EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RustyGear 2012 “Head of Staff” Anna Ramm

Hey kids! We have an interview with Anna Ramm who is Head of Staff for RustyGear 2012, an upcoming Con debuting next Summer in Natick, MA worshiping the best in Metalocolypse and Venture Bros.

So after the jump, see what happens when you get a hotel, four girls, and Brock’s definition of a Rusty Venture.

Anna: My name’s Anna, but online I like to go by Supergirl or Supes.\
I’m the executive chair of the Rusty Gear planning committee — so, I basically run the whole shindig.  I also do most of the updates to our twitter, with the help of a couple other folks from the staff.

Anna:  Well, I’ll be honest…  This may sound like a very roundabout way to come up with it, but it’s because I’m a Harry Potter geek.

Anna:  See, I have been going to HP cons for years (a total of nine so far) and I have always deeply appreciated the way they differ from many other fan conventions.First of all, they like to call themselves a “conference” or “symposium” rather than simply using the word “convention” — and therein lies a whole different attitude!  Harry Potter cons focus on discussion, discovery, and the sharing of ideas, as a literary or scientific conference might.  And they try to showcase the everyday fans — by letting THEM lead the programming — instead of relying on big names and celebrities.
Anna:  I’ve always lamented the fact that the Harry Potter fandom seemed to be the only one — or one of the very few — where someone could find an event of this sort.  So when I became a Metalocalypse and later Venture Bros. fan, my fondest wish was to see a similar conference featuring my favorite Adult Swim shows (two of the deeper, more character-developed shows on the [as] roster, in my opinion).For a couple years,
I tried mentioning the idea to everyone I could think of, in hopes that it would catch on.  I figured the folks at Williams Street might hear about it, and decide it was something they’d like to do.  Or maybe some bigger-name fans then myself would step up to organize it….But eventually, I realized that the only way to see this happen was to MAKE IT happen.  So I got my ass in gear (cheesy pun fully intended), pulled some friends together, and The Rusty Gear 2012 was born!

Anna:  I think they both have a lot to offer as far as characterization, backstory, plot, and a complex universe that draws the viewer in, and lends itself easily to theories and discussion.Likewise, both shows feature much tongue-in-cheek commentary on life, society, and modern fan culture.  Thus they can appeal not only to metal heads, action/adventure geeks, and your average late-night TV viewer… but also to scholars and intellectuals, or simply viewers who prefer a little more brain stimulation with their animated comedy.
Anna: Add to that the fact that both shows have very rich fandom followings, including fanfiction, fanart, cosplay, parody, and more… and I think you have a recipe for a fantastic fan conference!

Anna:  I saw them in Boston on their second tour, co-headlining with Mastodon, in 2009.  It was an unforgettable experience.

Anna:  Exactly! I agree.

Anna: It’s being held next June 28 – July 1st, at the Hampton Inn in Natick, Massachusetts: http://therustygear.org/?page=hotel
As far as programming, it will be divided into two types: formal and informal.
Anna:  Formal programming will consist of discussion, debate, instruction, and the like.  While this can take many forms, the four types of program sessions attendees are most likely to see include: presentations, panels, round tables, and workshops.
Anna:  The possible topics are many; ultimately, it will be up to our attendees to shape what The Rusty Gear’s formal programming will be — because anyone who attends can submit a proposal and be eligible to present.However, the sorts of subjects we will be looking for include (but are by no means limited to) specific characters, pairings — be they canon or just viewer fantasy, plot themes and theories, real life parallels, and the way these shows (and the viewers themselves) have influence these two fandoms that have developed around them.

Anna:  It’s open now!  http://therustygear.org/?page=register
Anna:  Because it’s so early in the game, and there’s little programming information available yet, we are currently offering /pre/-registrations at our lowest price, $40.Starting December 1st, pre-registration will close and regular registration will be available for $50, the price growing as the event draws near, and capping off at $75 at the door/after June 15th.

Anna:  First, I wanted to give you a few links, is that’s alright?

Anna:  Our website: http://therustygear.org
Our twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/TheRustyGear
Our tumblr: http://therustygear.tumblr.com
Our facebook: http://www.facebook.com/therustygear
Our livejournal community: http://therustygear.livejournal.com/profile (Please note: the LJ comm is for future attendees to interact with us and each other as well!  Not just for the posting of official news.)And here is our current promo art: http://pics.livejournal.com/supes_/pic/0004rp1x
Also, if you go here: http://therustygear.livejournal.com/3619.htmlthere is a handy-dandy little code people can post on their own websites or social network pages to help us spread the word about pre-registration.