Post NYCC/NYAF 2011 with Peter Tatara Part 5

Please read Part 4 of the interview before reading Part 5

Facing the Concerns continuation

Continuing with the subject of the IGN Theatre events, I read on Medium At Large, that after the conclusion of the events, the room will not be cleared out. This situation is similar to events like San Diego Comic-Con, where the rooms are not cleared out either. If one were allowed to enter the room, one is permitted to stay in there for the duration of the day. “While clearing out rooms may sound like a good idea,” said Tatara, “moving, storing, and sorting 3,000+ people every hour quickly escalates to something that wouldn't fit inside the Javits.” Since attendees from prior events are allowed to stay, what can other attendees do to get into the later events? Simply put, “if you want to get into the IGN Theater, the recommendation is to get there early. Same thing as with San Diego, if you want to get into their Hall H, you need to get there early.”

Post NYCC/NYAF 2011 with Peter Tatara Part 4

Please read Part 3 of the interview before reading Part 4

Facing the Concerns continuation

In regards to the guest appearances, the website listed guests ranging from literature to entertainment. However, not all of the information provided stated when or where they would be signing autographs. Sometimes one would only find out if the fan attended an event or panel that had the guest the day of, or by accident at a booth that was under a different name. For example, Sesame Street had autograph sessions, but their booth was under their partner's name WeLoveFine. The only reason that I realized that the company was there was because the Oscar puppet was on display, and there was a cardboard announcement about the signings. For next year's convention, I wonder if ReedPop will be able to obtain all autographing information ahead of time. Then it could inform the attendees prior to the event, so that the attendees will not miss their chance to meet the guest; especially if he/she is not in the autographing area?

Post NYCC/NYAF 2011 with Peter Tatara Part 3

Please read Part 2 of the interview before reading Part 3

Facing the Concerns

On October 13, 2011, it was the first Thursday opening for NYCC and NYAF. Although most of the exhibitors were set up, the show floor was not accessible until 4pm to non-exhibitors. Unfortunately, there was not a separate press time, meaning prior to 4pm. As a result, the press, professionals and VIP holders shared the day with 10,000 four-day pass holders. In previous years, on a Friday, the convention was opened in the morn for press, professionals, and VIPs; while the fans were allowed to enter the show floor at 1pm. This year all Friday hours were open to everyone. Thursday night was “preview night and time for press and pros to walk on the show floor without the crush of the full weight of the convention,” said Tatara. “Looking to next year, it's too early to say. We'll be announcing details about what we're doing on Thursday as we get into 2012, but I can say we're looking at doing more.”

Post NYCC/NYAF 2011 with Peter Tatara Part 2

Please read Part 1 of the interview before reading Part 2

Arrangement Decisions

When entering the show floor from the 34th street side of the building one encountered an extravagant display of exhibitor booths. As I moved towards the back of the room, the lighting was getting darker and it felt gloomy. This was where most of the least impressive booths were located. There was a similar layout in the room on the 38th street side of the building. Additionally, the mixing of vendors made it difficult to find all the manga or anime booths in one area of the show floor. Whether or not it was manga or anime related, a fan had to keep a sharp eye out for any product that they wanted. When it came to the exhibitors on the show floor, how did they figure out where to place the simpler or less extravagant booths? “The show floor has various different price points -- from premium space, to dealer space, to small press, to Artist Alley,” said Tatara. “Then, too, there are pavilions, like the Cultyard, Anime Fest, and Star Wars Zipcode. When we build the floor, the first things that are set are big, tentpole booths. From there, we work with exhibitors to place them according to space and theme.”

Post NYCC/NYAF 2011 with Peter Tatara Part 1

Hello readers! I present to you, Peter Tatara, who is the Programming Director of New York Comic Con (NYCC) and New York Anime Festival (NYAF). I had the opportunity to interview Tatara about this year’s convention accomplishments and improvements for the future. Overall, ReedPop is “very proud” of the convention. It was a great achievement with 105,000 attendees, and it “flowed smoothly, despite more bodies, more guests, new spaces, and just a wee bit of construction.”

Media Report: Ponyo Day March 6, 2010

Lobby –

Jon Hills from Hills Learning teaching people Japanese through the Ponyo dialogue.

Why Super Para Natural Day?

