I took a few days off between the events detailed in this blog and the time I decided to sit down and write about it. It took me 5 days to try and turn a string of insults, vulgarities, and disgust into something somewhat appropriate and cohesive. Have you ever loved someone so much they become a major part of your life? Everyday that love comes into your mind in one way or another.
Well mine is Horror. I love her. I have loved her from the first time I laid eyes on her. I was scared to commit at first; I was hurt before by Comedy, and her sobby bitch of a sister, Drama.
But after that first date back in 77, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. The rush that she gave me. I was excited, scared, and happy all at the same time. I never felt more alive than I did with her. I had to see her again. And so I did every chance I got. I would meet her in the library, in a darkened theater, around a campfire, anywhere.
She stood by me through thick and thin. She never faltered, she never strayed. She was mine.
My friends used to give me a hard time about her. Saying that she was gross, or disgusting, or how was I even able to look at her sometimes. They used to say that she was a passing fad. But I knew better. I knew we would be together for a long time.
Sure, we had our low points. The PG-13 days, remakes, Fear.com. But for every “Gothika”, there is a “Dead Alive”. For every MPAA hack job, there is a Director’s Cut just waiting to hit the home market.
She always came through for me in the end.
Well all of that changed last Saturday.
Last Saturday, I saw my love for what she truly has become. A money hungry whore.
I should have known this day would come. I saw flashes of this in the past. The double/triple/quadruple DVD dips (Looking at you “Evil Dead”/Anchor Bay), the same damn movie with just a “2” slapped onto it (”Paranormal Activity”-that is all YOU!).
But I held out hope, only to have the taste of it slapped out of my mouth.
Here is how it went down.
The last few years I have attended the East Coast’s most up and coming Horror Convention “Rock and Shock.” Three days of horror and music held in Worcester, MA. It seemed to be growing each year, adding more and more tables to the vendors’ room, as well as bigger and better Stars of the Genre to the Celebrity Room. And then after the convention ends, the music hall next door hosted such genre bands as Type O Negative, ICP, Gwar, and Wednesday 13 (who my band opened up for that year). It was slowly becoming THE East Coast con to be at.
This year looked to be no different, as the headliner of the Music Hall was Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper. SWEET!
I get to the DCU Center about 10am with my backpack full of items to be signed by my favorite celebrities. Knowing full well that nobody signs everything, I brought a lot of RARE DVD covers and posters, just to have good selections to show off. My first stop in the Celebrity Room is one of my favorite authors, Jack Ketchum. I have met him before and actually had the good fortune to sit and have some great talks with the man. Always a sincerely nice guy, he was gracious enough to sign my first edition copy of “Off Season” as well as my apparently very rare paperback copy of “Hide and Seek.” We chatted for about 10 minutes as he had a line and I looked around to see whom I wanted to visit next.
Most of the lines were growing at this point, so I saw one that was not and saw that it was for none other than the “Warlock” himself, Julian Sands.
I get into line and slide my “Boxing Helena” DVD cover out of my binder for him to sign. It is at this point that I begin to hear the grumbling of the other people in line about how this all sucks so much this year. I listen a little more closely and hear that they cannot believe that Julian Sands is charging $20.00 for his autograph. I mean, it is JULIAN SANDS, not someone like George Romero. This can’t be accurate. They must mean that he is charging $20.00 for one of his 8×10s with an autograph on it. Then I look around and start seeing these signs on each of the celebrities’ walls and tables.
“ALL AUTOGRAPHS-$20.00”
Some even got very specific for those looking for something for nothing.
8×15 signed-$25.00
8×10 signed-$20.00
Your item signed-$20.00
Photo with your camera-$20.00
Free with an autograph.
I just sat there dumbfounded.
OK- I am not totally naïve. I know that some celebrities have been charging for their autographs for years. But it was only if you bought something from them. Those 8×10s don’t just show up- they have to send their assistants to a Kinko’s to get those 100 photos copied and boxed up, and that costs money. (Sense my sarcasm there?) But THAT I can at least understand and would willingly pay to get autographed.
