Following their initial drop of celebrity guests Armageddon Expo have launched into an exciting second wave of celebrity guest announcements for their October (2019) Auckland show. 

This new wave of announcements features some surprising names including JON HEDER, star of cult classic Napoleon Dynamite and Will Ferrell figure skating comedy Blades of Glory and JAMES CALLIS whom many will know from his roles in Battlestar Galactica and Bridget Jones Diary. He is joined by his Battlestar Galactica co-star SAM WITWER, who was most recently seen in Supergirl and is set to join the cast of Riverdale, Witwer has appeared in many a pop culture favourite including Smallville and Being Human and has been the voice of Maul in a number of Star Wars titles including Star Wars Rebels.

JAMES CALLIS

The event has a number of Star Wars Rebels voice actors attending including new additions STEVE BLUM and MARY ELIZABETH MCGLYNN who between then hold an impressive lineup of voice acting roles including Cowboy Bebop, Naruto, Wolverine and the X-Men, Code Geass and Mortal Kombat 11! 

Actress TIYA SIRCAR voice of Sabine Wren in the series and star of The Good Place, Alex Inc and Good Sam will also be attending the event as will Marvels Runaways, Faking It and Wizards of Waverly Place star GREGG SULKIN. 

Horror fans will be thrilled with the addition of JODELLE FERLAND, star of Silent Hill, Case 39, The Cabin in the Woods and Twilight who was most recently seen in the seriesDark Matter. These new additions join a huge number of previously announced celebrity guests who will attend the event for panels, photo and autograph opportunities.

JODELLE FERLAND

Complete with interactive activations from national and international companies, the latest products from the worlds of comics, cosplay, gaming and anime plus this stellar celebrity guest lineup. Auckland Armageddon 2019 is the event to get excited for.  General admission tickets and VIP passes are on sale now from iTicket. 
 
Event Details:

Auckland Armageddon 2019

October 25th – 28th

ASB Showgrounds

The post Armageddon Expo Announce New Celeb Line-Up appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Recently STG was given the opportunity to have a sit down and chat with the one and only Jay Pryor, DJ / Music Artist / Gamer from the U.K.! 

Jay is globally known for his breezy, catchy crossover pop dance tracks. From being another self-taught bedroom producer with a head full of dreams, to an in-demand artist with millions of streams with previous releases ‘All This’ and ‘Teenage Crime’ collectively streamed over 16 million times and counting.

Jay is also an avid gamer. 

STG: Hi Jay, thank so much for talking to us here at STG. Can you give us a bit of a background of yourself?

Jay: Hey man! Thanks so much for having me. I’m Jay! I’m a music producer, DJ, songwriter and I also love to play video games when I have some free time!

STG: You have mentioned that gaming and music are both a big part of yourself, how did the two fuse together?

Well, I got into working with digital interfaces by playing video games. When I was younger I would make Call of Duty videos and upload them to YouTube. I loved to edit and I actually started to edit for some big clans like FaZe at one stage. It gave me a foot in the door with how certain UI’s work and it went from there. I was into Video Editing, then Graphic Design, then eventually landed upon Music Production! I definitely don’t think I would be making music today if I hadn’t started making those Call of Duty videos.

STG: Video Gaming being a passion, what games do you normally play?

Jay: These days I’m not playing as much as I would like to! But to be honest the only real game I’m playing right now is League Of Legends. I’m not great though. Gold 3 Garen toplane main. I played Fortnite for a long while until I started getting bored. I also like to hop back on Call of Duty every so often, for nostalgia. CoD 4 of course.

STG: How did your rise in the music industry take place and rise above your passion for gaming?

Jay: I started finding a real passion for music after seeing Calvin Harris perform on a holiday with friends. I was 19 and when I got back from that holiday I downloaded FL Studio and started teaching myself how to make music. Obviously, being a video editor in that community is a lot about song selection and I built up a fair sense of rhythm and of how songs are structured through that, so it’s all interconnected.

STG: What’s next up for you in your music career?

Jay: I have a cork pin / vision board hanging above my studio that has all of my goals for the next few years. I can give you a bit of an inside scoop of what’s on that board. For one, I want to release an album. I feel like the music I’m making now is the music I’ve wanted to make since I saw Calvin Harris that night 4/5 years ago. I also have some big plans for shows too. You’ll have to come out to one sometime!

STG: We definitely will mate. Thanks for talking to us today.

Jay Pryor’s music can be found on all major streaming platforms. We have a video above for his hit single ‘So What’. You can stream Jay’s music HERE.