For a while now, Kinokuniya Bookstore, the New York Anime Festival, and partners such as Del Rey have been conducting single-day events, "micro-cons essentially," to celebrate the anime and manga medium. These events was a place and time for the New York City’s anime community "to interact, laugh, make new friends, and maybe even learn a thing or two. Simply put, these events are created to give fans a place – other than chatrooms – to hang out."

The importance of this event is that it is "experimental," and it focuses specifically on "content," which in this case is the paranormal and supernatural aspects. Also, compared to past events, Super Para Natural Day has "more partners" and attendees will see the support of "FUNimation, Bandai, Dark Horse, Right Stuf, and VIZ this Sunday." Previously, events that were held about anime and manga were "very general Anime and Manga Days." What makes Super Para Natural Day unique is that it is "bent around a single genre." If the event is a success, there might be “Shoujo Day”, “Shounen Day,” “Mecha Day” in the future. "We’ve never been this big before, and we’re very excited by it." So, yeah, they couldn't wait for Halloween to come around. :)
© 2009 Linda Thai

For more information about the event, check out Super Para Natural Day at Kinokuniya Bookstore.

Thanks Peter Tatara for the interview! Thanks John Fuller for the help!

Pre-New York Comic Con with Peter Tatara

Ok New York Comic Con is just around the corner and I am psyched! Not only are the fans psyched but Peter Tatara is also very excited about the event. “NYCC has very quickly become a huge spectacle.” With excitement comes work. “There's a lot of work that needs to be done, and it has to happen all right now to make sure the con is ready for February.” Once the work is done and the convention occurs I am sure everything will be great with amazement.

Speaking of work, the people at NYCC have been working on finalizing guest and panel list. “This is confirming who'll be there and making sure they've got flights and hotels.” Other works conducted in preparations for the convention includes, but not limited to, are programming, exhibitors, and sponsors. So, all the work they do is to make sure every detail and every corner is worked out smoothly for the success of the convention. The work for a successful convention does not stop at the pre-convention nor preparation stages. It continues during the show, which includes Peter’s duties. “Patching leaks, putting out fires, and making repairs. We're going to build a good show, but things will break, and it's my job to be the duct tape.”

Peter has been working on previous NYCC's. I wanted to know if he felt that his previous experience will be any or less different to NYCC 2009? According to Peter, he said that it would be “very different.” In the past, Peter was in charge of the anime and manga programming aspect of NYCC. This time Peter is “running all the programming at the show.” As a result, he has his “hands in all the guests, all the screenings, all the panels, and all the special events.” So it is full blown programming duties for him. With his newfound duty, Peter feels that “it's daunting having to take something that is known and loved and do it again -- and make it better.”

Speaking of previous NYCC and continuing the subject of working on the convention, there was an unfortunate event that occurred. “In year one, we had too many people in the building, and the fire department shut the show down for a few hours. We've been able to avoid this every year since, but we're still conscious of capacity and making sure we have enough space for all attendees.” So to prevent this from happening again, NYCC has gotten more space each year “but we're getting close to capacity.” Because of the closeness in capacity limit, estimation had to be done. To do that, Professionals, who would like to attend on Saturday and Sunday, will be charged ten dollars. “Previously, all three days have been free to Pros (with dedicated Pro programs on Friday), but we've never been able to track how many actually come over the weekend, and this means we've got several thousand more bodies who tip us over capacity. By giving Pros the option for a Friday or a Weekend Pro Pass, we'll be able to more accurately count who is actually inside when things get jam packed on Saturday.”

In regards to attendance, Peter told me that last year it was 65,000 attendees. “This year, we'll easily hit 70,000, but I don't want to look any higher than that. We were in April '08 but we're moving to February '09 and we're all cautious because of the cold.” Yes weather makes a big difference in attendance.

So from all the hard work that was put into the convention, what can fans expect? Are there any big surprises for the fans out there? Peter said “more. All I can say is "more"…but I can't talk about the big stuff yet.” So all NYCC is doing is “giving the fans more and doing it better.”

One of the things that fans can expect is the guest list at the NYCC 2009. The guests at NYCC 2009 “represent the best of pop culture -- across comics, movies, television, anime, and games.” Some of the guest are returning guest from NYCC 2008, while others are “crossing over from NYAF.” Of course not every desired guest can attend. Some cannot come due to scheduling conflicts. “They'd love to come, but they're supposed to be filming during the con. In these cases, we try to confirm them for next year.”

