CINEMASSACRES Is Here!!!

HELLO, FRIENDS…

It seems to be a Famous Monsters Of Filmland month for me! I was honored to be an invited guest at the first Famous Monsters Convention this past week (see previous blog for event coverage) and I am equally honored to be a part of the new book CINEMASSACRES: A TRIBUTE TO FORREST J. ACKERMAN. Forry Ackerman started it all for me when I first discovered his Famous Monsters Of Filmland Magazine many years ago, as a child. I’m pleased to be able to pay tribute to him in this book that features interviews with myself, Don Calfa (RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD), Muse Watson (I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER), director Fred Olen Ray, Courtlandt Hull (WITCH’S DUNGEON MUSEUM), Boris Karloff’s daughter Sara, director Jim Wynorski, and many more.





This book is available now and you can easily pick up a copy on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Cinemassacres-Tribute-Forrest-J-Ackerman/dp/1593935447/ref=cm_cmu_up_thanks_hdr

Thanks for reading,
Jim
www.JimORear.com

Fun With FAMOUS MONSTERS!

HELLO, FRIENDS…


ABOVE: Bryan Wilson (UNDERGROUND ENTERTAINMENT), Jim O’Rear (DAY OF THE DEAD), and Mike Christopher (DAWN OF THE DEAD) walk the red carpet at the Famous Monsters Convention.

Famous Monsters was the horror magazine that I grew up with. It really shaped my love of the genre, so it was a great thrill to be invited as a guest to their first convention in Indianapolis. It was three days packed with excitement. So much excitement, in fact, that it’s going to be tough fitting it into a short blog… but, here we go!


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Bryan Wilson prepare to enter the Famous Monsters Convention.

I arrived Friday morning with my friend, Bryan Wilson, and my son, Brandon. From the interstate you could already see that monsters had taken over the convention hotel. Sitting atop the Wyndham was a giant, inflatable Godzilla and King Kong. Childhood memories of how fun Famous Monsters Magazine was immediately flooded my mind.


ABOVE: Hollywood Ghost Hunters team members in attendance… Steve Nappe (JASON X), Danielle Harris (HALLOWEEN, HATCHET 2), Kane Hodder (FRIDAY THE 13TH, HATCHET), and Jim O’Rear (THE DEAD MATTER).

Upon entering we were immediately greeted by being flipped a bird by Kane “Jason” Hodder (FRIDAY THE 13TH, HATCHET), then quickly teased about the portable green screen we were carrying by Tom Savini (FROM DUSK TIL DAWN, PLANET TERROR), followed by affectionately being called “Muther Fu**ers” by Joe “Rhodes” Pilato (DAY OF THE DEAD). Yes, we were among “our people.”


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear outside the entrance to the Hall Of The Living Dead.

After checking in we were shown where my table for the weekend would be… appropriately inside the Hall Of The Living Dead room. What a great room this was… filled with the stars from NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (Judith O’Dea, Kyra Schon, Bill Hinzman, John Russo, Russ Streiner, Charles Craig, and more), DAWN OF THE DEAD (Tom Savini, Leonard Lies, Jim Krut, Mike Christopher, Sharon Ceccatti, and more), DAY OF THE DEAD (Me, Joe Pilato, Gary Klar, Terry Alexander, Michael Gornick, and more), and RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD (Beverly Randolph, Thom Matthews, Allan Trautman, Don Calfa, Jewel Shepard, Brian Peck, and John Philbin).


ABOVE: Joe “Rhodes” Pilato (DAY OF THE DEAD), Jim O’Rear, Bryan Wilson, and Gary “Steele” Klar (DAY OF THE DEAD).


ABOVE: The cast of RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD.

We also had acting legend William Forsythe (DEVIL’S REJECTS, HALLOWEEN, RAISING ARIZONA) in our room, whom I had the pleasure of sitting next to all weekend. This guy is always a top-notch class act.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear, William Forsythe (DEVIL’S REJECTS, HALLOWEEN), and Bryan Wilson.

