July 19, 2025 • 20 mins
In this exciting episode of The Entertainment Zone with Paul Amadeus Lane, we sit down with Zach Michaels, Senior Producer of Experiential at Fandom, for an exclusive look at their plans for Comic-Con 2025 in San Diego. Zach pulls back the curtain on all the incredible things Fandom is cooking up to ensure fans have an unforgettable experience. From immersive activations to unique fan engagements, learn how Fandom is dedicated to making Comic-Con a truly spectacular event for everyone. Don't miss this insider's guide to how Fandom is elevating the fan experience!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Ain't your average entertainment show.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
More to entertainment.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Then we're on the.
Speaker 3 (00:03):
Screen connecting dots on what you see. Have you all
ever wondered how we do all begin the idea? How
they started to play xx act as the whole team?
Man Pops to those behind the scene, Why I did
the person get into the bus? Something inside? When they
were of a kid who helped them out when they
were wanted to quit with about the family gave them
(00:24):
rocks to kick? How well the haters they left shaming alone?
Find out in the Entertainment Zone with Oh I'm a
day slang, it's a real day.
Speaker 4 (00:35):
Hello, and welcome to the Entertainment Zone. What is up?
It is me Paul, I'madai Slain. You're Hostess with the
Mostes and this is our Comic Con edition of the
Entertainment Zone. Comic Con is coming up, so we're gonna
talk to an organization that's always focused on fans and
some of the great things that they're doing at Comic
(00:56):
Con twenty twenty five. You don't want to miss that
up day coming up here. We welcome you were watching
and listening here on ABC affiliate km E T and
those who are watching us on Roku and fire TV.
Can't forget about our YouTube viewers out there. Thank you
so much for tuning in to the show and our
(01:16):
podcast listeners. If you're on Spotify, Apple, iHeart Amazon, whatever
platform you are checking out the show, thank you so much.
Don't forget to like, share, comment on some of these
episodes too. We really really appreciate all your support, and
don't forget to hit that subscribe button. If you're on
(01:37):
YouTube on all the platforms, hit that subscribe and notification
so you'll know when all Entertainment Zone stuff drop.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
You will not be disappointed.
Speaker 4 (01:47):
Comic Con twenty twenty five, we are so looking forward
to covering this event.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
We have some.
Speaker 4 (01:53):
Amazing interviews planned out, amazing stars, amazing events that we're
going to be going to. We got invited to the
Fandom opening night party. It's our first time, so we're
looking forward to going there, hanging out. We'll be sharing
some pictures from there and just having a really, really
really good time. That brings me to my guest. We
(02:19):
are going to be joined by Zach Michaels. Zach is
the person who's really responsible for putting on these fan
experiences at Comic Con, so I get a chance to
sit down with him, pick his brain, find out what
fandom is going to be doing there and why even
if you don't have a Comic Con pass, you may
(02:40):
want to roll down to San Diego. You don't believe me,
you will have to having this conversation with Zach. Let's
welcome him on right now, Zach, Michael, Zach, what's going on?
How are you, my friend?
Speaker 2 (02:54):
I'm good, Paul, how I'm doing fantastic.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Thank you so much for joining me on the show.
Speaker 4 (02:59):
I'm excited to talk to you. I know your organization
has been a part of Comic Con for many, many,
many years, so we're gonna talk about that. But we're
also gonna get a sneak peek of what you guys
gonna be doing at Comic Con twenty twenty five.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
It's San Diego. I cannot wait. Sound like a plan.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Yeah, we're really excited.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
I'm all right, let's do it.
Speaker 4 (03:19):
So, Zach, let's start off with the origin story behind
fandom and Comic Con, because you all have a pretty
big footprint at comic Con.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
So tell us about how this guest started.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
You know, we look at it like it's our you know,
our super Bowl, our big game, our you know, main
event of the year. We know that San Diego Comic
Con is the place where, you know, uh, not only
you know, the big publishers and studios are making all
their announcements, but like almost more importantly, where all of
(03:54):
the fans are. You know, it's where hundreds of thousands
of people congregate to celebrate their fandoms. And you know,
at fandom, we think of ourselves as you know, serving
folks across you know, fans across entertainment and gaming, and
it's just to us it's the most important place to
be where we can be every year.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
I totally agree.
