It's not like the celebrities need it. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Especially for autographs! Freedom to charge. Will Ferrell. Did I hear you right, 2 hundred.and 17? The price of an autograph ranges, generally, from about $30 to about $80 with most in the $30 to $60 range. The fans in the stands are who pay for the NFL stars salaries. If you want a ticket to get your photo taken with my man Jason Momoa in Long Island this weekend, that will cost you $85. I managed to get up the nerve to approach him and left with personalized autographs in my copies of Pebble in the Sky, I, Robot and The Foundation. Spend hours on end partaking in RPG games in one of the many convention hall rooms because thats definitely worth the price of admission. I handed them over to him at that point. I dont remember it, but it sounds like something I would do. I certainly think so. Fascinating Stories About Sylvester Stallone, Hollywood's Most Macho Star, The Greatest Actors Who Have Never Won An Oscar (For Acting), The Best TV Actors And Actresses Of All Time, The Greatest Actors & Actresses in Entertainment History, Famous People You Never Realized Are British, Ranked By How Surprised You Were When You Found Out, The Top Casting Choices For The Next James Bond Actor, Behind-The-Scenes Facts From 'Thor: Ragnarok,' Marvel's Silliest Triumph. Sometimes exclusively so. Ive been signing my name on books and comics for longer than a considerable portion of you have been alive. Thanks for buying my jersey but, too bad you couldnt afford the additional $100 for me to sign it. Bey teaches us a lot of life lessons, and one of the most important is to always stay humble. Im ok with charging an adult to pay the fee, considering some get it just to sell it. Would you show up to your job and expect to work for free? This gave fans an opportunity to get an autograph from one of the newest additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Celebrity DMs: Why They Are The Worst Way to Make Contact & 3 Best Alternatives. The Motor City Comic Con is known for its celebrity/fan experience. When I got back to my shop and spoke with my friend, I put it this way: The good news is, I managed to find all three of the issues you wanted., The bad news is, theres some writing on the front cover., Ahh, maan well, at least now I can read the whole thing.. The main reason, because they can. Best Bets: Ada Limn, Cowboy Bob and New Beginnings, This weekend was Space City Comic Conan uneven success by the kindest estimates. Why do they charge? If Tom Hiddleston fans bought an autograph from his most recent signing through the comic book grading company CGC, they would have paid $345. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Open up the template and make edits using the Tools list. I had the pleasure to meet Peter David at a con or two back in the early 90s, and have a few books that he was kind enough to autograph. Cool if thats how it isthen they can give us back the millions WE put in there pockets brother via supporting them buying there products/going to games etc! For decades this was never an issue. This is a sad state of affairs consideringsome years ago autographs were reasonably priced. And the rest of us are free to think they are greedy for doing so. But for the one-time highest paid actor in Hollywood and Governor of California, what else would you expect from a super-star of his caliber? Okay, were charging Star Trek cosplayersextra for a photo op with Karl Urban! In fact, most "sports autographs" look nothing at all like the person's genuine signature on a contract or check. If they shell out over $100 bucks to watch a game, then out of gratitude a player should be able to stop for a moment to sign some autographs. Some will be more, sometimes substantially more. The higher the fee, the higher the charge and the greater the pressure to cram as many signatures as possible into a three- or four-hour appearance. One of them was the one he collaborated with three other authors on, the Next Gen novel Doomsday World, and the other three authors all happened to be at the same con. Yeah, I got them autographed by Peter David. I didnt mention the precise mechanics of how that came about. