Tag: Jon Schnepp

The Geekscape San Diego Comic Con 2018 Spectacular!

by Jonathan

This is it! The San Diego Comic Con 2018 Spectacular! But it comes with a heavy heart as we remember one of our own: our beloved Jon Schnepp, frequent Geekscape guest and dear friend. We start things off on a somber note with Jon’s good friend Maddox, who shared a booth with Jon as our neighbor at SDCC’s past. We reflect on Jon’s influence on us and share a few Jon memories. Following up are Geekscape booth signees Don Nguyen and Andy Nordvall, discussing their Ink-tober inspired book ‘Siren’s Song’! We catch up with Dweeb Darling Heidi Cox to discuss the return of ‘Stalking LeVar’ and how you can help! The Heart of Geekscape himself Derek Kraneveldt shares some of his SDCC experiences with us and we make friends with Keith and Jen from the animated Twitch show ‘Critically Awkward’! On top of all this, we meet pinball and rock and roll artist Dirty Donny and discuss the culture and history of pinball machines! All said, it’s a very packed episode for a very packed week… and it’s all dedicated to our late friend Jon Schnepp. His GoFundMe is linked in the notes to help with his medical expenses and services. Carry his memory with you, Geekscapists.

Jon Schnepp’s GoFundMe

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Check Out The Official Poster For ‘The Death Of “Superman Lives”; What Happened’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: All the way back in January of 2013, we featured a very intriguing Kickstarter project by our pal Jon Schnepp.

If you were a comic book fan, and more than a few years old in the mid-to-late 1990′s, you probably remember hearing about a little film called Superman Lives. The feature was set to be directed by (then arguably at his most popular) Tim Burton, written by Kevin Smith, and star Nicolas Cage.

Production got to the point where filming was about to begin… and then it was gone. There have been plenty of different stories as to why, but in all honesty, nobody really knows.

Sure, it would have been weird (have you seen the leaked costume test), but that’s not to say it wouldn’t have been good. So what happened?

That’s what Jon Schnepp wanted to find out. The Kickstarter was an absolute sensation, and would eventually earn $115,110 of its $98,000 goal.

It’s been a long journey (and more than a lot of work for Schnepp and crew), but the film is finally almost here. The Death Of “Superman Lives”; What Happened? will screen at the Egyptian theatre in Los Angeles on May 1st and 2nd (grab tickets from Fandango).

The official poster for the film has just hit the web, and it looks freaking sweet. I won’t be attending the premiere due to the fact that I live all the way up in Canada, but as a backer of the project I am beyond excited to see it.

Take a look at the poster below, and let us know what you’re most looking forward to see in the documentary!

TDOSLWH_Final_poster_Small

Crowdfund This: ‘The Death Of ‘Superman Lives’: What Happened’ Finishing Funding!

by Derek Kraneveldt

If you were a comic fan, and more than a few years old in the mid-to-late 1990′s, you probably remember hearing about a little film called Superman Lives. The feature was set to be directed by (then arguably at his most popular) Tim Burton, written by Kevin Smith, and starring Nicolas Cage.

Production got to the point where filming was about to begin… and then it was gone. There have been plenty of different stories as to why, but in all honesty, nobody really knows.

Sure, it would have been weird (have you seen the leaked costume test), but that’s not to say it wouldn’t have been good. So what happened?

Early in 2013, director and Geekscape pal Jon Schnepp wanted to find out. He launched a successful Kickstarter campaign for the film, you can now watch the full trailer for the film that just debuted at this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego.

http://youtu.be/Nt9fxWq5qg0

The film looks to be coming together very well, but as often happens, unforeseen circumstances have occurred, and more funds need to be raised. Schnepp has launched a new campaign at SupportSupermanLives.com. Here’s his explanation of the new campaign:

Dear Kickstarters,

 

I’d like to start by giving a SUPER THANK YOU to all 2,121 of my DOSLWH Kickstarter funders! Without your monetary input and creative support, I would never have even been able to start this Documentary, let alone get to where I’m at with the film now.

 

The trouble with some Kickstarters is the unseen, the unknown, the unexpected. I planned on making this film, and put the work in, but like many other Kickstarters, I did not allot enough money in my initial crowd sourcing goal for legal, for music, for image clearances, for travel and transport, for changing crews, for mailing out incentives, and most importantly, TIME. I did my best to estimate the projected cost of this documentary, but have since learned it was impossible to foresee some of the hurdles I’ve encountered.

