The first Walker Stalker Con was held in downtown Atlanta this weekend, and it was quite an experience. The brainchild of the guys behind the great Walker Stalker podcast, they raised $15,000 in seed money from Kickstarter in July to cover some of the “seed” costs. Unlike some other Kickstarters, these guys put their money where their mouth was, and delivered a Walking Dead convention unlike anything that has ever come before.
Yes, it was billed as a “horror and sci-fi convention,” but make no mistake: Walker Stalker Con was all about The Walking Dead, with almost the entire cast appearing and signing autographs. In fact, it would be easier and quicker to list who DIDN’T appear (Lauren Cohen) than to list the full guest list (everyone else).
I was late in finding out about the convention (She Who Must be Obeyed brought it to my attention less than a month ago – she’s a rabid fan of TWD), so we missed out in getting VIP tickets. Also, my work prevented me from going to more than one day (Saturday). But what a day! I was able to chat with Giancarlo Espositio (Gus Fring from The Walking Dead), talk to Roy and RJ from FaceOff, ask a question of Andrew Lincoln (“I noticed you don’t have much of a Southern accent…”), thank Scott (Hershel) Wison for his performance in one of my favorite films The Ninth Configuration, met several of the other actors from The Walking Dead, and listen to Greg Nicotero talk about how they filmed some seminal scenes on the series.
Some quick “news items” (recaps from my twitter coverage):
- When asked who was least like their character, Danai Gurira (Michonne) said that it has to be David Morrissey (The Governor). “He doesn’t have fish tanks full of heads in real life.” Her comments also lead me to believe that he will definitely be back later this season.
- Andrew Lincoln (Rick) was only there on Saturday, and he spent almost the entire day doing autographs (he was late to his panel because he had to eat lunch after signing for over four straight hours). A late addition to the guest list, all his autograph fees went to charity.
- Some of the cast were up until 2AM Friday night shooting scenes for the next to last episode of the season (episode 15), which is being directed by Greg Nicotero. Greg also directed the mid-season premiere (episode 9). “It’s the best episode I’ve ever done.”
- St. Jude’s had a life-size Zombie cake that winners of a raffle got to “dive into” for tickets for autographed Walking Dead items.
- Giancarlo Esposito would love to go back and play Gus Fring in the Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul, and has talked to Vince Gilligan about it. “I don’t know if the show will be comedy, drama, or what… I’m busy on (Revolution) which is 22 episodes, a much different schedule. But Better call Saul begins shooting in May… And I’m free in May.” Gus Fring lives!
- KNB is working on a From Dusk Till Dawn TV series, and Greg Nicotero will direct a couple of eps.
- Women attendees outnumbered men two-to-one – The show is clearly a hit with the ladies.
- The line for Norman (Daryl) Reedus’ autographs were INSANE. I started calling the areas they set up to hold people in line “Reedusville.” Suffice it to say, I did not get his autograph (though I did pass him in the hall, twice).
- Merle dying was “not planned, it was a last minute thing.” Nicotero’s reaction: “Michael Rooker is gonna kill me.”
- Hints for upcoming episodes: Andrew Lincoln said that, “The midseason finale is best one yet… But the season finale I just read is even better.” Danai hinted that we may see a flashback to her life before the zombie uprising, and may find out the origin of her “pets.” And Nicotero said to expect lots of “beats” from the comic book this season, because new show runner Scott Gimple LOVES the comics.
- If you paid close attention, you may have noticed Erin Grey from Buck Rogers helping out with the celebrities (she runs a company that helps coordinate celebrity appearances like this one)
I wasn’t able to get to the party and concert Saturday night, but I heard it was great fun. I also found out the convention broke even , which for a first-time con is huge… so I’m pretty sure that they will do it again next year. And I think when they do, it will be even bigger, because lots of people will find about from social and conventional media how awesome it was (USA Today did a quick blurb a few weeks back, but it was too late for many people to act on).
After the great experience I had, I’ll definitely come back. And buy a VIP ticket to boot.
So, to the organizers and volunteers: Great job, everyone! Thanks for a great time!
Gallery of some pics:
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