Official Horror Convention Thread

[Ash28M]

I have been to a couple of them and I thought it would be good we could let each other now which horror conventions you have been too and your experiences with them.

I've been to a couple...

Horrorfind Weekend - Been there once and it was the first convention I ever went to. I had a great time, It was nice and intimate I walked by Tony Todd and Tom Savini a few time and got the feeling I could of struck up a conversation with them at any time. There was also a big vendor room and lots of stuff going on all the time.

Rue Morgue Festival of Fear - I've been there three times now and to be honest i'm not loving it. It shares it space with 4 other genres and it so packed that it looses all of it's atmosphere. I haven't been to much of the off venue stuff so others may have broader experiences. I just feel so distant from the guest that it feels so impersonal.

Anybody else have experience with horror conventions.

[Paff]

I've been to Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors 4 times I think. Yeah, 4 times. Twice in Pasadena, twice in Burbank.

It's not a great convention. The "tiered pricing" is confusing and annoying. Despite it being one of the more pricier conventions, you can see all of the dealer floor in about 20 minutes. Most of the dealers are just selling bootleg DVDs anyway. And I have to disagree with the negatives of "combining genres". I actually prefer that, as it breaks up the monotony. There's only so many 20-somethings dressed totally in black that I can put up with.

That's why my preferred con is the San Diego Comic-Con, despite the gargantuan proportions (150,000 attendants!). So much going on, that you always have something to do. A dealer floor you might not see all of even with the 4 days + "preview night". Various genres to break up the monotony. I can go from manga and anime to artwork to sci-fi to horror to independent films. If you only go to one convention a year, San Diego is by far the one to go to.

[speanroc]

the coventions just aren't the same anymore, i miss those days :(

[Mark Relford]

The Horrorhound con in Indy was a blast! It was my first con and I can't wait for the next one in November. I did go crazy with the autographs. :( Twenty bucks each was too much! Plenty of wallet busting stuff there- sphere replicas, RE viral kits, custom made hockey masks, etc. There were too many bootlegs at this con. I was hoping to find some OOP dvds or videos. The celebs were pretty cool, except for Black Betty from Fearnet. She was a friggin' snob.

[eric_angelus]

Just got back from Monster Mania...pretty good time...I spent a bit too much money (as expected) but it was cool to get my Halloween one sheet even more covered in signatures...up to 8 now.

[deplop cinema]

anyone in the NJ/NYC area surely knows of Chiller Theatre. Personally I love it and have been going ever since I was first able to drive. The guests are always good and plentiful but the main reason i go is for the vendors. It's the one day a year I can buy any OOP or rare film I want, so I usually end up dropping a few hundred bucks on tons of bootleg dvds. It's also got lots of great poster vendors - i got a great day bill for The Funhouse last time. Oh, and did I mention the TONS OF CRAZY PORN?!?! That's reason enough for me...

[Mortis]

I've been to Horrorfind the last five years and it's always been a blast.

[17thJuggalo]

Just got back from Monster Mania...pretty good time...I spent a bit too much money (as expected) but it was cool to get my Halloween one sheet even more covered in signatures...up to 8 now.

I too literally just got home from this.

I have much better time this year than last year. Again, I spent way too much money, but it was worth it. I met Savini, E.G. Daily, Micheal Berryman, and Mad Man Pondo. I didn't really want to spend alot of cash on auto's this year because I really don't agree with paying for them. I went to the HOTC/Devil's Rejects, Tony Todd, Fright Night, and Mad Man Pondo Q&A's. I got alot of free swag too which is always a good thing.

Overall it was a great atmosphere and everyone seemed really cool. Other than this convention and last year's MM, I've been to the "Gengis Con" here in Pittsburgh. Its really really small, but at least they had an Xploited Cinema table. I dropped alot of cash there.

I might be uploading some photos from MM shortly too.

[shape22]

I've been to a bunch of different ones and for me Horrorfind in Baltimore is definitely the most fun. The dealer room was bigger than at other conventions I attended, there was a lot more opportunity to genuinely interact with the celebs, and the fans were generally nicer than at some other conventions. Several years back my buddy and I had drinks with Michael Berryman and Reggie Bannister in the hotel bar late at night. Michael was sitting at a nearby table and recognized us and came over to hang out. He has to be the most normal celebrity you could ever hope to speak with. And in addition to having a pretty fascinating career himself, he actually worked for Bob Dylan for a while and he told me some very funny stories about him when I mentioned I was a fan. He said Dylan is a cool guy. Reggie was also very funny and gracious--and pretty much exactly the same guy he plays in Phantasm. He was still drinking with fans when the bar closed for the night. Needless to say it was a pretty great night.

I was bummed to miss this year. Did anyone get to meet Jeffrey Combs there?

[eric_angelus]

I too literally just got home from this.

I have much better time this year than last year. Again, I spent way too much money, but it was worth it. I met Savini, E.G. Daily, Micheal Berryman, and Mad Man Pondo. I didn't really want to spend alot of cash on auto's this year because I really don't agree with paying for them. I went to the HOTC/Devil's Rejects, Tony Todd, Fright Night, and Mad Man Pondo Q&A's. I got alot of free swag too which is always a good thing.

Overall it was a great atmosphere and everyone seemed really cool. Other than this convention and last year's MM, I've been to the "Gengis Con" here in Pittsburgh. Its really really small, but at least they had an Xploited Cinema table. I dropped alot of cash there.

I might be uploading some photos from MM shortly too.

Yeah I went to the Fright Night and Halloween fourms...I really enjoyed both...Halloween was great because it was nice to hear from some different people (ie John Michael Graham) and Fright Night because even though I really like the film, I don't know all that much about it. Inspired me to pop the DVD which I am watching right now. I have alot of pics to, but am waiting for my friend to email them too me. The only complaint I have about this convention (aside from the fact that way too many people were charging $20 to sign your item...but I kind of planned for that) was that the room that basicially all the non-reunion celebs were in was hot as hell!

[Mortis]

I'm bummed they won't be doing it this year.

Other than this convention and last year's MM, I've been to the "Gengis Con" here in Pittsburgh.

[Mortis]

He wasn't there this year, but I met him twice in previous years. Combs rules!

I was bummed to miss this year. Did anyone get to meet Jeffrey Combs there?

[17thJuggalo]

I'm bummed they won't be doing it this year.

Same here. I heard that they're having it in the Spring though. They're having that Zombie Fest thing here in October as well.

[Ash28M]

Have any of you guys been to Cinema Wasteland in Ohio. I was talking to a guy at the Festival of Fear and he had some really good things to say about it.

[Livingdead102]

I've never been to any horror conventions--I'm too cheap (don't like paying for autographs and I'm not big on collecting memorabilia). I did get to meet Tom Savini at the big comic con in Detroit a few years back, though.

The idea seems cool, but I'm still not sold. Are these things worth going to if you're not planning on spending much money?

[Mortis]

I'm down for Zombiefest.

Here's a link for anyone who's interested.

http://www.theitsaliveshow.com/Zombiefest2007.htm

Same here. I heard that they're having it in the Spring though. They're having that Zombie Fest thing here in October as well.

You definitely don't have to spend money on autos and shit. There is plenty of other stuff to do at cons. At least Horrorfind is that way. There's a schedule of shit to do all day. Plus just hanging out, drinking and bullshitting with other horror fans is a lot of fun.

The idea seems cool, but I'm still not sold. Are these things worth going to if you're not planning on spending much money?

[zombi3]

I've been to almost every Chiller and Fango con in the NY/NJ area since January '96 (that was the one Fulci attended). Next one I plan to catch is Chiller this October.

[17thJuggalo]

My experiences with autographs have been that people usually charge $20. This year however, they've been charging around $25 which is a scary trend.

For those of you have been to several different conventions, is $20 bucks the norm, or do people charge less at smaller conventions? For Monstermania I know that the prices a bit steep, but they also have tooonnsss of people attending too.

[eric_angelus]

My experiences with autographs have been that people usually charge $20. This year however, they've been charging around $25 which is a scary trend.

For those of you have been to several different conventions, is $20 bucks the norm, or do people charge less at smaller conventions? For Monstermania I know that the prices a bit steep, but they also have tooonnsss of people attending too.

In my experience I would say about $20 is the norm, that's pretty much what it was for virtually everybody at monster mania...Chris Sarandon and Angus Schrimm were $25...a few like CJ Graham and Danielle Harris were $15 to sign something you brought. I know a few were charging $10...but no one who I got.

[MorallySound]

I attended my first convention just this past weekend, Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear, and I had a blast!

[Mark Relford]

Savini had the best deal on autographs. Just buy one of his photos ($20) and he'll sign everything for that price. A photo taken with him is also included. The other celebs were charging $10 for additional autographs. John Landis will be at the next con. He'll be charging $5 for an autograph. It'll go to charity, which is pretty cool.

[Mortis]

He must have just recently changed that because he used to sign things you brought for free. He was charging at Horrorfind, too.

Savini had the best deal on autographs. Just buy one of his photos ($20) and he'll sign everything for that price. A photo taken with him is also included.

[Shannafey]

He must have just recently changed that because he used to sign things you brought for free. He was charging at Horrorfind, too.

Yeah, I have a few things he signed for me, and he never charged!

[White Worm]

Last horror convention I was at must have been 5 years ago (at least!) wow! I really need to get back up and seeing these new horror fans!

[eric_angelus]

I just got back from the Chiller Theater Con in NJ. This was my second one of these. I had a pretty good time, though I did see the two biggest outrages that I have ever seen as far as actors really gouging fans for $:

Three child actors from A Christmas Story were charging $40 apiece to sign items you brought in!

Gary Coleman charges you $60 to write the line "Watchutalkin 'bout...?" on anything.

I was not interested in meeting or getting signatures from any of these folks anyway...but even overhearing these charges kind of outraged me. Top guests like Val Kilmer and Elvira (both of whom I did meet) were charging less...and were being alot nicer to fans as well.

Some of the coolest moments/guests:
Martin Kove was great. I had him sign two posters (Last House on the Left and Blood Tide). He talked to me for awhile and even slipped me a free autographed Last House on the Left still.

Kevin Blair/Spiritas was a really nice guy. We talked to him early on in the weekend and I added his signature to my Friday the 13th Part 7 one sheet. Every time he saw me and my friends he took time to say hello and chat for a minute or two, and actually remembered all three of our names. I thought that was pretty cool...considering the amount of people these guys speak to at these things.

Paul Ehlers (Madman Marz) was cool as well. Very friendly and seemed to really enjoy talking about the movie...showing props that he had saved, etc.

Linda Blair had a long line but and was a bit rushed...but was also very friendly. While she was charging a bit more than some for autographs, all of the proceeds go to her animal rescue charity, which is a cause I really believe in as well. Also since I had met her a few years back at a work function were she signed an 8 by 10 for free...I did not feel so bad spending a bit of money to have her sign my Exorcist and Hell Night one sheets.

[17thJuggalo]

Three child actors from A Christmas Story were charging $40 apiece to sign items you brought in!

Gary Coleman charges you $60 to write the line "Watchutalkin 'bout...?" on anything.

Fuck that.

Things like this make me think about not going to another convention.

[Devo1313]

Cinema Wasteland was one of the best times ever,as usual. Next April will be even above best ever. An Ilsa reunion with Dyanne Thorne and Don Edmonds plus Spider Baby reunion and ever great John Morghen. Even Austin Stoker from Twisted Barin,Abby and Assault on Precinct 13. Be prepared for one of the greatest shows ever.

[Enutz666]

I love the Cinema Wasteland shows they always have a great bar scene & awesome after parties with movies playin all night. Great place to hang with genre fans.

[satans-sadists]

I just got back from the Chiller Theater Con in NJ. This was my second one of these. I had a pretty good time, though I did see the two biggest outrages that I have ever seen as far as actors really gouging fans for $:

Three child actors from A Christmas Story were charging $40 apiece to sign items you brought in!

Gary Coleman charges you $60 to write the line "Watchutalkin 'bout...?" on anything.

I was not interested in meeting or getting signatures from any of these folks anyway...but even overhearing these charges kind of outraged me. Top guests like Val Kilmer and Elvira (both of whom I did meet) were charging less...and were being alot nicer to fans as well.

Some of the coolest moments/guests:
Martin Kove was great. I had him sign two posters (Last House on the Left and Blood Tide). He talked to me for awhile and even slipped me a free autographed Last House on the Left still.

Kevin Blair/Spiritas was a really nice guy. We talked to him early on in the weekend and I added his signature to my Friday the 13th Part 7 one sheet. Every time he saw me and my friends he took time to say hello and chat for a minute or two, and actually remembered all three of our names. I thought that was pretty cool...considering the amount of people these guys speak to at these things.

Paul Ehlers (Madman Marz) was cool as well. Very friendly and seemed to really enjoy talking about the movie...showing props that he had saved, etc.

Linda Blair had a long line but and was a bit rushed...but was also very friendly. While she was charging a bit more than some for autographs, all of the proceeds go to her animal rescue charity, which is a cause I really believe in as well. Also since I had met her a few years back at a work function were she signed an 8 by 10 for free...I did not feel so bad spending a bit of money to have her sign my Exorcist and Hell Night one sheets.

I can also vouch for what a terrific guy Martin Kove is. My wife and I met him at Chiller a couple years ago. Her little niece came along and was talking to him about her kung fu classes, plus how much she loves The Karate Kid movies. Kove took his time talking to us and was extra sweet to her. He gave her a free Karate Kid photo and signed it with quotes from the movie.

Martin Kove is one of the friendliest persons I ever met at a horror convention. As far as his screen character is concerned, part of me is just glad he was never Sensei in my karate training.

[ReelFear]

i was at the Chiller this weekend as well. they're always fun, ive been going to these things including Fangoria for 21 years now!

