Megacon 2008 (a long-due report)
WARNING: This was in March, I’m just tpying it NOW, lol….so yea, forgive my memory loss:P
Megacon is, if you don't know, is a small convention devoted mostly to anime, comics, fantasy, and gaming genres more so than scifi. Occasionally, they have really good scifi guests, but it was alright this year. madpig4life and I went this year, as we do every year, but she was particularly excited to see Vidoll, a Japanese band, and to get some really nifty things. I was looking forward to meeting Steve Bacic and Kyle Schmid, which didn't really go according to plan.
Friday: We got there (Orlando Convention Center, FL) around 3:30ish. Frances got her wrist band with no problem, but they couldn't find my name, so the guy said, "Now, I'm only giving this to you because you're cute." LOL. right. Moving on...
We go in and shop around. At 4:50, Frances and I waited in line for Vidoll's meet and greet kinda thing. Photos were only $6, so Frances gets one with them. There were only two members of Vidoll present, Jui and Rame, but it was worth it. We didn't know how to properly pronounce Rame, so we called him Ramen:p
Frances freaked out, I managed to sneak in two pics of them when I only paid for one, haha.
Afterwards, we shopped for awhile. Neither Steve nor Kyle or Dylan (from Blood Ties) were there that day, so we went around searching for panels. We ended up sitting in on Vic Mignogna, voice actor and probably most famously known for Full Metal Alchemist's Edward Alrich (sorry if wrong spelling) and a Bleach character. I didn't feel like copying down everything he said, like I usually do at panels, but there were two things I could remember:p
1) There was talk of a song he made called “Soldier A,” how they are considered the ‘red-shirts,’ characters easily killed off. Sorry, I can’t remember anything else;p I don’t even know why I mentioned it…hehe
2) There was a rumor going around how one time, during an autograph session, he supposedly threw a sharpie at somebody. He wanted to confirm that he did NOT do such a thing, lol. Why a sharpie, who knows? Then afterwards, he was handed a sharpie, and he threw it into the audience:P
Later that day, we also sat in on an independent film showing, which was very interesting.
There was one in particular, which I thought was the best, called ELI. It stars David Anders from “Alias” and “Heroes.” It had a very futuristic view and had a minority report feel to it….
Then, the winner or something of indie scifi/fantasy films last year was called Ninja Babes in Space- dumbest, most lamest thing EVER, made solely for men, ‘cause of course, the girls were barely dressed and spouting off innuendo while holding long sticks. UGH.
-----------------
Ok, here are the picture compilations which will summarize me and Frances's experience at the convention:) Makes it kinda fun;p
Most of the pictures are pretty self-explanatory, but I will make a few comments nonetheless:)
I CUT MY HAIR:p
5- I will sleep in this shirt forever!!
8- Me and Frances at Denny's:)
11- My favorite character, Kyo, from Fruits Basket
12- My first rave. Took forever to get in, while being suffocated by massive people, and really wasn't all that great;p
14- I finally watched Deathnote 1 and 2, and omw, I wan't one!! Or at least a replica, amazing!
I recommend the movie, especially if you like Japanese films about the supernatural:)
15* See Rockstar: Taste of Chaos Concert section below:)
16* Jui and Rame, Vidoll panel, also see Vidoll Panel Below:)
17- Frances in her gothic lolita outfit, HAWT and motto kawai (very cute)!
18- Isn't that just amusing:P
19- New Lois Lane from Smallville, Erica Durance
20- The old Lois Lane from the Superman movie, Noel Neil.
21- Frances bought a second lolita outfit:)
22- My beloved Ark of Truth movie:)
23- "Tel- Jaffa" clue in UCF crossword puzzle. It seems Stargate infiltrates all areas of society. I couldn't figure out the answer; I feel ashamed:/
24- Voltaire- he is at every convention imaginable, and that night, I realized why. He has amazing wit and talent:)
I love this song:
Ah, the Blood Ties Panel. It deserves a section of its own:D
Q: Kyle, will you marry me?
