There's No Place Like Home...

...there's no place like home. No, Dorothy, there isn't. For me, that means being on a movie set again, it's definitely like being home. And I've missed it so much.

Recently, I got to help out on a couple of films with a friend of mine who happens to be the Producer of the independent movie company he works for. Potent Media and it's fearless leader, Christian Jude Grillo, is made up of a group of dedicated and amazing men and women just wanting to make great films from start to finish. Potent Media is known for their independent films Apocalypse Kiss, Deer Crossing, and Booley.

And now, their family-friendly film The Sugar Skull Girls. This is the first movie I got to help on. The best way I describe this movie is like Disney's Hocus Pocus. It's fantasy mixed with campy humor and fun times. It has witches and supernatural elements, meant for all-ages. It's going to be so much fun to watch when it is finally done! I've seen some pieces done with all the special effects and music added in and it's just awesome to see what comes out of Christian's creative mind!

I got to help out the last two weekends of shooting, one in June and one in July. The summer heat was exhausting and disgusting, especially for the July shoot. I was told I'd be anything from catering to personal assistant for the celebs, to assistant sound person, etc. Basically a PA. Which I was totally fine with because inside I was screaming "I'M ON A REAL LIVE SET AGAIN!!!" Opportunity of a lifetime for me.

Let me stop for moment for a background check. I majored in TV/Video Production way back when, in college. My career life path didn't take me that way for a full time job. I had a part-time gig at the local TV station but it didn't have a lot to offer after awhile. Like so many of my creative brethren, you do what you can to survive and make a decent wage. So I took on a full-time job as an admin in a big company instead. But I dabbled in the TV field in any way I could in the years that followed, videotaping friend's productions, videotaping friends goofing off, watching a lot of behind-the-scenes documentaries, etc. Anything to keep me in the game. Eventually all those things even dwindled, other than watching those making-of documentaries.

I missed that world so very very much but just couldn't get a handle on getting back into it. So, when opportunity knocked, I opened the door wiiiiide open! Thanks to an "in" from my friend, I talked to his boss, the directer/owner/CEO/everything-man at Potent Media to see how I could help, if at all.

I did have to travel from NYC to Philly area, but it's totally worth it. In every sense of the word. As soon as I got on set at the Mill (an old antique mill not in use served as their set locations... more on that later), I was home. I was with my people. And I was at home with everything going on. The technology of course has changed since I've been in the business -- no more over-the-shoulder big SVHS or even 3-ship cameras which were the THING at the time... Nope, using small digital SLR cameras they get the total film look, that not even those 3-chip Sony's did in the day. Amazing quality and feel to them. Ok ok, back on track... So the tech might have changed, but the theories and how-to's don't change.

When I got there, I was greeted warmly and with open arms by everyone on set, both cast and crew. Slowly I got to know all of them and how I came to be there from NYC of all places. Having to keep explaining my ties with my Producer friend was tiring but I was proud nonetheless.

After we all gathered at the Mill and got acquainted, most of us went over to a local high school to film some key opening shot scenes and sequences. Being on location was even more fun. But of course holds its own challenges. Finding enough outlets to plug in equipment, hiding much of the equipment needed in other areas so it's out of shots and then needing it at the most inopportune moments, running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to remember where you put something, etc. It's mayhem, but the best kind! Hehe I didn't mind running around getting anything anyone needed--food, coffee, gaffers tape, mics, dollys, tripods, etc. I was there to help in any way Christian and crew needed me. I couldn't have felt more alive that day!

For the weekend, I was thrown into sound as an assistant with Chuck. Christian's normal sound guy wasn't able to be there so Chuck and I would helm sound responsibilities. Chuck was awesome as he taught me all the necessary ropes needed. After some mishaps in prepping the mics tho, and laughing a lot about it, we got it all working right.

Chuck is like six feet tall so he held the boom mic 99% of the time and I kept watch on the levels on the Tascam unit and hitting the record button and saying "speed" or "sound rolling". Yay!

One point we needed to be in a small doorway with the boom so I volunteered to be squished in there instead of the six foot man. hehe

Photo courtesy of James Murray

While running sound, I kept my eye on everyone else to see what they were doing and how things worked and how everyone communicated to one another and watched how well Christian's machine worked so cohesively. He really does have it all down pat. Yes, he needs help of course every so often and reminders, but he's got the team into a very well-oiled machine. I was impressed and in awe by it all. Not that I had doubts about his professionalism, but it's just been so long since I've been on a set to see how it all comes together.

