Steampunk
Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction and speculative fiction, frequently featuring elements of fantasy, that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used — usually the 19th century, and often Victorian era England — but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date. Other examples of steampunk contain alternate history-style presentations of “the path not taken” of such technology as dirigibles, analog computers, or digital mechanical computers (such as Charles Babbage’s Analytical engine); these frequently are presented in an idealized light, or with a presumption of functionality.
Steampunk is often associated with cyberpunk and shares a similar fanbase and theme of rebellion, but developed as a separate movement (though both have considerable influence on each other). Apart from time period and level of technological development, the main difference between cyberpunk and steampunk is that steampunk settings usually tend to be less obviously dystopian than cyberpunk, or lack dystopian elements entirely.
Various modern utilitarian objects have been modded by individual artisans into a pseudo-Victorian mechanical “steampunk” style, and a number of visual and musical artists have been described as steampunk.
SYFY.COM WILL PREMIERE RIESE: KINGDOM FALLING, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, AWARD-WINNING STEAMPUNK DIGITAL SERIES, BEGINNING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26
NARRATED BY SANCTUARY’S AMANDA TAPPING
Stars Christine Chatelain (Sanctuary), Ryan Robbins (Caprica), Sharon Taylor (Stargate Universe), Ben Cotton (Harper’s Island), Alessandro Juliani (Battlestar Galactica) and Allison Mack (Smallville)
NEW YORK – October 13, 2010 – Marking a major expansion of its original content, Syfy.com will premiere the award-winning, steampunk digital series Riese: Kingdom Falling beginning October 26, on syfy.com/riese every Tuesday and Thursday, it was announced today by Craig Engler, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Syfy Digital.
The critically acclaimed Riese: Kingdom Falling is distributed by Fireworks International, the television and digital distribution arm of ContentFilm plc. Each episode runs approximately seven to eight minutes.
Narrated by Amanda Tapping (Sanctuary), the 10-part series stars a cavalcade of talent from the world of popular speculative drama including Christine Chatelain (The Bone Collector); Sharon Taylor (Stargate Universe); Ben Cotton (Harper’s Island), Allison Mack (Smallville); Ryan Robbins (Caprica); Patrick Gilmore (Stargate Universe); Alessandro Juliani (Battlestar Galactica) and Emilie Ullerup (Sanctuary).
The series will also be available via Sony’s PS3, Microsoft’s Xbox and Amazon.
Said Engler: “We saw Riese and thought they had done just an amazing job, and then we were able to give them some resources and bring Amanda on board to really help them take the series to the next level. I think new and existing fans will love the relaunch of the series onSyfy.com and enjoy all the new additions.”
Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction and fantasy that features anachronistic technology and design elements, often from Victorian-era Britain.
Riese:Kingdom Falling won the Streamy Award for Best Cinematography in a Web Series with a further three nominations for Best Sound Design, Best Foreign Series and Art Direction. The series was shot in Vancouver, BC, created by Ryan Copple and Kaleena Kiff, and produced by Galen Fletcher and Nicholas Humphries.
ABOUT RIESE;KINGDOM FALLING
Eleysia is a dying kingdom where resources are dwindling and compassion is fading. Distrust and anxiety have clouded people’s minds, causing a regression into primitive ways of thinking. People have grown restless, almost feral. Rituals and mythology have resurged, and the darker side of mankind has begun to reveal itself.
Riese (Christine Chatelain), a wanderer, travels across the decaying lands of Eleysia with her wolf, Fenrir. Marked as a heretic by religious group The Sect and the new Empress, Amara, Riese must evade their assassins and discover their true intentions for Eleysia.
Riese is the Crown Princess of Eleysia, forced to flee into the wilds after her family was slaughtered. She will soon serve as a catalyst for a disparate group of supposed heretics, the Resistance, launching them into civil war.
About Fireworks International
Fireworks International is Content Film’s international television and digital distribution division with over 3,000 hours of high-quality and commercially appealing programming including an extensive slate of major drama series, non-fiction entertainment, kids live action comedy and drama series, TV movies, mini-series and special event programming. Recent additions include comedic drama series, REPUBLIC OF DOYLE, primetime drama series, THE BORDER and heart-warming family drama series, HEARTLAND; non-fiction primetime documentary specials HUNTING THE LOST SYMBOL and I KNOW WHAT I SAW; U.S. tween comedy THE ASSISTANTS; high definition multi-platform thriller series VALEMONT, GIRL NUMBER 9 and Sci-Fi thriller, RIESE; new children’s programmes HALF MOON INVESTIGATIONS, FAMILY BIZ as well as the classic anime series, ROBOTECH; plus over 200 U.S. network mini-series and TV movies; and specials including the Annual U.S. PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS show. This new product is combined with the large and valuable Fireworks library catalogue, which is complemented by a raft of formidable television shows including Gene Roddenberry’s ANDROMEDA, MUTANT X and RELIC HUNTER.
Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures),Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 96 million homes, Syfyis a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)
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Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls!
Step right up and welcome to the Carnivale! Immerse yourself in a world of splendor and delight, where things might be similar, but no two things are alike…
Inside our tented walls beyond our midway, a Grand Exhibition hall awaits with Merchants persuading you to stay. Baubles, trinkets, and jewelry for sale. Don’t forget your gadgets and gizmos, guaranteed never to fail! Snake oil for the weak, the tired, the old. A cure for each, for a handsome price sold!
A few steps further on, your ears catch a voice. A Talker on the bally, presenting you with a choice. For one slim coin, 1/10th of a dollar, a Mercury dime…come see a world, past the rules and the forbidden line. Death defying stunts, Strong men, and Ladies on the highwire. For an extra dollar, see a Fakir survive a mouthful of fire!
With all of the wonders you have seen, we assure you that none of it was a dream. The lights flicker out as the music begins to fade. Beauty begins to disappear, natural and manmade. We thank you for this great premier, and look forward to seeing you the following year…
Oklahoma Steampunk Exposition will be held
April 15th, 16th, 17th 2011 at:
The Stone Garden Hotel
6200 North Robinson Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK, 73118
http://stonegardenhotel.com/
Our Links
- Oklahoma Steampunk Expo on Facebook!
- Oklahoma Steampunk Expo Fan Page on Facebook!
- Oklahoma Steampunk Expo on Twitter!
- Oklahoma Steampunk Expo on Myspace!
Sponsors:
- Pyralis Entertainment
- Darkfaery Subculture Magazine
- Darkkitty Productions
Single Day Admission
- $20.00
- Single Day Admission to the Oklahoma Steampunk Expo 2011 is good for entry to any ONE day to our wonderful event. The Single Day Admission includes unlimited access to performances, the Grand Exhibition Hall, panels, and viewings for contests/competitions. Admission does not cover the cost for classes, supplies, or entry into contests/competitions.
Weekend Admission
- $40.00
- Weekend Admission to the Oklahoma Steampunk Expo 2011 is good for entry for the entire duration of our wonderful event. The Weekend Admission includes unlimited access to performances, the Grand Exhibition Hall, panels, and viewings for contests/competitions. Admission does not cover the cost for classes, supplies, or entry into contests/competitions.
Friends of Oklahoma Steampunk Exposition Admission
- $60.00
- The Friends of Oklahoma Steampunk Exposition will receive Weekend Admission, an Oklahoma Steampunk Exposition t-shirt, one full color program guide with your name mentioned as a sponsor, and of course a token of our appreciation. The Friends of Oklahoma Steampunk Exposition admission includes unlimited access to performances, the Grand Exhibition Hall, panels, and viewings for contests/competitions. Admission does not cover the cost for classes, supplies, or entry into contests/competitions. Thanks for supporting and sponsoring the event!
Artist Gallery Table: $45.00
- The Artist Gallery Tables are for artists and authors only. These tables are located in the unsecured areas of the hotel, and overnight security is not provided. Those needing to setup in a secured area will need to purchase a Vendor Table or Exhibitor Booth. The Artist Gallery Tables are 6′ tables, and electricity is not provided.
Vendor Table: $85.00
- Vendor Tables are 6′ tables in our Grand Exhibition Hall.
Exhibitor Booth: $225.00
- Exhibitor Booths are 8×10 Booths located in our Grand Exhibition Hall. They come with 3 tables, electricity (on demand), and have full piping and draping.
End Cap: $550.00
- End Caps are 16×10 Booths located in our Grand Exhibition Hall. They come with 4 tables, electricity (on demand), and have full piping and draping.
Download Vendor Application
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Steampunk – What is Steampunk?
By Garrett Mickley
There’s a culture called Steampunk that is dedicated to a revamp of the Victorian age. Typically filled with massive steam powered mechanics and extravagant dirigibles, this classic age is mixed up with fantasy. The steampunk genre includes not only clothing, but music, art, and literature.