Other things that fans should look out for are any special activities during the convention and special events happening at NYCC. Of course, Peter cannot tell me the full-blown details, because they are surprises for the attendees. He did tell me that they would be having some special events, premieres, and concerts. “We try to make as many free as possible to attendees, but there'll likely be a small fee for anything offsite.”

Another event I was curious about is Kids Day at NYCC. Now some might think comics are not for children or some might think they are for whatever reason. Some might not even consider a comic book a literacy tool, but it is. This is what makes Kids Day important. Kids Day, like comic books and graphic novels, “promotes literary. The entire focus of the day is encouraging children to read. And it's done in a kid-safe environment. It's a controlled location built with kids in mind.” Kids Day at NYCC “is a day celebrating comic books as the gateway to literacy for kids. It began last year and is going to be bigger and better in '09.” The event will take place on Sunday of the convention in an area of the show built just for children. There will be” events, activities, and guests just for kids.”

Now this is the big question about NYCC, why is it important to have such an event? How does it affect or not affect society’s culture? This is what Peter had to say: ”New York Comic Con celebrates pop culture. If it's new, cool, hip, or awesome, it's at the show. We want to celebrate the comic book and everything comics have touched as pop culture is a huge part of culture and huge part of business. If you look at this past summer's movies, not a month went by when a big comic movie didn't premiere, and Watchmen is one of the most anticipated movies of '09. Comics are big part of what's driving what's hot, and we're here to celebrate it.”
© 2009 Linda Thai

Thanks again Peter!!!
Thank you Chet Royer for the pictures of the FIRST New York Comic Con.
For more information on the convention please visit www.newyorkcomiccon.com

Post NYAF 2008 with Peter Tatara

Check out my Pre-Anime Festival with Peter Tatara.

Since the end of the festival, Peter Tatara has been feeling "sleepy." The New York Anime Festival was a great show. They were aiming for 17,000 and ended up having over 18,000 fans and attendees. Peter said "I'm very proud of it, but once a show wraps, we don't kick up our feet until next year." Not only was Peter very happy with the event but also his boss Lance Fensterman. "The show went over very well, but -- like me -- we're already looking ahead." They are "all deep in planning for New York Comic Con 2009" and New York Anime Festival 2009 "is already in the works."

Last time I spoke to Peter he said, "I honestly don't know what I'll be doing during NYAF yet." Of course during the festival Peter had things to do. All of his activities were related to his responsibility to the festival. "Tighten bolts. Patch leaks. Put out fires. If there was something that needed fixing, that was my job." On a lighter side of his duties he had dinner with Kikuchi-san.

With his duties at New York Anime Festival, Peter had to make sure the process of turning NYAF into reality was going smoothly. He arrived at Jacobs Javits Center a day before the show around 9:00am. While walking onto the exhibition hall, the booths "were midway through construction." At the time it was not yet complete: the convention was still setting up. It was on its way to completion. "It's an amazing thing to see something that only exists on paper for most of the year transform into something real." He didn't really have an exact set schedule for any day. He just had to be there within enough time do his job. "I jumped around the panel rooms, registration, guests, etc. As for Sunday, I got home around 11 or 12 and was up at 6 to greet guests before they left for the airport."

According to Peter, "most of the show ran very well and very smoothly." Their biggest concern was with the Akihabara Stage. "We featured a number of performers and artists on this stage, and we were worried before the show that sound might carry too far into the panel rooms." Guess what? Their concern came true. "We tried as best we could to keep the volume down, but it was something we had to deal with all weekend." Blasting loudness.

Even with the issue of loudness coming from the stage, the "fans were very happy." Even though the overall feeling of satisfaction was present, there were some mixed reactions in regards to the big concert's location. Instead of having the event at the Jacob Javits Center, it took place at the Knitting Factory. "I understand the want to have everything in one building, but we can't do large scale concerts inside the Javits, so for both the New York Anime Festival and New York Comic Con going forward, if it's big and musical, it will be in a different venue." Understandable.

Another related event that fans had some reactions to was the appearance of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, who was the Guest of Honor. "Morimoto was standing room only. Prior to the show, some blogs were confused as to why Morimoto was at the show." I also asked Peter in a Pre-Anime Festival interview about that too, so I could understand the confusion. "The answer's because he's awesome. His events were all packed, and the Chef was thrilled. He's never been to an anime convention and had no clue his fanbase included anime fans."

