SPOTLIGHT ON: CHRIS PARSONS-- 4-LOM The Bounty Hunter from "Star Wars!" Available for Booking!

 

Chris Parsons

Born in London in 1960,  Chris Parsons would soon find himself in the "galaxy far, far, away" via his  involvement in the Star Wars saga of the late 1970's and early 1980's! 

His various work in the trilogy includes:

Star Wars: Episode V - Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) in which he portrayed: C-3PO (double), K-3PO, E-3PO, R-3PO, a Death Star Droid, a  Stormtrooper, Snowtrooper, a Hoth Rebel soldier and a Hoth Snow Speeder pilot.

All making his stories from the set varied and insightful. 

Chris on set with Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, as a Rebel Trooper.

Chris has also been in various other Television and film productions including:  Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Quadrophenia, Superman ll, Yentl, The Shining and James Bond.

But of all his various work, the one most resonating with Star Wars fans is his portrayal of 4-LOM, the Bounty Hunter. 

Parsons as 4-LOM the Bounty Hunter

4-LOM is remembered as the cold, calculating and ambitious LOM-series protocol droid, resembling the insectoid species he was designed to serve,  who overrode his programming and became an intergalactic thief and later a bounty hunter, often working with Grand Findsman Zuckuss.

Following the Battle of Hoth, 4-LOM was hired by Darth Vader to capture Han Solo, Captain of the Millennium Falcon and hero of the Rebel Alliance. For this, the mechanical teamed up fellow Bounty Hunters Boba Fett, Dengar, Bossk, and IG-88. ( However, as we know, the bounty on the smuggler's head was instead claimed by the crafty Boba Fett. ) 

Parsons (second on left) as 4-LOM, with Darth Vader and the Bounty Hunters, including Boba Fett and Bossk.

It's also interesting to note, that, as mentioned above, Mr. Parsons was the double for Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, and the costume for 4-LOM was actually made from a variety of different parts of protocol droid costumes originally designed for C-3PO that the set designers of The Empire Strikes Back cobbled together to create the new character. 

Chris "on the board," doubling for Anthony Daniels as C-3PO.

 

Chris Parson's as C-3PO .

Chris Parson's unique part in the Star Wars trilogy allowed him to give life to this unique creature, spawning legos, trading cards, toys and more!

Programming Notes:  Chris is happy to take part in panels talking about his behind the scenes experiences on the Star Wars set, alone or with other cast members. For Booking information, contact Renee at Pros & Cons Celebrity Booking: evaink@aol.com

Michael Golden Meets the Portland Trail Blazers, Part Two!

Limited Edition Promo piece by Michael Golden

For the second year in a row, artist Michael Golden has been approached to work his special kind of magic on a promo piece featuring key Portland Trail Blazers players. Producing another Slam Dunk!

The limited edition poster was commissioned in conjunction with the Wizard show in Portland, and also will serve as a special promo piece at a Trail Blazer's game.

A limited amount of signed and numbered prints will be made available at Wizard World Portland. 

You can find them at Michael Golden's table in the front of Artist Alley while supplies last. It's also possible to reserve yours as well by contacting us at: evaink@aol.com

We will also have a limited number of the beautiful 2015 Rip City Print!

SPOTLIGHT ON: ALAN HARRIS-- "Star Wars" Bounty Hunter BOSSK-- Available for Booking!

Alan Harris

Alan Harris IS Bossk from the "Star Wars" movies:  "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi."

And does he have some behind the scenes stories to share!

Alan Harris as the Bounty Hunter, Bossk

Starting out in theatre and the modeling in the mid '60's, Alan decided to segue into the movie business circa 1970 in the hopes that the gigs "would pay more steadily than modeling." It turned out to be a fortuitous move, and Harris immediately landed parts in “Scrooge,” “Space 1999,” “Night of the Generals,” and “Hitler: The Last Ten Days,” with Sir Alec Guiness, among other parts.

But it was to be his casting in something called "Star Wars," that would lead to his most singular adventures. 

