DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '24 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '06 II => Topic started by: BuzzH on August 05, 2006, 09:47:16 PM
-
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS), announces the following breaking news.
--- SPECIAL SHADOWGRAM BONUS ANNOUNCEMENT - AUGUST 4, 2006
A breaking-news postal-mail announcement is being sent now to all current SG subscribers, plus to new and renewing subscribers.
This 8½" x 14" release is illustrated on both sides. The Announcement cites upcoming nationwide book-signing appearances and radio interviews for Lara Parker for her new DS novel. It has a photo of her at the July 29 signing in Burbank, CA. The Announcement also pictures the original oil-on-canvas portrait of Barnabas from the 1970 MGM movie "House of Dark Shadows." This painting will be auctioned at the DS Festival's 40th Anniversary Celebration in Brooklyn on Aug. 27. The Announcement includes other time-sensitive news and details as well.
This SG News Updates List and future SG print issues will share future confirmed news, appearances, photos, and publicity. Subscription information for the published SG newsletters is at the end of this Update post. The complete Bonus Announcement and the current companion postal-mail print issues SG #107 and #108 will be sent to you to begin your subscription as soon as your order payment arrives.
--- SG BONUS ANNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
(The postal-mail edition has complete details.)
--- NEW DS NOVEL BY LARA PARKER (Angelique, Cassandra, Alexis, Valerie, Miranda, Catherine)
Her new novel "Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch" was published by Tor Books in July. The sequel to her out-of-print 1998 novel "Dark Shadows: Angelique's Descent" features 2 complex plotlines - one set in 1971 Collinsport, the other in Salem, Massachusetts, in the 1690s. It is available through most bookstores now and from amazon.com
Following are Lara's scheduled book-signing appearances. More are being considered. Copies of the new book will be available for pre-order and on-site purchase. Retail price for the 288-page trade paperback is $12.95. Please contact each location for more information.
*** Salem, OR - Wed., Aug. 9 -- 5:30-7pm. Jackson's Books, 320 Liberty St. SE. 503-399-8694.
*** Portland, OR - Thurs., Aug. 10 -7pm. Twenty-Third Avenue Books, 1015 NW 23rd Ave. 503-224-5097. www.23rdavebooks.com
*** Memphis, TN - Thurs., Aug. 17 - 7pm. Davis-Kidd Bookstore, 387 Perkins Road Extended. 901-683 9801.
*** Dayton, OH - Wed., Aug. 23 - 7pm. Books & Co. 350 E. Stroop Rd. 937-297-6365.
*** Whippany, NJ - Thurs., Aug. 24 -- 7:30pm. OLM Hall, 90 Whippany Rd. 973-887-0050.
*** Brooklyn, NY - Fri., Aug. 25 to Sun., Aug. 27 -- Dark Shadows Festival - Marriott Hotel at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams St. 718-246-7000.
*** Philadelphia (Exton), PA - Tues., Aug. 29 -- Borders Express, Exton. 610-363-5036.
*** Brentwood, CA - Wed., Sept. 13 - 7pm. Dutton's Brentwood, 11975 San Vincente Blvd. 310-476-6263.
*** San Francisco, CA - Fri., Sept. 15 - 7pm. The Book Smith, 1644 Haight-Ashbury St. 415-863-8688.
*** Hollywood, CA - Sun., Sept. 17 -- 10am-6pm. Hollywood Book Fair in West Hollywood Park, 647 San Vicente Blvd.
Lara participates in a radio tour, "a list of radio programs where I will be interviewed live." The following list is subject to change. Tune in to these programs:
*** Airing Thurs., Aug. 10 - Boston: WBNW-AM - Frankie Boyer Show / Cleveland: WEOL-AM - WEOL Morning Show and WTAM-AM - Wills & Coleman / Monmouth: WIBG-AM - Hurley in the Morning / Akron: WAKR-FM - Ray Horner Show / Appleton-Oshkosh: KFIZ-AM - Back Stage Live.
*** Airing Fri., Aug. 11 - National: Cable Radio Network - Syndicated CRN Digital Talk / Suburban Chicago: WKAN-AM - Morning Show with Mike Tomano / St. Louis: WGNU-AM - Authors on the Air / Cincinnati: WLW-AM - Morning Show with Jim Scott / Columbus: WBEX-FM - Dan & Mike in the Morning / Grand Rapids: WGVU-FM - WGVU Morning Show / Colorado Springs: KCMN-AM - Mornings with Tron.
An internet interview will be heard on David English's BookTalk show on leisuretalk.net Aug. 14-20.
Lara tells SG more signings, media interviews, and other publicity are being planned. This SG Online DS News Updates List will announce confirmed news. SG #109 and future print issues will report details and pictures.
--- DARK SHADOWS FESTIVAL 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION UPDATE
SG here updates the latest news for the Official DS 40th Anniversary Celebration at the Marriott Hotel at the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, Aug. 25-27. The hotel is located at 333 Adams St., Brooklyn, NY 11201. 718-246-7000.
The Fest benefits Dr. Jeffrey Cummings' Alzheimer Research Center at UCLA in honor of the late DAN & NORMA CURTIS. Guests will be available for free autographs and photos for signing will be for sale at a nominal fee. Your admission entitles you to a free souvenir program book with actor photos and biographies.
See SG #107 and SG #108 print issues and recent SG Online Updates for more details about guests and programming. Fest website: www.darkshadowsfestival.com
*** New guest: GEORGE DiCENZO (Associate Producer) joins over a dozen previously-announced cast and production crew guests. All guests are subject to professional and personal commitments.
