The First Annual Hercules & Xena Convention

Burbank Hilton Convention Center

January 11 & 12, 1997

Well, it was amazing! Or, as Lucy says, "Splendid!"

Saturday was devoted to Hercules, and Sunday to Xena. I've got a few pictures from both available. (thumbnails at the bottom of the page)

I have a greater appreciation now for all the actors and techs who work so hard to make these shows as fun, stimulating, and thought-provoking as they are. We heard from Steve Sears ("Tyldus") and Liz Friedman on the production aspects of the shows, Rob Tapert the Exec. Producer divulged a few secrets, editor Robert Field ("Avicus") demonstrated editing techniques and shared a blooper reel with us, and a group from Flat Earth talked about the special effects they work so hard to make real on screen.

The Charity Auctions were incredible! On Saturday, an original Hercules shirt went for $1500, but that's nothing compared to Sunday. A devoted Xenite with lots of discretionary income took home a real "Xena: Warrior Princess" chakram for $8500!!!! Two cardboard stand-ups of Xena went for $500 each, and the bids on the original Xena scripts were not too far behind.

What you'll find here:

  • Outline of the Program schedules for both days, transcribed verbatim from the original.

  • Thumbnails of pictures I took at the con (some didn't come out so well, due to poor lighting conditions for those of us not lucky enough to be near the stage, so there are only a few available)

Saturday, January 11, 1997 Sunday, January 12, 1997
1:00 Robert Trebor - "Salmoneus"
Welcome Hercules' friend and publicist!

1:30 Hercules "True or False"
Test your Herculean knowledge at this trivia challenge!

1:50 Special Preview
A sneak peek at the upcoming Hercules and Xena animated feature!

2:00 The Digital Magic of Hercules
Kevin Kutchaver, Kevin O'Neill and Doug Beswick of Flat Earth Productions present clips of their CGI contributions to Hercules.

2:30 Blooper Reels
Hilarious outtakes from your favorite show.

2:40 Bruce Campbell
Welcome "Autolycus", the King of Thieves! Autographs with Robert Trebor and Bruce Campbell will follow - stay in your seats!

3:20 Special Documentary Presentation

3:50 Sword Fighting Demonstration
A spectacular display of fight choreography by Tim Weske and the Swordplay Fighting Group.

4:20 Rob Tapert
Welcome the Executive Producer of Herculesand Xena!

5:00 Charity Auction
With some special surprise items!

5:15 Kevin Sorbo!
Here he is, the legendary hero himself!

6:00 Autographs with Kevin
Stay in your seats!

 12:30 Special Preview
A sneak peek at the upcoming Hercules and Xena animated feature!

12:40 Xena "True or False"
Test your Xena knowledge at this trivia challenge!

1:00 Liz Friedman & Steve Sears
The Producer and Supervising Producer respectively, of Xena: Warrior Princess!

1:40 The Xena Scrolls
A look into the recent discovery of the ancient "Xena scrolls" by "Professor Marvin".

2:10 The Computer FX of Xena
Representatives from Flat Earth Productions present clips of their CGI contributions to Xena.

2:40 The Editing Process
Editor Robert Field with a special presentation and bloopers from the show.

3:40 Hudson Leick - "Callisto"!
Welcome Xena's fearsome nemesis!

4:00 Charity Auction
With some special surprise items!

4:10 Joxer, the Brave
Welcome Ted Raimi, who plays the noble warrior! Ted will be signing autographs at 6:00pm with Lucy.

4:40 Costume Competition
Show off your weapons, armor and codpieces! Warriors should sign up before 2pm at registration.

5:00 Sword Fighting Demonstration
A spectacular display of fight choreography by Tim Weske and the Swordplay Fighting Group.

5:20 Lucy Lawless
Welcome our favorite Warrior Princess!

6:00 Autographs with Lucy, Ted and Hudson
Stay in your seats!

Thumbnails of Con photos

Click on any thumbnail to see the larger picture


Getting the room ready
The Burbank Hilton
Robert Trebor
Waiting in the rain
on Sunday
Waiting in the rain
on Sunday

The Herc/Xena
animated movie
Doug Beswick shows
us a monster model
Lucy #1
Lucy #3

Lucy #4
Autographs