Thirteenth Doctor: Old Friends (unedited rough draft).

Doctor Who- Old Friends

Writer- Jody Houser

Cover Artist- Veronica Fish

Artists-Roberta Ingranata and Rachael Stott

Looking back over Jody’s first couple years as the Doctor it’s a pretty fair assumption that her tenure thus far was pretty split down the middle with the show’s fans. Give or take 5 or 10%. At times, it seemed that there were too many companions. I know over the longevity of the show there have been as many companions, but it seems like now they are not given enough screen time as they (imo) should. What I mean is, every companion, even The Doctor, didn’t feel as complete as they should. However, the comic Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor volume Old Friends from Titan Comics should help be able to help us see a little but more as to what makes these characters tick and give us a little more than what we see on our television screens.

I was instantly drawn into this issue by the very cool looking cover art. It’s a very simple design of Jodie in front of the Tardis with her sonic glowing. As I open it, I notice that the inside artwork doesn’t match the cover art. A bit disappointed with that. But not enough to put the issue down. The main characters have a weird shadowing on their noses that makes them look a bit bulbous. It sort of reminds me of the old W.C. Fields movies. Let’s see how the story goes. The story in this issue is your standard inter-planetary caper. The story starts out on the planet Devivian. The Doctor is almost immediately accused of stealing a sacred artifact. Long story short, they quickly ran off, made it to the Tardis, and left. I really wish they would have went into more detail about why they were there etc. Not just “Hey You”, run, escape in Tardis. At one point they went from “They’re gaining on us Doctor” to them already being at the Tardis. Reminded me of just cheap filler to get to the next story arc. But they did touch base on it later.

One of the main issues I have with Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor- Old Friends is how closely the dialogue is with the actual televised show. Some of it just seemed comical and not in a funny way. There was one frame that bothered me for some reason. On page 34 she says “Never really know what to expect with that one” as she is looking at her Sonic. Why is she looking at her Sonic? She wasn’t looking at it in the frames before or after and there was nothing done to provoke a sonic scan. There was also what seemed like a lot of open space. What I mean is that there was a lot of frames that either had no dialog or barely any at all. I think they could have helped give the story a little ore needed depth by filling some of those gaps.

It regards to the actual dialog, it seems any chance to have serious discussion seemed to be replaced with bad jokes and constant attempts to make The Doctor feel more current and a bit wacky. As for the story itself, it was just ok to me. I think the casual or newer Doctor Who fan would enjoy it. To sum it up, while I personally did have a couple problems with the content, I didn’t hate it. As I stated in the beginning, I loved the cover art by Veronica Fish and I thought the background artwork was absolutely stunning. It was the actual character artwork I didn’t care for. Though I could see that the artist was trying to go super realistic, most of the times it made them look more like a caricature than anything. I also loved that they told a story about The Corsair. I’ve wondered about that character since the episode “The Doctor’s Wife”.

I do like that at the end of this particular issue, they give you a brief history about the character of the Corsair. As I said above the character was first mentioned in the episode called “The Doctor’s Wife” written by the awesome Neil Gaiman. It’s kind of funny (to me at least) I remember when I had first seen them show the Corsair’s tattoo of the ouroboros it made me think of the episode of Red Dwarf of the same name. lol  

You should always remember one thing about any comic or graphic novel, they are up to the individual’s interpretation. This one is no different. If you’re a comic book fan, more specifically a Doctor Who comic book fan, check it out for yourself. Come to your own conclusion and form your own opinion. That’s the thing about our fandom, we don’t have to have the same opinion on it as long as we are respectful to each other about it. I think that if we all had the same opinion and views on Doctor Who, it would have been cancelled and never regenerated years ago.

Allons-Y!!!!

Riley C.

Cosmic Masque X

I was asked to do a review of a Doctor Who comic for the Doctor Who Appreciation Society. As I have said in the past, they are the oldest Doctor Who group in the world. It actually started the month I was born. Way back in May of 76. They have a monthly print publication (Celestial Toyroom)that is available to members as well as a digital version (Cosmic Masque). The digital version is free to download on their website. Well I have been asked to contribute to both over the last year or two. This time my review made it to the recent Cosmic Masque. I have never reviewed a comic before, as I don’t really read them as much anymore. But, I did read this one for the review. And here it is attached. I have took out all the other material so you can just see my review. ( But I also recommend reading the entire thing http://www.dwasonline.uk/CM10_STD_format.pdf )If you have a few minutes to kill, please take a minute and give it a read. I would love to know what you think of my first comic book review. Thank you so much everyone. Have a great, safe, and healthy day.

