On the Beat with Dead Lantern

While at the Days of the Dead convention, I ran into the guys behind the Dead Lantern site and movies.  Exactly what is Dead Lantern?
Dead Lantern is a horror blog based in Lincoln (NE).  They have a weekly horror podcast, the Splattercast, which has had over 100 episodes.  In their own words, "They love horror movies and they love telling us what they think of them."
Mat and Deejay were excited to be at Days of the Dead and more excited to talk about Outpost Doom, their latest dvd.  They gave me a quick recap along with some humor.
You can check out the Dead Lantern site or the Facebook page for more info.  They also have a Dead Lantern store, where you can purchase a cool Dead Lantern tshirt or the Outpost Doom dvd.
Recently, I contacted Mat who gave me an update, "We are beginning a monthly web series that begins on Halloween. We actually filmed one of the installments at Days of the Dead. The series is called Shivers Down Your Spine and that will be available for free on Dead Lantern."
Finally, I just found out they will be at Wizard World in Chicago next week.  Hopefully, we will meet up and get another update from them in person!

Friendly Encounters

This is a regular series about friends who have met celebs.

Last month when I was doing early research for my coverage of the Days of the Dead convention, Harley Mk was one of the first attendees to answer my plea for help.  I saw her in her costume and assumed she did it for the convention, but quickly learned it was more than that for her.  Harley Mk is a cosplayer (a person who dons a specific costume to represent a character or idea).  I'll let her explain a bit further.
Harleymk has been a Harley Quinn cosplayer for 7 years, and was the first Harley ever on Youtube, I started doing videos on there back in 2006. My bf Steven aka DeadlyJokerious on Youtube was one of the first on Youtube to do videos of Heath Ledger version of The Joker. We take our cosplaying and acting to heart.
I have seen a lot of attendees dress in a lot of ways over the years at conventions, but Harley MK and Deadly Jokerious were different.  They weren't just dressing up.  You could tell they were dedicated and serious.
Although they took their cosplaying seriously, they still had a lot of fun at Days of the Dead.  They were asked for as many photos by fans as some celebs were.  Even the celebs got into their act, such as actor Bill Moseley who clowned around a bit with Harley Mk.
I appreciate Harley Mk's assistance and encourage you to check out her Youtube page, her deviant art page, her films site and also Deadly Jokerious's Youtube page.  Also, Wednesday is her birthday...so I am sending an early Happy Birthday her way!

Harley Mk and Bill Moseley in Indianapolis, IN-July 2011.

On the Beat with Kaylee Williams

Kaylee Williams was the first celeb guest I attempted to interview at the Days of the Dead convention.  Kaylee responded positibely and politely.  She became the first celeb I interviewed at the event.
Kaylee is a talented young actress and model from Schaumburg (IL).   Because she loves doing stunts and wanted to learn and improve, she has trained with a stunt group called Asylum Stunts.  Kaylee has an impressive body of work already and her career really has just begun.  As you will learn from the interview, Kaylee was at the convention to promote Idiot Gore.
Unfortunately, some of the bugs weren't worked out in the process and there is too much background noise during the interview.  You can actually hear Kaylee better than me.  My questions were about doing conventions, doing acting in her native Chicago area, how she got started in horror, if she wants to stay in horror, how it felt to be asked for an autograph and what she was working on now.
I really appreciate Kaylee giving me her time and thoughts for this interview.  I hope to see her again at a future convention and catch up with her (and I will do better with the sound).  Kaylee has a bright future and Johngy's Beat will be following her career as it develops.

On the Beat with Todd Card-Part 2

Yesterday, I introduced you to Todd Card, author of Hell Cometh (an action-packed, gruesome zombie story filled with gore, blood, suspense and everything else guaranteed to keep you reading and possibly up all night).  Todd gave us several minutes of his time to talk about his career, Hell Cometh and his future.

Todd is a great guy.  He is very fan-friendly and very interactive with his fans through his Facebook page.  I see him active on his page through all hours of the day, just talking to fans and answering their questions.  You couldn't ask for anything more!
As of this writing, there were only about 70 first print copies of Hell Cometh left.  I am proud to own a signed first print copy.
I hope you enjoy Part Two of my interview with Todd and I hope you check out his site and Hell Cometh.  You will not be disappointed.

On the Beat with Todd Card-Part 1

I love reading debut novels and seeing how the author's career develops.  When I made plans to cover the Days of the Dead convention, I saw that Todd Card would be there and I was excited about meeting him and buying his book, Hell Cometh.  I contacted Todd and he agreed to do an interview with me at the convention.
Todd's own story, including his path to becoming an author, is an interesting one.  Despite having done a lot of writing, his transition to being a published author was somewhat unplanned.  Todd talks about that, Hell Cometh and a lot more in our interview.
Hell Cometh is an amazing debut novel.  The best description I read was made by R. Richardson of 8Publishing, "Hell Cometh is an unforgettable rollercoaster ride of gruesome zombie gore and soul-chilling horror."
I had never read any zombie novels and had no idea what to expect, but I checked out the excerpt on the Hell Cometh site and was immediately hooked.  Sometimes excerpts are misleading (like movie previews).  In this case, the excerpt is really a perfect example of what the rest of Hell Cometh contains.
There is action, gore, suspense, blood, horror and shocking developments.  It is unlike anything I have ever read.  Todd freely states that he holds nothing back and this is not a pleasant read.  It is however a fascinating and completely enjoyable read!
Below is Part One of my interview with Todd.  Part 2 will appear tomorrow.  I hope you enjoy listening to Todd and learning about him as much as I did.  I also hope you check out Hell Cometh, because I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.