The first day got off to a leisurely start, allowing the guests to catch up with one another in between waves of attendees. Along with visiting with William Forsythe and the DEAD films cast members I also had some time to chat with Ernie Hudson (GHOSTBUSTERS, THE CROW), Tony Todd (CANDYMAN, TRANSFORMERS), Terrance Zdunich (REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA), Cerina Vincent (CABIN FEVER, POWER RANGERS), artist Billy & Heather Tackett, Shannon Sylvia (GHOST HUNTERS INTERNATIONAL), director George Demick, and briefly ran into Bridget Marquardt (GIRLS NEXT DOOR) before the show activities began.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear, Cernia Vincent (CABIN FEVER), and Bryan Wilson.


ABOVE: Bryan Wilson, Ernie Hudson (GHOSTBUSTERS), and Jim O’Rear.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear and Bill Hinzman (NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD).

There were a ton of activities to participate in on Friday, including a beauty contest, Charles Band’s Full Moon Roadshow, film screenings, and panels. G Tom Mac also performed, best known for his song “Cry Little Sister” from LOST BOYS. And, of course, you could shop the dealer room for horror collectibles and get autographs from the actors. Other genre personalities that were very common to run into include the cast of vampires from THE LOST BOYS, Billy Drago (THE UNTOUCHABLES, THE HILLS HAVE EYES), director Mick Garris (SLEEPWALKERS, THE STAND, MASTERS OF HORROR), Miko Hughes (PET SEMATARY), Bela Lugosi Jr., Alex Vincent (CHILD’S PLAY), and Rupert from SURVIVOR, just to name a few more.


ABOVE: Bela Lugosi Jr & Jim O’Rear.


ABOVE: Shannon Sylvia (GHOST HUNTERS INTERNATIONAL) makes Bryan Wilson her bitch.

Everyone was starved when Friday came to a close so we organized a dinner away from the hotel where we were joined by Danielle Harris (HALLOWEEN), William Forsythe (DEVIL’S REJECTS), Cerina Vincent (CABIN FEVER), artist Billy & Heather Tackett, and several other personal friends. It was a nice way to wind down after a busy Friday.


ABOVE: The massive Friday night dinner crowd.

Saturday got off with a bang as attendees were lined up around the building to get in. Of course, shenanigans ensued as Gary Klar & Joe Pilato exchanged friendly insults with each other all day (often getting into mock shouting matches) and Tom Savini started a rubber band war with us and the cast from RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD. It was controlled chaos that kept things fun all day.


ABOVE: Bryan Wilson, Tony Todd (CANDYMAN), and Jim O’Rear.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear is trapped in a contraption from SAW.


ABOVE: Bryan Wilson and Jim O’Rear flank a pesky Predator.


ABOVE: Some of the many lovely critters to be found with Charles Band and the gang from FULL MOON.

Wanting to get out of the hotel for a few minutes for a late lunch, we grabbed Terrance “Grave Robber” Zdunich (REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA) and ran down to a local pizza joint. This place serves the largest pizza I have ever seen (which takes several hours to prepare and cook). We ordered a much small version of the pizza and chowed down before heading back to the hotel for more fun.


ABOVE: Our server holds up the tray for the largest pizza I have ever seen.


ABOVE: (L) Jim O’Rear, Bryan Wilson, (R) Brandon O’Rear, and Terrance Zdunich (REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA) grab lunch.

The convention was still in full swing when we returned, hosting costume contests, tattoo contests, and more film screenings and panels. After the showroom closed it was time for a VIP Party with food, drinks, and live entertainment. This was fun event that grew quite a crowd…even when Bryan Wilson and Joe Pilato decided to start singing acapella Beatles songs together.


