Bring Back Robotech - iO9 Article

It's nice to see that the dream is still alive for others for the Robotech Live Action film to be made.  Check out this article posted on iO9 today by Jen Heddle.

"Bring Back Robotech: Why the Macross Saga Deserves Another Chance"

Mark Warlock's Robotech AMV - "Gods of War"

I would have preferred "Pour Some Sugar on Me" but I suppose this will do. In all seriousness, this song fits really nicely with the original Robotech footage, unlike other AMVs with more modern songs which can be jarring.  Nice work Mark!

A Robotech MUST HAVE

Here is some pretty cool news about Robotech:  They are re-releasing the wholes series on DVD!  Check out Robotech.com for more info.

A Star Wars Miracle: Millenium Falcon Potato Chip

I know this is a Robotech themed blog, but I figure any Sci-Fi fan could appreciate this.  So, I'm sitting in my cube at work snacking on a bag of Kettle Brand Buffalo Bleu potato chips (if you haven't tried them, you should). I'm about to bring one of these chips to my mouth but I stopped cold as if some outside force (forgive me) were blocking me.

I take a quick look at the chip and in my hand is the Millenium Falcon. I stared at it for five minutes straight.  "Hallelujah it's a Star Wars Miracle!"...is what I wanted to shout but instead I jumped up to share this discovery with my pod mates, but then I forgot I'm surrounded by a bunch of post 80's girly girls...completely wasted on them.  I can't even share the sci-fi references they guessed out of sheer disgust. 

So I took a bunch of photos to share with those who would appreciate it.  Enjoy!

If you are NEW to my blog, please click on the ABOUT tab to learn about my mission and to watch my original Robotech Live-Action Film "Midnight Sky".  Thanks for dropping by.

Is it just me or do you see a Tie Fighter in there as well?  I also see a chip that resembles the iron piece in the Monolopy board game on the tail of the Millenium Falcon.






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Real Life Robotech - like Mechs for SALE

I find the one built for children a little disturbing, but hey, if you're going into battle with an alien foe, why not show them you mean business by having the younglings of your race rocking some heavy metal too. Click here for the full story.

Robotech Cyclone Replica!

Check out this Robotech Cyclone a couple of Japanese guys created.  Doesn't transform, but hey, it's real... http://www.bbb-bike.com/mospeada/vol25.html

Robotech T-Shirt (Valkyrie)

Yeah, this is pretty fun.  American Apparel too...soft cotton violent sci-fi goodness.
Nice Robotech T-Shirt for Sale on ETSY

Robotech Ice Sculpture

I mean, what can I say... this is possibly the coolest thing I've ever seen.   















Read the full article here:  Robotech Ice Sculpture

Robotech Convention Tour 2011

It's been a while since my last post, but rest assured Robotech is on my mind.  What will 2011 have in store for Robotech and Harmony Gold?  Will there be more news on the Robotech Live Action Movie?  Well, Robotech.com just announced the 2011 schedule.  See below!

Harmony Gold is pleased to announce the first round of dates for the 2011 Robotech Convention Tour. Get the latest information on the Robotech franchise and meet your fellow fans at these exciting events in 2011.








ANIMATION ON DISPLAY
San Francisco, California
February 19-20, 2011
Guests: Tommy Yune, Kevin McKeever
AoDSF.org - forum discussion

TEKKOSHOCON
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 31 – April 3, 2011
Guests: Tommy Yune, Richard Epcar, Ellyn Stern, Kevin McKeever
Tekkoshocon.com - forum discussion

ANIME CENTRAL
Chicago / Rosemont, Illinois
May 20-22, 2011
Guests: Steve Yun
ACen.org

PROJECT A-KON 21
Dallas, Texas
June 10-12, 2011
Guests: Kevin McKeever
A-Kon.com - forum discussion

ALBUQUERQUE COMIC EXPO
Albuquerque, NM
June 24-26, 2011
Guests: Tommy Yune
AbqComicExpo.com - forum discussion

ANIME EXPO
Los Angeles, CA
July 1 -4, 2011
Guests: Tommy Yune, Kevin McKeever, Steve Yun
Anime-Expo.org - forum discussion

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
San Diego, CA
July 21-24, 2011
Guests: Tommy Yune, Steve Yun
Comic-Con.org/cci

TOKYO IN TULSA
Tulsa, Oklahoma
July 15-17, 2011
Guests: Kevin McKeever
TokyoInTulsa.com - forum discussion

MATSURICON
Columbus / Worthington, OH
August 19-21, 2011
Guests: Kevin McKeever
MatsuriCon.org
MECHACON
New Orleans, LA
August 26 – 28, 2011
Guests: TBA
MechaCon.com - forum discussion

NAN DESU KAN
Denver, Colorado
September 9-11, 2011
Guests: Steve Yun, Tommy Yune, Kevin McKeever
NDKdenver.org

"How's Project Robotech going?"

