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The Buzz
Who's taking about REVELATIONS?
Quite a few people, actually!
One of the most important tasks facing the PanicStruck crew is getting the word out about REVELATIONS. The movie won't be out for over a year, but making sure that Star Wars fans know about and anticipate it eagerly is an on-going process.
The kick-off, of course, was the REVELATIONS website. This gave us a centralized location to make announcements, post behind-the-scenes photos, and generate interest in our production. But that's just the start. Shane posted to The Force.net, starting dialogues with other fan film makers and our core target audience. In time, based on our trailer and this website, The Force.net decided to host REVELATIONS when it is finished. Their REVELATIONS page is here and the official film thread is here.
But the "official" attention doesn't stop there. StarWars-Universe.com, a French Star Wars site, is also keeping an eye on us. REVELATIONS is featured on their in production page and so far has received high marks (an average of 93%) from the French fans. Merci, mes amis!
We began the con circuit in February 2003 with a visit to Farpoint, Baltimore's premiere fan-run Star Trek convention. This has long been a favorite of East Coast 501st members, who tend to gather in the bar and turn it into an officers' club for the duration. Several cast members wore REVELATIONS costumes all weekend and appeared in a promotional skit during the Masquerade. At the Masquerade Half-time, we premiered the REVELATIONS trailer to massive applause.
In March, Spat (of The Spatcave), appeared at I-Con 22, running a panel on Costumes, Props and Special Effects. Spat talked about his many projects, including REVELATIONS, and even ran our trailer.
Ever since REVELATIONS began shooting in October 2002, the behind-the-scenes drama has been captured by CineMaryland, a television show produced by Howard Community College that focuses on regional film making. The March/April program featured a documentary on our movie. It's one of the best "non-fan" pieces on fan activities that we at PanicStruck have ever seen. It highlights the level of commitment and professionalism that everyone involved has shown and really captures the love we have for Star Wars in a positive light rather than the "look at the freaks!" feel that so often happens. (Yeah, we're bitter. We've been burned before. Thank you, CineMaryland! You've restored our faith.)
Easter weekend saw a strong REVELATIONS presence at the first Imperial Quartermaster Toy and Collectables Show. Many members of the 501st who had appeared in the movie were in attendence as well as Gina (Taryn) and Frank (Declan) Hernandez, Cheralyn (CorSec Officer) Lambeth, and Rain (Nightclub Dancer) and Steve (Rogue) Montes. PanicStruck set up an eye-catching display showing off several of the original costumes created for the movie and a tv running the trailer and the CineMaryland piece. Declan & Taryn pic, PSP table display pic, IQM pic page It was exciting how many people told us that they had heard of REVELATIONS through The Force.net or their local 501st boards and were looking forward to the completed film!
Wizard World Philly helped spread the REVELATIONS word, too. Jenni (Clubgoer) Dryden and Kevin ("Darth Zippy") Zabawa took one of our posters, passed out fliers (they ran out fast!) and talked up the movie wherever they could.
We're in negotiations for panels at both Shore Leave 25 in Baltimore and Dragon*Con 2003 in Atlanta. Be sure to look for PanicStruck whenever you attend a sci-fi related event! Even if we don't have an official table or sit on a panel, you'll probably find somebody involved in the movie in attendence, ready to add to the buzz!
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