A Spooktacular Chat with Sideshow President & CEO, Greg Anzalone
Our collectors were excited to get the chance to chat live with Sideshow Collectibles President & CEO, Greg Anzalone, on Tuesday, October 27th, during our 2009 Spooktacular celebration! The following is a transcript of the Q&A portion of the chat (edited for grammar and clarification). After Greg answered as many questions as he could in the time he had available, he proceeded to dole out nearly $1000 worth of prizes, including a Bossk Life-Size Bust, a Hot Toys T-600 12-inch Figure, a Color Mort Vinyl Collectible, and more!
A huge thanks to Greg for his time and generosity!
Greg Anzalone: Hello everybody! I'm ready to give you some Sideshow love!
jasonxx: What new premium format can we look forward to?
Greg Anzalone: Our next Premium Format Figure will be Darth Talon...shown in episode 5 of 'Help Wanted'!
Master: Greg : When shall we have a preview of Obi-Wan Kenobi Revenge of the Sith Premium Format?
Greg Anzalone: I'm not really sure about Obi-Wan Episode 3, at this moment it's not in development, as far as I know.
its420brother: Hello, Greg! Welcome, good sir. What are the chance of expanding the license with The Fifth Element? I know about the couple of bobbleheads that are on the site, but I would really love to see a 12" or Premium Format of LeeLoo (Milla Jovovich). I happened to notice that the film still has its own site, with a newly re-released DVD edition that I imagine they are and will be promoting. Any potential that The Fifth Element line might be explored by Sideshow in 12"?
Greg Anzalone: We currently have no plans to do The 5th Element product. But we'll keep you posted if that changes!
Kabukiman: Greg - We've heard of certain licenses that Sideshow would love to acquire, but are prevented from due to difficulties with the licensor. Is there anything us Freaks can do help persuade the licensor? Would you encourage or discourage such "help"?
Greg Anzalone: We would encourage any help that might be possible. We'd love to be able to do Blade Runner!
creature4000: Does Sideshow have plans to do another version of Thor in Premium Format or comiquette?
Greg Anzalone: Yes, we planning are another version of Thor. Likely based on the future film release.
mpahlbod: Hi Greg, are you guys getting close to getting the DC Comics license?
Greg Anzalone: I can neither confirm nor deny how close we are to getting the DC license.
DocHorror: Any Universal Monsters on the horizon?
Greg Anzalone: Yes! We will continue to develop under the Universal Monster license.
The_Mike: Greg: Will the 1:1 Busts and the 1:2 Maquettes continue with Iron Man 2?
Greg Anzalone: Yes, we plan to continue both lines for Iron Man 2.
Computerfly: Hellraiser license, 2010?
Greg Anzalone: Yes, we hope to do Hellraiser!
Nitro: Will we see a Wolfman 1:1 bust?
Greg Anzalone: Wolfman 1:1 bust - we would like to do one, but at the moment it is not in development, please stay tuned!
ma1138: Could it be possible to have a warehouse in Canada for Canadian customers? On one $299.99 order I paid over $135.00 in shipping and customs. Or perhaps send with Fedex Ground instead of Air? I don't require my statue to arrive in two days
Greg Anzalone: Sorry for the Canadian issues, but we don't have plans at the moment to have a Canadian warehouse. I will look into less expensive ways in getting products to you.
TheCrystalShip: What about FIREFLY?
Greg Anzalone: We will be distributing the Quantum Mechanix Firefly products.
The_Mike: Greg: Will Sideshow bring other original Horror characters like Vampires or Werewolves ala THE DEAD?
Greg Anzalone: Yes we plan develop beyond the Dead line to include other horror characters in our Sideshow Originals line.
SweetPea: Greg: In the Pumpkin and Decoder contests, which entries are your fav?
Greg Anzalone: My favorites are whichever are YOUR favorites 
creature4000: Any plans for movie Iron Man in 1/4 scale?
Greg Anzalone: Movie Iron Man, we would also like to do 1/4 scale but we'll have to see where it fits.
swabie: Greg, lots of peeps here love Venture Bros and are chatting about it. Would a V Bros license with Cartoon Network be something you would consider looking into?
Greg Anzalone: Yes we are exploring the Venture Bros.
zombieSpyke: Greg: What is Sideshow's policies on artists submitting work for consideration for Sidsehow Original products?
Greg Anzalone: Artists are free to submit their Portfolio to our Creative Director, Tom Gilliland for review.
