1. Is this the first Cult Fiction convention?
Yes, this is the inaugural run for Cult Fiction Drive-In. However, Bob Slendorn (co-promoter) and myself (Ken Nelson) have been involved in conventions for years and years.
2. Who conceptualized the event and why?
I write for a magazine called Horrorhound and they throw these enormous events in the midwest, however they are catered almost entirely toward the horror audience. And similar events exist all over the country, however there really wasn't anything out there that provided that same sort of experience for fans of cult cinema in general beyond those who appreciate scare flicks. Bob conceptualized the idea of doing a 'cult' movie convention and approached me about joining him in the endeavor and I jumped at it. We envisioned it as a chance to not only bring in different kinds of celebrities that don't necessarily fit into the lineup at a horror convention or comic con, but also to highlight some of the less celebrated work - at least on a mainstream level - of different celebrities who often frequent such events.
3. You are from out of town (where?), so why choose Jax to hold it over cities like Tampa or Orlando?
At the time Bob came up with the idea for the show he was living in Port Orange, FL and Jacksonville just seemed to be a great central location to draw in fans from all the surrounding areas. Being in Northeast Florida and right off of I-95 provides easy access for fans to come down from places like Georgia and the Carolinas, as well as from Florida too.
4. Who is your favorite cult icon? (and will they be at the con?)
My favorite cult icon has to be Pam Grier - she's just been in so many classic exploitation films like Coffy and Foxy Brown that are a blast to watch over and over again. Not to mention her role under Tarantino as the title character in Jackie Brown - she's just such a great actress. And it certainly doesn't hurt that she was a badass and a beauty in those old grindhouse-era flicks. We're fortunate enough to have her at the show the entire weekend to meet with fans, sign autographs, perform a Q&A and more. We're also showing her best flick in my opinion, Coffy, on our outdoor drive-in screen Saturday night.
5. What is your favorite cult film?
There are so many that it's nearly impossible to choose. One of my favorites has to be Critters - it was sort of a Gremlins ripoff in the mid-80's that had this wonderful blend of sci/fi, horror, and humor - it's the kind of flick they just don't make anymore these days. I couldn't even begin to count how many times I've seen it. We'll also be hosting a Critters series reunion (yes, there are 4 of them!) at Cult Fiction Drive-In with Dee Wallace, Don Opper, and Liane Curtis in attendance. We'll also be showing Critters 2 on our outdoor drive-in screen Saturday night.
6. How has the pre-show response been? (are pre-sale tickets doing well?)
Ticket pre-sales have been great for a first-time show! There seems to be a lot of people excited about an event like this coming to Jacksonville - the community has been great at getting the word out there with lots of businesses going the extra mile to help out too such as Maverick's and EU Jacksonville.
7. If this convention does well, will you keep it in Jax for the next one - will there be a next one? Either way, do you promote events like this elsewhere, if so what/where?
Absolutely! We envision this to be an event that grows and becomes something that everyone looks forward to year after year. If the buzz we've received so far is any indication then I think we'll certainly be back in Jacksonville for many years to come!
CULT FICTION Drive-In
Underground Film and Cult Cinema Convention
at the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk
May 20-22, 2011
Friday - 4pm-10pm
Saturday - 10pm-7pm
Sunday - 11pm-5pm
Get all the info at http://www.cultfictiondrive-in.com/