Speaker 4 (04:16):
Something tells me that you all plan for next year's
event during this year to make sure it goes off
without a hitch.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
Let's just say that contracts start coming about two weeks
after we finish this year.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Well, what's interesting is.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
This whole process that all the fans just see like
the finished product. But when you look at all the
nuances that go into to planning these events. I mean, Zach,
y'all make it look easy. Is it really that easy
to pull off?
Speaker 2 (04:51):
You know it, There's a lot of work that goes
into it. And I think I mean this genuinely, I
feel really lucky to be surrounded by people who just
really you know, at the highest levels with the organization,
believe in what we do at Comic Con. And then
you know, the people who are making it happen on
the ground that a lot of whom have been working
(05:12):
on it year over year and just like this is
a passion project for them. So it's it's really a
good team dynamic and I'm really lucky to have that.
And it's a lot of hard work, a lot of
problem solving, but it's fun. It's something we look forward
to every.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
Zach, what goes into planning on what experiences to have
at San Diego Comic Con?
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Are any events that you all are a part of.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
I'm sure there's some that that that fall on the
cutting room floor because you just can't do everything.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
I mean, like I think that we go into Comic
Con every year wanting to do new things, and we
you know, we activate with you know, so many partners
and new partners every year, or it gives us a
chance to really look at, you know, those partners' ips
and figure out how we can bring them to an
(06:08):
event setting at San Diego Comic Con, which is just,
you know, always a really exciting thing to do, and
so every year is a little bit different, and so
I think we're kind of like set up for success
that when we.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
Look at this year, we know some organizations have decided
not to be there, not not bring any of their
their ips along, But the ones who are going to
be there, it's going to be a pretty amazing, pretty
amazing lineup. I mean, my email has been blown up
ever since three weeks ago, and I'm like, whoa, this
is going to be an off the hook San Diego
(06:43):
Comic Con. And when you hear the chatter of fans
and anything like said to say, ones like myself were
part of the part of the media kind of try
to throw shade because things are not going to be
like it was pre pandemic that we all remember, but
it's still a fun experience. How do you all navigate
that to make sure that not to listen to all
(07:07):
the haters and the naysayers out there and just be
laser focused on having just this amazing events out there
so the fans and others can really just just have
an amazing time.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
I mean, like you know, I think because we think
of ourselves as a fan first platform. It's it's really
easy to go into Comic Con thinking like, how do
we make the best experiences for fans that we can.
But like, you know, I also think that this year
gives other you know, brands or other ips like you know,
(07:42):
a chance to shine in maybe a way that they
would have been overshadowed in the past. You know, I've
been working really closely with Universal Orlando Resort this year,
and they have like an amazing new theme park out
in Orlando, Epic Universe, and you know there, We're working
really hard with him to really bring some awesome stuff
(08:02):
to Comic Con this year. So I think that there's
plenty to be excited.
Speaker 4 (08:07):
I totally agree, you know, Zach, you and I think
the same. I'm like, if y'all ain't gonna be there,
somebody else can shine. That's so what we feel about it.
Kind of like in the media sphere too, one was like, oh,
we're just not gonna go to I say, bro, that's
more coverage from you, you know, made my numbers.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
Go up, So stay at home.
Speaker 4 (08:25):
I'll shine while you stay at home. So I totally
totally get that. So Let's talk about this year, now, Zach.
This year, what do we have to look forward to
some of the amazing things that What else is going
to happen at this year's Comic Guns.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Okay, we have We have a lot going on, so
so stop me if you need to interject with any questions.
But I'm going to kind of go in chronological order
a little bit, you know. Of course, the big thing
for us opening night Thursday night is Fandom Party at
the Hard Rock Hotel. We're really, really, really excited about
(09:02):
it this year. I mentioned Universal Orlando Resort thereon as
a presenting sponsor. We also have Bandai Namco with a
new game called Code Vein two that's coming out soon.
They'll be there as a presenting sponsor as well. We
have the All American Rejects are headlining, you know, kind
(09:26):
of a fan favorite band, like you know, really like
fun rock music. We've never actually had a rock band
before at fandom parties, so I'm I'm excited to bring
guitars to the stage. And you know, for those of
you who have been to or have you know, read
about Fandom Party in the past, you know, we try
(09:46):
to iterate every year and you know, do cool things
and leave bands, you know, with a little bit of
a sense of awe when they leave. And I think,
I think we'll accomplish that this year. So really excited.
Speaker 4 (10:01):
It's pretty awesome. So let's digest that for a second.
And the opening opening night party on Thursday.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
So yeah, gaming.
