I am a strong advocate against celebrities charging for their autographs but I am still very respectful for those that do as it is the American Way to find different ways to capitalize on ones fame and make a few bucks. It has changed the landscape on those who do " Collect for the true pleasure and hobby" and those who do it to make a few bucks selling them to fans who can not meet their favorite actors in all parts of the world. Thus many stars who are charging 40 to 100 dollars to sign an item may get a better deal for those who use some ingenuity to find a star at a event or very commonly at a airport. In that said, The WALKER STALKER convention with many of the past and present stars were flying into Orlando to sell their autographs to fans who paid from 45 to 100 dollars just to attend.
Again that does not count the fee for the item that one wants signed nor ( which I will never understand or condone) a picture with them. I have been told that LA, Orlando and New York have some of the most agressive and probably most investigative "Professional Autograph" trackers and some say 'stalkers' in finding places that they might stay at or the flights that they will arrive at when they come to town. Though I was warned that there probably will be about 50 of them waiting to attach themselves to the celebs that debark through the airport, I had to witness it again for my own eyes. With several flights coming in everyone was prepared and waiting patiently. Except for one disturbance between two graphers( which does happen a few times) all were cordial, polite and I have to say respectful to one another sharing stories( we all love to do that) and patiently waiting for those that they were seeking. GIANCARLO ESPOSITO from BREAKING BAD was the first to be mobbed and was patient with all of them signing one each and even posing for a picture. I stood back as I had met him at a Film festival before( He is terrific and even have a blog on him before) STEVEN YEUN from WALKING DEAD came in and was surrounded and basically harassed as he entered the terminal. He was getting angry and even mentioned that " You Guys are very rude" which was noticeable as many of them shoved item after item in his face to sign even after he mentioned" I have to go" ". One woman jumped in front of him and called him GLEN which is his character name and he snapped back and said" MY NAME IS STEVEN". I truly did not blame him at all. EMILEY KINNEY strolled in and was rude to all of them which has been her pattern to the Professional Graphers. TYLER JAMES WILLIAMS came in and was swarmed and again a remarked from the crowd" My son cried for days when you were killed" and he quickly responded, " I am still alive lady". I spotted JOSE PABLO CANTILLO who played Martinez who exited the show when the Governor clubbed him with a golf club and we chatted before he was noticed by a few.
He was terrific and I believe he was eating up the attention and appreciating his fans as he promoted his site for charity. LENNIE JAMES who plays Morgan came in and signed one each,was accommodating and delightful to everyone with pure class until he also said that he was " Very Tired and had to go"
As quickly as everyone descended on these stars, they were gone as quickly when the last celebrity came through the terminal. As crazy as one may think it was, it was an organized chaos to say the least and the ones that sell their items , I am not sure they all got their investment of time, gas, parking and items back with the time they all spent there. It is amazing to watch how they all move and work with some stars enjoying and others that probably distaste this part of their stardom. I guess it is all part of the business.
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