4geeksmedia

GeekLBTQ Episode 7: When Jerks Make Art

admin — Sun, 05 May 2013 05:11:56 +0000

Today on GeekLBTQ we talk about Authorial Intent, and the hows and whys it does or doesn’t matter. We use the case example of Orson Scott Card’s failed run writing The Adventures of Superman and the unprecedented public backlash to dig deeper into the problem of being fans of problematic media. We also explore the issue of authenticity in the identity of the creator. Subsequently, we discuss creators as product and revisit the merit of audience interpretation and how it is relevant in different cultural and historical context. Also we love Gail Simone.

Monthly Update May 2013

admin — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:35:01 +0000

Check out our May update for geeky events happening in the lower mainland this month!

Arnie Roth – Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:41:31 +0000

We got a chance to have a chat with the Conductor/Music Director for “Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy” before enjoying the show! To learn more visit http://www.ffdistantworlds.com/

IRL Events Shootmania Launch

admin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:35:03 +0000

We stopped by EXP Bar last week to try out Ubisoft’s Shootmania at IRL Event’s latest!

Geeksploitation Episode 7: The kid in all of us

admin — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:38:37 +0000

In this episode of Geeksploitation, Andrew and Amanda explore why so many shows aimed at kids have such large adult followings. Join us as we reminisce about our childhood loves and discover the hidden adult humor we missed out on as kids.

Geeksploitation Episode 6: Reboots

admin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:04:17 +0000

JJ Abrams directing Episode VII.. Amazing or a disaster waiting to happen? Does more action and bigger audiences ultimately benefit much loved geek franchises or should they stick to their roots? Amanda and Andrew are joined by special guest and trekkie Julia Poissant to weigh in on the new Star Wars film and talk about the many revitalizations of sci-fi classics in recent years.

Winter Update

admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 06:28:11 +0000

Apparently geeks hibernate in the winter.. but don’t fret… the 4geeks team will be back this spring with more regular episodes and podcasts covering all sorts of geeky events throughout the Pacific Northwest!

If you have missed seeing us on a regular basis, don’t forget that you can catch Amanda, Andrew and Geneviève on West Coast Geeks Versus Nerds podcasts being released this spring, and our in house improv guru Ryan has been hitting up cons around the west coast with Synaptic Chaos Theatre. If you are a fan of Arrow (or just enjoy general geeky awesomeness) you can also listen to Amanda’s new podcast Quiver: The Green Arrow Podcast with co-host Michael J. Cohen now available on itunes.

If you have a geeky event, webseries, or convention you would like to be featured as part of our spring episodes let us know. Email us info@4geeksmedia.com or tweet us @4geeksmedia, you can also find us on The Book www.facebook.com/4geeksmedia. We look forward to seeing you this spring!

Keep it Geeky!!

- Amanda, Andrew, Geneviève, Ryan

GeekLBTQ Episode 6: Ace up your Sleeve

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 23:22:09 +0000

This month we explore asexuality and its evolving state of visibility in pop media. We also touch on the sometimes contentious relationship between the queer community and other sexual minorities, and nibble on our ally cookies as we explore the common grounds of privilege and marginalization! Our examples of the day include how Ouran Host Club gets it wrong, how Big Bang Theory almost got it, and how Girls with Slingshots nailed it. We also look at Community and BBC’s Sherlock as part of an exciting increase in asexual characters.

Geeks Out! Storm Crow Tavern, Vancouver, BC

admin — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 13:45:50 +0000

Rocky Horror’s Shadow Cast

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 01:23:07 +0000

We dove deep into the world of film geekery and cult films, attending a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow cast reenacting the show on stage. We talk to the cast and audience about why this bizarre film with ridiculous and broken plot has created a passionate and accepting community, still growing after more than 35 years!

Interviews with Cloudscape

Geneviève — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 02:28:46 +0000

The Cloudscape Comics Society is a community of comic creators in the Vancouver area. They produce anthologies, attend various events, have weekly meet-ups and are easy to join!

GeekLBTQ Episode 5: Guilty Pleasures

Geneviève — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:08:26 +0000

In this episode, Ryan and Geneviève drop the academics and take the time to discuss some of their popular culture (and sometimes not so popular) fantasies.

