2010 GLOBAL SPONSORS
Can’t Stop the Serenity is grateful for the helping hands that have gotten our fine shindig this far. Our Global Sponsors support all our events and contribute to the global success Can’t Stop the Serenity. We are also fortunate to have many local sponsors, who support individual events. Along with our lifetime sponsors, we’re welcoming new and returning sponsors from last year.
Lifetime Sponsors
Global Prize Pack Sponsors
These wonderful folks have donated items that can be used as prizes at local events in raffles, auctions or competitions to assist our local organizers raise money for Equality Now.
- Bedlam Bards
- California Browncoats
- Done The Impossible
- DragonWeave Jewelry
- FireflyStore.net
- Geeky Clean
- Out to the Black Outfitters
- Smart Pop Books
- The Browncoats
- Things from Another World
- ThinkGeek
Auction & Prize Sponsors
These fine folks have donationed items for our Global eBay Auction, including memorabilia, autographs and other unique items. Auctions will be held in August and September
- Austin Browncoats
- Avitech Graphics
- Browncoat Ball 2010
- Browncoats: Redemption
- Buffyfest
- California Browncoats
- Creation Entertainment
- Dark Horse
- FireflyStore.net
- Gene Ha
- Greg Edmonson
- Jane Espensen
- Jo Chen
- Kids Need to Read
- Patric Reynolds
- Sarah Edwards
- Supernova Pop Culture Industries
- The Browncoats
- ThinkGeek
Merchandise Partners
Our Merchandise Partners enable local organizers to purchase merchandise at a discounted rate to sell at local events to raise money for Equality Now.
- AbbyShot Clothiers
- Done The Impossible
- FireflyStore.net
- Out to the Black Outfitters
- Smart Pop Books
- The Browncoats
Media Partners
Our Media Partners are hard at work promoting Can’t Stop the Serenity and keep us going!
- AbbyShot Clothiers
- Anne Barringer
- Bats in the Belfry Creative
- Browncoats: Redemption
- Buffyfest
- Comic News Insider
- Sending A Wave
- The Signal
- Things From Another World
- Whedonopolis
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS
AbbyShot Clothiers is the source for clothing that’s cooler than real life! AbbyShot creates the highest quality screen-replica clothing based on fan-favourite sci-fi, classic movies, anime, and video games. What sets AbbyShot apart is their attention to quality – these are no mere costumes but rather high-end garments meant to last fans through years of everyday enjoyment. AbbyShot’s flagship coat from the Serenity ‘Verse is the official Malcolm Reynolds Browncoat, licensed by Universal, a rugged suede coat that allows fans to truly show their allegiance to the Browncoats. AbbyShot also offers Doctor Who replica clothing licensed by the BBC, as well as a line of original garments (comprising everything from leather jackets to hoodies), allowing a diverse range of fans to dress (and feel) like their favourite on-screen heroes.
Website: www.abbyshot.com
Anne Barringer was the 2009 Global Organiser of Can’t Stop the Senenity. As a passionately dedicated Browncoat and advocate for Equality Now, Anne has given countless hours of her time to help make Can’t Stop the Serenity what it is today. Her “Why We Are Here” articles have inspired likeminded fans to do that something extra and to go the additional mile to help others – those we know and those who are strangers to us. Anne’s contributions to CSTS include covering the website hosting and domain name registration fees.
Austin Browncoats is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization located in Austin, Texas. They started out as a Firefly and Serenity fan group, and would meet every month to watch an episode of Firefly. They’ve held on to that tradition, but have expanded upon their activities. Since their incorporation in July 2007, they’ve raised money for local and global charities, as well as hosted a number of fundraisers.
Website: www.austinbrowncoats.com
Avitech Graphics Inc. is your source for unique metal fan art. Robert Slack uses his extensive graphic design background and his proprietary process to create some truly shiny art. He supplies his fellow browncoats with custom expressions of their fandom from his studio, Westside Laserworks, located in Santa Cruz, CA. Avitech Graphics Inc. currently donates proceeds from every sale of their Serenity art to Equality Now, and are proud to sponsor Can’t Stop The Serenity 2010.
