When I first covered the Motor City Comic Con for Global Traveler, Press Liaison Valerie Schendel was a huge help in my effort. Valerie was very informative, helpful and pleasant throughout the process.
I asked Valerie to share a few photos and stories about her years working with the MCCC. She had some great stories to tell. She really seemed to love the convention. After attending my first one, I understood her enthusiasm for the MCCC. She wasn't just being a great Public Relations person. It was a great event.
One of the pictures she shared was of her and Adam West. West almost appears to be smiling. I always try to give the celebrity the benefit of the doubt on unpleasant experiences, but I have not had a pleasant experience with West in at least 5 different conventions.
West is very strict about being photographed. How strict? At the Spring 2010 MCCC, my friends and I were a good 50 feet from his booth when we were testing my camera by taking pictures of things in the opposite direction. West had one of the assistants ask (tell) me to stop shooting pictures.
I witnessed a similar scene involving others at another convention. I also witnessed West refuse to take a group picture with fellow celebrity guest Frank Gorshin (who appeared on Batman with West). I have also never seen him smile in any photo with fans.
Did I just catch West on a few bad days? Maybe, but I don't think so. I think that is just him. Either way, my stance remains the same for celebrities. If you don't want to be there, stay home. People pay a lot of money for West and they should not walk away feeling cheated.
If I am being unfair to West and he (or anyone else) wants to dispute it, I will be happy to report the other side. If I ever see evidence contrary to my belief, I will happily retract my statements. Until then, I stand by my observations.
Valerie Schendel and Adam West in Novi, MI-Early 2000's.
No comments:
Post a Comment