Do Kung Fu Cinema Conventions exist?

[nothingtogein]

I'm a newbie here and as I stated in the introduction thread I'm a huge horror guy who is just beginning to discover kung fu cinema. I know horror conventions exists all over the country and I was curious if there are similar events for fans of kung fu and martial arts cinema? Like events where the stars of the films come and meet fans, sign autographs, etc, vendors come out and sell t-shirts, dvd's, and so on?

Obviously there is a reason why I'm asking this. I'm putting on my own convention - rather than a horror con its set to celebrate all things cult. I want to book some Kung Fu cinema guests but I'm not sure if there is even an audience for it that would want to come out and meet them. Do you guys have any input? I'd really appreciate any help you could provide - it seems like this board is extremely knowledgeable as a whole on this genre from all the lurking I've been doing around here as of late

[OpiumKungFuCracker]

I would go to a Kung Fu convention in a heartbeat!!!!! Good luck bro, and keep us posted....

[nothingtogein]

Originally Posted by OpiumKungFuCracker

I would go to a Kung Fu convention in a heartbeat!!!!! Good luck bro, and keep us posted....

Thanks Opium. My event isn't strictly Kung Fu (it's anything that can be considered a cult film), but it's something I want to incorporate. I'd share the link to my website so people could see what I've already booked but I don't want anyone to think I'm spamming since I'm brand new to these forums.

So I take it from your response that nothing like this currently exists?

[ShaOW!linDude]

Check the Images threads. I think some of the guys have been to some Meet & Greet type things but I'm not sure just what they were off the top of my head.

I remember seeing some photos posted by Gorhama with Jim Kelly and showing him some artwork that KUNG FU BOB had done. Those guys are 2 of the forum members here and you might try sending them a pm.

Look at the members' photo albums, too. Some of those guys have autographed pics where they met MA celebs. Maybe you can find out something from one of them.

Good luck.

[teako170]

Originally Posted by nothingtogein

Thanks Opium. My event isn't strictly Kung Fu (it's anything that can be considered a cult film), but it's something I want to incorporate. I'd share the link to my website so people could see what I've already booked but I don't want anyone to think I'm spamming since I'm brand new to these forums.

So I take it from your response that nothing like this currently exists?

As ShaOW!linDude mentions, more meet-n-greet.
http://kungfucinema.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12414

Flying people over from Asia can be costly though you do have some old stars (like Angie Mao) living in the States.

[nothingtogein]

Originally Posted by teako170

As ShaOW!linDude mentions, more meet-n-greet.
http://kungfucinema.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12414

Flying people over from Asia can be costly though you do have some old stars (like Angie Mao) living in the States.

Thanks for that Teako. So I guess there really hasn't been a true convention put on. I know there've been appearances and such (as mentioned in that thread you linked too), plus I know folks like Jim Kelly and Bob Wall have done autograph shows.

I guess I'm curious as to whether or not people would actually travel and have an interest in meeting kung fu celebs. I know it's very expensive to fly stars over from Asia, which is why I'd have to make sure it was someone worthwhile - other issue being I probably couldn't afford to bring in more than 1 or 2 per show. I was in talks with Bolo's people for months and upon sending them a contract proposal they wanted an insane amount of money to appear.

Right now I'm close to securing a deal with someone I consider to be a major martial arts icon - but it's not going to be cheap and I'm on the fence on whether or not to pull the trigger. Decisions, decisions....

[teako170]

Originally Posted by nothingtogein

I guess I'm curious as to whether or not people would actually travel and have an interest in meeting kung fu celebs. Right now I'm close to securing a deal with someone I consider to be a major martial arts icon - but it's not going to be cheap and I'm on the fence on whether or not to pull the trigger. Decisions, decisions....

Depends on who you bring. You can also try to recoup some of the money you spend on X by having a few paid interviews shot with the star. Of course, having it in a major city certainly helps as well. The Philly event with Lo brought forum members from AZ, AR, NC, GA. I even met 2 guys from CA there. When the Shaw Tour in Europe was announced, several of us planned to fly over. HAZ might have some info on how far people came for the the Gallant/Montreal event.

[nothingtogein]

Originally Posted by teako170

Depends on who you bring. You can also try to recoup some of the money you spend on X by having a few paid interviews shot with the star. Of course, having it in a major city certainly helps as well. The Philly event with Lo brought forum members from AZ, AR, NC, GA. I even met 2 guys from CA there. When the Shaw Tour in Europe was announced, several of us planned to fly over. HAZ might have some info on how far people came for the the Gallant/Montreal event.

That's all very useful info, thanks again teako. I guess that sort of answers my question on whether or not fans would be willing to travel. I wouldn't need 100 people to fly in for the weekend just to make it worth my while....

So let me pose this - obviously it's not a finalized deal yet - but what kind of interest do you think fans have in meeting/purchasing an autograph/taking a photo with Sonny Chiba?

[teako170]

Chiba is a good choice, if only, because he was in Kill Bill and Tokyo Drift. What I mean is, people will recognize these films as opposed to his Streetfighter stuff - and sadly that's the problem. You can mention all the great early career stuff and most will be "??" but if you market him as appearing in a QT film or Vin Diesel (though VD only was in cameo in that flick) people will get it. Lot of Chiba fans here. I'm sure they'll give a thumbs up - but again depends on where you plan to have the event.

[nothingtogein]

Originally Posted by teako170

Chiba is a good choice, if only, because he was in Kill Bill and Tokyo Drift. What I mean is, people will recognize these films as opposed to his Streetfighter stuff - and sadly that's the problem. You can mention all the great early career stuff and most will be "??" but if you market him as appearing in a QT film or Vin Diesel (though VD only was in cameo in that flick) people will get it. Lot of Chiba fans here. I'm sure they'll give a thumbs up - but again depends on where you plan to have the event.

Yeah, the cross-marketing capability of his role in Kill Bill is definitely a plus and eases my nerves a bit. But at the end of the day I'm throwing an entire show based around cult films, so I imagine the audience I'm attracting is going to be familiar with stuff like The Streetfighter films. As long as Chiba's schedule is clear I think I'm gonna go ahead and risk it....

The show is Jacksonville, FL in May. www.cultfictiondrive-in.com if anyone is interested in checking it out.