Scream 4 Exclusive: Unmasking Ghost Face with R.J. Torbert of Fun World (Part 2)

Image Copyright: Fun World. Today, Scream Franchise Examiner presents Part Two of an exclusive interview with R.J. Torbert, Director of Licensing/Product Development for Fun World.

Today, Scream Franchise Examiner is proud to present an exclusive: Part Two of the first ever in-depth interview with R.J. Torbert, Director of Licensing/Product Development of Fun World—the company that changed the face of fear forever with the inception of GhostFace®. Below, you will also find an exciting announcement from the company, revealed here for the first time…

If you missed Part One of our interview, you can view it here.

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R.J. Torbert has been involved in the Toy Business for over 35 years.

For 20 years, Torbert was at the Woolworth Company, and was the Senior Buyer of Toys when he left in 1996. He joined Fun World shortly thereafter and has been with them for 15 years; his responsibilities include Director of Licensing and Product Development for Easter, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day. Torbert is the creator and originator of specialty Easter eggs as we know them today, and has also created and developed hundreds of games and toys seen in retail stores around the world for Easter. Torbert has written games for Valentine’s Day that have sold millions of units during that last 12 years--most notably Conversation Cards and Love, True or Dare. 8 weeks a year, he works with factories and makers in China. Torbert is also the co-creator of the Elvis Presley Limited Edition 24kt Gold Record sold at Graceland and in catalogs worldwide.

Now, R.J. Torbert answers more of the questions you’ve been dying to ask him…

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How are the fans on Twitter?

They have been great. They are a lot of fun. However, I’m sure most will understand that I can’t reply to all. I do my best, and, as you know, have given away a couple of Deluxe Movie Edition Masks (courtesy of Fun World) to some who have answered questions of mine that have worded very carefully. We can’t give to all but a few more followers will be lucky. Future prizes will be given away through Scream Franchise Examiner and Scream-Trilogy.net.

Has anything ever happened to you in real life that was funny or unique regarding GhostFace®?

Yes it has – but let’s save that for next time, as the movie gets closer to opening. I told the story to Wes and Iya (his wife and producer of Scream 4) when we were traveling from the airport to the hotel together last year. They enjoyed it.

Do you have any pictures that you would like to share with GhostFace®/Scream fans?

Yes, how about one of the legendary Wes Craven with our great staff of Fun World? (See image below.)

What has been your favorite moment involving Wes Craven?

I think being able to talk about him and introduce him as Fun World's keynote speaker at the Halloween Show last year. How many people can say they have been able to that? And hopefully the adventure continues…

You mentioned that GhostFace® was on the TV show Boom Town. Any other shows? Did you also read the scripts?

Yes, the mask was on an episode of 3rd Rock from the Sun and The Sopranos. (The mask also appeared in episodes of Dawson’s Creek, 90210, Mad TV and MTV Live.) And yes, I read the scripts. I was particularly a little nervous about The Sopranos but ultimately the scene involved no killing. It may sound a little contradictory about the killing aspect of it, but with a show with heavy content I just didn’t want a scene that involved rape or children. There is a limit to everything. The Sopranos almost didn’t happen due to an initial disagreement but ultimately it worked.

Care to elaborate?

No, but you are a good interviewer. (Laughing)

Are you aware of the Zombie GhostFace® Masks being sold on eBay? Are they the real thing?

Yes, I am aware. They are Fun World product. Some of the online internet companies have received early shipments.

Is the Scarecrow GhostFace® Mask in production and will it be available to the public?

Yes, it has been sold to the major retailers and will be available this Halloween.

Nancy O’Dell posted a picture of herself posed with GhostFace® and a bouquet of flowers, black thorns and roses on Twitter and her website. The rumor is that the arrangement was from Fun World. Care to confirm?

Yes, we sent them as a good luck on the start of filming. We think the world of Wes Craven and Iya, as well as the crew working with him, and we wanted to acknowledge them by wishing them well. We also sent a movie screen arrangement for his birthday, of which you have already published the photo. We used a fabulous place, Norton’s Flowers & Gifts in Ann Arbor, established in 1892. So hands on, understanding and conscientious--I can’t say enough about them. If you need flowers, check them out. Their motto is “We Deliver the WOW!” and they live up to it.

You have updated your GhostFace® logo after about 14 years. Care to speak about why? Also, what was the origin of the original logo?