 

I did not think it would take so long to make this documentary, but once I started to uncover more about this film and talked with the people involved in trying to bring it to life, the creativity and sparks just kept firing, and I realized that I needed to keep going. Could I have finished the film last year? YES, but would it be what it stands to be now? Not even close. I now have interviews running the gamut from Kevin Smith to Steve Johnson to Grant Morrison to Tim Burton himself. And patience is what has made each of these and ALL of the incredible interviews in the documentary possible.

 

So thank you all AGAIN for hanging in there with me throughout this process, and for understanding that although I did not make my ORIGINAL release date of winter 2013, ‘The Death of Superman Lives’: What Happened? will now be 1000 times better for the extra time, effort and expense put in.

 

I’m in need of your help now if you can give it. The last eight months have been full of incredible highs and unforeseen lows, and though I’ve gotten a ton of amazing interviews, in addition, I’ve had to contend with a slate of unexpected expenses including surprise medical bills, equipment repair fees, and various other unplanned costs.

 

The $103,000 that was originally raised for this project on Kickstarter last year (after Kickstarter/Amazon’s 10% was taken out), was $5000 over my initial $98,000 budget. With hindsight, this amount was roughly $75,000 under what I should have actually asked for. The eight months of additional time, on top of the above mentioned unanticipated costs, have left me in need of another wave of funding! Suffice to say, I’m in need of some crowd sourced super heroics from some of you!!!

 

I’ve come up with two new donation level rewards that I’m going to offer here first right now, and then expand it to the wider online web community next week. Once again, this offer will be exclusive to the 2,121 Kickstarters who helped me raise the initial money to get this doc on its feet, and will carry me 100% of the way to my newly extended finish line.

 

Before I officially launch my Finishing Fundraiser online, I’m first reaching out with this limited offer to all of you based on the overwhelming amount of emails I’ve received requesting higher donation tiers and additional rewards following the end of the Kickstarter last year. By going to my website, http://www.schneppzone.com/supermanlives/, and contributing the amount that you select below, you will be key players in reaching the Finishing Fundraiser goal I need to complete the film, AND I am offering some new fantastic rewards!!!

If you’re a regular ‘scapist, you probably recognize Schnepp’s name. Jon is of course a director and producer of Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse, former editor of Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and director of the ‘W’ segment from The ABC’s of Death, and he’s also a good friend of Geekscape who we featured on the podcast for episodes 264, 311, and 318 (among other things).

Take a look at the new campaign’s video below, and you can head here to back the project! Are you looking forward to seeing the full feature? Sound out below!

http://youtu.be/2AA0ZIn4jtE

Headed To WonderCon This Weekend? Here’s Our Schedule!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: WonderCon’s coming up (just two more days away, yes!) and we couldn’t be more excited to partake in the convention yet again.

As always, Geekscape’s got its own booth (#208 this year), so please, please, come hang out, say hello, pick up a t-shirt, give is your best Hail Hydra, or at least take a look at Shane’s Rarity cosplay (it’ll be there in full force).

We have a few sweet, sweet guests stopping by for signings, like Ben 10‘s Yuri Lowenthal and his wife (and again, Ben 10 star) Tara Platt on Friday from 1-2 PM, and The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? director Jon Schnepp on Saturday from 2-5.

Also Friday from 1-2PM, Jonathan can be found at the Lion Forge Comics booth (#801), signing Miami Vice posters with artist Carl Reed. Speaking of Lion Forge comics, Jonathan’s also a part of the Lion Forge panel on Saturday from 11AM-12PM in room 210A. These panels are always fantastic, and Saved By The Bell‘s Dennis Haskins will host!

We’re looking forward to the weekend, and we’re looking forward to seeing you! Take a look at the video below to learn more of what we’ll be up to at the convention!

Jon Schnepp And ‘Avenged Sevenfold’s ‘Hail To The King’ Now Available For Binge-Viewing!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: The release date was revealed just last week, and now it’s finally here! Hail to the King is now available to watch in its entirety on Machinima Happy Hour!

Now, it’s been a number of years since I’ve listened to Avenged Sevenfold, but with an animation giant like Jon Schnepp attached to the project, I’ll be watching Hail to the King immediately. The series goes hand-in-hand with the band’s upcoming mobile video game Hail to the King: Deathbat, which is due out in early 2014. As singer M Shadows says: “The animated series tells the story ‘before’ the game takes place. When the series ends, the game picks up.”

