Flashback Weekend is Chicago’s longest-running Horror Convention, as featured on both The E! True Hollywood Story and Anchor Bay’s THE EVIL DEAD Ultimate DVD Set!

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CELEBRITY GUESTS FOR FLASHBACK WEEKEND 2009

Robert EnglundROBERT ENGLUND

The original Freddy Krueger!
Author of "Hollywood Monster: A Walk Down Elm Street with the Man of Your Dreams"

Meet Robert Englund, the award-winning actor best known for his role as Freddy Krueger -- the legendary horror icon featured on the American Film Institute's "100 Greatest Heroes and Villains" roster. Now, for the first time, the man behind the latex mask tells his story in this captivating new memoir “HOLLYWOOD MONSTER’ A WALK DOWN ELM STREET WITH THE MAN OF YOUR DREAMS”, published to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first Nightmare on Elm Street film.

Robert Englund is no monster at all, but a deeply funny, charming Hollywood veteran. Packed with Robert's hilarious stories, playful self-deprecation, and a generous helping of never-before-revealed “A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET” trivia, Hollywood Monster offers an unparalleled look at the beloved film icon. With insider savvy and gallows humor, Robert recounts his audition for Wes Craven, the inspiration for Freddy's character, the grueling makeup sessions, his soon-to-be-famous costars, the often disastrous on-set blunders, and the wave of popularity that propelled this humble California surfer kid all the way to the top.

Soon after his high-profile stint in the groundbreaking TV miniseries “V”, Robert Englund took on the most celebrated role of his career -- the macabre and wisecracking killer who quickly became a household name. From the moment Freddy Krueger dragged his claws across a rusty pipe, a legend had been unleashed -- and a star was born. This is his story.

Saturday Oct. 24 – Robert Englund will host the Flashback Weekend Halloween party Saturday evening.

Sunday Oct. 25 – “HOLLYWOOD MONSTER” book signing and photo op with Robert Englund click here for details

Lance HenriksenLANCE HENRIKSEN

NEAR DARK, ALIENS, PUMPKINHEAD, MILLENNIUM, DAMIEN: OMEN II

Upon graduation from the Actor's Studio, Manhattan-born Lance Henriksen spent nearly two decades playing villains. An agreeable-looking fellow offscreen, Henriksen portrayed dark and, often, legendary characters on screen. In interviews, Henriksen claimed to "live" his parts while portraying them, which, he admitted, was a self-defeating practice. Henriksen is a close friend of director James Cameron, who saw to it that Henriksen was cast as a heroic android in his 1986 film Aliens.

In the years that followed Henriksen gained a reputation as an actor who could bring compelling nuance to even the most mundane of roles. Moving into the 1990s Henriksen made many films that left an impression on audience with remarkable zeal. From his menacing role as the head of a tribe of nomadic vampires in Near Dark to a tortured portrayal of a vengeful father in Pumpkinhead, Henriksen's colorful characters consistantly elevated what may have been dismissive, two-dimensional players in the hands of a lesser actor.

In 1996 Henriksen made quite an impression on television audiences as the lead character in producer Chris Carter's X-Files spin-off Millennium. As a former FBI profiler with a unique gift for peering into the minds of some of the nation's most feared criminals, Henriksen gained his most notable exposure to date and longtime fans ate it up.

Henriksen continues to delight his fans in regular genre film roles and appearances.

Source

 

Jenette GoldsteinJENETTE GOLDSTEIN

NEAR DARK, ALIENS, TERMINATOR 2

Jenette Goldstein is a true chameleon. She is so effective as an actress, it is nearly impossible to recognize her from role to role. To hone her craft after high school, Jenette studied at London's Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, and at Circle in the Square Theater in New York City, mastering drama theory, physicality, dialects and the classics.

It was in London, while performing in local theater productions, where Jenette answered an audition request for American actors with British Equity cards. Thinking it was another play or a small film, she read for a tough, macho Latina character named 'Vasquez' and shot to fame in James Cameron's iconic film Aliens (1986), where she rounded out an ensemble cast that included Lance Henriksen as the android Bishop. Cameron was so pleased with Jenette's creativity and strong work ethic, he cast her as 'Janelle' in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) and a cameo role as the loving 'Irish Mother' in the epic Titanic (1997).

Private Vasquez is now a legendary sci fi/horror character, and Jenette followed up the following year with another - Near Dark's vampire outlaw Diamondback, the "mother" of the vicious tribe of nomadic vampires. Near Dark saw her once again starring alongside Lance Henriksen (the tribe's "father").

