SerenityMovie.net

[jeremy]

Dragon Con 2004 report

Though my Dragon Con experience wasn't quite as interesting some others. I had an absolutely fantastic experience. In the interest of completeness and keeping a detailed personal journal/blog, I should probably apologize in advance for the length and sometimes boring detail of what follows. Also I am THE WORST at remembering names so I'm going to be asking for help with names below.

This was my first time attending Dragon Con, and only my second sci/fi fantasy con (Comic Con last month was my first) but it's definitely not going to be my last!

Thursday
I arrived thursday afternoon, and after checking in to the hotel I decided to head over to the con get my pass and scope out the locations of interest. For those that weren't there, this year's dragon con was spread across the downtown Hyatt and Marriott hotels, which are next to each other. Though not as large as Comic Con, it's big, pretty much taking over both hotels entirely.

Since the con didn't open until the next day, I didn't expect much of anything to be going on that night, but I was wrong. There were quite a few people hanging around, and you could feel the party atmosphere building. I later found out that our Big Damn Heros were even there that night, and spent some time with some Browncoats. Oblivious to that, I soon found myself at a concert being held that night from a local band called McFly. Turns out they're pretty good. They did several 80's cover songs as well as some very good original music. I'm a sucker for female singers and musicians and one of their lead singers as well as their lead guitarist was female, so I was pretty easily drawn in. I bought their CD and got some autographs (the first of many to come at Dragon Con). My friend Brian, who needed to work Thursday, arrived late that night.

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Keep Flyin!
Check out our Firefly fan documentary Done the Impossible
Join us for Browncoat Cruise 2007

[jeremy]

Friday
Next morning, bright and early, we were off to the con to help Rich set up the table. We got there about a half an our earlier than planned, and set off to locate the Browncoats table, eventually I found the guy in charge of assigning tables and he said that nobody had picked a location for the Browncoat table so I chose a prime location right next to the entrance to the exhibition hall, and near the escalator to the lower level. Soon several Browncoats arrived, like I said I'm terrible with names (it took me a week to remember my last girlfriend's name...), as I recall Jeff was the first to show, then several others (please help with names!) arrived. We slowly set up the table the whole time expecting Rich (sendmeawave) to show up and tell us the table was elsewhere. About 2 hours later Rich finally arrived and quickly added a great volume of goodies for us to put on the table, as well as a TV for showing videos and slides. In the meantime quite a few more Browncoats had arrived and we all started talking to people gathering around the doors to get into the hall, which didn't open until 1pm. I think we converted quite a few in those few hours.

At one point my absolute favorite author of all time, Margaret Weis, walked up to the booth wearing a custom Serenity t-shirt. Turns out her and all of her employees are huge fans (she's best known for the Dragonlance books, though I love all of her work). We later gave her a poster and some other goodies, and she was more than pleased. I asked her what it was like to be on the other side of fandom, she replied it was a lot of fun.

At some point in the afternoon, probably around 2 or 3 pm, myself and Browncoat1 (and his wife and daughter - [names please]), were just hanging out at the table, and this dude in a white shirt and baseball cap, came up to the table with a video camera pointed at us and started quizzing us on Firefly. He seemed nice enough, but it was a bit intimidating to suddenly have a video camera in your face. After a few questions which we tried to answer, I glanced to my right and my heart jumped into my throat. There was Jewel no more than 10 feet away! I turned to the guy with the camera and said "Hey dude, look it's Jewel." He just smiled and said, "Yeah I know, she's my wife." Doh!

Jewel then came up to the table and thanked us for being there, and we thanked her for coming, and we chatted. We ended up chatting for close to 30 minutes. She autographed an item for me and we got several pictures with her. [Whoever took the pix that have Jewel and me in them, please send ( jeremy@neish.com ) them to me or post them online, pretty please!] I really wish I could remember more of the details of our conversation, but I can't. I do remember asking her how filming went, and whether Universal was happy. She said everything went very sooth except for the last week was really hard work. But that Universal is THRILLED with what they've seen and how easy the process was. She said the movie is on budget and on time, and it's largely thanks to Joss. She talked a bit about how much she loved the script and working with everybody. I tried REALLY hard to not seem to star struck, but it was a challenge. Can I just say that she is 100% sweetheart! Not in the same way as Kaylee, but easily just as nice! And sooo beautiful! But the time went by too fast, and soon she and her husband left.

