SupermanHawaii.com

Superman fans anticipate convention, movie

By Kelsey Amos

While Spiderman is sulking about his responsibility, Batman is coming to terms with his fears and The Punisher is throwing his morals out the window, Superman, who's got it together, is busy saving the world.

Superman Hawaii Event Coordinator Lawrence Pacheco explains, "Superman is considered the very first superhero. In contrast to many of the 'superheroes' we read about... today, Superman remains a shining example that you don't need to have angst to be a hero. He represents a quality that is needed in this world: to do the right thing because it's the right thing to do."

Accordingly, the various Superman TV shows and movies have attracted huge audiences and many loyal fans. "Most people are attracted to either his amazing strength, his abilities or the mythology of the character. I'd like to think that his ideals take the front seat to all this, though," says Pacheco.

In 1998, some of these fans came together to organize The Superman Fan and Collectors Convention of Hawaii, which held its first event in 2002. Their goal is simply to share enthusiasm for the man of steel with others.

Pacheco explains, "We just want to provide a means for Hawaii Superman fans... to gather and enjoy themselves."

This Saturday, Dec. 10, the tradition continues with the 2005 Superman Fan and Collectors Convention of Hawaii, which anyone can attend, free of cost. The location can be found on the Superman Hawaii website http://www.supermanhawaii.com.

The event will feature actress Noel Neill, who was Lois Lane in the original 1940s movie serials and also appeared in "The Adventures of Superman" and "Superman: The Movie." Pacheco also says to look forward to "The Adventures of Superman" episodes from Film Historian John Field, as well as prize drawings.

Many of these Superman enthusiasts are excited about "Superman Returns," an upcoming 2006 movie starring Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey. The film's executive producer, Chris Lee, has taken time off from his other job as UH Academy for Creative Media Chairman to work on the film. Because of this UH connection, four academy students are interning in Australia, where they work on the set of "Superman Returns."

One of these students, Ronson Akina, says, "I would describe my adventures during our internship on the set of 'Superman Returns' as one of the most exhilarating and insightful experiences of my life." The four students were able to specify which areas they would like to work in most, but were also shifted through the different departments involved with the production of the movie in order to gain a full suit of knowledge.

"On our first day I was introduced to a good number of the assistant directors and on the first shot of the day was asked to direct about 30 or so extras. I can't describe what I was feeling at that time other than it was just so amazing," says Akina.

He also speaks fondly of befriending extras and being able to "stand behind Brian Singer and observe his train of thought..."

Akina and the others, Chrystal Jameson, Matt Ortiz and Nelson Quan are members of UH Manoa's Academy for Creative Media, and thus their applications for the internships were given preference over others. This organization, supported by Roy and Hilda Takeyama, is part of an effort to provide education and opportunities for film students in Hawaii. Says Akina, "Personally, I believe the Academy for Creative Media, being as it is still in its earliest stages of fruition, has the potential of becoming just as good, if not better, than any other top film institution in the country or even the world."

Return to the 2005 Event Page

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