It is definitely safe to say that hardcore fans of television and film all dream about attending a red-carpet premiere event. Simply because, that is one of the most coveted events in the industry, and rightfully so. For it is the epitome of Hollywood since it features glamour and glitz and fun… and outright celebration over the reality that the stars of said premiere have created something wonderful, and the awe and energy of a such a moment… truly does make this a dream destination for fans, one that really does appear to be an impossibility. Mainly because, they are often by invite only and few fans have that kind of swagger or access, so they watch the wonder of the moment from afar and keep dreaming their dream.
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But as the entertainment industry continues to break down walls and becomes more accessible to its fans, those of kind of restrictions are waning. In fact, there are events out there now that are doing their best to include the fans and let them taste the glamour and glitz that comes with a Hollywood premiere and one such event that is breaking down those seemingly impossible walls is SeriesFest. For this Denver based celebration of all things television, has made use of its intimate location, the iconic Sie FilmCenter, to allow for fans to blend in with the stars and enjoy the wonder of the premiere and for proof… then look no further than its opening night event. For on Thursday, May 5, 2022… SeriesFest Season 8 was host to the premiere of the upcoming STARZ series, Becoming Elizabeth, and well… this was a hardcore fans’ dream come true.

Because the red-carpet for this event, was right outside the theater, allowing for fans to get up close to the carpet and feel its wonder and experience what it is like to be this close to the flashing cameras and the stars as they posed for pictures and stopped for interviews and it was just incredible, to see sheer joy on of the faces of those that turned out and watch them jockey with glee to snap a picture of the cast and anyone else that stepped onto that carpet and well, that really did make for a magical evening. One that clearly made everyone that showed up for this red-carpet event, as happy as can be. Because at last, they had the chance to be part of the majesty of this type of event and the best part is, the magic continued long after the stars headed into the theater. 

For SeriesFest made the premiere available to those who bought a ticket or had a pass to the event. Giving them a chance to settle in and watch the opening chapter of this dynamic new series. Which we will discuss in greater detail another time. Simply because we want to focus on the fact that the theater was filled with smiles and joy and outright awe over the fact that everyone was actually there… in a theater during an actual premiere, and as an added bonus… everyone was treated to a Q&A session after the screening with cast members Alicia von Rittberg, Jamie Blackely and the show’s creator and showrunner, Anya Reiss. Wherein they regaled the audience with fascinating tidbits about the creation of the show and how deeply it immersed the actors within the time of the Tudors. 

If anything, this wonderful premiere, truly set the tone for Season 8 of SeriesFest, and informed first timers to this event what to expect. In that, this was going to be an intense, six-day celebration of the wonder of television. One that would immerse fans and creatives alike in the majesty of episodic storytelling and what it does for people around the world and well… SeriesFest definitely delivered on that and more. How exactly, we will be breaking down in further detail over the next few days, so do check back with us as we here at NTG celebrate the majesty of SeriesFest Season 8 and offer up some incredible treats as well. Such as our red-carpet interviews with Alicia von Rittberg, Jamie Blackely, and Anya Reiss. Until next time.

Once a convention’s programming schedule is released, there are rarely changes to it. Simply because it took hours upon hours to bring the programming schedule to fruition in the first place and by having it set in stone, the convention staff can turn their attention to other matters for the big event. But not all conventions are created equal, and some… understand that their unique programming can be enhanced and tinkered with and added to. Allowing for the attendees to really get their money’s worth and for the con in question… to really establish itself as the premier gathering for the topic at hand, and one such con that meets those criteria, is SeriesFest.

For this celebration of television is only getting bigger in scope as SeriesFest 8 approaches. For earlier today, SeriesFest announced that it is adding more special events, and screenings and panels for SeriesFest 8. Making it clear that this is going to be an event worth everyone’s time, one that truly celebrates the wonder of episodic television, and without further ado… here are those additions, and a link to the complete schedule, courtesy of SeriesFest.

'In anticipation of the annual award-winning international television festival, SeriesFest today unveiled new additions to its previously announced Season 8 lineup taking place May 5 - 11 in Denver, Colorado. 
 
Additions to the prominent Season 8 roster of screenings, panels and special events will be:

• A screening of an episode of STARZ’s new limited series, “Gaslit,” followed by a Q&A panel with Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer/Writer Robbie Pickering (“Mr Robot,” “Search Party”). “Gaslit” is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group. 
• A world exclusive first look screening and panel of truTV’s “101 Places To Party Before You Die,” with showrunner/executive producer Michael Rucker and comedian co-hosts Adam Pally (Sonic 2, “Happy Endings”) and Jon Gabrus (Game Over, Man!, “Comedy Bang Bang”) 
• “Behind The Scenes: Actors on the Other Side of the Camera” panel, presented in partnership with SAG-AFTRA, with Denzel Whitaker (Black Panther, “The Purge”), Peter Paige (“Station 19,” “The Fosters,” “Good Trouble”), Diallo Riddle (“Sherman’s Showcase”, “Southside”, and Tara Westwood (“The Grudge”)
• “Pro-Social Storytelling” panel with Patrick Macmanus (“Dr. Death,” “The Girl from Plainville) and partner, Ioli Filmeridis
• “Changing The Narrative: Focus On Indigenous Representation In Television” panel, presented in partnership with Cherokee Nation Film Office and with support from Visit Denver, with Jennifer Loren (Film Office Director, Cherokee Nation Film Office), Stacey Rice (Casting Director), Sierra Teller Ornelas (Co-Creator, Rutherford Falls)
• A special live read of “Mount Wilson,” presented in partnership with Dilettante Productions and UnReal Media, starring Denzel Whitaker (Black Panther, “The Purge”), Tara Westwood (“The Grudge”) with more cast to be confirmed
• A virtual reality screening of “Lustration,” during the festival, presented by New Canvas  
• A special Xfinity in store meet and greet with autograph signings from SeriesFest's most exciting talent during the festival including Jim O'Heir ("Parks and Recreation," "Bless This Mess") and Denzel Whitaker (The Great Debaters, Black Panther). 

 
SeriesFest continues to celebrate and support underserved voices in storytelling with its anticipated International Spotlight. In partnership with Liberty Global, seven original works from around the globe, including two award winners from CanneSeries, will make their U.S. or world debut at the festival. Attendees will also be able to screen the 2022 College Television Award winners selected by members of the Television Academy, as part of SeriesFest’s College Television Award Winners Showcase in partnership with the Television Academy Foundation. Recognizing student creators nationwide, this showcase will feature a Q&A with the creators of the four award-winning projects.
 
In association with Google, SeriesFest is also thrilled to announce the return of the Powderkeg: Fuse, a development incubator for directors that is curated and mentored by Paul Feig. SeriesFest will showcase the work of the Powderkeg: Fuse’s five directors during the “Incubating an Idea on Screen” special event which will be followed by a conversation on how filmmakers can be strategic when developing and producing shorts as a proof of concept. The panel will include Kesila Childers (Vice President of Development, Powderkeg), Erica Fishman (Head of Production, Powderkeg), Elle Roth-Brunet (EP, Head of Content & Entertainment Partnerships, Google), and the five directors chosen to work with Powderkeg, Fawzia Mirza, Tedra WIlson, Nat Prisco, Ashley Eakin, and Jeanne Jo. 
 
