Creation Con
| Convention | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Creation Con |
| Dates: | 1971-1980, until branching out into multiple cons after 1980 |
| Frequency: | annually, until branching out into multiple cons after 1980 |
| Location: | New York, until branching out into multiple cons after 1980 |
| Type: | for-profit |
| Focus: | comic books, science fiction media |
| Organization: | Creation Entertainment |
| Founder: | Gary Berman and Adam Malin |
| Founding Date: | 1971 |
| URL: | Creation Entertainment |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
A Creation Con is a convention run by Creation Entertainment.
Creation was founded in November 1971 by two 14-year old comic book fans Gary Berman [1] and Adam Malin. This first con was a comic book convention.
These cons remained comic book-focused until about 1983. At that time, it was the leading producer of comic books cons. In about 1983, it branched out into horror and science fiction.
The con locales were mostly in larger US cities, but there were a few in Canada as well.
Creation has been criticized for overcharging fans and running unpleasant glorified autograph sessions for new fans who don't know any better. These cons do not have panels, dances, vid shows, room parties, art show, costume contests, or other things that fans participated in at fan-run cons.
Because of their lack of fan activities, their focus on profit, and attendees' expectation of being entertained rather then participation, this kind of con has been called a a cretin cons, gate shows, or mega cons.
From a fan in 1993:
Patrick Stewart is tentatively' scheduled to make an appearance in Denver, Colorado, next April. This will be a non-Creation Con (for those of us to whom such principles matter)... [2]
However, Creation Cons have also been highly successful at getting big name guests (one would say a monopoly), which can make many of their cons highly attractive to fans who do prefer procons.
The number and frequency of Creation Cons is astounding, truly churned out as if by machine; sometimes there were three or four cons happening on the same weekend.
A later major competitor was Slanted Fedora.
A fan in 2003 wrote:
From what I’ve seen, all the Creation cons seem to have the same format. The guests speak and then sign autographs, there is a dealer’s room, and that is about it. No panels, no showing of films, etc. [3]
Info About Individual Cons
Early Cons: Januarycon, Maycon...
Fans, at least in the Star Trek fandom in 1983 and 1984 referred to these cons by their month. "Januarycon," "Octobercon," and "Maycon." This could not have been a long-lasting practice, as no year was specified, and there was no anticipation that these cons would go on for decades. But at the time, "Creation Cons" were the only game in town.
NOTE: This does not apply to FebCon, which was its own thing.
The Starlog Connection
Some early cons (up to at early 1990) were referred to as "Starlog Festivals" or "Starlog Cons."
It is unclear how these were different than the regular cons, but it is likely it involved financial support and Starlog-focused programming.
Starlog also was involved with Creation Con with a series of cons titled, "Starlog Salute to Star Trek."
Some of the cons were also titled as "Salutes," such as ones for Star Wars and Beauty and the Beast (TV). Some of them included "Creation Con" in their titles, but not "Starlog," and some didn't specify either organization.
Vid Shows and Vid Contests
Starting in the 1980s, Creation Con would bulk up its events by showing fan made music videos before the actor's panels. In most instances these vids were shown with the fan creator's permission. However, one instance involved the convention re-editing a Quantum Leap vid "Oh Boy" by California Crew and showing the vid without permission. This resulted in California Crew deciding to limit the distribution of their vids:
The distribution is erratic on song-tapes only if you don't make them yourself, really. Hanging around with Judy, I found that the MW vid-makers generally swap copies of their year's work. I don't think California Crew does anymore, though, since Creation got hold of one a copy of their 1991 tape and RE_MADE "You Can Call Me Al" and "Oh, Boy" and one other QL video and showed the RE-CUT versions at the LeapCon. California Crew are of the opinion that since the song and the TV show are copyright works, they can't copyright their vids, but I wonder if song-vids would fall under compilation-copyright, or even under whatever copyright holds for collages. So, because the commercial vipers swiped the videos and re-made them (it's not just that they were shown, it's that Creation re-did them, and not as well), nobody gets to see California Crew vids outside MediaWest. [4]
In the 1990s, Creation Con would request submissions of fanvids to be shown in a contest. The winner was offered a $100 gift certificate in their company merchandise store. Fans would occasionally submit their vids under their pseuds to avoid unwanted attention. In exchange for showing the vid, the fan vidder had to grant Creation Con a perpetual license to use their vids in their conventions and on their DVDs.[5]
From a fan in early 1994:
They also showed the best Kirk and Spock music video I've ever seen. If the Creation people had realized how absolutely K/S it comes across they probably wouldn't have done it. [6]
Sample Catalog: Winter 1986 National Tour
A sample catalog for late 1986/early 1987 is an example of the Creation Con grueling machine.
It contains proposed con dates, locations, costs of dealer tables, where fans could purchase tickets (at the enticingly titled "Ticketron"), some planned guests, many flyers and ads, an article ("STAR TREK MEMORIES Life and Times with the Crew of the Enterprise") by Adam Malin, staff credits, and a transcript of DeForest Kelley's presentation at the August on in New York City.