Madman paul ehlers was a top notch guy. very cool and many stories to tell.
i met Elvira and surprisingly she was very friendly and talkative to me!! no rush at all.
spoke with howard sherman who played BUB in DOTD - cool guy.
of course Frank stallone too.
overall though the guest list wasent spectacular.

except for very special guests, I REFUSE to pay that kind of money. exception are George Romero, or similar caliber directors. at this point i just wait to talk to the guests and see what kind of attitute they got.

i did not like the attitude of Linda Blair, Edie Mclurg, or lori petti.

the musical performance on Sat night was pretty damn good.
I prefered last Aprils show, but no matter what i will always go back to the Chiller.

[Jason25]

Cinema Wasteland was one of the best times ever,as usual. Next April will be even above best ever. An Ilsa reunion with Dyanne Thorne and Don Edmonds plus Spider Baby reunion and ever great John Morghen. Even Austin Stoker from Twisted Barin,Abby and Assault on Precinct 13. Be prepared for one of the greatest shows ever.

It was a fun show. I had a blast chatting with Charles Band. I posted about it on my website and posted a pic of my purchases.

http://cultandobscurecinema.com/PHP-Nuke/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=26

[Ash28M]

Just booked my hotel for Cinema Wasteland in April I've never been there before but I'm looking forward to it. Anyone else showing up?

[Enutz666]

I'll be at Wasteland this year looks to be a pretty awesome show

[Jason25]

Count me in. It does indeed look like a good show.

[Grim]

When I was younger I would pay the insane prices for autographs, now I Just can't. i had Savini sign a bunch of stuff for me about five years ago and he never charged. Linda Blair is a bitch, flat out. Most of my money is spent in the dealer rooms. Last horrorfind I went to in August, I was flat broke, but I did stand in the Malcolm McDowell line anyway, just to shake his hand.

[DeathDealer]

I hope to attend Chiller this year. Gonna be coming from Texas to travel to NYC and hopefully stop by at the convention on Saturday.

Thoughts on the convention? How are the vendors? Do they have some great stuff for sale (rare, imports)?

[eric_angelus]

I hope to attend Chiller this year. Gonna be coming from Texas to travel to NYC and hopefully stop by at the convention on Saturday.

Thoughts on the convention? How are the vendors? Do they have some great stuff for sale (rare, imports)?

Chilller is an OK show, but kinda out of control. I have gone to the last 4, and am going to this one. I had a kind a lousy time at the last one...but can't resist that Italian horror reunion. The main problem is that they have no crowd control at all...and you tend to spend most of your time waiting in outrageous lines just to get into rooms. My biggest tip on getting into the main room (the "pit" in the lobby where most of the headlines will be...Do it on Friday...and get everyone in there who you plan to get then. Don't leave this area until you are sure you don't want to come in again. The line to get into this area on Saturday was a three hour wait last time during the peak times.
Also the prices some of the celebrities charge is downright criminal (I am talking $40-$50 to sign YOUR ITEM...plus $30 to get your picture taken). Not all are bad though, usually these prices are for the bigger names that are not even known for horror.
Dealer room is about the same as most other cons. Very bootleg heavy...but there are usually some import dealers as well as some decent poster vendors who don't charge an arm and a leg. Lots of cool t-shirts and stuff if you are interested in that...plus there are always dealers with "cheap" bins...DVDs for like $5 where you cam usually find a gem or two...the last few chillers I have been to, Shriek Show always has a table and are still trying to sell off all their code red product for $5 apiece.
Another plus is that the hotel actually has pretty ample parking.

[SaviniFan]

I'll be at Cinema Wasteland all 3 days this coming weekend. If any of you recognize me from any of the photo threads here, feel free to stop me and say hi.

[Ash28M]

I have always thought It would be a good idea if whenever a convention came up we announced a meeting place so forum members who happen to attend could meet up.

[SaviniFan]

I have always thought It would be a good idea if whenever a convention came up we announced a meeting place so forum members who happen to attend could meet up.

I think you'll find that Cinema Wasteland is one of the best run shows around. The admission ticket prices are more than fair and Ken is obviously a fan himself and not just some shmuck looking to rip off fans with a half-ass show. Cinema Wasteland always has a more personable feel to it to me. I've always enjoyed the celebrity question panels that Ken hosts and the Saturday night party madness is always great, especially with some drinking. :)

I'm looking forward to Friday night's karaoke (Scaryoke as they are calling it). Sitting down to a few 3 Stooges shorts is always cool as well. If anyone wants to meet up and say hi, expect me to be at these convention events. My wife and daughter will be with me as well. Here is another pic of me to make me easy to spot. I expect I'll be wearing a black Detroit Red Wings hat as well just so ya know.

Me with George "They're all messed up" Kosana

[Mok]

Ash, my gripes with the Rue Morgue festival are the same as yours. Too many fucking anime kids running around. I want to kick them all in the face :mad: Fuck I hate anime!

[Cardiac Tom]

I'll be at Wasteland...I think this will be the #10 or #11 Wasteland for me. I feel it is the best con out there...best prices, most fun, and cool celebs...Not to mention the partying just rules!!

I'll actually be getting there on Thursday afternoon if anyone wants to meet up early...

Here is what I look like if anyone wants to meet up...I'm not mean or anything (although I'll probably be buzzed) so feel free to come up to me if you recognize me...

[f.ramses]

I've been going to Chiller for the past 12 years and I always say that the show goes a little more downhill as time goes on (in a variety of ways) but I also have to admit that I think it's still the best of the handful of different shows I've had the chance to attend in the tri-state area! I've gotten some good autographs there, it's funny but most of the guests I really wanted to see (David F. Friedman, Joe D'Amato, Jörg Buttgereit, Tom Savini, etc...) were really cool and didn't charge much for autographs (Friedman was always free, D'Amato was selling color photo's for only $7, after you bought one he'd sign happily anything and, seemingly everything, you had for free, even bootlegs (not that I wanted to insult the guy but this was long before the movies I had got a legit release here...), etc...). The others are $20 and up but $20 is average, some will cut you a deal on multiple autographs. Beyond this it seems that the longer you've been out of work or the less related you are to the genre the more you charge.
The dealers room is a shadow of it's former awesome self (due to the fact that the room itself is way smaller and that there is only one of them at the current location for this show in Parsippany, NJ). There is still some decent stuff to be had but I've never found any memorabilia I was specifically looking for (No one seems to have a list or know what they have with them and when I ask for specific titles I get responses like "You really just have to look [through the huge selection of posters I have, most of which you're not interested in!]" or "Yeah, I definitely [have/can get/will soon have/etc...] that, email me!" only to email and never hear back from a single one of these people, ever.) and there are probably more people selling DVD-R's there than legit (and all of these tables have pretty much the same titles and prices...). I remember in the past walking past a bootleg copy of a movie only to find an original (often priced the same...) 2 tables down, now it seems more likely to only find the bootleg. They're obvious enough to spot and some people don't seem to mind them but I think they're so lame and always feel like a such a chump breaking down and buying one on the rare occasion I can't hold out for an original. I don't really remember seeing anyone with original imports at the last few I've been to but maybe I just didn't notice (this is something I almost specifically go there for though...). At Monster Mania Diabolik DVD was promoting the next Chiller so I expect they should at least be there. When I was younger I used to save for months for this thing so I had a lot of cash to drop there but nowadays I'd have to just be spending money for the sake of spending money to spend what I used to spend there.
Finally, the event itself is always packed. Maybe things will be better this time, I'm taking eric_angelus' advice and going Friday this time but if you go Saturday it usually sucks in that regard. The fact that they're not selling Saturday tickets at the door means we won't see the massive line we normally see full of people trying to cram themselves into an already packed convention so things could be better. I can only echo the advice already given, get into the main autograph area ASAP and don't leave it until you have everything you want! I once waited in line 3 or 4 hours for Elvira (I've met her there as both Elvira and as Cassandra Peterson, she's only friendly as Elvira! lol) on a Saturday!

[shockwave]

I'd love to hit up a convention sometime, sadly I live in the Midwest, and as far as I know, there are none in KS/MO/OK/AR or anywhere that wouldn't be a 10+ hour drive. Hopefully someday though.

[X-human]

I'll be at Cinema Wasteland all 3 days this coming weekend. If any of you recognize me from any of the photo threads here, feel free to stop me and say hi.

I'm tempted to go Friday this year, it's Christina Lindberg for fuck's sake, but either I pay too much to jump on a plane or it's an 8 hour train/road trip. Because I work Saturday, not sure it's worth it.

[SynapseFilms]

CINEMA WASTELAND is our favorite show. Ken and Pam run an amazingly fun convention and I always have a blast. The people that attend are great, the guests are fun, the show is much more personable and the nightlife is always a hoot (I'll never forget the year the power went out and there were naked people juggling fire in the parking lot).

I cannot wait for this weekend... CINEMA WASTELAND is tops. Synapse will have some tables and we hope to see you there!

[ReelFear]

Here's my video report from Monster Mania 12. hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHp5JSUm7yk&feature=channel_page

[captain_brandon]

Here's my video report from Monster Mania 12. hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHp5JSUm7yk&feature=channel_page

Awesome stuff man! I just rated it five stars and left a comment. It seem's that Fear Fest, MonsterMania and Cinema Wasteland are the highest rated of the cons. And Fango's Weekend of Horror's the most super shit over the years (or gone to shit and what have you, though I have no idea if anyone can confirm this and many have said they've always mostly been shit, or a lot better, ect). Very cool/interesting thread here.

[SaviniFan]

I was able to film the Christina Lindberg Q&A at Cinema Wasteland this past weekend. Here is the nearly 50 minute Q&A broken into 10 minute chunks. Sorry about the shaky-cam as I don't have a tripod yet.

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NimYt6qxpg8
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2Mz4ZZ221w
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B17N8UF3xC4
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqQH3fA_1h8
Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GrGwogKFxw

She was a pleasure to meet. So kind. Enjoy!!

[MorallySound]

I was able to film the Christina Lindberg Q&A at Cinema Wasteland this past weekend. Here is the nearly 50 minute Q&A broken into 10 minute chunks. Sorry about the shaky-cam as I don't have a tripod yet.

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NimYt6qxpg8
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2Mz4ZZ221w
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B17N8UF3xC4
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqQH3fA_1h8
Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GrGwogKFxw

She was a pleasure to meet. So kind. Enjoy!!
When I have a full hour to kill, I'll have to watch all those.

[evildeadfan123]

I have always wanted to go to a horror convention, but I, too am too cheap. I would like to go to one with Jared Padalecki or Jensen Ackles at the convention, but I also would go to a convention that had Bruce Campbell at the convention.

[Grim]

I've become cheap in the past couple of years at conventions. I don't mind the $20 entry, but after that I only spend maybe an additional $50 or $60 on merch. I don't spend a dime on autographs anymore.

[spawningblue]

Cool vids guys. I have never been to one of these, but they look like a lot of fun!

[Shannafey]

I've become cheap in the past couple of years at conventions. I don't mind the $20 entry, but after that I only spend maybe an additional $50 or $60 on merch. I don't spend a dime on autographs anymore.

Same with me Grim!!

[captain_brandon]

Same with me Grim!!

Same here. If I go, I would like to meet the genre celeb guests, but I honestly (and no offence) don't give two shits about having their autographs. Never saw they're appeal, myself (I mean autographs). I chouldn't see forking over cash to have a name scribble in un-readable cursive hand wrting that I'm not gonna wanna show off. Only original posters and some figures still in the box and the like would be what I'm after.

To each they're own.

[Shannafey]

Back in the day, autographs were $5, which included the photo. Either that, or they were free with admission to a lot of conventiions. This $20 an autograph price is bullshit. No one is worth that much! I do, however, like to go and hear the celebs at panels. I go to the cons for that and to buy crap at the dealer's room. I wish there were more cons near me, as I don't like to blow a ton of money traveling to one. The furthest I go is Orlando, which is almost 3 hours drive and then I just do a roundtrip and only spend a day at the con. Tiring, but fun! Every once in a while, there's one close to me. There's going to be one with Bruce Campbell in Miami in June. Not horror, but anime, comics, a little of everything, which is more of what I like anyway!

[f.ramses]

Went to Chiller Theatre today and I gotta say it was probably the best Chiller Theatre I've been to in a while! It really wasn't too bad with the crowds, they had more guests I wanted to see than usual, and for the first time ever I actually talked to a few of them for a bit! I met Ian McCulloch, Luigi Cozzi, Zora Kerowa, Cinzia Monreale, and George Romero. Ian McCulloch seemed very friendly, I chatted and he joked around about the tape I had him sign. Luigi Cozzi was also cool to talk to, I asked him how to pronounce "giallo" (I've never heard it said, only read it online and in print; I was getting tired of feeling like a fool every time I typed it!) and he taught me, twice. George Romero is a nice guy and he's surprisingly tall when he stands up, everyone in line was really surprised when he stood up for a picture, but he charges more to sign than anyone else, $25.
My only real complaint is not with the show itself but the guests. As nice as they were and as much as I enjoyed meeting them they charge too much for autographs! I don't mind paying you $20 for a picture and I don't really expect a break on the price if I buy a few but if I buy one you should sign a few (nothing excessive, 1 (in most cases...) to 3 items) of the items I brought for free, like everyone used to do. I also shouldn't have to pay them to sign stuff I bought from them (I bought a DVD from someone and it wound up costing me double ($40) because I said yes when they asked if I wanted them to sign it.). I guess a lot of this is my own fault though, they only charge what they charge because they know there are plenty of people like me who will just pay it and, at worst, whine about it on the internet later. :/
I wish I'd brought my camera, I always forget the damn thing when I go to things like this... :/

[Paff]

I met Ian McCulloch, Luigi Cozzi, Zora Kerowa, Cinzia Monreale, and George Romero. Ian McCulloch seemed very friendly, I chatted and he joked around about the tape I had him sign/

always wanted to get my Echo and the Bunnymen stuff signed...

