Loscon 44: 24th – 26th November 2017

Loscon 44 at the Marriott Los Angeles Airport Hotel takes place this coming weekend, presenting a vast array of Star Wars talks and presentations.

Our friends Richard and Sarah Woloski from Skywalking Through Neverland are among the guest speakers, as is Craig Miller, the former Director of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm who dropped me a line with all the relevant details.

Loscon is put on by the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society (LASFS), which also put on the convention in 1976 where Charley Lippincott gave the very first presentation on Star Wars.  So it seemed like a good place to celebrate the 40th anniversary.  Here’s a list of the program items we’re doing.

FRIDAY, Nov 24, 2017

1:00 pm
Languages of Star Wars

The languages heard in the Star Wars movies: Shyriiwook (Wookieespeak), Huttese, Droidspeak, and all the others – are not conlangs but are based on existing languages and other sources. However, we can still learn to speak them!

2:30 pm
Artist GoH Q&A: Howard Chaykin

Here’s your opportunity to get to know our Artist Guest of Honor, Howard Chaykin, known for the first Star Wars poster and his Marvel comics adaptation of Star Wars, as well as his work on American Flagg, Heavy Metal, and Black Kiss. Some of Chaykin’s recent comics work includes: the graphic novel Mighty Love, the mini-series Challengers of the Unknown and City of Tomorrow, as well as a one-off issue of Solo, all published by DC Comics.

2:30 pm
She Was My Princess: The Lasting Impact Of Princess Leia And Princess Diana Of Themyscria

Today, there are many strong Princess characters in science fiction and fantasy for girls of all ages to look up to. However, in the 1970s, the most prominent choices were Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia of STAR WARS and Lynda Carter’s WONDER WOMAN. This panel talks about the lasting impact of these female heroes on that generation to present day.

5:30 pm
Star Wars 3D Slide Show
A Star Wars 3D slide show conducted by Chris Casady, who took the photos while working at ILM on the original Star Wars. 3D glasses will be provided.

8:00 pm
Star Wars Lux Performance

A live comedy play, performance in the style of old-time radio.

SATURDAY, Nov 25, 2017

10:00 am to 4:00 pm in Marquis 1

Every once in a blue moon (and very few planets have blue moons) a Stormtrooper actually hits his target.  When that happens a rebel needs blood.  Help bring balance to the blood supply by donating at Loscon 44.

10:00 am
The Music of Star Wars

The Force is strong in the iconic soundtracks spanning a galaxy of characters and ideas. See ultra rare video of the first recording sessions and players, get inside the technical brilliance of John Williams and the London Symphony. The music will be connected to story and character with live demonstrations. Special guest include artists from LA and London that worked on the original A New Hope and this year’s The Last Jedi. Includes Q&A. A companion to the Sound Effects in Star Wars program.

2:30 pm
Sound Effects in Star Wars

A look into the iconic sounds created by Ben Burtt for the franchise. Hear rare sound elements that were used to make the Star Wars galaxy come alive.

4:00 pm
Making Star Wars

People who worked on the original Star Wars trilogy at Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic tell stories about what it was like a long time ago creating a galaxy far, far away.

SUNDAY, Nov 26, 2017

10:00 AM
Skywalking Through Neverland presents Celebrating 40 Years of Your Star Wars Fandom!

What would you say pushed Star Wars fandom to a higher level, or even in a whole new direction? Did the toys spark your imagination? Did soundtracks help you relive the films? Did a costume group or fan community create a new found love for the saga? Richard and Sarah Woloski, hosts of Skywalking Through Neverland podcast, take you on a tour through 40 years of inspiring fandom? We will also encourage attendees to bring an unwrapped toy for a selected Toy Drive

1:00 pm
Star Wars Memories

A slide show of anecdotes about working on Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back by the original Director of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm. From his forthcoming book.

2:30 pm
Is Star Wars Science-Fiction or Fantasy?
…and does it matter?

Thanks to Craig for the heads up, and if you are fortunate enough to attend the event then send through images, show reports, anything you like so we can share it with your fellow Trackers.