Staff credits are for Creation Entertainment which has four subsidiaries: "Creation Conventions," "Creation Science Fiction & Comic World," "Creation Films," and "Creation Songs."
The catalog also contains fan art signed by William Louis McDonald, B. Mook, Espinoza, Rick Bryant, and others. They are not officially credited or mentioned.
"STAR TREK MEMORIES Life and Times with the Crew of the Enterprise" by Adam Malin is about Malin's personal relationship with the celebrities; it contains little insider bits that lets fans know of his access to the stars, glowingly written in a way that may make a fan vicariously feel they too can sip pina coladas, hobnob with their idols, and have them be almost like members of the family: "DeForest and Carolyn Kelley are my surrogate parents. When I am with them, it feels like Mom and Dad."
1989: Example of Fan Promotion
Fans, who were eager to take what they could, often offered to promote "Creation Con" in their own amateur publications.
Fans also volunteered, or were recruited, by Creation Con to provide content, programming, and promotions. One example is The International Beauty and the Beast Convention.
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1989 flyer advertising a celebrity from War of the Worlds, published in To Life Immortal #1
Some 1991 Comments on the Franchise's History and Function
Adam Malin gave an interview to the editor of The William Shatner Connection onsite at Creation Con's event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Star Trek.
In it, Malin explained the evolution of fans and fandom, the increasing professional take-over of Trek conventions, he and Gary Berman's journey through fandom via collecting and comics, and the function and future of Creation Con.
See more at Guest Interview: Adam Malin.
A 2000 Press Release, Focus on Fandom, Inc.
This press release both gives some official history, as well as announces Creation Entertainment's relationship with Fandom, Inc., the latter known for its strong-arm tactics in its attempt to trademark the word "fandom" and for trying to shut down fan web sites. See Fandom, Inc. for more.
FANDOM, INC. ACQUIRES CREATION ENTERTAINMENT:
Acquisition of Top Live Events Producer and Licensed Merchandise Company Strengthens Fandom's Audience Reach and Marketing Efforts:
(SANTA MONICA, Calif.) December 6, 2000-Fandom, Inc. (www.fandom.com), the pre-eminent media company focused on Expanded Reality Entertainment (ERE), announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Creation Entertainment. The Glendale, California-based company is the nation's leading producer of live events for fans of fantasy, science fiction and horror, and invented the concept of touring fan conventions almost 30 years ago.
Creation Entertainment was founded in 1971 and also designs, manufactures and distributes licensed merchandise based on popular motion picture and television properties including Star Trek, The Sopranos, Saturday Night Live, Farscape, Charmed and Xena: Warrior Princess.
"With the acquisition of Creation Entertainment, we will bring our audience an exciting new dimension to the Fandom experience," said Mark Young, CEO of Fandom, Inc. "Creation brings almost 30 years of successful convention expertise that extends the fan experience for global, enduring entertainment properties."
"Becoming part of the Fandom media network allows Creation to take our fan base to the next level," said Gary Berman, co-CEO of Creation Entertainment. "Fandom and Creation are a perfect match because our products and services appeal to the same passionate demographic, which has the power to make and extend the life of hit properties."
Creation Entertainment created the concept of touring fan conventions in the 1970's, beginning with comic book conventions and moving into touring shows for Star Trek, James Bond, The X-Files and Xena. Since then, Creation has produced more than 1,000 shows, garnering "A"-list celebrity appearances including George Lucas at its Official Star Wars Convention, Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Official Terminator Convention, and Jack Nicholson at the Fangoria Weekend of Horrors Convention. Hundreds of other celebrities have participated at Creation shows across the United States.
"As a company that celebrates fantastic entertainment in all media, Creation looks forward eagerly to bringing its special brand of fan entertainment to Fandom's worldwide audience. The combined assets of the Fandom Network make it a powerful destination for fans as they explore the subjects they love," said Adam Malin, the co-CEO who founded Creation Entertainment with Gary Berman. The company has 30 employees.
"Creation Entertainment brings the added excitement of live events to Fandom's already strong online and offline entertainment base," said Young. "The company's reputation as respected producer of fan conventions and merchandise allows Fandom to further its goal of being the leading source of entertainment and information for science fiction, horror and fantasy fans."
The Creation Entertainment purchase comes on the heels of Fandom's acquisition of Cinescape, a Chicago-based company that publishes a leading action/adventure/science fiction magazine focusing on film, television and new media and also owns and operates the popular Web site Cinescape.com.
About FANDOM:
Santa Monica, Calif. based Fandom, Inc. (www.fandom.com), is a media company with multiple delivery platforms that operates the Internet's number-one choice for Expanded Reality EntertainmentTM (fantasy, science fiction, horror and online gaming.) Fandom is the trusted authority in these genres, providing fans a unique and compelling entertainment experience. The company also owns and operates Cinescape Magazine and Cinescape.com, which cover television, film and new media.