In addition to film, Jenette has made several appearances on the small screen, & has continued working in theater throughout her career, appearing in plays in New York, London and Los Angeles.

Source

 

Tim ThomersonTIM THOMERSON

NEAR DARK, TRANCERS 1-5, DOLLMAN, FADE TO BLACK

Tim Thomerson rates highly as one of the best, most prolific, versatile and dependable character actors to ever grace both the big and small screens. Although often cast as laconic rough 'n' tumble macho guys, Thomerson has proved on many occasions that he can essay comic roles and dramatic parts with equal skill and conviction.

He achieved enduring cult popularity with his portrayal of rugged police detective Jack Deth in the terrific "TRANCERS” and it’s four sequels. In addition to his performance as Loy Colton in the 1987 vampire classic “NEAR DARK”, other memorable genre roles include police detective Jerry Moriarty in "FADE TO BLACK”, demented cult leader Lester in "CHERRY 2000”, the tough-as-nails  Sarge in "ZONE TROOPERS”, and the diminutive but fearless alien lawman Brick Bardo in "DOLLMAN”.  Tim has appeared in a large number of films for low-budget independent director Albert Pyon and acted alongside real-life friend Brion James in numerous pictures (the two first met while both serving in the National Guard Reserves). On television Thomerson played the half-man, half-woman Gene-Jean on the uproarious, but sadly short-lived sci-fi parody program "Quark."

 

Tony ToddTONY TODD

HATCHET, FINAL DESTINATION 1-3, CANDYMAN, DARK REEL,
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1990), THE CROW

Perhaps best known for his chilling performance as "Candyman", the charismatic
6' 5" actor Tony Todd has consistently turned in compelling performances since his debut in the motion picture Sleepwalk (1986).

Todd's extensive genre credits exemplify his versatility. Besides his numerous horror and sci fi film credits, he has had prominent guest star roles in numerous genre television series, including Angel, The X-Files, Masters of Horror, 3 Star Trek series (playing a different species in each show), Xena: Warrior Princess, Andromeda, Babylon 5 and others. Non-horror fans will currently know him best from his recurring roles on Chuck and 24.

 

Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins
GINGER SNAPS REUNION

 

KATHARINE ISABELLE

GINGER SNAPS 1-3, FREDDY VS. JASON

Born in Vancouver, BC, Canada Katharine was probably used to the television and film production lifestyle as her father, Graeme Murray has been responsible for special effects on shows such as The X-files.

Like so many others, Katharine broke into acting at an early age winning parts on films such as Cousins, Cold Front and shows like MacGuyver. As time went on Katharine won bigger roles which would eventually build up to a lead role in Ginger Snaps.

Whilst living in Vancouver, Katharine has built an ever-growing resume, not only on Canadian film and television but also with some of Hollywood's big names. In 2002 Katharine appeared in Insomnia, and in 2003 she had one of the more memorable roles in Freddy vs. Jason.

SOURCE

Katharine and Emily have also appeared together in Insomnia and Another Cinderella Story.

EMILY PERKINS

GINGER SNAPS 1-3, STEPHEN KING'S IT

A native resident of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Emily Perkins began her professional acting career at the age of 10 and made her feature film debut in 1989's Small Sacrifices. The following year, she was recognized with a YTV National Youth Achievement award in acting and landed key roles on the television series Mom P.I. and the films Anything to Survive and It, an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Stephen King.

As an adult, her film appearances include Insomnia and Prozac Nation, while her television credits include guest spots on Fox's Emmy-award winning series The X-Files, the renowned educational children's program Mentors, and Showtime's highly acclaimed comedy/drama Dead Like Me. Her lead performance in the Ginger Snaps film trilogy has received wide critical praise, and her work in the first installment of the series garnered her a Best Actress award at Spain's international film festival for fantastic cinema.

SOURCE

Mercedes McNabMercedes McNabMERCEDES MCNAB

HATCHET, ANGEL, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, THIRST, DARK REEL, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES

Who knew that the sanctimonious Girl Scout Amanda Buckman in 1991's The Addams Family would grow up to be one of TV's most beautiful bad girls?

The scourge of the Addamses eventually became the scourge of do-gooders everywhere a decade later when she joined the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and, later, Angel) as Harmony Kendall, arguably the funniest vampire either series produced.

Mercedes has kept close to the horror genre since Angel ended, with occasional guest spots on shows like Supernatural and Reaper, and films like Hatchet, Thirst and Dark Reel. She currently stars in the upcoming film Medium Raw.

