Count Clowny follows the story of Ed, a newly hired horror host at a small television station, based in Ohio. Tony is Ed's boss, who, for whatever reason, just doesn't like Ed. On the second installment of the Count Clowny show, titled Love Walks In, Ed meets Cindy. Cindy is a fellow employee at B4-7 while overbearing boss, Tony, is not too fond of the meeting and tries to be a thorn in Ed's side. You also get a glimpse of a Count Clowny episode, plus Night of the Living Smuppets! It wouldn't be a telecast without Andy Pyles, and Andy teaches us all how to Build the perfect gingerbread house. You get all this and more right here :
You can also catch up with Episode 1 right here:
Plus, you can watch this week's Acting with Andy. Our own acting coach, life guru and all around "DIY" guy, Andy Pyles wants to share the real history of Thanksgiving. We have all heard about the Pilgrims and Indians, but according to Andy, that might not necessarily be the full truth. You might want to watch this for yourself:
Remember in the 80's, the doll designed for boys called "My Buddy"? I don't remember much about it but I do remember the theme song. I swear the theme song pops into my head almost every time I someone calls someone a buddy.
For todays Dimension Chat, I opted to pay homage to the nostalgia of My Buddy, utilizing a this chubby, weird looking doll we got from a Spirit Halloween many years ago. He was titled "Blubbers" and we all named him "Chubbs", so enjoy "My Chubby".
Remember, if you like and enjoy to share, subscribe and help our channel grow. You're the best!!
Earlier today I posted about a convention not providing something as simple as a table cloth to make the vendors area have some sort of conformity and look professional. The post was received well enough that I realized I'm not alone in believing that some promoters misuse the term "Convention" instead of their glorified flea market. Then it got me thinking, why don't people make presentation the best they can, after all, if it's your project, it relates to how professional you take yourself and how you want to be viewed.
Ok, so I'll let you in on how truly serious I take releasing a film, including the presentation. If you were a supporter of our latest film Mortimor Tromblay, I honestly try to make the entire DVD something special. From the color of the actual DVD case, making sure they're wrapped nicely, plus a clear, full color cover and even a thank you note.
Often, instead of the plain black DVD case, I look at what color I can make the case, just to help match lettering or a color on the cover art. With Mortimor, I went with yellow as I felt it looked the best. Then, I made sure there cover art, after Brian Mitchell created it, was printed on a glossy stock so it stands out and the colors pop. I can't deal with less than top standard quality. I try to take everything into account and make the best product possible.
This time around I even spent additional money on getting Thank You cards to put inside each dvd case. I wanted those who supported to know how much we cared and appreciated them. It's important to let those know, who help you, realize how important they are.
Obviously the movie and content have to be top notch. Now, sure I could take easy short cuts, but I try my best not too. We filled this DVD to the brim with extras. The film itself, a teaser trailer, another episode of our documentary series and commentary, plus some behind the scenes and a video diary I shot that explained what was happening prior too and right after filming.
Now, back to the table cloth situation.....well, you know how when you go to a flea market and you can haggle prices? Its because most of the vendors their don't look professional. Most are unloading unwanted items and will make deals...and buyers know it. When you go to a convention, if you resemble someone at a flea market, people will not take you serious...and possibly think what you're selling is unwanted and maybe even junk. This falls on the event organizer, who either doesn't take the event serious enough to take pride in how they present the show to you the consumer or is cheap or just lazy. Why would you want to deal with anyone like that?
If you're a vendor, I always recommend to bring your own table cloth. Dress nice and look like you're ready to speak to people (don't just stare at your phone). Be outgoing by welcoming everyone who comes to your table. Make sure your signs are clear and all items are priced. Carry yourself like a professional and you will be treated that way. The last thing you want is anyone to come to your table and say "Can I give you $5 for this?", holding your newest DVD release that's $15.
This will go into anything you offer from your latest movie, to your new t-shirt line, event yourself. Taking pride, being serious and upholding a higher standard will get you positive attention and people will take you serious. Hope you enjoyed, take care and be your best!
Current Influence - Noboru Iguchi and Japanese Splatter
Still from Tokyo Gore Police
If we are friends online or you follow any of the social media outlets I post, you know, currently I am watching A LOT of Japanese Splatter films. It was an obsession years ago, but recently stuck a chord with me again. Why? No idea, but I am so glad it did. Sure, this is a pretty niche sub-genre but it's over the top special effects, insane use of weapons and buckets and buckets of blood make me so happy to sit and watch them.