But to pay them to sign MY object or take a photo with MY camera?
3 Words-
GO. FUCK. YOURSELF.
Here is the snapshot of the “typical” horror fan.
- -Mostly in the 17-25 year old range.
- -Most are either students or in jobs that just don’t pay them an over abundance of dough.
- -They go to every single horror movie that comes out so that they can “Support the cause.”
- -They are in the stores on Tuesday purchasing the newest “Director’s Cut” of a film they have purchased twice already.
- -They subscribe to some sort of Horror Mag (Rue Morgue, Fangoria, SCARS).
- -They follow/contribute to the blogs/websites/facebooks/tweets for their favorite genre actors/movies.
- -They buy all of the toys, DVDs, T-shirts, posters, books, that relate to their favorite star/movie.
- -They travel large distances to attend these conventions. (This includes airfare, gas for driving, hotel rooms, food, drinks, etc).
To use one example (of the MANY unhappy people I spoke to) regarding this subject at the con: “Susan” came to Rock and Shock for the weekend. She was from upstate New York. She drove to Worcester on Friday night and was staying for the weekend at a hotel that was 15 minutes away. She was going to the Rob Zombie show as well as the regular band nights included in her Rock and Shock con ticket package.
So a quick and dirty total for HER R&S Experience is the following rounded amount.
- Convention 3 Day VIP Ticket Price=$127.00
- Gas to drive round trip from upstate NY to Worcester, Ma. = Approx. $80.00
- Hotel for the 2 Nights-$280.00
- Eating out for Lunch, Dinner, and Drinks for 2 nights =Approx $150.00
So before she even sets foot into the Convention “Susan” has spent approx. $637.00 for this experience.
Nevermind the fact that like every true horror fan, she will want A LOT of what is offered in the vendors room (I left there with over $200.00 worth of stuff and that was after walking away from most tables). Now add to the fact that if she decides that she wants to get her “Last House on the Left” DVD cover (that she already paid approx. 15.00 for) signed by him. She has to drop another $20.00 for it.
Does nobody else see how this is just messed up?
I heard a lot of people use the excuse, “Well, it is a once in a lifetime chance to meet them.” Yeah, and you said that at the last 2 Rock and Shocks as well.
Some people like myself tried to skirt the issue and take pictures of the celebs from a distance.
When the celebrities saw this, they told their “handlers” to step in the way of the shot.
My experience was with Danny Trejo.
He wanted $30.00 to sign a poster and $20.00 to sign your item and then you could get a pic with him. Otherwise it was $20.00 a pic with MY camera. So I stepped about 20 feet to the side of the signing table and zoomed in and when the “handler” saw this, he stepped in the way and told me I had to get in line and have my money ready.
Wow! Not only a shitty thing to do, but rude as well.
A friend that I was with went over to Bill Mosley’s table to get his Japanese “Texas Chainsaw 2″ poster signed and was asked for his $20.00 before he signed. And when my friend pulled out his “Babysitter Wanted” DVD cover and put it down on the table, Bill looked up and asked if he had another 20. My friend went to pull the DVD cover back and Bill held it and just signed it for him with a sigh.
I was blown away.
I have met Bill Mosley many, many times and he was always very kind, polite, and accommodating to his fans. I would dare say one of the nicest celebrities I had ever met.
And to see this just saddened me. Honestly. It was past the rage and went straight to sadness that a person, who has always been so down to earth with his fans, suddenly goes for the cash over fans adoration.
I walked around all day rotating between fuming about it and shaking my head with the realization of this is what it is now.
A cash cow for celebs to cash in on their quick fame from the fans that they suddenly have.
Perfect example of this would be the three “stars” of “The Human Centipede.” They were all placed outside the celebrity room, but next to each other on the same 2 tables.
I watched as a person went up to one of them and got his DVD cover signed and asked for a pic with her.
