GHOST OF GRIMALDI
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Joseph Grimaldi is regarded world-wide as the creator of the modern day Clown. He died in 1837, and is buried in an old churchyard renamed Grimaldi Park, Islington, London.
Forrest J. Ackerman's scary treasures part of Hollywood auction -- and I was one of many Forry was probably kind enough to let wear the ring
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The late Forrest J. Ackerman dedicated his life to amassing what many consider to have been the world’s largest personal collection of science fiction, fantasy and horror memorabilia. On Thursday, about 500 remnants of his prized cache will go on the block as part of a larger auction of Hollywood collectibles.
Though his inner circle included sci-fi royalty — he was Ray Bradbury’s first agent, and Famous Monsters influenced Stephen King, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas — the beneficiaries aren’t famous. Among them is a waitress from his favorite restaurant, House of Pies in Los Feliz, said friend and estate trustee Kevin Burns.
“It’s because they weren’t expecting to be in his will that they are in his will,” he said. “We’re expecting that everyone will get something.”
Auction items include a signed first edition of Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein,” priced at $2,000 to $3,000; a first edition of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” signed by the author, Lugosi and Boris Karloff, at $6,000 to $8,000; and a copy of “Triton,” signed by Ackerman and bearing the property label of L. Ron Hubbard, at $600 to $800.
The most expensive items are those Ackerman cherished above all others. Lugosi’s black cape is priced at $15,000 to $20,000; his ring, at $20,000 to $30,000, and it is expected to go for much higher, Maddalena said. Lugosi kept the ring until he died; a friend of his gave it to Ackerman because of his admiration for Lugosi.
“Having the ‘Dracula’ ring was something he could wear on his hand, and once he started wearing it, he became known as the man who had Lugosi’s ring,” Burns said. “It has a certain mystery and magic having been worn by Lugosi and then by Ackerman. He would never take it off.”
ENDEAVOR AND THE WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY MERGE Two of the leading entertainment agencies reach historic agreement
Monday, April 27, 2009
(Beverly Hills, CA -- April 27, 2009) In a landmark deal, two of the leading entertainment agencies, Endeavor and the William Morris Agency, today announced a merger of both companies. The new agency will be called William Morris Endeavor (WME) Entertainment. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed in the second quarter.
The leadership team for the new agency will be Jim Wiatt, Chairman, and Ariel Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell and Dave Wirtschafter, Co-CEOs.
Wiatt, Emanuel, Whitesell and Wirtschafter join company directors John Fogelman, Peter Grosslight, Rick Rosen, Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and Adam Venit on the nine-member board that will guide the agency.
This historical agreement brings together two of the industry’s most respected entertainment agencies spanning motion pictures, television, music, theatre, publishing, commercials, sports, marketing and below-the-line production.
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