Goofing off between takes. Bill Cannon, me, Chuck Maher, Carmela Hayslett Grillo, Dave Stewart.
Photo courtesy of James Murray

Chuck Maher, me after pushing him down the hall on our dolly.
Photo courtesy of James Murray

By midday we finished shooting the high school scenes and headed back to the Mill for lunch break then more shooting at the Mill itself, on their interior built sets.

Food was provided by a neighbor of the Mill that day. She had made homemade chili and cornbread, salad, and chips and things were provided. It was excellent homemade grub for first day of shooting for me.

Oh and forgot to mention, the movie was sponsored by the Tootsie Roll company and local soda brewery Hank's sodas. Brilliant. And wonderful addition to our on-set snacks and drink supplies. Yum! Most the cast and crew were on sugar highs a lot between the sodas and candy - which included Blowpops, Tootsie Rolls and Double Bubble products. (What happened to Tootsie Pops??? anyway...)

Image via Sugar Skull Girls Facebook page

Lunchtime I got to mingle with more of the crew and get to know all of them a little better. I liked that. It really was like a big family. Everyone knew about each others families and kids and many get together outside filming to hang out on weekends and things. So it was genuinely a beautiful, fun experience there.

After lunch wrapped, we went back to work. Filming scenes within the Mill on sets built by the same crew. A teens bedroom, a interior trailer set, and a few green screen sets. It was really neat to explore the sets in detail and see what was put into them in terms of set decorations and how they were constructed. Potent Media uses every dollar wisely. Cheaply built sets don't have to look cheap. And I'm still learning how to be thrifty on the sets from Christian. In my own life, I can be very thrifty but applying that knowledge to a set design, takes some creative know-how. It's amazing what he did with such a low budget, and you'll never know that when you see it on screen. (well, now I've told you hehe)

Besides sound tho, I was also a puppeteer! I got to handle some puppets being used in the film, created by my Producer friend. These will be revealed at a later date so no pics of those yet! :) But trust me, they are evil and ugly little buggers! They were rubbery and slimy and one got painted that morning so it was still technically wet from that, along with having um "slime" on it. I will not disclose what we used to make it slimy... So my hands looked like I killed a smurf by the time I was done with it. But it was so much fun to be a puppeteer for an hour!

Once the day was done, we wrapped filming, put equipment away and said goodbye to everyone til tomorrow. We were all exhausted but happy at the days work. Amazing people.

I got to go to Christian's home that night for some dinner and to look at the footage shot that day. See what Christian sees. How he wants to edit it together, what special effects might be added, sound cues and sound effects... Amazing how his creative brain works. I could envision it all as he unfurled each scene. He discussed shots themselves, any problems he might see- ie soft focus problems, sound issues, things like that. And then making a mental note if anything had to be reshot. Which you never want to do unless really absolutely necessary. But it was good learning experience to see how he puts it altogether.  And it was really lovely of him to have basically a stranger come into his home on the first day of shooting.

Second day of shooting was at the Mill only. So using those sets, we shot whatever was needed. It was a long day but wonderful to be there and doing what I love to do with others who love it just as much as me.

We wrapped that day with a birthday celebration for my Producer friend. I made him an Atari cake because it's one of his most favorite things in the world. :) It was just the crew for that. It was fun surprising my friend and the look on his face when he saw what was happening was awesome! hehe

July couldn't come fast enough to get down there and film again. This time I'd be there for the whole 5-day shoot and not just the weekend. I was psyched! I did sound again most the time. And both weekends when I was not a PA or doing sound, I was running around getting anything done that I could help with--food,  moving equipment around, closing windows, etc. Life of a PA doesn't sound glamorous but it's still important as a team player. I'm more than happy and grateful to do it.

I was also a script supervisor and continuity person for a couple days while his usual guy was away. That was intense and kept me on my toes. Having to remember which scenes we were shooting the whole day, each moment and how the shots were supposed to be set up. Very cool but definitely intense. Then making sure each shot done was in continuity with the last one or the one it will lead into or follow that we've possibly shot already.

