Blog

<figure id="figure-njop2w3d9vmhnt7ldd"data-full-width><img id="njop2w3d9vmhnt7ldd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cKdiy1HG5NvZQaYU1aeEMZxnldARU8HiCQk2NRiqhNGgGV0GQbIro5RzjDqAzW4.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="true"/></figure><p>Every universe needs a way to be lived in—not just watched. For the StoneGate Cinematic Universe, that next move is gameplay.</p><p>We’re planning Becoming Hank Luciano: Return To Stonegate—a third-person, tactical crime-tech experience that fuses the systems and hacking of Watch Dogs, the squad coordination of Army of Two, and the hand-to-hand realism and cinematic grit of Sleeping Dogs. Built in <strong><a data-mce-href="https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US" href="https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unreal Engine</a></strong>, it lets players step directly into StoneGate City—a living environment of power, pressure, and consequence.</p><h2><strong>The World: StoneGate City Comes Alive</strong></h2><p>The campaign unfolds across connected districts with their own economies, threats, and codes:</p><ul><li>BleakStone Point — community, culture, and quiet grind.</li><li>Havoc Heights — hard edges, tighter margins, quicker violence.</li><li>Cedarview Harbor — docks, warehouses, smuggling lanes, cold logistics.</li><li>Golden Oak Grove — clean facades, hidden money, corporate muscle.</li><li>…and more locations that expand as the story escalates.</li></ul><p>Every camera, drone, and encrypted signal can be used, bent, or burned. The city isn’t backdrop—it’s a toolset.</p><h2><strong>The Gameplay: Smart Moves Only</strong></h2><figure id="figure-n7lvm394frmhkzvqr9" data-full-width=""><img id="n7lvm394frmhkzvqr9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/66VjHRnhtvzzxHBrUDoHarDBh9OAzmzZtzavdi0j2O0zGa5W3Oo62Re6rr7o55cq.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/66VjHRnhtvzzxHBrUDoHarDBh9OAzmzZtzavdi0j2O0zGa5W3Oo62Re6rr7o55cq.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Third-person. Cinematic realism. Tactical execution.</p><p>You play Hank Luciano—operator, strategist, executor. Missions blend three pillars:</p><p><strong>1. Tech Operations</strong><br>Hijack systems, pivot surveillance, scramble comms, pull real-time intel. Set diversions, lock doors, cut lights, and weaponize the grid.</p><p><strong>2. Street Combat</strong><br>Close-quarters takedowns, disciplined firearm play, and environmental finishes. Precision beats chaos.</p><p><strong>3. Crew Coordination</strong><br>Silent commands, synced breaches, timed flanks, and tandem finishers. Run formations that feel earned, not scripted.</p><h2><strong>The Crew: Nyla Vex, Catalina Rojas, and Black Signal</strong></h2><figure id="figure-ct6g331emamhky7pmu" data-full-width=""><img id="ct6g331emamhky7pmu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1bL5fIgl1z7bKjPh6c4p2jK6V6ZXoMuRHBB4cfoh10MxXdS9ncuxV7qpOKrFFejk.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 60% 90%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="60%" data-positiony="90%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1bL5fIgl1z7bKjPh6c4p2jK6V6ZXoMuRHBB4cfoh10MxXdS9ncuxV7qpOKrFFejk.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 60% 90%;"></figure><p>No empire moves alone.</p><ul><li>Nyla Vex — field commander and point of pressure. Infiltration, suppression, and on-the-ground control when plans hit heat.</li><li>Catalina Rojas — strategist and surveillance lead. Remote drones, signal warfare, and overwatch that keeps the team two steps ahead.</li><li>Black Signal (Tactical Team) — on select missions, when things get heavy, Hank can call in Black Signal for limited-run support: breachers for hard entries, ECM/electronic jamming, rooftop overwatch, diversion units, and secure exfil. You trigger them at key beats—short windows, precise objectives. When the storm hits, they stabilize the board so the crew can finish the play.</li></ul><p>Together with Hank, they operate as a three-unit strike team with optional Black Signal escalation. You set the tempo: swap leadership moments, queue dual takedowns, clear rooms with intent, and time support calls when the city turns loud.</p><h2><strong>The Story: Control the System—or Be Consumed by It</strong></h2><p>After years in the shadows, Hank returns to StoneGate City to rebuild power and settle the ledger. The city has changed—smarter, faster, more connected. He adapts by building a system of his own: leverage over noise, discipline over impulse, information over intimidation.</p><p>Loyalty becomes leverage. Strategy becomes survival.</p><h2><strong>The Soundtrack: BleakStone Sound Sets the Pulse</strong></h2><figure id="figure-ecygzpqbemhkzcmb4" data-full-width=""><img id="ecygzpqbemhkzcmb4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/14lAnSigoXfLUgPKw1WRRzKjeoAuMpKvfLpT2NDO4uxI8PFueqeHoRE6qQ0DCWEF.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/14lAnSigoXfLUgPKw1WRRzKjeoAuMpKvfLpT2NDO4uxI8PFueqeHoRE6qQ0DCWEF.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p>The soundtrack is part of the gameplay loop—music that shifts with your choices and the city’s intensity. Curated through BleakStone Sound Studios, we’ll be reaching out to freelance music artists and producers worldwide—across states, cities, and countries—to deliver records that carry the same weight as the story. Tracks can surface diegetically in-world (studio, cars, clubs) and then evolve into score as missions unfold.