*** Original Barnabas Portrait to be Auctioned: The actual 1970 oil-on-canvas painting of Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins featured in the 1970 MGM film House of Dark Shadows will be offered for auction on Sun., Aug. 27 at 1:30pm in the hotel Ballroom. This unique collectible measures 22½" x 32" and is mounted on its original backing board. This is the genuine painting, so don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to own an authentic DS portrait! Other rare and collectible memorabilia will be auctioned on Sat. and Sun. as well.
*** SG Premiere Announcement: If you cannot attend but want to bid on the portrait, please e-mail your opening bid, maximum bid, full name, complete postal-address, and phone number (with area code) to ShadowGram@aol.com no later than 12:00 noon Eastern Time on Sun., Aug. 27. You will be notified during the auction via telephone if your bid is in contention to win the painting. The auctions are done live in the hotel Ballroom. Credit cards are not accepted. Payment must be made with cash, check, money order, or cashier's check. Your check will need to clear before the painting is shipped to the winner via Federal Express, which is at an additional cost.
*** Guests Re-create Original Episodes on Sunday (Not on Saturday)
On Sun. afternoon - not Sat. as originally announced - you'll witness the DS actors portraying roles originated by other co-stars when they re-create for the first time on stage the very first (June 27, 1966) and the very last (April 2, 1971) DS episodes! See David Selby play Roger Collins, Jerry Lacy as Burke Devlin, Lara Parker as Victoria Winters, Marie Wallace as Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, and other surprise castings! This will take place with a replica of the Collinwood drawing room as a backdrop set.
*** Videotaping: Please note that attendees will only be allowed to videotape the Collinsport Players Fan Skit and the Costume Gala, both held on Saturday night. None of the celebrity guest events or video presentations may be videotaped.
--- DEBUTING AT THE FEST:
*** Dark Shadows Bloopers & Treasures DVD, new from MPI, debuts at the Fest but will not be sold in stores until Nov. 21. This 2½-hour single-disc collection ($19.98) features bloopers, outtakes, music videos, promos, vintage game show appearances by the DS actors, and a new featurette with Lara entitled "Dark Shadows In Salem."
*** A special Fest edition of "Murder in PrimeTime," a new novel by Kathryn Leigh Scott, will be available. An actress playing a popular TV detective finds herself caught up in a dangerous real mystery, forcing her to use what she does as a fictional character to try and save her own life. Kathryn offers "autographed advance copies" with a B&W photo for $20 (incl. postage). Make orders payable to Pomegranate Press and send to Kathryn Leigh Scott, P.O. Box 17217, Beverly Hills, CA 90209.
*** The Fest is sold out of the autographed Dan Curtis' career biography book and the DS coin purse.
--- MPI plans "Dark Shadows - The Beginning" DVD Collections 1-6 with the 206 early, pre-Barnabas episodes. Due out in 2007, these initially will be available directly from MPI at www.mpihomevideo.com or 800-323-0442 (weekdays), and not from stores or online merchants.
--- FAN SHARING: All fans attending Lara's book signings and the Fest are invited and encouraged to please send their reports and photos, plus local media publicity, interviews, and articles, to ShadowGram at SG's postal- or e- mail addresses below. These will be shared with SG readers - including the DS cast and crew and fans worldwide - in print issue SG #109. A complimentary Contributor's Copy SG print issue is given in thanks for major contributions.
--- PLEASE NOTE: The special ShadowGram Bonus Announcement is sent to all current SG postal-mail subscribers to inform them of this time-sensitive news. It comes at no cost to them and is not counted on anyone's subscription. I pay for all its expenses by myself. The X-#___ on your address label indicates the status of your regular print issues. The SG Online DS News Updates List will update this news and print issue SG #109 will have the latest complete developments, photos, reports, and additional information.
Thank you.
Marcy Robin
ShadowGram Editor / Publisher
Marcy Robin, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766
E-mail: ShadowGram@aol.com
*****************************************************************
SHADOWGRAM (SG) is the * Official * "Dark Shadows" Newsletter. Much of its news is provided by the show's personnel and those involved in the 1966-71 TV series, 1991 TV series, and 2004 WB pilot. Established in 1979, SG works directly with individuals, companies, and others involved in DS' creation, distribution, promotion, merchandise, etc.
Regular SG print issues are published throughout the year, with free bonus complimentary breaking-news published updates as needed.
Brief Update bulletins are posted on this ShadowGram Online "Dark Shadows" News Updates List / Marcy Robin's ShadowGram "Dark Shadows" Cyberspace News Updates List. These posts are sent via e-mail between regularly-published issues to quickly notify fans of time-sensitive developments. Each e-mail Update is expanded and detailed in the subscription postal-mail print issues. You also can receive this identical SG Online Update by joining the ShadowGram Group at yahoogroups
SG postal-mail print issues are immediately available:
--- US & Canadian First Class subscriptions: $12.00 for 4 issues, $24.00 for 8 issues.
---Overseas Air Mail subscriptions: US $20.00 for 4 issues, US $40.00 for 8 issues.
Please send print issue subscription payment to:
Marcy Robin, P.O. Box 1766, Temple City, CA 91780-7766.
