UPDATED: Fri, Mar 20, 04:48PM With the seemingly weekly advancements in technology, it has never been easier as a creator to get your works in front of an audience, and hopefully in a profitable way. But the rise of crowdfunding, digital publishing, and print-on-demand services means there are more potential pitfalls than ever to navigate your way through. And while it's true that with great (technological) power comes greater reward, it also gives rise to even greater risk, with thieves gaining an ever-expanding bag of tools to use in fleecing the unwary. Bottom line: You need somebody's help (and not just a little help from your friends). Luckily, Ms. Walters and Mr. Murdock aren't the only lawyers available to the superhero set, as WonderCon Anaheim welcomes back noted IP attorney MichaelLovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, to discuss the truths and myths of protecting your intellectual capital. Attendees are invited to come together and join Lovitz in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws. Starting with the basics on the ownership and protection of ideas, the panel will also provide a brief overview of copyright and trademark rights, including for works of authorship, characters, and names, as well as the registration process for each, a brief discussion on why written agreements are good, and not all lawyers are bad. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. intellectual property systems. Please note: The Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. [This program is approved for one (1) credit of California MCLE.]
Got a new comic, a new web series, a new novel, a new TV show or a movie? That's great, but pretty meaningless if you and your friends are the only ones who know about it. How do you get the word out? Facebook and a webpage like everyone else? What can you do to cut through the clutter and get your stuff actually seen, actually talked about, actually out there so people can see it, read it, watch it, and buy it? Experts who have been getting projects seen dating back to Star Wars, including MollyCelaschi (Malena Public Relations), JoeLeFavi (Quixotic Transmedia), CraigMiller (Star Wars, The Dark Crystal), and AmyRatcliffe (Nerdist, StarWars.com) will give you their thoughts and advice on how you can do it for your project.
Could lightsabers ever be a reality? Does science matter when designing a Star Wars spacecraft? What does it take to resist the Dark Side of the Force? FonDavis (production designer, StarWars prequel movies), BobakFerdowsi (NASA flight engineer), KieranDickson (editor, Outerplaces.com), TravisLangley (Star Wars Psychology), and moderator JennaBusch (Legion of Leia) break down the science behind a galaxy far, far away and discuss whether or not Kylo Ren's ForceAwakens lightsaber is sacrilege or genius.
This panel will address the question every aspiring writer wants answered: "How do I break into the business?" If you are an unpublished writer with dreams of making it in the transmedia marketplace and you don't know how or where to begin, this is the panel for you. Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel producers share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable comics proposal. Moderated by 2015 Disney/ABC Writing Program finalist and 2014 Eisner Award nominee Brandon Easton (ThunderCats, Andre the Giant biography), the panel includes GeoffreyThorne (Leverage, The Librarians), Jonathan Callan (Ben 10: Omniverse, Slugterra), Erika Alexander (Concrete Park, Living Single), and Tony Puryear (Concrete Park, the Schwarzenegger film Eraser). Topics will include how to hire artists and build a strong contract, how to seek out a publisher, and how to navigate the tough new world of intellectual property management in the digital frontier.
Do you want to make your own board game or publish via Kickstarter? Get practical advice, key resources, and tips for pitching to publishers, and learn how to avoid common Kickstarter mistakes. Panelists include game designers Jeremy , Commandeur, Chris Castagnetto, Candy Weber, and Payton Lee and publishers BrianHenk, Ali Showkati, and Steve Nix.
In The Walking Dead, ethical lines are crossed and taboos broken as survivors adapt to a new way of life. But what drives the living to do terrible things, and how far will they go? Why do the atrocities committed by The Governor and The Hunters attract followers? Did society's breakdown break Morgan's psyche? Does Abraham's traumatic past direct his "mission?" How does Rick remain sane? Is he immune to the "insanity?" Join forensic psychiatrists H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., of Broadcast Thought, as well as special guest MichaelCudlitz (Abraham Ford on AMC's The Walking Dead) as they analyze the minds of heroes and villains of The Walking Dead. In a world of walkers, is humanity a liability? Learn how some rise above the mayhem while others fall into the depths of derangement where walkers prey on the living, the living prey on each other, and everyone prays that they survive!
