Sci-Fi on the Rock
Encyclopedia
Sci-Fi on the Rock is an annual science fiction, fantasy and horror convention
held in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
. It was founded by Darren Hann and Melanie Collins in mid-to-late 2006, and held its first convention in 2007.
(Defense Command, His Majesty's New World), comic-book artist Paul Tucker
(The Underworld Railroad, Google John Smith), actor Brian Downey
(Lexx
, Millennium
), actor Jeremy Bulloch
(The Empire Strikes Back, Octopussy
), author William Meikle (The Midnight Eye series), horror author Matthew LeDrew (Black Womb, Roulette) and author Shannon Patrick Sullivan (The Dying Days).
Having been planned and put off within only a few months, and with little publicity, Sci-Fi on the Rock's first convention was surprise success with almost 500 people attending, and was covered in many local media pages, as well as internet sites.
The first change was time and place. It was increased from a one-day to a full weekend event, and was held in a larger venue. Sci-Fi on the Rock II was held at the Holiday Inn hotel in St. John's, on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20, 2008. As a kick-off to the convention, author Kenneth Tam was invited back as a special guest, and launched the first book in his new series The Grasslands
on the evening before the convention. Other changes included the amount of publicity the convention received, and the structure of different competitions.
The list of special guests grew from three to seven, with Kenneth Tam and Vader Party returning for their second year, and the addition of authors Matthew LeDrew and Willie Meikle, comic-book artist Paul Tucker of Viper Comics
, as well as the appearance of Celebrity Special Guests, actors Jeremy Bulloch, who notably played the bounty hunter Boba Fett
from the Star Wars Franchise
, and Brian Downey, who is perhaps best known for his role of Stanley Tweedle
from Lexx: The Series
.
Like the year before, Sci-Fi on the Rock II was met with positive reviews and overall success. In addition to more media coverage, both before and after the convention, the attendance increased to over 700—with a number of patrons coming from other parts of Canada
, the United States
and even the United Kingdom
. The guests as well had an enjoyable time. Jeremy Bulloch commented on his website that "The people of Newfoundland are extremely friendly. It was only the second time that Darren had put the 'Sc-Fi on the Rock' show on, and it was very well attended. Lots of costumes and games for the children and it seemed that everyone was having a good time".
Sci-Fi on the Rock II featured a Charity Auction, which benefited the School Lunch Association. Items that had been placed for bid included a Limited Edition Star Wars T-Shirt-and-Box Set which is not available in North America (donated by Jeremy Bulloch), a Lexx Prize pack, including many behind-the-scenes cuts and scripts (donated by Brian Downey), a Limited Edition Boba Fett action figure, personally autographed by Jeremy Bulloch, and a P.A.D.D. that was used on the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation
(which was donated by an agent of one of the actors of the show).
, who is perhaps best known as Admiral Maxwell Forrest from Star Trek Enterprise, Christian Simpson, who notably played Lt. Gavyn Sykes in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and also worked on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (as Old Fred Weasley), and Peter Mayhew
who notably played Chewbacca
the Wookiee in the Star Wars saga. Author guests included returning authors Kenneth Tam, Matthew LeDrew and Willie Meikle, and welcomed for the first time Louise Bohmer.
Following in the tradition of the previous year, the convention was upgraded due to the overwhelming response to the last convention to better accommodate the demand. Such changes included the addition of a third workshop room, which added around 20+ workshops to the convention. Other additions included the Cantina, a midnight movie, and website redesigns. This year also marked the first Fan Film that Sci-Fi on the Rock was involved with producing: Star Wars: Inner Demons.
Returning attractions included many of the workshops from the previous year, including Lightsaber Technique, Stage Combat, Star Wars, Transformers, Special Effect Make-up and others. The Charity Auction also returned, again aiding the School Lunch Association. Dinner with the Stars, an event where a limited number of guests are able to sit and enjoy a three-course meal with the special guest actors, also returned.
Sci-Fi on the Rock 3 was met with over a thousand visitors, and received many positive reviews from patrons.
who played Damar on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
, Max Grodénchik
who played Rom on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Nalini Krishan who is perhaps best known as Barris Offee, the Jedi Padawan to Lumiara Unduli, as well as authors Matthew LeDrew, Ellen Curtis, Dwain Campbell, Ira Nayman, Kevin Woolridge and Patti Kennedy. Actor Mike Savva was scheduled to attend, but as a result of the Icelandic Volcano eruptions and the resulting ash cloud over UK Airspace, he was unable to come to Newfoundland. Also, actor Tony Amendola
, known as Master Bra'tac from Stargate SG-1
, was scheduled in the early stages to attend the Sci-Fi on the Rock convention, but due to professional commitments, had to withdraw.