ABOVE: Gary Klar (DAY OF THE DEAD), Brandon O’Rear, Jim O’Rear, and Terrance “Grave Robber” Zdunich (REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA) party it up.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear, Judith O’Dea (NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD), and Bryan Wilson.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear, Alex Vincent (CHILD’S PLAY), and Bryan Wilson.


ABOVE: Russ Streiner (NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD), Bryan Wilson, George Kosana (NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD), director Mick Garris (SLEEPWALKERS, THE STAND), and Jim O’Rear.


ABOVE: Partying with Gary Klar, Shannon Sylvia, and many more friends!

After a couple of hours at the VIP party Danielle Harris was interested in going to the carnival that we had passed the night before on the way to eat dinner. It was late and we didn’t know if the rides would still be running, but we decided to go check it out. Unfortunately, the carnival had closed, but we did have a very entertaining drive as we explored a bit of Indianapolis.


ABOVE: Brandon O’Rear, Jim O’Rear, Danielle Harris, and Bryan Wilson take a road trip…with Twizzlers!

Sunday offered much of the same… screenings, panels, celebs, and more. Afterwards, it was time for some “see ya laters” and “safe travels,” as opposed to “goodbyes,” since most of us are an extended family and knew our paths would cross again in the near future.


ABOVE: Bryan Wilson, Beverly Randolph (RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD), and Jim O’Rear.

The Famous Monsters Convention was a blast from start to finish. Great guests, fabulous fans, and a fantastic convention staff made this a very festive and fun event. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for the next one! Until then, here are a couple more photos from the event…


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear & Billy Drago (THE UNTOUCHABLES, CHARMED).


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear, Terry Alexander (DAY OF THE DEAD), & Bryan Wilson.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear, Tom Savini (FROM DUSK TIL DAWN, PLANET TERROR), & Bryan Wilson.

Thanks for reading,
Jim
www.JimORear.com

GHOSTS OF TENNESSEE

HELLO, FRIENDS…


ABOVE: Debbie Rochon (AMERICAN NIGHTMARE) and Sebrina Siegel (THE AUDIT) host GHOSTS OF TENNESSEE.

Production has begun on GHOSTS OF TENNESSEE, a television documentary based on my paranormal book titled TENNESSEE GHOSTS. I was originally approached by Executive Producer Don Babb about 8 months ago, after he read my book. He was interested in possibly putting together a documentary and having me direct it. But, I make features. What do I know about documentaries? Needless to say, I was a bit intimidated by the offer.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear directs Sebrina Siegel in front of Andrew Jackson’s historic home, The Hermitage.

After wrapping my head around the project and getting an idea of what I wanted to do, I called my friend and frequent co-star Debbie Rochon to see if she would be interested in hosting. Debbie has always been a fan of the paranormal but has never had the opportunity to actually be involved in it. I also felt Sebrina Siegel would be a great co-host, as she is wonderful in front of the camera and would lend a nice contrast to Debbie’s style. Luckily for me, both ladies said yes.


ABOVE: Debbie Rochon & Sebrina Siegel get serious outside an old crypt.

This project also offered me the opportunity to team up with my old friend of 20+ years, Bryan Wilson. Bryan and I produced, shot, and edited a television show together for three years (UNDERGROUND ENTERTAINMENT) and were very comfortable with each other’s style. I knew having Bryan on board as a partner and DP would help things move along quickly and smoothly.


ABOVE: Bryan Wilson sets up a shot inside the world famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.

After nailing down a script, locations, and an opening in everyone’s schedule it was time to go to work. We visited some historic sites, such as Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage home, the state Capitol Building, the Ryman Auditorium, and the world famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge (just to name a few) as well as one of my favorite and most active locations, the Old South Pittsburg Hospital.


ABOVE: Executive Producer Don Babb, Debbie Rochon, Cindy Lydick, Bryan Wilson, Jim O’Rear, and Coco outside the Old South Pittsburg Hospital.