Online subscription payment can be made via Paypal to: ShadowGram@aol.com
For more information on the newsletter, please write with a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) to the above postal-address or e-mail ShadowGram@aol.com
Whenever your e-mail address changes, please notify me immediately. Please include your old and new e-mail addresses. If you do not wish to remain on the Online "ShadowGram / Marcy Robin's Cyberspace Dark Shadows News Update List," please notify me directly via return e-mail. Thank you.
-
*** Videotaping: Please note that attendees will only be allowed to videotape the Collinsport Players Fan Skit and the Costume Gala, both held on Saturday night. None of the celebrity guest events or video presentations may be videotaped.
Weird. I wonder why?
-
Weird. I wonder why?
Yeah Jen, I think that's ridiculous too. ::)
-
interesting that shadowgram made no mention of the nice dinner the local southern california fan club had last week with lara parker. marcy and jim both attended. has anyone submitted photos from the dinner to her? at this dinner i sat next to jim and asked him about the videotape restrictions. i heard rumors about this long before this shadowgram update came out. hes saying the stars object! this i have a hard time believing! i think he is going to have mpi release a video of the event so he wants to eliminate the competition. ive been taping/selling the festivals since 1983. jim never had a problem with this before as long as no episodes were being sold or performances by the stars. today i got a mailing from the festival. it makes no mention of videotape restrictions. so is he planning a special mailing to announce this. what about the people who dont subscribe to shadowgram? i and others would be ticked if they bring their camcorders all the way from wherever only to find out they can only tape the skits and costume contest.
-
My dad also taped the festivals for about 15 years. He was allowed to tape things such as Nancy Barrett's carbaret if he gave her a copy and didn't sell it. I can only assume that MPI will have something to do with this.
interesting that shadowgram made no mention of the nice dinner the local southern california fan club had last week with lara parker. marcy and jim both attended. has anyone submitted photos from the dinner to her? at this dinner i sat next to jim and asked him about the videotape restrictions. i heard rumors about this long before this shadowgram update came out. hes saying the stars object! this i have a hard time believing! i think he is going to have mpi release a video of the event so he wants to eliminate the competition. ive been taping/selling the festivals since 1983. jim never had a problem with this before as long as no episodes were being sold or performances by the stars. today i got a mailing from the festival. it makes no mention of videotape restrictions. so is he planning a special mailing to announce this. what about the people who dont subscribe to shadowgram? i and others would be ticked if they bring their camcorders all the way from wherever only to find out they can only tape the skits and costume contest.
-
Oooh boy- I can only guess how much footage they'll leave out and how much they'll overcharge for the DVD.......
-
interesting that shadowgram made no mention of the nice dinner the local southern california fan club had last week with lara parker. marcy and jim both attended. has anyone submitted photos from the dinner to her? at this dinner i sat next to jim and asked him about the videotape restrictions. i heard rumors about this long before this shadowgram update came out. hes saying the stars object! this i have a hard time believing! i think he is going to have mpi release a video of the event so he wants to eliminate the competition. ive been taping/selling the festivals since 1983. jim never had a problem with this before as long as no episodes were being sold or performances by the stars. today i got a mailing from the festival. it makes no mention of videotape restrictions. so is he planning a special mailing to announce this. what about the people who dont subscribe to shadowgram? i and others would be ticked if they bring their camcorders all the way from wherever only to find out they can only tape the skits and costume contest.
I agree Joe. I don't believe for ONE MINUTE that the stars object. (unless Johnny Karlen got wind that his pratfall off the stage in Tarrytown is out there. >:D) But seriously, I can understand if, for example, Nancy Barret is concerned about her cabaret act getting sold and she were to get sued for singing songs she doesn't own the rights too etc...or if MPI/DCP doesn't want the recreations of the first and last episodes being sold because they own the rights to the show itself. Hell, I can even buy if Jamison Selby didn't want Return To Collinwood sold (although WHY anyone would want that pile of dog doo I don't know). But to say fans can't film the Q&A's, Cast Reunion, Charity Auction--basically none of the stuff that's "copywrited" is beyond BS. They should let ppl film that stuff, then have ppl take their camera's out of the main room for Nancy's cabaret and any of the dramatic readings like they used to do for Jonathan's Reader's Theater. It's NEVER been an issue until this year about filming the panels etc...
I think you are on to something about MPI wanting to, ONCE AGAIN, exploit the fans for money (big surprise there right? >:( They are just greedy bastards. >:(
-
That seems wrong, and a violation of longtime DSF traditions. One can see, for copyright reasons, why they wouldn't permit people to tape the professional scripted plays, or tape a video that's being shown.... And so what if one of the actors says or does something spontaneously, that may not be professional shall we say--- well, stuff happens. It really doesn't get beyond the fandom and I doubt that even if something slightly embarrassing is sold on tape, that it affects even a fan's long-term opinion of the actor or actress. Doing SERIOUSLY embarrassing or even criminal things does precious little to harm much bigger celebrities than the former DS performers currently are.
And does this extend, to, say, the banquet? I have scads of vids of an actor holding forth at our table, as well as stuff from the Q&As. I also own numerous compilation videos from several fine sources, which include some "unscripted" moments, shall we also say. I would only surrender all such historical records--- because that's what I consider this material--- over my dead body.
So it sounds to me, too, like an effort to make an "official annual" DVD, all controlled and edited and totally unspontaneous, and moreover, not necessarily containing the moments I or any other individual might most wish to recall. Which, no matter how one views censorship of embarrassing moments and pratfalls, seems to me, a violation of First Amendment rights. BTW, I also do not consider absolutely everything the actors do in Q&As as part of a "performance", per se, or is this some kind of a new union rule? Is this now the way EVERY fan convention is run?
