Vancouver Archives | Otaku No Culture

Getting Tromatized with Lloyd Kaufman, An Interview

Lloyd Kaufman and his studio are here for making art. He said, “We want to make a film that people will really be impressed with.”

Getting to talk to Lloyd Kaufman, the cheerleader for Troma Entertainment, is a treat for this journalist. He’s very knowledgeable about the industry and he has more than 40 years of experience in entertaining the masses. One of his long-standing philosophies in life is to share what he knows and not play with the evil conglomerates. His work in the independent B-movie scene is well-respected, and perhaps the best way to summarize his thoughts is in what he said, “We’re all friends of the underground and it’s very important to help develop each other’s well-being.”

That not only in reference to lifestyle changes needed to emotionally succeed but also in how he conducts business at Tromaville, or rather, Troma central. When considering all that he’s experienced in his road to recognition and the fact the Toxic Avenger franchise put Troma Entertainment on the map, people are asking what’s next? The big question is in what’s happening about the big screen treatment that’s been limping along in development. Sadly, Kaufman is not in the loop with every detail. He notes that Steve Pink is a fervent supporter of Troma products and that a script exists. Kaufman knows that the product is in very capable hands and when it does go into production, he will have a cameo in it much like how he appeared in Guardians of Galaxy, directed by James Gunn (also a supporter since Troma was where he got his start).

Kaufman is very happy that a handful of films his company produced do have moguls in Hollywood interested. Just when it will arrive will depend on the ultimate thing that even plagues this business: where’s the money? Until that comes, Troma Movies has a YouTube Channel offering 250 of their films for free and lessons in how to get into the film industry.

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[Vancouver Fringe Festival ’15] Ed’s Nerdy Picks

We offer our top geeky style picks of this year’s Vancouver Fringe Festival.

vancouver-fringe-festival Victoria Fringe goers need not stop with the fun of enjoying independent theatre when considering the Vancouver event starts tomorrow. Just what this mainland show offers are more acts and plenty of eateries mostly taking place on or near Granville Island. Will I be there? Only time will tell if I can get past the daze of the last few days of summer and quickly access what funds I have left to plan for a weekend stay.

The geek in me is screaming to go see certain shows. They must be checked out! Here are my picks for fellow nerds to enjoy during the Vancouver Fringe Festival.

Alone in the Universe

After being launched into space to find the meaning of existence, Adam Pateman is forced to do a sketch comedy and stand-up show to save the entire universe from being destroyed!

CAROUSEL THEATRE
1411 Cartwright Street

Thurs, Sep 10 8:00 pm
Fri, Sep 11 5:00 pm
Sat, Sep 12 10:45 pm
Sun, Sep 13 6:45 pm
Tues, Sep 15 6:00 pm
Fri, Sep 18 7:00 pm
Sat, Sep 19 10:30 pm

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[Victoria Fringe Festival ’15] Tracking the Birdmann’s Flight to Vancouver Fringe, A Review

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LOCATION:
Performance Works
1218 Cartwright St.
Vancouver, BC

DURATION: 50 minutes

The nose knows that even on the last day of this act’s performance at the Victoria Fringe Festival, The Birdmann in Momentous Timing must not be missed. If he has flown the coup in one city, at least his show can be found at the next stop. In this festival circuit’s case, that’s Vancouver Fringe Festival, in British Columbia! This product is certainly offbeat, blending a variety of stage shows — balancing acts, dance, magic tricks and standup — into one show. A few bits felt unneeded (like the lacklustre transmogrifying box of tricks) and others more compelling, like being able to juggle plastic bags. If there’s a metaphor behind an ironing board and a clothes iron, no one is telling about what it is.

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Want to Help bring Doctor Who to the Pacific Northwest?

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Doctorwho_50th-anniversary-thumbnail_01

25 long years may well be a fitting time and reference to the last known Doctor Who star-studded event that happened in Vancouver, BC. The fine folks who once ran the clubs Telefantasy Appreciation Society of Canada and the Time Meddlers of Vancouver were most likely responsible for that event and now they are regrouping to hold a two or three-day event for possibly late 2015. But without the full support of Vancouver fandom at large, it may not happen.

Without these fan run events, corporate type shows could ruin the landscape. There’s nothing wrong with Creation Con Entertainment’s events since they are tailored for the uber-fan, but not everyone can afford their tickets. The more an individual pays, the more privileged offerings they can get. Many events/conventions include this option to stay competitive, and thankfully they are not banking on it to sell attendance.

Whatever the plan may be for a potential Doctor Who Convention, being able to attend and pay at the door will bring lots of fans. But before speculation can happen, if you’re from the Pacific Northwest and think we need more fan-run events aside from V-Con (which is growing strong), this particular convention may well provide the voice that a corporation does not need to be formed to run a show.

The meeting will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2014 from 12pm to 3pm.

Denman Room
West End Community Centre
870 Denman Street
Vancouver BC
V6G 2L8

Source: Glitter Guns & Laser Beams

The Fan Expo Vancouver Journals & Movie News Tidbits

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

The organizers of Fan Expo Vancouver have done one right thing for their third show and that’s to expand the hallway space to allow attendees to flow quickly from exhibit hall to panel room. As for back and forth, I have no complaints for the exercise everyone is getting since the path is like navigating the many one-way streets back in Seattle. It will no doubt get some people fuming, but I guess part of the reason is due to Fire Marshal regulations.

But on day one, this discovery does not mask one huge annoyance: the lack of knowledgable volunteers who can direct fans to where they should be standing in line to gain entry. I already made the leap in judgement when I studied the map, but as for whether it was known by anyone else, maybe I was far too nerdy than any of the volunteers. Only the senior staff could direct me and I followed their directions.

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Dancing Maids with Stars In Their Eyes

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

AniRevo What does two out of synch dancing maids, Totoro in sandals and a confused man mean? It means the start of Anime Revolution 2014 is mere months away and they’re hoping you’ll be smitten by this Youtube video promotion.

To be honest the video has its charm. The maids are some of those who’ll be serving con-goers at the yearly maid cafe during AnimeRev. Acording to the video description “…our maid team will serve you food, decorate them, cast a spell, play games with you, and do performances for you!”

The maids are cute to say the least (at my age, I can no longer say the word “attractive” when concerning women so young). And the fact that they took part in uniforms that provided little warmth from our West Coast spring weather, tells me alot about their determination. My guess is the service at this year’s con will be top notch. And don’t fret over the poor person in the Totoro costume. If the weather was a bit chilly, he’s nice and toasty warm (blue toes notwithstanding).

The funny part of this vid comes at 1:03 when a man (perhaps a student) walks out from the left of the screen, looks at what is happening on the stairwell and then quickly leaves. Comedy gold perhaps with the potential to go viral. I’ll just wait and see.

For now I am extremely excited to be attending my first Anime Revolution convention. And I look forward to the excitement of being among anime fans as I was at Tsukino Con months earlier and the 1995 Anime Expo. [I wonder if James will ever explain his 20 year gap? I’ve done at least 6 times the amount he has. –Ed.]

I hope to see you all there.