Tom Kane signed my article

Interview with voice actor Philip Proctor

Here is an interview I did with actor Philip Proctor many many years ago. So you may find some of the material a little dated for the time. I have always been such a fan of Phil.

Riley: I’m here with the great Philip Proctor. Hello, how are you today?

Philip Proctor: Alive and thinking……

Riley: How did you decide to become a voice actor?

Philip Proctor: I evolved into it through and early fascination with the radio-comedy format. Grew up listening to Fred Allen, Jack Benny, etc. coming from the Midwest-Goshen, Indiana to be specific- I was immersed in an oral tradition of humorous stories which my family loved to “perform”. I was also born with a talent for mimicry and music, which led me to sing and play violin semi-professionally at Allen- Stevenson school in New York and later appear in Broadway and off-B; way musicals, one of which (“The Amorous Flea”, for which I won a Theatre World Award) brought me to L.A. and involvement with the Firesign Theatre on a local radio show called “Radio Free Oz” on listenet-supported KPFK. From doing various characters with my partners live we became a well-known audio comedy producing unit. That led to voicework in films and cartoons (“The Smurfs”, etc) which continues to this day with “Rugrats”, Pixar, Disney, and other similar outlets.

Riley: We all know that you have done so many great performances over the years. What is/was your favorite character(s) to perform?

Philip Proctor: All the wacky and sustain characters in the many records, radio shows, TV and live shows- especially gay newsman, Ray Hamburger (pronounced: Ham-Bur-Jere). And I can’t forget dear Howard! He pays the bills!

Riley: What one person has given you the most inspiration in life?

Philip Proctor: Ernie Kovacs on TV and “Bob & Ray” on radio. I used to record their material and often perform in myself on my home tape machine.

Riley: Who are your personal heroes?

Philip Proctor: all the great comics from Robert Benchley on to George Carlin….Astronauts, living and dead, and Bill Clinton.

Riley: Do you have a favorite celebrity?

Philip Proctor: I don’t believe much in the cult of celebrity; but if I did, I’d have to say Robin Williams and John Goodman.

Riley: If there was one person (living or dead) that you could meet, who would it be and why?

Philip Proctor: I wish I had gone down the street in NY and sat in on Bob and Ray when they were doing a live show every morning in the 50’s. I wrote notes to them and they read some of my material on the air.

Riley: What do you think of the hobby of autograph collecting?

Philip Proctor: I think it is a worthy pursuit and an opportunity to learn something about the character of the people you admire.

Riley: Do you sign autographs through the mail?

Philip Proctor: Yes, I find the easiest way (lacking a SASE) is to reply by postcards that I have printed up and pay for myself. I consider it an investment in my career and I know it can create good will, both here and abroad.

Riley: Do you sign autographs when asked in person?

Philip Proctor: Sure, although that seldom happens since my face is not really my fortune these days. I carry some postcards with me when I travel and can sign one of them when asked.

Riley: Are there any upcoming events/conventions where a fan could meet you?

Philip Proctor: I’ll be at the opening of Pixar’s next animated feature, “Finding Nemo” and their studios up north, end of May; The Rugrats/Thornberrys Movie in Hollywood in June and possibly Dreamworks “Sinbad”, also in June.

Riley: Do you have an address where a fan could write to you and possibly ask you for your autograph?

Philip Proctor:  Sure. C/O CED Talent Agency, 10635 Santa Monica Suite 130, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Riley: When asked in person, do you limit the number of items to be signed?

Philip Proctor: Depends on the circumstances. I signed lots of “Howard” stuff in Ireland, for example, while on vacation and at a live radio show I did in Dublin with my wife, actress Melinda Peterson (watch for her upcoming Century 21 and Ace Hardware (Cookoo Clock) spots.

Riley: Well Mr. Proctor, thank you so much for your time. From a fans standpoint, it truly was an honor and I hope to speak with you again in the future.