She agreed and when he asked if he could get a picture with all three of them, they refused to get up for it and looked at their own price signs.
YOU HAVE BEEN IN ONE MOVIE AND YOU ALL WERE ATTACHED! WHO WANTS JUST A PIC WITH THE “MIDDLE” PART OF THE CENTIPEDE?!?!?!?!
So to get a picture with the whole “Centipede” you need to pay $60.00.
Look, I understand that their time is worth more than they are probebly getting paid to be there. But all they have to do is scale back those prices. $20.00 is a lot of money and adds up fast when you are surrounded by your idols. Five dollars is totally acceptable for a signature. Ten if it is on one of their 8×10s. But to take a pic with you on my own camera really should be free.
These are your fans. You know, the ones that write on your Facebook walls about how awesome it was to meet you, the ones who take said pics and post them on their own walls for everyone to see. (OH NO! More free publicity for your greedy ass.) It is hard not to sound dramatic in situations like this but, your fans are the ones that made you the “famous” person that you are. Why do you want to bleed them dry? Why do you want to turn them against you? Don’t you remember when you were one of them? Because you were at one time, and you should NEVER FORGET THAT!
And you know who doesn’t? ADAM GREEN.
I have had the extreme pleasure to meet and interview Adam a few times now. And I have never met a more down to earth “Celebrity.” He has always had a smile or a handshake or a signature for a fan. And who ever it is that he is meeting, it is always the same introduction; he sticks out his hand and says, “Hi, I’m Adam.” Like we wouldn’t know this. He admits he is sometimes too accessible to his fans, as he has his Facebook, Twitter, and Mindspring sites always packed with fans asking questions, and Adam does his best to try and answer everyone.
So on this day, after being disgusted by the rest of the room, I walk over to his line (constantly one of the longest one all day), I see HIS sign reads-
“I don’t charge you for my autograph or pictures. Because I love you. A.G.”
He signed YOUR item for free, he signed HIS items for free (several 8×10s and a really nice “Hatchet 2” poster) for free and was more than happy to pose for a picture with anyone.
And for this simple gesture of appreciation of his fans, EVERYONE was talking about how “awesome” Adam Green was.
The man has always said he is just a fan who happened to catch a break and do the thing he grew up loving (just like all of us). And he showed his appreciation to us and that generosity easily cost him thousands of dollars that Saturday alone. But I will say this straight out. I was NOT a fan of “Hatchet 2”, but I will always support any piece of work that Adam Green does.
Because that is what fans do.
So to Jack Ketchum, and Adam Green , I say thank you for showing us all that it is not all about the money. It is about making your fans happy. Because once you have our love and support, we will help you make your money in your trade. Even if we know it is going to be shit, we will (and DO) pay for your movies every weekend in the theaters. And on Tuesdays in the stores when your films DVDs are released. And online when your action figures are released.
I am not sure really how to wrap this up, because I just feel this is the way things are going to be from now on.
To get back on my dramatic horse again.
I feel used, I feel betrayed, I feel sad.
I stuck by my beloved Horror through it all and put her through school so she can get that good job and she just ran off with her Boss with the Ferrari.
To quote Miss Debbie and Uncle Fester from “Addams Family Values:”
Fester – “Give me a kiss.”
Miss Debbie – “Give me a twenty.”
Whore!
Paying good money to see + meet your favorite horror stars - ONLY to have them charge you to meet + sign YOUR item or take a photo with YOUR camera - BULLSHIT!
Well this makes me feel better about not ever making it out to any of these things. I can’t believe they charge for autographs…on things that you bring. Makes me kind of happy that their 15 minutes of fame will probably end really soon. Kudos to Adam Green for not being a douche.
I actually missed the celebrity room at R&S, now I am realizing there is no need to be disappointed by that fact. I think your commentary is dead on. And truly sad. I agree that $5 would be acceptable–and sure–they may be making very little to BE there. But these are their FANS–and as you said–plenty of the fans were probably paying a ton before they even stepped foot in the building. I am particularly saddened to read that about Bill Moseley. He comes across as far better than that in his interviews.
