SPACE Channel Presents FANBOY CONFESSIONAL!
Ever wonder what people find so fascinating about dressing up as their favorite anime character? What makes a person what to dress up like William Wallace and spend a weekend out in the woods waving a foam sword? Why on earth would anyone dress up like the undead and go out in public like that? Writer/Director Michael McNamara hopes to answer those questions in his new six part series Fanboy Confessional! The show celebrates the nerd, the geek, the fanboy/girl. You're pretty much looking at the demographic of Comic-Con in six 30 minute episodes.
The spectrum of fandom that McNamara covers is so broad that there is at least one episode of the six that will interest you. But while you wait for 'your episode' to air you will at least be entertained by the others. Aaron Ashmore, a Canadian actor who is no stranger to genre fare himself [Smallville, The Shrine and Warehouse 13], narrates the series and his voice pops with bubblegum enthusiasm, perfect for the energy of the series. And the series approaches their subjects with absolute sincerity and respect for their passions and creative outlets. No exposes. No controversy. Just the people themselves talking about what they love and why they love it.
Covering a little something of everything for everybody, whether they knew it or not, some shows will resonate more than others. In the Horror Edition alone anyone at all in touch with the horror scene here in Toronto will recognize the crew from Rue Morgue including publisher Rodrigo Gudino and resident artist Goulish Gary Pullin, and the queen of the Toronto Zombie Walk, Thea Munster. Because I dash in and out of that circle during certain cinematic escapades here in the city I know who they are and can instantly identify with the episode in particular. But there are other recognizable faces. A comment on the YouTube page for the show promo reel says, "OMG! Dawn Mckechnie! 0:03! I knew her at Sheridan College in the animation program. She was the best dungeon? master EVAR!" If you didn't know your co-worker or classmate was a cosplayer or larper they could be in one of these shows.
What could you get out of watching Fanboy Confessional? The comfort and knowledge that there are others like you out there; that you are not alone. Perhaps a better understanding or tolerance of fanboys/fangirls and their chosen passions. Or maybe an appreciation of the enormous amount of creativity involved in making a cosplay costume, Furry outfit, Steampunk goggles, magazine cover, etc. And I think it is alright to have a good laugh once and a while. I'm still a bit iffy about Furries and Larping [Seven Normal! Seven Normal! Seven Normal!] but I understand them a bit better now... maybe?
Starting this Wednesday, July 13 at 10pm SPACE will air the Cosplay Edition then at 10:30pm Steampunk Edition. In the Cosplay Edition McNamara follows two groups of girls as they prepare for Anime North, one of Canada's largest anime cons here in Toronto. They create costumes based on anime series or mangas and then show them off during the convention. The level of creativity is pretty awesome. In the Steampunk Edition you will also see creativity on a massive scale. More so because other than the costumes - including Holy Mother of Pearl Steampunk Boba Fett! - those of the steampunk ilk are also artisans and inventors. It goes beyond simply portraying a character. As they say, steampunk is the adoption of Victorian sensibilities and romance infused with technology. There is some very cool stuff in that episode.
On Wednesday, July 20th you get that Horror Edition with Rue Morgue and Thea Munster as mentioned above. Following that you get to watch the The Real Life Superhero Edition with DC's Guardian out of Washington, D.C. and Thanatos out of East Vancouver. While Guardian focuses more on an ideal, that of The American Dream and protecting democracy by reminding citizens to vote Thanatos is out and about Vancouver's east end, one of the poorest postal codes in the country. Homelessness. Prostitution. Drug Addiction. He's out there looking after society's forgotten citizens. reallifesuperheroes.com
On Wednesday, July 27th you may just find out that you have an inner animal when you watch Furry Edition. Looking at that branch of folk who dress up in full animal costumes or simply a tale and some ears this episode seems most intent on dispelling the myths and rumors around them. When they are not bowling. Even to go as far as to point out a survey on sexual orientation? I know! Thank you very much CSI! Look what you have wrought! Then the series ends with the Larper Edition. Live Action Role Playing is alive and well. The episode follows two couples, one already deep into the community and another heading out on their first weekend event. Lots of costumes. Lots of action. Lots of counting hit points. Kudos to creating an entire weekend of adventure!
"Fanboy", "Geek" and "Nerd" were once terms of ridicule and derision, but now these folks wear the badges proudly. Because everyone knows - Nerds Rule! And today there are literally millions of self-professed nerds around the world. FANBOY CONFESSIONAL is a new television series celebrating this revolution.FANBOY CONFESSIONAL presents active stories of self-professed "Fanboys" (and "Fangirls") - pop culture enthusiasts and aficionados. It's a celebration of unique interests and creative knowledge, and presents each Fanboy as a hero in his or her own right. The characters in our series come from all areas of fandom, and all have a sense of humor about their passions, mixed with a healthy measure of self-awareness and respect.Our featured characters come from across the US and Canada. Many have achieved high status in their areas of Fandom, but we also showcase young, keen and eager beginners who make up for their lack of experience with enthusiasm!And we cover the Fanboy waterfront:6000 zombies take over the streets of a major city.Brass-goggled retro-futurists throw a Steampunk World's Fair.Office workers brandishing broadswords battle forest-dwelling Orks.Cosplay Kids with blue spiked hair invade donut shops and shopping malls.Adults in Furry Animal costumes hit the bowling lanes and dance clubs.Masked men and women go on missions to rid their mean streets of crime.Fandom - it's no longer just about collecting things - it's about collecting experiences. FANBOY CONFESSIONAL gets inside these experiences and reveals unique insights into heretofore secret worlds and celebrates the real superheroes of fandom.It's time to admit to your passions!It's time to confess your obsessions!It's time for Fanboy Confessional!Be one of us!
Do you feel this content is inappropriate or infringes upon your rights? Click here to report it, or see our DMCA policy.