Philip Proctor: I wish I had more time to respond to folks like you and do my best to do so. Stay in touch- Philip

Riley: Don't forget to check out all of Phil's filmography on his (click here ->) IMDB page

Backyard Tire Fire former drummer- Tim Kramp

Riley: I’m here with Backyard Tire Fire drummer Tim Kramp.  Hey Tim, how’s it going? Thanks for taking the time to do this. How was working with Steve Berlin on the new album? And how did he or did he influence you guys in the making of the new record?
Tim: Steve just brought the best out in us. He made some good suggestions and made it an easy and enjoyable time. It helps that he’s a great musician with tons of ideas.
Riley: Nice. That always helps. So where did the name 

“Backyard Tire Fire”originate?
Tim: It came to me in a dream.
Riley: I know that everyone in whatever business wants to succeed.  But, what is your personal goal? Would you be happier where you’re at, or would you be happier on the top ten with Ryan Seacrest? Or somewhere in between?
Tim: I think there’s a point that we can get to where everybody’s comfortable and happy and the band is being productive. As long as everyone’s getting along and excited about the musicI think we’ll continue to grow. But I don’t anticipate having to meet 

Ryan Seacrest.
Riley: I know what you’re saying.  So how does it feel having the fan base you guys have?
Tim: Our fans are amazing. It blows me away that so many people are loving the music and are hungry for more. All music lovers are welcome.
Riley: As we’ve discussed before, my favorite song by you guys is “Jimmy, Bob, & Jack”. To which is now my 12 year old sons favorite song as well. We were both a little bummed that it didn’t make the cut for “Good To Be”. Do you see it possibly making it on a future album? Or will it be one of those treats you only get by seeing you guys live?
Tim: I love “Jimmy, Bob, & Jack” too. We’ll get it put out sometime. Ed’s got a lot of really good story songs and maybe we’ll get to put out a collection of those. There’s so many ways we can do it but we also just put “Good To Be” out. We’ll make sure you get it as soon as we put it to tape.
Riley: Thanks man. I appreciate it. So, who are your inspirations (musically and personally)?
Tim: My parents, my brothers, & the outdoors. Any really good music can inspire me to try and be a better musician. I also love artwork.
Riley: I really dig that you guys record analog first before converting to digital. What prompted you to do this and is this something that you will continue to for future recordings?
Tim: Matt said it all. 

Riley: Outside of Illinois, what are your top three venues to play at?
Tim: The Belly Up in Aspen, Co; The Freebird in Jacksonville, FL; and the Turf Club in Minneapolis, MN
Riley: Thank you so much Tim. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. Like the great Tom Waits said: “No, I don’t have a drinking problem except when I can’t get a drink”. So here’s to you my friends.
Tim: Tom Waits has got a lot of those attributed to him. My favorite is, “I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.” Rock on Riley. See you soon I hope!
Riley: Hell yea!! You can count on it. Until next time, keep rocking.

Ranger: You were my best friend

Ever since the first day I laid eyes on you back in 2006 I knew you needed to be part of our family. You were just six weeks old. On that day, we just happened to be at Trader’s Village in Grand Prairie just walking around trying to find that one thing that we absolutely couldn’t live without. Little did we know at the time, that thing we couldn’t live without would be you my friend. After walking around my family and I decided to go look at the animals that they sell there in the front of Trader’s Village (Everyone who knows the place, knows exactly what I’m talking about). We weren’t looking to buy a pet, we just wanted to look at all the puppy cuteness. We see all breeds and sizes of puppies. With price ranges from ok to OMG are you serious? As I’m walking down I see the beagles (Beagles have been one of my favorite dogs for as far back as I can remember.) My eyes instantly locked on to you, but just as another couple reached down to pick you up and say they wanted you. Then (if I remember correctly) the wife said “Are you sure?” to the husband. He put you back down with your brothers and sisters and walked away. I immediately picked you up and start talking to you. Your tail started wagging and you would lick my face.

“You’re coming home with us” I thought. We told the people that we wanted you and they got the paper work and temporarily put you in the “sold” section. As we were filling out the paperwork, I remember the couple came back looking for you. They asked about you and were told you were already sold. Within those few minutes of meeting you, they would have had to fight me to get you from us. After the paper work was filled out and the transaction was made, you were officially ours. Or should I say we were yours. We walked around for a little while longer and decided to take you home. The rest as they say is history, our history. I still remember when you made your first little howl. It was very similar to the howl that puppy Copper made in The Fox and the Hound when he and Tod were introducing themselves to each other. Just melted your heart. I can hear him saying “My name is Ranger, I’m a hound dog. Aaww hoooo!!”