[eric_angelus]

Chiller was much better this time than last, way better crowd control and much more reasonable prices...plus how many people can say that sat front row center for a Q& A with some of the biggest Italian horror stars! It was pretty amazing to have people like Al Civer and other people that I never thought in a million years I would get to meet recognizing me in the hotel throughout the weekend and stopping to chat. . I have pix of myself with all of the Euro horror folks plus others that I can't wait to see...but meanwhile here are a couple of quick shots I took at the panel...first up is Al Cliver, Michael Sopkiw, Zora Kerova, Silvia Collatina (Mae from House by the Cemetery), Cinzia Monreale....second photo is Silvia and Cinzia again, Richard Johnson, Malisa Longo, Luigi Cozzi, Ian McCulloch, Octaviano Dell'Acqua, and the person who brought the whole event together Mike Baronas.

[eric_angelus]

Went to Chiller Theatre today and I gotta say it was probably the best Chiller Theatre I've been to in a while! It really wasn't too bad with the crowds, they had more guests I wanted to see than usual, and for the first time ever I actually talked to a few of them for a bit! I met Ian McCulloch, Luigi Cozzi, Zora Kerowa, Cinzia Monreale, and George Romero. Ian McCulloch seemed very friendly, I chatted and he joked around about the tape I had him sign. Luigi Cozzi was also cool to talk to, I asked him how to pronounce "giallo" (I've never heard it said, only read it online and in print; I was getting tired of feeling like a fool every time I typed it!) and he taught me, twice. George Romero is a nice guy and he's surprisingly tall when he stands up, everyone in line was really surprised when he stood up for a picture, but he charges more to sign than anyone else, $25.
My only real complaint is not with the show itself but the guests. As nice as they were and as much as I enjoyed meeting them they charge too much for autographs! I don't mind paying you $20 for a picture and I don't really expect a break on the price if I buy a few but if I buy one you should sign a few (nothing excessive, 1 (in most cases...) to 3 items) of the items I brought for free, like everyone used to do. I also shouldn't have to pay them to sign stuff I bought from them (I bought a DVD from someone and it wound up costing me double ($40) because I said yes when they asked if I wanted them to sign it.). I guess a lot of this is my own fault though, they only charge what they charge because they know there are plenty of people like me who will just pay it and, at worst, whine about it on the internet later. :/
I wish I'd brought my camera, I always forget the damn thing when I go to things like this... :/

I agree they shouldn't charge so much for your item...but it was much more reasonable this time. At the last one, alot (ie Leslie Nielson, Angie Dickinson, etc) of them were actually charging more for your own item! I only bought a few items from the celebrities. I picked up a Starcrash DVD from Luigi and he signed it for free, but I also had him sign my poster. I also picked up 8 by 10s from some of the Italian people that I did not have a poster for, and from Tippi Hedren. It was nice to see the prices much more uniform this time...the only people who were more were George and Tippi Hedren for me. I said the same thing about George being tall...I guess I have never seen him in person standing up before.

[f.ramses]

I bought a DVD from someone and it wound up costing me double ($40) because I said yes when they asked if I wanted them to sign it.

I picked up a Starcrash DVD from Luigi and he signed it for free, but I also had him sign my poster.

Sadly, we're talking about the same DVD from the same person here, this was after already spending $40 at his table too. Oh well... :/

Thanks for adding some pics! Got any more of Cinzia Monreale? :]

Regarding the autographs, I was actually surprised to see that Romero was only charging $25, kinda thought he'd be more than that but I'm glad he wasn't because I got some extra's I want to give as gifts someday. I was thinking about the autograph thing and maybe it's the way I come off to these people. I consider myself to be polite, I smile, say hello, and try to shake their hand but then they ask for my name as they're about to sign and I tell them but I also ask that they not personalize anything so they probably think I'm just getting their autographs to sell later on or something and that I'm probably not a fan. Some even ask why or comment that it's "worth more on ebay that way". I have to say that though, in the past people have asked for my name and personalized it before I could say anything! For some reason I just don't see the appeal of a personalized autograph, I look at ones I got in the past and they're cool but at the same time I wish I'd just asked them to sign their name!

[eric_angelus]

Sadly, we're talking about the same DVD from the same person here, this was after already spending $40 at his table too. Oh well... :/

Thanks for adding some pics! Got any more of Cinzia Monreale? :]



That sucks, sorry to hear that...both my friend and I bought starcrash and he just automatically opened both of them up and signed them for us (with no personalization...but we both had him do it on our posters). Just asked if we wanted the slipcase or the actual artwork signed.
I do have some more pix of Cinzia, but they are all on my friends camera...as soon as a get a CD of them from him I will put them up here and on facebook.

[burieddeep]

I agree they shouldn't charge so much for your item...but it was much more reasonable this time.

I though it was cool that most celebs didn't charge you to have a picture taken with them as long as you purchased either a still shot or had your own item autographed. Last spring, Ernest Borgnine charged me $25 to have a Blu-Ray autographed and $20 to have a picture taken with him. I know the guy was an oscar winner and movie icon but that is a little steep.

It's kinda sad to see some of the celebs having no one go up to them. When I went to see Romero, everyone was lined up to see him and not the others from NOTLD. Joe Pilato had a few people around him and sounded like he was having a good time, but the guy from Land of the Dead also had nobody going up to him.

I thought the Italian Invasion was really cool. I never thought I was ever gonna meet the actors from Zombie. Overall, it was a great show this time around.

[f.ramses]

I do have some more pix of Cinzia, but they are all on my friends camera...as soon as a get a CD of them from him I will put them up here and on facebook.

Cool, thanks! I really have to remember to bring my camera to these things, I think this is like the 4th or 5th convention in a row that I forgot to bring it with me! I hope that the next show is as enjoyable!

The next convention I'll be going to is Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors in June at the Javits Center, NYC. I can't say I've ever heard anything good about it and the one I went to in NYC in the mid to late 90's (I believe it was at the New Yorker Hotel back then) wasn't so great. (On the plus side, no one was paying any attention, we just walked in instead of paying (I planned on paying but, iirc, there didn't appear to be anyone to pay to get in; not bad considering this was the most expensive convention I'd seen at the time!) and no one bothered us, we were there for a few hours and saw the whole thing (screenings and all)!) :]
I figure maybe since it's at the Javits center it's improved but I guess that really doesn't mean anything. As long as I get to meet H.G. Lewis I'll be happy, been wanting to do that for the past 16 or so years and this is the first appearance I'm not hearing about after the fact! Anyone been to one of these in recent years? I think they say they haven't done it in NY for a while but they have them in other cities as well.

[zombi3]

Chiller was much better this time than last, way better crowd control and much more reasonable prices...plus how many people can say that sat front row center for a Q& A with some of the biggest Italian horror stars! It was pretty amazing to have people like Al Civer and other people that I never thought in a million years I would get to meet recognizing me in the hotel throughout the weekend and stopping to chat. . I have pix of myself with all of the Euro horror folks plus others that I can't wait to see...but meanwhile here are a couple of quick shots I took at the panel...first up is Al Cliver, Michael Sopkiw, Zora Kerova, Silvia Collatina (Mae from House by the Cemetery), Cinzia Monreale....second photo is Silvia and Cinzia again, Richard Johnson, Malisa Longo, Luigi Cozzi, Ian McCulloch, Octaviano Dell'Acqua, and the person who brought the whole event together Mike Baronas.

Great pics! I was at Chiller too and I think it was definitely a better than average convention. I'm glad they did the "Italian Invasion". It was awesome to see some of my favorite actors together in one room. I just wish that I had chatted a bit more with them, but then I would have felt obligated to spend a fortune on autographs. :(

[f.ramses]

Possibly not news to some but it is to me, Dario Argento has been added to the guest list for the June Fangoria Weekend of Horrors at the Javits Center in NYC. He wasn't on the list when I bought my ticket so this is really good news to me. It's funny, I noticed this when I went to the page to get the link to email to my friend who was over earlier, while he was over we not only talked about horror conventions but I showed him my 8x10" of George Romero and Dario Argento. It was signed by Romero and I noted to him that now I have to wait for Argento to do a show and have him sign it! I gotta say, despite my low expectations I'm really looking forward to this one, first H.G. Lewis and now Argento; I've been waiting a long, long time to wait in line to pay those two to sign their names! lol

[Novosibirsk]

always wanted to get my echo and the bunnymen stuff signed...

looool.

[DeathDealer]

Ok, finally returned and after getting some proper rest, can share some of my thoughts on Chiller.

Here are some of my thoughts, information, and ideas that picked up along the way:

- Ian McCulloch once had an idea of remaking Seven Samurai and wanted to set in the Medieval world. Was never able to get financial funding for it, and the project never came to be.

- Zora Kerova's favorite film she starred in is Nun of Monza.

- Richard Johnson likes Zombi 2.

- William Lustig asked me to open his Dasani water bottle, he couldn't seem to open it himself.

- Lustig mentioned that BU are doing okay. If they see a new title that sparks their interest they may still release it. Right now, he said their focused on the Blu-Ray releases.

- Kid Rock made a very odd appearance at Chiller. I think he was staying at the hotel and came as a brief attendee.

- Luigi Cozzi said Argento is currently editing Giallo in LA, and has heard from Argento that its very scary and looks very positive. Cozzi is also interested in returning to directing.

- Al Cliver asked how much I wanted for the Spanish APACHE WOMAN poster that I bought for him to sign. He really loved it and began showing it everyone in the room. I declined his offer, but was totally amazed by the fact that Al Cliver was that excited about my poster.

- Giovanni Frezza missed his continental flight, thus was unable to attend the convention.

- Cinzia Monreale likes The Beyond over Beyond the Darkness.

- Tom Savini showed up and signed with Romero throughout the weekend, on and off.

- Romero feels Del Toro is the best horror director currently working.

In all in all, it was a fantastic experience. I was able to hang out with some of the coolest Italian stars and meet some giants of Horror cinema. I definitely plan/hope to return this October...

Attached are a few pictures:

[eric_angelus]

Shit, I didn't even notice Lustig there...was he at the BU table?! I noticed Savini a few times during the weekend, he was having a late night dinner with the NOLD folk at the restraunt in the hotel on Friday night.Deathdealer looks like you were right behind me at that pannel. (thats the back of my head in pic 3)

[maybrick]

Lustig could open his water bottle perfectly well. He just wanted to make you his bitch! :lol:

I'd love to check out Chiller at some point but it's much too far away. Monstermania is going to be in Connecticut next month so I can't wait for that. I'm really bored to tears with Rock and Shock. John Saxon, the entire cast of The Evil Dead and the original Alice Cooper Group minus Alice (and Buxton, who's dead). Waa-HOO!

[ReelFear]

i am currently editing my video from Chiller and should be up in the coming weeks. you will see all the Italian Horror legends in there.

BTW that was definitely NOT the real Kid Rock. that lookalike is always at Chiller (see my last Chiller video and youll see this guy hanging with Freddy Krueger)

[DeathDealer]

Shit, I didn't even notice Lustig there...was he at the BU table?! I noticed Savini a few times during the weekend, he was having a late night dinner with the NOLD folk at the restraunt in the hotel on Friday night.Deathdealer looks like you were right behind me at that pannel. (thats the back of my head in pic 3)
Yep Lustig was around the convention, in and out.

[DeathDealer]

Here are some the signed posters:

[eric_angelus]

Nice stuff! It is always great to see the reaction of the celebs with cool, unusual posters like that. The first and third are Thai, correct? I good friend of mine has a pretty large collection of Thai movie posters, and alot of the con guests have never seen them before...makes for a great ice breaker!

[DeathDealer]

Yep, those thai posters really are great.

When I showed the DOTD poster to Romero, he said "The chained Bub looks better here than in the movie!"

Pilato loved the fact that he was asian in the poster. Claiming, "I'm THAI!, THAI!"

WICKED STuff!

[spawningblue]

Anyone hitting up the Fan Expo in To. this August? I have never been to any conventions but this looks insane and a great place to start. The comic and horror guest lists look pretty awesome, especially with Bruce Campbell going! Going to have to save up a stack of cash so I can go crazy on horror DVDs and comics.

http://www.hobbystar.com/fanexpo/index.php?

[DeathDealer]

I traveled all the way to Canada for the FESTIVAL OF Fear when Argento came back in 2007, it was definetly one HELL of an experience! One the best moments in my life.

[MorallySound]

I'll be at the Fest of Fear again this summer, third year in a row.

[elahrairrah]

I've tried to go to Chiller Theatre up in Northern NJ twice and was totally turned off to that con both times. Didn't even bother registering because it was such a cluster fuck both times.

Do want to give Horrorfind in MD and Monstermania in South Jersey a shot.

Though I'll say I had more horror-related fun at DragonCon down in Atlanta. Got to meet George Romero and Adrienne Barbeau back in 07.

[Shannafey]

I've tried to go to Chiller Theatre up in Northern NJ twice and was totally turned off to that con both times. Didn't even bother registering because it was such a cluster fuck both times.

Do want to give Horrorfind in MD and Monstermania in South Jersey a shot.

Though I'll say I had more horror-related fun at DragonCon down in Atlanta. Got to meet George Romero and Adrienne Barbeau back in 07.

I haven't been to DragonCon in years, but the times I've been there have been a blast!

[Shlockjock81]

I'll be going this year. As soon as I heard Barbara Steele was going to be a guest, I damn near shat myself.

[spawningblue]

I traveled all the way to Canada for the FESTIVAL OF Fear when Argento came back in 2007, it was definetly one HELL of an experience! One the best moments in my life.

I'll be at the Fest of Fear again this summer, third year in a row.

I've never been to one and am curious what they are like and how mcuh money i would need to bring.

