Headstone of Solitude Archives - Fascination Street

April 6 2026

J.R. Stokes Returns! – Filmmaker (Beautiful, Pam)

Steve Owens podcast addict, Beautiful Pam, Bec Fordyce, Cadence Meyer, Darren Aronofsky, drug abuse, Edge X, Free film, free movie, free on you tube, Headstone of Solitude, homelessness, intimacy counselor, J.R. Stokes, JR Stokes, Martin Scorsese, Peter Konsevich, Requiem For A Dream, sexual abuse, sexual trauma, sidscinematics, Tom Ciorciari

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J.R. Stokes Returns!
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about J.R. Stokes. J.R.’s first appearance on the show was March 24, 2025. In that episode, we did the whole life story thing; so we don’t really do that this time. In this episode, we chat about what he has been up to since we last spoke. J.R. has just released his second feature film. It is called ‘Beautiful, Pam’ and can be seen on his You Tube channel FOR FREE. We talk about what this film is about, who he made it for, and what he hopes to get from making and releasing it. I grill him on WHY it is free, just like his previous film ‘Edge X’. J.R. explains the plot of the film (no spoilers), and we discuss some of the actors involved, and how they were an integral part of the story telling process. We also cover some of his inspirations, and why he thanks them specifically in the closing credits of this new feature. Lastly, I argue with him about how this film should be seen. There is an offer in here where you can have the physical DVD sent to you FOR FREE. Follow J.R. and go watch this film!

March 24 2025

J. R. Stokes – Filmmaker (Edge X)

Steve Owens podcast addiction, adolescent addition, Alexandra Totillo, Cadence Meier, Edge X, film school, Free film, Headstone of Solitude, imdb, J.R. Stokes, JR Stokes, letterboxed, Long Island, Machinima, Mildred Alexander, new york, Randall Krauss, sidscinematics, staten island, substance abuse, writer, youtube, YouTube Studio

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J. R. Stokes

Take a walk with me down Fascination Street, as I get to know filmmaker J.R. Stokes. J.R. is a writer, director, actor, producer from Staten Island, NY. In this episode, we chat about growing up in SINY, and what made him want to become a filmmaker. He shares stories of making his first Machinimas, and a short film or two leading up to his debut full length film. His previous short ‘Headstone of Solitude’ gave him the experience and the confidence to make his first feature film. During high school, J. R. developed what would become his initial full-length effort: ‘Edge X’. As we discuss his latest project, we dive into what he decided to make a full-length feature film fresh out of high school, and why he chose such dark subject matter. He is also kind enough to share how a high schooler is able to afford to make a full-length feature film, so take notes! ‘Edge X’ is a film about adolescent drug addiction, and its pitfalls. In their first film; ‘Edge X’ stars: Cadence Meier, Alexandra Totillo, Randall Krauss, J. R. Stokes, and several others. This film is available FOR FREE on YouTube, as long as you have a registered YT account. Fair warning… ‘Edge X’ centers around intense drug use and has themes of violence & despair. This is a very dark film, but it is a good film. In my opinion, the production and cope of this film show a much more mature filmmaker than the J. R.’s age would indicate. Check out his channel SidsCinematics on YouTube, and rate it on Letterboxed and IMDB… if you are so inclined. But more than that; follow him on the socials to see what he has coming up next. I’m sure it will be a great watch and tell him you heard him on Fascination Street Podcast!