Speaker 4 (10:08):
Check, rock music check, you got theme park check. I mean,
y'all done checked all the boxes, Zach.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
We try to we try to, like you know, at fandom,
we represent you know, fans of every stripe and so
it's like we go into it. We go into it
every year like okay, we need to like this party
needs to show like the breath and diversity of fandom
and there really should be a place for everybody. And
it's something we try to.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Do, you know.
Speaker 4 (10:38):
And I can really co sign on that, Zach, for
myself in my diversity, you know, I'm a I'm a quadriplegic.
I use a power wheelchair. I got invited to the party,
so you don't have some wheelchairs at the party. So
I appreciate, appreciate the diversity. Not only are y'all talking
to talk, but y'all walk in a walk or a
my case, rolling the walk too, and I appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
What else some what else is going on?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Okay, so what else? Friday night, We're doing a community
event with the Star Trek community. It's the twentieth anniversary
of Memory Alpha, which is the Star Trek wiki on fandom,
and we've just got This is a more casual event.
It's just a fun time. We're partnered with roden Berry Entertainment,
(11:28):
who are some of the producers of Star Trek, and
it's gonna be kind of like a bar trivia night.
We're gonna have some you know, media or podcast talent there,
doing a little bit of a panel, but really just
a fun way for Star Trek fans to meet up
on front.
Speaker 4 (11:46):
Now, yeah, you're talking my language. Now, I'm one of
those weirdos. I'm a trecky and also love Star Wars
and Marvel and all.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
The you know, you name it. I love it.
Speaker 4 (11:56):
And Star Trek has always been like my favorite franchise.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
I mean I am. I go back from the O.
Speaker 4 (12:03):
G One with Kirk, then I go to the next
generation DS nine Voyager and then then Enterprise and then
you know, one of my favorite captains is Captain Michael Burnham.
You know, she's got I kind of got a soft
spot in my heart hurt, you know.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
So uh and then then all.
Speaker 4 (12:24):
Of just the the culture behind Star Trek and being
Trekky's I mean, I'm so glad that that we have
a space where we can go we could just we
can geek out on everything Star Trek and are we
gonna get any sneak peaks? Are some announcements that something
else may be coming? Are our ones have to be
(12:47):
there just to find out?
Speaker 2 (12:49):
I think you'll have to be there to find all?
Speaker 1 (12:50):
Right, Yeah, I couldn't do that. Got your journalism with you?
Speaker 2 (12:53):
RIGHTSI no, no.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
No, no worries at all, my friend, no worries at all.
So that's pretty amazing.
Speaker 4 (13:00):
That's going on Friday night and anything else going on
that Friday besides that event.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
Yes, So for the for actually the whole weekend, so
Thursday through Sunday, we are working with Coca Cola and
Star Wars to bring a Coca Cola and Star Wars
activation outside at Comic Con. So Coca Cola has these
(13:28):
really awesome limited editions Star Wars cans that they'll be releasing.
So we've built we're building a sort of like a
theater styled structure Star Wars themed that fans can enter. Uh,
they'll get one of these limited edition cans of coke
(13:49):
and they'll have an opportunity to make their own Star
Wars style hologram. So really fun. Activation it's running all
four days outside at Comic Con.
Speaker 4 (14:01):
Wow. I mean a lot of stuff to do even
outside at Comic Con. I've noticed that. I remember before
I got into the media game, I used to have
a friend who used to go up there and said,
I don't even go inside. I just go around and
see everything that's that's around Comic Con and able to
take and able to really experience. That's really awesome that
the Fantom is making sure every fan, regardless if they
(14:24):
are attending Comic Con and have a past, to be
able to take part of some pretty amazing events. Now
the way my brain works, I just thought of something
when you talked about Star Trek and Star Trek trivia.
All right, this so Zach, you may not know the
answers to this question, but I'm gonna put this out
there as one to watching and listening.
Speaker 1 (14:42):
Who are Trek? He's out there and the next generation.
Speaker 4 (14:47):
Tom Parris's character on Voyager his name was nick La
Khan because his dad was in Starfleet and that's when
Wesley Crusher and them did this maneuver and everybody got
in trouble. And then when he arrived on Voyager he
had a different name.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
But then, you know, I kind.
Speaker 4 (15:05):
Of asked all these ais, hey, is this the same characters?
The same character? And the ais are telling me that
it's not. Could that type of answer to that question
possibly be answered to that event?