Geeks Out! EXP Restaurant + Bar, Vancouver, BC

admin — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 04:30:09 +0000

Geeks Out will explore geek night life and events. EXP Restaurant + Bar is a video game themed Restaurant that specialized in gourmet comfort foods. It is located in downtown Vancouver, BC.

SIGN THE PETITION!

http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/fight-for-video-games-in-licensed-establishments-change-liquor-licensing-in-bc

8-bits of Destiny 4

admin — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 08:34:59 +0000

4geeksmedia got the chance to check out 8-bits of Destiny 4 at Gamedeals in New Westminster. 8-bits of Destiny is Vancouver’s premiere video game inspired art show that raises money for Child’s Play Charity.

Synaptic Chaos Theatre

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:09:41 +0000

Way back during Otafest, we took a moment to interview the members of Synaptic Chaos Theatre, an Anime Improv troup!

Interview with Clare Kramer at Vancouver Mega Comic-Con

Geneviève — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 02:45:30 +0000

In this episode, Clare Kramer discusses her latest work as the founder of GeekNation: an online entertainment destination for everything geeky!

Geeksploitation Episode 5: Attractive but Attainable

admin — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 05:34:04 +0000

Who are all of these gorgeous people on TV and in movies? because they sure dont look like the people we hang out with every day… Join Andrew and Amanda as they explore the dilemma of representation in mainstream media.

Interview w/ David Crane & Garry Kitchen (Portland Retro Gaming Expo)

admin — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 23:42:57 +0000

Andrew got a chance to talk with David Crane and Garry Kitchen, two of the original programmers for the Atari 2600 at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo! How does developing video games now compare to the 70s?

GeekLBTQ Episode 4 – Accio Queerness!

admin — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 23:55:28 +0000

Continuing our focus on fanfiction, in this episode Ryan and Geneviève discuss the world of Harry Potter, fandom influences on professional publishing, and the relationship between transmedia creation and queer inclusion. We also fangirl/fanboy over the Shoebox Project, Team Starkid, and Maggie Smith.

West Coast Geeks Vs. Nerds

admin — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 01:55:41 +0000

Andrew went to talk to two co-producers of Vancouver’s West Coast Geeks Vs. Nerds, a bi-weekly debate between in which fictional characters fight for a title.

To apply to become a debater, suggest titles, and more information on upcoming debates, check out http://www.wcgeeksversusnerds.com/

Fifth Biennial Slayage Conference

Geneviève — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 09:27:11 +0000

The 5th Biennial Slayage Conference, hosted by The Whedon Studies Association at the University of British Columbia. Our episode explores details of the Buffyverse that we, as fans, did not know. Also showcased is the relationship between Fandom & Academia in the Whedonverse.

Harry Potter – How does age affect the reader? (Acsendio 2012)

admin — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:29:01 +0000

While at Ascendio 2012 in Orlando, we wanted to find out when people started reading Harry Potter and how it affected them reading it as kids, adults or both.

Ascendio 2012

admin — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 07:02:39 +0000

Check out our main coverage of Ascendio, up now, featuring interviews with Chris Rankin, Afshan Azad, Team Starkid, The Hillywood Show, and many more! We also attended the House Alumni Tournament, a fully choreographed live combat event, played a little Quidditch and even learned some wand technique!

Femininity/Masculinity in the Whedonverses

Geneviève — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 06:07:21 +0000

In this latest episode of Geeksploitation, Amanda and Geneviève join Dr. Susan Fanetti and Dr. Gianna Martella to discuss gender in the works of Whedon, specifically Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly. This podcast was recorded at the Fifth Biennial Slayage Conference.

Padma the Gryffindor

admin — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 04:36:13 +0000

In the Potter films, the Patil twins become matching Gryffindor sisters. Afshan Azad shares a behind-the-scenes secret of how that adaptation came about. An excerpt from our full Ascendio 2012 coverage coming Monday July 30th!

Quidditch at Ascendio

admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:04:34 +0000

We got some protips from IQA League players while Andrew played Seeker in a pick-up Quidditch game at Ascendio

How Many Times Have You Watched Buffy?