“SeriesFest is an incredible platform for the creative community, and we are so excited to have the series of shorts from the Powderkeg: Fuse incubator program in association with Google premiering at the festival,” said Elle Roth-Brunet, Executive Producer on the shorts, and Google’s Head of Content & Entertainment Partnerships. “Google had the privilege to help select and provide resources for these visionary female filmmakers’ work and we look forward to seeing them come to life on the big screen next month as a part of a complete collection.”
 
The above events join the previously announced SeriesFest: Season 8 roster including the U.S. premiere of STARZ’s “Becoming Elizabeth” on Opening Night; “Innovation Talks” with Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer and Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries, Emmy-nominated comedian and director W. Kamau Bell (“We Need to Talk About Cosby”) and NPR TV Critic Eric Deggans; comedian Amber Ruffin will open SeriesFest’s Centerpiece event at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre with a screening of her favorite episode of “The Amber Ruffin Show” (Peacock) just ahead of headliner and chart-topping alternative rock band Lake Street Dive; plus more!
 
 
NEW SPECIAL EVENTS, SCREENINGS & PANELS (Full Schedule HERE): 
 
FRIDAY, MAY 6
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE: FOCUS ON INDIGENOUS REPRESENTATION IN TELEVISION  - PANEL
Presented in partnership with Cherokee Nation Film Office and with support from Visit Denver
In Attendance: Jennifer Loren (Director of the Cherokee Nation Film Office & Original Content.), Stacey Rice (Casting Director), and Sierra Teller Ornelas (Co-Creator/Showrunner, Rutherford Falls).
 
Native Americans on television have often been represented as historical people in different iterations of dramatic period pieces. Television is finally changing that trend with new shows to tell the stories of Native Americans as they are today. Modern Native American characters are a welcome change for Native creators, writers, executive producers, actors as well as casting directors who join this special discussion.
 
XFINITY IN STORE MEET AND GREET - SPECIAL EVENT 
Xfinity is opening its doors to some of SeriesFest's most exciting talent during the festival by hosting in-store meet and greets and autograph signings. Jim O'Heir ("Parks and Recreation", "Bless This Mess") will visit Xfinity Centennial (8222 S Yosemite Street, Suite 110) on Friday, May 6 from 4-5pm. RSVP is not necessary, and all are welcome to stop by to hear about the actors' most notable roles and where to catch them next.
 
SATURDAY, MAY 7 
“GASLIT” (STARZ) - NETWORK SCREENING AND PANEL 
Moderated by Gerrad Hall (Sr. Awards Editor, Entertainment Weekly) 
In Attendance: Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer/Writer  Robbie Pickering (“Mr Robot,” “Search Party”) 
 
SeriesFest presents an episode of STARZ’s new limited series “Gaslit.” The show is a modern take on the 1970s political Watergate scandal centering on untold stories and forgotten characters of the time starring Julia Roberts, Sean Penn, Dan Stevens, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, and Darby Camp. Creator/Showrunner Robbie Pickering will join for an extended conversation after the screening.
 
BEHIND THE SCENES: ACTORS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAMERA - PANEL
Presented in partnership with SAG-AFTRA
Moderated by Abbey White (Associate Editor, The Hollywood Reporter) 
In Attendance: Denzel Whitaker (Black Panther, “The Purge”), Peter Paige (“Station 19,” “The Fosters,” “Good Trouble”), Diallo Riddle (“Sherman’s Showcase”, “Southside”) and Tara Westwood (“The Grudge”)
 
Actors are often known for the famous characters they portray on screen, but they are increasingly taking on entirely new roles - that of director or producer. Join us for a conversation with prominent actors that have decided to go behind the camera as we discuss the highlights and challenges of transitioning from on-screen to off screen.
 
COLLEGE TELEVISION AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE - SPECIAL SCREENING & PANEL 
Presented in partnership with Television Academy Foundation
 
SeriesFest is thrilled to partner with the Television Academy Foundation to showcase the 2022 College Television Award winners, as voted on by members of the Television Academy. This showcase will feature a Q&A with four award winning projects from the renowned competition that recognizes student content creators nationwide.
 
XFINITY IN STORE MEET AND GREET -  SPECIAL EVENT 
Xfinity is opening its doors to some of SeriesFest's most exciting talent during the festival by hosting in-store meet and greets and autograph signings. Denzel Whitaker (The Great Debaters, Black Panther) will appear at Xfinity Cherry Creek (100 Detroit Street Suite 105) on Saturday, May 7th from 2:30-3:30pm. RSVP is not necessary, and all are welcome to stop by to hear about the actors' most notable roles and where to catch them next.
 
SUNDAY, MAY 8
PRO-SOCIAL STORYTELLING  - PANEL
In Attendance: Patrick Macmanus (“Girl from Plainville,” “Dr. Death”) and partner, Ioli Filmeridis
 
With the utter fascination in true crime series only growing, it is important for us to remember that these characters are often people who are suffering from similar ailments and mental health issues that millions of Americans are suffering from every day. Join SeriesFest for a special conversation with Patrick Macmanus (“Girl from Plainville,” “Dr. Death”)  and partner Ioli Filmeridis on the importance and impact of  championing stories that raise awareness around social and mental health issues.
 
INCUBATING AN IDEA ON SCREEN - SPECIAL EVENT SCREENING & PANEL 
In Attendance: Kesila Childers (Head of Development, Powderkeg), Erica Fishman (Head of Production, Powderkeg), Elle Roth-Brunet (EP, Head of Content & Entertainment Partnerships, Google), and directors Fawzia Mirza, Tedra WIlson, Nat Prisco, Ashley Eakin, and Jeanne Jo.
 
Powderkeg: Fuse is a development incubator for directors that is curated and mentored by Paul Feig. A short film can be a powerful tool in pitching and selling longer form traditional storytelling; it is an opportunity to show tone, characters and preview a world. SeriesFest is pleased to showcase work from this year’s Powderkeg: Fuse. After the screening, the panel will discuss how filmmakers can be strategic when developing and producing shorts as a proof of concept.
 
MONDAY, MAY 9 
"101 PLACES TO PARTY BEFORE YOU DIE" (TRUTV)  -  WORLD EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK SCREENING AND PANEL 
Moderated by Michael Rucker (Showrunner/Executive Producer of “101 Places To Party Before You Die”)  
In Attendance: comedian co-hosts Adam Pally (Sonic 2, “Happy Endings”) and Jon Gabrus (Game Over, Man!, “Comedy Bang Bang”) 
 
Join us for an exclusive first look at truTV’s upcoming travel comedy series, “101 Places to Party Before You Die,” which follows accidental travel hosts Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus who are given a wife-sanctioned three-day weekend escape to venture across the U.S. to different destinations to experience everything they have to offer. The show’s co-hosts Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus along with showrunner and executive producer Michael Rucker, will join a post-screening conversation about the highly anticipated new series. 
 
