Recovering from Monster-Mania 24!!

Recovering from Monster-Mania 24!!

Wow!! That should probably be the headline because I'm still trying to recover from probably the greatest convention experience I've ever had. Dave Hagan and family went above and beyond for their 10th Anniversary return to Cherry Hill, NJ. I had high expectations but this weekend surpassed anything I was thinking.

Ok, lets talk about the con...

So, Friday, my Wife, Kim and I arrive at the Crowne Plaza and start the set up process. The only disappointing part of the weekend, was the freak snow storm we had while unloading. It was a nuisance more than anything. We set up the booth...laid out of copies of No Clowning Around with care, hoping that rabid horror fans would soon be there.

As always, I tried to see as many of my friends I've made over the years and make business contacts. I treat Monster-Mania as a business trip, seriously. I make contacts, set up deals and try to plan out other events for the remainder of the year. 

I was glad the buzz for the hometown premier was already great. Friday was off to a great start and then things got even better. Dave calls me and says that he wants me to host the Q&A's on Saturday. I have been fortunate enough to host a majority of Q&A's at the Hunt Valley Monster-Mania for the last few years but this would be my first year in Cherry Hill....needless to say, I was thrilled. Dave had a killer line up plus, I knew I would try to sit next to Danielle Harris and make best friends with Tyler Labine (mission accomplished on both...well, kind of..haha). The crowd size was already big, but I knew Saturday would be even bigger. Kim and I cut Friday a little short, leaving at 9pm to head to Steve Corino's wedding...which was awesome on every level...I'm sure we will fill everyone in within a few weeks on the return of the XOCPodcast.

Saturday came super quick...and super early. Kim and I wanted to get to the hotel early because we knew parking would be an issue. For those that complain, parking is always a pain, wherever you go...ever try getting out of a Phillies game? Anyways...Saturday was already looking promising and it didn't let us down. At 1pm, we had the No Clowning Around hometown premier and we promoted it to everyone that walked by. We made sure we handed out flyers, talked and pushed. Was I nervous? Of course..no one wants to walk in and see 6 people sitting there. I'm happy to report that the room was 75-80% full...too us, a HUGE success. We had a very good Q&A, lots of questions and laughs, plus we were able to promote upcoming projects. 

I was able to run back to the table for about an hour to sell some dvd's but then I rushed back to host the Q&A's...I was hosting from 3pm-8pm on Saturday. I had so much fun. The Men Who Played Jason never disappoint. I think I've done Q&A's with them 2 or 3 times and Steve Dash is always a shit stirrer..always laughing my ass off. Being able to talk with so many talented people is always a pleasure. I absolutely take advantage of it..using it as an opportunity to pick their brain and learn some things. 

Personally, I always think the best Q&A's are the one on one's. The one on one for me this time around was Tyler Labine, from Reaper and Tucker and Dale vs Evil fame. I'm a huge fan of his work, especially his ability to walk the line between sarcasm but still be extremely likable. It's such a tough balancing act on television. Listening to  his set stories from Tucker and Dale, plus hearing his disappointment when Invasion got cancelled was all great. The pace of the Q&A's are based on the audience and the guest. If they all want to talk, it's so awesome and a learning experience....this was a great example. He was awesome to talk with and if you ask me...we are probably best pals now.

Saturday night, Dave, Doug (Dave's son), Hotel Brian and Myself were hosts and judges of the costume contest. Man, talk about amazing costumes and effort...this was a legit contest. The crowd was packed and rowdy...we all loved it. We had zombies, clowns, sexy chicks and some serious inventive costumes. It was two hours of craziness...I HOPE Dave brings this back again.

