Creature Features

Creature Features has served the creators and collectors of science fiction, fantasy and horror as one of the film & TV industry’s most comprehensive resources of memorabilia for over thirty years. Affectionately named after the local early 1970s syndicated package of sci-fi/horror movies shown on KTTV in Los Angeles, the one-man enterprise run by Taylor White (then still in high school) began in 1977 as an answer to the merchandising demands of Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. T-Shirts, buttons and posters touting the newest catch-phrases of “May The Force Be With You” and “We Are Not Alone” quickly lit a fuse of widespread interest with fans wanting to take home a memento from their favorite movie or TV show. Soon after, the successful cinematic returns of Star Trek and Superman followed causing White’s humble boutique to expand into original movie posters, lobby cards, still photographs, books, magazines and more. Creature Features quickly became both a permanent fixture at numerous conventions throughout Southern California and a full-service mail order operation. After a brief stint in comics in 1993 under the name of Emerald City Comics & Collectibles, Creature Features officially opened its doors to the public in Burbank on Halloween, 1994 and helped usher in an explosion of interest in garage kits, the resurrection of the classic Universal Monsters, the return of Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine and the rabid interest in Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. Those were charmed years as customers came from all over the world to partake in the unique selection of model kits, toys, fanzines, rare soundtracks, import books, original artwork and more. The store also hosted monthly events with guests like writer/director Peter Jackson, author Ray Bradbury, artist Bernie Wrightson, and composers Danny Elfman, James Newton Howard and Basil Poledouris to name a few. In 1999, White left Creature Features to embark on a career as a soundtrack producer with Percepto Records, and turned over the business to fellow entrepreneurs Alan Skinner and Eric Rodriguez. The duo rejuvenated the store with fresh new products while successfully hosting successful signings of their own with actor Christopher Lee, author Clive Barker, Oscar-winning writer/director Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters, Dreamgirls) and more. In 2001, the winds of change caused the bittersweet closure of the Burbank store, though the business quickly relocated to the charming solitude of Sierra Madre, California (home of the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers) where it has remained ever since. Over the past decade, the company has branched into new territory by sponsoring screenings through the American Cinematheque while continuing its presence at conventions like Monsterpalooza and Comic-Con International in San Diego. The company also plays host to its annual Halloween-themed art exhibit known as October Shadows, currently in its fourth year. Next up for Creature Features is a series of genre-themed books on Oscar-winning make-up effects artist Rick Baker, Lon Chaney, Sr., Ray Harryhausen, plus an annual magazine and the release of several licensed fine art pieces from various renowned artists from the worlds of animation, make-up effects and visual effects. Creature Features has contributed audio elements and/or visuals to the following original motion picture soundtracks — click here for list. Though the store will continue to have its hand in multiple arenas, Creature Features will forever remain a vital resource and a haven at heart for all who love movie monsters and far-off worlds.