Ben Paddon

Blog

  • Gallifrey One Panel – “The Next Doctor”

    If you’re in the LA area for the Doctor Who convention Gallifrey One, I’ll be there all weekend dressed (hopefully) as the Eleventh Doctor. Hooray! I’m also participating on a panel called “The Next Doctor”. From the Gallifrey One website:

    We all know it’s coming… some day, whether next year or a few down the road, Matt Smith is going to leave the show. So, who would be the best actor to take his place? Should it be another youngster, or is an older actor worth looking at? What sorts of companions would be a bonus for these actors? And, let’s just face the question: should it, in fact, be a woman? What does the future of Doctor Who really hold?

    This panel takes place in the Program D room on Sunday from 11:30am-12:30pm, and it should be a blast. See you there!

    Oh, and this weekend we’re shooting a top secret Dalek Gary project. Don’t tell anybody!

  • Subject 5 Con

    I’ll be hosting a comedy panel at Subject 5 Con happening in Hollywood on Saturday, February 9th.I can’t announce who else will be on the panel, mostly because I don’t actually know, but it’s a comedy panel. Comedy. It’s going to be funny. You should be there.

    Subject 5 Con is part anime/horror/scifi/animation/anime/entertainment convention, part launch part for the webseries Subject 5. The event will also feature an anime panel and at least two horror panels. They’ll also be raising funds for charity, I’m told. Which is nice.

    Other attendees include voice actors Richard Epcar (Legend of Korra, Ghost in the Shell, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe), Dino Andrade (Hellsing Ultimate, Batman: Arkham Asylum, World of Warcraft), and JB Blanc (Beware the Batman, Bleach, Marvel Anime).

    Admission to Subject 5 Con is only $10 online, or $15 at the door. Head over to the Subject 5 website for more details and to purchase a ticket.

  • 2013: The Mayans Were Wrong

    So! So. Lots to do in 2013. Launch PortsCenter. Write and film Dalek Gary. Commence work on at least two other webseries, and polish off a sitcom idea I’ve been sitting on since 2007. That’s not to mention the project I’m pitching to a production company this month – which reminds me, I need to actually start putting together my pitch. Wow. This year is looking pretty busy.

    I want to get out of some bad habits, which means I need to let go of some things. This includes webcomics. I’ve been webcomicing since 2003. My first webcomic, Fried, ran for three years and updated sporadically – even moreso once I realized I actually hated drawing. The second webcomic, Jump Leads, has come to an unceremonious end in part due to troubled art schedules, and Deadlong is on hiatus for similar reasons (though we’re filling the hiatus hole with some new material starting later this month). Other attempts to start webcomics, including a project with my friend Ray, have not been particularly successful.

    It’s taken me a while, but I’ve realized webcomics isn’t where I want to be and it’s not what I want to do. Not to say I don’t enjoy webcomics, but I’ve been focusing my energy in the wrong place, and it’s time to reassess. Once Deadlong is finished, I’m done. Out of the game. Deadlong will be my webcomic swansong.

    I think, truthfully, that I’d prefer to pour my energy into video content, and I want 2013 to be the start of that. I plan on trying to produce original video content throughout the year, starting with PortsCenter , then moving on to other projects. I’m developing a webseries with Mac Beauvais that should be a lot of fun, and I’ll be working with Michelle Osorio on new projects for Kill9 including Dalek Gary and at least one other thing that’s still sort-of in the woiks.

    Another thing I want to do that’s important to me is to the stand-up into a proper paying gig. I need to do that, which means I need to get serious about it. I need to hone my craft, I need to get better at working off-book, and I need to actually book some actual gigs. In addition to this, I want to develop an hour of material over the course of the year which I’d like to debut at GMX Vol. 5, assuming they want me back.

    Time to stop being passive. Time to stop expecting the new year to be a better one, and time to start making it so. Here’s to making things, and here’s to you. Happy New Year.

  • Facebook

    In compliance with the Internet Narcissism Act of 2004, I’ve created a Facebook Page where I’ll be posting updates about my writing projects and stand-up. It’s a little bare-bones right now, but it’s early days yet. Give me time, stop pestering me! God, you’re so impatient!

  • Reboot Ralph

    Wreck-It Ralph opened last month, and I may well have become obsessed with it. I’ve seen it three times now – twice in 2D, once it 3D. I’d love to see it a fourth time at the El Capitan before it vanishes. It came at a pivotal time in my life – in September I had what I can only describe as a small breakdown, in October I lost my job, and in November my girlfriend and I parted ways. My life is in a state of upheaval right now.

    At a time in my life when I’m questioning every action I’ve taken, every decision I’ve made, that has led me to this point, and when I find myself wanting more out of life, Wreck-It Ralph speaks to me.

    About two weeks ago I was with some friends discussing what a possible sequel to Wreck-It Ralph might be about. Director Rich Moore has all but confirmed that they’re doing one, and he’s suggested he’d want the follow-up to explore console gaming and online gaming. That got me thinking: How exactly would they do that?

    As I was talking, the story I’d write for a Wreck-It Ralph follow-up basically fell out of my mouth. It was, I thought, basically perfect, though not strictly speaking accessible. Literally no one at Disney would want to make my idea. Nevertheless, I’m going to share it with you now. Mild spoilers for Wreck-It Ralph follow. (more…)

  • The GMX Files

    Me and a few friends. I promise you I’m not Shopped into this image. [Photo courtesy of WaspPhoto.com]
    Bloody Hell. What a weekend. I’m not entirely sure I’m capable of putting it all into words, but I’ll certainly have a go. (more…)

  • My Complete GMX Schedule

    I’ll be in Nashville, TN from Friday to Sunday attending the Geek Media Expo. Here’s my complete schedule:

    Portal Party 2.0
    Friday, October 26th ▪ 8:00pm – 9:30pm, Palomino + Quarter Horse + Mustang rooms
    Last year, we both said a lot of things that you’re going to regret. But I think we can put our differences behind us. For science. You monster. Why don’t you just keep testing with GLaDOS? Ellen McLain, voice of GLaDOS from the Portal series returns to berate Portal players just trying to survive, and maybe cake? Better gaming, better decorations, better batteries, and an awesome hangout for Portal enthusiasts.

    Web Comics 101
    Saturday, October 27th ▪ 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Arabian Room
    Learn the ins and outs of the webcomic business with a Q&A from the industry pros. Featuring Ben Paddon, Scott Sava, Brian Patterson and Ethan Nicolle.

    PortsCenter – A One-Hour Look at Video Game Ports
    Sunday, October 28th ▪ 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Franklin Room
    British writer and geek humorist Ben Paddon talks about unique video game ports; games that have been converted for different systems. A blend of stand-up comedy and PowerPoint presentation.

    One Brit, Many Doctors
    Sunday, October 28th ▪ 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Quarter Horse Room
    Doctor Who discussion with British expatriate and geek humorist Ben Paddon. What qualifies Ben to speak with authority on this topic? He has the right accent.

    Please note that this schedule is entirely subject to change based on factors such as GMX shifting things around, or me dying. See you in Nashville!

  • GMX PortsCenter Presentation – Scheduling!

    GMX have released their event schedule, and the date and time of the PortsCenter Presentation has now been set in… well, not stone. Spreadsheet. Set in spreadsheet? Is that a thing?

    But anyway. it’s taking place on Sunday at 12pm in the Franklin Room. If you’re going to be at GMX, you’ll want to be there. Oh, and here’s the rest of the schedule in case you’re interested.

    See you there!