Blackstar Squadron: Battlestar Galactica costuming group.

[monolith21]

Greetings fellow Warriors!

As some of you may already know, Reaper, Kronus, Mieal Deneb, Bradley Fett, and myself have all been working on launching a Battlestar Galactica costuming club. I wanted to open up a discussion here about our progress so far and get some ideas.

The first draft of the club charter is nearly finished. We're working hard to build this thing on a strong foundation. We've also come up with a plan for the organizational break down of the club. All of this will be available for you to see in the near future barring unseen complications.

We have a good idea of what sections we will have within the boards and we've been gathering resources to help make putting together a costume a bit easier. some of that has gone on here like in the gun belt thread.

What we're planning is pretty big. Global in fact. There are already a number of people interested from around the world.

Here is the mission statement...

The mission of Black Star Squadron is to create and support a community as the public face of Classic Battlestar Galactica fandom. Through costuming, public appearances, promotion, and charity, our aim is to celebrate, represent and support the original vision and themes of Battlestar Galactica past, present and future.



We're hoping you'll join us for the ride! If you would like to help out and are able, our immediate need (other than finishing our costumes) is some art work for a web page (even just an index page that links to the discussion board we're setting up).

We eventually want to have a page similar to the Rebel Legion and the 501st with profile pages and pictures for all our Warriors.

www.rebellegion.com
www.501st.com

We're lucky enough to have some very experienced members on board with this sort of thing already and we'd love more!

So lets open up some discussion about this! What do you all think? What would you like to see, or even do within a group like this? Charity events, fan films, conventions, parties? Its going to be a lot of fun!

[Kronus]

Well if someone has a Cylon costume I know it would go over HUGE at an event I am going to in May, (09 May 09) in Mira Mesa California. It is the "Chalk the Walk" event put on by the Womens Club of Mira Mesa. They are raising funds for the visual arts programs for the Mira Mesa city schools. This would be great way to start off our efforts. I know the director of the event and I could ask her if our BGCC could also participate?

In fact to be a non-profit sponser for their event it just requiers a $25 donation and they will provide a10'x10' space for the club to set up their own information booth and a 3'x3' side walk square to draw a picture of our choice on and get it published on their website.

Something to consider...but it maybe a bit too soon for some of us...BUT you know if someone has a Cylon costume and get one or two warriors there this would be such a success to what we are wanting to do.

[Reaper]

I know I couldn't make the walk, seeing how I'm on the other coast, but you can count me in on submitting a donation. Even if it's just to cover the table. Just getting the info out might help.

[Kronus]

Originally Posted by Reaper

I know I couldn't make the walk, seeing how I'm on the other coast, but you can count me in on submitting a donation. Even if it's just to cover the table. Just getting the info out might help.

If this is something we would be able to pull off in this short amount of time we will need some art work to add to some flyers and brochures.

Also will need some ideas on how to design the flyers and brochures (which we should create a separate thread topic to do this right).

Art work is going to be key and any web type cgi/flash would be a plus. We would also need a web address to add as a link to the flyers/brochures so those who inquire will have a place togo for more information and to be added to our roll here at CF as well.

A Costuming Guild Category added to CF would make this much easier for us here if the staff at CF would be willing to allow this. I'll send a request to Dawg and see what he suggests.

[KamikazeAthena]

I am totally down to join this club! Maybe it will get me to finally finish my whites.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by KamikazeAthena

I am totally down to join this club! Maybe it will get me to finally finish my whites.

It would be an honor to have you among us my lady

All would be welcome

Whites huh? very nice and rare, nice choice

[monolith21]

Having Kamikaze on board is good luck! I'm glad you're into it!

I'll have to look into the dates for "Chalk the walk". It is definitely something I'd be into!

[clanger]

Sounds like a great idea.

There are quite a few costuming groups here in the UK that have BSG elements to them.

The UKG (part of the 501st), The Star Warriors, UK Frakkers etc, etc.

Mostly New Series but quite a few costumes from the Original, mostly Cylons!

They may be interested in a central costuming group for old school BSG, but obviously I cannot speak for them.

There are several of us from the Aliens Legacy board that are working on Colonial Warrior Costumes, one is even having a go at an Ovion!!

