Twisted Nightmare Weekend

     I know it's been awhile since I have entered anything in this blog, but time has been limited. Let's see much has happened since I started this online journal of thoughts, happenings, and such. My wife and I completed the Twisted Nightmare Convention in August. It was different to say the least. We were there promotin gmy book, The Art of Fear Theories of a Dark Entertainer and I think that went well. Sales were not as high as I wished, but decent enough and the exposure was excellent. I talked with allot of low budget producers there and I think that in the near future I will be branching out and working on film.

     However the most important thing that has happened was that the convention re-united the Maniacal Brothers after a year of going our seperate ways. We will be workign together at a haunt that Mr. Maniacal (Ryan Farrell) has completely redesigned almost on his own. DO you realize what kind of accomplishment that is? To take Northeast Ohio's longest running and quite possibly it's largest indoor attraction and gut it and rebuild all the room sentirely with only a few extra hands now and then? It is amazing and the haunt looks fantastic. It is an honor to say I'll be working with him again at his haunt. After the convention and we chatted and it became official. After years of talking about it, saving up money for a budget, and finally with the right place to do it in, Mr. Maniacal and I are shooting our documentary MANIACAL: THE UNTOLD STORY. It will be unique to sa the least and we will post more about it as it progresses on our website.

     But back to the convention. I met many wonderful people there including Kenny Miller, Ari Bevel, and had the chance to talk once again with Michael Berryman. Kenny is a great great guy, Michael is typical Michael (a overall groovy dude), and Ari (my table neighbor) was great. HE has even agreed to do a cameo in our documentary! Linda Balir was there along with a great collection of B movie actresses and actors. And of course the highlight of the con was watching Ted Raimi nurotically jumping from table to table never looking like he was comfortable being there. On Friday night I even almost hit him with my hearse when I was leaving...sorry Ted! My wife, son (Danny), and I had a blast on Sat. when the entire Star Wars crew showed up. These people were awesome. They were a group of fans that belonged to the Ohio Star Wars fan club and they went all out! The costumes were fantastic! There were clone troopers, storm troopers, endor troopers, Vader complete with automated breathing, and a remote control R2 that chased Danny around the hotel! In short it was an awesome time that I can't wait to do again.

     Well, that's it all in a nut shell for now. I'll be posting more later today covering the haunted hollow and the upcoming prep for the movie. I feel bad that I havent' posted sooner, but with everything going on like I said time has been very limited!

Mr. Maniacal

7:51 AM - 9/6/2005