Website: www.westsidelaserworks.com
Bats in the Belfry Creative Inc. is the home of browncoats Don McMillan and Terry McMillan. Bats is a graphic design company located in Ottawa, Canada and run by this brother and sister team. They specialize in computer animated motion graphics for 2D/3D web and broadcast projects as well as a wide variety of graphic services for print and CD design. In 2009, as a longtime fan of the series and movie, Don saw the CSTS logo contest as an interesting challenge and a fun way to show his appreciation for the Firefly universe. Little did he realize his artwork would also win the 2010 Art Contest and become the official artwork for the second year running. Don has provided graphics for this year’s posters, t-shirts, website, promotional graphics and more. Bats in the Belfry Creative is honored to be a part of this year’s Can’t Stop the Serenity fundraiser for Equality Now.
Website: www.batsinthebelfry.com
Bedlam Bards are the premier musicians of the Browncoat movement. Their award-winning album, On the Drift: Music Inspired by Firefly and Serenity, set the standard for Whedon-based fan music, leading to their being a part of many of the major flan activities around the globe: The Signal and Firefly Talk podcasts, the Browncoat Backup Done the Impossible, The Big Damn Cookbook, the Browncoat Cruise, Bards without Borders, the Browncoat Ball, the 76th Independent Battalion, and of course, Can’t Stop the Serenity. During the writer’s strike, they marched with fans outside of Fox Studios on Mutant Enemy Day, even serenading Joss Whedon as he walked down the street. They make a cameo in the upcoming independent film, Browncoats: Redemption, which features one of their songs.
Website: www.BedlamBards.com
The Browncoat Ball started in Chicago in 2004 and has since been hosted by mighty fine Browncoats in a different city every year. The 2010 Browncoat Ball will be held in Charlotte NC from October 22-24. Participants will enjoy a full weekend of Firefly activities with a twist of southern hospitality. There are three unique tracks to select from including a historic trolley ride, a whitewater rafting park and the new NASCAR museum. Guests better rest up after that because then the Ball starts and there is a live band and exciting entertainment. There will be all manner of contests and awesome prizes. Charlotte is located halfway between Atlanta, GA and Washington DC.”
Website: www.browncoatball.com
Browncoats: Redemption is a Firefly/Serenity fan film where the proceeds will go to five charities supported by the cast and creator of the TV show and movie. Browncoats: Redemption takes place three months after the events in the film Serenity and we find Captain Laura Matthews and the crew of Redemption unintentionally thrown into a situation that some view as the potential catalyst for the second unified rise of the Independents against the Alliance, since Unification Day. The Alliance is looking for a scape goat for Miranda while those unhappy with the Alliance are looking for a rallying cry to take action. Through all this, a secret about Laura is exposed that shakes the very core of the crew, threatening to break it up, challenge the trust that she’s earned with the Browncoats, and undo all the efforts she has put into place to keep a sense of peace in her life. Browncoats: Redemption will premiere at Dragon*Con in September 2010.
Website: www.browncoatsmovie.com
Buffyfest is a collaboration of 3 writers, artists and activists based in New York, who have created a place to share news and thoughts about the Whedonverse. Original content, exclusive interviews and updates about Joss Whedon shows: Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Dr. Horrible & Dollhouse.
Website: buffyfest.blogspot.com
California Browncoats is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the Firefly and Serenity fandom, cast and crew through charitable work. They can be found doing good works at conventions throughout California. Since their inception in June 2007 they have raised over $100,000 for various charities including Equality Now.
Website: www.californiabrowncoats.org
Comic News Insider is your podcast for everything comic book, animation, sci-fi and pop culture! With News, reviews and interviews that entertain and excite! Joe Gonzalez approached long time friend, former roommate and comic cohort Jimmy Aquino back in March 2005 about doing a podcast dealing with the comic book medium. Unfortunately, Jimmy had to decline but promised to participate once things began. Joe then approached co-worker/fellow comic nerd Julio Soto to co-host. Comic News Insider was born with Episode 1 on April 13, 2005. Within a few episodes, Jimmy started appearing as a “roving reporter”. By the end of 2005 and with 20 episodes in the can, Julio had to step down. Joe again approached Jimmy to co-host. They sat down and mapped out a plan. A weekly formatted show covering the news of the industry with reviews and interviews from all sorts of luminaries from the comic book and entertainment field. Since 2006, they have not missed a week and have delivered on that mandate. CNI, the “Entertainment Weekly” of comic podcasts, continues to bring the fun and the funny! (Hey, it’s better than being the “US Weekly” of comic podcasts.) Join Joe and Jimmy every Wednesday to laugh, learn and maybe even love!
