paintballHomepaintballPicturespaintballTechnicalpaintballTournamentpaintballRecreationalpaintballFieldspaintballStorespaintball
paintballBeginner InfopaintballNews And ArticlespaintballLinkspaintballResourcespaintballVideopaintballContact UspaintballSearchpaintball

Ken "Hollywood" Gilder

Ken Gilder is a name you've probably seen many times if you read the leading paintball publications. We asked Ken to describe himself, before diving into the Hot Seat, and here's what he had to say:
 
  
     A short bio, huh?  Well, it all started when I was born.  No?  Too far
back?  OK, I started playing in 1989.  I was already well into my 40's when
I took up this sport.

     I started with a Splatmaster, then bought an Annihilator in the summer
of '89.  My first game with it was at Sgt. York's, north of Harrisburg,
where I was assigned as a member of the Army Reserve.  The All Americans
"sdopted" me for that summer, and I played with them in a 7-man tournament
at Wolf's Lair.

     In January, 1990, I was diagnosed as having coronary artery disease,
and underwent double bypass surgery here at my home in St. Petersburg.  

     My first articles were published in PaintCheck, and future aarticles
began to appear in APG.  Paintball Sports and Painrball News also printed my
submissions, mostly on local stuff in the Tampa Bay area.

     The first national event I overed, was the Cal Mag National Amateur
Open, in 1991.  I was again in Pennsylvania with the Army Reserve, this time
at Ft. Indiantown Gap.  I took a four day pass, and was able to cover the
event.  That got me known nationally.

     I've covered other major events, like the Masters twice, the World Cup,
the 1996 ESPN shoot, numerous 24 hour scenario games, and just got back from
The Bash (formerly The Buckeye Bash).

     I have hung out my shingle as a publicist.  It's much the same as being
a reporter, but pays better.  The difference, is that a reporter pays his
own bills, or has them paid by the publication.  A publicist has his bills
paid by the event producer, and is an employee of the event, with the
objective of writing up the event so that it appears as the greatest thing
since sliced bread.

    I will be 52 in July,  I am old and slow, and can't play worth a damn.  
But I am also a believer in the adage:  "Old age and treachery will always 
overcome youth and skill."

     As for a photo, I may have one around somewhere, but as a publicist and
as a reporter, I am there to tell the story, not publicize myself.  My
trademark is the pair of sunglasses I wear.  They are what got me my
nickname, but that's another story.

     I do not play on a team (although I still think of myself as an
honorary member of the All Americans).  Whenever Bob Long is around, I am
always looking over my shoulder,  In 1991, I was talking with some of the
Ironmen, who had just won the World Cup, and voiced the opinion that it
would be a great shot if Bob would be given a "victory bath" with a cooler
of water/Gatorade, or whatever else was handy.  They took the hint, and
drenched Bob with a large bucket of water.  I got the shot, too, and it was
printed!

     I am not sponsored, but several manufacturers have been kind and
gracious enough to give me products for my use.  I use and play with
everything I am given, from camo wear to goggle systems to paintguns.

     I believe in subtle intimidation.  For instance, I'll go out to a field
wearing a T-shirt that says "RP Scherer Factory Team."  Newer players think
I'm some kind of bad ass, and generally stay away from me.  I generally wind
up chasing them into the guns of my teammates.  I also believe that if you
think you're going to lose, you're going to find a way to do it.

     In all the years I've played, the flags I have returned can be counted
on one hand.  That's for the younger and faster legs.  I don't run well, but
I am accurate.

     That's me in a nutshell.  Ask me your questions.  But keep in mind that
I am not known as paintball's best BS artist without good reason.

                                        "Hollywood"

Unfortunately, after answering some of his questions, "Hollywood"'s computer blew up. Were the questions too hot? Once he's back in the electronic age, he'll be getting the rest of the answers done. Here's what came in before the disaster.


OK, I'm gonna ask it.
How did you get the nickname Hollywood?  What's the story?

-Bill "BizBoy" Mills


Bill:
The nickname came about my second or third time out playing paintball. It was a bright sunny day, and hot. High sky, no clouds. While I was at the flag station, waiting for the game to start, I started catching glare from my goggles. To overcome this, I fished out a pair of sunglasses, placed them in the goggles, then put the whole works back on my head. One of my teammates looked at me, and said "Where do you think you are? Hollywood?" The name stuck.
 