TheMonster: Greg: My first Question is, will Sideshow fans ever see Boris Karloff as The Monster in Son Of Frankenstein in Silver Screen in other Formats such as a Premium Format, Diorama, 1:1 Scale Bust, Legendary Scale Bust, or Real Bronze Statues of Karloff?
Greg Anzalone: We are long-time Karloff fans and supporters of the films and the estate and are always evaluating new opportunities. For those that may be unaware, Sara Karloff's husband recently passed away, and we are sharing her mourning.
Battletroll: Greg, what is your personal favorite license?
Greg Anzalone: The Godfather
Case: Greg will we be seeing any more John Wayne Premium Formats in the future?
Greg Anzalone: More John Wayne - we hope so!
Elder: Greg: Will you plan or consider allowing Paypal as an accepted payment method on Sideshow?
Greg Anzalone: At the moment we do not have a PayPal option. In the future, there might be opportunity to use it. We will have to look into it further.
bh413: Greg!! Thanks for giving us some time! Are there any plans to explore the classic X-Men - along the lines of the classic Iron Man Comiquette?
Greg Anzalone: I'm not aware of anything currently in development for classic X-Men.
LordofAscension: Hi Greg - I was wondering what, if any, further plans Sideshow has with Blizzard to do statues based on StarCraft II (I'm also interested in Diablo and Warcraft)? If you do have plans - what sort of rough timetable are we looking at?
Greg Anzalone: Yes, we are continuing our relationship with Blizzard and hope to have more Starcraft. There MAY be something in 2010, stay tuned!
MrMidnightDreary: Greg - any Bela Lugosi items to look forward to next year?
Greg Anzalone: Bela Jr is working on a fairly elaborate release of mid-tier wine, and we will be looking at the possibility of distributing that product through out site. We are looking to revisit Lugosi product in the near future.
Blade3327: If you have communication with Hot Toys, would it be possible to suggest them to make 1/6 figures of King Willy and Danny Glover from Predator 2? Or perhaps continue older Alien/Predator series for those of us who have not been able to get them?
Greg Anzalone: Yes we are in communication with Hot Toys, and we will make your suggestion about Predator 2 to them.
aliennn: Greg, recently Sideshow has been offering some second-party items from the classic RESIDENT EVIL game; is that a license that Sideshow is considering acquiring?
Greg Anzalone: Yes, we are evaluating the license and in the meantime we will continue handling distributed items for Resident Evil.
Master: When will you show Jedi Luke and C-3PO Premium Format?
Greg Anzalone: Prototypes for Jedi Luke and C-3PO PF's are nearly done and we'll be showing them very soon.
TheMonster: Greg, will Sideshow work with Bernie Wrightson again? I would LOVE to see 12 inch and PF Figures of Wrightson's Frankenstein in black and white like Bernie's drawings, in color, and in Faux Bronze.
Greg Anzalone: Bernie is an old friend of Sideshow and someone that we respect and love. And there may be a chance for us in the future to do some work again with him.
Gaby: Greg: do you plan having a Harry Potter license?<
Greg Anzalone: We hope to be announcing some 'Harry Potter' news/products in the near future.
Buffygirl: Why did you start an Angel line but give us only 3 out of 6 major characters? Couldn't you have just made more limited numbers???
Greg Anzalone: Some of our plans aren't always able to be realized and we regret dropping some announcements as much as you do. There may be some point to be able to go back and revisit Angel in the future.
MarkIt0Dude>: Will you be making any FIrefly figures?
Greg Anzalone: No, sorry there are no plans for 'Firefly' 12-inch figures or products at this time.
SSC562: Greg, how many items are planned for the new Transformers line and when can we expect to start seeing them up for order?
Greg Anzalone: We have an Optimus Prime product that we'll be showing the prototype for in the near future.
TheNAM: Other versions of Freddy, Jason, etc., including Myers?
Greg Anzalone: There are some pieces in development for modern horror (Freddy, Jason, Myers, etc.)
shirtlesschrissarandon: reg, I had asked during a previous chat about cult films such as Taxi Driver, The Shining, Clockwork Orange being translated to PF. You were interested but it was not happening then has there been any change with those plans?
Greg Anzalone: If anyone knows DeNiro well enough to get us the Taxi Driver rights, they will receive a trunk-load of free product!
TheMonster: Greg, my last question, how do I get a job at Sideshow?
Greg Anzalone: Submit your resume to employment@sideshowcollectibles.com
SweetPea: Greg: Given how popular, Masters of the Universe has become, have you guys considered picking up the license?