-
Does the no videotaping ban also apply to semi-official videographers like Guy Haines and Richard Blanco?
ProfStokes
-
i always understood guy haines being an "official" videographer not semi. not sure about richard. in the past mpi had their own crew taping for the mpi 25th and 30th anniversary tapes they released. one bright spot in this is not having to worry about hauling a video camera 3000 miles to tape the events.
-
I took it upon my frail, frail shoulders to e-mail Jim Pierson about this--- my e-mail, I must say without excess boasting ;D, was a masterpiece of marshalling every argument, and I assure you, properly edited to tone down traces of hysteria.
What is even more amazing, he actually ANSWERED it within about an hour!
Alas for anyone still hoping, taping's still a no-go. I guess I'd better ask him if I can quote it here and judge for yourselves.
Well, at least I tried--- "The Deef's" there for you guys!
I will always treasure the recordings I DO have.
"Oh no, they can't take that away frrom me...."
-
Does the no videotaping ban also apply to semi-official videographers like Guy Haines and Richard Blanco?
Guy no, Rich yes.
I took it upon my frail, frail shoulders to e-mail Jim Pierson about this. What is even more amazing, he actually ANSWERED it within about an hour! Alas for anyone still hoping, taping's still a no-go.
Did he give a reason?
-
did jim give the same reason as i got. did he elaborate? did u tell him no one believes that the stars object?
-
The DS actors are easy enough to talk to at the Fest.
Just ask them if they object.
If enough say no, call Pierson on his BS.
David
-
Dave Brown was the only official videographer the festival has ever had. I didn't hear anyone else being asked to take it on as it would require sitting and taping all the programming (panels, etc.) and not just what interested the videographer. Dave made his living as a videographer and so was professional enough to entrust with that role. I don't think anyone has the equipment available to them Dave did though I could be wrong.
If MPI is indeed videotaping the events for bonus material, it will be a better quality for everyone to have. That would be a good thing, woudln't it?
Nancy
-
It is interesting the ban has gone into effect. I don't know the reason given. But I would like to point out one thing: videotaping and then selling videotapes (as a fan attending the fest) can easily be seen as a violation of union rules. In AFTRA, which all DS actors have to be a member of whether still active or not, there has to be an agreement/contract in place if the material being sold is getting sold because certain actors appear on it. That wouldn't even be a question of whether or not the actors object to being videotaped or not, it's a union rule and something they would not necessarily have a whole lot to say about it. The union rules involve a payment of some kind generally. I don't know the arrangement the DSF has with the actors and the union or MPI for that matter but there is more about rules and payments involved than the average fan would have reason to know.
Nancy
I don't believe for ONE MINUTE that the stars object. (unless Johnny Karlen got wind that his pratfall off the stage in Tarrytown is out there. >:D) But seriously, I can understand if, for example, Nancy Barret is concerned about her cabaret act getting sold and she were to get sued for singing songs she doesn't own the rights too etc...or if MPI/DCP doesn't want the recreations of the first and last episodes being sold because they own the rights to the show itself. Hell, I can even buy if Jamison Selby didn't want Return To Collinwood sold (although WHY anyone would want that pile of dog doo I don't know). But to say fans can't film the Q&A's, Cast Reunion, Charity Auction--basically none of the stuff that's "copywrited" is beyond BS. They should let ppl film that stuff, then have ppl take their camera's out of the main room for Nancy's cabaret and any of the dramatic readings like they used to do for Jonathan's Reader's Theater. It's NEVER been an issue until this year about filming the panels etc...
I think you are on to something about MPI wanting to, ONCE AGAIN, exploit the fans for money (big surprise there right? >:( They are just greedy bastards. >:(
-
It could be because some fans do, in fact, sell things they should not so a more blanket rule has gone into effect. That's another possibility. I know that Nancy Barrett was very upset that a fan was selling copies of her cabaret show. She didn't tell me who it was but then I heard other actors had a similar problem when they performed at the fests. It's not just a copyright issue but selling videotape of actors either performing or doing a panel discussion can turn into a union issue. Maybe there has been more going on in this way than we know hence the crack down.
Nancy
My dad also taped the festivals for about 15 years. He was allowed to tape things such as Nancy Barrett's carbaret if he gave her a copy and didn't sell it. I can only assume that MPI will have something to do with this.
-
The DS actors are easy enough to talk to at the Fest.
Just ask them if they object.
If enough say no, call Pierson on his BS.
Yeah, like they did when he was gonna stop the Fest's. A fan asked the stars about it at the cast reunion and KLS pulled Jim onstage and basically ripped him a new one, w/a smile on her face of course. ;D
-
I don't think anyone has the equipment available to them Dave did though I could be wrong.
Guy Haines has Jim's permission to tape.
-
But I would like to point out one thing: videotaping and then selling videotapes (as a fan attending the fest) can easily be seen as a violation of union rules. In AFTRA, which all DS actors have to be a member of whether still active or not, there has to be an agreement/contract in place if the material being sold is getting sold because certain actors appear on it. That wouldn't even be a question of whether or not the actors object to being videotaped or not, it's a union rule and something they would not necessarily have a whole lot to say about it. The union rules involve a payment of some kind generally. I don't know the arrangement the DSF has with the actors and the union or MPI for that matter but there is more about rules and payments involved than the average fan would have reason to know.