You will experience a wide variety of things in this documentary including historical accounts, ghostly stories, interviews with paranormal experts, special guest appearances by country music legend and actor Kris Kristofferson (BLADE) and Kane “Jason” Hodder (FRIDAY THE 13TH, HATCHET), and footage from a live paranormal investigation conducted by the cast and crew.


ABOVE: Sebrina Siegel preps for a scene beside Andrew Jackson’s tomb and memorial gardens.

With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees, many less-than-comfortable outdoor locations, biting and stinging insects, poison ivy, and more acts of nature fighting us at every turn, this shoot couldn’t have gone any smoother. The cast and crew never complained, never lost focus, and never gave in to anything that was thrown at them…except once, when some restless spirits terrified Sebrina so badly that she had to leave the location. However, even this was good because it provided some great footage as well as some fantastic memories for her.


Debbie Rochon studies lines in the Mt Olivet Cemetery.

I’d like to thank the entire cast and crew for their hard work and dedication to this project, as well as the property owners who allowed us to invade their land and all of our special guests. Even though the principal photography on this film was a lot of work, it didn’t feel that way thanks to everyone involved.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear sets up a scene outside a decaying crypt.

We now move into second unit production and then into post, so this one still has some time before you’ll be seeing it on your television screens… but I will keep you updated on the progress. Rumor has it that we may actually be making a series out of these, focusing on hauntings in various states. Stay tuned for more info on that, as well. Until then, here are a few more photos from the shoot.


ABOVE: Debbie Rochon, Jim O’Rear, and Sebrina Siegel outside Andrew Jackson’s historic home.


ABOVE: Debbie Rochon wanders through the haunted woods.


ABOVE: Sebrina Siegel & Debbie Rochon work on lines inside Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.


ABOVE: Debbie Rochon investigates the graves of a presidential family.


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear, Debbie Rochon, Sebrina Siegel, Bryan Wilson, and “Boom Mike Extraordinaire” Dakota after wrapping a crypt scene.

Thanks for reading,
Jim
www.JimORear.com

A-KON Revenge Of The Penguins!

HELLO, FRIENDS…


ABOVE: Jim O’Rear keeps his distance from the SILENT HILL chicks!

Recently, Dallas, Texas, was overrun by anime, comic book, and video game characters and the city will never be the same again! Yes, I’m talking about attendees at the HUGE A-Kon Convention, the oldest, continually running anime-based convention in North America. Celebrating its 21st year, A-Kon hosted anime fans and guests and offered other items of interest ranging from gaming to independent film. Oh yeah… did I mention that it was HUGE?


ABOVE: Our hotel! Nothing says home like classical sculptures, industrial architecture, and hard liquor!

I was excited to appear as a guest at A-Kon this year as I was relatively unfamiliar with modern anime and wanted to experience something new. My son, however, knows everything about anime, so he accompanied me to Dallas to be my guide and help me ease into the culture shock I was about to experience.


ABOVE: I didn’t think I’d see anything horror related during this trip until I came across this school. Looks like a set from a really creepy film!

Arriving in Dallas on Thursday, we were promptly greeted at the airport by an A-Kon staff member who whisked us through the downtown traffic and to the front door of the event hotel. From there we were briskly ushered to guest services and handed a packet of supplies, including badges, schedules, restaurant information, maps of the location, special guest invitations to events, hotel room keys, and more. It was great… no checking in at the hotel or wading through fans to get our guest materials. Everything was prepared and ready for us upfront. I could tell, already, that I was going to like this show!


ABOVE: Costumed anime fans await the start of the convention.

Walking downstairs to scope out where my guest table was, we noticed about 200 hundred people who were already standing in line to get tickets… and the show wasn’t even officially starting until the following morning. That didn’t matter to these die-hard fans, though, who came a day early to party… 95% of them dressed in costume!


ABOVE: Rounding the corner in my hotel, I stepped into a hallway that looked like it came right out of the film PHANTASM!

