Beam me up, Legion M! An SDCC 2022 Recap
SDCC 2022 was Legion M’s biggest year yet at the world’s most famous Comic-Con! It has been three years since SDCC has been held for all nerd-kind, and Legion M alone made the wait worthwhile. Let me count the ways that Legion M leveled up this year…
WE MADE IT INSIDE!
Legion M leveled up and unlocked a booth on the convention floor… We finally made it inside! In years past, we had amazing offsite Legion M lounges and events, but let us not forget how tough it is to get space inside the convention center… and our little 10x10 booth was popping! Not only could you find exclusive Mandy merch there, but Legion M also kicked off the Stan Lee Centennial celebration with Genius Brands. Each day of the convention, Legion M released a different Stan Lee shirt celebrating what would have been his upcoming 100th birthday. Each shirt was only available on a specific day and there were only a handful made. I visited the booth each day to see what that day’s design was. Kudos to all the staff members and Legion M investors/volunteers who worked the booth.
WILLIAM SHATNER HANDPRINT CEREMONY
Photo credit: Emma McIntyre / Getty Images
Legion M put on a Chinese Theatre-famous Handprint Ceremony for William Shatner at the Theater Box in San Diego, and Legion M members and investors were invited to attend, with reserved front-row seating! There were limited tickets, so it was a very small, intimate ceremony with press also in attendance. Stephen Kramer Glickman hosted the ceremony with guest speakers Paul Scanlan (Legion M CEO), famed movie critic Leonard Maltin, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds actor Paul Wesley, making it two Captain Kirks in attendance. This event kicked off the first of many for “Legion M Celebrates William Shatner,” as it was followed by autograph signings, photo ops, a fully-booked press tour, the Shatner-on-Shatner Hall H panel, and a rooftop afterparty with William Shatner later that evening.
“Watching William Shatner’s expressions after he signed his name and put his hands in the cement was surreal. He posed showing us all his hands with the cement smeared on them. You could tell that he was savoring this moment just as much as we were. His face was full of joy and elation. What a feeling to experience watching him! We were right there soaking up this moment in history. A moment marked in time. Dare the nerd in me say, a fixed point in time?“
I was impressed by how personal this ceremony was. Those lucky enough to attend were in a small, intimate lobby mere feet away from all of these amazing guests. Besides the press, there were several Star Trek cosplayers in attendance, Legion M members, and fans. I was just a couple rows back from the action, taking pictures and videos of this not-to-be-missed milestone.
Thanks to Legion M this was the third Handprint Ceremony I have attended. Stan Lee, Kevin Smith and Jay Mewes, and now William Shatner. How many production companies and studios provide opportunity after opportunity like this to their investors and free members? Legion M has most definitely opened the gates to Hollywood and then some.
Captain Kirks William Shatner and Paul Wesley Unite For Epic 'Star Trek' Moment
ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT
HALL H – SHATNER ON SHATNER
We had a Hall H panel! Say what?! You heard me right! Legion M landed a panel in the largest — and most coveted, impossible-to-get-into (like, folks-camp-out-for-three-days impossible) — meeting room at the entire convention, reserved for the highest profile talent and panels.
It wasn’t just any Hall H panel; it was our Shatner-on-Shatner panel! This panel introduced us to the documentary from director Alexandre O. Philippe (Memory: The Origins of Alien, The People vs. George Lucas), producer Kerry Deignan Roy, along with Legion M producing! Legion M’s very own Jeff Annison and David Baxter sat on the panel with Captain Kirk himself! Our friend Kevin Smith moderated and between him and The Shatner, they kept the entire hall in belly laughs.
But joking aside, we were treated to a clip of what documentarian Philippe is working on so far. He referred to it as a “sketch” because it wasn’t a finished scene and had placeholder visuals. It was a scene of Shatner talking about the death of his childhood pet dog and the effect it had on him. It was possibly a turning point in his life regarding how he views the connection between everything in the Universe. What a delight to see this behind the scenes work in progress. I cannot wait until the documentary is released to see the final outcome. It looks amazing so far!
Legion M had reserved seating for its members and investors who wanted to attend this unprecedented event. It was spectacular being able to watch this panel from so close. Legion M always goes all out to keep investors and members involved, and we were right there up close and personal. This documentary, besides being produced by Legion M, is also going to be equity-crowdfunded, meaning that anyone can invest directly into this project and have their name in the credits. This panel is proof that Legion M is making its way to becoming a hard hitter in the industry. Six years in business and here we are packing it in at Hall H with one of the biggest icons in the world!