K: I’d thought you’d never ask.
Q: How did you get involved with “Blood Ties?”
D: In LA, Kyle’s like a 5-year old, much like his character, a vampire who gets the ladies. *Kyle blushes* Well, we auditioned and when we got narrowed down, me and Kyle and some others would swap scenes all day, and I thought Kyle would get it, as well as Christina’s part.
K: He would brush dust off my shoulders, and I’d mess with his tie.
D: The other “Mike” was better, but I always hoped the producer was on my side.
K: In LA, it was an instinct, and we had easy chemistry.
D: I didn’t have any gray hairs before working with you.
Q: Have you read the books?
K: Just afterwards. It’s funny- I’m not a 5’2’’ red head. How the hell did I get the job?
D: I didn’t want to, because we were doing it differently. There are no gay undertones like the book character. (And Mike gets the girl.)
Q: Will there be more?
D: Rogers Company is trying to negotiate with Kaleidoscope, who now owns Tanya’s books. Lifetime can’t do anything until Rogers gives the ok. We thought the writer’s strike would help, but it’s past the 11th hour. Your appreciation has not gone unnoticed.
Q: Since you two can’t get married, can you marry me?
K: We can work on that.
Q: How are the fangs like?
D: Kyle’s fangs are real sharp; his character chomps on me…yea that was fun. I’m the guy who shows up after it happens. (I think he meant, after someone else gets chomped on, lol).
K: I broke the bed. I broke the chain on the cross.
D: Kyle hurts all the props. Tina got sick and food poisoning.
K: Dylan had a baby; it takes dedication ‘cause it’s long and grueling.
*mentions Steven the stunt coordinator*
D: I hate doing that- my brain doesn’t do that stuff, and yea, Stina kicked my ass. Stina’s got gymnastics background.
Q: Are there any restrictions while you’re filming, like you can’t cut your hair or something?
K: Yea, there’s a total ban on tanning for me.
Q: How did you break the bed?
D: On sugar rush.
K: I thought it was a real bed.
D: He’s a 500 year old suave, sexy….NO, he’s 5 years old.
Q: What’s up with the sparkling pants in art gallery?
K: Yea, the studded crotch. I thought it’d look cool.
D: He had too much eyeliner on too. I’d mock him, and say, “You’re mascara’s running.”
K: “Yea, I know.”
Q: Gags on set or a gag reel on DVD?
Kyle shakes his head.
Q: Most embarrassing moment?
K: Scar on my forehead. “Haha, look at me,” sorta moment. I had to throw a door open, but ran into instead. I laughed for like 35 seconds and then felt the blood running down my face. Crusty makes our food every day, and he’s also the onset medic. We just put prosthetics on it.
D: This was on The Bold and the Beautiful, when they turned my character in a stripper. I can’t dance, so they trained me with Chip and Dales. Even so, I’d fall off-stage; it’s probably on youtube. Lol.
Q: What are you doing now?
D: An episode of Stargate: Atlantis (me and Frances cheered, lol).
K: Go back to school, CSI, Joyride 2.
D: Joyride sounds like a dance.
D: I got a Christmas present from Kyle for my wife: zebra, fuzzy, handcuffs.
K: I talked to him and he used them today.
Q: How do you want your character to evolve?
D: Vicky would have to pair up with Henry. They have to consummate, and Mike would have another relationship. To Kyle- “I think you guys would have to get it on.”
K: “Yea, ok.”
Q: Was it easy to get into character?
K: Yes and no for the first few episodes. I had to go from ‘goofy’ to ‘sit down,’ with that sultry voice.
D: The guy was only 20 pulling off 500 years.
Q: What was your weirdest fan reaction?
K: Can I plead the 5th?
D: Craazy fans from soaps. Men get underwear and proposals. Women get prison mail. I’m just a dad at the end of the day. Thankful no one has been real scary/crazy.