Does everyone charge for autographs (Especially Bruce Campbell and Tom Savini)? How much usually and how long is the wait?

How are the comic and TPB prices?

Do they have lots of horror DVDs for sale? OOP DVDs? What are the prices usually like for these?

Also, do you think it's worth the extra $25 for the Deluxe pass. Seems like the only difference really is you get to go to the Q and A's (Although you don't seem to need the Deluxe pass for the comic book Q and A's). Are they worth it, and what is the wait to get in to them?

One last thing, does the price cover both days or just one?

If anyone can help me with the questions, that would be great! Thanks!

As you can see, I am getting pretty pumped for this!

[CasEjonz]

I've never been to one and am curious what they are like and how mcuh money i would need to bring.

Does everyone charge for autographs (Especially Bruce Campbell and Tom Savini)? How much usually and how long is the wait?

Bring LOTS of money, everything costs big bucks, and you piss through it like water in a desert. Pretty much everyone charges for autographs at every major con. Bruce's line will be pretty big I imagine, the wait usually depends on how quickly the celeb and their handlers move the procession.

Do they have lots of horror DVDs for sale? OOP DVDs? What are the prices usually like for these?
This is where you get stung, most cons have a wide selection but recently there is a higher level of bootlegs than genuine releases. You will find tables of the everyday stuff you find, and its at no great bargain. OOP stuff, that will be pretty high price because its a convention full of horror fans and the dealers will figure that someone will be willing to pay the price for said item. This is probably not the place to buy a OOP copy of AOD "Boomstick Edition" to get Bruce to sign it. If you don't mind boots, you can make a field day of picking up stuff for a good price, especially if you negotiate with them. The dealer wont mind, their bootlegs, he can get more. so you could walk away with a copy of "The Town that Dreaded Sundown." and several others for short money. As a rule of thumb, Cons are not the place to go if you are looking for a rare OOP original copy of some title and want to pay a 1/3 of the secondary market price.

Also, do you think it's worth the extra $25 for the Deluxe pass. Seems like the only difference really is you get to go to the Q and A's (Although you don't seem to need the Deluxe pass for the comic book Q and A's). Are they worth it, and what is the wait to get in to them?
Probably worth grabbing because a couple spins around an over priced dealer's room and you will be so board, you'll wish you went to the Q&A panel. Many people go very early to get prime seating, so they can click pictures. I suggest going to any panel Bruce does, he is a riot!!! Especially if he has material to work with, and someone will act up and make an idiot out of themselves, and Bruce will be happy to use them as the basis for his sassy barbs. The guy had us in stitches!! Really depends on what the panels are and if you have interst in the topic or theme.

Thats my general 2 cents on Conventions, but though it may seem a bit jaded, believe me, I love them, being surrounded by people that have the same passion as yourself, its never a dull moment.



If anyone can help me with the questions, that would be great! Thanks!

As you can see, I am getting pretty pumped for this![/QUOTE]

[MorallySound]

I've never been to one and am curious what they are like and how mcuh money i would need to bring.

Does everyone charge for autographs (Especially Bruce Campbell and Tom Savini)? How much usually and how long is the wait?
Depends on the celebrity. You'll be paying anywhere between $10 - $40 per autograph, depending on the person and what they will be charging. Some even sign for free. A few examples, last year a Wes Craven autograph was $40. He was the Guest of Honour at the FOF last year. Argento, the GOH the year before that, was only $25 per autograph. Shawnee Smith (personally, not really that high of a celebrity) was charging $40. Coralina Catildi-Tassoni signed for free. Quite a few examples, but it gets the point across. Wait time depends on the celebrity, the more popular, the longer the wait. However, the Guest of Honour is an exception (and usually the secondary guest as well) where you actually pre-purchase an autograph ticket, which then speeds up the line because it's just give ticket, item, and it's signed, next person - repeat.

How are the comic and TPB prices?
I'm not too sure on this as I've never bought any comics at Fan Expo, since I'm not really a reader/collector of comics. Nor any info on trade paper backs. Probably some vendors will be cheaper than store, and some will be expensive.

Do they have lots of horror DVDs for sale? OOP DVDs? What are the prices usually like for these?
Indeed they do. Again, lots of vendors. Cinema-1 is always they, and they have a lot of good stuff, including OOP stuff. For instance, the last two years they had quite a few copies of both the Blind Dead collection and the Mondo Cane collection for $40 each. I'm sure both titles should still be available this year as well. Prices are usually similar to amazon.ca or .com, but also like they are noramlly at the local CD/DVD store. Again, all depends on vendor and title. As mentioned above, there will be a few vendors selling boots as well.

Also, do you think it's worth the extra $25 for the Deluxe pass. Seems like the only difference really is you get to go to the Q and A's (Although you don't seem to need the Deluxe pass for the comic book Q and A's). Are they worth it, and what is the wait to get in to them? I've gotten the deluxe pass both years I've gone, and will be getting it again this year. You usually get a free bag of goodies (some good, most just filler) if you get there early with the Deluxe pass, and again, depends if you're going to use it for the Deluxe pass Q & A's. Q & A's there's no wait time, unless you want to get a seat. They have limited seating, so if you want front row, you gotta decide how early you wanna be there.

One last thing, does the price cover both days or just one?
FOF is three days. The Deluxe Pass covers all three days, plus gets you in an hour (or two hours, I can't remember) early the first day.

The FOF has always been a great time to me, as it's both fun and business for me. I do film screenings in my city, so I do a lot of networking out there at the Fest.

I'll also be helping out some of my friends and acquaintances again this year at the Vagrancy Films booth, so if you're at Rue Morgue's FOF this summer, stop on by and say 'hi'. I'll have a little slice of their table as well to sell some of my merch if I end up getting shirts made up for Bad Monster Films.

[maybrick]

I'm going to Monstermania in Connecticut next month. I've only been to Rock and Shock before where all the guests charged $20 for autographs. Does anybody know the current going rate for Bruce Campbell, John Saxon, and Ricou Browning? Out of everybody I want theirs most of all.

[eric_angelus]

I'm going to Monstermania in Connecticut next month. I've only been to Rock and Shock before where all the guests charged $20 for autographs. Does anybody know the current going rate for Bruce Campbell, John Saxon, and Ricou Browning? Out of everybody I want theirs most of all.

In general, Monstermania guests are always $20 except for the headliners who are usually $25-$30.

[spawningblue]

Thanks a lot CasEjonz and MorallySound! Totally appreciate it, and I think you both might have convinced me to shell out the extra dough for the Deluxe pass. Now I need to start putting money away for this haha.

[maybrick]

In general, Monstermania guests are always $20 except for the headliners who are usually $25-$30.

Much appreciated! :)

[f.ramses]

I attended Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors Friday and Sunday in NYC this weekend. (Why did I go two days? Because their web site made it sound like HG Lewis was only going to be there on Friday, had it been clear I would have saved $40 and only went Sunday...) I had a good time, the guests were great and their stage appearances entertaining, but the event was way too small for what they were charging to get in. You could pretty much walk through the entire thing in about 5 minutes. I've never been to a convention where I've actually watched any of the stage appearances, I go to these things more to just get autographs and then basically wander around what is pretty much a horror movie flea market but with this one if you don't then you just paid $40 to get into a room with maybe 30 vendors. Basically this was pretty much the convention that they used to have at The New Yorker Hotel in NYC, just at the Javits Center. I was hoping it would be a lot bigger but it really wasn't, for what they had they probably should have just had it at a cheaper venue so they could sell tickets cheaper.

Two things I really didn't like: 1) Buying and receiving my tickets in advance and then getting there and having to wait in a long line with a mix of people who need to buy tickets, people who need to pick up tickets, and people like me who already have tickets. Sure, I got the benefit of not having to worry about it selling out but if I already have the ticket I should be able to go in and I definitely shouldn't be standing in line behind people who don't even have a ticket yet! 2) Their policies on recording. You can't video or audio record and while I had no plans or desire to do either I don't think I've ever seen any other conventions that don't let you do this. You can take pictures but it really sounds like you can't even put them online. Their site says "NOTE: ALL TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-EXCHANGEABLE. ABSOLUTELY NO AUDIO OR VIDEOTAPING ALLOWED AT ANY CONVENTION. Still photography is for personal use only - public dissemination and commercial use strictly prohibited.". I wonder if the pictures I took of Dario Argento trying to get a cab count since they were taken outside of the event...

Anyone else go to this?

[CasEjonz]

I wonder if the pictures I took of Dario Argento trying to get a cab count since they were taken outside of the event...

Nope, they can only control their property, so inside their building, they can stop you from taping, but outside is public property so you can take pictures and use at your discretion. You could stand on the sidewalk and film people coming out, and they cant do a damn thing. They might try, but they don't have a legal leg to stand on outside their four walls.

[marcx]

I was at Fango on Sunday--as an experience for me it ws amazing because argento was there...but to step back objectively as a show on the whole--not so good....

[CasEjonz]

Monster Mania has announced their initial guest list for August at Cherry Hill!!!
John Astin (1st Con app)
Barbara Steele
Michael Biehn
"Werewolf reunion"
John Landis
Dick Miller
Dee Wallace Stone
"Sleepaway Camp Reunion"
Paul DeAngelo ("Ronnie")
Jonathon Tierston ("Ricky")
Karen Fields ("Judy")(1st Con App)
Frank Saladino ("Geno")
Desiree Gould ("Aunt Martha")
Robert Hiltzik (writer/director)

Derek Mears
Travis Van Winkle
Nick Mennell
Miguel Nunez
Will Sandin
Tony Moran


Personally might make the journey for Barbara Steele & Dick Miller plus that Sleepaway Camp looking very tempting!!!

[ReelFear]

I've never missed a Fango Show since the first one in 1986, but i decided after the last one, that The Javitz would be my first miss.
I've already met HG Lewis and Argento, so there was really no reason to go. After reading these posts, I'm glad i skipped it. The Fango shows have really become nothing more than promo events, and there's no partying or fun anymore.

CHILLER in NJ, despite certain faults, is definitely the best of the North East shows.

Even Monster Mania just didn't do it for me the last time in March.
It's Chiller only for me in the future.

[bigwes15]

I am thinking about heading to the Monster Mania this weekend. I would love to meet Englund, Saxon, Bruce, Richard Brooker, Betsy Palmer, Steve Dash, Sid Haig, and maybe Sarandon. This sounds like it would definitely cost me in autographs! I would hate it if I had to stand in line all day to get the big guns, but If I go I have to meet Englund. Any tips from Monster Mania veterans here? Should I try to get there early on Saturday to buy tickets and go straight for the Englund line?Or should I make the extra effort to go Friday and Saturday to try and get him Friday night when it would be presumably less crowded? Going Friday would be a pain with the traffic that I know will be there after I get out of work, but I could make the sacrifice. Also, are there a lot of dealers at the MM shows? My only horror con frame of reference is a Fango con in Brooklyn back in 2003. It was a fairly small show, but I had fun and met HG Lewis along with a few others. Thanks in advance for any advice!

[bigwes15]

Oh, and one more thing-should I plan on bringing my own stuff to get signed or do most of the guests bring photos to sign? If I'm going to have to pay for the autos anyway, then them providing a good photo would be nice.

[eric_angelus]

Oh, and one more thing-should I plan on bringing my own stuff to get signed or do most of the guests bring photos to sign? If I'm going to have to pay for the autos anyway, then them providing a good photo would be nice.

The price is the same for most either way...I always bring my own...but all the big names have really nice stuff to sign for you as well...Englund has a huge table full of 8 by 10s to look at before you actually meet him.
My advice is get Englund first thing Friday when it's not busy. The whole event will probably be pretty mellow anyway and then you can get alot of other people Friday night as well.

[Richard Anthony]

Wow, The MonsterMania Horror Convention looks Amazing!!!! I would Love to meet John Saxon, he is a Horror Idol of mine and has been for a long time!! I would LOVE to meet Lisa Wilcox, who is a Goddess to me!!!! Plus Heather Langenkamp, that Nightmare Reunion looks Terrific!! Plus, Bruce Campbell and to meet Robert Enlgund again would be Terrific!! What a Great Guest List!!!!

This is not too far from me, maybe about 2 Hours!! This is a surprise to me because I had no idea this Convention was coming up!! I wish my friend Shane was up here with me!! Anyone want to go with me?!

[Richard Anthony]

So, I'm headed to MonsterMania early tomorrow morning!! I just can't pass up this Horror Convention!! Plus, it is a chance to meet John Saxon in person and get a picture with him and maybe an autograph!! Plus, Lisa Wilcox, Heather Langenkamp, and Robert Englund one more time!! I can now die a happy man!!:D

If any Horror Fans from the board are going to be there, let me know. Maybe we can stop and say Hi to each other! This is my first time going to a MonsterMania Horror Convention and it looks like it is going to be alot of fun!! I'm thinking about bringing my Nightmare On Elm Stree 4 Record Album for them to sign!! I also have the 50th Anniversary Issue of Fangoria Magazine with Robert on the Cover and I always kicked myself for not having him sign it the first time that I met him!! So, this time I'm going to bring it!!

[CasEjonz]

Early announcemnts for this year's "Rock n Shock" con in Worcester MA.
Derek Mears (Friday the 13th 2009)
Doug Jones (Hellboy/ Pan's Labyrinth)
John Kassir (Voice of the Crypt Keeper)
Brian Steele (Terminator Salvation)
Chris Carnel ("The Miner" -My Bloody Valentine 3-D)
America Olivio (Friday the 13th2009)
performing Type O Negative, The Misfits

with more to come!!