William Shatner, Kevin Smith And Legion M On The Nine-Decade Trek To A Bio-Documentary
DEADLINE
SHATNER ON A ROOFTOP
Can you say VIP Rooftop Party with William Shatner? I can because I made sure I was there for this once-in-a-lifetime event! There was even a VIP meet and greet option where you sat down with Bill (can I call him Bill? I’m going to call him Bill…) and have a heartfelt discussion. I had pictured the meet and greet as a line where you walk up, say hi and snap a photo, but boy was I wrong. The people with these passes were able sit down in the VIP section with Bill for about 20 minutes (some were more) and have an actual discussion with him.
I purchased the VIP option for my son, Allen, because I wanted him to have this unbelievable experience. I’ve taken Allen to a lot of events with me over the years. He used to get very excited about conventions. However, he just turned 13 (official teenager), and he is also autistic. He can be very blunt, honest, no filter, or he can be shy and hardly talk. Those who don’t know him might consider him rude. This night, I was a little concerned because it was the first time at a convention that Allen didn’t want to take pictures with anyone. So, when he walked into the VIP section with Bill and a group of strangers, I held my breath and hoped for the best.
The conversation started out with Bill asking Allen his name and how old he was, to which Bill said, “Thirteen? That’s very young. What are you doing here?” Cue laughter. “But I mean that sincerely,” he continued. “Why are you sitting here?” Allen being his honest, blunt self, said, “Because she bought me a band,” while showing his VIP wristband and motioning to me. Bill said, “So somebody bought you a band and you don’t know what the hell you are doing here. Is that right?” Cue more laughter. Allen nods. Bill continues, “So let’s talk for a moment about you. Okay?”
So Bill asked him about school and what he’s doing this summer. Bill asked him if he was embarrassing him by doing this, and Allen replied, “No, I love randomly speaking.” Bill returned, “Yes, randomly speaking, that’s exactly right. That’s what we are doing. Are you shy? You seem somewhat shy. So here you are amongst strangers, talking to a stranger, but you’re here, so what made you sit down here?” This led to Allen pointing at me and saying “because she forced me to.” I about facepalmed.
At one point, Bill asked Allen “Are you going to work this summer?” Allen replied, “I think I’m a little too young to work,” to which Bill replied, “WHAT are you talking about?” Allen responded, “I’d love to get a job, but I’m not 91,” and everyone broke out into laughter. Bill said that he would not embarrass him any further, and that he was glad he was there. As soon as Allen got back to me, he said “Shatner roasted me!” We had a great laugh about that.
What a memorable exchange! I wanted him to have an experience that would stay with him for life, and this surely will. A news outlet opined that Allen’s exchange with Bill was awkward, but I disagree. It stung just a tiny bit to read that, and then I realized it was just to make the article fun. I was so proud of Allen for how well he handled himself with being put on the spot by none other than Captain James T. Kirk himself. It wasn’t easy, but he did amazing, and Mr. Shatner seemed to sincerely try to get to know him. I was in awe; how many people can say they sat down to a conversation with William Shatner, and he took a genuine interest? Allen will never forget the great moment in time when he was roasted by Captain Kirk. Bill, if you are reading this, let’s have another discussion soon!
LIVE FROM THE ROOF
William Shatner performs his song “I Am A Tree” for afterparty goers.
The event continued with Bill meeting different groups of people. The location was small and intimate up on the rooftop above the Theater Box in San Diego, with just enough outdoor seating for mingling. The bar was flowing with complimentary beer and wine, and hors d'oeuvres were being delivered to the tables. Bill took the stage and talked about his trip to space, and even performed one of his songs live for us.
It was a magical, memorable night beneath the stars, with a star! Thank you Legion M and William Shatner!
I BELIEVE IN GEF!
“There were period-appropriate cosplayers in the audience, protesting with signs. What were they protesting? Well, it all comes down to: Do you believe in Gef? Or is Gef a hoax? You’ll just have to wait and see.”
On Friday, Legion M had a panel in Ballroom 20! The second largest room at San Diego Comic-Con! Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose is going to be a hit! Did I mention it stars Simon Pegg?! Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting), Ruth Connell (Supernatural), producer Sasha Yelaun, director Adam Sigal, and associate producer Legion M’s own Clare King were on the panel. Christopher Lloyd was going to be there but couldn’t make it at the last minute. That was a bummer for me because he was the one person I was going to beg, borrow and steal to meet.
Moderated by Legion M’s David Baxter, we were finally able to get to see the trailer for this unique film. This film has so many great actors involved and the cinematography and lighting look majestic! Mystery with a splash of humor. I absolutely cannot wait to see this film. The panel was a hit!