The 2010 convention again broke its previous record by having over 1200 people visit its attractions, beating the previous year's total of just over 1000. This was a twofold success, as this year the convention competed with the 2010 JUNO Awards. Besides growth in numbers, the convention grew in other ways. For example, in May 2009 (almost immediately following the past convention), Sci-Fi on the Rock opened an online store on their website. Also,
Due to the success of Hann Made Film's first fan-film, Star Wars: Inner Demons, Hann Made Films filmed another fan-film, this time a Stargate SG-1
/Doctor Who
crossover film, titled Replication. The film debuted at Sci-Fi on the Rock IV, to great reception again.
Also, Sci-Fi on the Rock and HannMade Films teamed up to create Sci-Fi on the Rock TV, a video magazine that provided convention updates on an "almost bi-weekly" basis. Season One of Sci-Fi on the Rock TV was hosted by Steve Lake and Ellen Curtis, and ran from September 11, 2009 to May 2010.
Season Two is slated to begin in September 2010, with both hosts returning.
(better known as the voice of Lord Zedd from the Power Rangers
), actor David Nykl
, known as Doctor Zelenka from Stargate Atlantis
, actor John Garman "J. G." Hertzler (known in the Star Trek community for his role on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) as the Klingon General, and later Chancellor, Martok) and Suzie Plakson
who is an actress, singer, writer, poet, and artist, who has played four characters on various Star Trek series, including Worf's wife K'Ehleyr. Special guests also included returning authors Matthew Ledrew, Ellen Curtis, and actor/comic creator Kevin Woolridge, and welcomed newcomers Charles Picco from Todd and the Book of Pure Evil
, and Tom Brown and Thomas Gofton ("the Toms") from Mind's Eye. Picco, a native Newfoundlander, is the co-creator/co-writer/executive story editor of Todd and The Book of Pure Evil, a comedy/horror series currently airing on the Space Channel. The Toms are writers for Mind's Eye, a fantasy web series brought to you by the creative minds at Lynnvander Productions and Synn Studios inc. It is a tantalizing tale of adventure, magic and imagination becoming reality as we follow a new class of superhero, the Dreamweavers.
Like in previous years, the fifth convention beat its numbers from the previous year; while an exact figure is not yet known, it is estimated that around 1500 people visited the convention this year. Because this year marked the organization's fifth year, the convention staff introduced its first annual film festival, which commenced on the convention's opening night. Eleven films were submitted and screened, ten of which were from local film-makers, and one (X-Meeting) from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The winner of this film festival was a horror/comedy short called "Date With The Dead".
Although it is called "Geek Survivor", it more closely resembles Jeopardy!
and Beat the Geeks
in structure and style. It is a trivia-based game, where contestants answer questions of varying difficulty about different Sci-Fi topics. At the end of the game, the contestant with the highest score is crowned "Ultra Geek".
Mark Downey was crowned as the first Sci-Fi on the Rock Ultra Geek on April 1, 2007. Dr. Glyn George, a MUN
professor and Doctor Who
and Star Trek
enthusiast, was crowned on April 20, 2008. He later abdicated his throne, as he became involved in the planning of Sci-Fi on the Rock, retiring from the competition undefeated. Newfoundland's Ultra Geek for 2009, crowned at Sci-Fi on the Rock 3, was Charles White. He, too, retired undefeated.
Andrew O'Brien was crowned as Newfoundland's fourth Ultra Geek on April 18, 2010. Unlike his predecessors, he competed again in the fifth Geek Survivor challenge, but was dethroned by Ford Cooke, who was crowned as the fifth Ultra Geek on April 17, 2011.
The winner of the first annual film festival was a horror/comedy short called "Date With The Dead", written by Nima Yusefi, directed by Justin Madol and produced by Tommy Gushue and Ian Vatcher. The film starred local actors James Hawksley, Jennifer Smith and Andy Jones.
At its maiden performance in 2009, guest Vaughn Armstrong performed at the Cantina with his ukulele, which was a highlight performance.
and 10 years before A New Hope
.
Synopsis: Pirates have obtained details on the security measures safeguarding the Death Star construction project. They invite members of the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire to bid on the information at auction. The story is about the two Jedi who are sent to retrieve the information for the Alliance, and the Imperial clone trooper, with the powers of a Sith lord, who is sent to stop them.
The story contains a few familiar faces such as Darth Vader and the Emperor, but introduces some new characters and aliens as well, such as a Sith witch, a Mandalorian warrior, some new Jedi Knights, and the man-eating Vo'Rath species.
In February 2010, Inner Demons took second place at the Mount Pearl Frosty Festival film festival.
, Mike Fisher as Jack O'Neill
, Zachary Moore as Daniel Jackson
, Justin Foley as Rya'c (son of Teal'c
), Mark Todd as The Doctor, Emily Fisher as the Doctor's Companion, and Siobhan Foley as The Rani.
