film.

Shortly after he turned 17 on August 6, 1987, Stephen made a 10-minute film with friends from Schuylkill County, Pa. He was curious about how well he could film and cut together a fight sequence. And he and a childhood friend, Lonny Tutko, came up with the characters who would be in it. And they played those parts. Stephen also did the special effects for the film. One was a replica of a cue ball. It was made of liquid latex. In the film, Lonny had to hit Stephen in the forehead with it. He nailed it on the first shot. Stephen was glad he did, because the prop still packed a wallop.

Started making Super 8 films when he was 14. His childhood dream was to become a film director.

Stephen writes lyrics for songs which tie into his fiction. And, since 2010, he's been hiring musicians to put music to them. Stephen has been releasing those recordings through his independent label, Mazz Press. Highlights include "Stick Around" and "Shooting Stars," performed by Soji O. Donna Nye also recorded a version of "Shooting Stars." Jenna McBreen and Bruce Marianelli recorded versions of "Sweet Echo of Memory" and "Dancing Shadows.".