R.J. Torbert Talks the GhostFace Mask and Scream 4
What an insane feeling it must be to have helped to create the look of one of the single most recognizable horror icons ever. For R.J. Torbert this feeling is an every day reality, and recently he spoke a bit about how the mask was chosen as well as the nagging rumor about their being more than just one look for GhostFace as he returns to the big screen with Wes Craven’s upcoming slasherfest Scream 4.
Torbert sat down for an in-depth interview with Examiner.com and dished the following.
On how audiences have reacted to the look of GhostFace, Torbert offered:
“My opinion is that audiences had never seen a face of a ghost like this before. When the mask was developed in 1991-1992, it was part of a style assortment called Fantastic Faces. Some people referred to it as the peanut eyed ghost. It became part of “Fearsome Faces” a few years later. I thought it looked like a “Ghost in Pain” which was unique for the time.
Wes Craven must have thought it had a unique look, too, because when he saw it scouting locations at the house of a mask collector (who had passed away) he was adamant about it being in the movie. It was here that I pushed hard to “baptize” the mask, and with the Gellers’ blessing “GhostFace®” was born.
GhostFace® is not only a registered trademark of Fun World, but the image is copyright protected under that same name. As far as the audience’s reaction to GhostFace® … Besides the unique look, credit must also be given to Wes Craven and his crew. The first movie left you on the edge of your seat so much so that the GhostFace® image was the icing on the cake to put reaction over the top.
The feeling of GhostFace® being the icon of Halloween has made all of us here very proud and very protective of its use. We appreciate not only the fans of Scream but those who appreciate GhostFace®. It is those fans that we simply ask not to buy unauthorized product of GhostFace® and/or Scream. As of now only, Fun World Div./Easter Unlimited Inc. or Weinstein/Dimension relating to Scream 4 are authorized to utilize the image on product. We ask you not to support knockoffs of intellectual properties. We are aware that there is currently a video game being advertised in online publication with no authorization to date. They will eventually hear from us if we do not hear from them. Your readers should always ask, “Is this an officially licensed product?” before spending their hard-earned money.”
In terms of the rumored multi-mask usage in the film, Torbert revealed:
“There has been much publicity regarding additional masks. Since there have been photos published already, I will comment more about it.
One of our design staff, under the direction of Alan Geller, worked on a different updated look of GhostFace®.
I took those images and communicated with Weinstein executives about 6-8 months prior to filming. In addition, direct communications were received to me from Wes Craven in regards to “possible” use. I also met with executives at Weinstein in NYC regarding this and other issues regarding GhostFace® and the movie. When filming started I even requested a copy of the script from Wes Craven and the gentleman that he is told me only a few people had access to it, therefore I had a polite “No.” I can’t help but think that maybe his thoughts were that I was crazy. LOL.
Getting back to the additional masks. They have them on set. We are in communication. Wes Craven does keep in touch. I don’t want to get sliced and diced and be a victim of Ghost Face®, but keep your eyes open. You may see them, you may not. Stay alert and you may even see more, who knows? This is fun, isn’t it? However, I want to be clear there has never been confirmation on how these masks were to be used or not used. It will be a mystery until the movie opens.”
Hit up the above linkage for the full interview.
Scream 4 stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Rory Culkin, Nico Tortorella, Anthony Anderson, and Marielle Jaffe. Look for it in theatres on April 15th, 2011, and to stay on top of things, be sure to follow @wescraven on Twitter.
Scream 4 Synopsis
The horror series that reignited the genre and grossed more than $500 million worldwide is back! From Kevin Williamson, creator of the original Scream trilogy, the new film sees the return of cast members Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette along with a group of new stars, who can all hopefully stay alive long enough to figure out the new rules to this one-of-a-kind horror franchise!
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