BYOB Kenobi says: "Run faster and jump higher... Go to FilmCon this year!!"

Okay, this is a shameless endorsement of Eric Larson's fantabulous Madison-based con.

I've gone to FilmCon each year since the first one in November of 2000. It's small, low-key, and cheap. That may not sound as encouraging to everyone as it does to me, so here comes the good parts...

FilmCon is basically a convention of artists and filmmakers. The first year, none other than Iain McCaig was the key note speaker. As if giving us a first-hand guided slideshow of his portfolio (including original pieces from The Phantom Menace and Interview With the Vampire) wasn't enough, the concept artist behind the design of Darth Maul gave us all drawing lessons. Iain showed us his techniques for creating storyboards and designing new characters by the truckload. At the end of the weekend, he was even nice enough to have brunch with those of us who were interested, and we sat around in the hotel restaurant eating breakfast, talking about art, and trading contact information. (I know there was alot of other stuff that went on besides Iain, but my memory is worthless. Maybe Eric will fill in the blanks later...)

The next year at FilmCon 2 was almost all technology oriented. The key note speaker was Eric Chauvin, a matte artist whose credits include Babylon 5, Voyager, Star Wars, Mists of Avalon and Enterprise. We learned about both traditional and digital matte painting techniques using both 2D and 3D tools. Eric's brother Scott gave a presentation on CG animation, using several recent PIXAR films as examples. Dave Macomber, martial arts instructor and co-creator of Duality, gave a scene-by-scene breakdown of the making of his film and explained how countless hours of digital rotoscoping unexpectedly paid off when the finished product turned the world of fan films on its ear. Over the course of the weekend, there were many other presentations ranging from sound mixing to fantasy creature paleontology.

Popular events that took place both years were the costume contest, the charity auction, "lightsaber" training (taught by Dave Macomber), and of course, the room parties.

The event is non-profit, and all proceeds go to cancer research. With admission around $30 a head, it's cheap at twice the price.

The maxiumum allowable capacity is only around 200, so pre-registration is important. See Eric for more information.


Take it from the freaky punk-ass who keeps showing up every year: this convention rocks. The only complaint I have with it is the weirdos in costume who always show up. I don't know where those people come from...

 

They come from me. I was there last year and just talked to Eric at OddCon.

 

I remember you. You're the dude from Rebel Legion who got his picture in SW Insider.

Now if only I could discover the secret identity of the static Klingon...

 

The Static Klingon is a MATC student named Emily. She will most likely be at the con again. I can't remeber Darth Goat, though I tend to forget peoples names from time to time-and faces.

I'm sure there will be plenty of people who will add color to this years festivities!

I always have 1 or 2 people who tend to give the costume contest an interesting flair with their creations.

And Tom, THANK YOU! I don't know if I have ever seen a nicer endorsment than yours.

 

Hey Eric! I had a good time last year and will make sure everyone in the midwest knows about as time closes in.

edit: darth goat = Jason

 

Sounds really fun! When is it? I'd be really interested in going depending on when it is.

 

Madison, probably mid-autumn.

 

FILMCON will be November 15th -17th in Madison, Wisconsin. At the Raddison Inn West, near west towne mall. Off the beltline, and Gammon Rd.

Our 1st Star Wars guest is the author of the cutaway books, and the visual dictionaries. Dr. David West Reynolds.

I have a TON of STAR WARS stuff planned, since 1/3 of ALL PROGRAMMING is Star Wars based, I want everyone in the area to be part of it.
That includes Milwaukee, Madison, any or all fans up north and in the tri-stae area.

Let me know what you think. Right now the price is $30 for the weekend, per person. ALL PROFIT goes to help fight Breast Cancer.

But I need people to sign up soon. It is very hard to get things ready without a head count. Last years total was 238 people. I will let it go to 250 this year. Any bigger and it gets to busy.-I am also willing to let the current members of the Milwookie Council in for the student price of $25 for the weekend. I really want everyone to be part of the 25th anniversary bash!