</p><h2><strong>How It Fits the Universe</strong></h2><p>This game is not a spin-off—it’s a continuation. It connects with:</p><ul><li>The film (Becoming Hank Luciano: StoneGate City), where Hank’s present-tense arc is established.</li><li>The District Files graphic-novel line, which sets deeper codes and backstory in canon.</li><li>The BleakStone Sound pipeline, where music is treated as narrative—human-made and story-first.</li></ul><p>One world, multiple lenses—watch it, read it, play it.</p><h2><strong>Status: Blueprint in Motion</strong></h2><p>Becoming Hank Luciano: Return to StoneGate City is in the planning phase. Systems, districts, missions, and soundtrack strategy are being mapped for a cinematic, third-person experience in Unreal Engine.</p><p>We’re structuring a staged financing plan to move from concept to launch:</p><p>• Round I — Crowdfunding (Indiegogo and similar platforms): fund early pre-production, concept art, prototype systems, and a short internal demo.<br>• Round II — Private Investors &amp; Grants: build the public vertical slice (playable mission with full audio and polish), expand environments, and lock core gameplay loops.<br>• Round III — Strategic Partnerships: align with music, fashion, and tech partners for soundtrack execution, performance capture, and pipeline scaling.<br>• Round IV — Production &amp; Publishing: full content build (campaign, AI companions, Black Signal ops), QA, optimization, and platform compliance.<br>• Round V — Go-to-Market: trailers, community beta, soundtrack rollout via BleakStone Sound, and launch marketing.</p><p>This phased approach lets us deliver milestones with intention—prototype, slice, production, release—while protecting the quality bar and the SGCU brand.</p><h2><strong>About StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU)</strong></h2><figure id="figure-3du7phnlkomhkxly0u" data-full-width="" class=""><img id="3du7phnlkomhkxly0u" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20KZVXBixR7U6XIgJzvncEhpSxpkmNVfix9OY4dEiY14o539Bd0d9MzwFnpnQLhK.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20KZVXBixR7U6XIgJzvncEhpSxpkmNVfix9OY4dEiY14o539Bd0d9MzwFnpnQLhK.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU) is an independent transmedia studio and creative production company founded by Adam Dudley — known creatively as Hank Luciano — dedicated to immersive stories told with style, substance, and soul.</p><p>From graphic novels to 3D-animated features, and eventually live-action films, SGCU is laying the foundation for a universe that resonates beyond the screen — one vision, one project, one world at a time.</p><h2><a data-mce-href="https://www.thinkwithad.com/" href="https://www.thinkwithad.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ThinkwithAD - PULSE</strong></a></h2><p>All SGCU blog content is created by ThinkwithAD, the narrative architect behind the StoneGate Cinematic Universe—documenting how story, tech, and design merge to build a living world.</p><p>Decode the message. Follow the signal. Stay ahead of the story.</p><figure id="figure-qjct37z35mmhkxlioi" data-full-width=""><img id="qjct37z35mmhkxlioi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31YmKjBkfIRcLCuCEIlrTk7VkL6WHNyHkuVzuzCvvm78bracIsSWAf3nWSW5CZKo.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31YmKjBkfIRcLCuCEIlrTk7VkL6WHNyHkuVzuzCvvm78bracIsSWAf3nWSW5CZKo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></p><p>All projects within the StoneGate Cinematic Universe—including Becoming Hank Luciano – StoneGate City, its game, soundtrack, and related media—are currently in the planning stage. All creative material is fictional and protected under copyright. Perspectives shared by <strong><a data-mce-href="https://www.thinkwithad.com/" href="https://www.thinkwithad.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ThinkwithAD</a></strong> are for creative development and storytelling purposes only.</p>

Becoming Hank Luciano: Inside the Game – Strategy, Loyalty, and Power

<p>Every city has a rhythm. Every story has a look. And in StoneGate, tech is the current—surveillance, encrypted comms, and signal flow shaping how power moves.</p><p>For Becoming Hank Luciano: StoneGate City, it all comes alive at BleakStone Sound Studios—the creative epicenter where music, fashion, technology, and urban storytelling fuse into one identity. The music from BleakStone isn’t background; it’s the emotional backbone of the world, routed through a modern, digital pipeline and delivered with human intent.</p><h2><strong>BleakStone Point: The Community That Shapes the Sound</strong></h2><figure id="figure-io3f8ask1gmhe80xym" data-full-width=""><img id="io3f8ask1gmhe80xym" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30nzMr7DHgKJhS1XE4egiimdddJE22uIlu62y5ouSUFeadMihpmR0b1rIzhVkV24.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30nzMr7DHgKJhS1XE4egiimdddJE22uIlu62y5ouSUFeadMihpmR0b1rIzhVkV24.