SSE President Willy Adkins Makes Comment About The Portage Theater Operator Change

Apr 072013
 

Willy Adkins

From Spook Show Entertainment President Willy Adkins in regards to The Portage Theater:

I know I am long overdue for a comment on the new changes at The Portage Theater, but until I have been able to speak to Mr. Carranza myself and have any idea how these changes might effect not only my company / programming at the theater, but the many other independent artists who put heart into the landmark, I have decided to hold off on any comment beyond the following Q&A…

The hot question I keep getting right now is, “Will Spook Show Entertainment still be hosting festivals at the Portage?”… At this time my answer is this: I have called The Portage Theater home to Spook Show Entertainment events for many years and would absolutely love to maintain that family friendly type relationship with the venue under new owner/operator Eddie Carranza. At this time, SSE currently has 4 film festival events on the Portage 2013 calendar (under family friendly word of mouth without contract) and I’m anxiously waiting the new operator to make contact with me to talk details about any changes he might want to make. We are under a time crunch to establish dates for our 2014 festival season and are preparing to seek new venue if we can’t get clarification on dates and contracts soon. But our desire at this time is to keep calling the Portage Theater home. We hope to hear from Mr. Carranza soon so that we can bring clarification to the situation and positive feedback to our fans & followers.

Most Recent Portage Theater News:
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130407/portage-park/portage-theater-owner-changes-course-will-run-movie-palace-himself#

Willy Adkins & Tina Renee Grace LIVE on Midnight Paranormal Radio TONIGHT!

Sep 272012
 

Tonight I will be joined by good friend / actress Tina Renee Grace as special guests on Midnight Paranormal Radio w/ David Wismer! Tina has worked with me on such film projects as “ One Afternoon“, “ Bacon – The Movie” and the award winning “ What They Say“! We will be talking about films, The Portage Theater, The Chicago Horror Film Festival, The Chicago Ghost Conference and of course The Paranormal!  Tune into SlamInternetRadio.com tonight at 8pm to listen LIVE!

September 10th, Suicide Awareness Day

Sep 102012
 

Today is Suicide Awareness day… I lost a friend to suicide on Feb. 2nd this year. Depression, mental instability, loneliness and the feeling you have no reason to exist are all very scary things that exist in many of us on a daily basis. Sometimes life feels so much harder then death. Sometime people struggle to find a support system or a friend to care. Sometimes people feel that nobody will care until they are gone (if even then)…

I myself am a person who suffers with many of these issues. Being a guy in the public eye and entertainment business don’t shield me from such feelings. Others that work in the industries that I do also know that this is not the case… Its like having 2 million people know who you are, but maybe 2 know who you are (if that makes sense). And on top of it all I have had what was supposed to be my best friend tell me I could shoot myself in the head and she wouldn’t care only a couple weeks after the passing of my other friend to suicide… Why is that necessary to say to anyone? Especially without reason..

Many people suggest wearing yellow or writing “love” on your wrist to show your support of those suffering with or lost to these issues… I’m going to ask you to do something else in addition to show your support.. Call a friend you don’t often get to talk to… Send a friend a message not because you need something, but because you want to say “hi, how are you”… Skip the handshake and give someone close to you a hug… send someone here on your facebook friends list that you don’t really know a message to say “hey, I know you’ve been on my list awhile and we don’t really know each other, so I thought I would say hello and get acquainted”… Beyond medication the human touch through thoughts words and actions are much more powerful. Be good to yourself and be good to each other. ~ Willy

The “V/H/S” Trailer Has My Attention!!

Aug 212012
 

From Willy Adkins

As a guy who screens horror films for a daily living, I stubble across many trailers for “found footage films”.  With that said I have a quote for our friends over at Bloody-Disgusting & Magnolia Pictures… Are you ready for it?  Ok..

“The trailer for V/H/S has peeked my interest more then any other found footage film ever!  I can not wait to see this film”  ~ Willy Adkins / Spook Show Entertainment Inc.