  
From: szc100@psu.edu (Scott Chase)

I played at Sgt. Yorks once. I usually play at High Adventure, near 
State College, PA. Anyway, I'm 14 and love paintball with all my
heart. I took a job weekends to cover paint and new toys, but that
ment sacrificing playing every weekend like I wish I could. When
I ask how I can become a better player, people say that expirience
is the only way. So you see, I am between a rock and a hard place.
If you know of anybody who sponsers individuals, let me know, please.
I am also looking for a gun that will last me a long time.
Automag or Autococker? Thanks for your time. :)
Scott Chase TIP#1558
Scott:
Experience is an excellent teacher, but so is observation. Attend some of the local and national tournaments, and see how the pros and top amateur teams play. Don't be afraid to ask them questions. Remember: The only stupid question is the one that's not asked.
As for finances, it's a sad fact of life that teens generally do not have the disposable income of their parents. But, if you are that high on paintball, I would recommend talking to your friendly field operator abour a job at the field. It may not pay as much as a regular job, but the benefits are generally free play, and paint at a reduced cost.
At 14, it will probably be tough to make it to Pittsburgh for the International Amateur Open, but if you can, do it. To defray some expenses, talk to Debra about working on the tourney support staff. If you know people that are going, you can hook up with them.
 
  
From: ej01276@goodnet.com (Paul F. Jones)

I'll be 45 in a few months and I'am not ashamed to say I love 
this game called paintball. My son, He's 16, dragged me to a local 
field 2 years ago and now he can't drag me away. We've upgraded
are guns several times and are now slinging paint with trick minimags.
I'am getting better each time I play. I do have one flag pull but
it took me a month to recuperate. Several times now I've had the opportunity
to shoot some tricked out Autocockers and was impressed with the 
accuracy and distance. So I ordered one of Bob Long's Autococker 
with all of the goodies. Why, because I could and it was love at
first sight. Anyways now I have something that can reach out and 
touch someone. I was wondering what ideas you might have that I could
use to stay one step ahead of the youngsters without stepping on my crank.

Thanks in advance for all courtesies
To the greater glory of Paintball,Adreneline and Old Farts
The Gray Warrior 
Grey Warrior:
Old age and treachery will ALWAYS overcome youth and enthusiasm (and skill, too). Use your age and experience to your advantage. Me, I'm old (52) and slow, but I make up for it by being accurate, usually from a long way off. (I have both a Cocker and a Mag, and at the moment, I'm using the Cocker. The Mag is off being anodized.
Don't forget the subtle art of intimidation. If you can make someone think they are going to lose, they'll generally find a way to do it. I wear a T-shirt that says "RP Scherer Factory Team," and carry a top of the line gun. Rookies and other walk ons think I'm some kind of bad ass, and either beg me to be on their team, or, if they are on the opposing team, stay well away from me.
 
  
From: lnutzman@aol.com (Philip Nutzman)

When will paintball be on ESPN or ESPN2?  I Don't know  whether you would
know but if do tell me
Phil:
At last report, the Paintball segments are suppiosed to air beginning in September. 
From: tburnett@csi.compuserve.com (Tony Burnett)

So, what did you think of The "Mud" Bash?  How did it compare 
to other paintball events (It was my first paintball "event")?  
As far as organization?  Rules? Setting? Weather? etc.
Tony:
The Bash was well run. Yes, there were some problems, but nothing serious. The biggest problem I saw, was the wet and muddy field, but that did not stop the large number of attendees from having a good time. I would say that it compared favorably with other events I have attended. 
From: melevy@erols.com (Erik Levy)

Dear "Hollywood",
Do you feel paintball will mature enough to ever be considered
more than a strange hobby and make it to T.V. in a marketable
way? 

What are your opinions on camo? In Europe camo is practicely not
used, because of it's conotation of war, do you think in the U.S.
we should push for "no camo"? at the tournament level? at the rec
level?

Thanks so much for your time!

Sincerely,
Erik Levy
Erik:
Paintball is still going through some "growing pains," but with intelligent people guiding it through its formative stages, paintball will continue to grow and mature.
As for camo, if it works, wear it. On the speedball court, the team uniforms are much better.
 
  
From: jlindell@arlington.net (Brett Lindell)
Dear Mr.Hollywood,
I've read a bunch of your articles in APG. I am 12 (turning 13)
and I am a paintball player. I was wondering what you think about 
young paintball players (other paintball players look me over 
my age).
Thanks, Brett Lindell
Brett:
The younger players are the future of the sport. Without them, paintball would die. 
From: wheuett@potlatch.esd112.wednet.edu (wayne heuett)

I'm looking for a good barrell for an automag.
I have heard j and j barrelles are good.  I looking for barrells
that will clean up easily in the field.  In addition what do you
think of tasco barrells. I have a local store that carriess them
however, I know nothing of the tasco barrells or their quality.

