Kollision Con: Where People Come Together For A Common Purpose

Zack's TV   hit the trifecta as we attended our 3rd Anime Convention of the year. What made this different from the others, it not only brought anime fans together again, but it also reunited a popular indie band. It also had the smallest setting as well as had unique activities, guests, and even vendors.
Click on the captions below the pictures to see the full interviews on Chatter Box.

Convention attendees taking the time to take pictures with Z City

Equilibrium is sending the proceeds of the sales of any of these bags to help

 the victims of the super typhoon that hit the Phillipines

Activities
Like the previous conventions we've attended this year, there were many unique panels. One of the ones that stood out was the acting and improv class taught by none other than Chuck Huber. We first met him back at Anime Midwest, and here at this convention, he answered questions about his acting and voice acting background, and also had exercises in teaching people how to get over their fear of public speaking as well as improvised acting.
It was at this convention I took the time to attempt to run a panel. This panel centered around the anime "Mirai Nikki" otherwise known as "Future Diary". The discussion focused on the moral implications on how far would you go and what you would do to be given a chance to become a god (although limited) of the world to shape the world in your own way.
There were also many other activity, discussion, and Q&A panels. One of those Q&A panels brought us the return of The Adventures of Duane and BrandO. Speaking of which...

Guests
We've already mentioned Chuck Huber. Russell Lissau who was the writer for the "Batman Strikes" comic book series for DC Comics gave us the insight on working for a major comic book company like DC, and especially writing the story lines for one of the most iconic superheros ever. Richard Horvitz gave fans a chance to speak to the voice of the original English speaking Alpha 5 from the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers.

One of the most key guests were the band The Adventures of Duane and BrandO. This band is most known for taking the musical themes from video games and arranging them to a rock/rap hybrid style similar to that of the Beastie Boys. A few years prior, the band had broken up and their last performance was in Chicago. At Kollision Con, the band performed for the first time since reuniting. A lot of their music can be heard YouTube, however listener discretion is advised.

Vendors
The Vendors Area again pales in comparison to ACen, which also meant it was a more intimate atmosphere. One vendor that stood out was Equilibrium USG. We spoke with their founder and learned more about their company as well as their plan to help those in need overseas. They also gave us insight into attending conventions as a vendor.


All in all, this convention was fun and very intimate. This was their 4th year and they will be celebrating their 5th year anniversary in a big way. They will move their convention down the street to the anime convention friendly Hyatt Regency just off the Rosemont Blue Line, and instead of holding their convention in November, they will postpone it to January 2-4, 2015.

Hopefully you'll give this convention a chance, especially if you miss out on the major summer convention events. 

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Veteran Actor Jacques C. Smith Stays Humble in Hollywood: 'I Don't Consider Myself A Celebrity.'

For actor Jacques C. Smith, Hollywood is his home but Chicago's where his heart is. 

A proud native of Harvey, IL, Jacques was always a star in academics as a student at Thornton High School. He graduated third in his class and eventually earned degrees from Princeton University and the University of California, San Diego.

One of his biggest breaks was landing the role of Benny in the hit Broadway play, 'Rent' -- which catapulted his career in theater, television, and film.

Now, Jacques plays "Juror No. 5" in "12 Angry Men" at the Pasadena Playhouse. (Running  November 5 until December 1.)  In this version, director Sheldon Epps features a cast of six white men and six black men and draws upon the inspiration of the Trayvon Martin case.  


Behind the Scenes of TWELVE ANGRY MEN - The Pasadena Playhouse from Pasadena Playhouse on Vimeo.

Being a true master of time management, Jacques took "a few moments" from his busy schedule to answer questions from Zack 's TV about his career, his "dream project," and how he stays working in such a tough business. 

Every actor has a story. If you could tell the story of Jacques C. Smith in a quick movie-style synopsis, what would it be?