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p>BleakStone Point is the foundation of StoneGate City—a Black and Latino community alive with resilience, small business energy, and cultural pride. Barbershops, bodegas, streetwear boutiques, independent studios, and family kitchens share the same blocks. Working- and middle-class families keep the district steady while creatives and entrepreneurs push it forward. On the tougher edges—Havoc Heights and Redwood Flats—boarded buildings and corner hustles sit beside porch-watch elders, block cookouts, and kids dreaming beyond the street.</p><p>BleakStone is an ecosystem: people looking out for each other and moving like legacy is the goal.</p><h2><strong>The Rise at BleakStone: Dignity as Design (Graphic Novel Canon)</strong></h2><p>In the graphic novel continuity, Sincere Cross launches The Rise at BleakStone—a community initiative converting an abandoned lot into a secure micro-neighborhood of tiny homes and renovated trailers. Priority goes to homeless veterans, single parents, and returning citizens rebuilding from the ground up. It’s not charity—it’s structure, safety, and a second chance.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Note: </strong>Sincere Cross appears in the graphic novel only. In the film, this world is led by Hank Luciano.</p></blockquote><h2><strong>BleakStone Sound Studios: Where Culture, Tech, and Creation Converge (Film)</strong></h2><figure id="figure-3ef05e5moemhe8c5fo" data-full-width=""><img id="3ef05e5moemhe8c5fo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9VWkIr02ret95cu316RnYBt0Cn72HUQz2UxoQljmQYWeApFPoVNYEqDJdGyKqDcw.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9VWkIr02ret95cu316RnYBt0Cn72HUQz2UxoQljmQYWeApFPoVNYEqDJdGyKqDcw.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p>At the center is BleakStone Sound Studios, the sound engine of StoneGate City. In the film, BleakStone is both story space and creative sanctuary—sessions, late-night mixdowns, quiet confessions through glass, and verses that say what dialogue won’t. A beat might start in-scene (diegetic) and evolve into score (non-diegetic) as the story moves through the city.</p><p>The tech layer is part of the language: secure drives, time-coded stems, session screens glowing in the dark, and a workflow that keeps records authentic and 100% human-made even as the process is fully digital. Here, sound is a statement and image is identity—artists record in fits from neighborhood brands, and styling defines character energy: muted palettes, statement jackets, subtle gold, quiet power.</p><h2><strong>Opportunities for Upcoming Artists and Creatives</strong></h2><figure id="figure-va6lkxdbncmho1b4nz"data-full-width><img id="va6lkxdbncmho1b4nz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9oGG8qDpapy2OfTqM7mo48OSKsNfGHXeJEb1woyQlwRc5t6WvXklgKM9ZRP3m967.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="true"/></figure><p>BleakStone isn’t just fictional—it’s a gateway. This project will create real opportunities for upcoming artists, producers, designers, and stylists to contribute to the Becoming Hank Luciano universe.</p><p><strong>Selected participants will:</strong></p><ul><li>Contribute to the official soundtrack (guided by the StoneGate tone).</li><li>Appear in the film as a fictionalized look-alike (a character mirroring their aesthetic and energy).</li><li>Express a personal fashion identity through wardrobe and styling.</li><li>Weave elements of real life—struggle, strategy, and growth—into on-screen moments.</li></ul><p>This is a blend of reality and cinema, built around music, style, tech, and survival.</p><h2><strong>Era Focus: How the Timelines Work</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Graphic Novel: </strong>Sincere Cross era—the raw, formative chapter that sets the foundation of the world and its values.</li><li><strong>Film: </strong>Hank Luciano era—the present-tense power arc; decisions are larger, consequences sharper, and the city is watching.</li></ul><p>The sound should feel like reflection and motion at once—the integrity of the foundation with the velocity of the present.</p><h2><strong>Sound Direction: Classic Truth, Modern Speakers</strong></h2><p>A modern fusion of cinematic hip-hop, soul-leaning trap, country/southern storytelling, and pop clarity. The aim is a record you can feel and replay: lyrically grounded, 80's-forward, and built around memorable, human hooks (including strong female vocal leads)—with production that matches the story’s weight, not just the vibe.</p><h2><strong>Influences: Weight, Urgency, and Hook Craft</strong></h2><figure id="figure-64ghnxngemheibhk6" data-full-width=""><img id="64ghnxngemheibhk6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fuKtEjPWV7OrhoTu5GTSAm6ZpUyxvLeg3sm7gTYtLG84YH12PqgE9AKIi6Fl9Fe.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fuKtEjPWV7OrhoTu5GTSAm6ZpUyxvLeg3sm7gTYtLG84YH12PqgE9AKIi6Fl9Fe.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p>The DNA draws from hip-hop’s golden era — Tupac’s emotion, Biggie’s storytelling, Nas’s introspection, Jay-Z’s structural precision — and the power and urgency of N.W.A, where the music doesn’t just soundtrack the city; it speaks for it. Add 50 Cent’s hook engineering and cold-paced menace and Ice-T’s street reportage and disciplined cadence to anchor realism with unforgettable repetition and restraint.</p><p>To lock in melody and hooks, we pull from the presence and pen of leading women in hip-hop and R&amp;B: the lyricism and stance of Lauryn Hill and Rapsody, the hook power of SZA, H.E.R., and Tyla, the edge and command of Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, and the soul weight of Jazmine Sullivan.