I would like to say thank you in advance for any help that you
can give me with this quary.

Wayne. 
Wayne:
I don't know much about barrels, so my thoughts and opinions on the subject, would be worthless
 
  
From: toggun1@teleport.com (Wayne)
I have asked for help in the past.  I looking for help in finding a
good barrell for a autmag.  I have heard that the J and J bear is
amoung the best for the automag and I have access to a taso barrells
at a very reonable price.  Are taso barrells as a good quality as the 
crome J and J barrells.  Or do recommend another barrell all together.

thanks in advance.

Wayne
Wayne:
As I said in my answer top the previous Wayne, I don't know a lot about barrels, and don't make recommendations. 
From: cgilder@uwsuper.campus.mci.net (Kory Gilderman)

Hi!!  WoW!! Your name is Gilder... and I'm Gilderman!! Kewl!!

Well... anyway... what brand of paintballs do you recomend for me too use?
I have a Brass Eagle (Daisy) STINGRAY.  Its a cheap but high quality
semi-auto gun...
Please help me decide on what type to buy.  THANX!!!!!!

CYA  K. Gilgerman
Kory:

 Since I live in St. Petersburg, about 10 miles from the RP Scherer factory, I use mostly RP Scherer paint. The other paints are generally of good quality, and should work quite well. Some guns are picky or finicky, and will only shoot one brand of paint, but the best paint, according to PCRI, is RP's Marballizer.
 
  

From104226,116 @ Compuserve (Bill Anastas)

You are playing outdoor paintball and you are on a two level guard post.
You are looking out for the person on the floor below you because
the guard post is connected to another by a bridge on the 
second level.  You turn around and you see two enemies pointing
pump action paintball guns at you which are both most likely
full of ammo.  Your pump action gun is pointed at them and theirs
are pointed at you.  They are approximately 3 feet away from you. 
Do you engage in a fire fight and hope that you don't get hit at point
blank range or do you surrender?  Keep in mind that there is a team 
member below you that will be shot by the two approaching eenemies
if you do not act.
Bill:
You shoot! You may be eliminated, but at least you have warned your teammate of trouble. Remember, there is no "I" in "Team." BTW, anyone who lets an opponent get within three feet of him, must have lousy ears, or is hampered by tunnel vision. 
From: Joel76@aol.com (Joel Evans)

What is the difference between Bad Company, Bad Company II, 
and Bad Company of Maryland?  
Joel:
Bad Company I is a pro team. Bad Company II is amateur. Bad Company of Maryland refers to the combined teams. 
From: brent_hoefling@msn.com (Brent Hoefling)

Hollywood,  my question is age related 
(not that you never get those.  I have only bee playing
for a relatively short time, about two and a half years,
and i am 35 yeard old.  I have been actually shunned on
the field because i am the "old-fart", that can't run.

I too am a believer in treachery, skill and experience
over youth and speed, but i add one more thing, i carry
a more intimidating gun (nasty typhoon)! and I am almost
always carying at least two guns at any given time.

Any way - how often do you play?  (simple question huh, but can
you expound upon your answer a bit)
Brent:
I play as often as I can, usually two to four tiems a month. Other times, I am hung up with deadlines, and am pounding this computer, trying to get stories out. 
From: 103011,1546@compuserve.com OR ChrisC@wow.com ()

i was wondering what the best barrel for the automag would be


            Thanks
               Chris
Chris:
Any of the after market barrels are good. Unfortunately, I don't know a lot about barrels, so I do not offer recommendations.

We would like to thank Ken for taking the time to be a guest in the Hot Seat. Going to a big tournament or paintball event? Keep your eyes peeled for they guy in the sunglasses, it just might be "Hollywood".

Copyright © 1992-2019 Corinthian Media Services.

WARPIG's webmasters can be reached through our feedback form.  All articles and images are copyrighted and may not be redistributed without the written permission of their original creators and Corinthian Media Services. The WARPIG paintball page is a collection of information and pointers to sources from around the internet and other locations. As such, Corinthian Media Services makes no claims to the trustworthiness or reliability of said information. The information contained in, and referenced by WARPIG, should not be used as a substitute for safety information from trained professionals in the paintball industry.