ZONACON Recap - Anime & Horror In Florida

HELLO, FRIENDS…


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Terrance “Grave Robber” Zdunich (REPO).

I’ve just returned home from appearing at ZonaCon (an anime/horror convention) in Orlando, FL, with such guests as Terrance Zdunich (REPO THE GENETIC OPERA), Sybil Danning (HOWLING 2, HALLOWEEN), Eric Vale (DRAGONBALL Z, FULL METAL ALCHEMIST), Robert Axelrod (POWER RANGERS, AKIRA, DIGIMON), Kelly Jo Minter (NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5, PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS), Joel Wyncoop (DARK DIMENSION), and many more.

I arrived in Florida early on Friday before the convention. I knew, immediately, that I was in the “Sunshine State” because across the street from my hotel I found… alligators!


ABOVE: Several baby gators check out the Florida tourists.

I had time to hit the hotel fitness room and grab a bite to eat before the show started. On my way to the fitness center I noticed that costumed fans had already started to arrive and vendors were busily at work on their booths.


ABOVE: Some anime fans sport their Friday afternoon costumes.

I was pleased to find that I was seated next to and around the lovely Sybil Danning (who had her mother visiting with her from Germany), Kynt and Vyxsin (THE AMAZING RACE), Kelly Jo Minter (ELM STREET), Mike Holman (JACK ASS), and Johnny Fairplay (SURVIVOR). It was an interesting mix of people and personalities to be seated with and it kept the weekend interesting.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Sybil Danning (HOWLING 2, HALLOWEEN).


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear with Kynt and Vyxsin (THE AMAZING RACE).

After a couple of hours at my table it was time for a panel on acting, stuntwork, and filmmaking. On my way, I ran into Robert Axelrod (POWER RANGERS), a super pleasant and kind man. I look forward to our next appearance together in Texas during June of 2010. With panels over, I returned to my table for a few hours before the VIP dinner, which was filled with a wonderful assortment of pastas and sauces, among other treats. Along with the good food came the great company of Sybil Danning, Terrance Zdunich, Kelly Jo Minter, Robert Axelrod, Joel Wyncoop, and upcoming actress Melanie Robel (POST MORTEM AMERICA 2021).


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Robert “Lord Zedd” Axelrod (POWER RANGERS).


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Melanie Robel (POST MORTEM AMERICA).

After dinner there was a rave. Yes, glow sticks and loud techno music took over the night as people danced their feet off. A convention worker, Asia, made it her goal to make sure that everyone danced at least once… even enticing Terrance Zdunich and Robert Axelrod to shake their groove-thang for a couple of brief moments.


ABOVE: People enjoy themselves at the Friday night rave.


ABOVE: Just before the rave began to get completely out of control!

Saturday was a full day of seminars, film screenings, and special events. After participating in a seminar on horror films with Kelly Jo Minter (LOST BOYS) and Anjanette Clewis (WITCHCRAFT 13, SURBURBAN NIGHTMARE) I was surprised by two people who happened to be in the area and just stopped in to say hello… Mike “Hari Krishna Zombie” Christopher (DAWN OF THE DEAD) and Marc Macaulay (BURN NOTICE, MY BLOOD VALENTINE, 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS). What a pleasant surprise it was catching up with these two guys!


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Marc Macaulay (BURN NOTICE).


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Mike Christopher (DAWN OF THE DEAD).


ABOVE: Kelly Jo Minter (NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5), Jim O’Rear, and Anjanette Clewis (WITCHCRAFT) just before their seminar.

I’m a HUGE fan of REPO THE GENETIC OPERA. On top of being able to appear at this show with the creator, Terrance Zdunich, the convention was also holding a screening of the movie with a shadow cast (in the tradition of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW). Terrance spoke about the film and provided candid, behind-the-scenes stories. He was also promoting his new 12-part comic book series, THE MOULTING (www.TheMoultingComic.com). If you love REPO, you’ve gotta check out Terrance’s new comic series.


ABOVE: Terrance Zdunich shows off the first two parts of his new comic book series, THE MOULTING.


ABOVE: A member of the REPO shadow cast dresses as “Pavi” and prepares to hit the stage.

