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Topic:
Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
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TalkingHead80
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
5/31/05 9:02pm
Subject:
Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
- Date Edited:
6/1/05 1:27am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Sister_Sola
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Ok, I am a DIE HARD SUPERFAN. I have devoted a great deal of my 24 years to Star Wars and made the decision to embark on the task of making an amazing costume, more for myself than anything. But after reading some of the threads and posts here, I have to ask - Why all of the politics and the conflict?
I keep seeing reference to the "501st". What are they exactly? The official Lucasfilm costuming group? Or simply meticulous fans? I do not mean to be critical if this is the case, in fact I completely understand. I am an artist and take great pride in my work, and attention to detail, as well as criticism are necessary for art to be successful. I do not, however, understand why it is a quest for so many to be accepted into their (501st)group. Is it a club with benefits? For all of this conflict regarding their entry specifications, they better provide health insurance.
Also, how extensive is their influence in Lucasfilm or Star Wars related events? Say, if I were, just for fun to wear my Stormtrooper costume to Star Wars weekends at MGM in Orlando, would I find a 501st member inspecting me and possibly denying me permission to wear the costume? Please forgive the ignorance, but I honestly have never heard of anything like this. I just want to do this for me and for fun, and if that is what being in the 501st is all about, I would happily join. What I am seeing in alot of these threads though is making the 501st look like the costuming gestapo.
Some clarification of the group, their purpose, etc would be readily appreciated. Like I said, I just want to have fun with this and would love the support/advice/recommendations of the costume community, not get caught up in politics about something that is, let's face it, a fictional universe.
May the Force be with us all...
S_S edit: edited title for clarity
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Walruslord
Registered:
Apr '05
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Date Posted:
5/31/05 9:09pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain?
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http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=501st&btnG=Google+Search
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TalkingHead80
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
5/31/05 9:19pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain?
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Yes, thank you, I have googled it and read the site. I was hoping more for fan experiences with them, etc. After all, I wouldn't go to "www.whitehouse.gov" for an objective opinion on George Bush.
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Woofer
Title: FF CR Emeritus
Niagara Falls ON Canada
Registered:
Aug '01
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Date Posted:
5/31/05 9:22pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain?
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The Fighting 501st Stormtrooper Legion: Vader's Fist was founded by Albin Johnson in the late 1990's. Its a group of Imperial costumers. There were several people with stormtroopers costumes but no formal organization. Albin started the club to give them all a comon connection.
The group quickly grew and started to include Vader costumers, Fett costumers, and more. I believe the membership is over 3,000 people, worldwide with regions divided into Garrisons.
They do have certain requirements, the costumes need to be of professional quality and have specific elements depending on the costume.
As for the example of being in costume at MGM for a Star Wars Weekend, it wouldn't be the 501st who deny you entrance. It will be the park. That is their policy.
Yes you will find 501st members at Star Wars Weekends. They are invited to work the event. Over the years the 501st have proven to not only havbe good quality costumes, but a professional demeanour and willingness to serve and help at events all over the world. Lucasfilm has and does specifically recommend the 501st to organizers as the people to contact for costumed personnel. They are all strictly volunteer and they are all fans just like the rest of us, they aren't Lucasfilm employees.
In fact if you have a stormtrooper or other Imperial/"bad guy" costume, visit www.501st.com and sign up.
If you have a "good guy"/Rebel costume, the group you want to join then is the 501st Legion's sister organization The Rebel Legion (www.rebellegion.com). In fact you can join both. There are plenty of cross over members (including myself)
You can find more information about both clubs at their websites.
-----signature-----
John H. VanOphem
Übergeek
Buddhism: Birth. Work. Death. Repeat if necessary.
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TalkingHead80
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
5/31/05 9:32pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain?
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I have done some research about them (I always do research on everything lol) and found that I am very pleased to see that they are involved in more than purely fan-based activities. Volunteering is awesome, but I am sure doing it in a costume, one from a universe you came to love, is even more fun. I was, however, blown away by their charter, etc. Quite alot of words, formality, etc for a fan club. Anyways, I will have to get cracking on my costume and see what happens.
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Darkmood
Title: Former RMFF Chapter Rep
Registered:
Dec '04
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Date Posted:
5/31/05 10:24pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain?
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They're a great group and I always have fun with my Garrison. The charter is manly to keep the costume and event standards high so no one is jacking around or showing up in a a paor of shorts and a trooper bucket! LOL
All-in-all They're a great group!