Greg Anzalone: There's no discussion with the licensor at this time for Masters of the Universe.
Faken: Thanks for taking the time and working up the courage to join the chat Greg! Is it safe to assume Sideshow will be looking in to creating collectibles for the upcoming Predators movie coming out in 2010?
Greg Anzalone: Yes, we'll be working with the new Predators films and will be making products!
MrMidnightDreary: What happened to 12" Hot Toys Comedian shown at Comic-Con, can we expect a pre-order soon?
Greg Anzalone: Yes! The Comedian is still happening, and we will be offering the Pre-Order very soon.
Kabukiman: Greg: Spooktacular has evolved into an event that many of us look forward to every year. It really is a great event and kind of a "team building" for us fans. I don't know if you realize just how much we appreciate every aspect of Spook. Given the current economic climate, are we any danger of losing Spooktacular? And I don't really expect you to answer this next question, I feel I need to ask anyway, how do you measure the success of Spooktacular?
Greg Anzalone: Spooktacular WILL continue well into the future, as we love this event and appreciate your participation in it.
creature4000: How far will the 12" GIJOE license go? C, D, E list characters?
Greg Anzalone: Our Joe license continues for many years, and we will continue to release an ever expanding list of characters.
Commtech: Greg: Are you planning on hiring P!tu as permanent staff? (Seriously)
Greg Anzalone: Pitu operates as a freelance fan supporting not only Sideshow's product endeavors, but other companies as well, and we respect his enthusiasm for our industry.
Gaby: Greg: do you plan having a Harry Potter license?
Greg Anzalone: We HOPE to be working with the Harry Potter license in the near future but no solid plans at the moment.
OscarGungan: Two properties I see on wish lists all the time are Blade Runner and Fifth Element, but I'm understanding that because of rights issues, neither one would ever happen. Is this true?
Greg Anzalone: You are correct, the rights issues have prevented us from doing either Blade Runner, but not 5th Element.
TheMonster: Will sideshow fans ever see Boris Karloff as The Monster in Son Of Frankenstein in SSE in other Formats such as a PF Figure, A Dio, A 1:1 Scale Bust, LSB, or Real Bronze Statues of Karloff?
Greg Anzalone: We believe we will be doing additional Karloff product in the future, which may or may not include 1:1 scale busts or real bronze.
BariBigBenG: Can you tell us about any future plans for Buffy?
Greg Anzalone: We are currently engaging in internal discussions on how to reveal our future Buffy plans. Stay tuned!
pitu: Greg, just wanted to say thanks for everything papo! you rock. It's a shame i didn't get to see you at Sideshow, but I know what the circumstances were. Take care and thanks for coming to the Chat! woohooo!!! Get to da chooooopppaaaaaaa!
Greg Anzalone: I was sorry to have missed you as well, and recently saw your "work" in the Help Wanted video and it looks like you were having more fun than everyone else!
ozzfan84: Greg, many of us Silver Screen Edition collectors were pleased with the edition size increase for the SSE Creature from the Black Lagoon diorama; because it allowed us enough time/statues for everyone who really wanted one to get one. How does Sideshow decide on appropriate edition sizes on lines or certain products that are meant to be ultra-rare "special" items?
Greg Anzalone: The decision about Edition Sizes is made by a small group of managers in which suggestions are discussed and ultimately a decision is made by me and the creative director.
HellsToys: Greg, do you have any plans ever to get a license to do Snake Plissken, The Crow or even Mad Max?
Greg Anzalone: We would like to do all of those characters you listed (Mad Max, etc) but we don't currently have the rights, so POSSIBLY some point in the future.
SSC907: Greg, are there any future plans to develop Tranformers Life-Size busts?
Greg Anzalone: Yes, we have a big (although not 'life-size') Optimus Bust that will be shown fairly soon.
djsosharp: Greg, are there currently any plans to develop entirely new types of collectibles that might potentially span various licenses? If so, are there any details you could share?
Greg Anzalone: There are always people at Sideshow evaluating new types of collectibles, but I am not at liberty to divulge anything that is currently in the design stage.
vstorm: Any plans for some Metal Gear Solid stuff?
Greg Anzalone: Stay tuned to the site for any upcoming Metal Gear news!
Battletroll: Greg, a couple of years ago Sideshow had a prime in collectibles by introducing the Premium Format. Are you still exploring new media and techniques, and if so can you tell us what the 'future collectible statue' might be?