Yorkies Auction and my new Clown Head :)

On to Sunday....ahhhhh.....man, another full day ahead...Kim and I make our way downstairs from our hotel room and eat plenty of bacon..haha...couldn't help it. We hit our table for about two hours before we head upstair for the Yorkies auction. This event is always my highlight of Monster-Mania...seriously. I have been the auctioneer for a few years now and it's grown and grown and...grown. It's an absolute pleasure to help a great cause, I love it. We raised over $3,400 this time around and it's all due to YOU. The con goers who come, donate and bid so freely and you're all so caring. If there was ever anyone who wanted to question Horror fans hearts, invite them up for this...it's amazing. I actually grabbed that clown head on the table. I love this part of the weekend.

Up next was the Sinister Short Film Festival and again, I loved this. I'm so passionate about Independent Filmmaking and this is a huge step for any filmmaker..to show your work, be judged...it's tough. I had a blast watching everyone's work. Everyone should be proud...the film that won was titled "Outhouse" and it would have been my choice. It was a throwback to 80's VHS, even having some tracking issues...great touch.

So, there you have it...Monster-Mania in a nutshell. Hopefully we see you in August. 

Am I the poor man's Kevin Smith?

Am I the Poor Man's Kevin Smith?

Over this past weekend, I attended a surprise Birthday party and I sat and mingled with a diverse group of people. Fellow actors, office people, spouses, editors and just random people, all walks of life. Interestingly enough, it was held at the Red Bank Elks Lodge...yep...2 blocks down from the Secret Stash.

The Secret Stash is the comic book shop that is showcased on the AMC show, Comic Book Men. It's been featured in Kevin Smith's ViewAskew Universe on film, talked about on his podcast network (Smod Co) and flocked too by the masses of Smith's nerds. The "Stash" is full of movie memorabilia; it's a shrine to films that spawned from the Independents. Kevin Smith has lead the way and made being a nerd cool....at least for me. Plus, you have to hand it to him, the guy takes care of his friends and shows loyalty...a RARE thing.

Anyways...back to the story...

So, someone says "congrats on your short film, heard great things." I've never been good with compliments...ever. I'm always sort of embarrassed but extremely thankful that someone is actually thinking a positive about me...especially since from my view point, I'm really struggling to make headway. I hardly ever see the positives...I always want to be better. Then they ask "so, what's next...?"

I'm gonna put a pause here...because in my head..there is a pause..

I start to tell the table about my plans, because by now...everyone is kind of staring at me. They are waiting for my response. I talk about my next short film titled "baggage", plus the idea of shooting a short comedy film. Then I mention the web series I'm in the middle of developing, that will start rolling in the summer..(here's a tidbit - it will be about film..not a review show, but insight and how to's). I talk about how I love to write and I'm working on a book...I talk about podcasting...and by this time, I feel like..."who is still listening?"

All of a sudden...I hear this "You're like the poor man's Kevin Smith"...now, for those that know me, I'm a huge Kevin Smith fan..if anything, the dude is my idol. So, I sit for a second, kind of shake it off and say "nah, he's got a lot going for him...I'm just a small town guy." Dinner continues and I don't think back about the comment and enjoy the baked ziti and grub the cake. 

My Wife, Kim, on the ride home notices I'm quiet and asks where am I. I just answer that I'm thinking ahead for this week's premier of No Clowning Around at Monster-Mania. I express that this is a make or break weekend for me. I know I'm new to the film making game but I feel like I'm carrying a lot of pressure. She then says "You know...you're gonna be great." I love how she gives me the extra confidence and pushes me to better. 

Poor man's Kevin Smith or not...this coming weekend, I push and work harder than I ever have. I look at this as the greatest opportunity I've ever had. I have to take the bull by the horns and make it matter. I want you to leave Monster-Mania, having an amazing weekend...but in the back of your mind..I hope there is a glimmer that creates an awareness that I am out there...trying to make good.

No Clowning Around plays at 1pm on Saturday, March 9th. The screening will be in Grand Ballroom C and a short Q&A will follow.

Special thanks to my Wife for always having my back and pushing me to be better and to the Monster-Mania Con promoter, Dave Hagan for believing in me and teaching me the most valuable lesson I've been taught yet..."Believe in yourself...or you can't expect anyone else too"

Monster-Mania 23 weekend recap!

