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Con-Con: Made of Win
Oh, Con-Con, you managed to completely exceed my expectations, which were pretty darn high to begin with.
Missed the Friday programming, which from the jokes about the hell of registration turns out to have been a wise decision. Most of the major programming was on Saturday and Sunday anyway.![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
holdouttrout and I swung into the hotel a little early but decided to skip the panel on the Leverage Role-Playing game and instead ran around the Governor Hotel, which is miles above the average con hotel. Then again, the entire con was smaller, more intimate, and very casual in comparison to my previous experience (Dragon*Con). This is really why I was so psyched to go to Con-Con, because it was the first such attempt for what really isn't a genre show, and they promised the entire cast, most of the writers and producers and creators and guest stars and directors. I knew the chance to see Parker, Hardison, Eliot, Sophie, and Nate all in one place was one that just might not be repeated.
I've been joking that these actors have no idea what they are in for, but it was clear from the start that they'd all been fed convention horror stories by Mark Sheppard, Christian Kane, and Jonathan Frakes. There were suited bodyguards with the little ear things everywhere, waiting to clear a bathroom so an actor could pee in private, or walk down a hall without being molested. The moderator also made a big deal of NO TOUCHING, and no inappropriate questions about actors' private lives. You know, basically don't be an asshole. Lol. There was one or two shaky moments, but the Leverage fans in general were very well behaved and shouted down the one guy who crossed the line. I kept a tally. The 'Awwww' moments from the actors saying how much they love the show and working with each other (Gina Bellman almost bringing herself to tears as she expressed how much Beth Riesgraf has become the sister she never had), far outweighed the moments of fan mortification.
In general, once it was clear we really were capable of behaving ourselves (you know, not fainting when unexpectedly walking within a few feet of Jonathan Frakes, and not babbling insanely when practically bumping into Tim, Gina, and Beth--my only thought was, "TALL", because, damn, they seemed like a million feet tall. lol), the Con really relaxed over time and the unexpected cameos were AWESOME. Random actors, producers, frickin' Jonathan Frakes, just wandered in on random panels, often sneaking up into the question lines and giving each other shit. So hilarious. It's clear they all really get along and are still in the flush of love for their show.
While Christian Kane and Mark Sheppard were old hat, everyone else was in a bit of a new position, being at a Con. Aldis was clearly in his element (omg the sheer CHARM that guy oozes from across an entire ballroom, people. I'm telling you, insane.), Gina was looking for the closest fire exit (even though she did provide some very thoughtful, great answers), Beth just deadpanned the most hilarious things (I found myself watching her face for reactions rather than paying attention to the speaker), Christian Kane knew exactly what we wanted to hear, and Tim seemed serene. (Love Tim saying he loved their kiss in one ep, while Gina says she preferred the slap. bwhaha.)
The big surprise for me was how out-of-this-world hilarious 'The FBI Guys' were (Rick Overton and Gerald Downey). They came out in character and did the majority of the interview that way, and God they cracked me up. It was sort of sad that there weren't a lot of people there to see it (they were all standing in line for autographs and photographs). I was literally falling down face first on the seat next to me I was laughing so hard. Those two need a sitcom STAT. Special Agent McSweeten wrote a few hiakus for his crush Agent Haggen (Parker). He suggested they try a threesome....partnership with Taggert. Taggert seemed less than keen on the idea.
Apollo Robbins and friends were also really interesting, talking about crime and cons and heists that happen around us every day. Trout and I were hugging our purses closer for hours after wards.
Other highlights:
Beth gave a great answer about how Parker is a good role model for girls. About how Parker's flaws and awkwardness and commitment to her craft and life are good for girls to see they don't all have to grow up to be Britney Spears (though not necessarily thieves either. lol)
I almost fell over when one of the fans asked, "What would the Leverage team do in a zombie apocalypse?" I glanced at Trout and was like, Meeep! Christian pointed out that Eliot would of course just be Eliot. Problem solved. (No, I didn't yell out, "Would you use a chainsaw?")
Mark Sheppard and John Rogers breaking down completely into a fanboy frenzy of discussing old TV shows and "Do you remember that ep with Morgan Freeman as the bus driver?" "You know who else played a bus driver? Pierce Brosnan." "Did you know Speilburg directed that?" "No way!" "ROM!!!"
Or someone deadpanning that they were getting Patrick Stewart to do a six episode arc this season, and Jonathan Frakes' impression of Patrick Strewart's reaction to being asked to do the show. "Cable? Are you serious? They never treated me this way in the theater!!"
