(1 x 60-minute Documentary)

An affectionate profile of Forrest J Ackerman, the man who invented science fiction fandom and coined the word “Sci-Fi”

Through the extensive use of movies clips, archival footage, and interviews with the biggest names in fantasy films (Roger Corman, Ray Harryhausen, Ray Bradbury, John Landis, Joe Dante and George Clayton Johnson, among others), we trace Ackerman’s 90-year transformation from obsessed movie-going toddler to sci-fi literary agent (representing the likes of L. Ron Hubbard of Scientology fame), to “deaditor” of Famous Monsters of Filmland, a magazine that inspired some of Hollywood’s most successful film-makers.

In Famous Monster, we also tour the famous Ackermansion, which housed Forry’s 300,000-piece collection of sci-fi, fantasy and horror memorabilia, and follow Ackerman as he meets and greets his loyal fans at endless book signings and conventions.

Called “a monstrously good tribute to an eccentric pioneer” by The Globe and Mail, Famous Monster offers the sci-fi and fantasy fan a mind-boggling trip down monster memory lane with the man who was there from the very beginning.

Producer/Director Michael MacDonald
Writer Ian Johnston