You can watch all six episodes below, and be sure to let us know what you think! Don’t forget to check out Schnepp’s current Kickstarter campaign, Unicrom: The Unicorn Barbarian!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DYO62jaEL0&feature=share&list=PLiqPWOQJG1tKX6z0SX6YIju840p5HOU0A

From the creative minds of Avenged Sevenfold, one of rock music’s global heavyweights and a trailblazing force in fusing the worlds of music and video games, Hail To The King is a six-episode animated series, which is directed by Metalocalypse producer Jon Schnepp. The unique and innovative series tells the fictional story of the Deathbat – the band’s longtime trademark, and serves as the prologue to their highly anticipated mobile video game, “Hail to the King: Deathbat.” Accompanying the launch of the series will be a trailer for the game, which will be available early 2014.

‘Hail To The King’ Animated Series To Debut On December 15th!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Jon Schnepp is a busy guy. He’s currently working on the feature-length documentary The Death of ‘Superman Lives’: What Happened?, running a Kickstarter for Unicrom: The Unicorn Barbarian, and the six-episode Hail to the King just got a release date on Machinima.

Here’s the synopsis from Machinima:

From the creative minds of Avenged Sevenfold, one of rock music’s global heavyweights and a trailblazing force in fusing the worlds of music and video games, Hail To The King is a six-episode animated series, which is directed by Metalocalypse producer Jon Schnepp. The unique and innovative series tells the fictional story of the Deathbat – the band’s longtime trademark, and serves as the prologue to their highly anticipated mobile video game, “Hail to the King: Deathbat.” Accompanying the launch of the series will be a trailer for the game, which will be available early 2014.

Now, it’s been a number of years since I’ve listened to Avenged Sevenfold, but with an animation giant like Jon Schnepp attached to the project, I’ll be watching Hail to the King as soon as possible.

The entire season will launch on Machinima’s Happy Hour channel on December 15th. Take a look at the newest trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be checking it out!

http://youtu.be/ZeUhpV5kmBw

Comikaze 2013: “The Grimm Fairy Tales” Get A Sexy Makeover!

by Kari Lane

Grimm2

Last year at the Long Beach Comic and Horror Con, I was introduced to an animated version The Grimm Fairy Tales. They were doing a kickstarter campaign at the time and have since met their goal! Their panel at Comikaze started off with a humorous warning by Jon Schnepp, the series/film’s director, who made it clear this animated project was not for kids by swearing up a storm. Pretty much, “if you don’t like swearing and violence, get the f**k out!” Only a couple of people left the room and the rest of us laughed at the effective warning.

Grimm3

I said series/film because currently The Grimm Fairy Tales has one pilot episode but they would love to make more episodes or work on a feature. They are currently looking into getting on a network with either the series or a film. Animation costs money and being with a network would be a big step for this project. It did seem like Schnepp would prefer a series because “TV has so much freedom…Make what you want and more.” Another benefit of doing a series he pointed out was that you can do what many of us already do via Netflix, binge watch. Who doesn’t love watching episodes back to back to back?! Also, a series would provide the opportunity to do many more stories utilizing the tons of material available (Zenescope‘s “Grimm Fairy Tales” comics recently released issue 75!).

Grimm5

The “heart of it is very similar to the comics,” said Joe Brusha in regards to the animated The Grimm Fairy Tales. Several different artists/animators worked on various parts of the story and characters. If, and when, they continue the series, new and old artists will be incorporated just like the pilot. The art style does vary from the comics but it still has that sex appeal. The animation for the pilot is somewhere between stop motion comics and Archer. Schnepp mentioned how he had control over the style choice and they chose that particular method (effectively digital puppetry) because it was “economically the best way to do it”; though he would have wanted a more fluid style. After watching it, however, I think the style aids the comic book aspect of the show. I don’t personally care much for motion comics but this had a cool style unto its own.

A common problem they have run into is that most people assume since it is animated that it is for kids, or if they said no, it is an adult cartoon then people assume it is porn. No, this is a cartoon made by adults for adults. Schnepp recalled the inception of the project as he just wanted to “make something for adults that I would want to see.” If you like cartoons for adults like Heavy Metal, Fire and Ice, Wizards, etc. then you need to check out The Grimm Fairy Tales!