Oh, and just so you know, 'Copenhagen' may pop up in conversations near you soon. This is the safe word of the Leverage writing room. Means everyone has to start talking about something new right away.
We got an interesting view of how episodes go from random ideas, to inklings, to outlines, to scripts, to film. And Dean Devlin, John Rogers, and Chris Downey gave some great advice to aspiring writers. I think Dean's was my favorite: "Write fast." Meaning that you shouldn't spend too much time on your rough draft, because when it comes time to edit and eviscerate and make it good, you will be less attached to what you started with and won't be sick of it already. It's really great advice (and sort of the point of NaNoWriMo, I think).
Something that caught me off guard was the sheer amount of Christian Kane fangirls were in the crowd. I thought maybe a crossover of his Angel popularity, but it seemed to really be Supernatural fans. (Which Mark Sheppard seems to have been in as well, and intimidated that his character was coming back.)
I don't have all my photos downloaded yet (I'm still in the airport waiting for my plane), but here's a few:
Mark Sheppard crashing Dean Devlin, John Rogers, and Chris Downey's panel.
Taggert and McSweeten busting out the improv games:
Really a great, great time overall. How could hanging out withholdouttrout not be? (And if she tries to tell you I attempted to get her drunk, that is a blatantly LIE. Though having a three-hour fantastic dinner talking about Stargate was worth the trip alone.) Miss you already, Trout!
Missed the Friday programming, which from the jokes about the hell of registration turns out to have been a wise decision. Most of the major programming was on Saturday and Sunday anyway.
holdouttrout and I swung into the hotel a little early but decided to skip the panel on the Leverage Role-Playing game and instead ran around the Governor Hotel, which is miles above the average con hotel. Then again, the entire con was smaller, more intimate, and very casual in comparison to my previous experience (Dragon*Con). This is really why I was so psyched to go to Con-Con, because it was the first such attempt for what really isn't a genre show, and they promised the entire cast, most of the writers and producers and creators and guest stars and directors. I knew the chance to see Parker, Hardison, Eliot, Sophie, and Nate all in one place was one that just might not be repeated. I've been joking that these actors have no idea what they are in for, but it was clear from the start that they'd all been fed convention horror stories by Mark Sheppard, Christian Kane, and Jonathan Frakes. There were suited bodyguards with the little ear things everywhere, waiting to clear a bathroom so an actor could pee in private, or walk down a hall without being molested. The moderator also made a big deal of NO TOUCHING, and no inappropriate questions about actors' private lives. You know, basically don't be an asshole. Lol. There was one or two shaky moments, but the Leverage fans in general were very well behaved and shouted down the one guy who crossed the line. I kept a tally. The 'Awwww' moments from the actors saying how much they love the show and working with each other (Gina Bellman almost bringing herself to tears as she expressed how much Beth Riesgraf has become the sister she never had), far outweighed the moments of fan mortification.
In general, once it was clear we really were capable of behaving ourselves (you know, not fainting when unexpectedly walking within a few feet of Jonathan Frakes, and not babbling insanely when practically bumping into Tim, Gina, and Beth--my only thought was, "TALL", because, damn, they seemed like a million feet tall. lol), the Con really relaxed over time and the unexpected cameos were AWESOME. Random actors, producers, frickin' Jonathan Frakes, just wandered in on random panels, often sneaking up into the question lines and giving each other shit. So hilarious. It's clear they all really get along and are still in the flush of love for their show.
While Christian Kane and Mark Sheppard were old hat, everyone else was in a bit of a new position, being at a Con. Aldis was clearly in his element (omg the sheer CHARM that guy oozes from across an entire ballroom, people. I'm telling you, insane.), Gina was looking for the closest fire exit (even though she did provide some very thoughtful, great answers), Beth just deadpanned the most hilarious things (I found myself watching her face for reactions rather than paying attention to the speaker), Christian Kane knew exactly what we wanted to hear, and Tim seemed serene. (Love Tim saying he loved their kiss in one ep, while Gina says she preferred the slap. bwhaha.)
The big surprise for me was how out-of-this-world hilarious 'The FBI Guys' were (Rick Overton and Gerald Downey). They came out in character and did the majority of the interview that way, and God they cracked me up. It was sort of sad that there weren't a lot of people there to see it (they were all standing in line for autographs and photographs). I was literally falling down face first on the seat next to me I was laughing so hard. Those two need a sitcom STAT. Special Agent McSweeten wrote a few hiakus for his crush Agent Haggen (Parker). He suggested they try a threesome....partnership with Taggert. Taggert seemed less than keen on the idea.