Website: www.comicnewsinsider.com
Creation Entertainment is a leader in conventions for fans of genre television and film. Founded in 1971 and known for inventing the concept of “traveling” fan conventions, Creation has brought its brand of live interactive entertainment events to over three million attendees throughout the United States, Canada and Great Britain. Over 1,000 top sci-fi celebrities: actors, directors, producers and writers have met their fans at Creation produced events.
Website: www.creationent.com
Dark Horse Comics has grown to become the third-largest comics publisher in the United States and is acclaimed internationally for the quality and diversity of its line. By attracting the top talent in the comics field, Dark Horse continues to change the shape of the industry and grow its brand throughout the world. In conjunction with its sister company Dark Horse Entertainment, Dark Horse has over 350 properties currently
represented under the Dark Horse banner, serving as the jumping-off point for comics, books, films, television, electronic games, toys, and collectibles. In 2008, Dark Horse distributes its characters and concepts into more than fifty countries, continuing its mission of content creation and distribution in all of its forms throughout the world.
Website: www.darkhorse.com
Done The Impossible: The Fans’ Tale of Firefly & Serenity is available on DVD and CD soundtrack through DoneTheImpossible.com and Amazon.com. Done The Impossible has had the distinction of being an Official Selection at many film festivals around the world. The DVD, hosted by Adam Baldwin with voice-over by Jewel Staite, features interviews with Joss Whedon, the cast, crew, and most important, the fans themselves. The story chronicles the rise, fall, and rebirth of the cult TV show “Firefly” as told from the perspective of the fans who helped save it. Fans share what inspired them to become passionate about Firefly, to help save Firefly, attend shindigs, participate in message boards, donate to charities, and become Serenity extras. The CD soundtrack features seven outstanding artists and crosses multiple genres including Celtic and filk: The Bedlam Bards, Brobdingnagian Bards, Dan Sehane, Emerald Rose, Michelle Dockrey, Rob Kuhlman, and Tony Fabris.
Website: www.donetheimpossible.com
DragonWeave Jewelry offers a unique collection of stylish silver jewelry. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, DragonWeave is run by Nicole Bornak, and features her sister Jillian’s bead bracelet designs. Designs include dragons, gothic and celtic mythology, goddess, angel and animal motifs, Japanese, Chinese and Egyption symbos and striking modern pieces. Nicole and Jillian have also designed Serenity inspired pieces. They are always eager to hear your comments and suggestions, feel free to drop them a line and share your opinions and ideas. They will do their best to make DragonWeave Jewelry a rewarding experience for you!
Website: www.dragonweave.com
Firefly Store offers everyone in the world a chance to purchase something that displays their affection to the fantastic show known as Firefly, along with raising money for charity through the profits, so you can look great and feel special inside at the same time. Although almost everyone who has watched the show or movie has fallen in love with the characters and world created by Joss Whedon, we are still striving to ‘educate’ those who haven’t embraced this Browncoat lifestyle of ours… and tell them exactly what they’re missing out on! And for all the existing fans out there, our aim is simple – help prove that Firefly and Serenity fans are amongst the most fashion-savvy fans around! Most importantly, we continue to donate money raised from the sale of shirts and merchandise to Equality Now – a favourite of Joss Whedon, along with other charities supported by the cast and the fans.
Website: www.fireflystore.net
Geeky Clean! is all about epic hygiene for the common gamers and they have a message for the last remaining members of the resistance: take care of yourself. Whether you’re out on that newly terraformed moon, or flying solo through the ‘verse, civility is what separates us from those savages on the fringe. Their Browncoat field ration contains a combination of brown sugar scrub on one side, and a creamy apple cinnamon soap on the other. They also have a wide range of soaps for the other geeks in your life. Their fresh soaps are made daily and are always vegan friendly!
Website: www.geekyclean.com
Gene Ha is a comics artist best known for his work on Top 10 and Top 10: The Forty-Niners with Alan Moore and Zander Cannon, the Batman graphic novel Fortunate Son with Gerard Jones, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix. He has painted covers DC and Marvel comics such as Captain America, Iron Man, Superman and Heroes. In 2007, he illustrated Justice League of America #11, for which he won his third Eisner Award. He created the donated Captain Hammer pinup for the Hero Initiative’s (www.heroinitiative.org/) Hero Comics. Gene lives in Berwyn, Illinois with he beloved wife Lisa and their beagle basset Nibbles.