Iguchi-San sporting his House shirt
There are plenty of directors behind these films, but for me, I'm somewhat enamored by the genius writer/director of some of what I've fallen in love with, Noboru Iguchi. He's wacky, weird and quite honestly, wonderful. He uses the 3 "B" formula for success - Blood, Broads and Beasts. I must be upfront and say this, his movies aren't for everyone. They lack in "real world" type of actions, but I feel so strongly in this style of filmmaking, it's almost obsession.
I know, you're like who?? Maybe you've seen ABC's of Death and watched F is for Fart. Yep, that's my guy. His films tend to contain Japanese school girls, bullying, sometimes Yakuza and just my kind of zaniness. I can't recommend watching these enough, and going in with an open mind. Let's also remember, I'm currently writing a new script for our project "SQUARE" that I pitched to Matt 2 weeks ago and all he could say was "wow...thats crazy." You're damn skippy its crazy.
Let's name some films that you should see:
Still from Gothic Lolita Battle Bear
First and foremost, I think my favorite out of all I've seen thus far is Tokyo Gore Police. The score, the style, the gore, it has me completely captivated. I LOVE this film. Next is RoboGeisha, as anytime a girl/robot turns into a tank and attacks a walking mountain...well, sign me up. The Machine Girl is also a really great adventure. I grabbed the 3 disc steelbook version, which has making of and plenty of extras including the spin off short film - Machine Girlite (Shyness Machine Girl). Now, as wacky as The Machine Girl is, the short film is even more insane. Imagine, you get embarrassed and a machine gun pops out of your ass? Yep.
Iguchi-san and Zaborgar
I never hide my love for Tokusatsu (think a show like Power Rangers, Kamen Rider, Ultraman or maybe even Inframan). I can never get enough of the series that mix Sentai and Tokusatsu and this is where my love really takes off for Iguchi. He created Karate-Robo Zaborgar and is it ok to think, this was just for me? Haha, I can't help it. It has action and just a great mix of why I love tokusastu films and series. If you watched Kikaida or Kamen Rider, this is a must see for you.
Also, make sure you check out Mutant Girls Squad, as this also was a lot of fun. Swords for boobs, a chainsaw out of your rear? Yeah, these are my kind of ladies. Plus, make sure you look for Dead Sushi. This one I actually haven't seen yet. My Netflix rental queue is jam packed with all kinds of gory goodness (currently I have Tokyo Zombie and Meatball Madness) but trust me, it's coming. Other films to look for Zombie Ass - Toilet of the Dead which used to be streaming on Netflix, but now its down. I'm really just offering titles that are more well known, but google his work, watch and enjoy.
The film I'm most anxious to see has yet to be seen by many titled Nuigulumar Z (Gothic Lolita Battle Bear) which quite frankly looks to be a mix of Ted and Power Rangers. Below I've attached the trailer. Thank you to Iguchi-san for being a writer and director and having imagination that is pure heaven for some of us. You are a blessing to us (at least some of us.)
As of late, I've dove back into some wacky Asian cinema, especially the over the top, crazy, gory stuff that was out a few years ago. My taste and viewing habits are always changing and I never seem to be cookie cutter, by any means. I usually try a bit of everything and this week, well, this was no different.
I few days before Monster-Mania I dug around my collection and rediscovered the film that seemed to start the trend of the Asian splatter gore with high levels of unbelievability (at least for me) - The Machine Girl. I remember buying The Machine Girl and instantly needing to see more. This stemmed an entire landslide of watching the bizarre and it was like we were off to the races. BTW...Tokyo Gore Police is just so much fun. Yes, I know films like Ichi The Killer have been around longer, but this restarted my love for these film types.
* Please note, this is not a review of any of these films. I want to create awareness that other things exist than the stuff in theaters.
While everyone else is out running to go see Fantastic Four, I seem to be more happy watching crazy Japanese movies that evil scientists are trying to rule the world. Keep in mind, this is the craziness that I'm watching as I write our new script.
Ok, so here's the list:
The Machine Girl Robo Geisha Karate-Robo Zaborgar Mutant Girls Squad Zebraman Tokyo Gore Police Death Kappa
Plus, I watched, what might be one of my favorite films in a Sentai series (think Power Rangers, but better) Heisei Rider vs Showa Rider - Kamen Rider Wars. I actually can't wait to rewatch this one. So much craziness, so many fights and just great action. If you can find it, then check it out.
