Report by Sal_Fan
Burbank 1998
Greetings, fellow Hardcore Nutballs!
Here are my random recolletions about the first day of the Burbank Con. Warning, I am tired, and the complete accuracy of this report cannot be guaranteed. Any inaccuracies are completey unintentional and are my responsibility. So--
I arrived Friday afternoon, and met up with a lot of old and new friends. The highlight of Friday night was preregistration, where we had the opportunity to check out memorabilia, including the new Xena Calendar (Thank you, Sharon and Julie, for your hard work). Afterwards, I attended a party in Room 723 with a dung-load of folks<G>.
The following morning (Saturday-- hereafter called "today"), I awoke at the amazingly late hour of 4 o'clock-- AM! (Darn jet-lag!). I met several folks for breakfast between 6 and 10 thirty (Don't ask-- it doesn't make sense!<G>. Then I made my way over to the Convention Center, and looked around some and schmoozed(sp?) with some more fans-- some _real_ old-timers included-- I'll let them delurk if they wish.
Throughout the day, several different "music videos", and a preview for the animated video, were interspersed between the following events.
Brad Carpenter was the first guest. Some points he made: he will host a Home Shopping Network segment on HerK/Xena memorabilia, Tuesday, Jan. 27-- at 8 PM, I believe-- check your local listings. He's leaving Renaissance Pictures to join a TV organization in NYC-- I wish I remembered exactly-- maybe someone can add more details-- it did have something to do with gay issues-- sorry I'm so cloudy here.
Brad was followed by Elliott Lederman (sp?). There will be a NASCAR vehicle, driven by Patti Moese (sp?), sponsored in part by-- "Xena: Warrior Princess."
Gary Gerani, editor for TOPPS Comics, gave a brief presentation on some of the HerK/Xena stuff, including the comic books, magazine, and new Xena Trading Cards-- I hope the collation is more favorable this time<G>.
Next came Michael Levine, director of several HerK and Xena episodes. He showed us some "lost scenes" from "The Quest", specifically involving additional dialogue between Xena and Gabrielle before "the kiss." Xena said that she wanted to die at first, but then realized she could undo evil by doing good in the future.
Next came Robert Trebor-- funny and entertaining as ever. Including this week's new HerK episode, he will be in at least three new HerK episodes, no Xena yet :( Let's keep hoping!
Rob Weisbrot spoke next about his OFFICIAL GUIDES to HERCULES and XENA (two separate books, I believe.)
Next, came the trivia contest. Boy, the questions are getting harder all the time!
Afterward, Rum Emerson, author of the first three Putnam Xena novels, answered a lot of questions, and signed for folks.
The Charity Auction followed. In excess of $4000 was raised. No chakrams for bid today, but a bunch of great autographed items (Thank you, CREATION<G>). Robert Field, one of the editors for Xena, made a special appearance to discuss the final item up for bidding, which was the editor's original parted script for "The Return of Callisto," signed by a bunch of folks. There's a story behind this. The script originally went to Bret at the WarriorCon in Washington, DC, last September, 1997. He donated it back to Rob, who then had it signed by "everyone," then re-auctioned it. What generous folks we have among our fans!
Next, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, two writers for HerK, spoke briefly.
Next came Rob Tapert, who answered a lot of questions and dropped a few hints-- enough to keep us on the edge of our seats for the next few years! Let me take a minute to express my praise for this man. He stated that, since he was at the first Burbank Con last January, he originally didn't plan on attending today. But due in part to Kevin Sorbo's injury last summer/fall, and the fact that he couldn't make it today (although, more than anything else, he wanted to be here), Rob felt that it was only right that he should be here today to answer questions about the show. The more I see the folks involved with the shows, the more respect I have for them. Not only do they love their work, but they are all genuinely good people, who do care about us fans. Finally, congratulations to Lucy and Rob-- they are tops in my book, and they deserve many years of happiness.
Next came Danielle Cormack-- she was beautiful, and appeared quite overwhelmed, though she was articulate, funny, and quick on her feet. A couple of unscheduled cameos by Steven Sears, Karl Urban (He does a great Elvis impersonation, BTW), and Kevin Smith.
Finally, came Hudson. Tight black outfit, sleak and sexy-- I thought there was no way she could outdo her outfit in Valley Forge, but was I wrong!
During the stars' signing of auctions, the new episodes for this week were aired.
Before I proceed with my report, I would like to thank Avicus' post to several of the mailing lists for his corrections to the first part of my post. Just to reiterate, I am posting this mostly from memory. Any errors I make are wholly unintentional and of my doing, and I would appreciate any corrections, additions, or comments. Now, without further ado--
The day began similarly to yesterday, with a music video, followed by Brad Carpenter's final presentation as an employee of Renaissance Pictures. Thank you Brad, and best wishes to you in the future. And best wishes to your replacement (George, was it?) at Renaissance.
Music videos were dispersed throughout the rest of the day.
Liz Friedman and RJ Stewart had a Q & A session, providing some very frank and honest answers to some very hard questions. Thanks to you both for your time and answers.
Rob Weisbrot appeared again with regard to his "Official Guide to Xena."
Then came a very interesting presentation by Coordinating Producer, Bernadette Joyce, who emphasized the addition of sounds in post-production. This presentation, featuring Doug Stone and Tim (sorry-- I didn't catch his last name :( ) who are responsible for adding background voices, and Jason Schmitt, who won a "Golden Reel" (the equivalent of an Oscar) for his work on "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," was a real treat. In addition, it was pointed out that Jason came up with the sound the chakram makes, as well as coming up with the "whoosh" sound effect. In a rare moment of virtual unanimity, it appears that everyone at the Con liked having the "whoosh" sound effect as a regular feature of Xena. I would've liked to have asked him who came up with the "tie-fighter" sound for arrows, but didn't get the chance.
Director John Kretchmer was next, who has directed four Hercules episodes, as well as two of the funnier episodes of Xena (sorry-- I forgot which ones! :( ).
Then came Robert Field, with a great presentation and Question and Answer period. Then-- bloopers and continuity errors! with hilarious outtakes from the shows.
Then, Ares! Tight top and jeans-- the ladies (and, heck, the guys) really loved him. This guy is so cool, and such a nice man to boot.
The last star of the evening-- LUCY! LUCY! LUCY! High boots, short blue skirt, and top with-- get this-- horizontal stripes. Absolutely breathtaking! Just look out for the images which will appear on the various web sites. Lucy was terrific, answering dozens and dozens of questions. I noticed right away that her style was quite different from last year. She came across much mellower today-- that was quite refreshing to see.
Finally the costume contest-- with repeat winner LauraJ-- congratulations!
Well, guys, what can I say? Another great Con. Can't wait for the next one.
Sorry for the brief report. Others have written better info.
Good night,
SAL_FAN