A little while later I visited the autograph area to meet Adam and Nathan (Jewel hadn't arrived yet). I also let them know that the Browncoats were sponsoring Con suite (free food room) that night from 9 pm to midnight, and that they should come by and visit. Adam seemed very interested, and had me write down the suite number and info. Just as I was leaving, Jewel showed up, but I just smiled, waved and left, fearful of being a "hanger oner". My adrenaline rush from meeting everyone seems to have blurred my memory of the rest of Thursday afternoon, the so I'll fast forward to the next event which was the first panel with Nathan, Jewel and Adam.

The Dragon Con officials had this first session scheduled in only a medium size room. Big mistake! By the time the panel started, the room was totally full and there were hundreds of fans outside the room trying to get in. As I'm typing this, the details of the three sessions have blurred a bit in my head, and I'm going to be posting the full length audio soon anyway, so I won't go into any specifics. Needless to say, all three were an absolute RIOT(!), with Nathan as the ring leader, easily better than any stand up comedy I've ever seen.

After the panel I returned to the fan table for a while and talked to a few more friends, soon after Brian and I just started wandering the lobby in the Hyatt and enjoying the costume spectacle that is Dragon Con. The variety and quality of the costumes is astounding, and if you've never been, you have to come at least once in your life. Many photos ensued. Soon it was time to head up to the Con suite and watch some Firefly episodes and get the first food since breakfast long ago. We were joined by many of the Browncoats we had hung out with all day, it almost seemed like a family reunion. Cyby and cstienme who had driven up from Florida soon showed up and we all watched Serenity, and the room was packed, we were also thoroughly entertained by the volunteer security guy who was quite hi-larious. Then mere minutes into "The Train Job" Adam walks in and says "Whacha wachin'?" He then pulled out his 17" in PowerBook and said, "Would you like to see the gag reel from the movie?" Well duh!! So Brain and Adam went out into the hall and got the gag reel all loaded up. Adam came back in and held the laptop up in front of the room and played the gag reel. Sadly the audio was too quiet to hear, but it was fun to see. Adam then stuck around and chatted for several more minutes.

Can I just say that our BDHs are all just TOO cool!

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Keep Flyin!
Check out our Firefly fan documentary Done the Impossible
Join us for Browncoat Cruise 2007

[jeremy]

Saturday
I woke with the sudden realization that in mere hours Brian, 11thHour and I were going to be sitting on at a panel in front of a bunch of Firefly Fans. Apparently the "Lost Episodes" session was now a "Lost Episodes" and chat session, and Rich had invited me to be on the panel. Now most who meet me don't realize that I'm absolutely terrified in front of large or even somewhat small groups (we're talking, pass out cold on the floor kind of terror). But Rich informed me that there would probably only be 50 or so people in the room, and I informed him that's about 49 too many! Then to add even more stress, he informed me that he couldn't make it and I needed take his place in setting up and organizing the event.

Hhhehhhhh.... hhhookay...

But I tried to distract myself with thoughts of yet another panel with our BDHeros, and spent the vast majority of the day at the fan table chatting with Browncoats and non-Browncoats, and I did my best to create as many converts as possible. Before long it was time for the second big panel with Nathan, Jewel and Adam. This time the Dragon Con people got it right, they put them in a much larger room, but it still wasn't enough, apparently quite a few weren't allowed in. This is the panel with the famous conclusion (or maybe not) to the "Flip-off" contest between Nathan and Jewel. They were all a riot again and much hilarity ensued.

Back to the table, to meet and convert many more fans. Around 5:30 I had a fun dinner with "souperdeb" and her friends [more names please], (ahh real food), although I must have come across as a bit of a goof because I was pretty much freaked out about the upcoming panel.

I spent the evening prepping my "behind the scenes" slide show for the panel. Brian and I arrived at the panel over 25 minutes early, and were shocked to discover the small room was already totally full (well over 100 people!) And the ops guys were freaked out because they weren't sure we were going to show. Boom, there went my blood pressure!! Since this was a fan only event, with no cast members, I was expecting the room to be pretty much empty until close starting time... boy was I wrong! I'm tellin' you people, this movie's going to do better than anyone expects! I hurriedly set up my computer and the DVD player. Then right on cue 11thHour shows up about 1 minute late, walks up to me and drops the bomb that she just had dinner with Adam, and he would be coming down to the room in a few minutes... Twwabba what?? Then I thought, that's cool, I'll just let him talk and I can just slip into the audience.