Fandom's online platforms offer immersive online environments that combine content, commerce and community with an emphasis on fan participation. They feature news, in-depth articles, fan-generated content, chats, surveys and polls, sweepstakes and contests. Fandom.com also features an online shop specializing in genre merchandise and collectibles, as well as a print catalog distributed to 250,000 subscribers on a regular basis. Founded in July 1999, the company's investors include Redpoint Ventures, RRE Ventures, Wasserstein Adelson Ventures and Entertainment Media Ventures.
Fan Comments
Fan Comments: 1987
This is the first Equicon that I’ve attended, before this I have been a regular at the Creation shows which I have enjoyed very much. Maybe it’s because of them that I was disappointed with this convention. I found it to be somewhat unorganized with programming running behind several times. The costume contest seemed to me to be too long and the video programming was uneven. This is suppose to be a fan convention so maybe that’s what the difference was. [7]
Fan Comments: 1989
Back in the 1970s, mundanes woke up and started noticing how much fun Trekkers were having at their Trek cons- and how money, lots of money, changed hands. So the businessmen got into the act. These non-fen got together and started running Trek cons. These cons were, and still are, very popular because they have the money to pay the STAR TREK stars to make an appearance, which draws in crowds of Trekkers. The Creationcons got so popular that they probably pushed out the fan-run cons that used to be held In the same areas. Creationcons are quite different from other conventions. First there are no name badges; they just stamp your hand for the day. Second, all they have are just two rooms. There may be thousands of fen in each room, but it's still just two rooms. The auditorium where the stars speak, and the Dealer's Room, where fanzines, photos and practically all types of Trek memorabilia you can think of are sold, and that's it. No panels, no filking, no place to just hang out, like a con suite, and certainly no room parties, because Creationcons close promptly at 7.00 pm- The thing about no room parties is gradually changing, though - this year (and last) the ST:TNG club ENTERPRISE AMERICA did have a room party, and this year Creationcon had another first - a masquerade (well, they're learning...). [8]
Fan Comments: 1991
.... I continue to be amazed at the power to attract that is Star Trek. Twenty five years later and Star Trek can still command the respect, loyalty and love of over 20 million people the world over, a show that was canceled after only three short seasons. How is this possible? What keeps people interested in Star Trek year after year? There are many reasons offered but none seem to be sufficient,nor will I attempt to answer that all evasive question. Nevertheless, one fact is clear and that is the effect of conventions on the longevity and continued success and survival of Star Trek. And of all the conventions Creation Conventions clearly stands alone. For over twenty years Creation has brought Star Trek to our home cities. They've brought us the stars, special videos, unique merchandise and more. But what or who is Creation? Where did it come from?
Creation is the brainchild of Adam Malin and Gary Herman, two dynamic dreamers who have continually encouraged our fantasies and shared our dream for over 20years. The conventions helped breathe life into our fantasies, into the dreams that we had for Star Trek.
While Creation may cover many areas of science fiction its continuing love for Star Trek is still number one ... [9]
Creation Cons are absolutely the worst in Amarillo. We didn't even get an actor. Just tapes of the stars' appearances at other Creation Conventions. [10]
Fan Comments: 1992
As many of you know (and some of you don't), a couple of years ago, Creation (a for-profit organization) tried to get all of the ST:TNG actors to sign contracts to do Creation Cons exclusively. That's right - no fan-run convention would be allowed to have a guest star from TNG. Even though all but Marina Sirtis turned them down this did not endear Creation to Star Trek fans, and we've been carrying a pretty big chip on our (collective) shoulder against Creation ever since. However, I feel that they are realizing the errors of their ways and are trying to make amends to the members of STARFLEET, as well as to the members of all those other clubs that dream of being Starfleet when they grow up. (Just kidding!) Or, maybe they are just kissing up to us because they are afraid of losing business. I don't claim to know for sure, but I, for one, am going to give them the benefit of the doubt and see what happens. [11]
I have sworn not to give anything to blood-sucking robber barons (excuse me. Creationists). Not even Dean Stockwell in a G-string will change my mind. [12]
Meta
- Hell, No, Creations Cons -- We Won't Go! (1991)
- Tired of Creation "Cons" (1991)
- A letter about Creation Cons (March 17, 1993)
References
- ^ Gary Berman and Rick Berman are not related. Nor is either related to Ruth Berman.
- ^ from Britgazer #11 (September 1993)
- ^ from The K/S Press #86
- ^ comments at Virgule-L, quoted anonymously (December 2, 1992)
- ^ Morgan Dawn's personal notes, accessed August 4, 2016.
- ^ from Come Together #3 (March 1994)
- ^ from Starland News (summer 1987)
- ^ from IDIC #5 (1989)
- ^ from The William Shatner Connection NewsZine (fall 1991)
- ^ from The Blackwood Project #11 (1991)
- ^ Pat Heinske at The Wright Stuff, newsletter for U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
- ^ from MPH's notes, December 18, 1992