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Timeless and current at once—verses with consequence, drums that move the room, and choruses that carry the narrative past the scene.</p><h2><strong>About StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU)</strong></h2><figure id="figure-dfz7on8kbyemhe5zney" data-full-width=""><img id="dfz7on8kbyemhe5zney" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20KZVXBixR7U6XIgJzvncEhpSxpkmNVfix9OY4dEiY14o539Bd0d9MzwFnpnQLhK.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20KZVXBixR7U6XIgJzvncEhpSxpkmNVfix9OY4dEiY14o539Bd0d9MzwFnpnQLhK.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU) is an independent transmedia studio and creative production company founded by Adam Dudley — known creatively as Hank Luciano — dedicated to immersive stories told with style, substance, and soul.</p><p>From graphic novels to 3D-animated features, and eventually live-action films, SGCU is laying the foundation for a universe that resonates beyond the screen — one vision, one project, one world at a time.</p><h2><a data-mce-href="https://www.thinkwithad.com/" href="https://www.thinkwithad.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ThinkwithAD - PULSE</strong></a></h2><p>All blog content on this site is created by ThinkwithAD, the narrative architect behind the StoneGate Cinematic Universe. These entries document the process—how sound, style, tech, and story merge to build a living world.</p><p>This is world-building, not marketing. Decode the message. Follow the signal. Stay ahead of the story.</p><figure id="figure-y1ziem7088mhe5k5yy" data-full-width=""><img id="y1ziem7088mhe5k5yy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31YmKjBkfIRcLCuCEIlrTk7VkL6WHNyHkuVzuzCvvm78bracIsSWAf3nWSW5CZKo.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31YmKjBkfIRcLCuCEIlrTk7VkL6WHNyHkuVzuzCvvm78bracIsSWAf3nWSW5CZKo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></p><p>All projects and creative elements within the StoneGate Cinematic Universe—including Becoming Hank Luciano – StoneGate City, its film, soundtrack, merchandise, and featured locations—are currently in the planning and development stage. Any mention of collaborations, casting, or releases reflects creative direction and may evolve.</p><p>All content is fictional and protected under copyright. Perspectives shared by ThinkwithAD are intended for creative development, storytelling, and entertainment purposes only.</p>

BleakStone Sound Studios and the Sound of StoneGate

<figure id="figure-xl6uwgo56mg057q7l" data-full-width=""><img id="xl6uwgo56mg057q7l" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fDXJ9yCiKPHJYxJGaqRjJXecH6rYnjmbZ6Aw0WrO037OFdhZpl3egKcQbnL0Smh6.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 20% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="20%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fDXJ9yCiKPHJYxJGaqRjJXecH6rYnjmbZ6Aw0WrO037OFdhZpl3egKcQbnL0Smh6.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 20% 100%;"></figure><h2><strong>Graphic novel first, trailer next, then film. Unreal Engine + MetaHuman. $500,000 goal. Launch date TBD.</strong></h2><p>Some projects chase hype. We’re building a legacy. Developed by the creator Adam Dudley — also known as Hank Luciano — Becoming Hank Luciano is the flagship story inside the StoneGate Cinematic Universe: a tech-crime origin built with intention, precision, and a long-game mindset.</p><p>This update centers the Indiegogo campaign — what’s first, where funds go, what changed since the last announcement, and what a successful launch will unlock. We’re keeping it honest while we line up the pieces to do this right.</p><h2><strong>At-a-Glance</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Funding type: </strong>Flexible (Keep-What-You-Raise)</li><li><strong>Public goal: </strong>$500,000</li><li><strong>Campaign objective (stretch):</strong> $750,000</li><li><strong>Original plan: </strong>Fall 2025 campaign launch</li><li><strong>Update: </strong>Launch date now TBD to prioritize audience growth and stronger campaign assets</li><li><strong>Release path: </strong>Graphic novel series first, then official trailer, then the movie.</li><li><strong>Film tech: </strong>Unreal Engine + MetaHuman</li><li><strong>If the film succeeds: </strong>expand into a series that goes deeper into StoneGate City.</li></ul><figure id="figure-9fiii8mlmetmg059b7o" data-full-width=""><img id="9fiii8mlmetmg059b7o" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31PKHuUWcbjyVqfSZkTwicpStrn7xKlqXipYX9qOv7Z7M383ygXpf0QbVFf1oVen.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 100% 60%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="100%" data-positiony="60%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31PKHuUWcbjyVqfSZkTwicpStrn7xKlqXipYX9qOv7Z7M383ygXpf0QbVFf1oVen.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 100% 60%;"></figure><h2><strong>First Release: District Files — Issue #1: BleakStone Point</strong></h2><p>We start on the page. District Files — Issue #1: BleakStone Point takes you back to the early life of Sincere Cross — before “Hank Luciano” was ever spoken. It’s the scars, choices, and silence that shaped him. Canon first. Cameras second.