This weekend, I was in Las Vegas with the wife and very close friends, also married.  One of the friends, I'll call her Didgeridoo, asked: "So, how's Project Robotech going?"  Immediately I'm thrilled that she calls it by it's formal name and not "That Tobey Maguire thingy you were doing." or "that Sci-Fi flick you put on You Tube."   I told her that things are going well, and that we are just waiting for an annoucement on the Robotech Live Action Film Director before I push forward with a new campaign.  I also said that I was growing tired of self promotion and that it was nice taking a break from it for a while.

This is all true.  But at the same time I realized that it was time for another update to keep you guys informed but also engaged because I really do hope that you feel you are a part of this.   Thanks for all of the support, and if you ever see me, please ask "So, how's Project Robotech going?" or even "So, how's that space man film where you were wearing a jumpsuit and BMX helmet going?  Did you ever get Spiderman to see it?"

Project:Robotech Update...

Hi Everyone,

Things have been super busy on my end. Coming back from MechaCon, it has been non-stop BATTLE with both acting and my day job. But in a good way!  I'm winning.  I just wanted to let you know that I'm still here, and eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Robotech Live Action Film Director. Once that happens, I hope to reach out to him/her. Until then, know that I'm still working on becoming a better actor and when the time comes, will definitely need some help! If you see any Robotech related news, please share. I am all ears.

Thanks, and I hope to update again soon.

Tana

MechaCon 2010 Cosplay Competition Highlights

Day TWO of MechaCon was pretty crazy. Have a bunch of videos to share, but had to cut the Cosplay Competition together first for you to see. ENJOY!



MechaCon 2010 - DAY ONE

Having a great time here in New Orleans.  Here are a couple of videos from Day One (Fri) of some of the folks roaming the halls and having a good time here at the convention.  I attended Kevin McKeever's panel on film production yesterday but didn't have the chance to introduce myself.  Today, Saturday is a BIG day.  Lots to see, three Robotech related panels and tons more.  Best of all, meeting a bunch of really cool people.



A FILM FOR YOU!

A BIG THANK YOU to my family, friends and supporters for being with me on this journey to become a Veritech fighter pilot.  Even though it sometimes feels like I'm on an island by myself, that feeling quickly passes and I'm happy to know that you guys have my back!  Thanks for all of your support so far.

This film is for YOU.

Sincerely,

Tana

Voltron Feature Film is DEAD - but still ALIVE on TV

Well, that's one 80's robot themed series that's bitten the dust.   But as we all know, Voltron is NO Robotech.  Don't get me wrong, it was awesome in it's own right, and I'm sure it's TV relaunch will be great but this news does not phase me regarding Robotech's chances.  I have a feeling we are going to hear something BIG at Comic-Con for SURE....

Read about Voltron's feature film fate here:
http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/06/07/voltron-feature-film-is-dead-robots-will-rely-on-tv-reboot/

Robotech Live Action Movie Designs Part 2

More designs by Kronnang Dunn...

Cartoon Network reviving 'ThunderCats' (pic)

Okay, this doesn't really have anything to do with the Robotech live action film, but it's indirectly related. Check out the latest on another popular 80's animation, Thundercats! If you watched Robotech, I know you watched Thundercats...ho.  

Cartoon Network reviving 'ThunderCats' (pic) -- The Live Feed | THR

Robotech Flight Suit

Just came across this Robotech flight suit by "darkjawas" off of the Replica Prop Forum.  Nice job dude.  I could have used something like this vs. the black jumpsuit with air force patches I wore.  That said, for the kind of materials used here, you have to have pecks and an ass made of stone to pull this suit off.  What is that LYCRA?

For the original post, click here.

Should a Robotech live action film be made?


Here is a great article by Jeremy Robinson from i09 called "How Hollywood is destroying my postmodern love affair with 80's pop culture."

He  refers to Robotech, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Thundercats and a number of upcoming live action adaptations.  He writes "The point is, with every 1980s franchise remade by Hollywood, I lose a piece of my childhood that I so adore."