In the fashion industry, steampunk has become a major hit. Classic steampunk designs including cogs and gears are being incorporated into the clothing lines of various designers. However, it is in the cosplay scene that steampunk is seen as a growing trend. Many cosplayers get together to wear steampunk costmes, including modified and stylized Victorian clothing, and portray themselves as pirates, adventurers, explorers, and victorian socialites. They wear outfits adorned with top hats and goggles, decorated coats, and even mock ray guns! The do-it-yourself community supports steampunk because most steampunk stuff has to be made your self. The aforementioned ray guns are simply modified and painted Nerf or Airsoft guns. Some are even good enough to use wood and metal to build their own ray guns or other accessories!
There is no definitive style of music that is steampunk; rather steampunk qualities can be found in all different artists from all different styles of music, including rock, rap, electronic, and others. Steampunk qualities in rock tend to have dark beats, gritty guitar, and sometimes a hint of folk. A once industrial band named Abney Park proclaim themselves a Steampunk band. They are influenced by steampunk not only in their music, but in their clothing, design of their instruments, and even the fictional personas that they carry with them on stage. Aside from steampunk rock, there is rap and hip-hop music influenced by steampunk, and usually includes a deep but up-beat bass and lyrics that either depict the life of a mad scientist, or a post-apocalyptic world. The best example of this is Dr. Steel. He has catchy but heavy-hitting beats, and his stage-persona is of a mad scientist.
Steampunk has been picked up by the art culture surprisingly fast. You can easily find paintings of dirigibles and other flying machines traversing grey skies above vast, desolate landscapes. Such art can be found online, at your local art shows, and in galleries. While the purpose and perspective of such paintings is unlike anything else, the art styles can be very similar to other styles you have seen. While being dark and dreary, the artwork often depicts a violent sea, a dungeon-like-lab, or a deadend world, sometimes Frankenstein-esque. It is easy to point out anything steampunk inspired because the style is particularly unique compared to others.
There has been a breakthrough in literature within the steampunk culture. H.G. Wells is said to have birthed this trend, along with Jules Verne. The base of the modern steampunk community is based on their inventions, worlds, and knowledge that they depict in their works. First there’s the brass time machine in “The Time Machine”, and then the massive submarine in “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea,” which were both considered futuristic. Presently, we would refer to them as retro, regardless of the fact that time machines don’t actually exist. However, both machines seem out of place in such time periods. These ideas have been the driving force for many steampunk fans, and the basis of steampunk.
Steampunk is the coolest thing ever, and hopefully by now you think the same. If you’re interested in seeing more steampunk stuff, you should check out http://www.steampunkguides.com
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Steampunk As a LARP Game? By Steena Holmes Steampunk, a term that can be used loosely in terms of fiction, has been around since the 1980′s. Remember the 2003 film The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen? This film literally popularized the steampunk genre. It is listed a sub-genre of fantasy and exploratory fiction. While steampunk can be found in any genre, whether it be historical, futuristic, or goth, often the era that steampunk is often used in would be the 19th century, or the Victorian era. The predominant theme would be science fiction or fantasy, where fictional technological inventions would be created and used. Basically, steampunk can include any previous or recent science fiction that has taken place within our culture. For instance, it can revolve around the era when electricity had yet to be created and the emphasis was placed on steam or spring gadgets. It revolves around an era when a mad scientist could be found in his dark laboratory creating anything and everything imaginable. Today, steampunk is not only a literary genre, but it is becoming a cultural lifestyle. While there are no rules or guidelines for steampunk, it is generally followed that it finds its basis in the Victorian age. This can be seen in the foundations of any gadget, item or article that is labeled as steampunk; whether it is a binocular, a watch, lighting or petticoats and bustles. Often, anything labeled as steampunk will be accented with a mixture of technological and period accessories. Even a cellphone can be used as a steampunk object as long as it is modified to look Victorian. Steampunk is many things; it all depends on the fan. It has been labeled as an intersection of technology and romance, a genre of fiction, an aesthetic, musical style and an evolving sub-culture. It is a story that draws the reader in until they feel they are the character trying these new inventions for themselves. It is about technology and science. It is about humanity at its basic form, the need to invent, create, tell stories and grow. Recently a lot of LARP (Live Action Role Play) players have started to create games based on the Steampunk style. Even at Calimacil, LARP Weapon enthusiasts have been asking when they will begin to create a new Steampunk sword style. You can see this at [http://calimacil.com/blog/2009/05/steampunk-larp-sword] If you are interested in finding out more about LARP or looking for incredible foam sword be sure to visit the LARP section on Calimacil web site ([http://www.calimacil.com/LARP.htm]). You will find a lot of foam weapons with a very realistic look and unique design.
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