The premise of the film centres around the return of The dying Rani, who bonds with a Goa'uld after finding herself in the SG-1 universe. Also, the TARDIS finds itself stuck in some type of spacial distortion, and gets caught in a Stargate wormhole. The Doctor, his companion Emilie, and SG-1 have to team up and defeat The Rani, her group of renegade Jaffa, and a new breed of enemy created by the Rani which blends Replicators and Cybermen.
Replication is set to be shown at Sci-Fi on the Rock IV.
Sci-Fi on the Rock TV plans to air some "on-location" episodes from the Sci-Fi convention.
Science fiction convention
Science fiction conventions are gatherings of fans of various forms of speculative fiction including science fiction and fantasy. Historically, science fiction conventions had focused primarily on literature, but the purview of many extends to such other avenues of expression as movies and...
held in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. It was founded by Darren Hann and Melanie Collins in mid-to-late 2006, and held its first convention in 2007.
History
It began in 2007 at the Hotel Mount Pearl, moving on to be housed in the Holiday Inn in St. John's as of April 2008. The convention has had a number a notable guests both from Newfoundland and beyond, including science-fiction author Kenneth TamKenneth Tam
Kenneth Tam is a Canadian science-fiction author. His best-known works include The Equations Novels and the Defense Command series. He is the son of fellow Canadian author Jacqui Tam. He is a graduate student at Wilfrid Laurier University, in Waterloo, Ontario...
(Defense Command, His Majesty's New World), comic-book artist Paul Tucker
Paul Tucker (artist)
Paul Tucker is a visual artist and illustrator of graphic novels and webcomics.-Biography:...
(The Underworld Railroad, Google John Smith), actor Brian Downey
Brian Downey (actor)
Brian Downey is a Canadian actor perhaps best-known for his portrayal of Stanley Tweedle, in the science-fiction television series Lexx....
(Lexx
Lexx
Lexx is a science fantasy television series that follows the adventures of a group of mismatched individuals aboard the organic space craft Lexx. They travel through two universes and encounter planets including a parody of the Earth....
, Millennium
Millennium (TV series)
Millennium is an American television series created by Chris Carter, creator of The X-Files. Millennium aired on the Fox Network from 1996 to 1999. The series was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, though most episodes were ostensibly set in or around Seattle, Washington...
), actor Jeremy Bulloch
Jeremy Bulloch
Jeremy Bulloch is an English actor. He is best known for the role inside the costume of the bounty hunter Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy, though he did not voice the character...
(The Empire Strikes Back, Octopussy
Octopussy
Octopussy is the thirteenth entry in the James Bond series, and the sixth to star Roger Moore as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond. The film's title is taken from a short story in Ian Fleming's 1966 short story collection Octopussy and The Living Daylights...
), author William Meikle (The Midnight Eye series), horror author Matthew LeDrew (Black Womb, Roulette) and author Shannon Patrick Sullivan (The Dying Days).
First Convention
Sci-Fi on the Rock's first convention was held on April 1, 2007 at the Hotel Mount Pearl (formerly Chateau Park) in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. It featured special guest authors Kenneth Tam and Shannon Patrick Sullivan, and local business/fangroup, Vader Party. As well as featuring special guests, the convention featured workshops throughout the day including the popular "Lightsaber Techniques", "Basic Horror Make-Up for Film and Television" and "Costume Designing". In addition, there were a number of sales-and-display tables, and a number of competitions such as Video Games, Model Building, Costume Contest, and others. Sci-Fi on the Rock also featured a canteen with Sci-Fi related food (i.e.: "The Kirk Burger").Having been planned and put off within only a few months, and with little publicity, Sci-Fi on the Rock's first convention was surprise success with almost 500 people attending, and was covered in many local media pages, as well as internet sites.
Sci-Fi on the Rock II
As a result of the success of the first convention, Sci-Fi on the Rock organizers Darren Hann and Melanie Collins, as well as the now-larger organizing committee decided that the convention should be held again the following year and should be bigger. Around the summer of 2007, planning for Sci-Fi on the Rock II would commence.The first change was time and place. It was increased from a one-day to a full weekend event, and was held in a larger venue. Sci-Fi on the Rock II was held at the Holiday Inn hotel in St. John's, on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20, 2008. As a kick-off to the convention, author Kenneth Tam was invited back as a special guest, and launched the first book in his new series The Grasslands
Kenneth Tam
Kenneth Tam is a Canadian science-fiction author. His best-known works include The Equations Novels and the Defense Command series. He is the son of fellow Canadian author Jacqui Tam. He is a graduate student at Wilfrid Laurier University, in Waterloo, Ontario...
on the evening before the convention. Other changes included the amount of publicity the convention received, and the structure of different competitions.
