Kerry O'Quinn
Kerry O'Quinn founded and published multiple genre magazines including Starlog, Fangoria, and Future Life. He also created Cinemagic, Rock Video, Hard Rock, and Comics Scene during his career. These publications became central to the science fiction and horror communities of the late 20th century. The magazines provided a platform for fans to discuss their favorite films and television shows in depth. O'Quinn's approach involved creating dedicated spaces where niche interests could flourish without mainstream interference. His work helped establish a culture around collecting and discussing pop media that had previously been ignored by major publishers.
O'Quinn produced the Star Trek 20th Anniversary Convention during the 1980s. He later organized the Star Wars 10th Anniversary Convention as well. The Starlog 20th Anniversary Convention followed these earlier events. These gatherings brought together thousands of fans to celebrate specific franchises with panels and screenings. The conventions served as hubs for community building among enthusiasts who felt isolated from broader society. By producing these large-scale events, O'Quinn demonstrated an ability to mobilize audiences around shared cultural touchstones. The success of these conventions proved there was a viable market for fan-focused entertainment experiences.
In 2009, an award was named after him called the O'Quinn Award. This honor recognizes exceptional achievement in the art and craft of the horror film field. O'Quinn himself became the first recipient of this new accolade. The establishment of the award marked a significant moment in his career trajectory. It acknowledged decades of support for independent filmmakers through his magazine publishing efforts. The recognition highlighted how his work had influenced the development of horror cinema over several years. Receiving the award validated his contributions to the genre beyond just print media.
His film Queerantine! screened at the Big Bear Horror Film Festival in 2009. The festival later changed its name to the Big Bear Horro-Fi Film Festival. This screening represented one of his direct entries into filmmaking as a director. The project allowed him to explore themes within the horror genre firsthand. His transition from publisher to filmmaker showed versatility across different creative mediums. The film's presence at the festival indicated that his peers respected his artistic vision. This step expanded his influence from organizing events to creating content directly.
During his early years in New York he socialized within Ayn Rand's intellectual circle. He was friends with Nathaniel Branden and Barbara Branden alongside the novelist herself. These connections provided exposure to philosophical discussions that shaped his worldview. The interactions occurred before he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his publishing career. Being part of this group introduced him to ideas about individualism and rational self-interest. These conversations likely influenced his approach to building independent businesses outside traditional corporate structures.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
What magazines did Kerry O'Quinn found and publish?
Kerry O'Quinn founded and published multiple genre magazines including Starlog, Fangoria, and Future Life. He also created Cinemagic, Rock Video, Hard Rock, and Comics Scene during his career.
When was the O'Quinn Award established and who received it first?
In 2009, an award named after him called the O'Quinn Award recognized exceptional achievement in the art and craft of the horror film field. O'Quinn himself became the first recipient of this new accolade.
Which conventions did Kerry O'Quinn produce during the 1980s?
O'Quinn produced the Star Trek 20th Anniversary Convention during the 1980s. He later organized the Star Wars 10th Anniversary Convention as well.
Where did Kerry O'Quinn socialize during his early years in New York?
During his early years in New York he socialized within Ayn Rand's intellectual circle. He was friends with Nathaniel Branden and Barbara Branden alongside the novelist herself.
At which festival did Kerry O'Quinn screen his film Queerantine! in 2009?
His film Queerantine! screened at the Big Bear Horror Film Festival in 2009. The festival later changed its name to the Big Bear Horro-Fi Film Festival.