Mar 23, 2015
Marta On The Move visits with local Hollywood Special Effects Legend Tom Savini.
In Pittsburgh, PA, on an unassuming street lives a legend in the film industry. I got the pleasure of visiting Tom Savini in his house here in Bloomfield. I just left from there, and I am still reeling at what I saw. He may be the largest collector of casts, busts (his own and others), and various other collectibles. I fawned over two busts of Tim Curry's devil character from the movie Legend, made by one of his students Darren Holt from Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program. located in Monesson, Pa. I passed by the sword that beheaded Sean Bean in The Game Of Thromes series. Brad Pitt's helmet from Troy, assorted death masks from Clark Cable, to David Bowie. I casually strolled by a life size version of the Terminator, or Val Kilmer as Batman. In the middle all of these collections, is Tom Savini, wandering the house his father built, giving me the grand tour.
The only man in Hollywood who can claim the titles of director, stuntman, make up artist, and actor, Tom Savini is a whirlwind of talent, that we in Pittsburgh are lucky to call ours. You have seen his work everywhere, whether you know it or not. Remember Jason from Friday the 13th? His creation. Any number of zombies in Dawn of the Dead, along with hundreds of others, including the monster from Creepshow. (Which I walked by and nearly jumped at how real it looked) In front of the camera he has starred in various films from Dawn of the Dead, From Dusk Til Dawn, Perks of Being a Wallflower, Django Unchained, and is the only person I have ever met to be a character on The Simpsons. Even with all this under his belt, he is extremely personable, and humble, taking the time to stop and show me tons of things I asked about. (Including the life size version of the Creature from the Black Lagoon in his backyard)
I originally met Tom at a convention, and casually asked him if he would do a plug for my show, he responded with "Sure! I can even be on the show if you want" Not believing he meant it, I was shocked when he scheduled a phone podcast with me, and took the time to allow me to come to his house/studio to shoot some pictures. Listen below for the episode, and keep an eye out for another one released when his documentary Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini hits closer to Halloween. Thanks again Tom!
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