Also upon returning from Monster-Mania, I've been watching the Battle of there Planets series at night. The original series was Gatchaman, but this was the US version of that series that was voiced by Casey Kasem plus they added some elements to relate to Star Wars. I can remember watching this on TBS as a kid, whenever I could find it on. I absolutely love this series and I'm so ecstatic to relive my childhood as I devulge back in time to watch G-Force.
As for this week? Who knows yet. I know I have the live action Death Note sitting here as well as hoping to revisit Suicide Club plus the Ju-On series. Anyways...enjoy the films and step outside the box.
Hey gang, just figured I'd check in and share this past weekend's Monster-Mania experience. First off, let me start by saying this Monster-Mania is definitely in my top 3 of experiences. Ive attended 28 Monster-Mania's as an attendee, a vendor and then, as a guest and I'm always blown away by the fandom and how great everyone is. Dave Hagan and family put on a fantastic convention and I am always thankful to be there.
Kim and I arrived Friday to start setting up our table, luckily she's the brains in this operation as she always does a great job setting up and honestly, I typically walk around and talk to people I only see every 6 months. It's truly become our family. I wander around, check out the things I'm gonna grab before the con even starts and I'm typically broke before the con opens..haha.
Our main agenda, for those who know us, was to meet the Japanese guests, collectively who played
Godzilla and Ultraman. Kim, since we've been married has become a HUGE Godzilla fan. So much so, that we literally saved money for this con and knew we would have a lot of opportunities to grab what we wanted. She was like a kid in a candy store and smiled from ear to ear.
This weekend was also the release of our newest film, Mortimor Tromblay. This is our 5th film, not including the Journey documentary and for a change, we opted for a dark comedy. Matt, unable to be there, was again back on board for this project and we all were ecstatic. What we all really enjoyed was the fact that we felt some sort of freedom to make and create exactly what we wanted and had no real restrictions. Our main goal, as team was to make something to be proud of, we all feel we succeeded.
On Friday, Kim couldn't wait to get in line for Harou Nakajima (original Godzilla), Tsutomu Kitagawa (mostly know as Millennium Godzilla), Bin Furuya (Ultraman) and Shinji Nishikawa (concept artist and designer for Godzilla). She immediately wanted Nishikawa-san to sketch her favorite Kaiju, Little Godzilla. I, on the other hand wanted Millennium Godzilla (Godzilla 2000 is my favorite design and suit) and I would never forgive myself if I opted to go without asking for a sketch of Booska. Booska is a playful character that I fell in love with when my daughter was younger. I was able to grab some VHS's of Booska and we would sit, watch and laugh. Booska will always hold a special place for me, as it means great memories for my daughter and I.
Next, we stopped by the Vampire Robots booth and had to grab our Limited to 200, CCP Burning Godzilla vinyl exclusive. Then I noticed that Michael (the owner) had the exclusive Booska and Chamegon set. My jaw hit the floor and instantly, I knew I HAD TO OWN these vinyls. Once Kim saw them, she knew that money was as good as spent. I plopped down my duckets and then included a Hedorah vinyl to cap off our shopping event. Sigh...so many vinyls to buy, so little cash.
On Saturday, I was set to host a few Q&A's including Mitch Pileggi, Denis O'Hare and the Halloween 4 panel with Danielle Harris and George P Wilbur. Again, as a horror fan, this is always an amazing opportunity and I love the opportunity. This time around the Denis O'Hare, known recently from American Horror Story, really blew me away with his open discussion on acting and the way he approaches playing characters. Absolutely crushed it and it felt like an actors studio and I sat like the student and took in all he said. Of course Danielle Harris is really all Horror fanboys crush and really a testament to Scream Queens of yesteryear. She takes it serious and really is always a delight to talk with. So much fun. I also was fortunate to catch the Kaiju actors panel and just loved it. This is where the fanboy in me shows...I'm sure I was smiling quite a bit.
A few years ago Dave asked if I wanted to help judge the costume contest and its quickly become a very fun part of the convention. This year was jammed wall to wall with all kinds of creatures of the
night. From kids, to ordinal and creative to the sexy...they have a bit of everything. I'm always taken back by the amount of effort that some put into this event. Most often, the non typical designs and outfits are winners. It's a fun evening to close out Saturday night (at least for me).