K: Everything’s been great. I did get an interesting fan mail from someone, “I don’t really like your show, but I know what’s going on.” (As in, I know God is coming, you need to repent and not do this show kinda thing).
*Steve Bacic has come in to sit in the back and shouts, “I’m sorry.” (As in, he was the writer of that fan mail). (L0L, amazing!)
Q: What’s your favorite episode?
D: 7/8 (Heart of Ice/Heart of Fire=Homeless people going missing/Henry is held hostage by someone from his past a.k.a Julian Sands plays psycho priest dude, lol)
K: Last episode, last scene in Henry’s apartment. The way it was written originally, felt like Mike was missing something. Now, Stina is a ‘in the moment’ actress, so we didn’t tell her, but we wrote in the Mike and Stina kiss. The reaction was perfect.
Q: What other interesting roles have you had- I know Kyle had Xerophilia.
K: I take any job I can get, lol. I’ve always picked memorable roles, character roles. Best part of acting is to get to be someone I’m not.
D: …isn’t always getting the girls…I’m sorry, carry on.
K: Yea- I got the whole package.
Q: How much can you see through contacts?
K: Can see, but so ‘tightly’ that you can’t see the blue in my eyes, itchy.
AND THAT WAS THAT- lol.
NOW- onto my Jui and Rame panel:P Sorry, I have no idea what some of this is- and I’m sorry, I’m not taking time to research it;p (This was before my Japanese obsession, but I don’t listen to J-rock anyways:P)
Q: Favorite song?
J: Tree and Sin Ai
R: upbeat “Ten, ten, ten.”
Q: Are you embarrassed easily?
J: There was a concert in Tokyo on Dec. 20th, where he was supposed to where a Vidoll t-shirt, but he wore it inside out.
R: Right now, with American fans.
Q: Do you tour in the US, and when?
R: No plans, but would like to.
Q: How are the costumes?
J: I stole the first costume from the place they kept it.
R: Sometimes he puts costumes on Taro and they go shopping together.
Q: What do you like to eat?
J: Hamburgers, not oyster, fries.
R: Spaghetti and udon.
Q: Is there a different energy from American and Japanese fans?
J: I appreciate that if we say one thing, we get a reaction, that you express feelings. Japanese are quiet.
Q: Favorite place to shop?
R: Shibuya, Harajuku.
J: Shibuya, 5-6th floor of a department store he mentioned.
Q: Do you still shop in girls department?
R: Good question. I used to go to female’s section, because the sizes suit me. But recently, I’ve shopped in the male section again.
Q: What’s the inspiration behind the song “Utopia?”
J: The image was dark, but most importantly there had to be light open in the wall, because it’s like challenging difficulties.
Q: Do you like Brittney Spears or rock music?
J: I think Brittney Spears is rock so when I think of her lifestyle, it’s like rock’n roll.
Q: Did you ever watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
R: When I was younger, I loved it.
J: I’ve never seen it, but he’ll check it out.
*requests to hug Jui*
Q: What American bands do you like?
R: Korn, Linkin Park, Limp Biskit- how popular is it over here?
Q: It’s ok.
J: Ebuke, Linkin Park, Evanescence, story of the year.
Q: Favorite Japanese bands?
J: X-Japan.
R: Phantasmogoria and more
Q: Do you have any time with family?
J: Don’t hangout a lot, no time.
R: Yea, no time, ‘cause we’re on tour with Gazette right now.
Q: What kind of interests outside of music? And will you bear my children?
J: Whenever you’re ready. (LOL).
Q: What guides you to choose darker/lighter music?
J: At the time we make the songs; we’re just expressing our feelings.
Q: Where to go to vacation?
R: Yea, plans with Tom Cruise…
J: I’ll join them. I actually want to go to the South Pole to see the Aurora Borealis. I like resort areas. Loves Florida, Tahiti, Saigon, and Okinawa.
Q: Have you heard of yaoi written about band members?
J: Do they have yaoi for each other? I want to make sure what it means- like friendship between men?