The list of special guests grew from three to seven, with Kenneth Tam and Vader Party returning for their second year, and the addition of authors Matthew LeDrew and Willie Meikle, comic-book artist Paul Tucker of Viper Comics
Viper Comics
Viper Comics, based in Dallas, Texas, has been an independent publisher of comic books and graphic novel trade paperbacks since 2003. Viper comic books are distributed by Diamond Comic Distributors and their graphic novels are distributed through Diamond, Ingram Books, Baker & Taylor, Inc., and...
, as well as the appearance of Celebrity Special Guests, actors Jeremy Bulloch, who notably played the bounty hunter Boba Fett
Boba Fett
Boba Fett is a character in Star Wars. A bounty hunter hired by Darth Vader to find the Millennium Falcon, he is a minor villain in both Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi....
from the Star Wars Franchise
Star Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
, and Brian Downey, who is perhaps best known for his role of Stanley Tweedle
Stanley Tweedle
Stanley Tweedle is a character on the science fiction series Lexx.-Background:Originally an "assistant deputy backup courier" for the Ostral-B Heretics against His Divine Shadow, an evil galactic dictator, Stanley H. Tweedle was given a responsibility that he really did not merit: smuggling the...
from Lexx: The Series
Lexx
Lexx is a science fantasy television series that follows the adventures of a group of mismatched individuals aboard the organic space craft Lexx. They travel through two universes and encounter planets including a parody of the Earth....
.
Like the year before, Sci-Fi on the Rock II was met with positive reviews and overall success. In addition to more media coverage, both before and after the convention, the attendance increased to over 700—with a number of patrons coming from other parts of Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and even the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. The guests as well had an enjoyable time. Jeremy Bulloch commented on his website that "The people of Newfoundland are extremely friendly. It was only the second time that Darren had put the 'Sc-Fi on the Rock' show on, and it was very well attended. Lots of costumes and games for the children and it seemed that everyone was having a good time".
Sci-Fi on the Rock II featured a Charity Auction, which benefited the School Lunch Association. Items that had been placed for bid included a Limited Edition Star Wars T-Shirt-and-Box Set which is not available in North America (donated by Jeremy Bulloch), a Lexx Prize pack, including many behind-the-scenes cuts and scripts (donated by Brian Downey), a Limited Edition Boba Fett action figure, personally autographed by Jeremy Bulloch, and a P.A.D.D. that was used on the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation is an American science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry as part of the Star Trek franchise. Roddenberry, Rick Berman, and Michael Piller served as executive producers at different times throughout the production...
(which was donated by an agent of one of the actors of the show).
Sci-Fi on the Rock III
Sci-Fi on the Rock had its third convention on April 25 and 26, 2009 at the Holiday Inn in St. John's once again. The special guest actors for this year were Vaughn ArmstrongVaughn Armstrong
Vaughn Dale Armstrong is an American actor.-Prior to acting:Armstrong served in the United States military and saw action in the Vietnam War.-Star Trek:...
, who is perhaps best known as Admiral Maxwell Forrest from Star Trek Enterprise, Christian Simpson, who notably played Lt. Gavyn Sykes in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and also worked on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (as Old Fred Weasley), and Peter Mayhew
Peter Mayhew
Peter Mayhew is an English actor known for playing the Wookiee Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies. His peak height was tall.-Career:...
who notably played Chewbacca
Chewbacca
Chewbacca, also known as Chewie, is a character in the Star Wars franchise, portrayed by Peter Mayhew. In the series' narrative chronology, he appears in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi...
the Wookiee in the Star Wars saga. Author guests included returning authors Kenneth Tam, Matthew LeDrew and Willie Meikle, and welcomed for the first time Louise Bohmer.
Following in the tradition of the previous year, the convention was upgraded due to the overwhelming response to the last convention to better accommodate the demand. Such changes included the addition of a third workshop room, which added around 20+ workshops to the convention. Other additions included the Cantina, a midnight movie, and website redesigns. This year also marked the first Fan Film that Sci-Fi on the Rock was involved with producing: Star Wars: Inner Demons.
Returning attractions included many of the workshops from the previous year, including Lightsaber Technique, Stage Combat, Star Wars, Transformers, Special Effect Make-up and others. The Charity Auction also returned, again aiding the School Lunch Association. Dinner with the Stars, an event where a limited number of guests are able to sit and enjoy a three-course meal with the special guest actors, also returned.
Sci-Fi on the Rock 3 was met with over a thousand visitors, and received many positive reviews from patrons.
Sci-Fi on the Rock IV
Sci-Fi on the Rock IV took place on April 17 and 18, 2010. Planning began in September 2009. The convention took place in its regular venue, the Holiday Inn. Special guests included actors Casey BiggsCasey Biggs
Casey Patrick Biggs is an American actor, best known throughout the Star Trek community for his recurring role as the Cardassian Damar, on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.-Biography:...
who played Damar on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe...
