Battle For Terra
April 30, 2009 @ 7PM
Pavilions Theater, 16th & Temont, Denver

The movie is a fantastic journey to worlds we have only dreamed of. It is a story of friendship, family, sacrifice and most importantly, the realization that all of our survival relies on our earth's precious natural resources. The film features the vocal talents of Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, Justin Long, Amanda Peet, Chris Evans, Brian Cox and Dennis Quaid and is the feature directorial debut of acclaimed short filmmaker Aristomenis Tsirbas, who just appeared at StarFest 2009.

"The film is timely and its powerful environmental theme underscores the limits of our planet, as well as the value of living connected to nature and to our natural resources on which all life depends," says Carey Stanton, Senior Director for Education, National Wildlife Federation.

This film is rated PG. Play for tickets.

StarFest Photo and Video Links
We are getting some great photos and links to photos
We are also finding some of you that are being naughty

We've always been very liberal with our photo policy at StarFest. We like to encourage people to take photos at just about all the events we stage. It is our belief that it is cool to take home tons of photographic memories from the show.

What we don't encourage is video taping at StarFest. With the advent of Youtube and search engines, it's real easy to find people sharing their clandestine activities. Someone shooting video from their hotel room balcony is innocent enough, but when you sit in the Main Events room and tape the screens you are really making things tough for us.

There are two main reasons why we don't want you filming at StarFest. First of all, many of our actors make a good part of their living from convention appearances. If they find themselves appearing on Youtube, there is a very real chance of them not getting as much work because people will figure they've seen what they have to say at conventions and don't need to go and see them in person. The second reason not to film is because of the exclusive footage we show in the Main Events Room. We get asked every year about this very issue by the film studios. "Do you think we'll see the clips we show on Youtube the next day?" They ask that because they don't like seeing their stuff on Youtube. You wouldn't believe how big of a process it takes to get ANY clips from a movie ahead of its release. Because of our assurances, we didn't have the platoon of goons at the front of the room with their infared detectors this year. You can be sure that if any clips from 9 or Battle For Terra that were shown at StarFest end up there, we are going to hear about it. Please don't do it, you'll be hurting our chances of getting clips next year.

Now that we've made a big deal about not doing something, We'd like to ask you to DO SOMETHING: Talk about the show. Please spread the word through blogs, message boards and comment sites about your experiences at StarFest. We'd like you to talk about anything you heard or saw at the show to anybody that will listen. Feel free to share your pictures. We are more than happy to post them at Starland.com for you, if you want. The best thing you can do for the StarFest Entertainment Festival is to talk about it - good or bad. We need your input, your praise, your critisizm, and your publicity to keep producing and improving the conventions. Every year it gets harder and more expensive to advertise the show. Your help is invaluable. Thank you for your support. It really means a lot to us.

Picture links: Peter Gibbons shots - Starland.com photos - Neffra's Shots

Star Trek
Screening May 6, 2009 at 7:00PM
Harkins Northfield 18, 8300 E 49th Ave, Denver

In this reboot of the Star Trek timeline, we explore the origins of Kirk & Co. aboard the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain Christopher Pike. This is the part that fits into the Classic Star Trek Timeline, however, that is about all you'll see that conforms to your expectations. This isn't your father's Star Trek.

This film is rated PG-13. How would you like to play for tickets to our screening?

StarFest Photos & Video

In spite of the weather, StarFest was a great success. We have already been uploading some of the images from the show to our photo pages. Please feel free to send us your shots to add to the mix. The more we get the merrier! If you have some captions, include them too.

I also plan to upload some video clips as soon as I get them off the hard drive. We had our buddy Phil bring a HD camera to the show to shoot some random footage that we'll be using for advertising and blackmail in the future. You guys were all on candid camera!

StarFest Blanketed In Snow

There was a lot of slipping and sliding on the streets, but StarFest, HorrorFest, ComicFest and GameFest got under way on Friday in spite of the snow. For the most part, events have been proceeding as planned. Bruce, our Star Fleet Academy Instructor from Colorado Springs, couldn't make it to the show because of an illness in his family, but all the other guests have been arriving safe and sound. The last of our actor-guests to arrive will be Katee Sackhoff, whom I've just been informed is on her plane, headed to Denver (as I write).

