Listen to Out of the Grave LIVE tonight with special guest Willy Adkins!!
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Jan 252012
So, today my oldest daughter Dixie Belle turned 7 years old. Its really an amazing shock to my system. 7 years ago today started the hardest 11 days of my life, as upon being born Dixie Belle had a bacterial infection in her blood and was airlifted from Kishwaukee Community Hospital in Dekalb to Rockford Memorial’s NICU where she stayed for nearly 2 weeks (as did I). She taught me what strength, fear and unconditional love were all about. For that, she will remain “Daddy’s little girl forever”. She came to life and gave me life to care for more then even my own. I’m so very proud of everything she has accomplished in her 7 years and she never stops amazing me with the things she learns, says and does. I love you Dixie Belle & Happy Birthday! ~ Daddy
Dec 202011
Feed’em Soup provides meal for ‘Holiday Healing Benefit’
By ANDREW MITCHELL - amitchell@shawmedia.com
Created: Monday, December 19, 2011 5:30 a.m. CST
- DeKalb musician Jaysen Curran entertains diners Sunday at Feed’em Soup during the fourth annual “Holiday Healing Benefit” meal. Curran would join a handful of other local musicians later at the House Cafe in DeKalb for a benefit concert. (Andrew Mitchell – amitchell@shawmedia.com)
DeKALB – With Christmas only six days away, Feed’em Soup President Randi Kennedy said she knows there’s no shortage of free meals being offered to those in need.
“It’s a busy time of the year, and everybody wants to give,” she said Sunday, during her organization’s “Holiday Healing Benefit” meal.
On Saturday, Evangelical Free Church in DeKalb also held a free holiday meal, and there are at least three more meals scheduled for the coming week. Sycamore High School donated to Feed’em Soup more than 5,000 items, ranging from food to clothes, for which the group needed to make two trips to collect, Kennedy said.
Sunday’s Feed’em Soup meal wasn’t a solo venture. Normally, the group hosts free community meals from it’s operating base at 122 S. First St. in DeKalb on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.
But for the second consecutive year, Feed’em Soup hosted the Holiday Healing Benefit, organized by Spook Show Entertainment, a DeKalb-based production company that specializes in benefit events.
Kennedy said SSE donated $150 to pay for the meal and brought in local musicians to entertain while people ate. Any money or canned food items donated during the meal and concert benefited Feed’em Soup.
Willy Adkins, president of SSE, said the idea behind the benefit – now in its fourth year – is to gather local musicians, artists and volunteers to give back to their community, as opposed to a national organization.
Five local musicians played while more than 100 people enjoyed an afternoon meal of meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, glazed carrots, scalloped potatoes and peach cobbler.
Afterward, most of the same musicians moved to The House Cafe, at 263 E. Lincoln Highway, to continue the benefit concert until midnight.
Jason Sullivan, vice president of SSE, said after 2010’s benefit show, it was a no-brainer to partner with Feed’em Soup again this year.
“We have the same wants – to give back to the community here,” he said.
He said coming up with the lineup for the benefit also wasn’t difficult for them.
“I think that speaks to the community itself. There’s a good vibe and a good number of people who want to give their time and talent,” he said.
Free meals offered this week
• 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Cathedral of Praise, 1126 S. First St. in DeKalb. Community is welcome.
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday at DeKalb Community Center, 330 Grove St. in DeKalb. Roast beef dinner open to anyone in the community. To arrange a ride, call 815-758-6641.
• 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Flippin Eggs, 831 S. Fourth St. in DeKalb. Annual free dinner for those in need.
Sep 192011
Northern Star file photo
Egyptian Theatre
Posted: Sunday, September 18, 2011 8:56 pm
Aurora Schnorr
Friday, the Haunted Tour came back to the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Willy Adkins, Illinois Ghost Tours founder, led a tour of paranormal activity in the 82-year-old theatre. The Northern Star caught up with Adkins to talk about the tour and other ghostly matters.
Northern Star: Why host the tours at the Egyptian?