In "Empire Strikes Back,"  Alan was already acting as one of the stand ins for  actor Anthony Daniels (C3PO), as well as portraying a Storm Trooper from time to time, when he was tapped to take on the role of the  Trandoshan bounty hunter, Bossk. The character became so popular that it has spawned many stories and comic books of his own, and is featured in the “Bounty Hunter Wars,” trilogy, and other volumes.

In "Return of the Jedi," the character became so "in demand" during that filming, that Alan, again one of the stand ins for Anthony Daniels who was in most of the scenes, sometimes had very little time to go from CP3O mode to getting into and out of his Bossk costume!

"It required some doing," he laughs. 

Aside from the wildly popular bounty hunting bad boy, Harris had his hand (and actually whole BODY), in other "Star Wars" facts and fun as well:

For example: Alan was engaged for the development of the Boba Fett costume. "Three months before filming started, at the concept stage, they built the Boba Fett costume around me," explains Harris.  "Boba Fett was originally meant to be a Super Trooper and would launch from a space ship using the rocket that can be seen in his back pack, and be able to fire at the enemy on the ground. I was totally unaware of the flame thrower built in the costume. When they tested it, it gave me quite a fright."

Here's another gem: Alan was the body double for Han Solo in carbonate!

“Irvin Kershner (the director)  had the idea. We were in the props room when they put a shroud over me and two drinking straw up my nose so I could breathe— very uncomfortable," relates Harris.  "When the plaster cast was dry they cut my face out and put Harrison Ford’s in.  Kershner and I were looking at the finished product on set and Harrison came over and said he was thinking of turning one of these into a coffee table. I don’t know if he ever did,” he laughs.

Results of Harris cast for Han Solo in carbonite.

But "Star Wars" didn't end with the Jedi Return for Harris. Nineteen years later, Alan was tapped to be the double for Terence Stamp (Fiinis Valorum) in “The Phantom Menace.”

“It’s just that I look a bit like him and originally I was his stand-in. But then I also ended up doubling  for him." Most notably in shots with young Anakin and The Queen.

Some of Alan’s other notable screen work includes:

Stand in work for: 
Mel Ferrer in “Branigan,”
Gene Hackman in “Superman 1 & 11,
Christopher Reeve in “Superman 1,”
Frank Oz and half of the puppeteers in “The Great Muppet Caper” and “Dark Crystal,”
Sean Caffrey in “When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth,”
Peter Hinwood in “Rocky Horror Picture Show,”
Peter Vaughn in “Haunted Honeymoon,”
Various in “Hellraiser,” “Hellbound” and “Night Breed,”
Sir Nigel Hawthorne in the remake of “The Winslow Boy,”
Lead dancer in “The Labyrinth.”  

Other parts included various in:
 “The Saint,” “Danger Man,” “Space 1999,” “Scrooge,” and the part of Hitler’s batman in “Hitler: The Last Ten Days.”

But it is his role as Bossk that has given him "Star Wars" immortality, not only through his screen appearances but subsequent books, comics, toys and pop culture art-- everything from POP! to Lego to Sideshow Collectibles.

“I don’t think that anyone could have foreseen how successful this series would be! And still making films all these years later." A true adventure in a galaxy far far away.

Various Bossk merchandising of the popular character!

Programming Notes:  Alan Harris is a font of information on the  behind the scenes stories from the "Star Wars" movies in which he took part, making for entertaining panels either alone or with former cast members,   and chances for audience Q & A.

For more information on booking Alan Harris, contact Renee at Pros & Cons Celebrity Booking at: evaink@aol.com

Bossk painting by artist Brian Rood.

SPOTLIGHT ON: KENN SCOTT-- Raphael from "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Star of "Showdown" - Available for Booking

Actor Kenn Scott

Kenn Scott is beloved by millions for his well known portrayal of "Raphael" in the world famous "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" films-- One of the most enduring franchises in comics,  film and pop culture history.

And  now, for the first time, Kenn Scott is available to be at conventions for signing and photo ops, AND can, upon arrangement, present his exclusive "Turtle For A Day" class for your convention's own little ninjas.