Monster-Mania 23 weekend recap!

Well, chalk up another Monster-Mania in the books...and what a weekend it was! On Friday morning, Kim and I load up the car for Hunt Valley, MD and start our yearly trip to be amongst the fellow horror fanatics. This Monster-Mania had some level of nerves built in for me, unlike those before it.

Promoter Dave Hagan, my partner on the Monster-Mania Radio show, pulled me aside a few days before and said "I think you should dress as Mumbles for the con." Mumbles is the character from our film "No Clowning Around" and is already developing a life of his own (he even has a Twitter nowhttp://www.twitter.com/mumblesclown). Our purpose, Matthew Burd (co-director) and I, was to get a feel for the films trailer. We figure, we'll show it, hopefully it will go well and we can unleash it to everyone else right after. Here is where the nerves kick in...imagine this, I'm dressing as a clown that no one knows, promoting a movie that no one knows and I'm just hoping people come to my table. Talk about a possible punch to your confidence level!



Jamie Kennedy & Mumbles



Kim and I get to the hotel and I head downstairs to search out Dave and find out where our table is. We see we are next to Jeremy London and Jamie Kennedy. I figure Kennedy will have a good line, so I'm excited. Plus, I'm a big Jamie Kennedy fan...so this makes the nerd in me; Happy!

We go back upstairs to the room and I start with the "Mumbles Transformation. When I started doing the clown paint, it took me about an hour and 15 minutes, now, I'm down to about 45 minutes. Kim was right there to help; I can't apply the eye liners, so that's all her job. I get finished and head down stairs about 4:45, with doors opening at 5pm.

I think it's odd that I seem normal to be dressed as a clown in a sea of people, yet no one really notices or cares...haha...only sat Monster-Mania. I instantly start to mess with people I know, yet they don't know me. I start to take pictures as con goers are "curious". Matt gets there with the trailer and we start to show it.......now, I'm really nervous. I feel very exposed and hopeful. As more and more people start to watch, I start to feel really good. A lot of positives and people anticipating the release (December by the way).



Life of the Party



After we have a very successful night of promoting, we head to the VIP Party. The VIP Party was poppin!! Heather Langenkamp and Amanda Wyss are tearing up the dance floor, and having a total blast. I hadn't eaten all day, so if you listen to Monster-Mania Radio, you know I was at the all you can eat Ice Cream bar. Regardless of what people think, clown shoes are no joke. My feet were dead, so Kim and I head upstairs and get some rest...or so we thought.

The bed vs. Me = the bed wins!! I just couldn't sleep at all..I struggled, even breaking into several swearing outbursts!!

Anyways, back to Monster-Mania in the morning...no more clown, just me. Kim and I run across the street to Wegman's and get some breakfast and get to the table. Kim stops to buy me a 9' Frankenstein from Mezco and the NECA Battle Damaged Jason figures for me...she knows me too well. She grabs a small Leatherface for her desk at work. Thanks to Amok Time Toys!!

As people are wandering around, it makes me happy to see people wearing "Mumbles the Clown" t-shirts and more are coming to the table to see the trailer. It's getting close to 2pm and I'm scheduled to host the Q7A's, a job that I absolutely love. My first Q&A is Jeremy London and I'm a HUGE Mallrats fan, so we are ready to roll!!



Gunnar, Marylin Burns & Me



When hosting the Q&A's...I always try to keep it together. I write notes so I can cover for the dreaded "No Question" dead periods when the audience has nothing to ask. I always get nervous, since the worst thing to happen is being 10 minutes into the session and then we have nothing but silence.

John Kassir, was awesome to sit with. When you're sitting on stage with the Crypt Keeper, how can you NOT be happy? Watching him for years and meeting him was great. He shared a lot of stories and did a lot of voices. I think he could have spoken for 2 hours and no one would have complained.