But since Adam hadn't arrived, we decided the show must go on, and Brian and I talked about our day on the set, and gave a short slide show. Just as we were getting ready to start the first "lost" episode, Adam walks in to a huge cheer from the group. He talks a while, answers some questions, then we fire up "Trash". I pull Adam aside and ask if he has his laptop, because I've got all the cables we need to show the gag reel. He says it's in his room, and after a bit of urging he finally decides to go get it. Adam slips out gets his PowerBook and then slips back in and sits in the back of the room, surrounded by fans, while the episode finishes up. Let me tell you, it's pretty cool to actually sit and watch an episode of Firefly with one of the actors laughing and cheering right along with you. Too cool!

For the next 10 minutes or so, I help Adam set up his laptop and he chats with the group like we were all his best friend. We then proceed to show the Comic Con trailer to the group. It was nice to see that again, as soon as it ended Adam says "How 'bout one more time???" To which the room erupts in cheers. He then proceeds to put on a slide show that sorta put mine to shame, but that's more than okay!! It was a very cool slide show. We then showed the new gag reel, this time with full audio. Absolutely hilarious! Adam stuck around for a few more minutes and chatted with the group, and when he left he got a standing ovation as he left the room.

We all took a quick break, then we put on "The Message" and Brian, 11th and I went out into the hallway and chatted, though for me it was mostly to unwind a bit. After "The Message" ended, 11thHour gave and account of her day on the set.

After it was all said and done, I have to say that it was a lot less terrifying than I thought. I think the combination of fact that I was talking to a group of fellow browncoats and the confidence that oozes from Adam, I found the whole experience rather gratifying. How unexpected. After that Brian and I decided to go check out the costume spectacle again. There were even more costumes than before. Very cool. Sadly the night was marred by me leaving my video camera in the cab, and I was up until 4 am trying to find it. Which made it impossible for me to get up early enough to catch Nathan in Sunday morning's "Bad Boys of Buffy". I heard he talked mostly about Firefly. Cool!

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_________________
Keep Flyin!
Check out our Firefly fan documentary Done the Impossible
Join us for Browncoat Cruise 2007

[jeremy]

Sunday
Sunday morning, I slept in a bit, grabbed some breakfast and made it to the con by noon. Tried some more to track down my camera to no avail, and decided not to let a camera, that I very rarely use, ruin the rest of my vacation. So I went back down to the autograph area, and told Jewel and Nathan that there was one last fan event that night "Serenity Now" where we were all going to be talking about the movie, and I invited them to come. Nathan sounded like he was busy but Jewel seemed interested, so I told her the time and room name (Adam had left early that morning to fly to South Africa to film a new "Poseidon Adventure" movie). The rest of Sunday was more of the same, hung out with a bunch more Browncoats, worked the table, and arrived early to the last Session with Nathan and Jewel. They were as great as ever, you'd think they'd get tired of answering many of the same questions, but nope, they made all new, often very funny responses. At the end of the session, they were over time, but Nathan wanted to thank us all for all we've done to help save the show, but he barely was able to get it out as they was dragged off the stage by a bunch of storm troopers (only at Dragon Con!!).

Back to the fan table I went, more chatting, more camaraderie, then I look up and boom there's Jewel standing in front of me again (sure wish my heart would stay out of my throat when that happens). Did I mention that she's both beautiful and supremely nice? Her husband is one lucky bastard! (Though I do have to admit, that in spite of his pretty boy looks - and I typically hate pretty boys - he's a really cool guy, and they are a great match, and I'm not jealous - nope not one bit, no way.... Okay who am I kidding?). Jewel wanted to know the name of the room again, because she had forgotten. I was more than happy to oblige.

Although I knew all day that I was going to be in front of yet another room full of people, for some reason, I wasn't very freaked out. Could it be possible that you all helped me cure my extreme stage fright? Here's hoping! Eventually the time came and when I arrived the room was yet again nearly full. (Did I mention this movie is going to kick ass at the box office?) This time it was me, Rich, and a several others [names please!!], I talked briefly about my time on the set again, and tried my best to not be the one answering all the questions from the audience, but I seemed to have either an opinion or information that nobody else had. I also dropped a couple of minor spoilers I kind of wish I hadn't. (I really to try to avoid spoilers, but it's hard, and apparently I knew a few that nobody had heard before....) Probably about 45 minutes into our panel and about at the point when we were running out of things to talk about , in walks Jewel. Perfect timing! Although I'd have been happy to have had her there the whole time, and me sitting in the audience. Needless to say it was an honor to be on a panel with her. Jewel was gracious enough to stick around and chat for over 30 minutes, she took a bunch of audience questions, and she even dropped a small spoiler or two, so I didn't feel so bad. We ran overtime, and eventually got kicked out. To those that came to the sessions, thanks, and I hope that I was interesting enough to not have wasted your time.