Nope, sorry, not buyin' it. Seems to me that SAG and AFTRA would be more upset by the fact that the stars are NOT PAID to appear at the Fests (which is why, to quote the Festival flyer, "Appearances subject to professional commitments") or for any of the performing they do than if fans are selling videos of Q&A sessions. Give me a break! ::) Add to this the fact that ppl have been filming Fests and ShadowCons for almost 30 years? Puhleez! Probably 95% of all filming is for personal use. Not many ppl sell, in fact, I only know of one who did. If what you say were true, aside from the fact that all of them would be in trouble for not insisting on being paid for any involvement w/the Festivals, the unions would go after ALL the paparazzi who film stars at premieres and awards shows and on the street. ::) Ban ALL filming of ALL performances, but let fans film the Q&A, Cast Reunion etc...
-
it will be good if they release enough of the events. most conventions i made available contained apx. 8hrs of footage and that was after editing!
-
here in hollywood, major movie stars get their stars placed on hollywood blvd and get footprints in cement at the chinese theatre. the public is invited to attend and no restrictions are made for videotaping or photographing these events. theres no way of knowing whos doing it for personal use and whos doing it with the idea of selling the pictures/photos later. i see shops along the blvd selling candid paparazzi like pictures of celebrities. i think if they are at a public event or out in public theres no rules/laws about photographing or videotaping them and selling the material. i think the problem at the conventions is that they mix performances and q+a/ panels etc together in the same day. so everybodys got their camcorders set up to tape the q+a and then next is nancys cabaret or the stage play etc. jim comes out and says no videotaping of the performances but always somebody tries it anyway. some are asked to stop and some get away with it or they say they didnt hear the announcement. maybe all the performances can be done in 1 day and video cameras can be banned for that 1 day and they can have people checking at the door for cameras and the rest of the convention can be all q+a and skits and panels etc that could be photograhed and videotaped with no problem.
-
Since this is the 40th, I think it might be reasonable to assume that a DVD is in the offing -
as to "union rules," does anyone know if this "banning" is a precedent, or have they ever done it at, say, a Trek convention? And if so, for what reason? A gathering of fans and former stars of an older tv show doesn't strike me as a "performance" under standard union rules - nor is the organization under which the fests are organized considered a "union house" under which AFTRA or SAG rules would normally be considered in force (although IATSE rules may be in effect in certain venues for purposes of the union technical support which might be needed to mount an event).
In the case of a live performance of, say, a copyrighted script using AEA stage actors(actors equity), it is customary not to film or photograph without union, copyright holder or production company permission. The creator or writer may make this request solely, as well. However, if union rules were to be in force in a situation like the fest (highly doubtful), then the "performers" or guests would be owed union scale fees, at the least. There would be contracts, etc to sign. Being a SAG or AFTRA or AEA performer does protect you in terms of fair use of a performance(getting paid, etc.) - but I haven't heard of the definition of performances being extended to autograph lines, informal panels (talk shows do pay scale to union performers) or Q & A's. It would certainly not apply to unrehearsed interaction between fans and guests or fan "performances" and costume parades.
I think more information is needed on the whys and wherefores of this particular situation before drawing conclusions, but, left to guesses, its probably about exclusivity for a later DVD release, or an attempt to protect a few segments of the program or both. In any case, union involvement is unlikely - intellectual property or copyright concerns would be a little more plausable.
Petofi
-
here in hollywood, major movie stars get their stars placed on hollywood blvd and get footprints in cement at the chinese theatre. the public is invited to attend and no restrictions are made for videotaping or photographing these events. theres no way of knowing whos doing it for personal use and whos doing it with the idea of selling the pictures/photos later. i see shops along the blvd selling candid paparazzi like pictures of celebrities. i think if they are at a public event or out in public theres no rules/laws about photographing or videotaping them and selling the material. i think the problem at the conventions is that they mix performances and q+a/ panels etc together in the same day. so everybodys got their camcorders set up to tape the q+a and then next is nancys cabaret or the stage play etc. jim comes out and says no videotaping of the performances but always somebody tries it anyway. some are asked to stop and some get away with it or they say they didnt hear the announcement. maybe all the performances can be done in 1 day and video cameras can be banned for that 1 day and they can have people checking at the door for cameras and the rest of the convention can be all q+a and skits and panels etc that could be photograhed and videotaped with no problem.
as to "union rules," does anyone know if this "banning" is a precedent, or have they ever done it at, say, a Trek convention? And if so, for what reason? A gathering of fans and former stars of an older tv show doesn't strike me as a "performance" under standard union rules - nor is the organization under which the fests are organized considered a "union house" under which AFTRA or SAG rules would normally be considered in force (although IATSE rules may be in effect in certain venues for purposes of the union technical support which might be needed to mount an event).
In the case of a live performance of, say, a copyrighted script using AEA stage actors(actors equity), it is customary not to film or photograph without union, copyright holder or production company permission. The creator or writer may make this request solely, as well. However, if union rules were to be in force in a situation like the fest (highly doubtful), then the "performers" or guests would be owed union scale fees, at the least. There would be contracts, etc to sign. Being a SAG or AFTRA or AEA performer does protect you in terms of fair use of a performance(getting paid, etc.) - but I haven't heard of the definition of performances being extended to autograph lines, informal panels (talk shows do pay scale to union performers) or Q & A's. It would certainly not apply to unrehearsed interaction between fans and guests or fan "performances" and costume parades.
