TV goes to Comic-Con

Cited: Hollywood Reporter

Because the annual fan convention, Comic-Con, features a greater number series each summer, TV studios had a strong appearance at the convention issue.  The 39th annual convention in San Diego was crowded on July 23 at its opening.

Next month’s lineup at the San Diego confab includes a few titles beyond the usual sci-fi and fantasy genres. Procedurals such as Fox’s “Bones” and USA’s “Burn Notice,” Fox’s musical “Glee” and Discovery’s “MythBusters” are in the mix.  Warner Bros. TV is bringing 11 shows to the event, the most the studio has featured.

“Comic-Con is the one place where Warner Bros. cross-divisionally presents a face to the consumer,” said Lisa Gregorian, the studio’s executive vp marketing.  One returning WBTV program is CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory,” which the studio brought to the event for the first time last year. Most sitcoms would not be a good fit for the Comic-Con crowd, but the geek-friendly “Big Bang” drew an enthusiastic response. The studio hopes to make a panel for the show a regular event, particularly after its ratings surged last fall.

When selecting programs for Comic-Con, Gregorian said any show with a mythology automatically belongs, and even genre series not premiering until midseason should screen.

“Our philosophy is that if it’s ready, and it’s great, and you’re not making a lot of changes to it, you should show it to the fans,” said Gregorian, whose midseason program “Human Target” will be shown.

ABC Studios is hosting at least seven panels, including one for the final season of ABC’s “Lost,” credited as the first TV show to launch at Comic-Con.  ABC takes a different approach to its “Lost” panel. Instead of simply screening footage and answering questions, the event is a carefully planned production that typically includes specifically shot footage and surprise guests.

“We’ve been working on the ‘Lost’ panel for literally months,” said Mike Benson, executive vp marketing at ABC Entertainment. “We want the audience to experience ‘Lost’ in a fully entertaining way.”  This year, ABC is extending that approach to panels for its new dramas “V” and “Flash Forward.”

“We don’t like to just stick people on a panel and have them answer questions,” Benson said. “We feel like we have to do more for the audience than just promote the show. By having that experience, it gets them talking about the panel more.”

20th TV is offering about nine panels, including those for Fox’s new animated comedy “The Cleveland Show” and the newly revived “Futurama.”

NBC Universal has at least eight programs, but most are for Sci Fi Channel and USA, with the studio planning only a “Heroes” panel for NBC. (”Chuck,” produced by WBTV, also will have a panel.) The studio’s apocalyptic midseason drama “Day One” will not be shown — an NBC Universal spokesperson said it is “too early” — but there will be some buzz-building marketing.

One network, G4, used Comic-Con itself as programming.  It was billed as the first televised panel in the event’s history.  A two-hour “Star Wars Spectacular” was broadcasted from Comic-Con.  The event was hosted by Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira.  It included a table reading of a new “Clone Wars” script.  Star Wars fans that attended the convention were ecstatic with the panel.

______________________________________

My Take: When I lived in San Diego, I attended the Comic-Con every year without fail.  It is one of the most enjoyable and fun events anyone could attend.  The personnel that run the convention are helpful and willing to assist you in any way.  There are many handicapped people that attend the convention, like myself, that need assistance getting around.  This is how I know how helpful they are.

I have been privileged to meet such people as Julie Newmar, Spiderman and even Darth Vader.  Some of the vendors at the convention are absolutely amazing.  You can find some of the most beautiful hand carved wood pendants depicting just about anything at the convention.  I saw the most beautiful fight necklace made out of pewter and rubies that was beyond my pocketbook and yet I wanted it.

Vendors also have no problem with credit card processing.  Most of them have credit card terminals at their table for the convenience of the conventioneers.  However, they will also accept cash.  If I would have had a credit card, it would have been maxed out.  There is that much stuff for sale at the convention..  I remember one vendor that specialized in invitations and announcements.  Imagine marriage announcements with the theme of “The Matrix” or “Star Wars”.  Or what about a birth announcement in the theme of the “Little Mermaid”?

The last time I attended, they even had someone there from an online casino.  They really did not have anything to sell but they did give you information on online casino gaming and how you could win.  It amazes me the things that you can find at Comic-Con convention.  Many people think of it as a sci-fi fantasy convention and nothing more.  However, like many things in life, you need to look below the surface to see what is real.

______________________________________

Other Resources

Wii Attributes

When Nintendo made Wii, they want to focus more on new ways to play video games. The Wii uses a controller, called the Wii remote, that is very different from the controllers of other video game consoles.  It can be held with just one hand and uses technology that senses the player’s movements.  Wii can be played by anyone of any age or interest and entices people who do not normally play video games to start playing.  People also have the ability with the Wii to download Wii games from the Internet.  In fact, millions download games for Wii every day.

Sell World of Warcraft Accounts Process

First and foremost you need to go to their website if you are looking to either sell or buy WOW accounts.  Then you enter into live chat with a representative to get a quote.  Give the representative all information about character as well as any information you feel is important about your account.  You and a representative agree on a price, you will need to submit account information, a valid identification and your personal contact information.  Don’t worry, all personal information is secure and will never be forwarded to another user.  Once all information is verified in the account has a new e-mail address, payment will be necessary.