Geneviève — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 07:13:46 +0000

In a teaser for Slayage 2012, we asked members of the Whedon Studies Association how many times they had watched Buffy and what were their favourite episodes. The structure of this featurette is based on an episode of BtVS, can you guess which one?

Ascendio 2012 and Wizarding Treats

admin — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 06:13:53 +0000

We had an amazing time at Ascendio 2012, a brilliant Harry Potter literary conference full of authors, athletes, and academics all brought together by their love of Harry Potter.

Full coverage is forthcoming, but for now, we asked Ascendio about their favorite Wizarding world treats. Here is what we found!

Summer Update!

admin — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 21:48:18 +0000

So many things in the works here at 4geeksmedia. Ryan and Andrew are currently in Florida getting us the lowdown on all things Harry Potter at Ascendio 2012, while Amanda and Geneviève are off to Slayage, the 5th annual Conference on the Whedonverse in
Vancouver BC. We also had an amazing time last Sunday for “Climb the Chief as LOTR characters”. We are editing all of that footage and will have an episode out soon to show off our amazing hiking and cosplay skills!!

Be sure to check back soon for more geeky goodies and watch for us at both Cos & Effect and Geek Girl Con this August! Also for a chance to win a pair of PAX Prime tickets check out this awesome contest from our friends at Cos & Effect: http://www.coseffect.com/?=p1204

Hope you are all having a great and geeky summer!

From the team at 4geeksmedia

(Amanda, Ryan, Andrew and Geneviève)

Bath Time!

Andrew — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 08:21:27 +0000

Exciting news delivered to the bath!

Climb The Chief as LOTR Characters

Geneviève — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 20:49:58 +0000

Gollum lurks through the woods to discover he’s in Squamish? Join 4geeksmedia as they plan to hike the Chief on July 8th, 2012. Details on our facebook page!

Seattle Retro Gaming Expo

Andrew — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:29:10 +0000

4geeks took a trip to Seattle to check out the Seattle Retro Gaming Expo to find out what people miss from retro gaming and what they’d like to see from newer games that retro games could teach them.

Fighting F**K Toy

admin — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:11:44 +0000

In our third Geekspoloitation podcast Amanda and Andrew are joined by Geneviève Bolduc to discuss the role of women in the media. Inspired by the documentary Miss Representation we decided to dissect how the trope of the Fighting F**k Toy is very prominent in many popular geek shows we watch. We discuss a range of series from Buffy and Twilight, to the Hunger Games, Xena and Doctor Who.

VanCAF 2012

admin — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:58:18 +0000

This episode is a showcase of indie comic artists and a sample of the events that took place at VanCAF 2012.Don’t miss it next year!

www.vancaf.com

**Editor’s note:
The camera gets really shaky at the end due to unexpected zuvembie attacks!

Jeph Jacques at VanCAf

admin — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:10:58 +0000

Webcomic celebrity Jeph Jacques talks about Questionable Content, its evolution and cast as well as his artistic relationship to other mediums (video games & music.) Taken at the Vancouver Comic Arts Festival (VanCAF) in May 2012.

Otafest – Full Episode!

admin — Mon, 28 May 2012 06:56:48 +0000

Enjoy 9 and 1/2 minutes of interviews, cosplay, community and whimsy from Otafest 2012 with us. Stay tuned for feature episodes on THWOMP and Synaptic Chaos Theatre

Otafest 2012 – Trailer

admin — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:27:29 +0000

We were at Otafest in Calgary, AB this weekend, and we are proud to share our convention reflection trailer!

Check back on Sunday May 27th for full coverage, including interviews with Brendan Hunter, THWOMP, winners of the Cosplay Contest, Synaptic Chaos Theatre and more!

Free Comic Book Day at Metropolis Comics and Toys

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:15:45 +0000

Check out our newest episode, where we experienced Free Comic Book Day down at Metropolis Comics and Toys!