 

Christa CampbellCHRISTA CAMPBELL

2001 MANIACS
2001 MANIACS: BEVERLY HELLBILLYS
LIES AND ILLUSIONS (2009)
DAY OF THE DEAD (2008)

Christa Campbell made her mark as the legendary Bettie Page in "From Pinup to Sex Queen: Bettie Page” in a episode of The E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY”. Her television credits are numerous, including appearances on programs such as "Summerland", "The X Show", "Unhappily Ever After" and The Jamie Kennedy Experiment.

In addition to her memorable role in “2001 MANIACS” as Milk Maiden, Christa’s other far-ranging roles include the action-thriller "END GAME" with Cuba Gooding Jr. and James Woods, "LONELY HEARTS”," with John Travolta, James Gandolfini and Salma Hayek, and with Nicholas Cage in the new version of “THE WICKER MAN”. Christa can also be seen in the 2008 remake of “DAY OF THE DEAD”.

Later this year Christa can be seen co-starring with Christian Slater and Cuba Gooding Jr. in the Anchor Bay Entertainment release “LIES & ILLUSIONS”. Christa recently wrapped filming on “2001 MANIACS: BEVERLY HELLBILLY’S” in which she reprises her role at Milk Maiden.

 

Kathryn LeKATHRYN LE

2001 MANIACS: BEVERLY HELLBILLYS

Kathryn Le has a very busy summer and fall 2009 in front of the cameras. She worked with director/star Dolph Lundgren in “COMMAND PERFORMANCE which opens later this year.  During the summer, she co-starred in “2001 MANIACS: BEVERLY HELLBILLYS” as “China Rose” for director Tim Sullivan.

Kathryn recently wrapped “VALENTINE’S DAY” for director Gary Marshall in which she co-starred with Taylor Lautner, Bradley Cooper (THE HANGOVER),  Jessica Biel, Jennifer Gartner, Jessica Abla, Anne Hathaway, Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Jamie Foxx, Topher Grace, Patrick Dempsey, Taylor Swift, Shirley MacLaine, and Queen Latifah (That must have been one hell of a wrap party!).

Kathryn will be bringing many never before seen photos from “2001 MANIACS: BEVERLY HELLBILLYS” with her to Flashback Weekend!

 

Charles BandCHARLES BAND

Full Moon Pictures founder
THE PUPPET MASTER series
The SUBSPECIES series

Charles Band has sustained a remarkable track record over the past twenty-five years. With nearly two hundred fifty films under his belt (including such classics such as “RE-ANIMATOR”, “FROM BEYOND”, “TOURIST TRAP”, and the “TRANCERS” series), the Chairman and Founder of Full Moon Pictures shows no signs of slowing down.

Band is, according to the Los Angeles Times, the “leader of the pack” among distributors of movies that debut directly on home video. Among his greatest hits are the hugely popular “PUPPET MASTER” and “SUBSPECIES” vampire series.

Band, the son of lauded veteran producer/director/writer Albert Band, literally grew up on the sets of his father’s movies during the Italian cinematic renaissance of the 1960’s. “My earliest memories are of being on film sets and locations with my father,” Band says. He began learning his craft at an early age, taking on every job he could commandeer. “I learned firsthand how the fantasies were put together.”

In 1975, at age 21, he produced his first film, “Mansion Of The Doomed”. It starred newcomer Lance Henriksen (TV’s Millennium). In the early 80’s, he produced and directed “PARASITE” in 3-D, which featured special effects by Stan Winston and starred a very young Demi Moore. This was the one of the first of Band’s very distinguished track record of discovering exceptional new talent.

In 1977, when no one in the industry shared his vision that home video was “the shape of things to come”, Band founded Media Home Entertainment, a company that became one of the original independent video distribution operations in America. His foresight and unwavering commitment to this marketplace helped pave the way for the colossal home video boom to come.

Visit his blog at www.charlesband.com and the Full Moon website at www.fullmoondirect.com.

Charles Band will be appearing Sunday. Charles will also be presenting his FULL MOON ROAD SHOW Sunday at 1:00 pm.

 

TIM QUILL

Tim QuillARMY OF DARKNESS, MY NAMES IS BRUCE, SPIDERMAN 1-3

Tim Quill went to High School in Michigan with Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Scott Spiegel and appeared in many of their legendary Super 8mm films. After moving to California, Tim appeared in other Sam Raimi films including “ARMY OF DARKNESS” (as the Blacksmith), “THE QUICK AND THE DEAD”, and “SPIDERMAN 1, 2, and 3”. As a character actor, Tim has appeared in many TV shows including “WALKER, TEXAS RANGER”, “OZ”, and “MIAMI VICE”. Most recently, Tim co-starred with Bruce Campbell in “MY NAME IS BRUCE”.