LIVE READ OF MOUNT WILSON - SPECIAL EVENT 
Presented in partnership with Dilettante Productions and UnReal Media
Directed by Amanda Berg Wilson 
Writers: Misty Brawner, Betsy Leighton, W.A.W. Parker, Rosanne Welch
Starring: Denzel Whitaker (Black Panther, “The Purge”), Tara Westwood (“The Grudge”), with more cast to be confirmed
 
Join us for the first public read of Mount Wilson, a drama pilot which follows Edwin Hubble, a rising astronomer, as he navigates his own web of lies as he works to disprove the theories of some of the greatest minds of the 20th Century. Hubble finds an unlikely alliance in Milton Humason, a maintenance worker at the Mount Wilson Observatory, who may just hold the key to the secrets of the Universe. Mount Wilson was written in partnership with the SeriesFest Writers Room Initiative and produced by Dilettante Productions and Unreal Media. 
 
TUESDAY, MAY 10 
COLORADO FILMMAKER WORKSHOP: RANDY RANDI - WORKSHOP  
Directors: Mitch Dickman, Tracy Shaffer
Producers: Mitch Dickman, Britta Erickson
Executive Producer: Benny Kaplan
Writer: Benny Kaplan
Cast: Benny Kaplan, Morgan Thomas, Andy Juett, Karen Slack, Ann Terrell, Austin Terrell, Hannah Duggan, Stewart Tucker Lundy, Conner Duffey, Josiah Peters, Brian Yormack
 
A down on their luck inventor, is primed to get their life back together. This improvised comedy shows the journey from both male & female perspectives. Join us for a presentation and conversation of a work-in-progress pilot from a Colorado creator. After a screening of Randy Randi, the audience is invited to provide creative feedback and engage in a constructive dialogue with the show's creators to help them create a final edit. 
 
INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT SERIES:
 
THURSDAY, MAY 5
AUDREY’S BACK - UNITED STATES PREMIERE                                                                      
CANADA
Presented in partnership with CanneSeries
Director: Guillaume Lonergan
Producer: Marie-Ève Pelletier
Executive Producers: Nicola Merola, Charles Lafortune, Sylvie Desrochers, Jacquelin Bouchard
Writers: Guillaume Lambert, Florence Longpré
Cast: Florence Longpré, Ellicyane Paradis, Josée Deschênes, Denis Bouchard, Martin-David Peters, Zeneb Blanchet, Dominic St-Laurent, Elliot Miville-Deschênes, Joanie Guérin, Charlie Lemay-Thivierge
30m (first 2 episodes together), Drama 
Festival Awards: CanneSeries Longform Competition - Best Series and Special Interpretation Award
 
17-year-old Audrey slips into a coma when she is found unconscious on the road of a small town, in the middle of the night. 16 years later, the impossible happens: she wakes up. Everything has changed around her, and her friends and family are no exception. She must relearn to live again in a time she no longer understands. 
 
SATURDAY, MAY 7 
HARMONICA - WORLD PREMIERE                                                                                            
SWEDEN
Director: Josephine Bornebusch
Producer: Sofia Palage
Executive Producers: Sara Askelöf, Josephine Bornebusch, Johan Hedman, Jonas Karlsson, Fredrik Ljungberg, Camilla Rydbacken
Writers: Josephine Bornebusch, Jonas Karlsson
Cast: Jonas Karlsson, Josephine Bornebusch, Eric Ericson, Nina Zanjani, Jörgen Thorsson
2x20’, Drama 
 
15 years ago, Harry and Monica lived a glamorous life with their band Harmonica. Now the marriage is coming to an end. When they're offered a new tour, Monica gives Harry an ultimatum. Tour or divorce.
 
SUNDAY, MAY 8 
THE ART DISPUTE - NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE                                                             
THE NETHERLANDS
Director: Hans Pool 
Producers: Maarten Kuit, Jeroen van den Idsert
Cast: Erik Dijkstra
 2x45’, Unscripted 
 
The Art Dispute  takes a close look at eight art objects that were taken as loot or acquired under dubious circumstances. Where do treasures from the past rightly belong in the present?
 
MONDAY, MAY 9 
TRIGGER POINT - UNITED STATES PREMIERE                                                                       
UNITED KINGDOM
Directors: Gilles Bannier, Jennie Darnell 
Producer: Julia Stannard
Executive Producers: Jed Mercurio, Mark Redhead, Jessica Sharkey, Jimmy Mulville
Writer: Daniel Brierley 
Cast: Vicky McClure, Adrian Lester, Mark Stanley, Warren Brown, Cal MacAninch, Manjinder Virk 
 2x45’, Drama 
 
Trigger Point is a high octane thriller set in the world of bomb disposal during a terror campaign where death is only a heartbeat away.
 
THE LESSON - UNITED STATES PREMIERE                                                                              
ISRAEL
Presented in partnership with CanneSeries                                                                        
Director: Eitan Zur
Producers: Yochanan Kredo, Eze Sakson, Guy Jacoel, Yossi Uzrad
Writer: Deakla Keydar
Editors: Yael Hersonski, Ido Mochrik
Composer: Ran Bagno
Cast: Doron Ben-David, Maya Landsman
 6x40’’, Drama
Festival Awards: CanneSeries Longform Competition - Best Series and Best Performance for co-lead Maya Landsman.
 
A student confronts her teacher, dividing the community. A social war has begun…
 
TUESDAY, MAY 10  
THE THIEF, HIS WIFE, AND THE WIFE CANOE - UNITED STATES PREMIERE              
​UNITED KINGDOM
Director: Richard Laxton 
Producer: Alison Sterling
Executive Producer: David Nath  
Writer: Chris Lang
Cast: Monica Dolan, Eddie Marsan, Mark Stanley, Dominic Applewhite
97m, Drama 
 
Renowned actors, Monica Dolan and Eddie Marsan, will play Anne and John Darwin in this extraordinary and compelling drama.
 
ABOUT SERIESFEST
SeriesFest is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. With year-round educational programs, initiatives supporting underserved voices, and professional development opportunities, SeriesFest inspires, educates, and connects a worldwide community of creators. Every year, SeriesFest culminates in a highly curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival also includes a musical performance and network screening at the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre, in-competition independent pilot screenings, panels, workshops, live reads, parties, and network television premieres.
Follow @seriesfest on Twitter
 
SeriesFest: Season 8 is presented with generous support from the following sponsors: Liberty Global, Once Upon a Time, Brownstein Farber Hyatt Scheck, Denver Film, Xfinity, Visible, Royal Bank of Canada, UnReal Media, Dilettante Productions, Caz Matthews Fund, and Oklahoma Office of Film and Music.
 
Please sign up to our newsletter on www.seriesfest.com or follow us on social media to receive the most up-to-date information!’

One of the best parts of convention season, is when the programming lineup drops. Because not only does that hammer home that the convention is indeed happening, but it also allows for a con-goer to really plan their event and how best to make use of their time to see everything they want to see and well, that’s top of mind today… because a highly anticipated upcoming television convention did just that.

For earlier today, SeriesFest unveiled their incredible programming schedule. One filled with epic premieres and all kinds of fascinating panels and well, without further ado… here are some highlights of the programming lineup for SeriesFest 8, and to get your tickets to the event and to see the complete schedule, make sure you visit SeriesFest’s website.

‘SeriesFest, the award-winning international festival and non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underserved voices in episodic storytelling, announced today the programming lineup for SeriesFest: Season 8. Taking place May 5 - 11 and making its anticipated in person return to Denver, Colorado, the annual six-day festival will include a full slate of in-competition screenings, panels, workshops, as well as never-before-seen sneak peeks and television premieres.
 