Good luck and keep us posted on the Black Squadrons progress.

Andy

[Kronus]

Originally Posted by monolith21

Having Kamikaze on board is good luck! I'm glad you're into it!

I'll have to look into the dates for "Chalk the walk". It is definitely something I'd be into!

The dates for this event is May 9th from 9am to 4pm. No cost to attend.

Mira Mesa Women's Club

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by clanger

Sounds like a great idea.

There are quite a few costuming groups here in the UK that have BSG elements to them.

The UKG (part of the 501st), The Star Warriors, UK Frakkers etc, etc.

Mostly New Series but quite a few costumes from the Original, mostly Cylons!

They may be interested in a central costuming group for old school BSG, but obviously I cannot speak for them.

There are several of us from the Aliens Legacy board that are working on Colonial Warrior Costumes, one is even having a go at an Ovion!!

Good luck and keep us posted on the Black Squadrons progress.

Andy

Andy, definately sounds good, seems we'll have a great Uk presence in the group!!

I'm already talking to friends in my Garrison of the 501st and other local ones. I'm getting some interest here as well. I think we have some good momentum going right now!

[Mieal Deneb]

Like Reaper, I'm on the wrong side of the country to participate in the walk.

When you say "artwork", are you thinking images from the show Photoshopped into a collage sort of thing, or are you thinking drawing/painting?? I have Photoshop, but rarely get the time to use it. When it comes to art, I mostly draw with colored pencils. See my little Geocities site for some examples:

Angel Monkey Studios

[Kronus]

Originally Posted by Mieal Deneb

Like Reaper, I'm on the wrong side of the country to participate in the walk.

When you say "artwork", are you thinking images from the show Photoshopped into a collage sort of thing, or are you thinking drawing/painting?? I have Photoshop, but rarely get the time to use it. When it comes to art, I mostly draw with colored pencils. See my little Geocities site for some examples:

Angel Monkey Studios

I am at work and their network blocks Geocities sites so I'll check it out tonight when I get home.

As for artwork, I was refering to artwork we can include on flyers and brochures (preferably black-n-white or stencle since this would be cheaper to make multiple copies - xerox)

Now if we can get a booth there this year I would donate one of my laptops with my wireless broad band card and set it up to just browse to our websites and so we can display and show some favorite fan flicks of oBSG and other artwork. This would be a great way to promote CF and what we are doing with our costuming club...and even our up and coming RPG that we have been discussing.

If we do this we will need a portable generator to provide power for the laptop and possibly an external monitor for easier viewing??? Anyone have a large external monitor and a portable generator to donate for the day?

[Reaper]

when we have fliers and such, I can do some of the printing for the group.

And then mail them out to whoever needs them.

I can even do simple B&W business cards.

[Kronus]

Does anyone know who has a functioning oBSG cylon costume? And who would be willing to either come to the Mira MEsa event or allow someone to wear it to the event?

[KamikazeAthena]

Me? Good luck? WOW!

As for the Cylon costume, you might want to start a new topic asking about it just to get some attention. I know there are people on this board with them. I have no idea where they are located though.

I wish I could break away and go to the walk but sadly I will be stuck in the bay area packing that weekend. sigh!

[monolith21]

Absolutely you are good luck! You are a bringer of AWESOME! That and you have awesome costumes! I don't know many that have almost the full array of uniforms from the tans, blues, and (nearly) the whites! Very cool indeed. Don't you even have a helmet or two?

John, are you a member over at ASAP? We could request a Cylon there!
-Mark

[monolith21]

Absolutely you are good luck! You are a bringer of AWESOME! That and you have awesome costumes! I don't know many that have almost the full array of uniforms from the tans, blues, and (nearly) the whites! Very cool indeed. Don't you even have a helmet or two?

John, are you a member over at ASAP? We could request a Cylon there!
-Mark

[Charybdis]

I have had this thought for several yahrens now. Make a club just like the 501st, etc. only classic BSG instead. Problem is that it won't ever be as large as the 501st but we could have a nice little group, that's for sure.

Count me in!!!