Check out the trailer below to get a feel for the show!

Geekscape 311: Jon Schnepp Meets My Parents!

by Jonathan

Hot off the heels of Stan Lee’s Comikaze, Jon Schnepp drops in to Geekscape to talk about the status of his Kickstarted documentary ‘The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened?’ and his new project ‘Unicrom: The Unicorn Barbarian‘, which is a project so amazing you’ll just have to check it out for yourself! Also, my parents sit in as guest co-hosts and we talk about writing, how video games as a kid almost drove them crazy and what comic books to read. PLUS! Jon and I talk about the amazing possibilities of Marvel’s newly announced Netflix series based on Daredevil, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones and The Defenders!

Subscribe to the Geekscape podcast on iTunes!

And listen to the full conversation here:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:45 — 22.8MB)

Crowdfund This: Jon Schnepp’s ‘Unicrom: The Unicorn Barbarian’

by Laura

As you probably know, here at Geekscape we’re huge fans of Jon Schnepp.

You’ve surely seen (or are at least aware of) some of his previous work like Metalocalypse and Grimm Fairy Tales, and maybe you even supported the Kickstarter for his upcoming documentary, The Death of ‘Superman Lives’: What Happened? I can confidently say that you’ve never seen anything like this.

Schnepp’s latest baby is an incredible-looking, what-the-fuck inducing animated film/series titled Unicrom: The Unicorn Barbarian. The official campaign page for Unicrom states that it’s “A surreal insano animated “Thundarr on Acid” adventure, this f’ed up feature film will force funnel funny until your brain explodes!!!”

After watching the project’s Kickstarter video, that’s clearly an accurate description.

Schnepp is looking for a reasonable $84,000 to fund a pilot episode, while an additional 9 episodes (completing the first season and also acting as a feature film) will cost an additional $45,000 each. This means that the total goal for the complete season is a hefty (but definitely worth it) $489,000. There’s even an opportunity for a secret Brony episode if the campaign raises enough funds!

Unicrom: The Unicorn Barbarian will feature an astonishing voice cast that consists of Mark Hamill (Mark freaking Hamill), Dana Snyder, Laraine Newman, Martin Star, and Bobcat Goldthwait (to name a few). The series sounds and looks absolutely incredible, and is a Kickstarter that I’ll surely be backing.

As always, there are some fantastic rewards in store for backers. You can earn everything from downloads, DVD’s and Blu-Ray’s, to Unicrom toys, posters, and even spots on the show! I saw some of Schnepp’s The Death of ‘Superman Lives’: What Happened? toys at last week’s Comikaze Expo, and they were definitely something that I wish I had.

Take a look at the Kickstarter video for Unicrom: The Unicorn Barbarian below, and head here to back! Be sure to let us know if you’ll be taking part in the campaign!

Watch The First Teaser For ‘The Death Of ‘Superman Lives’: What Happened?’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: All the way back in January of this year, we featured a very intriguing Kickstarter project by our pal Jon Schnepp.

If you were a comic book fan, and more than a few years old in the mid-to-late 1990′s, you probably remember hearing about a little film called Superman Lives. The feature was set to be directed by (then arguably at his most popular) Tim Burton, written by Kevin Smith, and starring Nicolas Cage.

Production got to the point where filming was about to begin… and then it was gone. There have been plenty of different stories as to why, but in all honesty, nobody really knows.

Sure, it would have been weird (have you seen the leaked costume test), but that’s not to say it wouldn’t have been good. So what happened?

That’s what Jon Schnepp wanted to find out. The Kickstarter was an absolute sensation, and would eventually earn $115,110 of its $98,000 goal.

Now, the documentary is in production, and today, the first teaser trailer was released. Take a look at it below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to the feature! The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened?  looks fantastic, and will release next Summer!

Geekscape 275: Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo’s Regina Carpinelli and Lisa Foiles!

by Jonathan

Super Geekscape friend Regina Carpinelli, founder of Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo, finally visits Geekscape to talk conventions and Magic the Gathering! Joining Reggie is Lisa Foiles, who many of you might remember from Nickelodeon’s ‘All That’, but who is also one of the best gamers we’ve ever had on the show! We talk the new Devil May Cry, JJ Abrams doing Star Wars and internet stalkers! Plus! Jon Schnepp calls in to talk about his new Kickstarter for ‘The Death of Superman Lives! What Happened?’ and we get his take on the Justice League movie!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:52 — 22.4MB)

Crowdfund This: ‘The Death Of ‘Superman Lives’: What Happened?’

by Derek Kraneveldt

If you were a comic fan, and more than a few years old in the mid-to-late 1990’s, you probably remember hearing about a little film called Superman Lives. The feature was set to be directed by (then arguably at his most popular) Tim Burton, written by Kevin Smith, and starring Nicolas Cage.