I've been pretty obsessed with this Project Robotech, I know this.  I've honestly never stopped to think about what effect the Robotech live action movie will have on my childhood memories.  Till now I've been driven by what I think my 1985 self would want: "BECOME A VERITECH FIGHTER PILOT! THAT WOULD BE SO COOL!"

I've always assumed the RLAM will be awesome.  It may or may not be, but if my little mission fails (knocking on my wooden desk top), I won't feel so bad (especially if the RLAM sucks donkey balls.)  Sometimes things are best left how they were, untouched and enjoyed as the great memories they are.

Check out his article, it's a fun read!

ROBOTECH live action film - ROBOT TROUBLE!

Yet another deleted scene from our Robotech live action film "MIDNIGHT SKY." We LOVED this camera robot we made for the film, but we didn't get to include these clips of it in action. Our good friend Nayon was the PA and 'robot wrangler' this day.  Silliness ensues.

ROBOTECH: LOVE AND WAR #4 by Long Vo

Mind blowing Robotech art by Long Vo (Robotech Comics, Battlecry).  See more work HERE at Comic Art Community

Robotech Live Action Film - FISH HEAD

Another deleted from Midnight Sky.  THE FISH HEAD.   This was a really tough one to cut, but as you'll see, it doesn't really work.  If you were the producer, how would you pull off this scene?  Hope you enjoy!

Tobey Maguire Update

Below is an article about Tobey Maguire and "Rise of the Apes."  I really don't like the title, because I think it's bullshit that anyone can make any assumptions about how he "lost" the role.  It's never that simple.  Tobey, if you're listening:  You're going to blow that "damn dirty ape" movie out of the water with Robotech and show them your true STAR power.

Though, this has to make me wonder, what does this mean for the Robotech live action film timeline if Tobey is pursuing these roles?  I hope 2012 is still the target.

How Tobey Maguire Lost the Lead in "Planet of the Apes" Prequel

Anime Goes Hollywood - ROBOTECH, Ghost in the Shell, Akira

Robotech gets a mention in this review on REELZ Channel about Anime to Hollywood adaptations.

Robotech Live Action Movie Designs Part I

These designs by Kronnang Dunn have been floating around You Tube for a while, but definitely worth a share!

The Protoculture Times Podcast #23







Here is JT with podcast episode #23 of "The Protoculture Times."   I've only tuned in a few times, but passion is an understatement here.   I can't help but picture JT, red faced with a big pulsing vein coming down his forehead.  I swear my blood pressure goes up just listening to him.  I love that he is out there doing what he loves to do and living the dream with his podcast.  There is little doubt that this is what he was meant to do.  JT, could you please keep a bottle of 81mg of aspirin near your computer though?  One day it may save your life!

ROBOTECHX at San Diego Comic-Con!


Good news, ROBOTECHX is BACK at this year's San Diego Comic-Con.  Be sure to stop by if you are at the convention this year.  Check the latest in their forums.

80's Robotech Toy Commercial Part 3

Alright, here is the last Robotech toy commercial to share for now. If you've seen the previous commercials posted here, you'll notice that in the 80's no minorities yet existed...or just didn't have money.

80's Robotech Toy Commercial Part 2

Here is another good Robotech toy commercial. Nothing like old TV footage to bring you back to that time. Oddly, commercials do it more so than the original material for me. Wonder why that is?

Xia Taptara's Robotech Live Action Drawings - Part 3

Here is the last of Xia's (www.idrawgirls.com) Robotech drawings: How to draw a Robotech Mecha.  This video features Xia's voice and I could swear I hear a New York fire engine in the background.  Xia, if you are in New York, give me a shout!  

Jeff Yang's Carl Macek | Robotech Article: The 'Robotech' Master

Please read Jeff Yang's "The 'Robotech' master" article in SF Gate. This is one of the best articles I've come across honoring Carl Macek, original producer of Robotech. Read the full article here.

"But it's in the world of anime where Macek made his most indelible mark. Indeed, it's fair to say that Macek is directly responsible for the mainstreaming of Japanese animation in America, both as a content industry and as a primary creative influence for many of today's most interesting comic and cartoon artists."



80's Robotech Toy Commercial Part 1

This Robotech toy commercial is a must see, simply for the hypnotic "Robotech!" being repeated in the background. I think if it's played backward you hear "Buy me now"..."Buy me now." I can picture myself as a young kid fresh after seeing this commercial, eye balls swirling (peppermint candy pattern) with cash in hand, walking numbly to the nearest K*B Toys store.

