Adventures in Cons

Wow already failing at this blogging thing. In my defense, I've been super busy writing - well okay and a month holiday in Cuba.

Right before I headed out for three weeks of rejuvenation, I went to the Produced By Conference.

Friday night was the opening party, which was a lot of fun. I met up with Tracey Mack and Robyn Weiner from Vancouver and we toured around looking for other people to chat with. Funny enough, met other Vancouverites. Small world.

So overall, the conference was good and I'm glad I went, but not sure I'd go again. I had expected a higher level of producers and more expecting producers with some experience that wanted to make the leap into more studio driven productions. Forums and conferences can be a big hit and miss. Sometimes it's the topics, the speaker or even the moderator. I get that there are people who are starting out and this is a way to start getting some knowledge but for the love of god do some research. My forum rules:

- Do your research. Learn who your speakers are, watch their films and learn about the business.

- Be clear and concise in Q&A. (Okay, my question did not come out right and did not sound intelligent but I have a huge fear of public speaking so standing up in front of the entire audience to ask questions makes me blank and fumble. So, if your like me, you are excused).  I’ve also seen people try and ‘hit on’ the panelist. You are an idiot. Nuff said. 

- The biggest no-no and if you do this AFTER a moderator expressly says not to, you will be boo'ed and hissed at... DO NOT pitch during your question.

I wish I could remember the moderator for Larry Gordon's panel, but he put it best. You are wasting everyone's time in the room, from the panelist to the attendees, you put people in a liability position (most people do NOT take unsolicited pitches) and it's plain RUDE.  So don't do it. Do not say, "but I have an Oscar potential winning screenplay!" because everyone has a potential everything - until you don't. 

I've also talked to panelists that have said the most common question is 'how do I get an agent'. They hate it. Why? Because there are so many ways. The sure way? Sell your screenplay and phone an agency and say, I've got a deal but I need an agent to close it. You will get one. Otherwise, do your research. Talk to other people and ask if they like their agent (note; people who work, like their agent, people who don't, obviously aren't happy with their agent. It's not always the agents fault. Take this with a grain of salt). Find people who are with an agency you like. It's easier to get in if you are recommended. The other way is to write a kickass screenplay or win awards at your craft and become 'in demand'. 

If you don't want to do the work, give up now. This industry is all about hard work. 

I have to say I'm so tired of people who keep asking me for advice and never take it because it's too much work.

Now onto the fun stuff.

This year I finally attended COMIC-CON in San Diego. How awesome is that! I can't believe how utterly exhausted I was at the end. My brother warned me and I thought I was well prepared but it's so tiring (he's also the reason I got to go as he was a 'professional' attendee so he rocks as well!).  But the costumes and panels are so amazing that it's worth standing in line (provided you get in) and seeing it all.

So we arrived and got our passes and our awesome WB bags (Zach unfortunately got Vampire Diaries and none of us found the elusive Thundercats).  Went to a screening of Alcatraz (and Supernatural the Anime but had to leave as it was unbearable). Alcatraz was very interesting but I'm not sure how they will sustain it. We'll see where it goes. Went for the sneak peak at the exhibition hall.  I was so overwhelmed when I stepped in. Like a kid in a candy store. 

I'm so glad I have a great brother and boyfriend that both are excited over the same things I am. Makes Comic-Con much more enjoyable.  I was only sad when both of them had awesome stories about surprise appearances in their panels as I waited in line for hours on a panel I did not get in to.   My brother warned me about the lines, I had no idea that people were crazy enough to be at the hall at 6am to get into a panel (except twihards that lined up 4 DAYS early). The rule is once you're in, you can come and go so people will get in then get bathroom passes to leave or just stay through the panels they don't want just to make sure they are in the ones they want. Sucks for the people who get there at 8 and find out at 11 there is no room. There must be a better way. Yes it happened to me. Did not get into Walking Dead panel after 4 hrs of waiting in line - but got into the Robert Kirkman panel in 10min. So I guess people are there for the shows/cast and not the comic creators?

I recently became obsessed with Game of Thrones. I love the characters in this show and yes, as most people know, am a bit infatuated with Jason Momoa. Brilliantly cast, each episode leaves on a cliffhanger, which gets more and more intense as the show goes on. Absolutely love this show. 

Went to a few Apocalypse panels, my favorite genre. Do you have an apocalypse plan? My boyfriend and I do.  I thought we were weird until a friend divulged that her and her husband do as well.  It's fun to plan.  I'll wrap this up on my favorite panel of the weekend - The Batman 45th Anniversary with Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar. Julie Newmar walked in with cat ears and long red gloves, showing she still is the first and only cat woman. It is absolutely amazing to watch this cast, people I grew up with, not only reminisce about the show, but see them enjoy watching old clips with as much enthusiasm as the audience. It’s a rare camaraderie that few shows achieve. 

I will definitely attend Comic-Con again but I want to be rich to afford the $400/night room at a hotel right beside the convention so I can get there early. And I want a kickass costume that will get me more geek points (Like getting geek points when I knew who Robert Kirkman was. The surprise on the guys face next to me was priceless!)

Hope I didn’t lose you halfway through! I promise to write more frequently so they are shorter! Til next time….