Next was an odd pairing of Traci Lords, Patricia Tallman and Camille Keaton, but they were all fantastic. I made sure I fit in my Roseanne question to Traci Lords...haha. Camille Keaton appreciated that I mentioned her work in the ToeTag Pictures film, Sella Turcica. Plus, I shared a quiet moment with Patricia Tallman where I explained how I truly feel that the 1990 Night of the Living Dead remake is the greatest remake of all time. Patricia Tallman was someone I've always wanted to meet, so doing so just completed my weekend.



Me, Dave Hagan & the Nightmare Girls 



The next Q&A was the Texas Chainsaw Panel with Gunnar Hansen (Leatherface) and Marylin Burns (Sally the survivor) and this might have been the panel I was looking forward too the most. Gunnar is probably one of the nicest guys to ever meet, plus, Marylin is so sweet. I was so happy to share an hour with them. I think the biggest benefit of hosting the panels is being able to be a fan for a minute and ask a few questions. It really means so much, I can never thank Dave enough for giving me the opportunity, it's just incredible. Anyways, Gunnar and Marylin share how hard it was for them and the amount of embarrassment that came with this film. Closing in on 40 years old, they now realize how important the film is too us fans. They were so awesome.

Up next, Dave stopped in and asked if I wanted to host a panel together. I always say I would love too...I probably pester him about it..haha. I just think he's a great host and it was special to me to share that with him. The good flow seems to stop...as a Lady brings in 3 kids into this panel and they weren't real happy. It puts the convention in a bad spot, at least in my opinion. You want everyone who pays to be able to enjoy the panels, but they were disruptive...it happens and was handled great. The Nightmare Girls were Tuesday Knight, Lisa Wilcox, Amanda Wyss and Heather LangenKamp. They were fantastic to say the least..they all shared their memories and had everyone smiling.

Dimension & Jamie Kennedy

Dave allows me to close out Monster-Mania with hosting the panel with Jamie Kennedy and I really was looking forward too it.

I'm a big fan of Jamie Kennedy for a different reason than Scream or other film roles, I wanted to talk about Heckler! Heckler is a documentray Kennedy did that discusses heckling in comedy but more importantly, he confronts people that talk shit online. I applaud that...seriously.

He was a true professional and was perfectly comfortable talking about everything. He talked good and bad things, he experiences and was a riot. I can't thank him enough for being so great. If you didn't stay for this one...you really missed some great stuff. Jamie Kennedy made me a fan for life after watching him all weekend with every fan and how he handled everything. Nothing but positives.

In closing, thank you to everyone who stopped by our table. Thank you to everyone who supports Monster-Mania, behind the scenes, it means more to people than you'll ever know. I'm already looking forward to March 8-10th in Cherry Hill, NJ as it's Dave and companies 10th Anniversary! Thanks again guys, you made this a weekend to remember!!

Dimension to appear at Monster-Mania as "Mumbles the Clown" THIS Friday!!

Dimension to appear at Monster-Mania as

"Mumbles the Clown" THIS Friday!!

This coming Friday, in Hunt Valley, MD, "Mumbles the Clown" will be in attendance at Monster-Mania Con. Star of the Independent Horror/Drama film "No Clowning Around", Rob Dimension has stated "I will be Mumbles on Friday only, to help promote the movie." In addition to Dimension, Kim Dimension, the co-star will also be at Dimension's table. Co-Director Matthew Burd has stated also "I want to gather some additional footage of Rob as Mumbles for the extras on the Dvd". So, come see the crew and possibly be featured on the No Clowning Around dvd, that's scheduled for a December release.

In more exciting news, Burd added "We will also be premiering the trailer at Monster-Mania!" Dimension, who typically hosts a majority of the Q&A's in Hunt Valley will be on hand at the convention both Friday and Saturday, but will only be set up on Friday. All merchandise will be available at the con, including t-shirts, posters, 8x10's and Official Mumbles the Clown Fan Club cards.


Next week, we will have information as too where the trailer will be shown on the big screen. So stay tuned....and could there be a "No Clowning Around" sequel on tap to shoot in the Spring??