, Max Grodénchik
Max Grodénchik
Max Grodénchik , also known as Michael Grodénchik, is an American stage, film, and television actor, best known for his role as Rom on the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.- Background :...
who played Rom on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Nalini Krishan who is perhaps best known as Barris Offee, the Jedi Padawan to Lumiara Unduli, as well as authors Matthew LeDrew, Ellen Curtis, Dwain Campbell, Ira Nayman, Kevin Woolridge and Patti Kennedy. Actor Mike Savva was scheduled to attend, but as a result of the Icelandic Volcano eruptions and the resulting ash cloud over UK Airspace, he was unable to come to Newfoundland. Also, actor Tony Amendola
Tony Amendola
Tony Amendola is an American actor who is best known for his recurring role as the Jaffa master Bra'tac in Stargate SG-1.-Career:Major movie roles include Blow, The Mask of Zorro and its sequel, The Legend of Zorro...
, known as Master Bra'tac from Stargate SG-1
Stargate SG-1
Stargate SG-1 is a Canadian-American adventure and military science fiction television series and part of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Stargate franchise. The show, created by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner, is based on the 1994 feature film Stargate by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich...
, was scheduled in the early stages to attend the Sci-Fi on the Rock convention, but due to professional commitments, had to withdraw.
The 2010 convention again broke its previous record by having over 1200 people visit its attractions, beating the previous year's total of just over 1000. This was a twofold success, as this year the convention competed with the 2010 JUNO Awards. Besides growth in numbers, the convention grew in other ways. For example, in May 2009 (almost immediately following the past convention), Sci-Fi on the Rock opened an online store on their website. Also,
Due to the success of Hann Made Film's first fan-film, Star Wars: Inner Demons, Hann Made Films filmed another fan-film, this time a Stargate SG-1
Stargate SG-1
Stargate SG-1 is a Canadian-American adventure and military science fiction television series and part of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Stargate franchise. The show, created by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner, is based on the 1994 feature film Stargate by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich...
/Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
crossover film, titled Replication. The film debuted at Sci-Fi on the Rock IV, to great reception again.
Also, Sci-Fi on the Rock and HannMade Films teamed up to create Sci-Fi on the Rock TV, a video magazine that provided convention updates on an "almost bi-weekly" basis. Season One of Sci-Fi on the Rock TV was hosted by Steve Lake and Ellen Curtis, and ran from September 11, 2009 to May 2010.
Season Two is slated to begin in September 2010, with both hosts returning.
Sci-Fi on the Rock V
Sci-Fi on the Rock held its fifth convention on April 15, 16 and 17, 2011, making this year the first time the organization launched a convention that spanned three days. It was held again at the St. John's Holiday Inn, and was kicked off with a book launch from convention co-founder Darren Hann, followed by the convention's first ever film festival. Special guests who were in attendance this year were actor Mike Savva (who was scheduled to appear for Sci-Fi on the Rock IV but was waylaid due to Volcanic activity over UK airspace), actor Robert AxelrodRobert Axelrod (actor)
Robert Axelrod is a U.S. actor who has been in several movies and lent his voice to countless televisual shows including Digimon, having started vocal acting for the English versions of Japanese cartoons in 1980...
(better known as the voice of Lord Zedd from the Power Rangers
Power Rangers
Power Rangers is a long-running American entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live action children's television series featuring teams of costumed heroes...
), actor David Nykl
David Nykl
David Nykl is a Czech Canadian actor of film, television, commercials and theater.After the Soviet invasion in 1968, he and his family left then-Communist Czechoslovakia for Canada...
, known as Doctor Zelenka from Stargate Atlantis
Stargate Atlantis
Stargate Atlantis is a Canadian-American adventure and military science fiction television series and part of MGM's Stargate franchise. The show was created by Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper as a spin-off series of Stargate SG-1, which was created by Wright and Jonathan Glassner and was itself...
, actor John Garman "J. G." Hertzler (known in the Star Trek community for his role on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) as the Klingon General, and later Chancellor, Martok) and Suzie Plakson
Suzie Plakson
Suzie Plakson is an American actress, singer, writer, poet, and artist, perhaps best known for her role as Meg Tynan in the sitcom Love & War....
who is an actress, singer, writer, poet, and artist, who has played four characters on various Star Trek series, including Worf's wife K'Ehleyr. Special guests also included returning authors Matthew Ledrew, Ellen Curtis, and actor/comic creator Kevin Woolridge, and welcomed newcomers Charles Picco from Todd and the Book of Pure Evil
Todd and the Book of Pure Evil
Todd and the Book of Pure Evil is a Canadian comedy/horror television series that follows a group of high school students who confront the effects of a demonic book. The series premiered on Space Channel on September 29, 2010 with two back-to-back episodes...
