Well fiends, the time has come for another installment of a stellar horror convention, from my friend Ryan Scott Weber and his great team of show builders and dedicated volunteer staff, this time they aren’t at the Showboat rather a new location in Edison, NJ, at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center for August 18 to 20th.
I have always mentioned the importance of attending a convention to meet other horror fans, enjoying the outing and experience however, there is a more important reason, as looming black skies lie ahead perhaps not for us but our children and the future generation of horror fans, in the distance is the creature called AI, if embraced and accepted it will do what CGI did to practical effects, impress us greatly and then make fond of the creative of special effects gurus, it will make us think of memories of video stores bypass for the landscape of streaming. If AI gets a foothold in entertainment, you might attend a convention filled of television monitors with no guests with your hands filled of digital media, which means the death of the event and all artists that attend, therefore bring your physical items, support the talent, participation is key and denounce AI. Hence this event is against the world of AI.
Now stepping off the soapbox let’s get to the guests, if you don’t have tickets then they are available at the door for cash, and speaking of cash it’s king, but remember to set a budget I will later remind you of the seven keys of Baron’s Survival Guide. There’re a few returning guests to this wonderful circuit so take the time to meet them all!
There’s a Fright Night Reunion, which is great to hear, first up Chris Sarandon now while most in attendance likely to be getting autographs on a Fright Night item, be forewarned he has one of the most detailed pricing lists I think I seen in more than 20-years of attending cons. For example and this is subject to change and the event does control the conditions of prices, so here goes his autograph is $60, a 5-word quote another $30 that is on a 8 x 10 photo, a poster is $70 , why do I mention this to survive an event you need to know your budget. Then filling out the reunion is Amanda Bearse, Dorothy Fielding (who also had the famous line in Jaws … “SHARK!” – this is her first show ever, give her a warm reception Horror Fans); then William Ragsdale, Stephen Geoffreys and Jonathan Stark … a total of six – WOW! So, a full sweep for all 6 autographs is $280, not too bad and besides that increases the value of the item! Who else is there to see the People Under the Stairs Reunion!
Yep, I recalled a few of them before but this many this time around let’s dive into this … Kelly Jo Minter (who starred in Nightmare on Elm Street 5 and low-budget classic Popcorn [1991] so depending on preference you might consider at least 2-autographs for her), Yan Birch, Brandon Adams, and Sean Whalen, this a great treat, for a film that is now a cult classic.
Oh, excuse me are there any Friday the 13th fans attending?
New Jersey Horror Con is presenting two small reunions first Friday the 13th, A New Beginning – Shavar Ross – Yes its Reggie the Reckless, and then Tiffany Helm, which many remember for that special death scene when we listen to the very cool music song “His Eyes” by Pseudo Echo.
Next up is the reboot version Friday the 13th, in attendance is Amanda Righetti, which some might recall for her role on the hit television show The Mentalist; America Olivo and Jonathan Sadowski…
Whoa… there’s still more guests to meet, but first and very important, visit the vendors, they are there to showcase their talents, some mask builders, prop makers, twisted creations, also be sure to look at the independent filmmaker tables supporting their work is very important to the genre, after all they could be the next Damien Leone featuring something eye-popping like Terrifier.
There’s one more reunion I should note, and likely the biggest twist ending in horror b-movie history, Sleepaway Camp, the mainstay star Felissa Rose, such a wonderful person to meet, I personally remember the chance I had to see her, so many conventions I missed her because I was doing my job, I would miss her at her table then one Sunday at this convention finally the stars aligned and had wonderfully meeting. She’s so friendly with each of her fans! But joining in an ultra rare appearance is John E. Dunn who portrayed Kenny.
In another first time show is William Scharpf with 27 horror films, and over 150 other movie genres as a stunt person and stunt coordinator, I’ve been hoping a convention would bring personnel from various disciplines or career paths that help make films, just think of the stories he has both on set and off, incredible! He’s worked on The Crazies [2010], The Final Girls [2015], The Hunt [2020], and more with plenty of things for him to sign.
Would you all care to meet a 3-time Oscar Winner? Yes of course you would, it’s Ve Neill, make-up artist, who won for Beetlejuice [1988], Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) and Ed Wood [1994] overall in her fantastic career 16-wins and 36-nominations, she’ll be a treasure trove of information and stories. While she started her career with Kingdom of the Spiders [1977] she’s worked on 13-horror films including a fan favorite The Lost Boys!
Remember this is a 3-day therefore you’ll have to make time for the wonderful Clint Howard, he has to tell some the wildest stories about events happening on set, just think of all the b-movies he’s done in his lengthy career, and a few stellar features too, such as Apollo 13. A Man, a legend with over 250 acting credits 34 in horror! We also have Eric Roberts with lengthy resume list, and Mick Garris (The Howling [1981]) is doing free signings and photos after is special discussions on Friday night 8p and Saturday at 4p only.
There be Q&A Sessions and a film festival!
Seven Keys Plan
Price $35 for the day – $85 for the entire weekend, cash only at the door, unless you purchase them in advance. If on a budget you’ll want to use my $35 plan of attack on Saturday…
- $5 – Free tour among the vendors, grab biz cards to shop later
- $5 – Free to walk in the guest room to see the stars
- $5 – Attend Q&A – At Q&A ask questions and take photos (3 in 1 Option!!!)
- $5 – Attend Film Festival
- $5 – Attend Award Show take pictures
- $5 – Meet with fellow filmmakers at their tables to discuss their latest film projects
- $5 – Attend Cos-Play Event
- BONUS: Take pictures – lots at the convention for your memories and social media
- BONUS: Find other horror fans to share your passion
7 items and plus bonus items! $35 Value!!!
Lastly a few other guests that should take note of from the wrestling world there will be The Nasty Bous, Brett Azar, Jason Knight, and Angel Amoroso, and face it there’s few more stars, but even I can’t cover them all, so you need to budget both the wallet and the time accordingly…. But See these great youTube stars:
Now before leaving to venturing home with your memories and brain popping with ideas of horror films galore, get your blessing from Father Evil!
Enjoy the Films, Savor the Day, remember to share your photos and videos…
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http://www.newjerseyhorrorcon.com/
https://www.facebook.com/njhorrorcon
https://twitter.com/njhorrorcon
Footnote:
*A bit of sad news I will not be attending this event, it’s not due lack of interest rather continued lingering medical issues, while some say just go and enjoy, that’s not the sole intent, it is to work and report on the event, and for me that is a battle plan of being everywhere, and not slowing down – no halfway a full commitment, hence my return date is March 2024. However, I want you all to take plenty of videos and photos have fun and enjoy yourselves immensely.