After the screening of REPO with a shadow cast there was a screening of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW with a shadow cast… followed by another rave. An evening filled with music and mayhem.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear, Johnny Fairplay (SURVIVOR), Melanie Robel, and Mike Holman (JACK ASS) clown around.

As usual, at most cons, Sunday was the wind-down day and a time to say goodbye to new and old friends. I hope to appear with this group of guests again very soon as you truly were a group of professionals who knew how to make the most out of the weekend, no matter what was thrown at you.

I want to wish everyone reading this a very happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the food and family and, most of all, be safe!

Thanks for reading,
Jim O’Rear
www.JimORear.com

WISHING YOU WERE MINE

HELLO, FRIENDS…


ABOVE: Could this bottle contain the secret to granting all of Earl’s (Jim O’Rear) wishes?

I’ve just completed shooting on a new comedy called WISHING YOU WERE MINE, directed by J. Alan Tripp. It was loads of fun and I think the final product is going to be very funny… a sharp departure from my usual horror film work. Nope… no blood or guts in this one. The gore has been replaced with laughs.


ABOVE: Earl (Jim O’Rear) finds himself in an awkward predicament.

WISHING YOU WERE MINE tells the story of a shy, awkward man, named Earl, who has fallen in love with a beautiful woman he works with, named Penny. Unfortunately, she doesn’t even know that he exists. Too afraid to approach the girl on his own, Earl meets a gypsy who gives him a potion that makes him irresistible to women like Penny. Earl uses the potion to finally get Penny into his bed, but when the spell wears off Earl finds out that the woman of his dreams is actually a lesbian with a very jealous girlfriend who has a score to settle with the little man.


ABOVE: Penny is not happy about waking up with a man.

J. Alan Tripp did a great job on the script, casting, and shoot set-up. Everyone worked well together, it was nicely planned out, and we stayed ahead of schedule during the entire shoot (a rarity on low-budget productions). It was nice to work with several actors I had not yet had the chance to meet and it was a lot of fun being paired up with my old friend and fellow actor David Polk again (who plays my best friend in the film). It’s always a pleasure working with Dave.


ABOVE: David Polk and Jim O’Rear clown around before a take.

I’m looking forward to seeing the final cut of this flick and working with this group of people again in the near future!
Thanks for reading!
Jim
www.JimORear.com

Come See Me In Orlando At ZONACON

FRIENDS....

Check out the new promo for ZONACON! If you're in the Orlando, FL, area next week... come see us!!!



Jim
www.JimORear.com

POST MORTEM AMERICA 2021 Rough Preview Trailer

FRIENDS….

The director of POST MORTEM AMERICA 2021, a film I did with Linnea Quigley (RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD) and Monique Dupree (BEAST), just shared a rough trailer of the film. Check it out below:



Look for the finished film in 2010! You can read about it NOW, though, in the new issue of SCARS MAGAZINE. Order your copy of the mag here: www.ScarsMagazine.com

Thanks for reading!
Jim
www.JimORear.com

In A Few Short Days: OLD HABITS Movie Premiere & PARANORMAL Book Signing!!!

HELLO, FRIENDS…

If you find yourself in the Nashville, TN, area this weekend (10/24 – 10/26), join me for these two fun events!



First up… on Saturday, October 24th, I will be signing copies of my paranormal book TENNESSEE GHOSTS at the Opry Mills Barnes & Noble, just across the parking lot from the historic Grand Ole Opry, from 1pm to 3pm. Here are the details:

515 Opry Mills Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
PH: (615) 514-5000

The store sold out of books the last time I was there, so plan on arriving early.


ABOVE: The cast of OLD HABITS DIE HARD

Next… something a lot of people have been waiting for… the world premiere of OLD HABITS DIE HARD, starring myself, Kane “Jason” Hodder (FRIDAY THE 13TH, HATCHET), Tricia Cast (THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS), Roger Hewlett (THE CHANGELING, DEXTER), and Stacey Dixon (SHUDDER), takes place Monday, October 26th, at 7pm in the Belcourt Theater. Here are the details:

2102 Belcourt Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212
Box Office: (615) 383-9140
Main Office: (615) 846-3150

Tickets will sell out for this event, so go online and order yours today at the following link:
http://www.belcourt.org/events?id=66586

Hope to see you there!