R: Doesn’t know, but always loves Jui-san (everyone aws).
THE END:D
Megacon is, if you don't know, is a small convention devoted mostly to anime, comics, fantasy, and gaming genres more so than scifi. Occasionally, they have really good scifi guests, but it was alright this year. madpig4life and I went this year, as we do every year, but she was particularly excited to see Vidoll, a Japanese band, and to get some really nifty things. I was looking forward to meeting Steve Bacic and Kyle Schmid, which didn't really go according to plan.
Friday: We got there (Orlando Convention Center, FL) around 3:30ish. Frances got her wrist band with no problem, but they couldn't find my name, so the guy said, "Now, I'm only giving this to you because you're cute." LOL. right. Moving on...
We go in and shop around. At 4:50, Frances and I waited in line for Vidoll's meet and greet kinda thing. Photos were only $6, so Frances gets one with them. There were only two members of Vidoll present, Jui and Rame, but it was worth it. We didn't know how to properly pronounce Rame, so we called him Ramen:p
Frances freaked out, I managed to sneak in two pics of them when I only paid for one, haha.
Afterwards, we shopped for awhile. Neither Steve nor Kyle or Dylan (from Blood Ties) were there that day, so we went around searching for panels. We ended up sitting in on Vic Mignogna, voice actor and probably most famously known for Full Metal Alchemist's Edward Alrich (sorry if wrong spelling) and a Bleach character. I didn't feel like copying down everything he said, like I usually do at panels, but there were two things I could remember:p
1) There was talk of a song he made called “Soldier A,” how they are considered the ‘red-shirts,’ characters easily killed off. Sorry, I can’t remember anything else;p I don’t even know why I mentioned it…hehe
2) There was a rumor going around how one time, during an autograph session, he supposedly threw a sharpie at somebody. He wanted to confirm that he did NOT do such a thing, lol. Why a sharpie, who knows? Then afterwards, he was handed a sharpie, and he threw it into the audience:P
Later that day, we also sat in on an independent film showing, which was very interesting.
There was one in particular, which I thought was the best, called ELI. It stars David Anders from “Alias” and “Heroes.” It had a very futuristic view and had a minority report feel to it….
Then, the winner or something of indie scifi/fantasy films last year was called Ninja Babes in Space- dumbest, most lamest thing EVER, made solely for men, ‘cause of course, the girls were barely dressed and spouting off innuendo while holding long sticks. UGH.
-----------------
Ok, here are the picture compilations which will summarize me and Frances's experience at the convention:) Makes it kinda fun;p
Most of the pictures are pretty self-explanatory, but I will make a few comments nonetheless:)
I CUT MY HAIR:p
5- I will sleep in this shirt forever!!
8- Me and Frances at Denny's:)
11- My favorite character, Kyo, from Fruits Basket
12- My first rave. Took forever to get in, while being suffocated by massive people, and really wasn't all that great;p
14- I finally watched Deathnote 1 and 2, and omw, I wan't one!! Or at least a replica, amazing!
I recommend the movie, especially if you like Japanese films about the supernatural:)
15* See Rockstar: Taste of Chaos Concert section below:)
16* Jui and Rame, Vidoll panel, also see Vidoll Panel Below:)
17- Frances in her gothic lolita outfit, HAWT and motto kawai (very cute)!
18- Isn't that just amusing:P
19- New Lois Lane from Smallville, Erica Durance
20- The old Lois Lane from the Superman movie, Noel Neil.
21- Frances bought a second lolita outfit:)
22- My beloved Ark of Truth movie:)
23- "Tel- Jaffa" clue in UCF crossword puzzle. It seems Stargate infiltrates all areas of society. I couldn't figure out the answer; I feel ashamed:/
24- Voltaire- he is at every convention imaginable, and that night, I realized why. He has amazing wit and talent:)
I love this song:
Click to view Ah, the Blood Ties Panel. It deserves a section of its own:D
Q: Kyle, will you marry me?
K: I’d thought you’d never ask.