About The Film

When a group of petty criminals is hired by a mysterious party to retrieve a rare piece of found footage from a rundown house in the middle of nowhere, they soon realize that the job isn’t going to be as easy as they thought. In the living room, a lifeless body holds court before a hub of old television sets, surrounded by stacks upon stacks of VHS tapes. As they search for the right one, they are treated to a seemingly endless number of horrifying videos, each stranger than the last.

Bringing together some of the top filmmakers in the game today, this wickedly conceived horror anthology sends the viewer through a gauntlet of suspense, terror, shock, and downright brutality—instantly distinguishing itself from a sea of lackluster found-footage horror flicks. The diverse and deviously creative minds behind V/H/Sshatter any preconceived notions about the genre, making it feel inventive and captivating once again.

Experience The Trailer

Cast & Crew

Starring: Calvin Reeder, Lane Hughes, Adam Wingard

Directors: David Bruckner, Glenn McQuaid, Radio Silence, Joe Swanberg, Ti West, Adam Wingard

Writers: Glenn McQuaid, David Bruckner

More Information

On Demand August 30th & In Theatres October 5th 2012!  

Visit the official website: www.VHStheMovie.com

 

Paranormal Interview with Willy Adkins By Freddy Skuban for The WPI Newsletter

Aug 152012
 

Paranormal Interview

Willy Adkins

By: Freddy Skuban, Investigator, WPI Case Manager

First of all, for those who don’t know you, who is Willy Adkins and what does he do?

I’m a producer, promoter and talent manager for Spook Show Entertainment, as well as a paranormal investigator with Illinois Ghost Hunters. I also play daddy, which is my biggest job, to two beautiful daughters. I’ve directed and starred in several indie films, and I produce two paranormal related conferences a year: The IGH Ghost Conference and The Afterlife Paranormal Conference (Which is this October 5th and 6th at the Portage Theatre in Chicago– tickets and vendor spots still available!).

I know you’ve had some very close-encounters with the paranormal while working with Illinois Ghost Hunters. Can you share one of those experiences with us?

There was a location in the area we investigated several times that we dubbed the “Gangster House,” because it was believed to be previously owned by Al Capone. The basement was set up almost like holding cells, and there was a trap door that lead from the kitchen to the basement. Perhaps it could have been a quick escape route or a maybe way to transport bodies to the basement, we weren’t sure. We had visited multiple times and found it to be quite active. Eventually, we came to realize that when the current resident was agitated or upset it would cause miscellaneous things to happen. We would see shadow figures, hear noises, or feel the atmosphere charge up. One day, I was sitting downstairs in the basement with another investigator, casually listening to a conversation going on upstairs with the owner… He was becoming more and more agitated during the conversation… I was sitting in the chair, leaning my head against the wall getting pretty bored, the other investigator in another room… I don’t know exactly what happened after that, but it felt like 40-grade sandpaper being shoved into my face and then ripped away. That threw me into a state of shock… Next thing I knew, I was sitting outside on the ground trying to light a cigarette, but shaking so badly, I couldn’t get it to light. They said they could see swelling on the side of my face, and it was scabbed over the next day. I went back to the location a couple months later, and people scouted all over the place for something physical that could have caused the wound… A shelf, a sharp object… but it was an empty area. The room was empty except for a claw foot tub in the corner.

There are so many theories about what ghosts are. What’s your definition?

I personally don’t know. I’m still trying to come to a decision, but I don’t necessarily believe in ghosts, but rather some sort of power. Perhaps a spirit of the past, or some sort of energy… Maybe alternative universes exist around us at all times, I don’t know… I might never know. But my views are ever changing. Part of why I do this is to find answers… it’s no longer a focus of gaining evidence and finding answers for others, it’s more to find answers for myself. I don’t do residential places anymore for that reason. It’s all historical, commercial, or government locations.

You’ve been working as a paranormal investigator for quite some time. What still fascinates you about this field?

