Simple question…to you…how much do I want? I have never stated an amount. Your point is now void.
I don’t have time to answer every question the thread but really, quick…since this was on the same page as my last post.
1-You don’t think Trancas rapes the fans? Really, how many different versions have they actually released of Halloween? Each time saying this is the better, better, better, better, better and best version? Who pulls the strings? Trancas. Anchor Bay paid a lot of money for the Halloween license but yet, Trancas has 100% total control over what’s released when it’s released.
2-When did Trancas dictate the price of the footage? They don’t.
3-Yup, if Trancas wants the footage for FREE, I’ll take royalties. That way I will make money off the back end and Trancas is out nothing up front. This practice is done regularly.
4-Doing it for the fans. What’s not to understand? I could have just bought this…and never brought it to the light of day like others have done with footage that supposed lost.
Now, your assumptions about what you think I mean is your own opinions. And, as I already stated earlier…opinions are welcome, even if your options are wrong. Take your personal feeling for me out of the matter. You can answer every question without make assumptions about what I think.
You never stated a number, and you didn’t have to. You stated that you wanted royalties for something that’ll make “millions and millions” of dollars. That right there shows where your priorities lie.
You want the attention (schmoozing with Halloween stars has its perks!) and the money (those royalties!). You’re no martyr, fighting the good fight. You’re a guy who found his meal ticket, and you’re going to ride that s**t as long as you can. Maybe some people are afraid to say that on here, but I’m not.
And would you sell your house not wanting to make a profit? How about your car? Nope, you’d want the most you can get. What is wrong with that? Look, they tried the whole put my name in the book. Fans want to know you, your halloween history. I said no to it. You think you really know me…huh? Hummm, get out from behind your computer. Breath the air. You have no freaking clue. You have an assumption…a wrong one at that.
Honestly, I hope that a deal can be done, and for the footage to be seen by all Halloween fans. I would also like to apologize to Kirk Magnum and anyone else that I may have offended.
I never said you were entitled to zip, but the royalties thing really showed your true colors. It’s one thing to want to make a profit. It’s another thing when you make statements like that and when you openly brag about the company you keep.
Look, they tried the whole put my name in the book. Fans want to know you, your halloween history. I said no to it.
Of course you did. There’s no story if you say yes. “Yeah, they wanted me in the book, but I said no. I sure showed them.” It’s all about the story. Fame is good. Infamy is better. 
Hummm, get out from behind your computer. Breath the air.
You’re the one who keeps replying. You’re the one with the golden footage, so who cares if a couple of geeks on the internet think you’re a jerk?
Over many years, Billy has contributed much more to the preservation & sharing of original & authentic Halloween-related memorabilia, knowledge & memories than the majority of us. So many are quick to bite the hand that feeds. We would all be joyed to witness the lost footage finally, or be able to examine the unreleased stills of Kim’s photography he possesses. For both scenarios, if a business agreement can not be reached between parties A & B; it is what it is. Humanity helps & hurts itself via “business”, our nature sadly can’t be helped.
Here’s to the next negotiation opportunities for both the footage & the stills. I can understand each perspective from both sides of the fence here, and why some are feeling starved. I could understand why some feel Billy simply doesn’t want to share, “maybe he wants the footage & stills retained to keep his collection exclusive?” I don’t believe so, though. Some are happy to share without stipulations here, as done in the past, but is Billy wrong to protect these 2 (or more) investments, like anyone else who has ever invested in something? Obviously, with all the hype & energy being created, it will sure be quite a bang when the footage and/or unreleased set photography are finally shared, if ever.
If you express your opinion, butt heads or disagree, do it with intelligence & respect. Why resort to insults, profanities & personal attacks?
On topic, to rally with the petty complaints, here’s my bit. I am cringing at the artwork decision, if final. Of all existing poster art, Kim’s brilliant gems or creative possibilities, this is chosen? Why not just tack on the $59.99 price tag & the studio logo in the corner? And I thought Universal’s Halloween II blu-ray artwork was out of place. Apologies to the artist, I enjoy the aesthetic & style, it is simplistic (though the subject doesn’t possess a “light” side) but the content is poorly chosen.
[edit] I’ve taken notice to the other thread regarding the artwork.