Let me know what you think. If you want more info, let me know.

BobaFemme- thanks for the endorsement, it means a lot...

Eric
P.S. I nee more programming ideas-anyone?

 

I should be able to attend.

Man - that will be 2 cons in a year. My wife will start to worry!

 

Bring her with, turn her to the con-side

Dr. David West Reynolds!!! I'm most upset about missing him talk at C2.

Last year, what I thought would be cool, is an actual demonstration of vacuuforming or a video of it. The prop masters discuss this craft lingo that eludes many people. Either a live demo or a video of the process would be cool.

Maybe some works in various stages would be cool too--either live or slide. I know not everyone is into costuming, but it is pretty neat to see how a sheet of abs can be made into all sorts of things.

Kathy V.B. ( Nostradamus ), an awesome seamstress and SW fan does amazing Amidala dresses for her daughter, and so many costumes for other Midwest folks. She'd make an excellent panel add on Stacey (Rebel Legion and LotR costumes) and that's a cool costume making panel.

 

Dr. Incredible Cross Sections sounds interesting. I used to do technical illustrations for a living, very similar to the Cross Sections books in most respects. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I got the shop manual for my bike and started admiring all the exploded views as though it was high art!

Your suggestion sounds pretty cool, Bobafemme. Make sure you tell Eric about it. I'll second the motion.

 

I think the vacuforming thing sounds very cool indeed. I'm gonna have to make it there again for the 5th straight year In costume of course

-Jason (Kylash)

 

What the hell do you mean, "5th straight year"?? There's only been two FilmCons, and I've been to both.

PPOR

 

Oh sorry, Mad Media anf FilmCon kinda blend together in my memory. ^_^; My bad

 

Eric - I know you mentioned to Buckaroo that he should show his fan film at your convention (thus the reason for my posting this here), and I was wondering if you're going to have a submission deadline for fan films or if you're pretty much accepting them up to the last minute.

 

That reminds me Eric, I've got a brawl scene done from my movie that I cna show and another short of a Young Obi Wan and Darth Maul facing off in a tennis match with lightsabers and a laser bolt, it's really quite ammusing, I thought I'd show that this year as well if there's time. Trust me, they're much better than that crappy trailer I showed last time *hides in shame*

 

For now as long as the film is fan made, and it is about Star Wars or a scifi theme, anything goes. NO PORN! NO VULGARITY! Some crass jokes though are always acceptable!

The convention is for everyone- so remember little kids may want to watch also.

We will be giving out requirements soon.
BYOB_kenobi is helping with a web site. Give me 30 days and I will give you a con that will make you say...OHHHTEENEEE!

 

No porn!? Oh man... I guess now I have to scrap what I've got.

 

BYOB, Do I still get paid?

 

There's a joke about being mutually short changed in there some where...

 

I'll have to check with the investors, Bishop, but so far neither Joan Rivers nor Carrot Top are returning my calls.

 

If I can figure how how the hell I can get to/stay in Madison that weekend, I'll be there.

need to cut back on spending...Dallas, NYC, Europe, GenCon, and now this...

 

Mmm... sweet, sweet Carrot Top...

 

Speaking of places to stay, are there any hotel discounts for spending the weekend in Madison? I'd rather do that than commute for the whole con...

 

The con is now taking shape. I met with our guest and he is GREAT!!!!! He will be talking alot about star wars, but also Indy and some other real-really neat stuff about space etc.

I also made deals with some publishers for freebies and such. Besides all the crap I lugged back for the auction, I think this year will be better than ever!

If you are interested in helping out-let me know soon! We are now under way to amke this the ultimate SW fan run con!
I can't srew up worse than wizards did....

Also thanks to BobaFemme for helping me out, and introducing me to the right people. More clubs are now palnning on attending-THANKS BIG TIME ERICA!

Also Jason from the Chcago Rebel legion- you are a great guy! Looking forward to seeing all of you again soon!