Willy Adkins: My grandmother’s very first job was at the Egyptian Theatre. I’ve always had some kind of attachment to it; and, it being a local jewel of the community, I’ve always had a huge interest in it. And it does have pretty amazing stories to go along with it.
NS: What is the haunted tour? From what I understand, it’s not your typical haunted house.
WA: You’re taking an actual tour, a walking tour. We fill you in on historical and paranormal history surrounding the theater…After that, we will break everyone up to investigate using all the typical paranormal gear that you see on television (and other little tools you might not know)…It’s not like a haunted house where it’s something scary. This is more trying to communicate with grandma or grandpa. It’s a very friendly atmosphere. The hauntings are very friendly as well.
NS: Is there anything new coming to the haunted tour this time around?
WA: It’s always new! You never know exactly what you’re going to experience when you go into these situations.
NS: Now, a couple more personal questions. I hear that you have a character named “Mr. Willy,” can you tell us a little about him?
WA: The Mr. Willy character came to be for a music group called the DiAmorte’. I was booked as a drummer for the group eight days before they played at the Chicago Horror Film Festival. Basically, it was like vampire theatrics onstage that took place during a gothic-metal type show… And [the character] has been brought in as an event host. We’re working on a feature length film to give more of a back-story on him.
NS: So, I saw that in your credits is something called “Ghost Humpers.”
WA: Ghost Humpers is the result of one filmmaker saying to another on a Friday evening, “What are you doing tomorrow? Do you want to make a movie?” Quite honestly. It is probably the worst movie I will ever make, without it being on purpose, but it has entertainment value at the same time.
NS: What’s the plot?
WA: It’s kind of a psychological comedy thing. The main character’s name is Fay, and — (laughs) I’m sorry. It’s just so hard to explain this movie. It doesn’t even make a lot of sense to me, honestly. But [Fay] is haunted by something, and they assemble this paranormal team to investigate it. They have this FLIR camera, and they keep catching spirits humping people … We got it all shot in 48 hours, which is pretty cool, but it’s the worst movie I’ll ever make.
NS: Well to wrap up, can you tell me why you think people should come out to future Haunted Tours?
WA: Well, because I’m there, and you never know what you’re going to find at the Egyptian. I’ve been doing this for three years, and I’m thoroughly entertained every time I go, still. As somebody who is buried in paranormal, almost for a living, it’s one of my favorite places to go.
Jul 192011
Final edits are being completed on my film “Headline News”. Thanks to Justin R. Romine for his hard work in editing (and watching a screen render for hours..lol). The film now will be in the hands of Scott Potter at NoiseFloor in Chicago for audio design. Its looking great thus far!
Headline News
Help Us Make Our Next Film!!!
“Headline News”
CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR CAMPAIGN!!!
Headline News is a joint effort of 4 people to make a short story come to life on screen! The world premier of this film is going to be part of the 2011 Chicago Horror Film Festival at The Portage Theater! The film makers have known each other for several years and have had the urge to put together a project together for a very long time, and “Headline News” will be the first of several projects the team plans to take on.
Upon completion of the film, we intend to show it at as many festivals as possible. We take pride in our work and have put a lot of effort into making this film something great! We are currently casting the film, and of course getting the funds together to make it happen. Looking further ahead, the 4 film makers are working on another film, a feature length also based on a story by author Michael Kleen. When that project is completed, we plan to distribute the feature length film along with “Headline News” as a DVD extra.
Synopsis
Gerald Brown, a news reporter from the east coast finds himself stuck in a small town community starving for big city news, but finds himself continuously disappointed and annoyed. Then one day Gerald and Karen Jacobs, a journalist in training are sent to Woodbridge Community College to do a story about a cave fungus discovered by the knowledgeable Professor Alfred Zimmerman. What they find is much more then they expect! Find out what the days Headline News in this suspense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
About the film makers
This film is based on a short story called “Coed Terror in the Ivory Tower of Doom” by Michael Kleen.