Opening night on May 5 kicks-off with the U.S. premiere screening of the STARZ new drama, “Becoming Elizabeth,” followed by a Q&A panel with creator and executive producer Anya Reiss and series’ stars Alicia von Rittberg and Jamie Blackley. Joining the special screening event line-up this year includes “Rat in the Kitchen” (TBS) with series’ co-hosts actress and comedian Natasha Leggero and Chef Ludo Lefebvre; “Bring on the Dancing Horses” featuring star and executive producer Kate Bosworth and director, writer, and executive producer Michael Polish; “This is Going to Hurt” (AMC+) with comedian and writer Adam Kay; “Somebody Feed Phil” (Netflix) with series creator and host Phil Rosenthal; “Candy” (Hulu) with executive producers and co-creators Robin Veith and Nick Antosca. Plus, comedian Amber Ruffin will open SeriesFest’s Centerpiece event at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre with a screening of her favorite episode of “The Amber Ruffin Show” (Peacock) just ahead of headliner and chart-topping alternative rock band Lake Street Dive.
 
SeriesFest extends their signature “Innovation Talks” series, in partnership with Liberty Global,   anchored by up-close and personal discussions with industry leaders including Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer, in a conversation moderated by Mike Fries, CEO, Liberty Global; and a one-on-one fireside chat with Emmy-nominated comedian and director W. Kamau Bell (“We Need to Talk About Cosby”) and Eric Deggans, TV Critic, National Public Radio.
 
Season 8 will also feature industry-centric conversations including:

• “Music in TV” with Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest, “Luke Cage”), Otis Kane (“Hair Love”, “Queen Sugar”) and Timothy Williams (Get Out, Finding You) 
• “Meet the Showrunners: Spotlight on Female Creatives” with powerhouse showrunners Daisy Gardner (“Single Drunk Female”), Sierra Teller Ornelas (“Rutherford Falls”), and Robin Veith (“Candy”)
• “The Future of Non-Scripted TV” with industry pioneers Jim Berger (Founder, High Noon Entertainment), award-winning producer Jon Murray (Founder, Bunim-Murray Productions), Cris Abrego (Chairman of the Americas, Banijay and President and CEO, Endemol Shine Holdings)
• “Evolving The Set Standards & Protocols,” presented by the British Film Commission, with Louise Smith (Change Specialist), Leo Anna Thomas (Wellbeing Facilitator), Elaine Hall (Set Advocate, “As We See It”) 
• “True Crime Adaptation and Responsible Storytelling” with showrunners Patrick Macmanus (showrunner of “Dr. Death,” co-showrunner “The Girl From Plainville”), Nick Antosca (showrunner of “A Friend of The Family,” co-creator “Candy”), and Robin Veith (showrunner “Candy”)
• “The Making of ‘Yellowjackets’” with Brian Kane (Production Designer), Jen Malone (Music Supervisor) and Whitney A. Pilzer (Music Supervisor)

 
Randi Kleiner, Co-Founder, SeriesFest, noted: “The heart of SeriesFest is bringing people together from around the world to celebrate and connect their passion for episodic storytelling. This gathering is long overdue and we are honored to return with such an incredible lineup of marquee creative and industry icons. We look forward to sharing six-days of provocative, thoughtful, and meaningful conversations.”
 
SERIESFEST: SEASON 8 SCHEDULE 
*Subject to change*
 
THURSDAY, MAY 5
BECOMING ELIZABETH (STARZ) - OPENING NIGHT SCREENING AND PANEL - *U.S. PREMIERE*  
Moderated by Keisha Hatchett (Editor, TVLine) 
In Attendance: Creator & Executive Producer Anya Reiss and stars Alicia von Rittberg and Jamie Blackley
Join us for an exclusive opening night screening - the U.S. Premiere of STARZ's “Becoming Elizabeth,” which chronicles the teenage years of Queen Elizabeth I. And join us for a Q&A with the show's Creator & Executive Producer Anya Reiss and stars Alicia von Rittberg and Jamie Blackley.
 
MUSIC IN TV - PANEL 
Presented in partnership with Youth on Record
Moderated by Terry Washington (Zane Ryder Management) 
In Attendance: Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest, “Luke Cage”), Otis Kane (Hair Love, Queen Sugar) ), Timothy Williams (Get Out, Finding You), Maddi Frick (Music Clearance) 
From the opening credits to iconic kisses in the rain, television's most defining storytelling moments are tied to the music that accompanies them. But what goes into creating these hair-raising moments and memorable themes? Join us at SeriesFest for an exclusive conversation around the process of curating the perfect music that elevates visual narratives and the artists responsible.
 
FRIDAY, MAY 6
INNOVATION TALK SERIES WITH JON FELTHEIMER (CEO, LIONSGATE) AND MIKE FRIES (CEO, LIBERTY GLOBAL)  - SPECIAL EVENT 
Presented in partnership with Liberty Global
SeriesFest is excited to present a special conversation with two top industry executives, Jon Feltheimer, CEO of Lionsgate, and Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global. Join us for an in-depth conversation as they discuss the evolving international television marketplace and visions for the future of entertainment. A not to be missed discussion. 
 
“CANDY” (HULU) - NETWORK SCREENING AND PANEL 
Moderated by Steve Greene (Associate TV Editor, IndieWire) 
In Attendance: Robin Veith (Co-Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer) and Nick Antosca (Co-Creator, Executive Producer)   
Join us for a special screening of Hulu's “Candy,” starring Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynskey – a limited series that follows Candy Montgomery,  a 1980s housewife and mother who did everything right but when the pressure of conformity builds within her, her actions scream for just a bit of freedom, with deadly results.  The show's executive producers and co-creators Robin Veith and Nick Antosca, will join a post-screening conversation about making of the show.
 
EVOLVING THE SET STANDARDS & PROTOCOLS - PANEL 
Presented in partnership with the British Film Commission 
In Attendance: Louise Smith (Change Specialist), Leo Anna Thomas (Wellbeing Facilitator), Elaine Hall (Set Advocate, “As We See It”)
Over the past two years, safe set practices have expanded to include roles for mental health services, accessibility standards, intimacy coordinators, and COVID safety officers. SeriesFest is proud to partner with the British Film Commission for an in depth look at how these important new roles and regulations are impacting today's productions and raises the bar to keeping sets safe for cast and crew. 
 
TRUE CRIME APADATION AND RESPONSIBLE STORYTELLING - PANEL 
In Attendance: Patrick Macmanus (showrunner of “Dr. Death,” co-showrunner “The Girl From Plainville”), Nick Antosca (showrunner of “A Friend of The Family,” co-creator “Candy”), and Robin Veith (showrunner “Candy”)
It's no secret that shows based on true crimes have been a mainstay on television for years, but now with streamers and podcasts, audiences can't seem to get enough. Join a conversation with some of the biggest Showrunners working in true crime, Patrick Macmanus, Nick Antosca, and Robin Veith, to discuss the popular genre, their approach to adapting real crime content and the responsibilities that come with it.  
 
DISTRIBUTION DOWN LOW: SHORTS & WEB SERIES - WORKSHOP 
Presented in partnership with Seed&Spark
Distribution is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood topics for independent creators. We break down the current landscape of distribution for indie film and TV, including the different avenues to take, the right questions to ask potential partners, and most importantly, the economics for every window from theatrical through VOD and beyond.
 