, and Tom Brown and Thomas Gofton ("the Toms") from Mind's Eye. Picco, a native Newfoundlander, is the co-creator/co-writer/executive story editor of Todd and The Book of Pure Evil, a comedy/horror series currently airing on the Space Channel. The Toms are writers for Mind's Eye, a fantasy web series brought to you by the creative minds at Lynnvander Productions and Synn Studios inc. It is a tantalizing tale of adventure, magic and imagination becoming reality as we follow a new class of superhero, the Dreamweavers.
Like in previous years, the fifth convention beat its numbers from the previous year; while an exact figure is not yet known, it is estimated that around 1500 people visited the convention this year. Because this year marked the organization's fifth year, the convention staff introduced its first annual film festival, which commenced on the convention's opening night. Eleven films were submitted and screened, ten of which were from local film-makers, and one (X-Meeting) from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The winner of this film festival was a horror/comedy short called "Date With The Dead".
Current Planning
Sci-Fi on the Rock has announced that it will indeed be returning for a sixth consecutive year, and the dates will be April 20, 21 and 22, 2012.Geek Survivor
Additional to the contests discussed in the main articles, there is a larger competition held during the convention called "Geek Survivor", where contestants compete to be crowned the title of "Newfoundland's Ultra Geek".Although it is called "Geek Survivor", it more closely resembles Jeopardy!
Jeopardy!
Griffin's first conception of the game used a board comprising ten categories with ten clues each, but after finding that this board could not be shown on camera easily, he reduced it to two rounds of thirty clues each, with five clues in each of six categories...
and Beat the Geeks
Beat the Geeks
Beat the Geeks is an American comedy game show that aired on Comedy Central from 2001 to 2002. The show was rerun on The Comedy Network in Canada and reruns currently air on G4techTV Canada and Prime in New Zealand....
in structure and style. It is a trivia-based game, where contestants answer questions of varying difficulty about different Sci-Fi topics. At the end of the game, the contestant with the highest score is crowned "Ultra Geek".
Mark Downey was crowned as the first Sci-Fi on the Rock Ultra Geek on April 1, 2007. Dr. Glyn George, a MUN
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial University of Newfoundland, is a comprehensive university located primarily in St...
professor and Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
and Star Trek
Star Trek
Star Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise...
enthusiast, was crowned on April 20, 2008. He later abdicated his throne, as he became involved in the planning of Sci-Fi on the Rock, retiring from the competition undefeated. Newfoundland's Ultra Geek for 2009, crowned at Sci-Fi on the Rock 3, was Charles White. He, too, retired undefeated.
Andrew O'Brien was crowned as Newfoundland's fourth Ultra Geek on April 18, 2010. Unlike his predecessors, he competed again in the fifth Geek Survivor challenge, but was dethroned by Ford Cooke, who was crowned as the fifth Ultra Geek on April 17, 2011.
Film Festival
In 2011, Sci-Fi on the Rock teamed up with Justin Foley Entertainment, a local company, to bring forth the convention's first annual film festival as a large-scale addition to the convention attractions. This festival offered the JFE Audience Choice Award, sponsored by Justin Foley Entertainment, which was awarded to the film that received the highest amount of audience votes. In its first year, 11 films were submitted and screened, 10 of which were from local film-makers, and one (X-Meeting) from Halifax, Nova Scotia.The winner of the first annual film festival was a horror/comedy short called "Date With The Dead", written by Nima Yusefi, directed by Justin Madol and produced by Tommy Gushue and Ian Vatcher. The film starred local actors James Hawksley, Jennifer Smith and Andy Jones.
Attractions
Apart from the media guest Q&A’s, autographs and photo sessions, there are many other attractions during the convention:- Comic-Book drawing
- Acting
- Getting Published
- Getting Self-Published
- Costume Contests
- Lego Robotics
- Lightsaber Workshop
- Movie Make-up
- Writer's Circle
The Transporter
Sci-Fi on the Rock II featured a special entrance referred to as The Transporter Unit (in reality, a rotating blackroom door modified with space decorations and strobe lights). It was originally planned to have returned for the 2009 convention, but overall, this could not happen.The Cantina
Making its first appearance at Sci-Fi on the Rock 2009, the Cantina is an informal concert/variety show held on one of the evenings of the convention. Performers opt to play Sci-Fi related music, known as Filk, but that is not always the case. The Cantina features performances by musicians involved with the convention, an open mic, and there is an improvised acting piece prepared that audience members are call upon to perform. The event gets its name as a reference to the Mos Eisley Cantina in Star Wars: A New Hope.At its maiden performance in 2009, guest Vaughn Armstrong performed at the Cantina with his ukulele, which was a highlight performance.