We shot for five days straight. A couple days indoors on set and then the rest were outdoor shoots. And man, that weekend was the most humid and hottest days of 2014 summer time--close to 100 degrees all the days plus 90% humidity. It was so disgusting. It was pretty brutal on everyone shooting those days. Crew member Wil Sachs made sure to keep us cool by fanning us with the light reflectors and a couple of us had portable mini fans to use on the actors who were in very heavy costumes. But we made it through. Got some amazing footage and everything was in the can and wrapped by day 5.


It was just so much fun filming all the scenes despite the horrid weather. For me, learning what everyone does, getting to know the crew and cast of teen girls and their families on set, is something you can't replicate. I loved meeting all of them. Many are now real life friends outside of the filming. And I try to see the crew at least, as often as I can get to the area...Amazing, talented people worked so hard on this. I'm so proud to be a part of it.

One of the pumpkin soldier's rides

Scott Kaufman, Dave Stewart, and Christian Grillo setting up a shot.

Setting up the shots

Carmela Hayslett Grillo, Chuck Maher between takes.

Cece Hagen getting her makeup applied.

Leslie Easterbrook, Carmela Hayslett Grillo

Addy Miller getting her makeup applied

copter shots

Julie Ryan, Addy Miller, Cece Hagen, me, Anika Buchanan, Isabella Sobejano

Leslie Easterbrook, me, John Amplas

Anika Buchanan

Isabella Sobejano

Addy Miller

Carmela, Pumpkin Soldier

That's a wrap!

The second film, a short film really, is from Christian's wife Carmela Hayslett Grillo. She was a horror host in a web series for three years, Roxsy Tyler'sCarnival of Horros. But as an actress she of course, wanted to continue growing and pursue different venues of acting. So the web series went on hiatus. Well, now Carmela was ready to put a true ending to the series by making a short film.

Image courtesy of Roxsy Tyler Facebook page

It's a small cast and therefore, a much smaller crew then feature film sets. I was needed only one weekend where I'd do double duty and be an extra for one of the scenes as well as do sound for them.

The scene called for fans of Roxy and her cohost, Count Chuckula to be outside of her Carnival set and chase after them and such. It was great fun. Since I knew everyone would be fans of Roxy, the main character, I decided to be different and be a fan of Chuck's instead. (Yes, the same Chuck who taught me sound on the Sugar Skull Girls set). So I made a sign that said "Bite me" cuz he's a vampire, duh.

And when Carmela saw that, she gave me some acting/stage direction on how to play this up more. So we worked on that on the fly and it was sooo much fun chasing after Chuck! We tried to have me jump him but running in grass, heels and with twenty other people clamoring over you, does not lend itself well to jumping on someone's back. So we modified it. I hope it still translated well on screen and am eager to see how they used the footage, if at all. ETA: I'm in the trailer a few times actually, so I guess that worked out well. Also, I have another acting credit to my name now, as a featured extra. Sweet! It was fun to actually "act" in something professional for once. And fun to collaborate something specific for the scene.



Other times that day, I was as usual, sound person. This time with their special effects guru, David Gechman. He's about as tall as I am (we're both around the 5' range) so both of us trying to do the boom mic was kinda hilarious. Where's 6' Chuck? oh right, he's IN the sccene. hahaha But the short people prevailed!

After the fan scenes were shot, Chris and Carmela had a big ol' bbq in their backyard. It was so lovely and fun and amazing yummy food. I, as usual, made dessert. I made nutella palmeiris. So delicious and easy to make! And they definitely went fast and furious! I loved meeting all of their friends who participated in the fan scenes. So much fun connecting with them over good food.

Sunday was much the same, though quieter. It was just me for audio and Martini for video with Chris. Chuck would help whenever he wasn't needed *in*a scene, of course. Martini helped hold the boom on the last scene of the day because it really needed to be higher than my short stature could hold and Chuck was in the scene. So I was able to hit record on his cameras once he set up the stable shot while he did audio instead. Team effort! We really all work so well together.

All too soon, it was over. Carmela had one more weekend to film, well really one more day the following weekend. It was only going to be a four hour shoot though, so it wasn't worth it for me to come down again. But no matter, I still had an amazing learning experience and time with my Potent Media family filming and hanging out after shooting. Professionals to the core but so much fun when the lights dim.Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me these fabulous opportunities! Until the next shoot when I'm back in Oz again...

Guardians of the Galaxy!!!! GROOOOT!!!!