Sunday afternoon's at Monster-Mania have become something very special to me the last 7 years as I'm host of the Yorkies auction. This is where you can see how much promoter Dave Hagan cares and dedicates space for this auction that is the con's best kept secret. Marilyn and her team from the Yorkie rescue go above and beyond and have shared stories about how much their rescue really helps families save these pups. When I first started we would be happy to raise a few hundred dollars, this past convention, we raised over $5,000. Without your support, we could never do this, so I thank you for being there and offering your hearts.
Kim and I, in closing that everyone who stopped by our table, grabbed our newest film. Those who asked about our son, Curt Robinson's recent surgery and wished him well. It's amazing to me that people actually care, maybe it's cliche but I am always thankful that you all care about us, our projects and want us in their lives. Thank you.
Our con haul!
Below is a video blog we did that takes you along for the weekend and see it through our eyes!
This week on Rob Dimension's Shock and Wrestling Podcast, Rob and Matt start the show by discussing some of the notorious disturbing films in Horror, both Underground and wider commercially released. Then the conversation switches to Q'doba, The Office and finally some wrestling chatter.
Probably a more in-depth look at what these two really talk about on a daily basis.
On this week's Shock and Wrestling podcast, Rob Dimension explains to Matt Barnes his theory of what's wrong with America today. The conversation turns to WWE and NXT, as they discuss Take Over and Payback shows and much more. The conversations start out one way sometimes...and end up in another direction, but it's always fun.
Fresh off Memorial Day, Rob Dimension and Matt Barnes are full from the BBQ's and start the show this week, answering your questions. Such a great variety of questions from wrestling, horror and certain movies. Great stuff.
Plenty of other topics sprinkled in this week, including Dimension's love for Will Sasso's Lemons compilation, Matt's affection for Scream and more. Be sure to listen and visit www.RobDimension.com and follow them on Twitter @RobDimension and @TheMattBarnes.
Welcome back to another week of Rob Dimension's Shock and Wrestling podcast, this week I'm once again, joined by fellow film maker and pro wrestling fan, Matt Barnes. On today's show we ask the question: Is Horror in a lull in theaters? We discuss other topics like screenwriting, should John Cena become a heel and more...
Don't miss your chance to be a part of the show, you can always submit questions or topics. Visit www.RobDimension.com for more info. Don't forget, rate and review the show and subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher Radio.
This week I answer some great questions about Independent Filmmaking and how to get people to take a chance on them. Plus questions about happiness and more about the Horror genre. Great stuff all around, so give us a few minutes of your time and check it out.
Special thanks to Matt Barnes who helps produce these!!
Oh boy...where do I start? As I get older, my eyes become more aware of my surroundings and I realize that this current "mean" world trend isn't for me. It's no secret that the world is full of hate, yet people constantly try to stand up and say "love one another"...but do they practice what they preach?
Those that know me, know I love being sarcastic and having fun..but I also have an off switch. I enjoy being with my family, watching certain shows and just relaxing. Hatred is a growing situation, from our news, our government, religion and constantly on my news feed on Twitter and Facebook.
On Sunday, the Walking Dead made it's way back for Season 4. I enjoy the show..it's not my favorite and yes, at times, I gripe and groan about it..but it's still fun. Plus, horror on TV is great...as we within the Horror community will agree. Sadly, I noticed some very mean spirited comments the entire day online leading up to the premier. Have we, as a "community" become so full of hate and anger, that we can't let others have enjoyment or excitement?
I know others have said this before but...WE are supposed to be a strong community of fans, the Horror Community. Sadly, I see more judgement, more meanness that reminds me of what I saw others say and do in high school. If someone is more popular or has more success that you, can you not be happy for them? Can you not help spread some good within the community? There are plenty of people I don't like...my solution, just don't post or comment about them. Sure, I'm not a fan of all shows...I haven't watched some others just because I have no interest...but I don't openly shit on those who do enjoy them.
So, here's the challenge for you...take this week and promote the positives..see a comment you don't agree with, instead of being harsh or abrasive, argue your reasoning, but also back up your statements with why you don't agree. Take the time to be positive and show others, that aren't horror fans, that we, as a community don't fill that stereotype.
Anyways..that's my two cents...just a few weeks until Halloween...let's enjoy the season.
Co-creators Buz Hasson and Rob Dimension had a meeting this weekend, while being guests at Monster-Mania Con weekend in Hunt Valley, MD, and plenty was accomplished for QUACKERS. The inspiration for the QUACKERS character was sketched out and we are moving forward.
