Comicpalooza 2015: New Home of Filmmaking 101
Comicpalooza 2015 runs from May, Fri 22nd to Mon 25th
Have you ever dreamed of being a film director? Of making your own movie? You can. If Kevin Smith has taught us anything, it’s that if you have the film idea and you want it bad enough, you too can make your very own movie. In today’s cinematic landscape, independent films are getting better and better and some rival major Hollywood studio productions (you know, without all the explosions and million dollar CGI).
As summer approaches, the thoughts of many drift towards that much-needed vacation, a chance to complete that unfinished backyard project, or just waiting to hit the beach. For the aspiring filmmaker, however, it’s your chance to learn the craft. If you live in the Gulf Coast, or are thinking of travelling, get to Houston during Memorial Day weekend and attend Comicpalooza!
That’s right, Comicpalooza! As a resident Houstonian, The Texas International Comic Con, or Comicpalooza, as it is more commonly known, has revitalized my excitement for comic conventions that I hadn’t known since I was a child.
Every year, since its inception in 2008, Comicpalooza has grown by leaps and bounds, from 10,000 attendees in 2011, to over 32,000 in 2014. If you’ve ever been to a ‘Con’ before, you already know about all the genre events with science fiction, fantasy, horror, steam punk and gaming, but did you know Comicpalooza also offers panels and workshops on how to make a movie? That’s right, local industry professionals will be there to offer insight and knowledge that could prove invaluable to the aspiring filmmaker.
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Houston’s leading digital media experts, MicroSearch has partnered up with Comicpalooza to offer a great series focusing on Houston-area directors and producers such Carlos Tovar (“More Than Human”, Osprey, Doll Factory), Mel House (Psychic Experiment, “Placeholders”), Joe Grisaffi (Laughing Boy, Dead of Knight, Conjoined), Josh Vargas (Hairmetal Shotgun Zombie Massacre: The Movie), Larry Wade Carrell (Jacob, She Rises), and Michelle Mower (The Preacher’s Daughter). Each will be the focus of their own panel and will be answering questions about the film industry and offering some of their own perceptions and cinema basics that could help you make the next breakout film. Then, that Saturday evening, all these talented directors and writers will leave their own respective panels and get together in one room to discuss their collective experiences.
Additionally, MicroSearch will be hosting workshops and panels that will help answer questions about many different aspects of making movies. Panels provided include:
Language Of The Set – Ever wanted to know what a ‘best boy’ does on set, or what the heck is a ‘grip’? These and other common terms and expressions will be covered that will help ensure you know what’s happening on your first film set.
The Basics Of Filmmaking – Director/producer, Carlos Tovar, and award-winning cinematographer Barry Garcia will guide you through the stages of getting your movie made; from conception of an idea all the way to the screen. Topics covered will include screenwriting, casting, producing, and post-production.
MicroSearch Film Equipment Show And Tell – Learn from the experts at MicroSearch and ikan, with practical experience using some of the leading film and camera equipment available. This includes 4K Cameras, TriCaster Minis, and different DSLR cameras. They will also introduce you to green screen technology.
This year, there will also be a dedicated theater room playing specifically programmed films throughout the convention, including the world premiere of Long Term Parking, the new racy comedy by director and guest Paul Bright.
Situated in the incredible George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, programming for Comicpalooza 2015 will span the entire four-day Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25. It will cover thirty-five convention rooms, from small to the enormous 3,800-seat General Assembly Hall.
So, if you ever wanted to know how to make a movie, or just learn what it means to work on a film set, get yourself down to Comicpalooza 2015. In between panels, there’s tons of events, guests, shopping, and celebrities to be seen and enjoyed. For more info, rules and guidelines, times and registration fees, visit www.comicpalooza.com. We’ll see you there!