</p><h2><strong>From Page to Trailer to a 3D Animated Feature</strong></h2><p>Before the feature, we will develop and release an official cinematic trailer produced in Unreal Engine and MetaHuman. It will draw from the pilot/prologue and select bespoke shots to introduce the tone, characters, and world — and to power festival submissions, partner conversations, and audience growth.</p><p>From there, production builds toward a full 3D animated film using Unreal Engine and MetaHuman. Screenplays are being developed with a co-writer and a tight crew of illustrators and world-builders. The approach is ambitious, bold, and cinematic — the beginning of something legendary. If the movie is successful, the plan is to expand into a series that explores the characters and districts of StoneGate City in greater depth.</p><h2><strong>Funding Type and Goals</strong></h2><p><strong>Funding type: Flexible (Keep-What-You-Raise</strong></p><ul><li>We set our public goal at $500K to guarantee Phase 1: Graphic Novel Issue #1 + a 1–2 minute UE5/MetaHuman cinematic trailer.<br></li><li>Our campaign objective is $750K, which unlocks a 20–28 minute UE5/MetaHuman pilot, a marquee set-piece, additional performance capture, and an expanded score.</li></ul><p><strong>Perks</strong><br></p><p>Perks are preliminary and may be refined or replaced prior to launch. Physical items are threshold-based and only enter manufacturing when their tier is funded; otherwise, we provide equal-value digital/credit substitutions.</p><h2><strong>Why Crowdfunding — And What Changed</strong></h2><p>This level of storytelling is expensive, and independence matters. Indiegogo keeps us transparent and community-driven while we also pursue private investment and partnerships. We originally targeted Fall 2025. Straight up — the audience needs more runway. We’d rather launch strong than launch rushed, so the campaign date is TBD while we grow the fan base, sharpen visuals, and finalize perks.</p><h2><strong>Where the Funds Go</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Production and virtual art direction:</strong> environments, sets, look development</li><li><strong>Unreal + MetaHuman pipeline: </strong>performance capture, rigging, realism passes.</li><li><strong>Sound and original score:</strong> tense, cinematic, urban-surveillance tone.</li><li><strong>Casting and VO/performance capture:</strong> talent, direction, core crew.</li><li><strong>World-building assets: </strong>concept art, visual language, groundwork for series expansion</li></ul><h2><strong>Perk Concepts in Development</strong></h2><ul><li>Digital starter pack: concept art drops, wallpapers, behind-the-scenes notes</li><li>Name in credits: official Backer Roll</li><li>District Files perks: early access plus a limited cover variant for Issue #1</li><li>Black Signal Unit patch and enamel pin (collector set)</li><li>Hank fedora mini pin and art card</li><li>Producer-level tiers with private production updates</li></ul><p><strong>Note: </strong>perk concepts are provisional and may be refined or replaced prior to launch. Final names and details will appear on the campaign page.</p><h2><strong>Stretch Goals Under Consideration</strong></h2><ul><li>Short character vignettes set across StoneGate districts</li><li>Expanded score with live session elements</li><li>Extra production days for signature sequences</li><li>Early writers’ room for the series arc</li></ul><h2><strong>What a Successful Campaign Unlocks (Beyond the Film)</strong></h2><p>This isn’t fashion — it’s strategy. The Hank Luciano brand is built for people who move with precision and elevate through presence — blending luxury fashion, street culture, and a cinematic mindset into a focused mix of eyewear, footwear, apparel, and signature pieces.</p><h2><strong>Funding and Launch Path</strong></h2><ul><li>Official production for the graphic novels</li><li>Trailer development and release</li><li>Film development</li><li>Manufacture and fulfillment for HL-branded eyewear and curated designer frames.</li><li>Initial runs of tactical streetwear and signature fedoras</li><li>Expanded merchandise, packaging, and supporting infrastructure</li><li>Additional StoneGate Cinematic Universe initiatives</li></ul><h2><strong>Eyewear: Luxury to Everyday</strong></h2><p>Designer labels will be curated through a newly established partnership with a luxury, authentic eyewear distributor that carries more than 100 brands and services over 3,000 clients in the U.S. and internationally. Their clients range from local brick-and-mortar shops to major department stores, and their portfolio spans both high-end designer collections and popular, on-trend product lines. Expect Cartier, Gucci, Chanel, Versace, plus Burberry, Dior, Tom Ford, and Prada — all selected for the Luciano mindset: silent status.</p><p><strong>HL house line: </strong>lightweight acetates and metals, low-profile branding, polarized and prescription-ready options, blue-light and anti-glare coatings, Luciano-palette colorways.</p><ul><li><strong>Authenticity first: </strong>authorized channels only — no resellers, no knockoffs.</li><li><strong>Everyday essentials: </strong>clean, affordable optical frames for work, weekend, and low-key movement.