We're hoping for a break in the snow today so more people will be able to make the trip between the hotels. Yesterday I was very happy I wore boots when I trekked across the street just before registration opened at the Hilton. The hotel staffs were out in force making sure that the walkways were cleared of snow. The Atrium at the Marriott is just incredible. As you stand in the center and look out the glass windows to the South, which isn't easy with all the people moving and dancing, you realize that your in just about the greatest place to be. If you are not already at the convention, find a safe way to make it down and join the party.

We'll start trying to post some shots from the show today (internet willing) so you can get a visual idea of what's going on. We hope to see you there!

Convention Day!
Registration Opens At 4PM

You'll notice that we've stopped selling online tickets here at Starland.com. You can still buy tickets (we never sell out) at our ticket outlets and at the door.

Come on down and get the party started early. We'll be ready to accept your tickets and get you registered so you won't miss any of the early programming at the show. Additionally, we've decided to sell special tickets to the Kick Off Concert starring Robert Picardo. They will be available at registration for $24 each. The concert performance starts following the Meet and Greet with our guests at approximately 8:45 tonight.

The Dan Madsen Collection
Lots of rare and collectible Star Trek and Star Wars Items

Through the 80's and 90's Dan Madsen ran the Star Trek and Star Wars fan clubs. He published a lot of great magazines and interviewed just about everyone that had anything to do with the two greatest sci-fi franchises ever. During that time, Dan had the opportunity to collect a WHOLE BUNCH of rare items that he's now decided to sell. Some of the items are one-of-a-kind collectibles that never made it to store shelves.

Over the last few months, we've been going through boxes and pallets of merchandise specifically to find items to bring to StarFest to sell. You'll have a chance to see a small portion of the items we hope to feature here at Starland.com in the coming months. It's one thing to see a picture of a rare collectible, it's quite another to actually pick it up and admire it, before you get out your wallet to buy it! Make sure you don't miss taking a look at the Dan Madsen Collection this weekend at StarFest.

StarFest Guest Signing
Because you just can't wait to see
them until Friday Night!

Today, from 12pm to 2pm a few of our StarFest guests will be signing at the Greenwood Village Barnes & Noble, in the Arapahoe Marketplace, at 8555 E. Arapahoe Rd., Greenwood Village, CO 80112. It's a block west of I-25, at Arapahoe & Yosemite - just a couple exits South of the convention hotels on I-25. Attendees are Dayton Ward, Kevin Dilmore, David Boop, Derek Tyler Attico, Alan L. Lickiss, and possibly Flying Pen Press publisher David Rozansky. There will be lots of books for Dayton & Co. to sign, including many Star Trek novels and anthologies. And as mentioned, the new anthology, Space Grunts, should be available at the signing.

StarFest Rain or Shine
A little sleet or snow will not stop the show!

As most people native to Colorado know, a little snow ain't that big a deal, especially in the Spring. Already, there are lots of people streaming into the Marriott and Hilton hotels to get ready for a warm and fun weekend indoors with a few thousand of their friends. Most of our Hollywood guests will be flying in early. Even if there are some delays because of the slush, they'll all make it in plenty of time for our Kick Off Party.

I was just over at the Marriott to see the new big screen projectors - they got brand new ones that are the brighter and bigger than ever before. The program books and schedules have been delivered and the goody bags are being collated, even as I type this note. If you've been procrastinating and haven't bought your tickets yet, you can still get them at our ticket outlets - or at the door. We are shutting down the online tickets at Starland.com at 9pm tonight. Registration will be open at 4pm on Friday at the Marriott (StarFest & HorrorFest) and 5pm at the Hilton (ComicFest & GameFest). We sure hope you will come on down and join the party!

StarFest Schedule Complete
Ready or not - It's been sent to the printer
Hey, wasn't that my story yesterday?

There was a really nice story in the Denver Post today about ComicFest in the lifestyle section. I am so proud of Jason Page and his crew - they are the guys that have been the driving force behind our fledgling festival.

I was on the phone a lot today - while trying to hammer out the printed schedule that you'll be picking up at the show. I love the format of our schedule - it folds out into a giant poster and lets you see - at a glance - all the events taking place, at the same time, on a given day. I've uploaded a screen version of the schedule for you to inspect for errors. At this point, however, it's too late to change it. I hope to finish up the autograph and photo session schedule tomorrow.

I'll be sending out an email blast in the morning for our Serenity screening at the Continental on Wednesday night. I'd really like to encourage you to come on down and see the movie with us. Don't forget your browncoat!

