Recap: Rockin' Comic Con

As previously noted, I and some like-minded indie geek types gathered together at the First Annual Rockin' Comic Con. As far as conventions go this one had some plusses and minuses, but overall it was a fun experience that I hope gains more ground and support next year. 

The general tone of the convention was one that tried to cater to those who want to be in the entertainment industry (movies, comics, games, etc...) in some way, shape or form. Many of the panels were geared toward that "This is How I Did It" aspect, and many of the creative participants were there to discuss same. There were makeup artists, producers, writers and of course, yours truly. There was a 'homegrown' vibe that was good to see. 

There was plenty of room in each panel so that questions could be asked and answered, and I walked away from my Indie Horror panel with the feeling that the audience got something out of it - that we gave straight answers to sometimes difficult questions (How do I raise money?). This indie horror panel was great for me because I not only got to sit next to good friends like Don Glut and Bill Winkler, but I was able to finally connect with guys like Randy Carter and Ted Newsome who I know primarily from our online conversations.

The frosting on the cake however was getting to meet and talk with one of my indie filmmaking 'heroes', Larry Cohen.  He's such a fun guy and eager to learn about how the indie side of the business has changed since he gave us movies like  Q, IT'S ALIVE 1-3, MANIAC COP 1-3,  THE STUFF and others.  He also tells the best stories of how certain movies came together.  It was like sitting next to film history. 

I was grinning ear-to-ear the whole time.

There were some interesting booths in the exhibit hall, and I can see many opportunities for vendors to sell their wares at next year's convention.  RCC is an intimate event and should remain so to provide the best value to its attendees and guests (IMHO). That's not to say there isn't room for improvement and expansion, I just wouldn't want this to become something so huge that you couldn't get that personal experience.

It was nice for people to come up after a panel to ask more questions, digging deeper into the subject they are definitely passionate about.  I think that's a big plus in RCC's favor.


Convention highlights and thoughts:

It was nice to be able to jump on the Metro gold line and be within three blocks or so of the convention. Old town Pasadena is a great stroll.

There's a huge gulf between studio films and Indie media. HUGE.  It's a totally different mindset that was made clear to me on our SyFy and Mockbuster panel. 

(and if you buy me a drink, I just may tell you a story or two about that gulf )

The RCC needs to get more organized.  Better schedules, more focused panels and more exhibitors in the halls. This will happen.

Fans are really eager to learn the practical stuff from working pros, and not just the pie-in-the-sky stuff (though there's still plenty of that).  To paraphrase Uncle Jim's recent post - they want to master this stuff, and make their own. 

If they have this convention next year - I will have a Pulp 2.0 Press booth.

Pirates don't sing any better when they sing louder. 

It was good to see buddy, Mark Kochinski who's doing VFX for The Asylum.

Stan Lee must have a portrait that ages locked away in a vault somewhere.

Dude with the Ultimate Captain America costume?  You rock.

Hi, Sam & Kevin (I hope I got those names right). Glad you had fun on our panel.

Thanks to RCC, Eric Forsberg and Robin Rowe for organizing our panels.

See you next time!