Ok so Monday night I got to see Guardians of the Galaxy, courtsey of a Skype event at the Flatiron building area. They had a little dance video you had to create and post online somewhere and then post the picture of you with the movie poster behind you, pretending you were the sixth guardian. And in that photo you posted, and adding Guardians as a skype comtact, you had to come up with a sixth Guardian name. I came up with Missy the Massacre, because I like alliteration... hehe

Not the best picture with the wind blowing my hair in my face...

At the skype event, I got a sketch from Sean Chen. who illustrated Nova, Iron Man and other such comics. And I found out he worked at Valiant for many years so he actually is friends with my ex-hubby. (whom also worked at valiant for awhile). Sean was uber sweet. Took his time to talk to you and get to know you a bit while sitting there. We talked about my new love of comics and how I only read Lenore from Dirge since I was about 14 and then how only in the last few years I've come into my own, reading more mainstream comics from Marvel, DC, IDW, etc. Talked about women reading comics now and how I got started from meeting other women not ashamed of reading comics and how I branched out knowing these women read comics, too. It was a lovely conversation with Sean.

Sean Chen's Rocket Racoon sketch for me.

Me and Sean Chen

For posting the video, picture and adding GOTG to Skype contacts, we got some cool swag. Some GOTG buttons and roll of stickers packaged in a box that looked like a cassette tape. Yay so cool! And of course a GOTG t-shirt and poster. We also got a Skype seat cushion and a Skype drawstring bag to hold all the goodies in. Fun!

To wait for contest winners call-time, my friends and I then went to dinner and caught up with each other. Then went back to the event to see if we won, via Skype app, tickets to the screening that was happening at 11pm. 9pm was when folks were supposed to start getting notified... we waited... and watied. Eventually I got the message first, around 9:30pm! But I had won! Yay! We waited around some more, knowing it was all being sent manually to each person. Also, we were told if we didn't win, to wait around anyway just in case they had extra tickets. Sure enough, Nate won tickets, so now all three of us could go, and Jon's other friend, Jessica, who was with us earlier, could also go :) Fun!

Eventually we split up so Nate and I could get a spot on line, but Jon and Jess beat us to it. (Subways suck...) Found out Jon got his ticket as well. so now Nate and I still had +1's but no way was any of our friends going to get there in time. So oh well.

The movie was at 11pm. But there was some fiasco with the film or the projector or even the room itself (like not finding the key to the projector room). so the movie started very late - at like midnight... And because of that either you could leave and get another voucher for wed with a +1 guest or wait it out. Nate has no work so he waited. Jon and Jess left because of work the next day and train schedules home. I figured I'd wait a lil longer and sure enough about 15 min later it started. But we also got a free voucher at the end of the night, for another regal movie anytime, to make up for inconvenience, so that was nice. (Just one voucher tho but hey, its something, thanks Regal!)

Ok, onto the movie review - NO SPOILERS!!!!

Guardians of the Galaxy was just as amazing as the commercials led it on to be. Highly recommend and I want to see it again and again. OMG SO GOOOD!!!!!! GROOOT!!!!! So many good action sequences, great character development and some history of course behind it, lots of really funny moments thrown in a lot, especially from Quill and Rocket. Very accurate in that sense. I loved Rocket and Groot (who doesn't?!) Their banter was fantastic. And Karen Gillan. Whoa! Awesome villian!!!! Holy hell she brings it to every scene!!! squeee!!!! She was really amazing as Nebula! Incredible performance. And this is from a girl who didn't much like Amy Pond's character on Doctor Who, but it's how she was written more than telling of her acting abilities. I know she can act because of that role, but it wasn't one I liked much. This, though, this was fantastic! She really was just incredible as Nebula! Sidenote: in the prison scene (no spoilers, I swear) look up in the rafters, when they show the other prisoners, you'll see Lloyd Kaufman. If you don't know who he is, we can't be friends anymore haha -- seriously go watch some Troma movies (ie Toxic Avenger) or even Rocky...

Anyway, I loved the play on each character, the build-up's of each one, their history and then how they eventually come together. I have not read the comics for this so I can't compare accuracy but it all flowed well for the movie. And my comic geeks haven't said a peep about how or if they changed things around (in bad ways) so I think that says a lot too, that it must be pretty close to the comics history if they haven't said otherwise. (You know us geeks like to compare and rip thing apart so if that doesn't happen as the movies credits roll, you know it's gotta be good...)

Of course some recurring characters from Avengers end scenes were there, Thanos and the Collector from Thor: The Dark World. So it was nice to see that storyline continue, as we knew it would.