Website: www.geneha.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/geneha
Greg Edmonson is a music composer for television and movies. He is well loved by Browncoats worldwide for composing the wonderful music that provides the soundtrack to Firefly. Firefly was a labor of love for Edmonson, and you can hear it. You can hear the fun he’s having in the Western guitar twangs and the celebratory dances. You can hear tenderness in his presentation of a favorite character. All Edmonson’s cues have a bold spark that comes from passionate enthusiasm. The theme of the score is emotional rather than conventionally melodic. The result is an intimate connection, which like the show itself, stands out, grabs your heart, and doesn’t let go. He gives us heartbreak,
whether in piano or violin, that is uncommonly executed. Greg is also the composer for the successful Uncharted PS3 game series and for a number of episodes of the animated sitcom King of the Hill.
Jane Espenson is a television writer and producer. She has written for shows including Ellen, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Gilmore Girls, The O.C, Angel, Firefly and Dollhouse among many others. She is especially proud of her work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Battlestar Galactica and Caprica. She also writes comic books, webisodes and the occasional tweet.
Website: www.janeespenson.com
Jo Chen is a free-lance illustrator and comic book artist most well known for her highly detailed painted comic book covers.. She is loved for her artwork on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 and Serenity comics. Other works include Runaways, Street Fighter, The Other Side of the Mirror, Darkminds: Macropolis, and Racer X. Most recently, Jo has created the cover art for a new Wash one-shot entitled Serenity: Float Out from Dark Horse Comics. You can purchase her beautiful, limited edition book of many of Jo’s cover illustrations from her website.
Website: jo-chen.com
Joss Whedon is certainly our first Lifetime Sponsor. He has delighted fans since he began writing episodes for Roseanne and on beloved movies like Toy Story. Since then he’s given us jewels like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Doctor Horrible’s Sing-along Blog and Dollhouse. Of course, for us here at CSTS, Joss is THE MAN responsible for giving us the very shiny Firefly and her big damn companion movie, Serenity – the flagship of our Can’t Stop the Serenity efforts.
Kids Need to Read works to create a culture of reading for children by providing inspiring books to under-funded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children. Many of the children Kids Need to Read serve have few positive influences in their lives. Kids Needs to Read use books to help create a culture of reading for them, so that they can experience positive values and role models within the gifts they provide. Their selection of books contain messages of hope, courage, compassion, kindness, friendship, love, tolerance and perseverance, among others. It is all part of their goal to empower children with the knowledge that they live in a world without limits. Kids Need to Read is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity. It was founded as a charitable project in August 2007 by author PJ Haarsma and actor Nathan Fillion. It was organized as a nonprofit foundation in 2008.
Website: www.kidsneedtoread.org
Out To The Black Outfitters was founded in 2005 to bring shiny pretties such as t-shirts, hats, messenger bags, and other ‘verse-related accessories to Browncoats from Core to Rim! “By Browncoats For Browncoats” is their motto, and reflects their founding from their signature product, the “May Have Been The Losing Side…” design that was used on t-shirts back in the guerilla marketing days for Serenity. Since then, Founder Sue Regonini, as well as fellow Browncoats Mark Regonini and Aleta Vinas have created products and designs with a unique “Browncoat aesthetic” that are practical, stylish, and let you identify yourself as a proud supporter of the ‘Verse. They’re proud to provide items at a discount for charity fundraising, and work frequently with the California Browncoats, Southeast Browncoats, and Austin Browncoats in support of their fundraising activities.
Website: outtotheblack.com
Patric Reynolds is an artist for Dark Horse, and is the man who drew the Serenity: Float Out comic written by Patton Oswalt. Patric also had a hand in the Abe Sapien one-shot Abe Sapien: The Haunte Boy”, HellBoy: The Wild Hunt #7 (Patric did the backup story “The Burial of Katherine Baker”) and Myspace Dark Horse Presents, Vol. 4 (Patric’s first publication, “And What Shall I Find There?”). He currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah and you can see more of his work at Red Army Studio.