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Buthow will you maintain your reputation as an ogre with a reasonable policy like that? This is what I mean by out of hand., The problem is now a days in America, that kids are getting autos from players, then selling them on ebay for profit also. The main thing is that people pay for autographs because they can. Press J to jump to the feed. It never occurred to me that theyd charge for them, and on reflection I suspect it never would have occurred to them. A lot of the people getting the autographs are going to turn around and try to make a profit by selling the stuff on the internet. In recent years, Taylor Swift has made herself known as one of the biggest celebrities that have made their autograph available to her fans in mass quantities. Stephen Amell One source deeply involved in the convention circuit estimates that Amell walks away with $250,000 a weekend more than he makes per episode of Arrow a figure he denies. The fact that the signing sold out proved that it wasnt overpriced, as many fans eagerly lined up to pay the high price. The nicest ones will spend time talking with the fans and making it a very personal experience. Harrison Ford has one of the most sought after signatures in the autograph collecting hobby. Freedom to do whatever you want to do within the confines of the law. As a general rule of thumb, it is not the best idea to ask a celebrity for their autograph or a picture while they are with their family. You said in a loud, booming voice, THERE IS A POLICY AGAINST ME SIGNING THESE IN THE AISLES AND I WOULD NEVER DO THAT! as you were signing each and every one of them. Typically there is only a two or three day window to purchase a signed copy from her site. amzn_assoc_height = 600; With the crowds at these events reaching astronomical levels due to the likely population explosion, its no wonder if its worth it to wait 2 to 3 hours in line to get a photo op with a sci-fi/comic book celebrity. After all, these conventions charge $$ for attendance-why should the athlete be expected to work for free? There wasnt a book he wrote, fiction or non, that I wouldnt hunt down and devour. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. There is a difference between doing a signing purely for that purpose (which can include free autographs) and being a paid guest, charging money for autographs. Heres the standard advice we give about signatures: Since fame has a value, dont devalue it. And some famous people use signing fees, appearance fees, etc, as a way to cut down on the number of requests. The value of an autograph depends primarily on the person, but also what was signed, the condition, the availability, and trends that affect supply and demand.Research autograph values in the extensive archives of Heritage . For celebrities, attention from autograph seekers can be flattering, annoying or even intimidating, depending on the timing, location and nature of the request. What do all of the acronyms and terms associated with . How do you identify neurotypical disorders? However, I dont feel like me buying the book entitles me to a signature, and I realize that writers and artists are simply being gracious when they do sign their stuff. It was just a nice personal memento to have of a brief interaction with the actors. But the majority of those behind-the-scenes big wigs likely think a high enough percentage wont protest. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. A celebrity gets a request for an autograph through the mail. Is it pretty messed up to do, especially to a 7 year old kid or a father of three making $50,000 a year? Selma Hayek will be a first time signer for 2022. Sometimes you can tell that the forger traced an autograph. Seems like a acceptable topic to post this on. At autograph tables, you might not be allowed to take pictures it holds up the line and the space isn't set up well enough for that. Most will run between $20 and $100 but we have found that many of our celebrities do not even set their price until they see what others are charging. Before anyone criticizes Panthers quarterback Cam Newton for setting up a table and charging more than $100 to sign his name to photos, jerseys, and/or footballs, its important to remember that any athlete who can get paid to give his autograph does. How Much Does Your Favorite Celebrity Charge for an Autograph? Was he in the Super Bowl did he win it Nor is this "new". Amusingly, the only two actor photos from back then that I still have hanging on my wall are two that at the time, I just got because the actors were there but I didnt know who they were, and I only have since then become fans of their work and the show that they were both in: Lalla Ward and Nicola Bryant. In fact, you can purchase nine different Montana autograph tickets ranging from $199 for an autographed mini-helmet or "flats" (photo, etc.) These days, my goal is to talk with my idol. Theres an A and B signature. For a kid, meeting your hero is one of them until he charges you for it. Really man this man is making millions of dollars yet he charges and yes he has every right to but thy doesnt mean he should and you defended him man cmon. Some may regard it as a method to make up for the inconvenience or breach of privacy. The City of San Francisco was blessed. It was an expected part of celebrity and was included in the price of admission. Dress as your favorite character and walk around the floor. Prices vary per celebrity guest. There are a number of them, some because they dont want autograph fans to make money from