The last event "Firefly" related event was the Atlanta Radio Theater Company's production of a couple of sci-fi stories, the first one guest starring Jewel's husband Matt, and the second one "The Menace From Planet Earth" guest starring Jewel. They were both great, and it was a real treat to see. Talented actors never cease to amaze me.

One last trip up to ogle Sunday nights costume extravaganza. Back to the hotel for a 4am wake up call to catch an all too early flight back to Utah.

In case it wasn't obvious, I loved my trip to Dragon Con, it was much more entertaining than Comic Con (which was a blast too!). Can I just say that we all need to savor these moments with our Big Damn Heros. Because by this time next year, they are going to be super stars, and moments like these are going to be much more rare. (But knowing how wonderfully nice they all are, I'm sure they will do their best to remain down to earth.)

I'd also like to thank Rich for doing such a great job with the Fan booth, I look foreword to helping out next year, and being the multimedia junkie that I am, I'm going to make sure we make an even bigger splash!

I'd also like to express how much of a pleasure it was to meet and interact with so many of you. Many may say that this whole fandom thing is silly and "it's just a show" but you all know better than that. It's rare that you can find things in life that make you THIS happy!

Like I said above, I'd really like to document who all I met, but I really don't remember names. PLEASE if we met, send me an email ( jeremy@neish.com ) and let me know which browncoat you were. (I'm especially curious about a pretty girl that said 'hi' to me after the Sunday night session (while Jewel was still in the room) - at the time I thought I knew you, but now I can't remember who you were.)

In case you missed Rich's comments, the Dragon Con people were BLOWN AWAY by the response and buzz around Firefly, they have NEVER seen such a huge turnout for a new show or movie. Next year we may even get all 9 actors and possibly Joss to come... can't wait!

Photos soon, audio (and possibly video coming later).

Jeremy

[Update: Good news, I finally got hold of the Taxi cab driver, and he has my camera, I'm attempting to recover it now. If you are in Atlanta, please contact me.]
_________________
Keep Flyin!
Check out our Firefly fan documentary Done the Impossible
Join us for Browncoat Cruise 2007

[Another Firefly fan]

That is so incredible. I *love* cons, but this years Shoreleave, that I went out of my way to attend and funded my own way, was a let down. Dragon Con sounds like it would be absolute HEAVEN for me! And that's from only the Firefly/Serenity events!! Oh man... what I wouldn't give to have been there.

The BDH had better come to a con near me (Baltimore's Farpoint perhaps? And wouldn't it be great to have a repeat of the famous 'snowpoint' where we got snowed in at the con with THEM there?)

~AFf
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Appears I posted in the nick of time! What does that make me?

Big D*mn Hero!

Aint I just!

[ILoveJayne]

Great report!!!

And very, very glad you may be getting your camera back. I'm sure the stuff on it is more precious than the camera itself.
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mud, mud, mud...

[jeremy]

Yup, the second session is on there. I was sad to think it was lost.
_________________
Keep Flyin!
Check out our Firefly fan documentary Done the Impossible
Join us for Browncoat Cruise 2007

[Pip]

Massively huge, huge, HUGE uberly-jealous hugs*

Didja smile?


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"Dammit Mal!...I forgot my line!"
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[Archon]

jeremy,

I do alot of "lurking" around here, but I had to respond to your posting. Fantastic job of making someone feel like they were there! Finally, something interesting happens in Atlanta -- and Im not there anymore...



Cant wait for the Pics/Audio!

Archon

[shinyhappyklin]

Hey Jeremy! Glad you had such a shiny time at DC! This is shinyhappyklin, the Browncoat/Klingon/Director geek you spent some table and session time with...I'm still without power and cable at home, so I'm sending this from work. Hope to have some pictures for you soon!