Throughout the years you would get bigger. Maybe a little grayer and a little slower. And you would even eventually lose your hearing. Throughout all that time, you were always there for me and the rest of the family. You would never judge us, you never were angry with us. Sometimes you were a little stubborn when you didn’t want to come in the house. But who isn’t? You loved us and we loved you Ranger. And as the tears roll down my face as I am typing this up, I will always miss you my friend. We love you so much Ranger and you will always be in our hearts.

RIP Ranger: 2-14-2006/1-8-2020

Young Tod : Copper, you're my best friend.

Young Copper : And you're mine too, Tod.

Young Tod : And we'll always be friends forever. Won't we?

Young Copper : Yeah, forever.

RIP Ranger: 2-14-2006/1-8-2020

This is Ranger and his son Captain. This photo was shown on the Texas Rangers Jumbotron.

Backyard Tire Fire- Matt Anderson (The interview)

Riley: I’m here with Matt Anderson, Bass player for the Rock N Roll band Backyard Tire Fire.  First of all, let
me say that I think “Good to Be” is an awesome album. Thanks for taking the time to do this. How was
working with Steve Berlin on the new album? And how did or did he influence you guys in the making of
this record?

Matt: Working with Steve on "Good To Be" was a pleasure. He had us change words in a song, herearranged a few parts on a handful of songs, he had me play very subtle different bass lines on a couple tunes, he came up with the drum loop on "Estelle", and all in all he knew how to get good performances out of us.

Riley: Where did the name “Backyard Tire Fire” originate?

Matt: It originated in Asheville, NC. I wasn't in the band when they came up with it. It is a "Simpson's" reference, which is nice.
Riley: Oh yea...The old Springfield Tire Fire. Nice. Ok, this is more of a statement than a question. I personally own six of BTF’s albums. Plus one I put together of a set at Chord on Blues earlier last year. The earliest album I have is “Live at the Georgia Theatre” with Warren Hawk on bass. Though Warren was pretty good on bass, I feel that you, Matt, is more solid and you bring a lot more to the table, musically, and really solidify the awesome sound you guys have.
Matt: That is very nice of you to say, but I have to give it up to Warren who is a great guy and an awesome bass player and singer/songwriter as well.
Riley: I know everyone in whatever business wants to succeed. But, what is your personal goal? Would you be happier where you’re at, or would you be happier on the top ten with Ryan Seacrest? Or somewhere in between?
Matt: Somewhere in between.
Riley: I gotcha. How does it feel to have the fan base you have?
Matt: It feels nice when we are over 1000 miles from where we live and sometimes hundreds of people are there for us. It feels nice and at home.
Riley: As we’ve discussed before, my favorite song by you guys is “Jimmy, Bob, & Jack”. To which is now my 12 year old son's favorite song as well. We were both a little bummed that it didn’t make the cut for “Good To Be”. Do you see it possibly making it on a future album? Or will it be one of those treats you get by seeing you guys live?
Matt: From what I understand it will be recorded in the studio at some time. We have hundreds of songs that have never been put on an album yet, so there is much to work with.
Riley: Awesome. Who are your inspirations (musically and personal)?
Matt: Zappa and my parents.
Riley: I really dig that you guys record on analog first before converting to digital. What prompted you to do this and is this something that you will continue to do for future recordings?
Matt: The quality of sound that you get from tape is a lot warmer than what you get on digital equipment. We plan on recording on 2 inch tape as much as possible. However, I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility that we might do something digitally in the future.
Riley: Outside of Illinois, what are your top three venues to play?
Matt: New Hope, PA (John and Peter's and For the Music Only [I will count that as one place, even though one is a bar and one is a house]), Joe's Pub (NYC), Top Hat (Missoula, MT)
Riley: I know that Dave plays with you when he can. Is there going to be a permanent spot for him? Or is it more or less just letting a bud jam with you?
Matt: His name is Scott Tipping and he does play with us about 99% of the time. He is a big part of the touring act and he might be helping out with the next album as well. Thanks for the ongoing support Riley!
Riley: I don’t know why the hell I said Dave. Sorry about that. Thanks again Matt. I really appreciate it. And like the great Tom Waits said “No, I don’t have a drinking problem except when I can’t get a drink”. So here's to you my friends. Hopefully we’ll see you in Dallas soon. Keep Rocking.