[CasEjonz]

Another "Horror" Con has a "Warriors" reunion as well as a whole slew of Friday the 13th alumni that is being held in Jersey in August.
www.supermegashow.com (http://supermegashow.com)

[Richard Anthony]

Early announcemnts for this year's "Rock n Shock" con in Worcester MA.
Derek Mears (Friday the 13th 2009)
Doug Jones (Hellboy/ Pan's Labyrinth)
John Kassir (Voice of the Crypt Keeper)
Brian Steele (Terminator Salvation)
Chris Carnel ("The Miner" -My Bloody Valentine 3-D)
America Olivio (Friday the 13th2009)
performing Type O Negative, The Misfits

with more to come!!


I saw this too on their Website today!! I'm glad to see that they are starting to list the Special Guests, I was starting to worry there for a second, lol. I hope they do some kind of a Reunion like they did last year with the Hellraiser Movies. I would love to see them do a Nightmare or Friday Reunion!! Since, it is close by, and I am in MA, I am really looking forward to this Rock N' Shock Show!! I would love to see them get Robert Englund!! Since, I missed him the second time around, I would love to meet him again!!

[maybrick]

I saw this too on their Website today!! I'm glad to see that they are starting to list the Special Guests, I was starting to worry there for a second, lol. I hope they do some kind of a Reunion like they did last year with the Hellraiser Movies. I would love to see them do a Nightmare or Friday Reunion!! Since, it is close by, and I am in MA, I am really looking forward to this Rock N' Shock Show!! I would love to see them get Robert Englund!! Since, I missed him the second time around, I would love to meet him again!!

I had been a supporter of Rock N Shock since Year One, but I began getting disappointed with it about two years ago and just looking at that list makes me more and more annoyed with them. I realize there's money to be made in pandering to the mainstream horror/metalhead crowd, but would it hurt them to try a little variety now and then? To think a little outside the box? Some of us horror fans are neither teenyboppers nor metalheads you know! Some of us don't even have a single tattoo on our bodies! And Brian Steele? Really? For fuck's sake, get a fucking clue. Book Barbara Steele and maybe then we'll talk. Last time I went, the vendors all sucked (most of them goddamned bootleggers) and aside from maybe three or four Q&As a day (compare that to one every hour all day long at Monstermania!) and paying for autographs there's nothing to do except walk around. And don't get me started on the lame-assed bands that play. Last year I couldn't even be bothered to show up... and I had a free pass!

It's really a shame, imo. Such wasted potential...

[eric_angelus]

I had been a supporter of Rock N Shock since Year One, but I began getting disappointed with it about two years ago and just looking at that list makes me more and more annoyed with them. I realize there's money to be made in pandering to the mainstream horror/metalhead crowd, but would it hurt them to try a little variety now and then? To think a little outside the box? Some of us horror fans are neither teenyboppers nor metalheads you know! Some of us don't even have a single tattoo on our bodies! And Brian Steele? Really? For fuck's sake, get a fucking clue. Book Barbara Steele and maybe then we'll talk. Last time I went, the vendors all sucked (most of them goddamned bootleggers) and aside from maybe three or four Q&As a day (compare that to one every hour all day long at Monstermania!) and paying for autographs there's nothing to do except walk around. And don't get me started on the lame-assed bands that play. Last year I couldn't even be bothered to show up... and I had a free pass!

It's really a shame, imo. Such wasted potential...

Could not have put it better myself...I skipped last year...and unless they manage to get a really impressive guest or two from a movie I actually like I will be passing on this one as well.

[maybrick]

Could not have put it better myself...I skipped last year...and unless they manage to get a really impressive guest or two from a movie I actually like I will be passing on this one as well.

Yeah, I really only require one or two good guests, and my standards aren't really all that high when you think about it. Hell, two years ago I went just for Geoffrey Lewis! :lol: I'd love it if they snagged Dick Miller or Barbara Steele, or my oft requested Angus Scrimm, but I know now that it just ain't going to happen because the Centrum sucks and they don't have a clue.

[Workshed]

You guys are missing out if you dismiss Type O as simply appealing to "metalheads." These guys are horror movie/TV fans through-and-through, and have a great sense of humor. In fact, their breakout song, "Black No. 1," pokes gentle fun at the fanbase you guys are talking about. Not to mention that due to lead singer Peter Steele's health, live shows are becoming increasingly rare. See them while you can. I know I wish I could. (And check out their album October Rust for an atypical "heavy metal" album.)

Great pick for a soundtrack to one of these shows.

[Richard Anthony]

I had been a supporter of Rock N Shock since Year One, but I began getting disappointed with it about two years ago and just looking at that list makes me more and more annoyed with them. I realize there's money to be made in pandering to the mainstream horror/metalhead crowd, but would it hurt them to try a little variety now and then? To think a little outside the box? Some of us horror fans are neither teenyboppers nor metalheads you know! Some of us don't even have a single tattoo on our bodies! And Brian Steele? Really? For fuck's sake, get a fucking clue. Book Barbara Steele and maybe then we'll talk. Last time I went, the vendors all sucked (most of them goddamned bootleggers) and aside from maybe three or four Q&As a day (compare that to one every hour all day long at Monstermania!) and paying for autographs there's nothing to do except walk around. And don't get me started on the lame-assed bands that play. Last year I couldn't even be bothered to show up... and I had a free pass!

It's really a shame, imo. Such wasted potential...

Yeah, the Guest List so far is nothing to write home about, but I am hoping that it will get better! Last year, I thought they did a Great job though, they had a Hellraiser Reunion and Danielle Harris and J.C. Brandy!! I'm pretty easy to please, just give me a few Great Guests, and I'm happy to go!! I could care less about the metalhead stuff unless, they bring in some 80'S Metal Bands!!:D I enjoyed the Q & A's that they did last year, Tom Savini and the Hellraiser Reunion were Great!! The dealers room could do with less bootlegger's but I have come to expect them at every show and sometimes, I find something cool over there. The other Vendors were pretty cool though. All in all, I'm just happy to have one more Horror Convention in MA!! So, I'm happy to support Rock N' Shock as long as they bring in a few Great Guest's like they did last year!! Horror Cons around here are so few and far between, that I can't take one for granted when it comes up here!!

[maybrick]

All I know is that Type O is not my type of music, and even if it was this is like the third or fourth time they're playing Rock and Shock. Again, Why can't they think outside the box? Have they even tried? How about Blue Oyster Cult? Surely they can't be that expensive to book nowadays can they? Or The Damned? I'm not entirely against metal either. I'd see Thor!

[Workshed]

Oh, I didn't realize that they'd played before. Still, an amazingly diverse band, but...fair enough.

[maybrick]

Yeah, the Guest List so far is nothing to write home about, but I am hoping that it will get better! Last year, I thought they did a Great job though, they had a Hellraiser Reunion and Danielle Harris and J.C. Brandy!! I'm pretty easy to please, just give me a few Great Guests, and I'm happy to go!! I could care less about the metalhead stuff unless, they bring in some 80'S Metal Bands!!:D I enjoyed the Q & A's that they did last year, Tom Savini and the Hellraiser Reunion were Great!! The dealers room could do with less bootlegger's but I have come to expect them at every show and sometimes, I find something cool over there. The other Vendors were pretty cool though. All in all, I'm just happy to have one more Horror Convention in MA!! So, I'm happy to support Rock N' Shock as long as they bring in a few Great Guest's like they did last year!! Horror Cons around here are so few and far between, that I can't take one for granted when it comes up here!!

I see your point, but every day it seems like we hear about the passing of yet another great legendary actor but about all we get from Rock and Shock is people (most of them I can't even call "stars") from movies barely 20 years old, at best. It's a waste.

[17thJuggalo]

Well, the Misfits and Type O are playing at the same event which is amazing in and of itself.

[CasEjonz]

I see your point, but every day it seems like we hear about the passing of yet another great legendary actor but about all we get from Rock and Shock is people (most of them I can't even call "stars") from movies barely 20 years old, at best. It's a waste.

What got me to Conneticut was the chance to meet John Saxon, plus I always wanted to meet Betsy Palmer and never got around to it. You hit the nail on the head regarding the passing of legendary actors. I will make every effort to get to Cherry Hill mainly to see Barbara Steele & Dick Miller! I wish I went for the Italian horror reunion last go around, but missed it.
If I could get my way, I would love to see Rock-n-Shock do a Last House of the Left Reunion, or even t"The Funhouse," or "Terror Train." The biggest problem is if you attract a crowd that is more about the bands and have only interest in the most current up to date movies, the other vintage stars don't make money. (And that is what they are there for, really)

[Richard Anthony]

I see your point, but every day it seems like we hear about the passing of yet another great legendary actor but about all we get from Rock and Shock is people (most of them I can't even call "stars") from movies barely 20 years old, at best. It's a waste.

Yeah, I would love to see them get some more of the Legendary Horror Stars at the Show. I remember when I met David Carradine at the Sci-Fi Convention in Florida, it was one of the Great moments for me!! I will always be grateful for meeting him as he was one of my all time Favorites!! I still can't believe that he is gone now. It's sad that he went so soon. I would hope that they do include some of the Great Horror Stars this year at Rock N' Shock Convention. To meet John Saxon at the Monster Mania Horror Convention this past weekened was a Great Time!! He is and always will be one of my all time Favorites and a Horror Hero to me!!

[captain_brandon]

Alright guys, I'm headed to my frist ever Horror convention next year, at the big Jason/Friday the 13th bash that is next year's Texas Fear Fest (www.txfearfest.com/), and so far, here's what I've wrote about it:

(copy & paste job from the official Friday site blogs)

I just found it about this today, and I’m SO goin’ next year! I currently reside in Bossier City near family, and I’m gonna immediately get in touch with’em as soon as tickets go on sale. Whoa! Dallas isn’t that far of a drive at all. I think it’s under three 1/2 hours at the most with heavy traffic.

This’ll be my first convention, and I hoping that it will go off without much in the way of hitches. Look’s like I’ll also have to take my fine Friday posters out of they’re frames in order to get some signatures on’em before puttin’em back in. I assume like I’ve read online at various genre film message boards, that autographs from the Friday starts will start around $10 a piece and go up to about $20/25? Look’s like I’ll start saving aside cash for them, cause I don’t mind, but I want my posters signed, and maybe some of my Deluxe Edition standard-def DVDs as well.

I wonder what the policy is on taking photos, as well? Cause I know I’m gonna grab myself a new digital camera I’ve been saving aside a few days before I go, and I wanna personally take plenty of pics for my Photobucket acount and some personal video as well.

The other activities that are “campground related” sound cool as well. All in all, it is so far shaping out to sound like a very cool three day late summer overly long weekend next year. You all can count me in as someone who is gonna go. Now I just hope the Friday stars, all of them, look you in the face and are kind enough & cordual for the few moments we’ll all be interacting with them. I’m not already tryin’ to wear my ass on my shoulders, but after missing the His Name Was Jason DVD signing in Burbank this year, and I’m SO glad this is here to make up for it. It’s just that we’ll all be payin’ for their signatures and personal time and we’ve all seen they’re work on 35mm film countless times, so it won’t hurt them to be cordual to us for a breif moment.

And the latest posts:

Well like I said, you can all count me in This will be my first ever genre film convention, and I’m SO lookin’ forward to getting some posters out of my frames signed, as well as some DVDs and to take plenty of pics and video.

I’m SO hoping that they’ll be lenient on autographs and (please, if any Friday stars read this: talk to the promoters, and work out a deal so that your sign isn’t worth over $20–anything else is just too much for many of us, I’m sorry) that they’re nice to us face-to-face. Reguardless, I’m just SO pumped for this. Hope it lives up to my expextations.


To HSOF:

That sounds understandable. I’m planning on snatchin’ up tickets, as soon as the official site (www.txfearfest.com/) makes mention of the venue and where to purchase the tickets online, but while trying to keep my expectations a bit modest, with all of us being big time Friday fanatics for the characters and franchise and this being my first Horror convention, and so I am hoping it’ll knock my socks off at least somewhat, and it’ll provide three full days of solid late summer entertainment.

I just worry about the numbers of our fellow Horror lovers who are all gonna be there, like us, snappin’ awaya photos like me and video taping things. I know people’s patieance with answering questions & siging things may make some people’s cups runnith’ as it says in the bible, but there is also no reason to be total bastards & bitches and assorted cunt-bags to any of us, reguardless of population problems and the like.

But yeah, I’m not gettin’ my hopes up that it’ll be the bash of the century, but I do wanna have some fun and want most people to be nice & behave themselves so I can have some posative memories.

[shockwave]

Alright guys, I'm headed to my frist ever Horror convention next year, at the big Jason/Friday the 13th bash that is next year's Texas Fear Fest (www.txfearfest.com/), and so far, here's what I've wrote about it:

(copy & paste job from the official Friday site blogs)

I just found it about this today, and I’m SO goin’ next year! I currently reside in Bossier City near family, and I’m gonna immediately get in touch with’em as soon as tickets go on sale. Whoa! Dallas isn’t that far of a drive at all. I think it’s under three 1/2 hours at the most with heavy traffic.

This’ll be my first convention, and I hoping that it will go off without much in the way of hitches. Look’s like I’ll also have to take my fine Friday posters out of they’re frames in order to get some signatures on’em before puttin’em back in. I assume like I’ve read online at various genre film message boards, that autographs from the Friday starts will start around $10 a piece and go up to about $20/25? Look’s like I’ll start saving aside cash for them, cause I don’t mind, but I want my posters signed, and maybe some of my Deluxe Edition standard-def DVDs as well.

I wonder what the policy is on taking photos, as well? Cause I know I’m gonna grab myself a new digital camera I’ve been saving aside a few days before I go, and I wanna personally take plenty of pics for my Photobucket acount and some personal video as well.

The other activities that are “campground related” sound cool as well. All in all, it is so far shaping out to sound like a very cool three day late summer overly long weekend next year. You all can count me in as someone who is gonna go. Now I just hope the Friday stars, all of them, look you in the face and are kind enough & cordual for the few moments we’ll all be interacting with them. I’m not already tryin’ to wear my ass on my shoulders, but after missing the His Name Was Jason DVD signing in Burbank this year, and I’m SO glad this is here to make up for it. It’s just that we’ll all be payin’ for their signatures and personal time and we’ve all seen they’re work on 35mm film countless times, so it won’t hurt them to be cordual to us for a breif moment.