<strong>Footwear: </strong>Built for Movement</li><li>Casual activewear trainers and slip-ons (unisex)</li><li>Branded clogs (select Crocs styles) with optional HL charm pack</li><li>Curated designer sneakers in disciplined, neutral palettes</li><li>City boots with stable, chunky soles and weather-resistant uppers</li></ul><p><strong>Crowdfund unlock: </strong>sample runs, first colorways, exclusive bundle tiers.</p><h2><strong>Apparel and Merch</strong></h2><ul><li>Core streetwear and everyday casual with subtle District marks and Black Signal iconography</li><li>Tailored joggers and slim cargos; bombers and long coats inspired by Hank’s trench silhouette</li><li>Grown-man and grown-woman pieces: minimalist knitwear, slim-fit button-ups, wool overcoats, leather jackets, modern eyewear, refined gold chains</li><li>Fedora line (hero piece): Everyday Classic, Collector’s Edition, and seasonal drops, presented in a collector’s hat box styled.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Premium drops: </strong>District Fedora Series and bundled rewards (Fedora + Graphic Novel + Chain + Poster)</p><p>Want the full breakdown of the upcoming Hank Luciano Collection? <strong><a href="https://www.stonegateuniverse.com/blog/coming-soon--the-hank-luciano-collection---eyewear--tactical-streetwear--fedoras" data-mce-href="https://www.stonegateuniverse.com/blog/coming-soon--the-hank-luciano-collection---eyewear--tactical-streetwear--fedoras">Read the feature</a></strong><br></p><h2><strong>Timeline (Working Plan)</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Now to pre-launch: </strong>audience growth, visual previews, perk testing.</li><li><strong>Trailer production and drop:</strong> aligned with or shortly after campaign launch.</li><li><strong>Campaign window: </strong>announced when ready.</li><li><strong>Post-campaign: </strong>production ramp with consistent backer updates.</li></ul><h2><strong>This is bigger than a story — it’s legacy in motion.</strong></h2><p>📌 Follow this project on<strong> <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1HR8vptakK/" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1HR8vptakK/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>&nbsp;</strong></p><h2><strong>About StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU)</strong></h2><figure id="figure-020mrypw0amhkpxvol" data-full-width=""><img id="020mrypw0amhkpxvol" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20KZVXBixR7U6XIgJzvncEhpSxpkmNVfix9OY4dEiY14o539Bd0d9MzwFnpnQLhK.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20KZVXBixR7U6XIgJzvncEhpSxpkmNVfix9OY4dEiY14o539Bd0d9MzwFnpnQLhK.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU) is an independent transmedia studio and creative production company founded by Adam Dudley — known creatively as Hank Luciano — dedicated to immersive stories told with style, substance, and soul.</p><p>From graphic novels to 3D-animated features, and eventually live-action films, SGCU is laying the foundation for a universe that resonates beyond the screen — one vision, one project, one world at a time.</p><h2>Written by <a data-mce-href="https://www.thinkwithad.com/" href="https://www.thinkwithad.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ThinkwithAD — PULSE</strong></a></h2><p>Think with vision. Move with purpose. Build with legacy.</p><figure id="figure-tgpzgcaz03mg04hvr8" data-full-width=""><img id="tgpzgcaz03mg04hvr8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31YmKjBkfIRcLCuCEIlrTk7VkL6WHNyHkuVzuzCvvm78bracIsSWAf3nWSW5CZKo.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31YmKjBkfIRcLCuCEIlrTk7VkL6WHNyHkuVzuzCvvm78bracIsSWAf3nWSW5CZKo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><strong>⚠️ Campaign Disclosures &amp; Legal Notice</strong></p><p><strong>Project status.</strong> Becoming Hank Luciano: StoneGate City is in active development. All creative elements—story, characters, visuals, technology stack, perks, and timelines—are works in progress and may evolve.</p><p><strong>Crowdfunding nature.</strong> Contributions on Indiegogo support development/production. They are not investments, confer no equity/ownership, and do not entitle contributors to financial returns. Any refunds are governed by Indiegogo’s policies as stated on the campaign page.</p><p><strong>Perks. </strong>Perks are preliminary and may be refined, replaced, or fulfilled with comparable items of equal or greater value based on availability, manufacturing, or quality control. Certain physical items are threshold-based and will only enter production if the corresponding funding tier is reached; otherwise we may provide equal-value digital/credit substitutions.</p><p><strong>Shipping, taxes &amp; duties. </strong>Backers are responsible for accurate delivery info and for any shipping costs, VAT/GST, customs, duties, or import fees required by their country. Some regions may be unavailable due to legal or logistical constraints.</p><p><strong>Use of funds. </strong>Budget allocations (people, tech, assets, audio, post, perks, contingency, etc.) are good-faith estimates and may be reallocated to protect quality and delivery.</p><p><strong>Schedule. All</strong> dates—campaign launch, perk delivery windows, trailer/pilot releases, and subsequent installments—are targets and may shift due to creative, technical, supplier, or regulatory factors. The official campaign launch date is TBD.