Ashley Eckstein

               I actually wrote this a few years ago when reading about the release of E.K. Johnston’s new Ahsoka book. It reminded me of the times I’ve met actress Ashley Eckstein. You might remember Ashley from when she did an episode of Drake and Josh or even her run on That's So Raven. But to me and countless other Star Wars fans she will forever be Ahsoka Tano, the Togruta Padawan of Anikan Skywalker in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Rebels, & Forces of Destiny.

                The first time my wife and I met her she was great. It was 2008 I believe. She was really approachable and listened to every word of her fans. Just the nicest anyone could ever be. Not to mention her husband David was there too. I was hoping he would have been because I was a fan of his. So I brought a baseball in hopes that he was going to be. Even though I was a huge Texas Rangers fan, David was one of my favorite non Rangers players. When we walked up to her table we chatted, took photos, etc. David even signed my ball. (To which I still have to this day.) Just an all-around great experience.

                 Fast forward a couple years later. She and David came back for another show of the same promoter. My wife couldn’t make it this time. The promoters made this a kind of “The Clone Wars” reunion. Actually I believe nine of the main cast was there. A Clone Wars fans dream. When you went into the room, they had all the actors (sans Wood & Acord) with their tables lined up against the walls next to each other. The first was the brilliant Tom Kane. Next to Tom was the Eckstein family. As I got to her table she gave me a weird look and said “I know you”. Before I could even say anything she snapped her fingers and said “Riley!!” Holy crap I thought. Ahsoka my butt, this lady is Yoda. She proceeded to ask how I was doing and asked if my wife was there as well. Like it’s only been a couple weeks. Lol But it had been a couple years. Mind was just blown away blown. Memory like a steel trap. When I think of all the awesome people I’ve met over the years. Ashley and David Eckstein will always be in the top of the list. May the force be forever with you both. 

     

Movember 2019

With November 1^st getting closer and closer (also known to many as Movember) I am letting everyone know that I am participating in the charity again this year and growing out my mustache for men’s health. I am also hoping to raise a little bit of money along the way for this awesome organization. Here is a link to my personal page where you will be able to find out a little more about the organization as well as be able to donate to a cause that often gets overlooked by society as a whole, Men’s Health. And if you want to join me and grow your Mo for men's health for the month of November, by all means please sign up. Thank you for your time and have an awesome day. https://mobro.co/rileyc?mc=1

Made in England

 Dr. Martens: Made in England

               As most who have known me for a while know that I love Dr. Martens. I have worn Docs since I was in the seventh grade. My Granny bought me my first pair of ten eyed Docs back then. Back then all Docs were made in England. It was in 2003 I believe, that DM was about to go bankrupt and they started production in China and Thailand. As most know the quality suffered severely when they did that. While my original boots lasted for many many years, the ones made in Asia only lasted maybe a year (if that) before tearing up. Then I think in 2004, the original Cobbs Lane factory in Wollaston England started production on the vintage or "Made in England" line. Even though there is small type machinery used, the Made in England line is essentially made by hand in limited quantities. I just love the made in England line so much I own three pair. I will not buy another pair that is not made in England. You may pay a little more, but you definitely get your monies worth in quality and craftsmanship.
           
             Most people also know that I collect autographs from some of my favorite celebrities. Some of my fellow collectors may not get what I will say next. Someone doesn't have to be famous or on television for you to ask for their autograph. Which brings up my recent acquisition. I wrote to the cobblers that made my Dr. Martens in the original Cobbs Lane Factory. I only had one name and that name was only a first name. So I took a chance and I wrote to her asking for her autograph. Yesterday I received something in the mail that has easily made it's way into my favorites list. I received the below letter as well as three Polaroids of inside the factory. I am beyond flabbergasted with this. Totally unexpected and so cool in my book.

Wow......it’s been two years?