Speaker 2 (15:23):
I think possibly we're gonna have some of the most
you know, knowledgeable Star Trek experts out there in the room,
and so I I think that if there's anywhere that
question could be answered, it's it's probably in our community. Event.
Speaker 4 (15:41):
I love it because you have no idea how long
I've been wanting that question to answer it. I mean
I've been I mean sometimes I'm laying in bed at night,
like how is this happened?
Speaker 1 (15:48):
How's it happening? You know? But but but thank you,
thank you so much.
Speaker 4 (15:52):
But that's a that's a great event, even happening with
Star Wars through Coca Cola. Amazing, amazing, amazing, And what
are some other things that that fans will be able
to experience that a comic con that that fandom is doing.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
So the last thing I'll mention we have also worked
with Universal Orlando Resort on a panel that's going to
be at the convention. So this one is for badge holders,
but it is at the convention ten am Saturday morning.
It's going to be a really awesome panel about some
(16:27):
of the creativity and the production that went into you know,
building Universal Epic Universe. And I think they'll be like
a pretty exciting surprise that happens there. So I will
give you a little hint at that one. But ten am,
Room SIXDE at the convention, really great panel with with
(16:50):
Universal Orlando Resorts.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
Well, you are going to have us busy at this
year San Diego Comic Con and I am all there
for Zach, I just want to go back to the
Star Trek event too. Not another trivia question, I promise,
I promise. But for one you want to attend, you
they need to be a part of the fandom group
(17:12):
or how does that work?
Speaker 2 (17:15):
Yeah, so there's actually it was advertised on fandom socials.
There is an event right page. I believe at this
point we're on a wait list, So there is a
wait list. You can sign up for. But it is Yeah,
it's an event.
Speaker 4 (17:30):
Okay, it sounds good because I you know, I hate
being being approached that comic con and said, well, Paul,
you didn't tell me I had to sign up.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
For it, so so so you are you're helping me out, bro.
I really appreciate that you're helping.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
Me to have a good comic con when nobody approached
to be thinking I gave bad information.
Speaker 1 (17:45):
I appreciate that. Zach. Yeah, Zach.
Speaker 4 (17:48):
So before I let you go, my friend, is there
anything else that you'd like to share with the the
audience out there, not only about Comic Con, but just
you know, fandom in general, and the the floor's yours.
Speaker 2 (18:03):
Yeah, I mean, like I'm just I'm really excited to
be there this year. We have like so many amazing
partners and you know, just really excited to do cool
stuff for fans. And I think that is the way
we at fandom look at it. That's certainly the way
(18:25):
that we look at it on my team is how
can we you know, do some things that will really
leave fans, you know, with a sense of joy and
delight and awe. And you know, I just I just
hope we live up to that every year.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
I think you will because what you done told us
giving us a little tidbits of what's gonna happen. You know,
I'm channeling my inner Jedi now because you know you're
y'all working with.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
The Star Wars and also Coca Cola.
Speaker 4 (18:56):
My Jedi mind is telling me I foresee the future,
and I say, yes, yes, yes, it will definitely happen.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
My friend will Zach, it's been amazing chatting with you.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
Look forward to seeing you at Comic Con and thanks
again for coming on the show and would love to
have you back and we can kind of do a
debrief on how things went down and some of the
amazing things that that happened at at Comic Con five.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
Yeah, that'd be great and Paul looking forward to seeing
It's good.
Speaker 4 (19:25):
That was the amazing Zach Michaels.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
That was the amazing Zach Michaels.
Speaker 4 (19:33):
Really appreciated having him on and chatting with us about
all the experiences that are going on at Comic Con
that's fandom is putting on.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
So stay tuned for updates. We're gonna let you know
how all of them went.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
And am I gonna get my trivia question answered Nicko
La Khank, Tom Parris, Were they the same?
Speaker 1 (19:55):
You have to tune into the next episode too, you know,
to find out. This time for me to get out
of here, we'll be at Comic Con.
Speaker 4 (20:03):
We'll be doing a lot of stuff and there's a
lot of people, So stay tuned for that courage.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
I'm Paul, I'm a day Slane. This is the Entertainment Zone.
Do me a favor.
Speaker 4 (20:13):
Until next time, Stay healthy, stay safe, and remember I
love y'all the life.
Speaker 3 (20:22):
Ain't your average entertainment shown more to entertainment then what's
on the screen? Connecting dots on what you see. Have
y'all ever wondered how we do all begin the idea?