And the latest posts:

Well like I said, you can all count me in This will be my first ever genre film convention, and I’m SO lookin’ forward to getting some posters out of my frames signed, as well as some DVDs and to take plenty of pics and video.

I’m SO hoping that they’ll be lenient on autographs and (please, if any Friday stars read this: talk to the promoters, and work out a deal so that your sign isn’t worth over $20–anything else is just too much for many of us, I’m sorry) that they’re nice to us face-to-face. Reguardless, I’m just SO pumped for this. Hope it lives up to my expextations.


To HSOF:

That sounds understandable. I’m planning on snatchin’ up tickets, as soon as the official site (www.txfearfest.com/) makes mention of the venue and where to purchase the tickets online, but while trying to keep my expectations a bit modest, with all of us being big time Friday fanatics for the characters and franchise and this being my first Horror convention, and so I am hoping it’ll knock my socks off at least somewhat, and it’ll provide three full days of solid late summer entertainment.

I just worry about the numbers of our fellow Horror lovers who are all gonna be there, like us, snappin’ awaya photos like me and video taping things. I know people’s patieance with answering questions & siging things may make some people’s cups runnith’ as it says in the bible, but there is also no reason to be total bastards & bitches and assorted cunt-bags to any of us, reguardless of population problems and the like.

But yeah, I’m not gettin’ my hopes up that it’ll be the bash of the century, but I do wanna have some fun and want most people to be nice & behave themselves so I can have some posative memories.

Looks pretty awesome, I think I'll try and hit that one up too(be my first one also), Dallas is about a 6 hour drive from me, I just hope I have better luck than the last two times I was there.

[captain_brandon]

Looks pretty awesome, I think I'll try and hit that one up too(be my first one also), Dallas is about a 6 hour drive from me, I just hope I have better luck than the last two times I was there.

Cool, very cool. And yeah, look's awesome indeed :D

So, what happend that was negative about the last two times you were there, though? Just curious.

I'm hopin' this, my first, will go off without a hitch. *crosses fingers*

[YottNik]

I have still never been to a horror con but maybe someday. I'd certainly like to meet Betsy Palmer before she kicks the bucket... or before I do.

[vampyr789]

haha yes!! Dallas is only a 25-30 min drive for me :D

[captain_brandon]

haha yes!! Dallas is only a 25-30 min drive for me :D

Thanks what I was thinkin': It's in such short driving distance form me that I simply cannot pass this one up, and plus, I'm just such a massive series lover as well, ect.

YottNik

I have still never been to a horror con but maybe someday. I'd certainly like to meet Betsy Palmer before she kicks the bucket... or before I do.

Indeed: She's gettin' on up in there, age wise. Hell, a lot of them are, and I don't see them doing many more conventions later on in life, so it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me to go there. I'm hopin' it's real fun, even aside form the guests, though that is my main draw like many.

[captain_brandon]

So, who all is gonna attend next year's Texas Fear Fest? I'm already lookin' forward to it more then Christmas :D sorry, I'm just such a Friday fanatic.

I'd love to hear the basics on which stars charge how much for his or her sig on the posters you bring, ect. I know the lovely English muffin More twins (Camilla & Carey) are $20 a piece, rather it's one or the other, so for example I'll just get both on my Final Chapter re-print.

I wish I knew about the venue size. And I'm glad the event will be three days, so it'll be sprad out. I just hope I won't look TOO silly, carrying around all my orignals and some fien re-prints and getting them signed.

[SaviniFan]

I'm hitting up Cinema Wasteland this October. Caroline Munroe, Fred Williamson, and Lynn Lowry are headlining. Should be an excellent time as always.

[captain_brandon]

I'm hitting up Cinema Wasteland this October. Caroline Munroe, Fred Williamson, and Lynn Lowry are headlining. Should be an excellent time as always.

Sounds cool, my good man :D I always loved Caroline Munro cause of Maniac, The Last Horror Film (aka: Fanatic) and also THe Golden Voyage of Sinbad, Slaughter High and her bond instalment. And she's agedly nicely as well, I see from YouTube. I've heard of Cinema Wasteland from the www.deadpit.com show. I think between now and next August in 2010, I'll be saving aside for Dallas.

I've only heard so much about dealers booths and all of that, so I hope my first genre convention goes off with me having a mostly posative experieane with the stars and some fond memories & buys 'n what not. ;)

[shockwave]

Cool, very cool. And yeah, look's awesome indeed :D

So, what happend that was negative about the last two times you were there, though? Just curious.

I'm hopin' this, my first, will go off without a hitch. *crosses fingers*

Well I went twice last summer, once in May, once in August. In May my car got broken into at the hotel I stayed at(Ramada) and my cd player and cell phone were stolen, and conveniently there was no cameras or anything supposedly in the section my car was parked at, the cops didn't even come out and look at it, just took a report over the phone, big help. On my August visit I stayed at Ramada(diffrent one) again, this time the dumbshit who ran that decided to charge me for an extra day since he said I checked out late, around 1pm, nevermind that I had called the night clerk the night before and asked if I could do that which she said yeah should be no problem. So basically Dallas and Ramada in general, do not agree with me, a shame too since its a fun town.

[shockwave]

Sounds cool, my good man :D I always loved Caroline Munro cause of Maniac, The Last Horror Film (aka: Fanatic) and also THe Golden Voyage of Sinbad, Slaughter High and her bond instalment. And she's agedly nicely as well, I see from YouTube. I've heard of Cinema Wasteland from the www.deadpit.com show. I think between now and next August in 2010, I'll be saving aside for Dallas.

I've only heard so much about dealers booths and all of that, so I hope my first genre convention goes off with me having a mostly posative experieane with the stars and some fond memories & buys 'n what not. ;)

Can anyone list like events other than autograph signings that will be going on? I myself have never been much of one for someone signing there name for me, but Q&A's could be fun, I've been to a Transformers convention but never a horror one but I'm guessing they all have some of the same basic things to them.

[SaviniFan]

All horror conventions I have attended have scheduled Q&A panels with their guests. You're cheating yourself out of a big portion of the experience if you don't attend the Q&A's. They almost always have a couple of movie rooms as well showing all kinds of horror films.

[captain_brandon]

All horror conventions I have attended have scheduled Q&A panels with their guests. You're cheating yourself out of a big portion of the experience if you don't attend the Q&A's. They almost always have a couple of movie rooms as well showing all kinds of horror films.

Yeah, I've heard about Q&A's before, as well as the screening rooms. I'm hoping that we get to see some of the old school Paramount-era Friday instalments next year in Dallas, cause I'm keeping my fingers crossed to have a chance to see (maybe/hopefully) Parts 2, 3, 4 or 5 on the big screen, cause they're my favorites. Even if I know ahead of time that sometimes the prints used aren't in the best on conditions.

I'm really lookin' forward to it.

Oh and Shockwave: I'm very sorry that all of that shockingly ignorant shit had to happen to you to basically ruin an other wise good/posative memory for ya. :( That sound's like it's beyond a terrible time. :(

[captain_brandon]

Whoa, GREAT news guys (from John Gray, the official promotor of next year's Camp Blood: 30 Years of Friday the 13th Celebration):


Hi, John Gray here, promoter of the last 3 Fear Fest shows, and Camp Blood: Friday the 30th.

I assure you all, the small issues we had were mostly out of our control, and we learned our lessons with not having friends help run the show. We have since hired a professional staff (that get paid) to 100% correct those “customer service issues”. Not to mention, there was an insane freak blizzard (in March!) that prevented the Alamo from presenting the 35mm prints outside as we had arranged, so we had to move all the screenings indoors, flights got cancelled, events ran late… so yea it was a nightmare. This event being in August, I think the only thing you will have to worry about is the heat!

Also, our forum is welcome to comments and suggestions on the show, however when people start to get abusive, they absolutely will get shut down.

Lastly, this will be the event of a lifetime for any F13th fan (as you can see), and the guest list we have already announced is only a mild teaser of things to come. Not to mention, we will be screening actual 35mm prints of the F13th films, drive in style on the lake. (for you purists)

Looks forward to seeing you ALL at Camp Blood!

P.S. I wish I had been there for the Englund M&M incident!

Take from: http://fridaythe13thfilms.com/blog/texas-fearfest-30th-anniversary-reunion/

Man oh man, I simply CANNOT WAIT to savor those 35mm drive-in showm prints of the early Friday's :D

[spawningblue]

Whoa, GREAT news guys (from John Gray, the official promotor of next year's Camp Blood: 30 Years of Friday the 13th Celebration):


Hi, John Gray here, promoter of the last 3 Fear Fest shows, and Camp Blood: Friday the 30th.

I assure you all, the small issues we had were mostly out of our control, and we learned our lessons with not having friends help run the show. We have since hired a professional staff (that get paid) to 100% correct those “customer service issues”. Not to mention, there was an insane freak blizzard (in March!) that prevented the Alamo from presenting the 35mm prints outside as we had arranged, so we had to move all the screenings indoors, flights got cancelled, events ran late… so yea it was a nightmare. This event being in August, I think the only thing you will have to worry about is the heat!

Also, our forum is welcome to comments and suggestions on the show, however when people start to get abusive, they absolutely will get shut down.

Lastly, this will be the event of a lifetime for any F13th fan (as you can see), and the guest list we have already announced is only a mild teaser of things to come. Not to mention, we will be screening actual 35mm prints of the F13th films, drive in style on the lake. (for you purists)

Looks forward to seeing you ALL at Camp Blood!

P.S. I wish I had been there for the Englund M&M incident!

Take from: http://fridaythe13thfilms.com/blog/texas-fearfest-30th-anniversary-reunion/

Man oh man, I simply CANNOT WAIT to savor those 35mm drive-in showm prints of the early Friday's :D

Wow Brando, that does seem pretty awesome! Count me in as just a tad bit jealous!

[ReelFear]

better late than never, here's my Chiller Theatre Convention report from the April 2009 show. Hope you enjoy this as i tried to have fun with this one. Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6syPXPH8jJk

[MorallySound]

better late than never, here's my Chiller Theatre Convention report from the April 2009 show. Hope you enjoy this as i tried to have fun with this one. Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6syPXPH8jJk

Looks like it was fun times!

[captain_brandon]

Wow Brando, that does seem pretty awesome! Count me in as just a tad bit jealous!

Thanks. :) Also, sicne it's a full year off, you should think about attending , since tickets haven't even went on sale yet. ;) It's a once in a life time thing, ya know. :D I just e-mail Mr. Gray in order to let him know where I read online where some Part 3 35mm prints are at certain cinema's here in North America, with they're contact info with url links and phone numbers. I'm hoping he get's back to me.

[CasEjonz]

Rock and Shock has updated their guest list for 2009.
Derek Mears
Doug Jones
Chris Carnel
John Kassir
Brian Steele
Malcolm McDowell
Gunnar Hansen
Jason Mewes
Margot Kidder
Ottaviano Dell'Acqua (THE Fulci Zombie!)
Al Cliver
Sid Haig
Bill Moseley
Adrienne King
Kane Hodder
Walter Phelan
America Olivio

[maybrick]

Rock and Shock has updated their guest list for 2009.
Derek Mears
Doug Jones
Chris Carnel
John Kassir
Brian Steele
Malcolm McDowell
Gunnar Hansen
Jason Mewes
Margot Kidder
Ottaviano Dell'Acqua (THE Fulci Zombie!)
Al Cliver
Sid Haig
Bill Moseley
Adrienne King
Kane Hodder
Walter Phelan
America Olivio


They've just added a big one: CATRIONA MACCOLL!

[f.ramses]

A Guest List for the October Chiller Theatre has finally been posted, no one good this time around (http://www.chillertheatre.com/gt/gtc4.htm), let's hope they add some more soon...

[MorallySound]

I'm headed for Toronto as of tomorrow. So maybe I'll see some of you out at Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear. I'll be signing autographs at the Vagrancy Films booth sometime during the fest, no joke (promoting a short film from "The Pussy Pound" universe if any of you have seen the Grindhouse SXSW faux trailer), so come get one!

[MorallySound]

Festival of Fear line-up change. Tom Savini unfortunately had to cancel because he could not get out from working on 'Machete', but a surprise guest has been added and Tobin Bell will now be a guest at the fest.

[MorallySound]

Here's a few photos from my trip to Toronto for Rue Mogue's Festival of Fear. (They can be viewed even if you don't have Facebook).

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988865&l=3e8c7ec948&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988867&l=d1501b0623&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988870&l=dea92c97e9&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988892&l=c4460443ec&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988912&l=ca1d7c162d&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988916&l=7a43459753&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988920&l=39316bcb71&id=507920167

[Vlachio]

Here's a few photos from my trip to Toronto for Rue Mogue's Festival of Fear. (They can be viewed even if you don't have Facebook).

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988865&l=3e8c7ec948&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988867&l=d1501b0623&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988870&l=dea92c97e9&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988892&l=c4460443ec&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988912&l=ca1d7c162d&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988916&l=7a43459753&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988920&l=39316bcb71&id=507920167

I remember when being a Tromette used to mean something!!! Love the pix by the way durrrrrrrrrr!

[SaviniFan]

Only 4 more weeks until the fall Cinema Wasteland. Anyone else here attending?

[17thJuggalo]

There's the Horror Realm convention in Pittsburgh that I'll be going to in a few weeks:

http://www.horrorrealmcon.com/

It'll be the first year that they're having this, so hopefully everything will go well. None the less, it's good to have horror convention that's so close!

[CasEjonz]

Here's a few photos from my trip to Toronto for Rue Mogue's Festival of Fear. (They can be viewed even if you don't have Facebook).