Website: www.redarmystudio.com
Quantum Mechanix specializes in the design and manufacture of licensed high-quality replicas of vehicles, props, and other artefacts from television and motion pictures. The Official Serenity Blueprint Reference Pack, The Malcolm Reynolds Stunt Pistol and the Blue Sun Travel Posters are just some of the fine Qmx products from the ‘Verse, with many more to come! Licensed franchises include Serenity, Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Classics of Sci Fi, and Universal Monsters.
Website: www.quantummechanix.com
Sarah Edwards is the creator of custom made Bobble-Headed Geishas. There’s nothing less profitable than smuggling a load of Bobble-Headed Geisha Dolls. Unless, of course, they have been hand-crafted by the wonderfully talented Sarah Edwards. Her beautiful dolls measure 6 1/2″.
Website: www.middypuppy.com
Sending A Wave is the first UK based Firefly/Serenity podcast, going strong since 2006. Subscribe now and join hosts Wendy and Odile for all the latest news about the verse and all things Joss Whedon fresh from the United Kingdom.
Website: sendingawave.wordpress.com
Smart Pop (an imprint of BenBella Books) is a line of smart, fresh, funny essay anthologies on the best of pop culture tv, books, and film, with a particular focus on science fiction and fantasy television and literature. Since 2003 they’ve published over 4 dozen titles on everything from Star Wars to Gilmore Girls to the work of Joss Whedon (including Finding Serenity, Serenity Found, and The Psychology of Joss Whedon). Check out the rest, and read a new free essay every day from their line, at their website.
Website: www.smartpopbooks.com
Supernova Pop Culture Industries (an Australian convention company) Gathered from the wonderful worlds of science-fiction, pulp TV/movies, toys, console gaming, trading cards, animation/cartoons, fantasy, comic books, entertainment technology, books, music, sport, internet sites and fan-clubs, Supanova Pop Culture Expo is where the adoring public comes face to face with the creative talent that inspire their imaginary worlds under one big roof. It’s where burgeoning talent can also display their work and where industry comes to get new ideas and network within the community. Celebrity guests, tournaments, special events, exclusive screenings, interactive competitions, product launches, collectables, nostalgia and more drawn from the international elite of popular licenses and intellectual properties combined with the very best of Australia.
Website: www.supernova.com.au
The Browncoats are a comical rock band hailing from St. Louis that laments about outer space, drinking, flying airplanes, and shenanigans. The band literally flew onto the national music scene driving a Cessna in the release of their first music video for “The Hero of Canton” in April 2009. Since the release of their debut album CD/DVD combo at Dragon Con 2009, they have been touring conventions, nightclubs, and other shindigs. The Browncoats have a live show that stays fresh by consistantly pairing with unique acts from comedy, to rock bands, to circus freak shows! They have worked with actors from Saturday Night Live and MTV and are always in production of new music and video.
Website: thebrowncoats.org
The Signal is an award winning podcast covering all things Firefy and Serenity. Since 2005, the dedicated Signal crew have entertained and educated Browncoats across the world with special features, news, reviews, interview, chat, and anything else they can think of relating to the universe of Firefly and Serenity.
Website: www.serenityfirefly.com
Things From Another World has thousands of new and back-issue comic books from DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, and more, including Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Wars, The Umbrella Academy, and Hellboy. You can also check out DC Comics’ Blackest Night and X-Men Second Coming comics, as well as hundreds of toys and statues. No matter what you’re into, TFAW.com is the online comic book store that has just the thing for your collection!
Website: www.tfaw.com
ThinkGeek started as an idea. A simple idea to create and sell stuff that would appeal to the thousands of people out there who were on the front line and in the trenches as the Internet was forged. ThinkGeek started as a way to serve a market that was passionate about technology, from programmers, engineers, students, lovers of open source, to the masses that helped create the behind-the-scenes Internet culture. ThinkGeek is now your source of all thinks geeky. So get your geek on and go visit ThinkGeek.com
Website: www.thinkgeek.com
Whedonopolis – a subsidiary of Fandom Charities – is dedicated to promoting the Whedonverse and everyone involved in it, whether cast, crew, writer, director, producer, or what have you. We feel it’s our job to help you keep track of what’s going on with the people that made the fictional universes we love so much. Whedonopolis was founded by C. Kelly Amor, Alison Frankel, Patti Hutchens, Ray McDermott, Marsia Powers, Shan Ray, Brian Rubin and Susan Weber.
Website: www.whedonopolis.com