How they started to play xx actors the whole team,
man Pops to those behind the scene, Why I did
the person get into the bus? Something inside when they
were a kid? Who helped them out when they were
(20:45):
going to quit with about the family, gave them rocks
to kick? How well the haters they left shaming alone?
Find out in the Entertainment Zone with Paul Almaday Slane.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
It's a real thing.
Ain't your average entertainment show.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
More to entertainment.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Then we're on the.
Speaker 3 (00:03):
Screen connecting dots on what you see. Have you all
ever wondered how we do all begin the idea? How
they started to play xx act as the whole team?
Man Pops to those behind the scene, Why I did
the person get into the bus? Something inside? When they
were of a kid who helped them out when they
were wanted to quit with about the family gave them
(00:24):
rocks to kick? How well the haters they left shaming alone?
Find out in the Entertainment Zone with Oh I'm a
day slang, it's a real day.
Speaker 4 (00:35):
Hello, and welcome to the Entertainment Zone. What is up?
It is me Paul, I'madai Slain. You're Hostess with the
Mostes and this is our Comic Con edition of the
Entertainment Zone. Comic Con is coming up, so we're gonna
talk to an organization that's always focused on fans and
some of the great things that they're doing at Comic
(00:56):
Con twenty twenty five. You don't want to miss that
up day coming up here. We welcome you were watching
and listening here on ABC affiliate km E T and
those who are watching us on Roku and fire TV.
Can't forget about our YouTube viewers out there. Thank you
so much for tuning in to the show and our
(01:16):
podcast listeners. If you're on Spotify, Apple, iHeart Amazon, whatever
platform you are checking out the show, thank you so much.
Don't forget to like, share, comment on some of these
episodes too. We really really appreciate all your support, and
don't forget to hit that subscribe button. If you're on
(01:37):
YouTube on all the platforms, hit that subscribe and notification
so you'll know when all Entertainment Zone stuff drop.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
You will not be disappointed.
Speaker 4 (01:47):
Comic Con twenty twenty five, we are so looking forward
to covering this event.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
We have some.
Speaker 4 (01:53):
Amazing interviews planned out, amazing stars, amazing events that we're
going to be going to. We got invited to the
Fandom opening night party. It's our first time, so we're
looking forward to going there, hanging out. We'll be sharing
some pictures from there and just having a really, really
really good time. That brings me to my guest. We
(02:19):
are going to be joined by Zach Michaels. Zach is
the person who's really responsible for putting on these fan
experiences at Comic Con, so I get a chance to
sit down with him, pick his brain, find out what
fandom is going to be doing there and why even
if you don't have a Comic Con pass, you may
(02:40):
want to roll down to San Diego. You don't believe me,
you will have to having this conversation with Zach. Let's
welcome him on right now, Zach, Michael, Zach, what's going on?
How are you, my friend?
Speaker 2 (02:54):
I'm good, Paul, how I'm doing fantastic.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Thank you so much for joining me on the show.
Speaker 4 (02:59):
I'm excited to talk to you. I know your organization
has been a part of Comic Con for many, many,
many years, so we're gonna talk about that. But we're
also gonna get a sneak peek of what you guys
gonna be doing at Comic Con twenty twenty five.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
It's San Diego. I cannot wait. Sound like a plan.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Yeah, we're really excited.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
I'm all right, let's do it.
Speaker 4 (03:19):
So, Zach, let's start off with the origin story behind
fandom and Comic Con, because you all have a pretty
big footprint at comic Con.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
So tell us about how this guest started.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
You know, we look at it like it's our you know,
our super Bowl, our big game, our you know, main
event of the year. We know that San Diego Comic
Con is the place where, you know, uh, not only
you know, the big publishers and studios are making all
their announcements, but like almost more importantly, where all of
(03:54):
the fans are. You know, it's where hundreds of thousands
of people congregate to celebrate their fandoms. And you know,
at fandom, we think of ourselves as you know, serving
folks across you know, fans across entertainment and gaming, and
it's just to us it's the most important place to
be where we can be every year.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
I totally agree.
Speaker 4 (04:16):
Something tells me that you all plan for next year's
event during this year to make sure it goes off
without a hitch.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
Let's just say that contracts start coming about two weeks
after we finish this year.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Well, what's interesting is.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
This whole process that all the fans just see like
the finished product. But when you look at all the
nuances that go into to planning these events. I mean, Zach,
y'all make it look easy. Is it really that easy
to pull off?