their autographs, others because they just dont want to do it. The price of an autograph ranges, generally, from about $30 to about $80 with most in the $30 to $60 range. wish you were here! Its their right. Florence Pugh is gearing up to do her first ever autograph signing in 2022. If a writer or artist adding their name to a comic increases its resale value, why shouldnt they get some of it? In recent years, comic-book conventions have become big business for movie and TV stars, who charge their fans top dollar for the opportunity to get a signature or a photograph. The so-called fan was no fan, just an opportunist who wanted to get some free . dont need an autograph, I got one of those 30 years ago in San Fran. In some cases, it is their only source of income for a show they did decades ago. Michael J. When I couldnt show it to them, they called me a liar. Its their job and they value their time. If youre going to sell your autographs, youd better give Uncle Sam his cut. Therefore, your chances of getting an autograph or a picture are quite low if a celebrity is with their family. This brought the price of Arnold Schwarzeneggers autograph to $416. Thank them. It reminds me strongly of the collectors mentality of the 90s that nearly destroyed the industry. Back in my obsessive convention-attending days, things were way more relaxed. A Harrison Ford autograph starts out at $875, but his prices vary based on size and the add-ons that you choose. Heres to my freedom in being able to label cam newton as a greedy, classless, sad human being. The Scarefest does not include an autograph price in our celebrity contracts. It may cost you. However, the demand for autographs has grown so much that it has driven the price up and turned paid signings into a proposition too lucrative to ignore. It never would have occurred to my young teen self that one would have to pay for them. And, Im pickier about which media guests I get autographs from, as minimum prices seem to have risen to $40 (with some tacking on an additional charge for personalization). 11 Chart Topping Artists, A-List Celebrities That Sell Their Autograph [And Three to Avoid], Arnold Schwarzeneggers first ever comic con appearance, Arnold Schwarzenegger News Letters 2019 to Present. If he would sign for free, and often, it wouldnt be worth much on ebay. Overall, however, Cam has the right to charge. I met you and your young daughter at c2e2 a couple of years ago. amzn_assoc_default_search_key = "Peter David"; https://amzn.to/2Iq748Z. I'm not talking about buying signed headshots. Honestly, this seems like a price set to keep autograph seekers at an arm's length. Always check the specific conventions website for how they conduct their autograph sales. When they asked me how much the most expensive one cost, I told them $100,000! People came to see the stars, and the stars would oblige their fans' reasonable requests. After the letters are opened and read, they are recycled. The response may come as a disappointment to any devotee who imagines, as they compose their letters that Swift makes time to view each one personally. Some may charge a few dollars while others may charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Reunited and it feels so good. Artists can indeed change their signature at any point in their career. It was my dream to get my picture with Joe when I heard Joe Montana was going to be appearing at the Nickel City Con. It depends on whom youre trying to rent and for how long, but the short answer is a lot. As a result, they often outsource the task of opening, reading and replying to . No. Depending on the size of the item being signed, Steinfelds autograph alone costs between $135 and $290. How many here think that the price of photo ops and/or autographs from a favorite celebrity is really worth it? These days, if I attend a local con, I try to defray the costsmy wife & I volunteer to help with a non-profit vendor (Austin Browncoatsstop & buy from them if you see them at a conproceeds benefit Joss Whedons principal charity of choice, Equality Now), saving admission, at least. In that signing, Natalie Portmans autograph started at $560 for a signed 810 photo. So no new books out until Secret Wars is over? If he used an excuse that she didnt pay for it, I guess you could chalk that up to his capitalistic virtues huh? Cannot express my glee when I heard that news. Then Ill sign it. There is nothing on the horizon at this point, but the next time that a Hamill signing happens, its safe to assume that you will be paying well over $300 per signature. Its America. . In my case, let me make it clear: its for me. I mean you cant be giving stuff away for free when you can make money off of it, right? It isn't all about big movie stars getting a bit of extra spending money, however. Labor for the event is $1,000. Arnold Schwarzenegger & Taylor Swift Are Pioneering Digital Signatures; Whos