The first logo was something we felt was needed after “baptizing” the mask as GhostFace®. As with anything, it needed an identity. I worked closely with a member of the design staff at that time to come up with a look that had blood dripping off the letters. She did a fabulous job, and did it by hand for technology at the time was not anything like it is today. The new logo came about because simply “it was time.” The final result is a combination of 4 people’s thoughts and effort. Originally, I asked the head of our Graphic Department and one of our designers (who happens to also be involved in Zombie and Scarecrow GhostFace® design) to each come up with something based on the thoughts of myself, Alan Geller, and, of course, their own creative instincts. After review of the work submitted, we combined the two, made some final revisions, and there you have it. I think it works. It’s another example of people working together and being involved in the continuing success of GhostFace®. To be successful in today’s market, the people and the companies have to be up to the challenge of the mercurial nature of the business and the competition. Our team here at Fun World is living up to the challenge.

You chose to speak candidly and exclusively to Scream Franchise Examiner over others. Is there a reason?

You asked politely and professionally and we can tell you enjoy what you do. You are “passionate” about bringing “true” information to the fans. I must also compliment Scream-Trilogy.net. They have made corrections to their stories that I have sent in to them very quickly and they are fun to read. They “analyze” the words on Twitter for clues (and rightfully so) I use. They are very good indeed. I appreciate their desire to get the facts correct.

Also, this is the first time in 15 years an interview like this has been given; it’s our thank you to the fans. Our profile has been relatively low over the years and this is our way of showing appreciation to those fans by providing some history and information to them.

If you could do anything with the Scream movies, what would you do?

Bring Drew Barrymore’s character back to life, and send no more product to the set unless Wes got me an autographed photo that says “R.J., you make me Scream and I’m following you on Twitter. Love, Drew.” (Laughing)

Seeing as you have been quite charitable toward Scream fans, do you have any preferred charities that they can support, should they wish to do so?

Yes. Readers who want to give to terrific charities can support two of my favorites: The Brooke Jackman Foundation--I encourage people to investigate this special young woman and the people behind the charity. It’s well run and a charity I have been regularly giving to for years. This charity was brought to my attention from Alan Geller and his wife Melisa. It’s something that is near and dear to her heart. Another is the Adopt A Fisherman charity run by the John Tesh Intelligence for Your Life Organization--they are working hard to help the families and fisherman who lost their livelihood from this environmental disaster. Imagine being 65 years old and being told you have to retire or switch careers. I encourage your readers to check out both these charities. In the grand scheme of things, GhostFace® and Scream are fun, and interesting, but there are people who have more important things on their mind, such as "life" and where they are going. If we can spend our time and money on fun things such as this, then we are fortunate enough to help others who are less fortunate. I have always found that good things come back to those who donate and give to others unselfishly. Give a small amount of your time and what you can afford, which won’t affect your life, but it will for those on the receiving end.

Did we miss anything about Fun World?

Well, there are many bricks to this company as the company continues to grow and rise toward the Scream 4 future. However, it is Stanley Geller, our President, who has been the concrete between the bricks during the last 45 years. At 84 years of age, he continues to be active in the day to day operations of the business and is not only respected greatly here, but industry wide--so much so that he has been the HIA (Halloween Industry Association) president for the past year and a half. Those who work or have worked with him will be proud to say they knew him when they discuss their own careers one day. I have been witness to many things involving Stanley and it has been an honor. I got such enjoyment bearing witness to Stanley Geller and Wes Craven walking side by side toward our booth at the Halloween show last year in Las Vegas, each their own legend in their respective Industry. If you look at the photo of Wes Craven with Fun World, Stanley is to his Left.

Any final words?

We all have to keep our sense of humor and follow our dreams.

How about one last teaser?

Well. I can announce for the first time today that you will see another Fun World mask in a major motion picture next year. It will be very integral to the movie. It’s too early to tell you the name of the movie or show the mask, however.

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With deep appreciation to R.J. Torbert for sharing his time, knowledge, and passion with Scream Franchise Examiner and the fans of the franchise that has forever changed the face of fear…

Last Monday, Scream Franchise Examiner exclusively revealed Fun World’s new Ghost Face® logo and announced a contest that will result in one lucky reader winning a mask signed by Wes Craven. If you missed it, be sure to check out the details here.

Got an inside scoop that you’d like to see appear in print? Email Scream Franchise Examiner at OyeJohn52@aol.com…

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