After locating my table, it was time for some dinner. I checked the schedule to see when I’d be needed Friday and noticed that the show opened at 8am. I thought that was a little strange, as most shows I appear at don’t even get rolling until late afternoon on a Friday. Would there actually be people in attendance that early on Friday? My question was answered after dinner when I returned to the convention center to find several hundred more costumed people hanging out. It appeared as if there would be hundreds flooding the show first thing in the morning.


ABOVE: A young lady models some Japanese fashion.

My thoughts were confirmed when my son and I reported to the show Friday morning. The doors opened with a bang as hundreds of fans rushed into the center ready to meet their favorite voice actors, participate in panels, listen to concerts, watch movies, and buy merchandise…most of which had been imported from Japan. Oh, and did I mention that 95% were in costume?? Here are a few:


ABOVE: Mushrooms and Poison Ivy could make a powerful concoction!


ABOVE: ?????


ABOVE: Go, Speed Racer! Oooo, Aaah, Oooohh!


ABOVE: Hooray for creepy!!!


ABOVE: One for the FINAL FANTASY fans!

I wondered how much money some of these fans had spent to become their favorite characters, as most of the costumes were very detailed and well made. As more and more people came through the doors, the convention center’s mechanical items began to break down. It wasn’t long, at all, before several of the elevators and escalators no longer worked from the strain of thousands of people constantly on them. As a matter of fact, sometimes the line just to get on the elevator was as long as the line to get into the building. Needless to say, we got our exercise climbing stairs all weekend, as the convention spanned 3 different floors of the convention center.


ABOVE: This was the view of the escalators… 24/7.

Highlights for Friday included panels on drawing anime, auditioning for anime, publishing, creating characters, RPGs, and more. I gave a panel on acting and performing stunts in film for the attendees and took some time out to attend my friend’s (Robert “Lord Zedd” Axelrod, POWER RANGERS, AKIRA, STAR TREK VOYAGER) funny and informative panel on voice acting techniques, which was also hosted by Kyle Hebert (DRAGONBALL Z, BLEACH, NARUTO) and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (COWBOY BEBOP, GHOST IN THE SHELL, DIRGE OF CEREBUS).


ABOVE: Kyle Hebert, Robert Axelrod, and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn host a voice actor panel.

After my panel on acting and stuntwork, I was challenged to a Pixie Stick shooter contest by Schmitty. I’m not one to turn down a challenge, but since I’m hypoglycemic and can’t eat sugar… my son, Brandon, stepped up to the plate.


ABOVE: Brandon O’Rear and Schmitty battle it out in a Pixie Stick shooter challenge.

As Friday evening came attendees gathered for various nighttime activities. One of those was an impromptu dance-off contest held on the main floor of the convention center. Also, shenanigans were afoot at the opening ceremonies, which included a hilarious short film by Anthony Brownrigg (FULL METAL ALCHEMIST) that was made just for the show.


ABOVE: Dancers square off in an impromptu dance contest.


ABOVE: Anthony Brownrigg clowns it up on stage in a penguin costume during opening ceremonies.

After dinner it was time for a concert by Inugami Circus-dan, from Japan. Formed in 1994, they are one of the longest running Visual Kei bands and even started their own fashion trend in Japan with their style of dress… which is a mixture of Kimonos, military-styled uniforms, and painted faces (like clowns). Unfortunately, photography was not allowed during the concert, but they rocked the house. It didn’t matter that all of the lyrics were in Japanese, the music spoke for itself. Since I couldn’t photograph the band, here are a few more cool pictures of costumed fans:


ABOVE: A creepy Geisha dressed very much like Inugami Kyoko from the band Inugami Circus-dan.


ABOVE: LEFT 4 DEAD zombies, anyone?


ABOVE: ?????

Following Inugami Circus-dan, the band Seikima II took the stage. This band can best be described as the Japanese version of Kiss. Clothed in wild costumes and with each member sporting an individual character makeup, this five-man rock and roll explosion tore up the stage in their first American appearance. Unfortunately, no photographs were allowed, again. So, in their place I offer you this picture of cute cat people:


ABOVE: NOT Seikima II.

