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Dakota Midday: Screenwriter and Director Nick Simon

20th Century Fox

The Pyramid is the story of a team of U.S. archeologists who discover a lost pyramid in the Egyptian desert. While just the top of the pyramid is above ground, beneath is a massive structure that may have been constructed to keep something within its walls.

Sioux Falls native Nick Simon co-wrote The Pyramid with Daniel Meersand. Simon’s other co-writing credits include Cold Comes the Night. He also directed Removal and is preparing to direct a second feature film in collaboration with Wes Craven, The Girl in the Photographs.

20th Century Fox releases The Pyramid to theaters across the U.S. next week. Cinema Falls hosts an advance screening on December 4th at the Century 14 Theaters in Sioux Falls. For tickets, click here. The password is HappyBirthdayHenry.

Nick Simon joined Dakota Midday and described how the The Pyramid evolved from a small, independent movie into a major studio release. He also discussed his journey from Sioux Falls to Hollywood.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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