Dimension Update - July 26th, 2012

Dimension Update - July 26th 2012

Hey! It’s been a while…but here I am! I’m literally sitting in the parking lot of a College campus, waiting for my daughter. Time is short and I’m trying to use every minute. I’m going to be updating this more, working harder to stay in touch…I understand not everyone listens to our shows, so maybe you will read!

Life runs by so fast, it’s hard to put effort into everything. From doing the Extreme Odd Couple Podcast with Corino, to the new Monster-Mania Radio show, running my family life, working on my first short film and Pro Wrestling commitments things can seem overwhelming but then it hit me – I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do!

No Clowning Around is moving forward and looking great. We made the decision to push back filming a month because of the heat. There is nothing worse than being under the lights, feeling the pressure and it being over 100 degrees. I want the best from everyone, so I thought it might be best to wait until September. The film will be out in Nov, just in time for the holidays. If you would like to support the project, head to http://www.noclowningaround.com/

Professional Wrestling and I have this love hate relationship going. I can relate to drug users, you literally get high feeding off the emotions from the crowd. I typically only work now with Corino, honestly because we have so much fun. I’m not getting younger, trust me, I know but I still love going out and being the biggest asshole. On this past week’s XOC Podcast we announced Corino and I heading to Illinois for the Insane Clown Posse “The Gathering” event in August.



I was able to watch American Juggalo, a documentary that gives you an idea about the Gathering…I don’t think I’m ready…haha. My Wrestling persona is usually a smug, preppy type but most people would be shocked to know how HUGE of a rap fan I really am. The mid to late 80’s Rap era was some of my favorites in music. Listening to Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane, the Fat Boys, LL Cool J, going to see The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy and exchanging cassettes of underground battles with kids from New York that shared my same love for it, still sticks in my head. Once NWA hit the scene, the landscape changed for Rap...plus it changed for me. The fun left, it was now angry and violent. Now look at me, always talking about Barry Manilow and Meat Loaf (the singer, not the food)…something must have snapped..haha.

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to Monster-Mania Radio yet, I encourage you too. Doing a Horror podcast is tricky. People don’t understand the pressures you can face, let me share some thoughts;


Keeping upbeat – easily one of the hardest parts of podcasting, especially about a genre that you absolutely love. It’s so easy to fall into the “what I hate” mode instead of the positives. My thinking, when dealing with a genre like Horror that is very opinion based is simple – give me your opinion, listen to mine and let’s talk. It’s simple! I would rather hear your opinion on something that just “you’re wrong” answer. I love debates; I hope you make me rethink my thinking. Being open minded will win me over.

Guests – this is always a winner. Since we have started, Dave and I are on the same page about sound quality and this is always a challenge. The variables that come into play are multiple…from their voice, where they hold the phone, and what kind of phone they have. It’s tough but we are making huge strides to improve the quality. I know I’m no professional…haha, I’m just talking about what I love. I really enjoy asking questions that aren’t the normal. When hosting the Q&A’s at Monster-Mania I always do my best to be prepared. Like many, I am not a fan of the typical “What’s your favorite kill?’ – Push your boundaries and connect with the listeners. I still work on this each time we have a guest.


Niche – I’m a HUGE Underground horror fan, I love to flex my nerd muscles but when speaking to a diverse listener base, I need to roll my sleeves down and just talk. I try to keep it general and have topics that everyone can relate too. Being too niche, unless that’s you niche (see what I did there?) can lose you listeners. I want to have a voice for people, to stand up for what we love, but don’t want to be so nerdy that people tune out. It’s a tough line to walk.

That's it for today, but thank you again for the support. Words can't describe how much I appreciate it.



Rob Dimension meets the Master of Horror

Rob Dimension meets The Master of Horror

by: Rob Dimension

MonsterMania 20 has come and gone, leaving the usually peaceful Hunt Valley, MD in ruins...well, not exactly. The Horror Convention hosted some of the greatest Horror Icons and Movie stars with names like John Carpenter, Anthony Michael Hall, Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Combs and many more. The crowd was the best yet for the NJ based convention..plus, it was a great time had by all who attended.