 

DAVID CRAWFORD

David CrawfordDAWN OF THE DEAD (1979)

David Crawford played Dr. Foster in George Romero’s “DAWN OF THE DEAD” (1979).  Dr. Foster is the scientist being interviewed at the start of the film who tries to warn the world about the zombies, but the world doesn’t listen (“They kill for one reason…they kill for food…they…eat…their…victims”). He was Diane Lane’s father in the stalker film “LADY BEWARE”, the cop in Bill Hinzman’s “FLESH EATER”, The Rev (a holy man who turns to the dark side) in Bill Schotten’s “SABBATH”, plus many other roles.  He has been an actor, mostly on stage, all his life.  In his spare time, he teaches acting, lends his voice to experimental films, and watches zombie movies.

 

JASON PAUL COLLUM

Jason Paul CollumOCTOBER MOON, NOVEMBER SUN

Writer, Director, Producer, Actor Jason Paul Collum is best known for his film work in the horror and thriller genres.

He is the writer/producer/director of JULIA WEPT (2000), the Showtime aired documentary SOMETHING TO SCR

EAM ABOUT (2004), one of the first gay-thrillers OCTOBER MOON (2005) and its sequel NOVEMBER SON (2008).

Also working as a journalist, Collum published the book "Assault of the Killer B's: Interviews with 20 Cult Film Actresses" (McFarland & Co., 2004), contributed to the books "Attack of the B Queens" (Luminary Press, 2003), "Creating a Christian Lifestyle" (St. Mary's Press, 1996), and "Dreams Alive" (St. Mary's Press, 1991). His writings have also appeared in magazines such as Fangoria, Alternative Cinema, Instinct, Video Business Weekly, Independent Video, CFQ and Femme Fatales. He was an Assistant Editor for Femme Fatales Magazine and Editor for Cinefantastique magazine.

He has also worked as an Assistant Director and Production Coordinator for indie filmmaker David DeCoteau. Through Rapid Heart Pictures, the two worked together on 5 films (ANCIENT EVIL: SCREAM OF THE MUMMY, THE BROTHERHOOD, THE BROTHERHOOD II: YOUNG WARLOCKS, FINAL STAB, THE FRIGHTENING).

Collum continues to work a variety of acting/production jobs for other filmmakers such as J.R. Bookwalter (DEADLY STINGERS), Danny Draven (HELL ASYLUM), John Treacy (BAD MOVIE POLICE), Jason Satterfield (THE LEGEND TRIP) and most recently Don Adams/Harry James Picardi (DOZERS). 

In 2009 Collum stepped away from the horror genre to direct the dark comedy SHY OF NORMAL.

 

LOCAL GUESTS FOR FLASHBACK WEEKEND 2009

SvengoolieSVENGOOLIE

Appearing Saturday October 24, 2009

Every year at Flashback Weekend we look forward to the annual visit from Chicago Television Legend "SVENGOOLIE". Rich Koz portrays the popular character each week on "The U!" with his cast of "Doug Graves" the laid back musical sidekick, and Tombstone the talking skull. In addition to the popular musical numbers and commercial parodies Svengoolie has always been known for, each show features a segment of the movie produced in Svensurround with added sound effects, dubbed-in dialogue and visuals. This technique was first done by both Koz and Bishop in the 1970's - before the advent of "Mystery Science Theatre 3000."

Svengoolie's hard work and comic genius continued to pay off and "Svengoolie - The First Year" a look back at Svengoolie's first year on WCIU was rewarded with a Chicago Emmy for Best Entertainment Program - Special. He currently has received 8 regional Emmy Awards, and was inducted into the prestigious Chicago Television Academy's 2004 "Silver Circle" for outstanding contributions to Chicago television.

Svengoolie will be signing autographs, posing for photos, and will take to the Flashback Stage for a Q & A and to MC the costume contest on Saturday 10/24/09. Get your costumes ready!

 

Dann GireDANN GIRE

Flashback Weekend Master of Ceremonies

Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire has been a member of the Flashback Weekend cult since the very beginning. He serves as the president and founding director of the Chicago Film Critics Association, and has won the prestigious Peter Lisagor Award for Arts Criticism six times. (His mentor/rival Roger Ebert has won it only four times.) Gire has also been an adjunct faculty member in William Rainey Harper College’s English and Journalism departments since 1984, teaching courses in drama, film & literature, journalism, short stories & novels, mass communications and feature writing. He put both Zack Snyder's remake of "Dawn of the Dead" and the family feature "The Incredibles" on his top 10 list of best movies of 2004.