Fan Expo Vancouver

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:28:48 +0000

The geeks had the privilege of attending the 1st ever Fan Expo Vancouver at the Vancouver Convention Centre April 21-22, 2012. Two huge days of panels, celebrity guests, new series previews and tons of amazing cosplay! In addition to fans and artists, we got to interview some of the great local producers of web-based content including the series 4 Villians, Standard Action and Hitman 101. The Expo really took the opportunity to showcase the amazing talent and potential in the Lower Mainland and, after 17 years providing the East coast with amazing fan experiences, we are excited that it decided to finally head out west! Check out our episode to get the low down on the amazing geek extravaganza Fan Expo Vancouver!

GeekLBTQ now on iTunes – Subscribe Today!

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 08:03:52 +0000

We are happy to report that our GeekLBTQ podcasts are now available through the iTunes store, where you can subscribe and have the newest episode as soon as it’s posted!
Subscribe at the iTunes store Here

GeekLBTQ Episode 3 – Slash Fiction!

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:30:03 +0000

This month we’ve tacked the daunting world of Fan Fiction, and got a little lost in issues of copyright, while reading aloud Hunger Games slash. Check out the first part of our coverage where we dig into the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of slash fic, while we prepare to untangle this gigantic world a little more next month!

Episode 3: Slash Fiction

We’re on Tumblr

admin — Sun, 06 May 2012 03:29:57 +0000

Want to know what the 4 geeks are up to?? You can now check us out on tumblr and follow our every move! We will be blogging regularly to let you know where we are, our thoughts on movies, comics and games and all the latest buzz on Vancouver geek culture and events! See you round the inter-web! 4geeksmedia.tumblr.com

Nerd Folk

admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:18:38 +0000

Check out this week’s episode featuring The Doubleclicks, a Portland-based nerd folk duo who sat down with us to talk about where their music comes from, their love for ninja turtles and dungeons and dragons. Includes footage from their March 9th concert in Vancouver, BC.

Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo

admin — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:38:24 +0000

4geeksmedia got a chance to check out the Retro Gaming Expo in New Westminster, BC. The event featured local and international vendors, loads of tournaments and gaming, plus burlesque performances and drunk Tetris! We also got coverage of the Mario Cart 64 and Goldeneye tournaments.

Kieran Strange

admin — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:31:52 +0000

4geeksmedia had a blast seeing Kieran Strange play at the launch of her latest EP: Adamantine Heart.

Check out her website at:
www.kieranstrange.com

Hosted by Genevieve Bolduc

Director of Photography: Travis Duncan Stewart

Assistant Camera: Andrew Lynch

Special thanks to Broken CRT Productions, Epic Vancouver, Kit Watson & Tom Lee Music Hall

GeekLBTQ Episode 2 – Cold Water

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:23:51 +0000

Check out our newest episode, where we look at the role of academia in fandom and the representation (and misrepresentation) of trans persons in popular media.

Editor’s Note: With apologies to Dr. Jenkins who is faculty at the University of Southern California, NOT South Carolina. American acronyms are hard for us Canadians.

Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses

admin — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:44:44 +0000

Andrew and Amanda had the privilege of attending Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, a full symphony comprised entirely of music from the Legend of Zelda series at The Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, BC. Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses is joint production between Jason Michael Paul Productions Inc. and Nintendo of America that will travel across North America during the summer of 2012. For more coverage of the Zelda Symphony, check out our Geeksploitation Podcast here.

“Hey, Listen!”

admin — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:01:11 +0000

Love The Legend of Zelda? Check out our latest Geeksploitation podcast where hosts Andrew Lynch and Amanda Konkin discuss their experiences at “Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses” concert, the newest creation from Jason Michael Paul Productions and Nintendo America. Available here.

Geeksploitation Episode 2

admin — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:04:46 +0000

Episode 2- Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses

In this episode, Amanda and Andrew share their thoughts on the Symphony of the Goddesses concert, the Legend of Zelda Symphony touring across North America in the summer of 2012. Providing perspectives from both a seasoned player, and a n00b, they discuss how experiencing this classic video game through the unique medium of a full 4 movement symphony impacts their relationship with the characters, music and world of Zelda.