Buz is the co-creator of the Living Corpse comic book series with Ken Haeser. The duo have been working hard getting the Corpse out there. You might have seen the Living Corpse film in your local Redbox, and from what I've been told...it's only the beginning. Ken, with Corpse colorist and inker, Blair Smith were guest at the Pittsburgh Comic Con this past weekend.
Rob Dimension took a minute to sit down and discuss the synopsis and who will be behind the lens for QUACKERS.
"Just coming off of BAGGAGE (which is racking up film festival appearances) has me on cloud nine. I set out to create a perfect team and I feel like we really involved some of the best in their fields. For QUACKERS, I felt it was important to do the same. I talked to our cinematography team from BAGGAGE; Jeffery Scott Gould and Steve Adams about my next project.
Jeff and I have worked on a few projects together and he has over twenty five years of experience behind the camera. He knows how to make the space within the shot to be interesting. His partner Steve, whom was just as important to the shot making for BAGGAGE, really proved himself to me. He made great suggestions to solve problems with some shots and was fantastic. Jeff is more of a classic horror fan, while Steve has some more twisted thoughts...so together they create a horror encyclopedia of creative shots, smooth camera work and know how to set the mood perfectly.
It's with great pleasure that I announce that Jeffrey Scott Gould and Steve Adams will co-direct QUACKERS. I'm expecting a smooth filming with a lot of preparation. Both are very professional and want to make the best film possible. I'm excited to start this project with the both of them."
Dimension also gave us the synopsis : QUACKERS is the story of a struggling independent comic book writer and artist named Sterling Quack. As a child, Sterling was given a stuffed duck who inspired him to write the children's comic "Quackers". Lately, Sterling has noticed that kids today want violence and sex in their comics, two things that Sterling doesn't write about. As he prepares for the next day of writing, he lays his blank comic book panels out only to wake up and discover the next day; they're done!! Quackers is now performing violent acts on the pages..but who did it???
QUACKERS will begin crowd-funding in mid-January and production will begin in March of 2014. Stay tuned.
The Living Corpse Comic series, fresh off the release of their animated film is promoting a one shot comic release featuring none other than the No Clowning Around crew! That's right, the Rob Dimension created characters from the popular horror short, "No Clowning Around" Mumbles the Clown, Trixie and Mr. Peepers will be special guests in the comic.
Ken Haeser, Buz Hasson and Blair Smith are the heart and soul behind the series. Creating, drawing and coloring the world of the undead anti hero The Living Corpse, always adding humor with some serious horror.
The comic goes on sale Aug 21st in comic shops, but YOU can order it now! Head to your local comic shop (www.comicshoplocator.com) and ask them to see this month's Previews magazine. Then use the code JUN130979 and get it ordered.
If the response is good for ole' Mumbles and crew, there is a chance we can be back!!! For more info on the Living Corpse movie Click THIS.
BAGGAGE will be released on Friday, August 16th, 2013. This will be available at Monster-Mania Convention in Cherry Hill, NJ. Rob and Kim Dimension will be on hand to talk about the film all weekend long. Plus, the Dimension's will have posters and T-shirts from both BAGGAGE and NO CLOWNING AROUND.
DVD artwork may vary
baggage
$8.00plus $3.00 shipping in US
Details - The DVD will contain the 15 minute short film "baggage", plus their award winning film "No Clowning Around". Behind the scenes, Interviews and commentary will also be included.
Pre-order Release date - Aug 16, 2013
BAGGAGE stars Rob Dimension, Ilaria Malvezzi, Kim Dimension, Jerry Janda, Amber Marchese, Thomas Mendolia and Chris Raddatz.
Writer and Screenplay : Rob Dimension
Story Concept : Sal Valente
Director : Jeremiah Kipp
Director of Cinematography/Editor : Jeffrey Scott Gould
Assistant Director of Cinematography : Steve Adams
Executive Producer : Kim Dimension
Associate Producer : Bill Wilusz
Soundtrack/Composer : Barbara J Weber
Photographer : Deirdre Kinnevy (DeeKae Imagery)/ Kristen Adams
Artwork : Brian Mitchell (Brian Mitchell's Creative Mind)
BAGGAGE is the short film by writer/lead actor Rob Dimension, that will make you rethink the term "normal". Dimension plays Benjamin, a man who seems to live a normal life; he goes to work, has a happy home life and lives in the middle of clean cut America. This 15 minute film follows a day in the life; witness what happens when an incident breaks down Benjamin's "normal" life.