Greg Anzalone: Yes, we are evaluating new formats for figure collectibles and hope to continue to expand what we can produce for all of you.
zimbo: Hi Greg, I was wondering if there was any chance you could let us know when Optimus Prime is likely to be released and and roughly what price range (just so i know how much to try start saving for)
Greg Anzalone: I'm honestly not sure about the Optimus retail price yet, but we'll do our best to make the pricing as attractive as possible after taking into account its production.
Master: When will you show Jack Sparrow Premium Format?
Greg Anzalone: Not sure when we're previewing the Jack Sparrow - it'll be sometime in 2010 most likely.
Deeznutz: Why is the G.I, JOE line moving soooooooooooo slow?
Greg Anzalone: There are some limitations for how fast we can go based on all of the other items we have in development as well as the approval process at Hasbro.
Frankie: Next Monster Diorama...????
Greg Anzalone: I'm not sure we have one in development at this moment.
SSC574: How many more MARVEL items will we see in Spooktacular?
Greg Anzalone: We may currently be done with Marvel for Spooktacular. But we will have additional Marvel news/announcements in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
LordofAscension: Thanks for the Blizzard update, Greg - can I follow-up? What formats are we looking at for those products? Personally, I'd like to see it all stay with polystone! Also will they be available via Blizzard's site like Tychus or through SS like the WoW and Diablo 3 statues?
Greg Anzalone: Yes, Blizzard products will be in polystone. I'm not sure of the answers to your other questions at this time.
vedder: Greg, are there any plans to do some work with the movie The Goonies?
Greg Anzalone: We have nothing in the works for Goonies at this time.
zombieSpyke: Also love to say your products are great and I now have a house full!
Greg Anzalone: Thank you for dedicating so much of your living space to creating a personal museum. Send us pictures, as we'd love to include them on our site and maybe even in a future catalog!
VASith: Thanks for everything..you have an AMAZING company and employees!! You should be proud!!
Greg Anzalone: I agree. I love the business and I really appreciate the staff that are here at the company. I really believe we have the best group of people providing the best service in the industry.
Bear: I also would like to know when do you intend to release Jack from POTC?
Greg Anzalone: Jack Sparrow is in development. Sorry that I don't have a lot of Jack info for you, but we are working hard to bring you what you want!
johnnyms: Any plans to make new Evil Dead products?
Greg Anzalone: There are no 'Evil Dead' plans at the moment.
SSC854: Will collectors of the Star Wars 1/6th scale figures ever see Sideshow release their own Yoda, C-3PO, and R2-D2?
Greg Anzalone: We're going to release the 1/4 scale versions of Yoda, 3PO and R2 first, and then return to the smaller scale versions later.
Blade3327: More products based on Kit Fisto would be cool... Not a question. Just a simple comment.
Greg Anzalone: Yup, we are Kit Fisto fans here and appreciate your comment and hope to do additional product down the road.
SweetPea: Why is it you cannot use points on convention exclusives, such as SDCC, when Pre-ordering?
Greg Anzalone: That's a good question, I will look into it. We'll post try to post something on the Freaks board about the Rewards Points program for everyone's reference.
TheCrystalShip: Are more 12" scheduled for release for the GI Joe line?
Greg Anzalone: Yes, we have additional 12-inch figures planned for the G.I. Joe license!
kinqcuonq: You guys think Pop Culture will release a Chun Li?
Greg Anzalone: Please check with Pop Culture because they may in fact have a Chun Li in development.
RavenCrow: Greg: The Back in Black and Iron Spider Spider-Man Polystone were amazing and great additions to my collection. I was wondering if you planned to make more of the Spidey suits along the same line?
Greg Anzalone: There will be additional Spider-Man polystone down the line.
mike37: Will we be seeing any more from Jurassic Park?
Greg Anzalone: No more Jurassic Park planned at the moment; we are moving forward with Sideshow Dinosauria.
Bear: Greg, any plans to reveal a new Rambo?????
Greg Anzalone: No new Rambo products are planned.
Bullseye: Greg, any news on the Silver Surfer maquette previewed at SDCC?
Greg Anzalone: Stay tuned for more on Silver Surfer, it really looks saweet.
Obi: Any plans for an Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 4 Life Size Bust?
Greg Anzalone: Obi-Wan life-size bust - I sense your desire.
RavenCrow: I don't really have any questions, just here to listen in and tell you guys that you're awesome.
Greg Anzalone: Thanks for the kind words. We appreciate your support.