I cannot wait until next year....this was so amazing, and I've never seen this much buzz about a movie at DC, not even Ep. 1 of Star Wars! (and rightfully so... ) I think next year, after the movie is out, and hopefully the whole cast is there, DC will be even more fun!!! Saving my pennies already....

[BrownCoat1]

Jeremy it was such a pleasure meeting you and all of the other Browncoats at the Con this year. I had such a great time! Thanks for posting your blog to share w/ those not fortunate enough to make it.

I have sent an email to Rich (sendmeawave) about planning for next year. I think in order to make the Con a true Firefly experience we need to get a jump on next years planning. Rich says that they are already collecting funds for a fan suite next year, which will allow us to have DVD viewings, parties, allow Browncoats to meet & mingle, provide us w/ a rally point for the parade and events, and to invite all the BDHs that attend to hang w/ us rabid fan types.

I think we should get a committee together to help Rich w/ the planning of next years Con so he is not so overwhelmed. He did a real bang up job, but it is more than one person can do alone.

Thanks to all the Browncoats that pitched in at the table and attended the panels. Hope to see you all next year.
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"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

[flyhead]

Great Story Telling Jeremy! I was on three Firefly panels at MarCon (Columbus Ohio) this spring. It was my first Con & of course, first panel. I can totally relate to being massively nervous & then having a room full of fellow Browncoats put you totally at ease. It's much fun! However, I can't relate to any BDHs showing up for my panels. NOW who's the lucky bastard?!

And hey! Look at us! We are the Firefly experts! *L* Laughing more at me being included in that title than you! You're in the BDM for goodness sakes!

Dragon Con sounded like a blast! Next year I think all of us will be there. It should be interesting. *EG*

Are you looking for an Atlanta resident to pick up your camera? If so, I volunteer KelKat. You can always find her in the "Nathan Fillion is a Hottie" thread on the OB.
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We're all here, 'cause we're not all there.

[SlayThis]

Hey Jeremy - thanks for the cool journal of the weekend, and may I also say thank you for remembering my name! That sucks about your video camera - I'm very sorry to hear that. I hope you didn't lose too much footage. If you let me know the cab company, I'll make some calls and see if I can't help you recover it (the advantage of having a friend who lives in the same town as the con.) Maybe it will turn up yet.
It was cool meeting you this weekend, and I look forward to spotting you in the BDM. I'll be putting some pics from the weekend on-line pretty soon. Buddy of mine just stepped in my office - gotta run. More later.

Jeff

[Fan #258973]

Oh Jeremy, you make me jealous. I'm in Utah as well and never can fly out to these things. Thanks for representing us. Thanks for the descriptions! Almost as good as being there. Oh, who am I kidding, it's not nearly as good as being there. But it's good to read anyway! Thanks!

[rockgoddes]

Hey Jeremy,

This is rockgoddes, the long-haired, glasses-wearing Canadian who was working the Buffy track all weekend that asked you to help with those Firefly trivia questions on Sunday at the Browncoat table.

It was really great meeting you and everyone else, and I'm glad you had such a great time. Shame you missed Nathan's Buffy panel Sunday morning, though, he had a lot to say about other stuff and was just as hilarious on his own as he was with the other two (although we sure missed Adam).

Take good care and it would be great to keep in touch through the board here.

rocky
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"I'm not a control freak, I'm a control...enthusiast." - Joss Whedon

[horsenbuggy]

Great report Jeremy. Has Rich been able to get your camera back? I'm having my video put onto DVD next week. I'll be out of town and I'm handing over my camera and tapes to a fellow Browncoat from work to do the transfer while I'm out. You should have it (and CDs with copies of my photos) in about 10 days.

It's funny how you mention that your heart was in your throat when Jewel waked up to the table on Sunday. I was standing beside you. I had already talked to her a couple of times over the weekend and noticed that she didn't make me all goofy. But that time when she walked up to the table unannounced, my heart did skip a beat.

I hate how I always think of the funny thing to do after the moment happens. I wish that I had had my wits about me enough to talk to her like we'd been talking to all the people who stopped by the table, "Have you ever seen Firefly? It's a great show. There's a DVD set if you've never caught it." But no, I could only control my brain enough to say, "Hey. What can we do for you?"

By the way, did you get copies of the Scooby Doo art? I grabbed some, but lost them while walking over to the "Serenity Now" panel. If you got copies, could you scan and post them? They were funny.
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"Why are you still arguing what's been decided?"