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It’s April 2019 which can only mean one thing, New Zealand’s Wellington Armageddon Expo (or Wellygeddon to many) was here and bombarded you with cosplay, shops and entertainment at every turn, just the way we like it.

Being the first of the year’s Armageddon Expos, there’s always a certain excitement by default as you’re eager to be reunited with your fellow crazy nerds and lovers of entertainment.

This year, I opted to take the expo at my own pace, going around the oval outer ring of Westpac Stadium and simply wait to view the shops if they were overcrowded. I do mention every year that I’m not a fan of the location because it forces you in a particular direction like an escalator, but hey, it is what it is and it’ll grow on me eventually.

Artists alley was a highlight for me this year and I loved seeing various artists showcasing their talents. I picked up a few business cards along the way to check out more of their collections on various social media or websites later too. If there’s one thing to say about Expos is that it’s hard to decide what to buy sometimes when you’re put on the spot!

I had my eyes set on looking for and purchasing a dagger prop. I’d seen a range of them at the previous Auckland Armageddon and regretted not purchasing one then. At least I knew it wasn’t too long until the next Armageddon Expo, an event I love and appreciate its continued strong presence here in New Zealand.

Celebrities and panels weren’t my target this time round, but I constantly noted fans queuing up for signings, photographs or both this time round. Wellygeddon 2019 was the first-time selfies were available (for a price) to be used in conjunction with autographs. As I observed, the selfies seemed to be doing wonders for fans who loved the more intimate and casual interaction as opposed to a professional photo (though as I can concur, having a professional photo with a celebrity is epic).

Rules have also changed for cosplayers this time round due to the mass shooting in Christchurch last month. Costumes mimicking realism (e.g. an outfit that could be found in everyday life like military or weapons), was banned. As the folks at Armageddon mentioned, there are plenty more appropriate costumes to choose from out there and it was great to see those attending both respecting this new rule and still going full out for their cosplay too.

Wellygeddon has started to move in a new direction for me and I’m loving how my focus has shifted over the years. Perhaps that’s due to what is being shown or maybe just me. No matter what though, I’ll still be attending no doubt for years to come, eager to get pop culture goodness in the country’s capital city.

*Image credit: Armageddon Expo.

The post Wellygeddon 2019 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

In our local actor spotlight for this month with Karen Kay Management, Shane from STG was able to have a chat with New Zealand’s international actress, author, writer and producer Kimberley Crossman.

Kimberley hails from Auckland, New Zealand and most known for her long role on NZ’s longest running drama TV series; Shortland Street as nurse, Sophie McKay.

Kimberley has been in film and theater aswell as recently being cast for the pilot of U.S. series ‘The Middle’.

Shane: Hi Kimberley, thanks for chatting to us here at STG. From the TV screen to the Big screen and more, you have become a familiar face in entertainment both here in New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. Can you tell us how that all came about?

Kimberley: Firstly, Thank YOU for the chat! I have been working full time as an Actor since I was 16, kicking things off in New Zealand on Shortland Street, then spreading my wings to try my luck in Hollywood. I chose an interesting career path, one in which, no matter how hard you work, that doesn’t guarantee employment but I really believe in myself and I love what I do so I enjoy putting in the hard work.

Shane: From an early age, growing up in Auckland, New Zealand, what set you on your path to acting?

Kimberley: I have always been a bit of a show off and love entertaining others and making people laugh. My Mother is a Ballet teacher so I grew up around very talented dancers and actors. I was training for acting in the weekends at a school called AYA and when I booked my role on Shortland Street, I realised that I didn’t want the fun to ever end so I committed to making this dream a reality and my career path.

Shane: Which actors or entertainers inspired you?

Kimberley: I have always admired Reece Witherspoon’s career and how she has made some great movies, comedy and drama and has her own production company and is an advocate for women and passionate about great stories.

Shane: How was the role of Sophie McKay from Shortland Street pivotal to your career to date and, how are you finding the transition from NZ drama series to your various roles in the US?

Kimberley: Working on Shortland Street was an absolute joy – the fast pace and the environment forces you to step up and work hard which I have loved and the lessons I learnt there I use every day on any set that I step on to. Working in the US they often comment on how great the NZ and Auzzie actors are that have worked on Soap Opera’s – we hit our marks and take direction well. I have extremely appreciative of my time on Shorty and the great training it gave me!

Shane: What advice would you give to young aspiring actors in New Zealand and Australia?

