Jack’s Back! Horror Show Jack Brings Bite Back to New England
Horror Show Jack at TerrorCon 2014, June 7 and 8
By FW Staff
It was a dark and stormy night…
The HSJ team
OK, is was a Fall afternoon, a bit chilly, but a nice enough day when I first met Andrew, better known to those who frequent horror conventions as Jack ~Horror Show Jack, to be precise. This time when I stopped by to see Jack, it was at TerrorCon in Rhode Island…and as promised, here’s an exclusive glimpse into the what makes HSJ the best in the bite biz.
“I’m not just the president of Horror Show Jack Productions, I’m also a client!
Known in the business as a “Fangsmith,” HSJ drives from convention to convention, up and down the east coast and as far inland as Ohio to set up shop and make, on site, custom crafted prosthetic dental enhancements. I know that might sound a bit…carnival-esque…to some of you not familiar with HSJ, but let me assure you, his work ~ really, his artistry ~ is not about giving wannabe vampires some Halloween-outlet grade fangs..
“I use dental grade molding and my tools are sterilized and inspected daily. My prosthetics are custom molded to the clients imprinted bite, not to their teeth themselves,” a level of caution not generally taken by many of the so-called fang makers out there. But then again, we’re talking about an artist here, one who has studied the process from every angle for many years and, although he has a great time doing what he does, takes it all very seriously. “Applying the materials directly to the teeth before they have hardened can be dangerous to both the enamel of the tooth and worse if any of the product is ingested before hardening occurs,” Jack explained. “Most people want their fangs right away, the way I make them takes a bit longer but it’s safer and ensures the quality of the product they are getting.” The care Jack displays is never more evident than when he and his crew work with a client as they craft and mold the final product, and I can say that from experience as both a client and an observer.
Cute and cuddle…the HSJ way
Whether it’s for custom-made fangs or one of Jack’s cuddly nightmare creations, The HSJ brand has earned itself a reputation for quality of craftsmanship. The HSJ team isn’t just interested in what they do, they love what they do. That love has not only translated into a viable business, but has also allowed Jack to make a name for himself amongst the vast array of celebrities who frequent the various “-Cons” where he sets up shop and always has one of the most popular booths.
HSJ in front of photos of just some of his many Famous Fanged Friends
HSJ has earned the reputation as “Fangsmith to the Stars” by supplying his wares to such horror icons as Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead,” Henry ~ Portrait of a Serial Killer), Vern “Mini-Me” Troyer, Lew Templeton (The Devil’s Rejects) and Jason Voorhees himself, Kane Hodder…and countless other members of the horror celebrity elite. “Interacting with these people makes me giddy. These are people I admire and whose work in movies and music has helped me become who I am.” As for his own celebrity status, Jack shares (and maybe even gushes a bit) that “It’s crazy to me that people like Dee Snider know who I am.”
I’d be willing to bet that most of the celebrities who have been fitted by Jack would gush just as much about having a pair (or more) of custom fangs made by the one and only Horror Show Jack, too.
facebook.com/HorrorShowJackFangSmith
And coming soon, the brand new hsjfangsmith.com!
All photos by and courtesy of Devildressedown