Q: How did you get involved with “Blood Ties?”
D: In LA, Kyle’s like a 5-year old, much like his character, a vampire who gets the ladies. *Kyle blushes* Well, we auditioned and when we got narrowed down, me and Kyle and some others would swap scenes all day, and I thought Kyle would get it, as well as Christina’s part.
K: He would brush dust off my shoulders, and I’d mess with his tie.
D: The other “Mike” was better, but I always hoped the producer was on my side.
K: In LA, it was an instinct, and we had easy chemistry.
D: I didn’t have any gray hairs before working with you.
Q: Have you read the books?
K: Just afterwards. It’s funny- I’m not a 5’2’’ red head. How the hell did I get the job?
D: I didn’t want to, because we were doing it differently. There are no gay undertones like the book character. (And Mike gets the girl.)
Q: Will there be more?
D: Rogers Company is trying to negotiate with Kaleidoscope, who now owns Tanya’s books. Lifetime can’t do anything until Rogers gives the ok. We thought the writer’s strike would help, but it’s past the 11th hour. Your appreciation has not gone unnoticed.
Q: Since you two can’t get married, can you marry me?
K: We can work on that.
Q: How are the fangs like?
D: Kyle’s fangs are real sharp; his character chomps on me…yea that was fun. I’m the guy who shows up after it happens. (I think he meant, after someone else gets chomped on, lol).
K: I broke the bed. I broke the chain on the cross.
D: Kyle hurts all the props. Tina got sick and food poisoning.
K: Dylan had a baby; it takes dedication ‘cause it’s long and grueling.
*mentions Steven the stunt coordinator*
D: I hate doing that- my brain doesn’t do that stuff, and yea, Stina kicked my ass. Stina’s got gymnastics background.
Q: Are there any restrictions while you’re filming, like you can’t cut your hair or something?
K: Yea, there’s a total ban on tanning for me.
Q: How did you break the bed?
D: On sugar rush.
K: I thought it was a real bed.
D: He’s a 500 year old suave, sexy….NO, he’s 5 years old.
Q: What’s up with the sparkling pants in art gallery?
K: Yea, the studded crotch. I thought it’d look cool.
D: He had too much eyeliner on too. I’d mock him, and say, “You’re mascara’s running.”
K: “Yea, I know.”
Q: Gags on set or a gag reel on DVD?
Kyle shakes his head.
Q: Most embarrassing moment?
K: Scar on my forehead. “Haha, look at me,” sorta moment. I had to throw a door open, but ran into instead. I laughed for like 35 seconds and then felt the blood running down my face. Crusty makes our food every day, and he’s also the onset medic. We just put prosthetics on it.
D: This was on The Bold and the Beautiful, when they turned my character in a stripper. I can’t dance, so they trained me with Chip and Dales. Even so, I’d fall off-stage; it’s probably on youtube. Lol.
Q: What are you doing now?
D: An episode of Stargate: Atlantis (me and Frances cheered, lol).
K: Go back to school, CSI, Joyride 2.
D: Joyride sounds like a dance.
D: I got a Christmas present from Kyle for my wife: zebra, fuzzy, handcuffs.
K: I talked to him and he used them today.
Q: How do you want your character to evolve?
D: Vicky would have to pair up with Henry. They have to consummate, and Mike would have another relationship. To Kyle- “I think you guys would have to get it on.”
K: “Yea, ok.”
Q: Was it easy to get into character?
K: Yes and no for the first few episodes. I had to go from ‘goofy’ to ‘sit down,’ with that sultry voice.
D: The guy was only 20 pulling off 500 years.
Q: What was your weirdest fan reaction?
K: Can I plead the 5th?
D: Craazy fans from soaps. Men get underwear and proposals. Women get prison mail. I’m just a dad at the end of the day. Thankful no one has been real scary/crazy.
K: Everything’s been great. I did get an interesting fan mail from someone, “I don’t really like your show, but I know what’s going on.” (As in, I know God is coming, you need to repent and not do this show kinda thing).