I don’t call it a fascination, but more of a need for answers for my own reasons. It used to be fascinating to me, but now I just want answers for what I’m seeing and experiencing. Why is it that something suddenly comes over and wants to rip my face off? It’s not one particular thing or experience that keeps me doing this… I don’t think I’ll ever be done with the paranormal until I get some definitive answers. However, even when there’s nothing paranormal going on at a location, I still find it fascinating. I really enjoy doing this job in order to explore and learn about historical locations and keeping them afloat.

 If you would like to read the entire WPI Newsletter CLICK HERE

You can visit them on the web at: www.WPIHuntsTheTruth.com

Willy Adkins on Ghost Hunting Evidence & Presentation

Aug 142012
 

Although due to patient confidentiality I cannot tell you where these photos were taken, I can say the these photos were captured from a digital video of a sleep study. The ghost enters from the right and exits stage left. To me they are incredible.         from John Prentice

For years I have been in the public eye because of my ghost hunting / paranormal investigation excursions.  And I’m very often asked why I never post any of my own paranormal evidence.  The answer is very simple, I can’t prove any of it to be truly paranormal and I refuse to call my findings anything beyond interesting.

I started working in the paranormal industry as a non-believer.  I was a hardcore skeptic (and remain very skeptical of most things to this day).  Things like paranormal video / photos / evps don’t make me a believer, personal experiences do.  I could have that “5 million dollar full body apparition photo” and it really wouldn’t matter.  Why?  Its simple, NOBODY will truly believe it but me (if that even).  Thats correct, I wouldn’t even believe in my own paranormal evidence.  As much as I would love to have a “Real Ghost Photo”, it seems I will never know for sure how real any of my evidence truly is.  I’m too educated as a filmmaker and photographer.  Every other paranormal investigator out there will make every attempt to rip apart any evidence posted for the public as well.

For example, the photo above is a gif image linked from a post on facebook by K.A.S.P.E.R. Paranormal Group.  The link goes to this about.com page: http://paranormal.about.com/od/ghostphotos/ig/Paranormal-Photo-Gallery/Sleep-Study-Spirit.htm

Now, before I go on.. I want to first express that I am in no way trying to discredit K.A.S.P.E.R. Paranormal and/or John Prentice (the gentleman credited by about.com as providing the image), but as a professional photographer and someone who works in the film industry I can tell you that I am 99.999% positive that this image is in no way paranormal at all.  A simple understanding of depth of field, and IR light explain this image away…  The focal point of the camera is on the gentleman in bed.  The dept of field is the range in which things are in focus.   Ex. if your cameras focal point is 5 foot in front of the lens and you put something 40 foot away from the lens (or in this case) 6 inches in front of the lens, they are going to appear very blurry / fuzzy / out of focus and sometimes even fog like.  Furthermore, when something is closer to the lens it is going to appear much larger.  This is the case in the photo (video) above.  Something as simple as a string of dust or even an eyelash can seem to be the size of a person when close to the lens.  It illuminates because it is a real object reflecting IR light from the camera.  Its foggy looking because it is out of the cameras depth of field.

Now that I gave a very simple explanation to the image, does that make it not paranormal?  Does that mean the owner of the image is a fraud for posting it as an interesting image?  In my eyes, no..  However, calling it a “Ghost” is like me walking outside, finding a new organism the world has ever seen and calling it bigfoot.  We don’t know what bigfoot really is (or if it really exists at all) and the same applies for “ghosts”.  So calling some unknown sound or image a ghost is in my eyes fraudulent.  (So I never post any)