Erika Rothberg (Loyola Marymount University) argues that "Prisoner on the Hell Planet: A Case History" in Maus helps bridge the gap between Artie and Vladek by exposing their shared trauma and survivor's guilt and requires the reader to witness and actively interpret trauma. Christine Zabala (Texas State University) analyzes the way genre and medium enable artists such as Oscar Wilde, Shaun Tan, and Neil Gaiman to use fairy tales and comic books to present controversial views on homosexuality, immigration, and AIDS without being rejected by the societies to which they react. Deanna Rodriguez (Texas State University) compares the attributes of Captain America in his first appearances and the conflicts he faces in Ed Brubaker's run to show how a WWII icon resonates with a post-911 culture and how the anxieties facing society today mirror those of post-war America.
Saturday April 4, 2015 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 210
Given the acclaim that Jill Lepore's The Secret History of Wonder Woman is receiving, the attention given to the new female Thor, a controversial Spider-Woman cover, and the burgeoning of the "Carol Corps" movement, the "super heroine" is back in the spotlight of academia and popular culture. Susan Kirtley (Portland State University), Nhora Lucía Serrano (Harvard University), and Andréa Gilroy (University of Oregon) present a roundtable exploration of representations and archetypes of the super heroine from early incarnations like Wonder Woman to the newest version of Batwoman (and beyond), in order to debate the kinship between reader expectation, popular culture, feminism, and cultural theory.
Saturday April 4, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 210
Writer's block?Artistic anemia? Get unstuck! Former DC, Dark Horse, and CrossGen writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (MLP:FIM FF) outlines strategies and tips for artists and writers facing a blank page with no ideas for what to write, draw, or how to get started.
Saturday April 4, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 209
With the rise in popularity of geek-oriented media, tomorrow's psychotherapists need new tools to bring into therapy. Patrick O'Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Josué Cardona (Geek Therapy), Elizabeth Smith (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Desiree Misanko-Louvat (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Edward Perin (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), and Cary Shepard (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) discuss classroom experiences and real-world applications of a university course, "Geek Culture in Therapy," that aims to discover culturally sensitive methods to increase rapport, examine research on fantasy, and develop techniques using comic books, video and board games, television shows, and movies to best connect with impassioned clients. They demonstrate how the course has been helpful through the presentation of case examples using geek-friendly therapy techniques.
Saturday April 4, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 210
Although the First Amendment upholds freedom of speech as a basic right, censorship is rampant in the United States. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein and editorial director Betsy Gomez present an overview of the censorship crises that the CBLDF is facing, including attacks on summer reading, and the outbreak of bans on young adult books in libraries and schools across the country. Learn how comics and books are being challenged, and what you can do to fight back!
Saturday April 4, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
Emilio Soltero, Ph.D. (John Buscema: A Life in Sketches; Draw the Line) presents a primer on drawing the figure for popular media, including drawing for comics and character design. The focus will be on anatomy and figure drawing. There will be time to draw as well. Professionals and beginners are welcome. Bring your drawing supplies to draw models/cosplayers during this interactive presentation. Come ready to take notes and to draw.
Saturday April 4, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 210
David Rosing (JPL system and opto-mechanical engineer), Shonte J. Tucker (JPL thermal engineer), and Tracy D. Drain (Juno system engineer at JPL) discuss how they boldly go where there's no one around to fix it. Hear stories from the trenches of the heartbreaks, close calls, and adventures of real-life solar system exploration. A question & answer session will follow.
Saturday April 4, 2015 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 213
UPDATED: Tue, Mar 31, 12:33PM Convert kryptonite into your own personal strength with Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition's powerful panel! The Flash and Law & Order star Jesse L. Martin and United Nations Association join this powerful panel, back by popular demand. Discussion includes geek, cyber, LGBT, and racial bullying, becoming a hero IRL, and analyzing how media and entertainment affect people's attitudes toward bullying and aggression. Learn strategies to end bullying from celebs and experts including Anthony Breznican (senior writer, Entertainment Weekly; author, Brutal Youth), Deric Hughes (supervising producer, Beauty and the Beast), Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions), Jenna Busch (founder, Legion of Leia), and Coalition founder Chase Masterson (The Flash, Star Trek: DS9).