As if that wasn’t enough activity for one day, a midnight screening of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW with shadow cast couldn’t be missed. This was the first time my son had the opportunity to see the film with a live audience and we had a blast throwing toast, toilet paper, and cards, spraying water, snapping rubber gloves, screaming at the screen, dancing in the isles to The Time Warp, and more. The shadow cast was great and they constantly kept energy pumping through the room.


ABOVE: Members of the ROCKY HORROR shadow cast dance the night away on stage.


ABOVE: Hijinx ensue as Frank-n-Furter strolls through the ROCKY HORROR audience.


ABOVE: Riff Raff and Magenta come to take everyone back to Transylvania during THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.

Saturday morning came extremely early… especially after only a few hours of sleep. That didn’t stop the thousands of fans from streaming into the show at 8am. More panels, anime film screenings, activities, shopping, and costume contests were lined up to keep everyone busy. We got to spend a few more minutes with Robert Axelrod (THE BLOB, DIGIMON, FIST OF THE NORTHSTAR) in between waves of people, I hosted a panel on independent filmmaking, and we briefly ran into Jonathan Joss (KING OF THE HILL, CHARMED, WALKER TEXAS RANGER).


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


ABOVE: Brandon O’Rear mans the “Jim O’Rear Table,” trying to convince people that he is me!

Of course there were plenty of costumes to enjoy. Here are a few more:


ABOVE: The Frankenstein monster abducts a young Steampunk fan.


ABOVE: “Go Go” from KILL BILL.


ABOVE: Ya gotta love a skull with an afro!


ABOVE: Girl fight on the showroom floor!

Evening entertainment consisted of a show featuring traditional dances, spin the bottle, a screening of REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA with shadow cast, and a concert by rockin’ Steampunk band Abney Park (at which photography was not allowed, again).


ABOVE: A troupe shows off their traditional dance stylings.


ABOVE: Spin The Bottle with Spidey!

Traditionally, Sunday is the slowest day of a convention, as people recover from the last two nights of hard partying. Not so at A-Kon, though. Sunday opened early with a bang. Again, thousands rushed through the doors to experience the last full day of activities… panels, screenings, autograph sessions, and more. One of those activities that I was invited to participate in was a “Brunch With The Stars” event where fans could come have breakfast with us. The food was fantastic and the company was great. There was even a small orchestra playing anime theme songs for us while we dined.


ABOVE: Breakfast buddies Brandon O’Rear, Kyle Hebert (DRAGONBALL Z, FULL METAL ALCHEMIST, BLEACH, MEGAMAN), Stephanie Young (ONE PIECE, CLAYMORE, DESERT PUNK), Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (COWBOY BEBOP, GHOST IN THE SHELL, .HACK/SIGN), Kevin McKeever (MYSTERY MEN, JACKASS, FOR LOVE OF THE GAME), Steve Horton (CAPTAIN MARVEL, STRONGARM), and Ursula Vernon (NURK, DIGGER).


ABOVE: An orchestra performing anime tunes performs during breakfast/brunch.

Afterwards, I hosted a fun panel on screenwriting and, as usual, there were thousands of costumes to enjoy. Here are just a few more:


ABOVE: Ryuk from DEATHNOTE (an great anime that I’m actually familiar with).


ABOVE: From the Wii game NO MORE HEROES.


ABOVE: “Mad Eye” Moody for the HARRY POTTER fans.


ABOVE: You could put someone’s eye out with those wings!


ABOVE: “Graverobber” from REPO.

The A-Kon Convention was a blast; well organized, efficiently run, full of activities, unending energy, great staff members and guests, and a little something for everyone. I hope to do this show again in the future as A-Kon, once again, takes over Dallas!

Thanks for reading,
Jim
www.JimORear.com