StarFest Program Book Complete
Ready or not - It's been sent to the printer

We are rounding the final stretch to the convention. The program book has been completed (under much duress) and the printed schedule will be sent to the printer tomorrow. We anticipate minor changes and updates as we get closer to the convention. Pay attention to the StarFest Message Board for announcements and last minute information. You are encouraged to participate on the message board and contribute your thoughts and experiences.

If you ordered your StarFest tickets and haven't gotten them yet - please send an email to starland@starland.com - you should already have them. We are emailing all the tickets ordered on Starland.com directly back to you so you can print them out and bring them with you to the convention. We have procedures for anyone having problems, just let us know so we can help you.

Only 4 days to go (I'm counting today - the counter on the right just scares me too much)!

Tom Hodges StarFest & ComicFest Guest
Tom spearheads the Star Wars: Clone Wars web comic. The weekly feature on starwars.com leads into each week's new episode on the Cartoon Network series. Tom started at Lucasfilm drawing Sketch cards for Topps and then moving to the Webstrip series at the Hyperspace pages at Starwars.com. Read more.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine Costume Contest
Starfest Costume Contest Prizes

There is going to be a lot more than just a trophy for those that enter the costume contest at this year's StarFest. The Best of Show winner will recieve an X-Box 360 game system and a $100 gift card to the Rock Bottom Brewery. Winners in the other categories will be getting some great stuff too. Items to be awarded include some great $25 gift cards and boxed sets of the previous three X-Men movies. The studio also has some cool Wolverine foam claws that they'll be handing out thoughout the weekend. Read more about the costume contest.

Vote Denver: Wolverine Street Fair and Contest
Saturday April 11th in the Westword parking lot
Wear your superhero costume for fame and surprises

This week Hugh Jackman posted a YouTube video urging fans to vote for their city to host the X-Men Origins: WOLVERINE premiere. The city that wins will play host to Jackman and the cast of XOW, red carpet style. You can vote at "X marks the spot" at the the films official website. The winning city will be announced on the 20th (April), and the film will premiere  May 1st, nationwide.

The GET OUT THE VOTE event will be held in the Westword parking lot (969 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203) on April 11th. The studio will have representatives on hand taking pictures of anyone in costume to post to the web. The idea of this event is to rally the troops and encourage people to vote for Denver. We have the really cool opportunity to host the world premiere of X-Men Origins right here in Denver, complete with red carpet, appearances by Hugh Jackman and other stars of the film.

Get out the spandex and come on down to the Westword parking lot from 10:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, April 11th and join the fun.

Daniel Crosier New ComicFest Guest
Dan is the wood burning comic book artist of Bartholomew of the Scissors for Bluewater Productions. He's also a sculptor, sfx artist, writer, director of the samurai demon performance group OFM:OdAm fEI mUd, filmmaker, and all around sugar-sweet, nice guy. Read more.

Caprica
DVD Release Date April 21, 2009
Win a copy of the DVD

Set 50 years before Battlestar Galactica, Caprica follows two rival families and their patriarchs – Daniel Graystone (Eric Stoltz) and Joseph Adama (Esai Morales) – as they compete and thrive in the vibrant world of the 12 Colonies, a society recognizably close to our own. Enmeshed in the burgeoning technology of artificial intelligence and robotics that will eventually lead to the creation of the Cylons, the two houses go toe-to-toe blending action with corporate conspiracy and sexual politics.

“If Battlestar Galactica offered us a way to shatter the conventions of space opera, Caprica will be a show which will challenge the conventions of science fiction storytelling as a whole,” said Ronald D. Moore, Executive Producer/Writer.

This film is not rated. Play for your own copy of the DVD.

Kevin Myhre
HorrorFest Guest from Not For The Squeamish Productions
Kevin Myhre just finished his degree in Digital Video and Media Production from the Minnesota School of Business. He directed special effects and pick-up shots for Doomed to Consume. He was the special effects make-up artist on YN3: Pajama Party Massacre and took on the roles of special effects make-up artist, Editor, Producer, and Director (for one segment) on Terror Overload. Read more.

Jaume Collet-Serra
Jaume had considerable experience directing commercials before he started work on his first feature film, House of Wax. The update to the 1953 Vincent Price film was perhaps most famous for one of its supporting stars, Paris Hilton. Here at HorrorFest, to promote his latest film, Orphan, Jaume will take the Main Events Stage for your questions following footage from his latest horror movie. Read more.