Xia Taptara's Robotech Live Action Drawings - Part 2

Here he is, the man himself Tobey Maguire, the man behind the Robotech live action film.  Really dig Xia Taptara's (www.idrawgirls.com) rendition here.  He is obviously a big Robotech/Macross fan.  Keep up the great work!   Up next in Part 3...Mecha!

Otaku Hime: Things Japanese: Hollywood's Manga & Anime Adaptations

Here is an EXCELLENT review of Hollywood and upcoming Anime adaptations. From - Otaku Hime: Things Japanese: Hollywood's Manga & Anime Adaptations

Carl Macek Tribute

Here is a very thoughtful tribute to Carl Macek, original producer of Robotech, by UEG.  

Xia Taptara's Robotech Live Action Drawings

Really love Xia Taptara's (from iDrawGirls.com) sketches of potential Robotech live action cast. This is part 1 of 3. First up: Scarlett Johansson as Robotech character Lisa Hayes!


Inspiration for Robotech: "Midnight Sky" - Omer Fast - The Casting

This video art installation from the Whitney Biennial entitled The Casting by Omer Fast was a big inspiration for our Robotech live action film "Midnight Sky." Unfortunately they don't have the full exhibit of "The Casting" online for view, but hopefully you'll get to see it someday. Can you see the similarities?

This is NOT Robotech...

Uresh...bless your heart, but this is NOT Robotech. You've spending too much time in NYC night clubs inhaling fake smoke and nursing apple-tinis. But I do appreciate your support brother. Just make sure you don't walk up to Leonard Nimoy and say "May the force be with you."

The Black Eyed Peas video "Imma Be."

"GOOOOSH! THAT HURTS!!!"

Here is the first of a few behind-the-scenes clips of "Midnight Sky." Ah, the joys of working with your wife.

"I'm Here" by Spike Jonze - A Sci-Fi Love Story

Really enjoyed this film. You can watch it online here.   Thought you guys might appreciate this if you like Spike Jonze, but also love-stories and sci-fi. Not sure it'd be the right fit, but would be really interesting to see what Spike Jonze would do for the Robotech Live-Action film.  Maybe they should treat the Robotech series like Harry Potter and switch Directors for every film.  (Thanks George for the link!).

Sylvain White is a bad-ass. "The Losers" director and Robotech

So it's been out there for a while that Sylvain White may be directing the upcoming Robotech Live Action film and would obviously be THE person for me to hopefully impress/bribe/make an indecent proposal to in order to be cast in the film as a Veritech fighter pilot. Sylvain, if you are out there...please check out my film and give me a shout!

I just saw "The Losers" last night and it was great. Sylvain deserves an award just for how many people you can kill without showing any blood. People were dying left and right, adults and kids alike were getting blown to smithereens, and yet something was missing...BLOOD..oh and F-Bombs! I whispered to my friend Tony, "Is this PG-13?" He was like no way man, it's R...then a few minutes later..said "Damn, I think it IS PG-13!" The absence of blood and expletives were one thing, then it became pretty clear later on when the final piece gave it away. No BOOBS. PG-13 indeed.

Anyways, "The Losers" was so well done, and I can see why Warner Bro's and Tobey would see this director as a good fit. The humor, action and fun characters were so well executed...all perfect for telling the ROBOTECH story. Robotech is not Rated R. It's barely PG...but Sylvain White will be great for achieving that balance.

Sylvain, if you ultimately decide to direct the Robotech live action film, definitely keep me in mind. I'll break my back for you and deliver as an actor. Just give me that chance and you'll see.  Don't make me make an indecent proposal because I will.  My pet sheep, though reconsidering his loyalties still has one left in him!


Check out The Losers trailer.

Carl Macek (1951-2010)

Please read this article by Tommy Yune honoring the original producer of Robotech, Carl Macek, who passed away this past weekend.

Robotech Live Action Film "MIDNIGHT SKY"



SYNOPSIS: This is a story told by an anonymous Veritech fighter pilot recalling two memories: his first encounter with Miriya, the Zentradi ace pilot, and his first date with a loved one on Earth. As with our own memories, the story is fragmented, and the line between dream and reality is blurred.

Robotech Live Action Film - "My Time to be a Star"


SYNOPSIS: Yeah, this film doesn't really need much explaining. It's pure silliness. But I couldn't resist creating a music video. Music was/is such a big part of Robotech/Macross so I had to include something. "My Time to be a Star," I thought, fits perfectly with what I'm trying to do. Enjoy!