Guest History
Since its inception, Sci-Fi on the Rock has had a number of guests of different types. Below is a list of guests they have had at their convention.2007
- Kenneth TamKenneth TamKenneth Tam is a Canadian science-fiction author. His best-known works include The Equations Novels and the Defense Command series. He is the son of fellow Canadian author Jacqui Tam. He is a graduate student at Wilfrid Laurier University, in Waterloo, Ontario...
, author - Shannon Patrick Sullivan, author
- Vader Party, business/cosplayers
2008
- Kenneth Tam, author
- William Meikle, author
- Matthew LeDrew, author
- Paul TuckerPaul Tucker (artist)Paul Tucker is a visual artist and illustrator of graphic novels and webcomics.-Biography:...
, comic book artist - Jeremy BullochJeremy BullochJeremy Bulloch is an English actor. He is best known for the role inside the costume of the bounty hunter Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy, though he did not voice the character...
, actor - Brian Downey, actor
2009
- Kenneth Tam, author
- Matthew LeDrew, author
- Willie Meikle, author
- Louise Bohmer, author
- Vaughn ArmstrongVaughn ArmstrongVaughn Dale Armstrong is an American actor.-Prior to acting:Armstrong served in the United States military and saw action in the Vietnam War.-Star Trek:...
, actor - Christian Simpson, actor
- Peter MayhewPeter MayhewPeter Mayhew is an English actor known for playing the Wookiee Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies. His peak height was tall.-Career:...
, actor
2010
- Nalini Krishan, actress
- Casey BiggsCasey BiggsCasey Patrick Biggs is an American actor, best known throughout the Star Trek community for his recurring role as the Cardassian Damar, on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.-Biography:...
, actor - Max GrodénchikMax GrodénchikMax Grodénchik , also known as Michael Grodénchik, is an American stage, film, and television actor, best known for his role as Rom on the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.- Background :...
, actor - Matthew LeDrew, author
- Ellen Curtis, author
- Dwain Campbell, author
- Ira Nayman, author
- Kevin Woolridge, comic book creator
2011
- Mike Savva, actor
- Robert AxelrodRobert Axelrod (actor)Robert Axelrod is a U.S. actor who has been in several movies and lent his voice to countless televisual shows including Digimon, having started vocal acting for the English versions of Japanese cartoons in 1980...
, actor - David NyklDavid NyklDavid Nykl is a Czech Canadian actor of film, television, commercials and theater.After the Soviet invasion in 1968, he and his family left then-Communist Czechoslovakia for Canada...
, actor - Suzie PlaksonSuzie PlaksonSuzie Plakson is an American actress, singer, writer, poet, and artist, perhaps best known for her role as Meg Tynan in the sitcom Love & War....
, actress - J.G. Hertzler, actor
- Ellen Curtis, author
- Matthew LeDrew, author
- Kevin Woolridge, author/comic artist
- Charles Picco, co-creator/co-writer/executive story editor of Todd and the Book of Pure EvilTodd and the Book of Pure EvilTodd and the Book of Pure Evil is a Canadian comedy/horror television series that follows a group of high school students who confront the effects of a demonic book. The series premiered on Space Channel on September 29, 2010 with two back-to-back episodes...
Fan Films
As a completely separate project from the Sci-Fi on the Rock convention, organizer Darren Hann put together a small film company called Hann Made Films, which creates fan films just for the love of doing it. Because of the overlap (many Sci-Fi on the Rock personnel are amateur actors who appear in the films), these films are featured as a part of the Sci-Fi on the Rock convention attractions, however are not associated with the convention further than it being a venue.Star Wars: Inner Demons
One attraction of the 2009 convention was the first public screening of Star Wars: Inner Demons, a 30-minute fan film based on a story written by convention chair Darren Hann (as a part of another, separate project called Hann Made Films), and starring Jake Fisher, Shannon Fisher, Mike Fisher, Brent Carbonell, Justin Foley and Melanie Collins. The film takes place 10 years after Revenge of the SithStar Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is a 2005 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the sixth and final film released in the Star Wars saga and the third in terms of the series' internal chronology....
and 10 years before A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, originally released as Star Wars, is a 1977 American epic space opera film, written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first of six films released in the Star Wars saga: two subsequent films complete the original trilogy, while a prequel trilogy completes the...
.
Synopsis: Pirates have obtained details on the security measures safeguarding the Death Star construction project. They invite members of the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire to bid on the information at auction. The story is about the two Jedi who are sent to retrieve the information for the Alliance, and the Imperial clone trooper, with the powers of a Sith lord, who is sent to stop them.
The story contains a few familiar faces such as Darth Vader and the Emperor, but introduces some new characters and aliens as well, such as a Sith witch, a Mandalorian warrior, some new Jedi Knights, and the man-eating Vo'Rath species.
In February 2010, Inner Demons took second place at the Mount Pearl Frosty Festival film festival.
