You want panels? Well, do ya?! Ok, ok, we’ve got yer panels…and how! Below are all of the panels!
Where History Meets Fantasy: Bringing Fights To The Big ScreenThis panel brings together decades of experience in Hollywood to discuss how to bring realistic Western martial arts to the screen. You’ll hear many behind the scenes stories on some of the biggest films of our lifetime. Panel will include: Anthony DeLongis, Nick Gillard, Kyle Rowling, Tony Wolf, Robert Chapin and Robert Goodwin. Moderated by Bryce Bermingham. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Weapons and WoundsLearn how different weapons work, the kinds of wounds they leave, and debunk some of the standing myths. Participants are encouraged to come with questions like: Panel will include: Benerson Little, David Baker, Luke LaFontaine, and Steaphen Fick. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Shoot For The Stars: Making Independent Sci-Fi FilmsHave a passion? Have a dream? Wanna see it on the big screen? This panel of experts will discuss how to make an independent film. With modern technology it is easier then you think! Panel will include: Makers of Horizon: Emma Coats, director; Yvie Raij, cinematographer; Brandon Hyman, producer; Erick Tryzelaar, associate producer; Donald Schmidt, visual effects supervisor. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Creating your Steampunk Universe – Living an Alternate HistoryWe will explore a process whereby an individual may construct their own personal storyline and context within the Steampunk world through story development, character creation, technological assessment, and the integration of actual places, people and wonders of the real world in which we live. The adventures of Major Vostok and the founding of the Pacifica Air Fleet will be used to illustrate how to create a niche for your character that fits into the surreal world of Steampunk fashion and technology. Panel will include: Chris Villa and Tadao Tomomatsu. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Boarding Tactics and Techniques for the Golden Age of SailPanel will include: Benerson Little, John Lennox, Steve Huff. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
History of Film Fight Directors: Pre-Star WarsWe will thrill to the tales of swordfights of yesteryear in European and American films. We will marvel at the Stars who spent their careers at the point of a sword. We will admire the visionary Writers and Directors who created these wonders of the silent and sound eras. We will praise the great Fencing Masters who inspired us with their swordplay. We will hear stories of our panel members as to their favorite films and how they shaped our lives. We will do all this in one hour or die trying. Panel will include: Anthony DeLongis, Tony Wolf, Chris Villa and Robert Goodwin. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Meet the Experts: Armor and Sword MakingHave you ever wondered how all that fancy armor and those pretty swords get made? These are the people to ask! Panel will include: Maestro Paul Macdonald, David Baker, Lynn Thompson, Zombie Tools and Natasha Darce. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
History in Hollywood: “Bringing Pirates of the Carribean” to lifeWhat was it like to work with [pick your star]? Did you ever expect the film would be so huge? How did you get the part? Come with your questions and have a great time! Panel will include: Isaac Singleton, Jr., Steve Huff, Treva Etienne and Vince Lozano. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Deadliest Warrior: Behind the ScenesLearn all about what goes on behind the scenes on this amazing show. Hear about the experts and the “experts.” You’ll also have the opportunity to see sneak peak footage of the upcoming season so don’t miss it! Panel will include: David Baker, Anthony De Longis, Benerson Little, Luke Lafontaine and Kendall Wells. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Making a Cultural Icon: The Fights of Star WarsWhat was it like on the set of Star Wars I-III? How do you create the fights for such an Iconic film? Who was the best fighter in the film? Bring your questions and be ready for some great stories! Panel will include: Nick Gillard and Kyle Rowling. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Abney Park Meet the Band! – a non musical appearanceWe are usually so busy listening to their great music that we don’t stop and find out about the musicians themselves! Take this opportunity to meet three of the members and find out what it was like to creat a Steampunk band before there was even a Steampunk movement! Panel will include: “Captain” Robert, Jody Ellen and Kristina Erickson. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
The State of Music Within the Steampunk MovementCaptain Robert, Kristina, and Jody of Abney Park, will be on this panel to discuss the origin and evolution of their band and to field questions from the audience about their musical influences and directions. Panel will include: “Captain” Robert, Jody Ellen and Kristina Erickson from Abney Park. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Dreadnoughts, Juggernauts, Leviathans, and Armaments: Steam powered war machines and weapons past and present.In battle the force that can maneuver the best has the advantage. The advent of the steam engine gave militaries and navies the advantage of not having to rely on the weakness of the flesh and the uncertainties of weather. On land, sea, and air steam power set the stage for the development of modern warfare. From the first crude armored trains and iron clad ships to the most sophisticated vessels ever created by man a look at the use of steam to wage war. Panel will include: Gene Forrer Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Roger Ma Presents “Zombie Combat Manual”Panel will include: Roger Ma Panel Length: 1 Hour |
The Hunted: Sword Slingin’ and Vampire Slayin’The Hunted is a sword-slinging, vampire slaying reality web series that’s been described as a cross between “Buffy” and “Cops”. Not only is “The Hunted” one of the longest running shows on the internet, it’s also the first show based on user content, which means episodes can be shot by virtually anyone anywhere.