Amen brothers! What I've saying. There's NO WAY any actor's union is objecting to videotaping at the Fests! If that WAS a concern, cameras, except for ppl like Guy Haines and Dave Brown, Fest Committee members both, would have been banned a LONG TIME AGO! It's the performances they don't want taped and I have NO PROBLEM w/them telling ppl not to tape. What they should do to avoid anyone who shouldn't tape from sneaking it anyway is close the room prior to ANY performance like the used to do for Frid's Reader's Theater and clear everyone out for say 30-60 mintues. Tell everyone then to take their video equipment back to their rooms and when ppl come back, make sure no one has a video camera like they do at Broadway shows (although anyone w/a micro camera WILL get away w/it, but if the Fest ppl do what they reasonably can to avoid unauthorized taping they would not be liable if someone had said micro camera). Another way to avoid stars worrying about getting sued is to either sing original songs, or here's an idea...GET PERMISSION from the licensee of the songs. Can't be THAT difficult I wouldn't imagine. But I digress...
-
As I said, I don't know what the reason is for the ban. I'm just speculating on the possible reasons like everyone else.
Nancy
Nope, sorry, not buyin' it. Seems to me that SAG and AFTRA would be more upset by the fact that the stars are NOT PAID to appear at the Fests (which is why, to quote the Festival flyer, "Appearances subject to professional commitments") or for any of the performing they do than if fans are selling videos of Q&A sessions. Give me a break! ::) Add to this the fact that ppl have been filming Fests and ShadowCons for almost 30 years? Puhleez! Probably 95% of all filming is for personal use. Not many ppl sell, in fact, I only know of one who did. If what you say were true, aside from the fact that all of them would be in trouble for not insisting on being paid for any involvement w/the Festivals, the unions would go after ALL the paparazzi who film stars at premieres and awards shows and on the street. ::) Ban ALL filming of ALL performances, but let fans film the Q&A, Cast Reunion etc...
-
Seems to me that SAG and AFTRA would be more upset by the fact that the stars are NOT PAID to appear at the Fests (which is why, to quote the Festival flyer, "Appearances subject to professional commitments") or for any of the performing they do than if fans are selling videos of Q&A sessions. Give me a break! ::)
SAG and AFTRA doesn't cover stage work so, no, they would not be concerned. That would fall under AEA. There are also waivers producing organizations can obtain. I don't know how the fest works that out or if it does at all.
Add to this the fact that ppl have been filming Fests and ShadowCons for almost 30 years? Puhleez! Probably 95% of all filming is for personal use. Not many ppl sell, in fact, I only know of one who did.
I agree - why now? Which is why if I had to pick a possible reason as being most likely it is because MPI wants/needs more bonus material for the DVDs. It would be nice a reason were given for the ban because, as you pointed out, the videotaping of events has gone on since the fests started.
If what you say were true, aside from the fact that all of them would be in trouble for not insisting on being paid for any involvement w/the Festivals, the unions would go after ALL the paparazzi who film stars at premieres and awards shows and on the street. ::)
No, Buzz - one has nothing to do with the other. ;) The unions do not have any jurisdiction over the photos taken of actors famous, not famous, wish they were famous, or used to be famous.
My hunch is that the now "banned" material is going to show up on an MPI DVD in the near future. I don't know what else the reason could be though nothing would surprise me anymore. ;D
Nancy
-
wow! Wouldn't it be great to own that portrait of Barnabas!" :)
-
wow! Wouldn't it be great to own that portrait of Barnabas!" :)
It would certainly be unusual....but my husband would never stand for that painting hanging in our house, and I know of at least one other husband around here who wouldn't either...... ;)
-
wow! Wouldn't it be great to own that portrait of Barnabas!" :)
It would certainly be unusual....but my husband would never stand for that painting hanging in our house, and I know of at least one other husband around here who wouldn't either...... ;)
sometimes i think my husband would not even notice but since it would replace
my children's portrait let's hope ::)
jennifer
-
It would certainly be unusual....but my husband would never stand for that painting hanging in our house, and I know of at least one other husband around here who wouldn't either...... ;)
Not to be boastful, but I am glad to have married another Dark Shadows fan, as Diane and I did hang a portrait of Barnabas above our fireplace in the den. Its the one that was by the company that did the early 90's gim cards, and pretty nice if not an exact replica of the show's. I told her I would however one day replace it when I can afford to have her portrait painted as Josette like the one from the Old House. ;D
The Angeique PT portrait reproduction btw hangs in one of our hallways as well
Michael
-
You're a lucky guy, Michael. I've talked to a lot of fans who wish their spouse or significant other had such an interest!
Nancy
Not to be boastful, but I am glad to have married another Dark Shadows fan, as Diane and I did hang a portrait of Barnabas above our fireplace in the den. Its the one that was by the company that did the early 90's gim cards, and pretty nice if not an exact replica of the show's. I told her I would however one day replace it when I can afford to have her portrait painted as Josette like the one from the Old House. ;D
The Angeique PT portrait reproduction btw hangs in one of our hallways as well
-
You're such a romantic, Michael.
Have the near orig portrat here - no...wait. My roomie commissioned a goy to paint the portrait. Looks dang nice hanging in the living room. Or parlor as you Southern folk say.
-
Of course, in reality who is really going to be able to prevent fans from taping the fan panels, etc, since there is no legal reason for it, and as some have said, sad to say, there has probably been some illegal of copyrighted stuff that should not have been videotaped.