Kenn Scott as Raphael

Aside from the great Turtle connection, Kenn has cross over appeal in other markets as well. He is internationally acclaimed for his starring role in the cult martial arts hit "Showdown," as well as roles in "Sworn to Justice," "Star Hunter," "Shootfighter," "Recoil,"  "Dr. Mordrid"  and much more!

Behind the cameras, Kenn also writes and directs, including the award-winning feature film "Adventures of Johnny Tao," as well as the "Sniper" series on The Discovery and History Channels.

Kenn is available for those fan interactive signings and photos ops as mentioned. BUT, as an added boon, here is a sampling of his audience and participation programming tailored for your event, which could include:

1.  "Breakin' In the Movie Business with Kenn Scott" - Cowabunga dudes and dudettes!  In this 45min-1 hour engaging presentation, Kenn Scott, "Raphael" in the hit films TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 1 & 2, uses film clips and photographs to share the entertaining and comical story of how a North Carolina boy with dreams of Hollywood, fought his way into the role of a lifetime.

2.  "Ninja Turtle Interactive Theater" - Watch the original TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES film (or #2) with Kenn Scott, the stuntman and actor who portrayed "Raphael."  With control of the remote, Kenn shares behind- the-scenes stories, anecdotes, and fun facts to enlighten and entertain turtle fans of all ages.

3.  "Turtle for a Day!  Train One on One with Raphael"-- Kids can suit up and share an interactive hour with Kenn as he teaches them some of Raphael's signature moves. A highly popular event! 

Suit up and be a Ninja for a Day!

For more information on interviews and booking Kenn Scott for your event, contact:

Renee Witterstaetter

Pros & Cons Celebrity Booking

evaink@aol.com

SPOTLIGHT ON: NEIL KAPLAN--Voice Actor-- OPTIMUS PRIME, STAR WARS , POWER RANGERS-- Available for Booking!

Neil Kaplan: Voice Actor/Actor/Comedian: 

Neil Kaplan

Master of many characters, Neil Kaplan, IS Optimus Prime!  

But his creations give life to numerous other  hot properties as well, including: "Star Wars," "Power Rangers," Marvel Heroes, "Avatar," "Gears of War"… The list goes ON! In fact, his chorus of  resonating heroes and villains touches many a childhood and demographic the world over.

Just to name a few of Neil Kaplan’s characters:

*Optimus Prime - The original "Transformers: Robots in Disguise"
*"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" (VG)

Transformers

*Diabolico - "Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue" (TV)
*Gluto - "Power Rangers: Time Force" (TV)
*"Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" (TV & movie)
*"Power Rangers Lost Galaxy" (TV)

*Skadge - "Star Wars the Old Republic" (VG)
*Governor Adlehard - "Star Wars: Uprising" (VG)
*Bendak Starkiller - "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" (VG)
*Boss Ganne - "Star Wars: Battlegrounds" (VG)
*Kinnect "Star Wars" (VG)

*Green Goblin & Norman Osborne - "Spider-Man: Battle for New York" (VG)
*Venom & Sabretooth - "Marvel Heroes" (VG)
*Gorilla Grodd - "Justice League Heroes" (VG)
*Marvel Anime: "Iron Man" (TV)
*Marvel Anime: "Blade" (TV)
*"Spider-Man Unlimited" (VG)

One of Neil's many anime roles.

*Hawkmon - "Digimon" (TV & movie)

*Tychus Findlay - "StarCraft II" and "Heroes of the Storm" (Blizzard Entertainment - video games)

*Madara Uchiha - "Naruto Shippuden" (Anime - TV, movie and VG)

*Albus Dumbledore & Leader of the G.I. Joe EXTREME - "Robot Chicken"

*"Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" (VG)

*"Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth" - Rise of the Witch King (VG)

*"Conan" (VG)

*"Rango" (VG)

*"Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure" (VG)

*"EverQuest II" (VG)

*Kinnect "Disneyland Adventures" (VG)

*"Avatar: The Game" (VG)

*"Final Fantasy XIII" (VG)

*"Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution" (VG)

*"Gears of War 3" (VG)

*"God of War: Ascension" (VG)

And that’s only a PARTIAL list! 