Officially Launched!!

admin — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:14:45 +0000

Thats right folks! After weeks of anticipation we have officially updated our website with the latest in geek events around the West Coast. Be sure to check back all month as we will be adding new episodes all the time with the many events and activities we have had the opportunity to explore these past few weeks! Check out our episodes page for the latest shows and our podcasts page for the newest Geeksploitation and GeekLBTQ posts!

Kotatsu

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:09:43 +0000

Kotatsu 2012, a Japanese cultural festival put on by IRL Events, took place in Burnaby, BC at the Nikkei Museum and Heritage Centre on February 25. 4geeksmedia was at the event, immersing themselves in the activities, food, culture, anime and cosplay. Join specialist Ryan Caron as he takes us through the best parts of Kotatsu 2012!

Video Game Burlesque

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:49:02 +0000

Join our video game specialist, Andrew Lynch, as he combines the best of games, girls and … raffle tickets…? The Van Dolls bring your favorite video game characters to life, like you’ve never seen them before.. unless your dreams involve naked sonic the hedgehogs, in which case, exactly like you’ve always dreamed.

Writing Comics w/ Angela Melick

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:23:20 +0000

Join Angela Melick at the Vancouver Public Library as she gives useful tips on how to start your career as a comic/webcomic author. Geneviève also had the chance to sit down with her to ask about her webcomic Wasted Talent, her life in Vancouver, and her thoughts on geek culture.

Hosted by Geneviève Bolduc

Featuring Angela Melick

Special credit to Travis Duncan Stewart and Broken CRT Productions

Geeks After Dark

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:17:49 +0000

Geeks After Dark is a Vancouver based social event that uses themes from geek culture to bring together individuals from across the lower mainland for a night of revelry, cosplay, trivia and nerdlesque. This particular event focuses on the amazing television phenomenon Doctor Who with its theme ‘Bigger on the Inside’, and our Sci-fi specialist Amanda takes Geneviève through the ropes of all things TARDIS, sonic and wibbley-wobbly!

Hosted by Amanda Konkin and Geneviève Bolduc

Featuring Andrew Lynch

Special credit to Ryan Caron, Damian T. Lloyd and Broken CRT Productions

News

admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:00:36 +0000

March 6th, 2012-

Episode 1 Part II of GeekLBTQ is available now Here!

This episode we discuss out and proud characters who brought positive representations of queer identity to fandom and the evolving representation of queer youth.

February 21st, 2012-

Join us for the inaugural episode of our other monthly podcast, Geeksploitation, with hosts Amanda and Andrew. Episode 1 is available now here!

February 8th, 2012-

Episode 1 of GeekLBTQ is up, titled “Closet Geeks”.

Check it out here!

GeekLBTQ Episode 1.5

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:59:57 +0000

Episode 1.5: Out and Proud

Part II of our inaugural episode focuses on the groundbreaking characters of fandom who helped bring discussion of gender and sexuality into the open, as well as the new wave of out and proud queer characters. Characters discussed come from Archie Comics, X-men, Buffy, Dragon Age, Torchwood/Doctor Who, Young Avengers and the Runaways.

We are pleased to recommend the following webcomics, all of whom contain queer content and characters:

Ménage à 3 (featuring a bisexual lead and gay, lesbian and bisexual supporting cast)

YU+ME: dream (featuring lesbian lead characters)

Boy Meets Boy (featuring gay lead characters)

Honeydew Syndrome (featuring gay lead characters)

Geeksploitation Episode 1

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:02:08 +0000

Episode 1: Geeky… or Supermodel Wearing Glasses?

Join hosts Amanda and Andrew for our inaugural episode of Geeksploitation. Starting with a discussion of how Geeks often end up with the “hot girl” in mainstream media television and film, we cross multiple series and characters to reach some unexpected conclusions about what role Geeks play in today’s pop culture.

GeekLBTQ Episode 1

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:45:16 +0000

Episode 1: Closet Geeks

In our inaugural episode we talk about the pop history of closeted queer characters in geek culture, from the gay interpretations of Batman and Gundam Wing, to mistranslations of Card Captor Sakura and Sailor Moon, all the way to the late in life outings of Xena and Dumbledore.