Re the portrait auction, one of my children showed an article about a Star Trek memorabilia auction, and I showed them the information on being able to email in a bid on the Barnabas portrait at the Fest, and my child got a big kick out of that one, but then, my children have come to accept that anything can happen in Ds fandom....they cannot understand the big interest in something that is forty years old, and I say, DS still has the potential to become an addiction to some even to this day....
-
Or parlor as you Southern folk say.
Not unless you live in a funeral home. ;)
-
Of course, in reality who is really going to be able to prevent fans from taping the fan panels, etc, since there is no legal reason for it, and as some have said, sad to say, there has probably been some illegal of copyrighted stuff that should not have been videotaped.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by there being no legal reason for it. The organizers set the rules for the Festivals. If they announce a ban on videotaping any celebrity performance or copyrighted video presentation, I would assume that a refusal could jeopardize the person's attendance at the event regardless of what has happened at past Fests.
Re the portrait auction, one of my children showed an article about a Star Trek memorabilia auction, and I showed them the information on being able to email in a bid on the Barnabas portrait at the Fest, and my child got a big kick out of that one, but then, my children have come to accept that anything can happen in Ds fandom....they cannot understand the big interest in something that is forty years old, and I say, DS still has the potential to become an addiction to some even to this day....
Cute story!
-
I did hang a portrait of Barnabas above our fireplace in the den.
The Angeique PT portrait reproduction btw hangs in one of our hallways as well
THAT is AWESOME! As Napoleon (Dynamite not Bonaparte)would say... "Lucky!"
-Penny
-
at last years festival in los angeles there were "bouncers" going up to people videotaping restricted performances and asked to stop. these werent festival volunteers. they looked intimidating. dressed in suits. big guys. im not even going to bother bringing my camcorder.
-
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by there being no legal reason for it. The organizers set the rules for the Festivals. If they announce a ban on videotaping any celebrity performance or copyrighted video presentation, I would assume that a refusal could jeopardize the person's attendance at the event regardless of what has happened at past Fests.
at last years festival in los angeles there were "bouncers" going up to people videotaping restricted performances and asked to stop. these werent festival volunteers. they looked intimidating. dressed in suits. big guys. im not even going to bother bringing my camcorder.
Agree, the legality of it isn't an issue, if there even is an issue of legality, which I don't think there is. The Fest Chairman, namely Jim Pierson, can set the rules and if fans don't comply then the Fest Committee has every right to toss the fans out. Whether or not we as fans agree w/said rules is also not important, it's their show and we are their guests. And what Joe says is correct, there were some scary looking dudes last year and they didn't allow anyone to break the rules.
-
Not to be boastful, but I am glad to have married another Dark Shadows fan, as Diane and I did hang a portrait of Barnabas above our fireplace in the den.
Ah, Michael, I remember when the two of you met. A match made in Dark Shadows heaven. ;D I also have a Dark Shadows related portrait hanging on my wall. Those amazing eyes of Angelique seem to follow you around the room. It is kind of eerie. ;)
-
In my previous post, I when I referring to legality of taping, I was referring to copyright issues, but that is true, any con can set its own rules, and now that we have lost Dan Curtis, Jim P may become even more controlling at the Fests than he has in the past, but who knows.
All kidding aside, we know that the orginal Barnabas portait will get incredible bids, it will be interesting to see what it goes for.
-
Dave Brown was the only official videographer the festival has ever had. I didn't hear anyone else being asked to take it on as it would require sitting and taping all the programming (panels, etc.) and not just what interested the videographer. Dave made his living as a videographer and so was professional enough to entrust with that role. I don't think anyone has the equipment available to them Dave did though I could be wrong.
If MPI is indeed videotaping the events for bonus material, it will be a better quality for everyone to have. That would be a good thing, woudln't it?
Here are several corrections/clarifications to this post:
Dave Brown and Guy Haines were the only (please forgive the overly authoritative word) "official" videographers of the Dark Shadows Festivals. Guy taped the Festivals from the very first one in 1983 and Dave began the year after that. The three founders of the Festivals, Kathy Resch, Marcy Robin and Maria Barbosa named Dave and Guy in the 1984 Festival program book as being in charge of "Video Operations". Their duties mostly included taping the Festival events, but soon after evolved into preparing video footage that was to be presented at the Festivals and videotaping limited attendance events requested by the DS guests, such as Jonathan Frid's show rehearsals. Initially, both Guy and Dave made their videos available for fans to purchase. In the late 80s however, Guy asked that the DS fanzines not publicize him as selling the tapes because it was interfering with his work and (then) school activities. He would continue to fill an occasional request for his Festival footage if fans sought him out.
Perhaps the writer of the post above "didn't hear anyone else being asked to take" on the taping of the Fests because Guy was already doing it. In fact, Nancy hit the nail on the head when she described the work of the Fest videographer as requiring "sitting and taping all the programming (panels, etc.) and not just what interested the videographer". That is exactly what Guy does and always has done at the Festivals. Many frequent Fest attendees have been aware for years that if there is an event happening in the main room, they know that Guy is there behind his camera in his usual spot in the front of the room.
Despite never claiming to be a professional, through the years Guy has been requested to videotape many special Festival functions. He accompanied Jonathan Frid and Ann Wilson to Newport in 1985 and videotaped Jonathan giving a tour of "Collinwood" and the "Blue Whale". Guy's video footage has also been used on past MPI DS tape releases, such as Louis Edmonds' Cabaret performance on the 25th Anniversary tape. On two occasions he videotaped Joan Bennett in her home for Festival presentation. And in 1998 he was asked to videotape Jonathan Frid's show at Hofstra University.