Mr. Willy Adkins is the CEO of Spook Show Entertainment and a “jack of all trades” in the entertainment industry. He is well know for his paranormal investigation ventures. Willy founded The Illinois Ghost Hunters, The Paranormal Research Community & Afterlife Paranormal. His paranormal ventures have taken him all over the country. Willy is also known for his life long passion of dark arts and photography. He started taking photos under the name “Deviant Desires Photography“ 15 years ago. The name has grown to be internationally recognized. Present day Willy is staying busy producing, writing and acting in independent film. His first film release, “I Hunt Ghosts” a documentary about ghost hunting is currently available on DVD. He is currently working on a short film called “Headline News” that will mark his debut as a director. Many people in the industry know Willy for his horror hosting experience as the character we call “Mr. Willy”. Looking ahead Willy will be staring in a film bringing his “Mr. Willy” character to film called “Immortal Vengeance – The Chronicles of Mr. Willy“. Willy also prides himself by helping other independent artists (both film and otherwise) get noticed for their art and efforts as producer / director of The Chicago Horror Film Festival & The Indy Horror Film Festival. Whats next for Willy? Well, at the speed he is working the sky is the limit! More info about Willy Adkins on his official website: www.MrWillysLair.com or IMDb.
Deann Baker is a young up-and-coming filmmaker that’s about to graduate from Columbia with a bachelors in Film. She’s worked on a variety of films ranging from Main Stream (Public Enemy) to Independent (Portrait). Deann wears all kinds of hats when it comes to being in front and behind the camera. She just finished a supporting role in “And They Call it Puppy Love” as well as looking forward to starring in “Comcast! The Musical.” Beyond that she produces, assistant directs, sound mixes, writes, edits, and directs. She’s most recognized for her work as an original score composer for Cheese Muffins Productions. Currently she spends her days working at Comma Music/Particle Audio and as an editor for SGA and her nights are dedicated to writing the first draft of “Immortal Vengeance – The Chronicles of Mr. Willy.” She looks forward to Headline News as the mixture of passion and determination alone will give this film some life.
Jason Sullivan is the lead writer and casting director for “Headline News.” Born and raised in Chicago’s western suburbs, Jason wrote his first script while in college, where he also worked briefly as a lighting tech. Both areas were far removed from any curriculum of study he was active in. Since that time, Jason has completed various local screenwriting programs, and has contributed to 5 different full-length scripts. Jason cites small budget films such as “Pi” “Memento” and “The Blair Witch Project” as influences that made him want to become active in film-making. Outside of film-making, Jason works full-time as a financial analyst and plays bass guitar for a Chicago irish folk band.
Curtis Clegg – Bio Coming Soon
What We Need & What You Get
We are casting this film using donated time and talent, however we have many expenses to cover. Location rentals, van rental, equipment and all of the same expenses as any other film production. We will find a way to make this film no matter what, it comes with being very dedicated and serious about your projects. We have set a goal of $1600 for Indiegogo, and an overall goal of $2000 to get this film to look the way we want it to. Anything above and beyond will just give us the ability to help some of the talented people involved with gas to shoot locations and permit us to invest more into better effects for the film itself. Every penny obtained for this film, will go into making it the best film we can possibly make for you to see. Thank you in advance for helping us further our dreams, goals and art.
Other Ways You Can Help
PROMOTE! Its more important then financing! If nobody knows about the film, then thousands of dollars invested into a film don’t matter, because nobody will see it! Please send people to our Facebook Page and to our production website www.SpookShowEntertainment.com! We are still running casting calls for this film, and getting the right people in line to audition for the parts is a huge help as well! But please, tell your friends, your family and even your enemies about what we do!
Finally outside of this film alone, please get out and see independent films! It is a great network of people out there putting everything they have into making a “picture show” for you! Get out and see these awesome movies by so many dedicated and talented individuals!
www.SpookShowEntertainment.com
“Immortal Vengeance”
The Chronicles of Mr. Willy
That is the working title for what is to be the very first film to feature the character known as “Mr. Willy”. The film is being written by Willy Adkins himself. Willy tells us that, “while the film is fiction, several scenes will be based on real life events”. He goes on to say, “The story is about a normal guy turned dark after going insane fallowing repeat episodes of heartbreak.”