There's a lot of heart in the movie too, where you don't think it would normally fit into a comic book film such as this, but it really blends well. The writers really did a good job of blending everything well. Nothing really felt too rushed or too forced.

This is just such a fun, fun awesome movie!! Go see Guardians of the Galaxy!!!!!

Oh, and in terms of toys, again no spoilers, something at the end of the movie, they better make a toy of because I was squeeing like a 5 year old in my seat. Everyone, but especially girls will want this thing to be made into a toy!!! When you see it, you'll know exactly what I was talking about...

Note that our version didn't have an after-credits scene. Not sure if it will have one like they did with Avengers, where all the screeners didn't have one yet, but for opening day they got one into the film (shwarma eating scene) at the last minute. There was only the one scene right before the main credits start rolling for our screening. So no matter when you go, stay anyway just in case... (not that I need to tell my friends/fans that though...)

Mink: Make Your Own Makeup At Home

So there is this awesome Harvard student, Grace Choi, who has basically invented a makeup printer for in-home use, from a 3D printer that would put makeup in your own hands, without a distributor, high-end makeup costs, etc! It's pretty incredible.

The basis is that she's made a printer that once you get the raw materials of what piece of makeup you want -- eye shadow powder, lipstick compound, foundation materials, etc. you then can pick any color/pigment from anything and anyone in the world, (ie- photos, videos, tv/movies, paint chips, etc) to then create your favorite color palate and putting it in this makeup base compound (the powder, lipstick, etc) to create your own lipstick, eye shadows, lip gloss, foundations, et al.

Initially she would sell this to young teens, early twenty year old women for about $300 USD for the printer itself. These women would benefit most from this because they are still experimenting with colors for themselves and learning how to put on makeup in the first place. And this way, they are not spending a fortune at the stores- discount stores or bigger box stores- in order to try colors, palates, types of materials that otherwise would end up being very costly and much more than the $300 spent on the printer and whatever ink and raw materials you need to create the makeup with. Ms. Choi wants to keep all materials to the cheapest she can so that it remains affordable to her target audience.

Watch the video in this link as she demonstrates the concept.

This is pretty revolutionary in terms of going up against a giant billion-dollar industry to make it cheap and affordable for the everyday user. I hope she is very successful with this. But I can see how this industry will try to cut her down at every step if she were to market this.

(source: Harper's Bazaar)

Apocalypse Kiss Review

Apocalypse Kiss is a sci-fi thriller much like Blade Runner only this time I could follow along. (Tho to be fair it's been years since I've seen Blade Runner now). With a murder mystery under foot and an apocalypse at its heels, Apocalypse Kiss is set in that futuristic sci-fi world with colorful video screens and oddities at every corner, strange people in every seedy setting... It's pretty cool.

The synopsis of the movie, taken from the Potent Media website:

In this futuristic science fiction thriller, government security agent Jerry Hipple has been unsuccessfully tracking the city's most infamous criminal The Red Harvest Killer. When two nomadic lovers, Katia and Gladys enter the city the death count rises and are being credited as Red Harvest killings. Obsessive compulsive Adrian, the actual Red Harvest Killer becomes furious that the sexy serial killing duo are grabbing media attention under his alias. Not only does Adrian attempt to reclaim his rightful reputation but he also decides to cleverly aid his detective counterpart through the case. All the while, killers and victims alike are unaware the world is about to reach an abrupt catastrophic ending.

Katia, played by Carmela Hayslett, is brilliant in one of the lead female roles. So diverse and playing a triple threat comes across so easily on screen. Gladys, played by Tammy Jean, was pretty effortless as a blonde bombshell who follows Kat around and who sometimes gets her hands dirty in order to survive.
The Red Harvest Killer, Adrian, played by D.C. Douglas, is pretty convincing as a crazy psychopath killer on the loose. He plays his role with some satire but it comes across wonderfully for this film.
Tom Detrik plays the detective trying to figure out whodunnit. I loved him as the noir Dick Tracy type with a sad backstory. I enjoyed his character a lot. I would love to have more on him. But he wasn't the focus of the film of course. I usually identify with the person who's trying to figure out the murder mystery, though.