BAGGAGE is directed by Jeremiah Kipp (CRESTFALLEN, CONTACT, THE DAYS GOD SLEPT). Kipp had this to say about BAGGAGE, “BAGGAGE immediately captured my interest as a beautiful and macabre tale of a man haunted by desire. It’s got the feverish, melancholy intensity of an Edgar Allan Poe story, but told in a modern and transgressive way. Rob wanted a genre film that was aesthetically stunning, and combined with the visual sensibility of our cinematographer Jeffrey Gould, we were going for a style that felt like Alfred Hitchcock circa 1960: Bold camera angles, a constantly moving camera to sustain the tension and unnerving God’s-eye-view overhead shots that make Benjamin feel small and oppressed. Every image should resonate with the beauty of a painting, but one where if you look at it too closely, you realize you’re caught up in the swirls of a nightmare.”
Dimension had this to add, “Having Jeremiah want to be a part of this and help lead the film in the right direction solidifies that we are on to something good. Kipp can see the vision I’ve written, and he pushes me beyond my safe place. We have an amazing cast and crew involved, and the atmosphere transcends modern horror with a very vintage, elegant style.”
Back in the mid 90's I was big into the toy market. It was booming, I was a profitable toy seller. More importantly, I was a collector and loving it!! It was the best time to hunt for your favorite Star Wars, Transformers, GI Joe and Spawn were in toy stores and at local toy shows around the country.
Todd McFarlane had little notoriety before he unleashed hell upon the toy and comic world. A writer and artist had an idea that would change the toy collecting, marketing and manufacturing world, forever. Tying an independent comic label to a highly successful juggernaut toy line, Television series and blockbuster movie.
McFarlane had brought his Spawn comic book characters to life for all of the world to witness. Spawn, our anti-hero...the Clown, the evil henchman of the Devil named Malebolgia became household names. They were bigger and badder than the other toys. The characters were based on hell...they were evil and stores like Kaybee Toys started carrying them! They had playlets including Spawn Alley, the Spawn Air Cycle and the Spawn Mobile (like a dragster). They started out as an underground movement under the banner of Todd's Toys before it was McFarlane Toys, selectively carried by only a small amount of comic shops.
Everything was different about these toys. They ranged in size, had amazing details but not just the figures..the clamshell packaging changed the way figures were packaged. The box art on the larger two pack were colorful and screamed "Buy me!" They came in all shapes and sizes. It was an easy sell and I believe that Todd single handedly reignited the collecting movement and made toy collecting cool. Countless wanna be's and look a like action figures came along soon after. Some were winners like Moore Action Collectibles and their Lady Death line, yet lower quality figures like Warrior Nun Areala just clogged the pegs at comic shops. Us nerds were flying high and thinking awful thoughts about the lusty, sexy female 7 inches of plastic in our grubby little hands.
What happened next is also a result of Todd McFarlane...as fast as the market became on fire...it burst into a fiery ball, crashing and burning and our money was gone along with it.
(Granted..this is only my opinion and the way it looked like from my point of view)
Todd was great at introducing the "chase" figure or the "exclusive" and this was where the problems started. I mentioned Warrior Nun for instance, they released TONS of variants from a Leather Jacket to alternate paint schemes all claiming more collectibility and rareness than the last. McFarlane launched his line to mainstream stores like Kaybee Toys and exposed the general public to the variant Gold version, which were awful by the way...but they garnered a lot of "put away for my kids college fund" attention and the prices inflated to HUGE amounts. Star Wars got into the action by releasing the Theater Jedi Luke figure along with the rerelease of the Trilogy. (These are particularly tough to find in mint shape, as they were given out at theaters prior to seeing the movie, so it had to survive a 2 hour flick). All companies that had a license for a toy line, was churning out whatever "rare" toy they could.
I can share a story - when the Spawn film hit theaters, the action figure line that accompanied the release were so hot. We were vending at a show in Nevada and Kim and I couldn't get the toys out of the cases fast enough. For a mall show, we grabbed about $3,000 back in 97. These were insane times and the height of the market.
