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Image Copyright: Fun World. Today marks the first time that Scream Franchise Examiner's exclusive interview with R.J. Torbert of Fun World has run in its entirety, and with updated information.
Today, Scream Franchise Examiner is proud to present an exclusive: 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®.
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Note: In referencing this interview, some sites have mistakenly reported that R.J. Torbert created the iconic GhostFace® mask. As the interview makes clear, the mask itself was developed in 1991-1992, before Torbert joined Fun World. Additionally, the company’s Halloween category is under the direction of Alan Geller, and it was Mr. Geller that put the stamp of approval on the design that eventually became GhostFace®. Torbert's involvement began with the onset of Miramax/Scream and the baptism of the mask we know as GhostFace®, and he has remained involved, along with the principal owners Stanley Geller and Alan Geller, to this date. Additionally, Torbert is responsible for the licensing of GhostFace®.
Also, see Fun World's newest Halloween hit below...
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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 the questions you’ve been dying to ask him…
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Can you recall first involvement with the Scream franchise starting with Miramax? How has this relationship grown and evolved throughout the years?
I have been involved from the very beginning in regard to working with the studios. The two principle owners of Fun World, Stanley Geller and Alan Geller, and I are very involved in the decision making when it relates to GhostFace® and Scream, and communicate frequently. We respect each other’s opinions and ultimately a decision will be made.
As for GhostFace® licensing, I handle it and keep them in the loop. It’s my responsibility but it’s their company.
To elaborate on how the relationship has grown and evolved would take too long. I will say that it has been quite an adventure. However, the 3 of us in reality are the only people that have been involved in all of the negotiations regarding GhostFace® and Scream from the beginning. Miramax to Dimension to Weinstein, etc. all the “players” have changed over the years. As with all changes, this naturally creates challenges. The relationship in this regime at Weinstein to date has been good, and the relationship with, and courtesy given to me and Fun World from, Wes Craven on the set has been outstanding.
You are receiving direct communications from Wes Craven on the set?
Yes, I am. He is a gentleman, a true professional, hard working and one of those people you root for. He deserves every success that comes his way.
Have you ever had a chance to meet and speak with him?.jpg)
Yes, I met and spoke with both Wes and his lovely wife, Iya (who is co-producing Scream 4) last year in Las Vegas. He was a keynote speaker for us at the Halloween show and I had the opportunity to speak with and spend some time with him both alone and with Stanley and Alan Geller as well as Iya, for about 30 minutes before he came to our booth to sign GhostFace® masks and photographs for 90 minutes.
What kinds of things were discussed?
I can tell you most of it was general comments, our histories and how we became intertwined together combining GhostFace® and Scream. It’s amazing to me how such a polite, nice man is the Master of Horror.
In your opinion what is it about GhostFace® that has resonated with audiences? How does it make you feel to know that GhostFace® has become an iconic face of fear in film?
My opinion is that audiences had never seen a face of a ghost like this before. When the mask was developed in 1991-1992, it was part of a style assortment called Fantastic Faces. Some people referred to it as the peanut eyed ghost. It became part of “Fearsome Faces” a few years later. I thought it looked like a “Ghost in Pain” which was unique for the time.
Wes Craven must have thought it had a unique look, too, because when he saw it scouting locations at the house of a mask collector (who had passed away) he was adamant about it being in the movie. It was here that I pushed hard to “baptize” the mask, and with the Geller’s blessing “GhostFace®” was born.
GhostFace® is not only a registered trademark of Fun World, but the image is copyright protected under that same name. As far as the audience’s reaction to GhostFace®… Besides the unique look, credit must also be given to Wes Craven and his crew. The first movie left you on the edge of your seat so much so that the GhostFace® image was the icing on the cake to put reaction over the top.
The feeling of GhostFace® being the Icon of Halloween has made all of us here very proud and very protective of its use. We appreciate not only the fans of Scream but those who appreciate GhostFace®. It is those fans that we simply ask not to buy unauthorized product of GhostFace® and/or Scream. As of now only, Fun World Div./Easter Unlimited Inc. or Weinstein/Dimension relating to Scream 4 are authorized to utilize the image on product. We ask you not to support knock offs of intellectual properties. We are aware that there is currently a video game being advertised in online publication with no authorization to date. They will eventually hear from us if we do not hear from them. Your readers should always ask, “Is this an officially licensed product?” before spending their hard earned money.