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RMFF Angel "Mark my words...Your uppance will come!" Officially going "ZOO" on you since 02/16/2006 Mountain Garrison Membership Officer  Have you seen my mommy? http://boards.theforce.net/ASP/user.asp?usr=723280
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Karma
Registered:
Aug '00
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Date Posted:
6/1/05 5:21am
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
- Date Edited:
6/1/05 5:23am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Karma
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While the 501st is fan-based and we do fan-based events, we also get asked to do LFL-related events, because we're that good.  ie, movie premieres, Toy Fair, Burger King promos, etc. Many Garrisons devote time to fund-raising....for charities like Make a Wish, MArch of Dimes, etc.
Disney-MGM won't let you in the park with armor on. They don't seem to have a problem with 'soft' costumes, like Jedi.
-Karma
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"There is no spoon"
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Jade-Walker
Title: FanForce Commander
Northwest Ohio US
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
6/1/05 8:13am
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
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I have loved being in the 501st.
I've had a ton of fun doing official LFL events, volunteer events and charity events.
A lot of people complain about the fact that we do have high standards for our costuming. This is, in large part, because we do represent LFL when asked and the costumes must be better than movie quality.
But as you get into costuming, you will find that you have an increasing attention to detail and desire to improve upon the costumes that you already have made. It becomes a passion. 
-----signature-----
NW Ohio: http://boards.theforce.net/Northwest_Ohio/b10174/ SL/TB 5233, Rebel Legion Member, The Jedi Assembly I know there are Kyp fans out there and I hope you can explain it to me
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TK-P01
Registered:
Dec '03
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Date Posted:
6/1/05 11:31am
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
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"Once you start down the costuming path, forever will it dominate your destiny"
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TK/TB 2386 of the 501st, "Vader's Fist"
"The Cadet" aka "Flash" aka "Little Ficker" aka "The Proposer"
www.tkbearcrew.com
Bravo Squad, "The Black Bears" We rule the night!
Order 66, it's not just policy, it's a pleasure.
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LukeSkiewalker
Title: Founder Heart of the Alliance KC, MO FF
Registered:
Apr '03
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Date Posted:
6/1/05 12:45pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
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"Once you start down the costuming path, forever will it dominate your destiny"
Well put 
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DarthGyos
Registered:
Apr '01
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Date Posted:
6/1/05 1:26pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
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501st works for me!
It almost has a commeradere to it; if I see someone with a 501st tshirt, I give a nod or say hi and it is usually returned.
It's fun doing events for the big names, too. The best part is the looks on kids faces when they see you in armor. Heck, I have even signed baseballs at a Newark Bears game!
~DG~
-----signature-----
BS-62102
Dn9 4 life!
www.newjerseyorder.com
America had 43 presidents but only one KING - tcb
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TalkingHead80
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
6/1/05 2:18pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
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Ok, I spent the entire evening, well into the morning researching how to make stormtrooper armor and made blueprints all day at work. As some above said "forever will it dominate your destiny" This is apparantly true, as I have no started considering converting my ceramic studio into a full-on prop and costume replica studio.
Is there hope for me? lol. lucky i am not married I guess, this looks like it is going to be somewhat....consuming
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Karma
Registered:
Aug '00
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Date Posted:
6/1/05 5:05pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
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Where are you located? If there's a 501st garrison in your area (http://www.501st.com) their members can help you with armor.
-Karma
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"There is no spoon"
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BellaSabrina
Registered:
Oct '02
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Date Posted:
6/1/05 6:51pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
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Being a member in the 501st is so rewarding. Meeting other Garrisons and hanging out with them, trading info on armor/costumes...
I absolutely love it
-----signature-----
TB/ID-5102 NJO/501st NER
6.21.02
Real friends stab you in the front
RJ doesn't sleep....he waits.
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UniversalDestiny
Title: NC PR Director
Registered:
Oct '01
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Date Posted:
6/1/05 11:48pm
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
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I agree with Bella!
There is a close relationship, a brotherhood-sisterhood between members of the different Garrisons. I always found that if I had trouble or needed help modifying my Royal Guard I could ask members of my Garrison for help.
I'm still a little bit on the shy side, but a few of the guys are helping me overcome my shyness in the Garrison.
It's more like a family than anything else.
-UD
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TR-7483 Carolina 501st Garrison "All those who gain power are afraid to loose it...even the Jedi" "I love Darth Maul...  " "Once more the Sith will rule the galaxy, and then we shall have peace...."
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veritasuk
Registered:
Sep '04
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Date Posted:
6/2/05 7:38am
Subject:
RE: Can Someone Please Explain the 501st?
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Ive been trying to get in touch with the UKG for ages but the site is always down. 
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I'm going to C4 !
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