Soap Fan Events: What Say You about Pricing??

I recently came across an event that was being held in my "neck" of the woods--and by that I mean on the East Coast. We basically get very few GH events out here because of our proximity to LA. Lately, there has been more however, and the band Port Chuck came to pay a visit last month in Rochester (shock horror). The most expensive VIP passes at $250 sold out in a day. This got you access to the band before the show and a bunch of extras including photo ops. There was a $150 package, an $89 dollar one (to sit down) and a $50 general admission--standing up. I went to the "fan" event before the show and paid zero dollars. I didn't see the band, but had fun meeting up with other GH people in the area. 

I've seen actors at the mall, back in the day when it was 'free'. Of course, you did have to usually pay for a photo to be signed, even if you waited in line.  (and the lines were long). I never chose to wait in line. I just went and people watched in the crowd. I finally sprang for a trip to NYC to see Nancy Lee Grahn 2  years ago in Manhattan. It was a blast-- only $70 and she spent a lot of time with each table. I met up with great friends from twitter as well. The event was planned well, Nancy sat with fans, signed whatever you gave her, got her photo taken a million times and gave us all photos as well. With the flight down and the hotel, it was enough just to do that. We used it as a good weekend get away for the wub hub and I! 

The second event I attended was in Toronto. My brother and I drove up and stayed the night. The event was $150 to see Lisa LoCicero, Ronnie Marmo and Dom Zamprogna. This was a full charity event. The proceeds went to Make a Wish Canada  and one of the children that was sponsored for a Blue Jays Game came and was honored. There were munchies and good times had by all.  The actors signed whatever you wanted and even waited longer to get their photos taken by everyone. 

I've never been to the GH Fan event but I see most tickets go from somewhere between $100 and $150? This usually includes dinner, a "meet and greet" and a few actors for the most expensive of the bunch.  Most are around  $125. This is a weekend event however, so you can fly out, stay and do many things while you're there. Fans have parties and cocktail hours abound. Point is, you can make a "trip" out of it.  There was also the Soap Weekend at Disney World, where for admission you could see the stars at MGM and wait for autographs. (you could even ride the rides on that money!!)

I was shocked to see the price of a fan event being held in Long Island with 2 actors. For 4 hours you can eat a buffet dinner and have 2 cocktails  (paid). The cost? with fees it comes to $280ish. Now is it just me or this is just plain nuts? None of it that I can see is going to charity, btw.  I can't even think of high-end concerts that go for that kind of dough. Especially in this economy and because many fans may have to travel there and stay over night, that's a ton of $$. Would you pay this kind of money to attend an event? I totally think that actors should charge what they think people will pay, I don't begrudge them that. They have to travel themselves and should be compensated. I just wonder if this kind of money leaves a LOT of people out.

How do you feel about paying to "see the stars"?? How much is the most you'd pay. I might pay $300 for a set tour....maaaaayyybe. That's about it. Not to see 2 people for 4 hours.  Am I being too crabby? I guess if they can get it, go for it.

Wubs Net Interviews: Brianna Brown!

You know her as Dr. Lisa Niles, that crazy, wacky gal after Patrick Drake. Brianna will also be at this year's GH Fan Club Weekend and will host her first ever solo event. She was nice enough to take the time to answer some questions for me about everything from coffee to her web series "Retail Therapy".


Wubs: So this is your first solo event! Are you excited?? 

Brianna: I am thrilled!  After my first fan club weekend last July I was actually able to meet the lovely peeps who I've received letters from, tweets or facebook messages.  The GH fans are so sweet and supportive so I'm excited to give back and share some of my favorite things (coffee & chocolates) this July at FCW.

Wubs: What can the fans expect if they come to your event? 

Brianna: What I found to be the BEST chocolate and coffee in Los Angeles!  I'm known on set to randomly treat cast members with coffee from Intelligencia or LaMill Coffee.  This past Christmas I sang at a holiday party and the owner of John Kelly chocolates had the most amazing fudge truffles I've ever tasted!  It's my go-to gift now.  So aside from some yummy treats that I truly love I also will be raffling off some cool items.  Like one of my actual doctor coats from GH and one of the syringe's (minus the needle) that I actually used on set.  Then there will be a few items that I love...still figuring out all the details!   Lastly it will be a fun get together to talk shop about GH, Lisa Niles, how I'm sooooo not my character and a lot of laughter!


Wubs: It must be delicious to play Lisa on GH... have the fans been receptive to her? Do you ever get the "Leave Scrubs Alone" mail!!? 

Brianna:  Majority of the fans are very receptive.  One of my favorite things when I run into someone who watches GH and doesn't like Lisa is how they usually shift gears toward me after I speak a few sentences.  They realize that I couldn't be further from Lisa Niles and usually are shocked at how warm and open I am. 

Yes, I do get "Leave Scrubs Alone" mail and I get it!  I joke with Jason Thompson that my character has had to stare at his character for a year and a half!  Hiding behind trees (or a few random branches) and basically every crevice in the hospital and at Jakes!  Playing Lisa has been the highlight of my career.  I feel so lucky to have been able to play a surgeon, who drinks beer, throws darts, watches Nascar and is "Fatal Attraction" obsessed with her Ex.  It's always a roller coaster with Lisa. So yes, I would say it is delicious!