The panel will discuss the role of combat choreography and swordplay in the show, the training required, shooting styles and weapon selection. The panel will also serve as a brief scene for The Hunted episode being shot at the convention.
Panel will include: Stars Bob Chapin, Anthony DeLongis, Derek Conley, Kendall Wells (first contest winner), Jessica Cail (research consultant featured in Breakthrough), Andrew Helm (writer) and our winner from this year’s contest (yet to be determined)! Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Geek Girls RockLearn about the aspects of growing up ”geek” and the emerging difference between girls who are truly geeks and those who are ‘pandering’ (dressing up but knowing not about either fandoms or characters). In the realm of costuming, comics, books, and history, women can be more than just love interests and femme fatales. See how cosplaying gives we geek ladies the chance to be as bad-ass as all you boys with your sharp, stabbity toys (which, by the way, we know how to use!)! Learn how to impress a geek lady you fancy – or at least how NOT to leave her yawning. Panel will include: Sara Warner, Pamela Sawyer, Laren Riedler, Audrey Grip and Renee Christy. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
The Mongoliad ExperiencePanel will include: Neal Stephenson, Tony Wolf and part of the Team! Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Make-up Makeovers from the ProsPanel will include: Samantha Cobb and Kim Lennox Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Interview with an UberVampPanel will include: Camden Toy Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Fighting’s For Girls: Warrior Women of the Western Martial ArtsPanel will include: Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez, Nafeesa Monroe, Sara Warner, Siobahn Richardson and Stephanie Zimmerman. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Violence in StorytellingViolence in theatre, film and fiction must enhance the story that is being told. An excellent scene of violence will tell you more about the character through the fight. Panel will include: Neal Stephenson, Bob Goodwin, Luke LaFontaine and Bryce Bermingham Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Roll the Dice: Combat in GamingA lively discussion of combat systems in role playing games. Learn how an understanding of historical swordplay can enhance your RPG gaming experience; with a discussion on easy solutions for fast and furious melee scenes. Subjects like the reach of the weapon as an advantage, timing reflected in the Initiative roll, real organized non-magical fighting tactics that decimate the enemy on the tabletop, & why AC should be: PD “ Parry Defense “. Panel will include: William Wilson, Mario Baleywah, David Johnson and Vincent Ruggerio. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
Weapons Make the Man: the Signatures of Heroes and VillainsPanel will include: Nick Gillard, Neal Stephenson and Tony Wolf. Panel Length: 1 Hour |
The Evolution of the Sky Leviathan: The past, present and future of AirshipsEver since man crawled out of the primordial ooze he has yearned to break free of his earthly bonds and soar the skies with the birds. Before the Wright brothers flew their motorized box kite at Kitty Hawk and until the China Clippers opened up international airline routes, giant air leviathans ruled the sky. From the Montgolfier’s first balloon to the amazing creations of Count von Zeppelin and on to the airships of tomorrow a look at the evolution of the airship as a mode of transportation and cultural icon. Panel will include: Gene Forrer. Panel Length: 1 Hour |