It is truly wild to think that WonderCon is almost upon us. Honestly, it feels like yesterday was New Year’s Day and now we are almost done with March. I’m very excited to attend the convention for the 7th time (I think). It’s always a nice weekend trip and a good way to dip your toe into the convention pool for the year. I am very intrigued by this year’s schedule. While there’s not a ton of really big panels, there is a lot of behind the scenes looks at TV and film style panels that sound really cool. I’ve pulled a couple of panels that caught my eye from the WonderCon schedule to highlight:
FRIDAY
Everyone’s a Critic: Being a Pop Culture Journalist in an Online Age
The past decade has seen an explosion in the scope of journalism, from the rise of citizen journalism to blogging to vloggers, podcasters, and online-only news sources. Stacey Yvonne (Stacey Yvonne Creative), Mary Anne Butler (Nerdbot), Alan Ng (FilmThreat), and Danielle Broadway (Reuters) discuss the roles new media play between their readers and the industries and communities they serve. Topics will include varying levels of informality versus classic ideas of professionalism, show-specific outlets versus general news sites, and more. Moderated by Bill Watters (Nerdbot).
The Power of Love: Romance in Webtoons, Film, and More
Romance is booming, from Outlander and Discovery of Witches on the small screen to K-dramas and webtoons. It dominates the bestseller lists, and Booktok on social media is exploding. Rebekah R. Ganiere (USA Today bestselling author, Emmy nominated producer), Angel Payne (bestselling author), Bex Francis (Sac Geeks co-founder, film and podcast producer), and James Ganiere (Emmy-nominated director/producer) discuss what is happening in the romance genre and why people are actively looking for happily ever afters.
SATURDAY
All in the Details: Costume, Makeup, and Hair Design for Film and TV
Go behind the scenes of popular movies and television shows to see what it takes to bring characters and worlds to life. Costume, makeup, hair, and production designers in entertainment dive into the incredible skill and creativity that goes into making movie and TV magic. Featuring makeup department head Rebecca Wachtel (Daisy Jones & the Six), hair stylist/ wig maker Justi Embree (Missing), costume designer Jennifer May Nickel (Gotham Knights), costume designer Carrie Grace (Doom Patrol, The Boys Episodes 1 and 2), costume designer Dominique Dawson (Swarm), and production designer James Bolenaugh (Kevin Can Go F**k Himself). Moderated by voiceover artist and actor Queen Noveen (Redfall). Part 3 of Impact24 PR’s Panel Superblock.
Her Universe Fashion Show Update
Ashley Eckstein (Her Universe founder) moderates a discussion with industry professionals from Her Universe and Hot Topic and 2022 Her Universe Fashion Show winners Cindy Guillermo Heselton and Michael Burson. They will discuss the winner’s process for designing the Marvel Studios’ The Marvels collection by Her Universe for Hot Topic. They will also discuss the upcoming 2023 Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con.
Our Flag Means Death: ’ships on Ships
There’s more pirate media than you can shake a sword at, so why are so many fans climbing aboard Our Flag Means Death? The relationships! And not just the romantic ones. Justine Mastin (Starship Therapise) hosts a panel of relationship experts: Dr. Vanessa Hintz (Umm . . . About That Podcast), Dr. J. Scott Jordan (Dark Loops Productions), Dr. Kaela Joseph (Fandom Acts of Kindness), Brittany Oliver Sillas-Navarro, AMFT, MA (Alliant International University), Dr. Yoni Sobin (The Nerd Therapist in NYC), and Benjamin Taitz, MA (Mental Health Quest Podcast).
SUNDAY
Fantasy and Fashion: Celebrating 25 Years of the Labyrinth Masquerade Ball
Celebrating a magical 25 years of fantasy and fashion, The Labyrinth Masquerade Ball is bringing together a talented panel of their costumers and long-time attendees of the Masquerade to discuss the creative process of designing and building high fantasy gowns and garb for all manner of mortal and fae folk alike. Panelists include Shawn Strider, Jacquie Adorni, and a team of fashion designers and costumers from the event.
Let’s Talk LOTR: The Rings of Power
The staff from the internet’s longest-running Tolkien Community, TheOneRing.net (TORn) give an in-depth breakdown of season 1 of The Rings of Power and the most current info on what to expect from season 2. Clifford Broadway (host of TORn Tuesday), Nancy Steinman (writer and graphic artist), Justin Sewell (producer of TORn Tuesday), and Cathy Udovch (special events coordinator for TORn) will discuss what worked in season 1, what didn’t work, and where the show goes next. There are new cast members, new characters, and new lands to explore, so bring your questions (and your cosplay) and talk Tolkien’s Second Age.