The 90% is not going to notice or care, of course. Any mask is “the mask” for average Joe. I’m not truly concerned, I really could care less because Anchor Bay has distributed plenty of undesirable Halloween artwork in the past; why change now? It was an observation I wanted to note after thinking “really?!” to myself.
I’d prefer the earlier/prototype artwork; it is at least accurate to what it is representing…
At this point I’ve pretty much said all I can. I can only bring up Billy’s obsession with royalties and attention so many times before I get bored and want to turn my attention to other things. I’m out. drops the mic
That cover was actually done by a friend of mine as a “what if” design. It was never a prototype, but Blu-ray.com ran with it for some reason and people thought it was the actual cover for a while.
Hah, that’s interesting! Yes, I indeed remember seeing it on blu-ray.com. I particularly like the straight-orange filter highlighting a very memorable scene, though the image perhaps has little association or marketing to those who have not seen the film. My compliments to your friend, it’s subtle & well-thought.
Usually quiet on the boards, but I’m with Billy on this one… It’'s technically his property. Finder’s keepers.
Intellectual property? No. Physical property, yes. IMO I believe that comes with a price. He deserves to be compensated for the finders fee, preservation fee from the last near decade, so on. It’s a historical piece. It was lost and found. It’s cultural treasure. When is treasure given away after a find.
If Trancas cared about the fans and the footage, they would want this footage and compensate the finder nicely. Points is not out of the question for something is bound to make millions in blu ray sales, dvd sales, downloads, so on.
If this was the lost hero mask, then would anyone here think otherwise for the finder wanting to be compensated? Be it through a sale. Honestly, it’s on the same level. I’d say, even bigger than a holy grail prop. If someone finds a rare car in a farm, do they give it away to auction house, in the name of collectors? No, they are rightfully compensated for the find, and collectors gain another car. I think a majority of fans feel pissy about not seeing the footage, but don’t blame Billy, blame the corporation. Blame a breakdown in communication between all involved, a breakdown from the top of TF to who ever is the middleman, trying to call shots. I can see why there’s fustration here…
Trancas is dropping the ball on this one.
If a documentary director gets points, on something less people would be inclined to watch, than why not the “lost footage.” Documentaries don’t sell discs to the masses, lost for 35 years footage, will all day everyday. Most “normal” watchers watch the movie, and then deleted scenes.
I’m a fan 1st and formost, but I have no qualms about the man trying to get his share for the find and preservation. That’s how it works, supply and demand. Trancas should have had this footage on the 35th, but perhaps we’ll get it on the 40th.
BTW, how come so many are siding with TF? They tried to destroy the fan mask market and sites a few years back, so… What’s up with that?
EDIT: Nevermind. Carry on.
+1 for Royalties here. Everybody wins. Unfortunately it seems Trancas doesn’t want to share in the benefit of having that footage released. It’s very selfish of them.
Just a question… If they (Trancas) did have any legal rights over the found footage, why wouldn’t they just seize it from Billys possession? I mean regardless of whether or not he’s released it or sold it or anything. I feel like because of the fact it seems the footage was “abandoned” at some point they’ve given up all rights to it. If that was the case couldn’t he release it to anyone or any studio? Maybe for a “Famous Horror Outtakes Blu-ray”?? lol Bob Saget could host… but seriously.
Just some food for thought. Maybe someone with more knowledge of the legalities could chime in. or maybe they have and I didn’t catch it in the other 8 pages
I’m not defending Trancas here, but they haven’t seen the footage. So how is Beahm, Malek, or whoever supposed to know exactly what kind of so-called “cash cow” they are missing out on? Remember how young Malek is. He probably wasn’t even born when the original Halloween came out (I remember Moustapha referencing his teenage son when Resurrection came out). So, to hear about some supposed lost footage probably means almost nothing to him and Trancas without having actually seen anything.
Here are the answers to both questions above…
At first, Justin didn’t ever ask to see any footage…it was not until after their initial offer that he kept demanding to see the footage. I kept asking them to understand the value of what I had, something I guess that can’t fathom, and make a new offer so I can counter. That’s how business is played, it’s Chess. This is business and nothing personal, until Mr.Beahmn made it personal. Whoever makes the first offer, loses. They never made a counter offer, I had zero obligation to show the footage to them…end of story.
