SD08: INDEPENDENTS screens

Please join featured artists Wendy Pini (Elfquest), Kevin Eastman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Jim Woodring (Frank), Shannon Wheeler (Too Much Coffee Man), Keith Knight (Knight Life), and director Chris Brandt for a special screening of the comic book documentary Independents, Thursday, July 24, 2008 from 6:25pm to 8pm in room 26AB of the San Diego Convention Center during Comic Con.

The question most regularly asked of any creative professional is “Where do you get your ideas?” People are eager to participate in the process of artistic invention and imaginative expression, yet many seem to believe there is some magic involved. The documentary “Independents” reveals that all one needs is patience, persistence, a pencil, and a piece of paper. The documentary examines the creative drive, through interviews with dozens of artists who have paved their own roads to success as self-published graphic novelists. “Independents” focuses upon the motivation and passion of traditionally marginalized creators, and examines how artists’ lives are inescapably bound to their labors of love.

“People should see this – and see it this year! It is excellent!” says Wendy Pini, creator of the Elfquest graphic novel series. “The liveliness of the animation keeps the pace rapid and keeps the laughs coming. It really is an extraordinarily moving and informative piece. Nothing like it, to my knowledge, has been done.”

In addition to the artists attending the screening, interviewees include Craig Thompson (Blankets), Jessica Abel (Artbabe), Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics), Tony Millionaire (Maakies), Robert Williams (Zap), Linda Medley (Castle Waiting), and many others. Their insights into what it takes to pursue the life of a creator, and to follow ones own definition of success, serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists and professional artists, alike; regardless of the medium used to express themselves.

During the convention, the DVD will be available for sale at the Sparkplug booths 1533 and 1535. It is also available through Haven Distribution, and Amazon.com; or order copies directly from the filmmaker through the website: www.independentsdoc.com .

Chris Brandt has been involved in the comic book industry since 1995. His award winning short film, “Closing Time”, was an official selection of several major film festivals in 2006, and featured in the IFC News Special “The Comic Con Chronicles”. In 2004, his widely acclaimed viral video, “Dance, Voldo, Dance”, garnered the attention of G4, MTV, and Microsoft.