Sunday April 5, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 208
Help your students discover the art of reading. With acclaimed authors Kevin J. Anderson (Star Wars Tales of the Jedi, RUSH Clockwork Angels, Predator, X-Files), Bill Morrison (Bongo Comics co-founder and illustrator, The Simpsons, Futurama), Peter J. Wacks (Invasion Oz, Steampunk Journey coloring book, Cyberpunk CCG), and Mimi Cruz (co-owner, Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City). What makes a child want to read? Guest panelists share proven successful ways to introduce children to reading for fun and the ways that reading at an early age puts them on their career paths. Attendees will be provided with classroom resource material including but not limited to comics. Supplies may be limited. The Secret Origin of Good Readers free 70+ page companion resource book PDF and reading lists are available at www.night-flight.com/secretorigin courtesy of XMission.com.
Sunday April 5, 2015 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 209
The Walking Dead explores ways people struggle to survive and hang onto their humanity in the worst situations. Psychology professionals Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), Elizabeth Ann (NerdLush), Josué Cardona (Geek Therapy), Patrick O'Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Billy San Juan, and Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy) use examples from the comics to discuss the psychology of trauma and triumph. They will be joined by novelist S. G. Browne (Breathers) and journalist Janey Tracey (Outer Places). Why do horrific circumstances bring out the worst in some people and the best in others? Is there hope?
Sunday April 5, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 210
Ladies unite to create more female-driven content. This panel discussion with accomplished female creators will show you how to cultivate your ideas and bring them to life. Leave with inspiration, confidence, a solid plan of action, and tons of new ideas. All genders and ages welcome! Moderated By Stephanie Pressman (Stalking LeVar, Fashionably Nerdy), with panelists America Young (Geek Therapy, Chimera Project), Heidi Cox (Stalking LeVar, Geek Speak TV), Kristen Nedopak (The Geekie Awards, The Skyrim Parodies), Helenna Santos (Ms In The Biz, The Infected), Brea Grant (The Real Housewives of Horror, Heroes), Miley Yamamato (Geek Cred, Attack of the Show), and Paula Rhodes (ElfQuest, The New Adventures of Peter & Wendy).
Comics are more than just great entertainment; they are an incredible tool for learning! Babymouse and Squish co-creator Jennifer L. Holm and CBLDF editorial director Betsy Gomez present a lively workshop demonstrating how comics can be used to teach important lessons about the real world and unlock the creative potential of students in the classroom. Learn how comics empower students to feel, access, and comprehend historical and cultural events, more fully understand diverse figures in history and fiction, and even grasp concepts in science and math. Then, see suggested sample templates for having kids create their own comics as a means of teaching them how to defuse personal issues and master alternate means of communication. There will be lesson and reading suggestion handouts and time for a Q&A.
Sunday April 5, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 211
How is the study of sequential art explaining the mechanisms that make comics work? Do readers of American comics and Japanese manga use their brains differently? Do comic books naturally create a sense of community among readers in ways text-only books cannot? Do Jack Kirby's machines engage readers in ways they never knew? Neil Cohn (University of California, San Diego), Mathieu Li-Goyette (Université de Montréal), and T. Keith Edmunds (Brandon University) look into the brain, across the real world, and throughout many fictional worlds to examine how comics work for the creators they come from and the readers who consume them.
Sunday April 5, 2015 12:30pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 210
UPDATED: Thu, Apr 02, 09:24AM With Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel finally set to hit the big screen, female superheroes are on everyone's mind. What do creators and fans want out of a powerful female protagonist? How do we pay tribute to the heroines of the past while still looking toward the future? What's the difference between writing established heroines and creating your own, and how can we best position and support these characters to usher in a whole new era of totally badass superheroines? A dynamic group of writers, editors, and expert commentators discuss the challenges of building modern heroines in a variety of mediums. With Cecil Castellucci (Stone in the Sky), Sarah Kuhn (Heroine Complex), Andrea Letamendi (psychologist, Arkham Sessions ), Jose Molina (Agent Carter), and Babs Tarr (Batgirl). Moderated by Amy Ratcliffe (StarWars.com).
Comics and graphic novels are increasingly valued as a legitimate medium, both literary and visual. This panel focuses on approaches to using comics in the classroom by both teaching comics and using comics to teach. Lesley S. J. Farmer (California State University, Long Beach) describes how comics and comic cons help learners comprehend, critique, and create through the particular way comics structure knowledge. Rebecca Thompson (American Physical Society) discusses APS's series of comics designed to teach physics and demonstrates how a compelling comic story, delicately balancing education and entertainment, can excite students who might otherwise be turned off by traditional teaching. Derek Held (Temecula Valley High School) discards arbitrary limitations on which comics should be taught and demonstrates how mainstream "floppies" can be used to teach classical literary theory and critical reading skills at the secondary level.