The story was great. Writer and director Christian Grillo did an amazing job at the storyline and cinematography. The only gripe I have is that the apocalypse part within the story, never came across well. (And this is not a spoiler because it's in the title of the movie...) It was embedded in the middle of the film, or almost at the end really, in a one-liner from the Wizard character and it was easy to miss. I missed it the first time around, only to have it pointed out to me by my friend who watched it with me. And when the apocalypse starts being discussed as a plotline to the audience, it was like suddenly watching another movie, but only for a few minutes as its near the very end of the film. It was very abrupt and you almost felt like you didn't need it anymore as any plot device since it didn't add much else, other than wrapping up everyone's story in one big chunk. It was never a part of any of the characters lives within the rest of the film, except at that very end moment... So I'm not sure it was needed perse.

Other than that, the murder mystery was fun to follow and see the characters interact with one another. I liked how things had a slight twist to them. Tho I could see a lot of plot twists coming.

The amount of special effects for this low-budget film is pretty astounding. I was surprised how much special effects were actually used and utilized to great execution without it looking cheesy at all! It was pretty seamless with the rest of the film. From the technicolor Wizard's monitors and the creepy girls he had on screens, to the elevator doors opening/scanning and the scanning of the east sector, all blended in well with both the story and scenery.

I will say the soundtrack is pretty amazing. Totally helps tell the story and I can see myself getting a soundtrack to it if it were available. It definitely has the sci-fi gritty tone to it that the film needs. None of the songs are out of place or sound too pretty for the film.

And the end song, for the apocalypse is quite beautiful, if in a most haunting kind of way. The credits show vocals are done by Deb Portalatin. And she has an amazing deep dark voice that was perfect for those last minutes on Earth. And during her song, the montage they play of each characters last few moments on Earth, is done beautifully. I could listen to this song on repeat for a good few hours if not more...

I highly recommend watching this movie. It definitely doesn't feel or sound like an independent film or a low-budget film. It never comes across as hokey or anything. The camera angles are artsy and fantastic. The quality of both video and audio are amazing for the budget they had. Only in one part when everyone is yelling, can you hear the sound warble a bit. But it's minor. And I'm an A/V girl so I happened to notice. But really, go out and get this film however you can. It's pretty amazing. It's out on DVD at Amazon and on-demand from major cable companies. I will say it took awhile for me to find via my RCN on-demand but eventually I found it. I am currently waiting on my DVD from Amazon to arrive to watch it a few more times.

Oh and one disclaimer, there is full frontal male nudity which I was not expecting. I knew I'd see naked women based on the trailers alone, but not one of the males. So, fair warning haha.

I would also watch this video after you see the film. Love behind-the-scenes videos and this one is great. Some really good interviews with Chris Grillo and the cast and crew behind Apocalypse Kiss on how it was made on such a low-budget but never looking hokey. Enjoy!

This movie was produced by my friend, John Kent, but by no means was this review solicited by him or anyone at Potent Media and it is written with all opinions as my own.

3D Sculpts Announced for Star Wars Weekends!

D-Tech has been announced for this years Star Wars Weekends!!

Back at Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Weekends always has this awesome opportunity to create your likeness as a Star Wars character using 3D technology.

This year you can have a 3D sculpture made of you as Leia in her Star Wars: A New Hope white frock or a Rebel Alliance pilot. Those are the two new ones this year. 

Same price point as previous years, for 7" scale figure it will cost you $99.95/figure, plus appropriate sales tax and shipping charges.

Photo courtesy of Disney

In addition, they will have the Han Solo in carbonite and Stormtrooper figures that was there the last year. The stormtrooper will still have the woman's body option, which is cool. 

And both the Leia and Han in carbonite figures will come in the kids sizes as well, which the carbonite one has had in previous years. It just meant you had a shorter body then what you see below. The head is actually probably around where the neck begins and the feet are up a little higher as well.

Me in Carbonite figure

Me as a Stormtrooper, female body form

This year, they are also introducing a large-scale 16" figure option, if you'd like. This option will run a pretty penny of $1499.95. Yes, you read that right, about 1500 bucks for the large-scale.


You get your head scanned on property, only on the Star Wars weekends dates, which run each weekend from May 16th through June 15th. And you can make appointments ahead of time by calling 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324). You can usually do walk-ins as well, which I did last year. I just made sure it was the first thing I did when I got into the park. No real lines at that hour. Then had rest of the day to enjoy the park and SW Weekends festivities.