Thanks for reading,
Jim
www.JimORear.com

This Weekend: DEATH ROW and THE OCTOBER COMIC & HORROR FESTIVAL!

HELLO, FRIENDS…

If you are in the Nashville, TN, area this weekend (10/17 – 10/18), please stop by and join me at 2 fun locations… The October Comic And Horror Festival and Death Row Haunted House!



The October Comic And Horror Festival features a variety of multi-media guest, including actors such as myself, Brian O’Halloran (CLERKS), Dick “Michael Myers” Warlock (HALLOWEEN 2), Glenn Shadix (BEETLEJUICE), Daniel Taylor (RETURN OF THE SWAMP THING), Playboy Playmate Alex del Monaco (THONG GIRL 4), and Mike Christopher (DAWN OF THE DEAD)… as well as comic book personalities and artists such as Billy Tackett, Chris Claremont (X-MEN), Jeff Preston (EXCALIBUR STUDIOS), Sean Taylor (GENE SIMMONS DOMINATRIX), Bobby Nash (EVIL WAYS), Gary Friedrich (GHOST RIDER), George Bonilla (ZP INTERNATIONAL)… and many, many more!

This show is always good time! Stop by and join us on Saturday and/or Sunday at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds for the fun. More info can be found here:
www.comiccitytn.com/hfest_info.html



Also, this weekend…. SATURDAY NIGHT (10/17) ONLY… Join me, Dick “Michael Myers” Warlock (HALLOWEEN 2), and Mike Christopher (DAWN OF THE DEAD) at one of Nashville’s largest haunted attractions, Death Row Sanitarium Of Slaughter, signing from 7pm to 10pm.

The team at Death Row always put on a great show, so come on out and get the bejezzus scared out of ya! More info can be found here:
www.deathrowhauntedhouse.net

Hope to see you this weekend!
Jim O’Rear
www.JimORear.com

THE DEAD MATTER World Premiere

HELLO, FRIENDS...


ABOVE: What lurks in the mist of THE DEAD MATTER?

The world premiere of the movie THE DEAD MATTER, featuring myself, Andrew Divoff (WISHMASTER, LOST), Tom Savini (FROM DUSK TIL DAWN, PLANET TERROR), and Jason Carter (BABYLON 5, ANGEL) was held this weekend in Cleveland, Ohio, and what a screening it turned out to be! THE DEAD MATTER, directed by Edward Douglas (MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE) and co-produced by Robert Kurtzman (WISHMASTER, SCREAM, AUSTIN POWERS) and Gary Jones (XENA, HERCULES, ARMY OF DARKNESS), tells the story of a vampire relic with occult powers that falls into the hands of a grief-stricken young woman, played by Sean Serino (THE RAGE), who will do anything to contact her dead brother.


ABOVE: The aftermath of a vampire / zombie war in THE DEAD MATTER.

As most people who follow me know, I prefer to drive to events and movie sets that I’m working on, whenever possible, because it allows me to enjoy the country and culture that I would normally miss by just flying over it. So, I hopped in the car and left for Cleveland early Saturday morning, blaring jazzy and crooner-ific tunes from Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, and The Brian Setzer Orchestra on the stereo. During my drive I was treated to a beautiful sunrise and, later, some of the bluest skies I have ever seen in my life.





I think these sights were casual messages from God sent to remind me that it’s not the grand, earth-shattering events that make life worth living… it’s the simple pleasures that most of us take for granted every day that really make life special. And, to reaffirm that God has a sense of humor, notice my GPS moving average speed for the journey:



I know… I know… You want me to stop messing around and get on with it. So, here ya go!


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear as Vampire Junkie Ernie in THE DEAD MATTER.

I arrived in Cleveland early enough to take a look around Tower City, the location where the world premiere was being held. Wow! What a sight. It was an enormous city inside a city, basically. I was quickly amused by the mix of people wandering through the area. You see, Taylor Swift was playing a concert across the street. Looking through the crowd, you could see an interesting blend of horror fans and cowboy-boot-wearing country teen idol fans. Okay… maybe I was the only one amused at this sight.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Jason Carter.

The first person I ran into was Jason Carter (BABYLON 5, ANGEL, CHARMED). He had arrived early, as well, and was desperately needing a smoke break. We stepped outside and briefly caught up with each other on our travels before going into the theater for check in.


