Getting "The Call"

OK, so it wasn't really a call, like in a phone call. It was an email asking me if I could please do my best to find a theater for June 25, as someone from Equality Now (EN) wanted to come and do an introduction to the CSTS/ EN intro DVD. I said I would give it my best shot. A few weeks later, I got THE email that set in motion a flurry of activity! Amanda Sullivan, the Director of the Women's Action Network from EN wanted me to do my very best to secure a theater for the 25th, as it was confirmed that Joss Whedon wanted to make an appearance and introduce a short DVD he was making.

I am not even the least bit embarrassed to admit that I squealed and jumped up and down a few times!  What an incredible honor to have Joss choose L.A. as the venue to make a personal appearance. I got to work calling and e-mailing theaters. In 4 days, I found Harmony Gold Preview House. They graciously lowered their fee, and by the weekend, the California Browncoats agreed it would be the perfect venue. It has a green room, a VIP room, a spacious lobby and seats nearly 400.

Planning began in earnest, and I have the emails to prove it! I have actually deleted quite a few, but cleaning up my files after this will take a while! I am truly blessed to have a great team to work with. We each have our strengths and all get on well together. I am learning a lot, and having a great time.

The official announcement was made and tickets went on sale on the 9th of May. Michael Fairman, who played Niska in Firefly, and  Felicia Day, who played Penny in Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog, will be joining Joss, Jessica and Amanda, and perhaps some other guests, for a Meet and Greet with 10 fortunate attendees who purchased a ticket to be able to spend a few minutes with them. Many of the actors have been invited, and I am anxiously waiting to hear back from them. Wouldn't it be incredible to have the whole cast there? You bet. And impossible, I'm afraid. Well, a girl can dream!

Who would you most want to see at a Can't Stop the Serenity screening?

Next time, info on the goodies we have for sale and auction!

Fandoms

In the past, I never gave much thought to fandoms. I grew up with the original Star Trek, and years later as new series were developed, I watched them. I was in the front row of the old Winchester Theater  in San Jose, CA to see the premier of Star Wars, and when new movies came out I went to see them. I sporadically watched the early Dr. Who series. Nothing really grabbed my attention until a neighbor introduced me and my husband to Firefly and Serenity. Then I understood what a fandom was all about. I immersed myself in the 'verse that Joss created, and have since met some of the nicest, most creative and caring people.

This time of year, the Firefly and Serenity fandom comes together to support a charity that is near and dear to Joss Whedon's heart, Equality Now. In 2006, Can't Stop the Serenity was founded, and since then has raised $557,867.47 for Equality Now and other charities. I became involved three years ago with the Can't Stop the Serenity fundraisers. Each year, my involvement has increased. This year I am once again the Lead Organizer, but this event will be really, really hard to top. Joss Whedon will be making an appearance with Jessica Neuwirth, Founder of Equality Now and Amanda Sullivan, Director of the Women's Action Network. 

The screening is June 25th at the Harmony Gold Preview Theater in Los Angeles. I'd like to share some of my behind the scenes experiences with you in the next three weeks. Check back!