Looking at me $30.00! very nice. It is sad that some charge so much for a signing. I went to one convention 5 years ago and was sadden that I could not get half the autographs that I wanted because I brought memorabilia first. Booo! Their were a few I met that signed for free was: Eliza Dushku, Virgil (after hitting on me for 5mins) and Karen Black. And they were all really cool about it to…well except Virgil. I think more stars should jump on the free autographs bandwagon.
Thank you so much for posting this review. I have always been a fan of horror since I can remember. This was the first year that I could actually make it to Rock and Shock and I knew some celebs would charge but I didn’t know that it was going to be that extreme. The whole day I was saddened how they ALL wanted money even the lesser known people. I am 24 and have a crappy job and a 2 year old to support so I wasn’t loaded enough for this event. I was very impressed by Adam Green tho. His sign was soooo funny and he was the nicest and coolest guy!!!!! But I also give credit to Scout Taylor-Compton because she signed my poster and took a picture with me for no money. She also signed my friends stuff too without charging. Not only that but it also seemed like half of them didn’t really want to be there or even talk to us. I hope next year is a little bit better.
Another excellent article by Tony DeMauro and true to the point. Three cheers for Jack Ketchum and Adam Green!
See this “Because once you have our love and support, we will help you make your money in your trade.” is the most accurate thing to me. They’re not just entitled to have these things – to take fans money to be able to live off of one role, forever. If someone made one good movie (a JOB, which they were cast in, not some divine blessing) and then is a real jerk, then I hope they have to work real jerk jobs, like the rest of us do.
Why not negotiate tougher with the promoters if they want more money? Is it just easier to rely on us sap fans? That con might be spreading itself too thin.
I truly agree with everything here! I as a Horror magazine publisher have been “helping” celebs by pushing them in SCARS and spent multiple thousands of dollars bringing them to shows and supplying banners for both shows and celebs all in the name of support and was not even comped for a room or table for the magazine many times.
So Tony…thank you for saying this. I was always trying to be politically correct for the magazines sake and by no means am I dissing “all” of the celebs. Gary Klar will give you the shirt off of his back and Harry Manfredini and Tom Towles are some incredibly awesome people.
But I will stand here and raise my middle finger with you and shout a big Fuck You to all those who take it to the douche level. I have gone above and beyond for many in this genre and i feel it time to not give a flying shit and point out the flaws and miss givings bestowed upon all of us horror fans.
Thank you Tony!
I think your point about the basic convention go-er and their funds is really quite on the spot. I know that I would love to go to more conventions myself, but economics gets in the way every time. I have been to comic conventions and anime conventions and have a great time, but when I look at my depleted bank account after the fact and what I have to actually show for it, I find myself less willing to go the next year.
Now ‘celebs’ are charging exorbitant prices for autographs? What happened to the days when you not only got an autograph but a little comic or drawing to go with it? (RIP Drew Hayes, your Lusipher drawing is propped up on my desk to this day – that was done totally for free and just because he was a cool guy.)
I see what you’re saying, but sadly this is not a rare occurrence. On top of that, it’s not going to be stopping anytime soon. People like Ketchum, Green and Fred Dekker get ushered away from doing shows because everyone else charges and they don’t. They’re the odd men out. Whatever the case is, I’m glad you feel like you’re doing everyone such a service by writing this, but Jesusmaryandjosephchrist, it is like this at every Convention. I guess it bothers me that for some reason you aimed this review solely at Rock N Shock when in reality it should’ve been at Conventions in general.
True story.
I’m with you 100% on this. Rock and Shock is like Christmas to me since it’s reasonably local (an hour drive) and I could never summon the cash necessary for Horror Hound, Weekend of Horrors or Festival Of Fear. This year was my last year attending, though, and the reasons are all outlined in your article above. To the letter, as a matter of fact. The first time I went, in 2003, autographs cost $5 a pop. Sid Haig was charging $10. The next year, prices went up, and the year after that and the year after that until everyone was unanimously charging $20 across the boards. I took a quick stroll through the guest common this year and promptly left when I saw the prices. It was absurd and I was really saddened by it. I left the place bitching about how commercial the whole thing has become which is pretty ironic since horror fandom is a hobby based on commerce in the first place.