I know most have read about this so darn much you’re probably sick of hearing about it. Today marks the two year anniversary for the closing of the Doctor Who Experience. As you can read here in my review of ( http://fromthemouthofavoicelessactor.blogspot.com/2017/?m=1 ) when my daughter and I visited on that last day. It was such a great day that I will remember for a very long time. From being able to see actual props and costumes from one of my favorite shows since I was a kid to meeting and having a conversation with Nicholas Briggs aka the voice of the Daleks and getting to meet and have a conversation with Jamie Hill to whom I did an interview with ( http://fromthemouthofavoicelessactor.blogspot.com/2018/10/interview-with-doctor-who-actor-jamie.html?m=1 ) and am glad to call a friend now. That’s just a small snip it of an absolutely brilliant day. I even remember walking  past a person who I consider a good friend now, Paul. We never met in person though. Only after I already left weeks later. I honestly don't think the day could have been better.

Do Fans Ruin the Celebrity/Fan Relationship?

              A while back I wrote a piece titled “Do Conventions Ruin Celebrities for Fans?” https://fromthemouthofavoicelessactor.blogspot.com/2016/01/do-conventions-ruin-celebrities-for-fans.html and then recently provided a follow up piece titled “Conventions: A Celebrity Perspective”   https://fromthemouthofavoicelessactor.blogspot.com/2019/06/conventions-celebrities-perspective.html. The first was about the rising costs of attending conventions and if it ruins the celebrity/fan relationship. The second was an interview I did with my friend and celebrity Mary Deese Hampton giving her perspective on conventions and the changes that have occurred in recent years on the convention circuit. This time I am going to play the devil’s advocate a little. So I ask, “Do Fans Ruin the Celebrity/Fan Relationship?”

                For this one, let’s start with conventions. I’ve been going to conventions for quite a few years now. Presently not as often as I have in the past. It would be a pretty fair assumption to say that I know a little bit about them. Now I know there is a lot more to it than this. So I’m just going to give you the shortened version. Celebrity A is approached either in-person or via his/her agent or manager to be a guest at a convention. If he or she agrees, a contract is written up and signed. It could state something like Celebrity A will attend Convention X on these days for this amount of time for a guaranteed amount of money. Convention X will sometimes pay for lodging, meals, and airline tickets, etc. To recoup some of those expenses, the celebrity agrees to sign autographs for their fans. Someone (that’s a whole other argument) sets the price of how much to charge for the autographs and the process starts. If they go over the amount agreed upon, the celebrity either keeps the extra or they split it with the promoters. But those details are usually in the contract and not public information.

                Basically what it boils down to is that it is a job to the celebrity. You may not like to hear that but in reality, it is. The celebrity is being paid to show up at a specific time, meet the fans, and sign autographs and call it a day. It’s a pretty straight forward process, wash, rinse, and repeat. In theory, it’s simple. It doesn’t always work out that way though. There are a multitude of things that could go wrong. Even before the convention has even started. Usually the convention has a designated person picking the celeb up from their hotel to bring them in to be there at said designated time. Now if something goes wrong and the celebrity is later than their set time, a little chaos in sues. The attendees who are there to see said celeb are waiting and getting more and more anxious because he or she hasn’t shown up when they were scheduled to have. They are taking it out on the volunteers, the showrunners, the person designated to help the celeb at their table. Basically anyone who they can complain to, they do. Meanwhile a line is forming at said celebs table and as soon as they get there it’s full on convention mode. There’s not a lot of time to get situated, get settled, and get prepared for your day. So now everyone who is meeting that celeb or the celeb themselves, isn’t in the best of moods.

                Now this is where this gets a little touchy. There many different people that that attend conventions.  Many different personalities. Nothing to do with race, sexual orientation, religious aspect or anything. That’s one thing I can say about the Sci-fi/Comic Convention world is that we are all the same in that aspect. Our shared common interest puts all of that out of the way. Which is the way it should be with life. But there are many different levels of fans. If you actually think about these levels, you might understand why the convention world isn’t for every celebrity. For example, maybe there’s a celebrity that you have met one time and would like to meet them again or you’re telling someone about your prior encounter (or vice versa) and they don’t do conventions anymore or haven’t in a very long time. The following personalities could be a reason why.