Doing it Right, Whos Doing it Wrong? In the mean time, dont let those prices bum you out, there are other less costly ways to enjoy a con. 1 draft pick, Athletes charging for autographs is no big deal, Report: Derek Carr wants $35 million per year, The Raiders are the betting favorites to land Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy: Kellen Moore wants to light the scoreboard up, I want to run the damn ball, ESPN reiterates report that Lamar Jackson wants a fully-guaranteed deal, Arrest warrant issued for Jalen Carter for reckless driving, racing, Aaron Rodgers says hell make a decision soon enough, Competition Committee begins to explore the quarterback push play, Players say Chiefs discourage them from reporting injuries, have NFLs worst training staff, Report: Jalen Carter was present at teammates fatal crash, misled police about it. That means that there is now more of an opportunity to by your favorite celebritys autograph than ever, but its one that many fans cant afford. Ive gotten a few nice autographs there (Spike Spencer, English dub voice of Shinji from Evangelion; Mari Ijima, original Japanese voice of Minmay from Macross/Robotech; Wantanabe Nabeshin Shinichi, afro-tastic director of Excel Saga) and none of them have ever charged. If a writer or artist adding their name to a comic increases its resale value, why shouldnt they get some of it? Some even tried to hand me money anyway. Thats why Im attending cons less and less. Just wanted to say hi, and keep up the good work. I agree, its completely fine that he charged. Through the mail (TTM) autograph collecting is where fan mail meets autograph collecting. The athlete can maintain the value of their per-signature by signing their full name for a price. The Star Wars star brought in a healthy revenue from his 2016 appearance at Fan Expo Canada. But my money was tight so I bought just a bit of all the things I liked, including your book. I wouldnt even allude to the idea that celebrities owe it to the fans in some way. Fox is a regular guest at comic cons. The autograph itself became meaningless once I got past the age of proving myself to someone else. Dont forget to buy tickets to the games too because you dont know if it will sell out or not. If Joe fan wants a signature for free, give him the B signature. Some fans bring me thirty books to sign and put in nothing. It would be ok in a charity event that athletes are asking for money for autograph and the collection goes to charity Its not just adults that are greedy anymore, I think its classless. Arnold Schwarzenegger News Letters 2019 to PresentArnold Schwarzenegger & Taylor Swift Are Pioneering Digital Signatures; Whos Doing it Right, Whos Doing it Wrong? Professional photo opportunities will be available for purchase through Wolf . @nickelcitycon pic.twitter.com/tOtLSsA4rx, Jeff Scott Perdziak (@JeffPerdziak) May 20, 2017. But some actors would rather be doing anything else than hanging out with their fans, and some of the smarter celebs know that their fame may not last, so why not make some quick cash for taking photos while they can still charge a ton of money? Others have me sign one comic and drop in ten bucks. When he found out the price of Joe Montanas autographwell, his explanationascribes to how OUT OF CONTROL this is getting. If the autographs were given for free, that could and quite possiblywould encourage resellers to get as many signatures as they could and thenresell them for large amounts of money. I knew from long experience that just to meet Sexy Star would be fairly easy, but a keepsake was more or less out of my budget after I paid $126 for getting the assorted Doctor Who . Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Im sure it was a common and run-of-the-mill encounter for him, and that he realized it was anything but for me. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Do celebrities actually sign their own autographs? Fords PR company Coolwaters Productions offered the following pricing options:Option One: $875Photo up to 1620, not signed by other cast membersFlattened Funko pop boxSmall trading cardComic book, not signed by other cast membersMagazine, not signed by other cast membersOption Two: $1,020810 item signed by other cast membersSmall trading card signed by other cast membersMagazine signed by other cast membersComic book signed by other cast membersMetal platesOption Three: $1,275Photo signed by other cast members (1114, 1117, 1218, 1620)Small action figures, How to Send Fan Mail to The Star Wars Cast Members & Request Their Autograph. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. I meanreally? They should sign full name for a paid and initials for free. It keeps their conscience clear, I guess. A child approached you with a couple Hulks and asked if you would sign them. I realized that there exist unwritten rules to getting an item signed for fun and profit. Some may see it as a way to limit the crowd. Absolutely. The price for Keatons autograph varies depending on the item being signed and ranges from $250 to $275. As chronicled in . People came to see the stars, and the stars would oblige their fans' reasonable requests. Come clean my house! My firm represents sports and entertainment figures and we have a strong relationship with the NBA Retired Players Association. Enter J.G. Large format items like posters start at $440 while add-ons like character name or an inscription will each cost an additional $145. What do celebrities do with their fan mail? . The best thing to do is talk to other people who have attended previous conventions to get a sense of who charges for what, and how much. At Arnold Schwarzeneggers first ever comic con appearance in San Antonio, fans had to shell out $1250 for a VIP package which included two autographs and a photo op. I have never had the chance to meet you, as I have two disabled children and I cant travel without them. The results are varied. I am the proud owner of autographed copies, signed at different times, of BUT I DIGRESS and MORE DIGRESSIONS. The autograph is free, as a way of saying, I appreciate you enjoying my work. And the tip jar is a great way to then say, Thanks for the autograph, and know that your work is, indeed, appreciated!. I had a Montana picture in a plaque-like display frame that I got around 1990. Youre one of the good ones. My writer friends dont charge because they believe the autograph is a thank you for purchasing their book. Why is France the most visited country in Europe? But who needs gloss or matte when you have your own digital camera or smart phone? The main reason, because they can. amzn_assoc_theme = "light"; I think that it's a real big slap in the face to see that X is going to be attending and doing a signing, and then finding out that in addition to ~$75 in train and convention tickets I now need to spend another $50 (Christopher Lloyd.). It's an exchange, you get an autograph and keepsake, they get some cash. Selma Hayeks autograph starts at $225 but can be as expensive as $730 depending on the size of the item being signed and the number of add-ons. I just didnt agree with MDS assessment that he was only trying to share in the profits of people whod flip his autograph for cash. If people actually stopped paying these outrageous prices out of protest, these events would probably ease up on things, but I dont see that happening as the cycle has already been perpetuated per the aforementioned quote. That price would have included the autograph as well as grading and encapsulation of their newly signed comic. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Lets criticize them too. Ive met you twice at AggieCon (TX A&M Univeristy). Press J to jump to the feed. Some may perceive it as a tactic to keep the mob at bay. As movie and TV stars and B- and C-listers prices for autographs skyrocket at conventions, comic book writers and artists have been discussing whether or not they charge for scribbling their names on their work. Its a fans right not to buy either. Thats fine. Considering that his portrayal of Iron Man was the impetus that started the Marvel Cinematic Universe, now worth more than $23 billion, $700 doesnt seem like too much. The New York Comic Con lists an astounding 243 opportunities for fans to get autographs over the four-day convention. When most people dream of meeting their favorite celebrities, they usually don't envision having to pull out their wallets and pay them. When I was younger, Id get the autograph out of respect and admiration for the person I was talking with. If people dont want to pay Newton to sign stuff, they dont have to. That said, you should always make sure that the person you get the autograph from know you appreciate it. Im told some other creators also have tip jars and they seem to take great pains to explain that its for charity, becauseI dunno. So, I think its really cool when a creator signs the book. J g hertzler voice of #deathstroke says @manubennett "Deathstroke White hair man!" Of course, that was the good old days when most actors didnt charge, either. Give me a freaking break Florio. Do artists have two different signatures? No one has been a greater fan of the famed San Francisco quarterback of legend, Joe Montana, than I. I lived in SF from 1981 to 1988 which includes the SF 49er Super Bowl Championships, where Joe worked miracles to win. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "comi0a-20"; Guest autographs are limited and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis through Epic Photo Ops (Fan Expo's official Photo Op & Autograph provider). I wish all comic writers thought about this like you Peter. The answer hit me like Lawrence Taylor spearing me in the back of my neck from the blind side as I dropped back to pass217 dollars. PAUSE. Oh, and you were nice too! Or at least a satisfying percentage. However, the price goes up to $295 on larger items like posters. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Or natural characteristics in certain letters may be missing or unnatural. Last year, Joe Montana was coming to a large mall near me. Cam your already making Millions from your fans do you really need a couple more of their hard earned dollars to pad your pockets? There was no option to get additional dedications or inscriptions either so his signature commanded a high price. People have their reasons. Selma Hayek's autograph starts at $225 but can be as expensive as $730 depending on the size of the item being signed and the number of add-ons. Speaking of Chiller, PAD: This months may be of interest to you Bill Mumy and a Lost in Space reunion, as well as the incomparable Ron Ely . As movie and TV stars and B- and C-listers prices for autographs skyrocket at conventions, comic book writers and artists have been discussing whether or not they charge for scribbling their names on their work. Like Steve Blum does it perfectly on his site in my opinion. PAD: Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you saw Sylvester Stallone at New York Comic-Con in 2013 then there's a good chance you paid close to $1,000. I can even recall a time where both an autograph and a picture with a celebrity at his/her table was all lumped into the charge of the autograph. Big-name movie stars didnt show up, except maybe for a panel, and they certainly werent charging $100 or more for signatures or pictures. Dragon Con attendees expressed their experiences regarding what they thought to be rather lackluster and costly. IF Mickey Mantle came back to life and Mohammed Ali were standing on both sides of me for a picture.wellmaybe! Could you imagine being a fly on the wall of that meeting? Now, with comics driving a significant portion of pop culture, they seem to have become sidelined in favor of media guests with ever-increasing autograph fees. If you want buy an autograph from an A-list celebrity then expect to pay near $200 or much more. The growth of streaming has had a drastic negative impact on the revenue of mid-level musical artists. 4) Also, if prices seem strangely low for an autographed item, chances are its a fake. Taylor Swift Midnights: Moonstone Blue Edition with Hand Signed Photo, Taylor Swift Midnights: Moonstone Blue Edition Vinyl with Hand Signed Photo, Taylor Swift Autograph - Signed Evermore Sealed, Elizabeth Olsen Autograph - Hattie Harmony Signed Book by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett, Nick Swardson & Kevin James Autograph - Signed "Grown Ups" 8x10" Photo with COA, Con Pollo: A Bilingual Playtime Adventure (Jimmy Fallon Signed Book). Get on it.) We don't know how many autographs he gave but he could probably buy a yacht from how much he made. Until Star Wars Autograph Universe announced their signing with Natalie Portman in 2021, a signing with the Star Wars-actor was thought to be impossible. This video is no longer available. And while there are certain contexts in which charging for autographs is unseemly (such as when walking off the practice field), the essence of a free market is freedom. What has this kid done to make him worth a dime I did and so did everyone I talked to about it. A hug? The autograph fee is definitely frustrating if you are just seeking mementos and not looking for an investment. They always say they love the fans, and care for them, but have a God complex when their fans show support. No one should be criticized for selling something that others regard as valuable, again within the confines of the law. On a side note, Mr. David I am SO EXCITED to see that you are coming to the TIDEWATER Comicon in VA, next May. If hes paying, he gets the A signature. When I get autographs from creators I always ask to have it personalized, which I hope shows the creator that I dont plan to turn around and sell it on eBay. A few years later, I told my friends I met Bruce Lee and got his autograph. Sounds good. Yes, it was a good deal, and yes, they were hard to find. You will all laugh because, I am sure everyone and their mother has his autograph I failed at getting Henry "The Fonz" Winkler No photos could perfectly capture the moment. Im not a Gators fan, and really didnt follow them, so I didnt know much about Tebow prior to him entering the NFL, but charging for autographs leaves a very sower taste in my mouth. And so nowadays many fans have been asking How much? when theyve had me sign stuff. Hot off the release of the Disney+ series Hawkeye in late 2021, Official Pix announced a signing with Steinfeld. I mentioned I had copies I bought for my friend, and you jumped in and said, Let me autograph them for him. I hesitated a moment, then handed them over. Why do celebrities charge for autographs? Fan Mail Gone Too Far; Five Stories of Abused Generosity.