Through the years, both Dave and Guy utilized the most professional ¢â‚¬Ëœhome video' equipment available. This included VHS, Super-VHS and later digital quality cameras. They did not use professional studio quality video cameras, such as the ¾ inch tape cameras. However, the most expensive video camera equipment (personally seen by this writer) that was used to tape the Festivals belonged to Rich Blanco. He utilized two camcorders, both very expensive 3 chip state-of-the-art cameras. He used only the highest grade tapes for a crystal sharp picture. The only other cameras that surpassed Rich's quality were the professional cameras that taped part of the 25th DS Anniversary Festival in LA for segments to be used on the MPI tape.
By the way, as far as this writer knows, MPI has no plans to include Festival bonus footage on future DVD releases.
SDP
-
Thanks for the clarifications for those who didn't know but I assume you fel this was necessary because you took my post to be critical of Guy and that was far from the case.
Guy, I'm afraid the whole thread got out of hand and wound up being taken out of context partly because I was cranky over a non-board related issue and that manifested itself here. I PMd an apology to Buzz, in fact. The fact is unchanged that my post was not critical of you or your contributions as a videographer to the festival. If I really had felt that way, I would not have asked you to tape Jonathan's show at Hofstra years ago. Jonathan didn't want anyone associated with the festival taping the show at that time so I had to convince him to let you do it. I knew you would do a good job and that your equipment was perfectly fine for the purpose - it was even better than ours! If I thought the experience would be bad and your work was lousy, you would not have been asked to tape the show, let alone be permitted to sell the Q&A afterwards. I'm the person who picks the crew and others to be involved with the show - volunteers and professionals - so it would have been my hide had it not worked out. Obviously I was comfortable with having you in the role you were in. If I hadn't, you woud not have been in that role. :o
All I did was say that you had videotapes, that's all. I didn't know if you still sold them or not. Will you in the future?
Nancy
Despite never claiming to be a professional, through the years Guy has been requested to videotape many special Festival functions. He accompanied Jonathan Frid and Ann Wilson to Newport in 1985 and videotaped Jonathan giving a tour of "Collinwood" and the "Blue Whale". Guy's video footage has also been used on past MPI DS tape releases, such as Louis Edmonds' Cabaret performance on the 25th Anniversary tape. On two occasions he videotaped Joan Bennett in her home for Festival presentation. And in 1998 he was asked to videotape Jonathan Frid's show at Hofstra University.
Through the years, both Dave and Guy utilized the most professional ¢â‚¬Ëœhome video' equipment available. This included VHS, Super-VHS and later digital quality cameras. They did not use professional studio quality video cameras, such as the ¾ inch tape cameras. However, the most expensive video camera equipment (personally seen by this writer) that was used to tape the Festivals belonged to Rich Blanco. He utilized two camcorders, both very expensive 3 chip state-of-the-art cameras. He used only the highest grade tapes for a crystal sharp picture. The only other cameras that surpassed Rich's quality were the professional cameras that taped part of the 25th DS Anniversary Festival in LA for segments to be used on the MPI tape.
By the way, as far as this writer knows, MPI has no plans to include Festival bonus footage on future DVD releases.
-
Well, for those still laboring under the illusion there is a Festival Committee, I need to tell you that there hasn't been for many years. There is a group of people - a staff or whatever is has been called in the festival booklet - who are there to assist the chairman but most of them spend most of the time selling DS memorabilia. They help out, of course, and the chairman trusts them but they don't have anything to do with the organization of the festival. The festival is part of the publicity machine for DS through DCP and whatever entity now directs that organization. The committee people aren't employees of DCP and never have been to my knowledge.
There ain't no committee. Of this I am certain. Most of those who assist with the festival are called "production assistants" and wear a very official looking badge which purpose is to allow them to be anywhere they need to be at any given time.
And people do videotape things and sell them without asking permission of the actors involved. I am talking about performances and not panel discussions. They make copies and sell it privately. I've run into it with Jonathan's shows and rehearsals and I know other actors have encountered the same problem. Unfortunately a few idiots cost everyone.
It is common when an entity doesn't want people videotaping certain things at an event to simply ban all videotaping. That way the attendees don't "forget" what they can tape and what they cannot. I think the ban stinks but I think of many reasons it happened.
Nancy
-
Thanks, SDP and Nancy. Clarifications and insights into the workings of the Festivals are fascinating and always appreciated.
The DS Memorabilia thread did get out of hand, and I'm sorry to see the debate carried over to this one. So please, as MB has already requested, let's stay on topic, and any further debate about misunderstandings during that previous disscussion needs to be taken to private message because it will be removed from the boards.
-
Thanks for the clarifications for those who didn't know but I assume you fel this was necessary because you took my post to be critical of Guy and that was far from the case.
All I did was say that you had videotapes, that's all. I didn't know if you still sold them or not. Will you in the future?
No sweat, Nancy. :)
I won't be selling tapes/dvds partly because I don't have the time, partly at Jim Pierson's request. I meant to say in my previous post that rather than being called an "Official Videographer", I'd prefer to see myself as the Festival historian or Festival archivist.
See you at the Fest.
SDP
-
No sweat, Nancy. :)
I'd prefer to see myself as the Festival historian or Festival archivist.
We could bring you a wingback chair with a fireplace behind it! ;D