SATURDAY, MAY 7
“RAT IN THE KITCHEN” (TBS) - NETWORK SCREENING AND PANEL 
Moderated by Patrick Gomez (Executive Editor, Entertainment Weekly) 
In Attendance: Actress and Comedian Natasha Leggero and Chef Ludo Lefebvre
SeriesFest presents a special screening of TBS' “Rat in the Kitchen.” Far more than a traditional cooking show - it’s a high stakes game of culinary cat and mouse where viewers get to play detective. Six chefs work together in a series of creative cooking challenges, earning cash in their bank for every dish that impresses Chef Ludo. The catch? One of the chefs is an undercover mole (the rat) determined to sabotage the dishes and undermine the team’s chances at victory. Join co-hosts actress and comedian Natasha Leggero and celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre for in-person post-screening conversation. 
 
“THIS IS GOING TO HURT” (AMC+) - NETWORK SCREENING AND PANEL 
Moderated by Abbey White (Associate Editor, The Hollywood Reporter) 
In Attendance: Creator Adam Kay 
SeriesFest presents a special screening of AMC+'s “This is Going to Hurt,” a British medical comedy-drama, created by Adam Kay and based on his memoir of the same name. Creator Adam Kay will join for a Q&A after the screening. 
 
FUTURE OF NON-SCRIPTED TELEVISION - PANEL 
Moderated by Jim Berger (Founder, High Noon Entertainment) 
In Attendance: Jon Murray (Founder, Bunim-Murray Productions), Cris Abrego (Chairman of the Americas, Banijay and President and CEO, Endemol Shine Holdings)
The surging growth of streamers has transformed the non-fiction marketplace, and for creators and producers, that’s created a huge opportunity. Yet it has also presented significant challenges as the factual industry must now pitch to a myriad networks and platforms, each with constantly changing missions. Join us for a conversation with the leaders in non-scripted television as they continue to break boundaries, challenge the status quo and focus on inclusivity.
 
NAVIGATING BINGE TIMES - PANEL AND SPECIAL EVENT BOOK SIGNING 
In Attendance: Dade Hayes (Business Editor, Deadline), Dawn Chmielewski (U.S. Entertainment Business Correspondent, Reuters) and Evan Shapiro (Producer, “Portlandia”)
Streaming is an obsession for consumers and entertainment companies alike, a bigger entertainment inflection point than anything since the advent of television. But what will it mean for the future of movies, linear TV and the media business? In this wide-ranging conversation, producer and longtime media executive Evan Shapiro will explore the phenomenon with Dade Hayes and Dawn Chmielewski, veteran journalists and authors of the new book, Binge Times.
 
PITCH-A-THON! - WORKSHOP  
In partnership with Working Artist Group, Unreal Media, and Dilettante Productions
SeriesFest is proud to present its signature Pitch-A-Thon event in which independent content creators will participate in an exclusive live pitch session with top television, new media and digital executives in hopes of moving their unproduced projects forward. This year's Pitch-A-Thon creators will also be eligible to be selected for a partnership with Unreal Media to further develop their project. 
 
SUNDAY, MAY 8
MEET THE SHOWRUNNERS: SPOTLIGHT ON FEMALE CREATIVES - PANEL 
Moderated by Dawn C. Chmielewski (U.S. Entertainment Business Correspondent, Reuters) 
In Attendance: Daisy Gardner (“Single Drunk Female”), Sierra Teller Ornelas (“Rutherford Falls”) and Robin Veith (“Candy”)
Being a showrunner for a television series is a unique and powerful role that carries the creative and logistical weight of an entire series. SeriesFest is proud to present our signature panel where audiences get an in depth look at the life of several dynamic Showrunners and learn how they protect their creative visions of our favorite shows.
 
THE AMBER RUFFIN SHOW (PEACOCK) - SPECIAL SCREENING AT RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE!
Amber Ruffin makes an appearance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre ahead of a special screening of her favorite episode yet of her Peacock talk show!   
 
MULTI-GENRE BAND LAKE STREET DIVE LIVE PERFOMANCE - SPECIAL EVENT AT RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE! 
*Previously announced 
 
MONDAY, MAY 9
“SOMEBODY FEED PHIL” (NETFLIX) - SPECIAL EVENT SCREENING AND PANEL 
In Attendance: Phil Rosenthal (Creator, Host) 
Phil Rosenthal, best known as the creator of “Everyone Loves Raymond,” is taking to the road and eating his way across the world to take in global cuisine and culture. Join us for a special advance screening of “Somebody Feed Phil” season 5 – premiering on Netflix on May 25 – followed by an extended conversation with Phil Rosenthal himself.
 
OUTDOOR CHANNEL'S "HOLLYWOOD WEAPONS": FACT OR FICTION - PANEL
Presented in partnership with Outdoor Channel
In Attendance: Terry Schappert (Host), Larry Zanoff (Host)
Have you ever watched your favorite action show and thought “that could never happen in real life?" You're not alone. Outdoor Channel's “Hollywood Weapons” dissects some of Hollywood's iconic action sequences and puts them to the test in the real world while emphasizing safety standards on set. Join the show's expert hosts Terry Schappert and top film & TV Armorer, Larry Zanoff, as they discuss best practices for set safety without compromising the million dollar shot.
 
TUESDAY, MAY 10
INNOVATION TALK SERIES WITH W. KAMAU BELL (COMEDIAN AND DIRECTOR) AND ERIC DEGGANS (TV CRITIC, NPR) - CLOSING NIGHT SPECIAL EVENT 
Presented in partnership with Liberty Global
You may know W. Kamau Bell as a stand-up comedian or the host of the Emmy-winning CNN docuseries “United Shades of America,” but you should know him as a prolific activist and creator with the recent Showtime docuseries, “We Need to Talk About Cosby”. SeriesFest is honored to present a remarkable conversation with W. Kamau Bell and Eric Deggans, TV Critic, National Public Radio, about the intersection of entertainment and politics. 
 
“BRING ON THE DANCING HORSES” - SPECIAL EVENT SCREENING AND PANEL 
Moderated by Emily Vogel (The Wrap) 
In Attendance: Kate Bosworth (Star, Executive Producer) and Michael Polish (Writer, Director, Executive Producer) 
SeriesFest is proud to present a very special screening of the independent series “Bring on the Dancing Horses” with its star/producer Kate Bosworth and writer/executive producer/director Michael Polish. A modern-day western drama that tells the story of an assassin who is out to complete her list of targets and exact her own brand of poetic justice.
 
THE MAKING OF “YELLOWJACKETS” - PANEL
In Attendance: Brian Kane (Production Designer), Jen Malone (Music Supervisor), Whitney A. Pilzer (Music Supervisor)
Showtime's hit show “Yellowjackets” has garnered massive cultural and critical success this year after keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. With a show composed of 90s flashbacks, plane crashes, filming in the wilderness and oh, cannibalism, there are a lot of moving pieces to make the show into the phenomenon it has become. Join us for a conversation with the show's department heads who are doing the critical work behind the scenes.
 
