Interview Corner

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#003333" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="03cd4c00dduajq.gif"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="95" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 46 WIDTH="91"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="46" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="91" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <I>Interview(s) of The Month</I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="0ab3fef0.gif" border=0 width="319" height="239" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#003333" FACE="Arial" ><B>Anime' - Hem :The Fanzine</B></FONT>     |     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Anime Hem :The Fanzine"><U>home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id13.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Anime Hem (Front Page)"><U>Anime' - Hem (Front Page)</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id12.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" This issue"><U>             This issue</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" editors note"><U>             editors note</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Club,Fan, and Special Inter"><U>             Club,Fan, and Special Interest links</U></A>   |   <B>              Interview Corner</B>   |   <A HREF="id36.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Reviews"><U>              Review's</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Japanese Culture: Yesterda"><U>              Japanese Culture: Yesterday and today</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id14.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Subscription,Advertisng, a"><U>              Subscription,Advertisng, and Back Issues</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Fan Forum "><U>              Fan Forum </U></A>   |   <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Japanese Language"><U>              Japanese Language</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Japanese Language pg2"><U>              Japanese Language pg2</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id37.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Art Page"><U>              Art Page</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id34.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" ©My anime generation"><U>             ©My anime generation</U></A></div> <div>               Interview Corner</div> <div> No photos yet ( or other acceptable pics), but if you would like to share here's the link (again). I look forward to any new submissions and sharing them with the rest of S.Colo. fandom<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://pub27.bravenet.com/photocenter/album.php?usernum=2261426170" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://pub27.bravenet.com/photocenter/al"><U>http://pub27.bravenet.com/photocenter/album.php?usernum=2261426170</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="0ac3fef0.gif" border=0 width="319" height="239" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> This is an oldy but a goody from 1999.. The NanDesuKan Hierarchy with wit and wisdom for the ages!</div> <bR> <div> Nan Desu Kon is a three-day Japanese Animation, Manga, Gaming and Video Gaming convention scheduled for September 24-26, 1999 at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel in Lakewood, Colorado.  We asked a few questions of the three Directors of Nan Desu Kon, Dionne LeBeau, Becca Norman, and Shawn Eason.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>What are your titles in regard to the convention?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>: We're all officially Directors, although we've had an amazing number of other silly titles tacked on by people in the vicinity or mutilated by our own nonsense factors.  Last year I was Co-Coordinator, but I have great difficulty referring to myself in any serious way, so this quickly became Cocoa Ordinator, Cocoa Puff, Supreme Cocoa Puff and then, thanks to Rob Miles, Supreme Cocoa Spice.  This year I am being really good and putting `Director' at the bottom of most things I write.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>What's your favorite character and show?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>: My favorite character is Iria, but favorite show, that's a little more difficult.  I have many different favorites for different reasons.  Speed Racer was the first I ever got a change to watch and get into, Key the Metal Idol was the first that was involving enough to draw me in but I could still follow and enjoy it.  It made my brain go "poof!"  It was a show that challenged the question "What does it mean to be human?"</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  My favorite character at the moment is The Irresponsible Captain Tylor.  If we have as much luck with the convention as he does with his life just by doing what feels like the right thing to do, we'll be blessed beyond measure.  I also like Natsumi and Karumi of Taiho Shichauzo, and …  I could fill a page with this.  Like many folks, the series that really got me hooked was Macross, some 15 years ago.  That will always be a fond memory for me, and I'm really excited by some of the developments in new anime over the last few years.  I like Fushigi Yuugi a lot, El Hazard and Escaflowne, Slayers, Ah My Goddess! and Miyazaki classics like Pon Poco.  Neo Ranga is a lot of fun, and Serial Experiments Lain and Cowboy Bebop are real winners so far!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>:  My favorite character is Lebia Maverick from Silent Mobius, and my favorite series is the MS Gundam series.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>: Doni should have said Gundam too, it's an old fave for a lot of our crew, and she likes anything with penguins in it too.  And she goes nuts over Harlock stuff.  And Lain stuff.  And… er, never mind.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>What 5 tapes would you choose to have if you were on a desert island?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  I'd actually rather have some non-anime titles included in this case, like Brightness, but if it's strictly anime, then Angel's Egg, Vampire Princess Miyu (hey, ghost stories for the campfire!),  Slayers for the cheery side of things, Serial Experiments Lain and Lupin!  There's still so much I haven't seen I bet I'm missing some great titles.  Now, if you want to get into manga…and toys… and cards…  I'm going to be the one with five >suitcases< of stuff on the desert island.  </div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>:  Lodoss War,  Lain, Ah My Goddess!, and Tenchi.  That's it for now.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>: None.  It would really suck to have tapes and no way to play them.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>How long have you been doing this?