Michael Lortz and Joel D. Wynkoop Credit: Joel D. Wynkoop
Joel D. Wynkoop is widely known as Tampa’s “King of the B Movies,” and the 65 years old producer, writer, actor and host of public television’s “No Budget Cinema” can claim credits in nearly 300 of them.
“I like to say that I’ve done everything but porn,” Wynkoop told Paul Guzzo in 2023. His latest is not X-rated, but it is excellent if you ask fans of low budget horror flicks with cult followings. “Beast Mode”—which debuted at Clearwater’s Tampa Bay Screams convention last May—follows Mark Butters, a regular dude who wants to be a superhero. Werewolves and charismatic newsmen are part of the hilarious chaos that ensues.
The flick is only available on DVD, but it’s on the big screen this week inside Tampa’s most-affordable movie theater.
Tickets to see “Beast Mode” at Sun-Ray Cinema on Wednesday, Aug. 19 are still available for $6-$10.
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This article appears in August 13 – 19, 2026.
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