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988865&l=3e8c7ec948&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988867&l=d1501b0623&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988870&l=dea92c97e9&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988892&l=c4460443ec&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988912&l=ca1d7c162d&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988916&l=7a43459753&id=507920167
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2988920&l=39316bcb71&id=507920167

WHAT??! No pictures with Jovanka?!! I would have went just for that, Cant explain it but that woman just makes me do cartwheels!! A combination of beauty, free spirit, and horrorfiend, mmmmmmmm!:evil:

[f.ramses]

There is now a guest list (http://www.chillertheatre.com/gt/gtc4.htm) up for the next Chiller Theatre convention. Looks like they're doing another Italian Invasion which is cool because the last time they did this I thought it was one of their best conventions ever. Definitely getting some stuff signed by Sergio Martino, Ruggero Deodato, and maybe Lamberto Bava but hopefully they'll get some more people for that section!

[ReelFear]

The Chiller April 2010 line-up is shaping up nicely. Sergio Martino, Michael Gornick, Tura Satana, and Sherilyn Fenn have got me very excited about this convention.

by the way here is my 2-part short film from the Halloween 2009 CHILLER.
I hope you like it! We had a lot of fun making it.

part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ryrjG0tezw
part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1pQPnHjO4Q

[Grim]

I'm still waiting on Horrorfind to announce their dates. I missed out in 2009 because I was shooting my short film. I know they already had to downsize to once a year instead of twice. Here's hoping they don't just cancel altogether.

[Demon]

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s145/deadpitradio/slasherthon.jpg

Hey guys we've been keeping this under wraps for a few weeks but did mention it on the show. We for sure have the spot to host the very first Horrorhound Weekend Slasherthon on March 26th at 10pm EST on the Mothership in Indianapolis Indiana. The films won't be announced until the day of the show however we will listen to whatever feedback u guys are willing to give us. We also have set aside that time to give Michael 'Slipcase' Felsher his Pitty Award for Excellence in DVD Producing. So don't you dare miss it!

For more information on the show, guests, hotel etc. check out the site http://www.horrorhoundweekend.com

[BurningMoon]

Not strictly a horror convention, but the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo hits Calgary, Alberta this April! Comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, etc.

April 24-25 2010

Guests confirmed so far:
Malcolm McDowell
Leonard Nimoy
Sid Haig
Billy Dee Williams
Tony Todd
Lloyd Kaufman
& tons more!

www.calgaryexpo.com

[Grim]

Motherfucking Clive Barker is going to be at Horrorfind Weekend this year.

[f.ramses]

Guest list (http://chillertheatre.com/gt/gtc4.htm) for Chiller Theatre is up, looks like they're doing another Italian Invasion and all the guests they have for it so far are from City of the Living Dead. It'd be cool to get them all to sign something if autographs didn't typically cost so much. Let's hope they get some directors on that list!!! Daria Nicolodi would also be nice, seeing as how she was scheduled but then canceled last time...

[make believe]

I used to love chiller but the more crowded it got the worse the whole event got as well. Once it got to the point where you were standing on line just for the dealer room, that was pretty much it for me. I haven't been to the Parsippany one, so I don't know if it's a bigger space or how well it's run. I do miss going to them though

[pwrslave]

Are there any horror movie conventions in the Bay Area? It seems like all the really great ones are on the east coast or in the midwest. Am I just not hearing about these conventions or does the west coast really suck in terms of drawing a crowd for these types of events...?

[spawningblue]

Anyone going to the Fan Expo this year in To., aka. the Fear Festival part of it? David Cronenberg, Lance Henriksen, Bill Moseley, Heather Langenkamp, Charles Band, Lloyd Kaufman as well as a few others will be there for the horror aspect of it.

On top of that, guests for the other genres of the expo include Stan Lee, Adam West, Burt Ward, Julie Newmar, William Shatner, Peter Mayhew, Jason Mewes, Leslie Nielson, and a bunch of others including comic writers and artists.

I'm pumped for this! Hopefully I can meet Stan "The Man" Lee and get his autograph as well as David Cronenbergs'. As well, last year I picked up a bunch of horror DVDs and trade paperbacks cheap so hopefully there's lot of good stuff this year.

[Demon]

Motherfucking Clive Barker is going to be at Horrorfind Weekend this year.

Clive cancelled...Horrorfind used to be one of the best shows going now they're a joke. They got Bruce Campbell who's just coming in for a costume contest and not signing autos...:bs:

[ReelFear]

I went to the CHILLER THEATRE convention in NJ April 29, 30, and May 1st, 2011.
I made a little video over the weekend showing some of the guests and dealers room, mixed with a little slasher storyline of my own just for fun.. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEBWN3ETXFE

[buck135]

Very cool. I was at the Saturday Nightmares convention this past Friday. I was disappointed that Scott Reiniger wasn't able to attend since I wanted to get the sigs of all four major cast members of Dawn of the Dead. David Emge (Flyboy) was unbelievably friendly and he made the whole trip worthwhile for me. Ken Foree was nice as always and Gaylen Ross was great as well. The only person that I was a disappointed with was Tom Savini. He didn't seem too interested in talking to me. Seeing Martin Landau was a trip ("Karloff, sidekick?").

[Shannafey]

Not really horror, but I'm going to this next month:

www.floridasupercon.com

[deepred]

It was such an honor to meet these two woman this last month.

Asia was not only incredibly beautiful in person but also kind and very humble. Her panel was AMAZING - she is endlessly interesting when she speaks imo.

And Barbara was regal as always. I asked for a picture with her so I knelt down next to her and I could see in my peripheral vision her genuinely smile at me and then just lean in and put her arm around me - might be stupid but the sensation was amazingly touching. She's a huge horror icon in my eyes.

[Dobby]

The only person that I was a disappointed with was Tom Savini. He didn't seem too interested in talking to me.

Show him your titties next time hahahhaaa! :lol: I have read many rumors he's not a nice guy anyway.

[buck135]

Show him your titties next time hahahhaaa! :lol: I have read many rumors he's not a nice guy anyway.

You know, I would have asked my wife to do just that to save on the autograph prices. Tom would appreciate hers more I think. :)

[deepred]

I was at the Saturday Nightmares convention this past Friday. I was disappointed that Scott Reiniger wasn't able to attend since I wanted to get the sigs of all four major cast members of Dawn of the Dead.

Ugh ... that did SUCK!

And I told Savini I loved his fx work in Day of the Dead back in '09 and he just looked at me like I had three heads. I got a free autograph for him at the last WOH because I had a gold pass. I had him sign my Friday the 13th but that time I just kept my mouth shut when I approached him because I didn't want to be treated like an idiot again.

[Shannafey]

The only person that I was a disappointed with was Tom Savini. He didn't seem too interested in talking to me.

I keep hearing this and it is a shame. I've met him about 4 or 5 times in my life at conventions and he was always really great to me. Talked to me, gave me free autographs etc. I'll never forget the first time I met him (by accident). I went to Atlanta Fantasy Fair back in 1988 or 89 and he was one of the guests I couldn't wait to meet. I had just checked into the hotel and got on an elevator to my room and he came into the same elevator. I looked at him and said kind of star struck, "You're Tom Savini." And he just laughed and said yes and said "How are you doing" and talked to me until I got off the elevator. He was a gentleman.

[buck135]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not the most facinating person to talk to, especially when I'm star struck as well. I walked in and saw David Emge talking to Tom Savini and my tongue went numb. Maybe he was just having an off night.

[Dobby]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not the most facinating person to talk to, especially when I'm star struck as well. I walked in and saw David Emge talking to Tom Savini and my tongue went numb. Maybe he was just having an off night.


Awwwwww you fascinate me with your true stories. You seem cool to me so don't beat yourself up. I have gotten star struck too on a few occasions. If you want someone nice to approach next time. I'd say your safest bet would be Ken Foree. He winked at me several times at a convention I went too. He knew I was star struck it was pretty obvious. :lol: Rumor has it Tom Savini has had a bad case of asshole rash. I don't think you did anything wrong he's just an ass. Just bad luck I wouldn't read into it Buck blah blaaah.

[buck135]

Awwwwww you fascinate me with your true stories. You seem cool to me so don't beat yourself up. I have gotten star struck too on a few occasions. If you want someone nice to approach next time. I'd say your safest bet would be Ken Foree. He winked at me several times at a convention I went too. He knew I was star struck it was pretty obvious. :lol: Rumor has it Tom Savini has had a bad case of asshole rash. I don't think you did anything wrong he's just an ass. Just bad luck I wouldn't read into it Buck blah blaaah.

Thanks Dobby. The feeling is mutual. I actually met Ken Foree on two occasions (including last week). He really is a nice guy and very approachable. He starred in my favorite film (Dawn of the Dead) and my favorite TV show (Cheers). I hope that I age as well as he does considering he's in his 60's now.

[X-human]

I'm thinking about going to the Flashback Weekend (http://www.flashbackweekend.com/schedule.html) here in Chicago. It's actually just twenty minutes from my work so I'm thinking about going straight there on Friday.

Has anyone gone to a convention on a Friday? I've only gone to conventions on Saturday/Sundays. How is it on Fridays? How about autographs on Fridays?

100% of the reason I'm going is to get an autograph from Christina Lindberg. I'm either going to get Wide Open DVD if it's there for her to sign, or have her sign my Thriller press book, maybe both. If I've got a better shot on a Saturday then maybe I should do that.

[buck135]

Has anyone gone to a convention on a Friday? I've only gone to conventions on Saturday/Sundays. How is it on Fridays? How about autographs on Fridays

I attended the Saturday Nightmares convention on a Friday at the beginning of June. The difference I found is the special guests were in better spirits then I've found on say Sundays. There usually aren't many other people there, so there is no waiting in line for autographs. I was able to talk to David Emge for about 30 minutes, and he was about as pleasant a person as you'd ever want to meet. The drawbacks are, the special guests can arrive late. I waited two hours for Gaylen Ross to arrive since she was stuck in traffic. You also aren't aware of cancellations on a Friday (like Scott Reiniger) so if there is someone that you are going to a convention to see cancels, you're out of luck. Finally, a dealer will be more likely to offer better deals near the end of the convention if he/she didn't do well Friday/Saturday. In conclusion, I guess it depends on what you are going to the convention for. Hope this helps.

[JGrendel]

I went to a convention in June of this year & got an autograph from Jullian Sands & I found him very cold(He just signed my dvd without asking my name or any kind of conversation or pleasentries, he just asked me if this was good & handed it back) anybody else get that kind of reaction?

[Anthropophagus]

I keep hearing this and it is a shame. I've met him about 4 or 5 times in my life at conventions and he was always really great to me. Talked to me, gave me free autographs etc. I'll never forget the first time I met him (by accident). I went to Atlanta Fantasy Fair back in 1988 or 89 and he was one of the guests I couldn't wait to meet. I had just checked into the hotel and got on an elevator to my room and he came into the same elevator. I looked at him and said kind of star struck, "You're Tom Savini." And he just laughed and said yes and said "How are you doing" and talked to me until I got off the elevator. He was a gentleman.

I second this, I've never met him personally but exchanged e-mails with him frequently about the time he was opening his F/X school in Philly. Always polite, prompt responses, seemed like a nice guy.

[X-human]

I attended the Saturday Nightmares convention on a Friday at the beginning of June. The difference I found is the special guests were in better spirits then I've found on say Sundays. There usually aren't many other people there, so there is no waiting in line for autographs. I was able to talk to David Emge for about 30 minutes, and he was about as pleasant a person as you'd ever want to meet.

Good, that's what I was hoping. Especially because I can get there before 5PM.

I'm not too interested in what the dealers have so I'm not looking for any deals. I'll browse but that's about it.

[spawningblue]

I went to the Fan Expo here in Toronto over the weekend. Unlike last year where there were tons of deals on horror movies, this year was quite dry. Everything was the same if not more then the prices that they can be found for online.

All the sweet deals on graphic novels made up for it though, as did the Tony Moore signed Walking Dead print I picked up for $10 and the signed Tom Savini pic for $20. Contrary from what I've heard from other members on here, he seemed to be in a good mood and was quite nice.

Other celebs there included Robert Englund, Elvira, Lance Henriksen, Doug Bradley, ect., making this year probably the best yet. I'm hoping John Carpenter will come next year, or Dario Argento again!

[X-human]

I did end up going to Chicago Flashback Weekend and the line to get in in took an hour, about as much time as I spent looking around the joint! Christina Lindberg was gracious and very kind. And this might not be a surprise to some but her English is very good! I don't know of any English interviews with her so I was very surprised by that.

I also talked with Don May for awhile and he was very cool and candid. I blew all my cash at Lindberg's booth though, so I didn't get a chance to buy anything else. One booth had foam cut outs which I thought were great and modestly priced but I didn't have a dime left for 'em.

[f.ramses]

They started the guest list (http://chillertheatre.com/gt/gtc4.htm) for the next Chiller Theatre not too long ago, hopefully they add another Italian Invasion soon!

[deepred]

They started the guest list (http://chillertheatre.com/gt/gtc4.htm) for the next Chiller Theatre not too long ago, hopefully they add another Italian Invasion soon!

I hope they get Daria Nicolodi again - I felt she was announced very last minute (her official facebook page annouced it like the week before the con?!) and I was not able to attend. If I had known she was going to be there with at least a month notice, I would have so been there. Now I am afraid I've missed my chance. :cry:

[SaviniFan]

I did end up going to Chicago Flashback Weekend and the line to get in in took an hour, about as much time as I spent looking around the joint! Christina Lindberg was gracious and very kind. And this might not be a surprise to some but her English is very good! I don't know of any English interviews with her so I was very surprised by that.