Hack and Danny Pickle



The Dimension Review crew, consisting of Rob and Kim Dimension, Hack the clerk and the lovable, internet movie reviewer, Danny Pickle packed up the family Dimension-mobile and headed South to kick off the Friday festivities. 

I was scheduled for Saturday to host the Q&A panels, I was excited as I was penciled in for The Monster Squad reunion, The Walking Dead reunion, Joe Turkel, The ReAnimator reunion and the Hellraiser reunion...unfortunately I wasn't listed under the John Carpenter Q&A nor the Halloween one. Now, understand, John Carpenter is really THE man in my books, he created so many incredible visions and showed me what true horror was (see my Growing Up Myers article) so, I was honored to be a part of the con and still be able to be around the guests and have fun. Plus, it was my Birthday weekend, what better way to celebrate??

Hack gets frisky with Katherine

Friday night, at the Convention is always a good time. I always stress to people to grab the VIP passes, the VIP party is so much fun. Hanging out with the guests, mingling with other attendees plus seeing all of our "con family" is always great. Kim and I had such a blast, plus seeing our PA/NJ Horror Club members, it's was great. They had a Michael Myers cake, plus, if you were lucky...you could see a Michael Myers moonwalk across the dance floor (Brad Loree is always a crowd pleaser). Dave Hagan really goes above and beyond with these conventions and delivers what he promises.

I just love Saturday's except Saturday mornings after a long MonsterMania party..haha...Kim and I made our way down to the vendors room and promoted the Monster Channel, plus sold some Fear Werx merchandise. I am always amazed at the creative costumes, the vendors that go above and beyond with merchandise and service...it's such a great atmosphere. I was scheduled to start Q&A's at 2pm so I was able to be the social butterfly, plus get over to the Fright-Rags table to see Kristy Jett and her posse. Did I mention, if you visit http://www.fright-rags.com/ and enter DIMENSION10, you get 10% off? Sorry, back to the recap...Kim had her hands full with Hack looking for boob grabs and Danny Pickle asking people for bus tokens, but she was having fun.

Danny's #1 Fan

I went and proceeeded to speak with Dave before the Q&A's started and said "if there is anyway I can help with the John Carpenter Q&A, please, let me know." Dave stated that he would be doing the last two panels, as he should, honestly, they are referred to as "The Main Events", plus he really does a great job. As the panels begin, I get into my groove and have a blast. I was looking forward to the 1 on 1 Q&A with Norman Reedus, who is just an awesome interview. Plus, I was such a fan of the Monster Squad film, meeting Ashley Bank and Andre Gower was a highlight. Barbara Crampton from The ReAnimator series was so lovely in person and super nice..just a great afternoon.

Finally, 7pm rolls around and Dave stops in and says "I'm going to be taking over the Hellraiser Q&A, go get something to eat....so you can get back to host the John Carpenter Q&A....Happy Birthday". I almost shit my pants (sorry to be blunt, but come on...it's the Master of Horror). So, Kim and I hurry up, grab some grub and get back....now, the part I'm leaving out is...on Friday night, I ran into Mr. Carpenter and stated "you are the reason I am here this weekend", sure he hears it all the time, he was humble and gracious, but I felt like a fanboy turd. I told Kim "I'm gonna hold it together tonight".



John Carpenter and Rob

I see Mr. Carpenter by the door, so....here we go. I introduce him and we are underway. The Q&A was a blast. 45 minutes of pure entertainment on his part. He was honest, gave people advice and spoke from the heart. It was so awesome (yes..I'm smiling as I write this..haha). It was a memory I will cherish forever, I thank Dave, from the bottom of my heart...sincerly. You can watch the entire Q&A below. Next week, The Dimension Review Crew returns, reviewing "The Super". Til next time....visit http://www.robdimension.com/ for more!!