SSC048: Did anyone ask about Underworld?
Greg Anzalone: There may have been an Underworld question...but we don't currently have the license.
ma1138: Us Canadian collectors appreciate Sideshow's work!
Greg Anzalone: We know that the Canadian collectors rock and we appreciate the support from our brothers in the north!
TheCrystalShip: We are looking forward to more Joes for years to come!
Greg Anzalone: Yes, you can definitely be looking forward to more Joes for years to come.
OscarGungan: Does the Disney license mean we will see Tron in the future?
Greg Anzalone: Yes! We will be doing something for Tron in the future.
SweetPea: Greg-in which episode do I get freed from the servers
Greg Anzalone: You'll have to see what happens in the 'Help Wanted' sequel )
TheCrystalShip: How about a Soupy Sales, now that he has passed?
Greg Anzalone: No Soupy Sales but we are sorry to see him go.
jpfreak: Is Sideshow going too continue the Jurassic Park line?
Greg Anzalone: We to are fans of the films, but are moving forward with our own dinosaur line.
DarthSnoopy: Just want to say "Thanks" to Greg & everyone at Sideshow for having Spooktacular every year! You guys ROCK!!
Greg Anzalone: I appreciate your comments and am glad to hear you enjoy the event as much as we enjoy hosting it!
frankierock: Thanks Greg, for your time!
Greg Anzalone: Thanks for checking in with us we hope to do this again sooner rather than later.
Kit_Fisto: On the last Sideshow Q & A you discussed more scum and villainy members to the 12-inch line will be coming soon, will we see a Cantina 12-inch environment as well?
Greg Anzalone: We may be able to pull off a 12-inch Cantina environment in the future. It's been discussed, so stay tuned!
SSC854: I wish to thank everyone at Sideshow for all of their work. You guys make a lot of collectors happy!
Greg Anzalone: Thanks for the kind words. We are 100% committed to the collectors.
zimbo: Greg you and your team should all be very proud. You have an amazing business going. I hope you guys will be here for ever.... 
Greg Anzalone: Yes! We plan to continue for as long as possible and appreciate the support we receive from around the globe. Thanks for being there for us.
Nitro: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, Greg! You have a great staff out there!! Keep up the great work!!
Greg Anzalone: Thanks for the kind comment. I too love our staff and believe that they do an awesome job for the community.
Kenbenobi: Help Wanted is AWESOME!
Greg Anzalone: Thanks for the kind words about Help Wanted we definitely had some fun in making it!
SSC730: Hey Greg, do you think Sideshow will EVER pick up anything from the DC universe? (i.e. Dark Knight joker PF)
Greg Anzalone: We hope to be working in the DC universe at some point in the future. It may be the distant future but we will continue to remain hopeful.
featheredserpent: Since other companies don't, why did you decide to do a Spooktacular event and Christmas giveaways? They are really great and I have enjoyed them. I wanted to say thank you for an X-mas gift last year for my parents that was appreciated more than you'll know!!! Thanks!!!
Greg Anzalone: Thanks for the kind words. We're glad to do what we do, and hope to continue to run events around Halloween and Christmas, and to giveaway as much as possible.
Hi greg, can sideshow make a 1/6 scale collectible figure of maybe 18-19 inches of the origional predator?
hello Greg have you ever considered doing your own display cases for your products.i only ask because i have some of your products and find it hard to find the right size to display my collectible p.s keep up the brilliant work
I am THRILLED that Sideshow will FINALLY be doing the Harry Potter line! I’m tired of waiting for “another” company that just can’t seem to get their act together.
Hey Greg, im a pretty big Hulk nut and I also like my collectibles BIG. Do you plan on releasing a 1:1 Hulk bust or a 1:2 maquette to compliment my 1:2 Iron Man?
I am very glad to hear that the Venture Brothers is being considered - I LOVE that show!
Classic RESIDENT EVIL game characters in PF would be so awesome! I hope it happens!
Thanks, Greg for answering my qustions! It is was honor talking with you sir! I hope to be able to do so again soon! I cannot wait to see Boris Karloff in real Bronze from Sideshow Collectibles!
Thanks so much for your time Greg!
Keep up the GREAT work!
sideshowfreak
The Monster,
Nick
Thanks for addressing that issue “ma1138″. Shipping and customs to Canada is killer on expensive items. It makes me sick when I think about the hundreds of dollars extra I have spent on each product because I know I could have purchased another collectible with that money!