The teaser trailer above was an amazing accomplishment. Filmmaker friend of Willy’s, Deann Baker shot and edited the teaser trailer from her Chicago apartment! That wasn’t the amazing part however, The trailer was shown to a live audience at The 2010 Chicago Horror Film Festival less then 48 hours after filming began! “Deann did an absolutely amazing job with such a short turn around. It is my complete intentions to work with her on this project, as I know she puts her all into everything she does”, Willy happily expressed. “I have a few other projects in the works that I will be working on first, but its my goal to have Immortal Vengeance premier in fall of 2012″.
Immortal Vengeance is being produced by Willy Adkins of Spook Show Entertainment.
Sep 222010
The 2010 Chicago Horror Film Festival is shaping up to be an amazing event! Hosting the event is Chicago’s very own Master Ron Fitzgerald on Saturday & Sunday! Mr Willy will grace the stage on Friday with gory thirst for the dark arts! 35 Awesome horror films will show over the 3 day festival! Saturday is “Zombie Day”! Come dressed in your Zombie best! Saturday evening will also feature a exclusive screening of the film “I Hunt Ghosts”, just before the ghost hunters in the film (George Hawrylenko & Willy Adkins) offer you to take part in an investigation / haunted tour at the Portage Theater that night! Voltaire will be performing on Friday Night! And The Festivals of Fright team will be presenting awards as well! Lots of fun (if scary is fun) stuff ahead! Join us this weekend for Babes, Booze & Blood!
Aug 242010
As several of you know, I’m buying full rights to the film “I Hunt Ghosts” and paying for distribution for the film as well. To do this, I need investors to help cover expenses and have a few options that I’ve made available for those interested in helping… If your interested in helping me out by these methods, the extended deadline to do so is now September 1st. I am doing this all via paypal with invoicing set up specifically for each person so you will have a receipt of your donation and what your getting for it…
“Sponsor” Donation ($110 Min Donation)
- Commercial to play at opening of film (distributed this way) (your responsible for filming of commercial and commercial needs to be turned into me by Sept. 1st).
- 6 Copies of “I Hunt Ghosts” DVD (Autographed)
- 6 Autographed Photos
- Listed as a producer in credits, and ability to purchase future copies at wholesale price while in distribution for resale and/or personal handing out. (*this does not include the ability to produce live public viewings or enter the film in festivals)
“Producer” Donation ($60 Min Donation)
- 4 Copies of “I Hunt Ghosts” DVD (Autographed)
- 4 Autographed Photos
- Listed as a producer in credits, and ability to purchase future copies at wholesale price while in distribution for resale and/or personal handing out. (*this does not include the ability to produce live public viewings or enter the film in festivals)
“Presale” Donation ($20 Min Donation)
- 1 copy of “I Hunt Ghosts” DVD (Autographed)
- 1 Autographed Photo
- Your name (personal or business) included in the credits of the film for knowing a good film before seeing it.
If you are interested in making a donation with any one of the options above, please send me an email to let me know how much you wish to donate, and I will send you a Paypal invoice for the amount you choose so you have a receipt for your donation, and the invoice will also include the package details above that meets your donation amount.
NEW SPECIAL FOR ALL WHO HELP: I WILL GET YOU DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR THE 2010 CHICAGO HORROR FILM FESTIVAL AND PRODUCERS GET DISCOUNTED TICKET TO THE WORLD PREMIER SHOWING OF I HUNT GHOSTS AT THE EGYPTIAN THEATRE!
Thank you in advance for your help with this project,
Willy Adkins
www.IHuntGhosts.net
Listen to Dead Speak Paranormal Radio LIVE Today at 6pm CST to hear my interview with the lovely Renee Graham! Just click on the banner above to hear the show today at 6pm CST!
I’ll be talking with Renee about the upcoming Afterlife Paranormal Conference this coming weekend, Mr. Willy’s Killer Creatures, Ghost Hunting, Live & Love! So Listen In!