Wubs: I saw you were nominated for best actress at the Edgemar Film Fest! Can you tell us which film festivals fans can catch your movie "The Encounter"??

Brianna: In July "The Encounter" which I starred in and co-executive produce will be screening at three different New York festivals! 

July 11th at 7:45pm in Long Island, NY @ Long Island International Film Expo

July 24th at 9:30pm in Stony Brook New York at Stony Brook Film Festival

Manhattan Film Festival time TBA 

www.matemotjaproductions.com - under "News" for more info and upcoming festivals.

Wubs: What are some of the things you are working on now?? 

Brianna: A lot!!  -I just finished co-producing a web-series "Retail Therapy" so we are beginning to submit it in the festival circuit/pitch it. http://www.retailtherapytv.com

-My women's non-profit "The New Hollywood" is starting to prep for our big benefit for Free the Slaves the last Sunday in October at King King  It's going to be a multi-media extravaganza with singing, dancing, poetry and a smorgasbord of creativity and fun for an excellent cause!  www.freetheslaves.net ; www.thenewhollywood.org

My production company Brown Rose Productions is developing a few projects right now. One of which is a single camera comedy TV pilot that I'm co-writing and going to star in along with some of my fellow TNH ladies!  www.brown-roseproductions.com

Lastly I'm training for the Twin Cities Marathon on October 2nd (my birthday) to run my first marathon with a group of close family and friends to raise money for NAMI-Dakota County which my family has been actively involved within since I was a child.  One of my aunts is severely schizophrenic and the funds will help her and others like her with treatment, housing, awareness and support.  Unfortunately these causes always seem to be the first things negatively effected by budget cuts.  My grandmother was the president of the branch for many years and helped build it to what it is today and now my other aunt is the president.  I thought it would be a good way to give back and support my family in a bigger way.  www.nami.org

Twitter: @briannabrown 

 

Brianna Brown's official website: www.brianna-brown.com 

Event Info:  

Coffee and Chocolates With Brianna 

Friday July 22nd from 1-4pm
at the Sportmen's Event Center
Tickets $55 a person
Email ghpcfanclub@aol.com for order form

General Hospital Fan Weekend in Orlando Florida!!

Look out, Orlando …. Here we come!!
We were looking for a great new place for our annual Fall Getaway Weekend, and we believe you’re gonna love it!! We're heading to Orlando, FL for the weekend of November 13 and 14, 2010, and we want you to come along for all of the fun!! Airfares are very reasonable right now, so come on and join us as we head into this wonder “Southern Playground” with your friends and family!!
We’ve chosen the Courtyard Lake Buena Vista, Florida Hotel, 8623 Vineland Avenue, Orlando, FL, which features a variety of unique amenities combined with an exceptional location. Situated only 1 mile from Walt Disney World® Resort and in close proximity to other top Orlando attractions, this hotel in Lake Buena Vista, FL boasts the ease of purchasing attraction tickets in the lobby and a convenient shuttle service, which is perfect for families. Or, relax in the refreshing indoor/outdoor pool. There’s lots to do … including enjoying a great line up of your favorites!

Kick off your morning with incomparable Brandon Barash! What better way to start a fun filled weekend than waking up to Brandon? This event is on Saturday morning, November 13, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Tickets are $65 per person and includes your reserved seat at a comfortable table, as well as a light breakfast.
Then, get ready from the amazing Bradford Anderson! He’s wanted to get back to Florida since Super Soap Weekends ended a couple of years ago, and can’t wait to see all of you there! This event is on Saturday afternoon, November 13, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and includes your reserved seat at a comfortable table, as well as a light lunch.

Finally, we hope you’re ready for a rockin’ evening with Kelly Monaco! It’s been a while since she’s had a chance to visit with all of you on the road, so get ready to spend the evening dishing with this incredible lady! This event is on Saturday evening, November 13, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and includes your reserved seat at a comfortable table, as well as a light dinner
But pace yourself because …. then we’ve got Sunday!!
Finish up this fun filled weekend with the unbelievable Carolyn Hennesy! This busy lady is packing her bags and heading to Orlando to party with you Sunday morning, November 14, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Tickets are $65 per person and includes your reserved seat at a comfortable table, as well as a light breakfast.
And who better to finish up this incredible weekend of events? The one, the only … Lisa LoCicero!! What a way to end a perfect weekend of events!! Sign up now and be a part of all of the fun! This event is on Sunday afternoon, November 14, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and includes your reserved seat at a comfortable table, as well as a light lunch.
To purchase tickets, send two self-addressed, stamped envelopes, along with your money order made payable to Debby O'Connor, to: Debby O'Connor, P.O. Box 16212, Irvine, CA 92623. You may also purchase by going to our website at www.YourNumberOneFan.com to purchase using PayPal. Note: Add an additional $5.00 per ticket for use of PayPal. Write to debbyoconnor@aol.com with questions. Be sure to include the name(s) of all of your guests with your purchasing information to ensure you are seated together. All tickets are nonrefundable.