I was lucky enough to meet Christina at Cinema Wasteland a couple of years ago. I recorded the Q&A with her and posted it on youtube. Enjoy. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NimYt6qxpg8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2Mz4ZZ221w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B17N8UF3xC4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqQH3fA_1h8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GrGwogKFxw

[Ash28M]

Have any of you guys had any experiences with Tom Savini at conventions?

I've heard a ton of stories about him being a bit of an asshole at conventions. I was listing to a Q&A from the festival of fear and he went on to say that this reputation stems from one encounter where he was signing an autograph and the guy next two him was on the phone, he told him he didn't want to talk. He said the woman thought he was talking about her and through his signed picture at him and walked away. He also said he chased after her to explain the misunderstanding but couldn't find her.

I'm assuming from all I have heard that he's full of shit but who knows. I've never actually met him but I have walked by him a few times so I wouldn't know. Any of you have any stories to share?

[MorallySound]

Have any of you guys had any experiences with Tom Savini at conventions?

I've heard a ton of stories about him being a bit of an asshole at conventions. I was listing to a Q&A from the festival of fear and he went on to say that this reputation stems from one encounter where he was signing an autograph and the guy next two him was on the phone, he told him he didn't want to talk. He said the woman thought he was talking about her and through his signed picture at him and walked away. He also said he chased after her to explain the misunderstanding but couldn't find her.

I'm assuming from all I have heard that he's full of shit but who knows. I've never actually met him but I have walked by him a few times so I wouldn't know. Any of you have any stories to share?

Read the rest of this thread, there are already stories about him in previous posts. When I met him, he was pretty stuck up and uninterested in talking with his fans.

[Ptflea2]

I've seen/met Tom at seven con's in the last 12 years and not once did he look like he cared to be there. Not saying he was an jerk or anything, but more like uninterested.

However, one time I was watching him at his booth and he pulled out this huge wad of money from his fanny pack and started counting it. As he was doing this, some enthusiastic kid came up and started trying to chat with him. Tom continued to count his money the whole time this kid was talking. Every once in a while Savini would look up and say "yea" or "no." Poor kid.

I thought that was kind of a tool move on his part.

[eric_angelus]

The impression I get from Savini is that he is there to hang out with the other guests and see friends. The fans are a necessary evil. I have met him twice and neither time was he especially nice or especially mean. Just going through the motions. He is at so many of these things that I really can't believe he could hear anything from any fan that he has not heard 1000 times before. In a way I can understand that. He probably feels a lot like I do when I am dealing with customers at work. I am not defending the behavior, just saying I understand it.
On the plus side though, the first time I met him he signed for free, and the second time he signed an unlimited amount of your items if you bought one item from his table.

[spawningblue]

I met him and got a signed pic at the Fan Expo a few weeks ago. I thought he was nice.

[deepred]

Met Amelia Kinkade at Days of the Dead --- she was an odd bird. Barbara Crampton was very sweet and easy to talk to.

[Dobby]

For some reason from what I have gathered horror fans expect Tom to be this awesome guy. When in reality he's a typical asshole like most of humanity these days. In other words he's a modern age human being go figure that. :rolleyes:

[shape22]

I've seen Savini at several conventions. He wasn't hostile or rude to anyone. But he clearly had no interest in interacting with fans. He was aloof and impossible to engage in any meaningful way. People like Ken Foree, Michael Berryman, Angus Scrimm, and Reggie Bannister go out of their way to be gracious. Robert Quarry was that way too. I have very fond memories of meeting those guys. But I doubt many people have those types of memories of Savini. He's just there for a paycheck.

[CPT HOOK]

Yeah, I think a lot of people forget that this is just a job to some of these people. As much as we love movies and would love to be in their shoes, this is simply how these people make a living.

Most of them seem to genuinely love what they do, but not everyone.

[moogong]

Of all the celebs I have met, Savini stands out as the worst. He was leaning back in his chair talking to someone he had with him at the booth and signing pics without looking at the paying fan. I tried to ask him a question about the crotch gun prop from FDTD he had on the table and I could tell I annoyed him. I got a signed pic from him but won't pay for another autograph from him though.
I understand these celebs may be upset with the convention promoter or anything else they have going on but that is not my problem. If you don't like signing autographs and meeting fans, don't do conventions. The amount I am willing to pay for some ink on a picture weighs heavy in their favor.

[JGrendel]

Yeah, I think a lot of people forget that this is just a job to some of these people. As much as we love movies and would love to be in their shoes, this is simply how these people make a living.

Most of them seem to genuinely love what they do, but not everyone.

If that's the case then why do it?

[evildeadfan123]

I have only been to one horror convention so far, and that was Spooky Empire's first May-Hem Memorial Day Weekend, 2011. I went because it was the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Evil Dead, and the entire cast of Evil Dead was there. I first meet the Ladies of The Evil Dead, Ellen, Theresa, and Betsy. Showed Betsy her tattoo of her, and she flipped and took several pictures of it. This was Friday Night. Saturday Morning, I stood in line so I could get 2 seperate Photo Ops with Bruce Campbell, and The Ladies of the Evil Dead. It was worth it. The only person I didn't get a picture with was Hal Delrich, but he asked where was his tattoo. That will be soon. I did meet Ted Raimi also at the convention, but I thought he wasn't that friendly. I have been a fan of Ted's for years, but it left a little bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I was such a hit at the convention that several people recognized me from Bruce's Q & A, which is on youtube, that one of my photo ops with Bruce, they reprinted twice, and Tim Philo asked my husband about me. The one thing I wished that I had done, was to visit with Bill Hinzman, while he was down there. I had VIP tickets, and they had a special party Saturday Night just for VIP Ticket holders, and one of the actors from Lost Boys was at the Party, Brooke McCarter who played Paul, sang Cry, Little Sister, and it was in the memory of Corey Haim. He did an excellent job signing the song. They also had the entire cast of Evil Dead, and some from Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness on stage, and they cut a cake that was created only for this event. It was a very cool cake, and I don't think anyone made a video of this or not. Then, Sunday afternoon, they had a Evil Dead Q & A, and the funny thing is, Hal Delrich said, Alicia, aren't you supposed to be gone, which this is on youtube. I'm so glad I went, and it was fun, and not only did I meet everyone I wanted to meet, but I was able to get Bruce's autograph on a Evil Dead poster, and Tom Sullivan's autograph too, but I was able to get a autographed photo of Jensen and Jared, from a different convention they were at. This convention might be the only one I will go to, but it was fun.

[Cooperkill]

I've been to a dozens of cons over the years, thankfully before guests started charging us per signature. I have a ton of things signed by Savini, and he ALWAYS came off as a grump. I began to expect it after a while as Savini being Savini. He never did anything deliberately mean, so I never found him intolerable.

Most of the guests are out-of-this-world nice. I couldn't even name all the good ones(Angus Scrimm, Alice Cooper, Andrew Divoff, Dick Warlock, Linnea Quigley, etc.). Yet there've only been a couple of sour experiences.

Vernon Wells (Wez from The Road Warrior) was a dick, and Lucio Fluci barked at me when I thanked him for his autograph. I actually didn't mind Fulci's behavior, as he was said to be something of a malcontent. I got the royal treatment, I suppose. Robert Davi was mad that I wanted him to sign a Predator 2 poster when he brought piles of James Bond pictures, but he was still okay. Heather Langenkamp was nice, but she started to angrily sigh every time someone asked her to stand for a photo.

Still, 99% of my experiences have been golden, but I don't go to many anymore because they're too expensive. Greed sucked the joy out of the experience.

[Myron Breck]

I just attended my very first con here in Atlanta (Days of the Dead) this weekend and had a really nice time meeting Sid Haig, PJ Soles and Bill Moseley. Sid seemed a little bit tired/grumpy but he's old as hell so it didn't bother me. He probably had a rough night with Gary & Jake Busey.
Poor John Russo seemed like he didn't know where he was, which made me feel a little sad for him.
Basically, I was totally starstruck/tongue-tied and didn't engage too much with anyone. I'm sure they get tired of answering the same old questions anyhow. But they are actually holding it in downtown Atlanta next year and I am definitely going to do the entire weekend instead of just one afternoon! It was kind of a revolution to be surrounded by so many people who share my absolute love for horror films. :)

[SaviniFan]

I've been to many different horror cons. Horrorfind, Flashback Weekend, Fangoria, MotorCity Nightmares......only one has made me a fan of the con itself. That would be Cinema Wasteland. If you have never been to a Wasteland show, you are really missing out. Ken Kish and his wife know how to treat fans and the celebrity line up for each show is always a bit unique from what other cons have. The entry price is one of the cheapest and there is no tier pricing, so everyone is treated equally. There is just something about the atmosphere of a Wasteland show that permeates "horror family". I find it to be relaxing and personal as opposed to the shuffle through a line cold feeling I get at other shows.

If you live anywhere near Ohio I HIGHLY recommend you attend Cinema Wasteland. I haven't missed one semi-annual show for the last 5 years.

[Ash28M]

For those of you living in Ontario. I came across this horror convention while at Suspect Video in Toronto. I think this is the second one they have thrown but it seems to have a cinema Wasteland type vibe to it. I really get turned off by the lack of intimacy with the huge crowds at the Festival of fear and I think this might be a good alternative for those of you whom, if your like me, hate the hassle of crossing the border. It's called Called SHOCK STOCK and it takes place in London ON.

http://www.grimbrothers.com/sstock_main.htm

They got some bad news with Jessica Harper dropping out but I'm going to check it out anyway, most likely driving down for the Saturday. The Convention take place Apr13 - 15th.

Here is the guest line-up.

http://www.grimbrothers.com/guests.htm

[Chet Desmond Jr]

There is just something about the atmosphere of a Wasteland show that permeates "horror family". I find it to be relaxing and personal as opposed to the shuffle through a line cold feeling I get at other shows.

If you live anywhere near Ohio I HIGHLY recommend you attend Cinema Wasteland. I haven't missed one semi-annual show for the last 5 years.

You're absolutely right. I love the atmosphere and the guests are a hardcore B movie fan's dream. Next week can't come soon enough!

[f.ramses]

Guest list for April's Chiller Theatre (http://chillertheatre.com/gt/gtc4.htm) is up and looking pretty dismal. I don't see any Italian Invasion section! :[

[SaviniFan]

You're absolutely right. I love the atmosphere and the guests are a hardcore B movie fan's dream. Next week can't come soon enough!

Yup, I'm pumped for next week's show. Should be a fantastic time as always.

[Ash28M]

Shock Stock is this weekend for those of you in Ontario that like a more intimate convention. I should probably make it for sunday.

http://www.grimbrothers.com/sstock_main.htm

[17thJuggalo]

I really would like to get back into the convention scene but lately I haven't had much fun at them. It just seems that folks are milking all they can out of horror fans these days. When you're charging fans that adore your life's work $40 bucks to sign a piece of paper in a country that is still recovering from a recession, it gets a bit ridiculous. Now if celebrities were openly donating that money to charity that might be different. But still, prices for autos have doubled since when I first posted in this thread in 2007.

[Cannibal Chris]

I'll be going to Texas Frightmare Weekend this year, but I don't plan on buying any autos, most of the good people from the line up this year I've already met, the rest just don't interest me. I realize that most of these actors go from con to con, but I really wish some of these conventions strayed away from the norm. TFW has had some great guests and I'm truly grateful to have such an awesome convention so close to home, but I'd really like to see them branch out and get some more foreign blood.

Speaking of which, later in the year at Emos in Austin, Texas Coffin Joe is making an appearance. I really hope I can make it down there for that.

[mlock]

I didn't manage to read all the posts, but I was wondering if you guys could suggest a couple good convention ideas. I have never been to a horror convention, but had a lot of fun attending the 40th anniv of Star Trek in Vegas summer of '06. I guess it would partly depend on who's attending, and I realize there are a lot of horror conventions to choose from, but would appreciate some ideas as I plan to attend one next year. Doesn't matter if its in Canada or the USA. :)

[MorallySound]

I just got back home from both Cinema Wasteland and Shock Stock, which I've been to previously. Wasteland was a little slower this year, but Shock Stock had about 3x as many people through this year which was fantastic (because I actually know the people who run this one and was a volunteer). Personally, I prefer the smaller cons, which both of these are, as you can much more easily speak with and socialize with the guests. Plus the smaller shows seem more like a "family" rather than the Comic Con-esque shows that seem to just want to charge you an arm and a leg for anything and everything. I used to go to the FanExpo show in Toronto for the Festival of Fear portion, but stopped going in 2010 because of it becoming inflated and overcrowded and really no fun at all. Those are the only three horror conventions I've been to so can't comment on HorrorHound Weekend or Texas Frightmare or Chiller.

[Cannibal Chris]

The only "serious" con I've been to has been Texas Frightmare Weekend, I've never had a bad experience there. While it does get bigger every year you still manage to see a lot of the same faces, there are certainly a core group of people and vendors who are there every year which is nice. Honestly your best bet is deciding if you want to go to a con that's close to you or your state, or if you don't mind driving/flying a bit. Then just narrow is down to the line up you most prefer. You might also check out youtube videos and their facebook page to get a feel of how things are ran, general mood/vibe of the con.

[buck135]

I didn't manage to read all the posts, but I was wondering if you guys could suggest a couple good convention ideas. I have never been to a horror convention, but had a lot of fun attending the 40th anniv of Star Trek in Vegas summer of '06. I guess it would partly depend on who's attending, and I realize there are a lot of horror conventions to choose from, but would appreciate some ideas as I plan to attend one next year. Doesn't matter if its in Canada or the USA. :)

http://www.monstermania.net/#

I'm going to try and get to both (depending on the guests).

[mlock]

http://www.monstermania.net/#

I'm going to try and get to both (depending on the guests).

Thanks for the link! The Cherry Hill NJ got my attention in particular, but of course it'll depend on the guests. The Texas Frightmare weekend has a great list of guests for this year too!