Replication
After the success and many positive reviews of their first fan film, Star Wars: Inner Demons, Hann Made Films put together a second film to be featured at Sci-Fi on the Rock. This time, it is a crossover between Stargate SG-1 and Doctor Who, entitled Replication, written by Darren Hann. The film stars Peggy Dixon as Samantha CarterSamantha Carter
Samantha "Sam" Carter is a fictional character in the Canadian-American military science fiction Stargate franchise, appearing in television series Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Stargate Universe. SG-1 and Atlantis are both about a military team exploring the galaxy via a network of alien...
, Mike Fisher as Jack O'Neill
Jack O'Neill
Jonathan J. "Jack" O'Neill is a fictional character in the Canadian-American military science fiction television series Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe, three science fiction shows about military teams exploring the galaxy via a network of alien transportation devices...
, Zachary Moore as Daniel Jackson
Daniel Jackson
Daniel Jackson, Ph.D., is a fictional character in the Canadian-American military science fiction television series Stargate SG-1, which is about a military team exploring the galaxy via a network of alien transportation devices. Daniel Jackson is first introduced in the 1994 film Stargate, and is...
, Justin Foley as Rya'c (son of Teal'c
Teal'c
Teal'c is a fictional character in the military science fiction television series Stargate SG-1. Played by Christopher Judge, Teal'c is a Jaffa warrior from the planet Chulak. As a Jaffa, Teal'c is a genetically modified human with an abdominal pouch that serves as an incubator for a larval Goa'uld...
), Mark Todd as The Doctor, Emily Fisher as the Doctor's Companion, and Siobhan Foley as The Rani.
The premise of the film centres around the return of The dying Rani, who bonds with a Goa'uld after finding herself in the SG-1 universe. Also, the TARDIS finds itself stuck in some type of spacial distortion, and gets caught in a Stargate wormhole. The Doctor, his companion Emilie, and SG-1 have to team up and defeat The Rani, her group of renegade Jaffa, and a new breed of enemy created by the Rani which blends Replicators and Cybermen.
Replication is set to be shown at Sci-Fi on the Rock IV.
Future Fan Films
As long as Hann Made Films projects are met with positive reaction, it is anticipated that they will continue to produce a film a year coinciding with the Sci-Fi on the Rock convention.Sci-Fi from the Rock
Another separate-yet-linked project is Sci-Fi from the Rock, a collection of short stories written by convention organizers and published through Engen Books. The collection features stories from convention organizers Darren Hann, Melanie Collins and Steve Lake. It was announced in January 2010 to be released April 18 at Sci-Fi on the Rock IV.Volume One
- Legacy of the Full Moon, Steve Lake
- Time Diamond, Darren Hann
- Woven by the Thief, Melanie Collins
Volume Two
- Vengeance of the Full Moon, Steve Lake
- Holy Troll, Darren Hann
- Grimspound, Mark Todd
- Earthdeath: Chrysalis, Justin A. Foley
- The Chair, Matthew LeDrew
Sci-Fi on the Rock TV
In September 2009, Sci-Fi on the Rock put together "Sci-Fi on the Rock TV", a webshow that would appear on YouTube and Facebook, as well as on the Sci-Fi on the Rock website. Each "webisode" runs approximately 10 minutes in length, and would serve as publicity for the convention, as well as a video newsletter, as it were. It is hosted by Steve Lake and Ellen Curtis, and is directed and produced by Darren Hann. The first episode "aired" on YouTube and Facebook on Friday, September 11, 2009. The guests were Darren Hann (Sci-Fi on the Rock convention organizer) and Matthew LeDrew (author of the Black Womb series).Season One Episodes
- Episode 1—September 11, 2009. Guests: Darren Hann, Matthew LeDrew
- Episode 2—September 18, 2009. Guests: Jennifer Graham, Ross Barney
- Episode 3—October 12, 2009. Guests: Justin Foley, Simon Babineau
- Episode 4—November 6, 2009. Guests: Melanie Collins, Carson Smith, Matthew LeDrew (Note: This was a special "Roadshow" episode, where Sci-Fi on the Rock TV visit Newfoundland's West Coast Con in Corner Brook)
- Episode 5—December 12, 2009. Guests: Justin Foley, Peggy Dixon
- Episode 6—January 27, 2010. Guests: Melanie Collins, Mark Todd
- Episode 7—February 21, 2010. Guests: Darth VaderDarth VaderDarth Vader is a central character in the Star Wars saga, appearing as one of the main antagonists in the original trilogy and as the main protagonist in the prequel trilogy....
, Darren Hann - Episode 8—March 22, 2010. Guests: Jean Hewson, Julia Coombes
- Episode 9—April 6, 2010. Convention Recap episode.
Sci-Fi on the Rock TV plans to air some "on-location" episodes from the Sci-Fi convention.