MAKING OF "COLLAPSE: DISASTER IN SURFSIDE" PODCAST WITH TREEFORT MEDIA - PANEL 
In Attendance: Treefort Media Partner’s Kelly Garner (Founder CEO), Lisa Ammerman (Partner, Executive Producer), Oscar Guido (Partner and Head of Business Operations), and Thom Monahan(Partner and Head of Audio)
At SeriesFest, we recognize episode content comes in many forms, which is why we're excited to partner with podcast powerhouse Treefort Media to examine the making of its latest podcast, COLLAPSE: Disaster in Surfside. Join us for a conversation about their approach to audio-first storytelling both in the scripted and non-scripted genres, the importance of sound design and forging critical partnerships for production and beyond.
 
INDUSTRY CONNECTION WORKSHOP - WORKSHOP 
In Attendance: Ramfis Myrthil (Producer, Cicada), Mara McCann (Everygirl Enterprises), Jordan Elizabeth Gelber (“The Americans”)
Showbiz Connection will present a unique workshop for SeriesFest: Season 8 badge holders that highlights the benefits of LinkedIn for Entertainment Professionals. The purpose of this workshop is to empower, engage, and entertain content creators with the reality that they can control their own pathway to success through the power of the LinkedIn platform.
 
ABOUT SERIESFEST
SeriesFest is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. With year-round educational programs, initiatives supporting underserved voices, and professional development opportunities, SeriesFest inspires, educates, and connects a worldwide community of creators. Every year, SeriesFest culminates in a highly curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival also includes a musical performance and network screening at the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre, in-competition independent pilot screenings, panels, workshops, live reads, parties, and network television premieres.
​
Follow @seriesfest on Twitter
 
SeriesFest: Season 8 is presented with generous support from the following sponsors: Liberty Global, Once Upon a Time, Brownstein Farber Hyatt Scheck, Denver Film, Xfinity, Visible, Royal Bank of Canada, UnReal Media, Dilettante Productions, Caz Matthews Fund, and Oklahoma Office of Film and Music.
 
Please sign up to our newsletter on www.seriesfest.com or follow us on social media to receive the most up-to-date information!’

As we inch closer and closer to this year’s SeriesFest event in Denver, more delightful details are coming forth regarding programming. The kind that will do this year’s theme of celebrating episodic storytelling proud, especially when it comes to today’s announcement. For earlier today, SeriesFest revealed its selections for the International Pilot Competitions and the Esteemed Jury Members that will examine them and declare a winner, and well, without further ado… here are some quick details on this announcement, and the complete list of participating pilots for you to peruse, courtesy of SeriesFest.
 
‘SeriesFest, the award-winning international television festival, today announced the official selections for this year’s International Independent Pilot Competitions taking place during Season 8 in Denver, Colorado from May 5-11, 2022. A truly unique experience, Season 8 will offer programming that explores the incredible evolving landscape of episodic content and a celebration welcoming the return of our creative community to Denver.

The esteemed international pilot competition continues this year with fifty-five titles from emerging voices from all over the world in the categories of “Independent Pilot: Drama,” “Independent Pilot: Comedy,” “Independent Pilot: Unscripted,” “Digital Short Series,” “Late Night,” “Pitch-A-Thon,” , “Pilots In Progress”, and “Collegiate Creator Spotlight.” Several of these original pieces feature notable creative talent including Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominated actor and producer David Oyelowo, and actor Simu Liu.

“The pilot competition is the heart and soul of SeriesFest,” adds Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith Westbrook, Co-Founders, SeriesFest. “We created this festival as a discovery platform for innovative and imaginative creators to share their unique and diverse stories. We’re truly inspired by this year’s riveting selections. We also continue to be in awe of the esteemed jury who provide their expertise, opinions, and their personal time, to this creative and competitive journey.”

SeriesFest has curated an esteemed group of industry insiders including award-winning actors, producers, journalists, and executives to judge and determine the winner in each category which will be announced during a special ceremony on the final night. The accomplished jury includes:

Independent Pilot Competition: “comedy,” Jim O’Heir (Actor), Angie Han (TV Critic, The Hollywood Reporter), Alec Ring (Manager, Cinetic Media); “drama,” Mikael Moore (Managing Partner, Wondaland) and C. Brett Marottoli (Head of Program Acquisitions, Starz), Liam Matthews (Writer, TV Guide) ; “unscripted,” Travis Tammero (Independent FIlm Group Agent, UTA), Britta Erickson (Producer, Listen Productions), and  Stephanie Rance (Deputy Director, Youth on Record).

Late Night: Steve Greene (Associate TV Editor, IndieWire), David Griffin (TV Editor, IGN), and Tara Westwood(Actor/Director).

Digital Shorts:  Dino-Ray Ramos (Founder and Editor in Chief of Diaspora), Geneva Wasserman (EVP, Head of Scripted Development & Production, Dentsu-Story Lab), Elle Roth-Brunet (Executive Producer, Head of Content & Entertainment Partnerships at Google) and Milan Chakraborty (Producer, Head of Film Marginal MediaWorks).

A leader in independent development, SeriesFest has been the launching pad for over a dozen independent projects that later secured mainstream distribution. Notable SeriesFest achievements include “Cooper’s Bar,” a SeriesFest: Season 6 official selection, which received a pick-up by AMC Networks’ and will be launching on AMC+ this spring. “Generation Por Que“, also a SeriesFest: Season 6 official selection, acquired by HBO and now available to stream on HBO Max. Hulu acquired domestic distribution rights to the SeriesFest: Season 4 award-winning series “Everyone Is Doing Great” and the eight-episode season is now available to stream on the platform. Additionally, the winner of four awards at SeriesFest: Season 3, Up North, received a development deal from Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios. Creator, Emil Pinnock, also signed a blind script deal with Blumhouse Television and has been tapped to pen an untitled Daymond John project.”

The primary screening venue during SeriesFest is the Sie FilmCenter, which is the year-round cinematic home of SeriesFest’s partner organization, Denver Film. Passes and individual tickets to screenings, panels, and the Centerpiece event at Red Rocks Amphitheatre featuring a full performance by multi-genre band Lake Street Dive, are available now at www.seriesfest.com.

SeriesFest, in partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada, has launched a sequence of opportunities to make the festival more accessible for all content creators and to celebrate a commitment to diversity and equity. Submissions for a new fourth cycle of the “Women Directing Mentorship” with Shondaland is currently open with all entry fees for individuals waived courtesy of SeriesFest’s Inclusion Initiative in partnership with Royal Bank of Canada. Additionally, Royal Bank of Canada will be awarding a cash prize to the winner of this season’s upcoming Pitch-A-Thon .

SeriesFest: Season 8 is presented with additional generous support from the following sponsors: Once Upon a Time, Liberty Global, Brownstein Farber Hyatt Scheck, Denver Film, Xfinity, Fries Foundation, Visible, UnReal Media, Dilettante Productions, Working Artists Group, Caz Matthews Fund.

ABOUT SERIESFEST
SeriesFest (www.seriesfest.com) is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. With year-round educational programs, initiatives supporting underserved voices, and professional development opportunities, SeriesFest inspires, educates, and connects a worldwide community of creators. Each June, SeriesFest culminates in a highly-curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival also includes a musical performance and network screening at the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre, in-competition independent pilot screenings, panels, workshops, live reads, parties and network television premieres.