That's a tough question. I would say it would have to be a love story or a romantic comedy with acting being the secret love or love from the past that continues to have a strong pull on me and eventually wins. Although I began to do theater in high school, it was never an option I considered as a career. Even when I went to Princeton, I initially thought I'd be an engineer. I switched to a more liberal arts major but still not with the idea of pursuing a career in the performing arts. I sang and acted in college because I loved it or enjoyed it, but, once again, didn't think it would be my career.

By the end of college, I had decided to study that eventually I would apply to graduate acting programs. That's evidence of the academic in me who still wanted more school to verify my skill set and solidify it was the career avenue I wanted to travel. I eventually enrolled at University of California, San Diego to get my M.F.A. in acting. I've been doing it ever since. While I had always enjoyed performing, it just seems like it took hold and wouldn't let go even when I thought I'd do something else.

When did your professional acting career officially begin? Who were your role models?

The first time I was paid to perform was when I did a production of "The Meeting" at Illinois Theater Center. However, I would probably consider the beginning of my professional acting career to be a production of the Moliere play "School for Wives" at the La Jolla Playhouse. It was the show that allowed me to become a member of Actor's Equity (the union for professional stage actors).

My early role models were my older brothers who I saw doing theater when they were in high school. If I hadn't seem them, I probably would have chosen another extra-curricular activity - which would have subsequently led me down another career path. 

As an aspiring African-American actor in the early 90's, Denzel Washington was definitely a role model. Another role model of mine was Courtney B. Vance; he's still one of my favorites.

Many critics of celebrities from Chicago feel that they aren't doing enough to "give back." Do you feel that you do enough?

I don't consider myself a celebrity but I try to give back when I can. After I graduated from Princeton and before I went to UCSD, I taught high school at Thornridge High School in Dolton, IL because I wanted to "give back."  I felt it was important for the students in my neighborhood to see young positive African-American role models. I am still in contact with some of the students I taught.
 

Since I'm not in Chicago as much now, one of the things I used to do here in L.A. was tutor school age children. I always feel like I could do more though.

What can African-American actors do to overcome typecasting or stereotypes in Hollywood? Should they play along or turn down roles?

One of the easiest things to do is to create your own content. For example, the work I did on Issa Rae's "The Choir" [a new drama/comedy web series] was so fulfilling because of the fact that there were so many African-Americans involved in the creation and production of that series.
 

While creating your own content allows you to control images, the reality is most actors don't have a platform from which they can reach a substantial audience. Therefore, in order to craft a career or make a living, you have to be a part of the larger entertainment industry which at various times typecasts or stereotypes various people. With every opportunity, an actor should understand how his/her role fits into the larger entertainment spectrum.

Whether a role is stereotypical or not, an actor should always have the freedom to turn down any role that makes him or her uncomfortable (for whatever reason). We have to be able to live with ourselves, the decisions we make, and the images we present.

If you could put together a film project with an unlimited budget, what would the film be about?

Wow! Because there are so many elements that go into film making, an unlimited budget almost makes the question tougher to answer. I'd love to have ground breaking special effects (i.e. Avatar, Titanic, etc.). However, I love movies based on actual events too. So creating an entirely accurate portrayal of a not often examined period or person in history would be fascinating too(W.E.B. Dubois vs. Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey, etc.). In any case, the story would have to be compelling. I think it also goes without saying that I'd be starring in it too.

How has your family upbringing shaped your professional life?

My parents are tremendous role models who instilled in me a love of God, self, and a strong sense of hard work. All of these elements have been fundamental in every step I've made in my career. It's important to have a strong foundation in this industry - in any industry, but particularly here - because the critiques and scrutiny we often receive appears personal. Therefore, it can have a negative effect on one's psyche or outlook if too much weight is given to others rather than yourself. No one's self worth should be tied to an audition or job that he/she gets or doesn't get.

How can fans stay in touch with you? Do you have any shout outs?

Right now, the best way to stay in touch is on Twitter. I am a late comer to Twitter but they can follow me @jacquescsmith. I'll keep them updated on what's occurring and they can see how I'm still rooting for my Chicago sports teams while I'm in L.A. 

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