I use to investigate the paranormal to pick apart all of the magic tricks and illusions to make people feel more comfortable in their homes and places of business.  That is no longer the case.  I have had very personal (and even tragic) experiences with the paranormal. I no longer investigate private residences unless they are a close friend of the family, because in many cases these people need a help that I can’t personally provide.  I don’t have all of the answers and will never claim to (and anyone who does is lieing to you).  Beyond that, I still use many of the tools of the trade when investigating the historical / commercial places that my personal morals have restricted me to.  I still take photos / video and record EVP.  But I am there for the experience.  I don’t care if anyone believes me when I say I have experienced something at one of these allegedly haunted locations or not.  For me, it is about ME getting answers for MYSELF.  Will I share my experiences with people?  Sure, if they want to hear about them.  Will they truly believe me?  Of course not.  I don’t expect them to.  To become a true believer you yourself have to experience something paranormal.  Looking at a simple photograph or video will never make a believer of someone.  So I often tell stories of what I have experienced to see if others have encountered similar events or to encourage them to pay attention to such things themselves.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’m in full support of those who are out for evidence.  I am personally a big fan of those who are striving for communication methods.  If it was as simple as picking up a phone, it would be amazing.  And it might get their some day, so keep doing what your all doing.  I wish you all the best of luck and happy hunting.

A few tips I have to keep investigators from sounding absolutely fraudulent in this industry.

  1. DON’T EVER CLAIM TO BE AN EXPERT IN THIS INDUSTRY OR “THE BEST”.  Quite frankly, you are not!  Nobody is!  I don’t care if your on TV investigating, how many books about the paranormal you have written or how many investigations you have hosted, you are not an expert.  I produce films & tv about ghost hunting and the paranormal and believe me when I say I am certainly no expert!  I was recently offered the chance to film what will be a pretty historic paranormal investigation that involves many close friends and will likely have heavy media coverage.  I turned the opportunity down flat for one reason… The word “Experts”.  Its a false claim and I refuse to take part for that reason… I vow to stay honest and credibility is lost instantly before the investigation even begins otherwise.
  2. BE HONEST.  Why fake evidence? Is that what you are doing this for, to make believers of others with fake evidence? It doesn’t make any sense trying to impress and make believers of others with fake evidence.  If you have to fake evidence, you obviously don’t believe real evidence can be obtained yourself.
  3. DON’T EVER STATE EVIDENCE / EXPERIENCES AS FACTUAL AND/OR AUTHENTIC EVIDENCE OF THE PARANORMAL.  It might look like a ghost, it might sound like a ghost, it might smell like a ghost, but what the heck is a ghost and how do you know what one looks/sounds/smells like?  Has some certain scientific experiment been conducted with repeated results of these things without a shadow of a doubt? NO.  When talking about your experiences use phrases like “it might be”, “IT feel like it”, etc..  The above isn’t “a photo of a ghost”, the above “might be a photo of a ghost”.  Its not “A ghost grabbed my shoulder”, Its  ”it felt like something grabbed my shoulder”.  This goes for Psychics / Mediums / Sensitives as well (and I have odd sensitivities to things I know nothing about as well).  Don’t state your perceptions as facts but feelings.

With all of this said, I am going to ask for comments on this post about personal experiences you have had that keep you hunting and seeking answers to these paranormal questions.  Please stay honest my friends and keep active in your quest for answers.  Credibility comes with presentation more so then the evidence itself in this industry.  Be safe, be centered and be alert.

Much respect ~ Willy Adkins / The Illinois Ghost Hunters

 

Meet Willy Adkins This Weekend At The Mid-South Con!

Jul 312012
 
The 2012 Mid-South Paranormal Convention
Spook Show Entertainment’s own Willy Adkins confirmed as a guest at
The 2012 Mid-South Paranormal Convention!



Other guests include Keith Age, The Booth Brothers, Troy Taylor, Aron Houdini, Chris Fleming, Patrick Burns, Robb Demarest, Dustin Pari, Joe chin, Jim O’Rear, Cassidy Rae, Ghost Hunters International & More!!!

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS & EACH OTHER!

Jul 272012
 

So friends.. tell me this.. what is it going to take for me to get you to visit our film festival and/or film pages and like it? For example, the upcoming Prairie State Film Festival, I know that more then 109 people on my friends list are involved in independent art and/or film.. but sadly this festival, that is designed to promote independent art of all genres, only has 109 facebook likes… I often wonder if I am wasting my time and energy here…

If you support Independent art, please do the simplest of things that don’t cost money.. visit the pages and like them. (regardless of it being our festival/film or someone elses) Then ask your friends to do the same.