                First you have what I call the inexperienced con goer. Most inexperienced con goers that I have witnessed is that their main interest is meeting celebrities. They would be the main ones in this category. This person seems to usually have a budget but not always. Most know before they even step in the door what celebrities they are going to meet and how much they are going to spend. Then again some are completely oblivious to the price structure. As for the celebrity part of it, they wait in line excited to meet one of their favorite celebrities and getting to actually talk to them. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first convention or your 100th convention, that excitement is still there especially if you’re a fan. You approach the celeb, hello Mr. /Mrs. So-and-so how are you, shake hand, nice to meet you etc., get autograph, have a great day. Usually lasting three to five minutes tops. The celeb is happy, the fan is happy, and all is well for everyone.

                 Second you have what I call the Uberfan. This person is really into the celebrity and a specific role that the celebrity has performed. What I have witnessed in my experience is this type of person will approach the celeb really super excited. Sometimes they will have a multitude of items that they want signed. (Usually at conventions, celebs will sign whatever amount of items you have as long as you pay. But they may ask you to break them up. Sign some now, the rest later for example) This fan will also start asking a barrage of specific questions. Usually about a role they did. For example, as they approach, they might quote their favorite quote or line from the television or movie they did. Then they may ask them specific questions about a role they did 10-20 years ago (maybe longer). “Do you remember in episode The Gamesters of Triskelion of season 2 of Star Trek, did the Master Thrall really shock your collar or was it just for show?” Taking up so much time that the line is getting longer without moving. Most of the time the celeb will keep his/her comments to themselves. Their assistant or handler will try to nicely move them along.

                Third you have what today would be called “the creeper”. This one is mainly certain guys when they meet female celebrities. For lack of a better word, some can get a bit “handsy”. I have seen and heard about certain guys that will put their arm around a female celebrity before they are ready and kind of catch them off guard. Or they will initiate it without their permission. Sometimes even with their permission or their initial invitation, the guy will do something that will make the person feel uncomfortable. If you want a photo with a female celebrity, don’t be that guy. Be respectful.

                Fourth you have what I call corn chips. Now I know that not everyone has the bathing habits that I do. This is one type of person that I have seen quite frequently at conventions. This person doesn’t seem to know what good hygiene is. There is usually a very pungent odor similar to corn chips. Not fritos, I mean off brand corn chips and sometimes onions. Most don’t even try to cover it with deodorant. If you’ve attended more than one conventions then it’s a pretty good guess that you know exactly what I’m talking about. Sometimes this person has traits of my third example. Which is always something that a celebrity loves. (Yes, that was sarcasm)

                This is just a few things that I have personally witnessed at science fiction/comic book conventions that may cause a celebrity to either A: stop attending or B: Be distant a standoffish to a fan. So maybe if things like this didn’t happen, maybe the possibility of a bad experience might lessen and everyone will have a better time. What do you think? Have you witnessed my examples? Do you think things like this could cause a rift between the celebrity and fan?  

                Then there's the dealer/collector who tries to get autographs from celebrities at their hotel or airports and doesn't know the definition of the words "boundaries" and or "limit". A lot of them (not all) have the sole purpose of selling their autographs and a lot of times take advantage of a celebs generosity. Which I have seen time and time again make the celebrity lump all the autograph collectors as dealers. But that's a whole other conversation. 

Cosmic Masque 8 (My article)

Conventions: A celebrity perspective

                      Recently I updated an article I wrote a couple years ago titled “Do Conventions Ruin Celebrities for Fans?”.  https://fromthemouthofavoicelessactor.blogspot.com/2016/01/do-conventions-ruin-celebrities-for-fans.html A handful of people have read it and it’s had some really good and positive responses. One being from some longtime friends of mine who happen to look at from the celebrity side of the spectrum. They are husband and wife Mary Deese Hampton and James Hampton. You would know Mary from her performances on General Hospital, Harold & Kumar 2, & Dallas to name a few. You would know James from such classics as Teen Wolf 1&2, Hanger 18, and The Longest Yard (original). 

                      Mary and Jimmy have been on the convention circuit for quite some time now. They have made many friends and have seen many changes over the years. After reading my article, Mary wanted to give their side of it. 

Riley: Hello Mary, how are you?

Mary: Wonderful Riley.  So glad to be keeping in touch with you!

Riley: Thank you for taking the time to give my article a read. It truly means the world to me. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Mary:  Yes, it really brought back memories of the years we spent on the celebrity autograph “circuit” and the many fans we have that became friends, like you.