Another event that had a large fan base, which included fan participation, is the Lucky Star Dance contest. There was "about a half dozen complete entries." The winners of the contest were announced a few weeks before the show." Yes, they did get prizes and goodies for being the victors! "They won tickets to the con as well as a nice selection of DVDs and swag from Bandai."

Not only was there a dance contest, but there was competition in the cosplay realm: World Cosplay Summit Masquerade. The parade of colors and creativity of magnificently display of costumes. "The World Cosplay Summit, WCS, was a blast. We've got some of the best cosplayers in America coming to NYAF. Looking to ages, we had a few youth entrants (who weren't in the running for the WCS) and twenty five teams that ranged from 18 to 40 who were aiming to win the tickets to Japan." So did Peter have a favorite? "I know a lot of the cosplayers participating and am good friends with a few, but I can't have a favorite. I support everyone entering the competition." The victor of the competition, Team USA, was crowned at the end of the night, whose names are India Davis and Becky Licata. Team USA will be going to Japan in the summer of 2009 to represent the USA. "They've already done a few interviews and are actively blogging at newyorkanimefestival.com."

Another fan related issue was room changes. On Sunday there were Lolita events, but the original rooms were changed the last minute. I did not even realize this change until I went looking for the event room. It was not just me that got confused it was both fans and some of the volunteers. So I had to ask Peter why were the changes done last minute? Peter said "On Sunday, we swapped the rooms the Lolita events were in. We moved the Baby, The Stars Shine Bright fashion show into our biggest room in anticipation of larger crowds." Do not worry Peter. Even with the confusion of room changes, the volunteers were able to guide many others and I in the right direction.

Now Peter is an anime and manga fan himself and has certain people he looks up to. Peter met his childhood heros Hideyuki Kikuchi and Yoshitaka Amano shortly before Opening Ceremonies of the festival. "I was nervous at first, simply because both men are hugely important and I didn't want to goof it up, but things went very well, and some great bonds were made. We're keeping in touch, and I hope to be able to bring them back to NYC again." Good job Peter!

So with all the events going on both inside and outside of the Jacobs Javits Center, did he have time to attend any? Peter attended as many as he could. The New York Anime Festival had many events happening at night. As a result, Peter had to pick and choose which ones he should go to. "I made damn sure, though, I was running Hideyuki Kikuchi's Birthday Dinner."

Making sure he would be at the birthday celebration, it became his most memorable moment of NYAF 2008. "It was fantastic -- completely and utterly fantastic." Kikuchi's Birthday Dinner was held at Jekyll and Hyde Club in midtown. "Jekyll and Hyde is a horror-themed Chuck E. Cheese's and I knew it would either be a big hit or a complete failure. Kikuchi-san ate it up as did all the attendees. It couldn't have gone better."

Even though the excitement is over, would Peter relive the moment of NYAF 2008 again? "I'd very much like to be able to go back and attend the con. I'd like to be able to sit through Kikuchi's panel, Morimoto's panel, Amano's panel, and Tanaka's panel. I'd like to be able to watch the entire Masquerade, listen to the Far East To East Showcase, and enjoy the After Party. There's a lot of fun stuff I don't get to take in that I'd love to be able to go back to."

Thanks again Peter! Thank you for the pictures Peter!
If you want to learn more about the New York Anime Festival please visit http://www.nyanimefestival.com/
© 2008 Linda Thai

After Cosplay Day with Peter Tatara

Hey guys! Me posting up an old interview I did with Peter Tatara way back in August 2008 about Cosplay Day, which was held on August 17, 2008. I think this was my second interview with Peter, cause I did the first one a long long LONG time ago...None the less! I hope you will enjoy this interview!

Pre-Anime Festival with Peter Tatara

Hey guys! I got another Pre-Anime Festival interview for you to check out! Presenting Peter Tatara, the Programming Manager of the New York Anime Festival for 2007 and 2008!!! Is he excited? YES HE IS! With excitement and fun comes responsibilities. So let me tell you some things about Peter's job for the festival. "I supervise all the shows guests, screenings, panels, and special events. Lance, the Show Manager, is above me and looks over my work as well as everything in the Exhibition Hall." Everyone at the New York Anime Festival worked hard on putting the festival together! So read and learn about their duties and what they got in store for you, the fans!!! Enjoy!!!