*Steve Bacic has come in to sit in the back and shouts, “I’m sorry.” (As in, he was the writer of that fan mail). (L0L, amazing!)
Q: What’s your favorite episode?
D: 7/8 (Heart of Ice/Heart of Fire=Homeless people going missing/Henry is held hostage by someone from his past a.k.a Julian Sands plays psycho priest dude, lol)
K: Last episode, last scene in Henry’s apartment. The way it was written originally, felt like Mike was missing something. Now, Stina is a ‘in the moment’ actress, so we didn’t tell her, but we wrote in the Mike and Stina kiss. The reaction was perfect.
Q: What other interesting roles have you had- I know Kyle had Xerophilia.
K: I take any job I can get, lol. I’ve always picked memorable roles, character roles. Best part of acting is to get to be someone I’m not.
D: …isn’t always getting the girls…I’m sorry, carry on.
K: Yea- I got the whole package.
Q: How much can you see through contacts?
K: Can see, but so ‘tightly’ that you can’t see the blue in my eyes, itchy.
AND THAT WAS THAT- lol.
NOW- onto my Jui and Rame panel:P Sorry, I have no idea what some of this is- and I’m sorry, I’m not taking time to research it;p (This was before my Japanese obsession, but I don’t listen to J-rock anyways:P)
Q: Favorite song?
J: Tree and Sin Ai
R: upbeat “Ten, ten, ten.”
Q: Are you embarrassed easily?
J: There was a concert in Tokyo on Dec. 20th, where he was supposed to where a Vidoll t-shirt, but he wore it inside out.
R: Right now, with American fans.
Q: Do you tour in the US, and when?
R: No plans, but would like to.
Q: How are the costumes?
J: I stole the first costume from the place they kept it.
R: Sometimes he puts costumes on Taro and they go shopping together.
Q: What do you like to eat?
J: Hamburgers, not oyster, fries.
R: Spaghetti and udon.
Q: Is there a different energy from American and Japanese fans?
J: I appreciate that if we say one thing, we get a reaction, that you express feelings. Japanese are quiet.
Q: Favorite place to shop?
R: Shibuya, Harajuku.
J: Shibuya, 5-6th floor of a department store he mentioned.
Q: Do you still shop in girls department?
R: Good question. I used to go to female’s section, because the sizes suit me. But recently, I’ve shopped in the male section again.
Q: What’s the inspiration behind the song “Utopia?”
J: The image was dark, but most importantly there had to be light open in the wall, because it’s like challenging difficulties.
Q: Do you like Brittney Spears or rock music?
J: I think Brittney Spears is rock so when I think of her lifestyle, it’s like rock’n roll.
Q: Did you ever watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
R: When I was younger, I loved it.
J: I’ve never seen it, but he’ll check it out.
*requests to hug Jui*
Q: What American bands do you like?
R: Korn, Linkin Park, Limp Biskit- how popular is it over here?
Q: It’s ok.
J: Ebuke, Linkin Park, Evanescence, story of the year.
Q: Favorite Japanese bands?
J: X-Japan.
R: Phantasmogoria and more
Q: Do you have any time with family?
J: Don’t hangout a lot, no time.
R: Yea, no time, ‘cause we’re on tour with Gazette right now.
Q: What kind of interests outside of music? And will you bear my children?
J: Whenever you’re ready. (LOL).
Q: What guides you to choose darker/lighter music?
J: At the time we make the songs; we’re just expressing our feelings.
Q: Where to go to vacation?
R: Yea, plans with Tom Cruise…
J: I’ll join them. I actually want to go to the South Pole to see the Aurora Borealis. I like resort areas. Loves Florida, Tahiti, Saigon, and Okinawa.
Q: Have you heard of yaoi written about band members?
J: Do they have yaoi for each other? I want to make sure what it means- like friendship between men?
R: Doesn’t know, but always loves Jui-san (everyone aws).
THE END:D