</p><p><strong>Content &amp; age guidance. </strong>The narrative may include mature themes. Access to certain materials may be age-restricted; please review content notes before sharing with minors.</p><p><strong>No endorsement implied. “</strong>Unreal Engine” and “MetaHuman” are products/trademarks of Epic Games, Inc. “Indiegogo” is a trademark of Indiegogo, Inc. Other third-party names are the property of their owners. No affiliation or endorsement is implied unless explicitly stated.</p><p><strong>Authenticity &amp; sourcing. </strong>Branded products (including eyewear, apparel, accessories) will be sourced through authorized channels. Final specs, materials, vendors, and packaging are subject to quality checks and availability.</p><p><strong>Territory &amp; compliance. </strong>Participation may be limited in certain jurisdictions. We reserve the right to modify, decline, or refund contributions or orders that cannot be fulfilled compliantly.</p><p><strong>Communications &amp; privacy. </strong>By opting in for updates you consent to receive project communications per our site Privacy Policy and Terms.</p><p><strong>No legal advice. </strong>This disclosure is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.</p><p><strong>Last updated: October 19th, 2025</strong><br></p>

From District Files to the Big Screen: The Indiegogo Plan for Becoming Hank Luciano

<figure id="figure-vw6q7s8ldnmeop3vn0" data-full-width=""><img id="vw6q7s8ldnmeop3vn0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/agNQu7ylbvRTr14v4TVpkU1Jg74Hz7nCSCkcJO2ViSWUHfexUrEsxEerMgSCeK9r.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% undefined%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="100%" data-positiony="undefined%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/agNQu7ylbvRTr14v4TVpkU1Jg74Hz7nCSCkcJO2ViSWUHfexUrEsxEerMgSCeK9r.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% undefined%;"></figure><h2><strong>This isn’t fashion—it’s strategy.</strong></h2><p>The Hank Luciano brand is in motion. Built for people who move with precision and elevate through presence, it blends luxury fashion, street culture, and a cinematic mindset into a focused mix of designer eyewear, HL-branded eyewear, tactical streetwear, and signature pieces.</p><h2><strong>Funding and Launch Path</strong></h2><p>This project moves when the people move. Production begins once—and only if—we successfully fund our crowdfunding campaign. <strong>A successful campaign will kick off:</strong></p><ul><li>Official production for the graphic novels</li><li>Development of the film</li><li>Manufacture and fulfillment for HL-branded eyewear and curated designer frames</li><li>Initial runs of tactical streetwear and signature fedoras</li><li>Expanded merchandise, packaging, and supporting infrastructure</li><li>Additional StoneGate Cinematic Universe initiatives</li></ul><h2><strong>Eyewear: Luxury to Everyday</strong></h2><figure id="figure-8rtgc7mvgsmeoo12tq" data-full-width=""><img id="8rtgc7mvgsmeoo12tq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23vbYLGiz7jzLAy8W6zaOYixEVRMMhfakNwLs1GIgJ6gVmb3WY9MhRNl9pfk86Vn.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 95% undefined%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="95%" data-positiony="undefined%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23vbYLGiz7jzLAy8W6zaOYixEVRMMhfakNwLs1GIgJ6gVmb3WY9MhRNl9pfk86Vn.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 95% undefined%;"></figure><p>At its core, Hank Luciano is an Eyewear Retail and Optical concept designed to cover every lane.</p><p><strong>Designer Labels</strong></p><p>- Cartier — gold accents, prestige energy<br>- Gucci — loud when needed, clean when it counts<br>- Chanel — understated power, timeless lines<br>- Versace — high-drip presence<br>- Burberry, Dior, Tom Ford, Prada — each frame chosen for the Luciano mindset: silent status.</p><p><strong>HL-Branded Eyewear (House Line)</strong></p><figure id="figure-unbgp6pt3lmeooltu1" data-full-width=""><img id="unbgp6pt3lmeooltu1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10lsE9JUfpc5MsMCYkMoM8RE7yOuheVsJ27RIdAo32apC4pHU2hI9px6OFY0BqYv.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% undefined%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="100%" data-positiony="undefined%" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10lsE9JUfpc5MsMCYkMoM8RE7yOuheVsJ27RIdAo32apC4pHU2hI9px6OFY0BqYv.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% undefined%;"></figure><p>Modern silhouettes engineered for daily movement—lightweight acetates and metals, low-profile branding, polarized and prescription-ready options, blue-light and anti-glare coatings, and colorways tuned to the Luciano palette. Presence without shouting.</p><p><strong>Authenticity First</strong></p><p>All product will be sourced through authorized channels and trusted distributors. Genuine. Documented. No secondhand resellers, no knockoffs.</p><p><strong>Everyday Essentials</strong><br></p><p>Clean, affordable optical frames • prescription and non-prescription • blue-light protection • profiles for work, weekend, and low-key movement.</p><h2><strong>Footwear: Casual Activewear, Designer Sneakers, Boots &amp; Branded Clogs</strong></h2><p>Built for men and women who move.</p><ul><li>Casual Activewear Footwear (Unisex): everyday trainers and slip-ons with cushioned insoles, supportive midsoles, and slip-resistant outsoles tuned for wet asphalt.