Apollo Robbins and friends were also really interesting, talking about crime and cons and heists that happen around us every day. Trout and I were hugging our purses closer for hours after wards.
Other highlights:
Beth gave a great answer about how Parker is a good role model for girls. About how Parker's flaws and awkwardness and commitment to her craft and life are good for girls to see they don't all have to grow up to be Britney Spears (though not necessarily thieves either. lol)
I almost fell over when one of the fans asked, "What would the Leverage team do in a zombie apocalypse?" I glanced at Trout and was like, Meeep! Christian pointed out that Eliot would of course just be Eliot. Problem solved. (No, I didn't yell out, "Would you use a chainsaw?")
Mark Sheppard and John Rogers breaking down completely into a fanboy frenzy of discussing old TV shows and "Do you remember that ep with Morgan Freeman as the bus driver?" "You know who else played a bus driver? Pierce Brosnan." "Did you know Speilburg directed that?" "No way!" "ROM!!!"
Or someone deadpanning that they were getting Patrick Stewart to do a six episode arc this season, and Jonathan Frakes' impression of Patrick Strewart's reaction to being asked to do the show. "Cable? Are you serious? They never treated me this way in the theater!!"
Oh, and just so you know, 'Copenhagen' may pop up in conversations near you soon. This is the safe word of the Leverage writing room. Means everyone has to start talking about something new right away.
We got an interesting view of how episodes go from random ideas, to inklings, to outlines, to scripts, to film. And Dean Devlin, John Rogers, and Chris Downey gave some great advice to aspiring writers. I think Dean's was my favorite: "Write fast." Meaning that you shouldn't spend too much time on your rough draft, because when it comes time to edit and eviscerate and make it good, you will be less attached to what you started with and won't be sick of it already. It's really great advice (and sort of the point of NaNoWriMo, I think).
Something that caught me off guard was the sheer amount of Christian Kane fangirls were in the crowd. I thought maybe a crossover of his Angel popularity, but it seemed to really be Supernatural fans. (Which Mark Sheppard seems to have been in as well, and intimidated that his character was coming back.)
I don't have all my photos downloaded yet (I'm still in the airport waiting for my plane), but here's a few:
Mark Sheppard crashing Dean Devlin, John Rogers, and Chris Downey's panel.
Taggert and McSweeten busting out the improv games:
Really a great, great time overall. How could hanging out with
holdouttrout not be? (And if she tries to tell you I attempted to get her drunk, that is a blatantly LIE. Though having a three-hour fantastic dinner talking about Stargate was worth the trip alone.) Miss you already, Trout!
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Hmmm. I know enough to know it's ALWAYS your fault.
Oooh, what did Mark Sheppard say crashing the one panel?
Aldis was at a Supernatural convention at least once apparently (according to
Hee re FBI guys!
Thanks for the vicarious report!
I never thought about the SPN fen crashing the panel for Kane and Sheppard (but I've heard Kane is buddies with the two SPN leads--wow, talk about stories they probably heard about fans...lol.)
Whee! Jonathan Frakes!
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There are way too many Star Trek shoutouts in Leverage.
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I'm pretty sure Mark Sheppard crashed the panel to demand that Sterling get his own show. I remember at a later point he was asked what other actors he'd like to work with on his show and he said, "No one. It'll just be me." Lol.
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P.S. You made write pron. I believe anything of you.
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Looking forward to hearing more about this!
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Mopes.
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sheer amount of Christian Kane fangirls
Huh, that's interesting. I wouldn't have guess that either.
Gina Bellman almost bringing herself to tears as she expressed how much Beth Riesgraf has become the sister she never had
Aww. I've wondered about her accent, did anyone happen to ask her where she's from? Just curious.
Thanks again for sharing! And I'm glad to hear you gals had so much fun :)
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I'm pretty sure Gina is from New Zealand? But lives in England? Don't quote me on that. (When asked about all the accents on the show she has to pull off, she mentioned the disaster of her Italian accent, but make a pretty good case for the reason Sophie is so good, is not because she can do perfect accents, but because she can commit to it so much that people are lured in to overlooking it.)
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I love that they all crashed each other's panels. Hilarious :)
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I don't know about doing it again, they were all grumbling about being too tired to do anything so crazy again, but at the same time, they seemed to get a real high off of seeing their fans like this. Beth was just floored and sort of awed by the fan interest. So maybe they will!