Follow @seriesfest on Twitter’

This last weekend, Colorado was home to a brand-new convention that took place in Loveland, and it was amazing. Wicked West Comic Expo debuted with a bang and reignited my love of conventions all over again. I think it’s safe to say that the last few years have been quite a struggle for a lot of us. Wicked West Comic Expo could not have come at a better time. The much-needed gathering was such a wonderful reprieve and shone like a true reminder that there is indeed hope. Meeting with old and new friends felt as though no time had passed at all, and better yet the convention was filled with fun to be had in every corner. The all-important Dealers room was filled with local artists, whose talents have been greatly missed over the past few years. Of course, there were pins and plushies abound, but most importantly the hoodies and comics!

Perhaps my favorite moment was catching up with friends I hadn’t seen in some time, only seconded by my first post-pandemic convention purchase. Yes, it’s hard to replace the rush of finding the perfect item at a con. Mine happened to be two Nightmare Before Christmas comics (from Dan Conner) featuring my all-time favorite character, Zero. I’m a sucker for adorable animals, and ghost dogs are somehow the best. The number of local artists was absolutely amazing. It was such a warm welcome back into the world of conventions. The intimate atmosphere made the whole thing feel safe, warm, and inviting. Like visiting an old friend who's moved away. 
 
Wicked West Comic Expo also had wonderful panels to attend. Let’s be honest, the second-best part of a convention is the panels. A wide selection offered for a fun filled scheduled day of interesting panels hosted by only the best experts around. This really is always one of my favorite parts. To have people stand and talk about a passion they share is always such a great experience. It’s also one of the things that’s always drawn me to conventions. Having a shared passion and being able to express that in a safe environment. Plus, I always learn something new from a panel.

The one addition Wicked West Comic Expo did that I think all conventions really should do, was incorporate a cosplay backdrop area. They had a lot of scenes set up where anyone could go and take pictures with the backgrounds. Like Han Solo frozen with R2-D2, and the Star Trek Transporter Pad. It was such a fun addition that really did add that extra something special to the convention. Sadly, I didn’t cosplay or stop to get my picture at one of these scenes, but I really wish I had! Seeing R2 always brings the kid out in me, and I try to get my picture with him as often as possible at a convention.

My only complaint is that the weekend is over, and with that so is Wicked West Comic Expo. My hope is that this con is here to stay, and that 2023 brings us together again. This home-grown convention is genuinely my favorite and was such a blast to be at. I couldn’t think of a better place to spend a weekend.

Truly, Comic-Con is one of the finest news generators for nerds and geeks everywhere. Because every year, juicy tidbits and trailers head our way to satiate our need to know more about our favorite shows and this year’s @Home edition is no exception to that rule. For not only did we get to learn a great deal about what lies ahead for The Walking Dead Universe, but some panels from later in the day took the time to offer updates on some other highly anticipated shows featured on AMC Networks.
​
Such as the new and dynamic Ultra City Smiths and the beloved Creepshow and the highly anticipated horror series, Horror Noire and well… rather than make you wait any further on what today’s panels had to say, here are the details directly from AMC+ and Shudder… along with some trailers for everyone to enjoy. 

ULTRA CITY SMITHS
AMC+’s panel for Ultra City Smiths, which began streaming July 22, was moderated by Entertainment Weekly’s Kristen Baldwin, and featured series creator, writer, co-director and showrunner Steve Conrad and co-director David Brooks along with cast members Jimmi Simpson, Debra Winger, Luis Guzmán, Hana Mae Lee, Tim Heidecker and Chris Conrad.

Ultra City Smiths’ story unfolds via the stop-motion animation of baby dolls repurposed as a grown-up cast of characters. The series hinges on an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of fictional metropolis Ultra City’s most famous magnate. Two intrepid detectives follow the case, rallying to fight against their city’s dangerous corruption, at a high cost to themselves and their families, all in pursuit of a gentler place to call home.

HORROR NOIRE
A new Shudder Original anthology film, Horror Noiremade its Comic-Con debut with a panel moderated by writer/editor/speaker Ashley C. Ford, and featuring anthology writers Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, Victor LaValle and Shernold Edwards as they shared the inspiration behind their stories and how they go about adapting them for different formats, as well as why now is an important time to tell these stories.

• Horror Noire premieres in October on Shudder as well as via the Shudder offering within the AMC+ bundle.

 
Horror Noire is a follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2019 documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror and features new work from both established and emerging talents, showcasing stories of Black horror from Black directors and screenwriters.

CREEPSHOW
The Shudder Original series Creepshow returned to Comic-Con to discuss the upcoming third season with a panel moderated by Entertainment Weekly’s Clark Collis and featuring showrunner and executive producer Greg Nicotero, director Rusty Cundieff, writer Mattie Do, and cast members Michael Rookerand James Remar as they discussed the season’s adapted stories, new monsters and what it takes to bring these creatures to life and shared an exclusive first look at season three.
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• Creepshow Season 3 premieres Thursday, September 23 on Shudder as well as via the Shudder offering within the AMC+ bundle
• New guest stars for Season 3 include Michael Rooker, James Remar, Johnathon Schaech, Reid Scott and Hannah Fierman
• Following its debut on Shudder earlier this year, Creepshow Season 2 will make it linear premiere on AMC on Monday, September 6

 
Creepshow, the anthology series based on the 1982 horror comedy classic, is still the most fun you’ll ever have being scared. A comic book comes to life in a series of vignettes, exploring terrors ranging from murder, creatures, monsters, and delusions to the supernatural and unexplainable.  You never know what will be on the next page…

To say that 2020 was a weird year for the world would be a gross understatement. Because our lives were simply turned upside down by the pandemic, to the point where everyone was left out of sorts and in a stressful place because it was indeed a scary and concerning and awkward time. One where we really didn’t have a clue what our world was going to look like once the pandemic came to an end. A concern that was exacerbated further by the closure of venues we loved and the steady stream of cancellations that came about for our favorite events. But it would seem this long and winding nightmare is beginning to reach its end. For venues are returning to operational status and our favorite events are returning… including conventions.

Which is a wonderful thing for certain, Since geeks and nerds everywhere are eager to put on their favorite nerdy attire or brand-new cosplay and break bread with people that share in their love of whichever fandom calls to them and one particular convention is gearing up to give fans a taste of  what they need from a social standpoint, and a preview of things to come. For earlier today, FAN EXPO Denver (formerly known as Denver Pop Culture Con) announced that it is going to hold a small ‘Special Edition’ convention later this year and well, here are all the details on today’s announcement, per FAN EXPO Denver.

Today, FAN EXPO HQ is pleased to announce plans for FAN EXPO Denver: SPECIAL EDITION, October 29-31 at the Colorado Convention Centre. Fans can expect a thrilling celebration of all things pop culture and community, 75% the size of the event planned for 2022, but complete with all the elements that fans know and love including a world-class collection of vendors and artisans to shop, one-of-a-kind workshops and panels, and favorite areas like Author Alley and Artist Valley. A thrilling roster of celebrity and creator guests will be revealed in the coming months, beginning next week.
 