In past years, this experience has been located at Darth's Mall, behind the Rock n Roller coaster area. This year they are moving Darth’s Mall to Soundstage 1 area between the Studio Backlot Tour and Toy Story Midway Mania. Makes me wonder how much more packed that area will be, and it's an already high-trafficked area thanks to Midway Mania.

You can check my blog post from last year when I talk about some of the DTech experience and the whole SW Weekends as a whole.

As much I don't care for this Leia outfit, and I'm almost more interested in becoming a Rebel Alliance pilot instead, I know I will end up getting both of these figures of myself. I want to collect them all unfortunately. haha.

Super Robots Giant Monsters

So this past weekend, I was fortunate enough to go to a small toy show, Super Robots Giant Monsters, up in Lowell, Massachusetts to help sell my portable Mordles (keychains) that my friend John Kent let me work up.

Ride up was fun with mutual friends. We got to see our friend and Glyos keeper, Matt Doughty that night. Had tons of fun with him and catching up on things.

Saturday I spent the day at the table. Only really walked around once to the other booths. It was a small show so it was nice to take about twenty minutes to do that. Then John was able to do the same a few times as well as I watched the table. It's funny being a vendor for a whole day. It's something I haven't done in a long time. And having to make the same speech over and over again. But I had a good time doing so and helping out John as well.

I didn't take as many pictures because I was at the booth for the day and also I didnt think it was right to take pics of some tables with artwork and such. Yes, I can ask permission first but since I wasn't really there for PR or blogging purposes, I decided to just stick with being a vendor and common man that day.

So here's the things I did buy tho.

Of course I bought things from Toyfinity. Both Roboforce bots from the latest drop and the giant grey Jaws-inspired Mordle and the normal grey mordle pack, along with a giant glow in the dark Mordle.

From Glyos, I bought these: NEO GATEKEEPER SULLONEV PHEYDEN (pink/purple guys) and INFECTION EXELLIS (red clear)

And from Calgrim I got this awesome older fig -- Strawberry Shortcake inspired INFECTION
EXELLIS and yes, it actually smells like Strawberry Shortcake!!! 
I found this cool artist that did mini paintings on small tiny canvases of superheroes and such. So chibi! So I had to buy them. Superman and Captain America. The Martian the Manhunter was uber cute too but I had to limit my purchases…



Then I got one David Leblanc's magnet postcards. I love his impressionistic take on the heroes. Impressionist art is my favorite kind. Great job. I just wish I could afford some of his real paintings…

I brought my devils food cake cupcakes and homemade R2D2 cake to the show for the nerd boys (and the few girls) in our Glyos family to eat during the show. R2 took a beating coming up to Lowell tho where his feet broke off. oh well. But he tasted good all the same.

Doomkick posted about the show as well and gave me a nice shoutout. Thanks, Jesse!

I had a great time with my nerd/toy buddies at the show and the "after dinner party" at Elliots, a nearby burger/hot dog joint. Hearing stories of old times and stories of Matt and his father-in-law or between him and Calgrim keeper, Jesse Moore. I had a lot of fun catching up with those I only get to see once a year at NYCC, maybe twice with ToyFair for those who are lucky enough to go to that show. In the process, I've made some new friends as well from the group. And that's what I love most, connecting with everyone again.

Thanks everyone for the memories!! <3

Until NYCC or if anyone comes down to NYC before NYCC let's get together!

Mordle Keychains Available This Weekend!

So, I'm happy to announce my next small business venture is creating keychains from my friend John Kent's Toyfinity line, the Mordles.

The keychains I've produced are of a random selection of the figures and color waves. I used all colors in the current collection except black, since that is out of stock at the moment.

They will be available this Saturday, March 29th at the Super Robots Giant Monsters toy show, in Lowell, MA from 11am - 7pm. It will be first-come, first-served, limited quantities. I have roughly 54 of them made up for Saturday's show. For 5 bucks you can carry a Mordle on your backpack, purse, bags and of course keys or anywhere else you hang chatchke off of! Come find me at the Onell table (location to be determined). I'll try to be there as much of the day as possible until I run out of them. (Though I would like to walk the floor at some point...)

 

 

 

The Mordles were a 1980's obscure toy from the Ideal Toys property Rocks and Bugs and Things. The Mordles themselves, were more or less just food for the Rocks, Bugs and Things creatures.

Toyfinity received rights to the Mordles in 2011 and has since produced many toys of them in small soft vinyl figures since then, in several color waves.