When a filmmaker posts a link to a campaign they are running on Kickstarter and/or Indiegogo, did you know that I will literally go check and see if that filmmaker has done the simple task of supporting indie art by liking some of these pages before I will repost and/or contribute to help them out? It is simple a simple formula.. I scratch your back, you scratch mine…

In the indie world, we have to support each other. Beyond that, if your film is accepted to a film festival (I don’t care if it is one of our festivals or any of the other thousands out there), don’t just attend the festival to see your own film and leave. Show your support for the others in the industry and watch their films as well! You might be surprised at the quality you find, and it could lead to networking with new people you would have never had the chance to meet otherwise.. leading to working together on new projects and GROWTH! This works the same for comedians / bands / etc… Support each other, don’t play your set and then leave…

Sorry folks, I can’t help but be kind of upset with some of these things… I work night and day trying to find ways for people to support other people.. It is a very tough job, and it really shouldn’t have to be. Support doesn’t always cost money you know!

Many people think that I am just getting loaded with money by doing what I do for a living.. The sad fact is, I struggle BAD! My partners at SSE work day jobs as I work night and day to keep this going for far less then a fraction of minimum wage. I do what I do for the love of the arts and to help artists get recognized for hard work, effort and talent! You liking any of our film and/or event pages doesn’t cost you anything! you liking any of our film and/or event pages doesn’t make me any money either! All that it does is show that you support what we are trying to do to help you and your fellow artists.

Did you know that at SSE events when you show up and can’t afford the cover, that we will let you in for whatever you can afford or even free? Not much greed there, we understand hard times (hard times is how I live).

One other little fact that people may or may not realize.. We started out as a charity production company. All donated time and talent to help needing charity organizations. A task that we still try desperately hard to do now, but with very little support. Nothing is worse then sending an email to a charity organization that we would like to benefit because we believe in the cause and the need, only to be let down because THEY DON’T EVER REPLY! This is incredibly sad! It can be so hard to give to those who need it simply because they won’t respond to an email with the desire to give!

Sorry to dump all of this on you today friends… I am in a bit of a funk relating to all of these issues. We know that we have some die hard supporters out there. We know who you are and appreciate all that you do. But to the rest of you, when you wonder why your film isn’t being seen anywhere, or why no so many people are in the theater during your films screening.. Ask yourself these things, “Did I help promote the festival that chose my film out of hundreds of others?”, “When was the last time I watched another filmmakers movie?”.

IT IS SIMPLE – IF YOU WANT SUPPORT, SUPPORT OTHERS! IF YOU WANT RESPECT, RESPECT OTHERS! IN THE INDIE WORLD, IT IS ALL THAT WE HAVE! THANK YOU!

PLEASE HELP ME FINISH MY SMOKIES COFFEE TABLE BOOKS!!

Jun 072012
 

About 10 years ago I decided that I wanted to complete a couple books featuring my photography work.  The very first idea I had was to complete a book featuring images from The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretching from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC.  In 2006 / 2007 I got a good start on the book.  In a little over a week I’m scheduled to finally return to the Smoky Mountains to finally finish up this decade long desire.  I can’t express how excited I am to finally get this ready for print!

I had planned to travel to the Smoky’s with another photographer who has since had to cancel for family reasons.  So, I’m now left to make this travel on my own.  With that said, I’m in need of making a few presales to help cover my costs (that have been minimized as much as possible).  I have assembled 6 different packages in multiple financial ranges that offer great perks for you and also enable me to finally complete this dream project.  Purchasing any of the packages below will also get your name (or company name if you prefer) included in a special thanks in both of the coffee table books to result from this travel.  Included in all of the packages is also a DVD that will include a daily video log from my travel and also beautiful footage of the breathtaking views & wildlife within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Thank you in advance for any and/or all help!  If your unable to help by prepurchase of a book/ print, please help support my art by sharing a link to this page via facebook and/or twitter!   Thanks you so much!  ~ Willy Adkins

Purchase One Of These Packages (All to be delivered upon completion of book – Estimated November 2012).