On the Beat with Kayla Perkins

Kayla Perkins is a young actress and model who has an impressive resume already.  Kayla has done several movies, commercials, music videos and print ads.  She is one very active young woman and she holds a "regular" job in her hometown.
When I learned that Kayla would be appearing at the Days of the Dead convention, I contacted her and asked for an interview.  Kayla was so polite and nice.  I really looked forward to meeting her.
Despite being a popular guest and having a steady stream of fans, Kayla still took time to talk to us for a few moments.  We discussed her career, her life and her future plans.

Kayla was great and I really appreciate her time.  Go to Kayla's website to learn more about this young actress.  I am quite sure we will be seeing much more of Kayla in the future.

Friendly Encounters

This is a regular series about friends who have met celebs.

In doing research after Days of the Dead, I came across Karen DeGrassie.  I loved her posts on Facebook about the event.  She showed so much enthusiasm, I had to ask her to share some of her stories here.
She decided to send the picture and story of Derek Mears.
My words cannot do justice to her enthusiasm.  Here is Karen's story, as she tells it...
I love the pictures of me and Derek Mears.  He was Amazing!!! When we try to explain to friends what he is like, we are at a loss...You would think playing a serial killer, he would not be The most Friendliest,Thankful Celebrity we have ever met.  He was so busy thanking us when we were the ones very Grateful and he took the time to chat...not just here is your signature and photo.
The Days of the Dead Convention was Amazing!!!  The help and the Vendors were Fantastic!!! Can't wait till next year.This was only my second horror convention but I am soooooo addicted!
This type of excitement is exactly why I love these conventions.  Karen's story about meeting Mears is just one of her many.  She has agreed to share more here in the future.

Derek Mears and Karen DeGrassie in Indianapolis, IN-July 2011.

On the Beat with Amy Lynn Best

Amy Lynn Best made her acting debut in The Resurrection Game (2001), which she co-produced.  She also took on many other tasks during filming, which proved to be valuable in the learning process.  She has since done over twelve more movies, including making her directorial debut on Severe Injuries (2003).
I had the pleasure of interviewing Amy at the Days of the Dead convention in Indianapolis last week.  Amy was very gracious with her time and thoughtful with her answers.
Amy is at the forefront of a movement which is seeing women play more important roles in the horror genre.  I really respect Amy because her actions speak as loud as her words.  She has done so much already and has shown a willingness (an eagerness) to do and learn all aspects of the industry (like her multi-tasking on The Resurrection Game).
I am grateful to Amy for giving us a few minutes of her time.  It was a real pleasure.  Check out Amy's site to learn more about her!

On the Beat with Marc Price

I first saw Marc Price as Skippy on Family Ties.  I was envious of him because he hung out with Alex and was always around Mallory.  That seemed like an ideal situation to me.
A couple years ago, I went to a comedy show in Las Vegas and was pleasantly surprised to see Marc performing that night.  I knew he did comedy, but had no idea he would be there.  It was a pretty funny show, too!  I met him after the show, but only talked briefly to him.
When I heard Marc would be at the Days of the Dead convention, I asked him for a short interview to which he agreed.  I really looked forward to talking to him.
Marc was one of the most popular guests at the convention.  During a quieter moment, I approached him and we did the interview at his table.  He is extremely nice and very funny.  It is great to see him doing well.
He said later this year he would be doing comedy in the Chicago area at a southside place called Riddles.  The dates haven't been announced yet, but when they are, I will be there!

At Days of the Dead in Indianapolis

Today is the final day for the Days of the Dead convention. As much fun as conventions are, I always get sad leaving them on the final day.  Fortunately, there will be more Days of the Dead cons and I am already looking forward to the next one.
Co-Promoter Adolfo Dorta did a great job with this convention.  The guest list was great.  The events were interesting.  The situation was well organized.  I wish all cons were run as smoothly as this one. 
Tom Savini is a legend in the horror genre.  While Savini has been at several cons in the past, I somehow never managed to meet him.  Sometimes it is all about the timing.  As you can see in the photo below, Adolfo had met Savini previously.  Savini is known as the Godfather of horror makeup and special effects.
If this Days of the Dead con was any indication, Adolfo will be well on his way to becoming known as the Godfather of horror cons!

Tom Savini and Adolfo Dorta in Indianapolis, IN-Late 2000's.