ABOVE: Jason Carter… vampire slayer!

Stepping into the lobby of the theater I was immediately greeted with a hug and a handshake from Andrew Divoff (WISHMASTER, LOST, CSI: MIAMI). I found out that Andy has been spending a lot of his extra time working on his yard at home. I tried to convince him that I needed some work done at my home, too, but couldn’t talk him into taking on the extra job!


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Andrew Divoff.


ABOVE: Andrew Divoff as Vellich… master vampire.

It wasn’t long before Andy and I were joined by Robert Kurtzman (WISHMASTER, SCREAM, PULP FICTION) and his lovely wife, hands full of popcorn, and Gary Jones! Bob and Gary, both, have a lot of interesting things going on, right now… some of which I can’t currently mention… but, keep your eyes open for more news from these multi-talented gentlemen in the near future!


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Robert Kurtzman.

Soon, I heard a familiar voice behind me calling my name. I turned around to be greeted by Tom Savini, looking great, as always. We caught up on a few things and he filled me in on the details of MACHETE, Robert Rodriguez’s new film that Tom just finished working on with Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Steven Seagal, Lindsay Lohan, Cheech Marin, Michelle Rodriguez, Danny Trejo, Don Johnson, and the list goes on. What a cast lineup!! From what Tom tells me, this film is not to be missed!


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Tom Savini.


ABOVE: Tom Savini as Sebed in THE DEAD MATTER.

It was time for the movie to begin so we all filed into our reserved seats. The film was premiering to packed houses on two screens in the multiplex. Within just the first few minutes I was completely drawn into the movie as it opened with a bang… a war between humans, zombies, and vampires. It’s a movie filled with action, mystery, monsters, and a really wicked sense of humor. It becomes very apparent that this film was made for horror fans by horror fans. One thing that genre hounds will be happy with, as well, is that the movie doesn’t treat you as if you’re stupid. Forget about explaining how to a destroy a zombie by killing the brain or preaching that vampires don’t like sunlight and crosses… the filmmakers figured that if you are sitting in the theater watching this movie then you already know the history of the monsters involved. It was a fantastic and refreshing change! Not only that... the story told in this film is completely original. I’ve been watching horror movies a long time and I can honestly say that I have not seen this story on screen before.


ABOVE: One of the many zombies to be found in THE DEAD MATTER.

I can’t say enough good things about this film. Ed Douglas and the entire cast and crew really poured their hearts into it. The acting, music, cinematography, makeup, special effects… everything is top notch. I can’t wait until this one reaches the general public to see how the genre audiences react.


ABOVE: The crowd travels up the marble staircase toward the premiere’s after-party.

After the screening it was time to cut loose and have a good time with the cast and crew at the after party. The crowd moved toward the great marble staircase and headed upstairs. This was another fun-filled event loaded with food, drinks, music, slideshows, and more. I missed seeing Sean Serino (THE RAGE) at the screening so she was the first one I had to hug at the after party. Sean does a great job in this film as the female lead, carrying the bulk of the story on her shoulders.


ABOVE: Sean Serino and Jim O’Rear.

The party got started as more of the cast and crew filed in, including C.B. Spencer (ALLY MCBEAL), Brian Van Camp (NEW WORLD DISORDER), Donna Williams (THE RAGE), Al Tuskes (MEN IN BLACK 2, GODZILLA, PLANET OF THE APES), Chris Robichaud, David Greathouse (POWER RANGERS, TALES FROM THE CRYPT), comic book model Nutopia Kim, and more. Of course, there was also writer, producer, director Ed Douglas, who deserved all of the praise he was getting that evening.


ABOVE: Ed Douglas and Jim O’Rear.

I could go on and on telling you about the event, but let’s have some of the photos do the talking instead…


ABOVE: Ed Douglas greets the crowd as C.B. Spencer and Jason Carter clown around behind him.


ABOVE: Andrew Divoff and Brian Van Camp watch the events onstage unfold.


ABOVE: Robert Kurtzman and Andrew Divoff take to the stage for a duet! Just kidding!


ABOVE: Jessica Cameron and Jim O’Rear pose for the camera.