The vendors area was also pretty shitty. The overpriced junk that gets sold in that place is shameful. Honestly, how many custom fangs/contact lens tables does this show need? How many hand painted zombie Barbie Dolls can you stand? The genuinely interesting exhibitors are buried between tables of people selling cheap lingerie/club clothes and dodgy bootleg DVD dealers and an Airsoft table? What the fuck? I’m pretty sure I could buy table space and sell Harlequin Romance novels in that place if I wanted. I mean, if the money’s green. Right guys?
Tremendously disappointing show and if this is how all the cons are, that is to say, potently toxic to the fans who care so much for the genre, the whole carny con circuit and all the apologist horror fans who tell me these people need to make a living can go fuck themselves.
I’ll tell you what, though. I’m not particularly a fan of Adam Green. His movies don’t really move me, but reading this made me a fan. *That* is respect for the fans right there and I’m glad there’s someone on the autograph circuit pointing out how shitty standard practice is.
Wow… now I don’t regret missing the con! It’s really sad that this is what it’s come to.
And the actors from The Human Centipede can eat shit for charging $60 for a group pic.
I think they did in the movie…or at least one did…
You have NO CLUE how a convention is run… celebrities are NOT paid to appear. Their money is made by selling their autographs. No it didn’t used to be this way but now it’s a business. All conventions are run like this and to single out Rock & Shock is just WRONG! You should really research your subject because this article make you sound like a whiny idiot.
You’re right it is a business…everything is a business now but I can assure you Tony is no idiot and we here at SCARS have opinions but we do not wish to belittle anyone with name calling. Also check your spelling and know we are very well versed in the art of convention hopping. Thanks for commenting though, just no name calling please…
mummy666,
I appreciate your comments, and to be honest, I WAS worried about sounding like a “whiny idiot” as I was writing this piece. It really sucked to have to do it. But I will NOT back down on my points and views.
I have been to Rock & Shock every single year it was run. At first helping out dreadcentral.com with their celeb interviews, and then at their merch table and then actually being a band playing it and was friendly with the both Kevin AND Gina who run it.
And to add to my horror con resume, I have attended numerous Weekend of Horror cons, MonsterMania cons, as well as San Diego Comicon multiple times.
And I hate to tell you, many times STUDIOS DO PAY THE CELEBS TO BE THERE. So they do not have to charge for autographs unless the celeb WANTS TO! (Usually if said Celeb has a new movie to promote)
Now is there some studio paying Julian Sands to be at R&S? Hell no, he is living off of his past and trying to make money off of it. I logically understand it. But emotionally- I am sorry, but it feels shitty.
And based on the emails and comments I have received (and still DO receive) about this article, most of the “fans” out there agree with me.
Hey movie star, you wanna make money?
Get MORE ROLES!
Oh, your star has fallen and can’t get up?
No problem, if you MUST charge for autographs, make it reasonable for your fans to afford.
And I DO agree with your statement that it HAS turned to a business, and the financial raping of the very fans that support this industry, is the reason that conventions are slowly failing. R&S was smaller, and a LOT of studios are NOT presenting at San Diego Comicon this year.
Horror has always been the punk rocker of the film industry. Grass roots, middle fingers, and do it yourself’s is what MADE the industry be as big as it ever became…
And the “business” is what is going to kill it in the long run. The studios getting involved in productions, the one time “stars” living off the one role, the rating system killing movies releases (see the “Hatchet 2″ situation), and distributers failing to give “indie” films a proper release (see Strait to video or On Demand if they are lucky). With the exception of “Insidious” – I have not seen a good horror film from a studio is a LOOOOONG time.