Because everyone jumped on the variants and exclusive market, the toy market eventually, crashed. We nerds only have so much money. Scalping these toys (similar to what happened to Beanie Babies) resulted in most of these toys losing some to all of their value. The birth of eBay no longer allowed for figures to be "rare"..if you had a computer, you could get the figure. McFarlane had a Collectors Club still working hard to make those most wanted figures only available to select outlets. As the internet grew, the toy market did not. Sure there are still some rare variants out there that go for top dollars but most as just dust collectors. But think about this...should a toy, mint in mint package sell for less than it retailed for after nearly 20 years? I guess for those who are late to collecting, that's a good thing. For me, I miss the hunt.
Now, before you say "Rob, Todd is still making toys..he gave us the Walking Dead figures!" I appreciate that, trust me..I do. It's not a matter of what he creates now...what about that time period where left let us to make Baseball figures, basically taking over the Starting Line Up line? He is now utilizing what he learned from us to tackle that market and has been for years. Chase figures in every case...color variants...you name it..it's there.
Am I bitter? No...just sad that they toy market has changed. It's another part of change we have to accept. Time moves on and things continue. I still love Spawn, even though the comic series has really lost it's heart. I still find myself watching the animated series...which if you never have, you should check it out. I even go back and watch the Spawn movie..while not great, I still have a special spot in my heart for it. In closing, Todd McFarlane walked away from what made him famous to pursue a life of baseball toys (ok, probably not, but I can pout and be a mad nerd fan boy if I want)...by doing so, he has let other companies like NECA and Amok Time Toys shine through. Horrific images that can sit on our shelves and we can relive that movie anytime we want. I know Todd will continue to make kick ass products, especially the Walking Dead stuff he is working on...but, this is the internet and I can want more and complain until I get it. My name is Rob Dimension and I survived the toy market crash.
Oh Netflix, how I love thee. Sure, our relationship hasn't always been this current romantic love affair...we've had our rocky past but sometimes you have to put faith in something. I've yet to make the commitment with RedBox, but she does look attractive, especially since the rental fee's are only $1 a day. As if you don't think I'm odd enough, now I'm referring to streaming and rental machines as a her.
Back to the business at hand...this past week, streaming giant and rental beast, Netflix lost nearly 1800 streaming titles. If you remember, Netflix had a similar loss back in 2012 when the Starz agreement expired. How much did the most recent loss affect me? Honestly, not a lot. But, I must admit...like a lover who is losing faith in his mate, I was starting to panic. Was Netflix on the ropes? Were things about to go south?
I instantly went to my account online and started to figure out a game plan...now, let me say this, I was not renting dvd's from Netflix, I was only streaming. With all the possibilities of streaming, I walked away from the renting game about a year ago. I'm a subscriber of Hulu Plus, plus I've looked at Amazon Prime, RedBox streaming and now it seems Warner Brothers has a service....so many choices for streaming. I had to devise a plan to still watch what I wanted...Netflix takes away..I know what I'll do, I'll give them MORE of my money (This is where I question my own sanity). Yes..I literally went on to my account and purchased to rental service again.
I know what you're asking..."Why Rob...why?" I can only guess I felt like something was being taken away from me...so I wanted control again. It's the old car salesman trick that I was taught. When I was 19 yrs old and selling cars, one of the first lessons I was told was - when you place the keys of a car into the customers hands, they immediately feel a sense of ownership. Taking those keys away, plays a trick on their mind, and now they don't want to let go.
So I have fallen to the oldest trick in the book...oh Netflix, you sly dog...you gave me tons of titles, regardless if I would never watch them, only to take them away. I felt bad...so I, in return, gave you more money.
My next question is this - when Netflix loses a ton of titles, does this mean that the end of the road can be insight? I mean, look at all the other streaming sites, and I'm sure plenty more are underway to pop up. If the studios wise up and stop licensing their titles and start streaming their own libraries, what would be left for Netflix? Sure, Netflix is working on a library of titles themselves..like the revival of Arrested Development and the new Hemlock Grove. Our subscription dues are paying for the new content, but...and it's a big But....if the subscription stop...does the new content? Of course. Hemlock Grove was given a $3 million dollar budget per episode and early reviews were so so. I have yet to watch it, but I will get around to it.
Will we see a resurgence of Independent titles hit Netflix? I mean if they loss a majority of the better titles, they have to turn to Independent titles, right? For the independent filmmakers, it's nearly impossible to get Netflix to carry their titles, plus the revenue is nothing...wouldn't it be great if all of a sudden we hit the upward trend of funding by distributors to make Netflix titles that would be like the late 80's trend of straight to video VHS? Could it be possible? I guess we shall see.