At Days of the Dead in Indianapolis

Another of the celebrity guests at Days of the Dead is Roddy Piper.  I have been a fan of Piper for a long time.  As previously documented here, Piper appeared in a literacy ad series I ran when I was at Lerner Newspapers.  Since then, I met Piper a few times and it is always a pleasure.
I remember seeing Piper in the wrestling ring when I was a teenager.  He had a unique style, a magnificent presence and a real charm about him.  First on the phone and later in person, I found out that he is basically the same in real life.  Oh sure, it is all magnified in the wrestling ring, but what you see is pretty much what you get with Piper.
The strange thing is that there is a big contradiction with him.  When he enters a room, he commands attention.  He can pull you in immediately.  The odd thing is that he is basically a quiet, respectful person.  Larger than life, but modest and humble.  This is all Piper and it is all good.
Meeting celebrities, especially your favorite ones, is always risky.  You want the celeb to be what you envision.  You want your memories to be validated.
Meeting Piper was one of the great thrills I have had.  He respects his fans and gives them as much time as he can within the confines of an autograph signing.  I look forward to meeting Piper again.

Roddy Piper (and the ad) and me in Indianapolis, IN-October 2006.

At Days of the Dead in Indianapolis

I was doing research for this weekend's Days of the Dead convention in Indianapolis, when I came across Mike Jolley.  Mike is the CEO/Owner/President of Bloody Scorpion FX, which specializes in special effects and mask-making.  In fact, the picture you see below features Mike with Kane Hodder holding a mask that Mike made.  How cool is that?!
Mike showed the mask to Kane at the Days of the Dead convention earlier this year.  Mike describes Kane as "one of the coolest, nicest people...just so awesome".  Mike says that every time he meets Kane, Kane remembers him from previous times.  He asks/states, "How cool is that?!"
The answer is very cool.  There are a handful of celebs who really are just a step above.  I have never met Kane, but I hope to meet him someday.  I have met a few who remember me and believe me, it makes a big impression.  Those are the truly special encounters.
I am glad Mike had such an experience with Kane.  I am even happier he shared it with us here.  I also hope to meet Mike at the convention this weekend.

Mike Jolley and Kane Hodder in Indianapolis, IN-Early 2011.

A Look at Days of the Dead

I was excited when I first heard about a new convention this year in Indianapolis (IN), called Days of the Dead.  It was billed as "a new breed of horror convention".  Every week or so, a new great celebrity guest was added to the lineup.
The Days of the Dead staff is very nice and accommodating. Adolfo Dorta (co-Promoter of Days of the Dead) is active on the Days of the Dead Facebook page, answering questions and making announcements.  I contacted Adolfo and asked him a few questions.

Q-How did the DAYS OF THE DEAD convention come to be?
Adolfo Dorta-Aside from DAYS OF THE DEAD, I also run a website called From Dusk Till Con (along with co-founder, Rick Lara) which covers the horror convention scene and culture behind it and has been growing quite steadily since its inception on Halloween of 2009. Originally, DAYS OF THE DEAD was going to be the mid west expansion show for one of the long established horror conventions on the east coast (which I am not at liberty to name) and they approached From Dusk Till Con about sponsoring an event for that show. A few months later, the original promoter changed his mind and Rick and I were offered the opportunity to take their place as a partner and the face of what went on to become DAYS OF THE DEAD. As huge horror fans who go to about 4-7 horror conventions a year, it was an offer we simply couldn't refuse.

Q-Is the plan to make this an annual event and would it always be in Indianapolis?

Adolfo Dorta-We didn't start out with any other plan but to put together a solid "by the fans, for the fans" type show that stayed true to all of the things we felt were most important to a great convention - a guest list with plenty of fresh names appealing to fans of all kinds, plenty of events and other fun things to do throughout the weekend, and most important of all, enough value for the patron to where they don't feel like they are being nickel an dimed in order to have a good time. The success of the first show would dictate if we would do a second show. So far, DAYS OF THE DEAD has been surprisingly well received for a first time convention and we are proud to say we are in the process of securing a date for a 2012 show in Indianapolis. We wouldn't be against taking the show to other cities around the country at some point, but only if it made sense and only if we could maintain the same ideals and level of quality as the show we have now.

Q-How many people do you expect will attend for the weekend?

Adolfo Dorta-I used to work doing concert and club promotion in my native state of Florida and predicting attendance was always a dubious science at best. However, I will say that we have pre-sold way more tickets than we expected to have people in total attendance, so the show is already MUCH bigger than we would have originally ever predicted. DAYS OF THE DEAD is being called "the most anticipated show of the year" by Goblinhaus, and has been covered by such media outlets as Bloody-Disgusting, Dread Central, Blabbermouth, and even USA Today. I don't think we were really anticipating this much attention in our first year, but the horror convention fans have done an excellent job of spreading awareness of DAYS OF THE DEAD by word of mouth, and we expect to see them come out in droves next month. We look forward to showing them a great time.

I am really looking forward to this convention. Interesting celebrities, hard-working nice staffers and unique events add up to a winner and Days of the Dead looks to be a winner!