A Convention for Fan Force members!

Dear Fellow Star Wars Fans,

My name is Eric Larson. I am the President of the Wisconsin Fan Force Group.

The reason I am writing is to invite you to Wisconsin in November!

Every year since 1985 we have had a media convention. Two years ago, I created a new con called FilmCon. It's purpose was to teach film making to fans interested in the genre of indie films. Since it began we have grown about 200%. We still keep it small, around 200-250 people each year.

We also do something special each year, by picking a topic or film to highlight. This year I picked Star Wars...to help celebrate it's 25 year!

The convention is held in Madison, Wisconsin. November 15th-17th. From noon Friday until 4 PM Sunday. This is also a charity convention. ALL money made above the cost of running the convention goes to a Breast Cancer charity we have helped out for the past 2 years.

I am writing to all Midwest chapters to see if anyone is interested in attending. Already fans from Chicago's and Minnesota's Fan Force have registered. My hope is to have enough Fan Force members from around the USA to meet up and introduce the different clubs to one another at the convention. There will be a special time and room set aside so ALL groups can meet and interact during the convention.

There are 3 tracks of programming this year. Film making/ Star Wars/ and Multi-Media.

The film making panels are just that. We teach everything from blue screen shooting and make-up to advanced 3d modeling on computers...Maya and 3D Max will be represented this year. DISCREET computer software will have their lead artist on hand all day Saturday and Sunday to give lectures and demo's on the companies new programs. This along with practical seminars on budgets, storyboarding and design.

Track two is just Star Wars...Everything and anything. From costume panels and prop making, to introducing gaming and fanzines. As much will be covered as possible in three days. This includes a 2 seminar class on light saber techniques taught by several professional fencing instructors.( These classes are held on Saturday, and must be signed up for in advance.)

Track 3 is Muti-media. From Trek to Galactica...Sci-Fi Channel to other films...everything that is not Star Wars will be covered. Including a large discussion on Lord of the Rings!

Our guests are truly fun this year. Dr. David West Reynold's. A lecturer, veteran of field expeditions on three continents and author of scientific archeological publications. He has written X-Wing& TIE Fighter pocket guides along with the star wars Visual Dictionaries and the Star Wars and Phantom Menace cutaway books. He is currently at work on a new book about the light saber and it's history. The Dr. will be leading panel discussions on "the Archeology of Star Wars"- the locations from the original SW film, and the archives. He will also discuss his new book about NASA. (He will be autographing his books.)

Paul Topolos a matte and storyboard artist for Pixar. He has also worked for Lucasarts as the designer of Rouge Leader for the X Box and Rouge Squadron, Racer, Grim Fandango, Obi Wan and Shadows of the Empire. But what makes Paul so interesting is his latest achievement. Not only did he help storyboard both episode 1 & 2, he is the matte artist and designer for the AOTC?s DVD...due out the same week as the convention! Paul will be on hand to discuss everything you want to know about the film and his work on the disc. (This is the only convention anyone from the DVD design team will be attending-and will sign autographs.)

Derek Smith is also and artist and designer. He has worked on the ?Wildlife of Star Wars? book and is currently working at Raven Software, the makers of Jedi Outcast.

Also The Great Lukeski will be entertaining the convention with his famous tunes.

We also have a GREAT costume contest with prizes and trophies given away. On Saturday night we host the Auction for Breast Cancer. This is a great way to help people and to pick up really rare collectibles you can't find anywhere else.

 

Same here...
Perhaps maybe some of us might be able to go, but I doubt it.

 

As a presenter and spectator of the first two FilmCons, I highly recommend attendence to this event! Eric definitely knows how to put on a show that appeals to many people - from sci-fi fans to film makers. I tend to indulge, and have taken advantage of every aspect of this convention in the past - from participating in the costume contest to talking one-on-one with the guests about their techniques and experiences. The enthusiasm and eagerness among those present is infectous - from the speakers to the bystanders. In fact, the FilmCons of the past are some of the best conventions I've ever been to - it's smaller size allows more time and attention from the guests, and discussion and fun time among those attending. Anyways, before I spend all of my two cents, please consider coming to this Con! For a mere $25, you purchase one hell of an entertaining and inspiring weekend...

I hope to see some of you there!

 

is this just for midwest chapter members? what about us here on the NE taht want to go?

 

Would love to go but a little out of the way

 

Well, I went to this one and it was really a blast! And I'm in Denver!!

You just have to be willing to travel. It really is a great Con. MOstly because of it's small size. You get to actually talk to everyone, including many of the presenters. I stood around talking to Josh Griffin for a little while on Friday night, which was pretty cool. And one of the presenters sat around in one of the room parties all night, the guy was really cool (from Pixar).

If you get a chance to go next year, I would highly recommend it!