Interview Kevin Porter

Actor Kevin Porter has won the geek world over with his portrayal of Batman in the fan films Seeds of Arkham and Batman: City of Scars. He has been hailed by fans as one of the best actors to ever wear the cape and cowl. Kevin took some time to talk to the Confessions of a Cosplay Girl Blog about how he got involved with Bat in the Sun productions, preparing for the role of the Caped Crusader, his thoughts on Ben Affleck and much more!



Victoria: How long have you been acting and are you trained in the arts?

 Kevin: I’ve been acting since college. I went to Newberry College in South Carolina on a football scholarship and was approached my freshman year to audition for the Robert Bolt play ‘A Man for all Seasons’. I fell in love with acting and theater at that point and it’s been a part of my life ever since.

 Victoria: How did you get involved with Bat in the Sun studios?

 Kevin: I first met Aaron and Sean Schoenke at the San Diego Comic Con in 2003. I was there making a Batman appearance for DC and Mattel. Aaron had a Bat in the Sun t-shirt on, and I was familiar with their first film “Batman Beyond: Year One”. I commented to them about it while on set, that’s actually caught on tape as Sean was filming all of this. They later reached out through a mutual connection and offered me the role of Batman in their next project.

Victoria: Are you a comic book fan?

Kevin: Always. I am a huge fan of the source material as that’s where the truth of the characters lies, in the intent of the writers. I have been an avid collector all of my life.

Victoria: How long does it take to complete a Bat in the Sun film?

Kevin: Well, for me, its pretty quick. I get the call from the guys and a specific date. That gives me lead time to get to where I need to be physically. City of Scars was an anomaly as it took well over a year and countless nights but mostly, with these mini-shorts as I call them that they are doing now, they are shot in a day or maybe two. But the true work comes after the shoot when Aaron pours over the footage and assembles the amazing edits that he does time and again. People don’t recognize Aaron’s genius editing as much. They all know what a great director he is, but the Schoenkes are the total package and have no weak spots. 

Victoria: What are your thoughts on Ben Affleck being cast as Batman in the Man of Steel sequel?

 Kevin: I think that he will do well. Hes older, wiser and the suit will do most of the work. I trust Zack Snyder.

 Victoria: How did you prepare to play the role of Batman?

 Kevin: Its just something that is within me. Its very natural to shift gears. I am not this way in my everyday life. My demeanor is much more upbeat. But there is something that is amazing about the duality. This double life and putting on this second skin that brings out some hidden dark side. You access your pain, anger, rage...Its cathartic in a way.

 Victoria: Why do you think Batman is such a popular character in comics and pop culture?

 Kevin: Batman is American mythology. Its a child’s character that also matures with us as we grow. There are various interpretations for each stage of development. It’s a human hero that endures, who is flawed but triumphs. His heart, his drive and yes that dark side that most people never admit to having. Bottom line, Batman is cool. Theres no arguing that! 

Victoria: What other film projects do you have coming up?

 Kevin: I just got word this week that I have been cast in a new film starring Jackson Rathbone. I play a biker and have a couple of great scenes with Andrew Dice Clay. It shoots in December and I couldn’t be more excited.

 Victoria: What does your convention schedule look like for 2014?


 Kevin: I’m not really sure. I have a few films lined up so my schedule may not accommodate many conventions. I would love to attend more as I love getting out and meeting people that appreciate the work. I will be at San Diego, thats certain! 

Victoria: Where can fans contact you and view a port of your work?

 Kevin: You can always reach me on the Fan page Kevin Porter Batman. You can also imdb me to find out what projects Ive done or the ones that I have coming up.

Read More..

An Open Letter to the Wizard World Philadelphia Organization

There was a lot of controversy surrounding the 2013 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic-Con and for good reason. Complaints were made regarding the ticket prices, guest list and lack of comic talent, among other things. Before you brush this off as just an angry geek girl rant, Id like to point out that I have been attending the Wizard World Philadelphia show for the past 10 years. It was my very first convention and takes place in my home town. I attended it long before I was a cosplayer, Blogger or a professional model. I have many fond memories but in the last 5 years, the show has been decreasing in quality. I am speaking my mind and writing this open letter to the organization based on my 10 year experience and observation. I am expressing my opinion as a fan (a title that is probably best described as "former fan" these days). I certainly am not one of those cosplayers who think I know how to run a multi-million dollar organization simply because I cosplay. There is no ego here. Just an opinion based on my experience at this show and attending other shows such as the San Diego Comic-Con, New York Comic-Con, Dragoncon, The Baltimore Comic-Con and Megacon. Below are 6 major problems with the show.

Problem #1: Over Priced Tickets

The Baltimore Comic-Con 2 day weekend pass is on sale for $40.00 on their website. New York Comic-Con is charging $65 for a 3 day pass ($85 for a 4 day). The Megacon Convention is charging $60.00 for a 3 day online pass. A one day Wizard World Philadelphia was a whopping $50, $85-$95 for a three and a half day pass. The ticket price is absurd.


Problem #2: Lack of Comic Talent

While other shows feature such guests as George Perez, Gail Simone, J. Scott Campbell, Adam Hughes and many others, Wizard would rather focus on booking actors who charge for photos and autographs. Im not saying that actors should not be permitted. I like seeing Hollywood celebrities and if you have the extra cash to "meet" them, go for it. But it appears that Wizard has lost its roots. Its not about comics anymore. Its about Hollywood. At this years show, Stan Lee was the big comic draw and.....thats it.


Problem #3: Missing Publishers

It appears that even the publishing gods have abandoned Wizard. Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Top Cow, Aspen and other major publishers stopped attending the show roughly 5 years ago.


Problem #4: Zero Exclusives

There was a time where you could purchase exclusive statues, comics and toys at the Philadelphia Show. Hunting and buying exclusives makes any show more enjoyable. Now the vendors consist of items easily purchased at Toys R Us and Target for double price.


Problem #5: Denying the Press Access

This year Wizard denied press passes to Bloggers and photographers. Photographers were only allowed in if they were union. I know of 3 Bloggers, myself included, who had a good business relationship with Wizard and covered the event for several years thus giving the organization press and exposure. This year our press passes were denied. I would not have minded purchasing a full pass; if it didnt cost nearly $100 each. As a result, my photographer and I only attended Friday.


Problem #6: The Guest List Flub

Im not sure who was in charge of the online guest list but I was completely shocked to discover that two of the biggest names in cosplay were attending the show and not listed on the site. Spencer Doe and Nicole Marie have both gone viral with their Batman and Lady Bane costumes. They had a table at the show where they met fans, posed for photos and sold prints. I would not have known they were at the show if it wasnt for Facebook. How someone missed posting that two of the biggest names in cosplay, who are easily headliners,  is mind boggling.


I have to report that it was nice to see that gift bags had returned. Among other things it featured a free issue of the Walking Dead comic. The seating area had also been expanded and Artist Alley featured a large variety of local talent. Although these are steps in the right direction, it is too little, too late. There are still many things wrong with the show as seen in my list and these problems have been ongoing for the past 5 years. I have traveled and attended many shows around the country and Wizard is easily the most poorly organized national show. Unless some major changes are made for 2014, you can consider this show to be our last.

                                                       Official Facebook

Read More..