Speaker 2 (04:51):
You know it, There's a lot of work that goes
into it. And I think I mean this genuinely, I
feel really lucky to be surrounded by people who just
really you know, at the highest levels with the organization,
believe in what we do at Comic Con. And then
you know, the people who are making it happen on
the ground that a lot of whom have been working
(05:12):
on it year over year and just like this is
a passion project for them. So it's it's really a
good team dynamic and I'm really lucky to have that.
And it's a lot of hard work, a lot of
problem solving, but it's fun. It's something we look forward
to every.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
Zach, what goes into planning on what experiences to have
at San Diego Comic Con?
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Are any events that you all are a part of.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
I'm sure there's some that that that fall on the
cutting room floor because you just can't do everything.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
I mean, like I think that we go into Comic
Con every year wanting to do new things, and we
you know, we activate with you know, so many partners
and new partners every year, or it gives us a
chance to really look at, you know, those partners' ips
and figure out how we can bring them to an
(06:08):
event setting at San Diego Comic Con, which is just,
you know, always a really exciting thing to do, and
so every year is a little bit different, and so
I think we're kind of like set up for success
that when we.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
Look at this year, we know some organizations have decided
not to be there, not not bring any of their
their ips along, But the ones who are going to
be there, it's going to be a pretty amazing, pretty
amazing lineup. I mean, my email has been blown up
ever since three weeks ago, and I'm like, whoa, this
is going to be an off the hook San Diego
(06:43):
Comic Con. And when you hear the chatter of fans
and anything like said to say, ones like myself were
part of the part of the media kind of try
to throw shade because things are not going to be
like it was pre pandemic that we all remember, but
it's still a fun experience. How do you all navigate
that to make sure that not to listen to all
(07:07):
the haters and the naysayers out there and just be
laser focused on having just this amazing events out there
so the fans and others can really just just have
an amazing time.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
I mean, like you know, I think because we think
of ourselves as a fan first platform. It's it's really
easy to go into Comic Con thinking like, how do
we make the best experiences for fans that we can.
But like, you know, I also think that this year
gives other you know, brands or other ips like you know,
(07:42):
a chance to shine in maybe a way that they
would have been overshadowed in the past. You know, I've
been working really closely with Universal Orlando Resort this year,
and they have like an amazing new theme park out
in Orlando, Epic Universe, and you know there, We're working
really hard with him to really bring some awesome stuff
(08:02):
to Comic Con this year. So I think that there's
plenty to be excited.
Speaker 4 (08:07):
I totally agree, you know, Zach, you and I think
the same. I'm like, if y'all ain't gonna be there,
somebody else can shine. That's so what we feel about it.
Kind of like in the media sphere too, one was like, oh,
we're just not gonna go to I say, bro, that's
more coverage from you, you know, made my numbers.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
Go up, So stay at home.
Speaker 4 (08:25):
I'll shine while you stay at home. So I totally
totally get that. So Let's talk about this year, now, Zach.
This year, what do we have to look forward to
some of the amazing things that What else is going
to happen at this year's Comic Guns.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Okay, we have We have a lot going on, so
so stop me if you need to interject with any questions.
But I'm going to kind of go in chronological order
a little bit, you know. Of course, the big thing
for us opening night Thursday night is Fandom Party at
the Hard Rock Hotel. We're really, really, really excited about
(09:02):
it this year. I mentioned Universal Orlando Resort thereon as
a presenting sponsor. We also have Bandai Namco with a
new game called Code Vein two that's coming out soon.
They'll be there as a presenting sponsor as well. We
have the All American Rejects are headlining, you know, kind
(09:26):
of a fan favorite band, like you know, really like
fun rock music. We've never actually had a rock band
before at fandom parties, so I'm I'm excited to bring
guitars to the stage. And you know, for those of
you who have been to or have you know, read
about Fandom Party in the past, you know, we try
(09:46):
to iterate every year and you know, do cool things
and leave bands, you know, with a little bit of
a sense of awe when they leave. And I think,
I think we'll accomplish that this year. So really excited.
Speaker 4 (10:01):
It's pretty awesome. So let's digest that for a second.
And the opening opening night party on Thursday.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
So yeah, gaming.
Speaker 4 (10:08):
Check, rock music check, you got theme park check. I mean,
y'all done checked all the boxes, Zach.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
We try to we try to, like you know, at fandom,
we represent you know, fans of every stripe and so
it's like we go into it. We go into it
every year like okay, we need to like this party
needs to show like the breath and diversity of fandom
and there really should be a place for everybody. And
it's something we try to.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Do, you know.
