Friday, the Haunted Tour came back to the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Willy Adkins, Illinois Ghost Tours founder, led a tour of paranormal activity in the 82-year-old theatre. The Northern Star caught up with Adkins to talk about the tour and other ghostly matters.

Northern Star: Why host the tours at the Egyptian?

Willy Adkins: My grandmother’s very first job was at the Egyptian Theatre. I’ve always had some kind of attachment to it; and, it being a local jewel of the community, I’ve always had a huge interest in it. And it does have pretty amazing stories to go along with it.

NS: What is the haunted tour? From what I understand, it’s not your typical haunted house.

WA: You’re taking an actual tour, a walking tour. We fill you in on historical and paranormal history surrounding the theater…After that, we will break everyone up to investigate using all the typical paranormal gear that you see on television (and other little tools you might not know)…It’s not like a haunted house where it’s something scary. This is more trying to communicate with grandma or grandpa. It’s a very friendly atmosphere. The hauntings are very friendly as well.

NS: Is there anything new coming to the haunted tour this time around?

WA: It’s always new! You never know exactly what you’re going to experience when you go into these situations.

NS: Now, a couple more personal questions. I hear that you have a character named “Mr. Willy,” can you tell us a little about him?

WA: The Mr. Willy character came to be for a music group called the DiAmorte’. I was booked as a drummer for the group eight days before they played at the Chicago Horror Film Festival. Basically, it was like vampire theatrics onstage that took place during a gothic-metal type show… And [the character] has been brought in as an event host. We’re working on a feature length film to give more of a back-story on him.

NS: So, I saw that in your credits is something called “Ghost Humpers.”

WA: Ghost Humpers is the result of one filmmaker saying to another on a Friday evening, “What are you doing tomorrow? Do you want to make a movie?” Quite honestly. It is probably the worst movie I will ever make, without it being on purpose, but it has entertainment value at the same time.

NS: What’s the plot?

WA: It’s kind of a psychological comedy thing. The main character’s name is Fay, and — (laughs) I’m sorry. It’s just so hard to explain this movie. It doesn’t even make a lot of sense to me, honestly. But [Fay] is haunted by something, and they assemble this paranormal team to investigate it. They have this FLIR camera, and they keep catching spirits humping people … We got it all shot in 48 hours, which is pretty cool, but it’s the worst movie I’ll ever make.

NS: Well to wrap up, can you tell me why you think people should come out to future Haunted Tours?

WA: Well, because I’m there, and you never know what you’re going to find at the Egyptian. I’ve been doing this for three years, and I’m thoroughly entertained every time I go, still. As somebody who is buried in paranormal, almost for a living, it’s one of my favorite places to go.

Help Us Make Our Next Film!!!

“Headline News”

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Headline News is a joint effort of 4 people to make a short story come to life on screen! The world premier of this film is going to be part of the 2011 Chicago Horror Film Festival at The Portage Theater! The film makers have known each other for several years and have had the urge to put together a project together for a very long time, and “Headline News” will be the first of several projects the team plans to take on.

Upon completion of the film, we intend to show it at as many festivals as possible. We take pride in our work and have put a lot of effort into making this film something great! We are currently casting the film, and of course getting the funds together to make it happen. Looking further ahead, the 4 film makers are working on another film, a feature length also based on a story by author Michael Kleen. When that project is completed, we plan to distribute the feature length film along with “Headline News” as a DVD extra.

Synopsis

Gerald Brown, a news reporter from the east coast finds himself stuck in a small town community starving for big city news, but finds himself continuously disappointed and annoyed. Then one day Gerald and Karen Jacobs, a journalist in training are sent to Woodbridge Community College to do a story about a cave fungus discovered by the knowledgeable Professor Alfred Zimmerman. What they find is much more then they expect! Find out what the days Headline News in this suspense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

About the film makers

This film is based on a short story called “Coed Terror in the Ivory Tower of Doom” by Michael Kleen.

Mr. Willy Adkins is the CEO of Spook Show Entertainment and a “jack of all trades” in the entertainment industry. He is well know for his paranormal investigation ventures. Willy founded The Illinois Ghost Hunters, The Paranormal Research Community & Afterlife Paranormal. His paranormal ventures have taken him all over the country. Willy is also known for his life long passion of dark arts and photography. He started taking photos under the name “Deviant Desires Photography“ 15 years ago. The name has grown to be internationally recognized. Present day Willy is staying busy producing, writing and acting in independent film. His first film release, “I Hunt Ghosts” a documentary about ghost hunting is currently available on DVD. He is currently working on a short film called “Headline News” that will mark his debut as a director. Many people in the industry know Willy for his horror hosting experience as the character we call “Mr. Willy”. Looking ahead Willy will be staring in a film bringing his “Mr. Willy” character to film called “Immortal Vengeance – The Chronicles of Mr. Willy“. Willy also prides himself by helping other independent artists (both film and otherwise) get noticed for their art and efforts as producer / director of The Chicago Horror Film Festival & The Indy Horror Film Festival. Whats next for Willy? Well, at the speed he is working the sky is the limit! More info about Willy Adkins on his official website: www.MrWillysLair.com or IMDb.

Deann Baker is a young up-and-coming filmmaker that’s about to graduate from Columbia with a bachelors in Film. She’s worked on a variety of films ranging from Main Stream (Public Enemy) to Independent (Portrait). Deann wears all kinds of hats when it comes to being in front and behind the camera. She just finished a supporting role in “And They Call it Puppy Love” as well as looking forward to starring in “Comcast! The Musical.” Beyond that she produces, assistant directs, sound mixes, writes, edits, and directs. She’s most recognized for her work as an original score composer for Cheese Muffins Productions. Currently she spends her days working at Comma Music/Particle Audio and as an editor for SGA and her nights are dedicated to writing the first draft of “Immortal Vengeance – The Chronicles of Mr. Willy.” She looks forward to Headline News as the mixture of passion and determination alone will give this film some life.

Jason Sullivan is the lead writer and casting director for “Headline News.” Born and raised in Chicago’s western suburbs, Jason wrote his first script while in college, where he also worked briefly as a lighting tech. Both areas were far removed from any curriculum of study he was active in. Since that time, Jason has completed various local screenwriting programs, and has contributed to 5 different full-length scripts. Jason cites small budget films such as “Pi” “Memento” and “The Blair Witch Project” as influences that made him want to become active in film-making. Outside of film-making, Jason works full-time as a financial analyst and plays bass guitar for a Chicago irish folk band.

Curtis Clegg – Bio Coming Soon

What We Need & What You Get

We are casting this film using donated time and talent, however we have many expenses to cover. Location rentals, van rental, equipment and all of the same expenses as any other film production. We will find a way to make this film no matter what, it comes with being very dedicated and serious about your projects. We have set a goal of $1600 for Indiegogo, and an overall goal of $2000 to get this film to look the way we want it to. Anything above and beyond will just give us the ability to help some of the talented people involved with gas to shoot locations and permit us to invest more into better effects for the film itself. Every penny obtained for this film, will go into making it the best film we can possibly make for you to see. Thank you in advance for helping us further our dreams, goals and art.