In 1981, right before Halloween II began production, Irwin and Moustapha dissolved Compass Internationals partnership. Why: trust, money and Irwin’s Lawyer Joe Wolf…Moustapha didn’t like or trust him. READ the book “The Man who Created Halloween” by Irwin…it’s all in there. It’s an excellent read; Irwin has led an incredible life.
Trancas has zero legal rights over this footage; they can not legally seizure this in anyway. I bought it, 3rd party which makes it even harder for them.
Contrary from what Justin Beahm is spreading about this “A gentleman bought a storage locker that had some film canisters”, here again is the truth. Take notes Justin, I know you’re reading this…at least get it right for your book. (“Some reels of film, and what they basically amount to is the dailies.” Justin Beahm, October 11, 2012. That is a lie.) What happened is Joe Wolf…whom Irwin put incharge of his remaining assets of Compass, who after the dissolved partnership of Compass’s Irwin and Moustapha, didn’t pay the film vault facility that housed all of Compass Internationals films. After not receiving payment, the facility tried, by LAW, to get in touch with the owners for 30 days. After 30 days the facility became LEGAL owners of the footage in that pecticular vault; actually they became LEGAL owners after the first missed payment, that’s the truth. That vault housed footage to: Hell Night, Blood Beach, Roller Boogie, Tourist Trap and Halloween. Boxes and boxes of footage. Now, as far as I know, this footage is in the hands of other collectors who have YET to come forward because I was offered all of that footage as well, but I only could afford Halloween. Was their any film masters in there? I have no clue.
I know that this post has been quiet for a few days, so sorry for bringing it back from the dead, but there was one question I had that I didn’t see addressed.
Billy - do you have the corresponding sound for all of the footage? I didn’t notice any on the Papaglide test reel, but since I’m stupid about film, I don’t know if that means you don’t have it, or if that means is just wasn’t worth putting it together.
And I understand you feel the offer given by Justin was laughable, and that you are frustrated that Malek hasn’t reached out. But what harm would come of showing them the footage that you do have? As a consumer, I want to know exactly what it is that I am buying before I make a purchase, especially if that product is very expensive. Any business acquiring a smaller business has a thorough review of financials, personnel, etc. before making an offer. (And I don’t mean to say that your footage is being “acquired”, I am just making a comparison to any business making a big purchase.)
I am looking at this from the viewpoint of risk vs. reward. If you show them the footage, and it is as amazing as you say, the risk is that nothing changes. The offer is not increased, and you still own all of the footage. Status quo. But the reward is massive. If they are blown away by the footage and increase their offer, than everything changes. You’re happy, Trancas is happy, the fans are happy.
My fear is that with this 35th Anniversary Blu coming out, it may be too late. If this Blu sells very well, any motivation that they would have to use your footage might decrease substantially. At that point, it seems like the only way this would ever happen is if Synapse gets the rights to distribution.
Looks like the price won’t be bad at least! Comes out 9/24 according to this amazon information:
http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-35th-Anniversary-Edition-Blu-ray/dp/B00DOB3N56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375528949&sr=8-1&keywords=Halloween+35th+blu
Finally time to invest in a Bluray player. I’ve held off for way too long.
I think that’s the most important question here.
Why would Trancas make any offers without knowing what exactly Billy has? Expecting them to track down certain podcasts or old Fango articles doesn’t seem fair enough to me (from a seller’s point of view).
If Billy had a sit-down with Trancas and put everything on the table, and Trancas made a low-ball offer, then I’d understand Billy’s perspective. But putting myself in Trancas’ shoes, I wouldn’t offer anything until I was shown the goods…that’s what seems odd to me. That’s how business works. From what I understand, Billy’s waiting for a proper money offer before he even answers the phone. Why is there resistance to showing Trancas what he has? How can they blindly offer money for something they haven’t seen?
I think Billy’s just waiting for the rights to revert somewhere else. Hopefully that’s soon LOL.
I don’t have high hopes of Billy coming back here, but that is indeed the question. It seems to me that if the footage is dynamite, it would be the main selling point. Hence, show it to Justin or Malek.