Speaker 4 (10:38):
And I can really co sign on that, Zach, for
myself in my diversity, you know, I'm a I'm a quadriplegic.
I use a power wheelchair. I got invited to the party,
so you don't have some wheelchairs at the party. So
I appreciate, appreciate the diversity. Not only are y'all talking
to talk, but y'all walk in a walk or a
my case, rolling the walk too, and I appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
What else some what else is going on?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Okay, so what else? Friday night, We're doing a community
event with the Star Trek community. It's the twentieth anniversary
of Memory Alpha, which is the Star Trek wiki on fandom,
and we've just got This is a more casual event.
It's just a fun time. We're partnered with roden Berry Entertainment,
(11:28):
who are some of the producers of Star Trek, and
it's gonna be kind of like a bar trivia night.
We're gonna have some you know, media or podcast talent there,
doing a little bit of a panel, but really just
a fun way for Star Trek fans to meet up
on front.
Speaker 4 (11:46):
Now, yeah, you're talking my language. Now, I'm one of
those weirdos. I'm a trecky and also love Star Wars
and Marvel and all.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
The you know, you name it. I love it.
Speaker 4 (11:56):
And Star Trek has always been like my favorite franchise.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
I mean I am. I go back from the O.
Speaker 4 (12:03):
G One with Kirk, then I go to the next
generation DS nine Voyager and then then Enterprise and then
you know, one of my favorite captains is Captain Michael Burnham.
You know, she's got I kind of got a soft
spot in my heart hurt, you know.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
So uh and then then all.
Speaker 4 (12:24):
Of just the the culture behind Star Trek and being
Trekky's I mean, I'm so glad that that we have
a space where we can go we could just we
can geek out on everything Star Trek and are we
gonna get any sneak peaks? Are some announcements that something
else may be coming? Are our ones have to be
(12:47):
there just to find out?
Speaker 2 (12:49):
I think you'll have to be there to find all?
Speaker 1 (12:50):
Right, Yeah, I couldn't do that. Got your journalism with you?
Speaker 2 (12:53):
RIGHTSI no, no.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
No, no worries at all, my friend, no worries at all.
So that's pretty amazing.
Speaker 4 (13:00):
That's going on Friday night and anything else going on
that Friday besides that event.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
Yes, So for the for actually the whole weekend, so
Thursday through Sunday, we are working with Coca Cola and
Star Wars to bring a Coca Cola and Star Wars
activation outside at Comic Con. So Coca Cola has these
(13:28):
really awesome limited editions Star Wars cans that they'll be releasing.
So we've built we're building a sort of like a
theater styled structure Star Wars themed that fans can enter. Uh,
they'll get one of these limited edition cans of coke
(13:49):
and they'll have an opportunity to make their own Star
Wars style hologram. So really fun. Activation it's running all
four days outside at Comic Con.
Speaker 4 (14:01):
Wow. I mean a lot of stuff to do even
outside at Comic Con. I've noticed that. I remember before
I got into the media game, I used to have
a friend who used to go up there and said,
I don't even go inside. I just go around and
see everything that's that's around Comic Con and able to
take and able to really experience. That's really awesome that
the Fantom is making sure every fan, regardless if they
(14:24):
are attending Comic Con and have a past, to be
able to take part of some pretty amazing events. Now
the way my brain works, I just thought of something
when you talked about Star Trek and Star Trek trivia.
All right, this so Zach, you may not know the
answers to this question, but I'm gonna put this out
there as one to watching and listening.
Speaker 1 (14:42):
Who are Trek? He's out there and the next generation.
Speaker 4 (14:47):
Tom Parris's character on Voyager his name was nick La
Khan because his dad was in Starfleet and that's when
Wesley Crusher and them did this maneuver and everybody got
in trouble. And then when he arrived on Voyager he
had a different name.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
But then, you know, I kind.
Speaker 4 (15:05):
Of asked all these ais, hey, is this the same characters?
The same character? And the ais are telling me that
it's not. Could that type of answer to that question
possibly be answered to that event?
Speaker 2 (15:23):
I think possibly we're gonna have some of the most
you know, knowledgeable Star Trek experts out there in the room,
and so I I think that if there's anywhere that
question could be answered, it's it's probably in our community. Event.
Speaker 4 (15:41):
I love it because you have no idea how long
I've been wanting that question to answer it. I mean
I've been I mean sometimes I'm laying in bed at night,
like how is this happened?