 

Nick DigilioNICK DIGILIO

Flashback Weekend Co-Host

Talk Show Host/Film Critic for WGN Radio. Nick has been reviewing movies for over 23 years on WGN Radio in Chicago. He also hosts a highly-rated weekend talk show on 720am that covers everything pop culture and news related. He has also written, acted in and directed over thrity plays in and around the Chicago area including the horror classics "Among the Dead" (in which he played an insane?redneck who killed zombies) and "Operation Infiltration: An Experiment in Terror" (which was a salute to great genre films like Romero's "The Crazies" and Philip Kaufman's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"). He has LOVED horror films for his entire life and is incredibly excited to be co-hosting the Flashback Convention for yet another exciting year.

Top Five Horror Movies of All Time:

  1. John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN
  2. George A. Romero's DAWN OF THE DEAD
  3. Dario Argento's SUSPIRIA
  4. Don Coscarelli's PHANTASM
  5. Tobe Hooper's THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE

(but, of course, this list changes constantly depending on his mood).

 

Steve ProkopySTEVE (CAPONE) PROKOPY

Flashback Weekend Co-Host

Steve Prokopy is the Chicago Editor for Ain't It Cool News (www.aintitcool.com), where he has contributed film reviews and filmmaker and actor interviews under the name "Capone" since 1997. In 2005, he also joined the staff of the Chicago-based media outlet GapersBlock.com as the site's Friday film critic with his Steve@theMovies column. Steve has been a horror fanatic since he was a youngster, and was even suspended from high school for a day after a presentation he gave his classmates on his hero, make-up master Tom Savini. He has been a Flashback Weekend co-host since it began in 2002 and is thrilled to be back again this year.

Top Five Horror Movies:

  1. Sam Raimi's THE EVIL DEAD
  2. George A Romero's DAWN OF THE DEAD
  3. John Carpenter's THE THING
  4. Wes Craven's A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET
  5. Herschell Gordon Lewis' BLOOD FEAST

 

World of the Weird Monster ShowWORLD OF THE WEIRD MONSTER SHOW

Featuring Undead Johnny, Romy and the WOWMS Players

Undead Johnny and new co-host Romania have been scaring laughs out of the Chicagoland area for over five years now.  Hosting classic and not-so-classic horror and genre films, the World of the Weird Monster Show is broadcast out of Channel 666 and features a mixture of sketch comedy and sheer stupidity!  Plus, a whole lot of sexy ladies.  The show can be seen on Comcast Cable throughout the Chicagoland area, all over the country as well as on YouTube at youtube.com/wowmonstershow.

For more details see www.wowmonstershow.com

 

Kitty ZombieKITTY ZOMBIE

Chicago's favorite zombie will be attending Flashback Weekend! Unleashed upon the world by Zombie Army Productions in 2007, Kitty has become a staple of the Chicago horror and zombie scene and a crowd favorite, regularly hosting zombie-themed events like Retro Zombie Tiki Terror and Plague Day at the Faire. With the body of a killer and the mind of a puppy, Kitty is a particular favorite of the little ones, as he brings a Herman Munster-like quality to what would otherwise be a terrifying physical presence.

To find out more about Kitty, visit http://www.kittyzombie.com

 

CHAD SAVAGE

Chad SavageChad Savage has been drawing and painting disturbingly beautiful things his entire life, and his love of all things dark & spooky has become a career unto itself. His dark visual design company Sinister Visions inc. has spawned a series of genre sites including ZombiePinups.com and the DarkChicago.com series of sites. Savage has run art shows for Convergence, the World Horror Convention, Flashback Weekend and HorrorFind Weekend, is a Board Member of and the Web Committee Chairman for the International Association of Haunted Attractions and the Marketing Director for Flashback Weekend, the annual Halloween Art Exhibit and The Zombie Army.

Savage has created art, graphic branding and websites for hundreds of genre notables, including HorrorFind.com, HauntedHouse.com (2005), HauntedAttraction.com, Van Helsing's Curse, Fangoria, Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club, authors David J. Schow, Poppy Z. Brite, Douglas Clegg and Brian Keene, the International Association of Haunted Attractions, HAuNTcon, the Midwest Haunters Convention, over 75 haunted attractions and too many more to list here.

Sinister Visions inc. is an official sponsor of Flashback Weekend, and will host/sponsor the Costume Contest and Zombie Pinups Beauty Pageant on Saturday at 2009's Flashback Weekend - details HERE!

To learn more about Chad Savage and his work, visit SinisterVisions.com.

 

 

 

Celebrity guests subject to change without notice
due to unforseeable filming/scheduling conflicts.