Do you have a favorite scene or use of GhostFace® in film or TV? If so, what is it and why?
Anything that involves Drew Barrymore is my favorite. In Scream I, the opening scene with her had such an impact to what GhostFace® would be doing that watching it for the first time was most memorable for me. On TV, my favorite use of GhostFace® was on the TV series Boom Town. When I first got the call about using it from the show I asked to read the script because I wanted to be certain it wouldn’t be involved in anything such as a rape scene etc. I loved what I read and we granted authorization.
The scene involves a “Bully” at Halloween terrorizing kids. You see him smiling and having a good ole time with his antics. He was clearly amused with himself. He gets in the back of the car still laughing at what he did, looks behind him and he sees GhostFace® running after the car and finally jumping on the back of the vehicle – his smile was turned into fear quickly and you can’t help but laugh and smile at sweet revenge. One of the cops was undercover dressed as GhostFace® so in this situation he was the good guy. I loved it. I also enjoyed the scene with Shannen Doherty and Wes Craven in Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back.
It has recently been reported that new GhostFace® merchandise will be available by the end of the year and throughout 2011. What can fans expect to see and when? Is there new product that you are particularly proud of?
New GhostFace® merchandise will be available to present to retailers in 2011 for consumers. Some.jpg)
product has been available now for retail review, while most will be reviewed sometime in October through December of this year. However, I think the fans will be happy.
We are proud of all of our products, but if you are referring specifically to GhostFace®, we all have our favorites, as I’m sure Alan Geller has his. Alan is the Executive Vice President of Fun World and it’s under his guidance that the Halloween category is where it is today. In regards to GhostFace®, it’s important to note the success of GhostFace® is a testament of many factors and people--from the design staff, past and present, to the graphics people, to packaging, to our receiving people, our admin offices, warehouse people, our sales force and our manufacturers and people working in Asia. All have some involvement in “touching” GhostFace® and to help make it successful. I do think it’s important to note that it’s Alan Geller who has been the one to either approve or disapprove product and design for Halloween. So would there have been a GhostFace® as we know it today without his original stamp of approval? Probably not. As you can see, there are many different people involved. I am probably the most fortunate in having my hands involved in all aspects regarding GhostFace®.
What, if anything, are you able to reveal about your involvement in Scream 4? There has been a lot of speculation about the use of two or more different masks…
There has been much publicity regarding additional masks. Since there have been photos published already, I will comment more about it.
One of our design staff, under the direction of Alan Geller, worked on a different updated look of GhostFace®.
I took those images and communicated with Weinstein executives about 6-8 months prior to filming. In addition, direct communications were received to me from Wes Craven in regards to “possible” use. I also met with executives at Weinstein in NYC regarding this and other issues regarding GhostFace® and the movie. When filming started I even requested a copy of the script from Wes Craven and the gentleman that he is told me only a few people had access to it, therefore I had a polite No. I can’t help but think that maybe his thoughts were that I was crazy. LOL.
Getting back to the additional masks. They have them on set. We are in communication. Wes Craven does keep in touch. I don't want to get sliced and diced and be a victim of Ghost Face®, but keep your eyes open. You may see them, you may not. Stay alert and you may even see more, who knows? This is fun, isn't it? However, I want to be clear there has never been confirmation on how these masks were to be used or not used. It will be a mystery until the movie opens.
Have you received information about certain scenes to justify more product being sent to the set?
Yes, I have – the set has been great explaining what they need and why they need it.
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 above.)
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.jpg)
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 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?.jpg)
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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GhostFace® is a Registered trademark of Fun World Div./Easter Unlimited Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Fun World’s newest publicity-getter is already a top seller for Halloween this year. Called Bad Planning, the costume allows the customer to protest BP’s handling of the oil crisis using satire--a lighthearted public expression of the individual's opinion. One dollar for every costume sold is being donated to a relief fund to help those affected by the crisis.
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