UPDATED: Wed, Jul 10, 10:00PM Do you dream about quitting your day job to pursue your passion of being an artist, writer, or professional in the industry? Are you already in the business and need help with figuring out how to budget between paid contracts, deal with taxes, or determine the best way to raise and save cash for future projects? Perhaps you just want to be a financial superhero for yourself and your family and invest in your future. Sean Nisil (certified financial planner) and Karen Martin (The Princess Project) will present an entertaining and educational panel on superhero financial planning and best practices for artists, writers, industry professionals, and all others interested. Eric Atilano (loan officer, Guild Mortgage), Steve Grady (owner, Steve Grady Insurance Services), and Neil Narvaez (Pro Tax Services, Nerdy Finance) will also be on hand to discuss building good credit, health insurance, and tax issues. The discussion will follow with a Q&A of industry professionals including Erik Arreaga (comic illustrator, Erik Arreaga Art), Chris Neuhahn (Emmy Award–winning producer and animator, Dreamworks Animation, Activision), and Alonso Nunez (founder and art director, Little Fish Comic Book Studio) who will cover business successes and challenges in their fields.
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 10, 04:53PM Today our world needs real heroes. Through example and practice, this panel empowers and harnesses the potential of fans and creators to communicate and inspire social good. Starting with a guided audiovisual tour of POC writer-director Andres Useche's collaborations with artist-activists like Ben Stiller, Paul Rudd, Woody Harrelson, and Jennifer Aniston as well as leaders like Barack Obama, the presentation will dig into how everyone, including underrepresented and oppressed folks, have taken a stand for themselves and for others. Learn about how comics, films, and transmedia can engage others and voice your calls for social and environmental justice, equality, and diversity. Includes short screenings, live performance, and Q&A.
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 08, 08:58PM Come and listen to John D. Callison (award-winning cosplayer, CEO and founder of Over30Cosplay), Patricia Tallman (actor and stuntwoman, president of Qwest Retreats, best known as Lyta on Babylon 5 and Barbara from Night of the Living Dead), Andrea Seale (Cosplay Mom, award winning cosplayer, costume builder), Cara Nicole (AZPowerGirl, award-winning cosplayer, master level costumer, and experienced model), Bernie Bergman (president and CEO of XLE Experience Level Entertainment), Chad Edward Lee Evett (president and chief designer Stoopid Buddy Stoodios), Shelly Grace-Bowers (ScarlettCosplay, award-winning and published cosplayer and costume designer), Sherman Blakeley (GreenMileCosplay, stunt double bodyguard, and published actor), and Jen Greeley (award-winning cosplayer, senior reporter at Over30Cosplay, administrator at Costumers with a Cause) as they celebrate the history of comic and cosplay culture, offer couples cosplay ideas, and give advice on combating negative, age-related stereotypes. Plus, tips on costume choice, dating and family, social media/marketing age awareness, and how to combat bullying in the community.
UPDATED: Tue, Jul 09, 05:49PM Spiritual Themes in Comics continues the always-lively discussion of spiritual themes in comics, television, and movies. This panel delves into how spirituality influences the entertainment industry and in turn impacts the culture's perception of spiritual influences. This is the 23rd year of the Spiritual Themes in Comics panel and panelists include Scott Mercano (Diablo Publishing), Travis Hanson (Beanleaf Press), B. Dave Walters (Vampire the Masquerade), Buzz Dixon (G.I. Joe), Hector Miray (Faith and Fandom), Goldie Chan (Forbes), and Kyle Keene (moderator).
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 15, 04:48PM This panel will be a spirited family discussion to determine which stories/characters/toys/activities are for girls and which are for boys. Professional educator Tony Bianca will stimulate conversation as Nancie Helders (18), Charlotte Herrick (10), and Alizarin Todd (9)speak from the heart, balanced by experienced debate moderator Laura Todd. Bring your questions and experiences to share.