ABOVE: Sean Serino and Gary Jones mingle in the crowd.

It was a great night to go along with a great film. It was so nice to see everyone again and I hope that we all get to work together on another project in the near future. If you’d like to learn more about THE DEAD MATTER, check out the last issue of SCARS MAGAZINE (available for order at www.scarsmagazine.com) for a multi-page in-depth article about the making of the film.



Thanks for reading!!
Jim O’Rear
www.JimORear.com

BOOZE CRUISE (A Working Title)

HELLO, FRIENDS…


ABOVE: Ervin Ross (COONS), Director Jim Wynorski (RETURN OF THE SWAMP THING), and Jim O’Rear (THE DEAD MATTER) taking a break from BOOZE CRUISE (working title).

I just wanted to post a couple of quick photos from a new comedy film I recently completed with legendary director Jim Wynorski (RETURN OF THE SWAMP THING, VAMPIRELLA, TRANSYLVANIA TWIST) under the working title of BOOZE CRUISE. It was a blast to finally work with Jim on a film! Ervin Ross (COONS) and I play scientists in search of a sea monster… a subplot to the main focus of the film. I would equate our characters to the likes of Jay and Silent Bob from Kevin Smith’s comedies… the two idiots that the audience checks in with, from time to time, as the main story in the film progresses.


ABOVE: Ervin Ross and Jim O’Rear handle a bomb… a scene that was dropped from the original script.

Ervin Ross was great fun to work with and Jim Wynorski, really, just turned the two of us loose and allowed us to ad lib and make up a lot of our own dialogue. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day to be shooting on the lake outside of Shelbyville, Indiana, and the cast and crew were gracious and kind.


ABOVE: Ervin Ross and Jim O’Rear clown around on set.

It was a great experience and I can’t wait to work with this group again in the near future! Thanks goes out to all for making this shoot a fun job! I’m looking forward to watching the finished project.

Thanks for reading,
Jim O’Rear
www.JimORear.com

The GOLDEN COB AWARDS Results!

HELLO, FRIENDS…


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear At The B-Movie Celebration.

I was asked by several people to post ASAP the results of the Golden Cob Awards. So…. Live, from Shelbyville, Indiana… at The B-Movie Celebration… Here I am! For those of you who haven’t been following the story, The Cob Awards are for excellence in low budget cinema. This year’s nominees ranged from Roger Corman to Lloyd Kaufman to Ray Harryhausen to Elvira to John Carpenter. It was a who’s-who of independent cinema!

I was surprised and honored to be nominated this year for Best B-Movie Actor. I was nominated against Monique Parent (WALKER TEXAS RANGER) and B-Movie King Bruce Campbell (THE EVIL DEAD, ARMY OF DARKNESS, BURN NOTICE). It was, basically, a given that Bruce Campbell would win this award by a landslide. Well, the results are in and the waiting is over.

What happened, you ask? Let’s just say it was one of the biggest upsets in award show history as I stole the award from Bruce Campbell! Yes, I won the Golden Cob this evening for Best B-Movie Actor! Whooo Hoooo! Here are a couple of photos:


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear accepts the award for Best B-Movie Actor from presenter Bill Dever.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear (Best B-Movie Actor), Lola Wallace (Emerging B Filmmaker), and Nic Brown (Super Fan Award).

The winners of the evening were:

Best Scream Queen: Debbie Rochon
Best B-Movie Actor: Jim O’Rear
Best Efx: Tom Devlin
Best Director: Jim Wynorski
Lifetime Achievement Award: Roger Corman
Lifetime Achievement For Horror Host: Vampira
Rising B-Movie Star: Tucky Williams
Best Writer (Screenplay): Mark Poole
Best Soundtrack: John Carpenter (Halloween)
Best DVD Release: Poultrygeist
Best Emerging B Filmmaker: Lola Wallace
Super Fan Award: Nic Brown

I want to thank everyone who voted for me and gave me your support. It was great fun to be involved in an upset of this magnitude and you all made it possible!



The B-Movie Celebration continues this weekend (Sept 25-27) in Shelbyville & Franklin, Indiana, with movies, seminars, parties, and more. Check out additional info at: www.bmoviecelebration.com

Thanks for reading!!
Jim O’Rear
www.JimORear.com