EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RustyGear 2012 “Head of Staff” Anna Ramm
The Rusty Gear 2012:
JohnBlabber: So tell me what is your name and what do you do for your Con?
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.
JohnBlabber: So tell me how you guys came up with the idea to do a Con?
JohnBlabber: (laughs) How does one go from Harry Potter to Adult Swim?
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!
JohnBlabber: Wow thats a cool story
So why did you choose Venture Bros and Metalocalypse? What was it about those shows and not lets say Aqua Teen or China IL?
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!
JohnBlabber: I agree, have you ever seen Dethklok live?
JohnBlabber: Haha yea both bands put on great shows, what I like about Metalocolypse is that it has brought in more fans for the heavy music and vice versa, heavy metal fans wanting to see a good show, they get to watch metalocolypse
JohnBlabber: Can you tell me where the Con will be held and what type of
booths and activities fans can enjoy?
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.
JohnBlabber: Wow sounds like you guys have a full plate!
When does registration for this Con start?
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.
JohnBlabber: Thats awesome, well thanks for your time today, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?
Anna: First, I wanted to give you a few links, is that’s alright?
JohnBlabber: Surely
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.
Just cancel this bird already. The chicken is beyond cooked. It's burnt to a crisp.