[Kronus]

Originally Posted by monolith21

John, are you a member over at ASAP? We could request a Cylon there! -Mark

No I am not, what is the web address and I'll go and register there...or is this the one that only allows new members once in a while?

Either way give me the url and I'll do this ASAP... I made a funny...

[Reaper]

John, here is your URL

https://propreplicas.yuku.com/

You wil have to create the Yuku account first. If you have problems after creating the account, let Mark or Myself know and we'll find out how to get you onboard.


Charybdis, Welcome to the group, The Squadron's forums should be up by the end of the weekend, once they are up, I look forward to seeing you over there! I do have to say, I do love your Film shorts!!

[Bouri-Plwel]

Does your costume need to be completed before you can join????

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Bouri-Plwel

Does your costume need to be completed before you can join????

To be a full "active" member, your costume does have to be comeplete. But we are going to have a forum open to everyone, so you can get to know everyone, make suggestiosn if you have any and see how the group is coming along.

To be honest, all but one of the 5 people organizing the group right now are workign on completeing our costumes as well, so, no worries about not having a finished costume.

[Bouri-Plwel]

Sweet....thanks....I am excited to be involved...especially being a base commander for the Rebel Legion....perhaps I can help with some insight while your organization of territorial Battlestars or Squadrons, or how ever your going to organize like how we have Bases....

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Bouri-Plwel

Sweet....thanks....I am excited to be involved...especially being a base commander for the Rebel Legion....perhaps I can help with some insight while your organization of territorial Battlestars or Squadrons, or how ever your going to organize like how we have Bases....

oh, I have had some experience with that too, having been LCO for the Rebel legion, as well as a founding member... well, along time ago, that is,

how you doing man? I thought that might be you

Ed

[Bouri-Plwel]

Good...I had no idea it was the same Reaper...I am doing well thanks...it has been too long!!!!..well it seems like this group will be in good hands then....just let me know how i can help.

[Charybdis]

Looks like half the Rebel Legion are becoming the Colonial Military!!! Let's do it!!!

[Reaper]

the more the better, that's what I have to say

I'd love to get more 501st and RL people involved as things progress, I'd like to be able to provide more and more serices from within the group. To provide costuming help, like members of the 501st provide armor.

And to even do custom style uniforms, much like Richard Hatch's Green jacket, or the old Olive Green jacket offered in Starlog mag all those years ago.

a source for the Blue/Black jackets for bridge crew

And let's face it, if you wanted to do a blackshirt costume, there is ALOT of custom work there. I don't think you could even find a replica of the vest anymore, even if you tried for a vintage one.

[Charybdis]

In wanting to keep this new club rather simple, I would suggest keeping all uniforms strictly to what was seen on the TV show (let's face it, there isn't hardly any EU stuff for Galactica!) and anyone who wants to create variations or special types of Colonial uniforms can join under a "Special Ops" category. I would strongly suggest not to have as many rules and regulations as we see in the 501st or RL...

OK, here is Col. Charybdis planetside just to whet your appetites!!

[Reaper]

Al, that costume ROCKS!!! The ONLY thing I can say is I think the screen used costumes had a rivit on either side of the belt buckle. I was thinking about adding a false Screw post (I prefer to them to rivets) to the tongue of the Belt to give that look. but that's about the only point i can make about that unifrom!!

Andf yes, keeping things simpler then the 501st and What the RL has turned into is the goal. As is keeping things canon.

That said, I for one do have some interest in certain custom things. The "Blackstar Squadron" itself is have a custom set of pins and a patch (we have been leaning towards something overlayed on the Galactica Patch, similar to the Atlantia. but the main focus is stuff seen in the series.

The blue/Black Jacket was planned for COlonel Tigh in the second season, from what I read. And the green jacket Hatch has is from the Second Coming Trailer. Unfortunately, you're right, this does constitute just about all the Galactica EU out there.

We are just starting to talk about how we're going to organize the Member Gallery now, but any and all custom costumes that are made, would not be displayed with the reproduction costumes. I liked the idea of seperating the custom costumes fromt he canon ones in the RL gallery (and did suggest it myself lol) so at the worst, we'd do somethign similar, having a custom gallery.

[Charybdis]

Just took some pics of me in the warrior outfit. I'll try to get one up soon...