Neil is currently available to meet fans, delight crowds and sign autographs at your convention or event. He is open to various types of programming, and meeting fans at his table. 

For interviews or bookings with this talented actor, contact Renee at Eva Ink Artist Group, Pros@Cons Division: evaink@aol.com

SPOTLIGHT: ROBERT TREBOR-- Actor/Writer-- "Xena," "Hercules," -- Available for Booking!

Robert Trebor on "Xena" set.

Renowned and versatile actor, Robert Trebor is known worldwide for his endearing role as traveling salesman, Salmoneus on both the “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” and “Xena: Warrior Princess” television series. 

His most recent part is a pivotal role in the  Coen Brother's movie "Hail, Caesar!", opposite actor Josh Brolin.

 
He is equally as well know for his parts in feature films such as “Purple Rose of Cairo,” “52 Pick Up," directed by John Frankenheimer,  "Universal Soldier," "Talk Radio," “Making Mr. Right,” “The Shadow,” “My Demon Lover,” “Jiminy Glick in Lalawood,” (among MUCH more).
 

Opposite Martin Sheen in "Out of the Darkness."

One of his most mesmerizing roles undoubtedly is as  Son of Sam killer David Berkowitz in “Out of the Darkness,”  opposite Martin Sheen-- a haunting portrayal that still resonates today, as he delves into the mind of a madman.

On the lighter side: On television, in addition to “Herucles” and “Xena,” Mr. Trebor  has appeared on the small screen in “Miami Vice,” “Murphy Brown,” “Empty Nest,” “Young Indiana Jones Chronicles,” “Baywatch,” “Wedding Daze,” “Missing Persons,” and Boomtown,” among much more!

A writer, some of Mr. Trebor's credits include stories for the "Xena" comic book for Topps Comics, as well as "Dear Salmoneus: A Guide to Love and Money," from Eva Ink Publishing / Image Publishing, in addition to an upcoming autobiography about his adventures in acting.

Book by Robert Trebor.

 
Program Notes:  Actor and comedian, Robert Trebor is available for shows in 2016 to fit around his various filming schedules.  He is open to group panels or solo panels. We can also discuss acting classes or critiques, available to a limited number of shows. 

If you are interested in interviewing Mr. Trebor or booking him for your convention/event, please contact:
 
Eva Ink Artist Group
"Pros & Cons" Division 
evaink@aol.com   

SPOTLIGHT: VERONICA TAYLOR-- Voice Actress for "Pokemon," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and more!

Veronica Taylor and her amazing voice has been a part of Saturday morning cartoons for some time now!

She is probably best known for playing the roles of Ash and May on “Pokemon”, April on “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and roles in “Cubix”, “Dinosaur King”, “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, “Huntik”, “Tai Chi Chasers”, and more. She can be heard on PBS kids’ “Word World” (Sheep), “Lunch Lab” (Mixiebot), and “Chuck Vanderchuck’s ‘something something’ Explosion!” (Ramona).

Ash from "Pokemon."

Current projects include Sailor Pluto on “Sailor Moon”, “Mofy” (Mofy, Mogu, Sora), “Astroblast” (Sputnik), and “Welcome to the Wayne (Spy from 8-i).

Some anime favorites include Amelia on “Slayers”, Yukino on “His and Hers Circumstances”, all 7 Nana’s on “Nana Seven of Seven”, and Narue on “World of Narue”, as well as many others.

April, on right, from "TMNT"

She has done numerous voices for animation, video games, audiobooks, commercials, and documentaries.  Veronica is also a classically trained actor who has performed in NYC and around the U.S. in contemporary and classical theater.

Programming Notes: Veronica loves to be at her booth to sign autographs for fans. Inquire as well for various programming opportunities.

If you are interested in interviewing Veronica or booking her for your convention/event, please contact:

Eva Ink Artist Group
"Pros & Cons" Division 
evaink@aol.com