From left to right: Jeff Annison, David Baxter, Taylor Gledhill, Richard Silverman, Rob Edwards, Marvin Jones, Boman Modine, and Aaron Waltke.
UPCOMING LEGION M CONTENT
Saturday’s panel, Legion M: How Fans Are Disrupting Hollywood by Equity Crowdfunding was exciting and a little scary… Scary as in Man in the White Van scary. The trailer for Legion M’s newest film was shown at this panel for the first time! I had no idea that the movie was this spooky, but it’s perfect for its hopeful October release. I loved how Legion M described the “whys” about this movie. I’m not one for spoilers, so I won’t give anything away, but I respect their approach to telling the story of a well-known serial killer’s first victim. They also announced that there will be a vital piece of tie-in merchandise (a screen-accurate replica of a wardrobe piece that was worn in the film) that they are going to sell with 100% of the proceeds going to the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children (NCMEC). This is the latest enterprise of the Legion M Does Good initiative. Way to do good, Legion M!
“I must admit that I was a little excited to see Marvin Jones, being the CW–DC Arrowverse nerd that I am. I was on a mission to be in a photo with the Black Lightning actor.”
In my opinion, the Legion M content being created right now with the biggest impact is Defiant. Producer Marvin Jones (you might know him from “Black Lightning” or as rapper Krondon), and writer Rob Edwards (The Princess and the Frog) were at the panel to deliver updates on this powerful project. Defiant is the true story of Captain Robert Smalls, an enslaved man in Charleston during the Civil War, and everything he did to free himself, his crew and their families. This is a project that the Legion M community has been asking for, and it’s an incredibly important story to tell. Everyone needs to know about the bravery and heart of Captain Smalls. I’m not only excited about this as a Legion M project, but about the knowledge and education it will bring to the masses. His story must be told.
“Legion of Comedy” is panning out to be a show like no other. Legion M is joining forces with National Lampoon and is making a series that keeps up with today’s tech filled world. You want a project that rolls with the changes and keeps adapting to the future? Fans will use an App to vote and down vote on what they think is funny and the app will be available 24/7! There is also going to be a submission portal for all your jokers out there. Forget making a drive to audition, you submit from home! Then people will use the app to vote. Don’t worry, your fate won’t entirely be left up to the public; industry judges from the comedy world will also have input. Sounds like a winner to me!
“Ghosts of Manhattan” is a sci-fi, adult animated TV series – right up my nerdy alley! Producer Bowman Modine and showrunner Aaron Waltke were on the panel to further explain what to expect from the project. It has a 1920s pulp noir tone, with gangsters and the occult combined. Yes, this sounds like another show that I’m going to be addicted to! It was hard for me to focus on everything being said because Matthew Modine popped in and was sitting right in front of Allen and I. Aaron Waltke also announced that Matthew Modine was supporting this project. Not sure if he’s actually involved or if he’s supporting Bowman Modine like a good “Papa” should. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I know, I’m not going to make it on “Legion of Comedy.”) Seriously though, I’m ready to get these books and watch this series, because from the description and the video update, it looks to have the perfect combination of everything. The look and feel of the show and its animation is extraordinary.
DARKNIGHTS AND DAYDREAMS
The Darknights and Daydreams: From Batman to Broadway panel was about the upcoming musical of the same name, and is based on Michael Uslan’s memoir, The Boy Who Loved Batman. It was also the one Legion M panel I almost missed, and I am so thankful that I didn’t. To hear Michael Uslan speak is to be inspired. He was joined by Legion M’s David Baxter and Broadway’s Don Frantz.
Michael Uslan acquired the rights to Batman in the 70s and is responsible for producing every Batman movie since. Listening to him talk about even a small portion of his journey got me teary-eyed and reminded me that anything is possible. It was one of those motivational talks that we all need sometimes. He has done incredible things in his life, and it made me realize that I need to get off the couch and get back to chasing my dreams. I wish I had taken a chance to meet him during the Broadway read-through last year so I could have heard him talk and get to know him better.
“After the panel, I went up to Michael and let him know that I might have cried a little.“
Next on my to-do list is buying his book so I can learn more about his story. I recommend everyone read it. That’s your homework assignment!
This project is different than any project Legion M has done before. This isn’t a movie, it’s a Broadway production! Legion M is branching out and trying new things and I absolutely love it!
There is something for everyone, and you just never know where you will find your inspiration.
I’m so thankful that Legion M has all these different projects and content being worked on. It doesn’t matter what your interests or favorite genres are, there is something for everyone to love. Thank you Legion M for always including us investors/members and creating all these chance-of-lifetime opportunities for us to experience. Onward and Upward!