Speaker 1 (15:48):
How's it happening? You know? But but but thank you,
thank you so much.
Speaker 4 (15:52):
But that's a that's a great event, even happening with
Star Wars through Coca Cola. Amazing, amazing, amazing, And what
are some other things that that fans will be able
to experience that a comic con that that fandom is doing.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
So the last thing I'll mention we have also worked
with Universal Orlando Resort on a panel that's going to
be at the convention. So this one is for badge holders,
but it is at the convention ten am Saturday morning.
It's going to be a really awesome panel about some
(16:27):
of the creativity and the production that went into you know,
building Universal Epic Universe. And I think they'll be like
a pretty exciting surprise that happens there. So I will
give you a little hint at that one. But ten am,
Room SIXDE at the convention, really great panel with with
(16:50):
Universal Orlando Resorts.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
Well, you are going to have us busy at this
year San Diego Comic Con and I am all there
for Zach, I just want to go back to the
Star Trek event too. Not another trivia question, I promise,
I promise. But for one you want to attend, you
they need to be a part of the fandom group
(17:12):
or how does that work?
Speaker 2 (17:15):
Yeah, so there's actually it was advertised on fandom socials.
There is an event right page. I believe at this
point we're on a wait list, So there is a
wait list. You can sign up for. But it is Yeah,
it's an event.
Speaker 4 (17:30):
Okay, it sounds good because I you know, I hate
being being approached that comic con and said, well, Paul,
you didn't tell me I had to sign up.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
For it, so so so you are you're helping me out, bro.
I really appreciate that you're helping.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
Me to have a good comic con when nobody approached
to be thinking I gave bad information.
Speaker 1 (17:45):
I appreciate that. Zach. Yeah, Zach.
Speaker 4 (17:48):
So before I let you go, my friend, is there
anything else that you'd like to share with the the
audience out there, not only about Comic Con, but just
you know, fandom in general, and the the floor's yours.
Speaker 2 (18:03):
Yeah, I mean, like I'm just I'm really excited to
be there this year. We have like so many amazing
partners and you know, just really excited to do cool
stuff for fans. And I think that is the way
we at fandom look at it. That's certainly the way
(18:25):
that we look at it on my team is how
can we you know, do some things that will really
leave fans, you know, with a sense of joy and
delight and awe. And you know, I just I just
hope we live up to that every year.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
I think you will because what you done told us
giving us a little tidbits of what's gonna happen. You know,
I'm channeling my inner Jedi now because you know you're
y'all working with.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
The Star Wars and also Coca Cola.
Speaker 4 (18:56):
My Jedi mind is telling me I foresee the future,
and I say, yes, yes, yes, it will definitely happen.
Speaker 1 (19:01):
My friend will Zach, it's been amazing chatting with you.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
Look forward to seeing you at Comic Con and thanks
again for coming on the show and would love to
have you back and we can kind of do a
debrief on how things went down and some of the
amazing things that that happened at at Comic Con five.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
Yeah, that'd be great and Paul looking forward to seeing
It's good.
Speaker 4 (19:25):
That was the amazing Zach Michaels.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
That was the amazing Zach Michaels.
Speaker 4 (19:33):
Really appreciated having him on and chatting with us about
all the experiences that are going on at Comic Con
that's fandom is putting on.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
So stay tuned for updates. We're gonna let you know
how all of them went.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
And am I gonna get my trivia question answered Nicko
La Khank, Tom Parris, Were they the same?
Speaker 1 (19:55):
You have to tune into the next episode too, you know,
to find out. This time for me to get out
of here, we'll be at Comic Con.
Speaker 4 (20:03):
We'll be doing a lot of stuff and there's a
lot of people, So stay tuned for that courage.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
I'm Paul, I'm a day Slane. This is the Entertainment Zone.
Do me a favor.
Speaker 4 (20:13):
Until next time, Stay healthy, stay safe, and remember I
love y'all the life.
Speaker 3 (20:22):
Ain't your average entertainment shown more to entertainment then what's
on the screen? Connecting dots on what you see. Have
y'all ever wondered how we do all begin the idea?
How they started to play xx actors the whole team,
man Pops to those behind the scene, Why I did
the person get into the bus? Something inside when they
were a kid? Who helped them out when they were
(20:45):
going to quit with about the family, gave them rocks
to kick? How well the haters they left shaming alone?
Find out in the Entertainment Zone with Paul Almaday Slane.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
It's a real thing.
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