Sorry…
I am off topic.
So mummy666, I DO have a clue and please understand that I never write about something I don’t have a working understanding of.
The reason I singled out R&S was because it was the first con I went to where I felt that the prices were too much for stars that were anything but…
Thanks for reading and I look forward to opinionating all over you again soon…
Tony D
Im very upset to hear about the experience! Im only 13 and have been saving up my own money for tickets…Just to see Robert Englund, for I am his biggest fan. He is usually very friendly with his fans; I have not met him yet, but Ive been dreaming of it for two years. But after hearing about Bill Moseley how he seemed to only care about the money, I’m scared to meet Mr. Englund. It’s not just him, I’m a HUGE fan of horror and the experience of movie makers…but if it’s like that, I don’t see the point in going. Dreams= CRUSHED!!!
Elizabeth, you HAVE to go!!! I went to my first con when I was a teenager, and the experience was really positive. (Bill Moseley was very cool to me – and as Tony I think mentions in his article, normally is in good spirits.) Robert Englund, as I’m sure you know, doesn’t come up to New England cons too much it seems, so if you’re a fan you might not wanna miss it. I think these cons are as fun as you make ‘em, and if you have a friend to go with, and there are bands you like, it’s a great opportunity to meet other horror fans and hang out in the community. And buy some cool crap
Elizabeth, as a one time 13 year old fan myself, I went to many cons and met a few celebs back in the day. Things were different before electricity but celebs are always nice to the younger crowd. Take your trip to the con and meet Robert. Get your picture taken with him and create your memories! No matter what ANYONE says, your dreams are important and if this is one you need to see it through. Tony, Myself and many others are older and have a lot more under our belts and wish we were 13 again to have those moments back. Go be a 13 year old fan and have fun!
Ray D
Editor of SCARS Magazine
Your review deeply saddened me,
but I know EXACTLY what you mean. I went to two seperate conventions in the past few weeks where the big ticket actors were charging up to $80 dollars for one autograph. Wth? $20 is alot when you add it up, but $80 is rediculous.
I just turned 18 and I am (hopefully) taking my seventeen year old sister to the Con this year. One thing that saddens me is what you wrote about Bill Mosley. I have never met him but my sister has been dying to meet him since we saw Repo! and House of 1,000 Corpses. I won’t tell her about it, but it definetly changed the way I look at him as an actor and person.
If someone was awesome enough to come to a con to see ME I would sign EVERYTHING under the sun and I would take a thousand pics. Nowadays its so rediculous… Obviously these events think everyone is made of money
Elizabeth, I will completely echo what Fallon and Ray have said. To be 13 and meet an idol is something I wish we could all have again.
You NEED to go and meet Robert. He is a very sweet and friendly guy, and I have never had any bad experiences with him.
And Kaitlin, let me take a step back on Bill Mosley. Again, remove that ONE experience and I would not be able to say ONE BAD THING ABOUT THE MAN. He needs to make a living and he is one of the busiest men working in Horror. He does not live on that ONE ROLE! Sure he is Chop Top and Otis to me, but he is ALWAYS working. So kudos to him for not resting on his past.
BUT I will stand by what I said. Make sure you bring a loaded wallet when you go.
Have fun at the con guys…
Tony D
An old saying – appropriate for horror and a lessen for over-charging celebs-
You can sheer a sheep often, you can only skin a sheep once.
I have to definitely agree with you Tony!!! I’ve been going to Rock and Shock for several years now. It seems to be getting way out of control. With this year being the worst by far. I was so looking forward to meeting Ace Frehley from KISS. It was definitely the biggest reason I was most excited to go to the show. I’ve been a diehard fan since I was 12! Then to get there to find out you had to pay $60.00! I was floored. Not only did you have to pay $60.00 you had a list of rules you HAD to follow. They were the ones who were taking the photos and you had to go on their website through a Rock and Shock link to get your photo!