</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>:  I've been going to anime cons for 4 years, and running NDK for 2 of those.  I've been going to various sorts of conventions for 15 years.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  I'm there too, I remember science fiction and gaming conventions when I was 15.  I signed on with NDK last year to help make it happen!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>:  I've been working on Nan Desu Kon for 2-3 years, and of course I have prior convention experience as well.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>What are your favorite events?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>: Jello wrestling in the hot tub :)   Actually the cos-play, panels (depending on the topic), video and gaming rooms.  It mostly comes down to what I feel like doing at the moment.  I like a lot of variety.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>:  Halloween!  Oh, con events… The special guests and special presentations (like our Taiko show this year) are the best, but I like all the events for different reasons.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  I like events that involve the audience and ones that teach without being pedantic.  Dionne put in Taiko this year and I added a seminar with them to talk about the origins of what they do and how they do it.  I also put in the goofier things like the Anime Olympics and the Rubber Monster Slumber Party, because I thought the programming at a lot of conventions is far too serious all the time.  If you see any really weird panels, they're mine.  :)</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>What is the hardest part of running Nan Desu Kon?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>:  Having the foresight to head off problems, and maintaining communication.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>: Keeping everyone interested and happy.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  I agree with those answers, and I would add taking proper care of your guests, staff, volunteers, dealers and attendees.  Everyone has things they want, different priorities, and a lot of personal feelings about what happens throughout the year in putting the convention together, and it's very much a result of the effort of a lot of people who pitch in.  So I have to be sure to listen to what they think and need and try to be there for them at the same time as I'm poring over paperwork and schedules.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>What's the least appreciated part of your job?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>: Being the person who connects people and makes sure that everyone has the files, flyers, and supplies they need to put the show  together, and moving people and things across the state to match them up.  Also I'd say just  the amount of work it takes altogether to get a con going.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>:  Having to say No, when we just don't have the resources to be able to do everything everyone wants to do, especially when they come up with great ideas and we aren't big enough yet.  Being in charge of the pocketbook.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  Taking 20-some areas and nearly 200 people and making sure that they all know what their area needs to do and how to do it as well as how it fits into the convention as a whole, that all the little details are attended to, that everyone knows what everyone else is up to, and still remembering all the tiny things people ask for from checking the paging system at the hotel to making sure there are enough fans in the dealers' room, listing the art seminar fees and credits properly and being sure the cel sheets get copied far in advance of the cel painting workshop!  Knowing what is going on at all times in all areas of the convention all year long, and finding a way to make do with the funds and resources we have and stretch to manage new tasks that sometimes seem impossible. </div> <bR> <div> I don't think it's that anyone doesn't care that all this is done, just that it's hard to imagine the scope of it until you're actually doing it.  :)</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>What would you tell someone new who's coming to your convention?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Becca</U></B></I>:  Read the Con Faq's on the web site!!!!!  I've spent some time trying to think about what people should know in advance to be comfortable at the convention, and what they can do at the con to make it a better place for everyone, and I wrote it all down.  In the briefest possible form:  Drink water, sleep soundly (in your >room<, not in the event rooms where we'll have to wake you up again), eat regularly, don't get drunk, don't break laws, do be nice and be happy when people are being nice to you.  Use your (un)common sense, don't push, do relax and have fun.  And by all means, don't take yourself or us too seriously.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>:  Read the Con Faq's!!!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>: Know your limitations.  We are at a higher altitude than most people are used to and we have a lower humidity than most of the surrounding states.  Drink lots of water and do not push yourselves to the breaking point (it is much closer than you would think at high altitudes).  Also you need to respect others.  You are going to be attending a con to have fun; this does not give you the right to keep others from having fun.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>What would you change if you could?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>: The cost of putting it all together.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>:  I would delegate more duties.  I would have a more extensive staff so we could delegate more duties.  Becca needs to delegate too!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  I would be better at everything; better at knowing how people are doing and what they need, better at marketing, better at making fair decisions, better at pretending to be extremely businesslike, and I would be able to tell jokes well as well as at laughing at other people's jokes.  I would quit chewing on my foot so often.  And I would have a lot more money to spend on this. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>What should people do to help build a better convention?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>:  Pre-register.  Let your opinions be heard.  What's good we keep.  What's bad we fix, what's stupid we eradicate.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  Unless it's stupid but really cute.  Er, you didn't hear that….  Pre-registering is great because it makes it possible for us to get the space and the plane tickets and the equipment and the supplies.  Volunteering matters an awful lot too, because without that help we couldn't do any of it.  