PACKAGE 1 – $35

  • (1) 11×14 Full Color Print (choice after all images added to private web gallery / shipping included)
  • Access to web gallery of images for viewing before the general public!
  • Name included in book with special thanks for knowing a good thing before seeing it!
  • DVD including daily video log from my travel and also beautiful footage of the breathtaking views & wildlife within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

PACKAGE 2 – $65

  • (1) 20×30 Full Color Print  (choice after all images added to private web gallery / shipping included)
  • Access to web gallery of images for viewing before the general public!
  • Name included in book with special thanks for knowing a good thing before seeing it!
  • DVD including daily video log from my travel and also beautiful footage of the breathtaking views & wildlife within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

PACKAGE 3 – $75

  • (1) “Whispers of the Smokies” 20 page Mini Coffee Table Book (Hardcover 5×5 book printed on high quality 80# Paper)(Name subject to change / shipping included)
  • Access to web gallery of images for viewing before the general public!
  • Name included in book with special thanks for knowing a good thing before seeing it!
  • DVD including daily video log from my travel and also beautiful footage of the breathtaking views & wildlife within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

PACKAGE 4 – $120

  • (1) “Spirit of the Smokies” 50 page Coffee Table Book (Hardcover 10×10 book printed on high quality 80# Paper)(Name subject to change / shipping included)
  • Access to web gallery of images for viewing before the general public!
  • Name included in book with special thanks for knowing a good thing before seeing it!
  • DVD including daily video log from my travel and also beautiful footage of the breathtaking views & wildlife within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

PACAKGE 5 – $160

  • (1) “Spirit or the Smokies” 50 page Coffee Table Book (Hardcover 10×10 book printed on high quality 80# Paper)(Name subject to change /shipping included)
  • (1) 16×20 Full Color Print (choice after all images added to private web gallery / shipping included)
  • Access to web gallery of images for viewing before the general public!
  • Name included in book with special thanks for knowing a good thing before seeing it!
  • DVD including daily video log from my travel and also beautiful footage of the breathtaking views & wildlife within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

PACKAGE 6 – $250

  • (1) “Spirit or the Smokies” 50 page Coffee Table Book (Hardcover 10×10 book printed on high quality 80# Paper)(Name subject to change /shipping included)
  • (1) “Whispers of the Smokies” 20 page Mini Coffee Table Book (Hardcover 5×5 book printed on high quality 80# Paper)(Name subject to change / shipping included)
  • (1) 20×30  Full Color Print (choice after all images added to private web gallery / shipping included)
  • (2) 11×14 Full Color Prints (choice after all images added to private web gallery / shipping included)
  • Access to web gallery of images for viewing before the general public!
  • Name included in book with special thanks for knowing a good thing before seeing it!
  • DVD including daily video log from my travel and also beautiful footage of the breathtaking views & wildlife within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
PACKAGE 7 – TAKE THE TRIP WITH ME! – Contact me privately for details (willy@spookshowentertainment.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/mrwillyadkins)
PLEASE USE THE PAYPAL BUTTON BELOW TO MAKE PURCHASE OF ONE OF THE PACKAGES ABOVE:



Select Your Package Number:
NAME TO BE IN SPECIAL THANKS:




THIS IS TIME SENSITIVE. MONEY WILL GO INTO MY TRAVEL EXPENSES AND I LEAVE ON MONDAY JUNE 18TH! ANY SALES PRIOR WILL GET YOUR NAME (OR COMPANY NAME) INCLUDED IN THE BOOK(S) AS A SPECIAL THANKS.

HELP ME BRING THE BEAUTY OF THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS TO PRINT! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!

Regards,

Willy Adkins
Spook Show Entertainment
Deviant Desires Photography

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