Kimberley: To work hard, yes some people make it because of luck and timing but at the end of they day you have to be able to do the work and be versatile and to not buckle under pressure so my advice would be to constantly stretch and push yourself so when you are put on the spot or that big moment comes where you are in an audition room with 15 people and Network Executives, you don’t choke.. you Shine! x

Shane: Thank you, so much again for having a chat with us here at STG.

The post An Interview with Kimberley Crossman appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Brace yourself New Zealand – you are all invited on the Red Carpet.

Red Carpet TV (redcarpet.tv) has been covering media events throughout New Zealand offering the glitz and glamour that one has come to expect from a blockbuster Hollywood Gala.

Now, Red Carpet TV get there own TV Show on TVNZ OnDemand!

Red Carpet New Zealand is an Entertainment & Lifestyle Show with Erin Simpson & Friends comprising of new digital entertainment & lifestyle community event coverage and interviews with local personalities, influencers and actors.

Red Carpet New Zealand is an independent production to support and promote events from film premieres, awards shows, theatre opening nights, product launches, charity activities and special showcases.

Already having appeared on numerous digital outlets including TVNZ OnDemand, redcarpetnz.tv, YouTube, apps and social media the new online channel will be hosted in studio by New Zealand TV star Erin Simpson, alongside Red Carpet New Zealand’s team of field reporters Rob Kipa-Willams, Trudi Nelson, Bevan Lynch, Debbie Byrnand, Emma Byrnand plus the occasional celebrity guest reporter.

Music Artist; Stan Walker with Red Carpet TV NZ’s Debbie Byrnand

Each episode will air for up to 10 minutes and is stylised to the likes of TMZ or Entertainment Tonight with exclusive interviews, event footage, behind the scenes and more.

“Together with Erin Simpson and Red Carpet Productions, TVNZ OnDemand is delighted to be bringing online audiences a dynamic, new lifestyle and entertainment show that will showcase New Zealand’s finest talent and creative communities.”- Manager of Digital Content at TVNZ.

Red Carpet New Zealand is created and managed by Debbie Byrnand who is the Executive Producer of the new series aswell as being the company director of Red Carpet Productions Limited. Debbie has a background in most aspects of filmmaking, the beauty industry as a hairdresser and makeup artist, fitness industry as personal trainer, instructor and nutritionist. Debbie is also registered celebrant andMother of two. As the founder of redcarpetnz.tv, she has been covering entertainment and lifestyle events for their own digital outlets since 2014. Debbie will also be seen on the show as a field reporter along with her team.

Erin Simpson

Studio Host Erin Simpson is one of New Zealand’s leading influencers when it comes to lifestyle and entertainment, as well as home interior design. With a passion for DIY and home makeovers, Erin co-hosts Radio Live’s Home and Garden Show and partners with a local news outlet to dive into the homes of well-known New Zealanders for “Celebrity Open Home”. She has also launched a range of Kiwiana art to complement any contemporary space.

Main reporter; Rob Kipa-Willams has many acting credits, including acting with Jason Statham in Meg, 800 Words, Brokenwood Mysteries, Waru, Find Me A Maori Bride, Consent: The Louise Nicolas Story and New Zealand’s local drama series Shortland Street.

Accompanying Rob will be the rest of the team; reporter Trudi Nelson who is a broadcaster and past president of Foodwriters NZ, Trudi Nelson has a prominent career in lifestyle presenting and writing. Trudi (aka Trudi the Foodie) will showcase the latest trends around New Zealand with Red Carpet New Zealand.

And finally, Bevan Lynch who is already a presenter and MC originally from South Africa, where he focused on corporate presentations and voicing radio and television pieces. Being a regular weekend radio presenter for East Coast Radio in KwaZulu Natal he moved to New Zealand and joined the Red Carpet TV team in 2015, where he is making his mark in the hearts and minds of viewers while capturing the essence of an event to give it that special Red Carpet New Zealand buzz.

Music Artist; Lorde with Red Carpet TV

Red Carpet TV is not all about the adults though. Debbie’s daughter eight year old daughter Emma Byrnand has already acted in short films, voiced TV commercials and is a regular on the red carpet herself. Emma specialises in getting the reactions of children on the red carpet and at special events.

Red Carpet New Zealand’s technical team comprise of Steven Samuel Johnson and Simon Schueller, who together with Debbie Byrnand have previously produced several short films including “Pearl”, which won the Avalon Studio Award at TropFest 2017. Their red carpet coverage is complemented by top fashion photographer Neil Gussey, award-winning events photographer Carmen Bird along with award-winning music video director Shae Sterling.

The Red Carpet rolls out now only on TVNZ OnDemand. If you are interested in contacting the team you can HERE or alternatively CONTACT US here at STG.

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