“We’ve all stayed inside, supported our healthcare heroes, and done our part to keep our communities safe, and now, we’re thrilled to finally come back together, stronger than ever,” said Adam Kullberg, Interim Executive Director, Pop Culture Classroom. "FAN EXPO Denver: SPECIAL EDIITION will give our community a chance to come together and celebrate creativity and pop culture in ways we haven't been able to for a while. We’re overjoyed to be able to bring that connection back to Denver this October."
 
This will be FAN EXPO HQ’s first show in Colorado since joining forces with Pop Culture Classroom (PCC) (established 2012) earlier this year and announcing FAN EXPO Denver. A portion of event proceeds will support Pop Culture Classroom and its work to promote literacy, learning, imagination, and inclusive communities through pop culture. Educator’s Day will also return for this SPECIAL EDITION event. A full FAN EXPO Denver is set to return in 2022.
 
“When we first announced our collaboration and the creation of FAN EXPO Denver back in March we urged fans to connect with us about what they loved about the show and what they dreamt for it. We also shared that we’d look for every opportunity to reunite them in 2021. Since then, the support from the community has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging,” said Andrew Moyes, Vice President, FAN EXPO HQ. “We’re more excited than ever to present FAN EXPO Denver in 2022, and this SPECIAL EDITION show on Halloween weekend – we hope it spurs even more festivity and imagination!”
 
Tickets for FAN EXPO Denver: SPECIAL EDITION will go on sale June 29, 2021, at 10
a.m. MT. More information can be found at www.fanexpodenver.com.
 
So, as you can see, the regular world and the nerd world are slowly starting to come back to life and this particular event might just help us readjust to old habits and truly, it will be quite interesting to see what kinds of events FAN EXPO Denver will have planned for this Special Edition convention, and which celebs will be swinging by to greet us, come Halloween weekend.

This year, not surprisingly, Colorado’s first and longest running horror festival, the Telluride Horror Show will be held virtually, taking place over four days. As always, there’s plenty to look forward to as they will be offering the best and latest horror genre films from around the world. In the first wave alone, 11 feature and 40 short films from 13 countries were announced, as well of some of the most recognized authors of the genre.

Despite not being able to gather together in the gorgeous town of Telluride, we can still partake in all kinds of horror goodness, and, with a little imagination and creativity, it wouldn’t be difficult to create the feeling of a lovely mountain town in our own places. Or if you love Halloween as much as I do, you probably have plenty of decorations to give your viewing room a truly spooky feel. Just dim the lights, light some candles, and prepare to enjoy all the delicious horror content this con has to offer.

Such as, “Creepy Campfire Tales”. Which is a yearly tradition at this festival and is free and open to the public. They offer a chance to hear four of this year’s guest authors share spooky tales fit to be told around a campfire and this sounds like incredible fun. I know one of my fondest memories growing up, was sitting in the dark, whether at camp or a slumber party, and regaling each other with the scariest stories we knew. Which makes this a fun opportunity to have someone tell you a story meant to make your spine tingle once again (or maybe for the first time!). Also open to the public and free is a live virtual conversation with the well-known authors Max Brooks and Daniel Kraus. This promises to be absolutely fascinating, as anyone familiar with their writing knows.

With a plethora of film offerings, there is so much to be excited about. So many different themes are explored, and many different countries from across the world are represented. The film that fans of Evil Dead are definitely going to want to check out is; Hail to the Deadites. A love note to the fans that gave the franchise its undying and still-growing popularity. It includes interviews with not only the cast and crew, but also collectors and fans. Plus, Ted Raimi, a staple of the franchise; will be hosting his own special event on Saturday, entitled ‘Deathly Spirits with Ted Raimi’ that should be worth checking out. But, back to the movies. Because, The Columnist sounds like a must see in this current environment in which journalism is under attack, for it features a columnist that is deluged with hateful messages and death threats issued anonymously on social media. In this darkly comedic movie, she becomes fed up one day and decides to seek her revenge. Plus, there are films about creepy strangers, possessed antiques, haunted AirBnBs, and women suspected of witchcraft to name only a few. For there are a delicious variety of films sure to suit many tastes this year.

This year, nearly nothing is the same as in previous years. But we still have the chance to revel in a celebration of all things horror in the safety of our abodes thanks to the Telluride Horror Show going online. So, grab your passes, decorate your space and get ready to soak up all the horror you need this October. Tickets for the festival, and the complete schedule of events for this year’s virtual edition of the festival, are now available at telluridehorrorshow.com.

At this point it should go without saying that 2020 has been the weirdest year on record, for reasons that we can go on about for days on end. But for nerds and geeks everywhere, what’s truly made their year quite the doozy is the sheer fact that a regular routine has been upended by the pandemic; the convention. Which is understandable since the safety of anyone involved with a convention in any capacity, matters above all else. But that still leaves fans of conventions out of sorts since they are habit now and that’s why it is wonderful to know that so many cons have done their best to try and replicate the wonder of such an event by offering up virtual conventions left and right.

In fact, this variation on the con going experience has been so popular and so successful that even horror themed conventions are getting in on the game, including one of the finest in the nation; the Mile High Horror Film Festival. Which is a wonderful thing for horror fans everywhere. Because this premier Colorado attraction is well known for always offering up a bevy of terrifying films and iconic guests from the industry, and it just so happens that they have assembled quite the virtual lineup of films and stars and contributors from the industry, for this year's event. Because big names such as Kane Hodder and Danielle Harris will be in attendance, as will Parry Shen and John Hyams and the list of top-tier attendees doesn’t end there.

Because Jeffrey Reddick, the creator of the Final Destination franchise will spend some time with fans at this virtual con, where he will hopefully discuss his upcoming project; Don't Look Back. Also, Dan Myrick, the co-director and co-writer of The Blair Witch Project will be in attendance, and in addition to talking about his experiences with that film, Dan will also be a guest judge for the feature film category. Plus, the festival will be hosting a Women in Horror panel that will be hosted by programmer and host of Scream Screen, Theresa Mercado and said panel will feature actors Tiffany Shepis, Jennifer Holland and filmmaker Natasha Halevi. But what’s truly amazing about this year’s festival, is that it is going to offer so much more than face time with some of horror’s finest names.

Which makes sense because after all, this is a film festival and the lineup that MHHFF is sending our way when it comes to scary movies is equally as impressive as its guest roster. Because this year’s event will feature the U.S. premiere of Unearth and additional titles featured at this year’s festival will be; Fried Barry, Don’t Click, Slaxx, Alone, Hail to the Deadites, The Cleansing Hour and Hatchet II. Which is a solid lineup to say least and what’s truly amazing… is that this is still just a fraction of what the convention is going to offer. Because as of press time, MHHFF announced that a Make Up Tutorial Panel will be taking place this Sunday.

Which brings us to something quite important in regard to this festival, the details. Because by now, you’re dying to know how you can take part in this and when it is going to occur, and the dates for this year’s convention are going to be September 24 to October 4, and yes, you read that right. That’s ten days of horror goodness so that everyone can watch the movies that will be featured this year at their own pace and convenience. And if you are now ready and eager to get your pass so you can bask in fresh horror and incredible insight from this magnificent lineup of guests, then head to the Mile High Horror Film Festival website, and pick up your virtual ticket, today, and make sure to keep an eye on their site for the full schedule of this ten day event and please; enjoy the festival and all the terror it has to offer.