Production got to the point where filming was about to begin… and then it was gone. There have been plenty of different stories as to why, but in all honesty, nobody really knows.

Sure, it would have been weird (have you seen the leaked costume test), but that’s not to say it wouldn’t have been good. So what happened?

Nic Cage in an early screen test for 'Superman Lives'
Nic Cage in an early screen test for ‘Superman Lives’

That’s what Jon Schnepp wants to know.

If you’re a regular ‘scapist, you probably recognize that name. Jon is of course a director and producer of Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse, former editor of Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and director of the ‘W’ segment of the upcoming The ABC’s of Death. Jon is also a good friend of Geekscape, and we featured him on the podcast back in May 2012.

Today, he launched a Kickstarter for his latest project, The Death of ‘Superman Lives’: What Happened?. It’s a documentary that will explore… well, what happened to Superman Lives.

It sounds like an amazing idea, and there are of course some amazing rewards up for grabs if you help fund the film. The Death of ‘Superman Lives’ What Happened? needs to raise $98,000 in order to be produced, and if the stretch goal is reached (requiring another $50,000), select scenes from the Superman Lives script will become a reality. Wouldn’t that be cool to see?

You can check out the video for the Kickstarter below, and head here for more info and to contribute! We’ll keep you posted on any milestones this project hits!

Let’s make it happen!

C Is For Chainsaw: Watch The New Green Band Trailer For ‘The ABC’s Of Death’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Magnet Releasing has just unveiled a new (green band) trailer for their upcoming horror anthology, The ABC’s Of Death. As far as anthologies come, this one is HUGE, and will feature 26 sections (one for each letter of the alphabet), each developed by a different director.

I was pretty excited for the film after seeing the first trailer, and after seeing the new footage in today’s preview, I have to say that I’m actually really looking forward to it (about as much as I can look forward to a horror film)!

Our friend Jon Schnepp was lucky enough to be one of the chosen directors. He was featured on the podcast back in May, where we were happy to hear a few words about the movie.

Check out the new trailer below, and let us know what you think!

Twenty-six directors. Twenty-six ways to die. The ABCs of Death is perhaps the most ambitious anthology film ever conceived, with productions spanning fifteen countries and featuring segments directed by over two dozen of the world’s leading talents in contemporary genre film. Inspired by children’s educational books, the motion picture is comprised of twenty-six individual chapters, each helmed by a different director assigned a letter of the alphabet. The directors were then given free reign in choosing a word to create a story involving death.

Twenty-Six Directors, Twenty-Six Ways To Die! Watch The Red Band Trailer For ‘The ABC’s Of Death’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Well, this sounds INSANE. In just a couple of months Magnet Releasing will premiere The ABC’s of Death, an ambitious horror anthology featuring work by 26 different directors in 15 different countries. Yes you read that right.

Each director was assigned a different letter of the alphabet (26 letters of course, one for each director) and was free to choose a deadly word to create their horrifying story (which of course, as the title suggests, must revolve around death). One chapter has been developed by Geekscape friend Jon Schnepp, who we featured on the podcast back in May (where he talks about the film)!

I can’t wait to check this one out. It sounds original, extremely ambitious, and will surely be entertaining as hell. The ABC’s of Death hits VOD on January 31, and theatres March 8. What do you think?

Geekscape 264: Jon Schnepp

by Jonathan

My guest this episode is my new friend Jon Schnepp, an animator, director, writer and pretty much all around creative. He’s directed and produced episodes of Metalocalypse for Adult Swim, started out as an editor on Space Ghost Coast to Coast and has about a thousand and one stories about working in the zaniest parts of the industry. He also talks about his spot in the new documentary “Comic Con Episode 4: A Fan’s Hope” as well as the upcoming “ABCs of Death”! And he also talks about directing on the UCB pilot, designing pieces for Aqua Teen Hunger Force and tons more! If you watch cartoons… and even if you don’t… this might be your favorite episode!

Find it on iTunes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:18:56 — 47.6MB)