</li><li>Branded Clogs (Crocs): select Crocs® styles with a clean, HL-lean aesthetic; optional HL charm pack and muted colorways.</li><li>Designer Sneakers: curated pairs from select designer houses; neutral, disciplined palettes; comfort-first builds for travel and long days.</li><li>City Boots: tactical-inspired ankle boots with stable, chunky soles; weather-resistant uppers; low-glare finishes.</li></ul><p>Crowdfund Unlock: sample runs, first colorways, and exclusive bundle tiers (including footwear options) activate with campaign success.</p><h2><strong>Apparel and Merch</strong></h2><h3><strong>1. Core Merch Line (Everyday Casual + Streetwear)</strong></h3><ul><li>Signature fedoras — premium wool felt or lightweight seasonal versions (black, charcoal, dark navy). Minimal interior branding with a hidden tag nod to StoneGate Cinematic Universe or District Files.</li><li>Streetwear tees and polos — clean, minimal, subtle embroidery using District marks and Black Signal iconography.</li><li>Slim cargo and tailored joggers — upscale cuts, versatile for men and women.</li><li>Bomber jackets and long coats — inspired by Hank’s trench silhouette, adapted for daily wear.</li></ul><h3><strong>2. Classy Grown-Man/Woman Pieces</strong></h3><ul><li>Minimalist knitwear — fitted sweaters and turtlenecks in monochrome palettes.</li><li>Slim-fit button-ups — casual-dress shirts with subtle micro-patterns referencing districts like Neon Row or Crestmoor.</li><li>Wool overcoats and leather jackets — timeless, luxury-inspired pieces tied to Hank’s aesthetic.</li><li>Accessories — sleek wristwatches, slim belts, modern eyewear, refined gold chains as a nod to Hank’s signature.</li></ul><h3><strong>3. Fedora Line (Hero Piece)</strong></h3><ul><li>The Luciano Fedora — premium fedora line under the Hank Luciano name.</li><li>Everyday Classic — matte-black wool, modern fit, simple band.</li><li>Collector’s Edition — limited drop with embossed BHL or District Files branding on the inside lining.</li><li>Seasonal Drops — suede, felt, or lightweight summer versions in subtle muted tones.</li><li>Packaging: presented in a collector’s hat box designed like an Obsidian Systems case file.</li></ul><h3><strong>4. Premium Drops</strong></h3><p>District Fedora Series — each fedora inspired by a different district (BleakStone Point in charcoal with a rugged finish; Neon Row in black with cyan/red trim, etc.).</p><ul><li>Bundle Editions — Fedora + Graphic Novel + Gold Chain + Poster as a crowdfunding reward tier.</li></ul><h2><strong>Built Into a Bigger Story</strong></h2><p>Every future order helps build the StoneGate Cinematic Universe—the world behind Hank Luciano. You’ll be fueling the Becoming Hank Luciano graphic novel series, cinematic development tied to StoneGate City, and the expansion of a living universe where every character, crew, and safehouse has purpose.</p><h2><strong>About StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU)</strong></h2><figure id="figure-bnxud6u8atmhkptit9" data-full-width="" class=""><img id="bnxud6u8atmhkptit9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20KZVXBixR7U6XIgJzvncEhpSxpkmNVfix9OY4dEiY14o539Bd0d9MzwFnpnQLhK.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20KZVXBixR7U6XIgJzvncEhpSxpkmNVfix9OY4dEiY14o539Bd0d9MzwFnpnQLhK.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU) is an independent transmedia studio and creative production company founded by Adam Dudley — known creatively as Hank Luciano — dedicated to immersive stories told with style, substance, and soul.</p><p>From graphic novels to 3D-animated features, and eventually live-action films, SGCU is laying the foundation for a universe that resonates beyond the screen — one vision, one project, one world at a time.</p><h2><strong><a data-mce-href="https://www.thinkwithad.com/blog" href="https://www.thinkwithad.com/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">🧠ThinkwithAD - PULSE</a></strong><br></h2><p><strong>Content: </strong>Published by ThinkwithAD - PULSE on the SGCU blog (<strong><a data-mce-href="https://www.stonegateuniverse.com/blog" href="https://www.stonegateuniverse.com/blog">District Logs</a></strong>).</p><figure id="figure-v2y0q2lj9mmeoo0dmy" data-full-width=""><img id="v2y0q2lj9mmeoo0dmy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31YmKjBkfIRcLCuCEIlrTk7VkL6WHNyHkuVzuzCvvm78bracIsSWAf3nWSW5CZKo.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31YmKjBkfIRcLCuCEIlrTk7VkL6WHNyHkuVzuzCvvm78bracIsSWAf3nWSW5CZKo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p><strong>⚠️Disclaimer: </strong>The blog content and creative material published on this site—including characters, events, narratives, and storylines within the StoneGate Cinematic Universe—are fictional and protected under copyright. Any similarities to real people, locations, or events are coincidental unless otherwise stated. All posts and perspectives by ThinkwithAD are for entertainment, world-building, and narrative exploration and do not reflect the views of third parties unless officially acknowledged.</p>

SGCU

District Logs

Becoming Hank Luciano: Inside the Game – Strategy, Loyalt...

BleakStone Sound Studios and the Sound of StoneGate

From District Files to the Big Screen: The Indiegogo Plan...

Coming Soon: The Hank Luciano Collection — Eyewear, Tacti...