Riley: So what kind of changes have you and Jimmy seen over the years and what kind of effect has said changes had on the convention circuit in regards to the celebrity/fan relationship?

Mary:  Well, because of the body of work that Jimmy amassed over his almost 50 year career as an actor, director, writer and producer, he was invited to many conventions with genres that ran from Western, Horror/ SciFi, Sports, Vintage TV, and Comic cons.  He even attended a show in Houston once that was solely devoted to astronauts and actors who had played astronauts in film and tv! 

Jimmy always thought the idea of the conventions was terrific because they are a wonderful way for fans to connect to their favorite actors and vice versa.   People are always interested in “behind the scenes” stories and the cons are a great venue for fans to hear those stories - either in a one on one conversation with an actor or in a Q and A panel that the conventions usually host throughout the weekend. 

One of the changes we’ve seen through the years is that the conventions are getting bigger and bigger.   For instance, Jimmy was a guest at the very first Texas Frightmare Weekend.  There were only 6 celebrities and a few bands. It was held at the little ol’ Grapevine Convention Center.  Today, that convention is one of the largest Horror/Sci Fi conventions in the Southwest.  It’s amazing!

I can’t even begin to guess how many conventions there are out there now!  Because of the number of conventions being held each year, fans now have lots of opportunities to meet their favorite celebs.   That’s a good thing!

One of the other changes we’ve seen are the “photo ops” provided at the shows.  Some celebs don’t charge for photos with fans if they purchase a photo; however, often there are long lines  and  some celebs  can’t stop to take a photo with each and every fan.  So, they step away from signing for a few hours over the weekend just for that opportunity via “photo ops”.

I think one of the biggest changes we’ve seen over the years is the trend to bring entire casts of a television show or film to conventions.  While this seems to be very attractive to some fans, it’s not always so good for the other celebs.  If a promoter is “forced” to take 8 people from a particular television show or film but really only wants 1 or 2 of them, then that eliminates spots at the convention for other celebrities that want to attend or that the promoter would like to have attend.  Which also might keep fans hoping to see those “missing” celebs from coming to the convention at all.

Finally, another huge change in the shows is the startling number of…how do I say this…”mega stars”…that now want to come to the shows.  They’ve realized how much money is to be made and are capitalizing on the opportunity.  Good for them, but that’s also, in my opinion, what’s driving up the prices of the entry fees to the conventions.  Which leads to your next question.

Riley: So to reference the title of my article, in your opinion, with the way conventions are now and their current pricing structure, “Do Conventions Ruin Celebrities for Fans?”

Mary:  Oh, I wouldn’t use the word “ruin” but the explosion in the number of shows, the number of celebrities who attend them, and the trend to bring in entire casts has certainly impacted the wallets of both the fans and the celebs.  If the cost of the entrance fee is too high, then the fans don’t have money left to purchase photos…which, let’s be honest, is a big reason why the celebs are there.  If the prices of the “mega stars” that attend are too high (which $150.00 for a signed photo is ridiculous, in my opinion), then the fans that buy those photos probably aren’t going to purchase many more from other celebs.  The photo ops, while convenient for the celebrities who have long lines, also add to the cost of attendance if a fan wants a photo with a celeb that can’t…or won’t…take the time to snap one at his/her table. There’s got to be the right “formula” in order for a show to work well for the fans, the celebs and the promoters.  I am sure that it’s a struggle for the promoters trying to bring in the headliners and still not raise the cost of the entry fees.  That’s only one of many balls they have to juggle.  What some fans may not know is that the minute a convention is over, the promoters start planning for the next year. No rest for the weary!

I believe that fans will always enjoy attending the conventions and I personally know that most celebrities enjoy them as well. 

Unlike acting on the stage, an actor can’t see or hear responses of his or her audience when they are filming a television show or a movie. Getting together with fans as the cons gives an actor an opportunity to listen to what their fans thought of their past and current work.  Jimmy once said it was like hearing “delayed applause”.  Wonderful!  

Riley: Thank you so much Mary, for an insight to the convention world that most con goers don't know about. It's nice to hear an opinion from the other side of the table. And I completely agree about the high pricing for a single autographed photo to be ridiculous.

It's great to be a friend to you and Jimmy and I thank you so much for your time and friendship. Til the next time.