Some of our volunteers have bowled me over entirely with their wit, vigor, and how much they care about helping out  (Hi Sean, Mike, Maureen, Lisa, Coran!!!  And about fifty more!!!). I really love the people who make this dream come true for everyone who cares about anime.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>: Tell your friends, and respect others.  Fill out the surveys that we have on the web page and tell us what you want to see.  But keep in mind that there are some things that will never happen (i.e. Rumiko Takahashi has stated that she will never come to another American convention, and having the entire cast of voice actors from a Japanese series would be impossible because they are probably working on their next series and unable to take the time off, and because the prices will go up to attend the con more than most people would like to pay because we  provide airfare, translators, hotel/food for however many days that they are here, and a lot of other expenses).  Within the bounds of what can happen, we do our best to bring in the people you want to see.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Other than what is contained in the flyer is there anything you would like to point out to a new convention goer that would encourage future attendance and possibly attract some of this person's friends?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>: Encourage them to read the web site and let them know that you do not need to know Japanese to attend the convention.  We will have more things that are Subtitled and Dubbed than are in the original Japanese.  If you have any questions you can e-mail us and we will respond to you as fast as possible.  Again do not be afraid to try anything new.  Who knows you might have a knack for it and find that you like it a great deal.  We are trying to set up as many fun and interesting demos, seminars, Panels, events (like the Anime Olympics, Anime "Hollywood" squares, Dances on both Fri and Sat.)</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  There's a whole new world of stories here that haven't been told in the states, and they're fresh, exciting and new!  There are a lot of people here with hearts of gold too.  And there are events, classes and panels you'll never find anywhere else -- and there is no other place in state where you can find a three-day event with twenty-four-hour programming for so little expense, much less one to do with Anime!</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>How did you decide to start the first Nan Desu Kon?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>:  After my second anime convention in Dallas, I was talking with Roger Morse, and he said we had enough Colorado people travelling down to A-Kon that we could probably host our own.  </div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>: The idea of Nan Desu Kon started many years ago while we were driving back from a convention in Dallas.  Then the idea was finally implemented in 97.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  Dionne and Roger got it going the first year, then I came in to help make it happen the second year when it got a lot bigger and more logistically complex.  Shawn's help has made a major difference this year too.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Are there any plans to expand into: Guests from Japanese production houses/companies (i.e. manga creators, anime producers like pine salad, emotion, etc...), and are we looking into support from anime companies?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne/Becca</B></I> (laughing):  Yes!  </div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dionne</B></I>: We have a lot of plans to grow, and when we're large enough we'd like to sponsor other people too.  We may host some one-day mini-cons later on.  As far as sponsorship goes, though, we're always very careful.  It's not our intent to become a trade-based con, we want to stay fan-based.  We do need sponsorship to grow, but we don't want to depend solely on it.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  I think our primary thought when we consider what sort of reciprocal arrangements to make with anime companies is going to be what is best for the fan.  If it means raising ticket prices to $75 and locking out the common fan to become an Industry convention, then no, we're not going to do it.  If a company wants to put advertising materials in the registration packet, then they support the convention in other ways, as VIZ and Alternative Video Warehouse have done so wonderfully-giving a lot back in return for the fan's time and attention.  As long as we remain clearly focused on the fact that we are doing this to bring the fans what they want, then we'll be o.k.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Shawn</B></I>: We have already have/had guests that do this:  Steve Bennett did cel work on Urusei Yatsura and is part of a Manga translation company in America (Studio Ironcat).  Scott Frazier has been an animator, Producer, Director, helped set up several animation studios, and is involved in the post-production work of several series (Lost Universe, among others).  He has been a force in the animation industry in Japan for many years.   Studio DoDo is a Manga company based in Japan, and most of their artists will be joining us this year, including Bang Ippongi, Mio Odagi, and Reijiro Kato.</div> <bR> <div> Actually Pine Salad is a fan group based in Orange County, CA not a Japanese Company.  Sadly they are no longer together.  They all lost interest in the process of making up new amusing stories and the hassle of dubbing the new voice tracks.</div> <bR> <div> As far as company support, we've been in contact with Viz for two Years now.  We are very appreciative of the support that Viz has given us.  This year we are getting some support from ADV's voice actors and actresses; many of our voice actor/actress guests are employed by ADV.  And we're always looking for support from the American Anime distributors to get the latest shows to premiere at NDK.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Becca</B></I>:  When it comes down to it, the support and teamwork of every member of the convention, from dealers to volunteers, companies and guests to attendees, makes the difference in creating a great convention.  Perched on the top of the balloon, we're focusing on coordinating everyone's efforts, and we always know that for all the long hours we put in on this, the support of everyone who pitches in is what builds a place for anime fans to meet, learn, and have fun for years into the future!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <U>Nan Desu Kon Information</U></div> <bR> <div> Mail to:</div> <div> Nan Desu Kon</div> <div> 1552 Monroe St</div> <div> Denver CO  80206-1850</div> <bR> <div> E-mail Becca at: Genkidenki@hotmail.com</div> <div> Web Site: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Garden/8493/Nandesukon.html</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>