Robert Englund also charged $50.00!!! It was $30.00 for an autograph and $20.00 for a photo! I only got the photo. What a disappointment considering I brought my Freddy Kreuger action finger with me to be signed. AND I stood in line for about an hour and 45 minutes!
Long gone are the says you get to see your favorite horror movie idol for ONE PRICE! I feel the industry is a money hungry industry and with the economy the way it is. No one has this kind of money. I met several of my favorite horror icons this weekend and even forewent either the picture or the signatures and spent well over $225.00! That’s not even including, parking, ticket for two days, my hotel and so much more.
It’s why I have so much love for Jack Ketchum! He comes in and doesn’t charge one dime!! I spent a good 25 minutes with him and he signed a good 5 of my books and I bought two books from him!! I was happy to buy the books! He’s my favorite Author! I love the fact he doesn’t charge and I have more respect for him because HE DOES NOT!!!!
Way to go Tony with this Article you nailed it!!!!
Through my own fault, I am just now reading this..I found it while searching for something but feel I should comment.
I’m the creator of Rock And Shock as well as, the co-founder. I am like every one of you..I began going to horror conventions when I was young. I flipped at the opportunity to buy stuff,meet people I’d watched, and hang out with others who had similar interests.
I continued to attend cons all over, driving to most but if I wanted to meet someone bad enough..saving to fly. Chiller Theatre,now the largest horror and pop culture convention in the country was in a gymnasium back then..and I thought it was amazing! I met Tom Savini and several stars of Hammer Films..absolute film fan geekdom heaven!
My initial concept for Rock And Shock was to find a way to have fans just pay to attend the show and for what they purchase from vendors. I wanted to figure out if there was a way to have all the autographs be free and just pay the guests to be there.
When I started attending these conventions the autographs were normally $5 for black and white, $10 for color. Imagine how awesome that would be now! At some point everyone’s prices went up to $15 and now, for the most part $20.
We do not pay anyone to attend, just their transportation, room and etc. The ability to pay everyone to come then give away signatures would be money that has to come from somewhere,and the person who provided that would expect it back ! We still tried the first year by contacting celebrities we already were friends with, had relationships with, or met several times over the years. There were a couple who agreed to do it for free the first time and help us get a start..but I assure you that isn’t the norm…
I felt sad about the same things you have when I was just an attendee, but I also understand that in the past seven or eight years there’s actuall been less work, a bad economy, a massive writers strike that kept people from production, and less decent horror films.
All of these factors that prevented anyone from just showing up in another city and giving away things for free to adoring fans. Believe me I wish they all could…but not only would they lose out..we wouldn’t be able to get the people we all want to see sometimes.
Again, I agree that when people charge to have a photo taken with them, or charge more than others, it makes you feel cheated. It does get costly, and you do spend because it’s hard to resist!
I brought Adam Green to the show and he will be. Ack with the cast of HOLLISTON this year. Yes, he is awesome..as is every other celebrity we book for the most part…but they do need to make money.
We have tried every suggestion you all mentioned, dont think se havent..but its already a cost to have something this huge in our area for fans. You sill find it is like this at every show, sometimes worse..but maybe one day we’ll be able to fund a con in a way its a fan love fest and everyone is happy..
Now if anyone wins the lottery..we can talk.
I encourage any of you who still actually attend to come talk to me, we are happy to meet with anyone and I’m very approachable during the weekend.
Still a fan who wants to make other fans happy about horror!
Kevin Barbare
Sorry for typos I was frantically typing this out on my phone.
Ps I should mention that I don’t make ANY money off the convention an neither does my partner.
Kevin, I really appreciate you weighing in on this… Anytime we can get more perspectives from how the cons are run, it helps the community have a healthy conversation about it. I am going to repost this comment as its own article, as I think it could be helpful for convention goers to see both sides.
Thanks!
Fallon
Fantastic. And I’d also like to offer you passes to this years event so we can say hello. Just give me your full name and I’ll take care of it.. If your like of course.
You’d like..if YOU’D like..damn auto correct.